Selected to Serve

The letter started with, “You are hereby notified that you have been selected to serve as a prospective juror and you are therefore commanded to report to the Riley County Courthouse…”  I’ve been eligible to serve for 36 years and this is the first time I have gotten this far into the process.

I feel strongly about doing my part in the community, so I was excited about the opportunity. Except for a couple of things.

The dates for the trial were a concern, because they fell in a busy time for me.  But I resolved to make it work.  And then, there was one other little thing about the letter that struck a bit of a sour note for me. It was a word in the first sentence: “commanded.”  Really?  Commanded?  It seemed a bit harsh. All they had to do was ask – I’m more than willing to help. Isn’t everyone?  :)

They could have written, “We need your help with an upcoming trial, so please come to the courthouse on 11/17/2014. We look forward to meeting you. Thank you in advance for helping us out.”  But then again, I suppose experience has taught them that stronger “encouragement” is needed.

On the night before Jesus died, He got up from the table and grabbed a basin of water and a towel. And then He washed every dirty foot in the room – even the feet that were going to betray Him in a few short moments.

After washing their feet, He put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing?   You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.   And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.   I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. (John 13:12-15)

The Son of God, left a throne, to come and serve – to offer an example that encourages and commands us to follow His lead.  We have been selected to serve!

Today, in my daily scripture reading I read the following verse, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Cor. 12:7)   Moments before reading, a friend had invited me out to his house – I needed some air for a low tire. He had the air compressor and tire gauge I lacked, so he checked and filled all four of my tires.

Today I witnessed Jesus’ example and Paul’s encouragement!

Friends, “…don’t get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.” (Gal. 6:9)   Be excited to follow Christ’s lead. Take what He has given you and use it to help someone else. Serve with joy – not out of duty!

Selected to Serve,

Ron

The Rest of the Story

The rest of the story…

Last month I shared about the fence post that I had thought had “sprouted”. But, upon closer examination I found that the post wasn’t alive. Instead another tree was growing up alongside it. I was disappointed, but my disappointment quickly gave way to curiosity.

What kind of tree was this and who could I ask to learn more? The answer was simple – ask the Kansas Forest Service! So I sent an email with a brief description of the tree, its leaves, and berries, along with an attached photo and in a couple of days an answer was received. The answer was... ‘Hmmm… I’m not sure what kind of tree this is.’

Fortunately, my contact at the Forest Service had a friend who served as their ‘tree lifeline’ when stumped (pun intended). So my email was forwarded to a local county extension agent. Again it was a couple of days before an answer was received. This time there was an identification, but I was left incredulous. Time for a second opinion!

So I sent yet another email and picture to a county extension agent in a neighboring county. And again, in a couple of days an answer was received. He agreed with the first agent – ‘Looks like poison ivy to me.’ Now, I’ve spent my fair share of time tromping around in the woods and have never seen a poison ivy tree. Everyone knows that poison ivy grows as a vine.

Doubt gave birth to more research... and sure enough, sometimes poison ivy grows up to be a small tree. (I’m still glad I didn’t grab a few leaves to use in the identification process!!!)

My poison ivy tree got me to thinking… Jesus once said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” Matthew 7:15     There are so many things in life that fetch our attention, draw us in close, and don’t reveal their true nature until it is too late and we’ve been infected with ‘poison.’

Thoughts of ‘everyone is doing it’, ‘go for the gusto’, or ‘to each his own’ seem innocent at first, but if taken too far they inject their poison in the heart of man. A seemingly innocent decision can send us down a dangerous path: a drink may soon lead to others, a movie late at night and all alone in his/her apartment may put one in a dicey spot, or, a simple climb up the corporate ladder may push faith and family to the backburner. It's impossible to list all of the potential dangers, but suffice it to say the list would be long. So how can we stay out of harms way?

Jesus explained how to recognize threats before it is too late, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:16-20

If you wonder if a thought or philosophy has merit? Examine its fruit. If you wonder if an activity glorifies Christ and edifies man? Examine the fruit. We are called to be careful, aware, and diligent. So, inspect the fruit before consuming it!

Living carefully,

Ron

Clinging to Him

Disclaimer: What you are about to read may be a repeat. If so, I apologize in advance. But the other day I passed by something that I first noticed in 2008, and it is still “cool” to me so I’m risking a second telling.  

I had been driving by this hedge post for years before noticing that it had “sprouted,” but one day it finally caught my eye. I don’t know why it took me so long to spot it - it is so different than other posts in the fence line.

This post is bursting with life. The other posts are old, weathered and bare. One has a future. The others are getting older, more weathered, and less able to hold up a fence. The contrast is stark.

But a closer examination revealed the truth - this post hadn’t sprouted after all! It was just as old, weathered and bare as every other post in the fence line. What appeared to be a sprout was in reality another tree which had grown up around the post and at some point had even been wired in place by the guy who owned the fence.

A hedge post serves to illustrate the truth in what Jesus once said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." (John 15:1-6, NIV)

Every hedge post has the same story. Each one started as a branch on a tree, was trimmed from that tree, “planted” in the fence row, made to hold three strands of barbed wire, and would never again produce leaves and fruit. Fate was sealed the day the branch became a post.

As Christians we are no different than branches on a hedge tree. According to Jesus, He is the vine (tree) and we are the branches. And like branches, if we stay connected to the Source of Life, pursue an ever deepening relationship with Him, and surrender our life to Him, we will live and produce fruit that pleases the Gardener. But if we disconnect, like lifeless posts we wither away in unfruitfulness.

So, from one branch to another… We both know that each day brings opportunities to disconnect. Each day our resolve to cling to our Savior is tested. Each day presents trials and challenges that distract and discourage. So I encourage and implore you – stay connected to the Vine along with other branches that also cling to the Source of Life. Life today, tomorrow, and for eternity depends upon staying with Him!

Clinging to Him,

Ron

Following His Lead

To say I know what I am doing is a stretch…

About two years ago I met a fellow who quickly became a friend. Dave loves to fix and collect cars and before long his hobby began sounding good. A year ago, I found my first car (a ’50 Studebaker). This “beauty” served James Eichman and his family for years, but it hadn’t seen the road for a long time (1959).

The car (“James”) is currently with an out of town friend who is working on get it running again. When he’s done, I’ll have… how do I say this... a “unique driver” that will still need a lot of work. In the meantime, Dave and I have been removing pieces from another “parts” car to eventually install on “James.”

On Thursday, we set out to remove the speedometer. Since I’m a rookie, Dave was under the dash. I was his “tool hander.” Now, in 1950 cars weren’t as complicated as they are today, yet they still had a maze of wires, lights, gauges, and hoses under the dash!   I handed tools as Dave spent a couple of hours removing trim and gauges but time ran out on us – just too many things were in the way.

On Friday, Dave and I traveled to check on “James” without a replacement speedometer. And there on the workbench was “James’” speedometer – the replacement suddenly became more important. So on Monday, I headed under the dash – alone this time – Dave was busy.  After 20 minutes of struggle I had a speedometer in my hands. Fifteen minutes later the trim and gauges were re-installed.  

So how could a novice like me pull off what a veteran hadn’t done?    Simple.

I had the benefit of an example. With an identical speedometer already on the workbench, I was able to get a close look. Screws that had been impossible to see before, were now easy to locate. I also had the added benefit of watching as Dave removed the trim and gauges – making their re-installation easier (and possible!).

This experience highlighted the value of example.

On the night before Jesus died, He shocked His disciples by getting up from the table and washing their feet. It was a task reserved for the lowest, yet Jesus, obviously the greatest around the table, did the washing.

^{John 13:12-15 (NLT)} After washing their feet, He put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing?  You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.  And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.  I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

This lesson was so well learned that it became a lesson taught and lived.  

O Morrowville Christian Church family, imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.  Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. (Ephesians 5:1-2, modified for emphasis)

We have the benefit of example. We aren’t pioneering. He has shown us how to love and serve. He has charged us with following His lead. And, He has surrounded us with people to care for and about.  So, let’s do it!!!

Following His Lead,

Ron

Producing for Him

For the last few years I’ve attempted to raise a garden. I say “attempted” because it has proven to be quite a challenge for a guy with Brown thumbs.

In an effort to have success this year I decided to change things a bit. In the past my garden was bigger than I could handle, so I cut down the size of the plot. I also set it up so that watering could be done more efficiently. Efforts that would surely produce more vegetables.

I worked the ground early and had a beautiful seedbed ready to receive my seeds and plants. Plenty of early rain brought the seedlings up and helped them grow. This year was going to be different!

But eventually the rain stopped coming and summer temps began rising.

A busy life kept me away from the garden for a while, but a couple of days ago I finally went out to dig some potatoes and pick some beans. But I was greeted with an unhappy sight. My beautiful garden and the early rains were yielding a bumper biomass… but it was an inedible one.  Weeds! 

Worse yet, I had planted six rows of potatoes and seven rows of beans and my yield was a 5-gallon bucket full of potatoes and enough beans for two meals. Nuts!   I got little of what I wanted and way more of what I didn’t want!

So instead of harvesting - my time was spent weeding. And as I weeded I was thinking, “This is not what I had in mind.”

Then it occurred to me that God probably pondered the same thought too.  After all, when He created the world all was good – for a while. But perfection ended all too soon – “weeds” of sin began to grow – and they choked out the anticipated fruit. Was this what He had in mind?

My thoughts went to what God might be thinking of me and the results to-date in my life. When He goes out to the “garden” does He find an inedible biomass or much anticipated fruit?  I couldn’t bear the thought that He might say of the produce of my life, “This is not what I had in mind!”

We have all been called, as John the Baptist said to the Pharisees, “To bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” When we plant a garden we expect it to produce fruit. God created us. And, if we allow and accept it, He plants His mercy, grace and forgiveness in us. He then expects good fruit from us.

There is great news for those who have accepted God’s gifts.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.”  John 15:5, 16a 

We’ve just celebrated 125 years as a church. Our theme for this celebration was “May all who come behind us find us faithful.”  Simple edits would make that theme, “May God, and all who come behind us, find us fruitful!”

I don’t want to be a weed patch!  So, I’m thankful that if I stay close – attached – to the Vine, I can produce the fruit He had in mind when He “planted” me. And I look forward to someday hearing Him say, “Well done! This is what I had in mind!”  I hope you want the same. Together, let’s grow to go and produce His fruit!

Committed to producing for Him - Brown thumbs and all,

Ron

'Til we meet again

I set out to write this article on several different occasions, but each time the words I wanted to say just wouldn’t come. I’m thankful that I use a computer instead of a typewriter. Otherwise I’d be knee deep in wadded up papers that missed the overflowing trash can!!!

Eleven or so years ago I was standing in the doorway of my office at Manhattan Christian College when a fellow by the name of Wendell came along and stopped for a brief visit. I don’t remember the entire conversation but there is one part I hope I never forget. He told me that he had the perfect church for me – once he retired. Any guesses as to which church he was referring to?

At the time I had probably passed through Morrowville once or twice on my way to and from Nebraska, but I wouldn’t have been able to locate it on a map. I knew nothing about the community or the church Wendell was referring to and so I didn’t give what he said much thought.

Now, some would call it chance or circumstance – but over the years that followed I was slowly introduced to this wonderful church. Space doesn’t allow me to go into great detail about this introduction – but suffice it to say there is nothing about my relationship with this church that is by chance, instead each step of the way has been carefully orchestrated by God.

In 2005 my ministry began – and Wendell you were right – this has been the perfect church for me. I came here as a 45-year old rookie. There was nothing spectacular or special about me, yet I was loved and accepted from day one. And your love and support has continued even though it is three years later and there is still nothing spectacular or special about me!

Words fail to express my thoughts about each of you. You are all very important to me and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the time that we have spent together laboring for the Lord.  I love you!!!  Thank you for: loving me, loving the fellow (and his family) that follows me, and, most of all for loving the Lord.

When I was a kid I had several “favorite” TV shows. One of those was the Carol Burnett show. I enjoyed the antics of Carol, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman and the rest of the cast. At the end of each show Carol would always sing the same song. As I recall the words went something like:   “I’m so glad we had this time together. Just to have a laugh and sing a song. Seems we just get started and before you know it. Comes the time we have to say so long.”

I am so glad we had this time together – I consider it one of my life’s greatest blessings. But I’m not going to say “so long” like Carol did. So long is kin to goodbye and Christians need not say goodbye. Any separation we have is only temporary. Who knows, God may decide that we will serve side-by-side again in the future. And if He doesn’t, we know for sure that thanks to our Savior we will celebrate together for all eternity.

So – instead of good-bye – I say “See you later.” My sincere hope is that we meet soon and often. Please look us up when you are “in the big city.”  There is nothing that I’d love better than to spend more time with you.

Till we meet again,

Ron

Ole #11982...

In 1994 I received my first “32-bit” computer on my office desk. With this computer came a game called FreeCell and it quickly became a break time/lunch time favorite. Unfortunately space doesn’t allow me to explain the game for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, but suffice it to say it is similar to the game of Solitaire.

Before attempting my first game, I was told by a friend that there were over 32,000 possible combinations of cards the game would present. Some would be hard to find solutions and others would be easy, but he assured me that every combination was “winnable.”

He also shared that he was going to try to solve all 32,000 games in order. So, starting game #1 he was going to play until he solved that puzzle - then and only then would he move to the next game. It sounded like a fun way to play so I set out on my own journey to solve every game in order.

So, I also started on game #1 and I’ve been playing and solving games in order ever since. (For those of you who are curious I’m currently at game #12461.)  Most days I play a couple games. Some have taken days to solve and others only a couple of minutes.

A few weeks ago I came to a game that proved to be a huge challenge – game #11982. I played it a few times and couldn’t get it solved. The next day I gave it another shot, but again I couldn’t find a solution. This went on for days, but try as I might I couldn’t hit on the right combination.

My string of finding solutions and moving on to the next challenge was in serious jeopardy and I was getting frustrated with ole #11982. I had never skipped over a game before, but it was getting very tempting. I had never asked for help before either, but after days and days of failed attempts I decided to search the Internet for a “solution.”  

The information I found about ole #11982 came as quite a surprise. I had been playing FreeCell for 14 years under the assumption that every game had a solution. As it turns out every game does have a solution except for ole #11982!!!   FreeCell experts have tried for years to solve this puzzle, rewards have been offered, and computers have “cranked away” for hours and no solution has ever been found.  

Anyway, when I learned that ole #11982 wasn’t “solvable” I stopped trying to solve it. But I can’t help wondering if there wasn’t a solution out there. Is there someone who would know – someone who can make the impossible possible?

I wonder what Abraham and Sarah would say about the impossible becoming possible. Wasn’t Abraham 100 years old and Sarah 90 years old when their son was born?  Would Moses have anything to say on the subject?  Wasn’t he leading Israel’s escape from Egypt when Pharaoh’s army caught up with them and pinned them against the banks of the Red Sea?  Could Gideon clear things up?  Didn’t he find himself leading a band of 300 men armed with trumpets into a battle against all of Midian’s army?  How about Peter?  Wasn’t he the one who charged into the empty tomb of the man he saw die on a Roman cross?

What would they testify about the impossible becoming possible?  I suspect their testimony would match that of the fellow who brought his demon possessed son to Jesus. When Jesus asked the man how long his son had been possessed, the man replied, “From childhood. It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."   To that Jesus said, “`If you can'?’ Everything is possible for him who believes.”   And immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"  (Mark 9:22-24)  And Jesus did what no one else had been able to do – he healed the boy.

To quote an old hymn, “Got any rivers you think are uncrossable? Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible and does the things others cannot do.”  

Are you facing your own #11982?  Hand your “impossible” over to Him --- He can handle it!!!

Ron