A Tell of Two Doctors

I don't usually like going to the doctor.

Now, I don't have White Coat Syndrome but I avoid the doctor like the plague. We often treat going to the doctor as if we are on death row and they are executioners. More than once, I've heard my wife say jokingly,"if people stay away from doctor, they won't get sick." What a humorous yet tragic misconception. Sure, it's laughable until you actually need a physician. 

Faced with a potentially life threatening condition, suddenly I want a doctor. Or in this case five or more.

His diagnosis: treatable not curable. The benign mass has attached itself to the carotid artery which prevents 50% to 40% from being removed. Bottom line: a dangerous surgery, (twice as dangerous as bypass surgery. so pray neither of us sneezes) a tumor that will grow back, and a lifetime commitment to manage the problem. Over all, our first encounter went well. I suspect we will become great friends and in that, my trust in him will grow. Still, I'm already comparing him to another physician.

 Jesus calls Himself a doctor. It's no wonder. His patients treat Him as we treat our earthly doctors. Some have no idea they are infected. Others hope by not showing up at the doctor 's office they won't be diagnosed or contract the disease. Some question treatment others flat out refuse it.  It's tragic, since the cure has been paid for in full.

His diagnosis: Sin addiction. Terminal if left untreated. Curable but with lifelong symptoms that must be continually managed by patient and doctor.  Surgery must be done on your heart and mind. To  treat the symptoms apply God's word daily.  It's a universal medicine. You can become addicted but you can't overdose. Additionally, the patient should make regular daily appointments with the doctor through prayer. As well as, frequent visits to the local hospital called the church, the patient will be encouraged to attend a support group of recovering addicts.

Everything will be left up to the doctor except the patient's confidence.

 As I further examine the similarity of these two doctors, I only have faith in one of them. He ultimately has the last say in all things. As far as the other guy goes, what kinda of idiot would I have to be to go through brain surgery and not follow the doctor's orders? I know, the ridiculously stupid kind with a death wish.  And He ain't even God. Ever notice it's those not following doctors who complain about their progress?  Take the doggone medicine.

Pecan Trees and Brain Tumors

It was fourteen feet in just 5 years. Pretty good for a amateur arborist. The day I planted my pecan tree my youngest daughter asked my wife ,"why is daddy planting a stick ?" I did everything right. It was regulaly pruned. The proper fertilizer was used. I watered it regularly and treated it for pest. It was beautiful right up until it died. I was perplexed and kinda ticked off. I put a good bit of time and money into that tree.  Except it wasn't dead. It isn't fourteen feet anymore but from the root a new tree is growing. I now envision a stronger more beautiful tree than before.

What in the world does that have to do with a brain tumor? Absolutely nothing. Unless, you have an epidermoid growing inside your head and the tree just happens to be planted where you see it everyday. I have known for a week today what my friends have known for years. My problems are all in my head. Since this is a congenital defect, they've been right all along. They've always said, "boy you ain't never been right in the head!" Who knew I had such prophetic friends! The tumor is large but benign and removable. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. So here's what the pecan tree reminds a man who's about to have a literal hole in his head.

I didn't expect the tree to die. I did not expect the tree to come back either.  Despite our efforts when it comes to Pecans (and everything else), crop production is not our our job. Our job is to plant, water, and harvest. I've seen those farthest from God come to know Him best. I've seen those I considered saints throw in the towel on the good fight. I've seen tragedy and miracles. So to strengthen our faith and in causing our focus of total dependency upon Him, God continually reminds us to expect the unexpected.  

The Tree's connection to life was its roots.  Likewise our foundation, our roots, must be connected to the giver of life. I don't even want to imagine facing this without a relationship with Christ. I have had a fleeting moment just long enough to convey this message to the enemy. God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)

It's not my pecan tree. It's not my skin, body or even my tumor. Everything is God's. And He can and will do what He wants. My buddy Kevin Child's said it like this.  "God does what He wants. When he wants to.  To and through what and who He wants to. And He's always right." The bible teaches us all things were created for His pleasure. And it will be Good. Revelation 4:11 Romans 8:28

Jesus Has Enough Fans

Tomorrow, just in time for football season, we start a new series called GameTime. America loves football. So do a lot of God's people. There's lots of great things that surround the game. No doubt, it will be delivered excitingly since Matt Brown never lets our team down. While I have high hopes for potential new believers and seasoned Christians to easily connect through GameTime, for me it will be more difficult. 

I know as much about football as I do rocket science. Even that's more than I usually care to know. Football, metaphorically speaking, isn't always symbolic of Christ's charity. The competitive nature of the sport often ignites pride and vanity. Negative social and economic impacts as well as character flaws are overlooked for the glory of the game. Once, the events might have resembled worship but now they surpass worship in enthusiasm and participation.

Though many look fondly upon the American pastime, football is a source of a lot of unpleasant childhood memories for me. From 8 years old through high school, I was the guy no one wanted on their team. When my childhood best friend became interested in football, I ended up on the sidelines. Regardless of all the positive effects of football on our society, and no matter its ability to bring people together, I remember the alienation it brought to me. I know there are others that feel much like I do about the sport. So, I tried to draw some positive parallels for us nerds. 

What if Jesus had a football team? 

Anyone who wanted to could make the team even losers like me.

His star players would lead in fumbles.( just read His play book )

 Constant turnovers would happen because they'd drop the ball. He'd pick those with the least impressive stats to be his first string. Still they would achieve the loftiest of goals. He'd recruit His rivals.His personal trainers would treat the injuries of the challengers. Likewise, his waterboy a would refresh the opposition. Angels would be His cheerleaders. His managers wouldn't be allowed to keep negative data. He'd never review the game tape to point out what went wrong. He'd take all the blame. His team would have the best defense. He'd intercept every pass and He'd always be victorious. He'd turn to those in the stands and say to those waving His flag, " I want you on my team."

I think that was my problem all along. I was never content just watching a game. I should have been playing. Jesus has enough fans.

 

Jellyfish Teach Us to Live Forever

http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/28/world/asia/can-immortal-jellyfish-unlock-everlasting-life/ 

Check out the link above.

A scientists from Japan thinks he has found the secret to immortality in the Scarlet Jellyfish. Shin Kubota has studied jellyfish for 35 years. From the artical: 

 "When an adult scarlet jellyfish -- or medusa -- is injured, it goes to the bottom of the ocean floor. From there, it morphs back into its infant state, known as a polyp. Then the polyp becomes a new medusa ..."

Immortality has long fascinated scientist and explorers. From the early efforts of alchemist to Ponce de Leon, they search for a secret we already possess. The essence of our faith is a creator's sacrifice and His divine plan to choose us through our belief in His ability to overcome death. Since our God will always remain somewhat mysterious, proof will never be obtainable for us. Our frustrain is not based on our need to be accepted by nonbelievers but in our concern for lost souls. They simply want logical reasons to believe. While we cannot provide definitive proof our God exist, our faith can be logical. The built in desire to search for a way to live forever is the homing beacon to our creator. You'd expect a mysterious creator to sign His work much like artist will camouflage signatures in their works of art. Maybe that is what the cone nebula, the legend of the sand dollar, and dogwood are. Perhaps the jellyfish that lives forever because it is "born again" isn't. It could be merely a coincidence that scarlet means " change" and is a biblical reference to Christ's blood. It could be a series of random flukes when the bible references God leaving our sin on the ocean floor in Micah 7. and if anyone in Christ is a new creature in 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

 Here's what I know. Sin will injure you. Once you're at the bottom, Christ doesn't leave you there only your sin. He will lift you up if you're born again. Christ 's blood will change you and you will live forever. Oh yeah, one more thing I know. Multiple coincidences aren't logical.

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The Big Picture

I'm not what you'd call a frequent flyer. Though I love to travel, opportunity is rare and as a justifiable necessity almost nonexistent. The infrequency makes appreciation of rare moments easy. Like the Grand Canyon from 15,000 ft. It's one of the Father's great works of art, the canyon is incomprehensible from photos. It's even hard to grasp the enormous size even in person from the ground. As I looked through the window of the plane, I thought of how much better God's point of view is than ours. He sees things completely, inside and out. Taken in by the intricate carving and painting of His grandiose design, I thought,  the hands that knitted together and continue to mold us are the hands belonging to one that considers us His masterpieces. Much like a dissatisfied artist will discard an imperfect piece in which we would find no flaw, He has decided to destroy this world.  So you know, heaven's really something since He has had eternity to perfect it. With His infinite wisdom and perfect love He guides us. That might even include a free trip to Sin City. Perhaps, to share the gospel with a bartender. I don't know what she'll do with it. I'll probably never know what God does with her but she's His one of His masterpieces. We can trust Him with the details. He sees the big picture.

A Rough Sunday at the Rock.

Sundays are great. Rock Sundays are awesome. Beach baptism Sundays are the best. Honestly today, another adjective comes to mind. Sundays are rough . There's so much we still miss about our pastor. I always read the Sunday night cranium dump (his blog). I so looked forward to it. It highlighted the day and pumped us up for the next week. It made us laugh, soberly convicted us, and encouraged a closer walk with Christ. Praised the band.  Shared his thoughts on how we could improve upon what we are already doing. It was sure to mention the number of those who gathered and those who crossed over from death into life. I missed the cranium dump so much tonight I thought of how the day went and how he would have put it down.

Today, I was so proud of our church. Over 800 gathered to hear the good news. I led a young man to Christ in the lobby. Best part of the day. 

The Rock band version of Amen was awesome. No, I haven't heard better.  Some people will get that. Missed K-lock and Mary. Hunter and Justin Lowes rocked worship at beach baptism. We need to get better sound equipment for that event. 

In spite of rough waters and a purple flag ( dangerous aquatic life ) being out, many went all in for Jesus. Matt Brown gave a great explanation of baptism. He 's come along way for a Clemson fan.  He sounded a lot like a great preacher as he joked about today being a good day to go to heaven. Actually, any day is a good day. As long as we are here, let's get more people ready for the trip. Right?

 Kelly should get an award for her efforts to capture the moments on film. Jim Brown led us in a prayer huddle, remembering our friend but propelling us forward. It was only possible to stand because we leaned on each other. Probably a metaphor there. I will always remember that prayer. It was worth the trip just for that. Have I told you I was so proud of our church today? Rough waters won't prevent our being obedient to God. He will eventually calm the seas. 

Personal thoughts: There is beauty even in the roughness. Four years ago Kevin baptized me. Today we baptized a Kevin. He's brand new adventurer on a journey with an endless destination! Our savior is alive! We are alive and we will live forever. 

 I told you it is a living legacy. 

Spiritual Lessons From Shark Week

   Shark week. Every year it roles around just in time for beach baptism. I can hardly wait for two of my favorite things. I recollect several lobby conversations with Kevin Childs when the two overlapped. He had no problem telling me Chris Fallows of Air Jaws was "bat crap crazy". After finding out I had been shark cage diving with Fallows, Kevin had no problem telling me I was. Shark cage diving remains one of the most memorable events of my life.

    Rising out of South Africa's False Bay is Seal Island. It's nothing more than a rock with about 60,000 seals. 30 yards from shore is known as "the ring of death" where white sharks take seals.  Though gruesome, many of the predations are spectacular displays of great whites performing acrobatic full body breaches. It's truely an awesome experience that less than one hundredth of one percent of the population have ever had. It's also filled with symbolic lessons for believers .

     Safety is nothing more than an illusion. Dive equipment isn't infallible. The steel cage that keeps divers comfortable offers no real protection from the 19 foot sharks. Shark have penetrated cages and even sank boats. The only safe place is the rock. Even there, the seals fight among themselves. Interestingly, only those seals that get separated from their group get attacked. Usually, in the shallow waters near the surface. The best defense against the predators is to dive long and stay deep. Older, more experienced seals, scarred from battles with Great Whites, will teach some of the young this life saving technique.

    Likewise, the only security a believer can have is found on the rock solid foundation Jesus Christ. We shouldn't just stay comfortable thinking we are playing it safe. We are called out of the cage. Our best defense comes from diving deep and long into His word. A word that promises trouble in this life and anything but safety in complacency. We may argue amongst ourselves but we are less likely to become prey if we stick together. So, do not leave your group! Our job is also to teach the next generation. Few will experience what we have. We'll have the scars to prove it. When the wounds heal, they will just be a reminder of how wonderful it was even though it was scary.

Just a Little Thank You Note

 Dear Father,

Thank you for meeting me at church today. It was really awesome. I'm sorry that last week, even though you never left my side, I wasn't focused entirely on you. I confess listening to some of the cheap shots the enemy threw my way the last few days. He followed us to the gym tonight as I'm sure you are aware. During the three miles and 45 minutes of pumping iron, he spewed more lies. I told him everything I could remember from your word. I told him how you've given me a spirit of power and love. I told him how he can't use me since you've given me a spirit of discipline and a sound mind. I promised him I'd learn more to remind him things I don't even know yet. I told him how you are going to continue to use your church. He knows our community is going to become the hardest place on earth to get to hell from. So we'll be needing you now more than ever. Oh yeah, I told him how your word says perfect love cast out fear and how I'm not afraid anymore. 

The Reason for Everything

http://millertimejedidiah.blogspot.com/2014/07/does-everything-really-happen-for-reason.html?m=1

You should check out the link above to Ryan Miller's blog. He's obviously hurting and trying to make sense of the loss of his friend. I understand and maybe too well.

 Miller gives a well meaning, yet misguided  attempt to answer the question "does everything happen for a reason ?"  To be fair, Miller's blog contains some biblical truth and paints some beautiful pictures of grace. While he accurately points out the bad things happening to Christians are not a lack of faith, he fails to draw biblical parallels and passages to back up his statement "will" and "desire" are interchangeable. Miller suggest there isn't   necessarily a reason for everything. He says, "For many circumstances, there are NO reasons... it's just life!"  Yet, God offers an explanation and Christians should know better.  Even for Christians, life can sometimes stink, but there is a reason.  Every circumstance is a result of the original sin. God gave us a paradise and we blew it. While God never desired us to sin, by giving us a right to choose in first place, His will allowed it. God never desired slavery for Joseph but His will allowed it. And He saved the world through it. God did not desire a cross for Christ but His will allowed it . And He saved the world through it. Just because you don't see a good reason for a tragedy , doesn't mean God doesn't have one. 

Miller also says,"To define God’s sovereignty as one who controls all things, circumstances and people is essentially a borrowed pagan theology," The bible is filled with examples that dispute this.  It's not a pagan but rather John who says, " Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created ." Revelation 4:11.  All things were created for His glory. That includes even what we find disgusting. Likewise, according to Paul, the potter has power over the clay. Romans 8:28 declares "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28  NIV ." How about the entire book of Job ? God declares His continuing involvement in creation while stating since He is God he owes us no explanations.  

Later Miller further laments,

"it grieves my heart to know that our theology can damage others in the wake of loss and the burden of life when friends go through cancer or the sudden loss of their child, etc. ".  Perplexing it is, how Miller could think the idea of God using our losses for His glory would damage already broken hearts. Just because we don't understand something doesn't make it untrue. You could know every human idea about the crucifixion but never understand why beyond it was God's will. Does that make it untrue? Would it make it more or less palatable? 

The blog continues with his personal ideas that seem to include a need to get God off the hook for allowing bad things to happen to "good" people. Miller makes  an ill attempt at claiming God isn't all controlling. As if that were true, God would seem more merciful. 

God does not need our understanding.  He doesn't need our defense. He doesn't need anything. God owns it all. Everything. Right down to our skins. He can do whatever he wants because A. it's all His and B. He's always right. That's why we can trust Him with the details we can't control.

Enormous comfort can be found in the fact that God is God, and we are not. 

Is there a reason for everything? I sure hope so. I hope God is the reason for everything. That's the only way this mess makes any sense. Something larger and more majestic than we can fathom is at work in the microscopic and the mundane.   Where is the comfort in not believing there's a reason for our pain?  For sure  God leaves nothing to chance but instead He gives purpose to all things for His glory. Even the disgustingly ugly hurtful things. How else could this be true? "

... them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3

A Living Legacy

Four years ago, I started writing The Broken Vessel because of a challenge from my pastor Kevin Childs. He said we should do what God has called us to do.

       Privately I said to Kevin,'Everytime I think I have given everything to God, God shows me I have more to give." 

       The pastor replied," Christians are like buckets with holes in them. We keep leaking and God keeps filling us up. Over and over." Our pastor was the most encouraging man I have ever known. That day the Broken Vessel was born. Since then, I've been" Pouring out my thoughts and love for Jesus Christ, who is still shaping and molding me. He can fill broken vessels, over and over." 2573 people from sixteen countries have waded in the shallow waters leaking from a busted bucket, constantly under repair by the master. He used Kevin Childs to do much of that repair. While constantly challenging us to be the best we could be, Kevin reminded us, God loves us even when we are at our worst. It's easy to say " I love god, love people, and want to do something about it. It's much harder to make Conway the hardest place on earth to get to hell from." Kevin wanted us to be "doers". 

Last year, Kevin said to me, " think about what you aren't doing that you should be." I gave him a puzzled look but I knew I was supposed to be counciling lost people. So I did. This year I have been there as four people passed from death into life. I saw firsthand, marriages healed by counciling instructions we learned in his sermons. I have seen financial miracles. I've seen broken hearts healed. It is the greatest thing I've ever been part of. It wouldn't have happened without Kevin and the Rock. I will miss him.

There would be a huge hole in my heart if I hadn't met Kevin Childs. Not just him, but people I met because of him. I couldn't have let Ian take his first drive. (Kevin said I was crazy). I couldn't have met his wonderful wife,  Polly.  I'd never met Matt or Randy who do their best to teach us. Or Debbie who is an angel in my book. I wouldn't have read "Let Me Fall " because I wouldn't have known Beth Pensinger. I couldn't brag about being taller than Jerimiah. I'd never met awesome believers like Phil & Wendy Adams. Without Kevin I'd never have known Tina Arms is as sweet as she is pretty. Or what a great man Perry is. I wouldn't be in John Lowe's my group. That's huge. And not just cause John's the man. Meaning, what if I'd never tasted Gina's cake? Or heard their boys sing? What if I'd never heard Julie pray? Or hugged Donna? or picked on my man Tony. I'd never felt the safety from being under Jim and Mike's protection. Ann wouldn't have encouraged me to keep on writing. Becky the first person to befriend me, wouldn't be keeping me straight. Martin and Danielle whose generosity is overwhelming, would be in other peoples lives. Jody and Kevin Gray would be making someone else laugh. Julienne wouldn't be there to keep reminding us there is two sides to every story. Never would I have known one of Bob's incredible prophetic one liners? Speaking of Bob, without Kevin, no moped and no house. And there's many more wonderful people I could list. What if I'd never met them ? " Jesus slays the WHAT IF monster." Remember who taught us that?
    Kevin, taught us so much. One of the most important things he taught me was the importance of bringing people together. How only eternal things matters. He kept telling

us our job to " make our community the hardest place on earth to get to hell from" would go on after he was gone. It's part of our legacy in Christ and it is connected forever to our pastor and friend. It is as alive as our savior.  It's a living legacy.