Completely Anonymous

Let me start today's blog with a disclaimer. The crime I refer to in this blog is a horrendous one. There is no way to justify the actions of the person in it. It is my hope that the authorities apprehend the perpetrator expeditiously.
I was listening to the radio the other day and the community has contributed to the Crime Stoppers fund to catch a criminal. The city councilman whom I heard interviewed was very complimentary of the community as they bonded together in this difficult time. And I agree, it is very heartening to see people work to make their communities safer. What caught my ear was the advertising of the Crime Stoppers reward. If you called in with a tip and the criminal was arrested, you would receive $7500. The announcer went on to say that all tips were completely anonymous. Now my question, how will the people receive the reward if they are completely anonymous? A number of scenarios circled in my brain and I saw some humor in this. If the police don't know who gives them the tip, the money is safe!!
But I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt and I concluded that somehow they would give their name in the process. No! I listened further and the interview with the police continued. Not only would the people remain anonymous, they would not have to reveal their identities and would not have to testify in court. (It gets even better.) And when they called in, instead of revealing their names, they would receive a number that would completely protect their identity. So once again, the money is safe!! Perhaps it will go to the Police Ball or to the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Fund.
I hope the police catch the criminal. But good luck to the people who help apprehend him. I doubt if they'll ever see the money. Have a good day. JW

Whatever It Takes

The older I get the more contrasts I see in life. Yesterday couldn't have been more clear. Please don't misunderstand since I've talked about death a lot lately. I don't have a morbid sense of life or death. It just seems that I have been going to more funerals lately. (By the way, when my parents were still alive, I remember calling them and they would tell me of a funeral they had attended. "Did you know them?" I would ask. "No, not really, but we knew his brother's sister's cousin's aunt. Honest, the funerals I have gone to lately have either been people I've know well or those I have done the service.)
C.F. was a faithful Christian man. His son is a preacher. His grandson attends church where I preach. His grandaughter was a classmate of my daughter's in college. He was a rancher, a farmer, a good man. I talked to his son, Bruce, before the funeral. Bruce had a smile on his face even though he was hurting. We visited a few minutes about how C.F. was in a much better place and how we didn't know how people with no faith could make it through such times. I assured Bruce of the welcoming committee that greeted C.F. as he entered his reward. Bruce appreciated our visit, I could tell.
Soon after the funeral, I visited my brother. My brother is not a Christian. Almost immediately, the conversation moved to our mother's death. "I'm having a hard time handling this," he said to me. I admitted that I have had similar feelings, but Mom's resting place is assured. I'm so happy for her because she is where she wants to be, in a place with no tears, no sorrows.
When I got home, the contrast was so stark. Here is a man who just lost his father and he had a smile on his face. He'll miss him terribly, but he'll see him again one day. Another man had lost his mother and couldn't handle it. Could it be that he's thinking he may never see her again?
To all of my friends out there, we get so caught up in life that we forget the most important thing. And the most important thing in life is to keep the most important thing in life the most important thing. Whatever it takes to be together with the Savior, that needs to be our business. That needs to be our life. Don't get caught up in the foolish pursuits that Satan wants us to chase. . .these silly little diversions that seem so big now. Whatever it takes, I want you to be there, with me, with the rest of us. Whatever it takes. Have a great day. JW

I Don't Want to be Miserable

So many lessons I learn or think about occur while I'm in my car. Yesterday on the way to church services, I pulled out into traffic (there wasn't any, just one car waaayyy down the road). The other car moved over into the other lane and eventually passed us on the left. Then immediately got into our lane. I had to brake to keep from being so close.
My thought was, "she's going a certain speed and I guess she wants me to do the same." Isn't that like the human race? I'm miserable, so I want you to be miserable like me. Go at my rate. Feel like I feel. Preferably, miserably.
The Scripture says we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. I think we have the mourning stuff down. But there's something about someone else being happpy that just rubs us the wrong way. Why should they be happy when I'm not?
Maybe we should work on that this week. . .being truly, genuinely happy for someone who's happy. Are you happy? Why don't you let your face know about it? Have a good day. JW

Celebrations

You know we complain about the Israelites so much. We think that if we had been there, things would have really been different. I believe the Hebrew word for that is "hogwash." That's why I'm not too hepped up about miracles in our day. I'm not sure they would make that much of a difference. Look at the Israelites. They had them everyday and they still messed up.
But one thing I do like about them is their festivals, their traditions. Now I'm not ready to grow my beard and start singing "Tradition!" from Fiddler on the Roof, but I think they had the right idea on some things. As a nation they celebrated the harvest. You may say, so do we on the last Thursday in November. That has become more of a football fest than thanksgiving. They repented together on The Day of Atonement. And they celebrated together at the Feast of the Tabernacles. Once a week, they looked in anticipation to the Sabbath. I know they really messed up, but the true Jew knew exactly what all of these things were for. It would have been great to have been raised in this. Remember when they crossed the Jordan, they were to take stones for each tribe and they built an altar. It was for a reminder. When their kids asked about those stones, they were to tell them how God delivered them and gave the land they inherited. They had a number of feasts, but they were all to remember what God had done.
We would do good to remember what God has done. That's why it's so important that we gather on the Lord's Day and commune togehter. There's nothing magical. It's not something that gives us eternal life or something that we do to get our ticket punched. It is to remember and to celebrate what God did through His son. I'm looking forward to tomorrow. Have a great day. What's left of it. JW

Movies

My wife and I were talking last night about just how poor movies are anymore. Maybe this is the "I wish things were better in the good old days speech." But I don't think so. They weren't that great when I was younger either. I'm getting to the point that I spend $8 to sleep in the movie theater. That really makes me mad. I could do that at home.
My wife doesn't rent DVD's or videotapes for me because it's an instant cure for insomnia for me. Don't get me wrong. There still are some good movies out there. I'm just gettting tired of showing the women's body just to show the body. I'm getting tired of the bad language. When good family movies are made, money is made. Why hasn't Hollywood learned that lesson yet? Maybe I'm in the wrong business. Have a great day. JW

Things

I made my regular Starbucks run this morning. At this point, I feel the need to let you know that I am not a coffee drinker. Never have been in spite of the efforts of my father to try to get me to like the nasty stuff. I do drink chai. My first experience with chai was in Vladivostok, Russia where the chai is a kind of fruit tea. Since I've been back to the States, chai has blossomed as my drink of choice. Although it's nothing like the Russian drink, I like chai.
Well, that was random and useless. But anyway, I made my regular Starbucks run this morning. My old van has 151,000 miles. The air conditioning doesn't work. It's just old and ugly and it runs and it's paid for. There were two gentlemen in the place when I walked in. They were sitting in the easy chairs drinking their (I assume) coffee. They were the only two customers in the place. When I left, I noticed the cars they were driving. One had a beautiful red Mercedes SUV. It was nice and clean and had all the bells and whistles on it. But sitting next to it was a red, convertible Mustang GT.
As I drove to work, I mused that despite the fact that these gentlemen had such nice, expensive vehicles to ride in, my car worked just as well. The results were the same for all of us. We were able to purchase our drink of choice and walk out and go wherever we wanted to go.
I guess my point this morning is we get so caught up in the material. And the scary thing is, although I felt sorry for myself, my vehicle is better than what most people of the world don't have. My trip to Trinidad in the 90s helped me to realize that it's not about the physical. The money, the things don't help us get to heaven. What gets us there is Jesus...and only Jesus.
Those of us who strive every day to get more and more should strive to be more and more like Jesus. He said, "Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man doesn't have a place to put his head." Was He trying to say we should give away everything and live as paupers? No. He was saying quit putting your trust in the things that deteriorate and rust and break.
One day, the guys I saw are going to have to get new cars. But my old van will still be running (hopefully, please, please, please) and I'll still be able to get my chai. I think I'll drink mine now. Have a good day. JW

The Moment

It happened so quickly I almost didn't catch it. In fact, I was thirty minutes down the road when I realized the magnitude of the event. That's the way a lot of important moments are. We live in a day and age of movies. You have to have the big premier, the grand opening, the biggest ever sale. Most of the really important things happen so quickly, so quietly that if if you're not paying attention, you miss it.
I had taken my 15 year old son back to camp. I say back because he went out (2 1/2 to 3 hour drive) to camp on Sunday morning. My wife took him out there knowing that before long we would know the schedule of his baseball tournament as she was driving out. But he insisted on going to camp because a.) He wanted to get in the cabin he wanted, b.) he wanted to get the bed he wanted, and c.) he wanted to get to camp. Several things he doesn't miss in his life. A good night's sleep, talking to his friends on AOL instant messaging, and going to camp. Monday afternoon I picked him up (with a friend) and we came back for his Monday and Tuesday night games. He didn't want to be there because he was missing one of the things you don't miss.
So at 5:30 this morning we began to trek back out to camp. As we drove up, he triumphantly said, "We're back." Off he ran to check on the boys in the cabin. He came back around about two minutes later asking if the car was open so he could get his stuff out. Once again he disappeared. I was ready to leave and wondered where he was. Out he popped once again. And then it happened. He hugged me and then he kissed me. Fifteen year old boys don't kiss their dads very often. Granted it was early in the morning and there were no campers around, but I'll take it. He told me he loved me and to tell "Mommy, I love her, too." And then he was gone.
It was a great moment. And I almost missed it. But I didn't. And I still feel the wet kiss on my left cheek as I write this. Have a great day. I am. JW

Sing a New Song

As I read my good friend David Underwood's blog and his comments on other blogs, I am reminded how important our singing is. Think about this. We can remember words and music from all of those dumb songs from the 60's. "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, I've got love in my tummy." How about, "Young girl, get out of my mind. My love for you is way out of line. Better run, girl, you're much too young, girl." I remember singing that song at the top of my lungs when I was in junior high. My parents must have been clutching their chests in the other room.
But I also remember the wonderful songs we sang in worship services. That's what sticks in our minds. We need to be listening to spiritual songs more and filling our minds with positive and spiritual messages instead of the words and music that we hear now (and when I was young!). I admit I still like to listen to Chicago and The Doobie Brothers and Three Dog Night. I do cherish more the songs by Christian writers now. Just this morning, the song went through my head, "He leadeth me, O blessed thought." Now that's a great thought to begin the day. "Where ere I go, where ere I be, still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me." Please lead me today, my Lord. Old words, but just as true today as they were when they were written. Have a great day. JW

The Church

My Dad was a great man. Was he perfect? Of course not. He died twelve years ago last Friday. That doesn't seem possible, but time really rushes by. There were times he really got on my nerves, as any father does. He loved me and taught me to love Jesus. And I loved him. There were some intangibles that he lived by thatI would do well to follow.
For instance, he didn't like anyone criticizing the church. There seem to be a lot out there doing so, trying to get us to get things right and to do the right things. There were some prominent ministers that he took to task because they made a living selling books that did knock the church. I remember his statement. Jesus died for the church. Why should we be bashing it?
I see the church as a bunch of yahoos who mess up and frustrate me and who are narrow minded. He saw the church as imperfect people who were saved by the perfect Christ.
Good lesson. I need to listen more, even as he sleeps. Have a great day. JW

Worship Revisited

As I have been comtemplating worship lately, there have been several things that come to mind as to what worship is. I know the definitions, i.e. kissing toward, etc. But there are several things and several concepts that must be a part of worship. Let me know if you think of any others. The first is an overwhelming sense of who God is. Very little surprises us anymore. We've seen everything (or at least we think we have). It's hard for us to understand the hugeness (is that a word?) of anything, let alone God. We don't go outside and look at the night stars anymore. We're inside surrounded by trees or the lights of the city. We have gone to the moon, to Mars, and lands sakes, we just crashed a spacecraft into a comet. Ain't man grand?? But God is so unbelievably awesome. He is beyond all of that and until we understand the awesome power of God, we can't understand worship. There's a story in the Old Testament where God turns a desert into an oasis. The writer says in essence, "this is nothing for God." Maybe we need to sit where Job was when God quizzed him in Job 38, 39, and 40. Perhaps a good reading of that will help.
Second, worship is an overwhelming sense of thankfulness. What did Noah do when he got off the ark? He built an altar. Why? He was thankful. Read the Psalms and see how many of them have to do with thankgiving. Once we see how totally dependent we are on God, once we know our place, once we know His place, we will be overcome with gratitude. That kind of worship flows.
Third, the relationship with God must be there in order to worship. We can't saunter in whenever we want. Or even more, we can't call to Him just when we need something. We degrade God when we do that. We render Him irrelevant in our lives. God is the God of the now, the today, the good times, the bad times. He wants a relationship. They had it in the Garden and they blew it. We laugh and scoff at Adam and Eve and we wonder why they couldn't see that. But we do the same thing. We go off to our own devices and ask God in whenever we need Him. Worship isn't worship without a relationship with Him.
Fourth, we must have a relationship with our brothers and sisters to worship. What is it John said, "How can we say we love God whom we have not seen and hate our brother who we can see."? I think the whole point of the "where two or three are gathered" has to do with relationship. We make it all about worship. And I think Jesus says the relationship with the brothers and sisters has to be there before the worship can be there.
Well, these are just some ramblings. Tell me what you think. Have a great day. JW

Peace

Once again the world wakes up to tragedy. Please pray for the world. Pray for those who murder and maim in the name of Allah. Pray for those who were killed or hurt. Pray for their families. Pray that Jesus will heal all wounds. Jesus is the answer in all of this. It's so simple, yet so complicated.
Peace, perfect peace. In this dark world of sin. The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace. By thronging duties pressed: To do the will of Jesus--this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace. With sorrows surging round: On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace. With loved ones far away: In Jesus' keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace. Our future all unknown. Jesus we know and He is on the throne.
It is enough. Earth's struggles soon shall cease, and Jesus call us to heav'n's perfect peace.

JW

Changed for a Second (and Third and Fourth...)Chance

What makes people change? I think I know the answer to that question, but it hit me as I was studying my Bible. And it got me to thinking. How many people do you know that were on fire for Jesus, but then burned out? Try as you might, the people who do fizzle out are not always those whose faith is (was) weak. I know some mighty warriors who have been beaten to death and, at least, outwardly don't seem to care any more.
Peter is a classic example. "I will never forsake you!" he said to Jesus. I believe he meant it because he went for the jugular and only got the ear of Malchus' servant. Before he truly understood what Jesus was talking about, he denied Jesus and he decided to go back to fishing.
Solomon is another. He built a temple that was a tremendous sight. He claimed, "O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below..." Yet, not long after that in Scriptures we find the words that are used so often to describe many subsequent kings of Israel. "So Solomon did evil in the eyes of the Lord; he did not follow the Lord completely, as David his father had done.
There is a silver lining in all of this. God never turns His back on us. The door is always open. He's always willing to take us back. Don't believe me? Peter came back and was more effective than he ever dreamed possible. Did you see the statment in the last paragraph? Speaking of David, the writer says Solomon didn't follow the Lord completely as David did. Are you kidding me? David? I thought he commited adultery with Bathsheba? I thought he had Uzziah murdered? David was called a "man after God's own heart." Hosea bought back Gomer. Even after she had commited adultery and returned back to prostitution. He took her back. The story of the Prodigal Son should be called the Parable of the Loving Father. Example after example after example. God takes us back.
That's not to say we should take the "it's easier to get forgiveness than permission" mode. But it does mean that God will take us and love us even if we fail miserably. Why? I don't know. He loves us and that's enough.
In all of this, I guess I'm asking all of us to change. To change for the better. To seek God's face and to run to Him. And in spite of our failures, in spite of our faults, He is gracious and good. He is our God. Like the song from the Broadway musical "Wicked" that I quoted several weeks ago, "Because I knew you I have been changed for good." Wow! If that doesn't describe our relationship with God, I don't know what does. Have a great day. JW

Fireworks

I know this is July 5th, but I still have some July 4th thoughts on my mind. In the great city I live in there is a huge concert and fireworks show in Memorial Park. People come from all over and place their mats, blankets, tarps, whatever to place their claim on the park's grounds. This year they had groups such as Three Dog Night and The Doobie Brothers come and sing. Even though they had these bands from my era, I didn't want to fight the crowd and deal with the traffic. What my family did do is go to a higher elevation and watch the fireworks from a distance. We couldn't hear the music, we couldn't hear the BOOMS of the fireworks, but we could see them. Interestingly, there was a family who drove up to watch the fireworks. They drove up all in a dither, dashed out of their big Suburban, placed their lawn chairs on the grass and sat...for just a few minutes. There was a small fireworks show off to the right. They watched them, packed up their car, and sped off. About five minutes later, the real fireworks show began. I wondered if they ever knew that they missed the real show.
You know it's not the same to watch fireworks from such a distance. It's kind of "pretty," but just not the same. And we certainly didn't hurry off after seeing a much smaller fireworks show like the people in the Suburban. There was just something...missing.
So on we decided to go to Rosenblatt Stadium (Home of the College World Series) and watch the REAL fireworks show. We sat through a boring ball game (I actually liked it, but my wife spent the whole time talking to a friend). Then we were allowed on the left field grass to see the fireworks display right above us. It was so close, many of us had cinder, ash, whatever, from the fireworks on us. What a show! You could feel the report of the big cannon-like blasts. The fireworks were really wonderful. You could hear the oohs and the ahhs of the crowd. What a great time!
Can anyone see a biblical application here? Some are impatient with Jesus. They want the big stuff. They come and see a little display of his power and then they pack it in and go home. Others watch the glory from a distance. But they don't want to expend the effort to get close. Then others go through the trials, the difficulties, and sometimes the boredom. They are rewarded in the end by a spectacular display of power. Which one are you? Where are you in all of this? Think about that before you answer and have a great day. JW

P.S. By the way, as we were waiting for it to get dark the other night, there was the most spectacular sunset. I wondered if anyone saw it. We were waiting to see the glorious power of man-made bombs and explosives when God very majestically painted an explosive scene in His glory right before our eyes. That's just like Him.

The Supreme Court

I heard Steve Farrar speak one time. He's the author of a number of books including Point Man and Riding for the Brand. He's a wonderful speaker on family and men's issues. He said a lot of good things that I don't remember. But one thing I do remember. He was talking of a number of legal issues and he mentioned the Supreme Court of the United States. He was very careful to add, "of the United States." He said the reason why he said that was because someday the Supreme Court of the United States would have to answer to the Supreme Court.
In light of the fact that we will have to have a new justice, that justice will serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Praise God we don't have to answer to them. Of course, we do as citizens of this country. But this world is not our home. We are not citizens here. And some day we will stand before the Righteous Judge. I prefer to place my destiny and future in Him. Have a great day. JW

Take My Life

My wife was recently invited to a high school class reunion. It wasn't one of those "banner" year reunions. They haven't had one in a while so they decided to meet. My class was the same way. I think we had a 26th year reunion. This year would have been my 33rd class reunion. I can't believe we didn't celebrate! Some of you are out there figuring just exactly how old I am. Get a life!!
Anyway, while cleaning out Mom's house recently, I found a program she had saved (she saved everything!!) from my high school baccalaureate and graduation. I led this song during that ceremony:

Take my life, O Father, mold it in obedience to Thy will;
And as rip'ning years unfold it, keep it true and child-like still.

Father keep it pure and holy, strong and brave, yet free from strife,
Turning from the paths unholy of a vain or sinful strife.

Ever let Thy might surround it; strengthen it with pow'r divine,
Till Thy cords of love have bound it, Father, wholly unto Thine.

As I read those words again, I realized that God has kept His end of the bargain. It's me that has been rebellious and unflexible and hard to deal with. I don't want to be that way. I would hope that these words would apply to me today as they did 33 years ago. Even though my age would not be considered "rip'ning years," I still want God to mold me. The Israelites struggled with this, the prophets struggled with this, the apostles struggled with this, so I 'm in good company. But that doesn't give me an excuse. Today I pray that the cords of God's love surround you as they have me for all of these years. And you will be bound eternally to God who pursues us and makes us pure. Have a good day. JW

By the way, today would have been my Mom and Dad's 63rd wedding anniversary. Instead of counting years, they are counting praises for God as we speak. God, please take care of these two precious souls. I know you are.

Important

Yesterday I was wearing my Arkansas Razorbacks Athletic Department shirt. At this point, I must apologize to my unbelieving, non-Razorback fans, but you just got to understand; I have three degrees from the University of Arkansas and claim Arkansas as home. I have gotten several comments about the shirt complimenting me on the piece of clothing that I'm proud to wear.
I was eating with a friend of mine yesterday when the waitress noticed my shirt. "Arkansas Razorbacks, huh?" she said. I gave her a quick "Wooo Pig Soooiieee."
"Do you work for the athletic department?"
"No."
" Are you a coach?"
"No."
"Are you important?"
"Yes, I am." Really. I said that. But then I followed. "And so are you. Everyone's important."
She told us that she had just moved to Omaha from Kearney. At the end of the meal my friend asked me for my card and when she came back, he asked her if she had found a church home. She hadn't. She had been looking. We invited. She said she would come. She's looking for a teaching job. My friend said he might could get her connected to the right person. Now we wait. Will she be here Sunday?
You know, little conversations can end up with big results. Look at Nicodemus. Look at the Samaritan woman at the well.
I learned a lesson today. A lesson in kindness and openness. A lesson in just asking. What does it hurt? Jesus did it all the time. Have a great day! JW

The Ring

As a preacher, one wonders whether or not your message is really getting through. People kind of file in and file out. They shake your hand and tell you that it was a good sermon. I'm sometimes convinced that if I really had nothing good at all to say, someone would still say, "I enjoyed your sermon."
Sunday I preached a sermon about firstfruits. Using the sacrifices of the Old Testament, I explained how God had always asked for the first, the pure, the best from His people. Then I used Abraham as an example. I told them that God would at some time in our lives asks for us to give up the most precious thing we have. Sometimes we get it back, sometimes not. And God will never ask us to do something that He's not willing to do. He asked Abraham to give his precious son Isaac and then stopped him from sacrificing him. God gave His only Son and didn't stop.
We had envelopes for people to place their contributions in Sunday. We had printed a bow on the envelope and we had these words: To: My Father, A Gift, From: Your Child. I wanted to emphasize that giving was a part of our worship--not just an adjunct to the Lord's Supper, i.e. "separate and apart..." But I also wanted everyone to see that we are to give our best in everything, not just our money. He wants the best of our time, our talents.
After services I was called into the room where the money was being counted. One of the envelopes had some cash in it...and a ring. What did the ring represent? Was it a gift? Was it a wedding ring? What sentimental value did it have? It still remains a mystery. But I have to admit, I was moved. Someone listened. Someone heard. Someone gave something important to the Lord.
So many times we grasp what we have so tightly. It's time we let go. It belongs to God anyway. I heard a story several years ago about a guy who had been called to heaven. He knew he was going and he knew what time. He was told that he could bring one and only one suitcase with him. "What can I take?" he thought. So he loaded up his suitcase with pure gold. He lugged it up to the gates of heaven and he was met at the gates. "Please open up your suitcase," the angel said. He proudly opened the valise up and the angel replied, "Pavement??? You brought pavement?" Have a great day. JW

The First Time

Yesterday my 15-year-old son had a first in his life. He hit his first home run. I'm not talking about pee-wee league home runs where you hit a grounder to the shortstop and he throws it over the first baseman's head. While Nate scrambles to second, the first baseman retrieves the ball and heaves into the outfield. You know the routine. I'm talking a bona fide, over-the-fence, trot around the bases homerun. I think it surprised him as much as it did me. It was something he'll remember for the rest of his life.
I started to think about obscure things that happened in my life that are tucked in the inner recesses that only happened once, but are indelibly printed on my gray matter. I think about the conversation that I had with my best man. We in the basement of his house the night before he was to get married. We talked of getting involved in the church. I thought about the winning free throw I made in a basketball game when I was in junior high. Or, the moment my precious fiancee become my bride. I still remember the feeling I had when I came up from the baptismal waters after my dad baptized me.
As I watched my son trot around the bases, I couldn't help but be proud. And I have been thinking about those moments in his life that he'll remember. I pray to God that they'll be good memories. That they'll be ones that put a smile on his face, not a frown on his heart. I hope your memories are good ones, too. Have a great day. JW

Too Short, Too Soon

In less than one hour we go to the cemetery to lay to rest a young life cut too short way too early. My words I have prepared seem somewhat empty. But I know God can take empty words and make them powerful. That's what I'm depending on. Please keep the Neal family in your prayers. As I went outside to get the paper today, it was rainy a slow steady rain. My thought was that it was God's tears. God's tears for this family who have gone through what nobody should have to go through. But they'll make it. They trust is still in the Lord. The journey will be a hard one. Once again, please keep them in your prayers. And pray for all of us who are doing the ceremony. Just pray that God's words are spoken. JW

Truth

Truth is such a precious commodity. More precious than gold. With the recent events, I've learned that truth is difficult to find because so many people want the sensational, the "story," the gritty "facts." Everything you read in the paper is correct, right? All the reporting on the news is exactly the truth, isn't it? Truth is a step child to the glitter.
Maybe that's what Pilate was struggling with when he asked Jesus, "What is truth?" What are the facts...really? All I know is all truth is God's truth. I wish I had the answers. But our goal is to constantly seek for truth. No. That word is not strong enough. It's a quest, a mission, a trek, a journey for God's truth. Join me on this quest, would you? JW

Terrible Timing

This is my second murder. They don't get any easier. I was so angry this morning when I got out of my car. I still don't understand why a precious girl would have to suffer a frightening ordeal as Sarah did.
Let me tell you about the other one. It's all about terrible timing. George Shepherd and his wife went to the doctor's office because George had an appointment. (Little did he know it was an appointment with his God, not his doctor.) So did one of the residents of the county jail. A new (less than 6 months) deputy was commissioned to take this young inmate to the doctor. While in the waiting room, the inmate took the deputy's gun and shot him point blank in the chest. He then proceeded to leave the office. George and Sue were walking up to the office at that point. Seeing what was happening, George tackled the man with the gun. Evidently, his arm with the gun were still free and he pointed it at Sue threatening to kill her. George struggled with the prisoner some more and he turned the gun on George and shot him. I believe it was the inferior vena cava that was nicked and George bled to death.
The funeral was somewhat of a media event. The place was packed, TV cameras wanted to come into the chapel, everyone gawked at this hero. The sheriff's office made a commendation at the funeral. I still remember the words I said. "Many are surprise that such a common man would do such an uncommon thing. But he learned it from his Savior. For, years ago Jesus gave His life so that others could live. George was just emulating his Lord."
I keep going to II Corinthians 4. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary trouble are achieving for us a glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary. But what is unseen is eternal." Amen, Paul. That's where I've placed my stake in the ground today.

Sarah

She was lively, active, smiling, mischievous, everything a teenager is supposed to be. She had wrecked her mom's car at one point. She would take a pencil or pen and beat out rhythmic beats at a table, window, or any other flat surfaces. She was an excellent softball player receiving honors for her abilities. She is dead.
I've got to admit that I understand the loss of a loved one, but not the loss of a daughter. I can get the sudden loss of someone since my mother passed suddenly, without warning in her sleep. But I can't understand the suddenness of murder. I continue to ask the question, "Why?" And if I feel that, I can't imagine what her parents are feeling right now.
Intellectually, I can place myself in a living God who loves me and understands my feelings and hurts and sorrows. But emotionally, I continue to question how something like this could happen.
I just talked to my own daughter who I married off less than a month ago. She said, "Daddy, she'll never get to go to her prom, her dad will never walk her down the aisle." Maybe she's on the arm of God right now. That's where I'll stand on this one. JW

Sing

I've grown up with a pretty eclectic collection of church music. Being raised in a good Church of Christ home, we didn't sing anything to any instruments. There was one occasion at my brother's high school graduation that the band had a beautiful trumpet fanfare to the hymn "God of Our Fathers." I remember my father wouldn't sing. But I grew up to the old, old songs. Christian Hymns II and III were our songbooks. I still have several copies of them in my library. There are some great songs. My mother used to sing "Rock of Ages." It was her favorite song. I couldn't stand it. Too slow. What did it mean? On and on. It has since become one of my favorites. "Sound the Battle Cry," "Come Ye, Disconsolate," "Ready to Suffer," were all songs we sang. I led the song "Does Jesus Care" right before a sermon one time and the preacher came to me afterward and said he wasn't sure what I was trying to say. The chorus says something about "the long nights dreary." He said he wasn't sure if I was talking about his sermon or not.
We moved to Searcy, Arkansas when I was a sophomore in high school. There we had high church. I'm not complaining, because there are some tremendous songs in the Great Songs of the Church book. "O Sacred Head," "Night with Ebon Pinion," "Twas on that Night" were beautiful songs musically and poetically. Many of those songs are still written on my heart. Stamps-Baxter music was taboo, almost sacreligious. There was a time in college when I was in choir when we weren't allowed to sing on the bus on chorus tours because of the strain on our voices. So we would get down some old song books and whistle the different parts. "Let Me Live Close to Thee" in the whistling mode sounded like a caliopy. Now THAT'S sacreligious! We could hardly get through the first line because you can't laugh and whistle at the same time.
With the addition of Christian music, new names and new songs have emerged. Names such as Michael W. Smith, Twila Paris, and groups like Point of Grace, Mercy Me, and Casting Crowns have all changed our music. My biggest gripe about music today is the songs we sing that last for ten minutes and all we do is change one word. Not that we can't be edified by those kinds of songs. We just haven't been very creative.
But I love to sing "We Shall Assemble on the Mountain" and "There is a Redeemer." In the chorus when we sing "Thank you, O, my Father for giving us your Son. And leaving your Spirit 'til the work on earth is done" moves me everytime I sing them. I can hardly get through the song. There'll be singing in heaven. In fact, Revelation talks of a new song. There's a book out called 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. He relates his story of being clinically dead for 90 minutes and being greeted outside the gates of heaven. I'm pretty much a skeptic on things like this, but you have to hear his words. Listen to his description of the singing in heaven.
"The praise was unending, but the most remarkable thing to me was that hundreds of songs were being sung at the same time--all of them worshiping God. As I approached the large, magnificent gate, I head them from every direction and realized that each voice praised God......Many of the old hymns and choruses I had sung at various times in my life were part of the music--along with hundreds of songs I had never heard before. Hymns of praise, modern-sounding choruses, and ancient chants filled my ears and brought not only a deep peace but the greatest feeling of joy I've ever experienced....As I've pondered the meaning of the memory of the music, it seems curious. I would have expected the most memorable experience to be something I had seen or the physical embrace of a loved one. Yet above everything else, I cherish those sounds, and at times I think, I can't wait to hear them again--in person. It's what I look forward to. I want to see everybody, but I know I'll be with them forever. I want to experience everything heaven offers, but most of all, I want to hear those never-ending songs again."

"I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high." Psalm 7::17 Have a great day! JW

Baseball Game of Life

One of the advantages of living in Omaha, Nebraska is the opportunity to attend the NCAA College World Series. (Omaha is a great place to live. I know you think snow and cold weather. But this city of over 800,000 is a wonderful place!) Someone generously gave me four tickets to see the Tulane/Oregon State game. It was a pretty good game with good defense and the outcome in doubt to the very end.
I happened to be sitting next the crowd from Tulane. Let me set this up. The left field line is 332 feet from home plate. I was in Section T, Row 20. The Tulane group is in the next section (Section U) farther away from home plate. The section is on the third base side almost to the left field line, 332 feet away. Plus, there is a guy sitting up behind my left shoulder probably another 10 rows or so. So, in other words, he's a loooooong way from home plate. Obviously, if you know baseball, you know that the home plate umpire is directly behind the catcher. Nearly the whole game, especially when it reached a crucial part of the game, this guy behind me would yell at the umpire. First of all, there is no way in this good earth that the umpire could even hear him. Second, the amusing thing was what he was yelling about. Every pitch, "C'mon ump! Give us a break. That wasn't a strike! C'mon blue! Help us out here! AGGGGHHHHHH! I can't believe it, ump!" I made a comment to my wife and son that that guy must have a real tough time at work having to deal with all of those around him who can't understand his, perfect, eagle-eye vision.
We do the same thing. We complain about certain people. They just don't do things right. We just can't believe they would do something that stupid. We stand in left field, not even close to the situation, and we make judgment calls. Jesus talked about that when He said, "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults--unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious ot the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor." (Matthew 7:1-5, The Message) Do you think the Tulane fan in left field would listen to this? Nah. But I can. So can you. Have a great day. JW

Star Wars

How about a little lighter post? I went to see Star Wars III last night. My son warned me about it, but I really wanted to see it. The dialogue was like a high school play. Mr. Lucas, get someone else to do your writing. Just stick to plots. The special effects were really neat and really overwhelming. I guess he decided that if one big star ship was really cool, then ten would be ten times as cool. Not. And if you're going to write a big epic, start with number 1 and work you way up. Don't do 4, 5, 6, and then 1, 2 and 3. After seeing the story at the last, and then seeing the first two plot lines, then it's pretty obvious what's going to happen in the third (last?).
Yoda is still my hero. Any short, green munchkin that can fight like he can has my vote for best actor any day.
Spiritual applications? Well, I guess the main thing would be the choices we make. Faced between good and evil, we make that choice. That's the best I can do with that.
Have fun today. It's Saturday! JW

Be Still

How much time do you spend on hold? Standing in line at the grocery store? Waiting for your spouse to come to the car so you can go to church services? On and on it goes. Don't people know that you are busy. Places to go, people to see. How many times when you ask someone how they are doing do they say, "Busy!" (Usually, that means they're not doing anything. In all my years of life, I've discovered the more that people have to tell you they're busy, they're not.)
BUT, busyness is one of Satan's tools. Too busy to go there, too busy to do that. When's the last time you just sat down with God's word? Nothing to do but read, meditate, study, quiet time. You probably think it would be wonderful to be a preacher because they have enough time to do just that. Read, meditate, study, quiet time. The fact is, at least in my case, I find myself preparing for so many things that I fail to slow down and read, meditate, study, quiet time for me. That's not selfishness, that's a necessity.
There's a reason why God says, "Be still and know that I am God." I used to think that meant be quiet. I think that may be one aspect of it. One time when I was a youth minister, we had a fall hayride, cookout, thing way out in the boonies of Northwest Arkansas. I thought it would be cool to read that verse and then hear the sounds of the night. Right after I read it, the loudest pickup truck in history buzzed by. Kinda messed up the effect.
Remember when your kids were little and they were sitting (allegedly) with you at church and they were fidgeting and talking and moving and embarrassing? You picked them up and firmly placed them on the pew and said, "Be still!" Maybe that's what God is saying to us--"Be still.....and know I am God."
That's when we discover God. In the quietness of the morning. In the calm from the busyness. Finally slowing down with no agenda but to listen to His voice. We need to do it more often. Better yet, we need to do it. Spend some time with God today. You'll be pleasantly surprised. And a peace will come to you that you never knew possible. He's waiting. There's no line. Have a good day! JW

Changed for Good

Went and saw "Wicked" in Chicago last weekend with my son and wife. There's a beautiful song at the end where Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, sings with Glinda (The Good Witch)--By the way, I know I've said this in previous blogs, but "Wicked" is the prequel to the "Wizard of Oz."--Listen to these words and see if they don't remind you of one of your friends.

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn,
And we are led to those who help us most to grow
If we let them and we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true,
But I know I'm who I am today because I knew you:

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun.
Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood.
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you I have been changed for good.

It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime,
So let me say before we part
So much of me is made of what I learned from you,
You'll be with me like a handprint on my heart,
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend:
Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea,
Like a seed dropped by a skybird in a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you I have been changed for good.

And just to clear the air,
I ask forgiveness for the things I've done you blame me for,
But then, I guess we know there's blame to share
And none of it seems to matter anymore.

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better.
And because I knew you I have been changed for good.

I have to tell you, tears filled my eyes as I typed those words. How many people could I say that to? Thank you for being a part of my life. Aren't those wonderful words? Wouldn't it be wonderful if that's the way people thought of you and me? I thought of Paul and Barnabas, David and Jonathan. I thought of Pat, Bobby, Rodney, Martha, and others in my life. Take some time today to thank those who have changed you for good. Have a great day. JW

Kids

Sixteen babies! We dedicated sixteen babies at our congregation a couple of weeks ago. I was telling a young lady about that not too long ago and she graciously told me she didn't want to place membership at our congregation because she was afraid to drink the water. She wasn't ready to have a child yet.
There are several ways to grow a church. One is to teach people about Jesus. Another is to have people move into your area (that's really swelling, not growing). Then there's the "have babies" option. Now we just need to get all of the parents to sign a "can't move" contract.
But as I looked at those precious kids, I couldn't help but wonder which ones would stay faithful. Which ones would be wonderful servants? What would they grow up to be? How had they and would they change the lives of their parents? I appreciated one of our shepherds getting emotional as he prayed for these wonderful, precious, innocent lives. Jesus said that they kingdom of heaven was like those little children. I believe it.
I loved it when our congregation stood in affirmation. We stood telling those parents and those children that we would be there. We would teach them in Bible class, we would tell on them when they weren't doing what they should, we would love them almost as much as their mom and dad. It won't be long before they are climbing up on the podium and looking out from inside the plexiglass pulpit. Soon they'll be sprinting down the halls. It won't be long until their teeth come in, then they start loosing them. Then it won't be long before they are standing up with their future spouse telling the preacher and the witnessing crowd that they pledge to honor them until death parts them. And the cycle starts again. Praise God!
I love it. It takes a village? No. It takes a church. Have a great day! JW

Contentment

There are times when I marvel at God's goodness and workings. I used to wonder about His dealings with me in my life. But for now, I see Him in everything. Perhaps I'll need to be reminded later. Right now, though, I find it extremely fun and gratifying to see Him work in other's lives.
He sat in my office today, calm, content, yet without a job. He is dealing with a couple of serious situations in his life. He has a number of transitions going on in his life. And though the emotions were close to the surface, there was a calmness in his life. He was secure in his thinking knowing that God is in control. Will it always be that way? I don't know, but I hope so. I think he'll be fine.
I see in him really what Paul talks about in Philippians 4:13. "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." We have so misused this verse. We have made it the Zig Ziglar, "I can accomplish anything I put my mind to" verse. Look what Paul is saying. Right before, he says he's learned to be content in any and every circumstance. The verse is about contentment, not self help stuff. That's what I saw in the man whose eyes I looked at today. And I'm glad for him. I think he'll be all right.
Have a great day. JW By the way, be content.

Distractions

I was with my family in Chicago this last weekend and we visited the Shedd Aquarium. I would recommend the trip for anyone for you can see a variety of exotic and un-exotic (is that a word?) fish including sharks, dolphins, tuna, flounder, etc.
The moment that amused me was one early on in the visit. I was standing next to a huge tank filled with a small hammerhead shark, a large tuna--just a large number of fish that you would expect to find in the ocean. People were standing, observing the fish in their natural habitat. Then from the top of the tank enter two fins. All looked up to see the figure of a homo sapien (human, for all of you in Cumberland, MD), dive into the tank. He then took a rag and began cleaning the side of the large aquarium. At which point, people gathered excitedly and began taking pictures. Does anyone see anything weird in all of this?
Here were all of these wonderful fish swimming gracefully in their natural habitat and we (humans) took pictures of another human swimming in an unnatural habitat doing a maintenance job. What's wrong with this picture? We are so easily distracted.
Charles Swindoll tells a wonderful story in his book Laugh Again. A lady's husband dies and she decides to buy a pet to keep her company. The pet store owner sells her a parrot that he insists is a real talker. I'll let him pick it up from here.
"Does it talk?"
"Absolutely. . .a real chatterbox. Everybody who comes in the store is astounded by this parrot's friendly dispostion and wide vocabulary. That's why it's so expensive."
"Sold!" She bought the expensive parrot and hauled it home in a large, elegant cage. At last she had a companion she could talk to, who could answer back. Perfect!
But there was a problem. A full week passed without the bird's saying one word. Beginning to worry, she dropped by the pet shop.
"How's the parrot doing? Quite a talker, huh?"
"Not one word. I haven't been able to get a sound out of that bird. I'm worried!"
"Well, did you buy a mirror when you got the parrot and the cage last week?"
"Mirror? No. There's no mirror in the cage."
"That's your problem. A parrot needs a mirror. It's funny, but while looking at itself, a parrot starts to feel comfortable. In no time it will begin to talk." So she bought the mirror and put it into the cage.
Time passed, still nothing. Each day the woman talked to the bird, but not a peep came out of its beak. For hours on end she would talk as the parrot stared in silence. Another week passed without a word. By now she was really getting worried.
"The parrot isn't talking," she told the pet store owner. "I'm worried. All that money, the mirror--and still nothing."
"Say, did you buy a ladder when you got the cage?"
"A ladder? No. I didn't know it needed a ladder. Will that make it talk?"
"Works like a charm. The parrot will look in the mirror and get a little exercise, climbing up and down this ladder several times. Before long you won't believe what you hear. Trust me, you need the ladder."
She bought the ladder and put it into the cage next to the mirror. . .and waited. Another seven, eight days, still nothing. By now her worry was approaching the panic stage. "Why doesn't it talk?" That was all she could think about. She returned to the store in tears. . .with the same complaint.
"Did you buy a swing?"
"A swing! No. I have the cage, a mirror, and a ladder--I thought I had everything. I had no idea I needed a swing."
"Ya gotta have a swing. A parrot needs to feel completely at home. It glances in the mirror, takes a stroll up and down the ladder, and before long it's on the swing enjoying itself--and bingo! I've found that parrots usually talk when they are perched on a swing."
The woman bought the swing. She attached it to the top of the cage near the ladder and coaxed the parrot up the ladder and onto the swing. Stilll, absolute silence. For another ten days not one sound came from the cage.
Suddenly she came bursting into the pet store, really steaming. The owner met her at the counter.
"Hey, how's the parrot? I'll bet--"
"It died! My expensive bird is dead in the bottom of the cage."
"Well, I can't believe that. I'm just shocked. Did it ever say anything at all?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, it did. As it lay there taking its last few breaths, it said very faintly, 'Don't they have any food down at that store?'"
Isn't that just like us? We get distracted so easily. Like the human in the fish tank, we missed what was really going on. Paul said it a couple of times. In Hebrews, he said for us to "fix our eyes on Jesus." In II Corinthians 4 Paul said, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen." Fixing our eyes. Not being distracted. I believe that's the same thing Paul is saying in Philippians when we tells us to forget the things in the past and press on. He's basically saying for us not to be distracted.
What's distracting you? Don't look at the human cleaning the windows. See God's enduring beauty in everything. Have a great day. JW

How's Life?

Things die. That's just a fact of life. Interesting contrast, isn't it? A fact of life is that things die. I'm looking at a plant in my office right now that is desperately in need of water. I've effectively killed it. Programs die. Plants die. Pets die. Dreams die. People die.
I don't mean this to sound pessimistic. In fact, far from it. I've just visited with someone who had someone very close to them die and then a relative is perhaps standing at death's door as we speak. There was terror in his voice. A desperation setting in. Difficult times and moments to deal with life. Because life goes on regardless. And the Scripture tells us that we are not to mourn as those who have no hope.
What set me off on this was a news item from Moscow. Police there discovered 4 skeletons in a Moscow apartment. There was an elderly couple, their daughter, and their grandaughter, born respectively in 1912, 1914, 1942, and 1971. When did they die? No one really knows except they found a 1997 calendar. There was food in the refrigerator dated to 2003. It had been two years since utility bills had been paid and the last time anyone had seen any of the family was 2003. Comments were made such as, "Honestly, we couldn't understand whether the smell was coming from the apartment or from our basement." and "We thought they'd gone away to a monastery." Where were their friends! Why didn't anyone notice that there was no activity?
When Mom died, she was discovered within the day because someone was coming to check on her. Thank goodness she had friends who were concerned for her. But to go unnoticed for at least two years?
"How's life?" people often ask. Has anyone ever asked you, "How's death?" When I die (and yes, it's coming), I want people to notice. For the way to die is to live a good life. When that happens, the transition is so much easier. Death is not the end, it is the continuation of eternity that started with our relationsihp with God.
Perhaps I've rambled today. But I cannot fathom an isolated life. Let's strive to make an impact. Let's make sure we have those arm in arm with us to assist in this journey of life. And when it's all over, maybe we can ask, "How's death?" JW

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Those of you who read my blog know that I am a frequent visitor to Starbucks. I know it's expensive, but there's a reason for my visits. When I walk in, they say, "Venti no-water chai?" I'm not a coffee drinker, but I do like my chai. Depending on who's there, they even call me by name and write my name on the cup. For a while there was a girl there (bartista, as they call themselves) who would say, "Good morning, Bob!" I don't know, I guess I look like a Bob. But my point is, they know me, they know what I like, and they're friendly.
Several years ago I was asked to speak at a youth retreat. My topic was to be "The Church as Cheers." You probably remember the popular sitcom "Cheers" set in a bar. Like everything else on TV, it was not a true depiction of what bars are really like, but that's another story. Now remember, this was the topic given to me. I did not choose it. The first words out of my mouth were that I was uncomfortable comparing the Lord's church to a bar. But I began by saying I had a song to sing and I wanted the young people to sing with me if they knew the words. I started singing, "Making your way in the world today takes everything you got..." That was it, the kids picked up and sang the whole song. "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came...." I was excoriated by some youth minister who couldn't believe that I would compare the church that his Savior died for to a bar. THAT WAS THE TOPIC GIVEN TO ME!!!! I digress again.
But the point is, don't we like to go where people know us? Don't we like to go places where we are accepted without judgement? Don't we like to go where people love us and call us by name? No wonder we're having a hard time filling the assemblies on Sunday mornings. We come in, sit down, drink some juice, eat some crackers, sing some songs, stare straight ahead, and beat the Baptists to the restaurant if the preacher doesn't preach too long. Whatever happened to community? Family? Whatever happened to koinonia? Fellowship, sharing. The synagogue was the community center of the Jewish culture. It was where education took place. It was where youngsters learned to read. It was where they were taught how to act. It was where everybody knew their name.
I attended the Crossroads Church of Christ in Gainesville, Florida years ago on a Wednesday night. (Yes, the very Crossroads that began "the movement") An hour after services were over (Amen was said, I heard it) almost everyone was still there. They were talking and hugging and smiling. They were glad to see each other. It was hump day and they needed encouraging. That's what church is supposed to be!
Brethren, let's work at making our assemblies inviting. Let's see that there is a place for everyone. Let's make sure that above all, Jesus is invited and is an honored guest. Maybe we ought to call out everybody's name as they walk in the auditorium. "Norm!!" Ah, maybe not. Have a great day! JW

What Love Is

As he wheeled her out of the auditorium Sunday, he stopped to tell me something I didn't know. "We celebrated just our 67th anniversary this week." That's exactly the way he said it with the emphasis on just. It was as if to say there's more years coming. I smiled at her and said, "Are you willing to go another 67?" She smiled and nodded. That's really the most communication you can get out of her. He takes care of her. Brings her to services every Sunday. She can't really talk much. She's in a wheelchair and he dresses her, feeds her, just takes care of her. His health is not that great, but he's all about her.
I get a little tired when I read about Britanny and Kevin, Demi and Ashton, Jessica and Nick, Brad and Angelina. These relationships are destined for failure. The commitments they make to each other are shaky at best. They say they love each other, but they really don't understand love. Elmer and Lucy do. Elmer has told me of some of the things they've been through. It's been tough times and it continues to be tough. But he loves her. . .and she loves him. . .deeply. That's what love is all about. It's about taking care of each other.
So if you don't mind, I'll try to pattern my marriage after Elmer and Lucy rather than the others. It works. They are an inspiration to us all. Happy Anniversary Elmer and Lucy! May you enjoy many, many more together. Have a great day! JW

Blue Skies and Rainbows

We live in a huge country. I know, I drove half of it last week. My friends were moving to California and I volunteered to help drive. From Omaha, Nebraska to American Canyon, California is 1634.7 miles. Beginning on Wednesday and finishing on Friday, I saw some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Now I've been to the arm pits of this country. (I won't tell you where those are because I might offend some of the people in Cumberland, Maryland. Oops!) But the mountains, the valleys, the rainstorms, the Great Salt Lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats, the vistas were just breathtaking.
So what do you do while you drive? Well, if you have a six-year-old riding with you, you sing. Her favorite song was Blue Skies and Rainbows. I tried to get her to sing Home on the Range (see yesterday's blog), but she didn't know the words. Blue Skies and Rainbows was the best we could do, and it was a good song to sing anyway. So traveling down the road we're singing at the top of our lungs, "Tall mountains, green valleys, the beauty that surrounds me all make me aware of the One who made it all." At that very moment we were driving through a green valley surrounded by tall mountains with flowers and green all around us. Indeed, it made me aware of the One who did make it all.
I remember sitting in a hotel room in Salt Lake City back in 1997 looking down the beautiful range of the Rockies. The mountains were unbelievable in their majesty. Solid and permanent. I was reading from the Psalms when I came across these words, "The mountains melt like wax before the Lord." The One who made them could also melt them like wax. That same Psalm begins with these words, "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad." Wow! The Lord reigns. I am glad! Have a great day! JW

P.S. By the way, I also saw a rainbow while driving down the road. . .a double rainbow. Blue skies. The writer must have driven the same highway as I was when he wrote that song. I'll never look at the song in the same way again.

Home on the Range

I drove through the range this week. And I sang out loud these words, "Home, home on the range. Where the deer and the antelope play. Where seldom is heard a discouraging word. And the skies are not cloudy all day." I have to tell you, these are words of a person where the glass is half full. I saw lots of antelope (and I guess they were playing). I heard discouraging words (Are we there yet? How many more miles?--That'll be another blog telling you about that). It rained and there were clouds. And I wasn't riding a horse nor in a covered wagon, there were McDonald's everywhere, and it took three days, not months to get there.
I have gained a new appreciation of the pioneers who settled this great country. They went West not really knowing what the future held for them. They encountered bad weather, tough times, yet someone was able to sing about positive things. That's an accomplishment. Although I never saw the Ben, Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe Cartright in Nevada, I could appreciate the fact that some real person did at one time venture across those mountains and carved out a life, albeit a tough one.
And I complain because there's not enough hot water. Paul said, "I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." (Peterson's, The Message).
Thank you, Lord for what I have. Forgive me for complaining, moaning, griping, etc. Everybody sing, "Where seldom is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day...." JW

Your Daughter's Wedding

All of you fathers out there who have ever given away a daughter in marriage know how it feels. All you who haven't don't. That's the facts. I've been the preacher at a lot of weddings and I've seen fathers give their daughters away and I felt for them, knowing that some day I would have to do the same. But nothing prepared me for last Saturday.
She had asked me to do a blessing. Now it's dangerous to let a father speak. And it's doubly dangerous to let a preacher speak. But when you're dad is a preacher, that makes it even more frightening. I knew what I was going to say. Rehearsed it several times. When I stood before them and the crowd, my mind went absolutely blank. It was as if I could not speak at all. And it didn't help to see the tear streaming out of her eye. I tried and nothing came out. What I wanted to say was from Judges 18 when several Danites asked a young Levite three questions. Three good questions. Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?
Who? The auditorium was full of those who had brought them to that place in their lives. Friends and family who had influenced over the years. People who had meant so much. Everyone of them had a part in bringing them
What? It was a wedding. A wedding is different than a marriage. A wedding is an event, but a marriage is a lifetime. And I need all of those who were there Saturday to be a part of their lives because marriage is hard. They'll need God's help and ours. I'm not saying that because I predict problems. I'm saying that because Satan will do his best to destroy there relationship. He does it to all of us. So please, Lord, be with them.
Why? They were there to make a commitment to each other before God and all of us who had influenced their lives somewhere along the way.
When the Danites asked the Levite about their journey, he told them, "Go in peace. Your journey has the Lord's approval." That's really what I wanted to say. Instead, in my blithering way, I stumbled through a blessing.
It's never easy to let your first born go. It's even harder when she's a girl. But I pray the Lord will bless them. And I pray their journey has the Lord's blessing.
Once again, please give me some time off from blogging. I'll be back next Monday. I'm helping friends move to California this week and I won't be near a computer. So, have a good day. I'll talk to you next week.

JW

A Few Days Off

Please give me a few days from blogging. I have to marry off a daughter and I don't know if I can. Something gets in my eyes a lot right now. Tell you about it later. I'll be back in a week or so. Take care. JW

Contrasts II

I know I've already written about contrasts. But this is my blog and I can write about anything. Right?
Last night I had to make a trip to the grocery store. Driving into the parking lot the Casting Crowns song, "If We Are The Body" came on the radio. I paused for a few minutes listening to the words of that great song. "If we are the body, why aren't his hands reaching, why aren't his words teaching.....?" I had to listen to the entire song because it was really speaking to me at that moment. Then I walked into the grocery store and heard "Joy to the World." No, not "Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive its King." But "Joy to the world, all you boys and girls, joy to the fishes in the deep blue sea, joy to you and me." What a contrast from "Why aren't our hands reaching" to "Jeremiah was a bullfrog" and by the way, he had some pretty good wine.
The contrast between Jesus and the world is so dramatic. Yet we try to blur the lines, minimize the screen, and trivialize the difference. John said, "Don't love the world's ways. Don't love the world's goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world--wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important--has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out--but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity." (I John 2:15-17, The Message).
"Set for eternity." I like that. That's what I'm working toward...being set for eternity. Have a great day. JW

Role Models

As I was reading the sports news this morning, here were the three items listed as the most important. First, a pitcher for the Cincinnatti Reds was cut because he flipped off the home crowd. They were booing him and a fan was verbally abusing him, so he swore at him and flipped him off. The second was a story about an NFL player who was arrested for indecent exposure because he was having sex with an 18-year-old in an SUV. The third was another NFL (this time, all-star) punter who was arrested for DUI.
What is the deal? These guys are paid millions of dollars to play a game and we gullible fans pay for it. Not only do we pay for the tickets, but we pay for the $20 pennants, the $7 big number one finger, the $5 Cokes, and the $7.50 hamburger with the $2 fries. This is on top of the $5 parking fee. And we do this so they can be rude, immoral, and stupid.
A friend of my was at a minor league game the other night when a player went berserk because the umpire called him out at third. He bumped the guy and yelled and just generally acted like a child. He said someone behind him finally yelled, "You're a role model!"
Wow! Aren't you glad we have a role model for our lives. He didn't act unreasonably. He got angry when it was appropriate. He cried when He was touched. He loved people. He served people. Thank God for Jesus!
I've been so fortunate that I have had a number of role models; mentors who showed me--not told me--how to live. Do you have anyone like this? Tell them you appreciate them. Talk about them. Tell others about them. Thank God for them. But most of all, emulate them. Have a great day! JW

Sunrise, Sunset

Where does the time go? Every time I turn around right now I hear the song "Sunrise, Sunset." "How did she get to be a beauty? When did he grow to be so tall?" I've been going through pictures recently. Looking at my little girl--just after she was born being held by her great-grandmother, standing next to her grandfather while he looks at her with such a proud look on his face, wearing a "Belle" Halloween outfit, seeing her in nice dress just before or after a choir concert, prom pictures, on and on. It makes me teary-eyed.
You see, my little girl who was born just yesterday, is getting married this week. She's 22 years old. It's time. But I'm not ready. I have to admit that I'm looking forward to not having to feed her (although I've been told that they'll be at our house more). She said something about her mom buying her some shoes. I told her she'd better hurry. "Why?" Because after Saturday she's on her own. Well, her husband can take care of her then. "And your birthday and Christmas are a long time from now," I said.
But I identify with all you fathers out there. It's time for her to go. We've spent the first 22 years preparing for this moment. It's just that you're never really ready.
"Sunrise, Sunset. Swiftly, fly the years. One season following another. Laden with happiness and tears."

JW

Worship III

Sorry, but it continues to be on my mind. I came to the conclusion the other day that the height of arrogance is thinking that you (or me for that matter) has a better handle on worship than anybody. I mean anybody, I don't care who it is. Worship is about humility.
Don't believe me? Think of the Pharisee praying. "I thank you, Lord, that I'm not like this tax collector." See what I'm saying? I worship better. I have a better handle on it. God likes my worship better.
Worship. Worship the best you can. Worship with all of your heart. Just worship. Don't worry if you get it wrong. Don't worry if others think you are looney. Just worship. Fall on your face. Raise your hands. Close your eyes. Just worship. I hope your worship was wonderful today. God is pleased with our worship.
Another tangent--When we plan worship around what we think and around what we like, we forget that worship is not about us. Worship is all about God. Have a great day! JW

Holy Smoke

There is an old (and I might add, bad) joke that my father used to tell. And if you knew my father, you would know that this was his kind of joke. The preacher receives a phone call from someone and you can only hear his end of the conversation.
"Hello."
"What?"
"You say the church building is on fire?!?!"
"Holy Smoke!"
See, I told you it was bad. But this did happen last week at our building. Our shepherds are very good at letting anyone use the building at little or no cost as a service to the community. Someone as they were coming in or leaving evidently flipped their cigarette into the bushes next to the door and it smoldered. Then it caught on fire. Yes, we did have one of the latest recorded incidences of a burning bush. Contrary to the Moses story, though, this bush was consumed and along with it, nearly the church building. I asked later if God spoke from it, but no one seemed to get the humor in the statement.
What would we have lost had the building burned down? Some books, some pictures, some computers, just stuff. I had a friend whose house burned to the ground. I asked him what he would have saved if he could have saved anything. His answer surprised me...he said he would have saved their wedding pictures. Memories that now exist only in their minds. Man, I could make a lot of applications from that!!
But I'll just stick to my favorite passage of Scripture from II Corinthians 4. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us a glory that far outweighs them all. Therefore, set your heart not what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary. What is unseen is eternal." What is unseen. The key to life. Have a great day. JW

Jason

His name is Jason. Here are the facts about him. He wears nice suits. He drinks Starbucks. He studies his Bible. I've seen him there several times, but today I went up to him and introduced myself. It's my day off. I don't have the usual khakis and polo shirt. I don't look "normal" today. I have jeans, a t-shirt, a cap, and I haven't shaved. So I look like some guy off the street. But I've seen him there so many times and I've never said anything to him.
"Hi, my name is Jim White. I've noticed you reading your Bible and I appreciate you doing so. I'm the preacher across the street at the Southwest Church of Christ. I know I don't look too good today, but I wanted you to know that I appreciate you being a Christian." "God comes in all forms," he said. "I'm proud to study my Bible here. You preach across the street? Maybe I'll come here you sometime."
As I left with my chai in my hand, he said, "God bless, Jim." It made my day. I couldn't help but think there are more Jasons out there. They're on the same journey I am. And they want to know Jesus. People who are searching their Bibles, looking to better know the Creator, their Lord. I hear about judicial appointments and the like. Murders, rapes, extortion, kidnappings--the newspaper is full of these stories. And you don't read about lying, cheating, dishonesty in the workplace, lust, greed, and other things that go on constantly. But I still believe there are Jasons out there. There's still a lot of salt...a lot of light. Have a great day! JW

Worship Revisited

I wrote about worship the other day, but I still can't get the topic off my mind. I've read all the Scriptures (That doesn't mean I know everything, because anyone who knows me knows I don't!!). It says that we are to worship God in spirit and in truth. While meditating on this, I came to the conclusion that worship consists of two elements--heart (or as I said in my other blog, attitude) and practice.
Why do we work so hard on practice and not on attitude? Haven't we had enough lessons here? Wasn't that the problem with the Israelites? They worked real hard on the practice and did virtually nothing for the heart. "With what shall I come before the Lrod and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transsgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" (Micah 6:6, 7) Practice, practice, practice. They had it down!! But that was not what God wanted. He wanted their hearts! Don't believe me? Read on. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Michah 6:8) Heart, heart, heart.
Still don't believe me? The Pharisees were complaining that Jesus wasn't following the traditions of the elders. Jesus said, (quoting Isaiah, by the way) "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." (Matthew 15:8,9)
Are we any better? I mean, really, let's think about this. You and I have been in worship services where someone complained about something because "that's just not the way we do it around here." I have a brother who left the church because that was said to him over and over again. If we pound the hearts of worshippers long enough, they go callous and they feel no more. All because we want to get it right. How sad.
Those who attend the congregation where I work have heard this story. In my office is a 3X5 card with some scribbles on it. It doesn't look like too much, but it was given to me by one of our two-year-olds. When she gave it to me, I asked what it was and she replied, "Jesus is the Son of God." Now if we had given that topic to an adult, she may have sketched a cross, maybe Jesus washing the apostles feet, or perhaps healing a leper. It would have been clear and concise and easily discernable. But we certainly wouldn't have been a meaningless scribble. Yet, in this 2-year-olds best way of drawing, she drew Jesus, Son of God. Throw it away? Not on your life. It's a precious drawing to me. Maybe one day, when Kadie gets old enough, I'll give it back to her and tell her what she drew. Do we really think God sits up with His arms folded and gripes because we didn't worship just right? Do you think God was angry because the scribbles don't accurately depict His greatness and might? Or do you think He's looking past all the "stuff" and looking at our hearts?
It doesn't say to worship God in TRUTH and spirit. It says we are to worship in spirit and truth. I think the order of those two words was intentional. God forgive us when we emphasize form more than we do heart. Have a good day! JW

Friends

I don't know why I've been thinking about this this morning, but I have been thinking about my friends. My wife is my best friend, of course. But a song came on the radio that reminded me of my best man. My son is named after him. It was a song that made us laugh when we were in college. I was there when they thought he might have cancer. He was there when I caught an elbow in the mouth and lost my front tooth. He was there when Martha and I married. One of the first calls I received when Mom died was from him. We really don't talk that much any more because he lives so far away. But when we do have the opportunity to get together, we begin where we left off.
Then there's Bobby...all 6 feet 7 inches of him. We met as a result of our wives. They met as a result of a tragic car accident. Once again, when Mom died, Bobby and Jayme drove over four hours to be with us for maybe 2 hours, then drove home. They couldn't be there for the funeral, but they were there as fast as they could. Bobby and I have done some dumb things. We went to a Halloween party as sychronized swimmers. I love both of these men. Proverbs says "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." I'm closer to these guys than I am my own brothers.
My mind goes back to songs again--"Friends are friends forever if the Lord's the Lord of them." "You just call out my name and you know wherever I am, I'll come running to see you again." I have to tell you, I tear up when I think of them. They would do anything for me, even when I don't deserve it.
My life has been blessed with many friends such as these. I could make a list. I've been so blessed. And so have you. Make a list. Call a friend. Thank God for your friends. We are so blessed!! Have a great day! JW

What Happened?

I was reminiscing last night. Going through the old photo albums of our trip to France which happened nearly a year ago. I was looking at the pictures from Notre Dame a Paris. (I can't get the diacritical marks on the e in Dame and the a.) There were pictures of great cathedrals where people worshiped. Beautiful statues of Jesus in his lifeless form being taken down off the cross. There were carvings of the apostles looking at Jesus after his resurrection. Thomas is placing his hand in Jesus' side.
Then I wonder, "What happened?" Why are the places of worship empty? Why is the world becoming increasingly secular? Why do people not care? My brother who has been a missionary for over 25 years may have an answer. When I asked him the same question, he responded, "Terrible things have been done in the name of Jesus." I still feel the pang in my heart as I remember those words.
It still happens today. We're less than encouraging to struggling souls. We ostracize and look down our nose at those who are not dressed as well as we are. We cringe when "those people" come among our midst. We eliminate, draw lines, exclude, and we tend to become very happy in our country club church. And we wonder why people aren't drawn to the church. What happened? JW

Stop Lights

It never fails. I'm in a hurry to get somewhere. There's a time limit and I've got to get to the appointment at a certain time. My wife and I have different theories about driving. (I'm sure you and your spouse are totally different!) My theory is the lights are set by good people. They understand traffic flow and are synchronized to get maximum efficiency from the traffic patterns. And if that means sitting at a light for a few short seconds, it still is faster if you go the more direct route even if there are stop lights.
My wife on the other hand feels that one must continue moving. Go two blocks over and then cut back. Miss all the lights. Even if it means you are going three miles out of the way, you are going faster if you are moving all the time.
Just last Friday we were both in the car going to an important appointment when we went down a particularly business street in Omaha. Honest to goodness, I hit every light. Every light. I'm not kidding, every light. (Going home, I could have sworn the lights went from yellow back to green so I could go through, but going home I was in no hurry.)
Doesn't Satan do that to us? We get into the bustle of life and need to get where we want. A stop light here and a stop light there. Soon we get discouraged and don't pursue the original goal. Instead we go on a more circuitous route and never really make it to our destination. Don't let him play those games. Stay on course. I'm still convinced that the lights are set by good people. And if it means an occasional wait, enjoy the scenery. It may just surprise you. Have a good day! JW

The Honorable Dave Arterburn

I did something yesterday that I've never done before. I went to see a new district judge sworn in. It was an amazing blend of pomp and commonness. But what was so impressive to me were the words I heard about one of our church members, the Honorable Dave Arterburn. You see, as a preacher, you are privy to a lot of information about people that you would really prefer not to know about. You see the struggles, the fights, the defeats, the ugly side of Satan. But this was wonderfully refreshing. I heard words such as "morality," "values," "integrity," "hard work," and "fairness." Words we don't hear very often any more.
What was even more impressive is that the courtroom was full. People were standing because there weren't enough chairs. There was a proud family sitting there including wife, three children, father, mother, sister, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law. Members of his church family. Colleagues from the Attorney General's office, and a host of other friends and acquaintances were also there. And all were proud to say they knew him. These are the types of words and occasions that usually only happen at funerals. But it was wonderful to hear them about a man who is well-respected and well-thought of because he follows God.
Wow! There's still hope for us. Even after yesterday's blog, there's still hope. Dave, I'm praying for you, man. You continue to be the example you have been and are. God honors people like you.
By the way, I asked if he could get me out of speeding tickets and he referred me to the county judge. So he's not much help there!! Have a great day. JW

Federal Ruling

You probably noticed what the federal court said about Nebraska's anti-same sex marriage law. They ruled it unconstitutional. The ramifications of this are enormous. If homosexual couples are protected under the Constitution, what happens to Christian organizations that receive federal money? Christian schools, for instance, receive millions of dollars of financial aid each year. They expel students who are openly homosexual because it is against their code of conduct because of their belief that the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin. Will they lose their access to federal finanical aid?
What about churches who do not condone homosexual priests? Or what about churches who discipline those who promote their homosexual lifestyle? Will they lose their tax exempt status?
I wrote to Senator Hagel and Senator Nelson about this very issue when there was talk of a Federal Marriage Amendment. I encouraged them to support the issue that marriage was between one man and one woman. They both wrote back and said they did not support the amendment because they said it was a state's rights issue. Well, gentlemen, it seems that there are those in the justice (and I use that term loosely) system believe it's not a state's rights issue. By they way, Nebraskans passed this bill by over 70%. How can one judge go against the will of so many people?
The Scripture says, "Rigtheousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to many people." I pray for our country.

Just a side bar here, those of you who read my blog regularly know how much I don't like to mow grass. I could see my breath while mowing today! That's just not right!! And I thought it was April showers bring May flowers. Seems that May monsoon's bring June's blooms. Oh, that was bad!! Later. JW

Worship

I've been thinking a lot about worship lately. What does worship look like? In the search for perfect worship, I find that there is no real definite constant in all of this.
When Noah came out of the ark, he built an altar. Who taught him that? Where were the specifications for acceptable altars? And wasn't it a waste to use one of the animals for the sacrifice. After all, we'd need all of them we could find to re-inhabit the earth.
When Job lost his family, his possessions, his health, he worshiped. He tore his robe and shaved his head. Is that what we're to do in order to worship?
Daniel, when told not to pray, prayed anyway. In fact, he prayed a prayer of thanksgiving. Even when there was nothing seemingly to be thankful for, Daniel thanked God.
Paul said to present our bodies as "living sacrifices." This was our reasonable act of worship.
I've rolled this around in my mind as to what worship is. Is it altar building, head shaving, thanksgiving, lives of worship? In my mind, worship has two components--one more important than the other. The first is attitude. Why do we worship? Worship comes out a an overwhelming sense of thanksgiving, awe, and the realization of how small we are, i.e. how much we sin and are unworthy and how impure we look compared to a perfectly pure God. The second is how we worship. It's my conclusion that the first attribute is more important than the second. We tend to switch them around. Get it right and then maybe the attitude will come around. My feeling is, get the attitude right and let the other manifest itself.
I'm not there yet. But I'm thinking. Have a good day. JW

Christians--by Maya Angelou

I'm not a Maya Angelou fan, but a friend gave me this poem by her. It's great! Thought you'd like it, too.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I am weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say, "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say.."I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say..."I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow.

Have a good day! JW

What's Really Important?

I wish I was able to be profound. There are times when I listen to songs written and the words just cut to my heart. It's always one of those "I wish I had said that" moments.
The same thing happens to me on this blog. Something that makes so much sense to me at one time and then I try to write it down. When I read it back it seems so juvenile and so not what I wanted to say. Or it didn't really deal with the way my heart felt. Then I read someone else's blog and I think, "Wow, they really know how to express themselves."
But I wonder if Paul ever dealt with the same issues. (Not that I'm on the same level as Paul!! For sure I'm not!) But he says, "God forbid that I glory, save in the cross of Jesus." It didn't matter what Paul said or even what he had accomplished in life. What was important was the cross. In I Corinthians, he told them that he had passed on to them what was of "first importance." This was one of those "it's going to be on the test" things. Jesus died, he was buried, resurrected and appeared to a number of people.
So I come back to the conclusion that it doesn't matter if I'm eloquent or not. Profound or profane. What matters is very simply, Jesus. Have a great day. JW

Soaring

The other day I drove up to my house and opened the door to my van. Next to our driveway is a pine tree with many, many limbs at the bottom. To look through the bottom of the branches, one sees a blackness because of the criss-crossing of all the branches. A blackbird was sitting on one of the lower branches and my opening the door scared him. He flew toward the middle of the tree thinking there was safety. What happened next was amazing to me.
He couldn't get away from me. He was flying right into the tangled mesh of branches and he couldn't get his wings working properly. Instead, he literally bounced from limb to limb wacking his wings at every turn. It sounded painful and it was almost humorous to watch this little bird trying to get away from the big guy.
Birds aren't meant to fly among lower branches. Up to higher branches, maybe and into the top part of the tree. But not at the bottom where spreading wings is a virtual impossibility. Seems to be a lesson here. We humans are not made for the lower branches of life. Satan tries to tell us to fly into the trees and down low at the bottom where we can't spread our wings. We were made to soar. But so many times we relegate ourselves to the bottom limbs and when danger comes, we flop--battering into the very branches that could be safety for us if we would just soar and take our place on the perch of the highest branch. Isaiah said, "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31) Jesus said that He came so that we might have life. Life to the fullest. Let's soar today. JW

School Bus Logic

There are just some words in the English language that don't go together. I think it was comedian George Carlin who made the joke about "jumbo shrimp." Just seems like an oxymoron.
I'm driving down I-40 in Arkansas on Wednesday. I think it was around Russellville that I see a school bus. The familiar yellow color made me wonder what school group was in it, where were they going, and what would they do when they got to their destination. Then I saw painted on the bus these words...."Hillybilly Pride." Now realize this is Arkansas (although the most backward state I ever lived in was West Virginia. Sorry Mountaineer fans.). But those two words just don't go together. Oil and water, Republicans and Democrats. If you're a hillbilly, why would there be pride? And if you are proud about something, would it be about being backwards and dull? Perhaps this was a reflection on the educational system of Arkansas. (Wait a minute, I have a doctorate from the University of Arkansas. So what does that say about me!!!???)
We do similar things in our own vocabulary. We'll make statements like, "He's a faithful Christian." Of course! If they're a Christian, they're faithful. Or maybe the lesson in this is what we take pride in. Is it our church buildings? Our programs? Our minister? Paul said he didn't want to talk about anything except Jesus. And he even said, "For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate." Galatians 6:14, The Message. Have a great day! Jesus Pride!! JW

Definite

Well, I've been gone for a few days and I now have a week's worth of blog stories ready to go. However, I'll just do one at a time. Hope you've missed me. If not, I've missed being able to write my thoughts down.
While driving down the road the other day, I heard an ad for one of the many casinos one sees in Iowa and Missouri. (Thank God they were defeated in Nebraska!) The ad went on to say if you do such and such, you could be a winner. The hype made it sound like it was automatic. Just show and and it's yours. But when you really listened...you could be a winner. They don't tell you the odds are slim, reality is that you have a snowball's chance in Hades, and there is no way in the world you are going to win.
On the other hand, notice what John says in his short little five chapter book of I John. "We know we have come to know him if we obey his commands." I John 2:3 "But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." I John 3:2 "We know we have passed from life to death." I John 3:14 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." I John 3:16. And I haven't given you all of the Scriptures. See I John 2:18; 2:21; 3:19; 3:24; 4:13; 4:16; 5:2; 5:15; 5:20. "And we know." It's a sure thing. Not a maybe or could be, but an absolute, definite. Now which one makes more sense to you? Which one is more sure? Which one is reliable? Have a great day! JW