October 2008
October 31, 2008
I’m going skiing this year for the first time in years. I don’t know why, but for some reason I’ve got a real desire to hit the slopes. The sad part about that is that “hitting” the slopes is exactly what I will do numerous times when I finally head down the mountain. This is the first year I’ve had a desire to ski for a long time.
I played the guitar since I was in college – that’s a long time ago! But a couple of years ago my desire to pick and strum waned. I finally put down my guitars and have rarely played since. Very strange. But I’m not worked up about it.
Fall and even the edge of winter are securely established. It’s blustery outside with the chance of snow flurries today. Leaves are blowing everywhere and the mountain is ablaze. Soon, the trees will be bare. They will take a long knap for the winter. That is the way nature operates. Everything comes and goes and comes around again.
Life is like that too isn’t it? Just when we feel like we’ve figured something out, it changes. Just when we’ve established ourselves and gotten comfortable, the picture changes. We change.
Sometimes this can be really disconcerting. Is nothing secure? Is nothing solid? The answer is “no” and “yes.”
Nothing in this life is completely secure. It was not meant to be that way. The world and everything in it is not meant to last forever. Even our deepest desires and most profound enjoyments change like a chameleon. God makes it quite clear in the Bible that nothing of the world is permanent. So, if you place too much stock in any of it, you’re setting yourself up for real disappointment.
On the other hand, God is permanent. He was here before the world began and will be around long after it’s gone. He is secure. He highly suggests that we place our ultimate trust, commitment, and energy towards knowing Him. He suggests that our greatest security can be found by looking heavenward and not getting too caught up in this changing world.
But how do I handle my changing desires and circumstances? I place my ultimate trust in God. Then I “roll with the punches.” I work within the natural flow of my life and allow God to teach me through each new season and phase. There is much wisdom in the advice, “this too shall pass.” Finally, I enjoy, learn and capitalize upon each new season. Every season, every phase allows me new opportunities. It’s easy to miss opportunities if I’m clinging to what is actually past. I can’t embrace something new, if I’m holding on to something old.
Well anyway, I’m looking forward to falling down the slopes and, who knows, I might just pick up a guitar again before it’s over. Put your trust in God. Let Him lead you through the ups and downs and seasons of life.
Sharing the Journey
Pastor Don
October 24, 2008
Last week I received news that Charlie “Tremendous” Jones had gone home to be with the Lord. Our loss, heaven’s gain. Charlie “Tremendous” Jones was a truly unique individual. I learned so much from this special character. I am so thankful that God allowed me to be his friend. When I make that statement, I speak for thousands of people like myself.
I didn’t spend hours and hours with Charlie. I never attended one of his famous Bible reading groups or visited his home. We talked at length many times in his bookstore and he spoke at our church on a couple of occasions. Yet, he had a profound affect on my life.
I waited to talk to him in the store a couple of times while he was talking to his friends Ken Blanchard or Zig Ziglar on the phone. I was always amazed at how this tiny little bookstore in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania was the center of so much meaningful and powerful activity. Many times, I went to the store, not because I needed books, but because I wanted to see Charlie.
The secret to this tiny power center was, of course, Charlie himself. I’ve never met anyone that I sensed loved God and loved people more than this bow-tie wearing man. He always reminded me of the statement made by General Booth of the Salvation Army. “When God got me, He got all there was to get.” Charlie was sold out, lock, stock, and barrel to Christ.
It is a wonder and privilege to be in the presence of a sold out person. They exude the Life of Christ. They make you want to give more, do more, be more. They help you rise above your circumstances. They show you what commitment and love look like in the flesh. They take you further along your journey in a short time, than you often travel for months or even years.
I confess. I want to be like Charlie “Tremendous” Jones. I want to be completely sold out to Jesus Christ. I want to love God more than anything else. I want to love people so much that they sense Christ in my presence.
Every time I saw Charlie, he pushed me, in his gregarious manner, to put Christ first in my life. He introduced me, in a whole new way, to devotional classics. He had me read from Oswald Chambers. He wept as the words left my lips. He made me feel as if He had just left the throne of God and the Lord had a message for me.
And so I will take my first step this morning in following my mentor. Make Jesus Christ first in your life. Never let a day pass that you don’t spend time walking and talking with Christ. Read God’s Word everyday of your life. Let His personal message speak to you and fill you with His presence. Go to church every week to give honor and glory to God. Love people – every person. Let your light shine so brightly that people want to be near you; they want some of you to rub off on them. Rise above your circumstances. Let your problems be God-ordained stepping stones to maturity and joy.
Like the Executive Book Store, let your little piece of the planet become a center of meaning and power through Jesus Christ. Charlie Jones changed the world because of his relationship to Jesus Christ, and so can you.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started. Pray. Then go make a difference in someone’s life.
Sharing the Journey,
Pastor Don
October 16, 2008
I enjoyed an evening with two of my daughters last night. We watched “The Bucket List.” I love this movie. Its’ stars, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, are two of my favorite actors. The Bucket List tells the story of two men who crossed paths during an extended stay in the hospital being treated for cancer. Nicholson plays a high powered, ruthless, friendless old businessman, who actually owns the hospital. Freeman plays an ordinary mechanic who had exchanged his dream of being a history professor, for the reality of raising a family. However, Freeman’s character was no ordinary man.
One day Freeman starts writing a list on a yellow notepad. Nicholson notices and inquires about it. Freeman explained that an old philosophy professor had encouraged students to write a “Bucket List.” This is a list of activities and adventures that they would like to complete before they “kick the bucket.” After a few succeeding events, Nicholson and Freeman decide to complete their bucket lists in the few remaining months they had to live.
Throughout the course of the story Freeman’s character occasionally discusses his faith in God, and how it shapes his life. Nicholson is an ardent atheist, but slowly Freeman gets to him through their friendship and long discussions. Atheism can be very lonely, especially when you are staring death in the face. After a few months Freeman heads home to his family and soon dies. Meanwhile, Nicholson is a completely changed man. He reunites with his daughter and has a much better outlook on life.
We don’t know if Nicholson’s character comes to faith in God, but we do know that he was much further along that path because of Freeman.
I think our lives are ultimately important, not so much because of what we accomplish, but rather because of how we influence others while we make our journey. I like the concept of a Bucket List and have used something similar for years. It keeps me from losing sight of what I really consider important in life.
I believe my relationship with God is the most important, valuable, and helpful aspect of my being. My life is so much better because I know God through His Son Jesus Christ. No matter what item on the list I am pursuing, it takes on more meaning because God is with me.
But I don’t want my relationship with God or my pursuit of my Bucket List to be simply about me. It has to be about drawing others to God along the way. My love for God also helps me love others. I want everyone to experience a good relationship with their Maker.
I highly recommend developing a Bucket List. And I also highly recommend constantly developing friendships and sharing your life in Christ along the way. When all is said and done, your Bucket List will be a trail of changed lives and joyful relationships. What about today? Whose life will you influence before bedtime tonight?
Sharing the Journey,
Pastor Don
P.S. This a great week to invite someone to church or small group. We’re going to study “How to be a Failure — NOT!” as part of the “Game of Life — Because Life’s Not a Game” series. I know you’re saying you are already pretty good at that, but who knows what we might learn about success, from failure. Jesus explained some important principles through the story of the Talents.