I didn't have to think very hard to remember the most unusual Christmas I've every had and while memorable, I hope it will never be necessary again. It was Christmas Eve 2001 and I attended a service at the "Pit" at Ground Zero:
I remember back to Christmas Eve, 2001 I attended the midnight service
at the pit at Ground Zero (I was working an Aid Station for the
Salvation Army for 3 weeks). The makeshift alter was a plywood board on
saw horses, behind which was a crude iron cross, a piece fallen as is
from the crumbling towers. I'd like to share this story with you all. I
was overcome with emotion.
After taking the
communion bread in unison, the cup was passed for all to partake. We
had all just finished singing Joy To The World. The midnight mass was
over, it had been a blessing. It was early Christmas morning at ground
zero, it was very cold. As everyone began to disburse back to their
given jobs, I heard the odd, out of place groan of bag pipes coming to
life. I turned to see and there in the dull brightness of artificial
lights was a lone fireman in full gear including the now familiar FDNY
helmet, blowing forcefully into his instrument. I can't remember one
song he played but the look on his face is indelibly etched into my
heart and soul. The image caused me to weep. The fireman musician looked
forlorn, his eyes red, his cheeks puffed as he struggled as if
desperately trying to breath life into someone he knew was dead. We had
heard that only an hour or so before, another brother fireman had been
pulled from the rubble (about the 10th since we arrived here). It was as
if his bagpipe was his fallen comrade and somehow he wanted to bring
him back to life, yet knowing he couldn't, his heart was broken. The
look was a look of sadness, desperation and anger all at the same time.
I walked through the site of ground zero, passed "the pit", surrounded
by devastation, back to the warmth of our little Aid Station, I was
overwhelmed, yet I felt the presence of God who it seemed to me, in all
His Majesty, was weeping also. Despite it all, my heart and soul were
internally reassured and comforted by the Holy Spirit as I was reminded
that on this day, some 2001 years ago, Christ our Savior, Giver of life,
was born. Amidst death, new, cherished life.
A while back, I was ruminating on all the many things I've learned in the 30 years of being a Christian, and the many situations I've learned from and especially the many people I've learned from. Naturally, there are well known and respected writers whose books have taught and touched me, and many many close friends and colleagues whom I've learned from. Much of what I've learned has been from the mission field, awesome and sometimes difficult experiences which I believe God orchestrated just for me.
Then there are special people who don't have anything, who may be homeless, will never be famous, who often live in difficult situations, many in great need, people whom Jesus called "The least of These", who I have become friends with and who have unintentionally blessed my life and taught me about life, love, relationships and grace. In my years as a missionary I have made friends with men and women in shelters, in parks, under bridges who despite their circumstances have been a blessing and demonstrated an incredible ability to love. And I love many of these "friends in low places", as Garth Brooks sang about.
Over the years, I have accumulated stories of the effect the "least " have had on me, men and women (and even dogs, cats and other animals) who have taught me so much and made me a better man of God. I am in the process of compiling these stories into a book I'm calling The Least of These which I hope will be meaningful. While I have many stories of my own, I believe that many of you who are reading this blog have your own awesome stories of the "least of These" people who have touched your lives in special ways and I would love to hear your stories. If you are willing to send them to me, it would be great and also let me know if you are willing to have them appear in my book. Even if not, I'd love to hear them. Thanks.
I truly believe Jesus words, "'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
I lost my best friend yesterday. Indulge me for a moment and allow me to tell you about him and why he was my best friend:
First, he was with me for almost 16 years. He moved with me and lived
with me in 5 different places in 3 different states. He often traveled
with me, but when he couldn't, he greeted me enthusiastically when I
came home. He made me feel better when I was down without saying a word,
and was a great listener whether I was bloviating, pontificating,
preaching or frankly just bitching. He shared my food with me and in
fact I often cooked extra because I know he liked what I was making
(although in reality, he liked anything). He rarely complained and often
was able to second guess what I was thinking. We came to understand
each others needs with just a look or a gesture. He often slept with me
(careful what you're thinking) although he had his own bed, and laid
next to me on the couch watching a good movie. Lastly, and most
importantly, he taught me about unconditional love. This best friend was
my dog Speedo. For some of you, this may seem like over-reactive
drivel, but for those who love dogs, well, you get it. My best friend
will be missed.
"And blessed be his glorious name Since the days of John the Baptist,
forever, and may the whole earth The kingdom of heaven has been
be filled with his glory. advancing with force. And forceful
Amen and amen!"people are taking hold of it.
Psa 72:19Matt 11:12 NIrV
What an amazing year this has been and despite what we hear on the news, my experience is that The Kingdom of Heaven is still advancing (Matt 11:12 ). But there is much work to do, so we keep advancing and ""bringing life", and we will do so not with fear, but with confidence, ("I am convinced of this, that the one who began a good action among you will bring it to completion by the Day of the Messiah Jesus."Php 1:6ISV).
Over the last several years, the media has often asked the question regarding the on going wars in the Middle East, what is our ultimate goal, what's the end of these wars look like? Military men have stated that a war is unjust if there is no ultimate good end in mind. Well, in our ongoing spiritual war, we don't have to ask that question. God's purpose and end are clear, that "..the wholeearth be filled with His Glory." No matter how bleak it looks day to day, we will never give up, never stop moving forward. The church must confidently pull together in unity like never before, praying as never before, training ministers, making disciples, sending out missionaries and supporting them as never before. ("The harvest is vast, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest." (Mat 9:37 -38). I know that these are difficult times financially for many, but now is not the time to pull back. Now is the time to "double down". The victory is ours if we stay faithful."Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown," ( Rev 2:10b).
Scenario 1:
Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking
lot with his shotgun in his truck's gun rack. 1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's
shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2010 - School goes
into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or
gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario 2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school. 1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark
shake hands and end up buddies.
2010 - Police called and SWAT team arrives -- they arrest both Johnny
and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though
Johnny started it
Scenario 3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students. 1957 - Jeffrey sent to the Principal's office and
given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still
and does not disrupt class again.
2010 - Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He
is then tested for ADD. The family gets extra money (SSI) from the government
because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario 4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping
with his belt. 1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up
normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman.
2010 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse Billy is removed to
foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy's sister
that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's
mom has an affair with the psychologist.
Scenario 5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.. 1957- Mark shares his
aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock
2010- The police are called and Mark is expelled from
school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario 6:
Pedro fails high school English. 1957- Pedro goes to summer
school, passes English and goes to college.
2010- Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles
appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for
graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school
system and Pedro's English teacher. English is then banned from core
curriculum. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a
living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario 7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in
a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed. 1957 - Ants die.
2010 - ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is
charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents -- and all
siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated.
Johnny's dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly
again.
Scenario 8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee He is found
crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him. 1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better
and goes on playing.
2010 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job.
She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.
How did we ever let
this country get to such a state?
Now I know that The Lord saves his anointed, He answers [us] from His holy heaven with saving power of His right hand. Some trust in Chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of The Lord our God."
(Psalm 20:6-7)
"...The sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for The Lord is good, His love endures forever." (Jeremiah 33:11)
I know that the current political climate is chaotic and tense, the economic climate, dismal and uncertain. Everywhere in the world there seems to be unrest. But as I survey our global conditions, I'm not perplexed or anxious because I'm not trusting in "chariots or horses" or politicians or governments or businesses. I'm trusting in "The Lord our God".
During these very uncertain times we, as Christians, have an opportunity to demonstrate our trust in The Lord by reflecting joy and gladness in spite of the times, while, "Giving thanks to The Lord, calling on His name; making known among the nations what He has done" (1Chron.16:8). This is the time to, "Be still before The Lord and wait patiently; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" (Psalm 37:7).
Inherent in giving thanks is a joyous spirit that will be contagious as we reach out to friends and neighbors, loving them, building community, being available to lend a helping hand, to encourage or perhaps just listen patiently to a hurting friend.
I'm thankful for my family, my kids and grandkids, for good friends, for AIM and for the opportunities I have to serve and minister and of course, all my faithful supporters whom The Lord has inspired to support me both financially and in prayer. You all bring me so much encouragement, Thank You!!
We do live in "Serious Times" so when a book by that title was recommended I was anxious to read it. It was written by James Emery White and I highly recommend it as it really nails the times we live in and what our responsibilities are as followers of Christ. Here's just a few quotes:
"Serious times are met with serious lives. This is the anvil on which history is forged. More important, it is the means by which the Kingdom of God is advanced and the life of a Christ follower measured. Paul Helm rightly notes that according to scripture 'the whole of a person's life is fundamentally serious, something for which he is responsible before God, and for which he will have to give account...He is individually responsible to God for what he makes of it".
"This brings me to a confession. I'm taken by this, because there is nothing I want more than for my life to matter. I want to be used profoundly by God, to be seized by his great and mighty hand and thrust onto the stage of history in order to do something significant. With as pure a heart as I can muster, this isn't about fame or prestige. It's about wanting my life to count where it is needed most. There is a great movement of God that has been set loose in this world, and I want to be on the front lines."
James Emery White: Serious Times. Making Your Life Matter In An Urgent Day.
Me too. My experience is that there are too few in the evangelical world. How do we change that?
More:
"...But for Christ to become the transformer of culture he needs transformed lives through which to work. Jesus initiated the great revolution through the cross, then entrusted the message of the cross to men and women (2nd Cor. 5). They were not particularly educated, sophisticated, wealthy or influential, but that was not what was most needed. Engagement with the world demanded one thing-that they be like Him. The heart of Jesus' strategy for transforming the world was unleashing a force of transformed lives". Ibid
"...Added to this must come a singular concern-the sharing of Christ with the world in such a way that the lost are found, the blind see, the deaf hear and the hurting comforted. I must understand that the world is in desperate need of Christ and become passionate about being His ambassador (2nd Cor. 5)". Ibid
2007 was a great year! Now, great doesn't mean life without challenges, failures, disappointments or sadness. No, greatness means that in all things I saw God working for good (Romans 8:28), that I experienced spiritual growth in life while growing closer to Christ in reality. Life in The Kingdom of God means constant rethinking, believing, receiving, and practicing an exciting, God directed life.
2007 was a busy year, as was 2006. Last year, God helped me focus on what he wanted me to do here at AIM, to hone my skills at teaching (training) and leadership, specifically in leading projects and establishing, maintaining and encouraging partner relationships, specifically here in New Orleans. I was able to shed a number of responsibilities to focus on these three things. In addition, He helped me grow closer to him which is primary as all task comes from a close relationship to God and 2006 prepared me for 2007 where God has challenged me in many instances to step aside and watch him work. Now, for those who know me, you know that I am very "hands on" when on projects but there were several times this year where I knew God was challenging me to trust Him while I observed Him orchestrate ministry opportunities that both challenged the participants and blessed them (and me). Over and over again I was reminded of a prophetic message given to me a couple of years ago which said, "Don't take upon yourself that which can and will come to pass only by my hand." Now, often when God wants to work in my life, he creates situations where I don't know what to do or it's out of my control. I was humbled yet strengthened all year (2nd Corinthians 12:9-10).
Lately, God has been making me aware (sometimes painfully) of some personal issues in my life that I need to let go of, or perhaps it's better said, get a handle on (surrender is a big one. See below). These things are not life threatening or anything, but growing in Christ means both leaving behind any and all things that come between Christ and myself, and conforming all life skills to Christ. This is when The Lord really gets close to home, but always with gentleness and grace (Thank you God). This I think will be the focus of 2008.
This excerpt from Brennan Manning's book,"The Importance of Being Foolish" spoke to me powerfully. Though I often strive to surrender, God is constantly reminding me that striving is vanity.
"The ability to surrender is a gift of God. However eagerly we may desire it, however diligently we may strive to acquire it, surrender cannot be attained by personal endeavor. With respect to the act of surrender, let me emphasize this point. It is an unconscious event, not willed by the [disciple] even if he desired to do so."
"And yet the intensity of our desire does matter. Our dedication to growth is the single most important determinant of our spiritual development. Without an intense inner commitment, we are little more than dilettantes playing spiritual games. The pearl of great price-the mind of Christ-must be the most treasured value in our lives, and we must seek it in persevering prayer, in sacramental healing, and in the strength of the Christian community. Only then will the miracle of transparency, love and oneness unfold in our lives."
"To think like Jesus is to experience being loved so completely by God that we are existentially incapable of being other than the children of The Father of Jesus Christ."
"We are driven by the Spirit to proclaim by word and example the peace, justice, and forgiving love of God. Perhaps by nothing more (or Less) than our friendship extended to another, a friendship that is real, unselfish, nonproselytizing, without condescension, and full of profound respect, we can lead another to discover , 'I too am loved by my Father in the Lord Jesus'. It is the loving awareness of God's holiness revealed in Jesus Christ coupled with a deep compassion for redeemed humanity that creates the imperative of Christian mission."
Last week I was asked to bring the message at Ray Ave. Baptist Church, one of our good partners here in New Orleans (Spirit Filled Southern Baptists. Do you believe it?). For those who know me, I'm about missions and ministry, radical action, mobilizing, finding out God's plan for your life and acting on it. But Sunday, during my early morning devotion time, I was listening to Christmas music, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir singing a piece called "Love Came Down From Heaven" and as I contemplated the message The Lord spoke to my heart. God doesn't call us to missions or ministry, He calls us to himself and as His love, personified in Jesus, penetrates our hearts and consumes our lives and as we appropriate that love in our hearts and souls surrendering to it, then will come all the missions and ministry we will ever want. Brennan Manning in is book,
The Relentless Tenderness ofJesus says this:
"Before I am asked to show compassion toward my brothers and sisters in their suffering, He asks me to accept His compassion in my own life, to be transformed by it, to become caring and compassionate toward myself in my own suffering and sinfulness, in my own hurt, failure and need. The degree of our compassion for others depends upon our capacity for self acceptance."
"When the compassion of Christ is interiorized, made personal and appropriated to ourselves, the breakthrough into caring for others occurs. In the mystery of divine wholeness, the way of compassionate caring for others brings healing to ourselves and compassionate caring for ourselves brings healing to others."
Once healed, then we can surrender to our sovereign God and perhaps abandon our plans in favor of His. Again from Manning:
"..abandonment consists of seeing the will of God in all the people, events and circumstances present to you. If God tears up your beautiful game plan and leads you into a valley instead of onto a mountaintop, it is because He wants you to discover
His plan, which is more beautiful than anything you or I could have dreamed up. The response of trust is 'Thank You, Jesus,' even if it is said through clenched teeth."
God loves us and calls us to Himself and that love is unconditional no matter who we are, what we've done or where we've come from. The scripture tells us,
"We love because He first loved us."(1st John 4:19). Allow God's love to overwhelm you so that you can overwhelm others with His love.
