Am I Learning Impaired?

Sometimes I think I must have a spiritual learning disability—that I am unable to receive, process, and store truth. This happens more often than I’d like to admit. This last February, when I first spoke of my cancer, I confessed my greatest fear was not learning all that God wanted to teach me through this trial: a great loss if divine discipline did not result in righteous revelation. 

My inability to remember and respond has been evidenced through my impatience and petulance instead of faith and firmness.  I asked myself, “Am I learning impaired”?  Well, after a little biblical study, I’ve concluded that spiritual learning disabilities are universal. God continually told the Hebrews not to forget what they had learned (Deut. 4:9, 23; 6:12; 8:11). Solomon wrote, “My son, do not forget my teaching” (Prov. 3:2). Paul told Timothy to remind the believers of the things they had learned (2 Tim 2:14). Peter told his readers he would always be ready to remind them of the things they had learned (1 Pet 1:12).

Did they all have learning disabilities? No, they were just people just like us whose capacity for forgetting was greater than for remembering. No wonder Paul tells Timothy, “continue in the things you have learned” (2 Tim. 3:14).  Let us pray for each other that we won't forget to remember what we've learned.

Did Peter's Net Break?

I’ve not written much this month because Altha and I have been busy moving in to our new home in San Jose, and doing the many things necessary to get settled. And of course these many things were not accomplished without a certain amount of stress.  My days have been full.

The other day I was thinking about the time (right after Peter’s denial) that he and the Disciples went fishing. After a night of catching nothing, a stranger shouted from the shore to cast their net on the other side of the boat; and immediately the net was filled—you might say, to the breaking point. (Did it break?) That’s when Peter knew the ‘stranger’ was Jesus.  It seems this event was perfectly timed to remind Peter of what Jesus had promised 3 years earlier: a “full-net” fishers-of-men ministry.

Even so, I knew that when I joined my Father’s “fishing” business, I could expect a full net (Col. 2:10).  But honestly, there have been times in the last few months when I thought it would break. But I also know He will never give more than I can hold (1 Cor. 10:13); He won't break me (Is. 42:3). That's why I can answer my own question, No, Peter's net did not break that day (and neither will yours or mine).

Is Same-sex Marriage to be the Law of the Land?

Yesterday, the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which heretofore prevented the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages, was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Presently, thirteen states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington), the District of Columbia and five Native American tribes have legalized same-sex marriage.

In light of our high court's decision, listen to the  strangely appropriate commentary by Isaiah at such a time as this. 

"Our courts oppose the righteous, and justice is nowhere to be found. Truth stumbles in the streets, and uprightness cannot enter" (Isaiah 59:14).

Be Careful What You Hear

Many times Jesus said to His followers, “You have heard it said… but I say to you...” He was intent on correcting their misunderstanding of the heart of the Law, and thus, the Father's heart. As a teacher, I know people “hear” things differently, sometimes hearing things I didn't even say! No doubt Jesus was aware of this “I-thought-I-heard-you-say” phenomenon, because He often said, “Let him who has ears to hear, hear...”

Allen Greenspan eloquently captured the essence of this hearing problem: “I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” So, Paul says, “For this reason, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard” (Heb. 2:3). Even as Jesus warned against those who have ears but fail to hear, and worse, cannot remember what they heard (Mark 8:18).

There is a spiritual principle that asserts ‘you cannot live beyond your vision’—we are limited by what we see. The same goes for hearing. Jesus said, “Be careful what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more”  (Mark 4:24, NIV, NLT).  Did you know that Charles Stanley always draws emphasis to his important points by saying, "Now listen up."

The Prophetic Destruction of Damascus

Last month Israel made a preemptive strike against Damascus in order to keep Syrian missiles and chemical weapons out of the hands of two opposition groups: Hezbollah and al-Qaeda, both bent on the destruction of Israel. 

Risking international censure, Israel took action because Syria has the third largest chemical weapons stockpile in the world and 100,000 missiles. And if and when Assad falls, either Hezbollah or al Qaeda will gain possession of them. Even now, if Assad survives, he has vowed retaliation if Israel strikes again.  And since Tel Aviv is within reach, Israel’s response will need to be massive, if not total.

The prophet Isaiah predicted Damascus would be laid waste and never again inhabited (Isaiah 17). Many biblical scholars of eschatology believe that since Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, and has never been destroyed, Isaiah's prophecy remains to be fulfilled. And you and I may be witnesses to this event, another sign of the times.

Is Rob Bell part of the Great Apostasy?

Emerging Church leader Rob Bell has authored another controversial book, “What We Talk about When We Talk about God.” The gist of his new book?  Old doctrines (aka, Scriptures) are getting in the way of truly experiencing God.  Bell argues that the traditional view of God is like a 4-door Delta 88 Oldsmobile.  It may have been an awesome, cutting edge car in the day, but now seems hopelessly stuck in the past.  In all fairness to him, Rob Bell says he wants to awaken a new generation of believers to experience God.

Some will ask what’s wrong with encouraging people to experience God. Consider this: 'experiences' with God by Mary Baker Eddy and Joseph Smith gave birth to Christian Science and Mormonism. If you believe 'experience is the best teacher,' think again.

Before Christ returns, there will be a great apostasy (2 Thess. 2:3). People won't appear to be rejecting Christ; in fact, they will call themselves Christians, and have great experiences “in His name” (Matt. 7:23). But they will reject sound doctrine in favor of feel-good teachings (2 Tim 4:3). 

He Has His Father’s Eyes

Whenever people see a new baby for the first time, they will see a particular physical feature that strongly resembles one of the parents.  For example, they might say, “he/she has his/her father’s eyes.” 

 

Yesterday I saw this “has-his-father’s-eyes” idiom on a billboard in San Jose; and immediately in my mind’s eye, I thought, “What if “having your father’s eyes” meant that you “see things just like your father does?”

 

Wouldn’t it be great if, after we were born again, people would say to us, “You have your Father’s eyes?” 

 

Jesus must have had His Father’s eyes, which would explain why he caught the eye of people wherever he went, especially people who sought healing for various afflictions, including blindness. For them, Jesus would have been a sight for sore eyes!  I think there is much more to this than meets the eye!

No Regrets, Judas and Frank

Even if you’re not as old as I am, you may remember Frank Sinatra's “I did it My Way,” with the familiar line: “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.” Of course everyone knows no one can live without regrets. The Bible abounds with regretful people. ‘Regret’ is an unhealthy feeling of sorrow about something that one wishes could be different; and that  kind of sorrow can control one's life.

In Paul’s 2nd letter to the Corinthians, he speaks of two sorrows: there is self-oriented sorrow (the result of unresolved regret); and there is a God-initiated sorrow (leading to repentance and freedom). “The kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads to salvation. And there's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death” (7:10).

Two disciples with the most to regret were Peter and Judas. Peter’s sorrow led to repentance. But Judas’ sorrow led to death. Certainly Jesus would have forgiven Judas had he repented! Or for that matter, Frank Sinatra, who could have sung, “Regrets, more than a few; but then again, no need to mention.” 

Storage Wars

There is a reality show on cable TV called “Storage Wars,” where buyers compete with each other to purchase the contents of an abandoned storage locker in hopes of turning a profit. The gimmick is that once the locker doors are opened, they only have 5 minutes to survey it for treasures before bidding.

Jesus said "Don't store up treasures here on earth where moths eat them, rust destroys them, and thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-20).

Until now I never thought of the heart as a storage locker. And in addition to your storage, the psalmist tells us that God is storing up goodness for those who fear Him (31:19). Just imagine your first 'day' in Heaven: your locker will be opened up and you'll be able to see all your treasures, including the ones God has been storing for you.

"Nice" is the New Amoral Ethic

When I was in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan, I chose to live with a Muslim family. They were the nicest people you will ever meet. But their view of salvation is wrong.  Sadly, being “nice” won’t save them.

In the last few years, Americans are accepting gay marriage. Not surprising when one sees TV images of “nice” people seeking equality. Likewise, gay groups succeeded in convincing the Boy Scouts of America to end its ban against homosexual members, but stopping short of removing the ban against gay adults as leaders. Will it be overturned as BSA realizes it's not “nice” to prohibit a “nice” gay Eagle Scout from leading younger scouts just because he turns 18? 

Recently, Pope Francis gave a sermon implying that atheists might be saved if they do good deeds, i.e., be “nice.”  “Nice” is the new amoral ethic. It’s hard to find fault in “nice.” But anyone holding to the timeless morals of the Bible and the exclusivity of Christ is going to be progressively thought of as not very “nice.”

Pork and Beans

In the early years of marriage and ministry, the Lord supported us through a handful of regular supporters and the contributions of those we counseled. Some call that a ‘faith’ ministry, implying that ‘salaried’ folks don’t live by faith. Moreover, there is a general perception that ‘faith’ ministers are deprived. 
 

Thus it was one Thanksgiving that one of our invited dinner guests was asked by some friends if she knew anyone who needed a food basket for Thanksgiving.  She spontaneously said “Yes,” and arrived at our home on Thanksgiving Day with food basket in hand. That day I had to swallow my pride before I could swallow any turkey.

Even though we had already prepared a great turkey meal, I looked to see what delicacies our donors had afforded us, when, to my surprise, instead of a turkey and trimmings, was a basket full of canned foods, including a gallon can of pork and beans. There are two things worth noting: 1) as a small family we could never have eaten a gallon of pork and beans; and 2) I don’t like canned pork and beans.
 
That said, I think there are many times in life when we think we’re getting a roasted turkey, but we get pork and beans. I tried so hard to be grateful that day, reminding myself “every good gift is from above” (James 1:17), even pork and beans, metaphorically speaking, of course!

Living on Borrowed Time?

Due to the generally poor prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients, if I live beyond 5 more years, people may say “he's living on borrowed time!” That aside, life expectancy for an American male is 77? Does that mean one who is 78 is  “living on borrowed time?”

“Borrowed time” is not explicitly biblical. But delayed judgment is. That God is “slow to anger and abounding in loving kindness” and “His mercy endures forever” are the things we love to hear.  But we'd rather not think about the end of His patience. “The patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, while the Ark was being built”—120 years! (1 Pet 3:20)  But it did end.  And the day of judgment came, as promised!  Are we living in the days of Noah? (Matt. 24)

Currently, in this Age of Grace, God is extending time for all to become believers in Christ. In my present circumstances, I am sensitive to the possibly-shortened time I have to become a better 'believer.'  Though my time might end sooner than expected, so might all of ours - with the return of Christ.  So then, aren't we all living on borrowed time? Given such sobering truth, Peter asks, “What kind of people ought you to be? (2 Pet 3:11).” I think one answer is, ‘people who act like they are living on borrowed time.’

Your Best Life is yet to Come!

Some years ago, I penned a post about the perilous position of Joel Osteen in his book “Your Best Life Now”—so focused on earthly attainments as to negate eternal values. Unfortunately, many lean toward a ‘prosperity’ mindset which can diminish the value of a righteous response to a rough road.

Many people presume that Romans 8:28, “all things work together for good…” is our right to a ‘good’ ride right now: good job, good spouse, good house, good health and good long life (tell that to the persecuted Christians in China). Tim Keller, of NYC’s Redeemer Church, translates ‘good’ into the phrase, “Your best life is yet to come,” focusing us on eternal 'good.'

Since we are true travelers on the highway to Heaven, you can count on collisions with earth-bound trekkers claiming to be following Jesus in this life, but are really “lovers of self… following their own desires…” Paul says they are “headed for destruction… only thinking about life on earth.” (2 Tim 3:2; 2 Peter 3:3; Phil. 3:19, edited). In the language of my 'highway' analogy, it seems like Paul is telling us to avoid sharing the road with them, “stay away from people like that.” (2 Tim. 3:5) Like what? - people going the wrong-way!

Sometimes there is no answer

The horrific tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma this week are again showing man how helpless he is. Despite modern technology, he has no more control over tornadoes than when Job's 10 children were killed by one! You and I know this is part of a fallen “natural” world (Rom. 8:20), and won’t end until Jesus returns to establish a “new heaven and a new earth” (Rev 21:1). But try to explain that to a non-believing world looking for answers. When Job thought God owed him an explanation, God showed up in a His own tornado, with a series of questions that stopped Job in his tracks. 

Maybe that is why I liked how Dr. Albert Mohler answered the secular media when they asked him if “natural” disasters were God's judgments.  Mohler simply asked: “Why did no earthquake shake Nazi Germany? Why did no tsunami swallow up the killing fields of Cambodia? Why did Hurricane Katrina destroy far more evangelical churches than casinos? Why do so many murderous dictators live to old age while many missionaries die young?”  Sometimes there is no answer.

Buying and Selling in a Bullish Stock Market

Despite a flailing economy, the stock market is breaking records.  Economists say many people are benefiting from low Fed rates, the reason for increased investing, buying, and selling, particularly in housing and related industries.  During Obama’s first term, over 1,000 millionaires a day were added to the economy. The ‘new’ rich are buying and selling like no other time in history. 

Has the bullish market created a false sense of well-being?  I recently came across a quote by Arthur Pink, “the greatest self-deception is thinking everthing is OK when it is not.” I think the bullish market is a sign of the times. Before His return, Jesus said it would be like the days of Noah; then adding, “It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building” (Luke 17).

The days of Noah and Lot have one common feature: people were going about their normal lives as if everything was OK. “When people are saying, ‘Everything is peaceful and secure,’ then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman's labor pains begin. And there will be no escape” (1 Thess. 5:3).

"Lord, what are you planning to do with me"

Any regular reader of this blog knows there has been a “frequency failure.”  Extraordinary life circumstances over the last 6 months have resulted in an energy consumption that limited my capacity to write and research.  And, looking ahead, I foresee more energy leaks that will reduce my rate of writ.  Despite this, I do have plans: to have a total of 1,000 posts by year's end (today's post is my 926th), and then to index them all by subject.

Woody Allen is credited with saying, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” Is it really wrong to makes plans? Evidently not. Solomon, somewhat wiser than Woody Allen, said “we can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Prov. 16:9). To me, this simply means, “Make your plans; pray your plans, but don’t brand your plans.” Why? 

Solomon says: “There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death… [Hence] the sensible man considers his steps” (Prov. 16:12, 19, NLT).  In other words, no matter how well-intentioned, man-made plans will ‘die on the vine,’ “but the LORD's plans stand firm forever” (Ps. 33:11). Thus, my prayer is, Lord, what are You planning to do with me? And that's no laughing matter.

Losing Control

When I retired from my job with the Federal government—exactly 5 years ago this week—since I would no longer have a boss telling me what to do, I imagined I was gaining control of my life.  But God cares about me too much to allow such a mockery of maturity: growing in Christ always involves giving up autonomy—“Pick up your cross, and follow Me!”

Today as I am thinking about going to my chemo infusion appointment, Jesus’ words to Peter come to mind, “when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don't want to go" (John 21:18).  Indeed, this morning I will “stretch out my hand,” and a needle will be thrust into my veins infusing a toxic substance.  I can assure you this “takes me where I don’t want to go.”  While I am aware Jesus’ words to Peter refer to the latter’s death, they most certainly also imply death to one's desire for independence: “follow Me” (20:21).

No one likes to imagine themselves getting ‘old’ and dependent.  But it will surely happen.  And how well we handle that loss of control at 65 depends entirely on how well we handled it at 25, 35, 45, and 55.

Seeing is believing

When I took classes on therapy, I learned that the most basic construct in counseling is called “reframing”—a way to help a client see his/her issues in a new light. Going through “unprecedented” events (as I have in the past half-year) have caused me to see many things in a new light.  I've learned that seeing is believing! 

Peter, James, and John probably knew Jesus better than any of the Disciples.  But when they saw Jesus transfigured, and heard God saying, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am well pleased,” they saw Him (literally) in a new light.  Likewise, after Jesus death, when “John saw [the empty tomb], he believed” (John 20:8).  Of course Thomas didn’t believe until He saw Jesus’ nail-pierced hands (20:28).  And at Paul's conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus called him to “open the eyes [of the Gentiles] so that they might turn from darkness to light” (Acts 26:18)? 

As I’ve pondered my own ‘revelations’ over the past few months, it has become clear to me God loves us too much to let us walk around hopelessly blind to His reality.  Thus, Paul prayed for us “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened—see things in a new light—in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you…” (Eph. 1:8).  What do you see?  What do you believe?

My Bucket is Full

The term “bucket list” was popularized after the so-titled 2007 American movie about two terminally ill men on a road trip with a wish list of things to do before they “kicked the bucket.” (I think the term is an appropriate symbol for the emptiness of most people's lives!)    

On my personal profile page on this Dying to Live Blog, there is a place to ask a provocative question. Mine is: “If you knew this was your last day on earth, would you have to change your plans?”  Did I know how relevant that question would be!
 

As a person living on life's threshold (aren't we all!), do I have a bucket list?  Only this: to finish my race well and remain faithful. (2 Tim. 4:7).  Morose thoughts on this, my 65^th birthday?  I don’t think so.  What better day to reflect on God’s protection in a year of unforeseen events and to contemplate His promises as I look toward an unpredictable future. What better time than this to declare, I am well content, and my ‘bucket’ is full.

Is there life after death?

In 2005, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Steve Jobs gave a commencement speech at Stanford University in which he said: “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it.” And there implied is the fear-filled question of unbelievers: is there life after death?

But, having come face-to-face with the possibility of my own sooner-than-later departure (also due to pancreatic cancer), I have pondered how many who call themselves ‘born-again’ believers are afraid of death.  I know that you who read this blog called “Dying to Live” share my strong conviction that there is no life on earth for us without our participation in Christ’s death and resurrection.  We only live because He died.  We only live when we die—to the realm of sin and self. Paul states it clearly, “we have died to this life, and our real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3).

But I am afraid Steve Jobs was right. Even as people who want to go to heaven are afraid to die to get there, so too it is for Christians who have not understood they are already crucified with Christ, and can say I no longer live [I am dead to this world], but Christ lives in me (Gal 2:20). Is there life after death? You better believe it! And aren't you just dying to get it!

“Good Grief!”

Every “Peanuts” comic strip fan knows of Charlie Brown's signature exclamation: “good grief.” While the term is used humorously to exaggerate the severity of a situation, it begs the question: is there any such thing as ‘good’ grief.  Isn't grief about loss? What’s good about that?!

Though Peter said Christ’s followers would be “grieved by various trials,” he also said, “In this you greatly rejoice with joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:6). Then Peter goes on to explain that this joy comes from knowing that grief tests us to prove that our faith is genuine.  Moreover, it assures the salvation of our souls and promises to bring praise, glory, and honor to Jesus on the day when He is revealed to the whole world. Wow! Good Grief!

Spinning in Circles

Four years ago in London, a 22-year old man who was attempting to set the Guinness world record for spinning in circles suddenly collapsed and died.  The idiom “spinning in circles” or “going around in circles” means to keep going over the same ground without getting anywhere.  In other words, no progress, no life.

Of course there is a personal parallel here.  When life events seem beyond our control, and we are not getting anywhere, we have two choices.  We can surrender to God’s sovereignty: “my life and times are in your hands”—(Ps. 31:5).  Or we can attempt in our own effort to make things happen the way we want.  But when we try to take control, we may find, in the end, we are getting nowhere. 

So what do we do when we get this feeling that we are spinning in circles?  Stop moving!  Slow down!  Wait!  Waiting on God is the remedy for that awful feeling.  He promises to lead us in a straight path (Prov. 3:6, Jer. 31:9). Or, in other words, whenever you get that feeling you are spinning in circles, you should get off your feet and get on your knees.

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

Today is known as “May Day” or “International Workers’ Day” in 80 countries around the world. The day keeps alive the interests of the working class, the need to promote better working conditions from employers and governments. Last year on May 1, tens of thousands of members of Occupy Wall Street and labor unions marched in the streets around the US to commemorate May Day, to protest the dismal state of the economy, and specifically the growing divide between the rich and the poor. Since then, has anything changed? (a rhetorical  question!)

Paradoxically, the term “Mayday” is an emergency procedure word used internationally as a distress signal in voice radio communications. Significantly, it derives from the French venez m'aider, meaning "come help me."

It seems to many discerning believers that the dismal state of the economy is a metaphor for the dull moral state in America. Even the Church is in peril of falling in to the vortex of this moral shock wave. Perhaps today is a day we should all be crying out to God “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!” “Help us, LORD our God; save us according to your unfailing love” (Ps. 109:26)

Straight Shooters

Someone you can count on to tell you the truth is a “straight shooter.” In our politically correct climate, it is getting increasingly harder to find a person who will give it to you straight.

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet used an interesting word to describe God. It is a seldom-used word translated “teacher” that derives from the Hebrew word “archer/shooter” (Is. 30:20).

During a time of national rebellion, as God quietly waited for them to return, the prophet says He withdrew Himself, i.e., not speaking. But Isaiah promised them if they would return, He would be like a teacher [a shooter] who would no longer hold back, but would tell them the truth: “This is the way; walk in it, whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” In other words, whenever they got off the straight and narrow, He would tell them straight out what they needed to hear.

Does it not seem to you that as our mainline American denominations progressively line up with political correctness, there is going to be a greater need for straight shooters?

Infused with Steroids

I promise you (I think) that this will be the last ‘chemo’ comparison I make, but it’s too good to pass up. My cancer-killing chemo treatments are called ‘infusions’ because they are administered intravenously. After my first infusion 2 weeks ago, I had flu-like symptoms for 2 days. My friend Janet told me that as she was praying for me to have a better post-infusion experience, the Lord brought to her mind the words “He restores my soul” (Ps. 23:2)—but not in English; in Spanish, “Me infunde nuevas fuerzas,” which translates “He infuses me with new strength.”

What Janet did not know is that before getting my 2nd chemo infusion, the oncologist gave me a steroid infusion to diminish my symptoms. So Janet’s prayer, “infuse Greg with new strength,” was answered in a tangible way. Making this spiritual event even more interesting is the detail that the English word “steroid” derives from the Greek “sterizo”—meaning “strength.” In answer to Janet’s prayer, I was strengthened both physically and spiritually.

At those moments we are feeling most weak and vulnerable, we tend to reach out to God for new strength! But at a time in Israel’s history when they were vulnerable, they looked to Egypt’s armies for strength rather than God.  So, He patiently reminded them, “In returning [to Me] and resting [in Me], you shall be saved; in quietness and trust [in Me] is your strength” (Is. 30:15). As thankful as I am for man-made steroids, I am thankful for this tangible reminder of His strength. Thus, I am well content with weakness...for when I am weak, I am strong (2 Cor 12:10).

Search and Destroy

After we have received Christ into our hearts and have been forgiven of all sin, there yet remains a process of “putting aside all that remains of wickedness” (James 1:21). For my entire adult life, or so it seems, I have been engaged in getting rid of these ‘remains.’

Having just finished my second week of chemo-therapy—the purpose of which is to annihilate any cancer cells remaining after the surgical removal of my pancreatic tumor—the spiritual analogy is shouting at me. At salvation the sin-centered heart is removed. But afterward, the Holy Spirit uses the chemically-dynamic Word to search and destroy all that remains of the former self.

And even as my chemo therapy is voluntary, so is its spiritual counterpart of “putting aside [putting to death] all that remains of the sinful, earthly things [still] lurking within us” (Col. 3:5). But thank God that while chemo offers no guarantee of success, He does: “After you have suffered a little while, He will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

The Success of Suffering

In Jesus' day, the view that suffering resulted from moral failure was widely held. When a blind man was brought in front of Jesus for healing, the Disciples asked, “Whose sin had caused this young man’s blindness—his or his parents?” Jesus clarified it was neither, but only that the works of God should be revealed in him. In other words, something about suffering was divine.

Clearly the Bible teaches that suffering is a virtue. Jesus told His disciples that in the world they would face suffering, and overcome it just as He had (Jn.16:33). Paul declared that anyone desiring to live godly in Christ Jesus would suffer persecution (2 Tim.3:12). And James proclaimed that suffering was an opportunity for great joy.  Clearly, the apostles taught no ‘success’ in the kingdom of God could be expected without traversing the portal of suffering (Acts 14:22).

This is counter-intuitive in 21st century American where we refuse to accept suffering as the norm, let alone as a sign of God’s blessing (Matt. 5:4; 12). But the Scriptures are unambiguous: success without suffering is ‘unbiblical.’ 20th Century NYC pastor Dr. Edward Johnson once said, “Suffering and success go together. If you are succeeding without suffering, it is because others before you have suffered; if you are suffering without succeeding, it is that others after you may succeed.”

Going in Circles and/or Going South

For a year and a half before Altha and I moved to Arizona, I prayed and listened for the Lord's assurances. What followed were many confirmations. And when I was invited to mentor students at Phoenix Seminary, with the possibility to teach, I saw God at work.  Over the next months, one obstacle after another was removed and the path ahead became clear and straight.

But within days after moving to Arizona, my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer turned those plans on their head—‘everything started going south’ (an idiom I’ve spoken of before in this blog). After my ‘Whipple’ surgery, the Lord led us back to California where family (our daughter) and friends could support us thru the chemo/radiation therapies that lie ahead.

Honestly, I can tell you it seemed regressive to me—I was going in circles. But nothing in God’s methods is regressive. But progressive. And though it seemed my life was headed ‘south,’ God assured me it was not. Then this morning the Spirit led me to Deuteronomy, where God speaks to Moses, “You have circled this mountain long enough; now turn North” (2:2-3).

Are you presently feeling like your life is going in circles? Even worse, are you feeling like your life is “going south?” It may look that way by the natural eye. But by faith, you can be sure it is going in a straight line—straight into God’s blessed purposes for you. Before long, I know you will hear Him say, “Things have been going south long enough. But soon they will be turning north!”

Fellow Sufferers

Bombs exploded yesterday at the Boston Marathon finish line, killing 3 and injuring more than 140. Many people are suffering today. Only four months ago, Americans were shocked by the tragedy at Sandy Hook. When such tragedies happen, all America suffers—as persons united to one another by common citizenship.

By now of course everyone knows that Rick Warren’s 27-year old son committed suicide a week ago Friday. He had struggled for years with terrible depression. When I heard the news, I wept. He was not just Rick Warrens’ son. As a member of the body of Christ, he was the son of all of us. “When one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it” (1 Cor. 12:26).

To suffer is to feel pain or distress. It can be physical or emotional. Even as it is the one thing that unites all humanity, so it unites all Christians. As I have suffered through an operation, and now chemotherapy, so many of you have asked how you can help. I know it is because you feel my pain and the pain of my family. We are connected to one another. And in some way, which we cannot fully comprehend, by doing so, we are connecting with the sufferings of Christ who left His heavenly abode to live in a world of suffering (sickness and death and the pain of rejection). It is good that we join in the sufferings of others that we might be like the One Who suffered with and for us so that one day we shall never suffer again.

Fools for Christ

Coming the day after what-we-call “April Fool’s Day” here in the US, I was reminded of this quote by Jim Elliot: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”

Jim Elliot was a missionary martyred by the Auca Indians of Ecuador. His quote is a perpetual reminder of the cost (and privilege) of discipleship. But his quote also reminds us that any Bible-believing, fundamental believer will be considered foolish by the world. “We are fools for Christ's sake… we are weak… we are despised (1 Cor. 4:10)… for the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… (1 Cor. 1:18).

I am afraid that the further our culture (and even mainline denominations) declines into amorality and universalism, the more foolish Bible-believing Christians will appear. It is time for us to ask ourselves, 'are we willing to be fools for Christ?'