BIG BIG LOSS

Few leaders have ever lost so many followers, so fast as King Rehoboam. He listened to the wrong advisors, had the wrong attitude, refused to be a servant leader and lost ten out of twelve tribes of Israel with his very first major decision! Inheriting a huge kingdom from his father, Rehoboam lost most of the kingdom very, very quickly.
Of course huge losses in our personal lives sometimes happen instantaneously. However losses like Rehoboam suffered - caused by unwise choices or resulting from sinful actions usually don't happen suddenly. Normally we begin to sow the seeds of destruction for a while before we crash. Usually the major decision or the life changing sin does not come out of thin air. We have been developing an attitude or have been moving toward the kind of action that unless caught will end in deep pain. And then suddenly we go over the edge with our ultimate foolish decision or our major sinful blunder and we experience that great loss. Some people are surprised, but if we look back, we can see that there was a path clearing leading toward what became great loss.
That is why we need to be constantly growing character from the inside out. We need to be cooperating with God's Spirit so that His fruit is gradually growing in us, developing us more and more into the image of Christ. Of course we will sin and will make mistakes because we remain imperfect. But if we are growing toward Christ and becoming like Christ, we are very unlikely to ever make the decision or commit the sin that will result in great loss.
May we never experience the kind of huge, tragic loss of which we read in I Kings 12. 

PLEASE GIVE US MORE

One more post on John 14 where I was at the end of last week's posts. Jesus responded to Peter's questions and then to the question from Thomas "how can we know the way?"
"I am the way, the truth and the life. --- If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well." A third disciple responds with a question. "Philip said, 'Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." John 14:8
Philip has enjoyed the company of Jesus for almost three years. He has seen the miracles, observed the Lord's sinless life close up and heard his teaching. He has even heard the claims Jesus has made for himself. But now, what he wants, is "just a little more." If we could just see God it would be enough. Oh, really, is that all?
I think most of us who are believers at one time or another want just a little more. We believe and yet. Things are so difficult we need some extra assurance; we are struggling with new doubt and would like a little more proof; some friends or family are opposing our faith, and we are wavering. If God could just give us a little more.
Jesus replies (in part) to Philip, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'show us the Father?'" In effect he says to Philip - and to us - I am all you need. I am the way, truth and life. I am God's full manifestation in human form. I am God's full revelation - there is no more after me. I am enough!
It would be easy for us to think "Well, if I had been there to observe and experience all the apostles observed and experienced, I would not want any more." But we are just as human as they were. We humans always seem to want just a little more.
Remember that after the resurrection, Thomas needed a little more. It was not enough that the ten apostles plus other disciples had seen the Risen Christ. He needed his own experience. When Jesus appeared to Thomas, he worshipped: "My Lord and my God." "Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
That includes you and me. We believe and we must continue to believe that Jesus Christ revealed 2000 years ago, revealed through the pages of Scripture, changing countless lives every day - this Jesus is more than enough. We really don't need anything or anyone else. 

BETTER THAN A ROLLERCOASTER

Some people I know love roller coasters. Two years ago Jan and I went on a couple of them at Disney World (our excuse was that our 4&1/2 year old really wanted to ride - and she loved them). It had been over twenty years since our previous rides - when our children were teens.
However today I enjoyed something much more exhilarating than a roller coaster ride. Our Lead Pastor and I were due to meet someone for lunch - and we were late. Jacob is known as an aggressive - make that fast - motorbike rider and has lived in Hanoi for 15 years. An excuse that he was running late was hardly needed for him to be the fastest (OK, to be honest, I think 2 bikes passed us, but we passed a hundred or more) moving object at noon in Hanoi.
Since I was riding on the back - and I trust his driving skill - it was a fun ride. No dividing lines between lanes or between two way traffic. The occasional lines are mostly ignored. Passing is allowed anytime there is an opening you want to take. Weaving into oncoming traffic in order to get around slow moving vehicles is not simply allowed, it is expected. What would be unspeakably rude in North American traffic is quite accepted. It was much more unpredictable and fun than your average roller coaster ride. Of course on a serious note, many more people die each year in Vietnam from motorbike rides than die all over the world, in a decade on roller coasters.
Anyway I was simply trusting today - trusting Jacob's driving skill. Trusting other drivers would not do anything that was totally unavoidable. When you get onto a roller coaster, you definitely put your trust in those who constructed and maintain it.
You may feel this week that your life is a little like a roller coaster - or a motorbike in Vietnam's capital city. Things in your life are moving too fast, or are suddenly unpredictable or ----. I hope today you are truly trusting the One who is in control and completely trustworthy!
(By the way I'vs just started reading "Ruthless Trust" by Brennan Manning (2000). Seems quite refreshing so far. His thesis: intellectual faith is not good enough, nor is mild heart faith. What a true disciple must have is faith that is ruthless - absolute trust in our loving Father God.)

FAITH OR FATALISM

Fatalism runs through much popular thinking, including the thinking of some Christians. By that I mean that many people seem to firmly believe: "whatever will be, will be"; "just lucky I guess"; "everything that goes around comes around"; "all things come to those who wait"; etc. That there are so many sayings like these, points to the fact that there is some truth in them.
It is true that we humans are not fully in control of our lives. We don't choose to be born, choose our parents, choose the country of our birth, choose our height, etc. The above sayings emphasize that many things outside of our sphere of control (world politics, a country's financial health, local crime to name a few) do influence our lives, sometimes in tragic ways.
So how does fatalism - "I can't control things, so I will just continue to live as is" - differ from a life of faith in the Living God? We believe God is in control. We believe He has given us freedom but that freedom has limits. We believe that for the believer He does "work all things together for good." (Romans 8:28)
First and most important, we believe there is a personal God, not an impersonal force, in control of the Universe. Second we believe this God is a God of love who wants the very best for His people and He can be trusted. Third, He is consistent in what He does. He is not irrational nor whimsical. God is consistent in His character. Fourth, God holds us responsible as good managers for what we can control.
Therefore we don't believe that things "just happen" nor do we believe that "there is nothing we can do". Rather we believe our Divine, loving Master is in control and we trust Him. I was reminded of this as I read David's affirmation while retreating from his son, Absalom, who was leading a rebellion. David is aware that while God loves him, God may choose to discipline him. So he says:
"But if he (God) says, I am not pleased with you, then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." II Samuel 15:26
This strikes me as a wonderful statement of faith. I want to live that way. Striving to serve God well; trusting that God will take care of me; knowing that if God allows pain and difficulty to come: I am ready. Ready to accept whatever my loving Father allows to enter my life. Ready to trust God fully in the bad times as much as in the good times.

WHO AM I?

Who am I? David spoke that rhetorical question to God as the opening words of his prayer. He has just learned that God does not want David to build "a house" for God. However God will "establish the house" of David. From the house, or line of David one day will come the One whose "throne will be established forever." In humility David wonders why God would grant such a privilege to a man who was nothing but a shepherd until God chose him to be King of Israel. (II Samuel 7:18 - 24)
"Is this your usual way of dealing with man (humans), O Sovereign Lord?" David asks. Of course neither he nor anyone else knew that the answer would be "yes". For one day a fellow Jew, this one a mere fisherman until Jesus chose him, would write about all who follow Jesus:
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." I Peter 2:9
Twenty centuries later (2004) a group called "Casting Crowns" recorded a great worship song entitled "Who Am I"? It captures the sentiment of David, and the humble worship of all those who have experienced God's saving grace. We are amazed that the Lord of all the earth would choose people like us to belong to Christ's forever family. We worship, we rejoice and with the ancient King David we marvel and ask "Who am I that God should favour us in this way?" Thank you, Lord.

ANSWERING UNASKED QUESTION

I am now able to read and access my posts, which I've not been able to do for many months. So let me follow up on yesterday's thoughts about Peter's emotional reaction in John 13 to the immanent departure of Christ.
Jesus recognizes that all of the disciples are disturbed. Jesus has predicted his own death and told the disciples they cannot follow him. He has also told Peter that rather than die heroically with Jesus, Peter in fact will deny Christ three times within the next 12 hours!
No wonder they are disturbed. Into their anxiety and sadness, Jesus speaks the comforting words that are often read at funerals (John 14:1 - 6). He begins to tell them where he is going and what he will do while he is away. He encourages them to keep trusting God and keep trusting Him. Jesus assures them that the Father's house has room enough for everyone and that He, Jesus is going to prepare for their coming. Then He provides the great promise that He will come back and take them home. Finally He assures them that they know the way.
At this point, we need to again feel the emotion, Thomas says, " but, but, but Lord, we don't know where and we don't know the way!" He is sad, confused maybe even a little frustrated. Is there a tone of defeat or of complaint? We can't know for sure. However Jesus knows that what the disciples are asking for is help because things don't feel right at all.
It is then Jesus provides the wonderful assurance: not "I will tell you about the way, give you the truth and explain how you should live." No, He says, "I am the way, the truth and the life." What a wonderful personal answer to Thomas' question.
"Thomas, you know me. Yes you do. And Thomas, I am the gate, remember; I am the door; I am the way to God and all that God offers. How can I be the way? Because I am God's truthful revelation and I am the life that is truly life. To know the Father and me is to know real life."
The answer is so personal, so relational. Jesus goes on to say "If you really knew me, you would know the Father as well."
One commentary I read a few days ago pointed out the difference between "knowing" to the Greek mind vs "knowing" to the Hebrew mind. This is to put it simplistically but it is an important distinction. In Greek thinking to know is "seeing with a view of grasping the nature of an object. Knowledge of God would be to contemplate divine nature and reality.
To the Hebrew mind, to know"is to have relationship, to experience something; to enter a relationship with God."
Jesus is speaking within the Jewish culture and he is calling his disciples to focus on relationship. It was too easy for them to think "spatially" - where and how do we get there. Jesus says it is about knowing the Son and the Father. We know them so that in the present and in the life to come, the assurance comes through relationship. 
We don't need to worry about what comes after death. Why? Because we are going to the  Father's house - and we know Him. And we will be going with Jesus (I will come back and take you to be with me), the One we know and love.

MORE EMOTION THAN I REALIZED

The text of the first six verses of John 14 are very familiar for at least a couple of reasons. Verses one to three are often quoted at Christian funerals "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms --- I am going there to prepare a place for you --- I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."
On the other hand, John 14:6 is often quoted when a Christian is presenting the case that Jesus is the unique way to truly connect with our Creator God. "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
I have preached these verses a few times, but I am not sure if I have ever preached them within the larger context. We know that the Last Supper has just concluded and that within hours, Jesus will be arrested. His death is immanent. Jesus alerts his inner eleven disciples to this fact.
"My children, I will be with you only a little longer. --- Where I am going you cannot come." 13:34, 35 These words are immediately followed by Christ's giving the new commandment to love one another. He asserts that "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 13:35 Like me, you have probably spent time thinking about the implications contained in these two important verses about the importance of love.
But Peter seems to ignore them, something "more important" has grabbed his attention. Peter asks a question; then Thomas asks a question and finally Philip asks the third question. None of these questions have to do with the institution of the Lord's Supper or the giving of the great love command though it is  one of the major markers of Christian community.
Peter with the others is now really face to face with Jesus' prediction that he is going to leave them - He is going to die. Of course Jesus had predicted his death several times. But somehow now, the reality of his impending death is raising the emotional temperature.
Peter does not comment on the "new commandment". Instead he asks, "Lord where are you going?" Jesus tells Peter that he cannot follow Jesus now, but will follow later.
To which Peter replies, "Why not? I am ready to die for you!" There is strong emotion here. Peter seems to understand that a crisis is descending and death is in the air. He probably represents what the other disciples are sensing too.
Their Master is leaving them and it has at least partially dawned on them that his departure will be very soon and likely to be violent. No wonder the Lord turns to words of comfort; the familiar words of John 14.
We sometimes hear those words in the emotional setting of a funeral. For some reason, though I've read them dozens of times, I see more clearly than ever that those words were first heard by disciples who were struggling themselves with some pretty strong emotions: maybe fear, maybe sadness, maybe anxiety, maybe all of these and more.

FRIEND LIKE JONATHAN

The friendship of David and Jonathan (I Samuel 18 - 23) is familiar to Bible readers. It is one of the few friendships highlighted in Scripture and Jonathan's loyal friendship provides a good example for us. I was struck by one phrase this morning as I read the familiar account of David, Jonathan and the jealous King Saul.
The Hebrew phrase is most literally translated Jonathan "encouraged him in God"(NASB). Other translations read "helped him find strength in God; encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God; gave him strength in God."
True friends are there for you when you need them. They provide a physical presence, a listening ear, an empathetic heart and encouraging words. True friends are a wonderful gift. However what Jonathan did was more: he acted as a true "believing friend". The encouragement he offered was specifically faith strengthening, truth based, and God oriented.
As a pastor I have often been in the presence of those who are mourning the loss of health or the loss of a loved one. I have heard many well meaning friends offer words of comfort and condolence that were quite weak and even false. "you will soon feel better; everything happens for  a reason; it will all work out; you will be stronger after this; I guarantee you will feel better, etc."
When I offer encouragement and comfort, can I do better than an unbelieving good friend? Do I go beyond offering a presence, an ear, empathy, comforting words? Do I encourage my believing friends to find strength in God?
Followers of Christ can do so much better. "Remember God is with you; God loves you; let the Word of God comfort you; we are praying for you; what you are experiencing reminds me of the Scripture that says ---." I have read of a Christian friend who said to one struggling with doubts during a crisis: "Its OK if your faith right now is weak. I will keep believing for both of us until you are stronger."To a friend who says "I can't even pray right now" we might say: "Its OK, Jesus understands. I will pray for both of us until your faith is stronger."
Lord, I want to be a friend like Jonathan was.

OBEDIENCE

How varied are the people who worship at an international church? Here is a partial sample of the people I talked with this past Sunday: Malaysian businessman and his wife; Australian school teacher, American businessman married to a Vietnamese, a woman teacher for the UK, a Korean businessman, two university students from China, several students from Nigeria, a woman visitor from Canada, a businessman and family from Hong Kong, etc. The variety of people with whom we deal each week is both exhilarating and challenging.
I read I Samuel 15 this morning. The familiar rebuke from Samuel to Saul always challenges us to check our priorities. For those of us long time believers, it is easier to offer worship and our financial offerings (since we've done this for many years) than it is to offer complete daily obedience to God.
King Saul offered animal sacrifices to God as commanded in the OT. And he offered God partial obedience. But God was not impressed and through Samuel rebuked Saul.
"Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice ---." I Samuel 15:22, 23
Since we serve the God of Samuel and Saul, lets make sure we never follow Saul's example. It is too easy to obey up to a point and then do what we want. We can't fool God and hopefully we have enough self awareness that we don't fool ourselves. Keep trusting and obeying!

MY EBENEZER

When I was young, I heard my parents speak about a church that was called "Ebenezer Gospel Hall." Seemed to me to be a strange name for an "assembly of Christians". At times in the church where I grew up, we would sing a 19th century (I think) hymn one line of which said "here I raise my ebenezer". Made me wonder what was an ebenezer.
OK, hands up all of you who know what an "ebenezer" was and where it is mentioned in the Bible? There is a town with that name mentioned twice in I Samuel. However neither the church mentioned above nor the hymn were referring to that town. Rather they reference what Samuel did after a great military victory.
 Israel was repenting before God for their unfaithfulness. Samuel promised to intercede for them. While the people were gathered with Samuel, the Philistines (their biggest enemy at that time) came up from the coast to attach them. Samuel "cried out to to the Lord on Israel's behalf and the Lord answered him."
God put on what we might call a huge "thunder and lightning show" which caused the Philistine army to panic and they became easy prey for the Israelites who pursued and destroyed their opponents.
"Then Samuel took a stone and set it up ---. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far has the Lord helped us.'"I Samuel 7:12 The word "ebenezer" means "stone of help". It was a memorial stone placed in prominence so that when Israelites would pass by it they would be reminded of God's protection on that special day of victory.
I hope you can look back on your life and in your mind find some "ebenezers" - memories of moments or days when you especially saw God provide for or protect you. I know that some people mark these special days in their journals. I've known a few who keep some type of memorabilia connected with God's special provision. However we do protect those memories, let's not forget the special ways in which God has taken care of us - and of others in the past. 

NOISE AND TRAFFIC

I worked at home yesterday, as I do several days a week. I had a 9:00 am appointment just a 12 minute walk away; then an 11:45 appointment just a 15 minute walk in another direction. That added up to almost an hour of walking which was needed exercise. I was feeling a little tired after the lunch meeting, not so much from the actual walking but because of the constant honking and the dodging around parked motorbikes, or making certain that the one driving on the sidewalk goes around, not through me.
In the afternoon I was just settling in at my home office desk when two or three workmen in the apartment immediately above us, started to work on something that involved an almost constant "banging" by two of them. After two hours Jan decided to go for a walk; after three hours the banging stopped.
Now I have just settled into my church office desk (actually a fold up table with a fold up chair.) I look up through the window at a neighbouring balcony about ten meters away and there is a workman making some repairs. I don't know what he is doing, but the "banging" sounds very familiar.
Oh, and I should mention that construction crews tore down 50% of the school directly below our apartment last month. Now they are reconstructing the school. Large trucks and machinery can only come down our narrow street at night, so construction goes on 24/7. With earplugs, the noise doesn't usually keep us awake.
Life is not difficult here - not nearly as difficult as in some developing countries. But it is very noisy and very busy. Therefore it can become very tiring. Fortunately, as young as we are, we don't mind it too much. :)
However the imagery of Scripture - especially of the Shepherd, sheep, pastures and quiet waters seem very far from life in Hanoi! Thankfully it is still possible to have soul peace and soul quiet as we follow our Good Shepherd.   

SEASONS OF LIFE

My normal routine is to be up at 6:00 am and enjoy a long quiet time with tea, Bible and prayer before the day's activities begin. This routine is rarely disturbed except for an occasional early morning meeting somewhere.
However this morning, instead of my normal undisturbed time I was watching a very moving music video on YouTube. If you've not heard the song or seen the video I could sing it to you, since I've watched and listened to it a number of times in the past few days.
It goes something like: "Do de rubber duck, duck, do de rubber duck, duck, do de rubber duck." The star of the video is Ernie from Sesame Street but the whole gang gets into this bathroom video! This video moves an eleven month old to grin, wave her arms and even shout with glee!
Yes, for two weeks Jan and I are fully enjoying a two week visit from little Amara and parents. She has radically changed our daily schedule, and we are adapting quite well! She and her parents live in Manhattan so two weeks with one of our grandchildren is a special treat.
Seasons of life. I was reminded again of how easy it is to establish a routine when their are no children or grandchildren in the house. The floor is never scattered with toys; the dining table is not smeared with remnants of peas, pineapple, dragon fruit and moist cookie remnants; the dirty dishes and dirty laundry don't pile up quickly. But children and grandchildren are worth so much; much more than the cost of the energy used to keep a house clean and money invested as they are raised.
There is a parallel in the local church setting. It is very neat and easy to worship God by yourself, or perhaps with your family, or even with a few chosen others in a small church. Compared to a larger, growing fellowship of 100 or 1000 Christians, life in a stable congregation with little change is easy. No conflict, easily controlled, not much mess at all. But then again, not much impact for the Kingdom of God.
I've always resonated with the wisdom found in Proverbs 14:4: Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
If I have to make a choice, I will always take the "messy stable that has a strong ox" -  a growing church, with new believers, serious questions and even major problems rather than have a small gathering that is in a smooth routine with everything under control, but going nowhere and accomplishing little for God's glory.
Of course I admit that I will enjoy the return to the "easy routine of life" when Jan and I are once again alone in our apartment (although I may occasionally be found humming "rubber duck, duck ---". And it is OK, if right now your church is experiencing some "messy days", to long for the day when King Jesus returns and we will dwell together with Him in perfection!

IN THEIR OWN EYES

In most English translations, that is the phrase that closes the book of Judges. In full, the last sentence reads like this: "In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes." Judges 21:25 (NLV)


All kinds of questions arise in our minds when we read through the book of Judges. God's special people, the people of Israel seem to be "all over the map" spiritually. At times they appear to sincerely follow God and obey his commands. Within a generation however they seem always to be seduced by the surrounding lifestyles and religions of those around them. Often it appears they are syncretistic, worshipping the God of Abraham yet also involved in idol worship. Even those who are chosen of God and used by God to lead his people seem so flawed. (Examples: Gideon, Sampson and Jephthah)
We marvel at God's patience and we wonder at some things that are recorded in Judges - but never condemned. Does God really love people so flawed and can He bless and use leaders who seem so ungodly at times?
The answer is of course: "yes". We see this in our own day within Christian circles. If we were God we might absolutely reject large portions of "Christendom". Yet there is evidence of God at work even while much is bad about their theology and ethics. We see some evangelical leaders have great impact for God and good. We know that many believers have been blessed by their ministry. Yet we discover that these same leaders have been immoral, or dishonest, or in effect, thieves.
We wonder at how a holy and righteous God can put up with people like those we see in part of the church today. We wonder at the tragedy recorded in Judges when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes." But then, aware of our own sin; and aware of the imperfections of our own local churches, we stop to humbly thank God for His mercy, His patience, His love and His forgiveness - given to those like us who are so flawed and undeserving.

INTERNATIONAL SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE

I enjoyed a brief encouraging conversation with a Japanese woman this morning. She told me that while living in Japan she had been inside a church only twice, for weddings of friends. But she knew nothing about Jesus.
Moving to Hanoi two years ago, she came in contact with our Fellowship and began to learn about Jesus. Her English is hesitant but her belief is strong. There was no time for me to hear details of her new faith, except that she repeated several times, "my heart has been changed so much by Jesus". She now wants to be baptized at our Easter baptism service.
On the other hand an American shared with me his encounter with two university students. He noticed that one of them was carrying a Vietnamese Bible and they stopped to talk. Through an interpreter he learned that while their Bible was well marked indicating how much reading they had done, they were being misled by a foreign man who claims to be "Jesus returned". This false Jesus claims that he alone has the ability to interpret the Bible correctly. So they have been taught not to think for themselves but simply follow his interpretation. Our friend is continuing contact with them, but only one seems open to consider Scripture without this false teacher's interpretation.
Around the world the ancient spiritual struggle between God's truth and a myriad of false teachings continues. Sadly some are being led astray; but many others are coming to living faith in our Living Saviour.

SAVED, SAFE, SATISFIED

In John 10:7 and 9 we find the third of the seven "I Am" statements. Jesus says, "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture."
I noticed on the web that one preacher a few years ago identified three affirmations that Jesus is making in this verse.  After repeating that He is the gate or door for the sheep, Jesus tells us that in Him we find salvation. We enter through Jesus and our past: our guilt, shame, failure and loss are all dealt with. We are forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God for now and for eternity.
Second, in Jesus we find safety. Sheep are free to enter in and out of the sheep pen only if it is safe. Our Shepherd guarantees safety. Millions of believers have testified to experiencing a sense of wonderful safety in the midst of great difficulty. Faith that our Shepherd is in full control and will bring ultimate good to us brings peace in the face of pain and death. Jesus has taken the sting out of our ultimate enemy - death - and we know that we are "safe in the arms of Jesus."
Third, having entered into our relationship with God through Jesus, we find pasture. Good pasture results in satisfied sheep! That takes us back to the first of the "I Am" statements where Jesus says "I am the Bread of Life". Unlike everything else in this world, a relationship with Jesus satisfies our deepest soul longings. Everything else, whether an abundance of superficial stimulants or the most fulfilling things in life such as meaningful work, humanitarian service and family life, cannot fully satisfy. But in Jesus we are saved, safe and and can be satisfied for ever.  

BIBLICAL HEROES

Some parts of the Bible I usually read quite quickly: genealogies, description of land allotments to the twelve tribes, chapters delineating OT laws. I sometimes will even read familiar OT narratives very quickly. But when I read the narrative passages quickly, I don't feel them and I lose most of the power of the story.
When I read those familiar stories slowly - as I did this morning with the story of Gideon in Judges - I pause and marvel. I enter into the story and it grips me. I marvel at God's grace. Here God goes again, stepping in to provide special help for people who have been rejecting God and worshipping idols and living in direct disobedience. Amazing grace!
I smile at the hints of irony or humour that seem to be in the text. For example, the angel of the Lord greeting Gideon as a "mighty man of valour" while he threshes wheat in a wine press, hiding from the enemy. This "mighty man of valour" obeys God's direction but does so at night so no one will confront him. Then it appears Gideon's father has to face down the townspeople who are ready to kill Gideon for what he has done. Valour?
But what struck me again today was how some of God's people really are amazing heroes, rising above and beyond what many of us could ever imagine doing. Read slowly how God leads Gideon to prepare for battle against an enemy whose forces seem overwhelming. A military general who has never led an army before would surely want as large an army as possible. Yet Gideon trusts God as he is instructed how to reduce his military force from 32, 000 men down to 300 men. This is a singular occasion when God seems to cause decimation of the army before they even begin to march on the enemy.
I know Gideon asks for "his fleece" twice to confirm that God is with Him and ready to do miracles. Yet still; what would you have done when God says in effect: I know you are outnumbered 3 to 1, but I'd like to increase the odds against you to 300 to 1? I imagine myself in Gideon's sandals as best I can and I wonder: would I have simply quit? failed the test? asserted that I must not be hearing God correctly?
I say Gideon is indeed proven to be a "mighty man of valour" and a "mighty man of faith". A true hero. A man who provides for us a wonderful example of obedient faith.
"Thank you God for the teachings of Scripture. And thank you for showing us examples of people like us, who because of your grace and power coupled with their obedient faith, provide us with realistic, very human, yet marvellous biblical heroes."  

PROOF OF LOYALTY

How do we know someone is a winner if there is no competition? How do we know if someone is the best if she is the only? How can you be sure that you are the chosen one, if you were the only choice available? How can you be sure if the love someone expresses is true loyal love if it has never been tested?
God wants each of us - all of us - to love Him with our whole heart. He offers us loyal, steadfast love and asks the same from us. God knows us better than any social scientist can ever know humans. Because of this, from the very beginning with Adam and Eve, through Abraham down to the nation of Israel, God tested the loyal love of His children.
We read at the end of Joshua and in the beginning of Judges that the nation of Israel has taken possession of the Promised Land of Palestine. Although some of the conquered peoples were still living in the land, Israel was in the dominant position. God had given them victories as they fought their way through the land. But at times they were not passionate enough to pursue complete victory or to obey God fully.
Therefore God said:
I will no longer drive out the nations that Joshua left unconquered when he died. I did this to test Israel—to see whether or not they would follow the ways of the LORD as their ancestors did.”Judges 2:21, 22
God determined to provide an ongoing test for Israel. They would continually be tempted to borrow moral standards and objects of worship from the ethnic groups who lived among them.Their loyal love would be tested: faced with choices, would Israel consistently choose the God of their fathers? Sadly as we read the biblical history of the next few centuries, the answer is a recurring "no". Israel found it often too easy to join in pagan practices and pagan worship, ignoring the God who had brought them out of Egypt into their "homeland."
Many people claim to believe in and to love God. The proof of our loyal love is found in the times of testing. God has many "fair weather" friends. The issue is: when the weather is "foul", do we still love and obey God? It is in the hard times that loyal love is proved. May each of us pass the tests God allows to come our way!

WALKING WITH A CELEBRITY

Our daughter Jeannie, husband Chris and 11 month old Amara are visiting with us for nine days. Yesterday Jan and I with our visitors were at a large Vietnamese restaurant for lunch. To provide a break for Jeannie and Chris, mid-meal, I took Amara for a stroll through the restaurant. All of a sudden I was swarmed by all of the young female servers who wanted to kiss princess Amara's hand, cheek, hold her, get a picture with her. We had a hard time leaving the restaurant as greeters and others wanted a little touch from Amara. Funny thing, nobody paid attention to me on the way out - her Dad was holding Amara. We knew and now experienced that Vietnamese love babies - and are drawn of course to foreign babies.
In fact as we walked down one street of small stores, one woman came running out to see Amara, then ran back inside to get a camera. So this is the life of a celebrity. We will see if it happens again this afternoon when I meet up with the family.
Warmth and sun have returned to Hanoi. Today I walked the scenic last 300 meters to the church office - along Hanoi's largest lake. I watched about 15 young kayakers who were "sprinting" beside me. Suddenly a motorbike went by me with a woman shouting out across the water on a megaphone. Evidently she must be their team coach. Maybe we will get to see kayak races later this year!
Life feels a little better today with 24 degrees C., sunshine and the sound of birds coming through the open office window. (I apologize for mentioning this to anyone in Edmonton reading the blog. I heard they received half a meter of snow last week.)

NOT A SINGLE ONE

In God's very first conversation with Moses at the "burning bush", God spoke of what He would do for Israel. God promised to bring Israel, under the leadership of Moses, "into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey." Exodus 3:8
Following that conversation, many promises were made by God through Moses. All of them were centered on the land God would one day give them, where they would live and honour God. Under the leadership of Joshua Israel finally, after 40 years, enters the Promised Land. They have to fight for it, confronting many small city states, or battling several allied city states at one time. As God had promised, He guides and empowers Israel so that they are consistently victorious.
Their work is not done, but by the latter part of the Book of Joshua, the land has been essentially occupied by the Twelve tribes of Israel. At that point, the author makes a great statement - echoed through the centuries by many of God's people.
"Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true." Joshua 21:45
We may sometimes struggle with God's timing when we pray. We may wish He always answered "yes" when we ask, instead of often seemingly saying "no, that is not best" or "not yet, be patient". But we are convinced that God is totally reliable. He always keep His promises. We need to be careful not to claim thoughtlessly biblical promises made to an individual or an individual group as though they were made to each of our specific situations. However the promises, both OT and NT are  given to those who trust and obey.
It is good to trust the Lord. In a world of broken promises and shattered vows, He alone has the power and the will to keep every promise He makes to us. "Everything he has spoken will come true." You can count on that.

WHOLEHEARTED AT ANY AGE

Caleb is a great role model for any of us who are over 60. Actually he is a great role model for all of us. Only he (age 40) and Joshua, of the twelve spies, believed that God would guide and protect the infant nation of Israel if they followed His command and invaded the Promised Land. (See Numbers 13 + 14) Because of their faithfulness to God, they alone of all the men of their age lived to enter the Promised Land, 40 years later.
After a number of battles as Israel was conquering the new country, at age 85, Caleb was still in great shape and feisty enough to be "looking for a fight". Actually he was looking for what was promised to him by Moses - that he would would walk on the land that he and his children would have as their inheritance in the Land. So at age 85 he asked Joshua to designate "this hill country" as his. He reminded Joshua of what they had experienced together four decades before.
What I notice in this passage, more than Caleb's age, his energy, faith or vision, are the words used to describe him several times. Depending upon the translation, Caleb himself, Moses and the author of Joshua, describe him as a man who: "followed the Lord wholeheartedly" or "followed the Lord fully" or "followed the Lord with his whole heart". (Joshua 14:8, 9, 14)
What a great description for any woman or man who claims to be a Christian, a Christ follower. It is too easy to be "1/2 hearted, or 3/4 hearted" in our obedience or loyalty. It is too easy to slip back from a full commitment to Christ to an easy, half-hearted attitude. Without even noticing it, we can develop the lifestyle of: "I will serve and obey Him unless it becomes uncomfortable or too demanding."
God is looking for those who at age 40 and at age 85 are following Him "with their whole heart."
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

"Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” (Joshua 14:12)

BUILDING CONTINUES

It seems you cannot travel for more than 3 or 4 blocks in this city without seeing some sign of construction. It may be something small like a new entrance way. It may be something larger like adding two more storeys to a small building - we are watching them put the roof on the fourth floor of one, just 100 meters from our building.
It could be a significant project like the one next door and 19 floors below us. We are not sure what is happening but it is interesting to watch. The elementary school was built as a quadrangle with a large uncovered space in the center. That space was used as parking for parents' motorbikes when collecting their children; as the outdoor gymnasium, as the assembly hall, etc. However over the past two weeks crews have knocked down two of the quadrangle walls. We are waiting to see what will replace them. Work goes on 24 hours a day. Fortunately with ear plugs we hardly hear the machinery at night. :)
Then of course there are the large office and apartment towers across the street that had been built before we arrived. We have watched the painting of walls and balconies and other finishing work being gradually completed.
Often as I look over these and other building projects, I also look over the city, and am reminded that Jesus is building his church here in Hanoi. It is not as visible as all of this construction. In fact as I have related in an earlier blog, there are only two Protestant church buildings (as far as I can discover) in this entire city of 6 million people. But buildings are not needed for Christ's church to continue to grow. The stones for His building are people, and each week His church is becoming larger here.
"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house ---." I Peter 2:4, 5
Spiritual construction is going ahead, one life, one family at a time. This city and country will be blessed in wonderful ways as Christ's church is built. Thanks for your prayers.