Lois Watkins: coach, preacher, teacher

Judging by the return lines after Christmas, many people did not get enough; or at least did not get the right thing. Even with gift certificates people often get something that costs more and simply make up the difference. Never being satisfied is seems to be a modern curse.

What is there in the human spirit that drives for more, bigger, better, best? Last Christmas, as a lifetime Packer Cheesehead, I was thrilled to get an autographed 11x14 framed picture of Brett Favre. It was signed, "Lois, be the best." It is no longer sufficient to strive to be "your personal best," but now only the best or even best-est will do.

Even if being the best is attained, it can be short lived, especially in athletics. No sooner is one goal is met, one record set and new goal to break the record is set. Enter competition. In one sense competition and striving for perfection keeps the human race "progressing" but at what cost and to what end? What is the motivator? What is the purpose?

Chasing the dream of perfection

"The race for quality has no finish line--so technically, it's more like a death march" is a quote from the Demotivator Calendar by Despair, Inc. This 1998 company based in Austin, Texas, produces posters and souvenirs that satirize the motivational hype common in corporate environments. They are well-known for their cynical and ironic "Demotivator" items.

Certainly there is nothing wrong with striving for excellent quality, keeping focused, setting and meeting goals. The problem comes when excellence is attained, only to be outdone by the next person, company, church etc. Now your excellence is no longer excellent. It may be extremely good, but someone else now, perhaps briefly, carries the title of "the best." So, but when is it enough? When health is broken? When a family is fractured? When a loved one is dying? When the bottom drops out in failure?

Another Demotivator statement: "Pressure can turn a lump of coal into a flawless diamond, or an average person into a perfect basketcase." Extreme pressure and unfulfilled dreams can lead to tragic ends as in the Pultizer-prize winning play, The Death of a Salesman, written by Authur Miller in 1949. It is viewed by many as a caustic attack on the American Dream of achieving wealth and success without regard for principle. Willie Loman loses his traveling sales job because of his age and becoming a detriment to the company. His dream is shattered and his pride won't allow him to work for a neighbor's business.

In addition his son, Biff, who had been raised to believe that good looks and popularity would make him successful, confides to his father that he is no longer a leader of men and that he is just a common person who has no outstanding qualities. Willy refuses to believe him and tells Biff once again how great he can be. Rather than accept the loss of another dream, Willy resolves on suicide, because with twenty thousand dollars in insurance money, Biff could be magnificent. Willy pursued his delusions of grandeur to his death.

Pursuing spiritual perfection

Keeping the entire Jewish law perfectly was the Old Covenant standard. Because it could not be done, God instituted the sacrificial system to atone for any sins. Some simply gave up, but others kept on trying . . . and failing. Many of the "religious" continued keeping the letter of the law, but their hearts were hard and judgmental. In essence, they failed.

Just last week we celebrated birth of Jesus. God instituted the New Covenant based on receiving God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, today there are many Christian believers who cannot get it into their heart that Christ's atonement is enough. Many, like myself, were taught the right doctrine of saved by grace alone. Yet, experienced expectations of "saved by grace AND for extra insurance add lots of good works."

A continuous cycle of assumed failure-false guilt-unnecessary repentance emerged. The only conclusion could be: My best was not good enough. Another Demotivator seems to fit here: Stupidity--Quitters never win, winners never quit, but those who never win and never quit are idiots. (Remember these are to be cynical). For that very reason many, who start a walk of faith, actually do give up. But that need not be.

We all need to be reminded of the lyrics of 19th century hymn writer, Lidie H. Edmunds, in No Other Plea.

My faith has found a resting place, Not in device nor creed; I trust the Everliving One, His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt; A sinful soul, I come to Him, He'll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word, The written Word of God, Salvation by my Savior's name, Salvation through His blood.

Refrain: I need no other argument, I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.

New Year's reflection

With our perfect (complete) salvation attained only through God's grace, what about a Christian's motivation for excellence in accomplishments? When does Christian pursuit of the next and the next and the next begin to focus on success for success sake, rather than success for the Kingdom's sake? How does the attitude of "It is not enough" fit with Jesus teachings of the Blessed? Blessed are the poor (not necessarily in spirit), those who mourn, the meek, the hungry and thirsting for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted (Matthew 5:3-11).

Where do these verses fit into daily life: "Many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:30); "whoever wants to become great among ou must be your servant. . ." (Matthew 20:26); and "Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10b)?

May God help us to keep our motivations and desires Christ-like in 2007.

A Sacrificial Christmas Part 1 (December 14, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

"Angel’s We Have Heard on High" and "Shepherds in the Fields Abiding" never sounded sweeter than when our tour group sang in the shepherd’s cave on the hillside on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Being confined to the cave allowed us to shut out the modern city and large cathedrals marking so many biblical places. It was almost like being there over two thousand years ago--minus the angels.

Uplifting words, such as rejoice, glory, peace, light, triumph, worship, glad tidings, hope, praise, alleluia and wonders of His love, fill the carols. What good news that wrapped up in the swaddling cloths was the Son of God, Emmanuel--God with us. No celebration or collection of carols can adequately capture the eternal changes begun on that night. However, that new day of reconciliation between God and sinner is just that--the beginning. That day’s good news depends on looking beyond the manger to the sacrifice on the cross and to the resurrection, ascension and second coming.

The other side of Christmas

While most carols focus on the event’s joyful conclusion, only a few allude to the drastic means necessary to attain this great joy. Here are some of those passing phrases: ransom captive Israel; dawn of redeeming grace; cast out our sin and enter in; the Savior reigns; no more let sin and sorrow grow; God and sinners reconciled; and born Thy people to deliver. "There’s Room in my Heart for Thee" makes the most direct reference, to the sacrifice of Christmas. "But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn, they bore Thee to Calvary."

But even before looking forward to the cross, consider the enormous sacrifices just in God becoming human flesh; the loss of timelessness; the loss of heavenly beauty; the loss of adoration and worship; the confinement to a vulnerable human body with its limitations and physical needs; the surrender to human authorities and the list could go on and on. Basically Jesus, being in very nature God, chose to be trapped in human flesh. Why? To accomplish salvation through faith, rather than through perfectly keeping the law (impossibility) or through the blood of animals (insufficient).

On October 8, 2006 at St Paul’s Cathedral Rev. Paul Lillie noted, "The Christian story is the story of God becoming vulnerable in order that God might be close to us. The Christian story is the enmeshment of the divine with the human; it is the story of God's love being so great for us, that God chose to live a life like ours-that God chose to be as vulnerable as we are-that God chose to be like us in our weakest state-mainly death."

The high price of love

In the new movie "The Nativity Story," the magi who presents the myrrh says "for the sacrifice." God can never be accused of backing away from a necessary sacrifice to accomplish salvation purposes. Last Sunday our pastor, Steve DeNeff, preached on God’s love from Isaiah 43:3-4, "For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life."

Because of God’s great love and purpose for the nation of Israel, other’s who thwarted that plan were taken in exchange. God’s plan must not be stopped. This type of exchange of one for another is found later in the sacrifice of the innocent infants. Cruel Herod had them slaughtered in order to stop this prophesied new king of the Jews from taking over his throne. Herod’s paranoia led him to the cruelty of murdering not only these innocents, but also his own family members for fear of losing his throne. Because of his cruelty innocents died and Jesus’ family was forced to flee to Egypt in order to preserve the only means of eternal salvation.

The ultimate gift of love is found it John 3:16-17, "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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17). Since God, the Father and God the Son, along with God the Holy Spirit are one, God exchanged His own life for our own life on the cross through Jesus. Father, God was not a detached, uncaring observer. Even though Jesus felt abandoned, God was suffering with him. God’s love and sacrificial plan carried a high price.

The great exchange

Love demonstrated through sacrifice is a powerful magnetic force. As we continue on our journey toward celebrating the birth of Christ, let us also keep in mind why he was born. He was born to be with us, to show us how to live as fully human, to die for the sins of each one in the world and rise to give us new life. He came to be with us, so we would believe in him, love him and be able to be with him eternally.

Considering the sacrificial exchange Christ made on our behalf, is it too much to present our lives to Christ as a gift? Through his sacrifice he gives life and gives it abundantly. In return give God your best gift--your life! As we exchange gifts with our loved ones, perhaps at great sacrifice of time or money, may we not forget the greatest gift we can give to the greatest Giver and Lover. Put yourself under the tree as a gift for to God this Christmas. You will be surprised at the possibilities that are opened inside!

A Sacrificial Christmas Part 2 (December 21, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Christmas is a season of giving, which some generously continue all year long. No one would argue that Oprah Winfrey is a giving person. Of course with an annual income of $225 million and a net worth topping a billion dollars in 2003, one would hope she and other wealthy celebrities would be giving.

Among her gifts has been over $5 million for scholarships to Atlanta Morehouse College; 270 Pontiac G6 cars to audience members, who had to pay $7,000 in gift tax or give up the car; in 2004 a $4.5 million giveaway to 300 teachers (30-inch widescreen LCD TVs, washers and dryers, Sony Notebook computers and trips to a spa resort in Arizona) totaling about $15,000 per person, more than three times as much as 2003 $4,800 gift packages.

In October this year she gave 300 audience members $1,000 debit cards to donate money to a charitable cause, so they could experience the "gift of giving back." Her reason was simple, "I can honestly say that every gift I've ever given has brought at least as much happiness to me as it has to the person I've given it to. That's the feeling I want to pass on to you.”

New Year’s Eve will find her in South Africa for a huge party to celebrate the official opening of her girl’s school. USA Week-end featured a story on it last Sunday. For her $10 million dollar investment she expected some return. She was exasperated with the girls who had become distracted with their cell phones and video games. The essence of her scolding was “I have given my best for you and I expect nothing less from you.”

Sacrifice flows from one’s passions

While Oprah’s excessive giving and compassion is admirable, it would not be considered sacrificial by the strictest standard. Giving out of abundance or lack of personal need certainly gives joy, but does not cause a real loss to the giver. The gift may not even have any real value to the giver. There is always more to give. In 2001 she commented, "I've stopped wanting things and think about what I can give other people. I really have reached the point where I don't want anything. That's a good place to be, isn't it?" Perhaps an even better place would be to have little and still not want anything.

But I digress. According to Webster’s definition, sacrifice does not have to “give until it hurts.” It can be “giving up something valued for the sake of something having a more pressing claim.” We view God’s gift of Jesus as a sacrifice not because that was all there was to give. After all, God had the entire universe available to give, so all resources were not depleted.

However, Jesus was of immeasurable value as God’s own Son, God in human flesh. He was given because God’s passion for a loving relationship with each person had a “more pressing claim.” Staggering isn’t it! God’s love for you and me was of such importance, that God gave, not all he had, but all that was necessary on his part for accomplishing that goal.

In a real sense God valued our salvation more than himself. As we mentioned last week the Christmas story foreshadows God giving the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, God in human flesh, dying on the cross for all sin, including yours and mine. This sacrifice is a gift of grace. We do not earn it, we receive it by faith when we confess our sins and allow God to forgive us and cleanse us.

Much is given—much is required

When we receive this sacrificial gift; when we are come face to face with this indescribable love; when we begin to understand “Love one another, as I have loved you” we are compelled to think and act sacrificially. For those who are not in the Billionaire or Millionaire Club, do not be dismayed. Sacrifice can, but does not necessarily require money.

Money can do wonderful things, but there are so many things that money cannot buy. As the ads for Visa emphasize, some things are simply “priceless.”

We can see it displayed when a family member or complete stranger donates an organ to save a life. Last week we had the joy of seeing a friend whose sister donated a kidney and strangers donated the pancreas of their deceased seven-year-old son. He is no longer a diseased diabetic on dialysis.

What about being an organ donor?

We see it through parents who go without in order to provide benefits for their children. For many Christmas is a time when parents sacrifice for their children either by going into debt or going without things themselves. One of my senior hospice patients shared about her father having a beautiful doll in the window of the store he owned. How she wanted that doll, but she was told it cost too much. Resigned to not getting it, she could not contain her joy when she opened it on Christmas. Her father took the loss to show his love.

What about giving for the joy of someone else’s happiness?

While we can spend money to try to give joy, how about giving a gift of time to do for someone what they cannot do for themselves or a gift of a listening ear to a heartbroken friend or a gift of being present with a lonely person or even a sincere smile to downcast stranger.

We see sacrificial love when adult children sacrifice their schedules, time or even room in their home, when parents need help in older years. I have seen enormous loving sacrifice on the part of the children as I visit hospice patients. At times the sacrifice involves much more than expected. Even then the love keeps on giving. Some children even take on responsibilities far beyond their years when a younger parent is ill or out of work.

We see sacrifice in the love of strangers who donate coats, toys, food, time and money to help the less fortunate; a prisoner’s children have gifts; the homeless have a meal; the nursing home resident feel remembered or a widow have companionship. We see it lived out in the lives of men and women in the military who will spend Christmas away from home to protect and defend their loved ones at home.

The best Christmas gift would be to make sacrificial giving a lifestyle rather than a season!

God's Top Ten Christmas List (November 30, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Last week’s absence of a new Thursday Thought was because I was with Jim at a writer’s conference on the cruise ship, Carnival Liberty, in the western Caribbean. With palm trees, rain forests and temperatures in the mid to high 80’s it was hard to remember that Advent season had begun. However, dropping 70 degrees from Fort Lauderdale to Marion Sunday evening and getting our first covering of snow last night has reinforced the reality of Christmas in Indiana.

Unfortunately my brain still seems to be at sea. Fortunately there are lots of great thoughts and greater writers out there. I received the following e-mail from a friend, which originally appeared on “Allrown’s Blog” (http://blufftontoday.com/user/341) November 19 as a “Letter from God to His Children.”

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Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival; although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching that explains who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks are. If you have forgot that one, look at John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love and, remember, I LOVE YOU.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances (November 23, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Happy Thanksgiving! On the news a turkey hotline for people to call with questions was featured. One time a newlywed called in for help. She was calling from the closet so her mother-in-law wouldn’t know she needed help.

Here are some kid’s recipes for turkey. I hope they are not working the hotline!

Geremy - You buy the turkey and take the paper off. Then you put it in the refrigerator and take it back out and cut it with a knife and make sure all the wires are out and take out the neck and heart. Then you put it in a big pan and cook it for half an hour at 80 degrees. Then you invite people over and eat.

Moriah - First you cut the bones out. Then you put it in the oven for 10 hours at 600 degrees. Then you put it on the table and eat it.

Grace - First you add some salt. Then you put it in a bowl. Then you put brown sugar on it. Then you mix it all together with a spoon and then you add some milk and mix it again. And then you put it in a pan. Then you put it in the oven for 15 minutes and 16 degrees. Then you take it out of the oven and then you eat it.

Lauren - First you find a turkey and kill it. Cut it open. Put it in a pan. Pour milk in the pan. Put a little chicken with it. Put salsa on it. Take out of pan. Put it on the board. Cut into little pieces. Put on a rack. Put in the oven for 7 minutes at 10 degrees. Take out of the oven and put eensy weensy bit of sugar on it. Put a little more salsa on it. Then you eat it.

And when the meal is over you can share these turkey jokes:

What the leftover turkey said after it was wrapped up and refrigerated, “Foiled again.”

What do you call a gobbler who thinks he knows everything? A smirky turkey

Show us the man who throws Thanksgiving leftovers in the garbage and we’ll show you a man who quits cold turkey.

Thanks for what?

Even if laughter is healthy, perhaps on this Thanksgiving Day you don’t feel much like laughing or being thankful. When you read I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, which is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” it seems like a cruel joke. Perhaps you are among those suffering unimaginable pain and loss. Or perhaps your heart breaks for others living through a death, war, abuse, disease or natural disasters.

Before giving up on God as a masochist, read the verse again--slowly. Notice it says, “give thanks ‘in’ all circumstances, rather than ‘for’ all circumstances.” No, it is not merely semantics. There is a real difference.

When I am give thanks “for” a circumstance, I am pleased and appreciative. This person or thing has met a need or gone above and beyond expectations. When I give thanks “in” all circumstances, I do not necessarily like what happened. I may even detest what happened. Giving thanks is not because of the circumstances, but regardless of the circumstance.

Giving thanks focuses beyond the event to trusting a loving, compassionate God whose ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). This type of thanks does not deny pain or inhibit natural human reactions. It does not call us to go through life as zombies. Rather Brennan Manning encourages us to sense the presence of God in the present step.

Real-life example

Recently I heard Nate Saint share his story. If you have seen the movie, "The End of the Spear," he was the five-year-old whose missionary father was killed by the then-savage Indians in Ecuador (1958). One part of the story I'd forgotten was that the missionaries did have guns, but chose not to use them. Their willful self-sacrifice spoke volumes. If they had killed the Indians to save themselves, they would have lived, but that tribe would have continued in hatred, killing and death. When Nate’s Aunt, Rachel, and one of the widows, Elizabeth Elliot, went back to the tribe after the deaths, their message of God's love and forgiveness was believable.

Did these families give thanks for the deaths of their loved ones? No! Did they give thanks in the circumstances because they trusted God to work in and through the tragedy? Yes. By choosing not to become bitter and vengeful, a new tribe will be present before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9).

A little child will lead them

The following is a summary of an October 2006 article in Open Doors, a magazine which informs and mobilizes people on behalf of the persecuted church. For the whole article go to http://odusa.org/Display.asp?Page=ff_2005_10_feat

In China a children’s Sunday school class was raided and more than 30 children were taken to the police station. The children had been warned this might happen. As the van sped toward the police station, one child started singing. Then, the van was filled with song as all the children enthusiastically joined in. Upon arrival at the police station, the children marched bravely into the interrogation room still singing, "In the name of Jesus, we have the victory."

The police interrogator began to threaten the children, telling them they would have to write "I do not believe in Jesus" one hundred times before he would release them. Instead, the defiant children wrote, "I believe in Jesus today. I will believe in Jesus tomorrow. I will believe in Jesus forever!"

A Thanksgiving thought to chew on

Thomas Merton wrote, “Those who are not thankful for (in) everything, will start to complain about everything.”

The Way of Suffering (November 15, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Perhaps today’s title has turned you off and tempted you to skip ahead to more uplifting or urgent messages. The title reflects the meaning of the words Via Dolorosa (also the Way of Grief, the Path of Sorrow, the Way of the Cross) as well as the fact that last Sunday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. In 1996 World Evangelical Alliance coordinated the prayer efforts of 7,000 churches, which has grown to be the largest prayer day of its kind in the world with over 100,000 churches, representing nearly every U.S. denomination, as well as Christians in over 130 countries.

Unfortunately it is a day of remembrance that many western churches would probably prefer to ignore. Being reminded of the stark reality of Christian discrimination, persecution, torture and death around the world doesn’t lend itself to the health, wealth and prosperity gospel preached by many. A “feel good” theology is hard to reconcile with experiences of pain, suffering, sorrow and death.

Yet, amid this flagrant disregard for human rights, the Church of Jesus Christ is multiplying. There is a depth of joy and peace that cannot be known outside of an equal depth of sorrow and distress. Because these believers have so little, they are so grateful for the little they have. While suffering and pain are excruciating, the stories of faith and courage are abundant, even victory through death. Ironically, the message of the Persecuted Church is both uplifting (in a strange sort of way) and urgent.

Following the example of Jesus

Believers in Jesus, who live out their faith in a culture that forbids it, are most closely following the literal example of Jesus Christ as he walked the Via Dolorosa, taking the Way of Suffering. After the trials before Pilate, Herod and back to Pilate for sentencing, Jesus, bloodied and exhausted from no sleep and a vicious beating, carried the cross along the streets of Jerusalem. This traditional uphill path of .16 miles is followed every Friday by Franciscan monks.

Our schedule did not permit us to walk the entire Via Dolorosa. However we did go to one of the Stations of the Cross. A small chapel marks the place where Jesus’ battered body fell beneath the weight of the cross.

Inside the chapel two murals portray two similar, yet very different perspectives. As we entered the mural at the front of the church shows Jesus fallen beneath the cross. Surrounding him is a host of angels with bowed heads and folded wings. The posture of the angels gives a sense of deep sorrow and helplessness. Angels had ministered to Jesus after his temptation and in the garden. But here they were not allowed to intervene. Jesus was required to bear his cross with no supernatural help.

As we turned to leave the chapel, another mural showed Jesus fallen beneath the cross. However instead of angels there was a host of Christian believers each one carrying a cross along with Jesus. What a powerful way to depict Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Matthew 10:38 gives the same command in a negative format, “anyone who does not take up his cross daily and follow me is not worthy of me.”

Take up your cross

So how can one who lives in a nation that to date still honors freedom of religion take up his or her cross? Although many experience physical limitations and great suffering; face the grief over the loss of loved ones; deal with difficult and painful relationships, which may include betrayal and rejection; contend with some limited political oppression; most have not yet overtly suffered for the name of Christ.

Every person has a unique cross to bear that requires faithfulness and obedience “even to death on a cross” Philippians 2:8. For many of our brothers and sisters around the world death is required for their faith. Part of carrying our cross is to do all we can to help carry theirs. Galatians 6:2 commands us to “carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Avenues to accomplish this are to pray, learn, give and take appropriate action. The following partner organizations have websites, which give abundant practical ways to make a difference in the life of the Persecuted Church: Christian Freedom International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christians in Crisis, Gospel for Asia, International Christian Concern, Iranian Christians International, Jubilee Campaign, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, World Evangelical Alliance.

Prayer is an obvious place to begin. During one IDOP service we divided the congregation into prayer groups and assigned each one a specific country. Interceding for the needs of specific countries and individuals by name brings the reality close to home. The websites above share many prayer concerns, so our prayers can be targeted and effective.

We can help Open Doors reach these goals (other groups have similar goals):

Providing Bibles and literature, media, leadership training, socio-economic development and through intercessory prayer;

Preparing the Body of Christ living in threatened or unstable areas to face persecution and suffering; and

Educating and mobilizing the Body of Christ living in the free world to identify with threatened and persecuted Christians and be actively involved in assisting them.

A great need among persecuted Christians is a Bible for strength, wisdom and courage. God’s Word is powerful. It will not return empty; “my word that goes out from my mouth (it) will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:11.

Does it do any good?

Some might wonder if persecution multiplies the church, then do we really want to try to end it. Others might ask, “Does it do any good? Can prayer, resources, funds and workers change national policies?” Perhaps, but if not it certainly saves lives and emboldens witnesses.

Share in this closing prayer for the Third Station of the Cross: Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ You have revealed Your glory to all nations; guard the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, spread over the whole world, may with constant faith persevere in the confession of Your name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

The Great Debate (November 9, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

For months our granddaughter has used "Uh-oh!" to describe little mishaps and "Oh, no!" for bigger mishaps. Recently a simple "No!" has been added as she is learning to express her opinion and exert her independence. Knowing this is a normal part of child development for an eighteen-month old does not make it any easier. Sweet compliance is much easier.

Greater wisdom and patience is needed to determine when she is being an imp by teasing; when she is testing our limits and sincerity; and when she is seems to be knowingly disobedient. Each situation takes a unique course of action. At times even accepting her "No!" is in order, as well as allowing the natural consequences. Freedom to make right choices often follows the freedom to make a wrong choice.

Being able to say "No!" goes hand in hand with having free-will. A person has to be able to "No!" to make choosing "Yes!" a real option. Otherwise we become mere puppets. Saying, "Yes!" to a marriage proposal holds little meaning unless the real option of saying, "No!" was also present.

As we learn to exert our will in making decisions, we struggle with whether to obey or disobey our parents, our teachers and our civil laws.

Often the greatest debate between "yes" and "no" is internalized with our conscience. A person raised with a knowledge of God understands the reality of debating with God: to obey or disobey.

As I stood looking in at the Garden of Gethsemane that great debate became real in my mind. Of course seeing the opening scene of Mel Gibson's, "The Passion of the Christ," helped envision it. Too often we dismiss the agonizing struggle, the debate Jesus had concerning going to the cross. We almost lapse into believing that it really was not that big a deal for Jesus because after all he was God. He knew what was on the other side of the cross, so why sweat it.

Somehow we convince ourselves that even through Jesus knew he would die, it couldn't be as bad for him as it is for other human beings because he was God. Philippians 2:5-8 refutes that thinking and is clear that Jesus did not cling to his rights as God and willingly took on the human body with all of its limitations, even suffering a death on a cross.

Everyone would acknowledge that being crucified was the most torturous form of execution. Perhaps because of our discomfort with extreme pain and suffering, we want to believe Jesus had some extra-special, extra-human ability to withstand the suffering. We tend to at least partially unhumanize Jesus from the Garden to the Cross. We hope that somehow he took off some of his humanity, at least some of the pain sensors. Perhaps using his divinity almost like an invisibility cloak to put on in great time of need and take it off when life wasn't too bad.

Luke 22:43 does say that an angel from heaven appeared to him to strengthen him in the Garden, but that is God's mercy extended to the human race. It is not a "special favor" just for Jesus. Many have experienced God's strengthening in times of crisis and may have even had angelic help without realizing it.

In Matthew 26 and Luke 22 we read phrases like, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" or "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me" or "being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood." So was this play acting simply to identify with humanity? Or was it as real and heart-felt as any time you and I have cried out in agony to God? Jesus' desire and request to avoid the cross was as genuine as when you and I plead to be spared pain, suffering and death.

Truth be told, Jesus did not want to go to the cross. He was willing, but not if there was any alternative. Although he probably knew the answer, he still had the freedom to ask for the cup to be removed. In his full humanity he had free-will to refuse the cup. If you don't believe that, then the crucifixion becomes merely a puppet being sacrificed by the master.

Not being eager to obey in difficult circumstances is not a sin. It is human. Some Christians have been guilted into thinking that if they are less than ecstatic to obey God, they are failing God. Somehow they feel their obedience is negated by any hint of reservation or unhappiness with God's plan.

A false notion that Christians are to be happy all the day, even when facing the direst of circumstances, dehumanizes our emotions. It creates a very unhealthy denial of authentic and legitimate feelings. False guilt replaces what otherwise should be a celebration for obeying.

Jesus tells a story of two sons who were asked by their father to work in the vineyard (Matthew 21:28-32). The first said "I will not," but later changed his mind and went to work. The second said, "I will, sir," but then did not go. The one who did not want to work, but still obeyed was honored. The moment of truth comes from what we willingly choose to do, not how we feel about it nor the struggle we had in getting to that place of obedience.

With your minds eye or by looking at a picture, go to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is a beautiful, quiet place with olive trees that date back at least to the first century. You cannot physically go in because the rod iron fence keeps the public away to protect the garden. (People were taking leaves, bark, stones and flowers as souvenirs or sacred relics.)

But do not let the beauty of the place diminish the reality of the great debate that occurred there. While Jesus was not rebellious or disrespectful with the Father, he demonstrates how to express genuine feelings and desires, while remaining surrendered to carrying out God's will. Take your greatest struggle to obey into the garden. Agonize in a debate with God. Jesus did. When you freely choose to surrender, you will have a new resolve and determination to face what lies ahead.

An Epitaph Is Formed by the Dash (November 2, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Halloween is past, which brings no sadness to me. It is not my favorite holiday. However, this year was extra special as we went through a Halloween zoo with our two grandchildren and parents. "Giraffe" Micah and "Piglet" Hannah put each ticket in the buckets and got their treats. (Click here for pics.) At eighteen months they won't remember it, but we adults certainly will, and the pictures will help when memory fades.

One knoll had several tombstones with interesting epitaphs. Perhaps you have seen them on the internet or in Jim's book, The Why Files: Is there Really Life After Death?

Here lies Johnny Yeast, Pardon me for not rising.

In New Orleans, Louisiana: This is what I expected, but not so soon.

Comedian W. C. Fields allegedly wrote his own epitaph: All things considered, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.

In Nantucket, Massachusetts: Under the sod and under the trees,
Lies the body of Jonathan Pease. He is not here, there's only the pod:
Pease shelled out and went to God.

When walking through a cemetery, do you ever wonder about the cause of death? These leave no doubt!

In Uniontown, Pennsylvania: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake;
Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.

On John Barrymore's monument: See? I told you I was sick.

In Tombstone, AZ: Here lies Lester Moore. Four slugs from a .44. No les. No more.

Finally from Leadville, Colorado (with friends like these, who needs enemies):
Amos Rutledge hanged himself. We would have done it for him.

Nowadays some headstones have a picture of the person, intricate etchings of the person's home, hobbies, or names of children. Most only have a birth date and a death date with a dash in between indicating everything that occurred in a person's life. Only those who have known the person will ever know the value of the dash.

"The Dash" is a poem written by Linda Ellis during a lunch break in 1998. It is only 239 words in 36 lines, but captures the significance of life. She was prompted to write it because of an overwhelming sense that people's priorities were skewed. Wanting to be remembered for cars, houses, and money had replaced a desire to be remembered for how we treat others: respect, love, appreciation, and understanding. She challenges people to consider what is true and real, as well as keeping in mind that each day we are adding to our own eulogy.

While it is beneficial to reflect on what we want people to remember about us or what we are doing to make ourselves memorable, let's look instead at the life of Jesus from the perspective of "One Solitary Life" by Dr. James Allen Francis. Last week's "Thursday Thoughts" focused on that obscure village of Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born. Having the opportunity to visit Bethlehem, as well as many sites within the less than 200 miles where Jesus did his teaching and miracles reinforced how unremarkable this life was from a worldly perspective.

Since mid-June these thoughts have focused on places we visited where Jesus lived and taught. In future weeks our thoughts will focus on various sites and events in Jerusalem, but for today consider the whole of Jesus' life. He truly had no credentials of greatness. He experienced the common human realities of being common and unknown, facing temptation, enjoying admiration and praise, feeling grief, noting accomplishments, knowing weariness, seeing God's power, bearing rejection, sensing God's pleasure, receiving mockery, enduring suffering, sensing God's abandonment, and experiencing death.

In the closing chapters of the Gospels three simple and profound statements form a powerful epitaph:

1. "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" (John 19:19)--Pilate's notice placed above his head on the cross. This statement places Jesus squarely in the course of history. He belongs to a town, to a race, to a people. Yet, he is also the fulfillment of centuries of prophecies given at previous times in history. He is of the line of King David and it was promised that his kingdom would never end (II Samuel 7:16). At the same time the statement itself can be seen as a prophecy, pointing to a time when Jesus will be recognized and crowned as King.

2. "Surely he was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54) or "Surely this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47)--spoken by the centurion after the death of Jesus. Both statements refer to the spiritual nature and obedience of Jesus. A Roman soldier recognized the inner character of Christ, beyond his earthly descriptions. Dying on the cross as the Son of God and a righteous man put his entire life and mission in perspective. Forgiveness of sin is something only God can do (Psalm 130:4, Mark 2:5-7). There is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus provided both the means and the authority to forgive sin.

3. "He is not here; he is risen" (Matthew 28:6)--spoken by the angel to the women at the empty tomb. No other statement better characterizes the power and eternal nature of Jesus. Jesus was here, but is no longer here in the sense of being physically dead. He is risen to new life, which in turn gives new life to all who believe on Jesus' name.

Epitaph for Jesus: King of the Jews; righteous, Son of God; risen from the dead!

Unlikely Beginnings (October 26, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow" is an adage highlighting how great things can have small beginnings. Babies remind me of little acorns with so much potential for growth and greatness. Watching eight children between the ages of five months and five years, plus three more between six and fourteen at a recent family reunion, gave me reason to reflect on little acorns.

Although each child has some shared DNA from my parents, yet each one is his or her own person. Personalities, environments and experiences are already making their marks. What will each one will become? Only time, choices made and God's grace will reveal whether the little acorns become mighty oaks or something less grand. No matter the outcome, each one is loved deeply by God, family and friends.

Unlikely beginnings of Jesus

A little, cave-like stable in the little town of Bethlehem is an unlikely place to begin "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Micah 5:2 emphasizes its small reputation, "But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are form of old, from ancient times." Bethlehem became the birthplace of baby Jesus, a "little acorn" who became a "mighty oak" known as Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Today, modern Bethlehem is not so little anymore with a population of 40,000 including suburbs. It is one of the most popular cities on Israel tours. The Grotto of the Nativity had an ornate church built over it in the early fourth century. The actual birth place is not a plain-looking stable and the scents are not of animals, but of incense.

A 14-point silver star embedded in white marble marks the exact spot on the floor. It bears the inscription, Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est -- Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. Red, plush draperies trimmed in gold surround the birth place. The nearby spot for the manger has a golden grate in front of it. Fifteen red lamps burn around the recess. (While the décor is fit for the King of Kings, it is hard to envision the biblical account in such a place.)

From a little town of no prestige; from an animal shelter which became a birthplace by default because there was no room in the inn; from a birth of little renown, except to the common shepherds who received an angelic proclamation; from everything little and insignificant that night came God's solution to restoring the broken relationship with sinful people. God's own Son became human flesh and lived among us. He lived, died for our sins and rose to new life. ". . . to all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God" John 1:12.

Unlikely beginnings of Abraham Lincoln

History is full of people with unlikely beginnings, who began with hardly as much promise as little acorns. Two upcoming events bring Abraham Lincoln to mind as having an unlikely beginning: elections on November 7 and Thanksgiving Day on November 23 (first national Thanksgiving Day was during his presidency).

Ever since elementary school, I have been impressed that someone like Lincoln could rise to President of the United States. Reading "Love is Eternal" by Irving Stone, which is a historical novel of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, reinforced that admiration. The shear volume of obstacles he faced made him an unlikely candidate for greatness.

Most are familiar with his lowly beginnings in a Kentucky log cabin on a bed of poles with a corn husk mattress. At age seven a friend saved him from drowning. At nine his mother died. At ten a horse kicked him, and he nearly died. At fifteen his sister died. Is it any wonder he suffered from bouts of depression and melancholy?

Schooling was limited. His uneducated father actually opposed it by saying, "I suppose you're still foolin' yourself with eddication. I tried to stop you, but you got that fool idea in your head and it can't be got out." Lincoln read the family Bible and borrowed neighbor's books. At fifteen, he walked a mile and a half to the general store to read the newspapers to know what was happening in the world. Later he read and studied himself to a law degree. Passion for learning and shear determination prepared him for future opportunities.

Neither good looks, nor good social skills helped his cause. Honesty and integrity moved him from rail splitter, to joint operator of a general store (which failed), post master, assistant surveyor, lawyer and politician. He lost his first bid for Illinois House of Representatives, failed to be appointed as commissioner of the General Land Office and lost two senate races before winning the presidency.

As great as being president should be, it was not to be a happy time. In less than two months the Civil War broke out with massive losses on both sides. His entire first term was filled with defeats, criticism, false accusations, the death of a son and rejection by his wife's Kentucky family, many of whom died fighting for the Confederate cause.

Re-election, a second inauguration on March 4, 1865, and encouraging events on the battle field gave hope for a better second term. April 9 General Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomatox. April 14 Abraham Lincoln was assassinated during a play at Ford Theater. Circumstances almost kept him from attending that night.

Taking any slice of Lincoln's life, it would be easy to misjudge him as a failure, or at least less than a mighty oak. Yet his perseverance, reliance on God for wisdom and strength, and his never-ending pursuit of freedom for slaves resulted in having the authority to sign the Emancipation Proclamation. We will never know if his fame was heightened because of his death or if even greater things would have been accomplished had he lived.

What stands out to me is the danger of underestimating the potential of a person with unlikely beginnings. Poverty, lack of educational opportunities, failures, even war and death do not stop a mighty oak from developing. Perhaps they even help! Even in the midst of multiple obstacles, eventual greatness is still possible. "The (Lord) said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" II Corinthians 12:9.

Bible Wars: The Board Game (October 19, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

With Christmas just around the corner, I have a great idea for an entertaining and educational board game: BIBLE WARS. The purpose of the game is to give the players an appreciation for the challenges Bible translators have faced throughout history, as well as learn to value the best-selling book with the greatest story ever told.

From the "Start" square a path winds around the board ending at a square called "Favorite Bible." The goal is to get your version be the Favorite Bible by reaching the end first. The marker pieces represent various translations. King James Version is a king's crown. The American Standard Version is an American flag. The New International Version is a globe. The Jerusalem Version is a temple. The Phillips Version is a screwdriver. Rieu’s Penguin Bible is a penguin (what else?).

The game itself comes in two versions: "with dice" for the liberals and "with spinner" for the conservatives. As a player progresses around the board there, are two squares to avoid. "Go into Exile" means a new monarch is on the throne. To avoid beheading or burning at the stake, the player must flee to a safe haven and miss a turn. "Manuscript Burning" means your version has been burned as heretical and the player must start over.

When a player lands on a "Bible Translator" square, a question card is taken. If the answer is correct the player advances two spaces. If the answer is incorrect, the player goes backward one space. One additional twist of excitement involves special Bible Translator squares. These squares allow the person who lands on it to challenge another player to answer the question. A correct answer allows the challenged person to advance two squares and the challenger to go back one square; an incorrect answer brings the opposite result.

A Bible Translator card would have questions like this: (answers are at the bottom.)

1. In what year did the King James Version become authorized?
a. 1776
b. 1611
c. 1812
d. 1234

2. Which of these is NOT a published version of the Bible?
a. Cotton Patch
b. Plainer Bible
c. The Reader’s Digest Bible
d. The Word Made Flesh

3. What invention did more for making the Bible known than any other?
a. the moveable type printing press
b. the ball-point pen
c. the video projector for showing the Jesus film
d. the mimeograph machine

4. What Bible translator was burned at the stake as a heretic?
a. John Wycliffe
b. William Tyndale
c. Miles Coverdale
d. William Whittingham

5. From what language to what language did Jerome translate the Old Testament?
a. Hebrew to Greek
b. Greek to English
c. Hebrew to Latin
d. Greek to Latin

Speaking of Jerome reminds me of being in Bethlehem. That may seem strange since Bethlehem’s claim to fame is The Church of the Nativity, which covers the cave-stable where Jesus was born. But nearby is the Church of St. Catherine. From this church, medieval stairs lead down into a complex of caves and tombs linked to the Grotto of the Nativity.

The main altar in this subterranean complex is devoted to Saint Joseph, the earthly father of Christ. Next to it, the Chapel of the Innocents commemorates the children who were slaughtered by Herod after the Holy Family had left. Also off St. Joseph's chapel is the Tomb of Saint Jerome (ca. 347-420 AD), a priest who arrived in Bethlehem from Rome in 386 AD.

Our group gathered in the adjoining room where he had secluded himself to study the Bible and begin a translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew to Latin. He said this cave-like cell was the holiest place on earth due to its proximity to the place where Christ was born. He spent his last 34 years in this primitive place studying, translating and writing commentaries.

His flair for the languages: Greek, Latin and Hebrew, as well as his dedication to Bible translation are unequalled. Previously Latin translations of the Old Testament were done from the Greek Septuagint (ca. 250 BC), rather than going back to the original Hebrew texts (see last week's Thursday Thoughts). The resulting translation became known as the Vulgate because it was written in the common or vulgar tongue of the people. It was to become the official version of the Old Testament used by the Roman Catholic Church for the next 1,500 years.

A thousand years would pass before there was an English Bible published by John Wycliffe in 1380. He used Jerome's Vulgate for the basis of his translation as did many English translators. William Tyndale chose to go back to the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts and made the first translation into Modern vs Middle English (1526 NT and 1530 parts of OT).

It is estimated that nine-tenths of the King James Version (1611) is Tyndale’s translation. For the next three hundred years revisions of the Authorized Version flourished until there was a Revised English and then an American Revised Version. When the twentieth century started, the translations multiplied like rabbits as in the Cotton Patch Version (1968). Over one hundred different translations or paraphrases have been published since 1900.

And so the Bible wars are raging, as to what is the "one and only, true, right and Holy Bible" version. Most every version has a niche and meets a need. Of most importance is that we read the Bible in a form that is meaningful and understandable. If something sounds wrong, read more than one version. There are Bibles that have multiple versions in columns to read side-by-side. Ask questions, study, listen to God’s Spirit and obey what you do understand.

As Mark Twain said, "It is not the parts of the Bible I don’t understand that bother me. It is the parts I do understand."

Game answers: 1.b 2.d 3.a 4.b 5.c

The B-I-B-L-E: more than a children's song (September 28, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Singing “Jesus Loves Me” and “The B-I-B-L-E” to our nearly 18-month old granddaughter is a delight. I love to hear her say “Bible” at the end of the songs. I pray that she will learn to love and obey God. I pray she will become both a reader and doer of the B-I-B-L-E. I also pray she will recognize Scripture as God-breathed, unlike and unequaled by any strictly human publication.

Modern translations and paraphrases have worked wonders in bringing God’s Word to the common reader. However a serious caution is in order: Because the Bible is commonly available in common language for the common reader, it is not a common book. A constant tension exists between making the Bible more easily understood and maintaining the content and intent of the most reliable manuscripts.

Discoveries in Qumran

Our visit to the mountainous, desert site of Qumran was somewhat less meaningful due to extreme heat and “Petra belly” or some type of intestinal bug. However, the incredible significance of the Dead Sea scrolls being found there was not lost to us. In 1947 two Bedouin shepherds accidentally entered a cave near Khirbet Qumran and found a clay jar, which contained seven parchment scrolls.

Fortunately, they were recognized as valuable and turned over to scholars. In addition to translation work, archaeologists searched forty more caves in the area. In eleven caves many scrolls and thousands of fragments were found. Some scrolls describe the life of the Qumran community such as the Manual of Discipline and the War scroll. Many others are Hebrew Scriptures.

Two Isaiah scrolls were found in Cave 1, which date to the second century BC. Before that all but a couple of the existing biblical manuscripts dated from the ninth and tenth century AD. Even though the scrolls are one thousand years earlier than previous texts, they are substantially the same.

In Cave 11 a Psalm scroll was found with forty-one canonical psalms. Also found was a commentary on the book of Habakkuk, which includes the biblical text phrase by phrase before each comment. Every book of the Old Testament, except Esther, has been found among the fragments of over one hundred scrolls.

High regard for Scripture

Jewish rabbis had such a high regard for the sacred Scriptures that when they began to show wear and tear they were disposed of reverently. Since such incredible care was taken in making the copies, there was no concern for keeping the old ones to insure accuracy. Scribes had the sacred duty of meticulously hand copying official manuscripts.

Strict rules were established and still in use during the Talmudic period (200-500 AD). No word or letter was to be written from memory. Each word was to be pronounced out loud before it was written. Every word and letter was counted. Each new copy was to be revised within thirty days and if more than three errors were found on any single sheet, the roll was condemned to be redone.

Observing the reverence and seriousness with which scribes and translators have worked over the years causes me to wonder if we haven’t grown flippant in our view of Scripture. In how many Bible studies do we hear phrases like, “It says somewhere in there . . .” or “It says something like . . .” or “I think it meant to say . . .” to preface a point? Is it possible that we have become over familiar with the text, yet no longer really know what it says?

A desire to make it known

One of the recurring and overarching themes of the Bible is God’s desire to be known. Interestingly, the unfolding development of copying and translating biblical texts follows a similar theme. For the most part, a deep desire to make God’s Word known, thus helping us better know God, motivated those who undertook biblical translation. Volumes have been written on how the biblical texts came to us, including From Ancient Tablets to Modern Translations by Dr. David Ewert.

A few things stand out to me, which cause a deeper appreciation and respect for the text itself, as well as those who labored to preserve and make the texts more knowable. With concern for losing or distorting the oral pronunciation of words, the painstaking job of making word divisions was added. Originally all the letters ran together. How would you read, GODISNOWHERE? Is it GOD IS NOW HERE? Or GOD IS NOWHERE? Quite a difference!

Out of respect for the text, if something was not quite clear, any clarification or preferred reading was put in the margin, leaving the original. In this way the text could be better understood without altering the text. A detailed system for noting any variation from the text was developed. That is why many Bibles have footnotes referring to various manuscripts.

Another important addition was called “pointing” where four Hebrew consonants doubled for vowels, since there are no Hebrew vowels. Depending on which vowel was to be used certain markings were made over one of those four consonants. Again how would you transcribe BD? Is it BAD? BED? BID? BUD? It is pretty safe to assume it is not BOD! What a huge step in making it more knowable by preserving the correct pronunciation and meaning.

It's our turn to make it known

We have been given the Scriptures as a great gift, first given by God to inspired writers and handed down through the painstaking labor of transcribers and translators, who gave their lives (some literally) for us to have the Bible. As recipients of a Bible that is written in our language, is abundantly available and much more easily understood, we now have a sacred duty.

1. Read the Bible with a desire to know the Author and make the Author known.

2. Study to better understand Scripture in its historical and cultural context.

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to make it a living word; then obey it and apply it today.

4. Support efforts to continue translating and delivering Scriptures to the many places where it is desperately needed and desired.

Embarrassment or humiliation (September 21, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Extreme embarrassment is a real risk of traveling to other countries. It is wise to leave one’s pride at home because it will likely take a beating. Even while in English-speaking Australia we experienced a real faux pas. We had been given a list of common USA words that had very different meanings there. For example, we were told not to say “bloody” for obvious reasons or say “I’m stuffed” because that means pregnant.

Do you speak my language?

Of course it is not possible to cover every potential situation. During a high school assembly our mission’s group was asked what basketball team we liked. Innocently my husband said, “We ‘root’ for the Bulls.” A collective gasp of disbelief rose from the crowd, followed by hilarious laughter. We, a church group, had just used the equivalent of our most vulgar word.

Learning the language is crucial for modern missions. Often the first year or more is primarily focused on learning the language. Many missionaries tell embarrassingly funny stories about misusing words. But not all situations are funny. One woman shared this experience.

At first both the teacher and students made fun of her slow reading, awful pronunciations and elementary questions. However her desire to learn the language for the sake of sharing Christ helped her press on through the embarrassment, bordering on humiliation. Eventually her courage to ask questions encouraged the other students to ask their own questions and the teacher gained a new respect for her.

Do you know my cultural taboos?

Embarrassment can come from more than language differences. While walking on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem Jim was holding my hand partly because I had vertigo from a flu bug. Other couples were holding hands or had an arm around a shoulder. Two men standing outside the Dome of the Rock mosque started waving their arms and saying something in Arabic.

Someone quickly relayed to us that there was no holding hands or any male-female contact on the Temple Mount whether the couple was married or not. We certainly did not want to start an international incident by holding hands! Being scolded for inappropriate pda (public display of affection) was both embarrassing and humorous. It brought back memories of our college days!!

On the last day of our tour a small-framed, ten-year old in our group forgot the rule about having knees and shoulders covered before going into the holy sites. Fortunately her father had an extra pair of extra-large pants in his back pack and another woman had a shawl. She was quite a sight, but it was most impressive to see how poised she was wearing her not-so-stylish-outfit.

Humility cures humiliation

Many others would have been awkward and devastated with humiliation. Often the difference between an embarrassing situations and a humiliating situation is how the “victim” responds. An embarrassing situation can easily become humiliation if the person over-reacts, lashes out, withdraws or broods over the incident. Others have already forgotten it, but the one who was embarrassed carries the experience until it becomes like a millstone tied around the neck.

One of my most embarrassing and close to humiliating experiences happened when I was being baptized in the Jordan River. The one thing I had looked forward to so much since knowing we were going to Israel became a less than positive memory.

While in elementary school I had been sprinkle baptized. However after explaining the meaningful symbolism (being dead to sin and rising to new life) of immersion to many over sixteen years of pastoring, a desire to be immersed grew. The Jordan River was the only place I would consider, if I ever got to Israel.

Some doubts were raised upon realizing that the baptismal place pretty commercialized and was not even where Jesus was baptized. But I still signed up. When we were told that couples would be baptized together at the same time, I asked Jim if he would be willing to be baptized with me as a symbol of our rededication to God, to each other and to the ministry.

Yardenit along the Jordan River is in the baptismal business. In the large souvenir shop a person can rent a towel and white robe to receive a certificate of baptism or rededication for $6. Along the river several sections are divided off with concrete walls for privacy. A few rows of bleachers are in each section for spectators.

Perhaps a sign of things to come was when I started off in the wrong section. Without my glasses on, it took a while to realize I didn’t recognize anyone. Our group was a couple sections further down. At the service something happened to me that brought the same stunned, silence (but with no laughter) as the Australia incident. (Don’t let your imaginations wander too far!!)

At supper that night a very kind man expressed concern, “I hope it was still a meaningful experience.” He didn’t want my embarrassment/humiliation to negate the purpose and meaning of baptism. I responded, “My pride was washed away and that is a good thing.” From then on it was a thing of the past and interactions with other people continued normally.

Embarrassment often comes when we expect to be perfect and worry what others will think of us when we fail. A popular saying puts this in perspective, “We wouldn’t worry so much about what people think of us, if we knew just how seldom they really think of us!” Romans 12:3 reminds us, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”

In this Thursday phase of life (past middle age) I am finally learning to let go of embarrassment. Life comes into perspective when I think of all the embarrassing and humiliating experiences of Jesus: letting go of the powers of deity; putting up with his own human limitations and that of others; facing rejection, denial and betrayal by friends; facing the humiliation of a false arrest, public flogging and degrading crucifixion by enemies. Jesus humbled himself by not being conscious of himself but focused on completing his ministry and mission.

If Jesus could humble himself and become obedient to death--even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8b), I can certainly strive to follow that example of humility rather than wallowing in embarrassment and humiliation.

Surviving Survivor (September 15, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Episode one of the controversial new season of Survivor: Cook Islands is history. While the controversy may not be over, the hype is now replaced with actual footage of actual people. Discussion can focus on the facts of the show with four teams divided along racial lines that will eventually merge, rather than judgments about the concept in general.

Does anyone else find it interesting that a core issue with racism or any "ism" is pre-judging based on assumptions without first hand knowledge? Hmmm?

NAACP withholds pre-judgment

Not everyone chose to prejudge the show. Producer Mark Burnett expressed appreciation to NAACP in an interview with The Slug, the asap blog, "Issues of race are very complex and emotional in this country. What I've done, I've brought this to the forefront. And I applaud the NAACP for saying they're gonna reserve judgment until they see the series. They don't necessarily like the idea, but they're gonna reserve judgment. That's the right approach. Anybody should watch a few episodes first."

In no way would I want to minimize the ongoing reality of racism or negate the tragedies inflicted by one race upon another. Racism is still alive and well as noted in "Thursday Thoughts" two weeks ago. The public outcry about the show is proof of that. Upon learning of the racial teams the night before filming started, one of the cast members echoed the major concern that the show would reinforce stereotypes and intensify racial prejudice.

One show is certainly not enough to know how the racial issue will ultimately play out, but at this point it can be noted that each team was given the same starting point and instructions, given the same opportunity for supplies and assigned the same tasks. No advantage or disadvantage was given to any team. So far the majority of the action has shown issues and tensions within a group rather than any conflict or comparison between groups.

Any reality show is still a show

Concerning all the hype, one frustrated observer gave everyone a reality check, "Get over it already. It is a TV show!"

Does anyone else find it interesting that the same people who normally downplay the cultural influence of TV violence, sexual immorality and vulgar language are some of the same people who are so confident that this one show is going to start race riots and set us back decades in racial equality? Hmmm?

"The idea for this actually came from the criticism that 'Survivor' was not ethnically diverse enough, because for whatever reason, we always have a low number of minority applicants apply for the show," show host Jeff Probst explained. The original goal was simply to have as racially diverse a show as possible. When the group got together it became obvious that cultural identity was very important.

Burnett, who came up with the idea said, "In my heart of hearts I believe people judge others by their ability and interactions with others not by the color of skin. If people get to know each other, it (destroys) hate." Perhaps he is a bit idealistic, but knowledge does go a long way in breaking down misconceptions. The US military and relief organizations do this every day in trying to bring aid and knowledge to people who through prejudice hate all Americans.

Remember, whatever is seen on TV is just a fraction of what is filmed. There is a ton more film on the floor of the editing room than is shown. Knowing the racial sensitivities, you can be sure most, if not all, overtly racial comments were edited. In fact the public was assured that any overt racist was cut during casting. Now there is a discrimination suit waiting to happen!

Race (or any one trait) does not define a person

The cast responses that were actually aired were very interesting. Was it a racist statement when one wondered if it was "kosher" to divide by race? A sense of feeling responsible to represent their specific community well was raised. But that is not new for "Survivor." Any person who has been identified with a specific sub-group carried that burden. For example one gay person expressed a desire to show that gay men could be athletic.

Christians on the show have come in all varieties from the "let's pray out loud about everything" to the "let's invoke God's name, but act like the devil" to "let's genuinely care for others and play as ethically as possible." As a Christian there have been many times when I wished they had kept their religion to themselves. They reinforced negative stereotypes.

A couple cast members summed up the racial issue this way. "Surviving out here is not a matter of race, it is a human effort." Another understands the game well, "I don't really care how you divide it because I know that I need a certain amount of people to be on my side to help me get through this." Ultimately, to win this game, you're voting people out that are then on the jury that have to come back and vote for you. So, the person who wins is actually going to do the best job of merging with all different ethnicities."

What was most interesting was the concerns people had for being in a group exclusively of their race. One noted that being so alike would cause friction. Another observed that all of them were head strong and did not like to be told what to do. A very revealing comment put race in perspective, "I have never fit with (my race)." The Latino and Asian groups actually have a variety of sub-cultures within them. Being of the same race does not mean automatic cohesiveness.

If you choose to continue watching keep you eye open for these other traits that can and will divide: male vs. female, blue-collar vs. white-collar, younger vs. older, leader vs. follower, and lazy vs. industrious. Ultimately any group rises and falls on the kind (not race) of people involved, their personalities and how well they choose to work together.

Along the way we may learn some cultural things such as what to do with "bad wind" which has nothing to do with digestive problems!

Visit my husband's site for his thoughts at www.jameswatkins.com

This far and no farther (September 7, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Setting boundaries is crucial for civilization. While in Israel we had quite a lesson on boundaries and we have all seen the devastation that occurs when boundaries are violated. In the United States, we are used to personal property boundaries being marked by a line fence. Our state boundaries are marked by signs, “Welcome to Indiana” or “You are leaving Indiana, come again soon.” Even the boundaries into Canada and Mexico are simply checkpoints, although a physical wall is rising along the Mexico border.

Not so in Israel where the borders are marked by “no-man's-land” areas of varying widths. Near Metula along the northern Israeli border with Syria and Lebanon we looked over a peaceful valley, which serves as the no-man's-land. Between the nations was a United Nations peacekeeper's settlement. On Israel's side high up on a mountain were numerous surveillance satellite dishes. We were sternly warned not to take any pictures of the intelligence gathering equipment.

Riding back south along the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee we had a lofty view of the natural no-man's-land between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Israel. The Great Rift Valley through which the Jordan River runs provides a wide physical barrier. When we actually crossed the border from Israel into Jordan, it was an over two hour ordeal. Our bus was actually the first in line, so no doubt the process took much longer for later buses.

Our first sight at the border checkpoint was what we assumed to be an undercover military person, dressed in civilian clothes, carrying a M-16 rifle. As law-abiding tourists that was both unsettling and reassuring. If he had worn a uniform, we would have at least known he was official without having to assume. Our bus driver was questioned at length then a uniformed official boarded the bus to check all of our passports. We got off the Israeli bus to get processed out of Israel by getting our passports stamped.

We got onto a packed shuttle bus with a mixture of national people and tourists, which took us through the no-man's-land to the Jordanian checkpoint. Once again passports were checked and stamped to get processed into Jordan. We then had our luggage electronically scanned and walked across the parking lot to our Jordanian bus and driver. The only hint of fear was leaving our passport with the Jordanian officials as we headed for the bus. One thing that is drilled into international travelers is to never let your passport out of your sight or out of your possession. We were assured they would all be delivered back to us once we were on the bus and they were.

Each of the natural boundaries noted above have limits as to who can cross the border and what is required to cross the border. We could only look over into Syria and Lebanon, but not enter because we did not have the required paperwork and prior authorization. We could enter Jordan through a detailed process because the travel agency had received prior clearance and we had the proper paperwork. We were careful to follow our guide's instructions to the letter. We did not try to go cross-country through no-man's-land in the Great Rift Valley. We only crossed at the specified location.

After lunch we visited the church on Mt. Nebo, which became a boundary for Moses. It was here that he looked over into the Promised Land of Canaan (now Israel). On very clear days the naked eye can pick out Bethlehem, the towers and buildings of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives all the way to Ramallah, as well as the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea and Jericho. Over three thousand years has not been kind to the area as it did not look much like a land flowing with milk and honey.

Yet, after delivering God's people from Egypt and wandering in the wilderness for forty years with a motley crew who were “rebellious and stiff- necked” (Moses' description--Deuteronomy 31:27), it was no doubt a site for sore eyes--and feet. Yet reaching this great accomplishment was to become his moment of “this far and no farther.” Deuteronomy 32:49-52 gives the reason. "Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo in Moab, across from Jericho, and view Canaan, the land I am giving the Israelites as their own possession. There on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people. This is because both of you broke faith with me in the presence of the Israelites at the waters of Meribah Kadesh in the Desert of Zin and because you did not uphold my holiness among the Israelites. Therefore, you will see the land only from a distance; you will not enter the land I am giving to the people of Israel." The boundary Moses faced was one of his own making. His behavior of disobedience placed limits on his future. With no added commentary let me simply make a few observations about Moses that can serve as lessons for us in the twenty-first century:

1. Spiritual boundaries require such things as keeping faith with God and upholding (honoring) God's holiness.

2. Violating spiritual boundaries has serious consequences.

3. Even God-chosen leaders can falter and fail to perfectly live within God's established boundaries.

4. God still chooses to use flawed leaders to accomplish the ultimate purposes (in this case getting the children of Israel to the Promised Land).

5. Every leader, whether famous or infamous, has a “this far and no farther” moment at which time a transition must be made to new leadership.

Red and yellow, black and white (August 31, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Racism is alive and well. Remembering the tragic losses of Hurricane Katrina has raised the issues of race. The complexion of New Orleans had become lighter due in part to greater wealth and access to resources for the Caucasian race. However the percentage of African-Americans is growing again, which is raising some old tensions and causing race relations to be worse than any time in the past forty years.

A news piece on Houston's increase of crime and unemployment pointed to the influx of hurricane victims, whose welcome is fast wearing thin. In an attempt to help Katrina victims last year, an Arian Nation group sent a vast amount of aid. Only one string was attached. Their goods could only go to help Arian people. The boxes are stored, left unopened.

A rising danger is found in hate-filled neo-Nazi groups that are gaining in popularity through rallies, publications and Olsen twin look-alikes Lynx and Lamb Gaede. These cute blue-eyed, teenage blondes make recordings under the name of 'Prussian Blue' highlighting both their heritage and blue eyes. Wearing smiley face t-shirts with Adolph Hitler's trademark hair and moustache, their music pays tributes to the German dictator and the superiority of the white race.

Add to the mix the political firestorm over immigration on both sides of the border and the suspicions cast on all Arabs. Iraq may not be the only place a civil war is brewing.

Christianity should be but is not always a force against racism. One church in the mid-seventies had an opportunity to bus a group of from an orphanage to the services. The women's missionary society president said, "We can bring the white kids here, but the black kids will ruin our new paneling. Many church people refuse to give funds to missions saying, "Why should we help people over there, when there is so much need here in the United States?" Perhaps that would be a valid, though still a poor point, if they actually gave funds to help the great needs here.

In my day we learned the children's chorus "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world; red and yellow, black and white they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." Unfortunately, too often the song was limited to a mission's song. Of course Jesus loved them. Of course we would love them as long as they remained children and were not in our neighborhood or country.

Wake-up call to Christ's followers

God's multi-national intent is clear from God's first promise to Abraham, ". . . all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3); to Isaiah's prophecy, ". . . for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations" (56:7); to the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, "I bring you good news, of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10); to Peter's inclusive proclamation of Gentiles, "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right" (Acts 10:34); to of the multitudes before God's throne, ". . . every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. . . . They cried out in a loud voice "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb'" (Revelation 7:9-10).

Do we forget that on the day of Pentecost the good news was proclaimed to a multi-national audience each in their own language? Do we forget that the gospel is most powerful when it is embodied in human skin? Do we forget that even sending written material or speaking over the radio waves requires first knowing and translating the language, which requires intermingling with those who speak the language.

Evidence that Christian believers have been known to "get it" is demonstrated on the walls of The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. An impressive art gallery is formed on the walls with the artwork of numerous nations depicting the annunciation, the Madonna and Child or other scenes in the life of Jesus. Interestingly whatever nationality donated the piece, the artwork reflects that culture; Asian countries depict an Asian Mary and Jesus; African countries depict an African Mary and Jesus; European countries depict a European Mary and Jesus; Hispanic countries depict a Hispanic Mary and Jesus.

At first I was disappointed with the United States donation. It is a huge, 3-D metallic-looking figure. Gaudy was the first word that came to mind. However in light of the multi-national mix of the United States, perhaps it was an attempt to by-pass nationality and depict the glorious splendor of the event. Perhaps I am stretching the point and imposing unintended meaning to the artist's work.

Racism must stop in heart, mind and practive

Stopping racism will take three practical steps. First the issue must be addressed in the heart. Scriptures that plainly speak to God's plan for a multi-cultural people (Church) must be taken seriously. Repentance for selfishly withholding the Good News of Jesus Christ is in order. When we see a person of a different skin tone or ethnic background do we envision a Christian brother or sister? Or do we immediately judge them as other-than Christian?

Our heart is a first step, but the mind must also be engaged. Often ignorance is the breeding ground for prejudice. Our perceptions from years of upbringing or hearing only negative experiences or seeing threats to our position of preference and privilege make thinking about racial issues a challenge. Often barriers exist because there has been limited or no personal experience. Short-term intercultural experiences whether outside or inside the United States can be revolutionary to our thinking and hopefully to our actions.

The proof of a person's heart and mind transformation is in the practice. Living in an area of little diversity and having no means to travel are not excuses. An easy way to begin reshaping our thinking is to read. Historical works about other cultures whether fiction and nonfiction help us get into another person's skin and mind. Common human feelings and struggles are brought to the surface. When we are in situations where there are other races present, make it a point to smile, or make over a baby or start a casual conversation. If we live in a culturally diverse area, seek out ways to become involved with churches and organizations seeking to understand and help build positive race relations. Where can we work side by side with people of all races? What do we say not only to their face, but also about them to our closest friends?

Are we as believers in Jesus a part of the problem or part of the solution? When we pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" do we realize that God's kingdom is multi-cultural, yet united in faith? I want to highlight the work of my friends, Adam and Christy Lipscomb who are planting a church in the inner city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their goal is to develop a truly multi-cultural church which accurately reflects their location. They live in the inner city and use a variety of creative outreach methods. One is offering citizenship classes which have people form seven different nationalities attending. Although they have faced many challenges in the past two years, including a house break-in, they are having a Raise the Praise Celebration September 24 at 7 pm in their new church building.

Here are a few of their prayer concerns: "Pray for me (Christy) as I seek a relationship with a "spiritualistic" woman who is in a lot of pain. Pray for Terri as she begins a mentoring relationship with a new Bosnian Christian. Pray for Don, a young Christian, as he witnesses as work. Pray for Robert as he invites his neighbors to church and cares for their daily needs. Pray for Martin as he does street evangelism. Pray for Dawn as she builds relationships at work with people in the occult. Pray for Reamy as he invites students in the Citizenship class to church. Pray for Adam as he builds a relationship with a young couple. …And for the many others seeking to witness to Jesus' transformation in their lives!"

Comments

"Amen to your Rush to Judgment article. Explained very well." NW

Rush to judgment (August 24, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

The early morning tragic murder of JonBenet Ramsey on December 26, 1996 led the Boulder, Colorado detectives to make a rush to judgment. Almost immediately one or both parents were singled out as prime suspects and even the older brother was a suspect for a while. Not until March 31, 2003, did a judge determine there was not enough evidence to indict any of them. Plus evidence indicated an outside intruder committed the act. Still nearly 50 percent of those surveyed still believed one or both were guilty of killing their daughter. Two months ago today Mrs. Ramsey died of ovarian cancer with a cloud remaining over her head in the eyes of many.

The case went virtually cold until last week's bombshell pseudo-confession by John Mark Karr that he was with JonBenet when she died. Too many uncertainties loom large to make a rush to judgment this time. Whether John Mark is a murderer or an obsessed pedophile will be played out in the media for all to see. However it turns out, a family has been destroyed both by the death of a daughter and sister, as well as the character assassination.

Rushing to judgment

Rushing to judgment is a common human behavior. Consider how often “perceiving is believing” (last week's column). People tend to reinforce their perceptions by only seeing what supports their belief. Any contrary evidence is disregarded or explained in light of the established belief. Dogmatic beliefs are perpetuated based on false information and assumptions or at best incomplete true information.

When we visited the city of Nazareth, I couldn't help but think of the number of times the people rushed to judgment in that biblical city. First, consider the effect of the annunciation. Today a beautiful church covers a cave-like entrance believed to be the home of Mary where the angel announced that she would give birth to a son and call him Jesus. Across a courtyard is St. Joseph's Church which has excavated a cave believed to be Joseph's workshop. Both beautiful sites belie the real first century drama.

Initially, only Mary had the inside scoop about this upcoming birth. Although she did not understand it, she was willing to surrender to God's plan (Luke 1:26-38). As honorable and exemplary as that is, what about Joseph? Joseph's first response was to rush to judgment, assuming Mary had been unfaithful. If that was Joseph's response before an angel appeared to him in a dream to explain the situation (Matthew 1:18-25), what would Mary and Joseph's parents think? No doubt a few of the neighbors had more than a little to say about this scandal in Nazareth, “Tssk, tssk! Who would have thought that could happen with such a godly couple? Of course they deny it, but we all know better.”

Many believe Mary went to visit her relative, Elizabeth partially to escape the public humiliation of the growing situation (Luke 1:39-45). In addition, Elizabeth of all people would understand God's involvement in unconventional pregnancies (Luke 1:5-25). Finding people who can both relate to our difficult circumstances and withhold judgment are a rare gift in time of need. Difficult circumstances may be due to events beyond our control, or due to our wrong choices, whether deliberate or unintentional. In either case, a safe refuge is welcome.

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, which did not have a very good reputation. Nathaniel questioned Philip as to whether anything good could come from there (John 1:46). It is unstated as to what prompted that belief. It seems others had rushed to judgment concerning the entire town.

After successfully passing the various temptations, Jesus began his ministry by teaching in the synagogues. However, his hometown reception was not very successful (Luke 4:16-30). As was his custom he went to his hometown synagogue in Nazareth (we visited the site). When he read the passage from Isaiah 61:1-2 and declared that this scripture was fulfilled in their hearing, their response was to rush to judgment, “Isn't this Joseph's son?”

What is so unusual about that question? It seems pretty normal for a group of older men who knew you as a child to say things like, “Who do you think you are? We've known you all your life and you are nothing so special. How dare you apply this Messianic scripture to yourself! What delusions of grandeur are you suffering from to make such an outrageous statement?”

Could it be that even today people find it hard to see the hand of God at work in those who are closest to them; those home grown young men and women? Is it too easy to keep them in their place, rather than rejoicing with them? Short of claiming to be the Messiah, can we affirm another's vision and passion without raining down negative judgment?

Evidently, Jesus had not read Dale Carnegie's book How to Win Friends and Influence People. He was untactful in his honesty. Not only was he claiming to fulfill the Messianic role, but pointed out examples of times when the Israelites were overlooked to receive miracles in favor of Gentiles who believed. Not much could raise the fury of Israelites more than having Gentiles put in a more favorable light than they.

Not only was there a rush to judgment, but a rush to the door. The furious crowd chased Jesus out of town intending to throw him off a cliff. (The terrain around Nazareth is very hilly, so it is easy to envision this scene.) Outside of the miracle which allowed him to walk right through the crowd unharmed, the ministry of Jesus could have ended the day it began.

Reserving judgment

A wiser approach would have been to take a more “wait and see” view. When the Sanhedrin wanted to kill the apostles for continuing to teach in the name of Jesus, a wise Gamaliel advised to let them go and see what would become of this new religion. “For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God” (Acts 5:25-42).

What is there in us that wants to rush to judgment and be both judge and jury? Why is it so difficult to admit that there are things that do not make sense to us, but that does not make them wrong or false? What makes us assume we know the ins and outs of a situation without going to the sources? What makes us so impatient to judge a situation as right or wrong instead of waiting to see the results? Have we ever fought against God when we had to have the first and last word?

When will we realize that there are always at least two sides to every story? The saying goes, “On every topic, there are three opinions--yours, mine and the right one.” Perhaps combining yours and mine would get us closer to a fuller understanding of the right one.

Do you see what I see? (August 17, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Point of Clarification/Correction from last week's Thursday Thought: While sharing how impressed I was with the excavations at Capernaum, I made some concluding remarks that could easily be misunderstood. It began with the statement, “More important than whether the house of Peter is real, are the real Teacher and teachings.” However, I went on to say, “Even more important than the reality of the Teacher and teachings of the first century, is what we in the twenty-first century do with Him. “

What we do with Jesus is NOT more important than the reality of the Teacher and teachings. Far too many people hold to the view that what we believe is not as important as the fact that we sincerely believe. We all know that sincerely believing we are not bound by gravity will not spare us the fate of being splattered on the sidewalk if we jump off a tall building.

Having our beliefs solidly grounded on the Savior, Jesus Christ, God's son and the biblical teachings are critical. IN ADDITION, how our faith in Christ is lived out in the twenty-first century is vitally important (but not more important).

As we toured Israel we heard over and over, “This is believed to be the place where. . . “ Some events even have more than one possible site identified. I must admit it was easier for me to see biblical events at more natural places such as the Sea of Galilee, shepherds cave and the garden tomb. While some may be deeply blessed by the beautiful churches that mark so many sacred spots, it did not make it easier for me to envision the biblical accounts. However, as believers in Jesus, we know that seeing is not the basis for believing. After the disciple, Thomas saw the hands of Jesus, he believed. Jesus responded, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:24-29).

Perceiving is believing

It really is a good thing that we live by faith and not by sight. Skeptical unbelievers often cling to the saying--seeing is believing and refuse to believe anything they cannot see, hear, smell, taste or touch. I am pretty sure they believe in gravity, wind, electricity, sound waves, etc. Followers of Jesus are viewed as weak people relying on an unseen crutch.

But even sight can be a very deceptive thing. What we see is only the beginning of the process. What we see goes through an elaborate process, which includes filtering information and assigning meaning that fits our beliefs, past experiences or expectations. Ten people can see the same accident and there will be ten variations on the eye-witness reports. Even the four writers of the Gospels focused on different aspects, included different stories and addressed different audiences.

Do you see what I see?

General Psychology books often show ambiguous line figures, such as stairs or a slinky-type coil, which can be seen in more than one way. Optical illusions, depth perception and misdirection can drive us crazy. But they do point out how two sincere people can sincerely see two different things. Edgar Rubin used a line drawing which can be seen as a goblet or two faces looking at each other depending on the focus.

Another example of this principle is looking at a portrait of a woman. Some see an old wrinkled face with a huge nose. Others see a beautiful young woman. How can that be? I do not pretend to understand completely, but a lot has to do with the focal point and how the other parts fit in relation to it. At first all I could see was the old woman. (Some say that is a sign of being a pessimist). After someone pointed out what direction the young woman was facing, my focus changed. Seeing the young woman did not make the old woman any less real, but now I could see one and then the other. Sometimes I see both at the same time. Now what does that say?

We enjoy watching criminal who-dunnit shows. Evidence is everything. But reality can defy evidence at times or evidence can be only part of the story. In one episode three investigators focused on three different aspects of the crime. Each collected evidence and proposed a crime scenario. Each one came to a different conclusion and suspect by focusing on incomplete information. Finally they shared their perceptions, often with great disdain for the others' findings. While each one clung to his or her evidence, a fourth investigator saw the thread that tied the other pieces of evidence together and the crime was solved.

Myoptic thinking in hazardous to your health

Two people seeing the same thing does not mean there will be an agreement in beliefs as to what happened or what it means. When conflicts arise, it is too easy to believe our perception is the only reality and define any other explanation as a lie or the other person as a liar. Daily we see both conservative and liberal news reporters skewing events through their respective lenses. On capital hill it is called political grid-lock with each side dug into certain a perspective and bent on discrediting all others.

The same can be said for preachers and theologians, who pick a scripture, bolster it with other scriptures and dig their heels in to discredit all others. We can become so dogmatic that we fail to see even a grain of truth in a different perspective. Unfortunately, the perspective is not all that is blasted. The person becomes the target.

On a personal level, we tend to form an opinion, whether positive or negative, of a person or situation. No matter what else happens, we filter the words and behaviors of that person through that lens and call it truth. Unless there is a genuine admission that there may be more to the story or at least a different perspective, the danger of verbal or literal feuds exist.

Do I see what you see?

Two sisters both needed an orange, but there was just one orange. Many solutions were generated. The oldest could take it because it was her right. The youngest could take it because she was spoiled. They could barter for it and whoever was willing to give up the most valuable possession or offer the most work in exchange would get it. They could cut it in half. Eventually the sisters actually discussed their individual need for an orange. One wanted it for juice and the other wanted the peeling for fruit cake. Seeing it from each other's perspective allowed each sister to have all of the orange she needed. Most importantly the relationship stayed intact.

Seeing what the other person sees requires genuine communication and an openness to admit that none of us has the total picture. At my high school graduation I presented a memorized declaration called, “I might be wrong. You might be right.” At times those words can be harder to say than, “I am sorry. Please forgive me.”

Trying to looking at a different view does not negate what you perceive, but it can broaden it, perhaps even correct it, if needed. While there are some non-negotiable items in scripture, there are probably a whole lot less than we want to admit. Often our perceived differences are much fewer than we first believe. The challenge is being willing to work toward unity where possible and work toward charity where unity is not possible.

Is it real? (August 10, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Archaeology fascinates me. After the pain-staking work of unearthing objects, comes the task of determining if items are real. Carbon dating, style of pottery, type of inscriptions and comparison with similar objects and ancient writings are a few methods used. In writing the book, Recovering Capharnaum, Stanislao Loffreda reminds us, “The archaeologist, as M. Wheeler used to say, is digging up not things, but people.” His final goal is to meet past generations, to speak with them and let them speak to present generations.

History and Excavation of Capernaum

After eating lunch at Peter's Restaurant, where we declined the whole fish with tail, head and eyes in preference for the fish and chicken kabobs, we visited the amazing ruins of Capharnaum (spelled Capernaum in the Bible and presently known as Kefer Nahum in Hebrew). After the city was abandoned over a thousand years ago, early visits there by E. Robinson in 1838 and C. W. Wilson in 1866 found a desolate place with a few Arabs living among the ruins. In 1894 the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land acquired two-thirds of the property from Bedouins and fenced it off for protection. Minor excavations were conducted in the early 1900's. From 1968 to 1991 Fr. Virgilio C. Corbo and Loffreda worked almost uninterrupted resulting in what we saw.

In various layers remains date back to 2000 BCE, but of most interest to Christians are the findings around the first century. Based on various remains and writings it is obvious the inhabitants during the first to fourth century were Jewish with a growing number of Minim (Jewish Christians). Between the fifth and seventh century it is evident that Gentile Christians were predominant and then by the seventh century many homes public buildings were abandoned during the Arab/Moslem period.

Homes there had many roofed rooms (no roofs survive today) around a common courtyard, which was entered from the common street through a single doorway. Most were shared by two or more extended family units. Most daily activity occurred in the courtyard, even sleeping under the stars in fair weather. The rooms were for storing items and sleeping during the rainy season. Various horizontal layers are made up of beaten earth mixed with such things as jars, cooking pots, bowls and small palm-size Herodian lamps, which date to the second half of the first century.

Peter's first century house?

It was amazing to walk on well laid out streets and alleys with two-three foot high walls revealing an extensive footprint of an ancient town estimated to have been up to 1,500 people. In addition to the synagogue, many shops and homes, the main point of interest for us was St. Peter's home. But is it really his house? How can people say that with certainty? That is task of the archaeologist.

So what makes Capernaum so fascinating and did Peter live in the house that is singled out. Five out the twelve disciples are mentioned living there: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, the sons of Zebedee, James and John, plus Levi the tax collector (Matthew 4:18-22 and Mark 2:13-17). Matthew 4:12-17 mentions that after John the Baptist was imprisoned, Jesus left Nazareth and lived in Capernaum both to fulfill prophecy and to preach repentance in an well-traveled area on the Damascus Highway. Also it was away from the scrutiny of the Roman political powers at Tiberias (other side of the Sea of Galilee). This became his own town (Matthew 9:1), people tried to keep him from leaving (Luke 4:42-44), people tried to find him there (John 6:24).

People wanted Jesus to stay there because of the many miracles he performed. Capernaum witnessed so many miracles that Jesus said Sodom would have even been converted if they same things had happened there (Matthew 11:23). Miracles included the cleansing of the demon-possessed man in the synagogue (Mark 1:21-28), healing Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:29-31) healing many sick and demon-possessed (Mark 1:32-34), forgiveness and healing of the paralytic let down through the roof (Mark 2:1-12), healing the centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13) and healing the royal official's son (John 2:12).

It has been believed that Jesus lived in Peter's house while he preached in Galilee. The excavated house identified as Peter's is about 100 feet from the synagogue where Jesus taught. It is larger than many, which could house Peter's family, his brother, Andrew's family and his mother-in-law, as well as be the headquarters for Jesus ministry. Mark 1:33 mentions the whole town gathering at the door, which would be possible because the house is located on the main NS street with a large opening between the wide street and the doorway leading to the courtyard. The discussion related to paying taxes in Matthew 17:24-27 indicates that Jesus was a guest or living with Peter and thus considered a member of the family for tax purposes.

In addition to the physical properties, the traditional house of Peter was used for community/worship gatherings as early as the third quarter of the first century. Christian graffiti, monograms and symbols were found there in Greek, Paleo-Estrangelo, Aramaic and Latin. This indicates that the house was visited by both local worshipers and pilgrims from other lands. Fragments had sayings such as Jesus is called the Lord, Christ, the Most High, God, Amen, as well as graffiti with the name of Peter.

In the late 300's a wall was built around it to separate it from the rest of the town. In 380 a pilgrim named Egeria or Aetheria wrote an extensive travelogue in which she mentioned, “The house of the prince of the Apostles (St Peter) in Capharnaum was changed into a church; the walls, however, are still standing as they were.” In the mid-400's Gentile Christians placed an octagonal church within the wall and around the living quarters of the house. After the excavations, in 1990 an ultra-modern, elevated church was built over the ruins in such a way that we were able to see the old footprint of the octagonal church as well as the living quarters.

Is it real? Are we real?

So is this pile of rocks the real house of Peter? For me, these facts and many others too numerous to site indicate this was Peter's house where Jesus lived, taught and healed.

More important that whether the house of Peter is real, are the real Teacher and teachings. While in Capernaum Jesus offended the teachers of the law and Pharisees by speaking to the paralytic of forgiving his sin (Mark 2:1-12); he called a tax collector to follow him and ate at his house with other tax collectors, which shocked them and angered the religious establishment (Mark 2:13-17); he put a child in the center and taught his disciples about the last being first and children being welcome in the Kingdom (Mark 9:33-37) and last that Jesus gave a lengthy talk about being the bread of life and introduced the doctrine of eating his flesh and drinking his blood (John 6:24-59) remembered at the Last Supper.

Even more important than the reality of the Teacher and teachings of the first century, is what we in the twenty-first century do with Him. John 6:66 (is the reference significant?) records that after these hard teachings many of His disciples turned back and longer followed him. We must beware of following Jesus because of the archaeological “proof” of this or that site, or because of the blessings and miracles He performs even today or because of the easier teachings. Are we willing to follow Jesus when the teachings get hard; when they require mingling with sinners; when they require being last instead of first; when they require sacrifice of flesh and blood?

Jeers and Cheers (August 3, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Some newspapers and magazines include a column such as “Jeers and Cheers” or “Orchids and Onions” highlighting the good and bad things people have done. Typically there are different people in each section. If truth be told, most all of us could fall in both categories from time to time; a cheer for this and a jeer for that.

For example, last week Peter was highlighted in his famous and infamous walk on the Sea of Galilee. He'd get a cheer for walking on water and a jeer for sinking. But that would not be his only example. Remember when he was applauded for declaring Jesus to be the Christ but then called the son of Satan for telling Jesus he would not die. Although Peter was honored with many special opportunities of being one of the inner three disciples, he was also greatly dishonored by blatantly denying Christ.

Peter's life story

The following list shows how often Peter's words and actions were onions rather than orchids. (Where stories are repeated in another gospel only the first reference is noted, so events are not in chronological order):

1. Called and listed first among Jesus' disciples (Matt. 4:18 and 10:2)
2. Walked on water (Matt. 14:25-28)
3. Sank in water (Matt. 14:29-30)
4. Jesus rebuked his doubt (Matt. 14:31)
5. Jesus called him “still so dull,” when he asked the meaning of a parable (Matt. 15:15-16)
6. Chosen with James and John to see the transfiguration (Matt. 16:1-3)
7. Blurted out his willingness to build three shelters there (Matt. 16:4)
8. Declared his unending loyalty even to the death (Matt. 26:33-35)
9. Chosen with James and John to go farther in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:37-46)
10. Followed Jesus at a distance into the courtyard of the high priest (Matt. 26:58)
11. Denied Christ three times (Matt. 26:69-75)
12. Mentioned individually by the angel to be told of the resurrection (Mark 16:7)
13. Chosen with James and John to witness raising girl from the dead (Mark 5:37-43)
14. Confessed Jesus as Christ (Mark 8:28)
15. Chosen with James and John to witness the healing of Jairus' daughter (Luke 8:51)
16. Entrusted with Passover preparations (Luke 22:8)
17. Ran to the tomb when other disciples did not believe the women (Luke 24:12)
18. Rebuked by Jesus for cutting off the soldiers ear (John 18:10-11)
19. Went back to fishing with the other disciples (John 21:2-4)
20. Reinstated by Jesus three times (John 21:15-19)
21. Rebuked by Jesus for wanting to know John's future (John 21:20-23)

Why this extensive, though not all inclusive, list of Peter's actions? It demonstrates how one person can have both cheers and jeers; orchids and onions. After the filling and empowering of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost there is definitely a change in Peter, including writing two epistles. However, it is still not a perfect record. Paul opposed him publicly for separating himself from the Gentiles out of fear of Jewish Christian's disapproval.

For what will you be remembered?

Most lives have a mixture of successes and failures in varying degrees. Others are less concerned with the win-loss record and more focused on the element of faithfulness. Whatever the standard used, the question remains: In the over-all scheme of life, what will be the lasting impression? As part of some hospice training I was to consider what others will remember about me or what I want them to remember. It can also be a powerful question for someone who is knowingly facing death.

Perhaps a term like legacy fits here. Even many unbelievers are concerned with what people will remember about them. The number of autobiographies and biographies prove that point. But even accounts of the same person's life can be very different depending on the focus. Most of us have enough good in our lives to be made out to be a hero and enough bad in our lives to be made out to be a villain.

Snapshots of life can catch you with a stupid look, an angelic smile or an angry glare. Depending which photo is selected can tell a very different story of the same person. At times I have been accused of saying too many nice things at a funeral of a less than nice person. While I don't preach them into heaven (only God knows that for sure), I do follow the golden rule of doing to others as I want them to do to me. And I pray with all my heart that those who speak at my funeral will focus on some of the good I have done and not the bad.

God's record keeping

Many religions are based on weighing the good and bad deeds. If the good deeds outweigh the bad, then heaven is the reward. If the bad outweighs the good, well, pack light for an eternal heat wave. Both Peter and I, and perhaps you too, are eternally grateful that God keeps records a different way.

God offers a forgiveness that does not remember our sins against us. He wipes the slate clean and works within us to change our desires into godly desires. While he tells us to go and sin no more, his forgiveness is available seventy times seven times. That is the standard he gave the disciples and I do not believe Jesus would command them and us to do more than he himself is willing to do. However, as our love for Christ grows, our desire for sin is cleansed.

Who me, walk on water? (July 27, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Day two of our trip to Israel found us boarding a replica of a first-century fishing boat for a motorized trip on the Sea of Galilee. Our boat was called Noah, which gave us great peace of mind! The captain raised the United States flag along side the Israeli flag and we sang "The Star Spangled Banner.”

While at sea, a tape of Christian praise choruses was played. (Many different kinds of music tapes are available for any type of group which comes aboard.) Hearing songs such as "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High,” "Shout to the Lord,” "Holy, Holy” and "Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” was one of my greatest highlights. It was as if I could see Jesus and sense his presence. Perhaps Jesus and the disciples sing praises as they went from one side to the other.

The risks of walking on water

Before we had gotten on the boat a fun-loving fatherly-type man teasingly asked if I was going to get out of the boat and walk on water. I replied, "I do not see Jesus telling me to come.” His come back was, "But you have the Holy Spirit in you.” So to end the banter I assured him, "If the Holy Spirit prompts me to get out of the boat, I will. What about you?”

There were no Spirit promptings to get out of the boat, and we had a calm sea to our destination. Yet, I couldn't help but think of Peter's adventure on the stormy sea. What do we remember most about Peter walking on the water to Jesus (Matthew 14:22-33)? Do we remember that Peter took the initiative to get out of the boat or that he walked on water or that he sank only to be rescued by Jesus or that Jesus scolded him for doubting? Most seem to focus his failure.

Perhaps you are familiar with John Ortberg's book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. The challenge is to hear the voice of God and take the risk. But those who take risks find themselves in one of two boats.

One boat is that of the Assertive, Innovative, Everything-Turns-to-Roses Success. This risk taker succeeds even when all the facts, figures, Plan B contingencies etc. are not in place before jumping over the side. These risk-takers have books written about them, give international how-to seminars and basically are placed on a pedestal.

Peter did not find himself in that boat. Peter found himself in the second boat of the Impulsive, Bit-Off-More-Than-Can-Be-Chewed Failure. We may momentarily honor him for trying. Perhaps we even secretly envy his adventurous experience. But we quickly criticize him for looking at the wind, being fearful, doubting, faltering and facing disgrace among the other eleven.

Ah, the eleven who had never even considered the possibility of walking on water in a raging storm, much less risking an attempt; the eleven, who from the safety of the boat could emphatically proclaim Jesus as the Son of God after he calmed the storm; the eleven, who had not had enough faith in the Son of God to risk getting their feet wet. Yet, Jesus does not scold them for not trying. They played it safe with no ill-effects. No doubt they felt pretty smug as Peter drug himself back into the boat.

Any risk-taker needs to be prepared for one of these two scenarios. On the one hand, success will lead to being immortalized as a progressive hero. On the other hand, trying and failing will lead to infamy (reputation of disgrace and dishonor, not necessarily wickedness). In addition a risk-taker must be prepared for scolding, perhaps from God, more often from other disciples. Even if not spoken common thoughts include: Who does he or she think they are? If only we had been consulted! Why weren't all the risks considered first? It ought to have been done like this. . . . What will others think of us being associated with a failure?

The freedom to fail

Is it any wonder so few risks are taken? If success was guaranteed, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. But the essence of trial and error is the risk of error. The risk of experiments is that they may fail, sometimes with disastrous results; sometimes with minimal fallout.

I googled "successful failures” and CreatingMinds.org had nine pages of quotes and examples. Consider these examples: Beethoven's music teacher once told him that as a composer, he was hopeless. Walt Disney was fired by an editor of a newspaper because he, Disney, had no good ideas. When Thomas Edison was a boy, his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. Henry Ford's first two automobile businesses failed. Michael Jordon was cut from his high school basketball team. Babe Ruth struck out 1,330 (but he also hit 714 home runs).

Here are some words of wisdom from Thomas Alva Edison: "Results! Why man, I have lots of results. I know several thousand things that won't work. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time. Just because something doesn't do what you planned it to do doesn't mean it's useless.”

B.F. Skinner wrote, "A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.” Isaac Newton stated, "An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail.” Michael Korda, editor-in-chief of Simon and Schuster notes, "The freedom to fail is vital if you're going to succeed. Most successful people fail from time to time, and it is a measure of their strength that failure merely propels them into some new attempt at success.”

So, this week go out there and feel free to fail! Even fail greatly, but fail intelligently! Learn and rise again to risk greatly! (And to the smug eleven, please withhold the label of failure. Today's failure may simply be one step closer to success.)

Wars and rumors of wars (July 20, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Thinking back to five weeks ago, we were boarding a first century style boat in Tiberius to ride on the Sea of Galilee. We also visited to Church of the Annunciation at Nazareth and stood on a flat roof at Mukhraka to overlook the historic Jezreel Valley. All of these areas are now being bombed by Hezbollah. My heart aches for any people in harm's way, but it is even more real after personally visiting there.

Peaceful scenery filled the Jezreel Valley as we looked at it. However looks can be deceiving. Currently the Israeli Air Force has a large underground base in the valley. As we were watching, jets would suddenly take off as if out of no where and disappear into the ground upon landing.

Throughout history this valley has been place of military violence and bloodshed. Dr. Eric H. Cline, Chair of Classical and Semitic Languages and Literatures at George Washington University has written a book called, The Battles of Armageddon: Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley from the Bronze Age to the Nuclear Age. It details the differences and similarities among 34 battles fought on this 20 mile long by 7 mile wide piece of ground over the past 4000 years.

The strategic International Coastal Highway ran through it, making it the connecting route between Egypt, Asia and Europe. Just north of where we were standing was a natural bottle neck in the Carmel Range that has served ancient armies well both as a look out for troops coming up the valley, as well as a squeeze point for trapping invaders.

Megiddo along two other cities guarded this pass that gave access to the Plain of Megiddo or Jezreel Valley. From an elevation of 700 feet the city had visual and actual control of the trade and military routes made it a wealthy, sought after possession. Megiddo was a Canaanite city for thousands of years. In the excavated ruins there is a Canaanite worship center with a 5,000 year old altar. In 1470 BCE Pharaoh Thutmose III took the city. This battle between the Egyptians and Canaanites is believed to be the earliest war fought there.

Biblical battles

During Joshua's conquest the Canaanites in the surrounding areas continued to dig in making full conquest unattainable. During the time of the judges and kings many battles were fought there. Judge and prophetess, Deborah, and commander, Barak, led the victory against the Canaanites (Judges 4 and 5:19). King Solomon fortified Megiddo (I Kings 9:15), King Shishak of Egypt destroyed it and King Ahab rebuilt it. King Josiah was killed at Megiddo and carried to Jerusalem to be buried (II Kings 23:29-30).

Battles continued there with the Greek and Roman armies, Islamic and Crusader armies, Napoleon's armies and Arab-Israeli armies. With the current conflict raging much discussion is swirling about the future battle in this valley, which is also known as Armageddon or Har-Megedon. Har means mount or hill, so Armageddon means--mount of Megiddo.

Revelation 16:14-16 describe rulers of the world gathering together there for the final battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God Almighty. As this gathering is taking place an earthquake greater than any other will destroy the world along with huge 100 pound hailstones (16:18-21). While past battles are part of historical record, this future battle is wide open for speculation, interpretation and argumentation.

A traditional view believes a literal battle will occur in the valley with bloodshed up to the bridles of the horses. Others see the valley as a gathering place for the nations to conduct an all out assault on Jerusalem. Still others view the use of the term Armageddon as a description of the previous number of battles, horrible bloodshed and vast numbers to be involved in the final battles all over the world. At the core this battle or battles will be good versus evil rather than nation against nation.

That kind of battle is not new to the area either. A statue of the prophet Elijah with sword in hand is at Mukhraka on Mt Carmel. It commemorates the site of his challenge and victory over the prophets of Baal (I Kings 18:16-46). A great spiritual battle was won demonstrating the superior power of the Lord God Almighty.

Spiritual battles

Our spiritual battles may not be as dramatic, but just as real nonetheless. Ephesians 6 is the primary biblical instruction for the battle. Commands to be strong (spiritually fit), take your stand (act in faith), stand your ground (keep the faith), stand firm (defend the faith) and be alert (know enemy tactics) are never-fail strategies.

More emphasis seems to be placed on the middle three commands related to our faith. As important as they are, the first and last one are like book-ends to protect our faith. A person needs to be spiritually fit and ready for battle, as well as needing to be alert to signs of attack. All the preparation in the world does no good until the alarm for action is sounded. Without both spiritual disciplines and awareness of the areas of vulnerability, our faith will suffer greatly.

Two very real dangers exist in spiritual warfare. One is letting fear take control. Fear can either have a person shadow boxing at things that are not spiritual battles or becoming intimidated and immobilized. Fear can render a soldier totally ineffective.

The second real danger is on the other end of the spectrum. In our modern world it is more likely for people, even Christian leaders, to assume there is no spiritual battle involved in anything that happens. While wisdom is definitely needed to discern the schemes of the devil, it is both foolish and dangerous to simply say it doesn't exist.

While we may disagree on the meaning of current and future military events in Israel, we are daily surrounded by examples of mini-Armageddons among individuals in neighborhoods, families, churches, businesses etc. What spiritual strategies can bring peace in these situations? Far less visible, but all the more destructive are the spiritual Armageddons of good versus evil raging within the souls of people, perhaps even yours and mine. Put on the full armor of God! Be strong and be alert!

Water, (bottled) water everywhere (July 13, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Dehydration is a real possibility in the dry heat of the Middle East. (FYI, dry heat still produces wet sweat!) Therefore bottled water was a constant companion on our trip. Fortunately our busses in Israel and Jordon had a large supply. Much of the fresh water supply comes from mountain springs. But throughout the centuries getting this water to the people of the growing civilizations has been a challenge. However, it has been a challenge met in astounding ways. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Getting water to the people—Israel

Along with Herod the Great's amphitheater and palace in Caesarea, he also built a twelve-mile double aqueduct to bring fresh water from the Mt. Carmel Springs. In Megiddo an underground tunnel accessed a hidden spring outside the city wall. Heights and close places are not Jim's favorite things, so walking down hundreds of steps into a dark, narrow stone cavern was not a highlight. However a stop at Gideon's spring was a highlight. He got down and lapped the water like a dog from the same spring where Gideon had his troops drink to determine their fitness to do battle (Judges 7). This spring still provides pure, fresh water over three thousand years later.

The Jordan River begins where the rivers Dan, Hasbani and Banias converge. These three have their sources in springs deep within Mt. Hermon, the tallest mountain in Israel and Syria at 9,286 feet above sea level. There are patches of snow year round, but the major spring thaw feeds the springs. As the Jordan River they meander together two hundred miles to cover the sixty miles to the Dead Sea at over 1,300 feet below sea level. The average drop is about fourteen feet per mile, but one section north of the Sea of Galilee has a seven-mile wicked whitewater run where it drops up to one hundred feet per mile.

Much of Israel's lush greenery is the result of irrigation from the Jordan River and Sea of Galilee. While agriculture accounts for only 6 percent of the national productivity, it uses 90 percent of the irrigation. As a result the flow of the Jordan River has decreased from 1.3 billion cubic meters to 100 million per year. The "trickle down” effect is seen at the Dead Sea, which drops a yard per year and the surface area is a third of what it was fifty years ago. It was named the Most Threatened Lake of the Year 2006 (facts from Richard Bangs Adventure website).

Getting water to the people—Jordan

In Jordan on steep barren mountains around Mt. Nebo an isolated Bedouin tent with a few animals can be spotted. Since water is essential for human and animal life, one can only assume there was a mountain spring somewhere within walking distance. Getting to the site would be challenge enough without having to go get water.

Petra is an ancient city carved out of beautifully colored limestone by Nabataeans in the sixth century BC. Entry is made through the Siq (narrow, deep canyon). The Nabataeans were expert hydraulic engineers. The walls of the Siq are lined with channels to carry drinking water to the city to be stored for use in the dry season. A dam to the right of the entrance diverted an adjoining stream through a tunnel to prevent it flooding the Siq.

Our guide book reminded us that water in Jordan was in short supply, so please do not waste it. The same message was posted in the Jordanian hotels. Part of the 1994 peace agreement included Israel giving Jordan 50 million cubic meters of water each year in the summer when needed most.

Getting living water to all people

Living in areas where water is so highly valued is hard for many of us to comprehend. When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well about living water and never thirsting again, it is easier to understand her interest. The imagery of having a spring of water welling up to eternal life has more meaning in light of the vital role of water springs in the region.

Quenching a deep thirst is all the more relished in a hot, dry region. Of course Jesus was referring to a spiritual water that quenches the deepest thirsts of people. Jesus' offer of this invaluable resource raises some questions in my mind. Perhaps you'd like to ponder them too and share your conclusions.

1. With a never-ending supply of free-for-the-asking living water, how is it that most people prefer less than satisfying, even destructive alternatives?

2. Alternatives to living water are abundant and well publicized. Even when offered living water, people continue to choose the less satisfying alternatives. How do bearers of living water demonstrate the valuable, life giving properties in a persuasive manner?

3. In a dry and barren spiritual climate what ingenious ways need to be developed to make sure the living water is available for everyone?

4. Aqueducts, underground tunnels and channels in solid rock all took planning, finances and hard work. What efforts and costs are followers of Jesus willing to invest in getting the living water away from the well-watered areas out to the most arid regions?

Comments

Your initial journaling re: your trip to the Holy Land brought back memories of our trip some 15 years ago. I'll be among those anticipating your inspirational comments in the weeks to come. Thanks in advance. DH

RE: Did I speak too much? I read the Thursday Thoughts today about Paul. Your questions caused me to think of my own life and travels wondering if I would have made different choices would the road I traveled had been different? I am sure it would have been, yet I agree with you, as long as God is glorified that is what it is about. Thank you for your reply on Colombia and the ministry. Once we were given a building, the excitement that I had lost returned. With your many years of ministry experience I am sure you can identify with the "waiting on God" when it seems so long. NW

Did I speak too much? (July 6, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Even before going to Israel I knew that neither Jim nor I have the gift of bargaining. Our travel packets even included instructions on negotiating a reduced price. So on the last day of the trip, while in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, I tried what I had learned. A clue to the appropriateness of bargaining is if there is no price marked on the item.

Bargaining started well, almost as scripted in the paper. However, owners must be starting the prices higher than before, as when I finally stated a "bottom” price after starting to walk away three times, it was still too high. At another shop I found a similar larger bag "on sale” for a third less than what I paid. Oh, well, I got a nice bag and it was almost half of his starting price.

Evidently I spoke too soon and didn't let him sweat enough. The art of bargaining is a lot like being a poker player who has to keep the cards close to the vest and know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. (I know the jargon, but not the real game! Hmmm, that sounds a lot like some people in churches.)

Did the Apostle Paul ever wonder if he spoke too soon when he appealed to Caesar in Rome? He had spent two years under guard in the palace (Acts 23:35 and 24:27) when he was at Caesarea frequently talking with Governor Felix, but getting no verdict. When governor Festus came to power, Paul's case was still held over. To be continued . . . .

Under Roman rule, Caesarea was the government seat. It was our first stop in Israel after the airport in Tel Aviv. Not only was Paul imprisoned here for two years, but Peter established a church here and baptized Cornelius. Herod the Great set out to build the city of Caesarea (named after Caesar) on a central strategic location. Ideal for the trade from the Far East to Rome and Greece, Caesarea became the largest harbor in the Mediterranean. Revenues of the harbor were used for Herod's extensive building projects in Caesarea and in other cities.

The king, seeking consciously to associate with Rome, set out expressly to design his own capital after Greek/Roman examples. Although he was not the first to introduce the style, his aqueduct and theater are the first in the Near East. Caesarea included several theaters, swimming pools and baths, Herod's palace and an esplanade with huge statues at the end of the piers stretching into the sea.

Creating the harbor and building up port was quite an engineering feat. Recent excavations of the underwater area have shed more light on the kind of stones that were used. The blocks which formed the basin floor were hollow, and had containers of wood. To prevent leaking through the sea bottom a special cement was used which held the inside stone rubble together. The "secret" ingredient of the cement was pozzolana, volcanic ash from Italy.

We were very impressed with the 4,000-seat theater, which has been recreated incorporating the ruins for modern use. The nearby palace ruins, although described by Josephus as the most magnificent, takes a very creative eye to try to imagine the grandeur of what once was. However the mere size and many excavated items give a very small glimpse.

Somewhere in this palace complex is where Paul spent two years and appealed his case to Caesar. Acts 23:11 indicates that the Lord had told Paul that he would testify in Rome as he had in Jerusalem. So in Paul's mind there was no doubt that he would go to Rome. However, the circumstances under which he would go were not revealed, only that he would testify there.

There are times when we know the "what” of God's will, but do not know the "how” of God's will. A friend once told me that God's will is not always done God's way. Usually that makes the way a lot harder and more painful for everyone involved.

Was that the case in Paul's situation or not? Was the appeal to Caesar God's will/God's way or God's will/Paul's way? After he had appealed to Caesar, Festus consults King Agrippa about the case. Paul is given the opportunity to speak before King Agrippa, who concludes that Paul could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar. Paul could have gone to Rome as a free citizen instead of a prisoner!

Instead we find in Acts 27-28 the description of a disastrous storm in which cargo was thrown overboard, all prisoners were nearly killed and the boat destroyed when it went aground on a sandbar. Paul escaped a venomous snake bite and healed the sick on the island of Malta. Once in Rome, he was allowed to live by himself under guard (house arrest), however no charges were brought from Judea. For two years Paul had large numbers of people who came to his house and he was able to boldly without hindrance preach the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will never know if there might have been an easier way for Paul to get to Rome. However, we do see that in all circumstances God was intervening and receiving glory. Paul got an all expense paid trip to Rome, had the opportunity to demonstrate God's deliverance, healing and truth of Christ. He ended up having freedom, perhaps more freedom than if he had not gone under Roman guard.

Be encouraged in whatever situation you are facing. Circumstances may be beyond your control, but God is with you and me. Circumstances may seem bleak and impossible, but God can bring glory out of it. Whatever comes, use it as an opportunity to share Jesus.

Comments

All the World is a Stage (June 22): Eloquent, Lois. And so inspirational to my own task. Thanks. BB

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death (June 29, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

First, I give my apologies to my web-friends. Last Thursday, June 22, fifteen hours after returning from Israel (twelve of those were sleeping), I had a Thursday Thoughts sent out to the e-list. However due to a back log of work, my web-master-husband did not get that article or this week's on the web until now. If you would like to be on the e-list, just let me know.

Initially the plan for sharing thoughts from our trip to Israel was to comment on sites from each day as we experienced it. However, with this being July 4th week-end my mind turned to the high cost of freedom. So next week we will return to Caesarea again.

On March 23, 1775 Patrick Henry made his impassioned plea for going to war--armed in the holy cause of liberty. After outlining all the efforts that had been used to peacefully resolve the situation over the past ten years, he continues: we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of the nations and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. . . . Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty of give me death!

While it makes sense that people of other countries do not celebrate July 4th, it seemed strange when we were in Australia on July 4, 1994. The only celebration was our group of United States citizens standing in a circle waving little six inch flags while singing the Star-Spangled Banner. However many other nations have faced the same gut-wrenching choices of how to secure freedom.

Disclaimer: There is no political or military position intended here. Any application made to past or present policies will be solely the opinion of the reader. Likewise the following is a history lesson, which could be viewed in many ways. However there is an application, so please read to the end even if you don't like history.

Masada: The History

Standing atop Masada (Hebrew for fortress) freedom took on a different meaning. It is an isolated rock cliff rising 32 stories above the surrounding terrain, which overlooks the Dead Sea at the western end of the Judean Desert. (Due to limited time our tour group took a cable car up and down from the fortress.)

Granted there are some who do not believe the macabre account of Masada given by Jewish historian, Josephus Flavius. Among those who do believe it, opinions vary as to whether it was an act of courage or murder. (An interesting sideline is that Josephus himself survived a suicide pact among the last defenders of Jodfat and surrendered to Vespasian rather than dying. He then went to Rome, became a Roman citizen and a detailed Jewish historian, who then recorded Masada's events.)

Now back to Masada. Like Caesarea, Herod the Great built the fortress atop Masada between 37 and 31 BCE (Before the Common Era, which used to be called BC-Before Christ!). Because of the Jews hatred for him, he built this as a safe refuge for he and his family. The area on the flat plateau measures 6 1/2 football fields by 3 1/4 football fields (Go, Packers!) But I digress. In this desolate area a complex fit for a king was built including two palaces, one which covers an acre, storehouses, large three room bath (cold, warm and hot sauna), large cisterns, barracks and an armory.

Long after Herod died a band of Jewish rebels overcame the Roman garrison in 66 CE (Common Era, formerly AD-Anno Domini or Year of the Lord). After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE more zealots joined the group seeking refuge. The number swelled to 960 men, women and children. For two years they raided Roman settlements in the area.

Finally in 73 CE Flavius Silva marched against Masada. For a year the Tenth Legion, auxiliary units and thousands of Jewish prisoners of war constructed a rampart of thousands of tons of stones and beaten earth against the western wall. On April 16, 74 CE a battering ram was moved up the ramp and the wall of the fortress was breached. While anticipating the thrill of reclaiming Rome's honor in the region with either a victory massacre or by seizing a host of slaves, the soldiers were met with a far different scenario.

Masada: The Internal Decision

Watching from far above during this year long build up, they finally came to the conclusion that they could not fight, they could not win and they would die. The leader Eleazar ben Ya'ir devised a plan and gave an impassioned plea to his fellow residents. It was reported that the speech's keynote was that God, who had before taken the Jews into his favor, had by then condemned them to destruction. It was `the purpose of God' that Jerusalem and the Temple be destroyed. Therefore, let God's punishment come to this community not from the Romans but from God himself `as executed by our own hands'.

This belief led to the decision to burn the fortress and end their lives rather than being taken alive to go into slavery. Josephus reports that everything was burned within the stone fortress except the stores to let the Romans know that it was not hunger that led the defenders to suicide. He was able to record details based on the eye-witness account of two women along with five children who escaped death by hiding in a cistern. The plan was for each husband to kill his own wife and children. Lots were drawn for ten men who would then kill the other men and finally one man drew a lot to be the one to kill the other nine and commit suicide.

In 1963-1965 intensive excavations took place finding evidence of extensive burning but remnants of textiles and foodstuffs were preserved by the dry climate. Also among the ruins were small ostraca (small pieces of tiles or potsherds) for casting lots. Names etched in them included ben Ya'ir. Much of Josephus' account was verified. Too many other questions remain to address here.

Josephus records the Roman response: And so met (the Romans) with the multitude of the slain, but could take no pleasure in the fact, though it were done to their enemies. Nor could they do other than wonder at the courage of their resolution, and at the immovable contempt of death which so great a number of them had shown, when they went through with such an action as that was.

Masada: Questions for Today

What is freedom worth? Is liberty (or honor) to be valued more than life itself? Is physical freedom the ultimate liberty? What is the responsibility of those freed by the sacrifices of others? Both Patrick Henry and Eleazar appealed to God. How directly is God involved in the decisions and actions of nations?

On a deeper level, what is the price of spiritual freedom? As we in the United States celebrate our freedoms on July 4th, remember Christ's followers around the world who are facing the dilemma of life or death for the freedom of their faith. Many willingly choose death rather than denying Christ as savior and Lord. As we ponder these questions, let us remember to pray diligently and give tangible aid when possible to those for whom these questions are more than a mental exercise.

Comments

All the World is a Stage (June 22): Eloquent, Lois. And so inspirational to my own task. Thanks. BB

All the World Is a Stage (June 22, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Last week there was not a written Thursday Thoughts, not because there were no thoughts to share, but rather because last Thursday I was in a place with no access to free internet for writing and sending them. Now I am faced with a monumental task of processing a multitude of whirling thoughts (thankfully many are on paper). So in the next few weeks thoughts and modern-life applications from an eight-day trip to Israel and Jordon will find their way to this page.

First, an enormous debt of gratitude is owed to our tour guide, Dr. Wilbur Williams along with his wife of 54 years, Ardelia. This was his 128th tour group, as well as having participated in various archaeological digs over the past fifty years. What a wealth of experiences, cultural and biblical information, plus spiritual insight and inspiration!

Another heartfelt debt of gratitude goes to Pastor Don Jennings II and the people of Harbour Shores Church in Cicero, IN who initiated the trip and warmly welcomed us along with several others, who do not attend their church. Followers of Jesus Christ around the state, the nation and the world find a family bond that transcends location, denomination or tradition. This truth made a deep impression when one guide in Jordon asked the group not to forget to pray for their brothers and sisters.

Facing the Stage of Herod the Great's Amphitheater

After flying all night with varying degrees of sleep, this group of fifty-two ranging in age from 10-70's began a tour of a lifetime. Our first stop from Tel Aviv was in Caesarea located on the Mediterranean Sea. This ancient seaport, built in honor of Caesar Augustus by Herod the Great, contains the ruins of a huge ampitheater. This magnificent 4,000 seat open-air auditorium is a blend of excavated areas with original floor and seats along side refurbished areas where modern day concerts are held.

Feeling the warm breezes of the Mediterranean Sea, hearing the splashing of the waves and seeing the stage of this ancient theater reminded me that thousands of years ago real people felt, heard and saw the same things (minus the huge sound system equipment and hanging spot lights.) Although those people lived in a different time and culture, they still experienced the full range of human emotions: love, joy, drive and hope along with hate, fear, sorrow, dread and despair. They dealt with real family issues, real daily life concerns, real struggles with finding the significance and meaning of life.

Walking on a Borrowed Stage

Now our group was playing the role of tourists or pilgrims on the stage of life. Our part was to try to envision life as it might have been thousands of years ago; to glean lessons from history and personal applications from this and other ancient settings to come. What meaning and what impact do old stones have on twenty-first century people?

For the past few months as we planned our trip to Israel and Jordon, people who have been there would tell us that it would be a life changing experience. I would smile understandingly, but not be fully convinced. After all hadn't we both read the biblical accounts, taken extensive Bible classes that had pictures of actual sites and archaeological digs? Hadn't we taken courses on ancient history and civilization? Hadn't we seen The Passion of the Christ three times, plus The Ten Commandments and Jesus of Nazareth? Hadn't we watched endless hours of news footage of Israel sites?

Perhaps one reason I resisted believing that actually going to Israel, commonly called The Holy Land, could dramatically transform my life, was a matter of faith. If our faith is anchored in our belief in God's Word, then how would flying half way around the world make a difference? Now, faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see, Hebrews 12:1.

If seeing is believing, then every person who lives there and visits these sites should become believers. That is certainly not the case! Do we assume that those who have the opportunity to go to Israel have a stronger faith? or closer walk with Jesus? Does actually walking on this borrowed stage for eight days change our status in God's eyes? No! No! and No!

Our Turn on Stage

Even though our faith is grounded in the truth of Scripture and is not limited to time or place, I did find that the sights and sounds became reinforcements and increased justification for faith. Over and over we heard people say that certain spots are where tradition says this or that happened. While some of those traditions have an enormous amount of evidence supporting them, it is not the evidence itself that transforms a person's beliefs.

It still remains a matter of faith--the individual taking the evidence whether reading it in print in the Bible, seeing it depicted on a screen or seeing it first hand, and choosing to place his or her faith for salvation and eternal life in the only one, true God--Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

It is our turn on to stand on this twenty-first century stage of life. The challenge is not having any dress rehearsals. This is live theater--mistakes and all. We can learn much from previous actors' lives and experiences, but our best performance will come from reading the script found in Scripture, following the life-script of Jesus our savior and closely applying those truths with the guidance of the director, God's Holy Spirit.

Outsider Turns Insider (June 1, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

"The Inner Ring" by C.S. Lewis was highlighted last week (see May 25, 2006 Thursday Thoughts.) He noted the powerful motivation in life of striving to be in the Inner Ring with Important People and People in the Know. Frustration and devastating rejection can lead a person to drastic measures. No doubt many people would be alive today if it were not for the ongoing jealousy and striving of outsiders to become insiders or insiders keeping outsiders away.

If a person succeeds in breaking into the Inner Ring a curious occurrence takes place. Instead of reaching out to bring others along, this newby insider takes on the same airs of exclusiveness and privilege that were once so appalling. Once feeling the sting of rejection and disappointment they now take pleasure in inflicting that sentence on others.

Who needs them anyway

For those who are never included and rule out murder as an option there are typically one of two choices made. The first choice resembles sour grapes--who needs them anyway? A person may get so frustrated and disheartened trying to reach the Inner Ring that the entire concept of belonging to a ring, circle or group is rejected. An overriding value becomes criticism of all rings. Any group is viewed with suspicion and genuine disdain.

These are the loners who faithfully do their job, stay close to the family (if there is a family) and appear to be quite content with life without a circle. If it were not for the anger, resentment and criticism this could be a potentially healthy alternative. These negative attitudes continue to drive wedges between others who might become very good friends.

If you can't beat them, join them

The second choice an attitude of If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them. While great amounts of energy and resources are used trying to break into the core circle, the option of forming a new exclusive ring remains. Because of a strong human need to belong, many others who have been denied access into the Inner Ring form a separate circle just outside the Inner Ring. The same rules apply except this time the former outsiders turned insiders set the criteria for belonging. They decide who gets in and who stays out.

Just like the outsider who actually makes it as an insider, the unsuccessful wanna-be also takes pleasure in inflicting the pain of rejection and separation on others. While the standards for entry may be different, the standard of exclusion remains. Whatever holds this group together becomes the barrier that keeps others out. Those who are rejected from the two Inner Rings, then either join the ring-less lone rangers or form their own circle a little further from the core. Those who cannot make it into that ring form another ring two removed for the core, then three removed, four removed and on and on.

These splinter groups within an organization, church or society as a whole form multiple concentric circles. Each ring has little or nothing to do with the other rings, yet even members of the ring farthest from the core still carry the same attitude of preference and exclusiveness as the core ring. Basically the desire to be in a special, elite group has not changed, only the people who are in the group changed.

'Floaters' move among the rings

A more healthy alternative than these two can be seen in a relatively few people who can be called Floaters. A floater accepts the reality of rings and has no particular disdain for them (or the people in them.) Yet if asked in which ring they belong, there would be an expression of bewilderment. Floaters don't belong to any exclusive ring. Instead they seem to be able to float in and out of a variety of rings with relative ease.

How can that happen if the nature of rings is to exclude all who do not belong? Typically a floater has no hidden agenda, no manipulative moves and no desire to impress the insiders or defame the outsiders. Since there is no desire to break into or stay in a specific group, insiders sense no threat and give no resistance. Deep down there is a recognition that this floater simply likes and accepts the people for who each one is, not for what might be gained from them.

Floaters offer valuable benefits. When interacting with floaters the exclusive rings get a wonderful opportunity to experience someone from the outside who is not viewed as a competitor. In addition the floater can share reality with other rings who may wrongly assume the worst about any other ring. While breaking down the barriers between groups may not be the primary goal, a floater can help bring understanding and perhaps build some bridges. Perhaps observing a floater may even plant a desire to step outside the ring for a while or to expand the ring for others.

Rings are inevitable, exclusiveness is optional

C. S. Lewis admits that rings are a part of life. He described two arenas of rings and offered sound advice for breaking out of the power of the Inner Ring. First, while at work do the best you can without seeking acknowledgement or inclusion into the Inner Ring of decision-makers. I would add, if personal excellence lands you in The Inner Ring, view it as an opportunity to serve others, rather than a right with exclusive privilege. In day-to-day relationships consort (Lewis' word) only with people you genuinely like. People are to be enjoyed not used for personal advancement.

Although Jesus had an Inner Ring of Peter, James and John, he did not extend exclusive privilege to them. In Mark 10:37 when James and John asked for the special honor of sitting on his right and left when he came into his Kingdom, Jesus would have none of it. He used the improper question as an opportunity to teach the disciples about authority and serving--whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant (Mark 10:43b).

Remember: The desire for one's own honour hinders faith. One who seeks for his own honour is no longer seeking God and his neighbour. (quoted in Seize the Day with Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Charles Ringma)

Comment

[In response to Thursday Thoughts on insiders] Thanks Lois for this thoughtful piece. This has caused me to repent and ask to seek God in the places where I find myself. JL

Insider or Outsider (May 25, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

A childhood song asked the question, "I'm on the inside, on which side are you?" The song refers to Jesus as the only door of salvation and the importance of being inside. In this case being inside is crucial.

Throughout life there is a division between insiders and outsiders most likely based on similarities and differences. We easily think of race, gender, religion, culture or politics as examples of being inside or outside. Daily news is full of stories highlighting inequities between groups. Frank Peretti has written fiction and nonfiction books and done a video series demonstrating the emotional and physical harm done by groups of people of preference and privilege in a school setting.

On a much smaller and milder scale my one room school in rural Wisconsin had little groups. In my class there were only four of us girls. Wouldn't you think that we could all just get along? But, no, invariably we would pair off with each pair acting like they were on the inside and treating the other like they were on the outside. The ironic thing is that about every Monday, the pairing changed. Whoever was outside last week was now inside and whoever had been inside on Friday was now outside. I know, silly girls!

Junior high and high school had more groups and they did not change week to week. Everyone knew who was a true insider, who was an insider wanna-be, who was an outsider and who belonged to no group. Now with graduation season upon us, this new class enters the world seeking to become an insider in all different settings; at that university of choice or that perfect job.

What determines who's on the inside?

What determines if a person is inside or outside in life? One might think that a leadership position or title would automatically make a person an insider, but not always. Communication may only flow from the top down or communication up to the leader may be filtered or distorted. A leader may actually be the last to know by being on top, but not inside. Even when individual relationships are positive with the top position, there may not be a genuine insider inclusion.

Another assumed insider connection is having a name with money, a name with power, or a name with prestige. These names do tend to carry the privilege of traveling in insider circles. Thus people tend to believe that success depends not on what you know, but who you know. It may take only a name to get into an inner circle, but it takes more than that to keep in its good graces.

Some insiders have neither position nor title, at least in the beginning. Instead they are influencers both in and out of the group. Whether by personality or skill they are able to gain acceptance into the inner circle. Others listen to them and want to be like them.

Insiders also have a free flow of communicate among them, allowing them to always be in the know. Because they socialize with each other outside of work, school or church, they can laugh at the joke, while the outsiders look confused. Thus it is called an inside joke.

For those who are not born with names, position or influence, the desire to be an insider can become a lifelong quest, even an obsession. Even in Christian circles and churches there are insiders and outsiders. There certainly is nothing wrong with leadership groups, popular people or movers and shakers. Little would be accomplished without them.

What dangers lurk on the inside?

Yet, three dangers arise out of this insider-outsider dichotomy. 1. What drastic measures will an outsider take to get inside? 2. What drastic measures will an insider take to stay inside? 3. What drastic measures will an insider take to keep an outsider from getting inside?

At King's College, University of London in 1944 C. S. Lewis gave an address on the reality and dangers of The Inner Ring. While reading the entire address would give greater understanding, here are a few excerpts:

"Let Inner Rings be an unavoidable and even an innocent feature of life, though certainly not a beautiful one: but what of our longing to enter them, our anguish when we are excluded, and the kind of pleasure we feel when we get in?

My main purpose in this address is simply to convince you that this desire is one of the great permanent mainsprings of human action. . . . Unless you take measures to prevent it, this desire is going to be one of the chief motives of your life, from the first day on which you enter your profession until the day when you are too old to care. The quest of the Inner Ring will break your hearts unless you break it. But if you break it, a surprising result will follow. If in your working hours you make the work your end, you will presently find yourself all unawares inside the only circle in your profession that really matters. You will be one of the sound craftsmen, and other sound craftsmen will know it. This group of craftsmen will by no means coincide with the Inner Ring or the Important People or the People in the Know. . . .

But it will do those things which that profession exists to do and will in the long run be responsible for all the respect which that profession in fact enjoys and which the speeches and advertisements cannot maintain. And if in your spare time you consort simply with the people you like, you will again find that you have come unawares to a real inside: that you are indeed snug and safe at the center of something which, seen from without, would look exactly like an Inner Ring. But the difference is that its secrecy is accidental, and its exclusiveness a by-product, and no one was led thither by the lure of the esoteric: for it is only four or five people who like one another meeting to do things that they like. This is friendship. Aristotle placed it among the virtues. It causes perhaps half of all the happiness in the world, and no Inner Ring can ever have it.

Graduates, (and all the rest of us) check your motivation for seeking a particular job or relationship. God help us to work and relate to others with a pure heart.

Comments

[In response to Thursday Thoughts on timing] This hit the spot, Lois. Since we have been (here) we have had little other than "off" situations. We have spent HOURS just trying to get our fingerprints for example. Then we finally got them done and found out they needed two copies. Everything seems to have gone that way. And we have run into some other serious problems that I can't get into but have rocked our boat and we don't know how to deal with it. Do we be like Paul in the Bible and "give our case" or like Jesus and "speak not a word"? Like you say - God's timing. [Name Withheld]

Please pray for this couple.

Timing is everything (May 18, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

A comedian knows the powerful effect of timing in delivering the punch line. Any good preacher knows the extra punch timing gives in delivering the powerful line.

Timing was ultimately the determining factor in a gaming experiment designed to demonstrate how choices, assumptions and expectations influence the behavior of perfect strangers. Six pairs of strangers were dropped off at six different locations in New York City. Their task was to find any other pair with no idea who they were or where they would be. All they could do other than search was to try to make themselves stand out with signs or different clothing.

Each pair had a different strategy, but eventually all of them focused on famous places. Doesn't narrow the search by much! Amazingly each pair came to the independent decision to hang out at their chosen location around noon. But what were the odds that any other pair would choose that same famous location? With only choosing a place and a time three pairs each came together at the Empire State Building and Times Square after a few hours of searching.

Even with those two common elements there were many misses and near hits. It was so frustrating to watch two pairs going in and out of the same store within a few minutes of each other. At Time Square pairs would be just a block or so apart. In one case a pair walked across the street right in front of another pair, but neither noticed the other. In this case timing was everything. A minute difference earlier or later and the other pair would be out of sight.

Precision timing was involved in Corrie ten Boom's release from Ravensbrook concentration camp during World War II. Due to a clerical error she was released only days before all women her age were executed. Likewise, precision timing was involved when two university vans were traveling back to campus. One van stopped for gas and the other continued on only to have a semi plow across the median head-on into their van killing the students and staff member.

Most often we believe that the timing of our lives is totally in our control. With Daytimers and Palm Pilots in hand, we march through life executing our best-laid plans. Often those plans succeed, yet Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that we can make our plans but God determines the steps. James 4:13-15 gives us the sobering reality check that we don't know what tomorrow holds. Therefore, it is wise to live with IF as our default setting. If it is the Lord's will, we live and do this or that.

Any committed Christian is serious about desiring God's will and purpose to be reflected in the timing of our days. There are days when everything goes like clockwork even without major planning. Most can recall a phone call or an unexpected meeting that triggered great things ahead. However there are also days when it seems we are operating in a completely different time zone; continually being out of sync, even with major planning. Most can recall a phone call or unexpected meeting that triggered disaster ahead.

We tend to naturally assume that those days when everything is in sync, we are walking in the Spirit's presence and those days when we take one step forward and two steps backward, we are out of sync with the Spirit. Ironically, or perhaps providentially, it can appear the plans for the day are unsalvageable only to have an unexpected contact or special blessing redeem the time. In fact had things gone as we planned the unplanned connection would have been missed like two ships passing in the night.

Psalm 139:16 refers to all the days ordained for us being written in God's book before one of them came to be. In Psalm 31:15 David states that his times are in God's hands. Whether these refer to our days and times in general or each specific day, remember to entrust your times and daily timing to God.

Labels can be costly (May 11, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Do you ever wonder why products that are labeled all natural—nothing added—cost more than products with all sorts of unhealthy and unpronounceable additives? So labels with words such as sugar free, fat free, cholesterol free and taste free definitely are not cost free. Typically they cost even more than their sugar full, fat full, cholesterol full and taste full counterparts. It is a bit more understandable that labels with words like Premium and A-one cost more, but it continues to be baffling as to why baby vegetables cost more than adult vegetables.

While not shocked, I did have a rude awakening (not to be confused with a great awakening) when I realized that I carry a label that is potentially costly. In our search to replace our district insurance program, which is being discontinued due to more claim costs than premium income, we're looking into a Christian alternative health program. One of the reasons their cost is well over fifty percent less is that those with unhealthy lifestyle habits cannot join.

If we choose this route, I cannot join because I wear the label of being overweight. Now that is no surprise, but it was a wake up call. While they have a very generous weight range, in order to join, I need to lose eleven pounds in few weeks. Not an overly great challenge with the alternative of having no health coverage on the horizon.

However, joining is just the first step, followed by being placed in a category labeled, "Restore.” Depending on how much more the person needs to lose in order to be labeled healthy, the monthly cost is up to $45 a month more. At various weight levels the additional cost is lowered until it is no longer needed. Restore includes receiving audiotapes to help with weight loss, menus and a weekly call from the office to see how (if) I am progressing. Temptation is high to join just for the accountability.

To put this in perspective, we have a picture of my mother and siblings several years ago. They affectionately call the picture, The Big Four. With no intention of disrespect, I remember when my mother was losing weight during her battle with cancer she said, "Well, I always struggled to lose weight. I guess this is one way.” Personally I have had three to four major weight losses (and gains) over the last forty years.

Each one was precipitated by a meaningful reason, continued with a lot of hard work and ended up with sense of accomplishment and pride. Then each one would be followed by a gradual loosening of restraint, rationalizing that I deserved a treat and then a full-fledged relapse for years back to what was the normal baseline for me. Occasionally there were ten to twenty pound fluctuations along the way.

Now the question lingers, how is it that a reasonably intelligent woman finds herself faced with paying a higher price for health care coverage before doing what she knows to do? It certainly is not lack of knowledge because there have been many, many books, workshops and support groups. Nor is it from lack of trying any number of reasonable food programs and weight loss products. It is not for lack of understanding the genetic and emotional predispositions.

So, what did it once take or more importantly what will it take now for me to make a positive lifelong change?

Labels can prompt change

Some essential ingredients of change are awareness of the need, motivation/readiness, consistent practice with manageable goals and a social support network for encouragement. Another key element involved in motivation is realizing the payoff and advantages of initiating and maintaining new behaviors.

Kenneth M. Nowack and Bruce Heller write about it in Executive Coaching: How to Successfully Change Behavior. Not only is it important to clarify what is driving the (person) to change, but also what are the drivers (payoff) not to change. Any continuing action has some kind of payoff or it wouldn't continue. Often there are competing payoffs. The new behavior must have a stronger payoff to change than the old behavior has to stay the same.

The goal of successful lasting change is finding a stronger payoff for the new behavior. Whatever change is desired, first consider what payoff is keeping things status quo. What would be a better payoff for changing? While it sounds simple enough to trade one payoff for another, old payoffs can have deep-seated strongholds. It is not uncommon for a person to initially be unaware of the payoff.

Intentional observation, reflection, journaling, prayer, counsel or coaching can all be helpful ways to tap into the pay-off. A payoff comes in many forms and combinations: spiritual—for God's sake; physical—for pleasure's sake; emotional—for self-esteem sake; relational—for acceptance sake; mental—for knowledge sake; psychological—for guilt's sake.

From years of experience I am quite aware of the history and many payoffs that come with my poor eating habits. Now that I am faced with the very real negative payoff of possibly having no health coverage or higher cost for health coverage, the choice will be whether that is a sufficiently strong enough new payoff to initiate and maintain change.

Actually, whether we choose this type of coverage or not, the knowledge that I could be refused for eleven pounds is making quite an impact. Interestingly, this wake up call is coming on the day I start the cleaning out process for an over fifty routine screening. What better time to commit to losing weight than starting with an empty system and maybe a couple pounds head start!

Labels can be lethal (May 4, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Labels influence but do not determine

Allegedly Mr. and Mrs. Pig named their twins, Ima and Ura. Whether it is truth or fiction, this next one is truth. In Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J Dubner document a Harlem couple who named their last two sons Winner (1958) and Loser (1961) Lane. Perhaps because Winner assumed the automatic privilege of his label and Loser did not assume the automatic stigma of his, each son actually lived up to the other brother's name. Winner's claim to fame is a lengthy criminal record with over thirty arrests, while Loser went to prep school on a scholarship, graduated from college, became a New York City police officer, then detective and now sergeant.

While names and labels do not determine outcomes, they do tend to carry with them a certain expectation. True fashion shoppers tend to look for specific labels whether they are bought at exclusive boutiques or Salvation Army Thrift Stores. Supposedly people look at the back of a card to see if the sender cared enough to send the very best--Hallmark.

Labeling people hinders knowing them

A person's appearance and behavior make first impressions that often turn to stereotypes, then to lasting reputations. These labels may be warranted or based on ignorance. This week I gave a funeral message for a farmer, who had lost his right hand and arm in a farming accident at eighteen. Whatever stereotype or label an unknowing observer would give him would be shattered. In no way did he have a victim mentality, nor did he use his disability to excuse himself from work or limit his abilities. Only by knowing him would the truth be known.

In various blind studies labels such as "old” or "fat” have been found to greatly influence job interview success regardless of credentials or interviewing skills. People labeled as old are likely to be viewed as unhealthy, inept, slow, unchanging or bossy. People labeled as fat are often viewed as being less healthy, less ambitious, less talented or less intelligent. While both age and weight can carry serious health risks, even medical statistics are not 100% accurate in all cases. Again knowing the person in a variety of situations will prove the labels valid or invalid.

Likewise, the career label seems to carry certain expectations and limitations. Numerous surveys in a variety of countries have people rate careers based on trustworthiness and ethics. Across the board results agreed with a Gallop poll listing careers such as nurses, pharmacists, vets/doctors, teachers, clergy, judges, law enforcement at the top and telemarketers, HMO managers, lawyers, auto sales and politicians at the bottom. Getting to know a person regardless of career may bring many surprises. Yes, there are ethical politicians!

Because labels can be so powerful, positive or negative, here is a word of warning--while it may take longer to begin to fall from a pedestal, the fall is greater and more shattering. Earning back a positive label can be extremely difficult. So if you have earned some positive labels, guard them, not with pride, but as precious. If you wear a negative label, don't take on a victim mentality. You may have to work twice as hard to get half as far, but do it! Shock the socks off of everyone by being the best at who you are and what you do!!

Labels can be eternally lethal

Far greater consequences, even eternally lethal consequences, accompany spiritual labeling. If we see a person only as lost and going to hell (according to Scripture), there are two dangers. On the one hand, we demonize them, refusing to associate with them, instead of reaching out to them. We let whatever the sin is define them to such an extent that any other aspect of their lives is ignored. We forget that at the core, this person is a valuable person, created in the image of God. We give them bad news rather than the Good News.

On the other hand, if we do enter into a relationship, we run the risk of viewing non-believers as merely targets for evangelism. Getting them saved becomes the only goal. Friendship becomes just a means to an end. If the end is not reached, the friendship is ended.

However, Jesus did not see people as just publicans (tax collector for the Romans) and sinners. He hung out with them, eating and drinking with them enough to be criticized by the religious leaders. While talking with the Samaritan woman at the well, He did not simply see an adulterous woman. He saw a whole person worth engaging in a meaningful spiritual conversation.

In order to keep us honest, these questions must be answered: If this non-believing person were not my target to get saved, would I still have a desire to understand and develop a relationship with him or her? If this person rejects Christ will I continue to interact and show interest in them?

God help us get past the labels and get to know the whole person with no ulterior motive.

This is where The Coach Approach to Evangelism becomes a powerful tool. Rather than focusing exclusively on the label of sinners, the emphasis is on the whole person. The coach comes along side to help them explore and self-discover what will meet the deepest heart need--Jesus. Please pray for me this Saturday as I share a district workshop on this topic at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church in Marion, IN.

Are you asking me or telling me? (April 27, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Any English teacher will tell you how useful both questions and declarative statements are as communication tools. Likewise both can be misused. A question can indicate curiosity and willingness to learn or it can display disrespect and defiance. A question can invite involvement or it can expose ignorance. "Why” questions often give rise to a defensive response, while "what” or "how” questions can show interest and keep a conversation open.

A summary statement can show wisdom and insight. A timely statement can give information just when needed. A passionate statement can bring conviction and persuasion. However a statement can be based on inaccurate assumptions, causing unnecessary pain and conflict. A dogmatic statement probably will shut down communication or lead to a heated argument.

Typically, questioning is related to being a learner, while statements of fact belong to the teachers. Traditional education focuses on the teacher relaying the right information and the student listening to learn. A student may be allowed to ask a question for clarification but not a challenging question. True learning has taken place if the student can apply the information or convincingly pass on the correct knowledge to another person.

Valuing the question

However, more and more educational models are valuing and encouraging the questioning process. Teachers encourage open-ended questions, multiple options and thinking outside the box. Answers are sometimes intentionally withheld in order to allow for discovery. The process of discovery often is as important as the final outcome.

Would you rather be given questions that allow self-discovery of a truth or have a teacher lay out a solid case of evidence, which is to be accepted unquestioningly as truth? Which truth will you most likely make a part of your life and practice? People do tend to own what they have questioned, tested, discovered and applied. When a person owns an idea or truth, it is much more likely to become a vital part of the person.

A real danger of teaching without asking questions is answering questions no one is asking.

Answering questions no one is asking

A parent is taken aback when a young child asks, "Where did I come from?” "Well, honey it's like this . . .” and a simplified lesson on "the birds and the bees” follows. A bit bewildered the child responds, "Oh, I just wondered because Johnny says he came from Oklahoma.”

Have you ever been caught answering a question based on an assumption of what the person wanted or needed to know? The best way to avoid inappropriate answers is to answer a question with a question. For example, the where-did-I-come-from question could be met with a simple, "What brought that question to mind?” Presto! Clarification accomplished! Embarrassment for the parent and confusion for the child are both avoided.

Answering questions no one is asking is a very real danger in Christian circles. Because we are confident of the biblical answer for spiritual needs, it is tempting to focus on what Randy Newman, author of Questioning Evangelism, calls the content/persuasion mode. After finding a person who does not believe in Jesus Christ as God's Son and Savior and we then develop an indisputable mountain of evidence to ensure a conviction and a conversion.

Often the next step is to try to convince the person that our answer is the answer to his or her question. However, that individual is the only real expert on what spiritual questions cause sleepless nights; what questions about Christianity raise anger, doubts or fear; what questions need to be answered make sense of life.

Approaching a nonbeliever with an emphasis on relationship/understanding is Newman's reason for starting with asking questions that move a person in a Christ-ward direction. The task is to make sure these questions are ones people are actually asking. The best way to find out what questions people are asking is to ask!

Asking questions in evangelism

Professional and life coaching uses powerful questions to help a person self-discover what next steps are needed and then assists in developing a plan of action. Those same skills are applied to evangelism in The Coach Approach to Evangelism developed by On Purpose Ministries and The Wesleyan Church. (Saturday, May 6 from 9:00am to 2:30pm I will be conducting a workshop at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church in Marion, Indiana. A $10 pre-registration for a 70-page workbook and lunch can be sent it to Rev. Bob VanCise c/o Brookhaven Wesleyan Church 2960 E 38th Street Marion, IN 46953.)

The workbook highlights Jesus pattern of asking people thought-provoking questions: "What do you think?” (Matthew 18:12). Parables often have a built in question that the story answers. Questions expose hidden agendas: "Why do you call me good?” (Luke 6:46). Questions go from general to specific: "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” to "Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-15). Questions expose priorities: "What does it profit. . . .” (Matthew 16:26). Questions call for action: "Will you lay down your life for me?” (John 13:38).

A rightly worded question can minimize defensiveness. Questions help expose underlying assumptions, which need to be addressed before the person can move on. Answering a question with a question shows a desire to understand and reduces the risk of ending in a win-lose situation. Questions increase interpersonal understanding and build trusting relationships. After all the evangelism goal is more than winning a lost soul. It is also gaining a brother or sister in Christ, who will become a part of the family of faith.

Growing Up Is So Very Hard to Do (April 20, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Spring is bursting out all around me today with tulips, daffodils, dandelions, dogwood trees and very soon, my personal favorite--lilacs. Given adequate sunlight, water and nutrients, these natural beauties effortlessly grow up and mature through their life cycles. Even the animal kingdom, including humans physically grow quite effortlessly under normal conditions with proper nutrition and nurture.

Ah, if only growing up spiritually could be so easy. But it is so very hard to do or at least the method God often uses is hard. Romans 5:3 assures us that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character; and character, hope. James 1:4 follows the same reasoning: the testing our faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work in order to be mature and complete. The Living Bible begins that verse with a command to not try to squirm out of our problems!

Trying to squirm out of problems is so much easier than standing firm in the face of problems. As much as we might hope to mature spiritually without suffering, trials, testing, etc. our best hope seems to be persevering through them. Perseverance is not only a passive coping mechanism, but can also become an active problem-solving tool. Evangelist C.H. Spurgeon observed that by perseverance the snail reached the ark. Norman Vincent Peale recognizes that nothing of value in life comes easily.

When our one-year-old granddaughter fixes her eye on something, she works hard at overcoming obstacles. Big wooden chairs started as barriers to keep her away from the dog food and floor length vertical blinds. Now she crawls over to a chair and with one hand pushes it aside (as she has seen us do) enough to crawl through. A coffee table is easy to crawl under or around to get to the CD rack.

Our kitchen cabinet doors do not have knobs to rubber band them together to stay shut. They are fairly easy to open by putting your fingers under the edge. Little fingers have found out just how easy they can be opened. Hannah has chosen this as her new test of perseverance.

Since we know there are potentially harmful things in the cupboards, we are persevering in firmly saying no-no or trying to distract her or occasionally flicking her fingers. Our perseverance is being tested and it appears our obstacles and limitations are testing hers. Hopefully we will all develop stronger character and be more mature through it.

Perseverance is a valuable tool in growing up. Philosopher, Jean Jacques Rousseau commented, "to endure is the first thing that a child ought to learn, and that which he will have the most need to know.” Babies need it, new believers need it and football players need it. As a Packer fan I appreciate Vince Lombardi's observation: It's not whether you get knocked down. It's whether you get up again.

Reaching a desired goal requires learning to delay gratification and persevering to the end result. As we observed a couple weeks ago, waiting is an important life-skill, especially if waiting brings a desired outcome. What parent hasn't offered a cookie as an incentive to first eat the vegetables or offered a trip to the zoo if a star is earned for good behavior each day. Throughout life we are faced with choices between getting a little now and getting much more later. Little children who are given an allowance begin to learn that they can either spend it every week on a small trinket or a larger prize can be bought if they wait and save up several weeks. Vacation time is based on that principle. I work six months in order to get two weeks vacation. I can persevere through sexual temptation until the wedding night in order to have a pure, committed marriage relationship.

Delayed gratification is essential to our spiritual development. However, it is not an easy lesson to learn. Consider the miraculous stories we read in the Bible. What do we teach our children to expect from prayer? What does a new Christian do the first time a miracle does not bring deliverance? What happens if the expected answer to prayer never comes or comes as an apparent negative?

Many infant believers who received Christ under the illusion that Believers are exempt from tragedy or are guaranteed immediate answers to prayer have lost faith. The seed that sprouted among the thorns is compared to one who received the Word, but allows the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth to choke it out. This is not what I expected!

But that need not be the case. A strong example of faith growing up through perseverance and patience is Joseph in Genesis 37-50. Based on some dreams Joseph believed that God was going to make him a ruler over his brothers. Perhaps he thought it would happen quickly, without any struggle.

Little did he know that reaching that goal would lead through betrayal and rejection by those brothers, slavery and false accusations in a foreign country and even prison. Yet, how it happened did not seem to deter Joseph's faith that it would happen. Persistence and delaying gratification kept him trusting God until his dream came true.

Some might downplay Joseph's spiritual growth by saying that he had no choice but to wait. While it may be true his situation was due to circumstances beyond his control, it is also true that he was in control of how he chose to respond to his circumstances. He could just as easily have become bitter. He could have given up on God. He could have withdrawn from people and not asked the cupbearer and baker for help. He could have refused to help and forgive his brothers.

However, Joseph's proof of spiritual maturity is not in simply enduring through his hardships and being a nice person in the end, but in how his hardships shaped his view of how God works. By seeing God's over-all plan, Joseph was able to say with confidence, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (50:20).

We all wish we could see the ultimate outcome of our trials and be able to prove that God intended it for good. Yet, if we take the whole Scripture we have to include the people at the end of the faith chapter--Hebrews 11 who were commended for their faith, but did not receive what had been promised.

Persistence and delayed gratification are not guarantees that everything will end happily-ever-after in our lifetime. Eternity may be the only time we see how everything fits together in the big picture. Compared to this lifetime though, eternity is more than sufficient time to marvel at God's amazing grace and faithfulness. By faith we can begin marveling while we persevere.

Dying to Live Again (April 13, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

On this Maundy Thursday our thoughts turn to remembering the last supper and what would follow. As Jesus sat down for the Passover meal, he begins with, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." He knew what was ahead: betrayal, arrest, trial, suffering beatings, dying on the cross, burial and triumphantly rising again. This Last Supper began his process of dying to live again.

Unlike us, he knew what would be involved in fulfilling his destiny. As a believer in Jesus Christ, we know our ultimate destiny, but we do not know what will happen to get us there. Frodo in J.R.R. Tolkein's Lord of the Rings trilogy states, "You may know, or guess what kind of tale it is, happy-ending or sad-ending, but the people in it don't know. And you don't want them to."

While we are living the day-to-day events of life, it is impossible know how it will end. Yet in his book, To Be Told, Dan Allender advocates reflecting on your life as a story with characters, themes, plot twists and a yet unwritten ending. Reflecting on life is a typical exercise for people in the Wednesday or Thursday phase of life. Questions come to the surface such as: What have I done so far? What might I yet accomplish? Is this who I wanted to become? What do I need to do now to influence how the story will end?

At the risk of sounding morbid again, I have discovered that one major theme of my life is facing grief and loss. Although I do not remember it, I am told that two days short of my third birthday I stood with my aunt beside my beloved grandfather as he drew his last breath in a hospital bed in our living room. The story goes that I giggled at the sound of the death rattle.

Between ages six and twelve my other three grandparents died. As the youngest of five children with fourteen years between the oldest and myself, I experienced numerous good byes of siblings going to college, leaving home to work, getting married, moving long distances away. In addition, my parents were older, so much of my pre-college time was spent with adults their age or visiting older relatives and friends in nursing homes.

When I was a young thirty-six and forty-one both my father and mother had died. Between those years I had two Clinical Pastoral Education units at a nursing home and had become a pastor. In a ten-year span of the sixteen years pastoring at one church, over twenty-five members or regular attenders died. That neither includes officiating at or attending the funerals of extended family and friends of church people, as well as community people, nor the many other types of life losses and grief issues.

Most people do not "do death and loss" and I probably wouldn't choose to, but given this set of circumstances, I wanted to use my story to help others and glorify God. One way has been to recently become a Hospice volunteer. Part of the training included a lengthy questionnaire concerning my experiences, beliefs and fears of death. Like many others I do not so much fear the moment of death, as dread (fear) the yet unknown process leading up to it.

While the process varies widely, there are tell-tale signs of active dying. I noticed a striking similarity between the experiences of a person who is physically dying and the experiences of a person dying to sin and self-will. Neither death is easy. Yet both types of dying are necessary, if we are to live again.

As the physical body begins to shut down, a person often begins to disconnect with his or her surroundings. In the last weeks of my mother's life it was so apparent as her interest in grandchildren's activities waned. Her love did not change, but her focus shifted. News in the community or mail became of little consequence. Even the weather became a non-issue. Previously everything would come to a stand still to watch or listen to the weather four times a day. It was a matter of survival on the farm.

In our death to sin and self-will, there is also a growing sense of disconnect with the values and beliefs of this world. We can hear that in the chorus, "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." Apostle Paul realized, "Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him" (Philippians 3:8-9a, MSG).

Another difficult task of dying is learning to let go. One is forced to give up controlling daily events and schedules, making decisions, and finally the bodily functions. Losing control and dignity is often the biggest fear in the dying process. The essence of physical death is surrendering control to the natural processes and the care of others.

Dying to sin involves surrendering control of all areas of life to God's Spirit. The distinction between being controlled by sin and being controlled by the Spirit is highlighted in Romans 7-8. "Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you" (8:8-9 NIV).

The reality of dying to live again is expressed in Romans 6:4b, ". . . just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Without a death, there can be no resurrection.

Great Awakenings: Part One (March 9, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Sleeping Beauty had a great awakening with a kiss from a handsome prince. Rip Van Winkle had a great awakening following a twenty-year sleep from drinking ale. (There is temperance lesson for you).

Tennessee police officer Gary Dockery, who was injured in a shooting, was unconscious from 1988-1996. He suddenly had a great awakening, began telling jokes and recounting winter camping trips for eighteen hours. After that he was more alert, but never that conversant again. A blood clot in his lung claimed his life about a year later.

Buffalo, New York, firefighter Donald Herbert, brain injured since 1995 from a collapsed roof, had a great awakening on May 5, 2005. After a decade of near total silence, he responded to some new medication by chatting with his wife, children and friends getting caught up on life for fourteen hours. He was most amazed at the growth of his youngest son, who had been four at the time of the accident. When he awakened from the thirty hour deep sleep that followed, he had other infrequent moments of clarity, but died February 21, 2006 from pneumonia.

An even greater medical miracle, or some would say tragedy, is captured in the movie, Awakenings, which is based on the documentary and nonfiction book, written by Dr. Oliver Sacks by the same title. In the early 1920's an epidemic caused encephalitis lethargica. Those, who did not die during the acute comatose stage, awakened to find their bodies twisted and often in a near catatonic state similar to advanced Parkinson's disease.

Dr Sacks was assigned to "work" with these patients in a mental hospital. In 1969 he gave them a then-new medication called L-dopa used with actual Parkinson's patients. Many of the patients had a great awakening. Personalities burst forth. Great intellects and interests such as dancing came out of hiding. For a period of time they experienced life as they had left it. Tragically the medication had a short effectiveness, and many reverted to the prior state or worse.

Far more prevalent, than having a personality and life hidden behind a body that will not express it, is having a body that functions normally in all ways, but hidden inside is a soul that is in a deep coma. These souls may be male or female, from any race, walk of life, marital status and increasingly younger ages.

The outward body may function as a dynamic, successful, business person or pastor or teacher or parent. They "sleep-walk" well in public, while inside there is a hollow, empty, even robotic numbness. Although very few even notice, if you look closely, a vacant look in the eyes may betray the facade.

The internal comatose state is hidden for good reason, especially among Christians. Yes, many will be Christian in the fullest, most orthodox sense of the term. This "soul coma" does not disappear automatically with salvation. There remains a need for deep healing from deep wounding. Wounds to the soul may result from accumulated or sudden catastrophic losses, rejection, betrayal, lack of giving or receiving forgiveness, anger over injustice, jealousy, distrust and disillusionment to name just a few.

Steven Arterburn, author of Healing is a Choice: Ten Decisions That Will Transform Your Life and Ten Lies that Can Prevent You from Making Them, notes some of the reasons (lies) for hiding the need for healing and outlines a plan for opening our lives to God's divine touch. This healing is more than physical, though physical problems can be part of it. For example, depression may have its root in a physiological chemical imbalance in the brain, as well as traumatic life events. In these cases medication often helps, but may not be enough.

Christian comic, Chonda Pierce uses her struggle with menopausal depression as grist for her stand-up routine. Although she takes medication, she is honest to admit that she still struggles through some very dark times. Here are some excerpts from a devotional for Life Outreach International:

"Again and again I found myself face down on the carpet. I didn't want to see or talk to anyone. I couldn't put my finger on what drove me to the pit of despair, so the doctors did blood work and studied my body chemistry. They told me I was clinically depressed. Christians shouldn't be depressed, I thought, especially not Christian comedians. . . I decided comedy must be over for me. I would never be able to laugh again. . . . It feels like you have slammed into the darkest night of your soul. . . . I learned it was okay to admit that I was depressed." Admitting a soul need can be humiliating. Steve Arterburn notes that pride among Christians is often the biggest barrier to choosing healing. When a person experiences a dark night of the soul (not all dark nights are depression), pride can put up all sorts of defenses and arguments to keep it hidden. "What will people think? No one else at church experiences this. A good Christian would get over this by praying and praising more. Working harder in the church will keep people from noticing. Really everything is fine."

Breaking through denial and pride are powerful first steps in moving toward a great awakening. Admitting a need to God and ourselves is a hard enough step, but being vulnerable enough to share it with another person, especially in the church, can be terrifying. Fortunately for Chonda the first person she risked telling responded in a caring manner. Arterburn challenges the church to become an accepting community so the deeply wounded will risk shattering their pride and come out of hiding into healing.

Over the next few weeks we will look at the next steps that will lead to a great awakening. The ongoing process may be long and painful, but the excitement and joy of having new life is worth it.

Feel free to share what you have found helpful in a time of the dark night of the soul. Chonda Pierce shares, "I took small steps and made small choices until I could make bigger ones. God has honored and met me at every step and every choice, and He helped me to get to the next step, then the next and the next."

I really enjoy your Thursday e-mails. The last one especially was just amazing. I've never read anything that so clearly separated some of the main strands of Christian thought over the last few centuries and wove them into such a coherent treatment without once falling victim to "theologese" or lack of respect for other traditions. What a wonderful way to bring philosophy and faith together. BT

You make some very, very good points! Thanks so much for putting me on your email list. I like this series. It's like getting an extra sermon during the week! JW

Great Awakenings: Part Two (March 16, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

When faced with a "dark night of the soul" often Christians, especially Christian leaders "keep on keeping on" to save face, the Asian concept that mandates safeguarding personal and family honor. Fear of having the health of their soul reflect badly on the power of Christ to transform a life keeps the facade in place. What will other people say if they knew I was dying inside?

Please do not misunderstand. Their salvation through Christ is not a façade. It is genuine and very real. The facade is more related the plastic smile that implies "and now I am happy all the day" . . . every day . . . every hour . . . every minute . . . every second . . . every situation . . . every tragedy. In some Christian circles, it actually seems more honorable for a person to be in a physical coma than a coma of a deeply wounded soul. More people pray for you and fewer people preach to you, "If you were a better Christian, you wouldn't feel this way and you could be a more believable witness."

The importance of honesty

Risking the fallout of what other people will think, a person seeking a great awakening begins by humbly admitting that "keep on keeping on" is no longer an option. With a deep sigh of release, a hopeful cry ascends to God. At least one other person is entrusted to share in that walk through the night. Darkness seems less ominous with someone along, such as a spouse, a trusted friend, a counselor or a coach. One other important step needs to be seeing a physician to make sure there is not a physiological aspect to be addressed at the same time.

For the most part "dark nights of the soul" come after a significant loss or losses. That loss may involve a loss of a loved one through death or divorce or military service or advanced Alzheimer's, or prison or a physical move or anything that severs or greatly changes the previous relationship. Personal internal losses are harder to explain, because they are not tangible losses. A loss of identity, loss of reputation, loss of trust, loss of a dream, loss of an expected future or loss of ___________________ (you fill in the blank) are just as real and devastating.

The importance of grief

As with any loss it becomes necessary to grieve (what you feel) and mourn (what you do). Have you heard any of these bits of comfort and advice to the grieving?

"It was God's will" or "It was meant to be."

"They are better off" or "You are better off."

"Get over it" or "Get on with it."

"Just keep busy" or "Just get out there again."

As well meaning as these folks might be, these quick fixes can actually delay the genuine healing process. It does make the comforter feel better, because the mourner appears back to normal. Appearances can be deceiving. The real double edge sword is when grief and mourning are quickly pushed aside because it hurts too much. Then months later, when typically people would be making some progress in adjusting to the loss, this person is hit like a ton of bricks. Now people really don't understand. "You were doing so well. What happened?" What happened was the facade of "I'm fine" fell off.

Unresolved grief and mourning will resurface in one manner or another. There are many great books about grief and loss, so the focus here is on taking the next steps toward the goal of a great awakening after a significant loss. It is much like a resurrection after death. In fact when I shared my first experience of a great awakening with Jim, he said, "It's like you've been resurrected." And it was. There was a renewed sense of life and purpose, as well as a spiritual stirring that is like a fresh, invigorating breeze flowing through a room that has been shut up all winter.

Let me be honest. It took six months to reach that awakening and another time almost a year. So we are not looking at a quick fix or an easy road. We are looking at being authentic Christians inside and out.

Let me also offer a disclaimer. Everyone's journey will not be like mine. Different personalities, situations or backgrounds may find other steps more helpful. But if you are denying the reality of a wounded soul, avoiding the hard work of mourning or have no specific plan in mind, I encourage you to at least try. Remember that getting there is worth the effort, and the journey there may be equally meaningful.

The importance of silence

A next step toward a great awakening is silence. No, that is not a joke. Since awakenings and healing of the soul are prompted by the Spirit of God, we must first tune into God's voice frequency, which is our silence. The Psalmist wisely states, "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10).

Being still is more than turning off the noisy TV, DVDs, CDs, computer or radio. It is more than a peacefully quiet setting. It is more than not speaking. It is even more than daily "time alone with God" because most of that time is spent praying and reading Scripture but rarely ever silently listening.

According to Keith Drury's book, With Unveiled Faces, "Silence is abstaining from sound in order to open our spiritual ears and listen more closely to the voice of God. God seldom speaks loudly. He usually speaks in a ‘still small voice'" (I Kings 19:12 KJV).

It is rightly called a spiritual discipline, because it does take discipline. Silence will not happen naturally. A person begins by deliberately seeking out or making moments of silence, such as turning off the radio in the car or at lunch time taking a walk alone, instead of chatting with co-workers.

Do not feel discouraged or defeated if you do not come away from your first experiences with silence without hearing the voice of God or having a great awakening. This is just the beginning of the journey. Several next steps follow.

Comment

Thanks for the helpful information. I can affirm everything you had to share from my experience of losing (my wife) and my subsequent health issues. It is easy to have your confidence shaken when things don't go the way you think they should. Thanks for sharing the good word! JG

Great Awakenings: Part Three (March 23, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Things that go together: love and marriage; horse and carriage; soup and sandwich; silence and solitude. While you can have one without the other, all the couplets do go well together. In taking steps toward a great awakening from a "dark night of the soul" after a significant loss or losses, silence and solitude go together.

Silence

Finding a sliver of silence in our noisy environments often must be intentional. This silence even goes beyond the absence of noise. It is active listening to God's Spirit and our own resources. Small increments of silence are a start, but often it can take twenty minutes or more for a full, overactive mind to wind down to a place of listening silence.

Keeping a small notebook handy can be helpful for quickly jotting down reminders to do later. This helps empty the mind and allows more time for listening. Another tool is relaxing with slow breathing and repeating a focusing phrase such as, "Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior" in rhythm with inhaling and exhaling. Some find this helpful, others find it too much like a mantra.

A wide cross-section of people is probably thinking, "What fairy-tale world do you live in?" Even the idea of small amounts of silence seems impractical or impossible. For those who are so production oriented, silence seems like just a big waste of time. There is nothing to "show" for the time spent. However, an honest time assessment of a typical week may uncover surprising windows of opportunity.

Finding time for silence

Obvious openings are as simple as turning off the TV for an hour, going for a walk alone, going to a quiet corner in a library, but not getting a book. Using the space reserved for time alone with God can be helpful, but set aside the Bible and devotional book. Again, keep a notebook handy just for writing down fleeting thoughts or impressions, but don't get distracted from listening.

Perhaps go to bed an hour early or wake up an hour before rising to lie in silence and meditation. Perhaps go to work early or stay late, but set aside the work. One solution for busy parents would be to find another parent who would be willing to exchange times of watching each other's children. A sacrificial solution may be to once a week use time normally given to working on a hobby, recreation or shopping. Where there is a will, there is a way.

More than not having time for silence, many dread the loneliness of silence. A friend shared how he and his wife sometimes sit beside each other reading without any TV or other noise. His younger niece reacted with, "I couldn't stand that. I'd go crazy without any sound."

Solitude

Silence most often is partnered with solitude, which focuses on being with God alone. A person can enjoy solitude without silence such as reading, praying, listening to music or sermons. However my most beneficial times of solitude have included extended times of silence. Some find the idea of intentional solitude even more frightening than silence. German theologian, author, then professor at Union Theological Seminary, Harvard, and Divinity School of University of Chicago, Paul Tillich noted, "Our language has wisely sensed the two sides of being alone. It has created the word -loneliness- to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word -solitude- to express the glory of being alone." If the intent of silence and solitude is to tune in with our spiritual ears and deepen our relationship with God, there is no need to feel pain, loneliness or fear. Perhaps it would be helpful to think in terms of going on a special date with God. When you are in love, it can be just as comfortable to sit in silence together as sharing an activity. Being in the presence of one who delights and desires to be alone together with you takes away the need of performing, pretending or entertaining.

Finding a place for solitude

Not often enough, but occasionally I have gone on a 24-hour personal spiritual retreat. At times, a friend and I would go to the same place, eat meals together, but otherwise remain alone with the Lord. Some churches even incorporate mental and spiritual renewal days into the pastoral package above and beyond the day off and vacation time. Not only does this demonstrate an understanding of the leader's need for ongoing, personal renewal, but also the value and importance of pastoral work.

However, personal spiritual retreats are not limited to clergy. Check with Catholic churches, which often will have a list of retreat centers. Some Christian campgrounds offer "get away" rooms for little or no cost. A friend may have a cottage or vacation home available. Or perhaps you choose to stay home and arrange places for the other family members, if you can stay focused. Again, where there is a will, there is a way.

Times of silence and solitude may or may not prompt a great awakening. More than likely they are steps along the way. During a period of solitude for several hours, I experienced a very tangible affirmation of God's warming presence surrounding me, reassuring me, "I love-you-as-you- are." Another time I had an "awake vision" that brought great peace, understanding and direction in the midst of questioning. Every period of silence and solitude brings a spiritual refreshing, remembering the never-changing truth that events of life neither define me, nor change my identity in Christ.

Perhaps things like these would happen in some other way and some other context. However, rather than competing with our agendas and schedules, God most often waits patiently until we yield the floor and are willing to listen undistracted. Giving our relationship with God priority over all the noisy distractions and all the people demands are huge steps toward a needed great awakening.

Great Awakenings: Part Four (March 30, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Seize the day. Strike while the iron is hot. Don't let the grass grow under your feet. Just do it. Buy now, pay later. All these adages and slogans emphasize the general distaste for waiting. Everyone wants life to unfold smoothly, according to an uninterrupted time table.

Science and technology continually try to find ways to make waiting a thing of the past. Zapping a frozen entrée in a microwave for a few minutes replaces spending hours harvesting, cleaning, preparing and slow-cooking food. A commercial with two turtles discussing their dislike for high speed internet depict the "old-fashioned" mentality. Better must be faster, more convenient, more efficient, more time saving. Yet, why does modern life seem to be "the hurrier I go, the behinder I get?"

As we are working our way toward a spiritual, mental and emotional great awakening following a dark night of the soul, we have seen the value of silence and solitude in focusing on God and being with God as a priority. However, they also become a key preparation for the next step, which is probably the most difficult in the process because it has no predetermined or predictable end point.

Waiting

Waiting, not only for God to move, but also for life's circumstances to change after a significant loss, can seem like an eternity. The biblical accounts are full of times of waiting: Noah waited in the ark for the water to recede; the children of Israel waited in slavery for a deliverer, then wandered and waited in the wilderness for forty years, waited seventy years in exile, and waited four hundred years between the last words of Malachi and the opening scenes of the birth of Jesus. Jesus waited through forty days of fasting in the wilderness. Then the disciples waited from the Friday afternoon crucifixion until the Sunday morning resurrection, waited in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to come on the day of Pentecost and often waited in prison or for a trial not knowing for sure about the outcome.

Waiting is often due to circumstances beyond our control, but at times like the wilderness wandering, the waiting is very much our responsibility. Other times waiting is just a natural part of life and often is a sign of maturity. Infants go from waiting for a diaper change to waiting to get into the bathroom in time. Think back to the early childhood days of learning to wait for a turn on the swings; or elementary days of raising a hand and waiting to be called on; or being 14 and waiting to be able to get behind the wheel of a car, even if only with a learner's permit; or waiting to get up to bat during a tournament game or go on stage during a program.

All kinds of waiting

Even joyful waiting such as anticipating opening Christmas presents, going to Disneyland, watching a Packer game or expecting a baby can be nearly unbearable. Waiting for acceptance to a university or job of choice is nerve-wracking but probably not the end of the world. Jim remembers the afternoon of the draft "lottery" during the Viet Nam war, when guys gathered around the lounge television in the dorm waiting to see if their birthday was drawn first or 366th. His was 362 and the outcome had a very different effect on his life than those with smaller numbers. For many of them it literally was the beginning of the end of their world and their lives.

Fearful waiting can be a few days until medical test results come back or sitting for hours, days, weeks, even months with a loved one who has a terminal illness or even years of looking for a runaway or kidnapped person. Just this morning an eighty-two day wait ended positively for the family of journalist Jill Carroll, when she was safely released from her Iraqi captors. So if you were waiting at your computer early this morning to read Thursday Thoughts, you realize that this timely late-breaking news story would not be included if this was sent out as scheduled.

The recent case of Tanya Nichole Kach's reappearance and reunion with her family after ten years of being held virtually hostage, spurs the hope of others who continue to wait. Yet, too many others do eventually learn of the tragic fate of their missing loved ones. Perhaps even worse though than knowing for sure, good or bad, are those who never know. There is no body, no communication and no explanation. Time go by without ever knowing if they are dead or alive. Hope rises and falls, but never fully gives up.

Value of waiting

It is this state of waiting and hoping that presents a double edged sword. On one hand it can bring out the worst in people: fear, worry, near paralysis, wasted time and energy, frustration, anger, road rage even murder. Yet waiting can also become one of the greatest tools to develop rich character. Viewing waiting as a real type of "suffering" read Romans 5:3-5, "We also rejoice in our suffering, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." That sustaining love is often all that supports a person during the dark night of the soul while waiting for a great awakening.

Waiting can actually have great value. Job's friends demonstrated more comfort and wisdom waiting in silence with him after his devastating losses than in their impatient scolding, preaching and reasoning. Waiting to speak would avoid many cases of "foot in mouth" disease. Waiting can become a wise teacher, if the student is willing. Here are some questions to ponder that can help maximize the value of waiting: how did this situation happen, what could have been different, what can be learned, how will next time be different, how can this make me more Christ-like, who can help through this, who can be helped through this?

Waiting is not the same as idleness or giving up. Certainly there is a time to stop praying and start moving. (More on that next Thursday.) Every resource available should be used to move through a waiting period. Yet a huge part of waiting is learning the twelve-step truth, "let go and let God." Recognizing a total dependence on God's timing, God's will, God's purposes, God's instruction, God's provision brings both humility and peace. Psalm 37:1-11 gives valuable next steps while waiting such as not fretting, not envying, refraining from anger, as well as trusting in the Lord, delighting in the Lord, committing your way to the Lord and most important, "be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;" (verse 7a).

Although fast forwarding though the waiting time may be tempting, it is often impossible and always inadvisable. Waiting is not easy, but nothing of real value ever is.

Comments

Please subscribe me to your weekly emails. I just read the "Great Awakenings" article from March 9. It encouraged me in my present sermon series on forgiveness and bitterness. MH

I really enjoyed your "Silence and Solitude" message. It was so good to read during Lent. It's a kind of worship we often forget or neglect, and Lent is a wonderful time to learn its value all over again. BT

Great Awakenings: Part Five (April 6, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Our grandchildren, Micah and Hannah, are both approaching their first birthdays: April 15 and April 23. Please indulge this still very new grandmother. Watching our grandchildren develop this first year has reinforced the important reality of baby steps. Although, neither are walking quite yet, everything they have done from grasping and manipulating objects, to rolling over, to sitting up, to crawling, to pulling up, to walking around things have all involved baby steps.

While it may seem that some new abilities come from random trial and error, it is my observation that there are a whole lot of nearly imperceptible baby steps involved in moving from action A to action B. Sitting quietly and watching closely I can almost see the infant mental wheels turning, calculating, reasoning, weighing options, instructing the body to move, assessing the outcome, taking note of what works and what doesn't, making any necessary adjustments, learning from any dangerous outcomes, learning when to ask for help and when to let go and take off.

These baby steps were most evident when Hannah first learned to climb up and over one sofa cushion, which we had strategically placed to keep her away from a shelf of books. The first day it stopped her with no problem. But something was different the second day. Instead of just resigning herself to frustrating limitations, she got this intense look of concentration on her face and very slowly got one knee up on the cushion. With very little effort, she was up on all fours on top of the cushion and quickly crawled across to the other side.

Now, how to get down from this huge six inch height? With a very deliberate, calculated outstretched hand she reached down and forward until she felt the floor. Quickly the rest of her followed to go crawling off to the book shelf. After a stifled grandma laugh, re-enacting it for posterity on the video camera, we put two cushions down for a barrier. So far, so good!

Baby steps toward a great awakening

Great awakenings are very similar to infant learning. Rarely do they happen like a bolt out of the blue, although it has seemed that way to me at times. People speak of them in terms of dramatic inspirations, bold new directions and powerful mega-shifts, but a closer look would more likely find incremental, almost undetectable baby steps long before the dawning.

During times of silence, solitude, and waiting (last three Thursday Thoughts) the idea of a dawning may seem to be an unreachable goal. While living through a dark night of the soul, one day can seem to slowly crawl into the next with very little to show but the barest of routine survival, if even that much. The baby steps may be so small as to not even be noticeable to the individual, yet over time an accumulation of minute mental, emotional, social and spiritual shifts come together in one great movement forward. Attitudes, perceptions, understandings, desires, hopes and dreams can be "transformed" over a seemingly never-ending period of days, weeks, months, even years.

Hinderances to baby steps: fear

As an infant becomes more and more independent in moving around and self-determined in making choices about the next steps, there are real dangers. Parents and grandparents either "kid proof" the house or learn creative ways to distract, redirect or just say no. Along with the real dangers of electrical sockets, ingesting the minutest crumb found behind the couch or pulling hot or breakable things off a table, there are things that appear frightening from a infant perspective that are really not dangerous.

Fear not or do not be afraid are the most common commands in scripture because there are many situations that warrant the emotion of fear. Yet, God can help us take baby steps in overcoming reality based fears. Certainly He is able to deal with the fears we face due to our own misperceptions or misunderstandings. Unhealthy, unfounded fear is only one danger that can keep a person from moving through the dark of night to embrace the great awakening.

More hinderances to baby steps: indifference and impatience

Two other dangers are actually different sides of the same coin--indifference and impatience. On the one hand an infant (or adult) can become so content that they really do not care if circumstances change or not. Like an infant, adults can become comfortable and actually expect to be held, cuddled, protected from all harm and rescued from any hardship. Wearing the label of helpless victim, who is viewed as incapable of moving forward without help at every turn can have benefits. The down side is that motivation to initiate difficult, but necessary change can be very low.

The Gospel of John chapter 5 records Jesus asking the invalid of 38 years who was sitting beside the healing pool called Bethesda, "Do you want to be well?" At first that seems like a cruel question to ask someone who is incapable of getting into the pool alone. Yet it is a real question that every person in a dark night must eventually face. Dependence and despair can easily lead to an indifference that gives up completely. A friend, counselor or coach may have to risk asking the tough questions to create a healthy sense of discontent.

While some remain paralyzed with indifference, others experience the danger of impatience. Likewise, while some infants are too cautious to try, others are too adventurous to stop in the face of real danger. Instead of seeking help, learning from other's example or waiting to take intermediate baby steps, the impatient ones crash and burn again and again. Even while groping around in the dark night of the soul, they think doing something, even something detrimental is better than doing nothing at all. We call this learning the hard way.

Finding the balance for the next steps

Solo walking takes finding a delicate balance of side to side and forward and backward momentum. Coming to the edge of a great awakening breakthrough also takes a delicate balance of cautious adventure; watching and listening, seeking help and going alone, waiting patiently and moving ahead.

Who's in your car? (March 2, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

"Jesus is My Co-Pilot" is a dangerous statement on car vanity plates for two reasons.

First, many cars that display that testimony have drivers who act like the devil. Jesus must be asleep in the passenger's seat or chatting idly with the driver, not noticing the driving. It is not a very good Christian witness to advertise that Jesus is in the car and then to act as if he is nowhere to be found.

Secondly, the term "co-pilot" is a misrepresentation of the intended relationship between Jesus, God's Son and humans. Typically words like co-president, co-director, co-pastor, co-anything indicate a sense of nearly equal ability and responsibility. Either one can cover in the absence of the other and advise each other. In the case of the airplane, it is the pilot who actually flies the plane and the co-pilot double checks settings and monitors gauges. In case of an emergency, the co-pilot would swing into action.

Perhaps that is how many people treat Jesus after all. He is there to give an a-okay for the over-all trip and then settles back for the ride while they drive. He's nice to have along as a traveling companion; even more so if there is a detour and the map needs to be read or if there is an accident and miraculous help is needed.

Servant Deity

As long as things are going along smoothly, the journey of life goes on for them pretty much as it does for those who do not claim to have Jesus as their co-pilot. Why do drivers even need a co-pilot when there are no problems? For folks with this attitude, Jesus becomes the all-purpose personal trouble-shooter. God is viewed as a servant deity, whose primary purpose is to defend, protect and prosper them as believers in Jesus.

Life with Jesus is expected to be free from delays, wrong turns, other irritating drivers or accidents. According to "Jesus is My Co-pilot" people, my recent accident would be seen as Jesus failing to do the co-pilot's job. God would be blamed. Couldn't God have stopped the accident? Didn't God care? If God really loved me and was in my car, how could He let this happen? On and on the questions can go.

Or the blame would be placed on me for not turning things over to the co-pilot in time of trouble. Ironically, on that trip more than any other, I specifically asked God more than once, "Please keep me away from everybody and everybody away from me." Crash! Then the "if only" recording starts. If only I had left sooner. If only I had stopped for gas. If only I would have had more faith as I prayed.

When bad things happen, someone has to be blamed. Books titles such as This Isn't the Life I Signed Up For or Disappointment with God reflect that typical struggle with unanswered prayer or unmet expectations. Both books move the reader beyond this elementary view of God as servant deity. Likewise the Westminster Shorter Catechism affirms that the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever--not the other way around.

Sovereign dictator

Of course, not everyone views Jesus as the co-pilot. Some have put Jesus-God squarely in the driver's seat as the sovereign dictator. The route is already charted, the detours and obstacles are already known by God, plus what all the other cars on the road are going to do. On this journey of life, the passenger is just along for the ride. There is no need to question or suggest or think. Everything will happen as it is intended to happen.

No matter what happens God has seen fit for it to happen. Nothing anyone says or does will change the plan. References such as Job 42:2 NIV "No plan of yours (God) can be thwarted." and Proverbs 16:9 NLT "We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps."

From this perspective God designed for me to be in an accident five weeks ago. Some would go so far as to say that every decision I made that day was part of God's plan and if I'd chosen otherwise, God would still have rearranged things for the accident to happen. In this scenario, every person had made decisions that had them on that interstate at just the right place at the right time. Crash! Hmmmmm?

Sovereign director

Another view of God is as a sovereign director; still very much in the driver's seat; still very much in possession of the master map. But with the director, there is interaction with the passenger, who has willingly surrendered their right to the driver's seat in life. The passengers have free-will; freedom to question (Job), negotiate (Lot), beg to get his or her own way (nation of Israel), seek signs (Gideon) and fail, yet be restored (Peter).

With freedom comes responsibility to be interactive in the journey of life. So in the case of the accident, this view would see me making choices that came together and ended in an accident. While God could have, He chose not to intervene in the natural cause and effect of my choices. Yet, I firmly believe God chose to minimize what the consequences could have been and cared for me even when I didn't realize it.

Both views of God as the sovereign dictator and sovereign director believe that God is the ruler and ultimate authority of the universe. Both see the need of getting in the passenger's seat and giving God the steering wheel of your life. Differences focus on the degree of divine and human involvement in the events of individual lives to nations. Does God cause or allow actions? Or both? Do individuals have no real choice in life or do they have free-will? Can individuals move the hand of God or change the course of history? Does God will evil to happen or is it the natural consequences of a fallen human nature?

Our view of God will greatly influence how we relate with Him, as well as how we view the happenings in our lives and our role in them. Our natural tendency is to ask God "Why did this happen? More productive questions to ask are, "What choices did I make that led to this place? What are you trying to accomplish in and through me by this happening? How is this making more Christ-like. How can I bring glory to you through it?"

Just a note on your column on "regrets". It really hit home for me, it has always bothered me that the things I did 20 or 30 years ago could still cause a wince of pain when I am reminded of them. Even though I can learn from them, I still am bothered by my past. I can't imagine how some people live their lives knowing all the cruel and sometimes criminal things that they have done in the past. I am not bothered by some of those things but its the somewhat insignificant things that can still bring on the "what ifs" that you mentioned. Do the what ifs only serve as a lesson for us or is it meant to spur us into action to right -the -wrong. Sometimes I think that by bringing up old actions it may cause more harm than good. The old saying of "let sleeping dogs lie" has merit. Maybe by realizing how much we cannot correct will cause us to truly realize that we cannot earn our way into God's graces. What is the verse that says something like" pressing on to goal"?? I think you are right on the money that most people are kidding themselves if they didn't second guess the decisions they have made. The Bible even says we should examine ourselves to see if there be any wicked way in us. The person that excuses themselves run the risk of searing their conscience to where nothing bothers them and they stray from the things they know are right. Anyway, thanks for the column, keep up the good points. DT

I'm finding your Thursday's Thoughts "thought provoking." My, my, such deep thoughts! Last week I thought your car incident was an illustration, this week I suspect it really happened! I'm anticipating real down time for reflection but these days I am a procrastinator "par excellence." Sad for a preacher well into her second month of official retirement! DH

Olympic-Size What Ifs (February 23, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Coming to the close of the Olympic games is a perfect venue for considering regrets--what if. Publicly the Olympians will say things like, "I'm just honored to be here." Or, "I did my best and I am satisfied." Privately though, I wonder if most every competitive athlete that does not take home gold wonders "What if?" about at least one thing.

After taking silver and bronze in the 1500-meter speed skating event respectively, both Shani Davis and Chad Hedricks had thoughts of what might have made a difference. Davis cited hesitating an extra second after being called on a false start to avoid a second one and being disqualified. Hedricks commented on his "starting out flat" at the beginning of the race.

Apollo Ohno bumped another skater from behind, nearly fell and wound up being eliminated in the semifinals of the 1,500. He was trying to pass the lead skater even though second place would have advanced to the finals. Figure skaters probably have the widest range of possible what ifs. "What if I had taken more risk, less risk, done a triple combination instead of a double, skated more cleanly or had a different coach or choreographer?"

While most people have at least a few regrets, not everyone does. US skier, Bode Miller, told interviewers after not receiving any medals in his first four events, "It is other people who want me to win medals . . . I could give up tomorrow without having the slightest regret."

Amazingly, Miller has no regrets for being out drinking with friends until midnight the night before the first weekend downhill race or being disqualified when it was ruled that he missed a gate in the first slalom of the men's combined race. Here is his secret to no regrets, "Some people say I make mistakes. I just say that in fact this is the secret of enjoying life. I hate monotony." Interesting philosophy.

Some people on their deathbed have sincerely said, "I have no regrets." While I don't doubt the truthfulness of the statement, it does give me reason to pause. Has this person really lived so perfectly that there is nothing they could have been done better? Has this person never said or done things that caused another person pain at some time in life? Does it make it easier for loved ones to let go, knowing there are no regrets?

Perhaps the statement is meant more for the over-all course of life rather than every detail? If the person is a Christian, perhaps it means there are no regrets in following Christ and knowing that all sins are forgiven (very true!) Yet does having our sins forgiven, erase any regrets for the consequences of the past?

No regrets! That is a state of grace, if that is what it should be called, I don't think I will ever know this side of heaven.

Certainly regrets will never change the present situation. Like the Olympics, life does not have a rewind, do over. What is, is with no arguing about the definition of is. What is decided is decided. What is done is done. What is said is said. Thank God for forgiving us and making it possible for us to forgive others.

Although it was not a spiritual situation my recent accident provided great fuel for "what if" questions. During the ambulance ride my mind began rewinding all the choices made that day that might have led to a different outcome.

That morning I had officiated at the funeral and graveside service for a dear friend of fourteen years. My original plans did not include staying for the family dinner, but at the last minute I changed my mind and am glad I did. On the way I stopped to meet a friend and we talked for an hour rather than the twenty minutes we'd planned. What can I say?

Although needing a pit stop for several reasons, I chose to wait until getting through the Cincinnati traffic. (At least I didn't waste money on gas!) With the I-275 exit coming up, I debated whether to take it, since it was rush hour, even though it is 15 miles longer. I chose not to since traffic seemed to be moving fairly well, except for occasional quick chain reaction stops!

One might wonder if a change in any one or combination of these factors would have changed the outcome. Probably it would have, but if it was changed, how would it be changed? That is the challenge and perhaps futility of too much what if thinking. The new outcome may just as easily be worse, as it may be better.

While asking "what if" cannot change the present, it does have the potential of changing the future. Briefly (emphasis on briefly) looking back can be beneficial IF: it teaches us rather than taunts us; betters us rather than beats us up; sets us free to change rather than fettering us in chains; lets us acknowledge and remedy, if possible, damages done rather than assuming no damage and accepting no responsibility; keeps us motivated in the present rather than keeping us mired in the past.

Staying stuck in unhealthy regret leads to fear of trying and ultimate failure. President Theodore Roosevelt commented on the person in the arena of life marred with blood and sweat and tears, "At least his place will never be with the cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Healthy what if reflection is not fatal. It can become fertilizer for future growth. So how have I grown? My driving style has been altered a little bit. (Jim says, "Amen" to that.) Now I have yet another real life example of God's presence and care in time of crisis, plus a great sermon illustration. Remember, preachers never have accidents, only great sermon illustrations!

Feedback questions: What benefits, if any, have you experienced from "what if" reflections? In what way did you grow or are you growing through the situation?

First Responders' Assessment (February 16, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

Sirens blaring, lights flashing, EMS first responders strapping a patient to a backboard with a neck brace firmly in place are all typical sights and sounds at an auto accident site. What was not typical for me was that I was on the inside, instead of being on the outside ministering to the others.

Just a quick glance across four lanes of traffic at the upcoming signs during Cincinnati's rush hour, led to crashing into the back of a pick-up truck. Although the van was totaled, praise God, neither the other driver nor myself were injured. Oddly enough a nearly full mega drink was still sitting in the dashboard cup holder completely undisturbed.

Because both the air bags deployed and there was so much damage, they strongly advised, urged and all but commanded me to go to the hospital in an ambulance as a precaution. I had admired EMS personnel doing their work many times before, but I was even more impressed. Even with my less than life-threatening condition, the first responders did their job professionally and effectively.

First responders are so valuable in making a quick assessment, clarifying the situation, deciding what needs to be done, if anything, and offering their presence and words of encouragement. Among the readers of the first Thursday Thoughts is a different, but equally valued group of "first responders" who gave a quick assessment and encouragement.

Your words of congratulations, affirmations, best wishes and support are greatly appreciated. One suggestion was to place this on a blog to generate more interaction. For now, anyway, I will be posting comments at the end of the article. Readers are welcome to respond to the Thursday Thoughts or to other's comments.

Many verbally or in writing made reference to which day of the week they were on, which was one goal, to act as a momentary reality check. This comment highlighted the need to further clarify what I said about Thursday. "The first few paragraphs about death kinda scared me a little . . ."

Although Thursday is past mid-life, it certainly is not a steady decline, coasting for home. Unfortunately, too many within churches feel that way and want to "retire" from meaningful ministry way too early. In some churches it is just the opposite when older servants hold on to power and never bring along younger leaders. Other churches deliberately push out valuable servants in preference for younger people and ideas. All three situations leave the Kingdom poorer because young and old are all needed and have much to benefit each other.

Bruce Kemper, President at Grace College in Grand Rapids wisely notes, "Age, health, and stage of life have nothing to do with serving or not serving. In each season of life there are attributes and qualities of life and experience that God values in service." Amen.

Each day of the life-week has a valuable contribution to the whole. Sunday and Monday (birth-early twenties) are primarily spent in growing, learning, questioning, preparing and testing. Those things need not and ought not ever stop, but the rest of the week is more often spent in applying, adjusting, adapting, improving, sharpening, creating, contributing, and coaching.

Aging people can (notice the word "can" as it doesn't happen automatically) get better and better like aging wine and cheese. Of course even wine and cheese come to a point at which they turn to sour grape juice and mold. Thankfully, people do have a choice as to whether or not they become sour and moldy in the second half of the week.

Another first responder helped clarify the situation this way, "I have heard it said from those saints in their 70's and above, ‘it is in the second part of our life that God will use us mightily because we have survived the trenches of life. We have so much to learn, yet so much to give.'" In fact, those who are into Thursday+ often wisely spend more time in reflection, refocus, re-creation, renewal and refueling.

Examples abound of people who did their best or most noted work in the 50's and up. Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken started business at 65. Hanna Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses, started painting in her 70's after she could no longer embroider.

Even at the 2006 Olympics in Tortino, Anne Abernathy, age 52, is on the American luge team. Affectionately, called Grandma Luge, she takes the jarring and bumping along at speeds of 80+ mph with those 30 years younger. She credits her Red Hat Society, other women friends over 50, with energizing and inspiring her, as I am sure she does for them also. (Unfortunately Anne broke her wrist in a practice run the day before competion and was not allowed to continue, even though she had a special splint designed to still run the course.)

As believers, every day of our life-week, even Saturday evening, offers opportunities to live to the glory of God, not simply to live for our personal priorities, pleasure and leisure. Jesus came to give us abundant life. My goal is to stay abundantly alive until I die.

"Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely." Karen Kaiser Clark, writer, lecturer and consultant.

Transition and life are so trying at times. The encouragement to continue has helped. Your article has given me so much more strength to keep plugging away. PS

I thought about writing to say how I identified with what you wrote, especially after our last 3 1/2 years. RF

Introducing Next Steps Ministries (February 9, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

If our lives were confined to a week, Thursday would be after mid-life, but before old age, whenever that is. A lot of living has taken place by Thursday, but God willing, there is almost as much yet to live. Thursday's Thoughts have an intentional reason for coming to you each Thursday.

At age 52 I do not anticipate living to be 104, especially since my genetic life expectancy comes out on the short end. The average age of death for my parents and all four grandparents was less than 75, so actually I am more likely well into Friday. For a person who lives to 70, each day is 10 years; at 100 each day is a bit over 14 years. I am neither a fatalist nor obsessed with death, but I am a realist.

I really am past Wednesday and at the very best into Thursday in my life-week. So God willing, each week I will share an "aha" or an "oh-oh" or a "hmm" (hopefully not many "ho-hums") for you to consider. I trust you find something worthwhile from my accumulated experiences, learning and perspective of Sunday-Wednesday.

Most will not be as autobiographical or as long as the first one. Each one will be intentionally from a Christian world-view. I cannot guarantee that over the weeks there will always be something for everyone, but that is my desire.

So sift it through the sieve of your "week" and let me know what your experience, learning and perspective have to say. If it is chaff, let it blow away; no harm-no foul. If there is a kernel of wheat, plant it and see if it takes root and grows. Feedback is invited and welcomed at www.nextstepsministries.com.

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Using the illustration of life being days of the week is much easier than actually having to admit that my earthly life is over half done. Most days I do not feel done at all, maybe half-baked at best. But then a good look in the mirror reminds me that my feelings are not reality. I am no longer a little girl, peeking out from behind Mommy's skirt.

Believe it or not, I have been a responsible adult--depending on your definition of responsible and adult--for almost two-thirds of my life. I have been married to Jim far longer than the national average for length of monogamous marriage. In April 2005 we joined the joyous and esteemed ranks of grandparents. What other word says "old" like grandparent, no matter what the age?

After a lifetime of various ministry experiences, including pastoring at one church for sixteen years, some would confer the title of "seasoned" minister. Since June 2005 both Jim and I are listed under "Special Services" in our denomination's ministerial categories. As is true of most of our life, we neither one fit into a nice, neat package, but we are special! But that is for another Thursday.

These past months have been a "come aside" time of seeking God's direction, prayer, reading, along with some rest and relaxation. While I have been grateful to spend more time with immediate and extended family, to settle in and get more organized (a never-ending job), virtual unemployment does have its down side.

As usual, God does not waste experiences. Little did I know last April how receiving a coach certification through On Purpose Ministries (OnPurposeMinistry.com) and The Wesleyan General Department of Church Evangelism and Church Grow (www.wesleyan.org/ecg) would figure into my next steps.

Please erase the image of a person in sweats, sneakers and using a loud whistle. Instead, picture someone who is specially trained to come along side and "help people move from where they are to where they believe God wants them to be." Gary Collins, Christian Coaching, Helping Other Turn Potential into Reality).

First, coach training has personally helped me reflect, refocus, gain resources and review options for my next steps. Second, my eyes have been opened as to how effective coaching skills can be with individuals, couples and groups such as boards. Thirdly, coaching allows me fulfill a deep desire to partner with others in their journey to explore, discover and advance to the next steps for God's Kingdom.

Every "special service" needs a name, logo and business card. My first thoughts focused on Kingdom Plans. The word "plans" would mean: Partner in Learning to Advance to the Next Steps. Then just the words "next steps" kept going over and over in my brain. Next Steps! That's it! On Wednesday (too bad it wasn't a Thursday), February 1 at 8:15 am a new ministry name "Next Steps Ministries" came into focus. Many thanks to Jim for partnering with me on the logo, business card and webpage design.

Everyone knows there are always next steps to be taken until we die. No sooner is one step completed and the next steps lie ahead. Here are some ways "Next Steps Ministries" could help with your next steps. You might say:

1. I know where I am to go, but I need courage, skills, resources and accountability.

2. I have a choice between the better and the best. I need an objective perspective.

3. Everything came crashing down around me, and I'm struggling to persevere.

4. I am facing an impenetrable wall, and I need help creating an alternative route.

5. I am totally lost, and need help making a U-turn and finding my way back to God.

See www.nextstepsministries.com for ways Next Steps Ministries can partner with you.

"If someday we sit in the rocking chair of our old age and look back with regret, with a sense of having wandered aimlessly over the faceless terrain, it will be because we never stopped long enough to assess our direction or because we chose to give ourselves to empty dreams" Stacy Rinehart, Director and CEO of Mentorlink International.

Thanks for your Next Steps e-mail. Sounds interesting, and your website looks good. RH

Way to go Lois, I am looking forward to see what comes of this. It sounds like a great idea. I enjoyed reading your days of the week analogy. I think I am on Thursday as well. RS

Have you considered placing your Thursday thoughts on a blog? This would open it up to a rapidly growing, networking, community of people (mostly younger) who spend a great deal of time in these interactions. Then, also, you would not necessarily have to maintain a distribution list. Or you could use your distribution list for a while to send people links to your blog. People's comments/reactions to you on the blog could be viewed by others, building synergy. KK

The first few paragraphs about death kinda scared me a little, but I stayed with you through to the end, and I'm glad that your "vita nova" is finding shape and purpose. MF

I was pleasantly surprised to boot up my computer this a.m. to find your e-mail from, "Next Steps Ministries." What a blessing this will be to many people in need! We sheep tend to wander now and then and need the guidance of a coach. I will be praying for you. I am looking forward to receiving, "Thursday's Thoughts." I have heard it said from those saints in their 70's and above, it is in the second part of our life that God will use us mightily because we have survived the trenches of life. We still have much to learn, yet so much to give. NW

It was great to read about how God is guiding your "next steps" in ministry. We pray that He will use you in your new role to be a blessing to many. MA

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