Lord, Did I Misunderstand? The Trip Begins - Day One

Donner pass just before Truckee about 6000 feet





“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psa. 23:4-5). God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble” (Psa. 46:1).

Hey Gang:  God had miraculously filled our quiver.  House sold, vehicles changed in preparation for the move and we now had sufficient funds in the bank to provide for our trip and needs.  Still the thought, that perhaps I was reading the wrong thoughts into this whole project and was placing my family in jeopardy, was constantly own my mind.  I wonder where that came from? Any suggestions?

Even as we were loading the vehicles and preparing to say goodbye to California family, a story was on my mind:  A man riding down the road on his donkey asked for a confirming sign from heaven. He was immediately knocked off his donkey.  He got up and, just to make sure, he got back on his donkey and said, “Lord, if you meant that for me, give me another shot!”,

I did not feel I needed another shot but God gave me one anyway.  In my final days of work at Juvy, I learned that the directorship of the new facility had turned into a political battle and I did not fit the politics of the appointment.  God is good, all the time!

The trip from Pittsburgh, California to Haysville, Ohio took only five days but it was also five days that have lived in infamy in our minds and hearts.  You will understand as you read on...

After completing my last 8-hour shift in the Juvenile Hall, on a Saturday, we had dinner with my parents, we loaded our vagabond family in the vehicles and headed for Jean’s parent’s home in Haysville, Ohio.   My brother, who was somewhat of an adventurous chap and mechanic, decided he would ride shot-gun for us for a couple hours.  He was driving an MG convertible- without the top-his intention was to turn back at Donor Pass and head for warmer climate.   HOWEVER…..
 

Leaving Pittsburgh, California, (near San Francisco) we began our trek north to Donor Pass and over the Sierra Mountains.  However, in down town Sacramento, some eighty miles from our starting point, we had our very first catharsis - a flat tire on the rear of the loaded truck.  We were fortunate that this happened in front a brand-new service station that had all the latest tire-fixing equipment.

Problem: it was now about 8pm and the attendant of the gas station was a wet-behind-the-ears lad and not interested in tackling a tire on a truck that had a freezer, washing machine and dryer on board.  So, we did some unloading, got out the trusty jack, and took the tire off and fixed it -there in the middle of the million-dollar gas station, right in front of the garage bay that contained all of the latest tire fixing equipment! 

Two hours later we, once again, put the vehicles in gear and headed for Donor Pass.   Jean, the pilot of the 1950 Econo van that had seen its better days, yours truly behind the wheel of the Pick Up and Von, my brother in his MG without top.  (I emphasize that point as you will see why later).

The climb up Donor Pass is not steep by most folk’s standards but, for equipment that had seen better days, it was like climbing Mt McKinley.  The Van hung together until we reached the summit and began our descent. A red light came on in the Van.  Later, the freeze plug in the van blew, sending water all over the generator. My thought was to push the van over the cliff and find the nearest motel and at least get some rest for the next day’s challenges- but saner minds prevailed.  After a board meeting, there by the side of the road, we dug into the truck and located the log chain that- for some reason - I decided we should take with us.

Now, as I write this dialog of my recollections of the battles against the evil one, who was bound and determined that we would not reach our destination, I can attest to the fact that we never waivered from our course.  Perhaps, there was also some testing from the Throne Room checking our grit level.  I have thought of this test many times and I am not sure why we chained the Van to the MG instead of the truck, but that is precisely what we did.  Several hours later we exited the freeway and pulled into the parking lot of Harrah’s Gambling Casino in Reno, Nevada.   It was the only place that had sufficient lighting to allow us to make the repairs to the Van.

BUT, before we could tackle that impossible chore, we needed a miracle.  We had to find someplace in the middle of the night in Reno, Nevada, where we could find a freeze plug for a 1950 Ford Econo Van.  Now, I have no idea how we ended up at this isolated shop on an isolated street that had a very worn sign “garage”.  A dim light led us to the entrance where we found an open door and a very-old- gentlemen-I would guess him to be several hundred years old, unshaven and in coveralls that were so covered with dirt and grease they would not bend at the knees.

My question to him was in the negative, “Is there even the slightest chance that you would have a freeze plug for a 1950 Ford Econo Van?”  At that moment time stood still; he scratched his bearded chin and these remarkable words came forth from his mouth – “Yes, I believe I do”.  Within minutes he had dug into a drawer in the back corner of his shop and produced a whole drawer full of freeze plugs.

There were many amazing things that happened that night in Harrah’s parking lot in Reno, Nevada, but none more amazing then when he reached into that filthy drawer of freeze plugs and took one in hand and said with boldness and confidence, “This is the one you want”.   And my friends, it was the one we wanted.

God is good. All the time.  Tune in again for the next chapter of the vagabond journey that lives on in infamy- even this day more than fifty years later. 

Blessings,

Gramps

Lord, Did I Misunderstand? The Fleece

“Now the Lord said to Abraham, “Go forth from your country and from your relatives” (Gen. 12:1).   “Your word is a lamp to my feet to my path.  I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances” (Psa. 119:105-106).

Hey Gang:  Remember the last “Lord Did I Misunderstand?” began by establishing the fact that I was recording the birth of the Eagle (Boys) Village and vowed it would consist of the truth, nothing but the truth, so help me God?   As I mentioned I received a call from the Michigan contact person informing me that not one iota of progress had been made and the only chance the project had to becoming a reality was for us to come to Michigan and do the leg work.

Remember the new facility with the short list?  As the year in-waiting passed, I confess, my confidence level had all but disappeared.  Yes, it was my heart’s desire to take the plunge and accept the challenge of developing a home for hurting kids, but it appeared that was my dream and not the direction that God would have me go.  BUT, at the same time there was a political battle beginning to heat up about who would be the director of the new facility and I belonged to the minority party. 

It seemed that all the dangling carrots were suddenly ending up in someone else’s stew.  Simply stated, I did a Daniel: ”I made up my mind!” I said to the Lord, “I am willing but not without confirmation from You.” I really felt like it was time to put the issue behind me and seek a new path.  We were secure in a very comfortable home, both had good jobs with opportunities for advancement.

But remember the fleece?  Hang onto your Bible!  Several weeks after I had said, “Your will be done, Lord, but you have to show me your will”,  I was grass-cutting on Esperanza Drive- following the duties listed on the duty chart, for you military guys and gals- when a neighbor from across the street came to where I was mowing and motioned that he would like to talk to me.  I had never met the man, nor did I even know his name. 

After a short introduction and a bit of idle talk he, out of the blue, said, “I understand you are going to sell your house and I am interested in buying it’.  Bell’s began to ring in my mind, not on the offer to buy the house, but on an adage that my rather fugal mother had pounded into my head as a child: “Careful, gift horses often turn out to be lemons”.   

We talked and he made an offer- a very good offer- one that would have been hard to turn down even if I was not in a selling attitude.  Since we had only been in the house for a couple years and, had put minimum dollars down when we bought it, we were fearful that selling it now might cost us two arms and two legs.  There was no question, since we had not mentioned this to anyone, not even our parents, that we were considering selling the house and moving east and, this gentlemen - out of the blue- offered to buy it, we knew in our hearts the fleece had been answered and bonus -his offer included to pay us a few dollars- that was the cherry on top of the Sundae.

With the house issue settled, we now turned our attention to “WHEN”.  Again, time to allow God to make this decision by providing the needed funds to move our family across country and provide the needed vehicles to make the trip.  I might add, this was a hard decision for me. I owned a sports car that was a part of me and, next to the day that we had to sell our Belgian Horses at the Village, was the hardest decision I made- sports car turned truck! My parents needed a newer car and purchased the Nash Rambler. SO, with proceeds from the two car sales, we were able to find an Econo Van and pickup truck that we felt would make the trip and meet our needs for the time being.

Our home was furnished with early garage and rummage sales so returning them to the garage sale system solved the furniture issues.  The beds fit nicely into the Econo Van and the washer, freezer and dryer, fit on the pickup truck. 

The last item on the needs list was money.  We had sufficient funds to get out of town but future was unknown. Unbeknown to me I had accumulated several hundreds of dollars in the Retirement Fund.  Once again, God provided! 1960’s was the time when income tax returns were taking months to receive back, BUT, two weeks after the decision to ‘go for it’ was made, low and behold, our income tax came back!  A little here, and a little there, when added up provided what we felt was enough to get us to Ohio, to my bride’s parent’s home and have some left over.

God was teaching us what He meant by Paul’s words, “And My God will supply al your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

We were now about to go into “On the job training” with Paul’s words in Philippians 4:12b-13 “I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”.  

Tune in next time for a fabulous show of God’s provision.

Blessings,

Gramps

Lord, Did I Misunderstand? Ready or Not- Here I Am Ready

“Now the Lord said to Abraham, “Go forth from your country and from your relatives” (Gen. 12:1).   “Your word is a lamp to my feet to my path.  I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances” (Psa. 119:105-106).

Lesson learned:  Divine guidance is not a spiritual luxury- it is a minimum necessity for every believer! We cannot expect Him to guide us unless His will, not our own, is the supreme purpose of our lives. 

Hey Gang:  A year passed and nothing had moved an inch in Michigan, and yours truly was beginning to have doubts, was this God’s will or a pipe dream of Kermit’s? Every day, when I went to work, I passed the new facility that was in the final stages of completion.  This would house the dependent-neglect program.  It was a state-of-the-art facility and I learned that my name had appeared near the top on the short list for the directorship.   

  

Now, put yourself in my place for a moment and considered the following carrots that were being dangled before my eyes.  First, I had a family of six to provide for; second, it would have meant a very substantial increase in salary and benefits and placed me in a position of prestige in the system; third, I was comfortable in my home and community and fourth, it would not have meant rooting-up my kids and bride once again and moving them back across country to who knows what we would be facing.

Satan was relentless in his supply of carrots.  Every time I went to work I could see the new facility nearing completion.  At work, there was the frequent encouraging comments that since I was already in the system I would, in-all-probability, have the first chance to accept or reject the new position.  And on the other side of the ledger, what I would call God’s side, nothing was happening.

The heat was suddenly turned up several notches when the contact person in Michigan informed me this was not going to happen, if I did not come back and do the leg work needed to get it off the ground.  That, my friends, was not music to my ears.  Soooo, again, I drove to work- by that beautiful new facility that was now in the landscaping phase to beautify the area around the building.  The message was, oh, so clear from the evil one that day: “You can do all that you want to do to save children in that new facility and have all the perks and fringes offered by the system without lifting a single finger.”

There was the growing question in my mind (notice in my mind, not my heart), ‘Was this Kermit’s idea or God’s?’  I confess at that point, I did not have a clue which.  It was also one of these times when I felt my prayers were like bricks that, when offered, they immediately fell to the ground.  I wonder how Jesus felt when Father God said to Him, “I want You to leave the perfection of heaven and go to earth and walk in the shoes of those I breathed life into and break the bondage of sin that holds them captive on a hill called ‘Calvary’.”

And then, one day as I was driving by that new facility once again, I pulled a Gideon with God.  I said, “Lord, I have not seen one iota of progress or even a word of encouragement from Michigan.  I need a word from the Throne Room of Heaven to give me the assurance that I am to up-dump the lives of my family and become, as I my bride often said, “The unemployed director of a non-existent Boys Home.”  

It was during this time of agony and pain and doubt that two very special verses stuck out in very bold print from the writing of Isaiah.  He quoted God’s Word to him, “So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.  For you will go out with joy and be led forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:11-12).  

Did God answer my fleece?  Turn in tomorrow and see!

Blessings,

Gramps 

Lord, Did I Misread Something?

A Sequel to: God Does Meet Our Needs When We Ask Him – With a Sincere Heart – EV Blog series May 2017

“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, And from your relatives, and from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you” (Gen.12:1-2).  “Jesus said, all authority has been given to me, GO!” (Matt. 28:18-19).

Hey Gang:  After re-reading the six previous ‘God Meets Our Needs’ blogs, I felt it was like an open book with no beginning or end.  I also mentioned - that I pray there will never be an end- but I also felt the need to address the series of events that led to Eagle Boys Village becoming a living reality.   One might sub-title this epistle “Are Your Sure, God?”

As I began to dig into the recesses of my brain about what transpired from the night they brought Dennis into the Juvenile Hall and I booked him in for murder, I felt the need to type the following with one hand and my other hand on the Holy Writ.  For, as I have shared what I am about to share with you, would qualify for the ‘Believe it or not file’ with a strong emphasis on the ‘not. I want you to know up front, the following is the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth, so help me God!” 

WE lived about halfway between San Jose and Sacramento.

That night, the night Dennis was booked in, was the beginning of a journey that, unless you were there, would be hard for you to think I have not embellished the story to gain some sort of accolades.   When I arrived home that night I announced to the bride-of-my-youth, “I am either going to find a way to help these kids or become a plumber’s helper!

Keep in mind that in the previous three years I had seen hundreds, perhaps even a thousand or more kids go through my South-Side Section; kids that I had seen on a regular basis and kids that I watched develop into hardened delinquents.  I had to read Dennis’s ‘history of stays’ in Juvy and found he had been through the Hall on eight separate occasions for minor offenses, and on every trip his request was the same, a cry for help!  

If you are a steady ‘Gramps Morning Thoughts’ reader, you will remember several blogs titled “Don’t Get to Comfortable”; they told the story of how God led me from the Air Traffic Control Field to working with children.   I believe that night, as I locked Dennis in his cell, was the next step in “Don’t Get to Comfortable”. 

Several months later I felt the need for a break in the action and we traveled to Michigan for a week of rest and recuperation.  God does control the weather, right?  Do you know what it means to be stir-crazy?   It rained for several days straight and my family of six, four under the age of 8, were in a twenty-four-foot-square friend’s cottage!  We began to learn what stir-crazy was all about.

To reduce the anxiety level, we visited a family friend of my bride - who just happened to be a disabled farmer.   After he had heard my story, the story of Dennis and my decision to do something to help these kids or become a plumber’s helper, he suggested I use his farm. We had talked about the possibility of Foster Care.  A seed was planted, a seed that would face many pitfalls before it could break forth from its shell into life; but, for the first time in months I felt that God had heard the cry from my heart  -to do something to help these hurting kids. 

Vacation time ended and we returned to California.  Shortly after we departed, Mr K, our friend with the farm, made contact with a Court of Appeals Judge, who made contact with the juvenile judges in the area.  All were in agreement that a treatment center for boys was critically needed. (Our thoughts of a foster home was not God’s thoughts!)

This soon led to a meeting, involving five local business men, to test the water and see if there was interest in taking on the challenge of establishing and helping to finance a project of this type.  And so, stage one - of what was to be the development of Eagle Boys Village- was begun. These five men committed to coming together as a Founding Board of Trustees and begin the legal process.

We were rolling, right?  Not without a ton or two of frustration and pain over the next three years.  More than a year passed while we waited: I was still employed in the Juvenile Hall in California and Jean doing some home-bound teaching for the county.  It was during that time when two Scriptures became very important and engrained in my mind and heart:

The first, Psalm 40:1-2, “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He included to me and heard my cry.  He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm”.  

The second, James 5:11,  “We count those blessed who endured.  You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful”.

Tune in tomorrow for chapter two and learn what a real live miracle looks like.   

Blessings,

Gramps

The Deeper the Well, the Purer the Water!

Going down to the well at Megiddo - we have been there!

“How can a young man keep his way pure?  By keeping it according to Your word.  With all my heart, I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments.  Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119: 9-11).

Hey Gang: Confession time – I enjoy doing Gramps Morning Thoughts.  I haven’t a clue, if they are penetrating to the depths of each reader’s heart. I pray they are, but they do keep me focused on the Word and what God is doing in our world, even in this day of darkness.  I pray diligently each morning as I hit the send button that it is God’s message going out and not mine.  I am but the recorder, I pray He is the Author.

The reason it is such a joy to prepare the blogs and gmails, each day, is that it keeps me in the Word.  I love to take a word and trace the road that God would have us traverse as His children.  My biggest problem, in preparing the final draft, is that I want to share so much more than space allows. 

As most of you who receive these epistles know, I have always been a teacher of the Seed Planting Principle: “That God is not mocked, we are going to reap what we sow” (Gal. 6:7). 

I have learned throughout the years of being in the Word that all of God’s precepts, statutes, and commandments are, not only irrevocable but are also based on “Common sense”.  It does not take a brain surgeon or rocket scientist to understand that, if we beat up our bodies with booze, cigarettes and drugs, we are going to pay the Piper ‘big time’, down the road.

Peter addressed this very thing in chapter 5:5-6 of his first epistle: “Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God”  Why?  “..that he may exalt you at the proper time.”  He follows this with a word of reassurance for those of us who struggle: “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 

Now notice, Peter describes why good people have problems: “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (vs.8).   But, thank God for the “but”, “…resist him, be firm in your faith …for one day Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (vs. 9). 

Keep in mind that no matter how clean you keep your house, the evil one continues to look over your shoulder and look for an opening to, not only move into your house. but also to bring his cousins along. 

Blessings,

Gramps 

PS Watch for the series beginning Monday "Lord, Did I Miss something?  

IS Something Fix'n to Happen?

God said to Abram: “And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing:  And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse.   And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Gen. 12:2-3).

Notice in the Scripture of the morning: in no place does it say- “I suggest,” or “It would be nice if you paid heed to My command.”   It is a clear command from the throne room of heaven: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! (Psa. 122:6). 

Hey Gang:  I’ve been reflecting today on the verse- “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”  (Psalm 122:6).  Question?  Is it true that God blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who curse Israel?   It is much, much more than a suggestion and, never in my life time, have I felt a deeper sense of urgency to obey this command than right at this moment.  Did you know there is a blessing attached to that command also? 

Are we seeing the fulfillment of Zechariah 12:3 before our very eyes?  The prophet predicted the day when all the nations of the earth would turn against Jerusalem.  Surely that does not include the United States, Israel’s best friend in the world?  God forbid!  The day that this does happen will be the beginning of the end for America. 

I was shocked out of my sox when I heard our previous President make the public call for Israel to retreat to its 1967 borders!  No President before had ever made such a statement. Why?  Because it is completely untenable for Israel to survive under the 67 boundaries, which are actually not borders.  No true friend would make such a demand.

Encouraged by the revolution sweeping the Middle East, Israel’s radical enemies apparently see an opportunity to launch new attacks. 

For many, the future seems bleak indeed[ however, for Bible Believers there is a sure Word from the Lord.  Despite growing hostility toward Israel and failed leadership in so many countries, Israel will survive!  We are charged with the responsibility to petition heaven and be steadfast in our love and support of Israel and the Jewish people.

I have come to the conclusion that John Poole’s daddy was correct when he shouted from the pulpit, “Some things fixen’ to happen; soon that will shake the very heavens.  You are going to be part of it, every soul on earth will be part of it, the only question is, on which side will you be? 

So, young warriors for Christ, keep in mind: “When all of these things happen to look up for your redemption draws nearer and nearer.” (Matthew 25: ) This you can take to the bank, God will never leave or forsake His chosen people and the apple of His eye, and He will never leave or forsake those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Blessings

Gramps

Beginning Monday will be the first of the series "Did I Misunderstand?"

Remember the D-14 Allis Chalmers Tractor?

My prayer this morning, “That He would grant you (me) according to His riches of His glory to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16).

Hey Gang:  Do you remember the stories of the grief my Allis Chalmers D-14 caused me?  You see, the tractor is older than dirt and has earned the right to be placed in the back forty and allowed to just rust away; but, I am determined to make it live as long as I am able to crawl up on its back and hear the roar of its engine. 

Well, maybe not a roar any more.  More like a purr!  After sitting all winter, I started keyed the switch, put it into gear and hit the throttle. It grunted and complained, as I expected it to return to yesterday’s glory days when it was filled with the enthusiasm to be of service and eager to fulfill my every expectation.  As Granny often said in her later years, when I get up in the morning, I check the ‘Obits’ and, if my name us not there, I get my cereal bowl out and get my day started.

So, I called my favorite repair shop and they sent a tractor ambulance and took my rusty D-14 to the tractor hospital.  After being thoroughly examined by the tractor doctor, he called to give me the prognosis.   He said, these old tractors, after they had lived their normal life and are on borrowed time often run very well when just sitting and idling. 

They can also fool you and run at full power, or what power is left in their crank case, once in a while; but they are also likely to rebel when you put them under power to complete a task.  In other words, all of the parts on that tractor have been through the mill for more than sixty years and are worn, loose and very tired.  My response, “You just gave me a perfect description of me!”

Three weeks passed and the phone remained very quiet and then, hallelujah, the phone came to life informing me the tractor was running like a smooth oiled machine, well may not smooth, but with more gusto then when they began to dig for life deep in its ‘innerds’.  He assured me I would see the D14 in my drive way the next day.  But!  I am not a great fan of “buts”! 

Shortly after the first call informing they had completed the restoration process, while loading the tractor for its trip home an oil leak was detected and re-admitted it to the tractor hospital. My tenure in the waiting room continues.   

Now, I believe there must be a learning experience in this story somewhere, but I’m not quite sure where.  The wood chopping process for the coming winter has been placed on hold; the filing of the ruts and holes from the winter has also been placed on hold;  I believe I have earned the right to throw a major, knock down pity party- but then again, I have completed, and continue to complete, major projects that have been on my bride’s ‘Honey do list” and there are some very neat fringe benefits of seeing her smiling face.

So, my friends, I decided to nip the ‘pity party’ in the bud and spend some time in my prayer closet.  That is much more beneficial and has greater rewards attached to it than ‘pity parties’.  I close with one of my very favorite verse from Doctor Luke that has been a guiding light for me. 

Challenge for the day!  It is found in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down and shaken together and running over, shall men give to you.  For with the same measure that you give, it shall be measured unto you,” Read it in your Bible. Take your red pen and underline the word ‘measure’.  Now, turn to your concordance and look up all the blessings that are associated with this promise from Abba Father.

Blessings,

Gramps

A Slice of Immortality Can Be Yours

 “Give, and it will be given to you.  They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  For by your standard of measure it will, be measured to you in return.” (Luke 6:38)

Hey Gang:  His name was Mr. Diggs.  I do not recall ever hearing his name mentioned in the town hall meetings, or see his name in the paper for some wonderful  thing he did to promote and bring honor to his community.  To most he was just an old man who spent many hours sitting on his porch doing nothing but rocking.

But to the kids on the block, Mr. Diggs was something very special.  He had gained the  title of respect  “Big Daddy”.  The neighborhood was what we commonly call “transitional” or “rundown”.  Few of the boys, who played kick ball on the street in front of Mr.Digg’s home, had daddies in their lives. 

He was not sure how he had become known as ‘Big Daddy’ to the boys, it just happened. One day one of the boys noticed that Mr. Diggs spent much of his time rocking and reading and asked, “Whatcha reading, man?”  His response, “How to be something special in this world”. 

To make the long story short, that struck a nerve in that boy’s heart and he wanted to know about this ”success stuff”.  From that day forward, Mr. Diggs became a seed planter, not only in the life of this one who wanted to know about “success stuff”, but multitudes of other boys who played kick ball in front of his house.       

Mr. Diggs was a great believer in the following Bruce Barton adage: “The greatest sporting proposition in the world is, place a bet on a boy.  You invest a few dollars in his character and education and you can never tell how big a winning you may make.  Presently, he becomes a man, through his life you live – your influence extends through him and his descendent.  You have purchased a little slice of immortality.”

Soooo, my young friends, do you want to purchase a little slice of immortality today? Then deny self, take up your cross and seek out someone who needs to have a seed planted in their life.  You won’t have to look very far - they are all around you.

Blessings,

Gramps 

Question: From Where Does Your Strength Come?

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; therefore, my heart exults, And with my song I shall thank Him” (Psa. 28:7).  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10).

Hey Gang: One does not have to watch very long to see the world does not measure strength by our relationship with our Abba Father.  As a matter of fact, life has taught me that Satan not like strength of any type, especially as described in the above Scriptures.

I was watching the “Strongest Man Competition” and was utterly amazed with the power these men had in their bodies.   One of the tasks, that had to be completed, was to place a harness on the contestant and a long rope that they attached to a semi-trailer truck.  The object- he had to pull the semi up a very slight grade to the finish line, a hundred or so yards away. Now, I readily admit that it would take every iota of my strength just to pull the rope to the finish line.

In an interview, after the strongest man was crowned, the winner gave a short litany of the physical problems that he had to overcome in order just to be included in the competition. It reminded me of Paul’s description in Corinthians of what he called slight afflictions that he endured as an apostle of Jesus. The next time you believe life has entered the bummer stage, take a minute or two and read what Paul meant by slight afflictions in 2 Corinthians 11:23-29.  And, while at it, pay special attention to his wrap-up of this dissertation on pain and agony: “If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness” (vs. 30).

 Did you know the world is filled with God’s object lessons? I have just completed cutting, splitting and stacking my wood needs for the coming winter.  It brought back memories of yesteryear when I helped a friend prepare his wood needs for the coming fuzzy white stuff season.  He had several types of wood, some split easy and some more difficult. 

But he also had some elm in the pile and I noticed that, if I tried to go at the strength of the piece of elm, the eight horse splitter did not have the power to penetrate and split the log but, if I moved it to an inch or so from the edge, it would, with a great deal of grunting, split the log.  It also weakened the log enough that I could then attack the inner parts of the log and complete the splitting job.

Throughout the day, each time I ran into a piece of that tough elm tree God reminded me of Paul’s words in Ephesian 6:10-13:  “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

Notice in verse eighteen of that chapter Paul gives us the prerequisites of success in our battles with the evil one:  First, “Pray at all times in the Spirit”; second, “Be alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints”. 

Ern Baxter, who was known as the ‘preachers – preacher’ once commented that as long as we keep the armor of God in place, the Devil cannot tell us from Jesus.  I certainly believe in that analogy.   When I am locked into God’s power supply, I find my days are filled with a peace and joy that surpasses human understanding but when I go my own way and allow Satan to control my day, it is dumpster time.

So, my young friends and family, take a minute and make sure you have your armor in place before you drive out your driveway into the mission field;  the evil one is no one to fool with in our own power and strength.

Blessings,

Gramps

Did You Ever Do Anything That Was Really Dumb?

“Because of her joy, she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate” (Acts. 12:14). 

Hey Gang, is that not a loaded question!  Show me someone that has never done anything dumb!  You can’t, because that person has never been born, with one exception. Confession time: I am totally convinced that I have made more dumb mistakes than anyone I have ever had the pleasure to meet and get to know. 

I truly believe that God had me in mind when He put into Paul’s heart, mind and letter this neat fringe benefit for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose: “And we know that God causes all thing to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). 

When we chose to leave California and good jobs, home and excellent chances for climbing the corporate ladder to become an ‘unemployed director of a non-existent boy’s home’, most folks thought we were dumb.  You’re going to do what? Was a common question.  Even our families thought we were a wee bit unattached.

But, as I read the Word, I find that there are many examples of people who do very strange things, like see a bush on fire and not burn or talk to a donkey.  In the Scripture, we find Peter has been set free from prison by an angel of the Lord and went to the house of Mary -where many of the followers of Jesus were praying for that precise thing to happen.

James had been executed and Herod was planning to add Peter to the “dearly departed” the next morning.  One might think that he, Peter, would be on his knees pleading with God to intervene on his behalf but, strange as it may seem, he was sleeping.  He was not mentioned in the Hebrew’s Hall of Faith but he certainly qualified for membership.

The Church was praying for him and God was at work on the other side of the city dispatching an angel to set Peter free.   When Peter arrived at the gate of Mary’s house and rang the doorbell, Rhonda came to answer and in her excitement left Peter standing at the gate and went to tell the others.  Now, that folks, is strange.

Now, let’s look beyond the strangeness to the source of the power of this story.  Have you ever felt like your prayers were like bricks that fall to the ground as soon as they are uttered? If so, perhaps you need someone to agree with you in prayer.  Jesus did say “If two or you agree about anything…it will be done for you by My Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:19). In Ecclesiastes 4:12 Solomon, the second wisest man, to walk the earth wrote,-“A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart”.

You, your prayer partner and the Holy Spirit make one tough cord with the ingredients to drive slimy, slue foot and his minions back to the sewer, his temporary dwelling while awaiting his permanent eternal home in the tar pits of eternity.

Blessings,

Gramps

A Contrast of Spirits --Vastly Different Outcomes

“But Saul and His people spared Agag and the best of the sheep the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed” (2 Sam. 15:9).

Hey Gang:  Many years ago, when we were going through rapid expansion at the Village and a period when the alligators were doing more than nipping at our heals and were up to our armpits, I was priviledged to attend The Shepherd’s Conference in Kansas City.  The Kansas City News published a headline announcing that three-thousand shepherds were in town attending the Conference: they added that they did not know there were 3000 shepherds left in the country.

I would dearly love to give you a blow by blow account of the three-day event, but will suffice to say, it was a life-changing experience - at a time when I was going through very deep waters.  I was so very blessed to sit under several outstanding teachers -but the one that rally got inside my heart, soul and mind was Ern Baxter, then known throughout the world as being a ‘preacher’s- preacher’.  

He titled his series: “The King and His Army” and presented three, hour and half, electrifying messages from the writings of Samuel.  At that time cassettes were the way to immortalize special messages.  I purchased the tapes and in the next several years literally wore them out.  There were very few days when I did to invite Ern Baxter’s teaching into my heart and mind.

I talked with an old-salt several days ago and mentioned that I had been reviewing notes, that I have compiled over the years from the Old Covenant, and he said, “Oh, that’s all past, I only read the New Testament.”  I kind of felt like he was basking on the whip cream and cherry and was neglecting the ice cream and chocolate syrup.  You see, I believe, if Jesus and His intimate twelve quoted from the Old Covenant, that is reason enough that I should find about what is in it. 

I would dearly love to go down that track this morning but I feel a tug saying, “Get back on the subject, Hainley.” In his three sessions, Baxter laid out a clear picture of how America is following the same track that Israel followed when the people grumbled to Samuel and demanded a king to rule them and not a prophet, ”JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE”. 

Well, God answered, “Listen to the voice of the people in regard to all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them” (1 Sam. 8:7).   “BUT”-  Hey, careful of the in’s, and’s and but’s, they tend to sometimes come back to haunt you.   Samuel warned:  He (king) will take and he will take and he will take and then he will take some more” (I. Sam. 8:10-17).  Does that sound familiar?  

Saul had it all – he was chosen by God to be His king- but became increasingly rebellious toward he Lord.  If I were to make a listing of Saul’s rebellious acts toward God, I would place his refusal to do as Lord instructed him to do. In 1 Sam 15:7 Saul received this instruction from Samuel: “Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey”.  

We read in verse 9 Saul’s response to his marching orders from God through Samuel, “But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to destroy them utterly; but everything despised and worthless they utterly destroyed!”

 He made a bad decision to go his own way!  “Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has departed from you and has become your adversary?  The Lord has done accordingly as He spoke through me; for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, to David.  As you did not obey the Lord and did not excecute His fierce wrath on Amalek, so the Lord had done this things to you this day” (1Sam 28:16-18). 

But Saul chose not to do it God’s way.  Note: the result of this rebellious act on Saul’s part- Saul was killed by the hand of an Amalekite  (2 Sam 1:8).

In this story of Saul and David’s kingship, is there a story tucked away for us and for this day?  Yes, I believe there is.  Note these words in I Sam 15:26: “The Lord has ejected you from being king over Israel”.  In I Samuel 16:12 we read of David’s anointing as king. 

Question?  Do you have two kings in your life, today?  If so, which one ae you serving?

Blessings,

Gramps

Have You Ever Turned Aside to See a Burning Bush AND.......

Have You Ever Turned Aside to See a Burning Bush and Got Your Fingers Singed?  It can be a life changing experience!

“The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.  So Moses said “I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.”  (Ex. 3:2-3). 

Hey Gang:  One of the neat things about the Word of God is, He gives us different people with different character traits that meet our needs at different times.  I am not one that has ever had a problem with overconfidence or feeling I am superior to anyone.  The depression years and growing up in the mountains of Pennsylvania took that out of me.

I have often asked God the question, Why did He allow me to be the founder and builder of the Village when there were multitudes of people out there that have much greater skills and abilities than I>” His response was always, “You were willing”.  Does that mean I was always confident of the decisions I was making were the right ones?   Heavens to Betsy – ‘NO.’

 As I stand on Mount Nose (so named by the our own kids) and look across the campus and all that He has done, did I wonder how He did it in spite of my mega shortcomings?

When most folks think of Moses they remember his dependence on God and the strength that He maintained throughout his walk with the Lord.  Was He perfect?  No, he lost his cool one day and struck the rock.   Under the circumstances I would have beaten the rock into dust.

There were many times when I faced problems that I did not have a clue how to solve.  Now this may sound strange, but I believe that was my greatest asset - for it made me totally dependent on God to lead and give me the wisdom to do what needed to be done.  If there was ever a person who depended on spoon feeding for the day from the throne room of heaven it was yours truly.

Notice, when God gave Moses the mission He had for him, Moses was not ecstatic with joy.  His first response, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?”  (vs. 11).  “Who will I say sent me?”  “Lord, I don’t talk so good” “What if they do not

believe me”.  Does that sound like a man of confidence? 

Why I like the story of Moses - because it removed the feeling that I have nothing to offer the Lord.  He showed me that my greatest asset to God was my willingness to be used by God, no matter what the assignment.  

So, my young friends, are you willing to check out a burning bush to see what challenge the Lord has for you today? 

Are you willing to be an Isaiah who said, “Here am I, Send Me!” (Isa. 6:8)?

 

Blessings.

Gramps

Has Independence Day Become a Day Without Meaning?

Read Colossians 1:9-12.  Pay special attention to Paul’s words in verse eleven. His prayer, That as believers in Christ, ”We will be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might”.  WHY?  “For the attaining of all steadfastness and patience”, joyously”.  When you feel the alligators are winning the battles, keep in mind Jesus’ words as He prepared to return to the Father: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 8:19).  

Hey Gang:  Many people and organizations are preparing to make ‘Big Booms’ as they lite their explosive crackers.  A large percentage of those people do not have a clue what the significance of the ‘Big Booms’ stand for.  

                                                                                

Few, today, know on July 4, 1776, the Thirteen Colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States of America. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event.

My bride and I have been truly blessed each day, this year, as we have shared a devotional by Dr. Richard G. Lee titled In God We Still Trust. In this book he shares the emphasis that was a given to the spiritual foundations of our nation by our Founding Fathers.

In one entry, he added a quote from Richard Wurmbrand that every American should sit up and give special attention. Simply stated, it is a short version of what the rest of the world felt about the U. S of A. when he wrote it.

Richard Wurmbrand (1909 – 2001), a Romanian Evangelical Christian minister and author, spent a total of fourteen years imprisoned in Romania for his faith; he founded the Voice of Martyrs, an international organization working with and for persecuted Christians around the world.  In 1967, he shared the following -his view of America:

“Every free-loving man has two fatherlands; his own and America.  Today, America is the hope of every enslaved man, because it is the last bastion freedom in the world.  Only America has the power and spiritual resources to stand as a barrier between militant communism and the people of the world.  Only America has the power and spiritual resources to stand as a barrier between militant communism and the people of the word. It is the last dike holding back the rampaging floodwaters of militant communism.  If it crumples, there is no other dike, no other dam; no other line of defense to fall back upon.  America is the last hope of millions of enslaved peoples.  They look to it as their second fatherland.  In it lies their hopes and prayers.  I have seen fellow-prisoners in communist prisons beater, tortured, with fifty pounds of chains on their legs – praying for America…that the dike will not crumple; that it will remain free”.

This week I came across a wonderful article by Pete Garcia, a writer for Post-MAGA who titled his article “Pre-Apocalypse” which I have place in my love- hate file.  He begins by saying something we are all aware of, unless the glitter of the day has you in bondage.  He wrote, “It seems like the world is spinning out of control.  It seems like evil is getting the upper hand and that good people are getting trampled underfoot by the onslaught of negativism, corruption, and just sheer wickedness.  But, beloved, it only “seems” that way because God has not allowed us to see what He is currently doing behind the curtain.  He is moving and positioning the people and events to fall into place exactly as He sees fit.

God wanted President Trump to win the 2016 election.  Not because He wanted Trump to Make America Great again, but because it would accelerate the hardening of those who rejoice in evil.  That may seem over overdramatic to say, but considering that one of our two major political parties has the wholesale slaughter of the unborn as a key political platform.  If that isn’t evil, I don’t know what is.”

I love the United States of America.  I cannot sing the National Anthem or say the pledge to our flag without keeping my hanky handy.  When our enemy violated our nation on 9/11, it was as if they violate me!  You see it is MY country.  Yes, our nation is in turmoil, but I do believe God has given us one last chance to return to the Constitution -and the emphasis our founders placed on protecting our spiritual rights.

God gave us an irrevocable promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Notice:  in verse 13 He precedes His promise with one of those power words “IF”.  If My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and HEAL THEIR LAND.”

We wish you a joyous, safe Independence Day Celebration- and don’t forget to spend time in your prayer closet praying for restoration, reconciliation, and the healing of our land.

Blessings,

Gramps