Could Be Your Last

What if it were your last time? Your last time to give someone a hug. Your last time to preach a sermon. Your last time to say something you've intended to say. Would it make a difference? You bet it would.
Recently, I read a preacher's blog and he talked of preaching his last sermon at the church where he had been for six years. Even the comments made by his readers talked of the impression they had as he spoke concerning his last time. Things change. The situation is different. You look at things differently. There is a new perspective. When we know that something is the last time, it does change our outlook. Problem is we never really know when the last time is.
If you knew, wouldn't you act differently? Problem is, we don't know. Ask my friend Sam Thomsen, the 13 year old Boy Scout who died just two weeks ago in the tornado at Little Sioux Camp. Ask my friend Rebecca Adams who just had her first child and has been diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer. (She is optimistic concerning her fight against this horrible disease.) Ask my friend Craig Jones whose wife fought breast cancer for many years, only to die in just a few brief months from pancreatic cancer.
The point is, none of us has a guarantee on life. None of us knows what tomorrow (or today for that matter.) will bring. So shouldn't we act as if each moment could be our last? Wouldn't that change our attitudes? Wouldn't our words be better selected? Wouldn't our hugs be sweeter? Wouldn't life be sweeter? Well let's start now because we don't have the assurance tomorrow. And any day could be our last. I know that sounds so cliche, but it has been brought home to me once again. So make today a good one. I hope you have a good day today. JW

What God Has Promised

It's raining again today. My first thought was to get depressed. Then I thought of this poem.

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower strewn pathways all our lives through;
God has not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the labor, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hat not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountian rocky and steep,
Never a river turbid and deep.

by Annie J. Flint, 1919

Wow! I feel better already. I read of an old Arab proverb that says, "All sunshine doth a desert make." Have a great day. JW

Mysterious and Wonderful

I don't understand everything that happens in life. I don't know why kids die in tornadoes. Why there's starvation in Africa. Why people get cancer. If I understood everything, I think there would be no wonder in this world; probably only bitterness and anger.
So I choose to stay in the wonder of it all. The mystery of God is tremendous. I can't figure Him out. All I know is I see all kinds of good things happen even when bad things occur. Sam Thomsen was a neat kid. There wasn't anything particularly exceptional about him. Please don't take that wrong because I don't mean it in an ugly way. I'm just saying he was a typical teenage kid. He had great aspirations. He made me laugh. But as a result of Sam's death, millions are reading about the God he served. About a week ago there were over 788,000 websites that talked about Sam and printed the sermon he wrote. Can you imagine if just two people read his words, that would be over 1.5 million who heard of God's call to us?
I have had numerous people come up to me and tell me what a loving congregation we have. They notice how much we love one another. Isn't that what we're supposed to be known for? Isn't that what it's all about?
E-mails have come from all over the country. Cards have flooded in from concerned people. Prayers have risen in the millions! All of this occurred because one little boy who had been taught by his parents to love God and he followed their lead to do just that. How did God do this? I don't know. But we'll never be able to measure the influence this one 13 almost 14 year old had on this crazy old world. How do you do it, Lord? You are truly great! Have a great day. JW

Sam Thomsen Thoughts

What an experience the last several days have been. That is the understatement of the century. And yet, when I contemplate my experiences, I cannot imagine what my friends, the Thomsens, are going through.
Last Wednesday night, their only son Sam was at a Boy Scout Camp in Iowa. The Little Sioux Camp was being used for young men who had been selected as leaders in Boy Scouts and they were there for training. The weather turned horribly bad and an EF-3 tornado came right down through the valley where the camp was. Sam was in one of the buildings that took a direct hit. Sam was near the chimney that collapsed. He died there at the camp.
Those are the bare facts. Last night, we had nearly 700 people in our building to honor the memory of 13-year-old Sam Thomsen. We laughed and laughed as one by one people came up to tell stories about Sam. He was a funny, enjoyable kid. We heard from home-school people, Scout leaders, Family Group members, basketball coaches, and many others. As I scanned the crowd it hit me what an impact this little boy (he was turning out to be a fine young man, too) had. Many of that age, and I imagine Sam would have thought this also, that they can't do much to affect people. Don't ever feel that way again. There were 700 in that auditorium last night and many more who, I'm sure, would have liked to come last night.
But there were others, too, who were affected. I visited with a young reporter from Good Morning America. She stood in my office as her camera man filmed by desk computer that was pulled up to Sam's Facebook account. I started reading some of the comments made by Sam's friends. "I love you buddy," "Just know I will never forget you," "I am so blessed to have known you," "Hey, kiddo. You're finally home." It became suddenly silent in the room as I continued to read the tributes. Finally, the reporter said to the camera man, "Did you get any of that?" She placed her hand over her heart and said, "That was so touching." The camera man backed away from his camera and wiped tears from his eyes. What an impact.
Everyone that I talked to wanted to know what kind of young man he was. I told them all of his love for his Lord. I talked to reporters from all the television stations here in Omaha, to the Omaha World Herald, the New York Times, NPR, Inside Edition, The Christian Chronicle, Nightline, and the Associated Press. I appeared on Good Morning America and the Larry King Show. As a result, Sam's faith, his love for God, his life are known to millions. People all over the world know about Sam Thomsen.
Incredible, isn't it? To have an impact on this world like that is something he never expected. But you know what? I think if Sam would have been able to see all of this attention, I think he would have thought it was cool. In fact, I can hear him say that. And you know what else? I bet he knows.
One of Sam's favorite quotes listed on his Facebook was a quote from his sister while they were at Sonic. She said, "My whole life is a happy hour." That's just like Sam. And that was his attitude about life. As a result, he impacted countless lives. I miss him already. Sam, this is for you. You've got to know how much I love you by this comment, especially coming from this huge Razorback fan. I wouldn't say this for anybody else but you. Go Huskers!

Sam Thomsen

I will write more later, but please keep these people in your prayers. Sharon, Larry, Lindsay, and Sara Thomsen. Sam, Larry and Sharon's youngest, was one of the young Boy Scouts who was killed in the tornado in Iowa. They are members here at Southwest.

The Dull Stuff

I have to admit, and I think most bloggers would say the same, that it is a goal of us diarists to say something that is deep and profound; and to do so on a regular basis. But in reality, it's hard to come up with something (at least for me on any topic on a daily basis. The truth is, my life is really pretty dull. It's composed of doing much the same, day in and day out.
There are, of course, events that crop up. For instance, this week pretty much every night is taken up. Monday was a shepherds/minister meeting, Tuesday was clear, Wednesday is a singing at church, Thursday there are two things--a cook-out for some friends visiting from California and a devotional at an assisted living home, Friday is a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for a wedding, and Saturday is the wedding. By the time the summer is over I'll have performed four weddings and attended at least one other. I don't tell you this to say how busy I am, because you could do the same, probably more. I do it to let you know as I have already stated how truly dull my life is.
But you know what? Life isn't one big exciting event after another. It's what we do with these events that makes life interesting. You visit the hospital, you bring a smile to someone's face. You say a few words at a wedding, and the couple will remember the kind things you say. You stop to admire a precious newborn, the mother remembers that you stopped to acknowledge this precioius little one. Then occasionally, camp comes along and there's a mountain top experience. You watch your son graduate from high school. You see your daughter mature into a wonderful young lady. You enjoy, as Ecclesiastes says, the time with your wife. Or, the catastrophes do come and the trials hit and the temptations linger around. Then you wish for your dull life to come back.
I'm convinced it's about the journey. I've blogged about that before. But it's what you do with the everyday. The dull. The mundane. So here's the schedule, the rut, the routine.

Monday--Staff Meeting, reading, sermon & class prep
Tuesday--More sermon and class prep
Wednesday--Contact Together Group, prepare for the evening
Thursday--Finish Power Point for Sermon, class prep, Scheduled afternoon Bible study with member
Friday, Saturday--Off
Sunday--The Lord's Day, teach class, preach, nap, teach class

In between, the Lord fills the time with some great experiences. Have a great day. And keep your eyes open. You never know what will happen in between the dull stuff. JW

Happy Birthday, Mom

I wrote about Mom one year ago today. Today would have been her 87th birthday and it doesn't seem possible that she has been gone for over three years. She grew up in a Christian home in difficult times. The Great Depression influenced her family as they did without so many things that we would consider essential today. Truly a coal miner's daughter, she was a loyal wife, faithful Christian, loving mother.
I have her Bible in my hand and I was looking at some of the notes she wrote. The Bible is underlined all over, much like Dad's was. I don't know if he influenced her or she him. I smile as I read some of the things she's written in the margins.

"Put your faith in Christ during the troubled waters (times) of your life."
"There is a Great Day coming."
"Christ loves children."
"Christians--Beware."
"Angels praise God."
"What kind of listener are you?"
"Be not afraid--39 times in the O.T., 10 times in the N.T."

There are many more. Great lessons from a great person. She even had one writing that said, "Repent or perish." I guess that was the mother's ire coming out in her. She mentioned that angels praise God. Well, I can tell you one thing, she's praising God as we speak. I feel her presence. I sense her love. I miss her. I wish her a happy birthday.
I hope your day is a good one. JW

Wisely and Well

I reminded our congregation Sunday that Christmas is only a little more than six months away. My goodness! We just started having warm weather. It's actually still Spring in Nebraska. The flowers are still blooming and the trees are shedding, pollen counts are the highest in years. And I'm reminding everyone that Christmas is just a mere six months away?
But you know what? In that time frame my son will have finished his first semester of college. We will have more elders here at Southwest. School will have begun for all the students again. I'll have directed another session of camp. There will be three more weddings to perform and who knows how many funerals. We'll have celebrated Labor Day, Halloween, and Thanksgiving...just in six months time.
Time flies. That's just life. So let's make the most of today. Who knows, the Lord may come before the time next Christmas rolls around. So let's make today count. Moses said, "Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12 Here's how Peterson translate the same verse. "Oh, Teach us to live well! Teach to live wisely and well!" Wisely and well. Let's live today with those two words on our hearts. Have a great day.

The Little Girl in the Pink Dress

She was just a cute as could be. Her pink dressed was covered with a leopard print coat. Her white tights and her black shoes indicated to me that she was going somewhere special. But the kicker was she was wearing a paper, head band crown. Was it her birthday? Probably. Because what she had in front of her was three dozen chocolate cupcakes with loads and loads of frosting. The were packaged a dozen per plastic container, one on top of another, bundled with a pretty pink bow.
She pulled the stack over to her and pressed her face up against the cupcakes. Her eyes opened wide as she stared at the wonderful treaures. I imagine she was thinking about how many of these tremendous treats would soon be on her face and in her mouth. She was imagining just how good these cupcakes were going to taste.
It's no surprise that Jesus tells us we are to be like little children. The wonder that comes from looking forward to what's coming. Just like the little girl in the pink dress. The anticipation of our heavenly home, much like her looking forward to her treat, should make our eyes grow big in wonder. Paul said, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen!" I can imagine a lot. Kind of like the little girl in the pink dress. I can hardly wait. I can only imagine. Have a great day. JW

Bad Days

I received an e-mail from a friend of mine yesterday telling of some tragic things. He includes me on his list of prayer warriors and he asked several of us to pray about three particular things. He said things seemed to be going well lately, until these things. Their newly hired preacher has an 18-year old son who was killed in an accident on the interstate. Another friend had a 15-year old son who was killed in a jet ski accident. Another friend's daughter had a fractured skull and was in ICU. This morning I fire up my internet and read that Stephen Curtis Chapman's adopted daughter was killed in an accident.
Bad things happen to good people. Period. God gets blamed for a lot of things that aren't His fault. Where is God in all of these? Right by the sides of those who are grieving such losses. My question is, "Where is Satan in all of these?" All of these are events that are not-so-subtle reminders that Satan continues to work in this world. He's deceiving and casting doubts and laughing at all of this.
In Psalm 73, Asaph expresses his frustration. He sees the prosperity of the wicked and it frustrates him. He has served God with all his heart. And at the height of his "why do good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people" rant, here's what he says:

When I tried to understand all this it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.

There it is. God wins in the end. We are so finite. We only undstand the here and now. God sees all eternity as if it were just a day. He knows and understands and controls the big picture. And that's where we stand. Please pray for all of these situations. And please remember that God is sovereign and still in control. JW

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem

She's very pretty....a little haggard, but she has a determined look on her face. I see her several times a day. In fact, I make it a point to see her. She's sitting on her nest just a few feet from my front porch. This mother robin isn't as enamored with me as I am with her. She looks at me with a feaful look in her eyes. Her head raises a little and you can tell she's ready to leap at a moment's notice. I know because I've seen her do it.
I can't quite see into her nest but I'm sure there are some eggs in there. I haven't seen any little babies yet. But there is drama happening all around. Just yesterday I saw her chasing after a squirrel who had gotten a little too close. While she was doing that a couple of cardinals flew up. I don't know if cardinals steal nests or what, but they were hainging around an awful lot.
When I look at her and observe her actions, I sense a feeling of determination. She is going to protect her nest with everything her little body and wings can do. I have a feeling that if I got a little too close, she might even come after me.
This reminds me of a passage in Luke. Jesus is strangely warned by the Pharisees that Herod is after Him. Then He says, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!"
I can see this picture. What a comfort it is to know that Jesus wants to take us, just like a mother hen, and gather us under His wing. A place of safety. A place of comfort. A place where the world stays away. That's how He feels about us. I think I understand now what Jesus meant. All because of a young robin who sits on her nest just feet from my front porch. Have a great day. JW

Sumo Wrestling

We had my son's graduation party this last Saturday. There was food, friends, family, fellowship, fun, and, well, you get the pictures. My job was to be the muscle to carry things in (and out), and to be in charge of the Sumo Wrestling Game. Yes, you can rent Sumo outfits that are huge padded body things you literally wear. There are helmets that are shaped like the hair of sumo wrestlers. It's really quite funny. You see these little (tranlated young and skinny) girls put on these huge outfits. The helmets were so big they slid down on their heads and they couldn't see. Then they run at each other and try to shove each other out of a circle on a mat.
Anyway, it was interesting because these meek and mild kids (as a general rule) would put these suits on and they would assume the personality of a Sumo wrestler. They would growl at each other. They'd snarl their lips and glare at their opponent. I think many of them really thought they were Sumo wrestlers.
Don't we do that in church? We dress up nicely. We wear our suits and nice ties and pretty dresses. We walk into the church building for Sunday services "looking" like nice people. In reality, we were out the night before getting bombed, or the week before we cheated on a deal because "that's just business," or we were rude to the person in the check out just because they were too slow. We assume the personality of a Christian because we have the clothing and we're in the building. It happens all the time.
I heard Rick Atchley speak recently and he said that people ask him all the time where his church is. He said that he knew what they were asking. They were asking the location of the building, the facility. What he said he wanted to say was, "...the church is in the schools, it's at the work place, it's all over the community." Now when we get that view of what Christianity is like, there will be no more facades. We won't hide behind the clothes or the sumo outfits. We won't be, as Jesus said, people who honor him with their lips but having hearts far from him. That's what I want. That's what we need. People who are honest, kind, humble, and loving. No fake stuff. No fluff. Just real, honest people who love God. I like that. Hope you do too. Have a great day. JW

May 8, 1967; 2004

May 8 is one of those days. It causes me to pause and reflect because on this day I lost two great influences in my life. On May 8, 1967, my Grandfather Arles Garloch died. A World War I veteran, I sat at his feet as he told the stories of the long hikes that ended up causing him to have flat feet. I heard the story of how he stood in Woodrow Wilson's ear on Thanksgiving Day. (Thousands of soldiers from Camp Sherman were arranged to form a likeness of the president. The picture of it was rated as one of Life Magazine's 100 Top photos of the century. My letter to the editor was printed in a subsequent edition. My {less than} fifteen minutes of fame.) He survived the Great Depression, but he couldn't survive the lung cancer and black lung disease (he was a coal miner) that he contracted. I loved his laugh. I loved his attitude towards life. I loved his wife.
On May 8, 2004 my father-in-law, Allwyn Hart, passed from this life. He was one of the most generous men I have ever known. He certainly wasn't rich in material things. But he showed me the wealth that comes from friendship, the riches of a job well done, and the sheer enjoyment of being friendly. It was sad to see him in his last days because the stroke he had caused his personality to change. When faced with his death, I asked my wife how she would handle his ultimate demise. She responded, "My Daddy died several years ago." It's true. He just wasn't the same. The spring in his step, the twinkle in his eye, his boistrous voice, it just wasn't there anymore.
I've been very fortunate in my life to rub shoulders with people who are much greater than I. I'm grateful for the oppporunity to have such people not only in my family, but in my life. I celebrate this day because their future was secure and they are enjoying their rewards as we speak. They're waiting for me right now. And I'll try not to disappoint them. Have a great day. Thank you, Granddad! Thank you, Allwyn! JW

The Most Important Thing

If you know me or if you read my blog, you know that yesterday was my birthday. Once again, I don't tell you that because I haven't gotten my card or gift from you. But you have to know that to set this next story up.
I was in the foyer (vestibule, etc.) in our church building yesterday when I encountered several ladies from our congregation. They were putting up a bulletin board to advertise our Vacation Bible School. One of the ladies had her two little girls with her. These are the sweetest, smartest little girls. They'll carry on a conversation with you, hug you, make you laugh...well, you get the picture. Oh, and if you're not careful, they'll teach you a lesson. The youngest, who is probably 5 or 6 years old, found out it was my birthday. So I was greeted by her with a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday!" Then she asked me, "Did you get any gifts or a cake?" Now, my daughter was one of the ladies (she's 25 and married, so, yes, she's one of the "ladies."). I told the little girl, "Yes, I did get some presents, but I didn't get a birthday cake. Why don't you tell my little girl (pointing to my daughter) to get me a cake." To which she shook her head and said to me (you'd better listen up because this is profound), "The most important thing is to have fun." You know, she's right. The gifts, the cake, the celebration...don't come to expect it. Just enjoy life. Solomon said:

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. Ecclesiastes 9:7

As Tommy Nelson says about this verse in his book A Life Well Lived, "We should go out with some buddies, have a good meal, and wash it down with a little Columbian coffee and a couple of dips of Rocky Road."
Thank you, Ellen, for such a good lesson. It was a great birthday gift, too. Maybe that's why Jesus told us that the kingdom of heaven belongs to these little ones. Have a great day. JW

Fifty-Four!

Today is my 54th birthday. I don't tell you that to elicit cries of "Happy Birthday" or any other birthday greeting. I tell you that because it's humbling. This was birthday season in the White household of old. It started with Dad's being April 20, mine May 6, Charles' May 12, Wayne's May 17, Mom's June 4, and Don's June 15. So we got them into a three month (Really two month) time frame. It blows me away that my brothers will be 65, 63, and 60 this year. On the way to work this morning, my son said to me, "Hey Dad, next year you'll be halfway to 60!" Thanks for the reminder, Son.
I wish I had something profound to say. According to life expectancies, I have about 20 more years to live. But I feel so good right now. I rode my bike for nearly an hour yesterday. Aside from aching when I mow the lawn or rake leaves, I feel really good. Things happen over the next 20 years. And if the first 54 years are any indication, 20 years will seem like a week. But there is one thing that lingers in the back of my mind. I getting more and more friends who have gone to their reward...and they're waiting to greet me. I can't wait. Yet there are still many things to do. I think I finally get what Paul was saying when he said:

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do now know! I am torn between the two; I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

Now I have no dreams that I am anywhere close to being as effective as the apostle Paul. But I do understand his angst to be with the Lord. Perhaps thats part of me that may be maturing. Maybe. But don't bet on it. Let's go for a bike ride. Not too fast. Nice and slow. Have a great day. JW

God's Will

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:12, 13

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rolmanhs 12:2

Henry Blackaby, in his book Experiencing God says that we often say, "I want to find out what God's will is for my life." He says that's the wrong approach. We should find out what God's will is and then do what He wants. Now the $25,000 question is, "What is God's will?" There is a lady in my congregation that asks that of me all the time. "How do we know what God's will is?"
I've been trying to figure that out. How do I know that I'm doing God's will and that He is working in my life? Here's my thinking. You may agree or disagree. You may even add something because I don't have it figured out. Still learning. Still trying to know God's will.

1. I know the Spirit is working and I know God's will when I see Him in everything in my life. When a song comes up on the radio that encourages me. When somebody says something to me that seems so random, yet just hits me in the right spot at the right time. One of our problems is we are too busy and it's too noisy. But when we see Him and hear Him (yes, I said, "Hear Him"), then we can know that God is active and working. When someone's name comes to my mind and I know I should call and encourage, the Holy Spirit (I call Him the Holy Prompter) is working. Some people call it coincidence. I call it providence. And what's even more exciting, and it's what the verses above say, I can be part of God's working in the lives of others!

2. Some will say that I'm doing God's will when everything seems to be going well in my life. I'm sorry, I don't buy that. I know I'm doing God's will when in the midst of the biggest storms in my life, I sense a peace that God is there and He is working on me. To know that He holds me when I weep, that He rejoices in my triumphs, that He encourages when I'm down, that He holds me in the palm of His hand, that's when I know I'm in the center of His love and His will. When things seem utterly terrible and I can praise His name, I know I am in the center of His will. It doesn't mean I never question Him, I never doubt Him, or I never wonder where He is. It does mean I trust Him enough and have faith enough to believe that He is present and He's in control.

Now, is this easy? Heaven's no. But it helps me to know that it's not about me and that if He can be glorified by using my small, insignificant effort, then so be it. I just want my light to shine. Hide it under a bushel? No! I'm gonna let it shine. Do I have this down pat? No way. But I'm learning every day. I'm His student. I want to learn until I leave this earth, then on to learn more about His glory in eternity. I can't wait. I hope you can't either. Have a great day. JW

Protein

So, I'm at a trendy little restaurant with my wife and son the other day and ordering my meal. I'm not crazy about this place, but it was the lesser of two evils...at least in my sight. I'm getting the one of two things I pseudo-like on the menu when the girl taking my order asks me, "Would you like protein on that?" Now in my mind, they have a cauldron of protein slop in the back and they take a big dip of this stuff and plop it on the pasta I've ordered. I graciously declined, then noticed what the "protein" was. It was chicken or beef strips or tofu. Why didn't she say that? It sounds a whole lot better than "protein."
This incident got me thinking. We do the same in church. For years we didn't call the gyms we built "gyms." We called them "family life centers" or "fellowship halls" or one of many other names. I have laughingly called them "sanctuasiums." I remember one time being with the Time of Day, a singing group from Harding, when we were in one of these "family life centers." One of the guys looked around during the performance and he was thanking the people for coming out to the show. He said, "We're glad to be at the ______________________ church Family Life Center. You know, where I came from, we call this a gym."
Maybe it's time to call things what they really are. Let's call sin "sin," and grace "grace." Let's not sugar coat things. Let's call a spade a spade. Let's not put protein on it. Have a great day. JW

Tag--I'm "It"

My friend, Jackie Chesnutt, has tagged me so I'm supposed to list seven random facts about me. Then I'm supposed to contact five of you to ask you to read my blog and then to do likewise. Okay. Here goes.
1. My middle name is Leslie.
2. My first job after getting married was for a company called National Rejectors.
3. When I was in high school and college, I worked for an ice cream company putting fudgesicles, dreamsicles, popsicles, and ice cream sandwiches in boxes. The company's name was Yarnell's ice cream in Searcy, AR.
4. My undergraduate degree is in zoology.
5. I played basketball my freshman year on a scholarship (Yes, it was a basketball scholarship, Jackie!).
6. The first car I ever really owned was a Gremlin.
7. I have been to 46 states in the United States. I haven't been to North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Oregon.

Let's see--Franklin, Brent, Karen, there's three I know who read my blog and I know they have one. So you three are tagged. I'll have to think of two others. Have a great day.

JW

I Need Your Love

All right. Do this. Remember your earliest memory of any kind of church song. Now sing it with me, slowly, with feeling like you used to:

Jesus loves me, this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.

I don't know why but the song often brings tears to my eyes. A children's song loaded with the message of God's love. How many times do you read stories in the Bible about Jesus having compassion on someone? In the Old Testament, you read of a God who agonizes over His people who leave Him over and over and over again. He lets them return many times over. Jesus tells of the Prodigal Son who returns and of a loving Father who runs to meet him. Paul tells of how God demonstrated (not just told us) His love for us by sending His son.
The passion that He has for us is overwhelming. The love He bears is unbelievable. And we break His heart with our sins, with our rebellion, with our obstinance.
I don't want to do that to Him. So today I want to pledge my heart to Him. I want to allow Him to come inside and break my heart and make me into what He wants. Please...join me in this.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

I hope your day is a good one. JW

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday, Dad. You would have been 88 years old today. It's been almost 15 years since you went to your reward. That just doesn't seem possible. Fifteen years in my life, just the beginning of eternity for you. In that time, Mom has come to be with you. I know you've met some of my friends who have gone on in the last few years. I'm sure you were there to greet them when they arrived.
I have missed your laugh. I have missed being able to call you and tell you the latest joke I have heard. I miss having the opportunity to call and talk about anything. I wish you could see your grandkids. I have missed your wisdom and encouragement. But life goes on.
I have so much to thank you for. But it'll have to wait until I come to be with you. I don't know how or if they celebrate birthdays in heaven. But if they do, I hope you have a good one. Take care. Jim

The Pope's Visit

I have been somewhat bemused by the visit of the pope to the United States. I don't even think that's probably the right word. Perhaps I can use a number of others to better describe my thoughts. Amazed. Amused. Glad. Confused. I could probably come up with a few more, but right now I'm at a loss.
The pomp and circumstance that has happened. Limousines, helicopters, the popemobile; Holy Father, Reverend, Supreme Shepherd; Elaborate robes, miters, kissing of the hand, and on and on. I just heard a cardinal express their extreme loyalty to this man. I haven't heard the name Jesus very much. Mother Mary, yes. Our Savior. Some. But I really haven't heard Jesus' name. When you read Paul's epistles, over and over he invokes the name of Jesus. You get the impression he really does mean it when he expresses his devotion to Jesus.
I don't know. I don't see Jesus coming to this earth in the midst of this publicity. I see Him walking down the streets of New York City, not in the elaborate cathedrals of the city. I see Him talking to the poor and downtrodden, not to world leaders and those in positions of power. Perhaps I'm wrong. But I don't think so. I see Him speaking from the heart, not from a book held in front of Him. I see Him among the common people, not those wearing the fancy robes. Where do I get this? How many times die He heal and tell the recipient not to tell anyone? His popularity wavered, not declined.
There is an upside to this, though. How many are at least getting a glimpse, albeit a small one, of Christianity? How many are being called to repent? Only God knows the sincerity and the value of this. I'm just praying that the world will see Jesus as He is, not the pomp that is being placed before it. I hope your day is a good one. JW

Predictions Come True

According to the Science Daily, there is a 99% chance of an earthquake of greater than 6.7 magnitude going to happen in California in the next 30 years. All right. I'm going to go out on a limb here. I want to make a prediction. In the next year, it will rain and snow here in Nebraska. I'm sorry, when I heard the news media predicting the earthquake as if it were something huge and phenomenal that anyone would make a prediction so bold, I just had to laugh.
Yet, in Scripture there were predictions so bold and so improbable, that it would be hard for anyone to believe. A Messiah would come. He would be from the root of Jesse. He would be born of a virgin. He would be born in Bethlehem. Hundreds of years earlier these prophecies were made and they came true. A reading of Isaiah 53 makes you feel as if you are standing right there observing the described man and the scene. Yet Isaiah was written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. None of this Nostradamus stuff where a prediction is made and then assign some event as the fulfillment. It's like Jean Dixon making predictions about world events. "This year, someone will be assassinated." Wow, there's a stretch!
So make your own predictions, but realize that God has always had a plan for you. He told you about it. He made it happen. His Son proved His love. Have a great day. JW

Only In Times of Trouble?

Here is a quote from one of the presidential candidates about religion. "...religion is a bulwark, a foundation when other things aren't going well. That's true in my own life, through trials and tribulations." It doesn't matter who said that. I'm not endorsing any particular candidate. But I think it's an indication of what we believe about faith in America.
First of all, the statement seems a little, I don't know, preacheresque. It sounds like stained-glass preaching. Who uses the word "bulwark" anymore? Who even knows what it is? According to the dictionary, it's a strong support or protection. This candidate probably got this from Martin Luther's song, A Mighty Fortress. The opening line goes:

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing...

Good speechwriters. That didn't bother me as much as the other part of this statement. "...(it is) a foundation when other things aren't going well." No! It's a foundation when things are going well. It's a foundation when they aren't going well. It's a foundation when things are mundane. It's a foundation regardless! It's as Jesus told in the Sermon on the Mount, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." Paul said, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." No one builds a foundation for a house and uses it only during a storm. A wise man once said, "Sometimes the only time a person will look up to God is when he is lying flat on his back."
I'm afraid that "I'll trust God only when it's raining" mentality is what causes us to be fair-weather Christians. When David said, "God is my Rock, my Fortress," I can't help thinking he meant all the time.
I'm sorry for blathering on this, but it just hit me wrong. It scared me. But then again, it shouldn't. My Rock, My Fortress is the Lord. I trust in Him. There us no candidiate or any other elected official on which I should rely. Only in Him will I trust. Have a good day. JW

God's Sense of Humor

God has a sense of humor. I know He does because today, April 12, here in Nebraska it's been snowing. April showers bring May flowers. At least that was the maxim I remember. What do April snows bring? Don't give me something like, "April snows bring May's rose." I guess I can't complain because out west they had 10-12 inches of the white stuff. It's not even sticking here.
Who would have thought this Ohio boy, transplanted to Arkansas would end up preaching in Nebraska? Had you asked me when I was in college where I would be and what I would be doing, I would have told you that I would be teaching science and coaching basketball. I ended up a youth minister. Then I went to Christian education. And had you asked me while I was in graduate school what I would be doing, I would have told you that I would be working at a university somewhere. Which I did. But the circumstances changed and God led me back into preaching. And here I am watching it snow in Nebraska in April.
What am I saying here? I guess, don't be surprise what God will do with you or where He will take you. You may tan easily, love the warm weather, and He might put you in a cold place where you are to warm people's hearts. I don't know. I wish I could tell you exactly what God will do with you. But I guess that's part of the fun. That's what makes life exciting. So, sit back, relax, and allow God to work His wonders....and watch out for His sense of humor. I hear Him chuckling right now. Have a great day. JW

Lessons from Hurting Children

Yesterday was kid's day in my life. Oh, I certainly didn't plan it that way, but one of our couples at church had their daughter (less than 6 months?) in for some surgery. Seems she had a cluster of blood vessels on the outside of her skull just above the right ear. When the mom described what the doctor said about it ("It's really nothing serious.") I chuckled and said, "It's not his kid, is it?" I understand that. I've been through it with my own daughter. Don't tell me what is and what isn't serious. As I visited with the mom and dad, I told them, "Doesn't this make you realize God's love for you? What has that baby done for you? She's messed in her diaper, peed all over you, cried when she was hungry. To which the mom said, "She's given us so much joy." Isn't that what God feels, too? And can you imagine His thoughts when we really live to please Him?
Then it was off to see another one. This one was to welcome him into the world. He was sleeping when I saw him (and so was his dad. Mom was tired from the delivery, but smiling...you know how it is. I love that mother's smile.) Fun for both couples.
I did get an interesting earful as I waited in the waiting room (aptly named). One mother's son was in surgery. He had pneumonia and was struggling to breathe. That happens when you suck six kernels of corn down into your lungs. She wept as the doctor told her he was putting her precious into ICU. She hugged a lady sitting next to her and said, "You're such a good mother-in-law." I don't hear that often. Another doctor bounced into a mother and father and said, "He's fine. His appendix was really swollen. I had to make the incision just a little larger just to get it out. Here are some pictures." To which the mother took them and said, "These can go into his scrapbook." Can you imagine that one? Here's Johnny walking for the first time. Here he is on his new trike. First day of school." Then you turn the page. "AHHHHHHHHHH! What is that!" "Oh, it's just his appendix." Another young mother wept while she told of her son's anesthesia. She was relating the ordeal to her father when two others came in to cheer her up. Another I didn't even understand because they spoke another tongue. But they fretted and wept in the same language as me.
Wow. What a incite into God's love. I wouldn't trade it for anything. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." That's how much. Have a great day. JW

The Secrets of the Universe

A headline in today's USA Today: Physicist: Secrets of Universe Soon to Be Unlocked. That's it? Seriously, you're just now saying that the secrets of the universe will be revealed? I've known that for years. The secrets of the universe can be defined with one word.....God. The Bible starts with it: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Or how about Psalm 148:1-6: "Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away."
That sounds so glib for me to say that. But even in the days of Paul, people thought they were so smart. They knew everything. Paul said, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."
I'm not saying for us to check our intelligence at the door. I'm not even saying that we shouldn't study the universe and it's complexities. I'm saying we should never leave God out of the picture. After all, He made it. He knows all the ins and outs of every aspect from the tiniest atom to the largese of the universe. As the psalmist says, "We are his people, the sheep of his pasture." We should never get too smart for our "britches." Instead: "Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the Lord." Have a great day. JW

Hope

I marvel at how much I continue to be like my grandparents. It seems the most important thing is the weather. It does happen to be raining here today. But in Nebraska, at least it's not snow. (We did have a little snow on the windshield on Monday, April 1--and that's not an April Fool's joke!) But it's warmer. Tomorrow, the forecast is even warmer. I saw a cardinal the other day. The trees are starting to get the most minute buds on them.
Summer's coming. We have a spring here in Nebraska. Quite unlike Arkansas where we go from a quasi-winter immediately to summer. I started thinking about the anticipation I feel for the warmer weather. I have to admit, the anticipation is slightly similar to my anticipation for heaven. When friends and church family die, it makes me sad. Yet, as the Scripture says, "we do not grieve as those who have no hope." Hope. What a wonderful word. It's not "wish." Wish is kind of like, "I wish I had that even though I know I'll never get it." But hope. Hope is the confident, eager expectation of what will happen. Hope is where I hang my hat. In talking to the Christians in Colosse, Paul tells them that the mystery that has been revealed to all is that everyone, even the Gentiles, now have "the hope in glory." To Titus, Paul says that we are heirs having the hope of eternal life. It's all over the place. And it's in my heart--more and more. It's the anticipation. It's the reality that something better is coming. What a great promise! What a hope! Have a great day! JW

Tulsa Workshop

I've just returned from the Tulsa Workshop. I didn't get to stay as long as I liked, but it was long enough to get some spiritual rest and healing. It was good to spend time being fed. I was able to hear Rubel Shelley and Rick Atchley and Jeff Walling and Randy Harris. I was able to hear some new ones such as Mark Moore and Patrick Mead (although I've known Patrick for over 30 years) and others. I'd like to make a few observations.

1. I forget how many friends I see at the workshop. I was able to hug the necks of Jackie and Mackie, Troy and Carolyn, David and Kay, Steve, Randall, Jared, Shane, and a several from my congregation and many others too numerous to name. It's a slice of heaven. My wife says that might just be her favorite part of the whole trip. You know, I might just have to agree with her.

2. The world has changed since my first Workshop. I think how different the singing is, I think how different the messages are, I think how different the whole atmosphere is. Yet, as I looked out at the crowd, I noticed how many "grey beards" and "blue hairs" were there. Now, not that I don't have any (okay, a lot!) of gray, I was wondering about the next generation and I wonder if we are meeting their needs.

3. I also remember when the Pavilion was full and overflowing in the evenings. On Friday evening, the floor was only about 80% full and the upper portion was not full either. It gives me renewed zeal to recruit more to attend next year. Gas prices are high. I know that there are many more similar events such as the Tulsa Workshop than ever before. Of course, not on the size or scale of Tulsa, but similar events.

4. The workshop is just as important now as it was over 30 years ago when it started. In fact, it's more important. I would encourage anyone who reads this to attend next year. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

God bless you. I hope your day is good. JW

Spent

I've never really seen myself as an emotional person. Occasionally I'll cry at a movie (it's gotta be a sports movie or a war movie. Saving Private Ryan kills me. Pardon the pun). But I think emotional issues hit different people in different ways.
This last month has been one of those kinds of months. Our family has made three trips in three weekends. Actually, only two in two weekends, but we're leaving today for our third. We've seen our son participate in his last show choir competition. We gone to Searcy, AR for his music scholarship audition. I think those two events have helped us to realize that his senior year is slowing down and we'll be empty nesters next year. Add to that just the physical exhaustion of driving to Chicago and to Searcy. Now, today we're going to Tulsa. Then one of our dear shepherds died a week ago and his funeral was yesterday. Add to that the fact that the work keeps going. People to see in the hospital. Sermons to preach and classes to teach. (I have only missed one Sunday in this run.) Situations to deal with. I'm tired, physically and emotionally. Don't misunderstand, I'm not complaining. This is what I do. This is my mission. This is life. I know that many of you are in the same boat and much worse. But those of you who read this blog and your preacher is not me, encourage him. Tell him you appreciate him. Inform him that you know of his struggles and that he is in your prayers. I have found that it's the prayers that help the most. However, don't just pray for him, tell him you are praying for him.
We're off to Tulsa soon. Maybe I can rest some. I know I'll be filled spiritually. Have a great day. JW

He is Risen!

It must ave been a morning much like this one. The women went to the tomb while it was still dark. It had to been a little creepy. You know how it is. You don't like to like to go to the cemetery in the dark. But these women went anyway. They were sad, they were heartbroken, they were loyal. At first, they thought that someone had stolen the body. Weeping, one saw what she thought was the gardner. In one short moment, sadness went to elation.
Over 2000 years later, we have lost the excitement. Imagine one of your relatives who has died--a mother, father, child, grandparent. See them in the casket. Then see them again, walking around. Look into their eyes again. See their smile again. Hold them in your arms again. That was the feeling. That was those in the first century experienced.
And look what's happened over the years. His influenced is felt all over the world. Many hate to admit it, but He has changed the world. Those who are wise still claim Him as their Savior, as their Lord. Yes, He is risen. Yes, He lives again. And Yes, He's coming back. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus. Show your face one again. Show us your glory again. Walk our streets again. Have a wonderful Easter. JW

Burrel Beck

There was a twinkle in his eye when he talked to you. He had the wisdom of Solomon. He was generous and kind. And he is now enjoying his reward. One of my shepherds, Burrel Beck died tonight around 9:30. Please keep his family--Audrey, Linda, Kay, and Ron--in your prayers. He will be missed.

What Do You Do When It's Over?

What do you do when it's over? That activity, that event that you gave your life to. That relationship that was destined to go no where, yet one where you invested so much of your life. In my son's case it was the end of the long road of show choir...and when it was over he wept. I understand that. I've done the same thing. At the end of my basketball playing days after the last game, I wept. At the end of a work where your spent so much of your valuable, valuable time. Why do you weep? Part of it is your are phyically and emotionally exhausted.
Jesus was a man of sorrows. At the end of His friend Lazarus' life we find the most succinct, emotion-filled two word, shortest verse in the Bible event. "Jesus wept." He wept over Jerusalem. He wept as He contemplated His last moments in human form here on earth.
The key is not continuing to weep. Weeping cleanses and refines. It makes us appreciate the good times. It helps us to reminisce. But at some point, we must move on.
When you see your loved one in the casket that only contains his or her temporary shell, you weep. When others go on to their reward, there are tears. But it's only in antipation of our wonderful Father who will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
No tears in heaven, no sorrows given,
All will be glory in that land
There'll be no sadness, all will be gladness,
When we shall join that happy band.
No tears, no tears, no tears up there,
Sorry and pain will all have flown;
No tears, no tears, no tears up there,
No tears in heaven will be known.
No tears? Yes! I hope your day is good...and wipe away those tears, the Son is coming up. JW

Woman on the Toilet

All right. Did you read this? There is a news story splashed all over the radio, television, and internet about a woman who had been sitting on her toilet for two years. There are some interesting things about it. First, the sheriff's name is Bryan Whipple. Is he Mr. Whipple's son? Remember? "Please don't squeeze the Charmin."? Is this some kind of stunt to get us to use Charmin toilet tissue?
Second. On February 27th, the boyfriend called police to say that something was wrong. It took him two years to figure that out???!!!??? I would think that her first night of sleep on the toilet would have been a pretty big tip off. My wife checks on me if I've been in for over 10 minutes. "Are you feeling OK?"
Third. Now here's a direct quote from the story. "She said that she didn't need any help, that she was OK and did not want to leave." Hey, I understand that. You spray that exotic Hawaiian Sea Breeze air freshener and you think you're right there on the beach at Maui. I wouldn't want to leave either. Some of my best times of my life have been in the bathroom. We're thinking of having a family reunion in there soon.
Now this is the clincher. Again, I'll quote from the news story. "Authorities said they did not know if she was mentally or physically disabled." Are you kidding me? The woman has been on the pot so long that her skin has grown to the seat. They have to use a pry bar to get her off. She's been on the pot for TWO YEARS and you don't know if she's mentally or physically disabled? What are they teaching in sheriff school these days?
Oh, well. Life is interesting. I hope your day is a good one. And don't stay on the pot too long. JW

The Cure for Depression (Yes, You Read It Right)

Have you seen these focus groups/surveys that have a graph on the screen while a politician is talking, perhaps during a debate? The graph goes up or down depending on what the person thinks of what the particular politician is saying at the time. It's like an instant approval rating system.
Today, as I thought of what happened in the world the day before, as I thought of nagging little problems in my own life, as I listened to the radio hearing what everyone's take was on the primary election last night, I found myself feeling a little down. I moved the radio to a Christian station and heard Natalie Grant sing "You're in Better Hands Now." Even the cheerfulness of the disc jockeys brightened my spirit. I came in and read my Bible and read the stories of Joseph and how he was reunited with his brothers and father. My graph reading kept climbing.
It was then I realized that my temperature is based on what I feed into my small little brain. If I listen to depressing stuff, guess what? When I fix my mind on what matters, it's amazing how much better my attitude is. I know I've quoted this passage before, but if it's true....!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.--Philippians 4:8

I didn't see a single negative thing in there. And of all these positive, praiseworthy things, he says to think about them. If I spent more of my time thinking of the positives and much, much less (or let's just let God deal with the negatives) on the negatives, my life would be much simpler and much happier and my graph would go through the roof. Try it. I think you'll see some positive (pardon the pun!) results. I already have. Have a great day! JW

It's Not My Fault

Okay, so this lawyer lady goes to a casino and wastes her money. She stays up for 2 or 3 days not eating or sleeping. She's gambling like crazy. She's being treated as a high roller. After spending about $1 million (and losing it), she decides it wasn't her fault. So now she's suing the casino for $10 million saying they should have stopped her knowing that she was spending too much.
Sound familiar? It's not my fault that this marriage ended. Yeah, I drank all that booze, but he took me down to the bar. I wouldn't have stolen that if they hadn't put it out in plain sight. I wouldn't have......you fill in the blanks for any type of wrong you want and there's a reason why it's not your fault.
I know we're told to bear one another's burdens. But have you read that passage all the way through? If not, here you go:

Galatians 6:1-5 Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.

See that? "...each one should carry his own load." In other words, we need to take responsibility for our own faults. We need to own up to our mistakes. Here's what we forget. God is so willing to forgive. He's so willing to overlook. He just is looking for pure hearts who hurt when there is sin. Like David who wept. Like Paul who said he was chief sinner #1. I think that's the difference. So buck up. Don't blame anybody else. If you feel as if you need to blame somone, blame Satan. He's the father of lies and the source of all evil. But by all means, own up to your mistakes and allow God to work His wonderful love. Have a great day. JW

The Son Will Be Up Soon

I woke up early this morning. On a day when it's supposed to be later, I wake up early. It's dark and quiet around the house. It's the Lord's day!
As I sit in the dark and contemplate my lessons for the day, I'm wondering who will hear. Who will be affected by the words? They're not my words. At least that's what I pray to God before speaking. Who will wander in today? What will they be expecting?
I don't know why in God's wisdom He chose humans to get His message across. Couldn't He just speak directly? No, that didn't work with Adam and Eve. How about with miracles? Nah, the Bible is filled with miracles, undeniable miracles, and all people wanted was more miracles. They didn't want more of God's presence.
So I pray for soft and open hearts...beginning with mine. Then I pray that ulterior motives are taken away...again starting with mine. And I pray that the love and grace of God is heard today. The peace that passes all understanding. The love that is so big that God pours it out on us, not leaving any behind. I pray for grace and mercy for me and for everyone else. And I hope I'm not so judgmental in all of this.
It's going to be a great day. I know it is. JW

Discouraged? Just Wait

What's the saying? "It's always darkest before the dawn." Have you ever felt abandoned? Forgotten? Alone? What's worse is you feel it's God who has abandoned and forgotten you. If you're in one of those periods, my friend, take heart. It can change suddenly, it can gradually change. But it will change, I promise, it will change. And the thing is, if it doesn't change now, it will change when you enter your final home.
How can I say that? Well, I was reading about Joseph. His brothers hated him; sold him to some Midianites who sold him in Egypt. His first job ended in false accusations and jail time. He was put in charge of the prisoners. (Nice job, huh?) He interpreted two dreams which both came true. His only request? Just remember me when you get back to Pharoah. Two years later Pharoah had a dream. "Oh, I forgot. There's a guy in prison who specializes in dream interpretation. One moment Joseph is dirty, unshaven, all prisony (is that a word?) and he's called to Pharoah's presence. And within a few minutes he's clean-shaven and is number two in the land only to Pharoah. He's given a wife and his two kids he names "Forget" and "Double Prosperity."
So take heart. Your deliverance may be today. It could be close. It could not occur (Sounds like a politician, doesn't it?). But God is good. Period. God is good in fabulous times. God is good in horrible times. And He never leaves us and He never will. Hang in there. We win in the end. Have a great day. JW

A Good Day!

You may not know that I tend to fret. However, I internalize so the only people who really know are my family. So the last few days have not been good ones for me. Sometime Friday, I lost my Blackberry; although I didn't discover that I had lost it until Saturday morning. Yesterday, our CRV had a flat tire. And it got cold again (snow, freezing rain, ice, wind, etc.) after being 64 on Saturday.
So I don't show it much, but there was a gnawing inside of me to take care of all of these issues. Maybe that's my problem. I think I have to solve everything. Let's just attribute that to me getting older. I hit dead ends on my phone search. Finally, last night I told my wife I was going to turn the house upside down (again) and see if I could find the phone. I looked under the cushion of the love seat and THERE IT WAS!! I never sit on that love seat. How did it get there? I was able to pump up the tire on the car and it held the air pretty well. This morning I drove to Wal-Mart and NOBODY WAS THERE IN FRONT OF ME! I drove right in and I was able to buy new tires at a reasonable price and they put them on all in less than 45 minutes! Now, it's still cold. But two out of three ain't bad.
Solomon said, "A man can do nothing better than eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" Paul said, "I have learned to be content in any and every situation." I know in the scheme of things my problems don't match up to the problems of others. But there are good days and bad days. This is a good one for me. I hope it is for you, too! JW

A New Song

If you have read my blog much, you'll know that my son sings in show choir. We were at another seemingless countless competition on Saturday (by the way, they were Grand Champions, and my son won best best male vocalist/performer) when a kid from another show choir walked by. I could see which group he was from because of his t-shirt. As he walked by, he was singing the opening number from our show.
Now you have to realize, since I hear our show so many times during the year, I am singing their songs all the time. Rarely do I sing a song from someone else. It got me thinking.
In one of our church songs we sing, "Sing the song of Moses and the Lamb by and by..." And, "They sing in heav'n a new song of Moses and the Lamb." The book of Revelation talks of the saints singing a new song. My thought is, why isn't that me? What is on my lips? Shouldn't it be the song of Jesus? Shouldn't He be what cheers my heart? "You are the words and the music, you are the song that I sing. You are the harmony, you are the melody, praise to my King I will sing." The Song of the Lamb. That's what makes my day. "There's within my heart a melody," we sing. Indeed, He is the reason for my joy each day. And so I proudly sing His song. I want His song to be on my lips.
What a beautiful song He brings to me. It's a life-changing song with a glorious message for our hearts. I hope you're singing it today. Have a great day. JW

It Was Fun

Life's not always fun, nor joyful, nor satisfying, nor....Our family has had it's rough spots lately. Nothing that's overwhelming or life-threatening. More of a nuisance than anything. Just enough to nag at the heart.
Yesterday after services, we were all gathered around a desk in the main office at church looking at the church calendar trying to decide when we would have my son's graduation party. It was my daughter (her husband was at work), my son (the senior in high school), my wife and me. We talked about a little bit of everything. We were laughing and enjoying each other's company. It didn't hit me until later that that's what life's all about. Those few minutes of joy were precious. For a few minutes we weren't worried about what was going on outside the walls of the office. We weren't concerned about world events. It was just us. I thought to myself, there aren't going to be many of these moments left. You see, my son is going away to school in August and my daughter and her husband--well, they have their own life. So we might as well enjoy the few moments that we can spend together...and laugh. Life's too serious to spend all of our time fretting and crying. Occasionally, we just have to laugh. And laugh we did. It was good. Oh, won't heaven be wonderful! Have a great day.

Bad Day?

It is -7 degrees in Omaha as I type these words. Not wind chill, but -7 degrees. To breathe in causes me to cough. My ears feels as if they are about to break off (I had on ear coverings/muffs) and the car wouldn't warm up despite getting out and starting it about 15 minutes before leaving. My internet connection was not working last night. I would be looking at something, then all of a sudden, everything started moving in slow motion. Eventually, it would kick me out. You can imagine my frustration. The line at Starbucks this morning was not moving particularly fast. One of their machines was down, so the barista was having to make the drinks for the people at the counter andat the drive-thru with only one machine. I hear what you're saying. Wow, Jim. You have been having a bad 24 hours.
No, let me tell you about someone who's had it bad. I did the funeral for a lady yesterday who died relatively quickly. We were all concerned about her husband, and then she took a turn for the worse and died. I watched her husband closely as he stood at the foot of her coffin just looking into her face. There was activity all around him and occassionally someone would come up and talk to him. But all in all, he was by himself, alone with his thoughts. Occassionally he would wipe a tear. After all they had been married nearly 66 years. I wondered what was going through his mind. Was he remembering times of laughter they shared? Was he thinking of a particular bump in the road when they didn't know what they were going to do and she stood by his side? Was he thinking of their separation while he was in Germany and she at Wright-Patterson in Dayton, Ohio during World War II? Was he thinking of the lonely days ahead of him here on this earth without his beloved wife?
No, somebody cutting me off in traffic does not constitute a bad day. Sometimes, it's good to get things in perspective, isn't it? I hope your day is a good one...even if there are some minor bumps. Remember, God loves you so much. Nothing...nothing will ever change about that. JW

Meandering

As I walked out of my local Starbucks this morning, the sign on the bank said it was 17 degrees. The low tonight is supposed to be zero. We've had snow on the ground since December 5th. Two weeks ago on Wednesday I started coming down with a chest cold. Just about the time I was over that, an intestinal bug hit me. (Please don't make me describe that.) It's a terrible way to lose weight. Today, I'm feeling pretty good. There's a bounce in my step. I feel as if I may be feeling better...finally.
I preached about this yesterday. I entitled it "Meandering." Our spiritual growth doesn't come from reading the Scripture or gathering with the saints, it comes from what happens when life happens to us. Don't misunderstand, the Scriptures are important to fall back on and to rely on when we're in those difficult times. They help us to see how the people of those times dealt with their problems. And my times with the saints encourage me and help me to get through those times. James said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2, 3) Pure joy?
If I lived in Hawaii, I think I would tire of the warm weather. (Although, I think I would like to give it a shot for four or five years.) What makes you appreciate the warmth is when you don't have it. What makes us appreciate heaven is that we live here on earth. I can only imagine.
So if you're going through a particular trial or test, count it pure joy. I know that's hard to do, but there's sunshine on the other side. And if it doesn't happen here, it will happen there. Our lives were not intended to be linear, but we meander in this life trusting that God is in control. I can't wait.

This world is not my home,
I'm just a-passin' through.
My treasures are laid up
Somewhere beyond the blue.
The angels beckon me
From heaven's open door,
And I can't feel at home
In this world anymore.

Oh, Lord, you know I have no friend like you.
If heaven's not my home then, Lord, what will I do?
The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Have a great day! JW

My Book

I just sat watching a video of my son singing in show choir and a twinge of sadness came over me. You see, he's been doing this since he was in eighth grade; this particular group, varsity show choir, he's been singing in since he was a sophomore. It's a wonderful group with a national reputation and very few get to spend one year in it let alone three as my son has. But in May, he'll sing in it for the very last time. An end to a chapter.
My words to my daughter and her husband to be on their wedding day were the same. The close of a chapter...the chapter of living in my house to the chapters of their lives to follow.
We all are writing in this book. Snippets, stories of what happens day by day. And although on the surface the daily life looks pretty mundane, once the chapters are pieced together there is a book, a story that makes up our lives. I've been thinking, what does my life look like? Frankly, it really doesn't matter to me what others think of the book I've been writing. What matters to me is what God thinks. Have I been serving Him? Are the chapters laced with giving cold water, speaking words of encouragment, and being salt for Him? Or have they been stories of greed and lust and envy and pride?
Fortunately, for Christians, God has His holy eraser, editing out those scenes of sin and leaving in the ones of love and service. And in truth, He makes me look a lot better than I really am. Why? I really don't know...except....He loves me. Remember these words sung as a child:
Jesus loves me this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.

Why is it, such simple words mark such a profound thought? How's your book coming along? Have a great day. JW

Someone to Fall Back On

Lives are devastated everyday. The broken relationships that occur break our hearts and cause our lives to be empty. Often, we are left with a sense of no self worth and sadness.
My son's show choir sings a song by Jason Robert Brown. Listen to these words and let me know what you think:

I'll never be a knight in armor with a sword in hand,
Or a kamikaze fighter
Don't count on me to storm the barricades and take a stand
Or hold my ground.

You'll never see any scars or wounds,
I don't walk on coals, I don't walk on water.

I am no prince, I am no saint,
I am not anyone's wildest dream.
But I can stand behind,
And be someone to fall back on.

Some comedies,
You're bruised and beaten down,
And I'm the one
Who's looking for a favor.
Still honestly,
You don't believe me,
But the things I have are the things you need.
You look at me like I don't make sense,
Like a waste of time,
Like it serves no purpose.

I am no prince, I am no saint,
And if that's what you believe you need,
You're wrong, you don't need much,
You need someone to fall back on.

And I'll be back,
I'll take your side,
If I'm the only one,
I'm used to that.
I've been alone,
I'd rather be, the half of us, the least of you, the best of me...

And I'll be your prince,
I'll be your saint.
I will go crashing through fences
In your name.
I will, I swear, I'll be someone to fall back on.

I'l be the one who waits,
And for as long as you let me,
I'll be the one you need.
I'll be someone to fall back on.

Your prince, your saint,
The one you believe you need.
I'll be, I'll be someone to fall back on.

Wow! Now that's a relationship. Have a great day. JW

Temporary/Eternal

I just watched a show on HGTV (please don't tell anyone) and was amazed by the show. Most of the shows are alike. Someone usually comes and and completely redoes a room, house, etc. Then they bring the person(s) in and they respond to the renovation.
Today, when the people saw the changes, they (I kid you not) cried. They were going up and opening the drawers, opening cabinet doors, touching the things to (in the words of the host) to make sure they were real.
Now, I don't know about you, but to get so excited about something that is completely and totally temporary is really sad. On the other hand, I've seen people weep when they became a disciple of Jesus and cry tears of joy when witnessing others becoming a disciple. Now that's something to weep tears of joy over.
Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. Temporary/Eternal. Not much of a choice really. Have a great day. JW

P.S. You probably really don't care, but I'm sorry I haven't blogged more recently. This cursed chest cold has really gotten me down. Feeling better, then worse, better, then worse. I hate the roller coaster. Mucinex is my friend.

Inside Out

One of the books I treasure in my library is a book I got from my Dad. It's the complete works of Josephus and the book is getting old and torn. I decided it was a good time to get another copy. So I found a copy from Crossings Book Club (if you would like to join, just let me know. It's a good book club.) at a good price and I purchased it.
My box came yesterday and I was so proud to receive this new copy. It's got a beautiful picture on the front cover of the Coliseum in Rome. I was so excited. When I opened the book, it was upside down and backwards. You can imagine my surprise. A beautiful book with a beautiful hard cover with a beautiful price...it looked so good on the outside. Inside, it wasn't right.
Guess where I'm going with this? Jesus told the Pharisees and the scribes, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautfiul on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean."
Jesus' message in the Sermon on the Mount was, as Mike Cope coined, righteousness inside out. What good does it do to look good on the outside when inside we are full of jealousy, greed, adultery, hatred, and all kinds of evil? Instead, we should allow God to "create a pure heart" in us. Then will we look good on the outside.
How do you look on the outside? Is it because of the clean inside or is it just a facade? I hope your day is good. JW

Too Good

This story came from my niece who's son is in (I believe) kindergarten.

This afternoon we were reviewing the story of Jonah. When we review, I ask the ?'s and the children "tell the story". "God told Jonah to go to ..." A resounding "Ninevahhhhh" followed, "but Jonah said..." "NNNNOOOOOOO!!!!" "and Jonah got on a boat and headed to ...." They were stumped, finally Belle raised her hand and in a loud voice cried "TARGET!"
Close.....

I hope this makes you smile as it did me. Have a great day. JW

There's a Time for Everything

I didn't know Ecclesiastes was so full of wonderful stuff. If you're not careful, you may come out depressed. By truly digging you can find some wonderful advice from a very wise man.
Read the following verses very, very slowly.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

He begins with birth and then death. Then follows with what happens in between. Listen to what he says right after this.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Ecclesiastes 3:11. In other words, let God be God. We can never understand everything that happens. Now if we stopped there, we might be depressed. But listen to the advice he gives.


I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

It's all temporary. God is in control. He is sovereign. Bad things will happen...but so will good things. Enjoy live, serve others.
This came from a smart man. Perhaps we should listen. I hope your day is good. JW

Profit

I did another funeral this weekend. It's always difficult, even in good situations, to deal with the memories of a a lifetime. How do you handle the "stuff" that's been collected? I remember when Mom died, we hired a dumpster to be brought to the house. As we cleaned out the house, we threw away so many things she had collected through the years. Of course, there are some things we kept. I have a Bible of hers, some clothes pins, and other odd things. (Clothes pins? The old kind, not the kind with a spring. I used to put them together and make an airplane out of them.) Soon after we did this, my brother Charles sent a poem by Emily Dickinson.

The bustle in a house
The morning after death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon Earth.

The sweeping up the heart
And putting love away
We shall not want to use again
Until eternity.

Solomon said, "What profit hath a man of all his labor which he taketh under the sun?" I used the King James on purpose because of the word "profit." Profit is what you have in the end, when the bills have been paid, net. What do we have in the end when we die? There is no profit. The saying, "You can't take it with you," is true. Charles Swindoll says he's never seen a hearse with a U-Haul trailer attached.
So Emily's words are true. Our investment in things is "a striving after the wind." Instead, our investment ought to be in what survives into eternity...people. I hope your day is a good one. JW

York College Tragedy

Please remember York College in the tragic death of one of her students. Their van carrying their wrestling team was in a wreck on Interstate 29 in Iowa on Friday and one young man was tragically killed. Remember the entire campus and particularly the young man who's family is grieving the loss of their son and brother. No family should have to go through this. Pray that God will hold this family in the palm of His hand.

Leadership?

There's a lot of talk about leadership these days. I have to admit, I talk a pretty good game about leadership myself. I complain about men not taking the leadership in the home, not taking the leadership at work, not taking the leadership at church.
Open up the book distributors and you'll find any number of books on leadership. Laws of Leadership, Talent is Never Enough, Leadership Handbook of Management and Administration. You get the idea.
No where in Scripture do I find Jesus calling us to leadership. At least, not the kind of leadership that's written and talked about. Our concept of leadership is warped by a worldview of what leadership should be. Taking charge. Taking the initiative. Volunteering. Jesus calls leadership something that nobody else does. He calls it, serving. It's leadership from our knees. He talked of giving cold water in His name. He wrapped a towel around His waist and washed the apostles' feet. He led by serving. That's our call today. That's what we should be doing. Rolling our sleeves up and getting sweaty and dirty. Not worrry about who gets the credit (except for the Lord). And you know, when you're working, it's hard to complain.
Lord, forgive me when I want the lead. By that, I mean the credit, the satisfaction of a job well done. Take the emphasis on me and let me be a servant, just a servant. And Lord, let them see my service and glorify You. I hope you have a great day. JW

Secular vs. Non-secular

I was involved in an interesting conversation over the weekend. The lady was a Jewish lady, raised in a Jewish home, married to a Jew, I think you get the picture. She doesn't attend synagogue anywhere, doesn't eat kosher, has nothing to do with religion per se. Again, I think you get the drift. When whe was young, she and her parents didn't go on vacation, they went to Israel. Again. She explained that there are two types of Jews--secular and non-secular. Many of the problems in the Middle East, in her mind, were between the secular and non-secular Jews. The secular Jews represent the intellectual. I would assume that the non-secular represents those who aren't.
Do you see anything amiss in all of this? Doesn't it seem ironic that someone who claims to have the background of God's chosen claims no connection at all to the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Yet, that's what I see in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Secular and non-secular. Those who were more concerned about political clout with the Romans and maintaining their status as opposed to those who truly wanted to follow God. I am incredulous even now thinking that the Jewish nation turned their backs on God in spite of His care over them on so many occassions.
I hope we as Christians learn our lessons from such things as this. It is my fervent prayer that we never turn our backs on God. That we understand that He is the Giver of life, the One who sustains. I never want to be considered "secular" in my spiritual life. Seems almost like an oxymoron, doesn't it? I hope your day is a good one. JW

Synagogue or Shoreline?

William Barclay in his commentary on the book of Matthew makes an interesting point about Jesus. In chapter 13, Jesus begins by telling the parable of the sower. Barclay says this represents a significant shift in the ministry of Jesus because now He's preaching from the seashore. Before he was speaking from the synagogues. It wasn't that the synagogues were shutting Jesus out, but the door was slowly closing.
Often when I'm in meetings, someone will bring up a particular problem that needs to be addressed. Many times the comment will be made, "Let's have Jim preach a series of sermons on this." As if what I say will automatically change attitudes or actions. I think it represents a shortcoming in our thinking. Instead of "bringing them to church services to hear the gospel," we should be taking the gospel to them. Who is "them"? It's the unchurched. It's those who don't know Jesus. You are a walking, talking example of Jesus...or at least you should be. Just as Jesus left the synagogues and preached by the seashore, we should leave the church buildings and preach it at work, downtown, at the grocery store, everywhere we go. And I'm not talking about preaching the gospel from the street corners. I'm talking about living it. Reacting differently than people expect you to react. Being totally honest in dealings. Not honking and shouting and flailing when someone cuts you off. Instead, truly doing what Jesus would do.
"Let your lights shine so that they may see your Father and glorify Him." That's what the Scripture says. That's what we should do. It's time to go to the shore. Have a great day. JW

My Life of Basketball

I had a flashback yesterday. No, it wasn't a drug flashback. I walked into our gym (sorry, sanctuasium) here at church and there were three basketballs up on the counter. I wanted to walk over and pick one up and start shooting baskets. That's what the old me would have done.
You see, I loved basketball when I was young. That's not too strong of a word. In elementary school, my brother and I would use a tennis ball and a three gallon ice cream container as a basketball and basket. Later, we made a basket out of cardboard and taped it to the wall. A ping pong ball served as the basketball. Of course, in basketball season I loved to play in the "real" gym. The highlight of my life up to that point was playing an exhibition game at half time of the high school game in front of everybody in the big city auditorium.
In junior high, I made up a team...Western. I had names for every position...and by the way, we won every game. I had a tennis ball for the basketball and my basket was unusual. Between the wooden supports in our house ran two copper pipes. These pipes were probably six inches apart. If I could get the ball in between those pipes, it was a basket. I spent hours playing. We didn't have the TV coverage of basketball in those days or I would have been watching basketball all the time. The books I read for my book report were basketball books. I even remember the name of one of them...State Champs. In junior high, I began my "official" basketball playing. I made the 8th grade team my 7th grade year and was a starter my 8th and 9th grade year.
Without boring you even more, I played in high school and received a scholarship to play in college. Basketball was my life. I read about it. I thought about it. I watched it on TV. I watched it in person. I played whenever I could. It defined me.
Paul says, "Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." His life was the Jewish life. It's what he ate, slept, drank. His goal? Perhaps to serve on the Sanhedrin. To reach the pinnacle of Jewishness. But now, he says, "For me to live is Christ, to die is gain." He met Jesus face to face and he changed. What mattered most to him now was nothing.
What matters most to you? Is it really worth it? Unless it's our Lord, I doubt it. And if you're struggling with something similar, I would encourage you to find the One, the only One who can bring you joy and who will never fail. Learn from the experience of others. Everything else pales in the light of the face of Jesus. The song says: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace." Have a great day! JW

P.S. By the way, last summer I was shooting baskets at camp and one of the campers said, "You used to be good didn't you?" It made my day.

I'm Listening

I don't know why I thought of this today, but for some reason I remembered something from when I worked for a printing company. My boss bought three pieces of equipment from New York that were going to make him millions. There was a four-color printing press, a stitching machine (which made small booklets), and a paper cutter. When we received this wonderful items, they were painted a light, sky blue. It looked as if someone put these things on a dock and just took the paint gun and covered them. Now this is all well and good, but we're talking on moving parts. Parts that have to be frequently lubricated. To make a long story even longer, after spending tens of thousands of dollars on "fixing" this equipment, it never worked. Looked good in the beginning although printing presses on not supposed to be covered with sky blue paint. The equipment was old, worn out, and faultly and it never, ever worked.
I see two applications. Satan sugar coats things, too. He makes them look real good. Makes promises he never intends to keep. Sells you a bill of goods and then leaves you wallowing in your frustration because you got something you never really intended to receive. A kind of buyer's remorse. But by then, it's too late. You've invested your life and it's too late.
The other thing I see has to do with people who claim to be spiritual, but really aren't. They look good on the outside, but inside are as corrupt and polluted as the world. There were some in Jesus' day and He called them "hypocrites." Actors. That is the origin of the word. Greek actors wearing masks. Being something they weren't. He said they were white-washed tombs. They looked lovely on the outside, but inside were full of dead men's bones.
Striving to hear God's call is the answer to both of these. Difficult sometimes because there is so much "noise" in this world. It is possible, though. I remember when my children were little and I would be at a playground or other public place and there was the usual noise of commerce or play. Children would occasionally call out or cry. Funny, I knew which voice belonged to me. Why was that? I was tuned in. Same with God. We must tune it. Listen. Hear Him. Listen to Him. Follow Him. It's a good day today. Enjoy it. Listen for God. JW

Home

God told Abram that his descendants would be like the stars in the sky. Then he warned them, "Know for certain that your descentdants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years." (Genesis 15:13) Instead of using "strangers," the English Standard Version uses the word "sojourners." Obviously, in context, God is talking of the Israelites in Egypt. Yet Peter uses similar language in his short epistle when he calls the Christians there strangers and aliens. Quite the definition of us, don't you think?
It reminds me of a song we used to sing:

Here we are but straying pilgrims,
Here our path is often dim.
But to cheer us on our journey,
Still we sing this wayside hymn:

Yonder over the rolling river,
Where the shining mansions rise,
Soon will be our home forever,
And the smile of the blessed Giver
Gladdens all our longing eyes.

Sojourners. Strangers. Aliens. Longing eyes. I have had the opporunity to travel a lot in my life including two trips to Trinidad, one to eastern Russia and one to France. What's the greatest sight I saw on these trips? Easy. Home. I love being with my friends on this sojourn, this journey on this earth. But it's not home. My longing eyes are looking ahead and asking that you join me on this wonderful trip. We'll be landing soon. Have a great day! JW

Knowing Christ

Last night in small group, I asked these questions:
1. Who won the World Series last year?
2. What movie won the Oscar for best picture?
3. Who won the Oscar for best actor/best actress?

I have to admit, the only one I got right was the first one. I'd be hard pressed to tell you who it was two years ago. Paul warns us in Philippians that achieving things according to worldly standards is, at best, fleeting. He uses his own life as an example. He was circumcised on the eighth day, a Hebrew of Hebrews, from the tribe of Benjamin, full of zeal, righteous according to the Law, a Pharisee. In his world, he had made it. But he calls it rubbish.
What was it that changed his mind? Read Acts 9, 22, and 26. He tells his story three different times in the book of Acts. He says, "I want to know Christ."
There are a lot of us out there wishing that we could for just one moment catch the winning pass, be honored by our fellow workers as Employee of the Year, (really, Boss of the Year, forget this employee stuff), a plaque here, a certificate there. Paul says, these things are trash. What really counts is knowing (having a relationship) with Christ. What about you? Do you know Him? I mean, really know Him? If not, no wonder your life may seem out of whack. The cure is there. It's so simple, yet so profound, yet so consuming. But it works. I hope you have a great day. JW

January 2nd Jealous of January 1st?

I wonder if January 2nd ever gets jealous of January 1st? January 1st gets most of the bowl games, the cheese dip, the parties, the "Happy New Years." If it's fun, January 1st gets it.
On the other hand, January 2nd gets the broken resolutions, the heart burn from the cheese dip, the complaining about going back to work. You get the picture. Now I'm no scholar, but I would say the answer to my intial self-imposed question is "no."
"Jim's lost it and it's only January 2nd." I thought I heard a collective group mumbling something about me losing it. Well I haven't. Here's my thought process.
One of our problems in the church is selfishness. We're so concerned about getting credit, about making sure we're seen, and most of all, making sure others don't get credit either. "If I'm not getting credit, she/he shouldn't either." But we begin with the wrong supposition. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about God. Rick Warren began his book The Purpose Driven Life with those words. When Paul is talking to the church in Corinth, he says, "How ridiculous if everyone wants to be an eye. If everyone were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?" I Corinthians 12 (MOV--My Own Version). Listen to what Paul said through the Spirit in that wonderful passage. This time, it's really his words.

But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. I Corinthians 12:24b-27.

Now, my goal for 2008 is to get out of the way. I want this year to be all about God. It isn't about jealousy or selfishness or self promotion or anything else that is evil in spirit. It is about making sure that God is glorified. Paul said it again in Philippians when he said, "...consider others better than yourselves." Amen. Have a great day. JW

2008 is Here!

Here I sit in my recliner in the infancy hours of 2008 wondering what this year holds in store. 2007 was filled with activities and stunning world events, but Kingdom work was being done, too. While the world was all atwitter about global warming, presidential politics, and much, much more, Kingdom work was going on. It was unseen by many, but people were being fed, the Word was being sown, good deeds were happening all around, and Jesus' name was being proclaimed.
If you don't think the latter was occurring, why do you think Satan spent so much time trying to destroy it? When I worked in Christian education, people used to complain that there were bad things happening on our Christian college campuses. Therefore, (their argument) should I send my kid to a place where there is bad going on? At least we know the bad is supposed to go on at the state university. (Really brilliant thinking, don't you think?) My answer? Satan already has won the world. He doesn't have to spend much time convincing them. Where do you think he saves his best work?
It's the same with us here on January 1, 2008. Satan stands ready to discount and destroy. But he doesn't hold a candle to our God. So I stand here at the edge of this bridge called "2008." Plans have been made. I'll become an empty nester this year. God's work will be accomplished. I just want to be a part of those plans. How about you? Won't you join me in this wonderfully rewarding work? It doesn't get much attention here, but He who notices is really the one who counts. Where will God take us in 2008? I have no clue. It may be difficult times or it may be peaceful. I just want to be on the journey with my Lord.
Our plans have been committed to God. Let's pray for His guidance. Now, let's go on this wonderful journey together! I hope your year is a good one! JW