like a weaned child

The weaned child   

By Octavius Winslow

1 O Lord, my heart is not lifted up;my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me.

2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.

—Psalm 131:2.

There are few lessons taught in God’s school more difficult to learn, and yet, when really learned, more blessed and holy, than the lesson of weanedness. 

The heart resembles the vine, which as it grows, grasps and unites its feeble tendrils to every support within its reach. Or, it is like the ivy, which climbs and wraps itself around some beautiful but decayed and crumbling ruin. As our social affections develop and expand, they naturally seek a resting-place.

Traveling, as it were, beyond themselves, breathing love and yearning for friendship, they go forth seeking some kindred spirit, some “second self,” upon which they may repose, and around which they may entwine. To detach from this inordinate, idolatrous clinging to the animate and the inanimate creatures and objects of sense, is one grand end of God’s disciplinary dealings with us in the present life. The discovery which we make, in the process of his dealings, of the insufficiency and insecurity of the things upon which we set our affections, is often acutely painful.

Like that vine, we find that we grasped a support at the root of which the cankerworm was secretly feeding,—and presently it fell! Or, like that ivy, we discover that we have been spreading our affections around an object which, even while we clung to and adored it, was crumbling and falling into dust,—and presently it became a ruin!

And what is the grand lesson which, by this process, God would teach us? 

The lesson of weanedness from all and everything of an earthly and a created nature. Thus was David instructed, and this was the result: “Surely I have behaved and quieted myself as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” It may be profitable, tried and suffering reader, briefly to contemplate this holy state, and then the way by which the Lord frequently brings his people into its experience.

to live is Christ

 Greg Von Tobel, the president of Prisoners for Christ, miraculously survived an automobile accident, Saturday afternoon.  Here is his account as he recalls what unfolded.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.  I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.   

Philippians 1:21-26

Here is a short synopsis of what I remember of Saturday.

On Saturday April 24, PFC was having its twice-yearly annual prison volunteer training session.  I left after the lunch break to go to Duvall and had planned on going back when the conference ended before 4pm.

I don’t remember much about the accident.  I do remember seconds before as I slammed head on into an immovable hill.  I remember I couldn’t move, turn the wheel,  break or slow down, seconds before impact. This 5 seconds of the whole ordeal is so totally weird and what I am struggling with the most, trying to process the slowness of time. I thought to myself this will be easy as I thought I was going so slow until I blasted into the side of the hill. Everything went black and as I awoke I could feel blood coming down my face. 

Some eyewitnesses said I sped up, probably thinking my foot was on the break when it was on the accelerator. 

All this was after I had side swiped a car throwing her into an adjacent ditch and crossed over one lane of traffic. The accident happened around 1:15 pm on route 203 inside the city limits of Duvall.

I remember the firemen and the paramedics that extricated me out of the van. They were phenomenally gentle and kind-hearted. They cut my clothes off and placed me on “The Board”.  I would grow to hate the “the Board” as I was on it for almost 2 hours. The medics asked me what hospital I wanted to go to and I said Evergreen.  

A few minutes later in the ambulance they made a judgment call and had a change of plans. They were going to drive me pass two hospitals straight to Harborview.  The word Harborview is like the word cancer.  When those words pertain to you, eternity stops.  I thought to myself, “Wow, I must be hurt worse than I had thought.”  Then I wondered how Rhonda and Ashley would react to the word "Harborview."

I arrived at Harborview about 2:30ish. I was whisked off to a room with bright lights and many people asking me questions, probing, poking, and sticking me.  There were many people in the room, I would say 10 plus.  I just remember the bright lights.

They stabilized me and then whisked me off to the CAT scan and x-rays.  The people in these departments were also extremely friendly and very kind-hearted also.  After they were done they whisked me back to the trauma room and this time it was stark empty, void of people.  Very weird. I heard over the low intercom that there were two air-vac copters less than 5 minutes away. 

Then friends and family started visiting me which made time go by ever so much quickly. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!! It made the difference.  
 5 hours after entering Harborview I was now being wheeled out by my friend Bob Jordan and then walking out on my own asking myself what just happened. I was half hoping they would keep me overnight as I was in so much pain in my chest where I had hit the steering wheel.  The slightest sneeze now sends me into extreme pain and facial contortions. They say I have a bruised rib.

From the time that they extricated me from the car I was really at peace. There were several moments of anxiousness when I heard the word Harborview. 

Once I got a grip on that I was totally at peace. I did wonder once, if April 24 would be the day that I would check out of this body suit and meet Jesus face to face. To live is Christ, to die is gain.

Mighty intercession at PFCU

On Saturday, I was privileged to facilitate two classes for the PFC University on "becoming and full-time missionary" and "speakers workshop."  I enjoyed fellowship with many, but especially the men involved at Standing Stones in Wapato. 

In the early portion of the second class, we got a call about a car accident involving Greg Von Tobel.  Greg and Rhonda are puctured, here. 


I'll let Bob Jordan narrate the events:

Today Prisoners For Christ ran its semi-annual prison training – Prisoners For Christ University. It was very well attended as the attached pictures show. Greg Von Tobel was present and did the opening introduction. He left to go home and somehow (it’s still uncertain what happened) he was involved in an automobile accident. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in downtown Seattle. 

At approx 2:15 we were advised of the accident. We gathered all classroom teachers and students together and called out unto Almighty God for mercy and healing. Immediately afterward we sent word to the Board of Directors and other volunteers for prayer and intercession. God was in our midst as we cried out unto the Lord.

Before the end of the teaching session (we continued the training knowing this is what Greg would want) we received word that he was doing well and cogent and resting. For this we gave God great praise and thanksgiving!

The prayer time on Greg's behalf as we called on the Lord was an incredible highlight of my service with PFC.

Rhonda was at the hospital along with their daughter Ashley and her husband when I arrived. Greg looked pretty banged up and they were administering a shot of morphine. He had a contusion in his chest, but no broken bones. He had some lacerations on the top/back of his head which produced a lot of blood, but was superficial as there was no swelling or skull fracture. 

Kelly Dunn, who is a PFCU teacher and fireman, came by as well at the hospital, along with the Duvall Police Dept. Chaplain. Many others called and were preparing to come down but by then we knew he’d be released. So many prayer warriors out there made the difference.

He was released and walked from the lobby to the car under his own power. Pictures are shared to show how fast things can happen in one day – from leading the PFC University gathering to being in Harborview! 

It’s understood from the medical staff that he’ll be rather sore for a few days, but we continue to rejoice that the man of God is recovering, back home, resting comfortably, and with his family. We also praise God that the other person involved in the accident is well too, and was not hospitalized.

Bob Jordan and Greg are sharing together at Standing Stones.

Continue to pray for Brother Greg beloved, God bless you all!

Space footage and commentary

Join in on an incredible experience as a civilian, the host of a British car show, "Top Gear" is a guest passenger on a U-2 spy plane.  His commentary and footage are staggering. 

They mention "eternity," the "Big Bang," and earth as a speck of dust.  Well, which is it?

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20

 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
and they shall reign on the earth.”  Revelation 5:9-10

U-2 view
Ride a spy plane.  From 70,000 feet you look down 35,000 feet at a jetliner passing below at its normal cruising altitude of 35,000 ft. 

Turn up your sound and expand your picture.  Only the
International Space Station is higher. 

  http://www.wimp.com/breathtakingfootage/

Note at take-off the assist wheels on the outer edges of the wings drop off.   The wings are so long that they need temporary support until lift-off.  What is not shown is during the landing the plane actually slows to a low enough speed that two guys are actually able to grab the wing tips and put those assist wheels back on.

Hop aboard a U-2

Questions for real change

This Saturday, I'll be joining "His Harmony," from our Faith Baptist Church for a concert and follow-up sermon at the Regional Justice Center. 

Whenever they sing, they are really appreciated, maybe more than they know.  I am very excited they are coming and will be carefully inviting the men in the units they will be singing for, today.

I have been challenging the men with what really makes a difference for them. 

• How are you really changing?  
• What are you willing to do that makes a radical change? 
• What do your families and children need from you?
• Where are your sons at?
• What might you be able to do concretely for those you have hurt?

I'd like to encourage you to give this a careful read--t may just touch you.


Excerpt from "Thoughts for young men," by JC Ryle
Young men, time would not permit me to tell you all the fruits this love of pleasure produces, and all the ways in which it may do you harm. Why should I speak of carousing, partying, drinking, gambling, movie-going, dancing, and the like? There are few to be found who don't know something of these things by bitter experience. And these are only instances. 

All things that give a feeling of excitement for the time--all things that drown thought, and keep the mind in a constant whirl--all things that please the senses and delight the flesh--these are the sort of things that have mighty power at your time of life, and they owe their power to the love of pleasure. 

Be on your guard. Do not be like those of whom Paul speaks, "Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4).



Remember what I say: if you would cling to earthly pleasures--these are the things which murder souls. 

There is no surer way to get a seared conscience and a hard heart towards the things of God, than to give way to the desires of the flesh and mind. It seems like nothing at first, but it tells in the long run.



Church disappointment

 

In Kevin DeYoung's blog, he deals with "Disappointment with the church"

“No one supported me.”
“I didn’t matter to anyone.”
“You didn’t even care.”

Those are among the hardest things a pastor can hear from his congregation, whether it’s about him directly or not. These lines are  also some of the most biting things a church member can say and, no doubt, one of the most painful things a church member can feel. And yet the feelings are felt, and even the thoughts expressed, quite frequently in the life of the church.

The situations which lead people to feel unloved are easy to imagine.
•    A pastor fails to visit a family after their daughter is tragically killed in a car accident.
•    A new couple visits the church for 6 months. They never get invited to the pastors’ home. So they start looking at other churches.

The scenarios are endless and they are all painful, for the sheep and for the shepherds.

So how should church members respond when they feel unloved, unsupported, or like outsiders in their church?

And how should church leaders respond when they are criticized for being unconcerned or the church is faulted for being unloving? 
If you want to read more, go to:
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/

Romans Road presentations

Michael and Howard at the Regional Justice Center came right up to me today and quietly stated they wanted to be saved.  They were sincere.  We talked and read Scripture together for about 40 minutes.  In these cases, I work together with the men on a worksheet with the "Romans Road" and follow-up verses which are--

1 John 5:11-13
 John 14:6
Acts 4:12
1 Thess. 5:9-10
1 Timothy 2:5-6

One of the men could barely read.  He dropped out of school as an eleventh grader and stopped trying to learn anything a long time before that.  He said exactly that.  He is 21.  Wow!  He really wanted to read and understand.

Whenever I share, I really focus on repentance and proven change. 

We just don't say we "believe" and then go back to life as usual.  I one is really saved it is an incredible, supernatural work,
John 1:12-13, 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

• We were dead and brought to life.  
• We were blind and now we see.  
• We were transferred from the domain of darkness to the Kingdom of His beloved Son. 

I'll be following up with these men later this week.

Easter worship at Olympic in Forks

Jim Dixon and I traveled to Forks Saturday to provide worship, concert, and sermon for an unprecedented 37 men and two officers at the Olympic Corrections Center in Forks Saturday night.

Jim and I make this trip about four times a year. We go south through Aberdeen and Hoquiam and then north up 101.

Jim and I so much enjoy serving together.  Its a long trip.  Every time we start back home, we are amazed by His graciousness to allow us to serve Him there.

Next Saturday night, I'll be privileged to share ministry with "His Harmony," from Faith, our church, for three units of men at the Regional Justice Center in Kent. They are always so well received.  They have been serving in this way in jails and prisons with PFC for over 15 years.

At Forks, I preached from Acts 26:17-20--

"...I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’...performing deeds in keeping with their repentance."

I continue to be blessed by so many faithful family and friends who support this work in prayer and financially.  It is amazing to participate with so many incredibly loving people of God. 

I want to share with you this post from Tim Challies defining why we worship regularly on Sundays.

Every Easter Saturday, that day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, I find myself pondering what it must have been like for Jesus' followers on that day. What did they do? What were they thinking? How did they spend their day? What thoughts were running through their heads? 

Their leader was dead; their Messiah had been arrested, beaten, crucified, killed, buried. Miracles had attended his suffering--darkness and earthquake--and yet still he was dead. Confusion must have reigned. Bewilderment.

It's no wonder that Christians worship on Sunday. Muslims worship on Friday, Jews worship on Saturday, but Christians worship on Sunday because that is the day when Christ proved that he had conquered death. This is why we are Sunday Christians. 

We are not Friday Christians who serve a dead Savior, not Saturday Christians still waiting and wondering, but Sunday Christians who serve a living, breathing Savior--one who is alive and one who reigns. 

He died because he had to die. Our sin demanded blood and death. And yet he rose because he had to rise. He was the Son of God; how could death hold him? How could the Creator of all that exists be held down by death? It cannot happen and it did not happen. Christ is risen.

And for 2,000 years Christians have been celebrating Jesus' conquest. I could turn to hundreds of books and songs and poems today. But allow me to turn to one of my all-time favorites, a poem that gives just a glimpse of the hope Christ offers through his resurrection.