A View From Within

Jumping to Conclusions

Years ago I learned not to jump to conclusions. I was a young student and a stranger in Canada. It was a cold day and I was dressed in an overcoat to keep the cold out.I was walking on a main business street enjoying the beauty of the day. I felt it was God's gift of love.

As I approached the corner, I heard sirens all around. As the police cars approached I stopped. A scene from a "bad" movie was unfolding before my eyes. The cars stopped, officers exited with arms in their hands and yelled "On the floor and don't move". Stunned, scared I obeyed. They lifted me up, pushed me against a wall and began to search me with a gun against my head.

A few minutes later another officer came running, yelling "No, no, no". He is not the one". Someone of color had robbed the bank. He was dressed completely different, with a hat, bandana, shorts and no overcoat. The officers checked everything on me and released me. No apologies offered or expected, and I continued to walk along.

That experience taught me the reality of profiling and jumping to conclusions. I often reflect on the how so many of us jump to conclusions. As a follower of Christ I will continue to live in His words "Judge not, that you be not judged, for with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measure back to you." (Mt. 7:1-2)

Silence

There is beauty and power in silence. In a world where it is hard to find a quiet place, I am reminded of the passage is Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." 

In the excitement of the hour, noise overtake us. Like many, I enjoy the "fellowship of believers", but there are times when I make an exit for a quiet place. Daily quiet times are important to refresh our souls, mind and spirit. During these times, I often reflect on those whose lives had an impact on my journey. Silence clears the cloud of the moment and you can feel the very presence of God with you. 

Make time during these days and find a quiet place for your soul. "My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him" (Psalm 62:5).

 

Good Words

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. (Proverbs 12:25 NKJV) He stood looking at me with tears covering his face. The sun was shining and his tears reflected on his face. I turned my eyes away, unwilling to make contact. I had a busy schedule ahead with meetings beginning in a few minutes and did not have time to speak. He was a stranger, and I finally could not resist the urging of the spirit. Words flowed effortless from my lips, "Are you hungry?". With deep sadness he said "Yes". I bought his breakfast and watched as he smiled. He walked away slowly, waved with a smile, called out at me and said God bless you and thanks. I remembered the words in Proverbs "Good words makes it (the heart) glad." My heart was blessed and I am glad I followed my heart. Say a kind word to someone today and you will be blessed.

Postponed

I found an illustration which I wrote on a piece of paper. It touched me greatly, but I have no notes on its source. 

"There is a moving scene in Augustine’s Confessions where he seems ripe and ready for conversion. There is one man whom he wanted to talk to above all others, Bishop Ambrose. Again and again Augustine walked hopefully past the open doors of the cathedral library where Ambrose was deep in study. Ambrose was present for Augustine, but Augustine was not able to see Ambrose. Knowing how busy the bishop was, Augustine was reluctant to disturb him, so his conversion was delayed. We, too, become so enamored with self-interests, employment, that we sometimes fail to see those about us or to take the initiative in a conversation. There must be honest attempts at encounter and conversion." 

Daily we need to seek opportunities which leads to encounters and conversations. You never know whose life will be changed.

Words of Encouragement

For decades, reading has been the highlight of my day. I enjoy the simplicity of stories, especially those of encouragement. The daily noise of negativism can dull your senses and detour your thoughts. A friend called from overseas and encouraged me to remember the acrononym A.N.T. His definition is Avoid Negative Thinking. 

There are so many books, videos and conferences to help us have positive thoughts. There is a very special Bible verse which has been my theme for many years. It says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, OH LORD, my Rock and Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14. Remember our words can be powerful weapons which can destroy and cause harm. They can also be like "water in the desert" during seasons of drought. I want my words to honor God and bring glory to His name. 

The Curve

Driving to Yosemite National park recently I tried to admire the beauty around me. It was a bright, sunny day and God's glorious creation was beautiful. Driving on the curving road, I reflected on a picture in my office. It showed a car coming down a winding road with this statement "The curve in the road is not the end of the road, unless you fail to make the curve."

Life has many curves we must travel. Some are dangereous curves, with danger feet away. I enjoy stopping and enjoying the view, but the dangereous curves keep me focused on the road. In ministry and life, we must keep our focus on the journey and the goal. It is impossible to drive always keeping our eyes on the rear view mirror. That habit will cause disaster.

It is important to continue the journey. Keep moving and remember the road can be filled with danger. Stay focused and you will complete the journey safely.

  

Crossing Cultures

Afghan Fellowship Christian Church of Los Angeles Please pray for the Afghan Fellowship Christian Church of Los Angeles. This is one of the few Afghan churches that has chosen to go public throughout the world. A few weeks ago after attending this church, I went with a group of Afghans for lunch. It was encouraging to sit with Afghan believers who were a positive example to the Afghan owner of the restaurant. Pray for this group of believers as they continue to learn what it means to be a living body of believers. It is our prayer that individuals and churches will come forward to strategically partner with this church. Here are some ways you can help: Pray daily for this group of believers, that they will have wisdom and courage in their own lives as well as in engaging Afghans and Muslims In the future, this church is planning to host an open house and invite other Afghans. You support outreach endeavors like this when your church supports CSBC ministries through the Cooperative Program and through giving to the California Mission Offering. Pray for this church as they seek to find a facility that is in a more central location. Thank you for your support and prayer. If you would like to partner with the Afghan Fellowship Christian Church of Los Angeles please send an e-mail at wubba80@yahoo.com.

 

Looking Forward

In a few days, 2011 will become a part of history. It was truly a very challenging year for so many. It was also a year of great blessings in the lives of a great number of people. There is nothing we can do to correct the injustices of yesterday. Often I meet people who were so damaged by the issues of yesterday, they find it extremely difficult to move forward.

2011 can teach us many things, such as families drawing closer together in hard times, friends responding to urgent calls, many extending love and compassion to strangers and untold numbers living out the presence of God with actions.

2012 will be a year of great achievements. There are organizations making decisions which will change the way we minister in California. My desire is to say "thanks for the journey" and call our people to stay focused on our God who is still in control.

 

Ethnic Evangelism

California Southern Baptists have always had a passion for reaching the lost and making disciples. This is a huge state with millions without Christ. The cry of my heart has been “Every man and woman, boy and girl to hear and respond to the gospel of Christ, join a church and being learning to repeat the process over and over. 

Every year I look forward to reports of our ministry leaders. Each report is unique and impacting. Multiethnic evangelism is led by Dr. Richard Vera. 11 regional ethnic evangelism conferences were held in 2011, drawing 3,550 people. There were 19 personal evangelism training events in multiple languages with 1,671 in attendance. An army of language culture saints continuing the task of reaching the lost and making disciples.

 

Faithful

Pastor Luis Quilo and his wife Raquel celebrated 70 years of marriage as well as 80 years in the ministry. The recent celebration was special. Many years have passed since they arrived from Guatemala. I was a young Pastor at Primera Iglesia Bautista del Sur in Pico Rivera, California and hosted them as new immigrants. I reflected on the length of their marriage and service in ministry. The thought kept surfacing "Outstanding faithfulness". It is good to participate in these events and celebrate the sustaining power of our God in the lives of His children. There are many, many others who serve silently and faithfully. Often they are overlooked, ignored and shunned because of their age. Caleb was 85 years old when he asked for the hill country. Difficult assignment, but he was confident in the power of God to achieve victory. Let us not forget to honor and encourage our elder servants as they serve in the sunset period of their lives.