Lois Watkins: coach, preacher, teacher

Judging by the return lines after Christmas, many people did not get enough; or at least did not get the right thing. Even with gift certificates people often get something that costs more and simply make up the difference. Never being satisfied is seems to be a modern curse.

What is there in the human spirit that drives for more, bigger, better, best? Last Christmas, as a lifetime Packer Cheesehead, I was thrilled to get an autographed 11x14 framed picture of Brett Favre. It was signed, "Lois, be the best." It is no longer sufficient to strive to be "your personal best," but now only the best or even best-est will do.

Even if being the best is attained, it can be short lived, especially in athletics. No sooner is one goal is met, one record set and new goal to break the record is set. Enter competition. In one sense competition and striving for perfection keeps the human race "progressing" but at what cost and to what end? What is the motivator? What is the purpose?

Chasing the dream of perfection

"The race for quality has no finish line--so technically, it's more like a death march" is a quote from the Demotivator Calendar by Despair, Inc. This 1998 company based in Austin, Texas, produces posters and souvenirs that satirize the motivational hype common in corporate environments. They are well-known for their cynical and ironic "Demotivator" items.

Certainly there is nothing wrong with striving for excellent quality, keeping focused, setting and meeting goals. The problem comes when excellence is attained, only to be outdone by the next person, company, church etc. Now your excellence is no longer excellent. It may be extremely good, but someone else now, perhaps briefly, carries the title of "the best." So, but when is it enough? When health is broken? When a family is fractured? When a loved one is dying? When the bottom drops out in failure?

Another Demotivator statement: "Pressure can turn a lump of coal into a flawless diamond, or an average person into a perfect basketcase." Extreme pressure and unfulfilled dreams can lead to tragic ends as in the Pultizer-prize winning play, The Death of a Salesman, written by Authur Miller in 1949. It is viewed by many as a caustic attack on the American Dream of achieving wealth and success without regard for principle. Willie Loman loses his traveling sales job because of his age and becoming a detriment to the company. His dream is shattered and his pride won't allow him to work for a neighbor's business.

In addition his son, Biff, who had been raised to believe that good looks and popularity would make him successful, confides to his father that he is no longer a leader of men and that he is just a common person who has no outstanding qualities. Willy refuses to believe him and tells Biff once again how great he can be. Rather than accept the loss of another dream, Willy resolves on suicide, because with twenty thousand dollars in insurance money, Biff could be magnificent. Willy pursued his delusions of grandeur to his death.

Pursuing spiritual perfection

Keeping the entire Jewish law perfectly was the Old Covenant standard. Because it could not be done, God instituted the sacrificial system to atone for any sins. Some simply gave up, but others kept on trying . . . and failing. Many of the "religious" continued keeping the letter of the law, but their hearts were hard and judgmental. In essence, they failed.

Just last week we celebrated birth of Jesus. God instituted the New Covenant based on receiving God's grace through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, today there are many Christian believers who cannot get it into their heart that Christ's atonement is enough. Many, like myself, were taught the right doctrine of saved by grace alone. Yet, experienced expectations of "saved by grace AND for extra insurance add lots of good works."

A continuous cycle of assumed failure-false guilt-unnecessary repentance emerged. The only conclusion could be: My best was not good enough. Another Demotivator seems to fit here: Stupidity--Quitters never win, winners never quit, but those who never win and never quit are idiots. (Remember these are to be cynical). For that very reason many, who start a walk of faith, actually do give up. But that need not be.

We all need to be reminded of the lyrics of 19th century hymn writer, Lidie H. Edmunds, in No Other Plea.

My faith has found a resting place, Not in device nor creed; I trust the Everliving One, His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves, This ends my fear and doubt; A sinful soul, I come to Him, He'll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word, The written Word of God, Salvation by my Savior's name, Salvation through His blood.

Refrain: I need no other argument, I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me.

New Year's reflection

With our perfect (complete) salvation attained only through God's grace, what about a Christian's motivation for excellence in accomplishments? When does Christian pursuit of the next and the next and the next begin to focus on success for success sake, rather than success for the Kingdom's sake? How does the attitude of "It is not enough" fit with Jesus teachings of the Blessed? Blessed are the poor (not necessarily in spirit), those who mourn, the meek, the hungry and thirsting for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the persecuted (Matthew 5:3-11).

Where do these verses fit into daily life: "Many who are first will be last and many who are last will be first" (Matthew 19:30); "whoever wants to become great among ou must be your servant. . ." (Matthew 20:26); and "Honor one another above yourselves" (Romans 12:10b)?

May God help us to keep our motivations and desires Christ-like in 2007.

A Sacrificial Christmas Part 1 (December 14, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

"Angel’s We Have Heard on High" and "Shepherds in the Fields Abiding" never sounded sweeter than when our tour group sang in the shepherd’s cave on the hillside on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Being confined to the cave allowed us to shut out the modern city and large cathedrals marking so many biblical places. It was almost like being there over two thousand years ago--minus the angels.

Uplifting words, such as rejoice, glory, peace, light, triumph, worship, glad tidings, hope, praise, alleluia and wonders of His love, fill the carols. What good news that wrapped up in the swaddling cloths was the Son of God, Emmanuel--God with us. No celebration or collection of carols can adequately capture the eternal changes begun on that night. However, that new day of reconciliation between God and sinner is just that--the beginning. That day’s good news depends on looking beyond the manger to the sacrifice on the cross and to the resurrection, ascension and second coming.

The other side of Christmas

While most carols focus on the event’s joyful conclusion, only a few allude to the drastic means necessary to attain this great joy. Here are some of those passing phrases: ransom captive Israel; dawn of redeeming grace; cast out our sin and enter in; the Savior reigns; no more let sin and sorrow grow; God and sinners reconciled; and born Thy people to deliver. "There’s Room in my Heart for Thee" makes the most direct reference, to the sacrifice of Christmas. "But with mocking scorn and with crown of thorn, they bore Thee to Calvary."

But even before looking forward to the cross, consider the enormous sacrifices just in God becoming human flesh; the loss of timelessness; the loss of heavenly beauty; the loss of adoration and worship; the confinement to a vulnerable human body with its limitations and physical needs; the surrender to human authorities and the list could go on and on. Basically Jesus, being in very nature God, chose to be trapped in human flesh. Why? To accomplish salvation through faith, rather than through perfectly keeping the law (impossibility) or through the blood of animals (insufficient).

On October 8, 2006 at St Paul’s Cathedral Rev. Paul Lillie noted, "The Christian story is the story of God becoming vulnerable in order that God might be close to us. The Christian story is the enmeshment of the divine with the human; it is the story of God's love being so great for us, that God chose to live a life like ours-that God chose to be as vulnerable as we are-that God chose to be like us in our weakest state-mainly death."

The high price of love

In the new movie "The Nativity Story," the magi who presents the myrrh says "for the sacrifice." God can never be accused of backing away from a necessary sacrifice to accomplish salvation purposes. Last Sunday our pastor, Steve DeNeff, preached on God’s love from Isaiah 43:3-4, "For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life."

Because of God’s great love and purpose for the nation of Israel, other’s who thwarted that plan were taken in exchange. God’s plan must not be stopped. This type of exchange of one for another is found later in the sacrifice of the innocent infants. Cruel Herod had them slaughtered in order to stop this prophesied new king of the Jews from taking over his throne. Herod’s paranoia led him to the cruelty of murdering not only these innocents, but also his own family members for fear of losing his throne. Because of his cruelty innocents died and Jesus’ family was forced to flee to Egypt in order to preserve the only means of eternal salvation.

The ultimate gift of love is found it John 3:16-17, "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17). Since God, the Father and God the Son, along with God the Holy Spirit are one, God exchanged His own life for our own life on the cross through Jesus. Father, God was not a detached, uncaring observer. Even though Jesus felt abandoned, God was suffering with him. God’s love and sacrificial plan carried a high price.

The great exchange

Love demonstrated through sacrifice is a powerful magnetic force. As we continue on our journey toward celebrating the birth of Christ, let us also keep in mind why he was born. He was born to be with us, to show us how to live as fully human, to die for the sins of each one in the world and rise to give us new life. He came to be with us, so we would believe in him, love him and be able to be with him eternally.

Considering the sacrificial exchange Christ made on our behalf, is it too much to present our lives to Christ as a gift? Through his sacrifice he gives life and gives it abundantly. In return give God your best gift--your life! As we exchange gifts with our loved ones, perhaps at great sacrifice of time or money, may we not forget the greatest gift we can give to the greatest Giver and Lover. Put yourself under the tree as a gift for to God this Christmas. You will be surprised at the possibilities that are opened inside!

A Sacrificial Christmas Part 2 (December 21, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Christmas is a season of giving, which some generously continue all year long. No one would argue that Oprah Winfrey is a giving person. Of course with an annual income of $225 million and a net worth topping a billion dollars in 2003, one would hope she and other wealthy celebrities would be giving.

Among her gifts has been over $5 million for scholarships to Atlanta Morehouse College; 270 Pontiac G6 cars to audience members, who had to pay $7,000 in gift tax or give up the car; in 2004 a $4.5 million giveaway to 300 teachers (30-inch widescreen LCD TVs, washers and dryers, Sony Notebook computers and trips to a spa resort in Arizona) totaling about $15,000 per person, more than three times as much as 2003 $4,800 gift packages.

In October this year she gave 300 audience members $1,000 debit cards to donate money to a charitable cause, so they could experience the "gift of giving back." Her reason was simple, "I can honestly say that every gift I've ever given has brought at least as much happiness to me as it has to the person I've given it to. That's the feeling I want to pass on to you.”

New Year’s Eve will find her in South Africa for a huge party to celebrate the official opening of her girl’s school. USA Week-end featured a story on it last Sunday. For her $10 million dollar investment she expected some return. She was exasperated with the girls who had become distracted with their cell phones and video games. The essence of her scolding was “I have given my best for you and I expect nothing less from you.”

Sacrifice flows from one’s passions

While Oprah’s excessive giving and compassion is admirable, it would not be considered sacrificial by the strictest standard. Giving out of abundance or lack of personal need certainly gives joy, but does not cause a real loss to the giver. The gift may not even have any real value to the giver. There is always more to give. In 2001 she commented, "I've stopped wanting things and think about what I can give other people. I really have reached the point where I don't want anything. That's a good place to be, isn't it?" Perhaps an even better place would be to have little and still not want anything.

But I digress. According to Webster’s definition, sacrifice does not have to “give until it hurts.” It can be “giving up something valued for the sake of something having a more pressing claim.” We view God’s gift of Jesus as a sacrifice not because that was all there was to give. After all, God had the entire universe available to give, so all resources were not depleted.

However, Jesus was of immeasurable value as God’s own Son, God in human flesh. He was given because God’s passion for a loving relationship with each person had a “more pressing claim.” Staggering isn’t it! God’s love for you and me was of such importance, that God gave, not all he had, but all that was necessary on his part for accomplishing that goal.

In a real sense God valued our salvation more than himself. As we mentioned last week the Christmas story foreshadows God giving the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, God in human flesh, dying on the cross for all sin, including yours and mine. This sacrifice is a gift of grace. We do not earn it, we receive it by faith when we confess our sins and allow God to forgive us and cleanse us.

Much is given—much is required

When we receive this sacrificial gift; when we are come face to face with this indescribable love; when we begin to understand “Love one another, as I have loved you” we are compelled to think and act sacrificially. For those who are not in the Billionaire or Millionaire Club, do not be dismayed. Sacrifice can, but does not necessarily require money.

Money can do wonderful things, but there are so many things that money cannot buy. As the ads for Visa emphasize, some things are simply “priceless.”

We can see it displayed when a family member or complete stranger donates an organ to save a life. Last week we had the joy of seeing a friend whose sister donated a kidney and strangers donated the pancreas of their deceased seven-year-old son. He is no longer a diseased diabetic on dialysis.

What about being an organ donor?

We see it through parents who go without in order to provide benefits for their children. For many Christmas is a time when parents sacrifice for their children either by going into debt or going without things themselves. One of my senior hospice patients shared about her father having a beautiful doll in the window of the store he owned. How she wanted that doll, but she was told it cost too much. Resigned to not getting it, she could not contain her joy when she opened it on Christmas. Her father took the loss to show his love.

What about giving for the joy of someone else’s happiness?

While we can spend money to try to give joy, how about giving a gift of time to do for someone what they cannot do for themselves or a gift of a listening ear to a heartbroken friend or a gift of being present with a lonely person or even a sincere smile to downcast stranger.

We see sacrificial love when adult children sacrifice their schedules, time or even room in their home, when parents need help in older years. I have seen enormous loving sacrifice on the part of the children as I visit hospice patients. At times the sacrifice involves much more than expected. Even then the love keeps on giving. Some children even take on responsibilities far beyond their years when a younger parent is ill or out of work.

We see sacrifice in the love of strangers who donate coats, toys, food, time and money to help the less fortunate; a prisoner’s children have gifts; the homeless have a meal; the nursing home resident feel remembered or a widow have companionship. We see it lived out in the lives of men and women in the military who will spend Christmas away from home to protect and defend their loved ones at home.

The best Christmas gift would be to make sacrificial giving a lifestyle rather than a season!

God's Top Ten Christmas List (November 30, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Last week’s absence of a new Thursday Thought was because I was with Jim at a writer’s conference on the cruise ship, Carnival Liberty, in the western Caribbean. With palm trees, rain forests and temperatures in the mid to high 80’s it was hard to remember that Advent season had begun. However, dropping 70 degrees from Fort Lauderdale to Marion Sunday evening and getting our first covering of snow last night has reinforced the reality of Christmas in Indiana.

Unfortunately my brain still seems to be at sea. Fortunately there are lots of great thoughts and greater writers out there. I received the following e-mail from a friend, which originally appeared on “Allrown’s Blog” (http://blufftontoday.com/user/341) November 19 as a “Letter from God to His Children.”

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Dear Children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of you're predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival; although, I do appreciate being remembered anytime.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching that explains who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks are. If you have forgot that one, look at John 15:1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity that believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

P.S. Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those you love and, remember, I LOVE YOU.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances (November 23, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Happy Thanksgiving! On the news a turkey hotline for people to call with questions was featured. One time a newlywed called in for help. She was calling from the closet so her mother-in-law wouldn’t know she needed help.

Here are some kid’s recipes for turkey. I hope they are not working the hotline!

Geremy - You buy the turkey and take the paper off. Then you put it in the refrigerator and take it back out and cut it with a knife and make sure all the wires are out and take out the neck and heart. Then you put it in a big pan and cook it for half an hour at 80 degrees. Then you invite people over and eat.

Moriah - First you cut the bones out. Then you put it in the oven for 10 hours at 600 degrees. Then you put it on the table and eat it.

Grace - First you add some salt. Then you put it in a bowl. Then you put brown sugar on it. Then you mix it all together with a spoon and then you add some milk and mix it again. And then you put it in a pan. Then you put it in the oven for 15 minutes and 16 degrees. Then you take it out of the oven and then you eat it.

Lauren - First you find a turkey and kill it. Cut it open. Put it in a pan. Pour milk in the pan. Put a little chicken with it. Put salsa on it. Take out of pan. Put it on the board. Cut into little pieces. Put on a rack. Put in the oven for 7 minutes at 10 degrees. Take out of the oven and put eensy weensy bit of sugar on it. Put a little more salsa on it. Then you eat it.

And when the meal is over you can share these turkey jokes:

What the leftover turkey said after it was wrapped up and refrigerated, “Foiled again.”

What do you call a gobbler who thinks he knows everything? A smirky turkey

Show us the man who throws Thanksgiving leftovers in the garbage and we’ll show you a man who quits cold turkey.

Thanks for what?

Even if laughter is healthy, perhaps on this Thanksgiving Day you don’t feel much like laughing or being thankful. When you read I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, which is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” it seems like a cruel joke. Perhaps you are among those suffering unimaginable pain and loss. Or perhaps your heart breaks for others living through a death, war, abuse, disease or natural disasters.

Before giving up on God as a masochist, read the verse again--slowly. Notice it says, “give thanks ‘in’ all circumstances, rather than ‘for’ all circumstances.” No, it is not merely semantics. There is a real difference.

When I am give thanks “for” a circumstance, I am pleased and appreciative. This person or thing has met a need or gone above and beyond expectations. When I give thanks “in” all circumstances, I do not necessarily like what happened. I may even detest what happened. Giving thanks is not because of the circumstances, but regardless of the circumstance.

Giving thanks focuses beyond the event to trusting a loving, compassionate God whose ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). This type of thanks does not deny pain or inhibit natural human reactions. It does not call us to go through life as zombies. Rather Brennan Manning encourages us to sense the presence of God in the present step.

Real-life example

Recently I heard Nate Saint share his story. If you have seen the movie, "The End of the Spear," he was the five-year-old whose missionary father was killed by the then-savage Indians in Ecuador (1958). One part of the story I'd forgotten was that the missionaries did have guns, but chose not to use them. Their willful self-sacrifice spoke volumes. If they had killed the Indians to save themselves, they would have lived, but that tribe would have continued in hatred, killing and death. When Nate’s Aunt, Rachel, and one of the widows, Elizabeth Elliot, went back to the tribe after the deaths, their message of God's love and forgiveness was believable.

Did these families give thanks for the deaths of their loved ones? No! Did they give thanks in the circumstances because they trusted God to work in and through the tragedy? Yes. By choosing not to become bitter and vengeful, a new tribe will be present before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9).

A little child will lead them

The following is a summary of an October 2006 article in Open Doors, a magazine which informs and mobilizes people on behalf of the persecuted church. For the whole article go to http://odusa.org/Display.asp?Page=ff_2005_10_feat

In China a children’s Sunday school class was raided and more than 30 children were taken to the police station. The children had been warned this might happen. As the van sped toward the police station, one child started singing. Then, the van was filled with song as all the children enthusiastically joined in. Upon arrival at the police station, the children marched bravely into the interrogation room still singing, "In the name of Jesus, we have the victory."

The police interrogator began to threaten the children, telling them they would have to write "I do not believe in Jesus" one hundred times before he would release them. Instead, the defiant children wrote, "I believe in Jesus today. I will believe in Jesus tomorrow. I will believe in Jesus forever!"

A Thanksgiving thought to chew on

Thomas Merton wrote, “Those who are not thankful for (in) everything, will start to complain about everything.”

The Way of Suffering (November 15, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Perhaps today’s title has turned you off and tempted you to skip ahead to more uplifting or urgent messages. The title reflects the meaning of the words Via Dolorosa (also the Way of Grief, the Path of Sorrow, the Way of the Cross) as well as the fact that last Sunday was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. In 1996 World Evangelical Alliance coordinated the prayer efforts of 7,000 churches, which has grown to be the largest prayer day of its kind in the world with over 100,000 churches, representing nearly every U.S. denomination, as well as Christians in over 130 countries.

Unfortunately it is a day of remembrance that many western churches would probably prefer to ignore. Being reminded of the stark reality of Christian discrimination, persecution, torture and death around the world doesn’t lend itself to the health, wealth and prosperity gospel preached by many. A “feel good” theology is hard to reconcile with experiences of pain, suffering, sorrow and death.

Yet, amid this flagrant disregard for human rights, the Church of Jesus Christ is multiplying. There is a depth of joy and peace that cannot be known outside of an equal depth of sorrow and distress. Because these believers have so little, they are so grateful for the little they have. While suffering and pain are excruciating, the stories of faith and courage are abundant, even victory through death. Ironically, the message of the Persecuted Church is both uplifting (in a strange sort of way) and urgent.

Following the example of Jesus

Believers in Jesus, who live out their faith in a culture that forbids it, are most closely following the literal example of Jesus Christ as he walked the Via Dolorosa, taking the Way of Suffering. After the trials before Pilate, Herod and back to Pilate for sentencing, Jesus, bloodied and exhausted from no sleep and a vicious beating, carried the cross along the streets of Jerusalem. This traditional uphill path of .16 miles is followed every Friday by Franciscan monks.

Our schedule did not permit us to walk the entire Via Dolorosa. However we did go to one of the Stations of the Cross. A small chapel marks the place where Jesus’ battered body fell beneath the weight of the cross.

Inside the chapel two murals portray two similar, yet very different perspectives. As we entered the mural at the front of the church shows Jesus fallen beneath the cross. Surrounding him is a host of angels with bowed heads and folded wings. The posture of the angels gives a sense of deep sorrow and helplessness. Angels had ministered to Jesus after his temptation and in the garden. But here they were not allowed to intervene. Jesus was required to bear his cross with no supernatural help.

As we turned to leave the chapel, another mural showed Jesus fallen beneath the cross. However instead of angels there was a host of Christian believers each one carrying a cross along with Jesus. What a powerful way to depict Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Matthew 10:38 gives the same command in a negative format, “anyone who does not take up his cross daily and follow me is not worthy of me.”

Take up your cross

So how can one who lives in a nation that to date still honors freedom of religion take up his or her cross? Although many experience physical limitations and great suffering; face the grief over the loss of loved ones; deal with difficult and painful relationships, which may include betrayal and rejection; contend with some limited political oppression; most have not yet overtly suffered for the name of Christ.

Every person has a unique cross to bear that requires faithfulness and obedience “even to death on a cross” Philippians 2:8. For many of our brothers and sisters around the world death is required for their faith. Part of carrying our cross is to do all we can to help carry theirs. Galatians 6:2 commands us to “carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Avenues to accomplish this are to pray, learn, give and take appropriate action. The following partner organizations have websites, which give abundant practical ways to make a difference in the life of the Persecuted Church: Christian Freedom International, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Christians in Crisis, Gospel for Asia, International Christian Concern, Iranian Christians International, Jubilee Campaign, Open Doors, The Voice of the Martyrs, World Evangelical Alliance.

Prayer is an obvious place to begin. During one IDOP service we divided the congregation into prayer groups and assigned each one a specific country. Interceding for the needs of specific countries and individuals by name brings the reality close to home. The websites above share many prayer concerns, so our prayers can be targeted and effective.

We can help Open Doors reach these goals (other groups have similar goals):

Providing Bibles and literature, media, leadership training, socio-economic development and through intercessory prayer;

Preparing the Body of Christ living in threatened or unstable areas to face persecution and suffering; and

Educating and mobilizing the Body of Christ living in the free world to identify with threatened and persecuted Christians and be actively involved in assisting them.

A great need among persecuted Christians is a Bible for strength, wisdom and courage. God’s Word is powerful. It will not return empty; “my word that goes out from my mouth (it) will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” Isaiah 55:11.

Does it do any good?

Some might wonder if persecution multiplies the church, then do we really want to try to end it. Others might ask, “Does it do any good? Can prayer, resources, funds and workers change national policies?” Perhaps, but if not it certainly saves lives and emboldens witnesses.

Share in this closing prayer for the Third Station of the Cross: Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ You have revealed Your glory to all nations; guard the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, spread over the whole world, may with constant faith persevere in the confession of Your name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

The Great Debate (November 9, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

For months our granddaughter has used "Uh-oh!" to describe little mishaps and "Oh, no!" for bigger mishaps. Recently a simple "No!" has been added as she is learning to express her opinion and exert her independence. Knowing this is a normal part of child development for an eighteen-month old does not make it any easier. Sweet compliance is much easier.

Greater wisdom and patience is needed to determine when she is being an imp by teasing; when she is testing our limits and sincerity; and when she is seems to be knowingly disobedient. Each situation takes a unique course of action. At times even accepting her "No!" is in order, as well as allowing the natural consequences. Freedom to make right choices often follows the freedom to make a wrong choice.

Being able to say "No!" goes hand in hand with having free-will. A person has to be able to "No!" to make choosing "Yes!" a real option. Otherwise we become mere puppets. Saying, "Yes!" to a marriage proposal holds little meaning unless the real option of saying, "No!" was also present.

As we learn to exert our will in making decisions, we struggle with whether to obey or disobey our parents, our teachers and our civil laws.

Often the greatest debate between "yes" and "no" is internalized with our conscience. A person raised with a knowledge of God understands the reality of debating with God: to obey or disobey.

As I stood looking in at the Garden of Gethsemane that great debate became real in my mind. Of course seeing the opening scene of Mel Gibson's, "The Passion of the Christ," helped envision it. Too often we dismiss the agonizing struggle, the debate Jesus had concerning going to the cross. We almost lapse into believing that it really was not that big a deal for Jesus because after all he was God. He knew what was on the other side of the cross, so why sweat it.

Somehow we convince ourselves that even through Jesus knew he would die, it couldn't be as bad for him as it is for other human beings because he was God. Philippians 2:5-8 refutes that thinking and is clear that Jesus did not cling to his rights as God and willingly took on the human body with all of its limitations, even suffering a death on a cross.

Everyone would acknowledge that being crucified was the most torturous form of execution. Perhaps because of our discomfort with extreme pain and suffering, we want to believe Jesus had some extra-special, extra-human ability to withstand the suffering. We tend to at least partially unhumanize Jesus from the Garden to the Cross. We hope that somehow he took off some of his humanity, at least some of the pain sensors. Perhaps using his divinity almost like an invisibility cloak to put on in great time of need and take it off when life wasn't too bad.

Luke 22:43 does say that an angel from heaven appeared to him to strengthen him in the Garden, but that is God's mercy extended to the human race. It is not a "special favor" just for Jesus. Many have experienced God's strengthening in times of crisis and may have even had angelic help without realizing it.

In Matthew 26 and Luke 22 we read phrases like, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" or "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me" or "being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood." So was this play acting simply to identify with humanity? Or was it as real and heart-felt as any time you and I have cried out in agony to God? Jesus' desire and request to avoid the cross was as genuine as when you and I plead to be spared pain, suffering and death.

Truth be told, Jesus did not want to go to the cross. He was willing, but not if there was any alternative. Although he probably knew the answer, he still had the freedom to ask for the cup to be removed. In his full humanity he had free-will to refuse the cup. If you don't believe that, then the crucifixion becomes merely a puppet being sacrificed by the master.

Not being eager to obey in difficult circumstances is not a sin. It is human. Some Christians have been guilted into thinking that if they are less than ecstatic to obey God, they are failing God. Somehow they feel their obedience is negated by any hint of reservation or unhappiness with God's plan.

A false notion that Christians are to be happy all the day, even when facing the direst of circumstances, dehumanizes our emotions. It creates a very unhealthy denial of authentic and legitimate feelings. False guilt replaces what otherwise should be a celebration for obeying.

Jesus tells a story of two sons who were asked by their father to work in the vineyard (Matthew 21:28-32). The first said "I will not," but later changed his mind and went to work. The second said, "I will, sir," but then did not go. The one who did not want to work, but still obeyed was honored. The moment of truth comes from what we willingly choose to do, not how we feel about it nor the struggle we had in getting to that place of obedience.

With your minds eye or by looking at a picture, go to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is a beautiful, quiet place with olive trees that date back at least to the first century. You cannot physically go in because the rod iron fence keeps the public away to protect the garden. (People were taking leaves, bark, stones and flowers as souvenirs or sacred relics.)

But do not let the beauty of the place diminish the reality of the great debate that occurred there. While Jesus was not rebellious or disrespectful with the Father, he demonstrates how to express genuine feelings and desires, while remaining surrendered to carrying out God's will. Take your greatest struggle to obey into the garden. Agonize in a debate with God. Jesus did. When you freely choose to surrender, you will have a new resolve and determination to face what lies ahead.

An Epitaph Is Formed by the Dash (November 2, 2006)
Lois E. F. Watkins

Halloween is past, which brings no sadness to me. It is not my favorite holiday. However, this year was extra special as we went through a Halloween zoo with our two grandchildren and parents. "Giraffe" Micah and "Piglet" Hannah put each ticket in the buckets and got their treats. (Click here for pics.) At eighteen months they won't remember it, but we adults certainly will, and the pictures will help when memory fades.

One knoll had several tombstones with interesting epitaphs. Perhaps you have seen them on the internet or in Jim's book, The Why Files: Is there Really Life After Death?

Here lies Johnny Yeast, Pardon me for not rising.

In New Orleans, Louisiana: This is what I expected, but not so soon.

Comedian W. C. Fields allegedly wrote his own epitaph: All things considered, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.

In Nantucket, Massachusetts: Under the sod and under the trees,
Lies the body of Jonathan Pease. He is not here, there's only the pod:
Pease shelled out and went to God.

When walking through a cemetery, do you ever wonder about the cause of death? These leave no doubt!

In Uniontown, Pennsylvania: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake;
Stepped on the gas instead of the brake.

On John Barrymore's monument: See? I told you I was sick.

In Tombstone, AZ: Here lies Lester Moore. Four slugs from a .44. No les. No more.

Finally from Leadville, Colorado (with friends like these, who needs enemies):
Amos Rutledge hanged himself. We would have done it for him.

Nowadays some headstones have a picture of the person, intricate etchings of the person's home, hobbies, or names of children. Most only have a birth date and a death date with a dash in between indicating everything that occurred in a person's life. Only those who have known the person will ever know the value of the dash.

"The Dash" is a poem written by Linda Ellis during a lunch break in 1998. It is only 239 words in 36 lines, but captures the significance of life. She was prompted to write it because of an overwhelming sense that people's priorities were skewed. Wanting to be remembered for cars, houses, and money had replaced a desire to be remembered for how we treat others: respect, love, appreciation, and understanding. She challenges people to consider what is true and real, as well as keeping in mind that each day we are adding to our own eulogy.

While it is beneficial to reflect on what we want people to remember about us or what we are doing to make ourselves memorable, let's look instead at the life of Jesus from the perspective of "One Solitary Life" by Dr. James Allen Francis. Last week's "Thursday Thoughts" focused on that obscure village of Bethlehem, where Jesus Christ was born. Having the opportunity to visit Bethlehem, as well as many sites within the less than 200 miles where Jesus did his teaching and miracles reinforced how unremarkable this life was from a worldly perspective.

Since mid-June these thoughts have focused on places we visited where Jesus lived and taught. In future weeks our thoughts will focus on various sites and events in Jerusalem, but for today consider the whole of Jesus' life. He truly had no credentials of greatness. He experienced the common human realities of being common and unknown, facing temptation, enjoying admiration and praise, feeling grief, noting accomplishments, knowing weariness, seeing God's power, bearing rejection, sensing God's pleasure, receiving mockery, enduring suffering, sensing God's abandonment, and experiencing death.

In the closing chapters of the Gospels three simple and profound statements form a powerful epitaph:

1. "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews" (John 19:19)--Pilate's notice placed above his head on the cross. This statement places Jesus squarely in the course of history. He belongs to a town, to a race, to a people. Yet, he is also the fulfillment of centuries of prophecies given at previous times in history. He is of the line of King David and it was promised that his kingdom would never end (II Samuel 7:16). At the same time the statement itself can be seen as a prophecy, pointing to a time when Jesus will be recognized and crowned as King.

2. "Surely he was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54) or "Surely this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47)--spoken by the centurion after the death of Jesus. Both statements refer to the spiritual nature and obedience of Jesus. A Roman soldier recognized the inner character of Christ, beyond his earthly descriptions. Dying on the cross as the Son of God and a righteous man put his entire life and mission in perspective. Forgiveness of sin is something only God can do (Psalm 130:4, Mark 2:5-7). There is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus provided both the means and the authority to forgive sin.

3. "He is not here; he is risen" (Matthew 28:6)--spoken by the angel to the women at the empty tomb. No other statement better characterizes the power and eternal nature of Jesus. Jesus was here, but is no longer here in the sense of being physically dead. He is risen to new life, which in turn gives new life to all who believe on Jesus' name.

Epitaph for Jesus: King of the Jews; righteous, Son of God; risen from the dead!

Unlikely Beginnings (October 26, 2006)
Lois E.F. Watkins, director

"Mighty oaks from little acorns grow" is an adage highlighting how great things can have small beginnings. Babies remind me of little acorns with so much potential for growth and greatness. Watching eight children between the ages of five months and five years, plus three more between six and fourteen at a recent family reunion, gave me reason to reflect on little acorns.

Although each child has some shared DNA from my parents, yet each one is his or her own person. Personalities, environments and experiences are already making their marks. What will each one will become? Only time, choices made and God's grace will reveal whether the little acorns become mighty oaks or something less grand. No matter the outcome, each one is loved deeply by God, family and friends.

Unlikely beginnings of Jesus

A little, cave-like stable in the little town of Bethlehem is an unlikely place to begin "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Micah 5:2 emphasizes its small reputation, "But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are form of old, from ancient times." Bethlehem became the birthplace of baby Jesus, a "little acorn" who became a "mighty oak" known as Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Today, modern Bethlehem is not so little anymore with a population of 40,000 including suburbs. It is one of the most popular cities on Israel tours. The Grotto of the Nativity had an ornate church built over it in the early fourth century. The actual birth place is not a plain-looking stable and the scents are not of animals, but of incense.

A 14-point silver star embedded in white marble marks the exact spot on the floor. It bears the inscription, Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est -- Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary. Red, plush draperies trimmed in gold surround the birth place. The nearby spot for the manger has a golden grate in front of it. Fifteen red lamps burn around the recess. (While the décor is fit for the King of Kings, it is hard to envision the biblical account in such a place.)

From a little town of no prestige; from an animal shelter which became a birthplace by default because there was no room in the inn; from a birth of little renown, except to the common shepherds who received an angelic proclamation; from everything little and insignificant that night came God's solution to restoring the broken relationship with sinful people. God's own Son became human flesh and lived among us. He lived, died for our sins and rose to new life. ". . . to all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become the children of God" John 1:12.

Unlikely beginnings of Abraham Lincoln

History is full of people with unlikely beginnings, who began with hardly as much promise as little acorns. Two upcoming events bring Abraham Lincoln to mind as having an unlikely beginning: elections on November 7 and Thanksgiving Day on November 23 (first national Thanksgiving Day was during his presidency).

Ever since elementary school, I have been impressed that someone like Lincoln could rise to President of the United States. Reading "Love is Eternal" by Irving Stone, which is a historical novel of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, reinforced that admiration. The shear volume of obstacles he faced made him an unlikely candidate for greatness.