KNOW WHAT TO PURSUE

I mentioned in my last blog, the four verbs found in I Timothy 6:11, 12. The first challenge is a negative one: know when to run from temptation. For more on running away, see I Corinthians 10:12 - 14 and II Timothy 2:22.
The second verb Paul uses emphasizes the positive: know what to pursue. I appreciate the balance of biblical teaching, providing us not only with warnings to stop and avoid but also with encouragement to start and pursue. So here the challenge is to pursue godly character: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. II Timothy 2:22 adds "peace" and we should add to this group of characteristics the fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22, 23. Wherever you read a list of characteristics in the NT, understand that they are meant to provide suggestive specific qualities, not a complete list.
What is most noticeable here is the emphasis to pursue godly character, not specific actions. The move from OT laws to life in Christ makes it very clear: God wants us to be holy on the inside, with His laws written on our hearts. Believers should never be questioning "what is the minimum I have to do" or "what can I get away with." Most important in the eyes of God is who we are becoming, not what we doing. We will be doing the right things the more we are becoming the right kind of people.
This should encourage all of us in a variety of ways. One is that if you are limited in what you can do for God and others because of age, disability or other limitation, you can still be developing godly character. Another is that if you are finding few opportunities to serve right now because of your church situation or an extra busy schedule, you can still focus on "being and becoming". A third is that those of us who are very active in serving God, the church and others, should never allow service to become a substitute for pursuing what is most important. Know what to pursue!

KNOW WHEN TO RUN

I was speaking at a Men's Retreat just outside of Hanoi this weekend. Between preparing for those four messages and then sharing them, coupled with the typical interrupted sleep that comes with jet lag, I have just missed several days of blogging. But I am back.
I was speaking to the men this weekend on the theme of becoming a Man of God. In I Timothy 6: 11 and 12, there are four action verb challenges given to Timothy as a man of God - and to all of us Christian women and men. The first is the challenge to "flee" or "run away from all this". In the preceding verses, Paul has talked about the spiritual danger that comes with the pursuit of money, and that the "love of money is the root of all kinds of evil." It is from these evils that Paul warns Timothy and us to run.
When we have a strong desire for more money and the things it can buy or the security it seems to bring, we can easily fall to the temptations that arise from that desire. How tempting to be dishonest when selling an item that is damaged, because we know if we were honest we could not sell it, or at least not get the best price. And so our desire causes us to lie.
Or how common is the temptation to cheat on a tax form; or on our purchases declaration when returning to our country from a vacation. Why? Because our greed, the love of money causes us to compromise our Christian integrity - leads us into sin.
So we are counselled, run from "all this". How do I run from "the love of money" and all the temptation that accompanies it? One way is to give generously. If you regularly give away money to those who need it, you will dampen your love of money and what it can buy. Generosity is a great antidote to greed.
We can run away from "all this" by cutting way back on our trips to shopping centres that tempt and tantalize us with things we would never want to buy had we not seen them. (Or for some of us it may be by refusing to watch a shopping channel.) We can run away by consciously limiting our spending, by destroying most if not all of our credit cards; by refusing to live at the outer limits of what we can afford.
We need to know ourselves and honestly identify how much the love of money and what it can buy may be keeping us from growing in godliness.
There are three other warnings to "run away" in the NT. Maybe we can look briefly at those in tomorrow's blog. Informed by Scripture, and with prayerful self examination, we can become wise in knowing "when to run."

SACRIFICE, SHEPHERD, WRATH

As Jesus is about to begin his ministry, John the Baptist identifies him: "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." The picture of Jesus as the Lamb occurs over 30 times in the book of Revelation. It seems to be the dominant picture of Jesus in Revelation. While this description of Jesus is a frequent one, how the Lamb is experienced, or how people respond to the Lamb differs greatly.

Christ is identified in Revelation 5 as the Lion of the tribe of Judah, but when John sees Him, he appears as a Lamb as though it had been killed. There we read of great praise being offered to the Lamb of God in chapter 5, because He was killed and with His blood purchased people from every nation and language group. We join our praise with millions for Christ's sacrifice for us. "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain."

Alongside this picture of love and worship appears an the alarming description in chapter 6. There we see the powerful and rich people of the world desperately trying to hide from "the wrath of the Lamb". Who would ever link fear with a lamb? Yet this reminds us of the sobering truth that our great loving Saviour is also righteous and just. He and God the Father have a controlled, righteous wrath against all law breaking, disobedient sinners and will judge those who do not repent and believe.

Following this frightening snapshot, in chapter 7, we confront a warm, contrasting picture of the Lamb. Just as He will bring judgment against rebels, He will be a tender shepherd to those who believe and are his loyal followers. The One who died to bring forgiveness and righteousness will be our eternal Shepherd.

I encourage you to take time to meditate and enlarge your appreciation of the Lamb as He is described especially in these three chapters (5,6,7) of Revelation.

NEW BEGINNING

After 8 different beds, 12 flights and 17 days, I was in our new apartment and my own bed as mid-night approached on Tuesday. I made it from airport to airport, via Vancouver and Seoul in less than 24 hours. Not bad considering flying time involved almost 18 of those hours. Due to strong head winds, the 9&1/2 hour trip from Seoul to Vancouver, took almost 12 hours on the return trip.
It was great to see so many friends in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto. Special thanks to the couples who hosted me and for all who came out to the arranged gatherings. Although my visits were brief, I hope they encouraged you to keep praying for us and to keep giving to Global Advance which supports us and two hundred other International Workers.
I can't put into words how good it feels to back with Jan after 17 days apart. And we both feel so good about our new beginning in Hanoi. We are delighted to be associated with HIF and all that this fellowshi is doing for the Kingdom . We look forward to great days ahead.
This weekend I will be busy speaking to an HIF men's retreat. Would appreciate your prayer as I am feeling a little over tired and under prepared.
This morning my reading was in Revelation 4 and 5. What wonderful chapters. When we worship here on earth, alone or in a group, we echo what is happening in heaven. We are also warming up and practicing for the time when we get to join that unimaginable eternal choir. Talk about a new beginning. As the old preacher said "Its only hope of dying that has kept me alive this long."

VERY BIG IFS

In the last part of I John chapter one and the first verse of chapter two, there are a total of six "if" phrases or sentences. (May vary slightly in different versions but the emphasis should remain the same.)
The first two "ifs" remind us that we cannot have it both ways. We can choose a life of sin and lose out on fellowship with God and other Christians. But "if" we choose to walk in God's light of holiness, than we can truly enjoy real Christian fellowship. We see this play out many times in our churches and small groups. As Christians or "seekers" choose to move into a more sinful lifestyle, almost always they will withdraw more and more from the Christian community. Naturally, if you are rebelling against Christ, you will not,enjoy hanging around with those who love Him. You cannot enter into sincere talk about Christ and what is involved in following Him.
The next three "ifs" deal with the issue of sin. John calls us to be honest about our disobedience and sin. He writes against anyone who would claim that we gain "sinless perfection" this side of heaven. We who follow Christ must be quick to confess our sin and to accept the wonderful reality that we are forgiven through faith in Christ's death for us.
The last "if" is most encouraging. John affirms that one of his goals in writing about sin is to warn us away from choosing sin rather than holiness and righteousness. "But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father (and advocate) in our defence - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Don't you love that verse and that truth.
Once again I have to confess "Father, I have failed and sinned. Please forgive me. I am sorry." How amazing and encouraging to know that the One who is absolutely righteous stands in heaven as my advocate and speaks in my defence. His wounds are the visible evidence that He has paid the penalty for my disobedience. I am forgiven.
I hope you will take some time today - or sometime soon - to go back to these early verses in I John and enjoy meditating on six very important "ifs".

TESTIMONY OF EXPERIENCE

In the last couple of days I have read II Peter and I John 1. I am struck by how both writers appeal to their own eye witness account to validate what they are claiming for Christ and the Christian message. Peter writes in part:
"--- we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came ---. we ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain." I Peter 1:16 - 18
John writes: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it ---." I John 1:1 - 2
Our faith rests on eyewitness testimony. The authors are at pains to let readers know they are not constructing another religious fable but speaking from first hand experience. One crucial qualification for someone to be among the early apostles was that they "had been with Jesus." Paul qualified only because he had a vivid personal vision of the risen Christ. (I Cor. 15:7)
To a great extent our faith multiplies through millions of personal testimonies. Yes, we preachers work hard to teach and persuade people of the eternal truth. Yes God uses gifted evangelists and apologists - those who preach to thousands and those who are so effective in one to one encounters. But so many people come to faith through the witness of a friend(s) or family member(s). They have observed the change in that Christian's life; they have heard their personal testimony and that becomes one of, if not the key reason that leads them to faith.
Never underestimate the power of your personal story, even with its imperfections. We cannot point to eyewitness encounters with Jesus. But we can testify to the difference Jesus has made in our lives. And if people can observe that difference in the way we live, it carries unique impact.
As an unrelated aside: I had a nice experience at our Calgary bank today. The teller who served me had an unusual name. I asked about it and she said it was a biblical name that her parents liked. After she returned with the money exchange I requested, I thanked her and said "With a NT name, I hope you are a follower of Jesus." She smiled and assured me that she was. We are all called to live in a way that is worthy of His name.

THE JOY OF FAMILY

I could mention that James 4 on humility (which I mentioned two days ago in a blog) is followed up by I Peter 5 on humility which I read today. Two great passages on an important subject. I was tempted to write about another great verse or two in I Peter 5.
Instead I want to rejoice today at being part of the family of God. Scripture teaches us that by grace through faith we are adopted into God's forever family. God is our Father and Jesus Christ is our "elder brother" with whom we are joint - heirs of all God has prepared. God's adopted family is huge, made up of millions of believers from all ages and from all countries and cultures. Working with an International Church in Vietnam, we will be constantly aware of the diversity of this family.
However right now I am "glowing" in the aftermath of visits to the two churches I most recently pastored, one for more than twelve years, one for almost four years. As I approached both church buildings and then began to greet friends, I experienced a serious case of "homesickness". I didn't realize how much I missed these folks and these two wonderful places until I was there. Relationships between those bonded together by the Spirit through Jesus Christ are something special to be treasured. When we have the right perspective, we enjoy, cultivate and profit from being in a local church family as well as the church universal.
Of course added to the experience of being with large groups of Christians has been the pleasure of being hosted in four different homes on different nights during this trip, plus having a meal or coffee with other friends. Then add to that a warm, small group prayer meeting called for a very special need in which I participated.
Yes I know every church has many defects and short comings. I talked recently with another young adult (not the first) who told me she has not enjoyed church and so has stopped going to church but still loves and follows Jesus. Sooner rather than later, I hope she learns that God has not made us to be alone. We need companionship - and that is especially true regarding Christian fellowship and friendship. No Christian is an "only child" and we are not to live as though we are. You have brothers and sisters who can sometimes hurt and disappoint you. But I hope you, like me, have a growing gratitude that God has put us in spiritual families - local churches. Those flawed brothers and sisters share much with you - and will for all eternity.
I guess I should add (full disclosure) that on this trip I have also enjoyed a 2 hour lunch with my siblings and a two day visit with our Florida family (not enough time to visit our Philadelphia and Manhattan families.)

WE ARE SPECIAL

I was up this morning at 4:00 am to catch the 6:00 am flight to Toronto. As I sit in the Calgary airport, I have opened my Kindle and read the first two chapters of I Peter. What a wonderful way to start the day!
Here is the old, great Good News for me and you this morning. "You were redeemed --- not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ." We are important enough to God, He loved us so much, that He sent His one, unique Son to die for us. Old but great Good News.
In the second chapter we are reminded that we belong to a special groups of people. Peter uses words that would, in the OT describe only God's chosen Jewish people. Now however these words apply to all of us who have received Christ as Saviour.
"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nations, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." Even at 5:15 in the morning, these words lift my spirits, cause me to smile, rejoice and praise our Father in Heaven. I hope they do the same for you today, whatever your circumstances.
You are special! Not because of what you have accomplished or what you own. Special because you belong to an amazing family -  a royal priesthood - a holy nation! You belong to God! Rejoice!

GOD WANTS HUMILITY

I've missed blogging these past several days. On Thursday I was returning to Calgary from visiting family in Vero Beach. My second flight that was schedule to arrive at 9:15 pm was delayed by engine trouble and arrived at mid-night. The last three days I have caught up on personal items (doctors, banks, mailings, things in storage, etc.), visits with Calgary friends and spending much of yesterday at Harvest Hills Alliance Church. All this with very intermittent computer time caused a break in blogs. With a 6:00 am flight tomorrow and two busy days in Toronto, I suspect I am about to miss some other blog days.
But at least today, let me share with you a great passage on humility from James 4:6 - 10. This passage contains a strong appeal for followers of Jesus to submit to God. Of course to submit to anyone's will demands humility. It involves, consciously or unconsciously deciding that the Other is more important, wiser - or both - than I am. This does not come naturally to most of us. It involves humility. So James assures, challenges and promises:
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then to God. --- Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up." Such important, life changing words.
From my late teen years I recognized that I would have to battle a strong streak of pride. Of course I could not realize then it would be a lifelong battle. As I sought to grow in humility, I found myself admiring professors, preachers, top executives, anyone that that displayed the important but not often evident quality of humility. While only God knew their inner attitudes, these men and women provided for me examples of people who were much more concerned about God and others than about their own ego gratification or their own prominence. I am always attracted to people who display humility (not the false attention getting kind but real humility). And I suspect you are also.
Before our great Creator God each of us should have humble, submissive hearts. The love and sacrifice of our Saviour should "automatically" humble us. And if we really "get that right", this should move us naturally and supernaturally toward humility in our realationship with people created by Him, for Him and in His image. We who follow Christ ought to be known for our love - and known for our humility. These two character qualities (closely linked) shine from the life of the One we follow. 

IT DOES NOT JUST HAPPEN

"Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness - without it no one will see the Lord."Hebrews 12:14 Think about all the things people will be pursuing today - a good grade, a promotion, a big sale, an important contract, a special purchase, a new experience, etc. And in the midst of their pursuits, relationships with people and with their God will be ignored or damaged.
Wise words for living - "pursue peace with everyone". It does not just happen. It is far too easy to offend someone; to take offence; to hold a grudge; to pass on critical gossip. We can be adept at bringing division with little effort. It takes significant effort to build and maintain peaceful relationships - especially with those we find prickly or difficult. Pursue peace today.
And holiness certainly does not come easily or naturally. Temptation to sin surrounds us and so easily bubbles up within us. When we meet mature believers who exude a level of holiness or godliness, we need to remember that this kind of character does not just come with time. It comes with effort, discipline and a love for Jesus that motivates a pursuit of holiness.
There is more to this pursuit of course. In fact the author of Hebrews speaks of the importance of God's discipline - and our right response to His discipline, in the verses preceding verse 14. Difficult times, times that really test us, times of discipline, God will use to grow us in righteousness and holiness, if we respond correctly.   

FAITH AND SUFFERING

We all love Hebrews 11 where we find the OT heroes of faith listed. What amazing examples of faithfulness and endurance. What great models of living by faith in One who we cannot see. I wonder if one day we may hear some of them recount for us how God brought them through times of struggle, challenge and doubt. Many of them would be able to tell marvellous stories of miraculous preservation or rescue.
However the Bible is always honest and clear. Living by faith in obedience to God does not guarantee an easy life nor does it guarantee that things will all work out fine in the end - at least not the end of earthly life. So the first example of faith is Abel - whose life was cut short when his brother murdered him. It does not reassure us that a life of faith will be long or happy. On the other hand there are examples of God's ability and willingness to rescue his people. Those who lived by faith "shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead - they were raised to life again."
Yet the writer does not stop there. Honest and realistic, he also reminds us that some people of faith "were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword --- (they) were afflicted and mistreated."
All of these God fearers - those who were miraculously saved and those who God allowed to suffer and to die - they have or will have their reward. The path for each of us will be different - some easy, some very difficult paths. We simply walk by faith trusting that whatever God allows into our lives will bring honour to Him, if we continue to faithfully endure.
I think of this as I read of the pastor who was sentenced to die in Iran. He apparently will have a new trial, I read this morning. This dear Christian brother may ultimately be released, remain in prison for life, or be executed. Only God knows. His calling is to remain faithful whatever happens. Our calling is to pray for him and for other believers like him, who in God's sovereign will, suffer for their faith. Theirs is a difficult but high calling. With them may we live each day in obedient faith.

OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

I have never preached a series on the Jesus the High Priest. Probably at best I have preached a couple of sermons on this topic. Seems like I should have preached this more as I again read and meditate on the book of Hebrews.
At the end of chapters 2 and 4 we have those wonderful paragraphs that tell us about Christ's identify with our human condition. This identity makes Him a merciful and compassionate High Priest because he knows what it is like to be a limited human, "tested and tried". Many of us refer often to these two passages because they bring us comfort and confidence as we follow Christ.
There is another descriptive paragraph about Jesus our High Priest in Hebrews 7:26: "For this is the kind of High Priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted about the heavens." This is God's miracle. He has provided a Representative, a High Priest for us, who is "separated from sinners" yet absolutely, sympathetically identifies with us sinners. This truth amazes me again today!

Speaking (writing) as I was the other day about breakdowns in technological communication - I got caught again while on my 30 trip from Hanoi to Calgary. In my carry on luggage I did not need to carry two books plus my Bible. All I needed was my very light Kindle --- until it froze on me. Do I was stuck - I could buy a cheap novel in an airport store, but I didn't see any cheap or expensive Bibles for sale. So no Bible reading as I travelled. Books never fail you like an electronic book may do at just the wrong time. Hmmm, am I sounding "old fashioned"?

AIRPLANE MOVIE

I wanted to stay awake on my 9&1/2 hour flight from Seoul to Vancouver today. Hopefully if I stay awake until tonight (Calgary time) I will sleep well in spite of the 13 hour difference. So I watched parts of three movies, as well as reading, watching a comedy TV show and listening to Beethoven. The first movie I watched was Tree of Life. I remember reading about it when it first came out.
Some gorgeous cinematography that was mostly wasted on a small "in seat" screen. Some lines that could stimulate significant spiritual conversation. However I think God is not really part of the conversation that the movie tries to raise.
On this Thanksgiving Sunday I again think how sad that most Canadians don't believe in the One to whom they should offer thanks for their life, health, freedom, peace, prosperity, etc. How sad that they must settle for a "feeling of thankfulness."
How great it is to know our Creator through Jesus Christ and be able to thank Him every day. Surely we followers of Jesus should be the most thankful and the most optimistic people on planet earth. I am thankful to be back in Canada after 11 months away. And having spent these months in a country with no Christian heritage, I am grateful for the influence of the church and of the Bible in shaping so much of our legal system and providing the foundation of our freedom. 

DEPEND ON GOD ALONE

The past two weeks have been a major transition time for Jan and me. During this time, our communication lifelines have been unreliable at best. We moved out of our Saigon apartment on Sept. 23rd and spent one night in a hotel ($27 for a tiny but clean room with good shower and included breakfast). Then flew to Hanoi for one night in a hotel there (nice large room for $50, but little internet connection). Then we were off to Bangkok for 8 days in a hotel (great seminar, nice place, intermittent internet connection). Back to Hanoi for one more night in a hotel (only $39, but still poor internet service).
Finally last Tuesday we moved into our apartment. I had messaged several times to our realtor to have the landlord arrange for internet connection to be ready for the first day. Nope. Coming tomorrow - Yes, No. We will get internet within a few days we are promised. (It is a new apartment building only 15% occupied so there is some excuse, I suppose.) We discovered on Friday that while we have no internet connection, the lobby of our apartment building offers wifi. So Jan and I have made several elevator runs    from our 19th floor apartment to use the internet. How appropriate as we have struggled to keep up with emails, that when I went on the internet from the lobby, I was unable to access blogspot to make my post.
All of this to say, if my blog has appeared intermittent, I do have an excuse: travel, moving and poor internet access. I am writing this from an in transit hotel in Seoul where the internet connection is great (don't ask the price)! My first time to spend money on this kind of hotel, but well worth it. I arrived here at 5:30 am and don't fly out until 6:30 pm. So having a hotel room has been wonderful.
All of the above simply reminds me again how fortunate we are to have instant and constant access to God through our Great High Priest. Only He can be accessed always - no dependency on electricity, internet connects, etc. How great and merciful is our God.
Presently I am reading through Hebrews and I love the way this book begins with a strong emphasis on Christ's unique status. He is greater than even angels, those powerful heavenly beings. He is greater than even Moses, the greatest of human leaders. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Our God is absolutely, infinitely reliable and always available! Humans, with all of our ingenuity and abilities, even with our huge global companies, can never come close to providing anything like that.

EVERYTHING DESTROYED

My sister Val and her husband Terry had a terrifying experience two weeks ago. In the middle of the night they smelled smoke and opened the bedroom door to flames. They escaped their home in Guelph unharmed, clad only in their pyjamas. The house from the outside apparently looks quite good. However in an email we learned that everything inside was black from the fire and wet from the water that doused the flames.  Not much can be salvaged. They have been left with almost nothing. Insurance will cover replacement value, but can't replace sentimental items, family heirlooms, family photos, etc.
Obviously we feel so badly for them and empathize with their loss and the great inconvenience this causes. They have been told that if the house can be rebuilt it will be from the studs inward. They will not return to their rebuilt home for a year. We and they are just thankful to God that they escaped unharmed.
Sometime after receiving this news, we were talking about the devastation of losing everything. Jan commented: "That will happen to all of us one day." Yes, we all know this, but we all need to be reminded. Look at the things you value most: because you made them; because they have sentimental value; because they cost a lot of money. Remember that they are simply things - one day destroyed by fire, or in the words of Jesus, destroyed by "moth and rust".
Peter wrote to 1st century Christians: "Since everything will be destroyed --- what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming?" II Peter 3:11

NO FEAR

I am writing today from a cafe (its Wednesday am here) because our new apartment does not yet have internet hooked up. We are hoping for curtains today and internet tomorrow. Oh, and hot water in our master bedroom ensuite soon. For a while we thought we might have running hot water in our kitchen too, but not so. Our kettle will continue to be a crucial appliance.
I remember seeing a sermon series title "Know Fear". I think the preacher was emphasizing that in order to live with "no fear" it helps to recognize and understand, that is to "know our fear".
While I have always enjoyed change and new challenges, it would be easy to live with at least a little fear as we move into Hanoi which we did on Monday. This city is a little smaller than Ho Chi Minh - only 5 to 7 million depending on who is estimating. But all new streets to learn. There are less "western style" restaurants and stores, and less English spoken by folks here. Life will be different and we will be meeting all kinds of new people - again.
I am so thankful for Jan and her flexibility and resilience. At times facing this new challenge she has felt overwhelmed. However her spiritual maturity, knowledge of Scripture and trust in God always "clicks in" to take her through "the feat".
I mentioned to her last week that my morning Scripture reading was in II Timothy 1:7 and how encouraging those words were as we faced this new life chapter. She quietly responded "I have thought about that verse several times recently". The most recent NIV translation of this verse reads "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self discipline." Other translations use the word "fear".
We choose to live in God's "power, love and self-discipline."It is much more peaceful as we trust Him, affirm His strength and move ahead. How wonderful that we get to love another congregation and share His love with believers and with those who are 'not yet'.

HAPPY FEET

It's Monday morning here in Thailand. However this post will show up for you in the West as being my second Sunday post.
You probably know the verse in Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news --- Your God reigns!" A wonderful affirmation for any of us who are seeking to share the Good News of Jesus and His kingdom: with family, friends, co-workers or people in other time zones. With God's help we have the privilege of introducing others to God's Good News.
Absolutely unrelated to this biblical truth - except that good looking feet are involved - is the experience I had two days ago. I'd seen others experiencing it in Vietnam, now it was my turn. Our aquarium ticket (see previous post) included several things including "Happy Feet". We didn't realize what that was until near the end of the tour when we came to the Happy Feet location. I'll try to describe it and forgive me for not having a photo.
Picture two circular pools in a fenced off enclosure, each pool the size of a hot tub, with room for about 10 to sit around the edge and dangle their feet in the water. The pool is only about four feet deep with just two feet of water. In the pool are hundreds of tiny, slim fish, each about 2 cm long. You enter the enclosure, remove your shoes, roll up your pant legs and have your feet washed and dried by a Thai woman.
Then you sit down at the pool edge and dangle your feet into the cool water. Instantly little fish come to your feet and begin to nibble on them! They don't bite you, they nibble on any tiny thing that clings to your live skin. Jan could hardly handle the tickling sensation. In fact she only left her heels in for a three or four minutes and that was enough for her.
Not me. I wanted happy, beautiful feet. :) So for 10 - 15 minutes I allowed dozens - maybe a hundred - tiny fish nibble away at my old feet. I shower daily but I never scrub my feet. And I have never had a  pedicure. :) Obviously the fish were delighted because I had far more fish at my feet than the other four younger persons who were "feeding the fish" with me.
After returning to the hotel and showering, I looked at my feet. Sure enough they looked the best they have looked in years! Beautiful, happy feet! How great is life in SE Asia. Now we have to go and catch a flight back to Hanoi.
Have a great week! 

PLAYING IT SAFE

We have been in Thailand the last few days. Following a great seminar we had time to take two boat rides. The first ride was part of a great aquarium, advertised as the best in SE Asia. It is found in the lower part of a huge, high end shopping center. As part of our three hours surrounded by sea life we took a glass bottom boat ride. For this ride we were handed life jackets.
We climbed into a flat bottom boat with two employees and four other visitors, all in life jackets. We were never more than four feet from the edge of what was a very calm pool. Sure there were sharks below us - but they were well fed sharks. The risk factor was almost nil. Maybe the life jackets were provided due to some safety regulation or because an insurance company insisted on it.
This morning we attended the 9:00 am worship service at Bangkok International Church. This is the church where Pastor Bob and Louella Gould served a few years ago. It was wonderful to worship with about 500 people from Thailand and many other nations at the first of two services.
Following the service we took a taxi to the Chao Phraya River that bisects the city. We boarded a long tail boat of which there are dozens taking tourists up the river. We were not handed life jackets, in fact as we moved out into this broad river, Jan noted there were no life jackets on board. Now in contrast to the small, calm, indoor pool we were 100 meters from shore in rough river water. It was evident as we passed other boats that no tourists were wearing life jackets. Everyone was taking a risk that is absolutely illegal in most parts of North America. What an amazing difference between the two rides.
I wonder if in today's Christian world there is a clear parallel. In North America it is very easy and common for believers to play it safe. In many other parts of the world (not all) it is almost normal for Christians to take risks. And in most of those places, the church is multiplying. What does God want you to do with what He has given you?