Neva hava we seen such wisdom before

"Neva hava we seen such wisdom before" Back in I think 1995 our church did a short either Palm Sunday or Easter drama. It's been 16 years so some of the details are sketchy. I do remember that it had something to do with the blind Bartimaus and was written by our pastor. One of the lines was "Never have we seen such wisdom before" This part was given to our Italian brother Tino. With his accent it came out as "Neva hava we seen such wisdom before". For years after as I recalled this part I would laugh about it. Not very authentic but then again Hollywood always seemed to think that they spoke King James in biblical times so why not broken English with an Italian accent?

This year I find myself recalling that skit once again and laughing. But has I think about it this year it has even greater significance. That was not a very professional presentation. Just a small group of believers putting on the gospel message in hopes that it might reach even one that day who's heart would be touched and would be brought into new life with Jesus Christ. Shortly after this presentation an invitation was given to let Jesus into your life. As is usually the case everyone was asked to close there eyes. Those who felt the spirit's tug were asked to acknowledge that with a raised hand. A moment later I felt a tap on my shoulder. The women behind (I believe her name is Cheryl Selby) told me that my 6 year old son Mike had raised his hand (Hey why weren't her eyes closed? I'm glad they weren't.) We got to pray together and Mike let Jesus in his heart. I don't recall where Matt was and I think Tammy was in the nursery with our newborn daughter, Bethany. I think it was just me and Mike.

Mike went on to serve Christ in spite of some struggles in his later years until his untimely death in January. Although he may not have always had lived out the model we think we need to see, he lived out what Jesus wants to see. "Love God AND Love People" He loved people, helped people and enriched their lives. Message received.

This week many of you may be involved in a similar church drama, egg hunt whatever. Maybe you will be taking your family to one. It probably won't be the most professionally done but the message will be there and an opportunity will be there for those to become children of the King. That's why they do it. So don't play it down as just another church play. Don't criticize the actors. Soak in the message. Take a look at your life and see where you're at.

They'll be one less setting at our table for dinner this Easter Sunday. That's hard to take. But because of the obedience of a faithful few 16 years ago to unashamedly bring the gospel message we can have the peace to know he will be fellowshipping with the King.

Thanks Tino. Thanks Pastor Steve. Thanks Cheryl. Thank you others who were a part as well. Well done good and faithful servants!

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

The Other Side

In Mark 4:35-41 Jesus tells his disciples he wants to "go to the other side" What he meant was he wanted to cross the sea to get to another city for some more ministry. So they set sail. As the story goes quite a storm kicks in. Jesus is asleep and the disciples become terrified. They felt as though they were sinking. Quickly they awaken Jesus. They ask him if he even cares that they may about to drown. Jesus gets up and takes care of the situation by calming the storm. He then asks them why they were so fearful. Why they had no faith. They were awestruck at his power. They sail on. In verse 1 of chapter 5 it says "Then they came to the other side" They made it. Safe and sound. Another day to take on. Another day of ministry.

Sometimes we have to travel storms in this life to get to the other side. To experience something new or exciting. And often when we do we become just like the men in that boat. Fearful, anxious, low on our faith. We forget Jesus is right there with us and he is able to calm that storm and help us get through to the other side. Sometimes we may get a little bruised or beaten along the way but if we remain steadfast and faithful to him we will make it through just fine.

We need to take our eyes off the moment, the journey, and look ahead to the other side. Look ahead to the victory, the new chance, the new opportunity. So often we don't want to get in that boat to get to the other side because we fear the "weather report" which reads: "Storms are ahead if you try to go there" Don't worry about it. Let your captain take over and get you to the other side.

It's not so much about how you get to the other side, but rather that you just get to the other side. For in the journey is the growth. In the arrival is the victory.

So how about you? Afraid to jump in the boat? Like the safety of this shore? There's something to that. But there's also something on the other side. Something you will miss. Perhaps something he has for you. Or needs you to do or experience. Maybe it's time you took a trip with Jesus to "the other side".

Are you ready to hop in?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul

Impact!

It's been a while but I think this is good. I hope to be sharing some more thoughts soon.

My phone rang. I knew from the ring that it was Tammy. I had just finished praying and was looking forward to getting back into a routine after a couple of weeks of working two jobs. It was exhausting and I was looking forward to getting back into spending more time doing ministry. Just before I answered the phone I thought to myself “What does she want now?” I don’t want to be on the phone too long. I want to get started. I was not at all expecting or prepared to hear the words that came next. “Paul, I think Michael’s dead”. My heart dropped and all I could say was, “What?!” She described his appearance and I quickly rushed home. The 7-minute drive seemed like 70. Praying in the spirit all the way I raced toward home. I arrived and ran up the stairs. When I saw him I knew she was right. From my experience in surgery I had seen enough people who had passed away. My heart sank and the tears welled up. When I felt his body he still felt warm. As I moved him I thought I heard breathing. With that we called 911 moved him to the floor and Tammy attempted CPR. Moments later the squad arrived. They gave it a try but our worst fears were realized. He was gone. The house was a flurry of activity, people running all around, firemen, police. Friends arrived for support and comfort. There were questions to answer. It was and still is surreal.

In the days that followed I thought several times to myself, this was a life wasted. So much to offer, so much to do, so much potential that will never be fulfilled. It was not until his memorial service later that week that I realized this was NOT a life wasted. As I looked out into the crowd of over 300 people some of who traveled hundreds of miles just to be there, some faces I hadn’t seen in 20 years I was amazed. As we greeted these people, accepted their condolences and heard the stories of how Mike had touched their lives I realized this. This young man, my son, had touched so many lives for the better. Our Mikey had a positive impact on so many lives. As I later read cards and Facebook posts I saw the image of a loving caring and helpful individual. Mike had some struggles late in his life that may have kept him from doing some of the things he loved. But in spite of those struggles he remained polite, warm and friendly. Always ready to extend a hand and see how he could help someone else who needed it. Mike wanted to be a physician. A dream he never realized. Yet throughout his life and I believe even in his death he probably touched more lives for the good than he may have even if he did accomplish that goal.

A life wasted? I don’t think so. Rather it was a life cut short way too soon. Yet I am reminded that this life isn’t all there is. There is eternal life with Christ, which is far better than anything we could realize here. Mike got there sooner than we did. As for us as we await our time we need to live life as Mike did and impact lives in a positive way as God leads us. Then we can live life with no regrets. For it’s not about money or status, but loving God and loving people. Living a life of impact.

What kind of impact will your life bring?

Until next time,

Pastor Paul