greatest

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Dana

So… do I want to know God so I can do mighty exploits which would allow me to tell exciting tales? Selfishness and pride are always lurking to poison motives and taint fruit. Even the apostles fell into the trap of wanting to ‘be the greatest.’ Jesus does not invite followers (or churches) to compete with one another, but he does give a secret: “He who is least among you all – he is the greatest.”

The motive of ‘knowing God’ is not to be better than someone else but to be more like Jesus. Am I willing to become the least? Am I willing to become of no reputation? To better know God requires getting rid of ‘self’ and allowing the Holy Spirit to have his way in correcting, teaching, and molding me into the image of the Son. And my journey will not be alone. Jesus has a beautiful understanding of community. The Son prayed for unity – “that they may be one as we are one; I in them and you in me.” Wow.

The mighty exploits are the works of Jesus. He said, “You shall do even greater things!” When our son Taylor was in Cambodia, one of the team members was physically touched in a miraculous way. A leg that was shorter than the other from birth literally grew as friends prayed in faith. The miracle was the work of Jesus, but believers participated in God’s mighty work by believing and praying. As you might imagine, there was a great celebration as a young man jumped for joy with an improved body.

“So why didn’t God heal you instantly of your cancer? Do you have to go to Cambodia to witness such exploits?” God knows the answer to these types of questions; I don’t. I can tell you of exploits though. People brought food, sent cards, encouraged my family, visited me in the hospital, and prayed fervently. A sister in Christ drove six or seven hours one way just to see me in person. While in town, she served and loved my wife and children. She also sang in my hospital room with her beautiful voice and encouraged me in faith. To me, these actions were mighty exploits. No friend boasts that he was my greatest supporter and no one should feel guilty, saying he did not do enough. God brought about what was needed… and he received glory.

Jesus loves to bring his Father glory and we have the wonderful honor of joining him. Read afresh the story in the first ten verses of Luke 7. A Gentile centurion grieved because his loyal servant was sick and about to die. When he heard Jesus, the healer, was in town he sent some people get him. The ones who went to Jesus were Jewish elders! Though very different from their friend, these Jews loved the centurion saying he was a deserving man who had built the town’s synagogue. Jesus agreed to follow them, but before they arrived, the centurion sent other friends to give Jesus a message. “I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. I know what it is like to receive orders and to give orders. If you just say the word, sir, I know my servant will be healed.” Jesus was amazed at the soldier’s faith and encouraged the crowd to take note. Jesus then spoke the word and the sick man was healed. What a tale! One guy had great faith, one group went to get Jesus, another group delivered a humble message, the crowd received instruction, and (my favorite) the sick man was healed! I’ll bet everyone celebrated!

Our principal, Scott Harsh, has recently been diagnosed with lymphoma and started treatment this week. Lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma are the three main blood cancers, so I know a little about Scott’s struggle. I also know this: brothers and sisters in Christ will love, serve, and encourage the whole family through this trial. There will be fervent prayer and much burden-bearing. Scott and his family will feel God’s strength and in those times when little is ‘felt’ or understood, God will still be with them. Though mighty exploits may not occur in the exact way we desire, faith, hope, and love will shine forth and God will receive glory. Please pray for the Harsh family.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13

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exploits

Posted on November 21, 2009 by Dana

Anna, our dear missionary friend from Brazil, visited us this past week. Sunday evening she shared an encouraging verse from Daniel (11:32b): “… but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Since an exploit is ‘a daring deed or heroic act’ I perked up, thinking this might have something to do with future ‘tales to tell.’ But while Anna mentioned the wonderful purposes our heavenly Father has for each believer, her emphasis was on these words: “… the people who know their God…”

God can use a donkey to accomplish his will but his great desire is to be in close relationship with each of us. One of the most jolting passages of Scripture tells of people recounting their wonderful exploits. “Jesus, we preached in your name! We performed miracles! We even drove out demons!” Yet Jesus said, “Depart from me. I never knew you.” Of course God knows every person who has ever lived, but Jesus taught: “It does not matter what mighty things you say you’ve done, if you have not been in relationship with me, I don’t even recognize you.”

How often do we put the cart before the horse? “Look at these mighty plans I’m accomplishing for God!” we boast, while Jesus asks, “Do you know me?” The one who knows God does not take credit… for he understands grace is the reason for the relationship. “God drew me and taught me… through his Son. I listen and obey. I just want to know him better. I’ve failed many times, but I forget the past and press on toward this goal of knowing my Lord.” Paul wrote such things.

“You don’t know my Father at all!” Jesus said this to the religious of Israel and his words still echo. “Here’s the truth: You care more about your reputation than about doing right. Those who know my Father seek his praise… not the praise of men. You prove you don’t know my Father when you fail to practice mercy. ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ You’d do well to search out the meaning. You don’t even recognize a good man when he’s in your midst. If you don’t see God in me then you don’t know my Father.”

Jesus knows what we need – life. “I have come that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly. This life does not consist of gaining more stuff or becoming more prominent; don’t even worry about such things. The pagans are consumed with this thinking. Seek God first and his righteousness and trust that your heavenly Father will supply what you need. Hunger and thirst for what is most important – eternal life. And this is eternal life: knowing God and knowing the Son he sent.”

“This is what the Lord says, ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

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tale

Posted on November 12, 2009 by Dana

This summer, a good friend told his family that I was scheduled for another stem cell transplant to fight cancer. That night his oldest child prayed: “And God, help Mr. Dana with what he’s going through. May he live to tell the tale.”

Five-year-old John prayed in church this past Sunday and thanked God for answering his most frequent request. “God, thank you that Dana’s mustache has come back and help him get all the way better.”

Tuesday we met with the doctor at Emory and learned that the cancer count in my blood is now zero! We praise God and thank the youngest to the oldest for all the prayers offered on our behalf. My parents were in town Tuesday to pick up my youngest brother and his family who were flying in from Africa for their missionary furlough. They all got to celebrate with us. A father and mother’s love never dwindles… no matter how old the child…

So I’m trying to figure out what ‘tale to tell.’ What does God want to do with us? The cool possibility is that ‘our tale’ can be ‘His tale.’ Will I give Him full invitation? Will I present myself to Him with no restriction? “Here I am. I have come to do Your will.” These were Jesus’ words to His Father as He came to earth. A perfect attitude led the Son to make “Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.” Oh to be like Him…

Oswald Chambers wrote: “As long as you maintain your own personal interests and ambitions, you cannot be completely aligned or identified with God’s interests. This can only be accomplished by giving up all of your personal plans once and for all, and by allowing God to take you directly into His purpose for the world.”

His tales are grander than anything we can even dream about… so let’s see what the future holds.

“This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” John 21:24-25

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guide

Posted on November 5, 2009 by Dana

This past weekend I got to hang out with several teachers who are leading short term mission trips this school year. The prayer is: “Guide us, Lord, as we take these young people to serve others in Jesus’ name.” A couple of nights ago, I got to be with parents of junior high students who are raising children in a dangerous world. The prayer is: “Guide us, Lord, as you have entrusted us with these precious children.” I know of a senior in college who is in the midst of making important career decisions as he prepares to graduate. The prayer is: “Guide me, Lord, in the way you want me to go. I need you to make things clear.” I have a good friend who has recently learned of health issues that will impact him and his family in unknown ways. The prayer is: “Guide us, Lord, down this uncertain path. Protect us from fear and harm. May you receive glory in our lives.”

It helps to hear the testimonies of those who have gone before. The mission leader who tells of God’s faithfulness encourages the one who has never led. Parents whose children are grown can encourage parents who are in the midst of the challenge. A man or woman who tells of God’s providential hand in bringing fulfilling work can bless the young person who wonders if he’ll ever find a job. The believer who has walked through the valley can say with confidence, “Fear no evil for God is with you. His rod and staff will comfort you and, by faith, you will bring him glory.”

Jesus promised an even greater blessing than the encouragement of brothers and sisters. “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you… When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify… But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you… But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking what is mine and making it known to you.” (See John 14-16)

During the mid 1700′s, a bright young Welshman was planning a career in medicine. One Sunday morning at church, the Lord moved so mightily in his heart that William Williams knew he needed to go a whole new direction. For forty-three years the Holy Spirit gave this man songs, poems, and sermons that went throughout Wales as God brought a mighty revival to the land. Here’s one of his songs that is still a great prayer: “Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah”

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more;
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing waters flow;
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar, lead me all my journey through;
Strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield;
Strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside;
Bear me through the swelling current, land me safe on Canaan’s side;
Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee;
Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.

“No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:3-5

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100 days

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Dana

On March 20, 1815, the feared general Napoleon took power in Paris in what is known as the Hundred Days. Meanwhile 150,000 troops from five countries marched to end his rule. At the end of the hundred days, the famed Battle of Waterloo took place and a defeated French conqueror was sent into exile.

Stem cell transplant patients are taught to anticipate one hundred days after the transplant as the time to evaluate success. Of course, no one wants a Waterloo. Sunday is my hundredth day, so Monday afternoon I go back to Emory for all the medical tests (I’m studying hard).

Our nursing-school daughter, Kinsey, asked if I’m worried about it all. I asked her, “What good will it do?” I’m just so thankful I’m feeling better. My energy is returning, my appetite is back, I’m able to teach again, and I get to hang out with my family and many people I love. Don’t take ‘normal’ days for granted; treasure and use well the gift of ‘time’; tell people you love them; and give thanks to our Father in Heaven who loves us more than we can imagine.

It will be a couple of weeks before I can share results. Thanks for so many prayers and words of encouragement!

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?… So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 5:27-34

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