It holds true that when we commit our way to the Lord, He is faithful to use us and to teach us amidst any circumstance or occupation. I was just praying this morning that the Lord would prepare me for what's ahead, so that I'd be useable, and be ready to learn whatever He had to teach me [thinking in somewhat long-range terms, i.e. the next 6 months]. Soon afterwards, I headed out the door for a full day at work.
This afternoon, an older gentleman who is a very regular customer, came by in his gruff sort of manner, and really had no idea what to order. So when he asked for my opinion, I readily suggested my new favorite sandwich, made with a few personal twists. His face brightened up, and he told me that it sounded good. I brought it to him; he ate it, loved it, and told me so. [This pretty much made my day; to be able to share a personal idea with someone, and have them like it, is really encouraging.] Then after his meal, he pulled me over to his table, and asked me to sit down for a minute.
He told me how he had been feeling pretty depressed when he came in just that half an hour earlier. "When I asked you for help and you gave it to me, it changed my whole day." With tears in his eyes, he thanked me for taking the time to help an old widower like himself. I was able to sit for a few moments and talk with him about simple things like bread-baking and the weather- but I know it meant the world to him. And my heart was full with the blessing of being the hands and feet of Jesus.
How often I breeze by the main objects of ministry [namely, People], in the name of "getting things done." And how often I neglect to realize that even daily business is simply one opportunity after another to share my Jesus with the ones He loves. For all our "doing" on His behalf, we mustn't forget one thing: that the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. I Corinthians 13:3
15 July 2008
10 July 2008
brethren, let us love...
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.
1 John 3: 16-19
This particular verse was a great matter of thought during a long, busy day at work today. For I encountered several believers and countless [likely] nonbelievers, and in several cases the latter "loved in deed" much better than the former. One particular group of older people came in, were very friendly [albeit rather needy in terms of service], and took an interest in my current situation. They asked if I was full-time at the restaurant, and I told them I was working for a couple months before heading back to Germany to finish my Bible College internship. At this they all smiled and proudly declared their accurate guess at my soul's position and Christian lifestyle. I thanked them for their business and well-wishes, and kept on working. Now, throughout my hard day's work, I received many very generous tips from my customers. Unfortunately, these rather vocal Christians ended up being a little less generous in deed than in word. Oh, I didn't mind so much about the sub-average tip; in fact, I expected that as much as they expected I was a Christian. But it spoke volumes to my heart; namely, this verse: "Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
I think no less of my believing customers; however, I pity them for the reward they've chosen to opt out of. I am one of several believers at work, but there are plenty of nonbelieving, rough-around-the-edges kind of people with whom I work. There are also a few believers in name who are often spoken of in a negative light, particularly concerning their work ethic [often low] and overall likeability [not high]. Brethren, if we are going to "love" in word and in tongue, we had better be ready to "love in deed and in truth" before and after our self-assertion. Actions really do speak louder than words.
If they don't see Christ in us, they may never see Him at all.
But whoever has this world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.
1 John 3: 16-19
This particular verse was a great matter of thought during a long, busy day at work today. For I encountered several believers and countless [likely] nonbelievers, and in several cases the latter "loved in deed" much better than the former. One particular group of older people came in, were very friendly [albeit rather needy in terms of service], and took an interest in my current situation. They asked if I was full-time at the restaurant, and I told them I was working for a couple months before heading back to Germany to finish my Bible College internship. At this they all smiled and proudly declared their accurate guess at my soul's position and Christian lifestyle. I thanked them for their business and well-wishes, and kept on working. Now, throughout my hard day's work, I received many very generous tips from my customers. Unfortunately, these rather vocal Christians ended up being a little less generous in deed than in word. Oh, I didn't mind so much about the sub-average tip; in fact, I expected that as much as they expected I was a Christian. But it spoke volumes to my heart; namely, this verse: "Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."
I think no less of my believing customers; however, I pity them for the reward they've chosen to opt out of. I am one of several believers at work, but there are plenty of nonbelieving, rough-around-the-edges kind of people with whom I work. There are also a few believers in name who are often spoken of in a negative light, particularly concerning their work ethic [often low] and overall likeability [not high]. Brethren, if we are going to "love" in word and in tongue, we had better be ready to "love in deed and in truth" before and after our self-assertion. Actions really do speak louder than words.
If they don't see Christ in us, they may never see Him at all.
06 July 2008
28 June 2008
27 June 2008
the berry patch.
25 June 2008
deutschland!!
the brothers and i were there in spirit [as well as watching live commentary online] to see germany win their place in the Euro Cup 2008 Final Match. [our heartfelt condolences to the döner lady!]
hooray!
hooray!
19 June 2008
encore.
Small-town summer evenings can't get any better.
Our town's Municipal Band played their Wednesday evening concert at the Bandshell at a downtown park last night. They play 7 Wednesdays during the summer, and hundreds of people come out to listen.
I think the main draw is neither brilliant talent on the band's part, nor their faithful, fearless, yet somewhat loquacious director, but generally the idea of enjoying the sunshine and a few old show tunes by the river at dusk.
Last night's program was pretty near and dear at times- Moon River, the theme from Chariots of Fire, Hogan's Heroes March, and little snippets of John Henry during the medley, among other less-familiar tunes. The director likes to feature the trombone section on every occasion, his favorites are the John Phillips Sousa [inventor of the sousaphone, you're right!] marches, and they always get a couple dozen kids to march around the benches during the infamous Kids' March [candy is involved]. Unfortunately, a good deal of the young marchers received a gentle reprimand from stage last night, for their expeditious completion of the pre-appointed route.
We also saw a nebulous attempt at interpretive dance.. or was it bird-watching?
The people-watching is superb, young and old birds alike. [The aforementioned birds were of the fowlish variety.]
so all in all, it's quite the miss-able opportunity, but if you really want [local] culture- you'd better head down to the hottest wednesday night spot on the prairie! bring your own bugspray- and head on over to our place afterwards for some home-roasted s'mores.
Our town's Municipal Band played their Wednesday evening concert at the Bandshell at a downtown park last night. They play 7 Wednesdays during the summer, and hundreds of people come out to listen.
I think the main draw is neither brilliant talent on the band's part, nor their faithful, fearless, yet somewhat loquacious director, but generally the idea of enjoying the sunshine and a few old show tunes by the river at dusk.
Last night's program was pretty near and dear at times- Moon River, the theme from Chariots of Fire, Hogan's Heroes March, and little snippets of John Henry during the medley, among other less-familiar tunes. The director likes to feature the trombone section on every occasion, his favorites are the John Phillips Sousa [inventor of the sousaphone, you're right!] marches, and they always get a couple dozen kids to march around the benches during the infamous Kids' March [candy is involved]. Unfortunately, a good deal of the young marchers received a gentle reprimand from stage last night, for their expeditious completion of the pre-appointed route.
We also saw a nebulous attempt at interpretive dance.. or was it bird-watching?
The people-watching is superb, young and old birds alike. [The aforementioned birds were of the fowlish variety.]
so all in all, it's quite the miss-able opportunity, but if you really want [local] culture- you'd better head down to the hottest wednesday night spot on the prairie! bring your own bugspray- and head on over to our place afterwards for some home-roasted s'mores.
13 June 2008
welcome home!
here i am. i love it here.
planes were delayed, a flight was missed, and a holding pattern in the sky was accomplished before my actual arrival to my lovely state. but the 24 hours of travel was well worth the wait and discomfort for the joy of coming home and seeing my family!
my nephew came over last night, and for a few minutes was not quite sure about me. but by the end, he was on my lap doing all of his facial expressions and noises with me! what a cutie! oh, and my little brothers are giants. with deep voices.
saw a few friends today, helping a couple move into a new house, then tonight we went out to the Hicks' farm for a potluck with a bunch of families. i was promptly greeted by a flying leap/hug by Tater Hicks herself. later i received the complete guided tour of the rabbit/sheep/pony barn by two very willing young ladies. the evening ended with a theatrical production [complete with ball gowns, high heels, and tutus] of the story of Esther. the best-dressed, we all agreed, was tiny Mallory, with a blue ballerina suit over pink sweats paired up with some very sturdy hiking boots.
it was good to see everyone again. it's definitely a different world here, and one that i've sometimes disdained, but at this point in life i find it very heartwarming to come home to such a place. yes, this piece of country is a bit backward by the world's standards, but it's family, it's memories, it's home.
planes were delayed, a flight was missed, and a holding pattern in the sky was accomplished before my actual arrival to my lovely state. but the 24 hours of travel was well worth the wait and discomfort for the joy of coming home and seeing my family!
my nephew came over last night, and for a few minutes was not quite sure about me. but by the end, he was on my lap doing all of his facial expressions and noises with me! what a cutie! oh, and my little brothers are giants. with deep voices.
saw a few friends today, helping a couple move into a new house, then tonight we went out to the Hicks' farm for a potluck with a bunch of families. i was promptly greeted by a flying leap/hug by Tater Hicks herself. later i received the complete guided tour of the rabbit/sheep/pony barn by two very willing young ladies. the evening ended with a theatrical production [complete with ball gowns, high heels, and tutus] of the story of Esther. the best-dressed, we all agreed, was tiny Mallory, with a blue ballerina suit over pink sweats paired up with some very sturdy hiking boots.
it was good to see everyone again. it's definitely a different world here, and one that i've sometimes disdained, but at this point in life i find it very heartwarming to come home to such a place. yes, this piece of country is a bit backward by the world's standards, but it's family, it's memories, it's home.
07 June 2008
post #100.
well, i did something that required Mutige [courage] this evening. i had tuna fish on pizza.
and somewhat surprisingly, it was extra delicious! there were other things on the pizza too, of course, including salad! top that off with some apfelkirscheschorle [apple cherry soda] and a good friend, and you've got one fun time on your hands!
da vinci's ist sehr gut und so lecker! [i spoke german and they still knew i was american. oh well.]
tomorrow we're going to München!
and wednesday i go home!
and somewhat surprisingly, it was extra delicious! there were other things on the pizza too, of course, including salad! top that off with some apfelkirscheschorle [apple cherry soda] and a good friend, and you've got one fun time on your hands!
da vinci's ist sehr gut und so lecker! [i spoke german and they still knew i was american. oh well.]
tomorrow we're going to München!
and wednesday i go home!
05 June 2008
hospitality.
"Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs to the saints, given to [pursuing] hospitality."
Romans 12:10-13
this verse has come to my attention several times in the past few years; generally i thought of it as a commendation to those who were of a hospitable nature, not necessarily a command to all believers. but that's precisely what it is- hospitality is a ministry: one which pleases the Lord and blesses believers and nonbelievers alike. i figured i probably didn't have this "gift" but since Paul is referring to everyone here, i realized it definitely included me. so in the past few months especially, i have been praying about this off and on, whenever it came to mind. i also began to observe how others practiced this ministry, and the simplicity in which it could be done.
one of the greatest examples to me was a certain friend who consistently practices this gift, gives regardless of personal abundance or lack, gives the best things freely, and takes no end of joy in so doing and so giving. i began to see beyond my little personal scope of "give what you have to and sigh in relief when you get the rest" and into the joy and blessedness of giving, and of serving, and of showing hospitality.
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: ... he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6,8
how thankful i am for that grace, so freely given to us; for those gifts, imparted so perfectly and individually to each of us; and for the Spirit indwelling us, and producing such good fruits in us. i love how He works things into us that were before such impossibilities, such contradictions to our nature- and so naturally works them out in our lives, much to our amazement. how grateful i am for the fruit of the Spirit! when we see Him producing each new thing in our lives, we can once again be assured of His working within us, and for such assurance i am entirely grateful. To be found abiding, that is our goal- and when found abiding, such joy and thanksgiving and praise wells up within our hearts! what a loving and gracious Heavenly Father we have.
so, as i've been practicing the ministry of hospitality lately, i have been abundantly blessed each time i give, each time i serve, each time i step out in faith, each time i try something i've never done before! truly it is more blessed to give than to receive, and to obey the Word of the Lord is to take hold of Life Abundant! let us all seek to become more conformed to His image, more renewed in our minds, and more sensitive to His Spirit- and become ministers of His gracious hospitality.
"He has put a new song in my mouth- Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.
Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered."
Psalm 40:3-5
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
distributing to the needs to the saints, given to [pursuing] hospitality."
Romans 12:10-13
this verse has come to my attention several times in the past few years; generally i thought of it as a commendation to those who were of a hospitable nature, not necessarily a command to all believers. but that's precisely what it is- hospitality is a ministry: one which pleases the Lord and blesses believers and nonbelievers alike. i figured i probably didn't have this "gift" but since Paul is referring to everyone here, i realized it definitely included me. so in the past few months especially, i have been praying about this off and on, whenever it came to mind. i also began to observe how others practiced this ministry, and the simplicity in which it could be done.
one of the greatest examples to me was a certain friend who consistently practices this gift, gives regardless of personal abundance or lack, gives the best things freely, and takes no end of joy in so doing and so giving. i began to see beyond my little personal scope of "give what you have to and sigh in relief when you get the rest" and into the joy and blessedness of giving, and of serving, and of showing hospitality.
"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: ... he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:6,8
how thankful i am for that grace, so freely given to us; for those gifts, imparted so perfectly and individually to each of us; and for the Spirit indwelling us, and producing such good fruits in us. i love how He works things into us that were before such impossibilities, such contradictions to our nature- and so naturally works them out in our lives, much to our amazement. how grateful i am for the fruit of the Spirit! when we see Him producing each new thing in our lives, we can once again be assured of His working within us, and for such assurance i am entirely grateful. To be found abiding, that is our goal- and when found abiding, such joy and thanksgiving and praise wells up within our hearts! what a loving and gracious Heavenly Father we have.
so, as i've been practicing the ministry of hospitality lately, i have been abundantly blessed each time i give, each time i serve, each time i step out in faith, each time i try something i've never done before! truly it is more blessed to give than to receive, and to obey the Word of the Lord is to take hold of Life Abundant! let us all seek to become more conformed to His image, more renewed in our minds, and more sensitive to His Spirit- and become ministers of His gracious hospitality.
"He has put a new song in my mouth- Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.
Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered."
Psalm 40:3-5
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