Believing Without Seeing

My father was from the deep south, though he had left that region long before he ever met my mother. Periodically he would utter some phrase that had it’s origin, in my mind, in his home area. I finally learned that one phrase he used a lot wasn’t from the deep south, but was from somewhere other than I had experienced. The phrase was, “I’m from Missouri – the Show Me State. You have to show me.” I don’t know that this concept led to the phrase, “Seeing is believing,” but they do address the same issue – unbelief, or at least, skepticism.

We’ve watched a cute Christmas movie the last few years. It’s an animated movie for kids, but we’ve found it enjoyable in more ways than one – “Polar Express.” There is a line in the movie that takes the “Missouri” phrase and twists it just a bit, “Believing is seeing.” That small change changes a lot.

The “Missouri” phrase might be the skeptic’s claim. Until there is something concrete that can be seen, or until all the dots are connected, belief will be withheld. The jury will stay out and no judgment will be rendered without indisputable evidence. On the other hand, the “Polar” phrase could be the mantra of the gullible who want others to “just believe” and not to worry about the facts. “Don’t worry – be happy!”

I had a friend from early grade school through high school with whom I attended a small church near our homes. He made a comment to me one day in church. “They just want us to take off our heads and leave them on the coat rack by the door.” He meant that the church just wanted our belief and didn’t want us to evaluate the truth claims of the gospel. He was wrong, of course. The church, especially as I look back from this vantage point, wasn’t asking us to suspend rational thought. I believe they were asking people to look beyond the things we can see to the One who created the physical world and gave us things to see.

When God created people, besides giving them an intense curiosity about life and meaning, he included something that reflected a part of himself – creativity. With that gift, we have brought about some wonderful things. Oh yes, there have been some horrific things conceived by people, but that doesn’t negate those things of beauty and usefulness that bring a sense of wonder or make life a bit easier. Think of some of the great works of art. I’m not talking about those that capture life at it’s worst, but life at it’s best. Those things that lift the spirit, move people beyond themselves and inspire goodness, generosity and kindness.

Beyond art, there are the practical things of this world. The creativity of people has brought us medical advances that have made such a difference for so many people. Of course, there are those who have misused their creativity in this area, just like other areas, and brought about much evil. Engineers have given us some terrible things that have resulted in great harm to people. But, at the same time, physicians, engineers and other inventors have contributed in magnificent ways to the betterment of life for untold millions.

Every piece of art that was created, every medical advance, and each piece of equipment or building was first conceived in someone’s brain. An idea was born and that thought was given room to grow. Eventually, sometimes through great difficulty, the thought resulted in something concrete. The person whose brain gave birth to an idea could step back and see the culmination of that idea. That’s not the case with everything created. When something is built, for example, there is something to look at or touch. It’s easy to see the product of the thought process and the labor. There are other times when that isn’t the case.

In ministry, a pastor can “create” a sermon, put it on paper (or in PowerPoint) and deliver it to the congregation. He might have people comment with, “Good sermon, Pastor!” but the goal of a sermon, or a Bible study, is not the presentation – it’s the changed lives that result from interacting with the Word of God that has been presented. As we wrestle with the truth of the Word, we have the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to do those things only he can do to make us more like Jesus. Changed lives – that’s the goal! Sometimes it’s possible to see that change. Sometimes the change is almost immediate. Sometimes, most often, the change comes over time. Sometimes it’s a long time. Sometimes the preacher/teacher doesn’t see the change at all.

A verse of scripture has come to mean a lot to me for this very reason: we don’t always see the “product” of the labor we exert. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says,

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (NIV)

In this case, seeing isn’t believing, nor is believing seeing. When we take God at his word, we know that he will accomplish something through our labor for him – even if we never see it.

The Wonder of It All

I think I'm getting old. There are those (my kids?) who would ask, "What took you so long to figure that out?" I don't feel old. Well, that's true most of the time. Full disclosure requires that I admit to times of aches and pains that are new. I still like the slogan I first heard from a friend many years ago (Larry Whittlesey): "I may be getting older, but I refuse to grow up." I understand that Satchell Paige, perhaps the greatest pitcher ever in baseball, said in answer to a question asking how old he was, "How old would you be if you didn't know how old you was?" (It's my understanding that there wasn't a record of when he was born.)

My point about age is that I believe reflection is something that comes (or should come) with age. Perhaps it's because we ("aged ones") have more time. Perhaps it's because we have more perspective. I'm not sure why it's true, but I find myself thinking more about things. Sometimes it means that I see things differently. Often, I find myself more convinced about some of the things I've held dear over the years. Time for reflection has become a valuable thing in my life.

One of the things that I've found myself thinking about over these four months in Asia is the "wonder" of being called into Jesus' service. Of course, one of the treasured doctrines of the Christian church is the priesthood of all believers - every person who names Jesus as Lord has been called to serve the King of kings. Those of us who have been called into "full time ministry" have the special privilege of additional training and opportunities to serve that the "laity" miss out on. Suzanne and I just spoke a few minutes ago about how amazing it has been to see how God has used us in the last three summers. In 2006 we were in Brazil. In 2007 we were in Central Africa. This year we moved to Central Asia for a year. Why us? It is amazing that we've been honored to have these experiences!

When I take time to reflect on the One who has called me to Himself then called me into His service, it causes me to pause in wonder. The One who put the stars in place, the One who ordered the seas and raised the mountains from the plains, the One who breathed into man the breath of life and saw His Son breathe His last on the cross of Calvary, the One who then called Jesus from the tomb and to His rightful place at the Father's right hand has called me to work for Him. Amazing!

"Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my life, my soul, my all."

Needy People

“We really do need each other.” Those words were on the cover of a book that caught my eye many years ago. It's hard to believe, but that book is one that I didn’t buy! I’ve never forgotten the phrase because it captures one of the key thoughts of Christianity. We need each other.

Down through history there have been those who felt that they could “do it” on they’re own. It was (and is) kind of like Charlie Brown who said, “I love mankind – it’s people I can’t stand.” I’ll grant that people can isolate themselves from others for good reasons, at least with good intentions. However, doesn’t that violate one of the earliest of God’s pronouncements in scripture, “It’s not good for man to be alone?” We need each other.

We’ve been in Central Asia for only three months but we’ve learned some things about what we need. We’ve found that we don’t need all the things we thought we did just a few months ago. We’ve also learned that we really do need our brothers and sisters. We need those who are at home and support us through prayer. We need those around us here who encourage us, challenge us and correct us.

I was raised in a family where touch was not encouraged. Hugs and kisses were not something seen in our home. Love pats and gentle touches were reserved for the very youngest children and, at some point, they soon outgrew them. People weren’t intended to go through life independently. We weren’t designed to be Lone Rangers. (Even he had his “faithful companion, Tonto.”) Gentle touch, kind words, tender looks – all of these contribute to good communication and can contribute to the self-esteem of those around us.

Healthy living demands that we relate to one another in healthy ways that build interdependent relationships. We’ve all seen those who try to be independent and not have to rely on anyone else. We’ve also all seen those who are chronically dependent on others. They’ve never discovered their value as an individual, nor their ability to contribute to others. Interdependency allows us to “breathe” in our relationships. We give and receive on a regular basis allowing the group and the individuals to grow.

We attended the International Christian Fellowship last Sunday. (We don’t attend there every week since we feel it’s important to show support for the national church as well.) During the singing a brother from Africa began rhythmic clapping. I have to admit, it caught me by surprise. I’m used to people clapping during singing, either on the beat or on the off-beat. I can’t do it well but I’m used to it. This was different. At first it was mildly distracting. As time went on I found it more than just enjoyable. I found it a great contribution to the music of the morning. His expression of joy and praise increased my joy and, I believe, my ability to praise.

Watching God put people together in different ways is interesting. If we believe that He knows what He’s doing, and we should, then He has us together for a reason. We each have something to contribute and something to gain. When we can actually find this a reality in our lives we will discover a new level of relationship with the Body of Christ.

To paraphrase Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, “We really do need each other – every one.”

"Lost and Found"

Music is a wonderful gift. I greatly admire those who can put words together and combine them with music to communicate a message. This afternoon we've been able to listen to some music while we've been catching up on some of the "office work" that is important, but often neglected. We've been listening to a Brian Doerksen album and discovered a song entitled "Lost and Found." I enjoy the style, but really got caught by some of the words:

"Jesus, don't you keep me from that storm.
I want to walk that sacred ground.
For you are Master of it all,
And I am but a lost and found."

I'm not sure if that's a prayer that I'm ready to pray. Over the years I've heard, as have most of you who read this, of the "dark night of the soul," or the "fellowship of sharing in his suffering." There is a "school of suffering" that believers have endured throughout the generations. How often have we prayed to avoid the trials, to be delivered from difficult situations, or the "times that try the hearts of men?" How many times have we prayed ourselves right out of perhaps the most significant discoveries of our lives when we've asked for deliverance from difficulties, trials or tribulations rather than allowing God to finish the work He's doing?

No, I don't think we ought to look for trouble or trials. But, I have come to believe that it is part of God's plan to use those very things for building up our souls and our character. There are things learned through the storm that are never learned any other way. There is a sacredness that accompanies the period of trial believers experience. That indicates that we don't walk through that period alone. He is with us. It is His presence that makes it sacred.

Jerry Sitser of Whitworth College wrote a book, A Grace Disguised, about his family's tragedy that claimed the lives of his mother, wife and daughter. He described the grief coming as the darkness of night from the East. He went on to picture the sun setting in the West and longing to run to the light – darkness was coming. Yet, as we all know, we can't catch the sun. The quickest way to the sun is through the darkness to the dawn.

I'm not anxious to enter a storm, nor am I averse to avoiding one. (I'm a little skeptical of those who look for trouble.) When the Father determines that it's time for a storm in my life I have to trust Him. If I believe the third line, "You are Master of it all," then I can trust Him when He allows me to enter the storm. He is the One who will keep me in it – and through it. Amen.

A God of Wonders

The first time I really remember singing "God of Wonders" was at a Promise Keepers event in Portland. The worship band had taken us through a number of songs and introduced this "new" song - new to me. I remember that as the band tried to end the song and move to the next, the audience took over with the chorus and the words "God of wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy, holy" kept reverberating from one side of the arena to the other. What a special time of worship that was. This went on for some time and there was such a presence of the Lord - and his pleasure - it made me think of the day to come when people of all nations will gather around the throne singing the praises of the One who is worthy.

We've had the opportunity for the second Sunday in a row to worship at an International Fellowship in our new city. I understand that on any given Sunday there will be more than twenty different nationalities worshipping together. Both weeks is has been a wonderful rainbow, or as a brother from Venezuela said, a beautiful flower garden, of God's children. We sing a few (couple?) songs that I've found familiar. ("No, we didn't sing God of Wonders.") Many more were sung that I've never heard, in fact, many of them have been written by the song leader.

I've been struck by the diversity in God's kingdom. There are people of every hue. There are more languages than I can count. We've seen brothers and sisters involved in many different, and creative, lines of service for the kingdom. Just today we met a young woman from Australia working in a BAM program (Business As Mission). When we allow God to be the leader (conductor?) of his great symphony, and follow his direction, the world will be filled with the glorious music of the his kingdom.

Worship has become very special. Far from being a service with certain obligatory components, worship is a way of living where one continually walks in wonder that the "God of all creation" has chosen to relate to us in love and compassion. That he would call us friends and, even more, sons or daughters should leave us speechless. Yes, we see some of his glory revealed through nature (and it is spectacular here). How much more can we see his glory revealed, along with his character, through the giving of his Son on the cross to make this relationship possible!

Glory and honor, praise adoration now and forevermore be Thine.

Leaving vs. Arriving

I was just thinking of the process we're going through of preparing to leave Colbert after all these years. A song from the dim, distant past by Mark Lindsey came to mind. I'm not sure of the title but the first line is, "I'm leavin' on a jet plane. Don't know when I'll be back again." That's what we'll be doing in just a few days. We leave Spokane in about ten days and leave for Asia just about a week after that. What used to be months became weeks and now has become days.

Tonight my grandson told us that he wishes we weren't leaving. I've known that statement might come, but I'd put it out of my mind. There have been some other folk who have mentioned the same sentiment - they hate to see us leave the church. We're deep into the process of leaving. We've said good-byes to some and will have our closing service this coming Sunday. As we planned the music together it was a challenge to limit the songs we chose. We could have filled up the service with messages through the songs. There is so much to say and so little time to say it. We want to get the good-byes said, but we also have a message to convey - it's not about us. It's about Jesus. He is all important and if you haven't received him there is no higher priority than meeting him.

I wrote that we're deep into leaving. Part of the struggle is that "arriving" won't occur for some time. When it comes we'll be into the deep end in the blink of an eye. As leaving is full of good-byes, so arriving will be full of hellos. We've met many of the people we'll work with. We've seen the facilities we'll work and live in. I think that the arriving part will be fun even though it will be stressful. Leaving? That will be something else.

There have been so many changes in our world since the old days when missionaries left for the field and everyone knew they may never return. Travel was slow and dangerous. These days travel is rapid and relatively safe. There are uncertainties in various parts of the world, but those are the exception - not the rule. Good judgement and careful planning go a long way in producing a safe and pleasant trip. (Has it ever been otherwise?) We'll (hopefully) have the convenience of the Internet to maintain contact with family and friends. We might be able to use a telephone or Skype and even see the person we're talking to. We won't be cut off from those close to us. PTL.

I've been told many times (at least three times just today) that people are in awe of what we're doing. (Some actually add, "at your age.") I don't understand those comments. We're just doing what we've said anyone ought to do: if God calls, do what he says. That's what Mary, Jesus' mother told the servant at the wedding Jesus attended. They were short on the wine for the party and Mary told the servant, "Do whatever he tells you." There has never been better advise given by a mother. There is no better advice period!

For whatever reason God has chosen to use us in Central Asia. In my limited understanding there are many others much, much more qualified to take on this responsibility. We're clear, however, that He has chosen us. We're humbled and challenged. Our decision is just the natural outgrowth of all the things we've taught over these many years. Either we believe them and put them into practice or we don't. It wasn't our goal, but if we're a model of obedience and others take some step of "venturing" out for God, that would be great.

Landing on Our Feet

I've never researched how the phrase "landing on one's feet" came about. However, we've had many cats over the years and I'm going to jump to the conclusion that they have something to do with the origins of it. Hearing how it's normally used seems to indicate that someone "landed" in a good situation either through their own actions, someone other person's actions, or just plain luck.

When Suzanne and I arrived in Colbert twentysix years ago we certainly landed on our feet. We understand that the Superintendent assigned us to the church and that we didn't have anything to do with the decision. We know, however, that it wasn't just the Superintendent's choice, nor was it luck. God had everything to do with getting us to a place where we discovered "congregational love." It has been more than a privilege to serve here. It's been an honor. They put up with an impetuous young pastor and allowed him to, however raggedly, set the sails. To follow that analogy, it hasn't always been smooth sailing, but it has been wonderful working with such a group of Christians.

I have a new friend in a different denomination who pastored a church in another part of the country. He was just informed this week that they are "releasing him" (most people understand that to be fired). It hasn't been an easy tenure. He's been there several years and the situation can only be described as unfortunate. There may be other words that fit as well, but there is a great deal of hurt involved. Obviously, I don't know the whole story and I don't want to know more. The only point I'm trying to make is that Colbert is a special place. The people are special and they long to do the right thing. It's not only that they're concerned with people's feelings (there are lots of therapeutic groups that do that) they want to do what is best for all concerned. They are concerned about God's will, but, God cares about people. It is possible to do the "right thing" in the wrong way. We can also do the right thing with the wrong attitude. Colbert has been concerned with right things and right ways. God will bless this bunch!

We will only be here for another month. We're experiencing a lot of "lasts" these days. We have our last Council meeting tonight. We've been invited to people's homes for a "last supper" before we leave. We're fast approaching our last campout. We'll leave with a lot of dreams unfulfilled. However, the congregation has a lot of potentials yet to be realized. There are some disappointments - but there are also a lot of reasons for optimism. Colbert is moving to a new chapter in its history. It's going to be a good chapter.