There is a part of the opening routine David and I do during a performance where a silk scarf with a drawing of Jesus on it is produced and displayed for our audience. The drawing of Jesus on the silk scarf shows him with very fair skin and blue eyes - two physical traits that we serious doubt Jesus had, being of Jewish descent in the Middle East. David will usually say something to the effect of "This is just a drawing of Jesus. We don't know what He really looked like. It is simply to remind us of Jesus."
There have been many artists throughout the centuries who have tried to guess what Jesus might have looked like through images seen in painting, sculptures, etc. And I am sure that each of us in our own ways have tried to imagine what Jesus might have looked like while He was here on earth. I think we'll all be in for a great surprise when we finally see Him face to face. I don't think He's going to look anything like what we could possibly imagine.
I've been going through a book during my morning devotions called 100 Portraits of Christ by Henry Gariepy. In this book, the author has taken 100 of the many names and titles by which Jesus is referred to in the Bible and written a brief description about each. Some of these names and titles include: Alpha and Omega, Ancient of Days, Only Begotten Son, I Am, and Indescribable Gift. Reading through these has begun to create in my mind an awesome portrait of Jesus. It isn't a physical portrait...rather, it is much more than that. As we begin to see Jesus Christ as He is described in the Bible, we get a clearer and deeper image of who God is. We begin to see how Jesus can be nothing less than God Himself.
A couple of weeks ago, just before we moved to Missouri, I had the opportunity to speak with a couple of young Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) missionaries. They were coming up to our front door just as I was seeing David off on another commute to Kansas City. I had been hoping for quite some time that Mormon missionaries would stop by our house. I've done much studying about Mormonism since having lived in Utah, and I wanted to have a chance to share God's truth with a couple of them.
I invited them in, and we did have quite a nice discussion. I think I might have caught them off guard by how much I knew about their doctrines and was able to discuss it without being argumentative or combative. We talked for about an hour and a half. The conversation ended when they asked me to pray over the Book of Mormon. I politely refused, but I encouraged them to dig deep into the Bible to see what it had to say to them.
One of the things that I noted during our discussion was their inability to see the portrait of who Jesus Christ truly is. Because of the deceptive writings of Joseph Smith and subsequent Mormon prophets, their ability to see and recognize the true Jesus Christ is severly hampered. They do not know Jesus as the Mighty God (Isaiah 9:6) or as the great I Am (John 8:58) or as the Word (Rev. 19:13). Their vision of Jesus is blurred and obscured - enough that they miss out on the reality of Jesus that truly saves us.
My heart breaks for those two young men, and I continue to pray that something I said to them will cause them to question and search for their answers within the Bible alone. May they see a portrait of Christ emerge that is irresistable and life-changing.
A drawing, a painting, a sculpture, even an actor's depiction of Jesus - these things are not true representations of who Jesus is. The Bible gives us all we need to know about who Jesus is.
I do look forward to the day when I get to see Jesus face to face. I love the song, "I Can Only Imagine" because it speaks so much about my own anticipation of what it will be like. The day when imagining becomes reality will be a wonderful day, indeed!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Maintaining Focus
I woke up early this morning (approximately 4 am) and my mind was racing, as is often the cause when I wake up early or often during the night. I don't normally classify myself as a "worrier," but I'll admit that I was worrying. About several different things. And it seemed like anytime I tried to pray about it, my mind just started spinning off in another direction, and I felt very disconnected from God.
We went ahead and "borrowed" the money from our India fund in order to purchase a new vehicle yesterday. We went back to the used car dealership where we had purchased our van not long ago. Because we felt we had been treated well and forthrightly when we purchased our van from them, we figured they might be able to do right by us again. Blair, the GM, we knew was a Christian from our previous conversations with him. Mike, the salesman, was trying to be "Christian" but from the things he was saying to us, I don't think the heart change that comes from a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ was there. I was able to encourage Mike to seek to grow his personal relationship with God and to spend time in his Bible getting to know God better.
We found a used 1999 Ford Explorer that looked as though it might work for us, but the price was higher than what we had to spend. We told Mike that we would like to buy it, but it would have to be for X amount of money (cash we had in hand) - including tax, licensing, everthing... He went to talk with Blair, and Blair agreed to sell us the Explorer for the amount of money we had. Not only that, as we were leaving the showroom to head home, Blair followed us out and asked if he could pray with us before we left, which he did. It was such an encouragement for him to do that. We left feeling that God had again provided for us a vehicle that would work well for our ministry.
We have seen God provide time and time again for us and the ministry...so why does my heart tend to return to worrying about the future and finances so readily? I was awake throughout the night worrying about being able to pay back the money we borrowed from our India fund. I was worrying about having enough money to cover our moving expenses and start up expenses down in Kansas City. I was worrying about David and his state of mind. I was worrying about the future of the ministry and were we still where God wanted us to be. And everytime I would try to focus my mind to pray, another worry would creep in and distract me.
I finally got up out of bed around 4:30 and went downstairs to have my quiet time. As I read my Bible passage, God gave me what I needed in order to refocus my priorities. It was Psalm 19.
Psalm 19 - For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Old King David certainly had a lot more to worry about than I do, and if he was able to regain his focus -- to look and find God - in nature, and in His Word -- then I can regain my focus. I have not been as attentive to my quiet time and Bible study as I should have. Details of moving, ministry and finances have certainly been a distraction, but that cannot be an excuse.
God must be my focus, because it IS all about HIM. He is my purpose for being. He is my purpose for doing. Of course, I'll get discouraged and anxious if I focus on myself, but if my focus is on God, then there is no place for discouragement or anxiousness. Because He is all. And that is the greatest source of comfort.
We went ahead and "borrowed" the money from our India fund in order to purchase a new vehicle yesterday. We went back to the used car dealership where we had purchased our van not long ago. Because we felt we had been treated well and forthrightly when we purchased our van from them, we figured they might be able to do right by us again. Blair, the GM, we knew was a Christian from our previous conversations with him. Mike, the salesman, was trying to be "Christian" but from the things he was saying to us, I don't think the heart change that comes from a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ was there. I was able to encourage Mike to seek to grow his personal relationship with God and to spend time in his Bible getting to know God better.
We found a used 1999 Ford Explorer that looked as though it might work for us, but the price was higher than what we had to spend. We told Mike that we would like to buy it, but it would have to be for X amount of money (cash we had in hand) - including tax, licensing, everthing... He went to talk with Blair, and Blair agreed to sell us the Explorer for the amount of money we had. Not only that, as we were leaving the showroom to head home, Blair followed us out and asked if he could pray with us before we left, which he did. It was such an encouragement for him to do that. We left feeling that God had again provided for us a vehicle that would work well for our ministry.
We have seen God provide time and time again for us and the ministry...so why does my heart tend to return to worrying about the future and finances so readily? I was awake throughout the night worrying about being able to pay back the money we borrowed from our India fund. I was worrying about having enough money to cover our moving expenses and start up expenses down in Kansas City. I was worrying about David and his state of mind. I was worrying about the future of the ministry and were we still where God wanted us to be. And everytime I would try to focus my mind to pray, another worry would creep in and distract me.
I finally got up out of bed around 4:30 and went downstairs to have my quiet time. As I read my Bible passage, God gave me what I needed in order to refocus my priorities. It was Psalm 19.
Psalm 19 - For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Old King David certainly had a lot more to worry about than I do, and if he was able to regain his focus -- to look and find God - in nature, and in His Word -- then I can regain my focus. I have not been as attentive to my quiet time and Bible study as I should have. Details of moving, ministry and finances have certainly been a distraction, but that cannot be an excuse.
God must be my focus, because it IS all about HIM. He is my purpose for being. He is my purpose for doing. Of course, I'll get discouraged and anxious if I focus on myself, but if my focus is on God, then there is no place for discouragement or anxiousness. Because He is all. And that is the greatest source of comfort.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What Do We Do Now?
My mind is just racing right now, and I just need to get these thoughts written down so that they can start to make sense. I hope it does make sense when I am finished.
Many of you have read my blog about our upcoming move to the Kansas City area and David's new job (see the September 14th entry). He actually began this new job a few weeks ago and has been commuting - going down to KC to work for a few days and then coming back here to Des Moines for ministry events and to help with the packing. While the miles have been racking up on the van, it seemed like the perfect vehicle for us and for our ministry. It provided all of the room we needed, and it was running well. It was also coming in very handy for David to bring a load of packed items with him each time he went down, to lessen the amount that would have to be packed in the moving van.
Yesterday, David worked a full day and was to drive home in the evening so that he could get a good night's rest and then help to get packed up for a ministry event scheduled for this evening in Norfolk, Nebraska. I was expecting him to arrive home somewhere around 10:00 PM. Approximately 9:45, he called sounding very frantic. "I hit a deer! I hit a deer!" While he hadn't yet checked the damage, David said that he already knew it was bad because the airbags had deployed and the engine had died. He said he was able to get the van to the side of the road and let me know he was about 30 miles down the interstate from West Des Moines. He also let me know that he was not hurt - at least, he was not able to identify any injury at that point.
I called my brother who came to pick me up, and we drove down to meet David at the Kum and Go at the New Virginia exit where the van was towed (thanks again to the state trooper and towing guys who showed up so quickly to help him!). The damage to the front end of the van was indeed substantial. It would most likely cost us more to repair the van than what we paid for it. How one animal could do so much damage is just crazy. The towing guys said that they saw the deer by the side of the road - it was a doe and it had been killed by the impact.
While still quite shaken, David wasn't showing any indication of injury, for which I praise God. He was going about 75 when the deer jumped out of the median right in front of the van. David said he didn't even have time to react by swerving or hitting his brakes.
My brother has graciously loaned us one of his cars to use for a couple of days while we figure out what we are going to do.
So, what do we do now?
We were able to pay cash for that van...and it took every spare cent that we had available to us. We do still have the money set aside for our India missions trip, but every fiber in my body rebels against using that money for anything other than the purpose for which it was given to us - to be able to go to India. If we were to "borrow" against that account, my concern is that we won't be able to repay it in time for us to go.
With all my heart I am so thankful that David wasn't hurt. I'm so thankful that he was in the van when he hit the deer and not in the car we used to have. The outcome certainly would have been so much worse. I am so thankful that God gave us that van to use for a season - as short as it was.
It's hard to imagine what God has in store for us. It's hard to imagine where the money is going to come from to purchase a new van. It's hard to imagine how it will be possible to find another van like this one that just seemed to meet our needs so well. I had initially written that I am struggling with the "how" and "why" of this situation, and I had to erase that. I don't think that struggling is the correct word. Yes, of course, those questions are in my mind. For whom would they not be? But from the moment David first called me just seconds after he had hit the deer, I have felt a odd sense of peace and confidence - especially in what God is going to do in this situation. It makes no sense whatsoever because we are really in a pickle right now, but God is gently reminding me to remember what He's done for us in the past - how He has provided unexpectedly. He's telling me not to worry - He will provide.
It is going to be hard to be patient during this process. We had to cancel our program in Nebraska this evening because we do not have the transportation to get us and our equipment there. (This is the first time we've had to cancel a program. The disappointment on both sides is great.) David needs transportation to be able to get back down to KC to work on Friday and Saturday. Plus we are moving next week. Of all the times to have an accident and be without a vehicle, this was definitely not one of them. It's going to be hard to be patient.
But if our faith is in Jehovah Jirah (God, our Provider), then we will be patient, and we will trust in His provision.
Writing this all down has helped me to again regain my focus. It's so easy to focus on what is lost, rather that what is saved or gained. I praise God once again for keeping David safe. Vans can be replaced - loved ones cannot. God will provide what we need when we need it. We just have to be patient.
Your prayers on our behalf are greatly appreciated. Please pray for patience and for God's swift provision. I look forward to a future blog entry that will share the experience on what God has done.
Many of you have read my blog about our upcoming move to the Kansas City area and David's new job (see the September 14th entry). He actually began this new job a few weeks ago and has been commuting - going down to KC to work for a few days and then coming back here to Des Moines for ministry events and to help with the packing. While the miles have been racking up on the van, it seemed like the perfect vehicle for us and for our ministry. It provided all of the room we needed, and it was running well. It was also coming in very handy for David to bring a load of packed items with him each time he went down, to lessen the amount that would have to be packed in the moving van.
Yesterday, David worked a full day and was to drive home in the evening so that he could get a good night's rest and then help to get packed up for a ministry event scheduled for this evening in Norfolk, Nebraska. I was expecting him to arrive home somewhere around 10:00 PM. Approximately 9:45, he called sounding very frantic. "I hit a deer! I hit a deer!" While he hadn't yet checked the damage, David said that he already knew it was bad because the airbags had deployed and the engine had died. He said he was able to get the van to the side of the road and let me know he was about 30 miles down the interstate from West Des Moines. He also let me know that he was not hurt - at least, he was not able to identify any injury at that point.
I called my brother who came to pick me up, and we drove down to meet David at the Kum and Go at the New Virginia exit where the van was towed (thanks again to the state trooper and towing guys who showed up so quickly to help him!). The damage to the front end of the van was indeed substantial. It would most likely cost us more to repair the van than what we paid for it. How one animal could do so much damage is just crazy. The towing guys said that they saw the deer by the side of the road - it was a doe and it had been killed by the impact.
While still quite shaken, David wasn't showing any indication of injury, for which I praise God. He was going about 75 when the deer jumped out of the median right in front of the van. David said he didn't even have time to react by swerving or hitting his brakes.
My brother has graciously loaned us one of his cars to use for a couple of days while we figure out what we are going to do.
So, what do we do now?
We were able to pay cash for that van...and it took every spare cent that we had available to us. We do still have the money set aside for our India missions trip, but every fiber in my body rebels against using that money for anything other than the purpose for which it was given to us - to be able to go to India. If we were to "borrow" against that account, my concern is that we won't be able to repay it in time for us to go.
With all my heart I am so thankful that David wasn't hurt. I'm so thankful that he was in the van when he hit the deer and not in the car we used to have. The outcome certainly would have been so much worse. I am so thankful that God gave us that van to use for a season - as short as it was.
It's hard to imagine what God has in store for us. It's hard to imagine where the money is going to come from to purchase a new van. It's hard to imagine how it will be possible to find another van like this one that just seemed to meet our needs so well. I had initially written that I am struggling with the "how" and "why" of this situation, and I had to erase that. I don't think that struggling is the correct word. Yes, of course, those questions are in my mind. For whom would they not be? But from the moment David first called me just seconds after he had hit the deer, I have felt a odd sense of peace and confidence - especially in what God is going to do in this situation. It makes no sense whatsoever because we are really in a pickle right now, but God is gently reminding me to remember what He's done for us in the past - how He has provided unexpectedly. He's telling me not to worry - He will provide.
It is going to be hard to be patient during this process. We had to cancel our program in Nebraska this evening because we do not have the transportation to get us and our equipment there. (This is the first time we've had to cancel a program. The disappointment on both sides is great.) David needs transportation to be able to get back down to KC to work on Friday and Saturday. Plus we are moving next week. Of all the times to have an accident and be without a vehicle, this was definitely not one of them. It's going to be hard to be patient.
But if our faith is in Jehovah Jirah (God, our Provider), then we will be patient, and we will trust in His provision.
Writing this all down has helped me to again regain my focus. It's so easy to focus on what is lost, rather that what is saved or gained. I praise God once again for keeping David safe. Vans can be replaced - loved ones cannot. God will provide what we need when we need it. We just have to be patient.
Your prayers on our behalf are greatly appreciated. Please pray for patience and for God's swift provision. I look forward to a future blog entry that will share the experience on what God has done.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Where is Home Really?
Having been a Christian for many, many years, I've been secure in the knowledge that when I die I will go to heaven to be with God for eternity. In John 14:1-3, Jesus promises that He is going to prepare a place for us (those who believe in Him), that where He is, we can be also. When my father passed away a couple of years ago, it was a great comfort to know that he was with Christ in Paradise immediately after his final breath.
It's not been until the past several years that I've really given much thought to actually leaving this earth and going to heaven. But with the world seemingly beginning to spin out of control, sometimes it feels as though it would be so much better and easier if we could just pass over the "rough stuff" and fast forward into eternity. Not with suicidal intention, but I found my heart beginning to long for heaven -- to look forward to the day when I could experience the fulfillment of the hope that is within me - the same hope that is now reality for my dad.
I have also come to realize, however, that life on this earth is truly a gift from God. Every new baby that voices its first cry is a precious creation of God's hand, and each of us has been brought to this earth for a specific purpose. Eternity is going to be a long time. I want to appreciate the life that I have here on earth now, because it is all too soon going to be past.
Yes, it would be nice not to have to deal with the ugliness of this world, to see the freedoms in our country slowly begin to erode, to know that our liberty to live out our relationship with Jesus Christ will soon be stiffled (as it already is in so many other countries). But God's plan for us is perfect. We don't need to fear the future because we know Who holds the future. There may come a day for us when it will be difficult - if not dangerous - to profess a faith in Jesus Christ. But what glory to be able to share in His sufferings. There are so many who have suffered, some to the point of martyrdom, for Jesus Christ in the past and are suffering now in the present.
But there are still so many opportunities in which to tell others about the love of God and the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Every day I am alive is another day of opportunity to share my faith with someone else. Right now those opportunities are not that frequent, but it is my prayer that those opportunities will increase in the coming days.
As long as God has me on this earth, I want to serve Him. I want to be His missionary (or "magissionary" as David and I call ourselves). That way when I stand before Him in heaven, I won't be ashamed to have to explain missed opportunities or failures to act when He has opened the door. I look forward to hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
This morning I read this story in the devotional book...and I thought it was very poignant:
**************
The story is told of Theodore Roosevelt boarding ship at an African port as he was to return from a hunting safari. Great crowds gathered to celebrate his visit. The red carpet was rolled out for him. He was given the best suite on board the ship. He was the center of attention during the sail home.
At the same time, there was another man on board ship. He was an old missionary who had given his life for God in Africa. His wife had died, his children gone, he was now alone. No one noticed him. At the ship's arrival in San Francisco, the President was again feted. The whistles blew, the bells rang, the crowds cheered as Roosevelt disembarked in pomp and glory. But there was no one there to meet the missionary.
He went to a small hotel room, and that night as he knelt beside his bed he prayed, "I'm not complaining, Lord. But I just don't understand. I gave my life for You in Africa and it seems that no one cares. I just don't understand."
And then it seemed in that moment the Lord reached down His hand from heaven and placing it on the hold' man's shoulder, said, "Missionary, you're not home yet."
*****************
It is my prayer that you are filled with the hope - and assurance - of a home in heaven for eternity with God. I also pray that while you are here on earth, you serve Him with all your heart, mind, and body. May we all look forward to that day when the fanfare rings out -- when we are finally Home!!
It's not been until the past several years that I've really given much thought to actually leaving this earth and going to heaven. But with the world seemingly beginning to spin out of control, sometimes it feels as though it would be so much better and easier if we could just pass over the "rough stuff" and fast forward into eternity. Not with suicidal intention, but I found my heart beginning to long for heaven -- to look forward to the day when I could experience the fulfillment of the hope that is within me - the same hope that is now reality for my dad.
I have also come to realize, however, that life on this earth is truly a gift from God. Every new baby that voices its first cry is a precious creation of God's hand, and each of us has been brought to this earth for a specific purpose. Eternity is going to be a long time. I want to appreciate the life that I have here on earth now, because it is all too soon going to be past.
Yes, it would be nice not to have to deal with the ugliness of this world, to see the freedoms in our country slowly begin to erode, to know that our liberty to live out our relationship with Jesus Christ will soon be stiffled (as it already is in so many other countries). But God's plan for us is perfect. We don't need to fear the future because we know Who holds the future. There may come a day for us when it will be difficult - if not dangerous - to profess a faith in Jesus Christ. But what glory to be able to share in His sufferings. There are so many who have suffered, some to the point of martyrdom, for Jesus Christ in the past and are suffering now in the present.
But there are still so many opportunities in which to tell others about the love of God and the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Every day I am alive is another day of opportunity to share my faith with someone else. Right now those opportunities are not that frequent, but it is my prayer that those opportunities will increase in the coming days.
As long as God has me on this earth, I want to serve Him. I want to be His missionary (or "magissionary" as David and I call ourselves). That way when I stand before Him in heaven, I won't be ashamed to have to explain missed opportunities or failures to act when He has opened the door. I look forward to hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
This morning I read this story in the devotional book...and I thought it was very poignant:
**************
The story is told of Theodore Roosevelt boarding ship at an African port as he was to return from a hunting safari. Great crowds gathered to celebrate his visit. The red carpet was rolled out for him. He was given the best suite on board the ship. He was the center of attention during the sail home.
At the same time, there was another man on board ship. He was an old missionary who had given his life for God in Africa. His wife had died, his children gone, he was now alone. No one noticed him. At the ship's arrival in San Francisco, the President was again feted. The whistles blew, the bells rang, the crowds cheered as Roosevelt disembarked in pomp and glory. But there was no one there to meet the missionary.
He went to a small hotel room, and that night as he knelt beside his bed he prayed, "I'm not complaining, Lord. But I just don't understand. I gave my life for You in Africa and it seems that no one cares. I just don't understand."
And then it seemed in that moment the Lord reached down His hand from heaven and placing it on the hold' man's shoulder, said, "Missionary, you're not home yet."
*****************
It is my prayer that you are filled with the hope - and assurance - of a home in heaven for eternity with God. I also pray that while you are here on earth, you serve Him with all your heart, mind, and body. May we all look forward to that day when the fanfare rings out -- when we are finally Home!!
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