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.