One Great Class Period

I was privileged to lead Grace College’s Religious Studies Senior Seminar classes this week by virtue of overseeing the school’s youth ministry courses. Here's what we did in Tuesday’s class period:

I shared about the concept of “living the Word out” rather than just hearing the ideas. We looked at James 1:22 – and that real Biblical knowledge is not just the mental understanding of the truth. We talked about all three aspects of real knowledge—knowing, doing, and being. We read the story of the Good Samaritan and discussed the concept that we are to do good and love even our enemies. We then went to James 1:26-27 and talked over the issue that not only are we to love and do good to our enemies—but also to the forgotten and overlooked.

I then told them a story I had heard for my father when he was a student at Grace College and Seminary in the '50s. Dr. McClain was leading chapel that day and began by reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-5. He stopped after the phrase “a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones.” He closed his Bible, and said, “Gentlemen, today is that day!” He then proceeded to cancel classes for the rest of the day, sent everyone home to change clothes, and then the student body cleared the area that is now the campus green/lawn in front of McClain Hall!

After reading Ecclesiastes 3:1-5, and telling the class that story, I said, “Well, Ladies and Gentleman, for us, ‘today is that day.’ Last night and this morning, Winona Lake has been hit with 8-12 inches of snow. I have a map of some widows and elderly people right here in Winona Lake and we are going to go and shovel their driveways and sidewalks. We are then going to pray either with or for them because really understanding the Bible only starts with knowledge but continues on to impact our character, as well as what we do with our actions.”

So that neat group of students, with wonderful attitudes, cleared eight homes in about 50 minutes. We gathered back together, talked about the ministry concept described at the end of Matthew 25 and closed in prayer.

While having Dr. McClain share his words with the class would be been the thrill of a lifetime, something tells me that all of us will remember Tuesday’s class because we discussed and then lived out a biblical truth.

Real understanding only starts with knowledge, but must lead to action and the development of our character to be more like Christ’s.

Random Thoughts

A few random thoughts that have struck me over the past few days:

Shared experiences with teens on a weekend retreat are life changing--for the teens and for the adults.
God's timing--whether that is for the formation of an Operation Barnabas leadership team or something else--really is best.
Weather in Indiana does not compare to the weather in California.
God did an amazing job making our bodies with an ability to heal.
I'm grateful that I never had a serious injury playing soccer those many years ago.
I'm not so grateful for pictures of Arsenal's Eduardo breaking his leg on Saturday. That is probably the grossest thing I have ever seen...
The book of Romans is incredible. What an argument. What a reality.
After the guts of Indiana University and its show of integrity with its basketball program--I am now a fan. Go Hoosiers! (Until you play UCLA...)
I like being with my wife and kids.
I'm grateful for parents who provided for me and supported me.
The older I am becoming, the more I am getting excited about heaven and less about what's on this earth.
It sure is fun to laugh.
How much in this world really should be taken that seriously?
I worry around people who say they are Christians but don't take those few things VERY seriously.

Told you it was a random list.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday. To Bekah, not to me. Our daughter just turned 15 yesterday. Rather than feeling "old" by thinking about this milestone, it really provided me with two different emotions:

One emotion is gratitute.
I remember when she was born. They give children a rating on a scale--I think they call it an Apgard test, or something like that. She was top of the charts. But the day didn't start that way. Dana had a high fever and Bekah was under "stress" (who wasn't that day...) so they went and got her by C-section. I don't think I will ever forget being robed up and waiting to go into the surgical center. At that moment I remember thinking: The kind of car that I drive doesn't matter. The house I live in doesn't matter. The clothes I wear don't matter. Even my job really doesn't matter. At this moment, the only things that matter are Jesus and my wife and child. Simple. And then my dad came in and we prayed together and Bekah began her 15 year journey. Bekah is a good girl and is making good choices. I am grateful.

I am also excited. One year from now, Bekah will be able to drive a car. Not only do we know this will free up our time in driving Nick and Bekah everywhere under the sun, but it will be another step forward in her maturing and taking responsibility. As I look around, I get the idea that most parents dread seeing their children become more independent and not need them as much. Dana and I have always felt the opposite. Our job is to work our way to of a job.

It may be easy to misread that last section and not completely understand what I mean. We enjoy being together as a family--in fact, it is one of our favorite things. But there is a difference between wanting to spend time together and needing to. Our desire is to help equip Nick and Bekah to fear God and become wise in decision making without us--because we have taught them how. It was a long time ago that we came to the conclusion that we would probably not live near our children when they became adults or our grandchildren because of ministry they will be called to by God. And we are okay with that. We've been preparing for that since day one.

So grateful and excited. Not a bad combination. Talk to me next year and let's see if I still feel the same way...

Highlights from My Latest Trip West…

Got in late to LA on Thursday night after too many delays at airports. But at least it wasn’t -7 degrees either…

Attended Fellowship Council meetings on Friday and enjoyed seeing pastors and representatives from the FGBC. It was good to hear the reports from Grace College, Tim Boal and church planting ministries, GBIM, as well as being able to share about the direction of CE National ministries.

Saturday was a day of enjoyable meetings with donors to the ministry of CE National. Always a blessing to be able to share how God is using their investments for eternal dividends. Also had a great morning with Tim and Janine and Baby Lansing (who is scheduled any day now to make his appearance) talking about Operation Barnabas orientation being hosted so graciously by the GBC in Norwalk this June.

Got to preach on Sunday morning at the church I grew up at. That’s always a thrill—to be able to share from God’s Word, as well as thank that body of believers for building into my life and giving me opportunities that not very many places would or should have given me!

Had lunch with some of the church fam at Po’ Folks in Buena Park (highly recommend a visit if you are in the area). It was a wonderful time of sharing and being encouraged.

Sunday night was the annual So Cal CE National Celebration. Had about 100 of us rejoicing through song, testimony, more stories, and video. Always a great time for everyone to see each other and celebrate God’s goodness and blessings. Specifics were shared about the impact of last year’s Momentum conference and share about this year’s plans. Same with OB, TNI and Urban Hope Training Center too. Also, prayed for Oscar, who was there that evening, and ask God to bless him as he participates on OB this summer.

Monday through Wednesday was Focus retreat. Best part: Going out with two elders from a local church and talking and building relationships with people in the community. We went to Dana Point and had two incredible conversations: one with a lady who has just begun attending a church where she will hear the gospel. Also, with a shop owner who just came to faith in Christ 8 weeks ago. Tremendous.

Remarked one of the guys I was with: “ I never talk to people I don’t know. But I should. And this was good today.” Awesome. It was like a light came on. And these gentlemen got to do for a day what we do on Operation Barnabas all summer long!

Returned home safely on Thursday—just as the weather got nice in So Cal and there was a winter advisory for Northern Indiana..

Praise God for great opportunities!

True Champions

Grace and class are important attributes to a true champion. It was evident, once again, to me as I listened to the head coach of the now 18-1 New England Patriots answer questions after the team's first Super Bowl loss. With every answer given, it became more evident why it sounded like there were far more Giants fans in the University of Phoenix stadium last night than Pats fans.

Each answer was short and terse. I almost felt sorry for such a man who gives these kinds of replies. No wonder his wife and he would split up. I would think my wife would leave me if I answered questions in such a way. No words of congratulations to the other team. I'm trying to think of the last time a losing coach has not even mentioned congrats to the other team in a TV interview.

Maybe it is "everyone is against our team." Maybe we don't like to see perfect records (except the '72 Dolphins--and yes that was a shout-out to my good friend Stacie...). But my gut tells me that if the Colts were going for victory number 19, there would be a whole lot more people cheering for that to happen than I have heard about people siding with the Pats this year.

Maybe it is something about leadership. I can't imagine Tony Dungy acting with anything but class--even after a devastating loss. Nor Lovie Smith. And I am sure a number of other coaches. (I'm not too quick to put the former Atlanta Falcon's coach, Rick Majerius, or Rich Rodriguez in this list though...) Coach John Wooden of UCLA fame may head the list of gracious men...

I don't think this is about personality either. I don't care that Coach B is guarded and analytical and too much a part of the No Fun League. Some may not agree with me. That's okay. But surly is another thing.

I do feel sorry for the those on the Pats team who well may be men of character. But their leader hurt their credibility without them even getting to say a word.

I believe character won last night. Or maybe better put: a lack of character was displayed one more time by the losing team for all the world to see.