body

Posted on October 25, 2005 by Dana

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” So much of the wisdom of God is found in the Body of Christ. We get glimpses, but I wish we could understand it all. As a part of a local church, you have probably experienced aspects of the body. We know different ones have different gifts and each person is needed. One time I hired a whole staff of camp workers that were pretty much just like me. We had a great time, but no one could ever find their keys! God knows we need people around us with strengths we don’t have. When we humbly do what we’re good at and encourage others in their strengths, the body works. When the foot tries to do the job of the hand, we struggle.

We’ve also experienced the love members of a congregation have for one another. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” I think it is more fun to be on the giving end than on the receiving end, but we usually don’t get to choose our circumstances. Love builds up the wounded. Acts of kindness help a hurting member make it through a day. Often the giver may not even know he made a difference, but God knows how important the little things are. I received a beautiful card from a family in Chattanooga yesterday. I have never met this family, but they are friends of my brother and learned of my sickness. Since they are connected to my brother, they are connected to me, so they blessed someone they didn’t even know.

For some reason God has allowed me to experience another aspect of His Body that is hard to explain. The Body of Christ is all over this world and though we’ve never met most members, we are connected. This morning, a beautiful young lady who teaches school in her African country, Namibia, e-mailed me to say that she and all her friends were praying for me. She then relayed the Scripture from Joshua that says to ‘be strong and courageous’. How did she know that is what I needed this morning? Last week, a native of India we met through The Voice of the Martyrs, a ministry that serves the persecuted church, called from his Indian home to check on me. He asked if he could pray for me over the phone. Somehow I knew God was also connected with that phone conversation. I have heard from members of the Body who live in Jerusalem, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Canada, Brazil… and I realize I am no more special than anyone else. Every member is precious to God! We are parts of His Body… He cannot forget us. Yes it pleases Him when we reach out and bless the hurting, feed the hungry, care for the sick, and visit those in prison. But these acts of love within the Body reflect the awesome love of the Father. And if, for one reason or another, I find myself in a place of suffering where no one even knows I’m hurting, His love is no less.

We know Jesus suffered once on the Cross to redeem the world. Somehow, though, Paul knew that the sufferings of Christ were not finished. “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” (Col. 1:24) When a member of the Body hurts, Jesus hurts. When we serve one another, we serve Him. When the world sees love, the world sees Jesus… and God receives glory.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:3-9

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15-08-05

Posted on October 18, 2005 by Dana

We had a successful surgery last Thursday as a port was put into my chest. Monday I received chemotherapy and after an easy day, I remembered Monday night and Tuesday why I hate chemo so much. But I am feeling better now and hopefully will sleep tonight and be able to work the rest of this week. I thank you again for so many prayers and kind words.

Susan told me I left out a word in a recent ‘journey’ and I told her to get used to it. The mind gets a little cloudy with all the poisons chasing the cancer out of my body. The numbers ’15-08-05′ represent a date and it is not a mistake. Israel, as many countries, puts the day first, then the month, then the year. On the 15th of August, at the order of the government of Israel, settlers in Gaza were removed from their homes. I will not write a political opinion of this decision. As a younger man, Ariel Sharon fought to establish settlements in the Gaza Strip. As an older man, Prime Minister Sharon, decided there might be a better chance for peace in Israel if the settlers were removed. He may be voted out of office for his decision as opinions on both sides of the issue are furiously debated. I doubt anyone has the exact truth on what will take place in Israel before Jesus returns, but I’ll offer a thought that gives me joy. I’ve only studied the formation of two nations that presently exist on earth: our nation and the nation of Israel. It is hard to read of what took place in 1776 (and the surrounding years) without believing that God had a powerful hand in our country coming into being. It is, I believe, impossible to read of what took place in 1948 (and the surrounding years) without recognizing the powerful hand of God in bringing the present nation of Israel into existence. When we earnestly pray for our nation and other nations, I believe we approach something precious to the heart of God.

On August 30th, we were on the Mount of Olives and I saw something I will never forget. Surrounded by a multitude of Israeli soldiers, many settlers, wearing bright orange t-shirts imprinted with the date ’15-08-05′, were participating in a type of funeral. This was the day the transported dead from Gaza were given new graves. We didn’t intentionally attend this event; it was just the day we had chosen to visit the well-traveled road that Jesus often walked. Instead of watching such a news story on television, I found myself looking into the eyes of those that were grieving. Some of you have looked into the eyes of those that have lost everything in the recent hurricanes. There is something about being close to pain that is jolting.

This week several have sent me Scriptures that hold the promises of God for those who love Him. Many expend quite a bit of energy trying to figure out why God would allow the suffering we have seen in recent months. Some even reject faith in God because they can’t grasp a satisfactory answer to the question of suffering. I can’t give perfect answers, but I can tell anyone with great confidence that God is love. One day He may explain everything to us in such a way that we will see how suffering on this earth never contradicted His love. One day we might fully understand the wrath of God and the mercy of God. But here is what we know now: “God desires no one to perish, but all to have eternal life… and eternal life is found in His Son.” So instead of worrying about the things you will never understand, put your energy into walking with God through His Son, Jesus. Is it possible that one who walked with God was hit by last year’s tsunami in Southeast Asia? Is it possible that one who walked with God was impacted by a hurricane in our gulf coast? Is it possible brothers and sisters in Christ have been devastated by the earthquake in Pakistan? Is it possible to be a Jew who walks with God in Israel? Is it possible to be an Arab who walks with God in the West Bank? Is it possible to walk with God through unemployment or disease or even death?

The hope for mankind is not in teaching everyone how to avoid pain and suffering. The hope for mankind is in knowing the One who overcame the world. That same One told us we would have tribulation on this earth. He even predicted the things that would take place before He returned. He does not want us to argue over the meanings of His predictions; He wants us to walk with Him. He’s a Friend that can take us through any valley. He is the Shepherd who whispers instructions and promises to His children. Listen to Him and believe.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock… My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, will I seek… Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors… I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:5,8,11,13,14

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$5

Posted on October 12, 2005 by Dana

I shared a story Sunday from the late Dwight L. Moody. A wealthy man in a congregation had a friendship with another man in the church who always seemed to have difficulty handling money. Try though he might, he could never seem to make good financial decisions so he was constantly broke. The wealthy man, who had a gift of handling money, wanted to help but knew he needed to be wise. Going to the pastor of the church, he shared that he wanted to be an anonymous giver. Each week he gave the pastor an envelope to deliver to his friend. The envelope always contained a five dollar bill (which went much further 100 years ago). On the outside of the envelope, these words were written: MORE TO FOLLOW. Dwight Moody used this example to tell of our God of grace who always gives us what we need.

As I finished telling this story, Susan punched my arm and whispered, “Oh, I forgot to tell you. You got a card in the mail this week that contained a gift from Miss Mozella. She sent you five dollars!” Mozella is a sweet lady in Chattanooga who always encouraged my brother, Brian, who worked several years as a missionary in the inner-city. She always has a smile on her face and she always gives me a big hug. To Mozella, five dollars is not a small amount of money and I am so grateful for her kindness. But I know Miss Mozella is simply a vessel of her Master. God knew I needed to be reminded this week that He is in control and that He will give us everything we need.

Many of you know we did not get a good blood report Monday. Tomorrow a port will be put in my arm that will enable easy access to an artery. Monday I am scheduled get my first round of chemo. A friend sent me an encouraging Scripture from Nehemiah 8:10. “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” How I want this to be true! Do you know what the first part of this verse says? “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.” While I have an appetite, this sounds like a good idea! If you have nothing prepared, let me know!

“As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” Luke 21:1-3

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Gesthemane

Posted on October 6, 2005 by Dana

As I write, my blood is on the way to the labs for evaluation. I studied as hard as I could for this test, but I don’t know that I’m going to pass! :) I sure am grateful to all who have prayed. Results will come sometime next week.

I felt honored when asked to share a word of encouragement with a group of missionaries while we were in Israel. It can be a bit intimidating to speak to men and women who literally put their lives on the line in the mission field. But these brothers and sisters humbly admit they are no different than us, and we understand that no Christian is exempt from the attacks of the evil one.

Worry is one of those weapons the enemy uses to discourage and detain the children of the King. If God gives the missionary the grace not to worry about the dangers in the land, the temptation to worry about finances and support might creep into the mind. Sitting on the hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where many believe Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, I shared what I felt the Lord showed me the previous day. Some of these friends knew that my blood counts had revealed the return of cancer, so I asked if it was possible for me to follow Jesus’ instructions about worry. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

The day before this trip to the northern part of Israel, we retraced the last steps of Jesus from the room of the Last Supper to Gethsemane to Pilate’s residence to Golgotha. As we read the Scriptures on the Passion of Christ, I couldn’t help but wonder if he worried. We know Jesus lived out the Sermon on the Mount perfectly, but what was going through his mind as he faced betrayal and death? Did he whistle a tune and pretend nothing was wrong? Such a thought is absurd. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” were the honest words of a man in anguish.

When I walked into the Church of the Nations at Gethsemane, a flood of emotion hit me. Part of it was remembering what Jesus endured on my behalf, but another part dealt with my own circumstance. I understand the plea, “Abba, Father, let this cup pass,” but I desire the attitude that enabled the rest of the prayer. “”My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

Jesus showed us the secret to dealing with worry; he went to the Father. How else could he have faced denial, desertion, accusation, beating, mockery, crucifixion, and all the sins of the world? No one has ever faced a trial with such courage, poise, and lack of fear as our Master did. The time He spent in prayer to His Father at Gethsemane prepared him. Now he invites those who are frightened and weary to come to him.

Another significant thing happened at Gethsemane. Jesus asked his friends to watch and pray. I’ve fallen asleep in church too many times to suggest that I would have done any better than Peter, James, and John, but I hope I’ll pray for my friends. We do not know the difference our prayers make. Jesus told Peter that he had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail. That’s what I need my friends to pray for me… and that’s what I want to pray for my friends.

“He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, ‘Father if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. ‘Why are you sleeping?’ he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’” Luke 22:41-46

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Fisherman

Posted on September 27, 2005 by Dana

We all know Jesus had a special place in his heart for fishermen as he walked the shores of Galilee and called a few to leave their nets to follow him. Fishermen don’t mind getting up early in the morning or working late into the night if there are fish to be caught. Fishermen deal with the hazards of weather and the heartbreak of loss. They know they must persevere to be successful, and they know there is always something to learn.

Taylor and I spent the weekend with some professional fishermen in Tyler, Texas. As hurricane Rita roared up the Louisiana – Texas line, forty five teenage boys listened to the masters teach some of the things they have learned about fishing, life, and the true Master. These guys even got to go out on the water with three different pros to witness firsthand how they located fish and caught them. As Taylor absorbed every moment, he realized how much he doesn’t know.

Tomorrow Taylor leaves for discipleship training in Hawaii to be followed by an outreach to Asia. During the five months he will be gone, it won’t surprise me if Taylor finds places to fish in other parts of the world, but he’ll also meet some different fishermen in Youth With A Mission. These men and women have heard the call Jesus gave Peter, Andrew, James, and John and are going into all world to serve mankind and share about the Savior that came from Heaven to rescue us from sin. They don’t mind getting up early in the morning and working late into the night if there are souls to be saved. I met a few of these missionaries in Jerusalem who had experienced the types of hazards that stretch our faith. Two ladies experienced the loss of friends as five fellow Christian workers were killed for following Jesus. But for some reason these disciples know they must persevere. They also know they must listen carefully to the Master for there is always something to learn.

Susan and I love our son and we are sure going to miss him. I’m going to miss fishing with him and hearing the funny stories he has to tell. (One day he needs to write a book entitled “Glory and Gloom on the Water” :) ) But just as several Christian men told him this past weekend, Jesus is calling us to a purpose far beyond ourselves. He’s put something in each of us that will bless His Kingdom as we follow the greatest Fisherman that has ever lived. Sometimes His ways might sound strange to us, but if we remember He created all things and knows all things, we will know He can be trusted. So, Taylor, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

“When he finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’ When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now own you will catch men.’ So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:4-11

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