"Waiting on the World to Change" Video

Video from bramsvan at YouTube ... "Community Christian Church presents a short form video that goes along with the John Mayer tune, 'Waiting on the World to Change.' Thought provoking and challenging."

In the News ... "Promising Developments"

Matthew McGowan
Staff Writer
Odessa American

ODESSA, TEXAS - Only one string was attached to the donation of the facility: The church ministry must accept it fully furnished - no ifs, ands or buts about it. That, coupled with another church signing on, pushed one local promise two steps closer to being fulfilled.

Eleven churches now are signed on to the Family Promise coalition - a group that hopes to offer some of the Permian Basin's homeless families a place to stay until they get back on their feet.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the OA story

Don Cannon Was a 'Man With a Mission'

Don Cannon went to be with his Lord and Savior on April, 19, 2009 after a long fought and courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service was held Thursday, April 23, 2009, at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Steve Schorr officiating. Don was born on September 18, 1939 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Doyle and Minnie Cannon. His family moved to Big Spring, Texas in January, 1941. He graduated from Big Spring High School in 1958.

CLICK HERE to read Don's complete obituary in the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Among other items, it notes ...

... Don started his retirement by accompanying a group of youth from the First Presbyterian Church to Fort Collins, Colorado in June of 2001. This would be the first of many youth trips he would participate as a member of First Presbyterian. His favorite youth trip was the annual trip to Juarez, Mexico with 75 to 100 youth and adults to build homes and churches for the Hispanic people there. He went on this particular trip for five years during spring break and headed up the cook team before being diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Before his death he had traveled with the youth of the church on 10 different trips. He was very active in the church and served in many positions within the different churches he was a member of. He had served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, treasurer of two different churches, head of a building committee and Chairman of the board of one church. He was on the board and served as President of the Chandelle Homeowners Association between 1996 and 2000. He was also active in the Hi Sky Emmaus community where he served as Lay Director for men's walk #122 in September of 2001.

... Don was a happy man and loved his family more than anything else in this world. His goals in life were to be a loving, caring, and effective disciple for Christ, a good son, a loving husband, a kind and loving dad, a hard worker and a friend to all those whom he came into contact with.

... While in the hospital, Don always considered the doctors and nurses who took care of him on 4E as his "New Best Friends" and "Guardian Angels." He did say on many occasion with a smile on his face, that all those who took such good care of him could have met at a more fun place other than the cancer wing of the hospital. He visited with them on a regular basis after leaving the hospital just to let them know how important all of them had become to him and his family.

... Memorials can be made to the Midland College Foundation Nursing Scholarship in honor of the nurses who cared for Don, 3600 N. Garfield, Midland, Texas 79705, or to the First Presbyterian Church Youth Mission Trip, 800 W. Texas, Midland, Texas 79701. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place on-line condolences please visit www.mem.com

"The Time Is Now" Video

Video from BibSem at YouTube ... "How modern times and a fast-paced lifestyle have changed the church."

Words & Pictures: Refugee Children at Thai/Burma Border

Chris Laufer, Coordinator of the Midland-based Faces of Children, shares this photo essay on refugee children at Thai/Burma border, living in a camp similar to that visited by the mission to Thailand that FOC sponsored in 2008.

"At first glance, watching a group of children happily laughing and playing football in the north of Thailand, along the Myanmar/Burma border seems as any other school children, but these children are only a few of the some 140,000 Burmese living along the Thai-Burma border," Stacey Winston writes in this report accompanying the photo essay on alertnet.org. "For nearly twenty five years, thousands have fled from armed fighting in Burma/Myanmar crossing the border into Thailand. As the refugees are not allowed to leave the camps in order to support themselves, the refugees are dependent on external support for their survival. This has led to the provision of international humanitarian support."

In the News ... "Midland Christian Students Lend Hand for Day of Service"

Ruth Campbell
Staff Writer
Midland Reporter-Telegram

MIDLAND, TEXAS - From painting houses to picking up trash and hosting a car wash/bake sale, Midland Christian School students went throughout the city Wednesday performing community service projects.

This is an expansion of an initiative started last year when students logged a half-day of service. This year, 550-600 youngsters in grades seven through 12 participated.

Campus Minister Dale Myers said projects were organized by Bible classes; there were about 20 ventures total. The goal is to train students for service. “We feel it’s very important to have that as part of our curriculum, rather than just talking about it,” Myers said.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of the MRT story

Word from Uganda: "Long Overdue"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

"Oh my, I forgot how wonderful it is to be in the 21st century with technology. I've changed internet providers and in all aspects this is so much better. So, here are some long overdue photos I've been wanting to post.”

CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

_____________________

If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

Word from Thailand: "Songkran"

Brett and Shelly Faucett are mission co-workers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country, earlier this year. They are HIV/AIDS regional consultants. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly, a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They have their two daughters, Acacia and Annapurna, with them.

"Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year. It marks the time when the Sun passes from the zodiac sign of Aries into that of Taurus and is celebrated every year on April 13 or 14," Brett and Shelly write in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "There are bands playing and parades going on throughout town. It was such a fun and festive atmosphere. It was like the whole country was a huge Chuck- E- Cheese 'where a kid could be a kid.' It was AWESOME!!!"

Midland Group Offers "Prayer Band That Started a Revolution"

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Issued by ChinaAid ...

This prayer band has been declared illegal in China.

Chinese police have stopped people on the streets and taken the bands off their wrists. Some have been interrogated and arrested; at least three families were evicted from their homes—for the government, the prayer band is a symbol of revolution.

We thank everyone across the U.S. and around the world who answered the call to wear a "Pray for China" prayer band and pray during the Olympics. Your willingness to stand with Chinese house church Christians encouraged them as they also wore prayer bands and prayed for their country. Their commitment came with a cost. Read more.

Yet, house church Christians refuse to be intimidated. They say that prayer for China is even more critical now that the world is no longer watching. Persecution has increased. Will you join in this revolution of prayer for China?

"They can arrest me or put me in prison, but I'm not going to stop praying for China. Although the prayer band is banned in China, prayer can never be banned. I am asking every Christian to support believers in China by wearing a prayer band." - a prominent house church leader

At this crucial time, will you partner in prayer? And, will you please forward this information to others who will want to pray for the persecuted in China.

» Click here to order a China Prayer Band

"Children's Outreach in Chiang Mai" Video

Video from jaymilbrandt at YouTube ... "The Children's Outreach segment I made for the Garden of Hope promo. It will give you an idea of the environment the kids have to sell flowers in every night."

Please Take Note

Here is a wonderful way to spread the news ... AND spread the WORD. Notecards bearing images created by orphans of the Lulwanda Children's Home of Uganada, are now on sale at First Presbyterian Church of Midland. A packet of eight 51/2" x 3" cards, printed on heavy card stock, with envelopes, costs $10 and all of the proceeds from the sale goes to Lulwanda Children's Home.
All of the images that appear on the cards were created by the children this summer, when they were visited by FPC's 2008 Uganada Mission Team. You can choose from full-color landscapes, black-and white barnyard animals, or variable-color native plants from this region of Uganda. First Presbyterian Church is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, on the west edge of downtown Midland, please use the Texas Street entrance near the intersection. The church office is open Monday through Friday, from eight o'clock in the morning until five o'clock in the afternoon. For more information, please call First Prez-Midland at (432) 684-7821.

Lulwanda Children’s Home opened its doors on December 1, 2004, the first children’s home established by the Grace International Children’s Foundation (GICF). Lulwanda now houses and cares for 90 orphaned or abandoned children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Before coming to Lulwanda Children’s Home, many of these children had no one to care for them, while others were living in desperate conditions with aging and overburdened grandparents. Now the children are thriving in a healthy, nurturing environment. The children not only live at Lulwanda, they also attend primary school on site, learning basic life skills, English, math, and a variety of other subjects. Pre-school, kindergarten, and first through fifth grades are held simultaneously for five hours daily, five days per week. The children receive regular medical care, nutritious meals, and lots of outdoor play time – all in a warm family environment that promotes bonding between the children, their house mothers, and the rest of the staff members

Facilities at the Lulwanda Children’s Home include boys’ and girls’ dormitories and bathhouses, living / dining areas, 6 classrooms, a large playground, a kitchen, laundry room, and a garden which provides some of the food for the Home. A 10 acre farm was recently acquired and food crops are being grown and harvested. The Home Administrator lives on site, as do the four housemothers.

CLICK HERE to view or download a 2 page color tri-fold brochure about Lulwanda, in PDF format.

A Feast of Easter

More from 'Stushie' ... earlier today we posted his words ... now, here are some of his images ...

John 'Stushie' Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can view more of my art at www.stushieart.wordpress.com

Easter Sermon - Happily Ever After

On this mountain He will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; He will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.
Isaiah 25:7-8

"According to the Bible, the wages of sin is death," writes John 'Stushie' Stuart . pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. "In the prophet Isaiah’s time, death was a disgrace, a punishment to everyone because everyone sinned. As is still the case today, there was no escape from death, and in those ancient times, the people believed that the souls of the dead went to an underworld land of shadows, until all of their spiritual energy diminished completely, making the poor souls vanish forever."

"These days, we don’t believe in that kind of macabre ending to our souls. As Christians, we look to Jesus to have transformed death so long ago; dying now is no nightmare of oblivion, but rather it has become a promise of fulfillment, abundance, and immortality."

CLICK HERE to read the rest of John Stuart's post at Presbyterian Bloggers

Last Words of Christ (7)

All this week, we’re posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Sarah, Jody, Doug & John – some of the regular contributors to Presbyterian Bloggers – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.
Luke 23:44-46

A lot of the divisions that we have in our churches today usually involve issues about how we live our lives as Christians. For some people, complete loyalty to the word of God is essential. For others, treating everyone as a child of God is of paramount importance. We battle each other constantly about how we interpret the scriptures by what we preach and practice. In other words, both groups use the Gospels as a means of showing us all how to live.

But in today’s scripture, we are not taught how to live. Instead, Jesus teaches us how to die. After enduring agony, suffering, and shame for hours, Jesus is ready to die. Mustering all of His remaining strength, He cries out loudly for everyone to hear: “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” He completely surrenders Himself to God and unequivocally declares His faith in His Father. He does not mumble or mutter those words. He declares them openly, publicly, and loudly.

It is a complete validation of His life. He has lived it according to His Father’s will. Jesus now yields to death, but does not give Himself over to darkness or oblivion. He places His spirit into God’s hands. He confidently gives Himself over to God with His last dying breath.

One day, there will be an unavoidable moment in our own lives when we will take our last breath. It may be at home, in a hospital, or at a hospice. It could be unexpected, unintended, or accidental. Whatever the case or circumstances, Jesus has shown us how to die.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we don’t like thinking about death or dying. We live our lives fully, doing our best to survive each day by trying to be healthy and happy. But one day, death will come. Help us to be spiritually prepared for that expected or unexpected moment. Come to us at that mysterious time and enable us to surrender our spirit into Your hands. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Resurrection

It's an effort to bring new life into an old, under-utilized space in downtown Midland. Plenty of that going on, I realize ... but there are some aspects of this particular effort that make it unique.

For more on this effort, check out this post from John at Into the West Texas Sun.

Selah

God Issues Today: "A Telescope For the Soul"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

This is the International Year of Astronomy, according to today's Wall Street Journal. Four centuries ago, Galileo Galilei refined a simple telescope (a common toy in his day) and used it to change the way we see the universe. His observations proved that our planet revolves around the sun and opened our eyes to the cosmos.

Last month, NASA launched its $591 million Kepler orbital observatory. Next month, the European Space Agency plans to launch its $2 billion Herschel and Planck orbital observatories. Such remarkable innovations and the discoveries they will make are all the descendants of Galileo's achievements. At his death in 1642, few imagined the future significance of his life's work.

Consider that theme on this Good Friday. When Jesus of Nazareth died 20 centuries ago, few who witnessed his execution knew its eternal significance. Skeletal remains from other ancient crucifixion victims tell us that nails were driven through Jesus' wrists and heels. He then died from blood loss, exhaustion, exposure, shock, and suffocation.

Upon his death, "the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:52). This curtain was 60 feet tall, several inches thick, made of purple linen. It separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the world, parting only to allow the High Priest to enter on the annual Day of Atonement. Now it was torn in two, but no one understood the significance of this strange miracle.

Today Jesus functions as our Great High Priest, severing forever the curtain which separated us from our Holy God. Not from bottom to top, but from top to bottom—from heaven to earth. Christianity is not a religion made by humans, but a relationship initiated by God at the cost of his Son.

On this day of sacrifice and death, ask yourself these questions:

● Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Lord, receiving the gift of eternal life he died to give? If not, will you today?
● If you have made Jesus your Lord and King, have you responded to his sacrifice with your own? When last did it cost you something significant to follow him?
● Do you know someone who does not know your Lord? Will you pray for that person by name? Will you ask God to help you share his love in yours?

This morning, I'm asking God to show me how to live for the One who died for me. Will you join me?

Last Words of Christ (6)

All this week, we’re posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Sarah, Jody, Doug & John – some of the regular contributors to Presbyterian Bloggers – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.

When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
John 19.30

I strive to be a perfectionist, and yet I fail miserably at it. It never fails, after every paper that I have turned in, after every project I have completed, after every sermon I deliver, instead of feeling satisfied with what I accomplished, I always feel that twinge within me that second guesses. What if I had done that instead? Should I have added more to this or done less of that? I wish I remembered to do this or had not said that. And it never fails that ultimately, I drive myself into a temporary depressed state over unfinished work. I cannot let it go.

At times throughout my life I have often transferred my “What if’s” to Jesus. The gospels tell us Jesus began his public ministry around the age of 30 and continued until his death on the cross about three years later. I hardly can imagine doing everything I possibly would like to accomplish in just three years. I have at times wondered what if Jesus had more time. What if Jesus had taken his ministry beyond Galilee. What if Jesus went took his message straight to the Greeks or even to Rome itself. Was there something more he meant to say or do before he gave up his life at such an early life? I’m sure the disciples also held many of these questions in those two days before the empty tomb.

But as Jesus hung on that cross, grasping for his very last breath of life, looking upon his mother, his aunt, Mary Magdalene, and the disciple whom he loved, John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus knew all was now finished. And as he released his final breath, he proclaimed, “It is finished.” In other words, he fully accomplished what his Father sent him to do in the sake of the world. There was nothing else, nothing more, nothing less that he was to do.

I am comforted to know that through all of my own flaws, faults, and inadequacies, there is one who completes me. And the assurance is that there is nothing more I can say or do as my Savior Lord said it all on that cross on my behalf, "It is finished." And for that I am eternally grateful.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, help me to better know your will for me today so that I can accomplish the work you have set out for my life. Give me the courage, strength, and discipline through your Holy Spirit to tend to work you set before me. I pray my work to be finished when it is my time for you to call me to my heavenly home, saying, “Well done.” It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen

Wes Brandon is the pastor of Bensalem Presbyterian Church in Eagle Springs, North Carolina.

"Missional & Mishmash" VideoPt. 4: In Therapy

In the fourth installment of a popular series of videos, Missional and Mishmash sort out their differences with the help of a life coach. For more information about Leading for Life, please visit their website. Video from Innovista at YouTube.

God Issues Today: "Swarms In Our Sleep"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

While you slept last night, an "earthquake swarm" continued in southeastern California. According to today's New York Times, there's been no damage so far; most have gone undetected even by locals. Most of us had no idea that more than 400 quakes have rattled the area in the last month, but our ignorance makes them no less real or threatening.

Today is "Maundy Thursday," from the Latin word for "mandated," though none but Jesus knew its true significance at the time. This night, Jesus washed his disciples' feet and called them to love each other in humble service (John 13:31-35). So that we would remember his love for us, he then initiated the Lord's Supper. After Judas slipped away to bring the authorities, Jesus encouraged his disciples (John 14-16) and prayed for their faith (John 17). Then he retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray for himself.

Tonight Jesus would be arrested and tried under cover of darkness. His trials before the Jewish authorities were conducted illegally in at least these ways:

● Jesus was arrested without a formal charge.
● He was given no opportunity to prepare a defense.
● The proceedings began with a private examination by Annas, not the public trial required by law.
● The Sanhedrin were not permitted to initiate charges, only consider them.
● The proceedings were conducted at night, which was against the law (Mishna Sanhedrin 4:1).
● Witnesses could not be solicited once a trial began.
● Witnesses could not be paid for their testimony.
● The Sanhedrin discovered that their witnesses were false, but did not punish them.
● Jesus was put under oath to incriminate himself (Matthew 26:63).
● The witness was condemned only on the basis of his personal testimony.
● No discussion of the blasphemy charge was permitted.
● The Sanhedrin had no authority to pronounce the sentence of death.
● The charge was changed from blasphemy to insurrection before Pilate.

Waiting in the Garden, our Savior knew that he faced such persecution. He could have escaped from the approaching soldiers with ease. But he chose to bear the punishment we deserved, so that "by his wounds you have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24). No matter what comes your way this morning, remember that the Son of God decided to die for you. How will you live for him today? Will this be a Holy Thursday for you?

Last Words of Christ (5)

All this week, we’re posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Sarah, Jody, Doug & John – some of the regular contributors to Presbyterian Bloggers – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty”
John 19:28

Here Jesus is at the end of endurance. What must be done has been done, and the light is fading from his eyes. He says "I thirst". We might imagine Jesus saying even now, "I thirst".

Let me say the simplest thing: in desert times, we thirst. Not only is Christ our living water - Christ thirsts with us. Our God enters into and experiences our most basic needs as immediately as we do. We do not come before one aloof who does not know us, but we come before One who comes alongside us, who is with us always; who goes ever before us, even into suffering and death.

Let us not be ashamed of our limitations, our weaknesses, our needs.

Prayer: Thirsting God, we thirst for you. You know our every mote, our every thought and feeling. You are wracked with thirst when we thirst, and rejoice with us when cool water is found. You are not above our suffering; you do not turn from us or hover above us and merely watch, but are always present with us in love. We rejoice that you are with us always.

God Issues Today: "Sonically Upgraded Beatle"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

During my first visit to the British Museum, I stood before Codex Sinaiticus, one of the oldest New Testaments in the world. Tears came to my eyes as I marveled at this treasured volume and considered its enormous significance to biblical scholarship. Not one person stopped to join my reverie. Behind me, a table covered with Beatles memorabilia drew hundreds of gawking spectators. A parable of priorities, I thought.

Those gawkers must be happy with the announcement in today's New York Times that the Beatles' original British albums will be sonically upgraded (whatever that means) and reissued this September. I'm guessing that they will become cultural icons, while the New Testament I admired sits silently in its display case. But silence is sometimes more powerful than sound.

Wednesday is the silent day in Holy Week. The Gospels do not record a single event of this day. Jesus was staying with his disciples at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany (a suburb of Jerusalem). How did he spend the day?

Probably teaching his followers about tomorrow's trials, seeking to prepare them for the shock and pain they will soon face. Comforting his close friends on the eve of his arrest. And preparing himself to go to the cross for us. As Jesus often prayed early in the morning (Mark 1:35) and late at night (Luke 6:12), so he spent this day in communion with his Father.

The cross was no accident. Jesus was "the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). Before he made the first day, our Father knew that the day would come when his Son would choose to die in our place, purchasing our salvation.

Now the time had finally come. Jesus could still escape Jerusalem and flee to the safety of his Galilean homeland. But he chose to stay and die, and spent this day getting ready.

Take a few minutes to imagine the scene. Visualize Jesus at Bethany surrounded by his disciples and friends, yourself among them. Picture him in the center of the room, and sit at his feet. As you rest in his presence, thank him for what he will do for you this week. Praise him for his love and grace. Decide to meet him each morning in worship.

And remember all day long that God Almighty thinks you are worth the death of his Son. Will you serve him with gratitude today? Will this be a Holy Wednesday for you?

Last Words of Christ (4)

All this week, we’re posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Sarah, Jody, Doug & John – some of the regular contributors to Presbyterian Bloggers – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi,lama sabachthani?" — which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew 27:45-46 NIV

I am hesitant to speculate about what Jesus might have been thinking or feeling while he was hanging on the cross, when he was uttering these words. My own life experiences have taught me that I rarely feel what I would have expected to feel in any situation, and that I really can't experience anything the way someone else has. Especially not this event, especially not this Someone.

But I think that it is significant that Jesus quoted King David here:

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?
Psalm 22:1 NIV

Of course God had not forsaken King David at all. Jesus knew that, and must also have known what the Psalmist said soon after:

In you our fathers put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.
Psalm 22:4 NIV

Even in his own despair, David trusted God. And God was with David. So, too, did Jesus trust God, even during his hours on the cross. God was with Him. And God is with all of us.

Several members of the congregation to which I belong participate in something that's listed in the bulletin and newsletter schedule as INAM Book Club. I often wondered what that meant, and felt excluded from the group by my ignorance. Last year, one of our associate pastors, a member of the INAM book club, asked me to attend one of their meetings.

"What does INAM mean?" I asked her, feeling a bit ignorant and foolish, thinking that I was probably already supposed to know.

"It's not about me," she said, simply.

Indeed! (Of course the acronym was used for space reasons rather than as a secret code, and was just another of the unintentional ways we Presbyterians occasionally close off our communities.)

Prayer: God, please help me to remember that you have not forsaken me; that, indeed, it's not all about me. It's so easy for me to become inwardly focused and forget about the example I might be for others. Remembering how others might see me reminds me of who I want to be and how I want to behave. Most of all, it reminds me about why I want to be this way, and whose example I attempt to follow. Thank you for your continued guidance. Amen.

God Issues Today: "Two-Wheeling Down the Tollway"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

How was your morning commute? (If you don't have one, have pity on those who do.) At least you had four wheels on which to make it. According to today's Wall Street Journal, General Motors and Segway, Inc. intend to change that reality. Meet the PUMA (Personal Urban Mobility and Accessibility), a two-wheeled machine which runs on batteries and uses wireless technology to avoid traffic backups. This is a good thing, since your daughter's bicycle would win in a collision with the device. The vehicle will have a top speed of 35 mph and be available in three years.

I'm sure my PUMA will be fine for going to the Taco Bell down the street, but it wouldn't be much fun navigating the North Dallas Tollway, surrounded by 18-wheelers and the occasional Hummer. So long as I use it for its intended purpose, all would be well.

If only I could learn that lesson spiritually. Religious leaders can be valuable in God's Kingdom, if we would serve the Father and his children. But when we think that the ministry is about us, we're on the road to disaster. So it was for Jesus' opponents on Tuesday of Holy Week. He rejected their moneychangers yesterday, inflaming their egos. As he returned to the Holy City this morning, his enemies were waiting for him.

The question seems simple enough: "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (Matthew 22:17). But their challenge forced our Lord to take a stand on their most dangerous controversy. Rome required every subject to pay a "poll tax" to the Empire, using a coin which glorified Caesar as divine. To the Jews, this was idolatry. If Jesus supported such a sin, the adoring crowds would turn into an ugly mob and reject him as their Messiah. If he rejected this tax, the Roman soldiers standing guard would arrest him in an instant. Either way, his enemies would be rid of this Galilean and his threat to their authority.

Jesus' answer stunned his opponents: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's" (v. 21). We are to be loyal to our country, but first we are to be loyal to our Lord. He deserves our obedience, worship, and gratitude.

Such arrogance, for these religious authorities to elevate themselves over the Son of God. Had I been living in Jerusalem during the first Holy Week, I most assuredly would have refused their egotism—except that I commit it every time I ignore or reject my Master's word and will in my thoughts and actions. My last sin proved that I am just as self-centered as they. Every day is Tuesday for my soul. What about yours?

The good news is that our Savior loves us and forgives us. Today is a good day to submit to his grace and live for his glory. Will this be a Holy Tuesday for you?

Last Words of Christ (3)

All this week, we’re posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Sarah, Jody, Doug & John – some of the regular contributors to Presbyterian Bloggers – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
John 19:25-27

A small group huddled at the foot of the cross. The disciples had already fled. The crowds of followers that cheered Jesus with “Hosannas” just a week before as he entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey evaporated as soon as he was arrested. Only his mother, his Aunt Mary, Mary Magdalene and the “beloved disciple”, who tradition identifies as the author of John’s gospel, stood by Jesus in the agony of his crucifixion.

The gospels tell us the disciples fled out of fear. Where was the rest of his earthly family -- his half-brothers and sisters? Although his brother James later became a leader of the early church he is absent on this day. Like all the rest, he too afraid to stand by Jesus.

Jesus not only suffered humiliation, torture and desertion by his closest friends -- but also desertion by most of his family as he lay dying. His words show his concern for the welfare of his mother. Since no mention is made of Joseph after Jesus’ childhood, we assume he died sometime between Jesus’ twelfth year and the beginning of his ministry. Mary was a widow and widows had to depend on the protection of family members -- usually a son or brother -- or else fall into poverty and neglect. The New Testament does not tell us who was supporting her during Jesus’ ministry.

With these words, Jesus tells John to treat Mary as his own mother, take her into his home for the rest of her life so that she is not left without support and protection. In a way, this is Jesus’ last will and testament. He leaves his responsibility for his mother to the one he can trust to stand by her in every circumstance -- just as he stood by Jesus at the foot of the cross.

Prayer: Dear God, We praise you for the faithfulness of those who have stood by their witness to Christ throughout the ages despite humiliation, persecution and death. Grant that we may be inspired by their example to share the good news of salvation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
Amen

Got Prayer? ... Got Bear?

Available now at First Presbyterian Church-Midland

(there's no charge ... just look for one of the baskets inside any of the main doors of the church, which is located on the northwest corner of Texas and A streets, at the west edge of downtown Midland)

Dear Friend,

I'm Just a teddy bear, it's true,

but I have a message to bring to you;

I've been to church, and sat in a pew,

and I've been hugged by quite a few;

I've bowed my head when they said a prayer;

I've been charged with love by those who care.

And now I've come to live with you -

to bring you joy when you are blue,

to let you know that others care

and want all your days and nights to share.

So keep me close and squeeze me tight,

and know God's love makes all things right.

With our prayers for you,

In Touch Ministry, First Presbyterian Church

When you've had your time with me,

maybe you can set me free

to someone else who needs a prayer,

to show that God is always there.

Word from Thailand: "A Broken Heart"

Brett and Shelly Faucett are mission co-workers living in Chiang Mai, Thailand, where we had a chance to meet with them during our mission to that country, earlier this year. They are HIV/AIDS regional consultants. Brett is a nurse and amateur photographer. Shelly, a former literacy specialist and ESL teacher. They have their two daughters, Acacia and Annapurna, with them.

"It was Sunday night and we were just saying goodbye to a friend that was visiting us from our church back in California. I dropped Erin off at her hotel and I start heading home," Brett writes in this post at their Welcome to the Jungle blog. "During the drive home I get a call from Acacia that her cat Tiger Lilly is having a hard time breathing and her tongue is dark purple. All this is happening at about 11pm. I get home and Shelly and Acacia grab Tiger and wisk her off to the animal hospital."

Note from Missioner: Won't you lift-up the Faucett family - and all friends of Tiger Lilly - in your prayers?

God Issues Today: "Galactic Chess"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

In one corner: An astronaut who lived in the International Space Station for half a year. In the other: 10 elementary school students. The battle: A game of chess. Gregory Chamitoff may be a brilliant scientist, but the game he's been playing for the last six months over an Internet video hookup is not going well.

Today's New York Times tells us that the kids have the astronaut on the run. They met Friday at the National Scholastic Chess Championships in Nashville. The kids were more impressed with Mr. Chamitoff's life in space than with his prowess on a chessboard. One of them, a ten year old girl, said, "He has made really good moves, but we've gained an advantage." In the galactic battle between an astronaut and some kids, things are not always as they seem.

Welcome to Holy Week, eight days which changed the world. Yesterday, Jesus of Nazareth rode a donkey into Jerusalem to the acclaim of crowds thronging the city for Passover. His admirers were convinced that he would soon overthrow the cursed Romans, claim the throne of Israel, and reestablish the Jewish kingdom on earth.

So what did he do today? After spending last night in Bethany with his disciples, he walked back into the Holy City this morning. Along the way, he cursed a fig tree which did not bear fruit. Since the vine was a symbol for the nation of Israel, his action showed the bankruptcy of their religious legalism. Hiking up to the temple, he found moneychangers at their corrupt tables. They charged exorbitant rates to convert money into the currency they required for sacrificial animals they sold at unfair prices.

In anger, Jesus drove these crooked merchants from God's house. His action infuriated and embarrassed the religious authorities who profited by their extortion. Then he rejected the racial prejudice of his culture by welcoming Gentiles who wanted to meet him. Not the way his friends expected the week to begin.

Today, you are the Temple of God's Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Like the temple in Jerusalem, you are to be a "house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). Is your "house" dedicated to its divine purpose? Is there something in your soul which displeases Jesus? Take a moment to begin Holy Week with some spiritual housecleaning. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything which dishonors your Lord. Confess what comes to your mind, honestly and specifically. Invite Jesus to be the Master of your house today, and he will be delighted to answer your prayer. Will this be a Holy Monday for you?

Last Words of Christ (2)

All this week, we’re posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Sarah, Jody, Doug & John – some of the regular contributors to Presbyterian Bloggers – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.

Today, you will be with me in paradise.
Luke 23:39-43 NIV

Long before there were Itunes, mp3s, and CDs, only vinyl albums and LPs existed. My Dad had a great LP collection of some of the best singers and entertainers in the world. These included Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, and Tony Bennett.

He also had a terrific collection of original soundtracks of musical movies. One of my favorites was that of the musical ‘Kismet’, starring Howard Keel. The movie is set in ancient Baghdad and is all about a poetical con artist who uses his charisma to charm his way to the top. It’s a highly entertaining and very funny musical. Most of the music is ripped off from a classical Russian composer called Borodin.

For me, the best song in the movie is sung by Vic Damone, who plays the young Caliph. It’s called “Stranger in Paradise.” It’s one of the most beautiful love songs ever heard or seen in the movies. Borodin’s melody is wonderful. When my Dad died in 2002, the organist at the crematorium in Scotland played it as we left his memorial service. I couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute to my Dad, who sought to find God all of his life.

When Christ mercifully hears the thief’s prayer from the Cross, He is putting into action the Gospel of salvation in its most basic form. The thief cannot perform any good deeds, nor can he serve Jesus as both of them are painfully dying on their crosses. All that the thief can give Christ is that which Jesus has asked of many people throughout His ministry: his heartfelt faith. For Christ, this is all that is necessary to be with Him – a pure faith that is not a means of escaping punishment, but a way of surrendering completely to Christ and of allowing Him to save the sinner’s soul.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are all guilty of sin and steal moments from our lives that should belong to You alone. Help us to faithfully give You our hearts this Holy Week, and to gratefully experience the loving salvation that You graciously offer all of us. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John “Stushie” Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He writes the daily devotional “Heaven’s Highway.” Today's artwork is called "Two More Days."

Last Words of Christ (1)

For the next seven days, we’ll be posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Sarah, Jody, Doug & John – some of the regular contributors to Presbyterian Bloggers – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.
Luke 23:32-34 (NIV)

It’s highly appropriate that the first words from Christ, as He was being painfully nailed to His Cross, should be about forgiveness. His whole ministry repeatedly emphasized peace and reconciliation, mercy and restoration. In the face of such excruciating pain, Christ does not forget His mission or message. Even from the Cross, He practices what He preaches.

Jesus puts Himself between God’s wrath and those who crucified Him. He cries out for mercy, not for Himself, but for those who abuse and attack Him. He advocates on their behalf, even although they do not know who He is, what He is praying, or what they are actually doing. They are killing God. They are destroying the One Hope that the world has of salvation.

Christ is the King of all Creation, and He is also King of His Crucifiers. They are sinfully ignorant; He is divinely tolerant. Anyone else in such pain would curse those around them, but Christ passionately cares for them and asks God to forgive them.

In this holiest of all weeks in the year, let us seek such mercy, discover grace, and offer forgiveness to those who hurt us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, even from the Cross You teach us lesson of faith, hope, and love. Give us the courage to forgive one another; to be reconciled by Your grace; and to be reunited through Your amazing and fearless love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John “Stushie” Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He writes the daily devotional “Heaven’s Highway.” The artwork is called “King for a Day,” by Stushie.

God Issues Today: "Staggering Down the Highway"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

Have you ever wished you'd just stayed in bed? Yesterday started that way for me. Stopping for gas on my way to work, I made the fateful decision to wash my car as well. The carwash stopped dead in the middle of its cycle, blanketing my car with soap. I shoved through the suspended brushes and escaped, then sought the assistance of the gas station attendant. Alas, this was her first day on the job and she had no idea what to do. She finally suggested that I run through the wash again, but it would no longer admit me.

Covered with suds, I then drove several miles to the next closest carwash, soliciting rather strange looks from my fellow drivers along the way. I paid for a second wash, and pulled into the machine. This time my car was soaped and rinsed, but the dryer wouldn't work. I guess you have to go to a third carwash for that. I finally gave up and drove away, dripping all the way to my office.

After two hours of attempted work, it was time to head for the airport for my flight to Abilene and a speaking engagement last night. In keeping with the day, I arrived to discover that my flight was delayed due to the gale force winds which buffeted Texas yesterday, with no guarantee that it would leave in time for me to get where I needed to be. So I exited the airport and made the three-hour drive to Abilene, dodging windblown 18-wheelers as they staggered down the highway like drunken sailors. The drive was so turbulent, I kept waiting for an oxygen mask to fall from the roof of my car.

Sometimes you can judge the spiritual significance of an experience by the difficulties you face in getting to it. Last night was such an event. I spoke at Hardin-Simmons University, an outstanding and historic Baptist school in Abilene. My subject was the Fifth Great Awakening, the movement of the Holy Spirit which is occurring in nations around the world. More people are coming to Christ every day than at any time in Christian history. God is doing a remarkable thing in these days, I told the audience.

Two students found me after the program was done. They told me that God had called them to help begin a spiritual movement on their campus, and that it had begun to spread to other schools. The previous four Great Awakenings began just like this—a group of believers who start praying fervently for the Spirit to transform their school or church or city. Their conversation made the trip and travails of the day worth it and more.

What would you change about your life this morning? God redeems all he allows. Ask him to use your difficulties to make you more reliant on his grace and power, more sensitive to his voice, more surrendered to the global movement of his Spirit. That's a prayer he is delighted to answer. I'll join you in it, right now.

Midland Group Expresses Urgent Concern for Health, Safety of Christian Prisoner in China

The China Aid Association is a non-profit Christian organization - based in Midland, Texas - with a mission to uncover and reveal the truth about religious persecution in China, focusing especially on the unofficial church. They do this, they explain in their website, by exposing the abuses, encouraging the abused and equipping the saints to advance the kingdom of God throughout China.

Midland Group Expresses Urgent Concern for Health, Safety of Christian Prisoner in China

Released by ChinaAid, March, 2009 ...

XINJIANG, CHINA – Uyghur Christian, Alimujiang Yimiti, who has been imprisoned for his faith and held for more than one year in a Kashgar, Xinjiang detention center was seen Tuesday morning around 10 a.m. (local time) at Nongsanshi Hospital in Kashgar. With hands bound and being roughly escorted by police and a prison doctor, he cried out to onlookers repeatedly in Chinese, "I'm sick. Tell my lawyer to come quickly to see me."
Read the Rest of the Report from ChinaAid

"Missional & Mishmash" VideoPt. 3: Do or Die

In the third installment of a popular series of videos, Missional and Mishmash discuss how to promote the 'everyday mission movement.' For more information about Leading for Life, please visit their website. Video from Innovista at YouTube.

God Issues Today: "Worms and Faith"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

So far the worm has failed to turn. You have probably heard about the "Conficker" worm, a virus which is believed to have infected up to 15 million computers around the world. This morning's news reports indicate that the chaos predicted for April 1 has not yet materialized. Experts feared that the worm would trigger machines to access personal files, send spam, clog networks and crash sites. Whether the worm will become more malicious tomorrow is anyone's guess.

In a fallen world filled with computer worms and worse, why believe that the God of Christianity is real and relevant? This is the question of Christopher Hutchens and the "new atheists," an issue which he and four apologists debated at the recent Christian Book Expo. I was privileged to be one of the debaters, and have been discussing this issue in the morning essays following the event. We will finish that conversation today.

My central assertion is that faith in God is a relationship; like all relationships, it requires a commitment which transcends the evidence and becomes self-validating. It will be verified beyond question when our Creator returns to the planet he made. In the meantime, those who trust him as their Lord find him real, relevant, and faithful.

Atheists usually want more proof for God than a relationship can produce. In response, I wonder: Does the Queen of England exist? Not so I can prove it. I can doubt every reference to her in the media. If you claim to have met her, I could refuse to believe you. Only if I met her for myself could I be absolutely certain that she is real.

Do love and friendship exist? I cannot prove to you that my wife loves me, or that my best friend is my best friend. I could tell you about the times they have expressed their commitment to me, but you could say they are lying. I could show you all the wonderful things they do for me, but you could claim that they are manipulating and misleading me. You'd have to experience my marriage or friendship to know that they are real. That's just the way it is with personal relationships. Even with the God of the universe.

It seems to me that God has done everything he can do to prove his reality to us. The rational arguments for his existence demonstrate that faith is reasonable and logical. He has interacted with our world throughout human history, and entered our race personally. He gave us a trustworthy written record of his creative work. He is available personally to everyone who is willing to trust in him. As a result, you could argue that more evidence exists for God than for Julius Caesar or George Washington.

The biggest problem atheists have with believing in God is that such faith requires them to accept the supernatural. If I am a materialist, certain that supernatural reality cannot exist, no amount of proof or persuasion will convince me of a supernatural being. Once you conclude that the world must be flat, nothing in logic or experience can prove you wrong. The presupposition determines the conclusion.

Of course, believing that the supernatural cannot exist is a belief. Materialism is a faith commitment. A materialist cannot prove that the supernatural does not exist, any more than a supernaturalist can prove that it does. The best we can do is to examine the evidence and then make a decision which transcends it. You'll know God is real when you ask him to be real in you. Why not today?

Note: Many of you have asked where you can view a video of Saturday's debate. Christian Book Expo officials tell us that it will be posted on "Tangle" (formerly GodTube) in the next few days. I am grateful for your interest.

Word from Uganda: "Exciting News"

Missionary teacher Natalie Rolfe writes, "'When He calls me, I will answer ... I'll be somewhere working for my Lord.' My call was Mbale, Uganda and that is where I have returned to serve for another year. Specifically, I am teaching phonics at Lulwanda Children's Home, an orphanage and school for 90 kids." Natalie also keeps an online journal of her service at the weblog, When He calls me, I will answer ...

Exciting News

"Oh Man!! I am so excited. As you saw on my previous post, some of our kids participated in the Sub-County sports competitions. Well, the continuation of the story is that 4 of them qualified for the District competition but upon reaching there, there was some corruption and they refused our kids to compete.”
CLICK HERE to read the rest of Natalie's post

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If you are interested in supporting LCH by sponsoring one of the 90 children, go to www.ugandaorphans.org If you are interested in financially supporting Natalie in her mission, you can send checks (with "Natalie Rolfe" in memo) to: Midland Bible Church, 2800 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705

God Issues Today: "What You Can Do With a Little Stucco"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

If you can't believe in Nefertiti, who can you trust? The Egyptian queen has long been heralded as the icon of beauty; her bust was one of the most copied in all of ancient art. Now we learn in today's New York Times that the original sculptor may have modified her features, akin to airbrushing in a magazine today. He likely enhanced her cheekbones, smoothed wrinkles around her mouth, and fixed a slight bump on the ridge of her nose. Outer layers of stucco were apparently used to trick the world. You can fool some of the people all of the time . . .

Appropriately, April Fool's Day is tomorrow. Some have called it the national holiday of atheists, but I disagree with such sentiment. While some are skeptics for the sake of being skeptical, many have genuine and honest issues with God. They have been hurt deeply and wonder how an all-loving, all-powerful God could exist and allow their pain. Or they have raised very real intellectual questions which no one seems able to answer.

Christopher Hutchens, for instance, was very gracious and personable with those of us who participated in our recent debate. During the actual event, he was as sharp and pointed as his reputation suggested. But at no point did I think that he intended to be hurtful or malicious. His issues are very real to him.

I have replied that faith is a relationship which requires commitment transcending the evidence and becomes self-validating. No relationship can be proven with absolute certainty in this life. However, our relationship with our Maker will in fact be verified one day beyond any question.

When our Savior returns to the planet he created and once inhabited in the flesh, every person will be sure beyond any shadow of a doubt that God is real and Jesus is Lord. But God is graciously giving you another day to trust in him by faith, another day to step into a personal relationship with him and experience the verification which comes to those who meet God for themselves. One day time will run out, and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11). As C. S. Lewis observed, when the author steps onto the stage, the play is done.

Until that day, there is nothing more a supernatural God can do to prove his existence through natural means. Asking the infinite, perfect God of the universe to prove himself to our finite, fallen minds is like asking him to make a square circle. Even God is not obligated to do what is logically impossible. But he will reveal himself personally to anyone who asks. Is he waiting on your next prayer? Let's conclude tomorrow.

Note: Many of you have asked where you can view a video of Saturday's debate. Christian Book Expo officials tell us that it will be posted on "Tangle" (formerly GodTube) in the next few days. I am grateful for your interest.