If You Love It, Lose It...

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” John 12:25 (NLT)   This verse jumped off the page at me and my thoughts were flooded with questions, the biggest of which were:  What does loving your life in this world look like, and how does caring nothing for it work?  

From the moment I met him, I knew instantly that Tyler was a special young man. Special enough that I once told him that I wished he were triplets because I’ve got two daughters that I’d like to introduce him to.

My first interaction with Tyler was when he approached me after church in July 2013. He had just moved to Manhattan from Ames, Iowa. He had finished an undergraduate degree at Iowa State and was in Manhattan to pursue a graduate degree from Kansas State.

Unlike most students, at the top of his priority list upon arriving in Manhattan was finding a church to attend. And again unlike most, his agenda after church was to find out how to get plugged in and become a part of a church family. I invited him to attend our small group and from there our friendship blossomed.

Caitlin moved to Wamego in August of 2013. They weren’t engaged as of yet, but that was in the works. So she wanted to be close by. Within a year Tyler proposed marriage and in a few days (June 2015) their lives as husband and wife will finally begin.

The other day I told Tyler and Caitlin that I’d be at his apartment at 9am. They were merging two households just prior to their wedding day – by the way this is becoming rare, as the merging of households is more often done without regard to a wedding these days – and they had some things they wanted to give to a single mom who might need some help.

Again unlike many, Tyler understood the plight of a mom who has to raise children on her own. He grew up in a single parent home after his dad had made choices that removed him from the picture. So, Tyler wanted take the duplicates from merging households and give them to a single mom who had a need.

So we spent a couple of hours together loading and unloading. And, later, as I considered the “stuff” in my garage, it hit me…  God had arranged for some of my questions from earlier in the day to be answered.

I had just experienced an example of living without caring for life in this world. Some of the things given away could have been sold. But instead and more important, they were being used to glorify God and bless another.

I have witnessed a life of integrity that shines a spotlight on God’s greatness. And I saw a young man who cared for others by being observant, generous and loving. A young man in his early twenties, and his sweet fiancé brought me a lesson the other day…

“Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity.” John 12:25 (NLT)  

Ron

The roof will cover it...

“Don’t worry the roof will cover it…”

On Monday I helped shingle a gazebo that had been given to the city. The shingles on it were well worn and needed to be replaced.  I haven’t shingled often, so I only know enough to be dangerous. With every bit of tar paper, flashing or shingles that I put on I find myself hoping that the roof doesn’t leak. And, every time I crawl onto a roof I hear, “Don’t worry the roof will cover it…”

My dad was a school teacher while I was growing up, consequently summers were “free” for him. He used to say that he got into teaching for three reasons: June, July and August. So, dad would spend that “free” time working another job. One of those summer jobs was working for local carpenter named Delbert Spain. 

Delbert didn’t often turn dad loose on many projects without supervision – after all dad was a teacher not a carpenter. But once in a while dad was directed to tackle something on his own. Later Delbert would come and inspect the work. Well one day dad made a bit of a mess with a project. And all Delbert said was, “Don’t worry the roof will cover it.”  (Delbert had a good reputation, so I suspect he fixed it later, but I don’t recall that part of the story.)

Last week I discovered a plumbing problem at our house. The line to the lagoon was blocked. So we had the line dug up at the point of the blockage and found the reason.

Apparently when the trench was backfilled a rock fell down on the pipe and knocked a couple of holes in it and partially crushed it. “Don’t worry the dirt will cover it.”  I’ve since learned that there are ways of filling in a trench that ensure things like this don’t happen. None of those steps were taken in this case.

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church he delivered some sobering news to those who attempt to put a roof or dirt over their shortcuts, errors or failures.

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw.  But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value.  If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward.  But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.   1 Cor. 3:10-15 (NLT)

After five years of use the broken pipe was finally found out, and just like it some of our Kingdom efforts may be revealed for what they are.  But some errors, shortcuts, and failures may remain covered up forever – not!  Eventually God will reveal the truth. Which, by the way, is something that He has known all along.

I’m guessing that most of us wouldn’t knowingly bury an error we created and then sell it to others. We wouldn’t build a building full of mistakes and then hope that the roof will cover it. So let’s take Paul’s encouragement to heart and give nothing short of our best to God. Kingdom work has eternal consequences, it has to be “built” to last.

Ron

In His Way

For the last few years I’ve tried to make it a practice to read from scripture every day. A couple of years ago I began journaling along with my reading. I try to write out a scripture that “jumps out” at me and then write an observation about it, an application for it, and a brief prayer.

Here is my journal entry for March 8…

Scripture: But Moses responded to the Lord, “There are 600,000 foot soldiers here with me, and yet you say, ‘I will give them meat for a whole month!’   Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them? Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough?”   Then the Lord said to Moses, “Has my arm lost its power? Now you will see whether or not my word comes true!”  Numbers 11:21-23 NLT

Observation: Months in the desert had the people grumbling about food. We want meat! God heard their complaints about Him and His provision and decided to do something about it. He promised meat – so much meat that it would make them sick of it!

But Moses didn’t see how this could happen. He was thinking that it was something that he’d have to do. Something he’d have to supply. How can we get enough meat to satisfy this hoard?  Moses was limiting God by assuming God’s place.

Application: I am not God, so why do I insist on getting in His way and limiting His power? God is all able, all knowing, all present, all the time. Get out of His way! Quit trying to be in control of everything. Allow Him to do His will. Allow Him to do what only He can do.

Prayer: Father – wow!  I am constantly limiting You. Trying to take control. Trying to do things on my own. Please forgive me for being out of line and in Your way. Please do Your work on, in and through me. I love You Lord!

Humbled by His power and His word,

Ron

What to do when witnessing the amazing

I am not sure what Orville Redenbacher puts in his popcorn…

Our evening snack usually comes out of the microwave. But a couple of evenings ago Sharon broke out the stovetop popcorn popper and the results were amazing. Not because there were few “old maids” (thank you Orville Redenbacher).   And not because it tasted so good – after all butter can make styrofoam peanuts taste good.

So what was so amazing?

My grandson has developed a taste for popcorn. So when I sit down with a bowl of buttery goodness in hand, he comes crawling, pulls himself up, and stands there like a baby bird hoping to be fed. On this particular evening he hit the jackpot because his mom also had a bowl.  Two people to mooch off of…

After consuming quite a bit of popcorn something amazing happened.  This nearly 17 month old boy, who had shown no interest at all in walking, let go of the couch and headed across the room.  Baby’s first steps were a popcorn fueled stroll across the living room!

 

One day the house Jesus was teaching in was full – standing room only – even the doorway was occupied. You couldn’t have stuffed one more inside, but several guys were determined to get in; they were not about to be denied.

One of them was unable to walk, so his friends carried him up on the roof. Once there they removed some of the roofing and then lowered the paralyzed man down on a stretcher.  Jesus saw their faith and was moved to action. “My child, your sins are forgiven.”

Some took offense at what Jesus said, after all it is blasphemy to claim what only God can do. So Jesus challenged them and eventually told the man to “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home.”  A healing that clearly demonstrated an authority to forgive sins.

And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, “We’ve never seen anything like this before!” (Mark 2:12, NLT)

What do you do when you are amazed? 

Confession is good for the soul right?  For months we’ve been anticipating a first step and we’ve done what we could to encourage walking, but there was no real interest. So when the stroll finally happened I was truly amazed. So what did I do?  “Wow what did Orville put in that popcorn?”  Really?  The popcorn was responsible?

Did you notice what the stunned onlookers did when they were amazed?   They praised God!  

Everyday life unrolls amazing things for us to experience, enjoy and live.  These things ought to catch our attention, inform our faith, and inspire us to celebrate God. God is the author of the truly amazing. “Sing to the Lord; praise His name. Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations.  Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise!” Ps. 96:2-4a

Amazed and crediting God,

Ron

Do You Hear?

Have you ever been near a helicopter when it is taking off or landing?  The word that describes them best is – loud!  

This past week we spent a couple of days in Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Hospital. Samuel, our #2 grandson, was there for surgery and his room was on the second floor, four floors below the landing pad on the roof.

When helicopters came in to land – well, you couldn’t miss it. The windows shook and any conversation that was going on had to wait until the maneuver was over.  During the night after his surgery, seven helicopters came in – and each time, folks that were trying to sleep were awakened.  Several others landed during the day, which got me wondering if this was a normal occurrence. (I imagine it is because Children’s Mercy takes the region’s most difficult pediatric cases.)

Did I mention that the helicopters were loud?  You can’t miss the “chop, chop, chop.”  But if you listen carefully, there is more you can hear.  It’s almost inaudible, but if you try you can make out the muffled whimpering of the child on board. A child that has been an accident of some kind, or has suffered serious burns, or is in need of some other emergency care.

In the distance, sometimes many miles away, you can make out the roar of a car as parents rush to be at their child’s side. It’s off in the distance, but it is coming closer.  Inside the car is louder still, as a mother weeps and a father tries to comfort.

Like helicopters, life can be so loud.  Do you only hear the “chop, chop, chop”, or do you hear more?

One day Jesus approached an insignificant little village called Nain. “His disciples were with him, along with quite a large crowd. As they approached the village gate, they met a funeral procession—a woman’s only son was being carried out for burial. And the mother was a widow. When Jesus saw her, his heart broke. He said to her, “Don’t cry.” Then he went over and touched the coffin. The pallbearers stopped. He said, “Young man, I tell you: Get up.” The dead son sat up and began talking. Jesus presented him to his mother.” (Luke 7:12-15, The Message)

A large crowd was following Jesus into the village as a large funeral procession was coming out. It would not have been a quiet scene as excitement mingled with deep grief and despair.  Yet over all the voices, Jesus heard the cries of a mother. He saw the pain of one who had lost her husband, and now had lost her only son, and with him, her hope. Her heart broke His.

Jesus noticed.

Some 2,000 years later not much has changed.  The sounds of life still collide as joy still mingles with sadness.  Like Jesus, we can notice too – if we try.

Listen closely – and hear those muffled cries. Look carefully at the crowd – and see the one who is hurting. Spot the broken hearts in the chaos of life – and then touch like Jesus.

Chop, chop,

Ron

Reminded Again

Can I make a confession?   Ok, here goes…

Some days I don’t feel very creative. I sit and stare at the computer screen trying to think of something to write. Something that will teach, encourage, inspire, or captivate the thoughts of a listener or reader.   So here I sit – a blank screen in front of me – and as I sit a long lost memory comes to mind. (I suspect it is a nudging from God.) 

Years ago, as I was “shaking out” folks after church, I greeted a fellow who had been a Bible college professor and preacher for years. Having him present was always intimidating, after all he can read a Greek bible. So I said something to him along the lines of doubting if my message had taught him anything or done much to help deepen his faith.  And he agreed – it hadn’t!

But he was okay with that. Because, according to him, most who come to church on Sunday know quite a bit about the teachings of scripture. Many have attended for years. So, to him the role of the preacher was to remind, encourage, and help folks see in a new light what they already know.    

In his second letter, Peter reminds readers that God has given them everything needed to live a godly life. And then he challenges believers to make every effort to live well by adding moral excellence to faith, then adding knowledge, then self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and finally to add a love for everyone.

No surprises. Stuff we already know - right?!?!

But then he wrote this: “Therefore, I will always remind you about these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth you have been taught.”  2 Peter 1:12 (NLT)

Peter dedicated his life to teaching and re-teaching believers. So taking a cue from Peter (and with the encouragement of a friend), here a few reminders:

·         Stay faithful and true to Christ! (Hebrews 10:23)

·         Spend time in the Word! (2 Timothy 2:15)

·         Keep on praying! (1 Thessalonians  5:16-17)

·         Help others know Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:11)

·         Keep your faith alive by doing! (James 2:26)

·         Encourage others! (Hebrews 10:24)

·         Attend every possible worship service! (Hebrews 10:25)

·         Excel in giving! (2 Corinthians 8:7)

·         Guard your thought life! (Philippians 4:8)

The list is not exhaustive, but I encourage you to ponder it carefully. It contains no new “news” or surprises. It is simply a re-teaching, a re-encouragement, and a re-reminder. But if we truly believe that God inspired the words to be written - and that the great men and women of our faith taught these things over and over - maybe we should make every effort to live in manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ!!!

Reminded to remind,

Ron

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Blessed Beyond I Deserve

For the last six years I’ve regularly donated blood. I have a few simple reasons for giving: 1) blood is needed, 2) it is an easy way to serve and be salt and light in the community, 3) my blood test is the only test I’ve taken and gotten a “grade” of A+, and, 4) to honor my mother-in-law, Edna Mae Joy, who was a faithful donor who gave gallons in her lifetime.

This past Friday I had an opportunity to give a pint of my A+ blood. As it happened the blood drive was in honor of Kevin Coffey. Four years ago Kevin died in Syracuse, NY, following a bus accident while on a trip to Toronto, Canada. He was from Manhattan, Kansas and was a 19 year old sophomore honors student at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Kevin was an Eagle Scout and giving blood was one of his passions. So, his parents and friends have “Kept the Drive Alive” by holding yearly blood drives in Kevin’s honor in Manhattan and at Temple University.

After giving blood, and waiting the prescribed amount of time, and of course downing a couple of cookies, I got up to leave. On my way out I passed a table where Ray Coffey (Kevin’s dad) was standing. Ray was handing out “Keep the Drive Alive” t-shirts to those who had donated.  Ray was also encouraging donors to place an entry into a drawing for a chance to win a Bill Snyder autographed football, 2 tickets to a McCain performance on December 19, or a gift certificate to the Olive Garden Restaurant (as I recall).

I never win these things, but who could pass up a free drawing!?!?!

So I filled out a sheet of paper with my name and number on one side and on the other side I put an “X” in the box indicating that I wanted a chance to win the autographed football.

While filling out my form another fellow came up to the table. Ray gave him a t-shirt and asked him if he wanted to enter the drawing too.

When he saw the prizes, I heard him mention that December 19 was his wedding anniversary and his wife would love to go to a show to celebrate. I thought that was pretty cool – this guy was thinking of his wife and of celebrating his marriage to her. (I wonder if Sharon would like a football, hmmm…)

So, I told him I thought what he was doing was cool and so I was going to mark an “X” on the back of my drawing ticket for the McCain performance and that if I won I’d give him the tickets. So we exchanged business cards. My sentiment counted for something, so I left feeling good. I never gave the drawing another thought – after all, I never win these things.

This morning I got a call from Ray Coffey. Guess what – I won. Ray told me I had a choice between the football and the tickets. Great!  Kind of.  Which do I pick? Do you know how many times I’ve tried to win a Bill Snyder autographed football!?!? 

I wanted the football. But I had promised the tickets. Which would you choose?  That guy would never know I won – would he?

So, I told Ray I really wanted the football, but I also wanted to die with integrity so I probably ought to take the tickets. Then Ray had an idea. He said something about being on the McCain board and that he knew there were still tickets available for that performance. So, if I wanted to buy a couple of tickets I could have the football and die with integrity!

“Well, how much are the tickets?” I asked. “I’m not sure. But I’ll check and call you back.” Ray replied. Perfect!  A few minutes later the phone rang again. It was Ray. “You just won the football.” he said. He went on to explain that he told the story to the director of McCain. The director thought it was a cool story and told Ray that he’d like to give him two complimentary tickets to give to me, so that I could give them to the anniversary couple!  How cool is that!

This evening I called Justin and told him the story. When I told him that I wanted the football, he said something about that I should take it. He thought he was letting me “off the hook” on my promise. But then I told him there was more to the story. When he heard the rest he was ecstatic (me too!).

The end of the story?  Not yet…

This morning, about two hours before Ray called to tell me that I was a winner, I did my daily scripture reading and journaling. I read from Matthew chapter 17 through 19. In chapter 19, Matthew recounts a time that Jesus was approached by rich man who wanted to know how to get into heaven. “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”

Jesus told him that he needed to follow the commandments. “Which ones?” the rich man asked. And so Jesus listed off a few. “I’ve followed those. What else do I need to do?” was the reply. So then Jesus gave him the hard stuff – sell all you have, give it to the poor, and then follow me.

The rich man went away sad because “…it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”  Jesus taught a bit more and then Peter spoke up, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”

Jesus’ reply contained the verses that caught my eye and made it into my journal this morning. Matthew 19:29-30 (NLT) – “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.”

I then wrote the following thoughts on these verses…  “God is noticing what we do on behalf of Him and what we do for ourselves. When we sacrifice something that was ‘ours’ for Him, He notices. But He does more than notice. He keeps track and He blesses the giver beyond the gift. So, live with an eternal perspective. What I have is really best used for His purposes. Father this is Your day and I am Yours too. Today I want to spend the day with You.”

Today I won a football. But more importantly I made a couple of friends named Ray and Justin. And more important still, I got a living color lesson on how God is active and working in our lives.

These verses spoke to me before I headed out into the day, but I honestly didn’t connect the dots between this scripture and the day’s events until I began writing down these thoughts this evening.

But God’s Word is alive! It does apply to life! It teaches! It corrects! It encourages! It informs! It directs!

This scripture lesson (and others from earlier in life) must have lodged somewhere. So I gave. And, because I gave I was given too. I considered someone ahead of myself. And, I’m convinced that because I did, God – through others, chose to bless me. And in blessing me, He made His Word come alive in my life. And because it came alive in my life, I’m more driven and excited to absorb and apply His Word further!

   

Today, several were blessed (Ray, Justin and I – hopefully you too as you read this). Could this be the hundred times blessing that Jesus mentioned?  Why not!

God blesses those who live for Him. Even blessing a fellow like me – who really wanted to hang on to what I wanted – but in the end opted for doing what was right and God honoring.

Jesus encouraged His students, who had given up so much to follow Him, with a promise that God was taking notice of what they were doing. And God would bless them beyond their wildest imaginations and on top of that they would also receive eternal life!  Jesus didn’t say when those blessings would be given, so I suppose they could be given in this life and/or in eternity. Who knows, maybe He will even give them today.

Live to give. You can’t keep more than He can give you.

Blessed beyond I deserve,

Ron