When the doctor taps your knee, it kicks. Reflex. When I step out of the dark right in front of Terry Wright, she jumps out of her skin. Reflex. When a man's daughter flashes big eyes and that special smile, he reaches for his wallet. Reflex.
I don't have a daughter, but I know all about the wallet reflex. All men do. Whether they've given in to it or not, they've felt the pressure. And age doesn't matter. It's easier for daughter types to cash in, but grown women can do it, too. It's all about the look.
I remember an episode at the Family Life Center a couple of years ago. Several of our middle school girls were practicing on a basketball team, and as I walked into the building, they took a break. Hanna was the first out the gym door. Seeing me, she gave that special smile and asked, "Can I have a dollar for the drink machine?" My arm flinched. Immediately 5 more girls came through the door, and within seconds I was standing there alone, head spinning, with an empty wallet in my hand. I still think they planned it somehow.
Just the other day, Alli and Hanna dropped by the office to say hello. We were in staff meeting, but it was a nice break. They excitedly said they were going to the video store to rent "High School Musical 3." They wanted to buy it, but didn't have enough money. My arm flinched. I held back the impulse, but gave them each a dollar, and jokingly said, "Go buy yourselves something pretty."
I was hoping for a good eye roll and a smart remark. Instead, Hanna the optimist said, "Hey, we can get more sausage biscuits!" Later that day, I asked about it. No sausage biscuits. Instead, they realized that with my $2 they had enough to buy the DVD after all.
It's nice to be needed.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Too Much Stuff...
South Korea is not a land of peasants as some would believe. Images from the television show M*A*S*H lead us to believe otherwise. Remember, that show is at least 25 years old and represents one perspective of 60 years ago. No, I saw no peasants in South Korea. In fact, a glance at their CIA World Factbook entry (I love saying that) shows their economy is very similar to the US. While I'm sure there are the poor, most of the people I encountered seemed to have everything they needed.
Transportation is plentiful, food is everywhere and clothing is readily available (unless you're 6'2"). Housing is expensive, but everyone seems to find what they need. Electronic gadgets, the new measure of success are flooding the market. Everyone from the age of 6 has a cell phone, and they have models that won't be in the US for a couple of years at least.
I visited a number of homes and found warmth and plenty. In fact, what struck me most was just how little it takes to really make one happy. Several times I pondered the lack of storage space. Oh, there was plenty of space for the day to day items, but I couldn't see where they kept all the things they had accumulated over the years. Then it dawned on me. They don't have those things.
Absent is the attic packed with years of useless junk. No garage. No storage building. Gone is the overstuffed hall closet. It was shocking. "How do they survive without it?" I wondered. I'm not saying they don't share our desire to improve their condition. Human nature is the same everywhere, but these people seem to have a different perspective on need.
I never asked, but they seem to embody the old phrase, "If you haven't used it in a year, you don't need it." Better than that, they don't buy it in the first place. Some say we are a wealthy country. By comparison, that may be true. But I think we are simply spoiled. We have, so we accumulate. Then we need a bigger house.
Seeing this encouraged me to do something I've needed to do for a long time. I'm having a garage sale! I'm starting in the spare bedroom and purging. Every room and especially the attic. No more useless stuff. I made the announcement, "If you aren't busy, you're outta here." You should have seen the dogs spring into action.
Transportation is plentiful, food is everywhere and clothing is readily available (unless you're 6'2"). Housing is expensive, but everyone seems to find what they need. Electronic gadgets, the new measure of success are flooding the market. Everyone from the age of 6 has a cell phone, and they have models that won't be in the US for a couple of years at least.
I visited a number of homes and found warmth and plenty. In fact, what struck me most was just how little it takes to really make one happy. Several times I pondered the lack of storage space. Oh, there was plenty of space for the day to day items, but I couldn't see where they kept all the things they had accumulated over the years. Then it dawned on me. They don't have those things.
Absent is the attic packed with years of useless junk. No garage. No storage building. Gone is the overstuffed hall closet. It was shocking. "How do they survive without it?" I wondered. I'm not saying they don't share our desire to improve their condition. Human nature is the same everywhere, but these people seem to have a different perspective on need.
I never asked, but they seem to embody the old phrase, "If you haven't used it in a year, you don't need it." Better than that, they don't buy it in the first place. Some say we are a wealthy country. By comparison, that may be true. But I think we are simply spoiled. We have, so we accumulate. Then we need a bigger house.
Seeing this encouraged me to do something I've needed to do for a long time. I'm having a garage sale! I'm starting in the spare bedroom and purging. Every room and especially the attic. No more useless stuff. I made the announcement, "If you aren't busy, you're outta here." You should have seen the dogs spring into action.
Monday, February 23, 2009
4 and 3/4...
Several years ago I refinanced my home mortgage to the incredibly low rate of 4 and 3/4 percent. It dropped 10 years off the life of the loan while lowering the monthly payment by about $20. I was truly giddy. In celebration, Ray, my loan officer and I patented the 4 and 3/4 wave and the 4 and 3/4 hand shake. That's when you bend your index finger at the first knuckle. We also regularly gave each other a high 4 and 3/4 which is much better than a high 5. For some time, I went around excitedly telling people about my good fortune and encouraging others to do as I had done.
I usually received a mixture of reactions, most often with a touch of amusement on the part of the listener. One night after church, I was standing in line at Krystal with a new church family and was telling the story. My excitement level grew as I shared the details, and as I concluded, one of them asked, "Do you work for the loan company?" Surprised, I replied, "No... I'm just telling everyone the good... news...." I immediately heard the message God was sending me through my own words. Why do I not share Jesus with the same passion and urgency?
As Christians, we continually seek ways to encourage one another and ourselves to share Christ with other people. We talk about the duty of a Christian as commanded by Christ. We study clever methods of sharing. We encourage each other to learn and know what we believe. And we plead with people to participate in the outreach ministry. All of these things are important. But most of the time something else is missing. I believe most of us are missing passion in our lives. Passion for our first love. Passion for the one who saved us. Passion for the one who forgave the unforgivable.
I Corinthians 13 is familiar to most of us... "1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." This passage obviously speaks of the need of God's love in our lives, but I'm beginning to see it in a different way. Perhaps it also refers to passionless outreach efforts that achieve short term success but do not last.
Paul speaks of the positive effect passion can have on our others. In 2 Corinthians 9, he writes... "2For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action." People see importance where they see passion. My words alone will not usually persuade, but when partnered with genuine passion, words can change lives.
Paul also instructs us in Romans 12... "11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." It's natural for the fire to dwindle. That is why it must be tended. I must stoke the fire of passion for my Savior.
Regardless of all the study and work, the most important thing for me to do as a Christian is to preserve (or revive) the passion in my heart for Jesus. Daily renewal and remembering where I am and from where I've come. Seeking and listening to Him. Loving Him. Only with a passionate heart will I be an effective witness for Him.
I usually received a mixture of reactions, most often with a touch of amusement on the part of the listener. One night after church, I was standing in line at Krystal with a new church family and was telling the story. My excitement level grew as I shared the details, and as I concluded, one of them asked, "Do you work for the loan company?" Surprised, I replied, "No... I'm just telling everyone the good... news...." I immediately heard the message God was sending me through my own words. Why do I not share Jesus with the same passion and urgency?
As Christians, we continually seek ways to encourage one another and ourselves to share Christ with other people. We talk about the duty of a Christian as commanded by Christ. We study clever methods of sharing. We encourage each other to learn and know what we believe. And we plead with people to participate in the outreach ministry. All of these things are important. But most of the time something else is missing. I believe most of us are missing passion in our lives. Passion for our first love. Passion for the one who saved us. Passion for the one who forgave the unforgivable.
I Corinthians 13 is familiar to most of us... "1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." This passage obviously speaks of the need of God's love in our lives, but I'm beginning to see it in a different way. Perhaps it also refers to passionless outreach efforts that achieve short term success but do not last.
Paul speaks of the positive effect passion can have on our others. In 2 Corinthians 9, he writes... "2For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action." People see importance where they see passion. My words alone will not usually persuade, but when partnered with genuine passion, words can change lives.
Paul also instructs us in Romans 12... "11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." It's natural for the fire to dwindle. That is why it must be tended. I must stoke the fire of passion for my Savior.
Regardless of all the study and work, the most important thing for me to do as a Christian is to preserve (or revive) the passion in my heart for Jesus. Daily renewal and remembering where I am and from where I've come. Seeking and listening to Him. Loving Him. Only with a passionate heart will I be an effective witness for Him.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Memorable Ministry Moments (or Mmm)...
There are occasional moments in ministry that stay with you forever. Most are like Pastor Paul's lunch with Jake as told below or other special times when you see God's power and work around you. Some memorable ministry moments, however, fall into the category of the truly bizarre. This morning, I found a printed letter taped to my office door. On the letter was a post-it note. I recognized Pastor Todd's hand writing and chuckled to myself as I read. It said:
Please Read! You need to understand the aliens are coming! The Right Reverend Apostle ____ ____ (name withheld) came by to tell me so. Be glad you are off on Thursdays or you too would know about the aliens and Hitler. It is a heavy burden to bear. But on the bright side, I will be a king someday!
Todd's tongue in cheek note tells me all I need to know. He patiently listened as some fellow off the street preached his own brand of the gospel message. I read the two page letter. It's a rambling mix of scripture references, urban legend, science fiction and off the wall interpretations. I can only imagine the conversation. It saddens me for people like this. They are trapped in a fog of falsehood. But it also reminds me of a humorous story from my own past.
In the 90's I served a church in the small town of Cave City, Kentucky. Population 2500, give or take. The name comes from the many caves that are in that part of the world, and it's near Mammoth Cave National Park. The town had one traffic light and was located on a major state two lane highway and just off the Interstate that runs parallel. Actually, if you count the interchange there were three traffic lights, but only one was in town. It was a typical small town. Railroad track, bandstand, post office and one church of each denomination. One Methodist, one Christian, one Church of Christ, one Baptist and even one Catholic. It was appropriately named "Our Lady of the Caves".
Our pastor was a patient, wise man with a dry sense of humor. I was a young minister, and many times he would step in with the correct answer to a problem. Often I would ask, "How did you know that?" to which he would reply, "I'm the senior pastor." Other times it was "Because I'm the senior pastor", but we won't go into that.
Most churches have the occasional drop in person needing help. Because of our location we encountered more travelers than local people. They would come in and share strikingly similar stories, and we would attempt to help them while being good stewards. Many times I felt good about helping. The stranded motorist, the local family in need or even the traveler needing to talk. I took a lot of people to Dairy Queen for a meal and even put a few in the local motel for the night.
I remember quite a few needing gas who said they were traveling from this state to that looking for work. I was always suspicious of that story, but felt my job was to show Christ's love and let God work on their hearts. However, there was once a fellow who said he was driving from Virginia to Texas. I didn't have to look at my map. Everybody knows that driving from Virginia to Texas takes you through Tennessee not Kentucky. I felt peace about it and said, "You're lost." It was one of the few times I sent someone away without giving them something.
One of the most memorable ministry moments (mmmm) happened toward the end of my time in Cave City. The Pastor was sitting in the outer office talking with the copier repair man. I was walking down the hall and heard the familiar click of the outside door handle. As I entered the main foyer outside the office, I glanced toward the main entrance to see who was coming in. Do you remember the old man from the comic strips with the white hair and long white beard wearing a robe and carrying a big sign on a stick the says, "The End is Near"? Well, he came to our church.
He was coming through the inner door struggling with a back pack and his sign. Still in stride, I turned into the office, said to the pastor, "This one's yours" and went into my office and closed the door. About 30 minutes later I came out to find my pastor wrapping up the conversation as the man was leaving. He told me it was one of those strange ramblings about God and things that leave you convinced the man is missing a few fries from his Happy Meal. Then he stopped and looked me in the eye and asked, "Why do you always give me the hard ones?"
I smiled and said simply, "Because you're the senior pastor."
Please Read! You need to understand the aliens are coming! The Right Reverend Apostle ____ ____ (name withheld) came by to tell me so. Be glad you are off on Thursdays or you too would know about the aliens and Hitler. It is a heavy burden to bear. But on the bright side, I will be a king someday!
Todd's tongue in cheek note tells me all I need to know. He patiently listened as some fellow off the street preached his own brand of the gospel message. I read the two page letter. It's a rambling mix of scripture references, urban legend, science fiction and off the wall interpretations. I can only imagine the conversation. It saddens me for people like this. They are trapped in a fog of falsehood. But it also reminds me of a humorous story from my own past.
In the 90's I served a church in the small town of Cave City, Kentucky. Population 2500, give or take. The name comes from the many caves that are in that part of the world, and it's near Mammoth Cave National Park. The town had one traffic light and was located on a major state two lane highway and just off the Interstate that runs parallel. Actually, if you count the interchange there were three traffic lights, but only one was in town. It was a typical small town. Railroad track, bandstand, post office and one church of each denomination. One Methodist, one Christian, one Church of Christ, one Baptist and even one Catholic. It was appropriately named "Our Lady of the Caves".
Our pastor was a patient, wise man with a dry sense of humor. I was a young minister, and many times he would step in with the correct answer to a problem. Often I would ask, "How did you know that?" to which he would reply, "I'm the senior pastor." Other times it was "Because I'm the senior pastor", but we won't go into that.
Most churches have the occasional drop in person needing help. Because of our location we encountered more travelers than local people. They would come in and share strikingly similar stories, and we would attempt to help them while being good stewards. Many times I felt good about helping. The stranded motorist, the local family in need or even the traveler needing to talk. I took a lot of people to Dairy Queen for a meal and even put a few in the local motel for the night.
I remember quite a few needing gas who said they were traveling from this state to that looking for work. I was always suspicious of that story, but felt my job was to show Christ's love and let God work on their hearts. However, there was once a fellow who said he was driving from Virginia to Texas. I didn't have to look at my map. Everybody knows that driving from Virginia to Texas takes you through Tennessee not Kentucky. I felt peace about it and said, "You're lost." It was one of the few times I sent someone away without giving them something.
One of the most memorable ministry moments (mmmm) happened toward the end of my time in Cave City. The Pastor was sitting in the outer office talking with the copier repair man. I was walking down the hall and heard the familiar click of the outside door handle. As I entered the main foyer outside the office, I glanced toward the main entrance to see who was coming in. Do you remember the old man from the comic strips with the white hair and long white beard wearing a robe and carrying a big sign on a stick the says, "The End is Near"? Well, he came to our church.
He was coming through the inner door struggling with a back pack and his sign. Still in stride, I turned into the office, said to the pastor, "This one's yours" and went into my office and closed the door. About 30 minutes later I came out to find my pastor wrapping up the conversation as the man was leaving. He told me it was one of those strange ramblings about God and things that leave you convinced the man is missing a few fries from his Happy Meal. Then he stopped and looked me in the eye and asked, "Why do you always give me the hard ones?"
I smiled and said simply, "Because you're the senior pastor."
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It's a boy!!!!!!
Meet Jake! He's a brand new bouncing baby Christian. He's been my friend, and now he's my brother.
Jake has been attending the English church for a long time, and he has hung around with the praise team. He loves to sing. One night he asked me if he could sing with us. I explained to him that it was more than singing. Leading worship was making a statement about personal trust in Jesus Christ. Since he was not a Christian, it would not be appropriate. He agreed, and that began a series of conversations. I explained "faith". He asked, "Does faith grow?" I said, "It does. It begins as a seed planted by God Himself, and the simple act of asking God for faith is a demonstration of faith itself."
I gave him the booklet "Steps to Peace with God". It's in English and Korean. He read it "100 times." Pastor Paul had said Jake was ready, and I wanted to lead him to Christ, but i didn't have peace about it. I felt he needed to do it in Korean to be absolutely sure he understood. So I've prayed for him. Many have been praying for him. This morning I received a wonderful message from Pastor Paul...
Something exciting happened today. I met with Jake for lunch with the specific purpose of leading him to Christ. Well, it happened. Like I mentioned before, he was more than ready. I led him through the sinner's prayer in Korean. He was so very happy. I told him that he could now join the praise team beginning this Saturday. He was excited about that as well. We really had a nice conversation. When I mentioned to him that the prayer I led him through was basically the same as that of the "four spiritual laws." he said that he knew about it because you gave him one, which he read through and through. :) I told Jake that as a pastor these are the moments that we live for and thanked him for it. He in return was very grateful to me. It was just a wonderful moment.
Another great thing...
Pastor Paul is bi-vocational and has been teaching English at a public school full-time. He has been praying for a new work opportunity, one that will allow him greater flexibility to be the pastor he wishes to be. Once again, God shows His plan and power. Pastor Paul is now Professor Paul, teaching at a local University. The demands on His time are relaxed and he can now do what he is really called to do.
Jake has been attending the English church for a long time, and he has hung around with the praise team. He loves to sing. One night he asked me if he could sing with us. I explained to him that it was more than singing. Leading worship was making a statement about personal trust in Jesus Christ. Since he was not a Christian, it would not be appropriate. He agreed, and that began a series of conversations. I explained "faith". He asked, "Does faith grow?" I said, "It does. It begins as a seed planted by God Himself, and the simple act of asking God for faith is a demonstration of faith itself."I gave him the booklet "Steps to Peace with God". It's in English and Korean. He read it "100 times." Pastor Paul had said Jake was ready, and I wanted to lead him to Christ, but i didn't have peace about it. I felt he needed to do it in Korean to be absolutely sure he understood. So I've prayed for him. Many have been praying for him. This morning I received a wonderful message from Pastor Paul...
Something exciting happened today. I met with Jake for lunch with the specific purpose of leading him to Christ. Well, it happened. Like I mentioned before, he was more than ready. I led him through the sinner's prayer in Korean. He was so very happy. I told him that he could now join the praise team beginning this Saturday. He was excited about that as well. We really had a nice conversation. When I mentioned to him that the prayer I led him through was basically the same as that of the "four spiritual laws." he said that he knew about it because you gave him one, which he read through and through. :) I told Jake that as a pastor these are the moments that we live for and thanked him for it. He in return was very grateful to me. It was just a wonderful moment.
Another great thing...
Pastor Paul is bi-vocational and has been teaching English at a public school full-time. He has been praying for a new work opportunity, one that will allow him greater flexibility to be the pastor he wishes to be. Once again, God shows His plan and power. Pastor Paul is now Professor Paul, teaching at a local University. The demands on His time are relaxed and he can now do what he is really called to do.
Give thanks to the LORD; call on His name;
proclaim His deeds among the peoples.
Sing to Him; sing praise to Him;
tell about all His wonderful works!
Honor His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
(1 Chronicles 16:8-10)
National Obsessive Compulsive Month...
Did you know that February is National Obsessive Compulsive Month?
For those of us who like things orderly...
It's all squared up, neat, tidy. Nothing hanging loose or out of place.
OK, I made it up, but don't you feel better now that I pointed it out?
For those of us who like things orderly...It's all squared up, neat, tidy. Nothing hanging loose or out of place.
OK, I made it up, but don't you feel better now that I pointed it out?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Coincidence...
Coincidence... Chance... Luck... Circumstance... Whatever you wish to call it, many of us use it to define our lives. It's like the game Yahtzee. In the game, a turn consists of 3 chances to roll 5 dice and make various combinations of numbers. After each roll, you're allowed to choose which numbers you wish to keep and then roll the remaining dice to try to improve your result.
Certain results earn more points than others, the most difficult result being 5 of the same number. That's called Yahtzee, hence the name of the game. I could count on one hand the number of times in my life I've rolled Yahtzee on the first roll. That's practically impossible, and it's not much easier to do it in 3 rolls.
Many people view life like the game Yahtzee. They see everything significant happening as coincidence or chance. I don't buy it. Rolling dice is one thing, but life is full of too many variables that have to line up for chance to be involved. Whether you're talking about the origin of the universe or the development of a relationship, it's much more than a roll of the dice. A recent experience reinforced this truth. Allow me to share.
I wanted it more than anything I've ever wanted in my life. And I thought God had told me it was mine to receive. When it didn't happen, I was left stunned and despairing. I was confused and still am. What did I do wrong? Did I misunderstand? Was my prayer answered in a way so unexpected that I haven't seen it yet?
I've just come through a rough period in my life. I seem to talk about it all the time, but that's the way it is with powerful experiences, especially the ones that draw you closer to God. This is where the word "coincidence" comes in. I don't believe in it.
While I was in the midst of my trouble, there were numerous times that just the right scripture was brought to my attention, or just the right song was sung, or just the right word was spoken to me. I remember some distinct examples:
At the beginning of my trouble, I was in a Bible study. Painful thoughts and confusion were dominating my heart and mind, making it difficult to participate. Then Psalm 37 was shared.
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Shortly after that I was overwhelmed and broken with the despair. In the midst of the worst grief I've ever felt, these words came through a song:
O rest in the Lord.
Wait patiently for Him,
and He shall give thee thy hearts desires.
Commit thy way unto Him and trust in Him.
Next, during a worship service the song "Praise You In This Storm" was used in a video:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
When I returned home to Knoxville, I went through the weekly bulletins to see what music had been used recently. I was shocked to see the song "You Were There." Someone had used it at exactly the time God was using it to comfort me in my situation.
You were there
You were there
In the midst of the unclear
You were there
You were there always
You were there when obedience
Seemed to not make sense
You were there
You were always there
You were always there
At the very moment of my need He was here... and He was there.
Several days ago I was thinking about it all... and the pain returned.... As I drove and thought, another song came on the radio:
You're not alone
For I am here
Let me wipe away your every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life
It's difficult for me to fully express the moments these examples represent. Many people will stubbornly hold to the idea of coincidence in each of them. But my own personal experience is undeniable. Time after time, when I most needed it, just the right message was given. It wasn't chance, luck or even circumstance. Only a loving Father could accomplish that. He has continually been with me... supporting... comforting... reassuring...
He is real. He is active. He is available. He is love. He is forgiveness. He is here for you.
Certain results earn more points than others, the most difficult result being 5 of the same number. That's called Yahtzee, hence the name of the game. I could count on one hand the number of times in my life I've rolled Yahtzee on the first roll. That's practically impossible, and it's not much easier to do it in 3 rolls.
Many people view life like the game Yahtzee. They see everything significant happening as coincidence or chance. I don't buy it. Rolling dice is one thing, but life is full of too many variables that have to line up for chance to be involved. Whether you're talking about the origin of the universe or the development of a relationship, it's much more than a roll of the dice. A recent experience reinforced this truth. Allow me to share.
I wanted it more than anything I've ever wanted in my life. And I thought God had told me it was mine to receive. When it didn't happen, I was left stunned and despairing. I was confused and still am. What did I do wrong? Did I misunderstand? Was my prayer answered in a way so unexpected that I haven't seen it yet?
I've just come through a rough period in my life. I seem to talk about it all the time, but that's the way it is with powerful experiences, especially the ones that draw you closer to God. This is where the word "coincidence" comes in. I don't believe in it.
While I was in the midst of my trouble, there were numerous times that just the right scripture was brought to my attention, or just the right song was sung, or just the right word was spoken to me. I remember some distinct examples:
At the beginning of my trouble, I was in a Bible study. Painful thoughts and confusion were dominating my heart and mind, making it difficult to participate. Then Psalm 37 was shared.
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Shortly after that I was overwhelmed and broken with the despair. In the midst of the worst grief I've ever felt, these words came through a song:
O rest in the Lord.
Wait patiently for Him,
and He shall give thee thy hearts desires.
Commit thy way unto Him and trust in Him.
Next, during a worship service the song "Praise You In This Storm" was used in a video:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
When I returned home to Knoxville, I went through the weekly bulletins to see what music had been used recently. I was shocked to see the song "You Were There." Someone had used it at exactly the time God was using it to comfort me in my situation.
You were there
You were there
In the midst of the unclear
You were there
You were there always
You were there when obedience
Seemed to not make sense
You were there
You were always there
You were always there
At the very moment of my need He was here... and He was there.
Several days ago I was thinking about it all... and the pain returned.... As I drove and thought, another song came on the radio:
You're not alone
For I am here
Let me wipe away your every fear
My love I've never left your side
I have seen you through the darkest night
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life
All of your life
It's difficult for me to fully express the moments these examples represent. Many people will stubbornly hold to the idea of coincidence in each of them. But my own personal experience is undeniable. Time after time, when I most needed it, just the right message was given. It wasn't chance, luck or even circumstance. Only a loving Father could accomplish that. He has continually been with me... supporting... comforting... reassuring...
He is real. He is active. He is available. He is love. He is forgiveness. He is here for you.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Things I Miss...
Kyul (Jeju Island oranges - the best in the world)...
Ki Hyeon's laughter...
Singing in Hangeul...
Min Su's determination...
The stares and smiles of little children...
Yeong Kyu singing as he enters the office...
Walking in my Korean neighborhood...
Jae Suk saying "Whaaaaaaa!" whenever I do something impressive...
Being called, "Grandpa"...
JP's questions...
Hearing "Nobody, nobody but you..." sung in the office...
Chocolate...
Passing school children on the street...
They usually would notice me just as I passed. After the shock, they would call out behind me, "Hello!" I would then turn and say, "Hello" resulting in nervous laughter. Sometimes a brief conversation would develop, and rarely someone would enjoy the opportunity to use their English. I actually grew to expect and enjoy these little encounters. After walking the same streets for 3 months there were a few familiar faces from time to time.
Korean Parking Attendants...
They tell you where to go. You enter the parking garage to meet a well dressed young man. He bows politely and gracefully motions you in the right direction. You turn only to see another attendant has taken the hand off and directs you up the ramp. As you top the ramp...yes, there she is...attendant #3. She conducts you to the left where another young man takes over and enthusiastically leads you to the parking place they reserved just for you. It's nice to know I have something to do if this music director thing ever falls through.
People ask me, "Did you miss home while you were in Korea?" I've been hesitant to answer because the truth is... no, I didn't. Well, I thought of home, but I was never lonely for it. There was too much adventure around. Also, I knew I would return at a specified date. I've not been homesick since I was a child, and whenever I wanted to talk to someone, all I had to do was jump on Skype and call. Six bucks a month and I could call any number in the states for nothing. It even showed up Whitepine, Tennessee on a couple of caller IDs. I joked that it was all a big hoax, and I was actually in a cabin in the mountains. (Remember "Capricorn One"?)
On the other hand, I miss Korea. The experience was intense, and I felt more alive than I have in quite some time. I also developed some good friendships. While I have every intention of returning someday to see my new friends, there are no guarantees in this life. I'm confident in God's promise that all believers will someday be reunited, and I look forward to many happy reunions. But there is a sad thought also. I now have many friends who are not believers, and the sad reality is that trust in anything except Jesus Christ alone will only result in their eternal separation from God... and from me. I pray that my new friends will come to understand their need and God's provision for them through His one and only Son Jesus.
I like to share these truths using "Steps to Peace with God". It's straightforward and concise. I used it in my Bible Study at the Language School. Why don't you take a look...
Ki Hyeon's laughter...
Singing in Hangeul...
Min Su's determination...
The stares and smiles of little children...
Yeong Kyu singing as he enters the office...
Walking in my Korean neighborhood...
Jae Suk saying "Whaaaaaaa!" whenever I do something impressive...
Being called, "Grandpa"...
JP's questions...
Hearing "Nobody, nobody but you..." sung in the office...
Chocolate...
Passing school children on the street...
They usually would notice me just as I passed. After the shock, they would call out behind me, "Hello!" I would then turn and say, "Hello" resulting in nervous laughter. Sometimes a brief conversation would develop, and rarely someone would enjoy the opportunity to use their English. I actually grew to expect and enjoy these little encounters. After walking the same streets for 3 months there were a few familiar faces from time to time.
Korean Parking Attendants...
They tell you where to go. You enter the parking garage to meet a well dressed young man. He bows politely and gracefully motions you in the right direction. You turn only to see another attendant has taken the hand off and directs you up the ramp. As you top the ramp...yes, there she is...attendant #3. She conducts you to the left where another young man takes over and enthusiastically leads you to the parking place they reserved just for you. It's nice to know I have something to do if this music director thing ever falls through.
_______________________
People ask me, "Did you miss home while you were in Korea?" I've been hesitant to answer because the truth is... no, I didn't. Well, I thought of home, but I was never lonely for it. There was too much adventure around. Also, I knew I would return at a specified date. I've not been homesick since I was a child, and whenever I wanted to talk to someone, all I had to do was jump on Skype and call. Six bucks a month and I could call any number in the states for nothing. It even showed up Whitepine, Tennessee on a couple of caller IDs. I joked that it was all a big hoax, and I was actually in a cabin in the mountains. (Remember "Capricorn One"?)
On the other hand, I miss Korea. The experience was intense, and I felt more alive than I have in quite some time. I also developed some good friendships. While I have every intention of returning someday to see my new friends, there are no guarantees in this life. I'm confident in God's promise that all believers will someday be reunited, and I look forward to many happy reunions. But there is a sad thought also. I now have many friends who are not believers, and the sad reality is that trust in anything except Jesus Christ alone will only result in their eternal separation from God... and from me. I pray that my new friends will come to understand their need and God's provision for them through His one and only Son Jesus.
I like to share these truths using "Steps to Peace with God". It's straightforward and concise. I used it in my Bible Study at the Language School. Why don't you take a look...
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