"WHY?"

Stuff happens! Life sometimes deals us a poor hand. It's not what we want, or what we think we deserve, but it's ours and often we ask "why?"

In fact the "why?" question is very common. We are always asking it as if having an explanation will make any sense. I believe if there were an answer, we'd be unable to understand the reason and in most cases I simply think there is no "why?"

Paul sure doesn't ask that. Although he finds himself in some really sticky situations, he never seems to fall into that doubt-trap or get the hopeless whines, "why me?" No, Paul instead recognizes his circumstances as opportunities. He may not like where he is, but he notices that God is using him wherever he happens to be. No matter where he is, Caesarea, Jerusalem, a slow boat to Rome (coming up in the next chapters of Acts) Paul uses as a means to share Christ and reveal his maturity and faith.

A great lesson for us all.

Maybe instead of asking, "why?" we could ask God, "how?" How can I use my circumstance to grow in faith? How can I use this as an opportunity to show or share my faith? How can I bless You, God, in this instance? This is the level of maturity to which we are all called. It's the level Paul shows.

Okay, so you are not there yet. I have to admit, neither am I. I, too often, find myself feeling sorry for me instead of giving God praise. Sometimes I'd rather sit in the mire of my circumstances and lament than looking at them and seeking an opportunity to work for God. It doesn't make sense, maybe ever. But I do know that when I enact my faith in such times, I find my circumstances much more tolerable and even blessings. God has been gracious to allow me certain life-lessons to help me grow, to trust, to witness, to mature.

Maybe the answer to the "why?" question is ultimately simple, "because."

And that's good enough for me.

Peace ><>
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Use What You've Got!

We're reading from the book of Acts right now to get a sense of the movement of the Holy Spirit as the church began. We see in it some marvelous characters including Saul/Paul and his cronies who create great waves across the landscape of the Roman Empire. Life was difficult for them as they found enemies of the "Way" every place they went. Yet they also found such joy in doing what God had called them to do. They were faithful even to their own demise.

Paul's story never ceases to amaze me no matter how many times I read it. Yesterday while driving to Indianapolis I listened to my Bible on tape (yes, tape. Peggy's car doesn't have a cd player! Fortunately we kept our cassettes.). It was interesting hearing the book of Acts and how the life of Paul unfolded into ministry and events and circumstances that seemed uncontrollable. God always intervened but not always in active ways or to save the day. Often God intervened by simply encouraging Paul. "Everything's going to be all right." "I've got more planned for you so don't worry."

Paul's life and ministry is an encouragement for us still today and there are several things we can learn from it. One of the things we need to remember is to use what we have.

Paul was never without options, and neither are we. He used his citizenship, his bilingual skills, his Jewish heritage, his faith, his charisma to his advantage. When the Jews were ready to kill him he claimed his Roman citizenship. He spoke greek then turned around to speak Hebrew to the crowd standing next to him. He used the very tools (gifts) God had given to him to his advantage, but not simply for his posterity or to save his life, he did it for the purpose of the kingdom. He used his every advantage to share Jesus.

I see and talk to people every day who claim they have nothing to offer to God or to the church. That's unfortunate, not that they have nothing to give, but that they don't believe in themselves or in the gifts that they have already been given. It's also sad because this is a lack of faith.

God has gifted each of us with unique things in our lives. I have four children and they have been a great source for me to get to know people I otherwise never would have met. I am an accountant by education and a business man by experience which has given me skills I would not have had. I have had opportunities to meet people from around the world: Christian missionaries, Jews, Muslims, Israelis, Palestinians, influential Christian leaders, pastors, Bishops, politicians, etc. I've been given privilege to travel to some amazing places in the world, learn important things, develop certain skills, experience certain life-events...

...all because God wants me to use them for His Kingdom.

I have a bunch of golf clubs in my golf bag. In fact I don't remember the last time I used my 4 iron or the 4 wood. But I carry them anyway because you never know when they will come in handy, when the right circumstances will arise to use just that club. I used to carry a ball retriever for the same reason. It always seemed to come in handy. The same is true for our life skills, circumstances. God has allowed us to have certain experiences, skills, details so that they could be used at just the right time to advance the kingdom, to help someone know Christ, to encourage someone else.

We have much. We are supposed to use it all for Christ.

Don't toss aside or deny what God has given you.

Use it instead.

Peace ><>
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Camp

Well, as most of you know this past week has been about our Senior High students who went to a Christian Camp called Epworth Forest (North Webster, IN) for a week long program called Senior High Institute. I went along with Peg, Sandy and Mark as the leaders for our cabin. We had several others who visited for a day to help with the cooking.

I mentioned in my message this morning that the week was incredible. I use that word to describe all of the work the God was doing in and through our group of 20 students. There was truly power in that place and in our youth. I'll keep saying it, you should be proud of your youth as they were leaders again this year, allowing God to work through them in ministry.

My hope was that all week I'd have a chance to upload pictures and blog daily to keep you up to date with our happenings. But because we didn't have internet access in our cabins I wasn't able to get that done (obviously). But here are a few pics to show you what our group was up to and a few descriptions.

Here is Rev. Rebecca Fisher, our preacher for the week. She challenged us to think about God and understand that God is always with us and will "never, never, never, never, ever let us go." She was able speak from experience, past and present, that connected with our youth and our adults. She was awesome.

"Woop, Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, woop!"

Here is our cabin and our group showing their covenant sign, the crossed fingers. It's an early Christian greeting to identify other believers. Most people use it to show good luck, "cross your fingers" or to tell a fib. When you see our youth using it, it is a reminder that they are accountable to one another and that they should stay true to Christ.

And I know they will. They discovered the power in their community and will fight to keep it!


Here is some fun during worship. This is Chris, Ryan and Kristen. Worship was always an event, lots of dancing, singing, clapping and even some tears when Rebecca got warmed up!

I'll be reflecting on camp this week, while we keep reading the book of Acts. But I won't reveal all that went on because I want to save some of the best stuff for when the youth and children lead worship on July 23rd. That's the day that we'll experience together what camp worship was like and follow it with a picnic.

So, I'll be at it again tomorrow. I pray you'll keep up with me as I find my routine again.

Peace to all of you. ><>
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