FINISH WELL

I just received this in an email from a dear friend and brother in our Lord. I thought it a fitting closer to the year two-thousand-fifteen and a brilliant opener to two-thousand-sixteen. As the Apostle Paul alluded to in his writings, U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael Ferguson brings to the present a message on the importance to FINISH WELL:

In an age of so little perseverance I find these words are ringing in my ears like the background music on an elevator. Fight the good fight; keep the faith; finish the race.
I can't count how many times I heard Pastor Arnold Lastinger speak these words of challenge into my life. As a young man with no experience I probably rolled my eyes, but as time has passed this holy background music has become more like the soundtrack of a timeless movie. (Yes, I downloaded the Star Wars movie score in anticipation of Episode VII. Thank you, John Williams.)
On December 8th, Pastor Lastinger went absent from the body and present with the Lord. What a soul-marking moment it was for me, as I watched him worship until the end, using his dying breath and waning strength to lift his hands to the God he longed for.
Several days later I flew to Mississippi where I spent time with another one of my heroes, John Perkins. Due to his age and health concerns his daughter makes clear that he needs boundaries on his schedule. Yet when he starts talking about Jesus and justice and the greatness of God, he just won't stop. I'm serious. One night, after hours of conversation, I had to plead with him to go home and go to bed, as it was approaching 10:00. As we finished, he invited me to be a part of the Bible study he was leading the next day. At 5:30 the next morning. I've never heard of a Bible study at 5:30 in the morning. But sure enough, there he was, long before the sun would rise, leading a room full of men through Romans 9. It was like watching a child opening a present on Christmas morning. Joy. Energy. Wonder. 85 years of age and he is still burning.
A week earlier, I listened as Pastor Lastinger described his peace and contentment and anticipation of heaven. "It's all true," he told me. "When I preached funerals in my 20's I thoughtI believed it. But 50 years later I realize, it's all true. And it works!" he explained with a peace I can't explain. But then I heard something else: his longing for his Savior. The closest comparison I have is like a bridegroom getting ready for his honeymoon. He was longing for Jesus. On his deathbed he was still burning.
I want to burn till the end.
In an age of so little perseverance these two men stand tall. Their voices have weight. And their entire life has become their message. Neither has tried to stay relevant, and that is part of what makes them so. Their transcendence is their relevance. Oh how it has fed my soul to be exposed to men whose lives carry such a rare grace. Some things can only be said after years. Or decades. Or a lifetime. And the only way you get this kind of gravitas is to persevere. To endure. To finish your race.
What a lesson for young leaders.
I've heard it said that it takes 20 years to make a man or woman of God. But I'm starting to think it takes a lifetime. In a culture that bows before the shrine of youth and worships to the tune of the latest one hit wonder, it becomes difficult to discern when timeless words are being written and the truest lives are being lived. But I long for this.
Did these men give me clues about how to persevere? Sure. Both would tell me stay curious. Keep learning. Figure out how to handle your pain. Set up accountability relationships to deal with temptation. But at the end of the day both of these men most fed me because their obsession with Jesus. I would meet with Pastor Lastinger seeking wisdom, and it was there. But in the middle of a lunch meeting he would break down in tears when he began to speak of Jesus. I flew to Mississippi seeking justice, and it was there. But what I found most was a man dripping with the Author of justice.
Finish well, my friend.






Happy New Year dear friends – Brother Gary

FINISH WELL

I just received this in an email from a dear friend and brother in our Lord. I thought it a fitting closer to the year two-thousand-fifteen and a brilliant opener to two-thousand-sixteen. As the Apostle Paul alluded to in his writings, U.S. Army Brigadier General Michael Ferguson brings to the present a message on the importance to FINISH WELL:

In an age of so little perseverance I find these words are ringing in my ears like the background music on an elevator. Fight the good fight; keep the faith; finish the race.
I can't count how many times I heard Pastor Arnold Lastinger speak these words of challenge into my life. As a young man with no experience I probably rolled my eyes, but as time has passed this holy background music has become more like the soundtrack of a timeless movie. (Yes, I downloaded the Star Wars movie score in anticipation of Episode VII. Thank you, John Williams.)
On December 8th, Pastor Lastinger went absent from the body and present with the Lord. What a soul-marking moment it was for me, as I watched him worship until the end, using his dying breath and waning strength to lift his hands to the God he longed for.
Several days later I flew to Mississippi where I spent time with another one of my heroes, John Perkins. Due to his age and health concerns his daughter makes clear that he needs boundaries on his schedule. Yet when he starts talking about Jesus and justice and the greatness of God, he just won't stop. I'm serious. One night, after hours of conversation, I had to plead with him to go home and go to bed, as it was approaching 10:00. As we finished, he invited me to be a part of the Bible study he was leading the next day. At 5:30 the next morning. I've never heard of a Bible study at 5:30 in the morning. But sure enough, there he was, long before the sun would rise, leading a room full of men through Romans 9. It was like watching a child opening a present on Christmas morning. Joy. Energy. Wonder. 85 years of age and he is still burning.
A week earlier, I listened as Pastor Lastinger described his peace and contentment and anticipation of heaven. "It's all true," he told me. "When I preached funerals in my 20's I thought I believed it. But 50 years later I realize, it's all true. And it works!" he explained with a peace I can't explain. But then I heard something else: his longing for his Savior. The closest comparison I have is like a bridegroom getting ready for his honeymoon. He was longing for Jesus. On his deathbed he was still burning.
I want to burn till the end.
In an age of so little perseverance these two men stand tall. Their voices have weight. And their entire life has become their message. Neither has tried to stay relevant, and that is part of what makes them so. Their transcendence is their relevance. Oh how it has fed my soul to be exposed to men whose lives carry such a rare grace. Some things can only be said after years. Or decades. Or a lifetime. And the only way you get this kind of gravitas is to persevere. To endure. To finish your race.
What a lesson for young leaders.
I've heard it said that it takes 20 years to make a man or woman of God. But I'm starting to think it takes a lifetime. In a culture that bows before the shrine of youth and worships to the tune of the latest one hit wonder, it becomes difficult to discern when timeless words are being written and the truest lives are being lived. But I long for this.
Did these men give me clues about how to persevere? Sure. Both would tell me stay curious. Keep learning. Figure out how to handle your pain. Set up accountability relationships to deal with temptation. But at the end of the day both of these men most fed me because their obsession with Jesus. I would meet with Pastor Lastinger seeking wisdom, and it was there. But in the middle of a lunch meeting he would break down in tears when he began to speak of Jesus. I flew to Mississippi seeking justice, and it was there. But what I found most was a man dripping with the Author of justice.
Finish well, my friend.






Happy New Year dear friends – Brother Gary

HIS BIRTH AND OUR NEW BIRTH
Oswald Chambers/ My Utmost for His highest




His Birth in History. “…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of— He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate— God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord’s birth was an advent— the appearance of God in human form.

His Birth in Me. “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19). Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again from above by a birth totally unlike physical birth. “You must be born again” (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that “Christ is formed” in me. And once “Christ is formed” in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me.

God Evident in the Flesh. This is what is made so profoundly possible for you and for me through the redemption of man by Jesus Christ. 

HIS BIRTH AND OUR NEW BIRTH
Oswald Chambers/ My Utmost for His highest




His Birth in History. “…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35). Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of— He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate— God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord’s birth was an advent— the appearance of God in human form.

His Birth in Me. “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19). Just as our Lord came into human history from outside it, He must also come into me from outside. Have I allowed my personal human life to become a “Bethlehem” for the Son of God? I cannot enter the realm of the kingdom of God unless I am born again from above by a birth totally unlike physical birth. “You must be born again” (John 3:7). This is not a command, but a fact based on the authority of God. The evidence of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that “Christ is formed” in me. And once “Christ is formed” in me, His nature immediately begins to work through me.

God Evident in the Flesh. This is what is made so profoundly possible for you and for me through the redemption of man by Jesus Christ. 

Born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:1) Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

(Luk 2:2) This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

(Luk 2:3) And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.

(Luk 2:4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

(Luk 2:5) to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

(Luk 2:6) And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

(Luk 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(Luk 2:8) And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

(Luk 2:9) And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

(Luk 2:10) And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

(Luk 2:11) for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:12) And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

(Luk 2:13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

(Luk 2:14) Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

(Luk 2:15) And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

(Luk 2:16) And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

(Luk 2:17) And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.

(Luk 2:18) And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.

(Luk 2:19) But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

(Luk 2:20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

May the Blessings of the Christ, Jesus, be with each of you in celebration of this wondrous season and time, AMEN

Born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:1) Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be enrolled.

(Luk 2:2) This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

(Luk 2:3) And all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city.

(Luk 2:4) And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David;

(Luk 2:5) to enrol himself with Mary, who was betrothed to him, being great with child.

(Luk 2:6) And it came to pass, while they were there, the days were fulfilled that she should be delivered.

(Luk 2:7) And she brought forth her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

(Luk 2:8) And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

(Luk 2:9) And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

(Luk 2:10) And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people:

(Luk 2:11) for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

(Luk 2:12) And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger.

(Luk 2:13) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

(Luk 2:14) Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.

(Luk 2:15) And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

(Luk 2:16) And they came with haste, and found both Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

(Luk 2:17) And when they saw it, they made known concerning the saying which was spoken to them about this child.

(Luk 2:18) And all that heard it wondered at the things which were spoken unto them by the shepherds.

(Luk 2:19) But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart.

(Luk 2:20) And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, even as it was spoken unto them.

May the Blessings of the Christ, Jesus, be with each of you in celebration of this wondrous season and time, AMEN

In Prison

(Mat 25:36) I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'

Under bitingly cold skies, the sun began to rise. Seven men stood at the gate of the prison, one by one being processed and cleared for what would be a contradiction to my mind and to my soul. In the rising sunlight, the compound took on an eerie quality, morning fog wafting by the guard towers. Even the concertina wire sparkled as another day was being ushered in. We seven silently fell into a line and followed the yellow painted stripe on the walk to the prison chapel. I am certain that each of us was reciting our own personal prayers for His blessing, protection, and that the Holy Spirit would guide us all. What followed became contradictory to my fleshly senses and a scene I shall not forget for a very long time.

Here assembled 20 or more men, who, by their own designs made choices that resulted in freedoms being withdrawn and they being cast into punishment for the decisions made. These men were graduates of the KAIROS program, a tailored evangelical path that leads the prisoners to walk a path where upon God may draw them and they be afforded the Grace and Mercy promised through Christ Jesus when confessed aloud and receive salvation.

Our “Brothers in Blue” demonstrated this day what they each have gained through the KAIROS program, now fully able to organize, prepare and conduct their own chapel services, minister one to another, actually operate a home-church not unlike the churches held in private homes during the time of the Apostles. This one being behind bars, out of sight, out of mind.

I was woefully unprepared for what I witnessed today. Society can be cruel to the point of removing entirely the human from the man who is in prison. Certainly the crimes committed justify the penalty, but we as God fearing, Jesus serving ministers of the Gospel must never, ever second guess our Lord in how and when He forgives the transgressor. Just as Jesus loves the sinner, He hates the sin. Today we celebrated with men, creations of God, and praised Him on high for saving wretches like us.

From the opening devotion, to the hymns sung with joy, hearing the testimonies, seeing the glow of the Holy Spirit and the benediction at the close, Oh My God, Praise you, Praise you, Praise you!

Prison is a place filled with bad actors, career criminals, doers of terrible crimes. Prison is filled with those who must be separated from the whole and, pay the price for their wrongs. But, as I learned today, prison is a place where the hand of Almighty God can be seen in the open, that wondrous Light by which the blind might see. Thank-you Jesus, Thank-you Father, Thank-you Holy Spirit for allowing me to see with my eyes and understand with my heart the power of Grace and Forgiveness that only God can grant, AMEN.