strange

Posted on March 22, 2007 by Dana

My friend Mark, his wife, and their two elementary-age sons have been faithful servants of the Gospel in predominately Muslim Asian countries. Persecution is more the norm in these lands and Mark often partners with Voice of the Martyrs to encourage and assist those in danger for following Jesus. Mark was in town recently and asked a group of believers an unusual question: “Do any of you going through present difficulty believe something strange is happening to you?” He then read Peter’s words: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” (I Peter 4:12) Of course, the implication of this verse is that we should not be surprised when we confront hardship. Suffering should not be considered strange in the life of a disciple.

We all understand this was an important message to pass on to new Christians in the first century who often lost everything for their faith, but what about today? Mark can tell story after story of Asian believers losing property, homes, family members, freedom, and their own lives for the sake of Christ. When someone becomes a Christian in these places, the differences are so distinct that Peter’s words make sense. “Of course it is not strange that I will suffer for this Truth I have found. But I have found eternal life, so is it not worth it?” Mark can also tell stories of some who decided it was not worth it and denied Christ at a critical point of decision. Interestingly, Mark extended the meaning of this verse far beyond what we consider the “far-away-places-of-persecution.” If you are undergoing a certain hardship, don’t consider it strange. All believers are in the same Body and we all have a common enemy. With eyes on Jesus, Peter encourages us to choose a different attitude. “Rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (I Peter 4:13)

We know such things as “rejoicing in the midst of suffering” are easier said than done, but Peter was not unfamiliar with difficulty. To embrace this mindset requires the Spirit of Christ, so we must constantly pray, “Lord, fill me with your Spirit and give me the mind of Christ.” We can also participate with those enduring hardship by praying in faith and serving them with God’s love.

In light of this, I want to share recent news I’m tempted to call “strange.” Next week, Lord willing, we leave to visit and serve John and Suzanne Hunter in Africa. For years they have led a Christian school in the poorest area of Windhoek, Namibia. John has had a nagging cough for months and Suzanne urged him to check things out. After many tests, John has been informed he has multiple myeloma, the same disease I have. This is a very difficult time for the Hunter family. Please pray for them. Susan can be a good encourager for Suzanne while we are there, and I hope I can encourage John. There is no doubt the enemy hates the work being done to share Jesus with the lost and to rescue children from poverty and disease. I pray the Hunters, all the teachers, and all of us will remember that, in the end, Satan will be defeated and Christ will reign. In the meantime, may we all fight the good fight with our eyes fixed on Jesus – the author and perfecter of our faith.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

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amazing grace

Posted on March 10, 2007 by Dana

A re-test of the protein count I reported last week revealed an error. Instead of the level dropping from 1.3 to .5, it had actually increased to 1.8. After receiving so many words of encouragement and hearing so many praises lifted to our Father in Heaven, it is a little disappointing to send out bad news, but I know we would all rather deal with factual reports than false ones. No matter what report we receive from a doctor, these things I mentioned last week remain true: God is faithful, the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective, and the Father is worthy of all praise. I’m in the middle of another round of chemo before our trip to Africa, so we treasure your prayers.

Our Namibian mission team went to see the movie AMAZING GRACE this past weekend. This is the powerful story of William Wilberforce and his battle to end the British slave trade. As a young lawmaker, William sometimes went to talk to an aging minister he respected as a man of God. This pastor, John Newton, had inside knowledge about the slave trade because of his own involvement before he was saved. One of the most famous hymns of all time was written by a “chief of sinners.” If you get to see the movie, you’ll be moved by the attitude of John Newton and you’ll be motivated by the perseverance of William Wilberforce.

The greatest explanation of the Gospel of Christ was written by another man who called himself “the chief of sinners.” Jesus rescued Saul of Tarsus and molded him into his own image. Paul, John Newton, William Wilberforce, you, and me are forever indebted to the One who gave his life that we might be reconciled to the Father. By grace we are saved, by grace we are called, by grace we learn to persevere, and by grace we finish the race.

We are foolish when we treat God’s grace haphazardly. We can never use such a gift as a license to sin. The German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer boldly disclaimed the idea of “cheap grace.” The wise know we are in need of God’s grace every day and in every season of life. As Saul entered the Kingdom of God, the Lord told his servant, Ananias, “This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” By grace he was saved, by grace he was chosen, and by grace he endured the suffering. By grace William Wilberforce was saved, by grace he was given an assignment to bring justice to the world, and by grace he endured criticism, setbacks, health struggles, and every temptation to quit. With joy, John Newton wrote, “I once was blind but now I see,” but what did he think when he lost his physical eyesight? What did he sing as he approached death’s door? Oh to hold to God’s solid word: “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Is it easier to receive a good report from the doctor or a bad one? When is grace most amazing? I was not most impressed that William Wilberforce passionately hated slavery. The Golden Rule should lead us all to despise injustice. What shines in the two hundred year old story of an English politician is the fact that he never gave up! What shines in the story of the ex-Pharisee who lost all for the Gospel is the fact that he seemed to grow stronger in faith the more hardships he endured. We sing the chorus: “Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!” Amazing grace is how we stand.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:1-5

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resurrection

Posted on March 3, 2007 by Dana

First, I’d like to give a little medical update. I’ve not shared health news lately because everything has stayed about the same. I’ve had seven rounds of chemo this school year and the unwanted protein count has stayed exactly the same (1.3) for the last three. About a month ago, I told the doctor Susan and I were going to Italy and Namibia in February and March, which would mean longer time periods between chemo treatments. When I gave blood last Friday, I truly expected the result to be rather dreary. I admit my frequent faithlessness, but even “if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself.” Isn’t that a cool verse? Yesterday a nurse called to share that my protein count had dropped to .5! I don’t think there’s going to be much of a medical explanation for this and I doubt a weeklong diet of Italian food will impress many researchers. So please give all praise to our kind Father in Heaven and please accept our thanks for your prayers. I feel there are many who often have a measure of faith far beyond mine. Oh to remember that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective.

A documentary is to air Sunday night about the discovery of the bones of Jesus and Mary Magdalene in a common burial site in Jerusalem. Some think archeological evidence of the story set forth in the best-selling book, The Da Vinci Code, will be powerful proof that Jesus was just a man and that Christianity has been a great hoax. Similar lies started the week of the resurrection. It seems the devil will never tire of trying to deceive the world about the Hope of mankind.

Paul’s proclamation of salvation for all who put their faith in Christ hinged on the truth of the resurrection. “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…” (I Cor 15:14-20)

Regarding the upcoming documentary about the tomb found in 1980, Lawrence Stager, the Dorot professor of archeology of Israel at Harvard said, “One of the problems is there are so many biblically illiterate people around the world that they don’t really know what is real judicious assessment and what is what some of us in the field call ‘fantastic archeology.’” The Word of God puts all arguments against the resurrection to rest and so does the Living Christ who abides in the hearts of God’s children.

This week I’ve talked to a fifty-year-old father, a seventy-year-old grandfather, and a seventeen-year-old girl. If I tried to convince them that a guy in Jerusalem has just proven that the resurrection was a concocted story, they would be unimpressed. The father would tell me of an amazing thing God did in his family this past week. He would share of the deep work of conviction in his heart and the glorious answer to prayer that only God could have accomplished. He would say, “Dana, don’t even give those worthless claims the time of day. The risen Christ is alive and at work in all who will humbly believe and obey. Look what He’s just done in my family!” The grandfather would share of God’s mighty work through a trial that lasted exactly four months. He would praise God with all his might and through tears of joy would say, “Dana, you listen to me. The story I have just told you about the risen Christ is an example of what He will do for any soul that comes to Him with empty hands and a trusting heart. The devil is trying to snuff out faith any way he can before Jesus returns, but we must do nothing with his lies but expose them!” With a gleam in her eyes the teenager would share of God’s faithfulness on a recent mission trip. Her team faced hardship and sorrow, but God overcame with tremendous victories. This sweet girl would respectfully say, “Mr. Davis, there’s no reason for me to even watch that documentary Sunday night. I know Jesus; He is not dead. He lives in my heart and He has just performed wonders that I can’t really describe. I wish everyone could know Jesus as their best friend. He is the only One who gives meaning to life.”

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

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city on a hill

Posted on February 24, 2007 by Dana

The first head coach I worked under after graduating from college took Susan and me to Italy last week. The three of us had an incredible time and Susan and I will be forever grateful. The first place we visited was Rome, the city built on seven hills. Palatine Hill, the legendary place where Romulus killed his brother, Remus, and planted the Eternal City was the place where the rich and powerful lived. As rulers tried to outdo one another with beautiful buildings, the hill eventually became one huge palace. Our word, ‘palace,’ comes from the word, ‘palatine.’

Though despised by citizens of Jesus’ land, Rome surely fit the description of the illustration he used to teach the Father’s purpose for his children on earth. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

A person can’t help but be awestruck as he sees the cathedrals of Rome. Priceless paintings, gold-plated ceilings, and incredible sculptures overwhelm the mind. So much points to the Bible and God’s plan to save the world. When a twenty-four year old Michelangelo sculpted his Pieta, little did he imagine the millions of people that would admire his masterpiece and be drawn to the story of the crucified Savior in the arms of his mother. As I admired all the beauty and all the history, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the light of the world Jesus spoke about. Of course, such deliberations aren’t confined to Italy, as our own country has its share of physical cities on a hill. I respect Michelangelo and other artists who use their talents to point heavenward, but surely Jesus was also thinking of the influence a common fisherman might have in this world as he lets his light shine before men.

Henri Nouwen lived in Rome for several months before moving to serve the mentally handicapped at a L’Arche community in Toronto, Canada. The former teacher at Notre Dame and Harvard became convinced God wanted his light to shine in a place where few would notice. Most of the people he served could not even express appreciation, but Henri knew that didn’t matter. While in Rome, he discovered the most powerful spiritual light had little to do with famous landmarks or prominent leaders. He found the brightest light shining among servants that few knew, humble men and women who dedicated themselves to serving the poor and giving cups of cool water in Jesus’ name. No one paid admission to watch these believers and some even called them clowns, but the witness of Christ was unmistakable and rich praise went forth to our Father in Heaven.

Sitting in a true Italian restaurant, our friend told us of a shining light he had witnessed while growing up in South Georgia. Teaching Sunday school class, taking food to the needy, visiting the sick, living with integrity, giving generously… these are the things that were remembered. Most have never heard of the elderly lady that impacted many, but Jesus smiles when he sees this type of ‘city on a hill’ that makes a difference.

Of course, the only light that makes a difference is Jesus, Himself. Without such Light, we have no power. Henri Nouwen’s book, “Clowning in Rome,” is an encouragement to walk closely with our Lord. If you want your light to shine, spend continual time with Jesus. If you want the Father to receive glory, get to know the Son. If you want your life to make a difference, give up self and be filled with Christ. He is the Light of the world and all who truly meet him will be forever changed.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

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treasure

Posted on February 8, 2007 by Dana

A small group of Jewish rabbis reading the Scripture we call the New Testament came to the conclusion that Jesus was the Messiah the prophets of old had predicted would come. Studying the teachings of the Rabbi from Nazareth through scholarly Jewish eyes, they noticed truths that sometimes may escape us. For example, the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price were given interpretations quite different from what we usually consider. These rabbis explained it something like this: “God has called His people, Israel, His treasure. ‘For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession.’ (Psalm 135:4) Also, a pearl does not hold the value to the traditional Jew that it holds for the Gentile. The pearl comes from a creature Moses declared unclean in the Old Testament. (Leviticus 11:9-12) So this is what Jesus meant in these parables: Jehovah God saw a treasure so valuable that He gave what was most precious to Him to purchase His chosen people, Israel. And God saw another treasure, not highly valued by many Jews, so lovely that He gave up everything He had to possess it. The parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price speak of God’s incredible love for Jews and Gentiles. He loved us all so much He gave His only Son to purchase souls of enormous value.”

Paul often prayed that believers would know God better. He reasoned that if a person could know how wide and deep and high and long His love, he would be changed. Does a King really love me so much that He gave His own life to purchase my pardon? Paul believed that if anyone grasped this reality he would be truly converted from selfish pursuits to a life of offering self as a living sacrifice to the One who deserves all glory.

Our usual interpretations of the parable of the hidden treasure and the parable of the pearl of great price become valid as we see Jesus as He really is. He really is the King. He really is a Mighty Warrior. He really is Master and Teacher. He really is the Savior who gave Himself for me. And He calls me friend. He tells me that He chose me long before I chose Him. Why would I ever pursue anything less valuable than Christ when He is the Treasure above all else? I should be willing to give up everything for this One.

A young lady from India shared with our seniors this week about her conversion from a traditional Muslim background to Christianity. Her talk was no lecture about world religions. She shared about the Savior who spoke to her heart when she was in the tenth grade, saying, “Put your faith in Me.” Though it was several years later that she said ‘yes,’ she knew that Jesus had revealed Himself to her as the true Christ. Though she could be killed in her village today for leaving the religion of her family, she longs to worship and follow her Savior wherever He leads. “If someone offered me millions of dollars in exchange for my Lord, I would refuse. I will never give up what is most precious to me.”

In the days of Paul, if someone said, “I have become a Christian. I have turned from my sin and put my faith in Christ, but I’m not sure I would call Jesus my most valued Treasure,” the apostle might have answered: “I’m going to pray that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened. I’m going to pray that you see what you’ve been given. I’m going to pray the deceit of this world’s mixed up values are exposed so you can see Jesus clearly. I’m going to pray that you’ll understand why I’ve given up everything to follow my Lord and that we will all experience His full joy.”

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:17-19

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Mathew 13:44-45

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