“It’s good to be seen”. That was Bobby G’s usual response to me saying, “Bobby, good to see you” as he walked into my office trailer. Bobby G was and still is one of the most well known personalities in the new home construction business in NJ. There was hardly a new home development company or project anywhere in NJ, and many outside NJ as well, where he needed to be introduced.
Bobby is retired now and the new home construction business is in the pits. From sometime around 1960 up to 2005 Bobby, among other things sold lumber, being that well known was great for him. Bobby could walk into offices unannounced that other salesmen could never get through. Everyone also knew that Bobby could open doors for those he liked and trusted. In an industry where, if you’re successful, you work yourself out of a job having a friend like Bobby can be priceless. Everyone knew Bobby but when your project was finishing up and it was time to find a new job, it was more important to be known by Bobby.
The scriptures teach us that God knows us each as individuals. Jesus said in Luke 12:6-7 “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (NIV.)
Among the masses God sees each of us individually and loves us each infinitely. He knows our needs, wants, weaknesses, strengths, victories and defeats. He knew us before we breathed our first breath and he has invited us all to know him.
Bill
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Its not what you know, its who you know, Part 1
“Do you know me?” There used to be an American Express commercial that started with that question. Some celebrity would pop onto your TV screen and ask if you knew who they were and hold up their American Express card.
Mel would never have been selected to star in those old Amex commercials, his face is just to well known. It’s safe to say that Mel never needs to pull out his Amex card to get special attention, wherever he goes people would know him.
The truth is I don’t know Mel. As a matter of fact if he came and knocked on my door the polite thing to do would be to address him as Mr. Gibson because we have never been introduced. Odds are you don’t actually know Mel any more then I do. We just think we do because we recognize his face.
So the question isn’t do you recognize Mel or know some things about him, the question is “do you actually know him?”.
Over this past week I interacted with an assortment of people who, if asked, would say they know God. I could be mistaken, they may know Him, it’s not my place to judge or be critical but I expect many of them know God in much the same way people will say they know Mel.
So today I’ll ask you. Do you know God?
Mel would never have been selected to star in those old Amex commercials, his face is just to well known. It’s safe to say that Mel never needs to pull out his Amex card to get special attention, wherever he goes people would know him.
The truth is I don’t know Mel. As a matter of fact if he came and knocked on my door the polite thing to do would be to address him as Mr. Gibson because we have never been introduced. Odds are you don’t actually know Mel any more then I do. We just think we do because we recognize his face.
So the question isn’t do you recognize Mel or know some things about him, the question is “do you actually know him?”.
Over this past week I interacted with an assortment of people who, if asked, would say they know God. I could be mistaken, they may know Him, it’s not my place to judge or be critical but I expect many of them know God in much the same way people will say they know Mel.
So today I’ll ask you. Do you know God?
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Drink up!
Not to very long ago I was having a conversation with my friend Andrew. Andrew his wife Kathy and their two sons serve the LORD as a Missionaries in Columbia. http://tinyurl.com/7spacu Ask Andrew about how he ended up in Columbia and he will chuckle and tell you the story of how he “agreed” with God to go to Columbia for two years, that was over 21 years ago. He was the Pastor of a small Baptist Church in Allentown NJ back then, recently married and on fire for God……….
As I was saying, I was having a conversation with Andrew. He had called from Columbia on his Vonage phone service. Vonage is phone provider that allows its users to make and receive unlimited phone calls from all over the world for one small monthly fee. (or so I have been told). I have another friend, Dr. Mark Wilson who teaches in Turkey. http://sevenchurches.org/mark/ He and his wife Dindy spend about 10 months a year in Turkey and two in the US. Mark also has Vonage. I met Mark back in 1978 while we were both attending……………………….
Sooo back to where I started, Andrew called and as you might expect our conversation revolved around the work the LORD is doing in Columbia. The city Andrew is serving in is Medellin. Medellin is a city of around 3 Million people and is considered the most dangerous city in the world. Each year over 3000 people are kidnapped there. I took some time and did a little research about the city and found that about 5,000 people per year are murdered there. That works out to almost two murders for every thousand peo…………...
I’m sorry I got off track again. Andrew was telling me about the GREAT works the LORD is doing in Columbia. He says that they hold a crusade in the Bull Ring, I think they do this monthly. I wasn’t aware there was bull fighting in South America. I somehow thought they only did that in Spain. Apparently, bull fighting is very popular there and the people there enjoy it a great deal.
AHHH! I did it again! I sat down to write an article about the Great work the LORD is doing in Columbia. To tell you about the Great hunger that exists there. To tell you, as Andrew tells me, about a thirst for GOD that the people have, a thirst that I can hardly comprehend. I wanted to explore why the people in Columbia have such a real hunger for GOD while in America many, if not most of us, say we believe, yet live lives testifying to our true complacent attitude. Why?
Perhaps the first four paragraphs above serve to illustrate what may be part of the answer. In America, the USA, we just plain have too much going on to distract us from what is really important. Perhaps I, and I think others as well, have been overly de-sensitized by a constant bombardment of TV shows, the latest cars on the market, who won last night game, the seasons newest fashions, the new iphone, gaming platform or latest software. The morning coffee is enjoyed with the backdrop of the morning news telling me way more then I need to know about last nights televised sports event, some celebrities substance abuse problem and opinions of why President Elect Obama would go to the beach “shirtless”. The list of voices that compete to hold my attention and consume my life is endless, their march - relentless.
I, like most of those who will read this, am an American. My grocery stores are overflowing with row after row of ready made foods. I have credit cards enough to meet my every whim. I complain to no end about the price of gasoline but think nothing of spending $1.35 on a cup of coffee, a bottle of Coke or even a bottle of water. In a moments notice I can buy a ticket and jump on a plane to just about anywhere. If I have a headache- Tylenol is on the shelf. If I’m feeling blue - I should tell my doctor about the pill I saw on TV last night. If I slip on my neighbor’s front porch – I have a lawyer ready to start the civil proceedings. For every desire, need and appetite, real or contrived there is a product packaged and ready.
In short I have it all! I don’t need God, well not today. I’ll attend to religion some other time. After all, the playoffs are on TV tonight.
Two thousand years ago Jesus, speaking of all humanity addressed our cavalier attitude towards God. The “problem” was important enough to have been recorded in three of the four Gospels.
Matthew 19:24, Luke 18:25 and Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Jesus, talking with the Governor of Judea, just hours before his crucifixion, said "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Pontius Pilate’s response, "What is truth?" could be paraphrased as “I have more important things to think about, so what?” John 18:37- 38.
In no other place and at no other time in history have so many had so much. Conversely, no other people at any time have wanted, no needed, so much.
The answer isn’t new, there are no commercials advertising it, and regardless of the how many credit cards you have you can’t buy it. The answer isn’t free but it is offered to us pre-paid. The answer is called the Gospel, it is The Kingdom of God.
Luke 9:2-6
and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God……….. So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
You decide which is best, a kingdom (government, country, world) of men ------ or a kingdom of God ?
Jesus, speaking of what he will freely give to us said. "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14
Drink up! It’s not an acquired taste. It is what you were created for.
As I was saying, I was having a conversation with Andrew. He had called from Columbia on his Vonage phone service. Vonage is phone provider that allows its users to make and receive unlimited phone calls from all over the world for one small monthly fee. (or so I have been told). I have another friend, Dr. Mark Wilson who teaches in Turkey. http://sevenchurches.org/mark/ He and his wife Dindy spend about 10 months a year in Turkey and two in the US. Mark also has Vonage. I met Mark back in 1978 while we were both attending……………………….
Sooo back to where I started, Andrew called and as you might expect our conversation revolved around the work the LORD is doing in Columbia. The city Andrew is serving in is Medellin. Medellin is a city of around 3 Million people and is considered the most dangerous city in the world. Each year over 3000 people are kidnapped there. I took some time and did a little research about the city and found that about 5,000 people per year are murdered there. That works out to almost two murders for every thousand peo…………...
I’m sorry I got off track again. Andrew was telling me about the GREAT works the LORD is doing in Columbia. He says that they hold a crusade in the Bull Ring, I think they do this monthly. I wasn’t aware there was bull fighting in South America. I somehow thought they only did that in Spain. Apparently, bull fighting is very popular there and the people there enjoy it a great deal.
AHHH! I did it again! I sat down to write an article about the Great work the LORD is doing in Columbia. To tell you about the Great hunger that exists there. To tell you, as Andrew tells me, about a thirst for GOD that the people have, a thirst that I can hardly comprehend. I wanted to explore why the people in Columbia have such a real hunger for GOD while in America many, if not most of us, say we believe, yet live lives testifying to our true complacent attitude. Why?
Perhaps the first four paragraphs above serve to illustrate what may be part of the answer. In America, the USA, we just plain have too much going on to distract us from what is really important. Perhaps I, and I think others as well, have been overly de-sensitized by a constant bombardment of TV shows, the latest cars on the market, who won last night game, the seasons newest fashions, the new iphone, gaming platform or latest software. The morning coffee is enjoyed with the backdrop of the morning news telling me way more then I need to know about last nights televised sports event, some celebrities substance abuse problem and opinions of why President Elect Obama would go to the beach “shirtless”. The list of voices that compete to hold my attention and consume my life is endless, their march - relentless.
I, like most of those who will read this, am an American. My grocery stores are overflowing with row after row of ready made foods. I have credit cards enough to meet my every whim. I complain to no end about the price of gasoline but think nothing of spending $1.35 on a cup of coffee, a bottle of Coke or even a bottle of water. In a moments notice I can buy a ticket and jump on a plane to just about anywhere. If I have a headache- Tylenol is on the shelf. If I’m feeling blue - I should tell my doctor about the pill I saw on TV last night. If I slip on my neighbor’s front porch – I have a lawyer ready to start the civil proceedings. For every desire, need and appetite, real or contrived there is a product packaged and ready.
In short I have it all! I don’t need God, well not today. I’ll attend to religion some other time. After all, the playoffs are on TV tonight.
Two thousand years ago Jesus, speaking of all humanity addressed our cavalier attitude towards God. The “problem” was important enough to have been recorded in three of the four Gospels.
Matthew 19:24, Luke 18:25 and Mark 10:25 “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Jesus, talking with the Governor of Judea, just hours before his crucifixion, said "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Pontius Pilate’s response, "What is truth?" could be paraphrased as “I have more important things to think about, so what?” John 18:37- 38.
In no other place and at no other time in history have so many had so much. Conversely, no other people at any time have wanted, no needed, so much.
The answer isn’t new, there are no commercials advertising it, and regardless of the how many credit cards you have you can’t buy it. The answer isn’t free but it is offered to us pre-paid. The answer is called the Gospel, it is The Kingdom of God.
Luke 9:2-6
and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God……….. So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
You decide which is best, a kingdom (government, country, world) of men ------ or a kingdom of God ?
Jesus, speaking of what he will freely give to us said. "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:13-14
Drink up! It’s not an acquired taste. It is what you were created for.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Parenting The Christ
We just returned from a great but brief visit with my folks down in Myrtle Beach South Carolina. The plan for the trip was quickly put together in early December when we realized that none of our four kids and their respective families would not be joining us at our house on Christmas day. In order to “share” them with their growing families we had elected to get together as a family on the 24th. This would be the first time that none of the kids were home on Christmas day, it would be just the two of us. Not that there is anything wrong with spending Christmas day alone with the person you love the most, it’s just that this would have been a first for us.
However, my folks have been spending Christmas together ,alone, for a long time. It made perfect since and worked out wonderfully to jump on a plane and fly down on Christmas morning and spend a few days with them.
While in Myrtle Beach we attended a Christmas show at the Alabama Theater. The three hour show was outstanding. It had it all, singing, dancing, Santa, and some very enjoyable comedy filled the first half. The second half was devoted to the true reason for Christmas, Christ’s birth. Honestly, I have never seen such a moving Christian celebration of the birth of the Lord. The fact that it took place not in a church but in a public theater made it all the more special. In the event that someone connected to the Alabama Theater reads this, My Hat is Off to You! Great Job!
During that show a young lady recited part of the Christmas story recounting the virgin birth and I was touched by the idea of Jesus being, in the flesh, the actual son of God. I have known this fact for many years and I don’t recall it ever being significant to me. I knew it, I believed it. It just didn’t seem to hold any special place in my relationship to God.
A couple days later, while attending Timberlake Baptist Church with my folks I was again struck with the significance of the conception of the Lord. Even though the speaker that morning was very good my mind kept darting around memories of the Book of Luke relating to the conception, birth and childhood of Jesus. In particular the section below kept coming to mind.
Luke 2: 41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
I scribbled myself a note and looked it up later when we went back to my parents place.
Along with the scripture above a question had formed. “Who told Jesus he had to be in his Father’s house? For that mater who told Jesus he was The Christ? Ask some believers and the normal response to that question will be that he was thought all things by the Holy Spirit. That would have been my answer as well.
The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove when he was baptized by John the Baptist. This took place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, when he was about 30 years old, Luke 3:21-22. After he was baptized and the Holy Spirit filled him we went off into the desert for 40 days, Luke 4:1.
So back to the original questions. “Who told Jesus he had to be in his Father’s house? Who told Jesus he was The Christ? The Bible is actually silent on this subject. We do know though that Joseph and Mary were Godly people. We also know that they were both visited by angles and that they witnessed great and wonderful prophesies about their son.
This does not qualify as a doctrine of faith and it surly has no impact on salvation but I am betting that Jesus was told everything, by his parents (Joseph parented Jesus). The virgin conception, the angelic visitations, the Prophecies of the mother of John, the miraculous conception and birth of John. I am also betting that Mary and Joseph spent many hours teaching Jesus, along with his brothers and sisters about the word of God. That they did their best to raise him as a godly man. In short I am convinced that Mary and Joseph played a vital role in educating and training The Christ.
It’s mind boggling to me to consider that God, the Creator of all Heaven and Earth trusted a man and woman to raise, feed, cloth, protect, and educate the Savior of all mankind. That he had confidence in mortals to allow their influence in the personality and life of the fulfillment of all prophecy and His eternal plan.
Parenting never ends. From the time our children are born and as long as there is breath in our lungs we have the opportunity and obligation to educate, care and love them. Regardless of how old our children are we continue to influence their lives and through them the lives of others. Consider the children we have been blessed with and the magnitude of the responsibility we are entrusted with to help mold them into Godly men and women. Mary and Joseph played a role in the salvation of all of mankind and in doing so changed the world. We, as parents, share with Mary and Joseph the chance to change the world through the examples we set for our children.
However, my folks have been spending Christmas together ,alone, for a long time. It made perfect since and worked out wonderfully to jump on a plane and fly down on Christmas morning and spend a few days with them.
While in Myrtle Beach we attended a Christmas show at the Alabama Theater. The three hour show was outstanding. It had it all, singing, dancing, Santa, and some very enjoyable comedy filled the first half. The second half was devoted to the true reason for Christmas, Christ’s birth. Honestly, I have never seen such a moving Christian celebration of the birth of the Lord. The fact that it took place not in a church but in a public theater made it all the more special. In the event that someone connected to the Alabama Theater reads this, My Hat is Off to You! Great Job!
During that show a young lady recited part of the Christmas story recounting the virgin birth and I was touched by the idea of Jesus being, in the flesh, the actual son of God. I have known this fact for many years and I don’t recall it ever being significant to me. I knew it, I believed it. It just didn’t seem to hold any special place in my relationship to God.
A couple days later, while attending Timberlake Baptist Church with my folks I was again struck with the significance of the conception of the Lord. Even though the speaker that morning was very good my mind kept darting around memories of the Book of Luke relating to the conception, birth and childhood of Jesus. In particular the section below kept coming to mind.
Luke 2: 41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
I scribbled myself a note and looked it up later when we went back to my parents place.
Along with the scripture above a question had formed. “Who told Jesus he had to be in his Father’s house? For that mater who told Jesus he was The Christ? Ask some believers and the normal response to that question will be that he was thought all things by the Holy Spirit. That would have been my answer as well.
The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove when he was baptized by John the Baptist. This took place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, when he was about 30 years old, Luke 3:21-22. After he was baptized and the Holy Spirit filled him we went off into the desert for 40 days, Luke 4:1.
So back to the original questions. “Who told Jesus he had to be in his Father’s house? Who told Jesus he was The Christ? The Bible is actually silent on this subject. We do know though that Joseph and Mary were Godly people. We also know that they were both visited by angles and that they witnessed great and wonderful prophesies about their son.
This does not qualify as a doctrine of faith and it surly has no impact on salvation but I am betting that Jesus was told everything, by his parents (Joseph parented Jesus). The virgin conception, the angelic visitations, the Prophecies of the mother of John, the miraculous conception and birth of John. I am also betting that Mary and Joseph spent many hours teaching Jesus, along with his brothers and sisters about the word of God. That they did their best to raise him as a godly man. In short I am convinced that Mary and Joseph played a vital role in educating and training The Christ.
It’s mind boggling to me to consider that God, the Creator of all Heaven and Earth trusted a man and woman to raise, feed, cloth, protect, and educate the Savior of all mankind. That he had confidence in mortals to allow their influence in the personality and life of the fulfillment of all prophecy and His eternal plan.
Parenting never ends. From the time our children are born and as long as there is breath in our lungs we have the opportunity and obligation to educate, care and love them. Regardless of how old our children are we continue to influence their lives and through them the lives of others. Consider the children we have been blessed with and the magnitude of the responsibility we are entrusted with to help mold them into Godly men and women. Mary and Joseph played a role in the salvation of all of mankind and in doing so changed the world. We, as parents, share with Mary and Joseph the chance to change the world through the examples we set for our children.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Removing Splinters
Removing Splinters
The following article from the New Your Times was forwarded to me from my Dad in Myrtle Beach. One of Dad’s friends has some “history” with military aircraft and he forwards a regular flow of pictures and information about military aircraft and sometimes military life to Dad. Dad then sends it along to me.
Resisting the urge to commentate on the article before you read it I’ll hold my comments on why I decided to post this until the bottom of the article.
This appeared in the New York Times
What is there in the experience of a naval carrier pilot that would help prepare a person to be president? Beneath the derring-do that is part of the successful aviator's image are many fine qualities - some natural, some learned.
Above all, you must be true to yourself. Delusional people rarely survive the harsh demands of carrier flying. You cannot cheat your way through a carrier landing, or ignore the reality of a dark night and a pitching deck.
You must be absolutely committed to a cause greater than yourself, because your life is what you wager each time you take off on a mission . And you must be a team player. Many other team members are needed to operate both the ship and your aircraft, and you need to provide leadership.
A carrier pilot must also learn to accept criticism of his or her own performance, from both peers and overseers. The landing signal officer on an aircraft carrier administers a public debriefing and critique of every landing, and a grade is assigned to every pass the pilot makes at the deck. These grades and the pilot's performance ranking are displayed publicly for all to praise or ridicule. The psychological pressure of this culture is the whetstone that successful carrier pilots use to sharpen their skills -and the grinder that drives some from the profession.
The Navy considers its pilots to be officers first and aviators second. Most carrier pilots lead divisions of perhaps 20 sailors, so they must learn to balance the pressures of flying with the demands of leading. And this is just during peacetime. In times of combat, the pressures are increased exponentially.
So what do we have that could enhance a presidential resume.? Honesty, integrity, courage, commitment, love of country, leadership, capacity for self-criticism, ability to multitask and grace under pressure. These are great qualities indeed for anyone who aspires to become the leader of the free world.
- STEPHEN R. GRAY, author of "Rampant Raider: An A-4 Skyhawk Pilot in Vietnam"
I posted this not to make a point about who you should vote for to become our next President, although that would be a good reason. I posted it because parts of speak to my
Quest to understand my purpose.
Like many Christian leaders, workers and writers I hear a different drum beat, we dance to music others do not hear. Because of this we sometimes feel somewhat alone. After all, who does a Prophet turn to for advice?
Mr. Gray’s article hits the nail on the head. Although I don’t think it was not his intention to do so he has laid out some of the Keys to discovering one’s place in the Kingdom.
“You must be true to yourself”, the yourself that is committed to and following Christ.
“You must be a team player” perhaps the hardest pill for me and possibly you to swallow. Christianity is not a solo sport. To be a Christian and to live a Christian life our spirits need to be connected with others of like mind.
“Learn to accept criticism” we must be humble.
“The pilot's performance ranking are displayed publicly for all to praise or ridicule.” We must be transparent, the truth will always show through any facade we attempt to hide behind.
“Officers first and aviators second” we are all called to be leaders, regardless of our age or experience in Christ. Every Christian is commissioned to be a light to the world.
“They must learn to balance the pressures of flying with the demands of leading” Perhaps no other task is so difficult as the constant attempt to learn to balance the demands and desires of this life with those of the Spirit. Work ,family, fun, and Service all have a place finding the balance is an art form.
My last point was Mr. Gray’s second. I decided it speaks the most to the Quest so I have placed it last.
“You must be absolutely committed to a cause greater than yourself”. Christ has not called us to a life of spectatorship. Listening to the right music, attending the right church, having a fish bumper-sticker on your car, all have their place but they are just parts of the whole. As Christians our spirits cry out that we devote our lives to something much greater then us. Since my proclamation to discover “the answer” I have been bombarded with needs and opportunities to become part of “things” larger then I. I have also discovered that “becoming part of” is much more then just “joining”. Possibly “becoming part of” is not descriptive enough grafted better expresses the concept I am expressing. In exploring these opportunities to serve “the answer” begins to come into focus. I don’t truly possess “the answer”, yet, but I am convinced that committing to a work of God that is greater then me is a step in the right direction.
The following article from the New Your Times was forwarded to me from my Dad in Myrtle Beach. One of Dad’s friends has some “history” with military aircraft and he forwards a regular flow of pictures and information about military aircraft and sometimes military life to Dad. Dad then sends it along to me.
Resisting the urge to commentate on the article before you read it I’ll hold my comments on why I decided to post this until the bottom of the article.
This appeared in the New York Times
What is there in the experience of a naval carrier pilot that would help prepare a person to be president? Beneath the derring-do that is part of the successful aviator's image are many fine qualities - some natural, some learned.
Above all, you must be true to yourself. Delusional people rarely survive the harsh demands of carrier flying. You cannot cheat your way through a carrier landing, or ignore the reality of a dark night and a pitching deck.
You must be absolutely committed to a cause greater than yourself, because your life is what you wager each time you take off on a mission . And you must be a team player. Many other team members are needed to operate both the ship and your aircraft, and you need to provide leadership.
A carrier pilot must also learn to accept criticism of his or her own performance, from both peers and overseers. The landing signal officer on an aircraft carrier administers a public debriefing and critique of every landing, and a grade is assigned to every pass the pilot makes at the deck. These grades and the pilot's performance ranking are displayed publicly for all to praise or ridicule. The psychological pressure of this culture is the whetstone that successful carrier pilots use to sharpen their skills -and the grinder that drives some from the profession.
The Navy considers its pilots to be officers first and aviators second. Most carrier pilots lead divisions of perhaps 20 sailors, so they must learn to balance the pressures of flying with the demands of leading. And this is just during peacetime. In times of combat, the pressures are increased exponentially.
So what do we have that could enhance a presidential resume.? Honesty, integrity, courage, commitment, love of country, leadership, capacity for self-criticism, ability to multitask and grace under pressure. These are great qualities indeed for anyone who aspires to become the leader of the free world.
- STEPHEN R. GRAY, author of "Rampant Raider: An A-4 Skyhawk Pilot in Vietnam"
I posted this not to make a point about who you should vote for to become our next President, although that would be a good reason. I posted it because parts of speak to my
Quest to understand my purpose.
Like many Christian leaders, workers and writers I hear a different drum beat, we dance to music others do not hear. Because of this we sometimes feel somewhat alone. After all, who does a Prophet turn to for advice?
Mr. Gray’s article hits the nail on the head. Although I don’t think it was not his intention to do so he has laid out some of the Keys to discovering one’s place in the Kingdom.
“You must be true to yourself”, the yourself that is committed to and following Christ.
“You must be a team player” perhaps the hardest pill for me and possibly you to swallow. Christianity is not a solo sport. To be a Christian and to live a Christian life our spirits need to be connected with others of like mind.
“Learn to accept criticism” we must be humble.
“The pilot's performance ranking are displayed publicly for all to praise or ridicule.” We must be transparent, the truth will always show through any facade we attempt to hide behind.
“Officers first and aviators second” we are all called to be leaders, regardless of our age or experience in Christ. Every Christian is commissioned to be a light to the world.
“They must learn to balance the pressures of flying with the demands of leading” Perhaps no other task is so difficult as the constant attempt to learn to balance the demands and desires of this life with those of the Spirit. Work ,family, fun, and Service all have a place finding the balance is an art form.
My last point was Mr. Gray’s second. I decided it speaks the most to the Quest so I have placed it last.
“You must be absolutely committed to a cause greater than yourself”. Christ has not called us to a life of spectatorship. Listening to the right music, attending the right church, having a fish bumper-sticker on your car, all have their place but they are just parts of the whole. As Christians our spirits cry out that we devote our lives to something much greater then us. Since my proclamation to discover “the answer” I have been bombarded with needs and opportunities to become part of “things” larger then I. I have also discovered that “becoming part of” is much more then just “joining”. Possibly “becoming part of” is not descriptive enough grafted better expresses the concept I am expressing. In exploring these opportunities to serve “the answer” begins to come into focus. I don’t truly possess “the answer”, yet, but I am convinced that committing to a work of God that is greater then me is a step in the right direction.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
"Groupthink" Sometimes it's a good thing
Writing an article about a suggested topic is always difficult for me. Very recently I joined High Calling Blogs. Although they do not require it they request that you place and article on your blog to tell others about it and why you joined.
The mere request causes me to begin questioning why I did join. Not in a bad or self- doubtful way, more as a curiosity. What caused me to want to join the group, particularly because I’m not a group type person.
The first and most obvious reason is that I am always on the lookout for ways to “grow” my blog readership. It didn’t take long for me to realize that being part of a group helps to draw traffic. However, High Calling’s intention is not primarily to generate readership.
I found my way to High Calling after joining Christian Bloggers Online. After a few clicks on their Blog-Roll I was at The Writing on the Wall who displays a HighCallingBlogs.com badge. With such a cool badge I had to check them out.
I didn’t need to spend much time at HighCallingBlogs.com before I realized I could learn a lot from being here. The quality of writing, the differing voices and viewpoints all called that I spend more time there.
Then this morning I began to wonder, isn’t this like preaching to the choir? If the majority of readers are Christian bloggers (writers), how will being a part of this group help me to reach those who need to hear from Christ the most? The answer to that question came faster then the question itself. We, those who blog for Jesus, need this type of a community and fellowship the most. We, those who attempt to pen Things of the Spirit, need to be fed, schooled, encouraged, challenged, exhorted, and sometimes- to have the hot air let out of our starched white shirts.
Click on the cool badge on the right of my page, it will be worth the read.
The mere request causes me to begin questioning why I did join. Not in a bad or self- doubtful way, more as a curiosity. What caused me to want to join the group, particularly because I’m not a group type person.
The first and most obvious reason is that I am always on the lookout for ways to “grow” my blog readership. It didn’t take long for me to realize that being part of a group helps to draw traffic. However, High Calling’s intention is not primarily to generate readership.
I found my way to High Calling after joining Christian Bloggers Online. After a few clicks on their Blog-Roll I was at The Writing on the Wall who displays a HighCallingBlogs.com badge. With such a cool badge I had to check them out.
I didn’t need to spend much time at HighCallingBlogs.com before I realized I could learn a lot from being here. The quality of writing, the differing voices and viewpoints all called that I spend more time there.
Then this morning I began to wonder, isn’t this like preaching to the choir? If the majority of readers are Christian bloggers (writers), how will being a part of this group help me to reach those who need to hear from Christ the most? The answer to that question came faster then the question itself. We, those who blog for Jesus, need this type of a community and fellowship the most. We, those who attempt to pen Things of the Spirit, need to be fed, schooled, encouraged, challenged, exhorted, and sometimes- to have the hot air let out of our starched white shirts.
Click on the cool badge on the right of my page, it will be worth the read.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Higher Calling
Consider the Missionary
Sitting in a church service on Mission Sunday was never my cup of tea. For some reason I found those who spoke ,,,, well, lets just say they didn’t hold my attention .
I mentioned last week that I recently re-connected with a brother laboring in the mission fields of Columbia. Actually “laboring” doesn’t really fit in some respects. Andrew and Kathy McMillan have been used by the Lord to lead more Souls into The Kingdom then I can image. To use Andrew’s words “there is a great hunger for the Lord”. I asked him to forward me something I could share on the Blog. Below are three of his news letters.
Like many, for many years I was very comfortable thinking to myself, “why go all the way to --------------, when there are so many in need here?” When the mission offering was taken I would give a bit, but I just didn’t get it. Having spoken to Andrew a few times over the last week and hearing about the hunger the people have for the Word of God in Columbia I find myself a bit envious. Not so envious that I’m ready to head off to Columbia. Far be it from me though to challenge the Lord and suggest that “I wouldn’t go if called”.
If you, like me, really don’t “get it” please take a moment and drop me an Email and I’ll forward Andrew’s news letters, with the pictures along to you. stofsoul@gmail
If you are looking for a real blessing, spend a couple minutes chatting with The Lord of the Harvest about the work Andrew, Kathy and their 2 sons are doing in Columbia. ( I have and intend to continue doing so) There are many more working with them there, I dont know their names yet, and literally thousands are coming to the Lord through this work.
Bill
The news letters Andrew sent had some wonderful pictures in them but I’m blog challenged and haven’t been able to pull the pictures out of the documents and post them, YET
March 2008
When God told me to come to Colombia 21 years ago, I said I would go for 2 years. He tricked me. Good thing because we are seeing thousands coming to Christ, hundreds of leaders trained and several churches planted.
We have about 6 evangelism teams ready to have crusades throughout the city. We just need sound equipment for them to do the crusades every week. Consuelo, one of our ushers, has started a ministry to hundreds of poor children and their moms in a very dangerous area of town. She put a down payment on piece of property and is living there among the people. Another $12,000 will pay off the mortgage. Theses people are heroes.
The A&C Corner
We really want to expand the TV and Video ministry. The most faithful guy on our team here is Giovanni. He used to work for Pablo Escobar killing people but now he is serving God big time. We seriously need some new cameras. If you know of any church or TV station that is getting rid of their equipment, please put us in touch with them. Please write us at yodude777@gmail.com. Or call on our Vonage # 561 427 7466. Thanks.
You can see the short video we did on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=miracle+in+medellin&search=Search or just search Miracle in Medellin on youtube.
We are so grateful for your heart caring for people so far away. The light that shines further shines brighter at home. Being partners with us means you have a part with God in all that is happening here. You who gave in 2007 really made a difference.
Good News from Colombia
The McMillan Family
April 2008
God promised, “If you draw close to Me, I will draw close to you.” We have a new hunger to pray, worship and devour His word. We are enjoying the ministry. We are happy missionaries! Heaven’s fire is falling in the church. A young man came for the first time, tackles me and cries out with tears streaming down his face, “I never knew I could feel this way”. An old lady who had been in a legalistic church for 20 years starts punching me hysterically, screaming, “I never have been so happy.” That is a strange way of saying thanks. One touch of God can change people into radical disciples of Jesus.
On March 16, we saw more people in the bullring than ever. We are so proud of the people bringing their friends to Christ. We are following up on 500 decision cards. So far we have a documented case of a man healed of Parkinson disease and a lady healed of cancer. Let us know if you need prayer for healing.
Believe with us for a crusade truck, which would help us have 3-4 crusades throughout the city each week, followed up with new home groups and buses to bring the people to church.
The A&C Corner
Andrew Michael & Christian
God just opened up the main local TV channel for our program! We need some help to upgrade our equipment. Feel free to write us at yodude777@gmail.com. or call on our Vonage . We are graduating from home school this year; so we now are praying about college or doing a TV internship with Pastor Joel Osteen for 6 months first.
You can see the short video we did on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=miracle+in+medellin&search=Search
or just search Miracle in Medellin on youtube.
Wish list: We need a second car to replace our 1986 Mazda. We fixed the frig and joined a gym! Kathy dreams about new furniture but needs a laptop.
Refuge center grows to 84 kids.
Next bullring will be May 3 (The Prophetic Fire Conference) to honor Pastors Randy & Marcela MacMillan and to edify the churches of Medellin. We expect over 12,000 people. We also have started new outreaches for children in the extreme north of the city. More later.
By giving and praying, you are right here with us in God’s eyes. Thank you.
Make checks out to: Mission South America & mail to:
MSA / Pastor Andrew & Kathy McMillan
P.O. Box 12523
Norfolk. VA 23541
To speak to us directly, call 561 427 7466 (Vonage) or write: revival@une.net.co
Peace from Colombia
You are closer than you think
I wish you could stand be at our side during the altar call. This week 200 people came forward to receive Christ. Each one has a story. One man, who committed adultery, finds the surprise of forgiveness from God and from his wife. A youth screams out for freedom from basuca, the cheap street cocaine. A single Mom finds the Man who will never leave her. An old woman who prayed all her life to idols, meets the living God. A witch finds peace.
But you are at our side by supporting us. You get the same reward. David said that they who stay back with the baggage get the same reward as those who go forth into the battle. And we know you have your won battles, too. But by teaming up with us, we believe that the anointing flowing here will flow richly in your lives, too.
2000 kids in a special outreach Girl from the refuge center receives Refuge Center
medical attention
You help this happen:
*Our church plants are growing
*The churches are growing in unity and strength. Kathy trains 500 women of the city for intercession. Andrew is the chairman for a city-wide crusade in October.
*The 3 day retreats for new believers are growing, Our retreat center is jammed every weekend.
*Our Refuge Center for the children is packed with 107 kids; plus a new house just for training the moms how to work with honor and walk free from drugs and prostitution.
*Signs and wonders keep us amazed. Just this week 3 more people were healed of cancer with the proof from doctors.
Picture of Copacabana.((FAVOR LLAMAR A P WILSON Y PEDIRLE QUE EMIAL UNOS FOTOS DE NUEVO SEDE))
Believe with us
*To see the whole city ablaze with the fire of God
*We are about to launch a short daily program on the main Medellin channel. Andrew Michael & Christian graduated from high school and are giving one year to the ministry before college. Pray for them for favor & finances.
*To improve the sound quality in the auditorium (Faith comes by hearing).
By giving and praying, you are right here with us in God’s eyes. Thank you.
Make checks out to: Mission South America & mail to:
MSA / Pastor Andrew & Kathy McMillan
P.O. Box 12523
Norfolk. VA 23541
We have a new 7 minute video showing the overall work here. For a free copy, call us 561 427 7466 (Vonage) or write us: revival@une.net.co
I mentioned last week that I recently re-connected with a brother laboring in the mission fields of Columbia. Actually “laboring” doesn’t really fit in some respects. Andrew and Kathy McMillan have been used by the Lord to lead more Souls into The Kingdom then I can image. To use Andrew’s words “there is a great hunger for the Lord”. I asked him to forward me something I could share on the Blog. Below are three of his news letters.
Like many, for many years I was very comfortable thinking to myself, “why go all the way to --------------, when there are so many in need here?” When the mission offering was taken I would give a bit, but I just didn’t get it. Having spoken to Andrew a few times over the last week and hearing about the hunger the people have for the Word of God in Columbia I find myself a bit envious. Not so envious that I’m ready to head off to Columbia. Far be it from me though to challenge the Lord and suggest that “I wouldn’t go if called”.
If you, like me, really don’t “get it” please take a moment and drop me an Email and I’ll forward Andrew’s news letters, with the pictures along to you. stofsoul@gmail
If you are looking for a real blessing, spend a couple minutes chatting with The Lord of the Harvest about the work Andrew, Kathy and their 2 sons are doing in Columbia. ( I have and intend to continue doing so) There are many more working with them there, I dont know their names yet, and literally thousands are coming to the Lord through this work.
Bill
The news letters Andrew sent had some wonderful pictures in them but I’m blog challenged and haven’t been able to pull the pictures out of the documents and post them, YET
March 2008
When God told me to come to Colombia 21 years ago, I said I would go for 2 years. He tricked me. Good thing because we are seeing thousands coming to Christ, hundreds of leaders trained and several churches planted.
We have about 6 evangelism teams ready to have crusades throughout the city. We just need sound equipment for them to do the crusades every week. Consuelo, one of our ushers, has started a ministry to hundreds of poor children and their moms in a very dangerous area of town. She put a down payment on piece of property and is living there among the people. Another $12,000 will pay off the mortgage. Theses people are heroes.
The A&C Corner
We really want to expand the TV and Video ministry. The most faithful guy on our team here is Giovanni. He used to work for Pablo Escobar killing people but now he is serving God big time. We seriously need some new cameras. If you know of any church or TV station that is getting rid of their equipment, please put us in touch with them. Please write us at yodude777@gmail.com. Or call on our Vonage # 561 427 7466. Thanks.
You can see the short video we did on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=miracle+in+medellin&search=Search or just search Miracle in Medellin on youtube.
We are so grateful for your heart caring for people so far away. The light that shines further shines brighter at home. Being partners with us means you have a part with God in all that is happening here. You who gave in 2007 really made a difference.
Good News from Colombia
The McMillan Family
April 2008
God promised, “If you draw close to Me, I will draw close to you.” We have a new hunger to pray, worship and devour His word. We are enjoying the ministry. We are happy missionaries! Heaven’s fire is falling in the church. A young man came for the first time, tackles me and cries out with tears streaming down his face, “I never knew I could feel this way”. An old lady who had been in a legalistic church for 20 years starts punching me hysterically, screaming, “I never have been so happy.” That is a strange way of saying thanks. One touch of God can change people into radical disciples of Jesus.
On March 16, we saw more people in the bullring than ever. We are so proud of the people bringing their friends to Christ. We are following up on 500 decision cards. So far we have a documented case of a man healed of Parkinson disease and a lady healed of cancer. Let us know if you need prayer for healing.
Believe with us for a crusade truck, which would help us have 3-4 crusades throughout the city each week, followed up with new home groups and buses to bring the people to church.
The A&C Corner
Andrew Michael & Christian
God just opened up the main local TV channel for our program! We need some help to upgrade our equipment. Feel free to write us at yodude777@gmail.com. or call on our Vonage . We are graduating from home school this year; so we now are praying about college or doing a TV internship with Pastor Joel Osteen for 6 months first.
You can see the short video we did on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=miracle+in+medellin&search=Search
or just search Miracle in Medellin on youtube.
Wish list: We need a second car to replace our 1986 Mazda. We fixed the frig and joined a gym! Kathy dreams about new furniture but needs a laptop.
Refuge center grows to 84 kids.
Next bullring will be May 3 (The Prophetic Fire Conference) to honor Pastors Randy & Marcela MacMillan and to edify the churches of Medellin. We expect over 12,000 people. We also have started new outreaches for children in the extreme north of the city. More later.
By giving and praying, you are right here with us in God’s eyes. Thank you.
Make checks out to: Mission South America & mail to:
MSA / Pastor Andrew & Kathy McMillan
P.O. Box 12523
Norfolk. VA 23541
To speak to us directly, call 561 427 7466 (Vonage) or write: revival@une.net.co
Peace from Colombia
You are closer than you think
I wish you could stand be at our side during the altar call. This week 200 people came forward to receive Christ. Each one has a story. One man, who committed adultery, finds the surprise of forgiveness from God and from his wife. A youth screams out for freedom from basuca, the cheap street cocaine. A single Mom finds the Man who will never leave her. An old woman who prayed all her life to idols, meets the living God. A witch finds peace.
But you are at our side by supporting us. You get the same reward. David said that they who stay back with the baggage get the same reward as those who go forth into the battle. And we know you have your won battles, too. But by teaming up with us, we believe that the anointing flowing here will flow richly in your lives, too.
2000 kids in a special outreach Girl from the refuge center receives Refuge Center
medical attention
You help this happen:
*Our church plants are growing
*The churches are growing in unity and strength. Kathy trains 500 women of the city for intercession. Andrew is the chairman for a city-wide crusade in October.
*The 3 day retreats for new believers are growing, Our retreat center is jammed every weekend.
*Our Refuge Center for the children is packed with 107 kids; plus a new house just for training the moms how to work with honor and walk free from drugs and prostitution.
*Signs and wonders keep us amazed. Just this week 3 more people were healed of cancer with the proof from doctors.
Picture of Copacabana.((FAVOR LLAMAR A P WILSON Y PEDIRLE QUE EMIAL UNOS FOTOS DE NUEVO SEDE))
Believe with us
*To see the whole city ablaze with the fire of God
*We are about to launch a short daily program on the main Medellin channel. Andrew Michael & Christian graduated from high school and are giving one year to the ministry before college. Pray for them for favor & finances.
*To improve the sound quality in the auditorium (Faith comes by hearing).
By giving and praying, you are right here with us in God’s eyes. Thank you.
Make checks out to: Mission South America & mail to:
MSA / Pastor Andrew & Kathy McMillan
P.O. Box 12523
Norfolk. VA 23541
We have a new 7 minute video showing the overall work here. For a free copy, call us 561 427 7466 (Vonage) or write us: revival@une.net.co
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