Who Are We?

I normally wouldn't comment about a football game but after the very disappointing Packer loss to the Bears, I heard some things from the players that really got my attention. The team played very poorly in many regards and made so many mistakes (penalties) that contributed to the defeat. Some of the comments of the players went like this: "We didn't execute" (meaning "we were awful") -- "We're a smarter team than that" (no actually they're not; they were like they played) -- "That's not the way we play" (yes, actually, that's exactly how they played). Most excuses for bad play were just that, excuses.

Living Hope Church founding pastor, the late Jim Erickson, used to say this: when you get older, you will just be more of what you were when you were younger -- unless you make the decision not to be like that. In other words, if you are an angry person growing up, you will be a more angry person as you get older. If you are a bitter person, (unforgiving, unfeeling, uncaring, etc. -- you get the point) you will be more bitter, unforgiving, etc. as you get older. That is, unless you are honest about who you are and decide you want to change and be better as you get older instead of being bitter.

The point is this: do I really want to change? Do I want to grow and be more effective in my Christian walk than I am right now? Anyone can change if they really want to and understand the need to. The scripture says "I can do all things (make any good changes in my life) through
Christ who gives me the strength to do it" Phil. 4:13

Do you want to be more of what you are right now as you get older? Or is Christ (maybe through the people He puts into your life who are trying to speak to you but you aren't listening) telling you to put off those old, unproductive, damaging ways of thinking, talking, and acting and with His help to put on a new way.

Up North Wisdom says change is never easy. But if I see the need and value of making good changes, I understand that Christ will give all the help I need. I hope the Packers make some changes that will help them be more effective in their game, but even more importantly, will you and I decide that enough is enough and begin to put the past behind us? With His help, the best is yet to come. Believe it, Confess it and claim it for Jesus sake and His Kingdom and certainly for your good. Amen!

Are You Blind?

Chapter nine of the Gospel of John contains a great story of a blind man to whom Christ restored sight. The religious formalists of the time (Pharisees) would not accept that Jesus was the one who did the miracle and kept hounding the man to acknowledge that. The man said all he knew was that he was blind and now he could see. The implication was that only God could do such a miracle so Jesus must be who He said He was: that is, the Son of God.

Jesus pointed out to those religious formalists that since they claimed to know everything (could see and know clearly) that they were indeed the blind ones who refused to acknowledge and accept(see) Christ as being sent from God. They refused to see their own blindness (faults, sins) but claimed to be able to see others faults. Their refusal to "see" the truth about themselves kept them in their lost (blind) condition.

The question we must ask ourselves is "are we blind to our own faults, our true condition?" Are we those who can see the specks in others eyes and not see the beams in our own eyes? What has Christ been trying to point out to you in your life that needs to change? What are you refusing to admit about your life and attitudes that are resulting in spiritual blindness?

Psalm 139 ends with this truth: "Lord, look deep into my heart and life and bring out everything that is displeasing (sinful) and counter-productive to your will. Point out to me what I do that offends You. Forgive me (open my eyes) and then lead me into the bright and clear future that you have planned for me." TPJV (The Pastor Jerry Version) Believe me, friend, that is a prayer that God will always answer. Don't continue to be blind to your faults. (sins) Look into God's spiritual mirror and change what God tells you to change.

Up North Wisdom says that Religious formalists ( the ones that say "I'm alright, I don't need to change. I'm better than most and not as bad as some. I'm a church goer and that is enough.") are really the ones who are blind. Don't be blind. Let Christ open your eyes to see the truth. The Word says that understanding and applying the truth of God's Word to your life will truly set you free. (John 8:32) As the beautiful old chorus says: "Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus." Amen. The best is yet to come!

The Least of These

I just finished doing a week of service for a Camp Daniel summer camp. Last year I served as a camp counselor and this year I served a a kitchen helper. Chrissy Kelly is the head kitchen director and she does an incredible job in overseeing the preparation and serving of well over 100 people for three meals a day for six days. It was an honor to serve under her leadership. It was a fun, hot and tiring week. I am still recovering from lack of sleep and rest, but with a heart filled with awe at the miracles that God does during all that takes place in one short week.

Camp Daniel is a ministry directed towards people with mental disabilities. Many have physical disabilities as well. I always have thought that the verses from Matthew 25:40,45 certainly applied to the disabled population. The verses quote Jesus when he says in essence that how you serve the "least of these" is also how you serve Him and how you don't serve the "least of these" is how you don't serve Him. I think I was mistaken.

I think that the campers at Camp Daniel with all of their many disabilities, some severe and some less so to some degree, really were serving us in many ways. I felt that I really was the "least of these" and was really being ministered to by the many campers that week. The theme was "We Are Strong" and Pastor James did a masterful job in leading the worship and in teaching during the chapel times.

One of the qualities that really humbled me was the level of honesty that I saw shown in the campers. I was challenged to not be the "least" when it comes to this huge quality. Another quality that was shown so beautifully was acceptance. The level of acceptance for each other as well as for the counselors and workers was so cool to watch. The campers for the most part love to love and be loved. Without reservation. What a challenge to me! Lord, help me not to be the "least" when it comes to accepting people that you put in my life and to be open in loving people as You have loved me.

And as always I am so humbled when it comes to worshiping with the campers. The open desire to worship to the best of their abilities is always convicting as I think that many times I allow my feelings to dictate whether I am going to hold back my praise and worship of our great God and Savior. I do not want to be the "least" when it comes to the worship of Jesus Christ.

So, Up North Wisdom says in so many ways we all fall into the "least of these" category. But let's be an example to those God puts in our paths by giving our best to the Master. Thank God, He doesn't judge like we do all too often. We are all sinners who need to be saved by His Grace. And when we are, we are all Children of God who are called and have something to offer His Kingdom. Let's all follow the direction of the Word of God that says "whatever we do in word or deed, do it for the Glory of God". Thank You, Lord, for giving your best to the "least of all of us".

Blessings, my friends. Keep putting on the Armor.

Home Missions

Our missions team returned this past week from their trip to Kenya and in particular to a town in northern Kenya called Garissa. From what I understand the work that the team did was hot, dusty and very hard. One of the team members caught on fire (literally) and some of the guys suffered from a severe rash from some of the wood they were cutting for use at the project This Sunday some of the team members will be sharing their experiences in our Sunday morning service.

I am reminded that most of what we call "missions" is really done right in our own backyard, so to speak. Every Christian is called to the mission field of their family, their workplace, their school, their neighborhood and their church. Which is more difficult -- to share Christ with someone in a foreign country or someone you work with, go to school with or someone in your own family. Probably the physical demands would say that foreign missions is more difficult and I wouldn't disagree with that. And there are some heavy spiritual opposition forces at work that require being armored up with the spiritual weapons of warfare when traveling to a foreign country where spiritual darkness has ruled for centuries. Thank God for the power of the Holy Spirit!

But witnessing in your own backyard so-to-speak requires something even more. It requires a life style to back up our testimony. It is not enough to have the right talk (words); we must have the walk to back it up. Speaking the truth and not living the truth is called being a hypocrite. I am glad that God holds us to a high standard. Why shouldn't He? He paid a high price for our salvation and has given us a mission to win the world for Him. The Word is very clear that our faith must be backed up with our works if anything of value is going to be accomplished for the Kingdom of God.

I think it is important that our family and friends and brothers and sisters in Christ hold us accountable for our lives. Iron should sharpen iron and sometimes the process is painful. Are you willing to be sharpened for effectiveness for Kingdom work? I hope so. Jesus said the fields are white for harvest but the laborers are few. God help us to see the urgency of our time and be ready always with an answer of the hope (Living Hope) that is in us when we have the opportunity. And always with gentleness and patience.

Up North Wisdom says look to the Word of God and ask like the psalmist for God to "search me and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You Lord, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24) AMEN! The Best Is Yet To Come!! Have a great summer and keep a watchful eye for those God-moments.

Be Ready

This past Sunday morning, Living Hope Church commissioned our mission team as they prepare to leave on Thursday for Kenya. Please continue to pray each day for the team as they lay plans to help build a school for girls in Northern Kenya. I've said this before, I think there is going to be so much more happen for God's Kingdom as the team focuses on this project. Please pray each day for the team members ( a list is available in the church office). They will be in an area where the gospel is not welcome by most and yet needed by all. Your prayers are welcome and much needed. If we don't, who will? Satan hates that this trip is taking place and we need to be in prayer against any of his devices. I want the team to sense and feel the powerful prayers of their church family each day.

During the message Sunday morning, I felt led to stop in the middle and ask if there were any people who needed and wanted to give their lives to Christ. What a blessing to see people respond and ask Christ into their lives. It reminded me that God will provide many opportunities to give our answer of hope if we are just alert and available. I am praying that each step of the trip provides just such opportunities for the team members. Maybe there will be people in the three airports who will open to the Gospel. Maybe people in the airplanes will be curious enough to ask who these people are and that will lead to an open door for the Gospel. In restaurants, on the streets, and wherever the Spirit of God opens a door, I pray each team member will be ready with a word of testimony and encouragement.

Team members, I know that a direct presentation of the Gospel is not possible where you are going but God is big and awesome so don't discount Him opening doors that normally would be closed. Be ready with an answer to anyone who is open for your word of encouragement and hope. I am praying for miraculous things to be accomplished that can't be done any other way except by God Himself. Watch and pray! We will all look forward to regular reports on the missions blog on our church website.

Team members, your church loves and appreciates you and is rightly proud of your willingness to give up time and money to do His work. I believe He will bless you many times over for your commitment. Go in the spirit and power of God. Be bold, be strong, for the Lord your God is with you. Up North Wisdom says to remember to "not be afraid or discouraged because the battle is not yours, but Gods." (2 Cron. 20:15) The Best Is Yet To Come!!!

Enlarged Territory

We are going through the Prayer of Jabez study on Wednesday evenings and have just completed the section where Jabez asked God to expand (enlarge) his territory. As I listened and studied, I began to think about the mission trip to Kenya that our church is sponsoring in June. The main idea of the trip, as I believe, is to help build a school for girls in northern Kenya -- A great task and a difficult one as well. I began to think that as Jabez asked for expanded territory (influence), that maybe God has something even bigger for the participants in this trip.

There is an obvious passion that our people have for the nation of Kenya. God, through Ezekiel, said, "I searched for someone that they should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land (Kenya), that I should not destroy it: but I found none." Ezk. 22:30. God loves the nation of Kenya but it is a nation on the brink. I don't think there is a big window of time for the Gospel to be brought to this nation. I want God to do something way beyond what our team expects Him to do -- something only He can do.

"Lord, expand the territory (the mission) of this trip. Do something even bigger than has been asked for to this point. As you heard the prayer of Jabez and answered, so hear and answer this prayer. Let everything about this trip be supernatural. Let the "expansion," the "enlarging" of territory begin right now. Let the salvation of souls begin now. Let the witness of the mission team be given now. Let people be saved even now all the way through the completion of the mission and even beyond. Let those flying on the same plane be open to the Gospel. Let people in the airports be open to the Gospel. Let neighbors and friends of the mission trip participants be open to the Gospel. Let every mission trip participant be fully expectant NOW for the giving out of the Gospel. Before the trip, during the trip, during the time in Kenya, the trip back, and after each one returns, Lord, let the Gospel be given powerfully for your Kingdom's sake. Amen!"

Just as important as the trip members are the intercessors who will cover everything about the mission with prayer. The attack of the enemy really begins now in earnest if we pray for expanded territory now. We must fight the good fight of faith. The prayers of God's people are powerful. Be a part of this trip with yours. Assist those going on the trip not only with prayers but with your financial support. Many of you have already. Many of you still can. When Paul writes of his journeys, he mentions not only Timothy and Titus as his helpers, but also Lydia and the other precious women who aided him. They were all devoted servants whose assistance helped touch entire nations with the Gospel.

Soooooo, let's pray the prayer of Jabez for this trip. "Lord, bless indeed, each mission trip participant. Expand their territories way beyond their present thinking and believing. Put your hand upon each one and keep them from any evil that the enemy would bring upon them. For Your Glory, and Honor, and for Your Kingdom's sake. AMEN!!!!

One More Year

Little Tony gave a good tribute to his father on his 70th birthday. He talked about the influence his dad has on him. So I am turning 64 today. Happy Birthday to me, right. Let me share some things that I have learned from the founding pastor of Living Hope Church: Jim Erickson. Another way to put this is: what are some things I have learned in 64 years of life? By the way, Tony, Jim loved to preach on the balanced life which you said your dad was a good example of.

A couple of verses from Proverbs about anger were often quoted by Jim. One was "A soft answer turns away anger." Another was like that: "A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when hurt." Wow! Those two keep resonating in my mind often. Anger can be a killer of relationships and a killer of testimonies. I want to keep growing in the truth of these wise scriptures. I don't want to be controlled by anger, do you? We are told by the Apostle James to be quick to listen, slow to speak and SLOW to become angry because anger brings the opposite of righteousness. Where are you in these verses, friend?

Jim used to say to me that if a lesson only costs me money, it is a cheap lesson. And I used to think, "Ya, that's easy for you to say." But how right he was and how true that is. I needed to take ownership of my mistakes. I have made some decisions in the past that were costly in dollars but how I responded to the results were the real test. Sometimes anger, sometimes discouragement, sometimes putting myself down. But I have and still continue to learn that God will use those times to teach me things that will save me in the long run, both in dollars and in the things that really count.

Another Jimism: Just because I call myself a pastor/leader doesn't mean that it is true. If no one follows my leadership than I am a leader/pastor in name only. Every morning when I get into my car and drive to the office, I wonder what I am doing. I feel often that I am not qualified to be a pastor. I think that I am in way over my head and my abilities fall so far short. And it is then God reminds that I am right. I don't have it in me but God does and since He has called me, He equips me and empowers me to do the ministry of a pastor. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. He just calls for my availability and faithfulness. So it is always "To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Hath Done". Amen.

Another (and I could probably write a short book) one of the biggest and best is this: "Circumstances will make me a bitter or better person; it's my choice." Not much of a choice, right? And yet so many chose bitterness and thereby bring hurt and defilement upon themselves and others around them. I have to chose often not to let even a tiny root of bitterness get a foothold in my life. Those tiny roots can grow quickly into something very ugly. And it will ruin my witness and testimony. How can we do this? As the scripture says, it is not by might or by power but by God's Spirit. We (I) are without excuse. We must let the past things go and look forward to what God has for us. Truly the best is yet to come if we do it God's way.

Finally, how about this truth: If I fail at home and in my relationships with my family and others, then I fail no matter how much "success" I seem to enjoy in my work or other pursuits. I am not going to elaborate on this too much except to say this: Can the people around you (me) really be honest with you? Are you (am I) really open to honest criticism? If you are, then ask them to be honest with you in how you are doing in your relationship with them. If I don't let those who know me and love me be honest with me without getting defensive, then I will never grow in many critical areas that God wants me to grow in. How's that for meddling?

So Up North Wisdom says, Thank you, Pastor Jim for your wise counsel over the years. You are now enjoying your Heavenly reward and we will see each other again. I will by the Grace of God continue to try to stay true to your great legacy. Your example is the best birthday gift a person could receive.