In My Last 30 Years

For some, like my children, I am now getting old.  For others, like those older than me, I am still young.  For me… well I’m thirty!  One of the things that amazes me in this life is the course of life itself.  Over the past week I have been thinking a lot about the past thirty years, at least the times I can remember!  I consider myself blessed beyond measure when I think of all I have experienced during that time.  I want to take a moment to share a few of those memories with you, and hopefully they will inspire you to recollect some of the memories that have brought you joy over the years.

The first one is a general memory of the love given (and still given) to me from my mother.  She has always been their to pick me up and comfort me whether it was a bicycle accident, a bottle exploding in my hands, various ailments, or just simply having a bad day.  She has shown me the love that only a mother can show over the years, and I thank her deeply for her guidance in becoming the man I have become today.

Another memory is that of a childhood best friend who departed this earth rather early on in life, Justin Hoover.  While my other friends and I found many (and I mean many) rather ornery things to do, Hoover always did his best to guide us in the right direction.  He was only a kid, yet he lived an example that has inspired me even as an adult.  His tragic death taught me at a young age an appreciation for life.  His example continues to encourage me to enjoy life and friendship today.

Next came the military.  If you would have asked me about that experience around four years ago, I would have given you a much different opinion than what I am about to give you now!  If there was one experience that has changed my direction in life, I must say it was the eight years of my life spent in the service.  Yes, there were trying times indeed, but I learned about brotherhood, faith, hope, integrity, pride, patriotism, leadership, and life during that time.  I developed a respect for people that I still cherish to this day.  It was also during this time of my life that God’s seed would be planted in my heart.

One of the fondest memories I have of my father are the words he greeted me with when I returned home from Boot Camp.  ”I am so proud of you son.”  When I think of that moment today, it still creates a knot in my throat.  I remember well his embrace that day.  Dad, I know I ran you through the gauntlet as a teenager, but during that time you taught me what it meant to be a father, a husband, and a man.  Your comment that day has meant more to me than you will ever know.

Of course, there are the memories that have lasted the past eleven years now of my amazing wife.  Over the past eleven years, we have continually grown closer and closer.  We have faced and overcome so many trials, and each of them has left us in a better place than where we started.  She continues to offer her undying love day in and day out.  She gives her all to me, and I am truly thankful for this wonderful blessing from God.  She is a remarkable wife, mother, and woman.

Naturally I must mention my children as well.  Rylee has grown into an amazing energetic young lady over the years.  She has one of the kindest hearts I’ve ever witnessed, and she is an exact image of her beautiful mother.  Kadence is such a beautiful little girl as well.  She was blessed with her father’s hard-headedness, but luckily it is balanced with her mother’s gentle nature.  Then there is Zeek!  I thought God broke the mold after me, but I have learned that He just set it aside until Zeek was created!  Oh how I love my little man.  God has truly blessed me richly in these three young children.

I would like to finish with the memories I have from the last ten years of my life spent in the ministry of God’s Word.  I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people.  I have met veterans who gave their all for the freedoms I experience today.  I have met survivors of some of this world’s most awful diseases.  I have met widows and widowers who have inspired me with their hope.  I have met preachers who have guided me in my life’s work.  I have met godly men who have raised the bar for me, and I have met godly women who have taught me about love and commitment.  I have been blessed in ways that words fail to express during this time, and my prayer is that I will have many more years in His service!

Obviously these are just a few of the fond memories I have the last thirty years.  Time does not allow for the many others I could share, but I promise you I cherish them deeply in my heart.  Yes, I have been blessed, and for that I am thankful on this day.  Thank you all for the times we have shared, and I look forward to the times yet to come.  I leave you all with the words of the Apostle Paul…

“I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3).

- Jake

WHAT WAS HE THINKING?

If you look at the timeline of events in the gospels, you see that Judas made a bargain with the chief priests to betray Jesus for a mere thirty pieces of silver prior to Jesus celebrating His final supper with His twelve apostles, which included Judas. At the supper, Jesus instituted the memorial that would remind them of His death, told them  that one of them would betray Him, and He went on to say that individual would dip his hand into the same bowl from which He was eating.

What was Judas thinking?  As Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, what was Judas thinking? How could he listen to those words and not be remorseful? How could he sit there face to face with Jesus and not squirm? How could he ask, “Rabbi, is it I?” How could he reach into that same bowl from which Jesus was eating? How could he sit there in front of the eleven and not feel quilty? How could anyone do such a thing? What was he thinking?

Unfortunately, many today are just like Judas. How can someone who knows Jesus today, proclaim His name, call himself by the name Christian and say he is one of His disciples, and yet willfully deny Him by word or action?  It happens, doesn’t it? There are still individuals that profess to be followers of Jesus, but who will betray Him for profit, acceptance, position, or pleasure. How do they do it? What are they thinking? Like Judas, they are thinking more about themselves than they are about the One they call Lord, Master and Savior. They love themselves, more than Him.

Lord, help us to love You more than we love ourselves, and strengthen our faith to allow You always to be the Master we revere and serve.

The Preciousness of Life

January was designated as “Sanctity of Life Month.” While  I am glad that many focused on the sanctity of life during the month, I also  think it is a shame our society has lost that understanding of the preciousness  of life and has to stop and be reminded of such. Unfortunately though, it  appears that many have either not been taught the value of human life or have  not grasped the concept. The number of senseless shootings, abortions, abuses  and suicides are clear indicators of our society’s lack of appreciation for  human life.

 Life is and should be understood as a prized gift of God.  Our lives are a creation of God, a creation that possesses His image (Gen.  1:26-31; 2:7; Job 31:13-15; Isa. 44:24). We are His offspring, fearfully and  wonderfully made by His intelligence and power (Ps. 139:13-16; Acts  17:25 -28).

 It is vital that each of us understands the preciousness  of life. Such an understanding will affect us on so many levels.

 When I Understand  The Preciousness of Life It Affects The Way I Praise God. My life is lived  in gratitude, not fear. I praise God out of appreciation, not  obligation.

 When I Understand  The Preciousness of Life It Causes Me To Take Care of Myself. I understand  that God has entrusted me with my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being;  therefore I am going to care of it the best I can.

 When I Understand  The Preciousness of Life It Affects The Way I Think About and Treat Others. Because others are a creation of God, just like I am, I wish the best for  them. I love them. I treat them kindly, gently and respectfully. I am conscious  of the way I talk to them. I do not seek revenge on them. I am willing to  forgive them. And, I pray for them. They are precious to our common Creator and  therefore precious to me.

 When I Understand  The Preciousness of Life It Affects The Way I Love and Care for My Family. I  cherish, love and respect my wife, not just because I think she is wonderful,  but because I know she is a creation and gift from God. I rear my children the  best I can because I want to be a good steward of such a tremendous treasure  entrusted to me by my glorious God.

 When I Understand  The Preciousness of Life It Gives Me A Better Understanding of The Sacrifice  Jesus Made for Me. Life is  important to me and it was to Jesus. But, He willing surrendered that life on  the cruel cross that I might have life and have it  abundantly.

 When I Understand  The Preciousness of Life It Strengthens My Longing for Heaven. If life is  precious in this world, how much more precious will eternal life be? We live in  a world with pain, heartaches, sorrows and death. Think of how great it will be  to live in an abode where none of that exists and we will be surrounded by  splendor and beauty before the throne of the Almighty Father that makes it all  possible.

~ John

Family Life

We started our Monday night family studies once again this past Monday.  For the next several weeks we will be looking at ways to build our Christian homes.  Monday night we pondered a few questions that were thought provoking to say the least.  I would like to share some of these with all of you this week.

1. If you were talking to Jesus and He was describing His family life experiences with Joseph and Mary, what  would He say to you?

2. How would Jesus describe His family life?

3. What would be some of His memories?  (Working in his father’s carpenter shop, going to the synagogue as  a family, his siblings.)

4. How do you think Joseph and Mary would describe the events surrounding the announcement and birth of  their son Jesus?

I wonder if we sometimes think that for some reason Jesus’ family life was much different than our own.  Do we tend to think it was perfect, without any of the common struggles families may face?  Was Joseph and Mary’s life stress free?  Were there ever disagreements?  Surely there were.  The lesson to be learned from their example lies in the outcome.  They were just as human as you and I, and by no means were they exempt from the “hurdles” of family life, but they stuck with God.  No matter what trouble or heartache (even losing a son on the cross), they remained faithful to the One who called them.  How encouraging is that?!  They traveled through adversity in their marriage and home together with God by their side!  May we strive for such a relationship as theirs!

Jake

Renewing Our Hearts

It’s hard to believe, but it has been nearly thirty-five  years ago that Dr. Christian Neethling Barnard led a thirty man medical team in  the first human heart transplant surgery. Since that time, numerous heart  transplants have been performed and medical technology has progressed  immensely.

 Without a doubt, man has made tremendous advancement in  understanding the composition and function of the heart. However, even though  man has developed the ability to analyze, repair and replace the physical heart,  he is not able to look, as God does, at what the Bible often calls the heart,  namely the mind (Matthew 9:4; 1 Samuel 16:7).

 God is the creator of man (Genesis 1:26 ) and therefore, not only knows how man is assembled  and functions, but also knows what he is thinking. He knows everything there is  to know about man (Psalms 139).

 So, what does that mean for me? That means that God not  only knows where I go and what I do, but He knows how I think (Isaiah 66:18). He  knows whether my mind is focused on earthly concerns or spiritual matters. Man  may be fooled by an outward appearance of righteousness, but God is not dec  eived because He judges according to the inward man, the heart of man (Romans  2:5, 14-16).

 Therefore, let us work at renewing our hearts, emptying  ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1) and  filling our hearts with a knowledge of the Word of God and a will to obey Him  (Romans 12:1-2).

 ~  John

Remembering America – “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death”

Over the next several days I will be posting a variety of speeches from great men in American History.  I find them to be an example of the character we are to demonstrate as United State’s citizens.  These are our roots, their resolve delivered the freedom we now enjoy today.  They were patriots, and they were God fearing!  Enjoy.  ~Jake

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death by Patrick Henry (March 23, 1775)

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve. This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves. Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free– if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending–if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained–we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of 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. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable–and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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 or give me death!

Source: http://libertyonline.hypermall.com/henry-liberty.html

Where I Was

That morning was just like all the other mornings that came before it at Ft. Benning, GA in September, 2001. I woke up, along with my platoon, and we headed out for PT. It was still quite warm, much like today, due to the fact that Fall hadn’t quite set in yet. I was only on my second week of training, and had another thirteen to complete before my life could return to the normalness that it once was. I was a young boy, fresh out of high school, and putting in some time for a little bit of college assistance. After finishing PT, we headed back to change into our fatigues for the day, then we were off to breakfast. After taking in one of the “promised three”, we made our way to the Company Area to begin our first aid training. This was considered one of the more boring elements of the training at the time. Who wants to sit in a room wrapping guys in fake bandages when there are 240Bravos waiting out on the range to blow some things up!? Never-the-less, we carried on as the obedient soldiers we were supposed to be. About every hour, the Drill Sergeants would let us out of our “four walled prison of boredom” to have a stretch in the breezeway. However, as they gathered us up to head out this time, something was different. For one, it hadn’t been an hour yet. For two, there was something different in our Sergeants’ voices. They lined us up in formation across from the dining hall windows. Drill Sergeant Taylor was on the other side standing by the TV that we had once been told to pretend as though it never existed. When he turned it on, it took a moment for our minds to register what was being played out before us. There was a picture of two large towers, unmistakably the World Trade Center. Of course, the problem was that there was a huge burning mass in the middle of one of them. I’m not sure how long it lasted, but there was a quite in that breezway that I hadn’t heard since my arrival to Georgia. There was no yelling, commanding, talking… just sheer silence. Then out of nowhere, the unbelievable took place. One-hundred and twenty something young men stood silent in the halls of the United States Infantry School, and we watched as a second plane sailed straight into the remaining tower. I remember a sound of uneasiness breaking the silent hall. A few moments later the television was turned off, and our lives had effectively been changed forever. The Drill Sergeants explained to the Company what we had just watched, and what we were now instantaneously a part of. No longer were we the eighteen-year-old boys who rode in on the bus from home just two weeks ago. No, now we were the answer along with the rest of this nation’s armed forces. We were the answer to the challenge that just took place before our eyes. We were the answer to an unexcusable murder of innocence.

I want to mention one more reflection this morning as well. Several months later on December 14th, as I made my way home after completing training, we were flying in over OKC. Unsure of the current state of society, I wasn’t certain about what awaited life at home. For the last several months, we had known and heard nothing but war. Our every step in training was concerned with the defeat of the Taliban. It was a name we all grew to know very well, and dislike very much during our stay in Georgia. However, on this mid-December evening I recall gazing down at the city below as we approached for landing. Being the time of year it was, Christmas lights covered the ground. A foreign site of peace compared to the past several weeks. I think what moved my soul the most was what we saw as we drove through the neighborhoods after leaving the airport. I don’t ever recall seeing so much red, white, and blue in my life. It surpassed any Fourth of July from my past. Over the next few days, I grew even prouder of what I was now a part of. I was proud because of the unity, the single-mindedness, the resolve to work together, the fellowship, the brotherhood, the humbleness, the love, the integrity, the duty, the passion, and the patriotism that this country represented the weeks and months following 9/11.

This morning as I headed to work, I as reminded that as a nation, we have sadly turned from the attitude described above since that time. Ah yes, an election year. The gloves come off, and hearts are hardened by political disruptiveness. Men and woman, even today, will lose their lives overseas fighting for the same battle that was started 11 years ago today, but all that will make the news tonight is the political unrest at home. Alan Jackson wrote the now unforgettable song, “Where Were You” in the weeks following 9/11/2001. Ft. Benning, GA is my answer. I was in a nation that represented all the qualities in the list above. That is the nation where I yearn to be again!

Where were you?

-Jake

A Vacation Ministry

Ministry, without a doubt, is random. That doesn’t mean it is haphazard. Focus and planning are vital aspects of meaningful ministry. But, it is random in what one is called upon to do in the process of carrying out ministry. For example, working in Christian Camping. Those of you that know me, know that I am deeply interested and active in camping. I have served on the board of directors for three camps and have been on the staff in one capacity or another of some 50+ camp sessions and retreats.

 But what does that entail? For some, that entails very little. They go to camp simply tagging along for the fun. But, remember I love camping and am a very hands on staffer. That’s probably why a certain question always amuses me. Almost without fail, and yes it happened after camp again this summer, someone will ask me, “How was your vacation?” So, I thought I would make a list of what I did on my vacation at camp this summer.

                I was the Bible Class director. I made topic, teacher and location assignments.               

                I taught a Bible Class each day.

                I was a cabin counselor.

                I preached one evening.

                I was a sport’s team captain.

                I worked in the canteen.

                I helped wash dishes.

                I helped cook one evening.

                I removed spiders and tarantulas when needed.

                I crushed unwanted scorpions.

                I made a couple of trips to town for supplies (and ice cream).

                I helped clean the chapel.

                I spent 4 hours cleaning stopped up sewer lines.

                I was the bonfire builder and starter.

                I helped resolve conflicts between campers.

                I gathered trash.

                I helped clean the bathhouse.

                Etc., Etc., Etc.

Now, does that sound like vacation to you?

 Don’t get me wrong, I am not bemoaning my week at camp. I love every minute of it (except for maybe the sewer part). And, I plan to do it again next summer.

 Why you ask? Because I believe in the spiritual impact that camping makes on the lives of the young and old that attend. I see the spiritual growth that takes place in precious souls. I see the change that happens as campers go from being believers to leaders. I see hearts that become more Christ- like in attitude. I see the minds that are convicted to seek first the kingdom of God. I see strong bonds of brotherhood form between campers of a common faith. And, I see the joy that fills the eyes of campers as they worship God surrounded by the beauty He created.

 The blessings that come from Christian camping are not the result of haphazard ministry, but the result of a random set of efforts and activities that arise in a very intentional ministry.

 ~ John

Don’t Work Too Hard

From time to time members of the church drop in to see me at the office. Some want to discuss a project, others are seeking counsel with a problem, and others simply want to make a friendly visit. At the conclusion of the visit, some will depart making the comment, “Now, don’t work too hard.” Isn’t that a little strange? Why would they not want me to work hard? I am involved in a most enjoyable work in the world and one that is helpful to the Lord’s kingdom. Why would they not want me to work hard?

 I realize that the statement is usually made simply for conversational purposes, but I also believe that it is descriptive of our society’s attitude toward work. Many in our society look at work as something that is bad, undesirable, miserable or just a necessity to survive. Because of that attitude they do as little work as possible on the job. They do only what has to be done. They do not put out any more effort than necessary, stay any longer than necessary, or be more helpful than necessary. They believe that as long as they do what is absolutely necessary to get paid each week, they are successful and worthy workers.

 Unfortunately, this attitude also has infiltrated the minds of many Christians. Not only do they reflect this attitude on the job, but they allow it to be the standard in their spiritual lives. Their relationship with God focuses on the question, “What is the least I can do, and still be pleasing to Him?” Such an attitude indicates the person is serving God from a selfish motive, and not out of a loving heart. He is “doing works” to obtain salvation, instead of “doing works” out of appreciation for all that God has done for him (Eph. 2:5-10). As we strive to serve God, let us do so diligently and out of an attitude of love and appreciation for who He is and what He has done for us, not because

 ~ John

Helping Those In Need

Does God care for the poor, needy and downtrodden? The obvious answer is Yes. The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, A refuge in times of trouble (Psalms 9:9). “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now I will arise,” says the LORD; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns” (Psalms 12:5). I know that the LORD will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor (Psalms 140:12).

Is Jesus concerned for the destitute and the oppressed? Of course He is. Note the message of the passage He read from Isaiah while in the synagogue in Nazareth, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD” (Luke 4:18-19). He spoke this concerning Himself.

Are Christians to exhibit the same type of loving spirit toward the unfortunate? Again, the answer is an obvious Yes.  Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40).

If God cares for the poor, Jesus’ ministry was of benefit to the needy and Christians are to care lovingly for the down-trodden, should we not be looking for opportunities to help such people? Of course, we should.

“Lord, help us to open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of those around us.”

~John