Behold Time

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, NIV)

I love the older translation that says, “And we beheld His glory, glory as the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” “Seen” seems too short a duration. John and the disciples were with Him for years. “Beheld” indicates that it was something gazed upon, taken in, appreciated even if not understood.

Beholding the glory of God. How limited I am to be able to comprehend it. How limited we all are. When a little of the physical glory came through on the Mount of Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John were overcome. But John had seen it. I cannot put into words what God’s glory is like. I can only reflect on the little that I know. However, if I will look at Him, I will be reminded just how powerful, huge, and full of grace and truth He is.

Grace and truth are a powerful combination. Truth, straight truth, is painful, especially if administered alone. But when combined with grace, truth is revealed while hope is encouraged.
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A few weeks ago, at the time I wrote most of what you have just read, I was at a low point. I had lots to do, and progress was slow. Of course, everything that happens now runs, at least somewhat, through the cancer filter. I just felt under the pile. I realized, as I read John 1:14, that what I needed was some "Beholding Time." Time that simply focuses on God, period! It doesn't look at cancer, a to do list, or anything — just Jesus.

Maybe in the rush of the season, you need some beholding time yourself. Take it! Get alone with the Bible, and read as God leads. Just take some time to focus on Jesus.

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And now,
About the C-Word
I have been taking an additional med since Saturday. I just have to swallow a pill a day, so no sticks. It has some side effects, but so far nothing big and bad. Otherwise, this is a "rest" week from the IV stuff, which is nice since it is Christmas week. Keep praying, please. That is my most essential need and my family's greatest need.

Get my blog in your inbox. Please subscribe. One day, because of what is ahead with treatment, April and I may be too busy to do much more that to update the blog. So help me stay in touch with you via email.

Go to my blog site (if you are reading this in a forwarded email) and  put your email address in the box on the right, and click on subscribe. You'll get a confirmation email in your email with a link. All you do is click on the link and you are magically done. Then, whenever there is a post, you'll get it in a timely manner. (And if lots of you subscribe, it will do my ego a world of good!)

Passion for the Mission

For our church, this is International Missions Season, and we are working on a goal that is challenging. As I write this, we should be just past the 2/3-of-the-way-there point.

I was reading the other day, and it was mentioned that people who have been to the “field” and seen the people have a much greater burden and understanding of God’s heart for the world. I find this true here at home as well as overseas.

People that serve others, be it student ministry, inner-city ministry, or ____?____, tend to be passionate about it. They know the recipients, see the needs, and experience the blessings of giving of time, talent, and resources, then seeing God work.

I was reading the other day, and it was mentioned that people who have been to the “field” and seen the people have a much greater burden and understanding of God’s heart for the world.

When you have seen with your own eyes the masses of people without Christ, you appreciate the huge need—and responsibility—you have under the great commission (Which isn’t in scripture just once, but five times—each gospel and the book of Acts: Matthew 28:19-29, Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:45-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8).

The first time I went purposefully overseas, I saw thousands of people in the cities and villages who had never heard the message once. I have had the opportunity to serve on three continents, and with each destination, the masses become more and more a concern. Once you see them, and have opportunity to talk, touch and serve a few of them, these distant peoples cease to be just statistics.

The need for our missions offering is immediate. The IMB has already cut or is cutting more than ten per cent from the work force overseas, on top of making home office and budget reductions across the board. If this offering falls short, then the likelihood of more cuts (or delayed sending) looms much larger—and millions more will go into a Christ-less eternity.

Once a believer went to a distant place to share the good news. Many were receptive to the invitation. Then, one of the new believers said, “You have had this truth for two thousand years. Why has it taken you so long to come and tell us?”

If God didn’t already know the answer, He’d probably ask us the same thing.
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Get my blog in your inbox. Go to my blog site (if you are reading this in a forwarded email) and hit put your email address in the box on the right, and click on subscribe. You'll get a confirmation email in your email with a link. All you do is click on the link and you are magically done. Then, whenever there is a post, you'll get it in a timely manner. (And if lots of you subscribe, it will do my ego a world of good!)

Light

John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

John 1 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. I often think of it at this time of year. Light and Christmas go together. I have heard songs about light in numerous venues. But Jesus and his “light” is what is on my mind.

Those last verses (verses 4-5) leap out at me. Jesus is the source of life. I am not thinking of the disease I have here. I am thinking of the disease we are all born with, which has much longer consequences. We are born in spiritual darkness, and, if not enlightened, we will continue to grope along, doing what “inthedark” people do. Inthedark people do not know they are in the dark. They simply know what they have experienced, and get along as best they can. Usually that means emulating what they know or believe other inthedark people are doing or believing. Most are not willfully in the dark. They do not know there is another option.

Jesus is that option. He is the light. But he is so different (bright!) that inthedark folks cannot understand this new way of living until they embrace it. It is the job of every Christ-follower to help inthedark people become intheLight people.

Most of us still wear spiritual shades (“we see through a glass darkly,” Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13), but we can see. We won’t fully comprehend the light until eternity. Christians have made some terrible misjudgments about life and conduct, and tried to blame it on His light. Yet the blame resides in those shades we wear.

His life is the light of men. What a difference in individual lives, and in our world could be, if we really let His light guide us. Light is a friend. Light gives guidance. Light helps us avoid obstacles that are otherwise unseen. Light allows us the privilege of seeing others who are on the same road as ourselves. People who have experienced the true light never want to go back to the darkness again. “In Him was light, and that light was the light of men.” Only Jesus is that kind of light.

Health Update...
I have nearly completed the meds for cycle three (one more treatment on Thursday) and I am still tolerating the meds well, which is a huge praise. However, the doctor has noted that my progress against the disease has not been as significant as they had hoped, so as soon as I have insurance approval and the insurance companies special pharmacy can get it to me, I will add another med to the chemo cocktail. Starting a new med is always a step into the unknown, so continue to pray for me to be healed, to tolerate this new drug well, and that progress against the disease will be made. Most of all, pray that all this will be to God's glory.

Additionally, please pray for us as we look ahead to the Stem Cell transplant. My insurance company only approves a couple of hospitals in Atlanta, none in Augusta. The treatment is available in Augusta, and we are seeking that, for family and support systems sake. But we know that Father knows and sees beyond what we can see, and so we want to be open to whatever door he opens or closes.

Quick Update

Okay, I know that it has been forever (it seems) since I put up a post, so here is a quick update. Having treatments closer together during Thanksgiving week did give me a bit more side effects, but I made it through. The next week (last week) was rest week from the meds, and I got several things done around the house that I had been working toward for awhile. The biggest being painting some in our Living/Dining Room, finishing a project I started over a year ago.

Monday, I started the third cycle of chemo. I got a larger dose than usual of the steroid. For those that do not know, some steroids produce a lot of nervous energy and you get lots done. All the interior Christmas stuff was done between the time I got home from the office and went to bed that night.

Now we are seeking the best option for the Autologous Stem Cell Transplant that will be done early next year. The insurance company wants us to go to Atlanta, rather than having it done here. Here is how I am praying, and I ask you to join with me. I cannot see or know compared to what Father sees and knows. I pray to be able to do everything here, unless there is some issue, nuance of treatment, or something else that would only be dealt with in Atlanta. I have to trust God in this, since He sees far more than we can ever see, especially when looking forward. So pray that His best and His glory will be served in all of this, and that He will give us peace in whatever situation we find ourselves.

Thanks for your prayers! They are the essential element in all of this!

Lay Them Down

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am sitting here getting my last treatment of cycle 2. It is a day early, but tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Then next week is my rest week. That will be nice. Thanks again to all of you for your prayers and encouragements. They are many of the things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

Philippians 4:4-7 is one of my favorite passages. It is a choice to rejoice. Similarly, it takes exercising great trust to not be anxious. It takes prayerful, mental action. I do have moments, of course, but by laying these things at His feet, it is much easier to cope. As I write, the words to a chorus I learned when a counselor at Super Summer ’72 come to mind. Ken Medema was our worship leader. He may have composed this “on the spot” as he often did. Not sure if it was ever recorded, but it was powerful then and now.

"You’ve got to lay down your burdens at the feet of Jesus.
You’ve got to lay down, your burdens at the foot of the cross.
When the devil wants to ride on your back,
Just call on the Lord on your knees,
And lay down, your burdens at the foot of the cross."

When I do that… I mean really do that, then the peace of God, which passes all understanding does guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and may the peace of God surround you as you lay your burdens at the foot of the cross.

Keep Pressing On

Ever had a goal in sight, but knew that it was still a long way off before you achieved it? Sometimes, it is the homestretch that is the most difficult. What is even a bigger deal is that past performance does not guarantee success. If viewing life like a race, one may have a great start, and a solid mid-race, but the key is to finish well.

In 1973, some friends invited my to join them on a trip out west where we would back-pack into Havasu Canyon, and camp out for a couple of nights. It was an incredible trip. The beauty of God’s creation was obvious all around us. The only problem that to achieve the goal of seeing this place you have to hike in about eleven miles, and that was if you made no wrong turns. (We added a two mile excursion to our trip in.)

Having walked down, meant a couple days later, you had to walk back out – eleven miles. My cronies were in much better shape than I was in, but fortunately they were patient. The first nine miles of the trail were not too difficult. The terrain varied. There were places to stop. The start and middle of the trip were fine. It was those last two miles.

The next-to-last mile was a long approach hill, steadily climbing with no relief. The farther you went, the steeper it became. The last mile was switch-backs. There I was, stopping, starting, huffing and puffing. I was beginning to wonder if I would make it when some of my friends came and gave me a hand with the heavy water bottles I was carrying. They lightened my load, and eventually, I was back on top with everyone else. My friend’s truck didn’t look life heaven, but it sure felt like it as we road away from the canyon rim back to hot showers and an incredible meal.

Paul speaks in Philippians 3:14 of pressing on toward the highest goal of Jesus Christ. Perhaps the end of the race will be more like climbing those Arizona switchbacks than lounging on the beach on a South Pacific island. [Now, don’t read more into this than I am saying! I plan to finish quite some time from now!] For me, the phrase of the day is to “keep pressing” toward the goal of Jesus Christ.

“Ebenezer.” For the past few days this word has been hanging around my mind. I don’t think it is because it is getting near Christmas and I am getting my “Scrooge-face” on. The word goes back to 1 Samuel 7:12, “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us.’ ” I echo those words: "Thus far the Lord has helped me." Your prayers for His help are being answered. Your friendship, encouragement, cards, and even gifts are expressions of His help. Thanks. Please don’t let up as I continue to walk each step with God through this time. May He be glorified!

Gaze and Glance

I was reading in Philippians 3: 1.
Paul reminds me (and us) to rejoice in the Lord. [Yes, no matter what, rejoice in the Lord.] You may not be able to rejoice in earthly things, but you can always rejoice in the One True God for He, His character and His ways are unchanging. He is not capricious in His dealings with us, but does everything for a greater purpose—His!

This rejoicing in the Lord is both a safe thing to do and a safeguard, because it keeps our eyes focused where they need to be—on Christ. One of the most helpful things I ever was taught (I am still learning) is where my focus needs to be when facing serious problems or circumstances. It was the “Gaze and Glance Principle.”

Think of a small (in my case rather primitive) drawing. You are a little stick figure on the bottom right. On the bottom left is the “wad of circumstance(s). At the middle top is a symbol for God. Use what works for you. Maybe just a big "G" as long as it doesn't look like a sports logo. Now, having decided on your God symbol, draw a solid line from your little stick figure eyes up to God, and write “Gaze” on it. Then draw a little dotted line from your little stick figure eyes to the wad over on the left, and write “glance,” on it.

Our gaze or focus, should always be on God. We have to glance at our circumstances, but if our focus is on Christ, then we will 1) Realize that our issues are small compared to our big God, and 2) we will be headed in the right direction. If we focus on our problems, then they overwhelm us. If we focus on God, then He surrounds us with Himself. Easy? No. Certainly not natural, but a far better way to live, especially when facing a what seems to be a Mount Everest sized “wad of circumstances.”

How do I do this? Mostly, it is talking to God a lot, throughout the day admitting my needs, fears, and hopes, as well as thanking Him for big things and little things. Spending time in the Word of God is most important, and keeps me from off-the-wall ideas that some would propose. Chewing around on what I have read is the key. Most of my writings here are ruminations on what I have just read, even though you may not see it for days or weeks. For me, another focus helper is music. I don’t have it playing all the time, but I enjoy and am encouraged by Praise and Worship, Hymns, Christian Rock (Hey, I grew up in the 60’s!) and Classical. I have limited appreciation for Country, Blue Grass, and Opera. (Your listening choices will vary.) What I play depends on my mood.

Got a “wad of circumstances” you want to get over? Where is your gaze? Fix it on Christ, and glance at your problems.

Attitude

A few days back I was reading Philippians 2:5-11. Paul calls us to have the same attitude that Jesus had. He is following up the previous five verses where he exhorts us to “do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit… but to regard others as more important than ourselves. Then he presents the standard by which we’ll all be judged—Jesus. In a day when I like to feel good about myself because my behavior is better than the latest miscreant in the news, Paul raises the bar seemingly out of reach. What was distinctive about Jesus’ attitude? ·

• He humbled Himself even though he was God. The point here is that He did not hang on to his high status as God, but humbled himself and became a servant in the appearance and likeness as a man. He moved from God in heaven to a servant on earth. Remember Jesus washing the disciples feet?

• He became obedient, even to death. Now that is submission to the Father’s will, plan and purpose. The outcome was that the Father highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Jesus’ submission and humility regarding his position on earth resulted in His exaltation. Why? To bring God glory.
  

Once again, the Word runs through my life-filter, and I see the attitudinal application for me. (Your application will vary.) I have this cancer, and I could be angry at God and everybody about it. I could choose to be depressed. So far, and by His grace, I am not angry or depressed. I could lay down and give up, but that is not submission. That is cowardice. So, I fight. I go to God. I go to the doctor. I take the meds. I do what I can. BUT, I trust this circumstance to God, because He is in control—now and forever. Hopefully, God will be glorified.

Attitude is huge.

Today, I began cycle two of Chemo treatments. Today and Thursday of this week. Monday and Wednesday of next. Many of you are praying for me, and again I want to thank you. You prayers and faith are making a difference. I got a report today that indicates the chemo is working. You have already heard that the first cycle side effects were minimal, and I am praying (and asking you to pray) that continues.

Pray, too, that I will pace myself, prioritize properly, and that God will raise up people to do some of the things I do so our church's media and mission work will go on without a hiccup, when I have to be out for some of the treatment regimen after the first of the year.

Sometimes Shepherds Have To Holler

Sometimes, God speaks with a whisper, and sometimes he hollers — well, speaks very loudly, anyway. He wants our attention, and we need to give Him our attention. Like the sheep in the video, we can have our eyes on the greener, more plentiful grass on the other side of the road and totally miss the fact that a large truck (circumstance, etc.) approaching rapidly that could run us over.

I had a professor while in seminary who sometimes grew tired of looking at the top of our heads while we were furiously taking notes. He would say, “Okay, let me see your eyes. I’ll give you a paragraph to write down later.”

Sometimes, we get so busy with life, even church life, that God uses circumstances to say, “Let me see your eyes.” While we may be totally focused on that circumstance, we may be totally unaware of what He is protecting us from.

Giving God our attention is not a narcissistic demand. This is the call of God who created us and thus knows that more than anything else, what we really need is Him. We need to know Him. We need to regularly experience His love. Sometimes there are sin issues that must be dealt with, but those are dealt with “in the hug,” as my friend Dave Busby used to day. Dave would explain that most of us “perceive God as one who stiff-arms us until we get everything cleaned up in our lives so we can approach Him.” Truth is, if we accept Gods invitation by faith to follow Christ, then, with His arm around us, God says, “I love you. Here are some things we need to work on to make our relationship better.”

It isn’t very flattering to be compared to a sheep. They are high maintenance animals. But, all through the Bible, we humans are compared to them. Isaiah 53:6 says, “all of us like sheep have gone astray, every one of us has turned to His own way.” But this prophetic utterance goes on to say of Christ, “and the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” When Jesus was on earth, he compared us to sheep in John 10. His sheep know His voice. He is the good Shepherd.

I could have hollered at those sheep in Medgidea all I wanted, and they would have moved no faster. But they knew their shepherd’s voice, and when he spoke, they moved. That obedience saved sheep.

Twenty Years Ago Tonight

I am sitting here watching the news, and am reminded of what I was doing twenty years ago tonight. My wife was at work, and I was sitting on the couch, watching something happen that all my life I assumed would never happen. The Berlin Wall was coming down.

I remember sitting there, weeping, as I thought of some friends who were involved in youth ministry, and how they had already been "behind the iron curtain" to meet with youth workers in some of those countries to teach them a little of what we knew. I remember saying to God and to myself, "Lord, if you open the door" I will go. Little did I know that it would take nearly two years for that door to open, and little did I know that from 1991 to the present, I would have gone to Eastern Europe twenty-one times. (Mostly to Romania, four times to Ukraine, and once to Russia) I have been privileged to help train youth leaders, serve orphans, and share the love of Jesus with people through church outreach.

I still have friends from that very first trip in 1991. I count many orphans who are growing up among my friends as well. And there are precious believers from numerous places.

Going to Eastern Europe in those early years was a big stretch for me. I'd been to Kenya in 1988, and that is another awesome story, but this was so different. Romania especially will always hold a special place in my heart, because of the hundreds of friends I have there. Lots more thoughts, but, you get the idea.

If you ever get a chance to travel with a purpose like this, you should not miss it! It will change your life, and the way you see others. Warning though... It could change where you live... or at least fill up your passport.

Jesus said, "Go." Why are we so prone to stay?

Appearances

I have been thinking a lot about appearances lately. They can be deceiving, on a multitude of levels.

A funny thing (in a rather dark sort of way) happened last Saturday. I was sitting in my study, and heard a large truck coming up our street. Well, it was not trash day or UPS delivery time, so I decided to go take a look. As I looked out the front window, I saw a large moving van coming to collect our next door neighbor’s stuff. But, at that very moment, an ambulance was turning around in our driveway. No siren, but lights were flashing. “Well, that will give a few of the neighbors pause,” I thought. (It did.) The ambulance was following an inaccurate map or GPS unit. That was what was going on.

Many have asked me how I was feeling, and did I have any symptoms (appearances). Short answer: before the discovery of cancer, I had none, and what I feel now is more the result of treatment than the disease. (Side effects have, so far, been very mild. Keep praying!) This is a strange disease. I have had no visible or tangible effects, but what I do have is test results—lots of them. These tests look deep below the surface and find out what is going on at a level below my awareness. Reminds me of how God sees into each of us.

When Samuel was looking for the person God would choose to replace Saul (and his lineage) as king, God sent him to Jesse’s house. There he would find a teenager named David. We know he was a shepherd boy, therefore young, and maybe he had pimples! Not exactly the king-to-be type. But as Samuel looked at one of David’s older brothers, God gives Samuel a powerful insight. (1 Samuel 16:7) "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." The heart.

In our culture we are all about external appearances, but the really important view is what my heart looks like to God.

Jesus said in John 7:24, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."

Treatment Update: I am through the first round of meds. I get to "rest" next week. God continues to be good, faithful, merciful, awesome, gracious, amazing...

And so many are praying! Thanks!

Treatment #3 Update

Hey,
A bigger post (or video) is working in my head, but I realize I haven't posted anything in a while.
As of Monday, I have finished my third chemo treatment, and side effects continue to be mild. (Tired, hiccups occasionally, and quite possibly a bit grumpier!) Thanks for all you who are praying. Prayer is key, because prayer addresses the One who really does know what is going on, and is in a position to do something about it.
Thanks!
More later.
Tom

Mad About You and Red Stuff

Yesterday, as I picked up my Bible, I told God I wanted to know what to read, what to look at, to study. I want this time to be helpful to me, but also to help me help others, especially those closest to me. It seemed God prompted me to just go back to James 1:2-4 and start there. I can run references and gather other leads as I go through them. So I picked up my Bible – one that I haven’t used in a few months, and there, in the margins around James 1:2 are these words.

“Problems are not punishments but wake up calls. God is not mad at you, but mad about you, and He is trying to get your attention.”

Well, he certainly has my attention. There is a now a fresh dynamic of faith working here. I have been convinced for years of both the truth and exclusivity of the gospel, the efficacy of His salvation, and – perhaps most of all – His amazing grace. Now that my physicians have uttered the word "cancer" into my health evaluation, I have the warning “shot across the bow” that many never receive. Being sure of your relationship to Christ is way more than assuming everyone goes to heaven. More about that on another day.

In scripture, if you read the New American Standard Bible, you'll find that Esau traded his birthright for what is literally translated "red stuff." I know we usually think of it at "Jacob's Amazing Stew," but, whatever it was, apparently the color was red.

Today, I was surprised the have some "red stuff" myself during my second round of chemo. Through my own exceptional ability of misunderstanding what is said to me, I thought the two-medicine day was going to happen next Thursday. But this is what the doctors and nurses, were saying (and what my wife ws hearing) all along. So far so good. Pray that the side effects stay mild. Okay, that is the "health report."

Thanks for your prayers and notes of encouragement.

"Why" and "What"

Hi folks. The day after the first treatment has been okay. Thanks again for all the notes and prayers. One response that came today is this, and it sums up thoughts I have been working on in my head. I'll have more to say about this, but I know that the questions alluded to are questions many of you are already asking. It is okay to ask questions, though. God can handle them. He may not reveal all the answers, but the key is to remember who is in charge, and it isn't me. :-)

Here is what my friend sent me...

My Friend,

As we read through the Word, we often find people asking “Why,” yet we don’t necessarily like the answer God gives. “Why:” because God is sovereign and this event meets His plan. I believe God does not provide much detail for the “Why” question because it focuses on us. The full question we are asking is, “Why is this happening to me?” And the answer we often provide (like Job and like a teenager) is, “I didn’t do anything wrong.” Once we come to grips with the answer to the “Why” question - because we are clay in God’s hands, then we can ask the “What” question.

Ah, the “What” question. Now, here is a question our heavenly Father seems to answer readily and fully. The “What” question removes the focus from us and puts it on Him. “What do You want me to learn from this;” “What do You want me to say to that individual;” “What is Your purpose in this?” He will gently, lovingly, and kindly answer the “What” question.

The “Why” question kicks off a pity party. The “What” question focuses us on our Father. The “Why” question is easier to ask. The “What” question gives us a more rewarding answer.


Thanks Art. You have said it well.

For His glory,
Tom

Real Deal

Well, the test results showed what the doctor expected. Wish the news was better, but that wasn't today's report. So, in a few minutes, I was connected up tp get my first treatment.

God and his miraculous hand is not out of the picture. It never is. So keep praying. God can do whatever he wants to do, whenever he wants to do it.

Reading scripture, I find that there are many times where divine deliverance occurs, but I also find times it does not. One of the first scriptures that came to mind, though, when this began to come into focus in recent weeks was the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - or Hannaniah, Mishael and Azariah. (See July post on Thick-headed Neb.) The part I remembered was the line from the three Hebrew children who told Nebuchadnezzar that they had no intention of bowing down to his idol, and that God could deliver them from his fiery furnace. But (and here is the kicker) "even if He does not we will not bow down." Now that is boldness and faith. Not easy, but strong.

I like to have that kind of faith. I want to have it. I hope to model it. But the truth is, I vacillate between confident faith and being scared to death. God can handle that honesty.

My treatment schedule is to be, if no problems or adjustments, are to be each Monday and Thursday for two weeks, then a week off. So pray on those days, and pray the side effects, if treatment must continue, will be mild. And, most of all pray that God will be glorified in it all.

Thanks for all the notes, emails, posts, etc. Some of you who have been through this deal have sent good advice. I appreciate that.

Covered

Hi,

Have received so many notes, postings, assurances or prayer. That means SO much. Keep them coming. That is the main coverage we need.

Just got word from the doctors office that everything is covered now by insurance, so, whatever the case, that is a praise. Of course, if God chooses to answer with complete, miraculous healing and that "tiny chance" I mentioned in the video turns out to be the reality, no one will complain.

Thanks again for your prayers, offers of help and help, and more.

In Jesus,
Tom

When Life Slams on the Brakes

When you feel like you have it all together (or mostly anyway, and you are in the routine of life) a panic stop is the last thing you expect. But, right now, we have encountered one. My life is now controlled by many more circumstances and physicians.

We have told close family already, but there are many other friends and family we want to include.. Tonight we made the announcement to our church family and showed the video attached. (Provided I can get it to attach.) If not, the URL for the YouTube site is
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TomandMM#p/u/0/BUwaqbHCpI8

This was a hard but very encouraging night. Tomorrow afternoon, if all the insurance stuff is coordinated and in place, then we will start the chemotherapy.

Thick-headed Neb

Thick-headed Neb

Not long ago I had a few moments to relax, and, for whatever reason, I grabbed my iPod and pulled up one of my favorite pieces of Classical music, “Belshazzar’s Feast.” (“What’s on my iPod” —subject for another post). Anyway — and I am going somewhere with this — I was listening to “Belshazzar’s Feast” (Walton) and was prompted to head back to the book of Daniel to read the Biblical account of a very unwise move on Belshazzar’s part. For proper background, I started reading from Daniel 1:1. There reside the accounts of Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach), and Azariah’s (Abed-nego) healthy eating, Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s epic dream, and Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah’s experience in the furnace. Then there was the first person account of Nebuchadnezzar’s self-glorification in spite of God’s warning, and his subsequent year-long period of grazing for grass and sleeping under the stars. (Daniel 1-5).

One thing that impressed this time through was Nebuchadnezzar’s spiritual thick- headedness. While I was considering how thick headed he seemed to be, there was a sound in my head (not audible) like God looking at me and then clearing His throat, “Ahem.” I can be just as thick. Even though I have seen incredible things that can only be explained by God’s activity, I still act wrong, think wrong, trust in myself, etc.

The good news is there is hope. Nebuchadnezzar spent a year living like a wild donkey. He finally figured out the problem, and recognized that God was the one worthy of praise, honor and allegiance. So may we come to the same realization, hang on to it, and live it!

In Case You Were Wondering

Yep!
Romans 5:8, 10:9-10, John 3:16.



Saw this on the way back from CofC this AM, where I dropped off R and her mom for orientation. P and I are hanging out, goofin' off, etc.

If you look closely, the word "chapel" is right underneath Grace. Not sure where the chapel went, but the sign, as it stands now, is still true.

Me, Myself and Bob

Just finished Me, Myself and Bob — A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables, by Phil Vischer. A good read for anyone. Phil was the founder of Big Idea Productions, which brought us VeggieTales. He built the company, and, basically killed it. “I have dusted the body for prints, and they are all mine.” The first part of the book was about how VeggieTales came to be, complete with interesting details about technical stuff he used to make it happen. The last part is about how he got ahead of God—thus managing to bankrupt the company—and what he has learned from it all. There are spiritual lessons and business lessons.

My children grew up with Bob and Larry. We laughed along with them. I can still sing you parts of the songs from the early videos. I still think some of the earliest ones are the best.

There were some thought-provoking lines. Here are a few:

• “Externally, everything looked groovy. Internally, chaos abounded.”

• Vischer relates how he is pretty sure his business goal “emanated suspiciously from my own noggin in response to a business book exercise, as opposed to from God after much prayer and reflection.”

• The real question to ask in any failure, of course, isn’t “Who should we blame?” but rather “What did we learn?” (p. 207)

• “If God gives you a dream, and the dream comes to life and God shows up in it, and then the dream dies, it may be that God wants to see what is more important to you—the dream or him.” [From a message by Richard Porter].

There is lots of humor mixed in with what turned out to be a sad story. You’ll be informed, and you’ll also be encouraged to get your direction from God rather than your own head or a man.

• “The more I dove into Scripture, the more I realized I had been deluded. I had grown up drinking a dangerous cocktail—a mix of the gospel, the Protestant work ethic, and the American dream.” (p.237)

• God doesn’t love me because of what I can do for Him. He just loves me—even when I’ve done nothing at all. (p. 247)

Parts of the dénouement of the book (like that word?) challenges the frenetic pace we Americans live, and that includes American church people. Are we more frenetic than faithful? Maybe if we stopped long enough, got quiet enough, and in His Truth enough, we’d get a revelation instead of a good idea.

You'll love the humor. You'll grow from the story.

Both Ends of a Conversation

The other day I was in one of my favorite fast food places. It was after the lunch rush, and so the place was fairly empty. So, I guess to liven up the place, two different people at different times and different tables spoke on their cell phones. Not unusual. But they pushed SPEAKER, I guess so we wouldn't be in suspense about the other half of the conversation–like we were interested.

Cell phones in restaurant rules:
1. If its a long call, excuse yourself and go somewhere away from people, especially if you think you have to yell in your cell phone to be heard.
2. Never yell in a cell phone - it doesn't make the signal any better on the other end. (Turn up your volume so you can hear the other person better. Yelling tends to be a function more of the insensitivity of your ears than of the phone.)
3. Don't hit "speaker." We don't care.

I Dreamed A Dream

A few months ago, an audience, a few judges, and a lot of the world were taken aback by an incredible voice hidden behind a very average face. You probably saw Susan Boyle sing the song from “Les Miserable,” entitled “I Dreamed A Dream.” (If you haven’t, you can see it now.) The actions and then the reactions of the audience and judges are worth noting, because they reflect most of our natural inclinations to judge people by appearances.)

“Les Miserable” tops my list of “favorite plays I have never seen.” I have the music from the Royal Albert Hall performance from a few years ago. Hearing Susan got me to listening to the music again, and catching the message. It has always been of interest to me how the themes of grace and forgiveness permeate the musical when, I am told, the author of the book was far from a Christ-follower.

Maybe its because I have done media stuff for so long, but when I really listen to a song, I see pictures in my head to go along with it. Some of the pictures are ones I have already taken, and others are just conjured up in my imagination. As I was listening to “I Dreamed A Dream” images of very special Romanian orphans came to mind. For some of them, the song is way too close to their reality. For others, it simply speaks of the childhood dreams of safety, security, love and acceptance — that they missed.

For nine summers, starting in 1999, groups from our church went to Romania and worked with Livada Orphan Care (www.livada.org — For current news, check out the Livada Blog. ) to provide the message and the love of Christ to some of these kids. Many of them we saw year after year. We got to know them and a few of their stories. The door is currently closed on that work for us. I guess it is God’s timing, but I have to tell you, those children, many who have grown to become young adults now, are still on my mind. And when I heard the song, many of those faces came sharply back into focus. (Note, a couple of those kid’s photos are in the header to this blog.)

This summer, while groups are not in the picture, two of our college guys are investing their lives with these children. At a time when many are thinking about scaling back, they are pushing forward with the vision (dream?) that God has given them, thus impacting the dreams of nearly a thousand children and teens they will serve, lead, love, and encourage. Go guys! You are obeying scripture and, in some ways, being used of God so this life will not kill the dreams these children dream. (Song reference)

I think it no accident that scripture clearly speaks to orphan care. “Pure religion and undefiled is this, that you care for widows and orphans, and you keep yourself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) Sometimes, Jesus intends for our hands to be His hands… If you think that is the only reference to widows and orphans in scripture, go to BibleGateway.com and do a word search for those two words.

Keep watching this blog. Maybe I'll be able to put together a "dreams" video one of these days.

Mid Year Resolution

Okay,

It has been months since I posted anything. That is about to change. My goal will be once a week. May start back with some thoughts that have been rolling around since the end of February, but most will be "new" stuff.

For now, let me just say that I have been reminded again how much time we spend thinking, talking, viewing, getting, attaining, and/or fussing over things that a few minutes, days, weeks, or years will not make any difference to us or anyone else. May we learn what it means to "redeem the time." Ephesians 5:15-16.

Back Soon!

Fleeing Toward

In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul, looking back at everything from old wives tales, strange doctrines and poor financial choices, tells Tim to flee from such things. Flee! Run Away! Escape! These things will ensnare you, perhaps in such a way that you are unaware until it is too late. However, Paul does not just stop at the “don’ts.” He gives Tim goals. Flee toward! Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

“Pursue” is a challenging word. Most Christians seem to live with a laid-back approach to God, His Word, and His character. There are moments of discipline and seeking. Yet “pursuit” is not a word used to characterize our walk with God.

That word “pursuit,” calls to mind the image of a defensive back pursuing an opponent who, if allowed to score, gives the victory to those same opponents. Think of a police chase. “Pursuit” implies intensity, focus, fearlessness, single-mindedness.

It is this same focus and pursuit that God calls us to.

Aggressive Faith

1 Timothy 6:12 is another one of those powerful, convicting verses. It is one that paints a picture very different from the faith of most Western Christ-followers. Paul uses words that translate “fight” and “take hold.” The Greek word translated “fight” in the New American Standard Bible is “agonizomai.” It is from the same root where our word “agonize” comes from. It means “to struggle,” as in competing for a prize; “to contend with an adversary or to endeavor to accomplish something, fight, labor fervently, strive.” The Greek word translated “take hold of” is a mouth full: “epilambanomai.” It means “to seize for help, injury, attainment or any other purpose.”
These words contrast to the Western believer mindset of showing up at church once a week, month, or year, and then sitting back and waiting for God to “bless them.” [If I were God, I’d probably not bless, but body-slam. Good thing God is God, and I’m not.]
Think of a championship professional football game. Reckon the two teams will just “show up ‘cause they are s’posed to,” in the hope that they might win? No! They will hit that field and they will “fight, strive, contend, agonize, seize, and take hold of” with everything they have. And we’re talking about a football game.
Paul is speaking of eternity—yours and mine. Is it worth the effort? Hmm.

Great Gain

“Godliness is actually a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment,” says Paul. (1 Timothy 6:6) This is a powerful statement, and an almost unattainable state for any American believer. The problem is less with Godliness than it is with contentment. Our culture, yea verily, our economy, is built on a spirit of discontent.
It is hard to be content. If we read the paper, watch TV, or surf the Internet, we are bombarded with advertisements for the newer, better, faster, greener, more powerful, more prestigious, more convenient something-or-other, and we believe it. We might say we don’t, but we do, at least partially.
Let me give you some personal examples. I am not tempted by boats and boating stuff. I got over that temptation when I figured out I didn’t like to fish and I couldn’t seem to stay upright when attempting to slalom ski. Neither am I tempted by hunting, rock climbing, snow skiing or spelunking gear. But, when an ad comes on for a new Canon DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) Camera or some lens, I start to salivate. Get me in an Apple Store, and I start thinking, “Woot! Woot!” (“Woot” = “want one of those!”) On a much lower economic level, I’d rather make a run to Wendy’s than drive the same distance to my house and grab a pimento cheese sandwich for lunch. Contentment is rather illusive, isn’t it?
We westerners are constantly on the hunt, it seems, for more stuff. Even in these difficult economic times, many of us may have scaled back, but we’re still satisfying our wants rather than our needs. (Government and “leading economists” tell us that is a good thing, because that is what drives our economy. I doubt it.) We know that the “one that dies with the most toys,” does not win. Paul, in the next verse reminds us that we “bring nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either.” (1 Timothy 6:7)
Contentment, according to the next two verses, is being satisfied with food and covering (clothes). Wanting to get rich, (or, in most of our cases, wanting to appear at least “comfortable”) leads us into “temptation, snares, foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.” [Can we require Congress to memorize 1 Timothy 6:8-9? But I digress. I am talking about you and me—not them.]
Allow me to paraphrase Paul’s closing statement to his paragraph (verse 10). “For the love of the newer, faster, better, greener, easier, more convenient, more powerful thing or things that money buys is the root of all evil, and some, by longing for it have gotten so focused on things or so deep in debt they can no longer pay attention to their faith, and it causes them great pain.”
Our lifestyles and materialism have distracted us away from God. We are squandering our kid’s (and their kid’s kids) future both as families and as a nation. (Can you get you mind around how much a trillion dollars is? Me either. But to talk about going in that much debt—again— is likely perceived in heaven as inane, profane, and insane.)

So, what can we do? What is the believer’s way out?
1. Give to the Lord what he is due. It isn’t logical, but it is biblical. Therefore, we should do it. I think the Bible is pretty clear about the 10% amount.
2. Get out of debt.
3. Figure out where your money is going – keep a note card or pad and write where that cash goes.
4. Make a spending plan, a budget, and stick to it.
5. Cut up the cards if you need to.
6. Start a savings account for emergencies – so you won’t have to “charge it” when the car requires maintenance.
7. Lower your sights. Say, out loud if you need to, “You know, I can be content without that,” when you see an ad or an item in the store.
8. Buy only what you can pay for, without going into the emergency fund.

Expectations

What do you expect when you go to church? Most of us expect friendly faces, enjoyable music, instructive and hopefully inspirational sermons. But, do you expect to meet God in a special way. Do you expect, “God to show up?” I like it when that happens. I just don’t know if I usually expect it.

I spent my first thirty plus years of service working with middle and high school students. I was always amazed at how often God would “show up” at camps or on retreats, but rarely at our weekly youth group meetings. After about 29 years, it finally dawned on me that “God encounters” were more likely to happen at camps or retreats than during our weekly youth gatherings because of two “E” words: “expectations” and “environment.”

When we loaded up the bus and vans to head out to summer camp or a retreat, our expectations were high. Usually, the students were going to hear a “communicator” much more able than myself. They were going to be led in worship by a group or person that was better than what they were used to. And they were going to a place (environment) that got them away from their normal day-to-day distractions (and temptations, usually).

We wanted to encounter God in a fresh, powerful way. We expected it. The schedule was planned to prepare us for it. Each morning had times for reading the Bible and praying, worship, and teaching. There was free time, but conversations often centered on what we’d just heard or experienced. Afternoons were filled with recreation, but there was time for reflection and conversation. No wonder worship in the evening was incredible. We were tuned up and ready.

I began to compare the “camp reality” to the “daily” reality of a student showing up on Wednesday night. They had been at school all day, probably had a load of homework to do. Perhaps had to deal with a certain amount of drama during the day. Yet, they had decided to come to youth group. Most didn’t come in, though, expecting the “camp” worship and God-encounter experience. For many, their first thought about God that day happened after they got to that room. As the leader, I wanted us to have the “camp” experience every week, but I think I was expecting it from the students more than I was expecting it from God.

Whether a church service or a youth service, do you come expecting God to meet you? You to meet him? Do you just come because you are “supposed to.” If you answered, “Not really,” “Not really,” and “Yeah, that’s about it,” or something similar, you aren’t likely to meet God.

As learned at camp, it takes a prepared, focused, clean heart. I remember a preacher asking once if we spent as much time “combing” our heart before church as we did our hair. (I had more back then.) I think his point is obvious. Preparing is time spent in praise, confession, thanksgiving, and asking God to meet you, to teach you, to make you more like he created you to be.

Do you prepare for worship? What do you expect?

Three Cups of Tea

I received Three Cups of Tea (by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin) as a gift from a friend at Christmas. It is the story of Mortenson and how his failed attempt to ascend K2 turned into the enterprise of educating children, especially girls, in some of the most difficult places in the world – Northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. Reading yields great insight into the cultures of these areas, and helps us understand the people better. It proposes that education can be life changing, and, probably, world changing.

Mortensen and I would place different things at the top of our “what-is-most-valuable-and-important-in-life” lists, but his life, dedication, risk-taking, and willingness to endure hardship is inspiring. You may find some of what you read uncomfortable, but in this book you will learn more about the people of northern Pakistan and Afghanistan than you’ll ever get from the news media.

It is worth the read.

www.threecupsoftea.com

An Overwhelming Task

I was reading the first few verses of 1 Timothy 2 the other day. It is a call for us to pray for our leaders and those who exercise authority over us. That applies whether they are your party or not. But, as I prayed for our current and soon-to-be Presidents, I began to think about their job compared to mine. Sometimes, my "to-do" list gets overwhelming, but think about the President's:
Fix the economy, balance the budget (reconcile those two!), bring the wars we are fighting to the best outcomes, keep the homeland safe, and..!

You ever notice how Presidents age while in office—especially the two-term ones? No wonder. Yes they have lots of helpers, but there are many "hinderers" as well. It is a huge task this man has. We need to pray for him, and all those who exercise authority over us. If you need reasons why, find a Bible and read the first few verses of 1 Timothy 2.

More Teachers who Impacted my Life

A few weeks ago, I ran a post about some very influential teachers in my life. Today, I continue that reflection. I am sure I will miss some folks, but here are the ones that come to mind, for a variety of different reasons.

My pastor growing up, Bud Shivers. He came to my church when I was seven. One of his sons and I were best friends, so I not only saw him in preaching mode, but in living mode. He was funny, loved life, loved his family, loved his people, and loved God. He taught me about dealing with grief as his wife slowly was taken by awful cancer. He showed me about moving on through grief. He encouraged me, too, as I just was getting started in this vocation of mine.

There were many other as life went on:
“Rev” – my BSU Campus Minister at UGA, who pushed me beyond what I thought I could do to what God wanted to do.
Hank Dunn – who taught me how to have a Quiet Time, when I should have already known.
Barry St. Clair – who taught me so much about student ministry by training and by example, and who is was at least the catalyst God used to give me a love for Eastern Europe and its people.
Peter Lord – who showed me what a relationship with God should be: intimate. Obedient, and Spirit-powered. I have re-spoken his “Why I?” message so many times, I have lost count, and will likely use it again. I can even do it with his accent! (He grew up in Jamaica).
Dave Busby – a miracle man. Dave and I would be the same age if he were still among us. Early on, his body was ravaged with polio, and later on, he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. I saw him speak with incredible power and strength, and then nearly collapse in a chair as soon as he was done – yet you never knew how sick he was when he was speaking. God used this man of His to stretch my thinking (and the thinking of thousands of others) and see Jesus in ways I have never thought about. If I remember right, he was forty-seven when he passed away. But still, his message linger on my iPod, and, more importantly, in my soul.

Influential teachers are very special people. They do more than transfer information. They transfer their lives, their message. They may not have a lot of worldly investments, but the investment they make is in lives - a commodity far more valuable.