God's Word for Today
The ABCs of Salvation
Living for Christ

It seems to be happening again, as it did last year and it will continue to do so until this old world is done away with.  It has nothing to do with “global warming” but with the times and seasons we experience.  I am talking about the seasonal changes that take place whether we notice or even like it, for it takes place because of the divine design our Creator established “…in the beginning.”

Recently, Marge and I spent a portion of a Sunday afternoon with our granddaughter, Kari, and Andy her husband and their two children, Jaden and Jaxen, who live in Gardner, Kansas.  This used to be a “bedroom community” on the Kansas side of the metro Kansas City area and in Johnson County, but is developing into a quite a “city” itself.    We have another granddaughter living there as well.  Jami and her three children, Jacey, Hunter and Landen.  We’ll see them next trip.

When we left Gardner, I decided we should take a “Sunday afternoon drive” and headed west through Edgerton and Baldwin City and north to Lawrence, enjoying the scenery and each other.  Driving through Kaw Valley, the Fall colors were really beginning to show the change reflecting what only God is able to do in preparing the countryside for winter.   

Another indication of this happening is that “neighborhood garage sales” that folks have on the weekends tend to become a venture in itself.  Families (and neighbors) pooling their sale items, they share in the work and in the “profits” (if any).   It is just another opportunity of getting together for a few hours. 

So, IF we understand and know that we are in God’s control and under His leadership, there is no way we can ever stay the same.  In reality, we should realize that the “seasons of life” come, as they do and will.  The writer of Ecclesiastes sums it all up in these verses: Ecc. 3:1-10

1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--

2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.

5 A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun mbracing.

6 A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.

7 A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.       

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.

Many of our friends are approaching the season of “winter” in their lives.  Heaven seems to be getting just a little closer.  All who are believers and have received Christ into their lives and KNOW HIM as Savior, should never be afraid of the “closing” of their lives or in other words…dying.  6-Oct-06

“…Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy IN Jesus but to TRUST AND OBEY!”

SUNRISE IN KANSAS

It is so refreshing to wake up with an attitude of worship on your mind.  Just this morning it happened to me in my waking moments (or in the dreaming stage) with the chorus we sang in the opening of the service at Northland Cathedral this past Sunday morning

                        And in all things give Him thanks,

                        And in all things let your gratitude shine through;

                        And in all things give Him thanks

                        For He has given all things unto you.  (copyright 1991, Word Music)

When the Holy Spirit moves upon our hearts, we respond in a variety of ways.  At times hands are raised in worship.  Other times there may be tears that flow unchecked.  And there are times when we just stand in awe of His presence.

The Apostle Paul in his writing to the Thessalonian believers gave every indication that offering praise and thanksgiving should be the "norm" for every believer, when he wrote "...in EVERYTHING give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  II Thess. 5:18 (NASB)  And...I just wonder IF we really make personal application of this verse because I have found myself at times thinking "...how can I or should I be thankful for the existing conditions surrounding me and/or members of my family?”

Our summer is slipping by us almost unawares with the exception of the 100 degree weather we’ve had on a number of those days.  It is hard to explain how it’s possible to have an attitude of praise and worship when the floods come; when the wild fires sweep across the plains of Oklahoma and Texas; the fires burning out of control in many parts of California.  When there are wars being fought in the middle-east, along with concerns about terrorists eager to strike again.  When the young men and women who were just Sunday School kids a few years ago are now off to war -- and in all "these things" we are to give thanks?   Yep, we sure are, and with the confidence in the One who has called us, who will also take care of us as we trust Him!

When these comments are written and put on-line, we have no way of knowing whether or not they minister to those reading them, but for me, the Holy Spirit reminds me that we are not our own but have been bought (purchased) through the Blood of Jesus.  As we daily "cast" our cares upon Him, we can simply know that He truly cares for each one of us.  Even our kids when they are off to war, or are off to college or just "off," we surround them with prayer for the Lord to keep them in His care.  This is called "trusting."  Not always easy, but always possible. 

So maybe tonight when I go to bed, all of the words will come to my mind and I'll complete the chorus above.  Until then, " 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to trust His cleansing blood...."

P.S.  I phoned our Sunday School teacher and she gave me the words from Sunday’s bulletin (grin). 

9-Aug-06  (Photo by Diana Stocksen)

Our world is "grappling" for our attention!  It is so easy for our focus to be directed to only the things that are of interest to us.  Iraq, Iran, starvation in so many countries of our world.  Demonstrations for or against the "war"; the immigrants, many legal and many who are illegal.  Whether we agree or disagree with any of these things I have mentioned, there is one area we must keep our focus on. The account of the last days of Jesus leading to the Cross, the Tomb, and His Resurrection!  The prophet Isaiah describes it well in the 53rd chapter of that book.  He asks two questions: (l) Who has believed our message? (2) And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He then follows up by describing what our Lord would go through.  (Isaiah 53:1-12)  Take time and read it to refresh what He did for you!

In the 12th chapter of the Book of Hebrews there are four (4) words that leap out at me "...fixing our eyes on Jesus" -- remember the world is grappling for your attention.  "...Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart."  (Hebrews 12:1-3) NASB

My attention was directed to a book that was loaned to me while I was in the hospital following knee surgery.  My friend, Carl Seaton, handed me the book written by Bruce Marchiano, "In the Footsteps of Jesus."  This is an account of one man's journey through the Life of Christ based on the Gospel according to Matthew.  My challenge to all who maybe reading these words, "...get the book," take your time in reading it, live it with Bruce as he walks you through his experience in portraying Jesus.  You will discover a new Jesus, perhaps one you have not seen before.  Picture Him on the ground playing with children, you will see Him sweaty, tired, hungry, compassionate, understanding, taking time for people, very much a man of His day.  The stories of people whose lives were changed and challenged because of Bruce Marchiano's desire to bring to life what transpired over 2,000 years ago.  The movie “The Gospel According to Matthew” has been available for a number of years and I would challenge you to first read the book and then see the movie. 

He talks about "...never in his wildest dreams this happening to him" or just "...falling in love with Jesus" and simply "...walking in His joy!"  This is a fresh new look at the Life of Jesus through the experiences of a professional actor who indeed had a life-changing experience and he appeals to all who have not made this choice to do so.

It is in Matthew we hear the invitation "...Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.  "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."  (Matthew 28:28-30) NASB

LISTEN, HE MAY BE SPEAKING TO YOU IN THAT STILL SMALL VOICE!

4-13-06

Well, it has been 3 weeks since I entered North Kansas City Hospital for left knee surgery.  When these experiences in life come along the way, we are faced with many "unknowns" and it is these that we fear most.  The not knowing what to expect, how much pain there will be associated, the "losing" all sense of modesty, to me was very alarming.  Then unexpected heart problems came up the day following surgery, which put me into the heart department to be cared for -- and the knee? It became secondary!

In Acts 20:35 we read "...In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" When He had said this, He knelt down with all of them and prayed."  Of the things I discovered while being cared for, it is indeed true, "receiving” is more difficult than "giving".  To receive help in times of embarrassing experiences, some I won't even "bore" you with….  However, I am so grateful for the loving care given and the concerns expressed. 

Some of you reading these thoughts may be thinking, "...so what's new?"  Before any of this happened, I coined a phrase "Exceed the Expected."  I don't know whether it is an original or something I have heard and it came to mind, but it has worked for me.  Someone asked me "...whose expectation?" To me it didn't matter because whatever was expected of me, I was going to exceed it.  To date I believe it has happened.  My Doctor, the nurses, my visitors all wondered about the "pain level" and my response what simply "I don't have any pain!"  I do take a couple of pain pills every 6 to 8 hours but other than that, there has been no heavy doses of medication.  Praise the Lord!   Oh, and I work out about 2 hours a day.

Our friend in Anchorage, Alaska, had both of his knees done about a month before I had just one taken care of.  Pastor Jim Schulz has already been back in the pulpit and is conducting the services at the church he is pastoring.  Pastor Jim became my model and I believe the both of us have experienced the wonderful healing power of our Savior, Jesus!  Let me brag a little, I did graduate to the "cane" yesterday!

Many of our friends took time and "gave" of themselves to come by to check up and see how things were going.  Pastor Paul McGarvey, our Seniors’ Pastor at Northland Cathedral was waiting at the hospital when Janet and I got there and remained throughout the surgery.  Our Sunday School teacher, Ruby Platter, and her husband Gaylord stayed as well.  I know Janet and our grand-daughter, Kari and her son Jaxen appreciated it.  Over a dozen different families were represented during the week there.  With the "receiving" came your prayers, the flowers, many cards, fruit baskets, home baked cookies and even some balloons!

And now a word about Marge.  I felt the stress of me recovering would overwhelm her and she needed to be away.  I mentioned it to one of her doctors and he agreed, which sent me to the phone to call our youngest son and his family, who live in Alpine, Texas.  David was scheduled to be in Washington, DC for about 4 months and thought perhaps Marge could stay with Shannon, Halee and Branin for a month or so.  They agreed and she agreed, Janet agreed, and I agreed it would be the best solution.  Marge is missed and will be home Memorial Day.  She will get to attend Miranda's high school graduation in Albuquerque NM before returning to Kansas City. 

Romans 8:28 remains so true and will continue to be so: "...And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Sing with me: "Yes, Lord, Yes; Yes, Lord, Yes; Yes, Yes, Lord!"  April 6, 2006

(Note from Marge:  I’m having a refreshing time here in sunny southwest Texas, and I greatly appreciate being here.  Both Howard and I are deeply grateful that Janet is willing and able to be her dad’s care-giver and chauffeur.)

What do most people in Kansas do when they hear the tornado warning sirens going off? They are supposed to find a place of safety or shelter.  Many are probably like us.  For some reason, Marge and I enjoy getting out and watching the clouds as we did Sunday morning when storm warnings were sounded, the rains and winds came and hail was just a part of it.  I picked up a couple of hail stones about the size of very large marbles and put them in the freezer.  Throughout the day, the "basketball games" were interrupted by the satellite dish losing signals.  Only a little damage in the Kansas City area, but none in our area, for which we thank God.  [Editor's comment:  we get quite a few tornado warnings each year, but it's rare that we actually "get to" see one, and we're not complaining about that!]

               When the first wave of storms passed, I headed for church at Northland Cathedral, which is about 23 miles from us (one way) and hail covered the ground and alongside the building were piles of mothball size hail stones.  Made some people quite nervous but what better place to be than in church when these storms come.  I asked Marge if she was scared and I knew her answer, so she coughed her way to the computer and I went on to church. 

               Some of the folks were surprised to see me since I am headed for surgery on Tuesday.  This is one of the values of the church and its membership, which we call family.  Northland Cathedral has been our church home since l981 and many of our friends are still attending there as well.  This reminds me of the ol’ saying "...if ya wanta grow, stay planted" and for this reason we have not looked for a church closer to home because this is where the Lord directed us when I resigned Oak Cliff Assembly of God in l981. 

               Facing surgery in the morning (March 14th) I am excited about the possibility of being able to walk again and make one of my goals to be in Alaska for the summer of 2007!  Our friends encourage me (us) by sharing their experiences with this kind-of-surgery.  The success stories far outweigh the failure ones.  PTL!

               My anticipation is running high as to the expected outcome of this knee surgery.  For the past couple of years "it" has limited me in what I wanted to do and recognizing there probably will be some "pain" associated with this new experience, it will be worth it.

               I John 4:4  “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  You see, whether we are facing a storm, such as those that passed through the Kansas City area yesterday, and me facing surgery on Tuesday, He is still greater! 

 YES, JESUS DID IT FOR ME!   13-Mar-06

KNEE ACTION.  I’m getting a new left knee on March 14^th!  I know we are supposed to do all things without complaining or murmuring, but this is one experience that I am NOT looking forward to.  Only to the extent that for the summer of 2007, I should be able to return to Alaska.  My heart is still there, folks.

Becoming a patient for the majority of men (and maybe women too) is humiliating, and if we had any modesty to begin with, it is quickly lost, so I’ve been told.  Over the years I have been the one standing alongside the patient, offering encouragement, praying with and for them and trying to cheer them up to make their stay tolerable.

The hospital room can become a “harvest field” and I do believe the Lord will minister through each of us IF we will allow Him to, perhaps even to those who serve our needs while we’re confined.  The medical staff, visitors who come alongside, our families, our pastors and church families all will be greatly appreciated. 

The author of the old hymn addresses the issue well.  “…Make me a blessing, make me a blessing; out of my life may Jesus shine. Make me a blessing, make me a blessing to someone today.”

This is a case where I must practice what I have preached and heed what God describes in His Word “…Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”.  (I Peter 5:7 NASV)  

I want to say a word about my “care givers,” they’ll be among the best.  Janet, our daughter, will be an on-site nurse and Marge will offer words of encouragement by printing the daily cartoon, “Pickles,” for me.   However, after I get back home she’s going to Texas to spend a few weeks with Shannon, Branin and Halee while our son David is on an out-of-town assignment.  Before Marge returns home, she’ll go to New Mexico to see our grand-daughter Miranda’s high school graduation.  When she returns, I plan to be walking to meet her in the airport! 

3-1-06

What Motivates You?

I woke up this morning thinking about work environments and what motivates people in the work place.  This was probably brought on by the disaster that struck West Virginia recently, where 12 miners lost their lives in an accident that may have been preventable.  I believe investigations will determine the possible cause and if it was indeed preventable. 

I remember my reaction when I opened the Kansas City Star and read that a miracle had happened and 12 miners were found alive.  I fought back tears just thinking about those families involved, their relief and joy of the “good” news that was so short-lived.   Very soon the news that only one miner had survived and that 12 were dead brought shock and disbelief.  What devastating news to the families and the community in which they lived. 

The motivating factor for these people to choose to work in the coal mine industry was the good money to be made, as well as the men in their families had worked the mines for generations, facing daily the dangers they faced.  Not greed that motivated them, but the need for adequate support for their families. 

I have worked in places where the employees dreaded to see their boss show up on the job because they were motivated by fear of what he or she might say or do.  So, what motivates each of us to return to work every day?  The enjoyment of the work place, the people you work with?  Or maybe is because of the paychecks?  These questions are to make us think of what and how we are contributing to the motivating factor in our work environment every day. 

Recently I was in Hobby Lobby doing a little shopping and browsing.  The attitude in their entire place was very soothing and inviting to shop.  Music will do that!  Music will motivate us to respond.  IF there is not music playing in your work place, perhaps it should be tried; people might just like it and in turn their motivation might be enhanced.   

Now, I need to bring this into the perception of our walk with the Lord.  What is the motivating factor in our walk? Fear of falling into the hands of a God of wrath? Fear of going to hell? Fear of not being “good enough” or that we haven’t done enough?

Flip Wilson, the comedian, used to say “…the devil made me do it!” and I wonder at times IF this is not what we may feel ourselves.  What a joyous motivation it would be if we used the Love Factor instead!  -written 7-Jan-05

“…For God did so love the world, that He gave His only begotten Son!” (John 3:16) (My own translation)

Have you ever tried to put toothpaste back into its tube? What about trying to “take back an unkind word or action?”  We’ve all heard the cliché, “Don’t cry over spilled milk!” Senseless and useless to even try.  With 2005 coming quickly to a close, about all we can do about mistakes we’ve made, or dumb things we’ve perhaps said, our attitudes and actions not becoming to Christians … is learn from them and endeavor not to repeat them in the New Year coming up!

Just this morning I was reading in Ecclesiastes 3 about all the “time factors” and a time to “quit” isn’t one of them.  Which led me to think about the strength in numbers.  When a family will pull together they are a strong force.  They may fight amongst themselves but will not allow anyone to pick a fight with one of them.  They stand up for each other … in other words a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken! It is much like the McCoys and the Hatfields feudin’, each defending  their own!

We may speculate on the future, but we don’t have the capacity to tell what 2006 will produce.  As Christians, we do not look to the stars, we don’t go to palm readers, we don’t turn to the horoscope in the morning paper to determine what we will be doing tomorrow, next week, next month or even the entire year.  Ya want scripture for that? “…Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’  Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.  Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that’ But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:13-17 (NASB)

Let me state that it is OK to make plans about desires we have.  Vacations are wonderful!  Time spent with our families is time well spent.  Hopefully we will treasure these times because we never know what will transpire next.  There are many experiences we do not wish to repeat.  Such as: the Tsunami, the earthquake in Pakistan, the Katrina hurricane to name a few.   We just aren’t very good at “fixing” things that are broken and there are some we just can’t “fix.”  We can never make it all like it “used to be.”  I will never have my two sisters back and wouldn’t want them back in the conditions they had when they departed this life.  But…LIFE goes on!

Life is too fragile to worry about the little things that do not matter.   Let’s make the best with what we have and keep on keeping on doing what the Lord would have us do.  Me?  Going back to Alaska for several months in 2006?  Not likely, but I would sure love to though. 

It is the prayer of Marge and myself that you will have a marvelous new year.  Why not purpose in your heart to make it better than 2005, ok?  -written 29-dec-05

“…TO PLOW A STRAIGHT LINE, DO NOT LOOK BACK, BUT KEEP YOUR EYES FOCUSED ON WHAT IS AHEAD!” (borrowed)