Into the Father’s Presence

Weekly Thought – November 29, 2016

Fred believed in the power of prayer. He was often asked to offer public prayer because of his speaking skills and his resonant voice. He accepted but often deferred because he shrank away from any hint of performance. Until he was bed-bound, he knelt by their bed nightly. This picture highly influenced his children who saw this strong leader in a posture of total submission.

Into the Father’s Presence

Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious. How marvelous that a sinner saved by grace can at any time commune with the Lord Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. In the night when I awaken and am tempted by frustration, it is so comforting to talk to the Lord about it.

I am not alone in my experience. One of the psychiatrists who helped select the first team of astronauts told me about testing them in absolute isolation to see how much they could endure. He said some could go indefinitely and when they interviewed them they found the “withstanders” were the ones who could pray. If we would only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.

I have found expressing gratitude to God gives me great satisfaction. Surprisingly, I found it increased my self-respect. It is so much better to live with and as a grateful person, rather than as a complainer.

Mysterious is the nature of intercessory prayer. How can my appeal affect God’s action toward another? Yet in scripture we are instructed to pray for one another. Realistically, I would be so frustrated if prayer weren’t an alternative when there is absolutely nothing else I could do for someone. “At least I can pray for you” is often heard. I want to remind them prayer is the MOST they can do for me.

Further, I have never believed that the number praying is the vital point. I just do not think God is swayed by mass numbers. And even more, I do not think God is any more impressed by celebrity prayer than others. I think of those I knew growing up in the mill district of North Nashville who were fervent prayer warriors. Their names were never going to be in lights, but their lives shone with the light of Jesus.

When we say “I am praying for you” we are joining the community of the committed. We are saying “I will meet you in the throne room.” We are together in the marvel and the mystery of the communing with God we call prayer. Keep on praying for one another – it is the source of obedience and joy.

This week think about: 1) How active is my prayer life? 2) What am I specifically talking to God about this week? 3) Who am I joining with at the throne?

Words of Wisdom: “If we would only realize our opportunity for direct communication with the Lord, how much more we would do it.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now, my God, may you be attentive and responsive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 6:40 NET Bible)

Excellence

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Brenda’s Blog – November 29, 2016

“Food is essential for life therefore – make it good.”

As I stood in line at Chick-Fil-A I read the sign on the wall. The words of founder Truett Cathey made the wait more interesting.

What else is essential for living? Air, breath, shelter – certainly, but aren’t there many more things like relationships, sense of well-being, a purpose… these, too, are essential.

Recently I had a conversation with an extremely bright young woman who is exploring her purpose and her next steps. She wants to make them good; she wants them to express how essential they are. This fall we spent time with many college students who repeatedly asked us about making a difference through their lives. Unlike many news reports, we find this generation of students we meet at Christian colleges to be eager to see what God has designed for their lives. And moreover, they want to connect their experiences with opportunities to be of value to others.

The ideas of productivity and contribution are essential elements of a healthy person. We want to feel like we were put on this earth for a purpose. My Dad used to counsel young people to “find their uniqueness.” As a teenager he was given a paraphrase of Proverbs 18:16: “Take the gift that God has given, and use it, and you will stand before great men.” The actions of taking and using are vital to a productive life.

Serving others is a responsibility we can accept with joy. The more we know about our gifts, talents, skills, and passions, the better we contribute. As we focus on the essential aspects of living well, we more clearly understand that the goodness of chicken applies to all areas of our lives.

Steadfastness

Weekly Thought – November 22, 2016

Fred was consulting with a manufacturing firm in northern Ohio on November 22, 1963. He drove to Granbury, Ohio where their elder daughter was a student at Denison University. He visited and talked about the implications of the Kennedy death. He returned on Sunday to take her out to lunch with a group of friends. Walking through the lobby of the Holiday Inn in Newark they watched the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas. So much changed that weekend, but Fred was there – she could count on him.

Steadfastness

Frankly, I was surprised to find in my study that loyalty is one of the key elements in love. I always thought of spontaneity and extravagance as demonstrations, but now I have to add loyalty. Of course, when I think back on my life I realize how important it truly is, even without recognizing and naming it.

For example, during one of my hospital stays I woke up to see a paper taped to the wall with the letters YTCO printed. One of our granddaughters had made the sign because she knew the story behind them and how much they meant to me. Confederate Cavalry Officer Jeb Stuart always closed his correspondence to General Robert E. Lee with these words, “Yours To Count On.”(YTCO) When I told my family the story, they all adopted it.

Every time I woke up and saw those letters I knew she was saying, “We are with you, Grandfather, and we love you.”

I am a connoisseur of donut shops. I have given them my expert opinion from coast to coast. One time in Grand Saline, TX I was in one of the best. Across from my table sat a rural couple. She was dressed in what I think women call “gingham.” He was dressed in his best “go to town” overalls. He got up to pay, but she didn’t get up. I wondered why. Then he came back and gently, but firmly, picked her up. I then saw she was in a full body brace.

He carried her to their pickup while everyone in the shop watched them through the front window. The waitress turned to me and said, “He took his vows seriously, didn’t he, Mister?” Yes, he did.

When I think about God, His love always comes to mind. God’s love for us is evidenced through his loyalty to us. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our names are permanently engraved on the palms of His hand. He takes his covenant seriously.

This week think about: 1) How do loyalty and love work together for me? 2) What behaviors represent loyalty? 3) How loyal am I to those who love me?

Words of Wisdom: “God’s love for us is evidenced through his loyalty to us.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38,39 NET Bible)

Balancing the Flash

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Brenda’s Blog – November 15, 2016

“Playing the small notes is optional.”

As I prepared to play at a local church service I went through a number of piano hymn arrangements. For me this is like trying on clothes. I go through dozens of pieces until one “just feels right.”

The one I selected had the right balance of dynamics, technical requirements, and emotional impact. One of the attractive elements for the chosen arrangement was the “accessories.” The melody was enhanced by runs of notes which added brilliance without losing the melody (and the hearer) in the weeds of excessive flash.

There is a fine balance between raising the emotional level through exciting bursts of runs and overwhelming the melody and message. Some arrangers think more is more and create a work that looks like a woman who totally overdoes makeup and accessories.
In life we have opportunities to create impact with the way we communicate with others. Some choose to pour on the style, putting the message in the shadows. “What did they say?” is usually the response. Others avoid any enhancement and beat the basic subject to death. “Where is the back door?” is usually the response.

We have the option of adding the zest. But it is up to us to understand how best to use gestures, phrases, humor, and eye contact as a means of moving the message, not overshadowing it. Musicians (instrumental or vocal) know when to go for the big finish and when to leave well enough alone.

Appropriateness is the critical element. Having the ability to understand each situation and judge what needs to be added or deleted is the sign of maturity. Just because you can play the small notes doesn’t mean you are required to. Just because you are verbally nimble doesn’t mean you have to use every technique at your disposal.

When we communicate whether in music, writing, or speaking we must always remember as Dad liked to say: “Speak (write, play) to express, not impress.”

Money Talk

Weekly Thought – November 15, 2016

Fred often told his children he and Mary Alice were not interested in leaving large sums of money to them. “I don’t want you to expect something that isn’t coming. Your Mother and I want to leave a legacy, not an estate.” Their children learned the value of saving, buying quality, and staying out of debt. Money was never the measure of a person’s value. He appreciated the options it brought, and respected the responsibilities, but never worshipped at the altar of wealth.

Money Talk

The truth about money has been known for a long time. Aristotle called it “barren” – not because it doesn’t bring benefits, but because the emotions it evokes are among the lowest on the hierarchy of values. These feelings don’t measure up to the nobler, finer emotions drawn out by patriotism and faith. The man or women whose greatest emotional energy is reserved for money knows nothing of the higher emotional life.

Money can bring fun – even happiness – but not joy if it is only “money for money’s sake.” It has no intrinsic ability to elevate the intellect or spirit. In fact, the love of gold often blocks the love for all else that is higher and more meaningful. How pale the struggle for wealth becomes when compared to the struggle for freedom, the search for truth, the war for principles, or the fulfillment of the noblest passions.

However, money is one of life’s greatest necessities. To disparage money per se is to demonstrate an ignorance of life and its rules. I often say that I think about money like I think about blood. I make blood to live – I don’t live to make blood. The same thing is true about money for me. I make money to live, but I certainly don’t live to make money.

In my view, money has always represented option. I have been poor and I have been financially comfortable – I prefer the latter. But having money and loving money are poles apart.

The options money make possible are part of its utility. Without it, there are limited choices; with it, choices are opened up. The interesting thing about money and choices is that having many options doesn’t necessarily mean we are capable of always making good choices.

And having money doesn’t necessarily create good character. When someone comments, “Do you know Joe? He’s worth millions!” I always respond: “He may have accumulated millions, but that doesn’t determine his worth.” The stewardship of great wealth requires discipline and the recognition that what you have isn’t the same as who you are.

This week think carefully about: 1) What is my relationship to money? 2) Do I have money or does money have me? 3) How can I use my financial resources to multiply God’s work?

Words of Wisdom: “Having money and loving money are poles apart.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no intention of acquiring wisdom?” (Proverbs 17:16 NET Bible)

Pain and Gain of Tribulation

Weekly Thought – November 8, 2016

Fred read deeply in devotional writing. He appreciated Gratian’s Manual, Practicing the Presence of God, The Seeking Heart, and My Utmost For His Highest, among many others. His copies were heavily noted and annotated with thoughts prompted by these ancient writers. Fred’s long-time and valued friend Harold Myra is currently working on a devotional based on the writings of Brother Lawrence. Fred would have thoroughly enjoyed “thinking on those things.”

The BWFLI schedule for 2016 is completed – with great joy and thanksgiving. Please pray for LeTourneau University and Greenville College which are actively in the planning stages currently for 2017.

Pain and Gain of Tribulation

Until I spent several months on my back, unable to move, I didn’t really appreciate patience. Perhaps I could have given you “three points of managing a patient attitude,” but I didn’t experientially understand. Now I know that true patience reduces unhealthy distress without diminishing healthy stress. Patience brings poise to our life, enabling us to discern between the important and the less important. It gives us tolerance for the point of view of others. Patience promotes meditation. The Scripture confirms the ancient saint’s belief that patience develops character. “Tribulation brings about perseverance and perseverance, proven character, and proven character hope” is the way Paul said it. Here we see that hope is in the direct line of blessing with tribulation and patience.

Brother Lawrence said that he prayed for tribulation in order to become stronger so that he might endure even more tribulation. He saw suffering as “God’s gymnasium.” When you are an A-type personality, everything has to happen quickly. Yet tribulation has its own pace – its own rhythm. I have found patience to be the only antidote for my frustrations, most of which have been seated in my ego. I get irritated because I wanted my own way and at my speed. Today my immobility and total dependence on others have made patience so valuable in avoiding testiness. (My family may think I have more work to do to completely operate with my irenic spirit!)

Tribulation can be either positive or negative. The choice is yours to make and as you want it, so it shall be. A national magazine picked up a phrase I have begun to use: “I am not disabled; I am delightfully dependent.” The “delightful” is my way of being patient.

Patience, like many of our most valued qualities, is slow growing. Patience is an oak tree, not a cornstalk. Patience is available to all of us who are willing to pay the price. It is not an inherited quality that comes in the genes – it is the result of tribulation and our disciplined response.

Sweating it out in God’s gymnasium is hard work, but the Coach knows best.

This week think about: 1) What do I really think about tribulation? 2) How do I adjust my attitude in patience-building circumstances? 3) Who models patience in a healthy way for me?

Words of Wisdom: “Patience is not an inherited quality that comes in the genes – it is the result of tribulation and our disciplined response.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Not only this, but we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope.” (Romans 5: 3,4 NET Bible)

Clarity

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Brenda’s Blog – November 1, 2016

“What has become clearer since last we met?”

Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were friends who enjoyed their conversations. With no email, phone, text, or SKYPE, they depended upon their face to face times. Therefore, when they saw each other one would ask the other: “What has become clearer since last we met?”

I told this story to a good friend I don’t see often. Recently, she came to my house and upon sitting down smiled and said, “What has become clearer?”

This presupposes intentional thought, contemplation, and growth, doesn’t it? This assumes the conversations prompted mental activity.

But this has a broader application. How about periodic personal reflection? How about a catalog of categories which require consideration? For example: financial, physical, educational, spiritual, and relational areas of one’s life? Shouldn’t we be able to sit down quarterly or certainly annually and point to clarification?

Maturity demands clarity. Muddling through with little or no understanding creates pygmies. To see is promised by Paul in the first letter to the Corinthians. He tells us we see partially as through wavy glass, but one day it will indeed be clear – it will be face to face.

Our Lord Jesus healed a blind man. When he was interrogated by the Pharisees he had a simple answer: “All I know is that once I was blind and now I see.” Shouldn’t we be able to identify some blind spots in ourselves and rejoice when clarity occurs?

Don’t be surprised if we meet and you are asked “What has become clearer?”

Keeping the Engine in Gear

Weekly Thought – November 1, 2016

Fred loved cars. Getting to sit in the pit area with the Sam Hanks team was definitely a life thrill. He loved the sound of finely tuned engines. And, he worked diligently to make sure his three children all understood the value of mechanical devices.

Thank you for praying with the BWFLI team at Palm Beach Atlantic University. The conversations and connections were abundant and invigorating. We have men and women of great character being trained to lead.

Keeping the Engine in Gear

During times when we have no great career accomplishments, it is important to have outside achievements. This is the way we re-attach our egos.

I suggested that a friend who was going through a low time after selling his company find personal satisfaction in a non-career arena. Several months later I saw him. To my surprise he had lost 40 pounds. He said, “I took your suggestion and it is working. Not only have I lost the weight that I badly needed to lose, but I’ve also won the doubles tennis championship at the club.” He had rediscovered the joy of achievement.

Every career has its dead spots. Inevitably there are idling times as we hit plateaus on the climb. It is important to remember that we haven’t failed; only our plans have. Rather than letting it throw us off track, we can redirect our productive energies in an avocational direction. We can channel our need for productivity into charitable or ministry outlets. We can develop new skills and broaden our current interests. It is important to acknowledge the importance of useful development.

The lull in the career won’t kill the proper use of ego gratification. It is important, of course, that these ancillary accomplishments do not become an escape, nor that we let our avocation supersede our vocation. The principal idea is to keep experiencing a productive life – which we continue to contribute and know a sense of accomplishment. It is important to keep our engine clean, in good repair, and our gears meshing.

If we miss the opportunity to grow in the plateau, we end up circling round and round without forward progress. The proper use of plateaus can strengthen us as we begin again. When we put ourselves into gear, we can move smoothly down the road.

The productive man or woman recognizes that achievement breeds achievement. Low times give us time to slow down for the next climb. Parking the car in the garage is not the answer. Revving the engine and developing new outlets is the way to go.

This week think about: 1) What is my way to handle the plateaus? 2) How can I help others deal with these times? 3) Who do I know right now that needs this word?

Words of Wisdom: “If we miss the opportunity to grow in the plateau, we end up circling round and round without forward progress.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NET Bible)