nKurEdge

The focus is God’s plans for me not my plans for God.

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My expectations, my hopes, my choices seem so important to me. Even for the Christ-follower the temptation is to list objectives and set schedules that are all about the little trinity – me, myself, and I.

1. Looking back on the past year I recognize that many of my plans were blown away like sand but the ones that survived were formed through prayer, the Word, and trusted advisers. Psalm 33:11 says. “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

2. I am testing all goals, objectives and schedules with God’s Word based on Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” I need to make sure God is in the center – not me.

3. When working on those items which are personal, I keep coming back to Galatians 5:22-26, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” It seems ridiculously obvious that if this fruit is evident in my character, the result will be humility, faithfulness, and obedience. The focus is God’s plans for me not my plans for God.

How does this get fleshed out for ministry?

– Preach the Word – the whole counsel of God from Genesis to Revelation. In most churches 99% of the people who come through the front door are already Believers but 99% of the messages are presentations of salvation. We must preach the Word to produce mature followers of Jesus.

– Model and encourage New Testament fellowship; not just eating a meal together or having pie after the service. Koinonia takes place when we drop our masks, quit playing politics, and actually begin caring for one another.

– Embrace the full experience of celebrating the Lord’s Table. Slow down. Contemplate. Plan at least one entire service centered on Communion.

– Pray; not just for health concerns but for souls, and spiritual direction and discernment. Pray.

– Talk about what God has done in the past month and is doing right in the local church. If those stories don’t move the soul and fill people with awe, some serious examination and tough work needs to be done.

– Practice generosity. First, take care of the pastor and if there is anything left in the bank account give it away. The “rainy day” is here – people in the community are homeless and hungry.

– Go where the people are. Don’t schedule non-worship services at the church building.

– Small group gatherings are essential and while small groups don’t guarantee personal growth there are no documented cases of personal growth without small groups.

Let’s be careful and purposeful in making Christ the center. Practically, this means we look for how to join what God is already doing; participate in His plans and resist the temptation to ask God to bless our plans.

In order to live in this world where self rules and money is god, we must resist the temptation to mount an activist campaign but instead, be patient, endure injustice, and pray urgently that our King Jesus will come soon. This requires our full attention in loving others extravagantly, forgiving freely, and giving resources generously. Then we will be known for what we are FOR not what we are against and our love for each other will prove our love for God.

 

Reflections

Christmas 2012

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It’s the last day of December; time to write family and friends.

I continue to serve the pastors and leaders of Christian Union driving almost 60,000 miles this year and spending 141 nights “on the road.” It’s a challenging role and I look forward to God’s faithful direction as I strive to be obedient to Him.

The house I rented since August 2004 was sold on January 4 and I had to be out by the end of February. After spending almost three months living in the spare room at Kari and Jeremy’s house, I moved into a newly renovated two bedroom farm house. Years ago the place was named Doolittle Acres and I now call it home. It’s part of a farm that Tony & Joy purchased as an investment and they generously allowed me to have it remodeled and let me live here.  If you need my new mailing address let me know by email.

The house is quite a bit smaller so I had to get rid of a lot including many books and some furniture. There is still a lot of work to be done in the garage and on the outside of the house but the inside is “like new” and I’m enjoying it. I use to live five miles south of Kari & Jeremy and Joy & Tony and all six grandkids. Now I live five miles north! Yes, I moved exactly ten miles.

Kari is a full-time homemaker caring for Sarah (6) and Natalie (4) while Jeremy works for John Deere. His job requires extensive travel – much of it international. Kari helped with two Vacation Bible schools this summer as well as helping me organize Tri State Camp and does a lot for the whole extended family.

Joy and Tony are in business for themselves providing risk management for farms and in some ways are busier than ever but have more control over their schedules. The activities of their family keep them on the go! Brady (10), Broc (8), Brandt (6), and Bo (4) are energetic and full of fun.

Peter lives in West Des Moines and continues to serve as the IT Director at Lutheran Church of Hope; a mega church with an amazing ministry. He enjoys his work even though it stretches him to the limit at times.

My Mom, Clarice, is still at Manor House Care Center in Sigourney. Arthritis continues limit her mobility and yet she is still intent on being faithful to the end. She will turn 89 on January 16 and I would really appreciate it if you could send her a card. Her hands are so bent up with arthritis that she can’t write back but she certainly enjoys cards and notes. Please email me for her address.

Highlights for the year include three opportunities to interact with teenagers; I find they are hungry for meaningful relationships with adults who are genuine. In March I served as the Head Chaperone for the Pekin High School Music trip to Memphis and Nashville. It was an exhausting 5 day, six night trip on a motor coach which included two nights of travel (no sleep). I enjoyed it but did not change my opinion that country music is an oxymoron.

In July I served with the leaders of Tri State Camp for the 19th year; as the director for the 16th year. It is a privilege to work with a group of adults who are fully committed to creating opportunities for God to work in the lives of teenagers. What a delight to witness God’s transforming power!

This fall I was invited, once again, to help with the Pekin High School musical, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. It was fun and funny!

For my birthday I traveled to Rome, Georgia for the CareGivers Conference – a gathering of people in ministry to people in ministry. That is always a great time of renewing friendships and challenging one another as partners in the Gospel.

I close with the words of my mentor and friend, Doug Webster from a recent message: “The Gift we celebrate at Christmas was not wrapped, it was crucified.  It was not under the tree, it was nailed to the tree, and it was not opened on Christmas Day, it was opened on Easter morning.”

nKurEdge

ROCK-FIRM AND FAITHFUL

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Do we place our expectations on God? Are we so arrogant to think we can advise Him – tell Him what He ought to do? Could it be that we have convinced ourselves that it’s “OK” to make plans and just assume that God will bless?

James has a harsh warning: Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16 (NIV)

We continue to learn that God wants all our expectations, all our hopes, and all our plans. He expects us to trust Him for every minute of every day. Totally – nothing held back. We are learning to say, “OK, God, we know our very next breath is in your hands, now take that knowledge and make it a reality in the way we live.”

We will trust God! He is rock-firm and faithful!

When I was beleaguered and bitter, totally consumed by envy,

I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in your very presence.
I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand.
You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.
You’re all I want in heaven! You’re all I want on earth!
When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithful.
Look! Those who left you are falling apart!

Deserters, they’ll never be heard from again.
But I’m in the very presence of God— oh, how refreshing it is!
I’ve made Lord God my home. God, I’m telling the world what you do!

Ps 73:21-28 The Message

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GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE HEADLINES

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Bad things happen to good people.

We live in a broken world. It all started in a perfect Garden, thousands of years ago when the first humans were unable to obey a simple command and sin began to multiply in this world. From that point on humankind has demanded to be in charge of our own lives. This is the most damaging impact of sin which is at work in all of Adam and Eve’s descendants and compels us to try to live without God. Living in a sinful world means we deal with accidents, sickness, shootings, and all kinds of tragedies that happen to good and bad people alike.

If it were not for God’s mercy (when He withholds what we really deserve for our sinfulness) and grace (when He generously gives us what we could never deserve) our lives would be filled with the horror of constant tragedy, pain, and separation from all that is good. At this very instant, God’s goodness is being poured out all over the world because He loves us in spite of our rejection of His Son, Jesus.

Is God powerful enough to stop tragedies like Sandy Hook? Yes, absolutely! And He does prevent tragedies and accidents all the time – but not every time. That’s what we find so difficult to understand and accept.

Why doesn’t God stop all the bad things from happening? Because God understands how foolish it would be to let us have our own way all the time. If I got my way and what I want every time, I would soon think of myself as god.

We have finite minds and that makes it difficult to understand an infinite God. Every day we grapple with the limitations of being human but God is not limited. We can only guess what might happen tomorrow but God knows every detail.

Don’t reject God because He doesn’t measure up to your standard. My measuring stick and your standard is broken and faulty. God is trustworthy because He is all-powerful, always present, and knows everything. Even when everything seems to be going wrong, God is still in charge.

Lois, nKurEdge

Remembering . . .

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Lois

Twenty-six days after we celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary, Lois was completely healed; never to die again! It was 9-11-09.

“The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)

Little did I know three years ago today how many times I would repeat Job’s words. Sometimes I mean them. Other times I repeat them because I want to mean them.

In Psalm 31:1-5  I find words that are more than I can fathom and I’ll share the Esch version:

“In you, Lord, I am taking refuge, don’t let me down. Take me seriously because I seriously need You to listen and rescue me with your righteousness. I need you to hide me from the loneliness, discouragement, and frustration which threaten me with ruin.

From the beginning, Lois and I publicly proclaimed our faith and trust in You – the reputation of your name is at stake – a lot of people are still watching and waiting for the train wreck. Lead and guide me away from the trap of self-pity for you are my strength and protection.

Once again, I affirm my commitment to trust you with my life. You’ve never let me down and I don’t expect you ever will.”

Every day I present myself as a living sacrifice asking God to make me holy and acceptable; like soft clay in His hands. And every day I find myself confessing – again – my willfulness in demanding my own way. His grace is more than I can fathom.

May each of you experience the peace that continues to surprise me.

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Starting NOW

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Just a few hours ago, I posted an article titled, “A New Command” about Jesus’ admonition that His disciples should be known by their love for one another. Then the decision was announced: The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld President Obama’s Health Care Law. (I realize there are numerous readers who live outside the U.S. – forgive me. Maybe this applies to situations where you are.)

Would you allow me to humbly offer some advice about how we love each other? And could we start now?

Well meaning Christians are responding – many in anger. If my Facebook page and inbox are any indication, good church people are already mounting campaigns, raising funds, and declaring the Court’s decision as unchristian and unbiblical.

Let’s recall that early in the history of our Faith, the Roman government attempted to obliterate Jesus’ followers through ruthless persecution and barbaric punishment. They failed. In fact, within a few years the term “Christian” was transformed from a term of derision to a compliment as Rome adopted Christianity as the official religion.

That did not happen through a campaign. Christ followers did not mount protests and call press conferences and enter into public debates. There was no political action committee to receive funds and try to sway the thinking of government leaders.

The change took place not because Christians were making pejorative statements but because they loved one another and they loved their neighbors. They learned to love sacrificially; without bias, anger, or revenge as a motivation. They had no idea their behavior toward each other and their neighbors would radically change the world. The love was offered with simplicity and sincerity. Just like Jesus loves us.

I am not suggesting that Believers should not be involved in the political arena but we should be known for our love not our anger. We should be humble. If the church had been taking care of the poor and the sick, the widows and orphans we wouldn’t need a health care law.

Starting now, let’s all be careful of what we say and how we say it. People who are far from God are watching us. Let’s love one another.

Jesus said it, “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”

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A New Command

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Today I counted them: seven emails that ended with “if you’re really a Christian, you’ll pass this on to ten friends,” or something similar. And nineteen of my “friends” on Facebook posted pithy sayings, Scripture quotations, and inspiring photos with a quasi warning: “only those who are really Christians will hit ‘share’.”

Recently, someone was helping me load my car after a presentation at a church and as the trunk was closed he said, “I’m surprised you don’t have a sign or bumper sticker that says you’re a Christian.” Without even thinking I said, “I hope I don’t need a label.”

I looked around the parking lot and almost every vehicle had some kind of fish (ichthus) or symbol that most people would interpret as “religious.” Over the next few weeks as I visited churches and navigated the highways I was keenly aware of those markers.

Are they really necessary? Do I actually need to forward those emails and share those posts on Facebook so that others will know I have chosen to follow Jesus?

No.

Jesus never referred to his followers as Christians, only disciples. And this is what he said to them: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35.

Jesus commands his followers to love each other with the same kind of self-less, sacrificial love he showed to us by dying on the cross! He does not tell us to obey all the rules, dress a certain way, vote for a particular party or only use the organ when we sing hymns. Love one another.

The directive seems so simple – why do we find it so very difficult?

The pastors of the Pekin Ministerial Association have been trying to model this “love one another” command by setting aside our differences in doctrine, methods, and style in order to meet practical needs in our school district. But that isn’t enough. All of us who claim to follow Jesus are obligated to love each other. No permission is given to not love someone for any reason whatsoever. Love one another.

Our love for one another as Believers in Christ is what should set us apart. How are we doing?

Jesus said it, “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.”

FYI – Historically, the term “Christian” began as a derogatory, demeaning, and bigoted label. I imagine the Believers who received Paul’s letters at Ephesus, Philippi, and Corinth would be flabbergasted that the term has any positive connotations at all!

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Learning to Lose

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Brady’s baseball team lost last night. It was a tough loss because it wasn’t even close. The Sluggers played four games in a tournament over the weekend; winning the first twoBrady_Pitch_1 decisively, losing the third in a tight game where the lead changed every inning. Then, when they were tired and sore, the fourth game was almost a rout. It was a tough lesson in losing.

We forget that every time someone wins, someone else loses. That’s the only way winners are determined in our sports-addicted culture. But losing is necessary.

Baseball players and fans all know that Hank Aaron had 755 home runs but we forget that it took 12,364 trips to the plate and that he struck out 1383 times. Losing is necessary.

When we learn to lose we begin to understand what the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.”

We have a tendency to worship winners when in fact our worship is to be directed to Jesus who “made himself nothing, taking on the very nature of a servant.”

It doesn’t make sense; it’s counter-intuitive. Losing is necessary.

I hope my grandson wins many a baseball game. Winning is fun and I cheer him on every opportunity I get! I also understand there will be loses and I pray those will be times of learning what it is to be humble and self-less so as to avoid being filled with vain conceit. Losing is necessary.

Jesus said, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matt 16:25)

nKurEdge

Between Me and God

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One of my most memorable spiritual moments was soon after my Dad died. He was only 52 and I was left in charge of the family business which I quickly discovered was bankrupt. Two weeks after the funeral, staggering under the weight of hundreds of decisions and wondering if I would even be able to buy groceries for my young family, I drove out to a secluded lake, got out of the car and screamed at the top of my lungs.

I let God know how angry I was. This was between me and God and I was yelling, stomping, pounding on the car – asking God why this had to happen to me.

Finally, exhausted, I slumped to the ground next to the car and cried. After a while I just sat in the silence; it was one of those “be still and know” moments.

God overwhelmed me with His presence. I didn’t hear any voice nor would I claim that God spoke to me at all, but in the stillness I felt relief.

God is bigger than my pain and confusion.

He’s there for you, too.

nKurEdge

The Time Has Come

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“The time has come,” the Walrus said, “to talk of many things; of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and of Kings and why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings.” – Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking Glass.

The time has come – time to move from this leaky house which God so graciously provided in August 2004. Many thanks to the United Methodist Church of Hedrick, IA for renting me their unused parsonage for a cost far less than market value. In so doing, they have subsidized my ministry for the past 7+ years! Now they’ve sold the house and it’s time to move on.

Talk about a lot of things! The house I’ll be moving to won’t be ready for several weeks but it is about one-third the space. I’ve spent hours sorting, purging, and paring down. Trying to determine what is a true priority. And some of the discoveries have brought back sweet memories of Lois and the 34 years of God-directed partnership.

Shoes, ships, and sealing wax.  Yes, I’ve found shoes hidden away – even a pair of wooden shoes from my Dutch ancestry – a string-art ship, and a box of Gulf sealing wax used in canning many years ago.

Cabbages. Trying to figure out how to deal with perishable food . . .

Kings. Although things have a tendency to become kings, packing and sorting has been a good reminder that things don’t rule me nor do they occupy a place of honor in my life.  Christ is King – Lord, Master, and Leader of my life.

I wish the sea were boiling hot. Instead I woke to several inches of snow this morning. Moving on Saturday will be a mess.

Pigs do have wings. Sound impossible? But sometimes we do the impossible. I am getting ready to take apart computers, shut down the internet connection, turn off the land-land phone, and live out of suitcases for the next month. Impossible – but it’s still going to happen!

The toll-free number will be discontinued and the only phone number I will have will be 641.799.0010 – the one most people have been using for several years. I do see email on my smart-phone. My new snail-mail address is: 13975 247th St., Delta, IA  52550.

Encouragement to follow Jesus better!