A View From Within

Celebrations

Recently I traveled more than 800 miles in one weekend to participate is special celebrations. Both were 50 year events. At Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, a time capsule, sealed 50 years ago, was opened and re-sealed with updated information.

Looking at the crowd, my heart was blessed to see many of the pioneers of the work in California. In an age when respectability and honor for senior adults has diminished, I reflected on the many who labored in California for Christ. It was a thrill to hear the stories of those early efforts to establish a learning institution to train pastors for the West. In the room were men and women of distinction! associational missionaries, pastors, church leaders, etc. who are the heroes of California Southern Baptist. Granted, many did not build mega churches, but thousands of souls were saved and communities transformed because of their faithfulness. They labored for extremely low wages, but with a passion to train and help leaders for our churches. How blessed we are!

Leaving the Seminary, Carmen and I drove to Solvang, a beautiful community in the Santa Ynez Valley.  The rolling hills, beautiful scenery, blessed us.This was the weekend to celebrate the 50th anniversary of First Southern Baptist Church, Solvang. Ministering in this beautiful valley created a deep impression of God's awesome creation. It was a wonderful celebration.

Inferiority Complex?

I recently read a statement on a subject under discussion in certain circles: "How do you overcome an inferiority complex?" Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted in Walk the Talk as saying, "Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." I agree wholeheartedly!

In reviewing my life’s journey thus far, I know of many who had my life planned for me. But they had no idea what God had planned for me. Over the years, they have been surprised at God's power in my life. Through my struggles, I have been determined not to let others "rain on my parade." The desire of everyone should be to determine, with God’s guidance, the direction for one’s life.

The best formula I know for successful navigation is found in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”

 

Detours

Highway and road detours are seldom expected, but many times necessary. This week driving through one of our cities, I found myself caught in a detour because of a film crew. I don’t know what they were filming, but it was exciting to see the equipment and personnel involved in the undertaking. It was only exciting for a little while until I found myself detoured, going nowhere and ending up on a dead end street.

 

I am not easily discouraged, so I pressed on -- right turn, left turn, U-turn. As the minutes ticked away, I decided to get out of the circle of turns when I saw a string of cars ahead, none of which were turning. Soon thereafter I found myself only one block from where all of this started. The roadblock and detour was only two blocks, but I had failed to see a sign and follow the directions to get me where I needed to be to continue my journey.

 

When facing detours, one must follow instructions and keep moving. The detours in life can be most discouraging, yet we must neither stop nor give up our dreams and mission. The apostle Paul remained focused, regardless of the detours in his life, and impacted untold numbers for Christ. My mission in life has always been to impact the lives of others for Christ. As you go through life, don't permit the detours to get you on the wrong road with no exit. Follow the sign (Jesus) and the directions (His Word) and you’ll always end up where He will direct your paths.

 

 

Power Off

Sunday was a very hot day in Fresno and the power went off at least three times in our home. Suddenly the house was dark and I tried to find a flashlight. I knew exactly where it was, but suddenly my home became an obstacle course. Lights came on later, but I wonder about the many who live daily in physical, emotional and spiritual darkness. How lonely and confusing it mus be.

My goal this week is to help someone see light. A good deed, phone call, letter or visit will bring "light of encouragement to someone this week". I am beginning my list. Let me encourage you to prepare one and touch a life this week.

Whose Agenda

Daily events are affected by agendas. Recently I had a recurring experience in staying focused. For 48 hours events beyond my control kept coming at me. I knew what my mission should be, yet found out that there are other interests trying to drive my day.

After a while, I backed away from everything and began to do a serious analysis of events. There were religious, political, social and economic issues. People were involved. Many were passionate about their respective issues and I was surprised at the passion expressed. I was also concerned at the shading and amount of information supplied. I also discovered much disinformation and misinformation. Naturally, I finally figured it out. No amount of conversation will change other peoples passion. Yet, these conversation will keep me from fulfilling my call and mission.

Paul Harvey, one of my favorites commentator used to talk about "the rest of the story". Let's practice a new process: Check the facts, don't gossip and spread rumors, be honest, and by all means, "stay on your mission".

Family Bible Fellowship

Recently Pastor Horacio and First Lady Forence Jones celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Church and 26th anniversary of their years in ministry. It was quite a celebration. Listening to the history of this congregation and the emphasis on spiritual transformation, as well as the struggles to arrive at this occasion, I marveled at God's grace.

Ray Jones is an outstanding communicator. He is also a loving and caring pastor. Over the years the congregation has had to move a number of time to keep up with the growth. Evangelism outreach has been a strong emphasis. Looking over the crowd at the celebration, I saw a "tsunami of love" showered on the pastor, his wife and family. It was an amazing event. I pray each of our congregation will take time to express a wave of love for their pastor, especially in these turbulent times.

"Oh, my God"

The day after terrorists attacked the United States on 9-11, The Fresno Bee, our local newspaper, had a bold headline on its front page. The words "Oh, my God" echoed what many were thinking. The all-encompassing tragedy had many wondering where to turn for comfort. I do not know how many newspapers ran similar statements, but I will never forget reading in my local paper, "Oh, my God.”

On Tuesday, March 10, I spoke at the Fresno/Clovis Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. This is an event attended by business, educational, civic and religious leaders. Prayers were offered for each of these groups. My message was one of hope because of where we find ourselves as a nation related to morality, economics, ethics, etc.

As a Christian, I find my encouragement in the Word of God. I also find strength in listening to the music and words of songs and poetry. One of the most impacting songs was written by Mosie Lister "Till The Storm Passes By.”

The words of the song are: "In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face, While the storm howls above me, and there's no hiding place. Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry, Keep me safe till the storm passes by.

“Many times Satan whispered, There is no need to try, For there's no end of sorrow, there's no hope by and by But I know Thou art with me, and tomorrow I'll rise Where the storms never darken the skies.

When the long night has ended and the storms come no more, Let me stand in Thy presence on the bright peaceful shore; In that land where the tempest, never comes, Lord may I Dwell with Thee when the storm passes by.

“Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more, Till the clouds roll forever from the sky; Hold me fast let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand, Keep me safe till the storm passes by."

As leaders in our communities, we need to sound the voice of hope, and encouragement until the storm passes by. Those of us who are Christians know there will be another storm after this one has passed, but we have hope which is found only in Jesus Christ. He truly is the one who can calm any fear we have no matter the storm.

Celebration

Mardi Gras is a carnival held in some countries before Easter. Exotic costumes, dances, parties, alcoholic drinking gives an air of party time during carnival season. When you evaluate the season, it comes up empty. After the party is over, there is a sense of emptiness in many lives.

The parable of the Prodigal Son in the Bible has an amazing conclusion. They had a party and celebrated his return to the father. Similar, the parable of the lost sheep concludes with a cry for celebration for the lost sheep being found. There is always joy when that which was lost is found.

There is an urgency to find lost items, but the greatest urgency is to find lost people. When we do, there will be celebration in heaven. Recently I have been reconnecting with lost and distant friends. I am looking forward to a conversation which ended in 1963. That's right, 46 years ago, a friend and I parted as I came the the United States from Canada. An e-mail last week reconnected us. Have you taken the time to reconnect? Try it.

Trust

The new year has brought great challenges to everyone. A new President is now in the White House. All around there are signs of despair because of the economic meltdown we are facing. Every so often I hear about some who are determined to come out of this with God's help.

I am a realist. Times are hard. But I am also an optimist. We are a resilient people. Hard times are real, yet one must never loose hope. Recently I turned off the news reports and found myself looking at the stars. It was extremely peaceful. Looking at the stars, I remembered the night when the angels sang at the birth of our Lord. A night of hope, peace and joy. As I look forward, I pray for us to be in the center of God's abiding power, trusting Him for everything.

Transitions

January 2009 was a month of transitions for two friends who went to be with their Lord-Oscar I. Romo and Minnie Burrell.

Dr. Romo, a strategic Southern Baptist leader, will be remembered for his innovative approaches in reaching ethnic America. He was a true pioneer and many souls have been reached for Christ through the churches and ninistries he helped start. He was a missionary at heart.

Mrs. Burrell, born in Jamaica, West Indies, spoke Hindi and had a passion for reaching the lost. I met her in September 1964 while attending California Baptist College in Riverside. At the celebration service, her grandchildren and great grandchildren spoke of her intensity to share the gospel of Christ. I was amazed and blessed by their testimonies.

These two friends had a close relationship with Christ and their lives reflected His goodness, truth and love.

Statistics about reaching the unchurched reveal that many are open to hearing the gospel. Recently I spoke to a few friends and encouraged them to openly share their faith. The number of followers of Jesus who do not take the time to share God's love for a hurting world astounds me. There is an urgency to tell the good news of Jesus Christ. There needs to be a movement of Christians who are committed to intentionally sharing Christ. We have experienced an amazing transition because of Christ, and it is important to lead others to him.

Transitions to a new spiritual experience is the most exciting reality many need today. The testimonies of Dr. Romo and Mrs. Burrell's will live forever in the lives of those they touched for Christ. I encourage you to make your testimony live forever by taking the time to tell someone of Jesus and what He has done for you and can do for them.