Have you ever had a day like that—a day when it seemed as though nothing was going right? Like the homeowner in Maui I read about. He was told by the fire investigators that the cause of the blaze which destroyed his home was a short in the newly installed fire prevention alarm system. He responded, “This is even worse than last year, when someone broke in and stole my new security system!”

Have you ever had days when, no matter how hard you tried, you just could not seem to make yourself understood? Life is that way, isn’t it? Sometimes it seems as though we just can not catch a break. We experience misfortune and are misunderstood. When we are caught in the whirlwind of the events, they are not comical, either. Often, the circumstances are momentous challenges to our faith and faithfulness. Make no mistake about it, in life we will experience some tremendous disappointments and heart-jarring hurts. It is at these times that we are faced with a crucial decision. How will we respond?

There are any number of possibilities. In the long run, though, it seems that we have two choices. We will either choose to get better or to get bitter. The road of bitterness is dark and lonely. The road of betterness is well lit and secure. On this road we meet our Savior and hear His encouraging words, “In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.“ In Christ we are triumphant, indeed! Let’s be of good cheer!

This reminds me of one of my favorite songs by Fernando Ortega. Here are the lyrics:

Take Heart, My Friend

Take heart, my friend, we’ll go together

This uncertain road that lies ahead

Our faithful God has always gone before

And He will lead the way once again

Take heart, my friend, we can walk together

And if our burdens become too great

We can hold up and help one another

In God’s love, in God’s grace

Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us

As He has been all the days of our lives

Our assurance every morning

Our defender in the night

If we should falter when trouble surrounds us

When the wind and the waves are wild and high

We will look away to Him who rules the waters;

Who speaks His peace into the angry tide

He is our comfort, our sustainer

He is our help in time of need

When we wander, He is our Shepherd

He who watches over us never sleeps

Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us

As He has been all the days of our lives

Our assurance every morning

Our defender every night

Take heart my friend, the Lord is with us

As He has been all the days of our lives

Our assurance every morning

Our defender in the night.

© Bill Williams
(for my buddy Ed)
2008.07.14

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“Well,” she said, “I agree with you that we should try to live without regrets. This is certainly the right thing to do. But, I think you should have included a thing or two in your talk about what we should do with our regrets. Everyone has regrets, you know?”

Now, I knew this woman fairly well. I knew her to be loved and respected by, well, everyone. I couldn’t imagine what she regretted that was troubling her so.

I attempted to sidestep the matter and change the subject. I don’t know why I did this. Perhaps I just assumed she was being overly sentimental, or something. She would have none of this. It was confessional time.

Right there in the lobby, with scores of people standing around, she discretely said, “Even though I don’t really recall thinking of it in these terms, I have tried to live my life with no regrets. But, I’ve made some pretty big blunders and have had to do my share of repenting and apologizing. So, I guess, I don’t really regret those things—the glaring things, you know?

I nodded.

She continued. “I trust that God has forgiven me for these things.”

“So,” I asked sincerely, “What is it that you regret?”

She replied, “One thing in particular. I think I regret it so much, because it’s too late now to do anything about it.”

Her eyes fell from mine and her shoulders sank. She seemed to be studying the texture of the carpeting on the floor. My mind was racing. I remember thinking: What could this dear soul have done that could not be undone?

She relieved my curiosity when she looked up and said, “If I could re-do one thing in my life, I know what it would be. I would be nicer to my husband. But, it’s too late now.”

We both knew what she was talking about. Her husband had been dead just over a year. I had helped her family bury this beloved man, to whom she had been married for more than 50 years.

I gave her a warm embrace and assured her that her husband loved her as deeply as any husband could ever love his wife. She agreed. Then she said, “I just wish I had not been so hard on him. We had a good marriage, for the most part. But, I’m afraid that I took advantage of his good nature. I never made anything easy, that’s for sure. I wonder what kind of man he would have been if he hadn’t had to put up with so much from me.”

Someone called her name. She gently touched my arm and thanked me for listening to an old woman’s woes. Then she went on her way. We never talked about the subject again. But, I’ve thought about it often.

What a thing to regret! It is something she could have so easily changed, if only she had decided to do it before it was too late. As I get older and see more of my friends and family members lose their loved ones, I think of this more often. Just the other day, when I was thinking about this gentlewoman’s confession another memory flashed through my mind.

I remembered the words spoken to me by the college roommate of one of my friends. We were more than just acquaintances, but not close friends. His name was Monty and he spoke two words which caught me by surprise, the first time I heard him say them. These words were: “Be sweet!”

He said this often. These two words were his usual parting exhortation. On one occasion, we were together at a fast food restaurant. I remember it as though it was yesterday. Monty offered thanks for our tacos and chalupas. Then he prayed, “Lord, help us to be sweet.” Well, maybe my memory isn’t as clear as I thought it was. I can’t remember the rest of the prayer. Really, I don’t know if I could have told you the rest of what he prayed immediately after he said the “amen”. Two words crowded everything else out.

His request was so simple—so basic—so unpretentious—so innocent—so pure—so sweet! Now, Monty was a manly man. No one would ever have thought of him otherwise. Yet, there he was unashamedly encouraging us to be sweet. More than that, he asked God to help us be sweet.

Monty was on to something! He was teaching us an important lesson about living in community with no regrets. It’s simple: Be sweet. There are so many verses that speak to this. There are the exhortations to kindness found in such passages as Ephesians 4:32 and Titus 2:5. But, the verses that really resonate with me are those found in 1 Corinthians 13. No doubt, we’ve heard these words hundreds of times: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…” Most of the ideas reflected in these verses could be summarized under the heading: God wants us to be sweet.

The difficulty we face, when it comes to living into the vision cast by such passages isn’t with knowing what we should do. The difficulty is, instead, with deciding to do it. Sometimes, it’s deciding to keep doing it.

Here’s where I think the two stories I’ve shared intersect. Our older sister teaches us that it’s usually not the big things we regret. They weigh on us so heavily that we tend to them. For example, if we blow it big time, our mistakes are so glaring that we can’t ignore them, even it we don’t want to face them.

On the other hand, it’s often the less obvious things—the things that happen out of view—that we push aside. For example, no one wants to treat other people badly. Well, I have known one or two that were bent this way. But, generally speaking, we want to treat others with love and respect. But, we are creatures of habit who sometimes develop bad habits, like forgetting to “be sweet.” So, every now and then, we need a Monty in our lives. We need someone who is strong enough to humbly ask God to help us be sweet. Otherwise, we might live to regret it.

© Bill Williams
2008.07.12

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Well known 19^th century American philosopher Henry David Thoreau wrote many things about the human experience. One rolls off of my lips often, because it seems to summarize his philosophy regarding life most succinctly. By now, many of you know what it is. Thoreau stated: The masses of humanity live lives of quiet desperation.

While there is no shortage of desperation in our world, with certain people groups having more than their share and others seeming to have less, it appears that on the whole our lives consist more of just regular, ordinary sorts of things which are necessary for daily existence.

While many search for the one idea, cause or purpose which gives these simple things meaning most of our days are filled with the regular rather than the regal. So, we ask: Is it possible for the mundane to become a marvel and a wonder? Is it possible for the ordinary to take on extraordinary significance?

I suggest that it is. In fact, I lean more towards insisting that ordinary lives, when lived for God, become extraordinary. Living for God is the primary requirement, too. It is in living for God that the simple becomes sublime—the ordinary becomes extraordinary. A couple of passages seem to highlight this idea:

(1) Matthew 5:13-16, “¹³You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. ¹⁴“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

(2) Colossians 3:23-24, “²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

From Ordinary to Extraordinary…

This point is powerfully illustrated in the life of one of our sisters-in-Christ. Because she comes to us from India, I wanted to learn more about how she came to know Jesus and become part of His kingdom. I’ll have to confess that what she told me shined a bright light on some of my biases and preconceived notions. I had assumed there would be an extraordinary set of circumstances involved in her story. This did not turn out to be the case. She gave me permission to share her story with you so that we might appreciate how God worked in her life to guide her safely into the family of God. Her life story is actually an illustration of how God uses “ordinary things” to achieve extraordinary results.

Here is an excerpt from the email she sent on October 31, 2005:

Good Morning Bill,

Well I was born and raised in a christian family. My Grand parents were christians and so are my parents. The Church Minister of the Church of Christ back home constantly reminded and asked me when I would get baptised every week he visited. I finally agreed cause I didn’t wanted him to ask me anymore and also I was well aware that its only through baptism I receive the Holy Spirit.

I did not get baptised with this urge inside to become Gods Child and to be like Jesus. I was as before after my baptism. Sunday christian, no difference in my behaviour (as there was not much besides school,church and home) etc. When my kid brother was asked by my parents to think abt Baptism 1.5 yrs after I got, he asked one thing which first me think abt being a CHRISTIAN in a deeper sense and it was “tell me how better Suma got after baptism”. he repeatedly asked whomever asked him to get baptised.He asked this cos I was no better handling the situations when my brothers and I fought.I fought, gave bad names, angry for days…typical sibling rivalry..

And then during my Bachelors my mom got sick with her Kidney problems and Dad went almost bankrupt by trusting a friend and lending him huge money.I observed how God worked wonders in a span of 4 years helping us have a consistent health to mom (problem in her kidneys didn’t deteriorate) and Dad. The church, my parents prayed for the problem and witnessed God bringing betterment in the situations. The church had been incredibly supportive.

After I came to USA, I met people from church who are so kind and loving.When I prayed in times of need , God helped me. All these remind me to be thankful and prayerful to God not only in times of need or Sundays but ALWAYS. Being with Dagnans and Cedars, I see how people are warmly and affectionately welcomed for just one reason that we are all brothers and sisters in HIM. It helps me be kind and helpful too.

So like any other chirstian, mine is a regular story. I am constantly trying to develop the nature to accept any situation good or bad (Esp. bad) as God’s Plan for me and pray for His help to face it. I still see God helping Mom with her health and rest of my family each day. I also see how God helps me when I pray for any situation at work.

Thanks for the prayers for my Mom. Pray for me and others who need help with spiritual growth.

In His Love,

Suma

Extraordinary results from ordinary circumstances…

Her life consists of some fairly “ordinary” life-circumstances. These seem to have ended in extraordinary results. It doesn’t matter what hemisphere we are in, either. Suma’s only hesitancy in permitting me to share this was a concern that the emphasis would be on a person rather than God. It is clear, however, that the ordinary became extraordinary, because God was active in her life through these circumstances. Because God is the focus of her life, God is glorified through her life. A few of the things in her experience were/are:

(1) She was raised in a Christian family where she saw faith, friendship, fellowship, failure and forgiveness in action.

(2) She was encouraged by caring Christians to begin her walk with the Lord and continues to experience encouragement from many sources in her journey of faith.

(3) She learned how much of an impact her spiritual walk had on others, especially those close to her like her brother.

(4) She learned how to trust God through difficult times and found God to be faithful in all things.

(5) She learned that walking by faith and not by sight is the essence of what it means to be a child of God.

There are many other things, of course. Hopefully, our sister Kollabathula’s email will prompt us all to give this idea some though.

- What sublime things is God doing through your life?

- How is God shaping you in such a way that extraordinary results are coming about through the ordinary events of your daily life?

- How is God using your life to bring about extraordinary things through the ordinary ways you are interacting with other people in our daily lives?

© Bill Williams

June 30, 2006

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I quickly responded as forcefully and concisely as I could in the moment, stating the following:

You are loved by One who has an unquenchable love for you and wishes to lift you up and see you through any and all of life’s struggles.

Additionally, I shared a few passages of Scripture with him. I encouraged him to remember John 3:16; 1 John 3:1-3; 1 John 4:7-12 and Romans 8.

As I reflect on these words, I am wondering: 

• How do you respond when your friends become ensnared by negative thoughts?
• What words of encouragement do you send their way?
• What Scriptures do you remind them of, which you hope will boost their spirits?

Just wondering,
-bill

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Each year, when I listen to the speeches and watch the parades, I am moved with a strong sense of gratitude that America has long been the home of the free and the brave. I am deeply grateful for all who have given so much to secure and sustain our freedom. I do feel fortunate that America is my home sweet home.

A concern usually surfaces as well. You see, in my estimation, we Americans tend to inaccurately assume that the spiritual relationship between God and Israel that is reported in the Old Testment exclusively correlates with that of God and the United States. While I am thoroughly convinced that God is interested in the life of our nation, as God is concerned about the affairs of all people and all nations, I do not believe this is an exclusive matter.

There is an important principle to keep in mind: As I understand it, the spiritual kingdom of Christ corresponds to God’s holy nation of old. This is clearly stated by the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter who wrote: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

I hasten to reiterate that this does not mean God is unconcerned about our nation. Indeed, reading the prophets make it clear that God involves Himself in the affairs of all nations. A proverb sets this forth succinctly: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Perhaps the foregoing helps us understand why emotions often surge when people hear Irving Berlin’s classic song “God Bless America.” Berlin, who immigrated to America from Siberia in 1893, introduced this song to the world on Armistice Day in 1938.

As the first line intimates, war was on the horizon in Europe. A somber atmosphere blanketed the western world. While Berlin’s lyrics acknowledge this, they also offer hope. This hope emerges not from individual or collective strength. I derives, instead, from a solemn prayer from Irving Berlin’s hand. A prayer that we share today:

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. “God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.

Happy Independence Day! Be safe!!

© Bill Williams

2008.07.04

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Honduras mission trip photographs on Windows Live Spaces.

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Finally, my time arrived. With her usual cheerful countenance, a teller named Connie said, “Next.”

I stepped to the window. I handed her my deposit. She counted the cash in typical bank teller fashion. After the second time her nimble fingers worked their magic on my $20 bills, she looked at me and said, “You’re one short.”

Instantly, I thought I knew what had happened. Earlier, I had tucked the deposit under the sun visor in the car. When I pulled it out, one of the $20’s must have gotten stuck and separated from the deposit.

Regardless, my time waiting in the line had been wasted. Not only would I have to return to the car to find the missing money, I would also have to wait in line once again. GRRRR.

When I returned, I was glad to see that only one person was ahead of me. An elderly woman who could barely see over the counter was standing at the window transacting her business. I heard her tell Connie in a shaky voice that she had gotten lost on her way to the bank. She said it took her over an hour to find the place. She then asked if Connie could tell her the best way to get back home. Connie said, “I’m new here. Even if I wasn’t, I’m terrible at giving directions.”

The dear woman’s shoulders drooped. Even though I was standing behind her, I could see the expression of concern on her face. Connie’s eyes met mine. A look of concern was on her face. I spoke up and told them both that I would help this woman find her way home. Connie was relieved. The woman quickly stepped aside to let me conduct my business. But, she didn’t go far. She was like a scared little child who didn’t want to get too far from her daddy.

Connie deftly handled my deposit. The older woman and I were soon out the door. I was able to give her simple directions back to a place with which she was familiar. All she needed to do is make one right turn and then one left turn on to a road that would take her to familiar environs within 10 minutes. She would be parked in her garage within 15 minutes.

She was so grateful. I was humbled. We went our separate ways. As I drove towards home, I remembered something my wife and I have often discussed. We are agreed that not everything that happens to us is for us. I had just experienced this.

God had a job for me. It wasn’t a big job. It hardly required any effort at all. But, it did make a big difference in this woman’s life. She was probably praying about her predicament the whole time she searched for the bank. God had her answer all worked out. His Spirit was working inwardly in me was producing the fruit of patience necessary for His servant to be in the right place at the right time. All I had to do was walk my talk and I would be right where God wanted me to be in order to help this dear woman find her way back home without incident.

Why was I so humbled by this? Well, I almost blew it. For a moment, while I was standing behind this woman, the thought that crossed my mind was something like, “I don’t need this. I might have to drive several miles out of my way just to lead this woman back to her neighborhood. I’m in a hurry. I have places to go. I have important things to do. Keep quiet, Bill. It’s really none of your business, anyway.”

When the trembling hand of this dear woman touched my arm as she was thanking me for taking the time to help an “old woman,” I knew I’d done the right thing. I’m glad the Spirit of God guided my steps in the pathway of righteousness. I’m glad God used me to help this dear soul that day.

I’m wondering how many opportunities like this I’ve missed in the past, because I was not walking in step with the Spirit. Does anyone else ever have similar experiences?

© Bill Williams
2008-06-26

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The first has to do with the many daily choices we make which result in changes in our life’s direction. The words of Jesus provide great insight. At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said the following:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. the rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.  —Matthew 7:24-27

The second relates to the challenges we face in life which leave us reeling and wondering how we will make it through dark days which lie ahead. We sometimes feel like we are making these decisions “in the blind.” We really don’t know what lies ahead, but we must choose which path to take. At times like these I take refuge in the words of confidence and conviction expressed by the prophet David. In Psalm 23 the sweet psalmist of Israel stated:

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

The third passage speaks to the times in which our strength is weak and our spirits are flagging. At times such as this God speaks to our hearts through the conviction of the prophet Isaiah. His convictions are expressed as follows:

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. —Isaiah 40:28-31

May God richly bless you and give you strength as you face life’s challenges.

© Bill Williams
2008.06.20

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Pause for a moment, before you read the following lines. Think of the most beautiful person you know. Do you have someone in mind?

Now, continue to read. If you are like most people who really think about it, you realized that beauty is more than physical appearance. You probably thought of someone who is beautiful, not so much for what they look like, but for who they are—what they do—what they stand for.

Still, we wonder, “How much money is spent each year by men and women alike in an effort to spruce themselves up—to make themselves beautiful?” The figure would likely to be staggering. It would probably dwarf the amount spent by the Christian community each year to care for the needy or share the Good News. It appears that people, generally speaking, want to be beautiful! Sadly, however, it seems that many do not understand the nature of real beauty.

What is more beautiful than a young child happily singing a spiritual song learned from a godly Bible class teacher? What is more beautiful than a family sitting down together for a meal, which has been lovingly prepared by a wife and mother (who, by the way, IS to her family the most beautiful woman in the world)? What is more beautiful than teenagers living godly lives, in spite of the fact that pressure from peers to do otherwise is incredible? What is more beautiful than a cup of cool water given in the name of Jesus? What is more beautiful than a hug around the neck or pat on the back, which is given to encourage a brother or sister in Christ? What is more beautiful than a family of Christians working together to serve those with special needs in their community? What is more beautiful than the feet of those who bring good news?

You see, there is a type of beauty that cannot be seen in a vanity mirror or through a camera lens. There is beauty that transcends even the most picturesque mountain scene imaginable. There is a kind of beauty that will endure when all other beauty has faded. It is real beauty! This beauty is not painted on the surface. Instead, it is the beauty of a life being lived in harmony with the will of God. It is the beautiful fruit of righteousness, which is produced by those who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. It is beauty from within!

© Bill Williams
2008.06.16

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This assertion is followed (Romans 10:14-15) by four piercing questions:

• How can they call on the One in whom they have not believed?
• How can they believe in Jesus, if they have not heard of Him?
• How can they hear about Jesus, if no one preaches the Gospel to them?
• How can preachers preach, unless they are sent?

These questions have led Christians of all ages to marvel at the majesty of our mission! Paul summed up this section with a quote from Isaiah: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! To call on the Lord and be saved, people must believe in Him. Such belief is predicated upon hearing the Good News. In order for people to hear the Gospel it must be proclaimed openly and published widely. This not only requires storytellers and publishers, but, also, those who are willing to send them forth to this noble task. What a majestic mission!

Could the logic be more clear? No. But, Paul does not have mere academic ends in view. He is not attempting to train readers as logicians. His purpose, in no small part, is to persuade Jesus’ followers to recognize what a truly fabulous trust God has given us.

Although relatively few will stand before a public gathering proclaiming the message, we all are part of sending the Gospel throughout the world! The feet of those who bring the Good News are beautiful—not just because of the content of the message—but, also, because they represent the dedication of the body of Christ to the plans and purposes of God.

The feet of those who bring good news are beautiful to those who are crying for relief. They are also beautiful to God. For each person who goes forth represents a host of senders. So, whether we proclaim the message or provide the means for others to do so, we are all instruments in God’s hands through whom the astonishingly good news is spread. To know we are on mission with God is to know the majesty of our mission.

© Bill Williams
2008.06.12

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He may have excelled more as a teacher than a painter. His pupils so effectively imitated him that scholars find it difficult to define his body work. Pieces formerly attributed to him are being reassigned to his students.

This is the idea behind Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:25, where He says, “It is enough for the student to be like his teacher…” The Greek word mathētēs, which is translated student, can correctly be translated: student, pupil, apprentice, follower, learner or disciple. Something more than impartation and absorption of information is indicated. It speaks of a closeness of relationship through which the learner so completely knows the teacher that emulation naturally occurs.

So, when we encounter unexpected challenges in life, it is enough to let Jesus’ life and teachings direct our steps. Indeed, we should reflect Christ-likeness in a way that people will sense the love of Christ through our presence. Because we are His followers, people should be able to discern the mind of Christ guiding the words we speak.

Being like our Master truly is the supreme concern of our lives. Towards this end, here are three practical pointers:

1) Study the Master’s body of work. Spend time each day reading from or listening to the Gospels, reflecting on the things Jesus did and taught. There is a lifetime of lessons in each one of these glimpses into the life of Christ. Take the time, also, to read what others have written about Jesus. Their insight can prompt you to develop deeper appreciation for what it means to be a follower of Christ.

2) Contemplate the Master’s brush strokes. Reflect on what the Lord meant when he told the Pharisees, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Ask why Jesus often reminded them, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” You could meditate on the Beatitudes. Or, ask what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. Like brush strokes on a Rembrandt, there are hundreds of thought provoking points to ponder.

3) Practice the Master’s technique. Whether we are talking life or art, it takes extensive practice to learn how to emulate a master. No half-hearted effort will suffice. Jesus made it clear that we must choose to follow Him. Where such commitment does not exist, people are constantly looking for loopholes in the service contract. So, deciding to put the Lord’s will into practice in our lives really is the heart of the matter. This is the only way to learn to imitate His style.

It is enough for followers of Jesus to aspire to emulate Him in every way. In so doing, Christ will be seen in every stroke we apply to the canvass and every work we produce. It is enough for the student to be like the teacher. This really is our supreme concern in life!

© Bill Williams
2008.05.28

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Then there are the questions. Are we doing it right? Did we handle the situation appropriately? Could we have done more? Should we have done less? There are so many peaks and valleys. Parents often question their parenting skills. Let’s examine one short verse that holds a treasure trove of counsel for parents who wonder about their parenting style. Ephesians 6:4 reads, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

We begin with what not to do. Parents are not to exasperate their children. In the original language the word “exasperate” is an intensified form of a word meaning to provoke anger. The idea being that effective parenting cannot take place in a hostile environment. This occurs in the context of parental actions such as: abuse, neglect, unrealistic expectations, insensitivity and a host of other possibilities. The important thing for moms and dads to remember is that parenting requires a non-antagonistic environment, which fosters a wholesome self-esteem in our children.

In contrast to this, the Bible says, “Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Here we see there is a process involved, a plan to follow, and a purpose in view.

The process is obvious. It takes time for babies to learn to crawl, for toddlers to learn to run, and for teenagers to learn to drive. In order for the necessary developmental processes to occur, time is of the essence. Not just the passing of time, though. Parents are called on to “be there” for their children. Parents are the “bringeruppers.” There is no such thing as parenting by proxy. The whole process takes time. Giving themselves is the greatest gift parents can give their children.

The plan is simple. It is still well balanced, though. It involves both training and instruction. Just as teaching requires more than telling, parenting involves more than just “laying down the law.” There is no doubt about it children do need guidelines. But, they also need loving correction when they fail to follow the guidelines. God’s plan for parenting includes both instruction and training.

The purpose in view is sobering. Parents have a God-given sacred trust. These rare jewels, these precious treasures, are ours only temporarily. Our task is to feed, clothe, shelter, educate, and otherwise provide for them. This, however, is not everything. Above all these things must be the priority of giving them to the Lord. It is the Lord’s training and instruction that will equip them for life. It is the responsibility of parents to bring children up in the Lord’s will.

Parents are to ensure that their children are taught and understand God’s will. Moreover, parents are to provide practical tutelage for the proper application of God’s will to all aspects of life. This will equip children to serve and glorify God all the days of their lives. This is parenting with purpose.

© Bill Williams
2008.05.26

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As a young person I distinctly remember attending only a few funerals. My most vivid memory is that of attending a memorial service for my cousin, a member of the Army’s 101st Airborne, SP4 Gail Lynn Strickland. He was killed when his helicopter was shot down in Viet Nam on August 12, 1971, one month short of his nineteenth birthday.

Memorial Day always takes me back to the day of his memorial service. I was just weeks away from turning thirteen. I remember sitting through the service with my cousin staring at me from the framed, glossy photograph, which was displayed on a table next to his flag-draped casket. The raw emotion of this moment lingers still.

A few years ago, I found his name engraved in the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. I was not prepared for the emotional impact of this moment. Not just because I found his name, but because I found his name amidst so many others—more that 58,000 other names. Since then, Memorial Day has never been the same for me.

Memorials are Meaningful

We know this by experience. We also know this to be true from the Scriptures. A few examples of meaningful memorials are:

—The rainbow, a reminder that God would never again destroy the world by a flood, Genesis 9:13–16.
—The Passover, a reminder that the blood of a lamb saved sinners from judgment, Exodus 12:11–14.
—Some brazen censors, a reminder that no one except Aaron’s seed must attempt to offer incense, Numbers 16:39–40.
—The Sabbath, a reminder of a completed creation, Deuteronomy 5:15.
—Twelve stones, a reminder of God’s mighty power in bringing Israel across the Jordan into Canaan, Joshua 4:7.
—The manna in the Ark of the Covenant, a reminder of God’s super-natural provision in the desert, Exodus 16:32.
—Purim, a reminder of salvation from wicked Haman, Esther 9:28.
—The Feast of Tabernacles, a reminder of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, Leviticus 23:39–43.
—The anointing of Jesus’ head and feet by Mary, the sister of Lazarus, a reminder of Mary’s devotion to Christ, Matthew 26:6–13; John 12:1–7.
—The Lord’s Supper, a reminder of the broken body and shed blood of Christ, Luke 22:19.

God’s Memorial Day

Embedded in this list is what I believe to be the original memorial day, God’s Memorial Day. We read about it in Exodus 12. From this text we learn much about how such days impact our lives. More importantly, we learn why this is still a meaningful memorial for us today. In it we are reminded…

…of God’s love and power.
…of God’s ability to provide solutions for our problems.
…of God’s desire to deliver His children in distress!
…that there is power in the blood.
…that we should look beyond the moment and anticipate ultimate victory at God’s hand.

Remembering Is Important

In the final analysis it seems that the memorials serve three fundamental purposes:

1. They are INSTRUCTIVE, influencing and impacting our intellect.
2. They are EVOCATIVE, influencing and impacting our emotions.
3. They are DEMONSTRATIVE, influencing and impacting our wills.

This is why remembering is so important. It helps us to move into the future with an awareness of God that is unmatched, as well as a degree of wholeness that cannot be experienced otherwise. Indeed, memorials are meaningful.

© Bill Williams
May 23, 2008

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It seems like some plants respond to spring’s wake up call before all others. In fact, they cheat a little, because they merely slow their pace a bit during winter. This makes it seem like they get a head start on all the others. One such plant is the prolific climbing ivy which seems to be everywhere.

Its presence prompted one beautiful, brown-eyed, preschool girl to ask, “Daddy, why do the trees have vines growing on them?”

This question led her father to see something he hadn’t seen before. Almost all of the trees that surround the parking lot of his family’s church facilities had vines growing on them. His response to this observation is what impressed me the most.

You see, I learned of this exchange when I saw the little girl’s father standing under a tree at the edge of the parking lot one Sunday afternoon. He had his pruning shears in hand and was snipping away at the vines before our worship gathering.

I stood there a moment sizing up the situation. It was probably the Curious George look on my face that prompted him to explain what he was doing, and why.

After noting that his daughter’s question left him with a sense that someone needed to do something to rescue our tree friends from the vine monsters (not in so many words). He then said, “I can’t do them all at once, but I can do two trees each week.”

The fact that worship was about to begin compelled me to break off the conversation at this point. But, our brief exchange has returned to my thoughts often.

The first thing that came to mind was that well-known story about the four friends named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. Do you remember it? The condensed version goes something like this: Everybody saw something that needed to be done. In fact, he thought that Somebody ought to do something about it. Well, Somebody thought that Anybody could do it; but Nobody got it done.

What we all need to realize is that everybody is somebody in Christ’s body. That’s what our vine-snipping brother illustrates. He didn’t go to somebody and say something needs to be done about those vines. He just did something about them! Praise God for such pure examples of selfless service!

As I continue to reflect on this, a few additional thoughts have come to mind:

1) How many times have we been thwarted by analysis paralysis? How many times have committees been formed and numerous meetings conducted to determine the best path forward in the face of this unfolding “Ivy Situation?” It happens, doesn’t it? Regarding this, someone has said: When all is said and done, more is usually said than done. The alarming thing about these “Ivy Situations” is they don’t take a break while we discuss them. They keep on growing, creeping steadily up and over and around and through every branch of the tree. If they are not stopped, they will kill the tree!

2) How many times have we just about “sophisticated” ourselves to death? Haven’t we sometimes focused an excessive amount of energy and resources on studying the growth patterns of ivy plants? When we do so, aren’t we majoring in minors and minoring in majors? Yes, I know that ivies are wonderful plants and I apologize to the ivy lovers amongst us. But, for now, just go with me. In this scenario, the ivy plant is the enemy. It takes nutrients the trees need out of the soil and, if left unchecked, it will eventually smother its host to death. A father’s explanation of the situation to his child was all the impetuous he needed to determine that he would simply push through the problem and become part of the solution.

3) How many times have we looked so intently for the best way to eradicate ivy plants that we missed the solution that is right under our noses? The best solutions are usually the least complicated ones. In this case, there was some effort involved. But, amazingly, God had already provided the tools and the strength for this tree-saving-vine-snipper to get the job done. All he had to do was show up. Now, in the interest of complete disclosure I must add that since poison ivy is known to lurk in some of our tree friends’ shadows, there was some risk involved, as well. Still, we note that when the desire to do something was joined with determination to act, positive results followed shortly thereafter.

Just think of what would happen in our lives if we were not so full of ourselves that could see all the things like this that we’ve never noticed before.

Just think how much better our homes and churches would function if we were not so self-important that we were constantly pretending towards perfection and just implemented the simple and obvious solutions to our “ivy situations”.

Just think how much good we could do if all of us would just tackle two trees at a time.

© Bill Williams
2008.05.25; 2006.03.14

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We live in a time when a valedictorian’s speech is silenced just because she wants to mention the name of Jesus in her valedictory address. Likewise, prayer is banned in most public venues. But, it was not prohibited at the school from which our second son was graduated. It was encouraged.

So, with deep love in my heart for children that have made me proud; with gratitude in my heart for a school that encourages prayer; and with respect for the parent (Bill Lockard) who opened his heart and led us in prayer, I share with you here a prayer for the class of 2006…

Job 38:36-37 (ESV)… Who has put wisdom in the inward parts or given understanding to the mind? [37] Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens…

Psalm 99:1-3 (ESV)… The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! [2] The Lord is great in Zion; he is exalted over all the peoples. [3] Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!

Father, as parents we once again find ourselves “dedicating” our sons and daughters to You; as we recognized 18 or 19 years ago, You created them each “fearfully and wonderfully” and we recognized that they actually and ultimately belong to You; that you placed them in our care to “raise them in the nurture and admonition of Jesus Christ”.

And we acknowledge this morning that WCS has been a significant part of the task. Father, we realize once again—as we did then—that this dedication, this “giving over” of our sons and daughters is not a one-time-event; it is a continual, day-by-day dedication.

We this day give them again to You; we dedicate them to you. For your good pleasure; for Your glory. Lord, we pray that our sons and daughters long for nothing but You, nothing but holiness, nothing but union with Your will.

May they recognize that You have given me these desires, and You alone can give them the thing desired. May their souls long for communion with You.

Father, may they never seek in the creature what can only be found in the Creator. Father, we deeply and passionately love our sons and daughters today; You have blessed our lives with them; we are the richest of people because of them.

Let them learn by paradox—

That the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high; that the broken heart is the healed heart; that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit; that the repenting soul is the victorious soul; that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crow; that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision.

O Lord God, You have commanded them to believe in Jesus. We pray that they would flee to no other refuge, wash in no other fountain, build on no other foundation, receive from no other fullness, and rest in no other relief.

And we ask all of this in no other name but the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

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American Falls at Night:

Horseshoe Falls at night:

A close up of the Horseshoe Falls at night:

Here is a look at some of the lights that shine on the Horseshoe Falls:

May God’s richest blessings be yours,

-bill

© Bill Williams

2008.05.22

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Even though we previously lived close enough to visit the falls for a (long) day trip, we had never visited the falls. So, when I received an invitation to officiate a marriage ceremony in Delaware, my dear wife and I decided we would take a few extra days and make our first visit to Niagara Falls. We sure are glad that we did!

Below you will find a few pictures that give you a sense of some of the sights that we took in during this whirlwind trip.

American Falls at Niagara:

Maid of the Mist boats with American Falls in background:

My dear wife Telesa with Horseshoe Falls in background:

Here I am on board the Maid of the Mist:

Maid of the Mist below Horseshoe Falls:

I have quite a few more pictures. Not to worry, though. I won’t post them here. I do want to give you a look at the lovely couple, Art and Fern, whose wedding occasioned our trip to the northeast. The photograph below was taken at the rehearsal dinner the evening before the wedding. Please join with me in praying that God will bless them with many happy and healthy years together in wedded bliss!

Grace,

-bill

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Would you agree that it is possible for our spiritual sparkle to become only a dull luster? Can the glow of our godliness become only a flickering remnant of a once roaring flame? How tragic it is when the glow goes away! What is the result? Obviously, a soul that once radiated warmth, drawing many in from the cold, cruel world, is now in need of revival.

Not surprisingly, our Lord has spoken to this issue. Having seen a similar need in the church at Ephesus, Jesus addressed it in Revelation 2:4-5. These verses read, in part, as follows:

You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.

These Christians had lost their spiritual sparkle, to say the least. Jesus simply stated that they had forsaken their first love. He then gave them the recipe for revival. We can follow this recipe, as well.

Revival begins with a REVIEW. Sometimes, the best way to get a fix on where we are is to figure out where we’ve been. The saints at Ephesus had once soared to lofty heights. But they had fallen! Jesus exclaimed to them, “Remember the height from which you have fallen!” Review your life. Can you remember a time when you were more on fire for the Lord than you are today?

Next, revival’s pivotal point: REPENT. Imagine that you are taking a trip. You suddenly realize that for the past thirty minutes you’ve been going the wrong direction. You’re headed south, when you should have been going north. What do you do? You turn around and go the other way! You do whatever you must do to get off of the wrong road and on to the right road. Are you on the right road, spiritually? If not, then repent!

Finally, the oft-neglected ingredient is RENEWAL. Repentance is essential. If, however, we do not make some radical changes once we turn around, it won’t take long for the devil to get us off course again. Jesus’ recipe for revival includes renewal. After telling these folks to repent, He said, “Do the things you did at first!” Repentance must be followed by renewal. Indeed, regaining our spiritual sparkle requires that we experience renewal in our devotion to the Lord!

REVIEW – REPENT – RENEW… These outline our Lord’s recipe for revival. If the fires have grown dim, following this formula will help to revive the glow of godliness in our lives!

© Bill Williams
2005.10.26; 2008.05.01

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Never before has such a tool existed. It allows us to communicate the Gospel globally, while maintaining the ability to conduct individual follow-up with those seeking the Lord. Additionally, this technological tool enables us to educate and edify believers the world over. What an incredible opportunity!

While there are many positive things to say about the Internet, I hasten to raise one or two thousand caution flags. The Internet can and should serve as a tool for accomplishing great good in the world. But, there are dangers to avoid. We need to be cognizant of these and prepared to take the necessary steps to deal with the dangers lurking on the world wide web. Not all of these plummet us into the dark world of wanton wickedness. Some are less severe; but, there are pitfalls to avoid. Hopefully, you find the following to be helpful:

(1) BE ADVISED… The Internet can rob you of huge chunks of time as you click through link after link. You know the drill. Read a news story. Follow the embedded links to several related stories. Look at something else that catches your eye; get an update on a favorite sports team; check the latest weather forecast; and, before you know it, 30 or 40 minutes have passed. Do this a couple of times in a day, six or seven days a week and an entire workday has clicked through your fingers. Benjamin Franklin said, “Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for it is the stuff life is made of.” Through the Apostle Paul, God instructs, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Ephesians 5:15-17). If we are not careful the Internet will rob us of valuable time which could be better spent in a variety of productive ways.

(2) BE ALERT… There are many insidious forces at work on the Internet. Based on the practices of the most proficient and prolific Internet users, the more accurate nomenclature for this cyber-entity just might be: The sInternet! One fact alone supports this assertion: As many as 20 million adults visit cybersex sites each month. This is astounding! Everyone should be alert, for our “enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). No doubt, the devil utilizes the World Wide Web as a means for promoting world wide wickedness. You name it and it’s on the Internet. Cyberstalkers search for unsuspecting children in chat rooms; pornography sites send out their alluring emails by the billions; and opportunities for marital infidelity are abundant. “Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?” (Proverbs 6:27) Be alert!

(3) BE AGGRESSIVE… There are many ways to protect yourself and your family from the digital dangers skulking on the Internet. Do some research. Find out what will work best for you in your circumstances. Focus on the Family provides helpful information on their web site. Go to www.family.org and search for Internet safety. Another helpful site related to Internet safety is www.isafe.org. Parents, we especially need to be aggressive in supervising your children in their Internet usage. You should know whom they are talking with and about what. In addition to the basic safety information available on many web sites, let your children know that nothing should be written in an Instant Message that wouldn’t be spoken in a restaurant, where it is sure to be overheard (by a concerned and highly engaged parent). Also, let them know they are the primary filters for what will and will not be viewed on their web browsers. Talk to them candidly about the likelihood of encountering unwholesome content and teach them to: “Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

No doubt about it, the Internet provides us with exciting opportunities never before experienced by humans. While seeking to maximize the positive, spiritually enriching usage of the world wide web, let us not minimize the dangers lurking there. When it comes to the Internet, we need to be informed of the hazards and insist that our families surf safely!

© Bill Williams

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