Youth Camp Hidden Treasure

I'm looking in the bus rearview window today thinking of the 60+ weeks of camp that I've been blessed to take part in. From the heat of Lake Texoma to the cool of Colorado mountain air, one thing was common to all: when we set aside time for God to speak to us, He never disappoints! 

Spiritual battles confronted in chapels, on hillsides, in dorms and devotions with many victories won that decided godly change for years to come. Yes, there were losses and casualties. I rejoice in the good things and am painfully aware of sin's deceptive power.

There were many difficulties and obstacles in every week and among every group. Prayer and the working of God's Holy Spirit still amazes me.

But I am thankful to have presented the opportunity to know the plan and will of God to those who would choose to follow.

 Salvation, surrendered lives to God and being able to have the forgiving longsuffering peace of God is the priceless gift in a purpose driven life.

"To seek the will of God is life's greatest adventure

To find the will of God is life's greatest discovery 

To do the will of God is life's greatest achievement"

An "Open Book" Life

The Burton library had a sign once that said "Don't judge a book by it's movie". When I read it seems as though I can hear the author talk without the distraction of video and sound effects. 

I am thankful for good books and, as strange as it might sound, have even considered my library "my friends".

One of our men at church told me of Ed Dobson's book that he wrote in his eleventh year of ALS entitled "Seeing through the Fog: Hope When Your World Falls Apart". So I read it last night. All of it. Couldn't put it down.

When I heard him at Thomas Road almost four decades ago, I never dreamed we would have anything in common, much less this. Don't misunderstand me, I have never achieved the level of influence that he had including  Bob Jones III, Phil Donahue,  Jerry Falwell, and James Dobson. His determination for continuing ministry (including the book) and practical insights about prayer, forgiveness, healing and important relationships kept me engaged all evening as it seemed that he was sitting in the room talking with me. It was a good reminder of what is really important in our lives: caring about others and enjoying the life God has given to us each day. He wrote concerning future plans: 

"I try to live every day to the fullest and enjoy it. But in the back of my mind, I am still worried about what’s to come. It is like my shadow; it always follows me around. Even in the brightest of days, it’s always there. So what about the future?

I have set three goals for myself for my future.

First, I want to speak for as long as I can.

Second, when I can no longer speak, I want to write as long as I can.

Third, when I can no longer speak or write, I want to live as long as I can. That’s it. Those are my goals."

Thanks Ed. Thanks Toby. God is good.

Rumors, Reactions and Refreshment

TRANSPARENCY. The word of the day. When I made the decision to let others in on my diagnosis, I know human nature well enough to expect a certain about of exaggeration and misunderstanding. It is a time such as this that I can identify with Mark Twain and his letter to the reporter who inquired about news of his demise when he said "the reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated".

Although most reactions have been kind, encouraging and filled with offers of prayer, some have set  the whole process in fast forward past the tribulation and a hundred years into the millennium complete with mildewed gravestone and faded newspaper clipped obituary. 

My answer is simply this: God will keep me alive and well until He is finished with me. Although I feel somewhat an accelerated need to really live life to the fullest and lead our ministry through necessary changes, my prayer is still that God would lead one day at a time. 

I've had the privilege through phone calls and social media to be greatly encouraged by a host of friends and spiritual mentors. Along with the prayers being promised, some have provided thought provoking reminders of the fact that the journey is just as important as the destination. 

One such post that helped me keep this in perspective is from my friend Keith Bassham  (he can say more in a couple of paragraphs than I can in ten pages)

He wrote:

"When Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur Fellowship passed away, one of her coworkers said to the leaders that God had expressed confidence in her followers by taking her from them. In a similar way, God expressed confidence in Job when He called him to the attention of Satan. I have no death wish, and I’m not intentionally seeking a path of suffering, but if and when it does come, I hope to have faith to see it as something God purposes, if not for me, perhaps for others. And, I hope to have the faith to see it as something of a grace coming to me, an expression of God’s confidence in the work He has been doing in me these 50 years. Be convinced of my prayer and continued friendship. God speed on your journey. I will be following closely."

These special fountains of fresh spring waters and wonderful conversations are a life bonus and reflect the kindness of God in unexpected times on an uncertain path to a promised haven. God is good.