PASTOR APPRECIATION

Debbie and I both happened to be awake early this morning and so we wound up spending some time praying.  Among many people and situations, we prayed for our pastor and all pastors who were preparing for this Lord's Day worship.

I recalled how excited I used to be on Sunday mornings.  Sometimes I could hardly wait for the worship team to sit down so that I could share what God had helped me put together for that Sunday!  There were Sundays that I literally trembled with anticipation!

We currently attend the Bethel Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Enon Valley.  Our pastor is Jerry Dodds.  He is a humble, mild-mannered man - except when he's preaching!!!!!  When he begins to deliver the message he takes on a boldness, confidence and authority that drives the message into the hearts of those who are listening.

His messages (and prayers) are biblical, theologically accurate, and instructive.  He holds strongly to the traditions of the church and passionately presents Jesus foremost!  I don't believe I've ever heard him reference an Old Testament passage (or story) without connecting it in some way to Jesus.  I think most of the adults even listen carefully to his children's messages which embody the same characteristics on a simpler level.

I suppose I could be considered a responsive listener.  I have a tendency to respond to the message with quiet amens, laughter (at appropriate places), holy giggles, and other signs of agreement.  These were probably learned in my growing-up environment when Free Methodists were a good bit more verbal in their responses.  I honestly don't want to disturb others, but I can't seem to help giving assent in some (hopefully) quiet way!

Pastor Jerry's current series is on the five solae of the Reformation.  Today's message was on "Sola Gratia' or "by grace alone".  It was grounded in the stunning revelation of Ephesians 2:4-7,

But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

He began the message with a wonderful picture of grace!   Richard Nixon had stepped down from his presidency in humiliation after the Watergate investigation revealed his guilt.  He lived in isolation.  However, upon the death of Vice President Hubert Humphrey, Nixon attended the funeral   He stood alone.  No one spoke to him or greeted him - until President Jimmy Carter entered the room.  President Carter quickly assessed the situation and almost spontaneously moved toward Mr. Nixon.  He put out his hand in greeting as he spoke loudly saying, "Welcome home, Mr. President!"

What an extension of grace!

I wonder many Sundays if the people in the congregation are actually listening?  I can hardly keep quiet!  Honestly, if you show up on Sundays and listen carefully, you will consistently be educated in the truth of God's Word, the traditions of the church and the way to live pleasing to God!  Thank you, Pastor Jerry!  We appreciate the work you do to prepare for our worship times!

I've been blessed by so many pastors over the years!

• When I was young, (on the way home form church) I told my parents that Pastor W. P. Jones had five different benedictions that he used to close the service.  They were astonished!  Even more so when I then quoted all five of them word-for-word!
• While attending Roberts Wesleyan College I was mesmerized by the preaching of Elwin Cutler and V. J. Mannoia!
• While attending Asbury Theological Seminary, I was inspired by Paul Rees, Bishop Earl Hunt and Dr. Donald Demaray!  I tried to emulate them in my early years!
• During my six years in Akron, Ohio, I often slipped in to hear Brenda Young's messages again during the second and even third services!  :-)

I took preaching seriously during my years of leading the church!  I worked hard on messages with the belief that God could use them to grow, inspire and correct His people!  Those messages always convicted me long before anyone else had a chance to hear them!  I miss that part of my role now that I'm retired.  

I throw a two-fold challenge out there:

First, to pastors:  Plan ahead and prepare with passion!  Your people need it and deserve your best efforts!  Preaching inspires, teaches, comforts, strengthens and encourages believers and calls the lost to a better way of living that offers hope and eternal life!  Invest and reap!

Then, to parishoners:  Listen actively and expectantly!  Pray specifically for your pastor as s/he prepares messages!  Make it your goal to take something home every week to focus on:

• a new truth,
• an action point,
• a thought to meditate on.

And for those of you who struggle with what to say to your pastor when you greet them while leaving the service - just shake their hand, look them in the eye and say "Thank you, pastor!"  

HAVING A MORAL CODE

The news is often troubling to me, as I'm confident it must be to many others as well.  Last night I was listening to David Muir's ABC Evening News when he gave his report on freshman congresswoman Katie Hill's affair with a female staff worker from her office.  These incidents have lost their shock value since we now hear of them with increasing frequency.  However, as I listened to David's reporting there was one word that was missing, and it bothered me.  The emphasis of the report was that she had broken the 'House Rules'.  There was no mention of her behavior being immoral.

It seems apparent to me that we - as a country - are losing (or have lost) our moral code.  For centuries it was clear to most (though debated by some) that our moral code was based on the 'Ten Commandments' that are frequently observed (along with other recognized historical references) in our nation's capital.  This moral code was a foundation for behavior toward God and toward others that gave hope to a peaceful and ordered society.

Debbie and I lived in northeast China for three years.  China is officially an atheist nation.  However, historically they followed the teachings of Confucius which have some parallels to the teachings of Jesus.  For instance,

"The Master’s ideal was the chun-tzu or what Westerners would call ‘the gentleman’. The chun-tzu practised daily to attain excellence in the following noble memes:

– chih or integrity
– i or fairness
– chung or loyalty
– shu or co-operation
– ren or compassion.

If a ruler exemplified these virtues in all of his ‘five relationships’ then his rule would be a success and his people would be happy."

http://schoolofthinking.org/who-dr-michael-hewitt-gleeson/about/training/10-dfq/the-lord-and-the-master-jesus-and-confucius/

I had many discussions about this with my students.  When I asked them about modern China's moral code, they had no idea what I was speaking of.  Confucianism has been discarded by the Communist Party.  Consequently, there is now no moral code being taught in the culture.  The results are obvious. All apartments on lower floors have bars on them to prevent burglary!  Cheating is common.  Acts of kindness are restricted to one's closest circle of family and friends.  Driving (which is an exponentially growing phenomenon) is an exercise in aggression!  

My purpose here is not to denigrate Chinese culture!  Our time in China was a highlight of our lives!  We found the Chinese people to be generous, kind and intelligent!  We made friends that we will cherish forever!  My intention is simply to observe that when a nation has no active moral code, it's collective behavior disintegrates.

This is my fear for the United States.  As we continually diminish the influence of Christianity on the development of our culture, we seem to move further from a central definition of appropriate behavior.  It seems that today's standard has become the Constitution and its interpretation by the nine justices who currently sit on the Supreme Court.  Is the Constitution now our moral code?  

I fear a progressive collapse for any culture that attempts to move forward with no definitive guide for appropriate and inappropriate behavior.  The original commandments left no room for violation.  They began with the words, "Thou shalt not..."

With no designated, agreed-upon guide for behavior, we face a future of chaos and increasing violence.  This is not the world I want my grandchildren to inherit.  

Something must define our morality!  

Personally, I'm not comfortable placing that responsibility into the hands of nine individuals regardless of whether they were appointed by a Republican or Democratic president!  

Obviously, my belief system enters into my personal purview.  As a Christian, I felt very comfortable living within the parameters of the 'Ten Commandments' which were written by the hand of God on stone tablets (twice)  [Exodus 31:18;  Deuteronomy 4:13]

Like so many others, I wonder where we're headed.  Will remnants of Christian teaching continue to influence the development of our culture?  I hope so!  Or, will secular, humanistic thinking prevail?  This quandry guides my prayer life on a daily basis.    

LIFE IS LIKE A ROLLER COASTER!

[This letter was written October 19, 2007.  Since then, Coltin Eugene Kerstetter has happily become part of the family.  He is now 10.]

I offer the following letter as instruction for those beginning families, as encouragement for those in the midst of 'family life' and as comfort for those who have gotten off the ride and are reflecting.  For everyone else - just enjoy it!  🤣

_______________________________

Dear Jon and Tracie,

It occurred to me early this morning that life is like a ride on a roller coaster!  J

The day you guys met, your dating life, your engagement period, and these early years of marriage can be likened to:

• selecting the right roller coaster,
• waiting in line,
• choosing your seat,
• getting strapped in,
• coasting down the ramp and around the first bend,
• and then climbing that first, long hill.

Have you ever been in the front seat of a coaster?  You actually crest the top of the hill and hang on the down-side for a few moments before the final car lets go!  That’s where you guys are right now – with the birth of your first child being just three short weeks away. 

On that day, your car will let loose and the real ride begins! 

There will be thrills!  Probably an equal number of highs and lows!  Fortunately, God has wired us to remember the highs and forget the lows! 

Imagine the pride you’ll each feel the first time you hold this little girl in your arms!  She will be a unique blend of the two of you.  Interestingly, she’ll include good points from each of you (and bad points from each of you).  You’ll have so much fun determining the similarities. 

One of the things your mom and I have noticed is that God has an unusual sense of humor.  He tends to mix the genes in such a way that our children quite frequently come out looking nearly identical to one of our siblings.  [For his first ten years, Troy could have passed for Uncle Tommy’s son;  some even say so now.]

This little girl will be TOTALLY dependent on you two for her life!  Your work load will double!  You’ll continue doing everything you do now, but somehow, you’ll find the time to do everything for her as well!  You’ll comfort her, feed her, change her, play with her, talk to her, and watch her sleep.  You’ll marvel over the perfection of her features – right down to the toes! 

And she’ll grow.  Faster than you think!  Have you noticed how long it seems to take to get to the top of that first hill?  Then, wow!  Before you even know it, you’re pulling into the station again!  


From someone who got on the ride ahead of you: "Enjoy the trip!"  Savor every moment and deliberately tuck them away in your mental files!  Mark the moments!  Treasure the time with your tots!  Take pictures, of course;  but take them with your mental camera – that way you’ll have them with you no matter where or when!

• You’ll be delighted when she can hold her own bottle. 
• You’ll giggle with delight when her babblings produce a tone that sounds remarkably like “Mama” or “Dada”!
• You’ll be happy when she takes her first step!
• You’ll be excited when she can hold a spoon and feed herself (especially if number two has already arrived). 
• You’ll be pleased when she can dress herself.
• You’ll be relieved when she can get herself ready for bed.
• You’ll be proud when she celebrates her first day of school.
• You’ll see her school and church programs with one eye – through the lens of your video camera!
• You’ll be proud of her achievements and accomplishments.
• You’ll delight in her slumber parties and other fun times.
• You’ll tremble when she gets her first boyfriend.
• You’ll sit in an auditorium someday and wonder when she turned into such a beautiful young lady!

It’s right after that that she’ll ask for the car keys!

The stages of her growth and development will be fascinating!  More than likely, someday she’ll be a big sister!  As a first-born, she’ll likely be a good reader.  She’ll be highly motivated and fairly responsible.  She’ll likely be an achiever.  She’ll be rather independent and will probably value being alone. 

Her personality will be fully formed by the age of seven!  That makes those years VERY IMPORTANT!  Your influence will almost totally form that personality.  Calls for some introspection, huh? 

Her understanding of God will be largely formed by her relationship with her daddy!  Her spiritual sensitivities will be similar to yours. 

Inevitably, there will be pain.  Every roller coaster ride has its dips!  There’ll be:
     Ö        colds and flues
     Ö        broken bones (just ask Tracie)
     Ö        disappointments
     Ö        lost games
     Ö        failures
     Ö        bad grades
     Ö        betrayals by friends
     Ö        rude boys
     Ö        bad attitudes
     Ö        rebellions
     Ö        abandonment
     Ö        loneliness

You’ll be there through all of these!  You’ll comfort, encourage, pray with, hug, caress, support, serve, instruct, counsel, distract, and just generally BE THERE!  If you haven’t figured that out yet, that’s the main job of a parent.  We’re to BE THERE!  Always!  The chronic, cosmic problem of the children of divorce is that pervasive nagging need for parents who simply aren’t always there!!!  Maybe one or the other is always there, but kids need both parents to be there!  Always! 

She’ll love you!  It’ll be one of the most satisfying things you’ll ever experience!  The love and trust of a child is one of life’s highest highs!  My proudest moments in life were simply walking down the street with Troy on one hand and Tracibeth on the other!  J  My favorite pictures of myself are the ones that include my kids: 

§  laying double-decker on my back

 §  playing with me on the trampoline
 §  swimming with me
 §  wrestling
 §  selfies

Her hugs will make your day!  Her kisses will heal your weariness!  Her antics will make life worth living! 

You’ll be willing – in an instant – to lay down your life for her!  She will quickly become your greatest earthly treasure.

Part of the challenge will be the time and attention that she’ll require (along with any siblings that may follow).  Jon, you’ll lose some of Tracie due to this change.  She’ll be very focused on this new little girl.  Some of the attention that you’ve been used to will be re-directed.  If you’re at all like me, you’ll feel that.  But, somehow, we adjust to this and make up for it in new ways.  But mark this:  EVERYTHING’S ABOUT TO CHANGE!

Remarkably, Debbie and I are at the other end of the spectrum.  We’ve been de-nested now for several years.  It’s been a joyful time.  We are now able to pick up where we left off back in 1976 (when Travis was born).  Our focus is on one another again!  We’re getting reacquainted!  It’s fun!  Our little girl is now a big girl who’s getting ready to have a little girl of her own!  Oh my!  But don’t think about this too much – it’s a good 20-30 years away for you.  J 

You stay focused on enjoying the ride!  You’re in for the time of your life!  Chuck Swindoll tells a wonderful story of going for a ride in a speed-boat with former Oakland Raiders quarterback, Kenny Stabler.  When Chuck settled into his seat he looked up and saw a sign in front of him:  “GET IN, SIT DOWN, SHUT UP, HANG ON!”  Not bad advice for the ride you guys are on!

One last thought:  If you haven’t learned to pray yet – now’s a good time to start! 

I love you guys!

Dad

JESUS WEPT

The story of Jesus raising his friend, Lazarus, from the dead is a stunning one.  John records details that surprise us as we read this lengthy chapter (57 verses).  He gives a prologue telling us that Jesus was pretty far off when He heard that Lazarus was sick.  He makes an enigmatic statement upon receiving the news:

"This sickness will not end in death.  No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it."  [John 11:4]

Just ten verses later - as part of the same dialogue - Jesus tells His disciples:

"Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.  But let us go to him."  [John 11:14]

Upon His arrival in Bethany, he has extended discourses with Martha first, and then Mary.  He says to Martha:

"Your brother will rise again."  [John 11:23]

Mary simply falls at Jesus' feet saying:

"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."  [John 11:32]

This is the point when Jesus asks where they have laid him.  It is also the point where we find the words recorded:

"Jesus wept."   [John 11:35]

Why did Jesus weep?

Was He mourning the loss of a good friend?

Surely not.  The discourse reveals that Jesus knew from the beginning of this event that He would raise Lazarus from the dead.  When Jesus wept, He was minutes away from embracing Lazarus again. Therefore, why did Jesus weep?

The answer to this question is revealed in verse 35:

"When Jesus saw [Mary] weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was moved in spirit and troubled."  

The answer to our query is clear.  Jesus was not personally grieving.  Rather, He was grieving for those who were grieving!

Jesus was weeping because those He cared about were weeping!  He saw the depth and sincerity of Mary's tears.  He observed the many who had gathered to support this prominent family.  Many of them were also weeping!

Jesus wept out of compassion for Mary and her friends!  Tears streamed down His face as He saw and experienced their pain!

Many of the Jews misread His tears.

"Then the Jews said, 'See how He loved him!'"  [John 11:36]

Why would Jesus weep over the death of a friend when He knew that in just a few moments He would raise Lazarus from the dead?

The essence of Jesus' tears is crystal clear:  HE CARES!   He cares about our grief and pain!  Indeed, He weeps with us!  He sees the depth of our sorrow and the reality of our anguish - and He weeps!

Friend, He loves you and He cares about you!  More than you realize!  That's why the apostle Peter advises us:

"Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you."   [I Peter 5:7]

If you're feeling the weight of sorrow over a lost loved one, take note that you do not weep alone!  

Also remember that Jesus actions are permanent.  They don't have to be repeated over and over again. When He comforts you - you are comforted!  Take this assurance with you into your future.  Jesus loves you and cares for you in a way that is unlike that which we receive from others.  His comfort is a deep, releasing comfort that sustains us.  Run to Jesus!

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."  [Revelation 21:4]

There's an old hymn that says it so well.  Frank E. Graeff wrote it in 1901, so the language is a bit dated, but the power of its truth speaks firmly to us even in 2019.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained

1. Too deeply for mirth or song,
   As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
   And the way grows weary and long? 
2. Does Jesus care when my way is dark
   With a nameless dread and fear?
   As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
   Does He care enough to be near?
3. Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
   To resist some temptation strong;
   When for my deep grief there is no relief,
   Though my tears flow all the night long?
4. Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
   To the dearest on earth to me,
   And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
   Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

SUMMER LAUNCH

At this stage of my life, I can’t always remember what I did yesterday, but I can provide details about where I was and what I was doing 50 years ago tonight!

I was a young seventeen-year-old and had just graduated from high school six weeks earlier. Three days after graduation, I drove my ‘63 Chevy to Philadelphia and moved into my brother’s attic for the summer. He had arranged a roofing and heating ‘helper’ job for me with his father-in-law. I made $2/hour, which was a good wage at that time. 

I was spreading my wings of independence under the watchful eye of my brother.  I worked hard hauling shingles all day and pounding ductwork together in the evenings. In addition, I cared for my boss’s yard.  It was an exciting and adventurous time!

Family Camp was ingrained in my life, so I made a short trip home for the closing weekend in July, 1969. The camp ended on Sunday night and I said my good-byes and headed for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for the six-plus hour drive back to my brother’s home. 

It was an emotional time for me as I said goodbye to my parents and many friends. I felt the sadness as I drove into the darkness of my trip. It was warm and late when I left so I rode with the windows down and my stereo system blasting. 

Suddenly, (I think it was about 10:30 PM) my station’s programming was interrupted by a special NASA report from THE MOON!   They reported that the lunar module had landed earlier in the evening and that in minutes we would be hearing from Neil Armstrong as he set foot on the moon!  

I pulled my car off the road and laid on the warm hood while gazing at the very moon where two American astronauts were about to plant the Stars and Stripes!  The excitement and wonder I felt were immeasurable!

My personal life was exploding with possibilities as this unbelievable event was unfolding. Traffic  was light as I laid in the darkness and listened to those iconic words:

“That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.“

I was in awe!   A man was walking on the MOON!  I inspected the orb with my eyes and my imagination!  

Eventually, the regular programming resumed and I continued my journey with thoughts spinning in my head!  I was young, but my adult life was beginning as I took my first steps into a future filled with endless possibilities!

GRAB ‘EM AND HUG ‘EM

I’m an observer and I’ve been observing young dads this week at Family Camp. This morning our nephew, Scott, stepped into the Thompson Park pool to assist in baptizing his 10-year-old son, Brady!  Later, I saw Marshall and Jesse and Curt and Caleb in the deeper waters. Each dad had his son on his back as they played together!  Happy boys!

It’s easy for dads to underestimate how important their affection and touch are to their kids.  Most moms are naturally open and affectionate, but we dads have to be a bit more purposeful about it.

We recently had a family over to visit. The young teen daughter sat beside her dad on the couch and leaned into him.  As I observed her behavior, I longed for him to reciprocate by putting his arm around her and pulling her close. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. But, to his defense, none of us pick up on every signal.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I believe there are four things every child longs to hear from their father:

• “I love you!”
• “I’m proud of you!”
• “You did a good job!” and
• “You can be anything you want to be!”

I sometimes said all of these things to my kids in fairly quick succession!  I wanted to be sure that they heard me say these things and knew I was 100% behind them!  

I still hug my kids when I see them!  I always kissed my boys on the cheek as a sign of my love!  I didn’t want them to ever doubt how much I loved them and how proud of them I was.  

Yep!  I’ve been pleased to see dads playing frisbee with their kids while here.  I’ve seen families sitting together in the dining hall - even when there were lots of other kids their children could have been sitting with. 

Yesterday, there were quite a few fathers who entered the ‘Tip-it’ competition with their kids!  Actually, I was on a team with Troy, Rylie and Coltin. We had a 57 year age span between me and Coltin!  We had a great time and made it to the finals. And I’m sure if Jon has been here, he’d have played too! We’re making memories here - precious ones!  

I’m proud of the dads here at camp!  They’ve taken the time to be here for this week, and they’ve prioritized time with their kids!   Bravo!  Keep up the good work, dads!  I’m cheering for you and praying for you!  You have an awesome opportunity - capitalize on it!  :-)

I SAID "NO!"

All parents have used this phrase, right?  Most of us said it repeatedly from the time our kids were young and through their teens.

It is usually said with volume and intensity!  We expect to be heard, and it's our way of letting the children know that they should stop pestering us now.  This is my final answer!

Children will always push boundaries;  it's like they're wired to do so.  It's a parent's job to stand firm, reinforce the boundaries and continue to express love and acceptance.  It's a challenging part of our role.

Using this phrase does not imply that we're angry with our children.  It does not effect our love for our children.  We do not restrict their desires or behavior because we like lording it over them.

In reality, this kind of parental boundary setting is an act of love!  We are older, more experienced and wiser.  Perhaps their maturity is not where it needs to be for this activity yet.  Or perhaps there's danger involved that they are not fully cognizant of.  Or maybe this activity will subject them to temptations and/or risks that they are not fully prepared to face.

The bottom line is:

• we know better,
• we're responsible for them, and 
• we must protect them!

As they grow and develop, children eventually come to see that our restrictive practices were for their own good.  They realize - at some point on the journey toward maturity - that we really do love them and want the best for them!  

I'd like to switch this discussion to a parallel track.

In Deuteronomy 3, Moses pleads with God to allow him to take the children of Israel across the Jordon River and into the Promised Land.  God's response to Moses is a classic, "I said, 'No!'"

"That's enough!  Don't ever bring this up to Me again!  You can go up to the top of Mount Pisgah and look to the west and north and south and east to see the land from there.  Take a good look, because you're not going to cross the Jordon River."   [Deuteronomy 3:26-27  The VOICE Bible]

This matter is NOT up for discussion!  God's mind is made up and He's not going to be changing it.

Has God stopped loving Moses?  No, of course not.

In this particular case, Moses had overstepped his role by striking the rock and saying:  "Should we (Moses and Aaron) get water for you from this rock?"  [Numbers 20:10]  You could almost hear the Divine gasp.  Really, can Moses and Aaron make water flow from a rock?  No.  Only God!  And the sovereign decision was made:  this will cost Moses his ticket across the Jordon!

God - like parents - says "No" in answer to requests sometimes.  God even said "No" to Jesus when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and asked His Father to bring our redemption another way.

In my repeated read-throughs of the Bible, I have documented nearly twenty instances where people got the answer "No" from God. 

King David asked to be permitted to build the temple;  but God said "No".

The Apostle Paul asked repeatedly that God would remove a thorn from his side (obviously symbolic of an impairment of some kind).  God said, "No".  In this particular case, God pointed out that this thorn had a divine purpose in Paul's life - it was designed to keep Paul dependent on God!

God knows things we don't know!  He has a bigger view!  God has reasons that we may not be spiritually mature enough to understand.  It's His responsibility to love us, guide us, protect us, and grow us.

Our part in this process is to trust Him, obey Him and submit to His authority.

We've all received a "No" from God somewhere along the way.  Sometimes we get angry, or disappointed, or depressed.  We must learn to reframe these moments and compel ourselves to hold to the truth that His divine "No" is somehow for our good;  even though we may not understand His reasoning until we get to Heaven.


PS  -  Read Matthew 17:1-13, and you'll see that God finally relented and allowed Moses into the Promised Land!   😉