The Big Question!!!

In the last few days, I have been asked what I call, "The Big Question!" Many thoughts of what that question might be, may be running around in your mind. Okay, I will let you in on what that question is.

"ARE YOU OKAY?"

Now you maybe saying, that is not a Big Question. That is a simple question. It is asked everyday by many people of many different people. Just because it has been and is asked, doesn't mean it is an easy question to answer.

I have in the past found myself not asking people that question because there are times, I don't want to stop and take the time to hear the answer or even pretend that I care when then the answer is given. I have felt that if I ask someone that, I need to stop, focus and listen. If I don't then I feel that I must not care about that person and what they are going through,

Conversely, I have been struck with the fact that in the last two days, I have stopped counting at 45 times that I have been asked The Big Question only to find that the person asking wasn't interested in hearing how I really was doing. They were either being courteous but not able to, willing to or just didn't wait to hear the answer. In at least 5 of those times I was asked the question and the person asking, answered how I was doing and assumed that all was great despite my honest answer. A couple of times that I was asked and shared how I was doing and feeling, the individuals said that it couldn't be and that there was no way, that I was really feeling those feelings.

Now I am not trying to whine, I am only thinking and processing, when we ask The Big Question, do we really and truly want to know the answer? Do we ask to just be polite? Do we want to help shoulder the burden they may share with us?

So, I am challenging myself to rethink when I ask the question I need to be sure I want to hear the answer and do what I can to help with the response and the responder. Also, I may need to find a different question to ask if I am just being polite, pleasant and creating small talk.

I am thankful that my wife when she asks me, really wants to know. She has asked me a few times this week and has stopped, listens, prayed and then offered advise. Thanks for that Babe!! I am honored that you care, share and are there for me.

Just a thought I have been pondering...any thoughts or responses? Would love to hear them.

What a difference that makes!!

Often times I find myself telling someone, "You bet, I will pray for you.", then realize that just hours later or even days have gone by and I haven't stopped to pray once for them. Now you may say, that is no big deal, God knows but in my mind, that is a big deal.

I believe that I have made an agreement with that person to pray for them and talk with God directly on their behalf. That is a big deal. In a recent conversation with my son who is in Iraq, he mentioned that he knew people were praying for him. He could sense that. He is halfway around the world and in the middle of the world's big sandbox...what a difference that makes!!!

Knowing that there are people praying for someone, something going on in another persons life or family is a big deal. Also, to realize that I get to have a small part in that life situation, that makes a big difference.

Since recognizing my shortcoming in praying for people, I now have started to stop immediately what I am doing and if possible, pray with them right there and if not with them, stop my activity and pray right then. What a difference that makes!!!

The difference is immediate because, I have just taken the need, problem, concern, worry or situation into the throne room of the Creator of ALL THINGS!!! He, God, really cares and really listens...what a thought! Then, the person knows, that I did what I said I would do. In addition, because I have gone to the Lord with that request, I am reminded of the prayer later and will again go before the Lord with the prayer again...this, is praying at all times. Not a set time, when the Holy Spirit prompts me to pray.

So, next time you tell someone you will pray for them, stop right there, do it and then watch and see how the Lord works in and through the situation. And, when He wakes you at 2 am to pray, do so with joy as you know that the One who hears our prayers, answers them...what a difference that makes!!!

CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF…

In 1980, I was in my Homiletics class (Preaching) and recalled the prof telling all of the students that we were going to work on developing an order of service and this is how a worship service is to be conducted.

You start with the organ prelude, welcome and opening prayer, a couple of hymns of the faith from the 1800’s, (slow and mundane), then an offering followed by a sermon not to exceed more than 20 minutes and then the final hymn and a closing prayer.

Well, contrary to popular belief, that is not a worship service! In fact, today I had the pleasure of attending a small church in the mountains in northern California. Rackerby Community Church is a small body of believers that today, were hit with some shaking news. One of member’s daughter died totally unexpected. Right in the middle of the service, Pastor Lee Beldon, AMF Area Missionary stopped the service when the grandson of the member burst into the service and demanded that the member come now and leave.

As she left, Pastor Lee immediately took the body to prayer and then call Joe to the front as well as myself. Joe took the offering and Pastor Lee asked me to bring the message from the Word. At that point, Pastor Lee left to be with the family. That meant that the entire order of service was changed and that the flow was interrupted. The body came together for the family in need and the service went on.

In most churches that would completely be disturbing and the question would be, “What now?” “I was never trained for this in seminary?”, might be the response. Contrary to popular belief, Pastor Lee followed the Holy Spirit and the WORSHIP SERVICE went on. It looked different, had a different impact but, God was glorified and HIS WORD was preached!!!

What a great lesson and eternal impact was made when the Spirit leads and we follow! Contrary to popular belief, when you let the Holy Spirit direct, it comes together for HIS GLORY!!

Several weeks ago, our family had the honor and privilege to attend the Oregon National Guard Mobilization Ceremony for the 41st Infantry Battalion Combat Team a part of the 2/162. This ceremony was to publicly recognize the men and women of the 41st and to send them off officially.

There were two observations that I had from that day. The first was the looming presence that we were saying goodbye to our son and his fellow soldiers. This loomed in the room like the heavy damp London fog. It is the reality of war time military operations and yet it was unmistakable the feelings that were heavy on all of our hearts and mind.

The second observation that I had that day was that there was an incredible sense of camaraderie and a definite presence of patriotism. This was such a good feeling. The support of our soldiers and the fact that they were willing and ready to defend our nation was caught up in that feeling of patriotism.

Near the end of the ceremony, my heavy heart was lifted and a ray of hope began to shine. Sitting right in front of me the entire time was a little five year old girl. She was wearing a dress and had her brown hair pulled up in a pony tail with red, white and blue ribbons tied in it.

During the course of a song, this precious little girl stood on her seat, raised her right arm and began to wave the small American flag she was given upon arrival that day with pride, excitement and true American patriotism. As I sat and watched this happen right before me, I know that reason my son was heading for the sandbox of the Middle East was to defend our freedoms and to ensure that this young lady would be able to do that anywhere and at anytime.

Tears began to fall down my face as I watched this. Not tears for sadness, not tears of pain and not even tears of letting my son go for 10 months. Tears of joy, tears of pride and tears of TRUE PATRIOTISM! I have a deep respect for all of our men and women of the armed forces that have served and are serving. Their commitment, determination and professionalism is what allows us to enjoy what we have and all to often, we take our freedoms for granted.

Not only did we send off our son in whom we are so proud of, but this little lady said goodbye for the 2nd time to her daddy. The looming feeling of sadness falls on me again as I write this, and yet I know the PATRIOTISM shown that day by all of us and this little girl, reminds me of what is important. Our freedoms!

How often do we take our freedoms for granted? Not just our freedoms in this nation, but also the freedoms that we have when we have made the voluntary decision to join in the army of the Creator of all things. God has given absolutely everything to us and yet it was not free. It cost Him the life of His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. God was willing to provide away that would make it possible for you and me to experience true freedom in life by not being held down by the selfish desires of our own. It requires that we surrender our will, wants and life to Him and to give Him the controls of our life.

Sweet Reflections

During a morning walk with my beautiful wife today, I saw a father playing catch with his son. In the near distance was a Tee Ball game being played by some very young ball players. All this said, I began some have some SWEET REFLECTIONS!

I reflected on the long walks in the town of Rhododendron when all three of the kids were young. I reflected on the bright moonlight walks on the snow covered roads pulling the kids on the sleds.

I remember the Tee Ball games with TShack as he would play center field and for the first time when a ball made it out there, he watched the ball roll by him not more than three feet away. Asking him later, "Why didn't you get the ball?" TShack answer, "Daddy, it didn't come to me!" Sweet Reflections and Memories!

I also, as we walked reflected on the the long walk that my Savior took to the most cruelest death known to man. He willing did that walk for you and me because of His eternal and perfect love. When I reflect on that massive sacrifice that Jesus Christ the Son of God made, I am humbled to realize that Jesus would have had Sweet Reflections about the relationship between Himself as the Son of God with His Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit before coming to earth! What a fellowship! With that reflection in His mind, Jesus went to His death so that we might have the same relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit for eternity.

Finally, the Sweet Reflection that we celebrate every year at this time known as Easter. We see in scripture what was recorded three days after the death of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit breathed life into the Sacrificed Lamb of God and with full authority and power, Jesus Christ rose from the grave! This is the victory over sin and death. This is significant because this was the only way that the Father could extend to us the means to have fellowship with Him. What a blessing!!

Rejoice in this eternal plan and the accept the Free Gift of the Savior as we have Sweet Reflections of His love for you and I.

As for the father and son playing catch, I reminded the father to enjoy these moments as his son will grow up to fast. With that said, I am extremely proud of my son and for who he is in Jesus, our family and our military. Thank you son for the Sweet Reflections of life.

Small Request Big Answer!

Often times as I pray, I forget that God cares about the small details in my life and not just the big details. Several months ago, we found out that Tyler, our son, would be leaving for Iraq for his first deployment. We then learned the dates of the deployment, April 3, 2009.

Now that date may not seem real significant, but, that is the day before he and his wife celebrate their birthdays. Yes, they have the same birthday. Well, not only that, their anniversary is on the 6th. No way to forget those days! As Julie and I prayed, we asked that the date of his deployment be changed. We wanted Tyler and Bri Joy to celebrate their birthday and anniversary together since last year, they missed out on being together on their birthday and first year wedding anniversary due to Tyler being at Basic Training. It wasn't looking good that the date would change.

Well, little did we know that on Saturday the 4th, the Charlie Company 2/162 would have a family BBQ and they released the soldiers to attend it and then go home for the rest of the day...for their birthday he was home. Then, he reported Sunday the 5th at 7am til 7pm...looking like he will be home even tonight, their anniversary.

So, the deployment has started but, the Lord who really cares about the SMALL things, worked it out that he would be here...just as if he was at his old job.

Thank you Lord for the SMALL blessing and the BIG answers that you provide. The Lord is in control of everything. I am thankful for that!!

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Kids...we love you and proud of you both!

What SMALL REQUEST are you asking for? The Lord hears and answers!!!

Is it what God wants of us?

I was recently enjoying a cup of coffee with a young man thinking that he wanted to go into ministry vocationally. During the course of our conversation, he said, "I just want to minister by way of status quo!"

After that statement, we began to talk about what that means. He defined it as just staying calm, not making waves and by all means, "don't rock the boat." That alarmed me. When I heard this, I had to ask if that is what God wants us to do? Is that how He intends us do do ministry? I don't see that as the example that He gave while Jesus walked on the earth. Jesus encountered the culture head on and as the term today is..."up in their grille". Jesus was direct, concern and definitely had compassion but was not satisfied with "status quo". Jesus took on issues, matters of concern and needs head on and made sure that the TRUTH was known and that His Words were of substance and impactful.

By the time we finished our coffee, I had shared my concern with that kind of approach to ministry. I don't believe God desires for us to me living a life that is "status quo." He deliberately and intentionally saved me from an eternity separated from Him in hell. That's not status quo. He clothes me with His Son's Righteousness. That's not status quo. He has promised me a life in eternity spent with Him. That's not status quo. That is more than I deserve and also more than I can imagine.

Status quo, that's not what I want. That's not how I want to live.