If Necessary, Use Words

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a
dinner where one of my good friends, Mike Hendryx,
a good friend of mine, was recently recognized
as "Citizen of the Year" for Yreka, CA. He is one of those humble servants of God who loves to serve, but not be put in the spotlight for people to say, "See what Mike has done." He serves God using his gifts and talents in ways that benefit those in his family, church, and community. Mike is a curator of the local museum, but that sometimes feels like his side job as he has tremendous gifts in art, design, and music, that are used in many arenas, including the museum. It would take pages (a list of two pages were read at his dinner) to describe the many things he has done. Speech after speech recognized him for not only his commitment and resolve in his work, but how he inspired others because of his character and his love for God and others. His daughter, Emily, wrote a very touching letter that spoke of how she had become and was becoming who she was because of her dad's influence. She is studying music at the Master's College because of her dad, and to her, the more important thing was that her dad's character and spiritual example. There was hardly a dry eye in the audience. The power of Mike's life and love in her life was a testimony to what God has done through my friend. I wondered what my own daughters would say about me if someone asked them how I had influenced them. One phrase that caught my attention was, "I feel fortunate to have Mike call me his friend." I think all of us who know Mike feel that way. He is such a dear friend and is so encouraging to those around him. His passion for serving Christ is evident to all of us. The power of his testimony, his witness, has changed us.

"Preach the Gospel always and if necessary use words." Saint Francis of Assisi

How many sermons have you preached without even knowing it? We are called, as Christians, to bring the love and peace of Christ into the world not only with our lips, but also in our lives.

A story of St. Francis of Assisi...

One day Francis said to one of the young monks, “Let us go down into the town and preach!” They passed through the main streets, turned down many of the byways and alleys, made their way into the suburbs, and at great length, returned by a circuitous route to the monastery gate. As they approached the gate, the younger monk reminded Francis of his original intention.

“You have forgotten, Father, that we went to the town to preach!”

“My son,” Francis replied, “we have preached. We were preaching while we were walking. We have been seen by many; our behavior has been closely watched; it was thus that we have preached our morning sermon. It is of no use to walk anywhere to preach unless we preach everywhere as we walk.”

Read the verses below, and it is evident that Jesus revealed God to us not only through His words (which we often put the emphasis on), but through the power of His life. What people saw in Jesus's life was powerful and drew them to what He had to say. May that be true for us, as well. May people say, "What I have seen in your life has shown me God. Tell me more." Amen.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

"In him was life, and that life was the light of men." John 1:4

"The true light that gives light to every man
was coming into the world." John 1:9

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling
among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

"Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?" John 14:9

"...and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:44, 45

A Cloud of Witnesses

Lois recently came across an old college friend, Joanne Huddleson, from Biola University, and learned of a great work God is doing in her family's life. It's not what you expect to hear the first time you come in contact with an old friend, that her husband, who had been healthy all his life, suddenly discovered that he had pancreatic cancer, and that it had aggressively taken over a once strong body and that his days are numbered. It's not what you envision sharing when you want to catch up with an old friend. And yet, there it is - the reality of life and the suffering that accompanies it. What they've shared with us is a powerful encouragement of not only God's love for us (direct), but the gift of each other that he has given us (indirect).

We are all inextricably connected through the bonds of Christian family. And the fact is, we really do need each other. Those of us who belong to each other should be ready to give love to each other, "they shall know we are Christians by our love." It's our identity. God has given us gifts for the benefit of each other (see Romans 12:10-16). Scripture also calls it being part of the "great cloud of witnesses." (Hebrews 12:1-3):

1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.


We spend much of our lives believing at some level that we can do life on our own. Our pride makes it hard to admit we need each other. But then life's experiences quickly put us in a position where God gives us the opportunity to receive from others, if we're willing. We somehow don't realize we're missing out on the blessing God has for us through others.

Heb. 12:1 provides a picture from the first century we can relate to. Picture several contestants running a race in a stadium (Ex. Olympics). They're surrounded by thousands cheering for them as they run hard and strain for the finish line. Those in the race are not running for themselves, they're running to bring glory to someone else. Their desire is to run well, to finish the race having given their best. They run the race, straining for the finish line because they want to do what they were created for and trained for. We, too, run the race of life with our eyes fixed on the finish line - and glorify the One we run for.

Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds us of the encouragement that is available to us from our brothers and sisters in Christ. We're reminded that we're not in this race alone - the "cloud of witnesses" is with us. There is love and strength available to us as we run. Mark Schultz, Christian song writer/performer, has written a song, "Cloud of Witnesses," that is a touching portrayal of the committed love we should be giving and receiving as members of God's family. Read it and then listen to to a short testimony (7 minutes) by Scott Huddleson that will help you to see more clearly what God wants to do for us and through us as we run the race and as we are part of the "cloud of witnesses." May God use this to increase our love for each other and to develop interdependent relationships as members of the Body of Christ.

Scott's Testimony - The Cloud of Witnesses

Extravagant Worship

It' good for us to study, pray, and share our reflections of what God shows us about desiring Him and ravishing His heart, not only through corporate worship, but in a life of worship. One section of scripture, I Chronicles 25 is a prelude to 1 Chronicles 29:1-22, which is an amazing description of the extravagant worship of David and the people of God. It's such a great example of just how extravagant we can be in our worship of God...in our response to God. I think it reveals how much David wanted to exalt God before his son, Solomon, who is going to take His place as king of Israel, and the people of Israel. There are a couple of observations I think are worth noting.

The first is that not just anyone was allowed to sing or play for God, in terms of leading worship. I think it's neat that David looked for those who would bring excellence to worship. They were chosen because they had musical skill. Their skill was a result of being trained and surrounded by others with the same attitude toward worship. Some families were particularly skilled in "prophesying with their lyres (guitars :)), harps, and cymbals...in giving thanks and praise to the Lord....under the direction of their father (vs. 1 Chron. 25:1-3). There was also another larger group who were trained as singers. But their training was centered on giving thanks and praise to God, to the point they were set apart for the service of worship. I think they were trained in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. but also were those who had a heart for God. They supported each other in their desire for passionate worship. But what is worship, simply put?

Worship to me means responding to God with all that we are. It should be WELCOMING the Spirit of God and a RESPONDING to what we discover about God. He reveals Himself in many different ways, and these revelations should not just be academic facts, but life changing truth that causes us to have even greater love and devotion for Christ. This is the attitude I ask God to help me bring to personal worship and as I lead or participate in corporate worship. David's response to God's hand in His life, especially as you read the Psalms, is at times brokeness and confusion, but even within that, a recognition of who God is, leading to gratitude and devotion. We see him shout for joy, dance before Him, clap, bow or kneel, cry out in brokeness, bring praise and songs of joy and gratitude, and prayer (including confession, awe of God, and offerings). He felt the freedom to worship in many different circumstances...in his poverty of spirit and need to the point of desperation and in times of success and blessing. We're talking about the journey toward whole-hearted devotion to God. David, great in his failures, but also great as a leader for Israel, kept coming back to God.

It is interesting that if you look throughout Scripture, you'll see that worship has a powerful, transforming effect on those who approach God in those ways. I see more and more of that kind of worship taking place in our church, and I'm experiencing that in my own life. Psalm 100 is instructive of the heart God wishes us to have as we approach worship, and you don't get the sense at all in the Psalm that the primary goal is enjoyment or self-fulfillment, but rejoicing, giving thanks, and being extravagant in our praise of God for who He is and what He has done. May God help give us the courage to express ourselves in worship freely, and leave behind the fear of man as we worship together.

I Chronicles 29 also reveals many different things that were part of worship as they
celebrated. Some of these elements included: David speaking to the people (vs. 1), the people giving (vs. 6-8), the rejoicing of the people and David over the generosity of their leaders (vs. 9), David's prayer (vs. 10-25), David's call to the people to "Praise the Lord your God," (vs. 10). That was just day 1! The next day they made sacrifices to the Lord (thousands of bulls & lambs). Wow! I have always wondered what it all looked like. One thing I gleaned from this is that there is certainly a diversity in what we can do in our worship of God. Another thing is the key element was not what was done, but HOW it was done. It is done with the wholehearted devotion of David, the leaders, priests, worship leaders, and the people, and that's what makes this passage of scripture such an exciting read! The focus for me turns toward how we can glorify God and experience Him in a transforming way. Easier said than done :) I feel like I'm just beginning the process of learning how to lead others in worship and how to be creative in the process and maintaining wholehearted devotion. May God lead us to extravagant worship.

Psalm 100

All Men Exhorted to Praise God.

A Psalm for Thanksgiving.

1Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
2Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
3Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.

Grieving for What Has Been Lost

Today is the second anniversary of a devastating event that occurred in our family. We're not celebrating it, we're grieving it. One of our girls was victimized. And we know she's grieving today what was lost...what was taken away. The evil of one man has changed her life forever. Every year on this day there will be the memories and it will present thoughts and feelings deeper than on any other day. We know that over time God will soften the blow and much of the sorrow we feel today will be replaced with other things. But for now, I want my precious daughter to know that today we know her grief is real, it's deep, and there is nothing wrong about it. Cry and sob and talk. It's not over yet, and although others may not understand that, it's true. But the hope is someday, the grief will lessen and its power will subside. But today is NOT that day.

I was speaking with friends yesterday and commenting on how when our children leave home, we feel so vulnerable as parents. Our opportunities to protect and comfort are much different, and there is a sense of helplessness. We have to turn our helplessness over to God in trust, knowing our loving God has them in His hands. How on days like this I want to be right there to put my arms around my girl and comfort her. Instead, I'm limited to the telephone, to a text message, to prayer...not that those things don't help, but they just aren't the same...they're at a distance. So we pray for our dear girl, that God will bring His comfort through His Spirit, that she'll be reminded of His love for her, that there is hope, and that He will bring people today that she can talk to and openly grieve with and be comforted. God is not offended that we want or need physical presence & comfort from someone with skin...He was good at providing that for many during His days. Aren't you glad for that? He does understand. Today, His heart is touched by our grief, and I love Him for that. Thank you, Jesus.

Psalm 119:76-77 (New International Version)

76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.

77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

2 Corinthians 1:2-4 (New International Version)

2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles...

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (New Living Translation)

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, 17 comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.

A Few Thoughts on Worship

I've felt so blessed the past couple of weeks as I have been part of the worship team at our church, leading others in worshiping...experiencing God. Some have a hard time with that word, "experience," like there is something wrong with having a heart response to God. I think one of the things I've appreciated about the Lord recently is how He is engaging us both "in spirit and in truth." I desire that balance in worship. I have spent much time studying, listening to good teaching and the Word (Daily Audio Bible), and waiting for God to give me a sense of what truths to emphasize about Him, about what He wants us to experience as we worship Him in love and gratitude. I'm enjoying watching people in our church engage God in new ways...being more open in their expression to God. May God continue His work among us, using music, His word, prayer, and celebration to enjoy Him fully.

Psalm 68:3-5 (New International Version)

3 But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.

4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name,
extol him who rides on the clouds —
his name is the LORD—
and rejoice before him.

5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.

The Response of Our Hearts to the Kingdom of God

I've been reading & listening the past week to the story of God's bringing Israel out of Egypt. I've pondered the different verses that talk about God hardening Pharoah's heart and also Pharoah responding to events with a "hardened heart." It brings to mind the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20, Matthew 13:1-23, and Luke 8:1-15) and the "soil conditions" that our hearts have when the K.O.G. (Kingdom of God) meets us through events or God's Word. This parable speaks volumes to our response to God.

It was Pharoah's response to the K.O.G. confronting him that hardened his heart. God knows Pharoah is proud. He isn't about to let another kingdom reign or rule him, so his response is the rejection of God's kingdom. To me, this is a warning to us that when God, (the King) and ruler of the spiritual kingdom we're a part of, engages us through circumstances, through His Word, & through others, we need to look at our responses to Him and see if we're desiring to rule over our hearts, or if we're going to let Him have His rightful place. That means yielding to Him, really trusting Him and His ways. I don't think I want to be in the position of God having to break me to submit to Him. That's the eventual outcome of self-reliance. God allows us to experience the consequences of our self-reliance, and it often isn't pretty. I often find myself saying, "Now how did I end up here again?"

I'm the kind of person that struggles with trying to figure things out, because I'm a problem-solver, a fixer. I also like to look good before others...not physically speaking, but performance-wise. I also like to feel knowledgeable (Knowledge is power, right?). It's the illusion of control that the world has sucked us into. For me, it was the need for approval that set me on this path. For Pharoah, it's keeping his status intact. He's not going to give Moses (or God) the satisfaction of humbling him, make him take a course of action that defies the policies and treatment of the Jews that has become a part of the fabric of the culture. They're just an enslaved people group. I mean, the Egyptians detest the Israelites (except for the work they provide). And Pharoah isn't going to bow his knee without being forced to. Why would he? He is Pharoah, ruler of Egypt. He needs a wakeup call, so God uses Pharoah's stubborn pride to demonstrate His amazing power. And with power He acts. But Pharoah really is stubborn...I mean, how much punishment does one need to get it? I guess the answer to that is, some more than others. How much do you have to see before you recognize, there is a power far greater than your own that is available to you!

The more I trust in myself (pride) and not allow God to take His rightful place, the more I'm on the road to hardening my heart. How far down that road do I really want to go? God desires me to respond in humility, living with my limitations and in His Power. When God makes it clear that He will make the people in Canaan tremble because of what He has done to "mighty Pharoah," and then goes to the length of parting the waters of the Red Sea to help Israel escape difficulty, what is their response? They suddenly stop walking in trust and are paralyzed with fear, until God says, "Choose the Egyptian army or walk through the Red Sea." I want to ask myself, what is my response? Do I walk the path He has opened up for me, or live in fear and become paralyzed to move in the truth God has revealed to me? Will my heart be receptive...softened up...to hear God's voice and be soothed and assured that His strength is with me? Will I rely on the godly people God has placed in my life for encouragement? Or am I too proud to open up (PRIDE), and harden myself to the vehicle God has given me for blessing, the Body of Christ?

James 4:6-8 (New International Version)

6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."^[a]

7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

"God, you want to act on my behalf, to restore me and heal me from the ravages of sin in my life. I'm often fearful that if I let you fight my battles, that I will feel weak and out of control. Instead, I believe that You want me to discover the FREEDOM there in trusting You and not relying on others or myself to make things better. Help me not to lean on my limited understanding. Sure, I need to move and walk the narrow path, but in the end, You're the One that keeps me on the path of righteousness. Help soften my the soil of my heart...help me be responsive to Your voice. Lord, I want my heart to be Yours. Thank you for revealing truth to me that I can live by and have the certainty of Your presence in my life."

Our Distress & God's Response - A Look Into Psalm 77

This week as I was preparing to lead worship on Sunday, God kept bringing to mind how easy it is NOT to be open and honest with Him, especially when we're going through difficult times. My daughter, Claire, had just recently gone through a devastating experience that caused me to begin this reflection. Claire is a Resident Director at Teen Mania's Honor Academy in TX, and oversees the girls in her part of the dorm. Just two weeks ago, a young woman in her dorm, just 20 years old died in her sleep. The girls that shared the room with the young woman found her unconscious and came and got Claire. She had just had CPR training that focused on dealing with unconscious victims, and used those skills, but unfortunately, neither she nor the paramedics who came could revive her. Later, I learned the girl's parents had lost another daughter in a car accident, and the sister who rode with her survived, but had extensive injuries that have required multiple surgeries. I began to think about the emotional, spiritual journey they and all those who knew her have been on. In my own church, we have been touched by death and tragedy, and in particular, our associate pastor's and his wife, whose 32 year old son died accidentally last year. He has been honest about his journey, the ups and downs, and his feelings toward God. I appreciate that. So GOD brought me to Psalm 77 and I just felt I needed to share this during our worship time. Here is Psalm 77:1-15, and my commentary.

Psalm 77 For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of Asaph.

1 I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me!
2 When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted.
3 I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. Selah

4 You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray!
5 I think of the good old days, long since ended,
6 when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now.
7 Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me?
8 Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion?
Selah

10 And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.”

Here is a man who is really trying to be honest. He says, "I have analyzed my situation: I tried prayer all night long. In the past I have been given help, but no help has come to me. God has made my heart to sing in the past, but it is empty, barren, and cheerless now. Why is this? I have thought about it: I searched my own life, my own heart, and these questions have come to me, and I cannot answer them." Suddenly, the psalmist is confronted with whether or not he can believe that God can be depended on, that He can be trusted. He's got his doubts. I love his honesty before God. Notice God doesn't strike him dead when he reveals his true thoughts and feelings to Him.

Suddenly, he has an epiphany of sorts...a revelation.

11 But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
12 They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
13 O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?
14 You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.
15 By your strong arm, you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Asaph is compelled to remember what God has done, and in particular, the mighty works He has done in Israel's past. He dwells on the acts of God, meditates on them CONSTANTLY, making them the center of His thoughts. He remembers the power with which God acted when He brought Israel out of their bondage in Egypt. He can come to no other conclusion than God is mighty, that His ways are Holy. I think Asaph recognizes and accepts what Pastor Matt Chandler said once, "God is god, and you aren't!" We often can't understand what we do through, or find meaning in it, but do we stay committed to follow Him and not turn back. Asaph is humbled as he recognizes his position before God. He is just a man, and God is God. That is comforting to him. In a sense, the Psalmist is saying, "Okay, what are you waiting for? Suppressing those feelings and thoughts aren 't doing you any good. Dwelling on what's happening isn't working...I can't solve it." So decides to lay it all out openly before God. God's greatness can handle our honesty. I'm convinced that God is not causing my distress, but that he to use my circumstances to test and grow my trust in Him." But the question is, did God relieve Asaph's distress immediately, and how about for us?

There are times we can characterize as dark nights of the soul, where we feel the disconnect from God, angry at God, disillusioned, lonely, depressed, and nothing immediately resolves that. I think in the process, Asaph continues to cry out to God...some days feeling comfort and relief, and perhaps, on other days, feeling anger or depression. But He keeps coming back to this, "What do we have left, but to remember the goodness of God in our lives, and ask for the outpouring of God's love and compassion in our hearts?" Day by day, we must CLING to God, ask Him to wrap us in His arms and take us to the place where we experience restoration. The broken parts of our lives are not mended overnight. Israel lived in bondage for over 200 years in Egypt before God freed them. We will see the light of day again in our hearts eventually, even if we can see it or feel it now. Maybe that doesn't sound appealing to you, that you may not find all the relief you want or need immediately. But God can give you the peace of mind that He is acting on Your behalf and you will find deliverance and restoration. The PROCESS of restoration is taking place as we wait on God, CLING to Him, and decide in our hearts, "I WILL TRUST YOU!" and let Him work in our lives. He will make His great Name known and change others, as well as us.

"God, I will choose to REMEMBER your good ways, your promises. I will put my trust in You and wait for You to work in my life. Help me to have the courage to keep trusting in You, because I KNOW you are FAITHFUL and TRUE, and I know that I will find strength to endure as I wait upon You. I remember the life You lived...a man of sorrows. You know my pain, Jesus, and I know You understand. I also know, Jesus, that You cried out to the Father, and I remember Your words, 'Not my will, but Yours.' I reach out to You, loving, merciful Savior - gracious and kind You are."


"And now, let the weak say I am strong, let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks, with a grateful heart."

I'm Blessed

I'm blessed by God. I want to give thanks to Him for all He has done and all He is doing. As the odometer of my life has turned over to 50, I feel a greater love for God and passion to follow Him in all my ways. I must admit, that some of my renewed passion for Jesus has come as a result of my daughters, Claire and Hannah, being a part of Teen Mania's Honor Academy. I had started to feel very stale and unhappy with my life with God and my church...a disconnect when it came to passion and love for God. My daughters have shared a passion for Jesus that's infectious...yeah, I got it :)

I remember our visit to the Honor Academy when Claire was having her first year internship graduation, and we sat in on some teaching. David Hasz was reviewing with the interns the things they had learned that year, and one point stuck out so clearly for me. "You are no longer a baby that needs to be fed. You've been fed and grown and now can feed yourself. There are so many resources available to you, that there's no reason to starve." Wow! I felt like God had hit me over the head with large Mack truck! So I began to get back on the road to growth. It's been a process of a couple of years for God to begin to reshape me and make my heart beat more like His.

I have started reading my Bible again (consistently) and plan to finish reading the whole Bible through in a year. I'm also listening to the Daily Audio Bible podcasts and teachings from pastors around the country. One young guy I really enjoy is Matt Chandler, from the Village Church in Dallas. I also enjoy Erwin Lutzer, Chip Ingram, and Charles Swindoll. I'm also reading books on the spiritual life and theology to help rebuild my perspective on the spiritual disciplines and who God is.

I guess the most ironic thing about this whole process, is that I had a seminary education (M.A. in Marriage and Family Ministries, 1987), but that's no guarantee you're going to stay on the road to growth. I think during the course of 7 years of difficult teaching in a small, rural school (it ate me up!), I was wounded and spiritually depleted. God gave me the courage to quit my job, start fresh in a new career, and begin to put back together my spiritual life. I'm so grateful.

Another benefit of my kids being at the Honor Academy, is that I got to be a part of some very meaningful worship experiences. My wife and I were hungering for that, and God used our time there to refresh us. We attended a local church that had a vital worship ministry, and were again filled by God. Over time, God finally opened the door for me to lead worship regularly at my home church. Renewal had to precede any blessing of leading anyone else in worship. It's now a ministry for me to share my passion for God through music and lead others into experiencing Him more deeply.

Thank you, Jesus, for renewing me, and patiently and lovingly guiding me to walk in Your steps. I give thanks, with a grateful heart.