Not a By Stander

“Bystanders” is a catch-all term that is often applied to people who are passive and indifferent to activities taking place around them. The news is filled with stories about bystanders watching as people are attacked. Here are some examples:

• PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) An alarming video of a woman being beaten on a city street while a crowd of people watches came to us by a Fresco News user.
•  Police are hunting for a couple who beat a New York City cab driver over an $18 fare as a crowd of bystanders reportedly stood and watched.  
• A Santa Monica woman was punched by a homeless man this week at 2nd and Wilshire, but what hurt the woman more were the men at the scene who did nothing to help.

This phenomenon of being a bystander, especially for men, is evident in the local church, which could not survive if it were not for the ladies working double duty.  It shouldn’t surprise us that most of us men are bystanders today. It goes back to Genesis. In Genesis 3:6 (NIV) we read, “When the woman saw the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”   So while Eve was being tempted, father Adam was the first bystander. This doesn’t make us men look good.

My friend of 41 years, Don Wampler, went to his eternal reward on March 31, 2019 around 3 pm. I had the privilege of being with Don and his family as he made his journey, just like he and his wife Ruby had been with me as my wife made her journey more than 13 years ago.

I have struggled to describe my friend, using phrases such as:     

• A force of nature
• They broke the mold when they made Don
• He died living and never lived dying

The list goes on, but I have found that no description can do justice for this unique and good man. Instead, I’ve found the best way to describe him is to say what he wasn’t. Don Wampler was never a bystander … I mean never.

I met Don 41 years ago when I was an office manager for Lowe’s. It was a Saturday morning and I saw Don pacing outside my office. I had seen him, Ruby, and their son, Randy, at church but we had never met. On this particular morning I saw an angry Don, as a salesman had been rude to Ruby and she had gone home and told Don. He was not going to stand by and let someone speak unkindly to Ruby. We discussed the matter and I assured Don I would take care of it. Thus started a 41-year journey as friends.

 

The more I got to know about Don and spend time with him in Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, and Tennessee, I saw a man who lived life to its fullest.  Don’s passion of always being all in and not being a bystander began at an early age. He protected his mother when he was 12 years old, and then his little brother Gary when Don was a teenager. Don heard the good news of Jesus Christ as a young boy and actively began to trust and serve Jesus.  He was not a bystander in sharing the good news with his own father, who came to faith through Don’s witness.  

Don certainly wasn’t a bystander when he originally saw a beautiful Ruby Greene in a church choir. He told me that he was smitten at first glance and his determination resulted in a blessed 56-year marriage.

The examples of Don not being a bystander is so long it requires a list:

• Active in high school sports, Don was a good athlete
• He proudly and faithfully served his country in the Air Force
• A respected colleague at Sprint for almost 30 years, Don was known as a leader who was both knowledgeable and who could get things done
• A dedicated father, he was always there for Randy
•  He was a church leader in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. When Don and Ruby saw the need for a camp for pre-teens, they started the Fellowship Chapel youth camp, which has been going strong for over 38 years. They sacrificed vacation and resources for years to lay the foundation to bless pre-teen youth. 

I witnessed Don breaking up a fight at Wendy’s in Wytheville, Virginia, trying to run down a mugger in Charlottesville, Virginia, and making sure a dying friend was ready to meet his maker. Don wasn’t going to merely sit in my rental car one cold Kansas City night when we tried to interrupt President Ronald Reagan’s motorcade route. Don jumped out of the car and asked if we could stand on the street as the president went by. Then two hillbillies stood alone and waved at a gracious, smiling, and waving President Reagan. He must have recognized Don. 

I could go on and on with more examples and dozens of friends could add countless stories of Don and Ruby not merely standing by when there was a need in their community, church, or circle of friends. My most personal example happened the first Friday in June, 2004.  I had just gotten off the phone with a godly surgeon, Dr. Michael Rowell, when my whole world turned dark and uncertain. I had just learned my wife Betty, at 46, had stage 4 cancer and would not live over 2 more years. I immediately called my friend Don and could only utter one word—“Come.”   His response was classic Don: “We’re on the way.” For the next 1½ years Don and Ruby Wampler became our rainy day people. Coming for one of the surgeries at UVA, where Ruby stayed up with Betty at night, bringing food, and making more visits then I can remember.  But it was during Betty’s last week they came and basically stayed, being with us as Betty made her journey. One of the last names Betty spoke was “Don.” 

Hebrews 12 talks about being surrounded by “a cloud of witnesses” and about running the race of life. All races have finished lines; Don reached his finished line on March 31. I believe it is not a stretch to say the cloud of witnesses will be at our finish line to welcome us home. Last Sunday, Don was welcomed home by his Mom and Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Greene, Lester MacKinnon, Betty, and so many more.  All of these greetings had to be joyous, but it was that greeting from the one Don called “My Jesus” that Don is enjoying the most today and for eternity. Don Wampler is not a bystander in heaven today. He is enjoying revealed glory (Romans 8:18).  

So how do we go on without this most influential person in our lives? I must admit it is hard and painful but I am more determined not to model father Adam when it comes to being a bystander. With God’s help and Don’s example, I want to be all in for my family, church, friends, and community. God help us to finish our races well.

Don and Ruby Wampler, Thanksgiving 2017

May All Who Come Behind Us Find Us Faithful

Casting Your Bread

Ecclesiastes 11:1

“Cast your bread up on the waters, for you will find it after many days.”

I’m certain I wasn’t thinking about this verse on a hot July afternoon 36 years ago, when my front doorbell rang in Abingdon, Virginia. I was just hoping it didn’t wake the 14-month-old and the 3-year-old. I was also wondering when my wife was going to be home from a shopping trip with her mother. When she left that morning, she reminded me that husbands don’t babysit their own children; they do their duty as a father. I always hated it when she was right, which was 99% of the time. 

Back to the front door. When I opened the front door, there they stood: a dad, a nine-year-old son, a six-year-old son, and a three-year-old daughter; the mother was waiting in the truck. They were selling firewood because that’s how they made a living. I was a junior accountant in those days, making about $180 per week, and cutting my own firewood to heat my house. I told him I wasn’t interested and he said, “thank you,” and then they began to walk away. Don’t ask why, but I called after him to wait and then asked how much. I think it was $40 for a load of wood and I said, “Ok, I’ll take it.” 

Then I watched as this family from Lodi, Virginia, living in a hand hewn log house with outdoor plumbing, began to work as a team. I heard his children say “Yes sir” and “Yes ma’am.” I was so impressed that I became an unpaid salesperson for them, selling first to my brother, Phil, and then my neighbors. I would borrow Phil’s truck on Saturdays and take my neighbors to Lodi, where we got to know this remarkable family.  Here are some of the lessons they taught us:

• Whatever work you do, do your best; there’s dignity in work 
• Good manners are not restricted to economic status    
• Academic and athletic success can be achieved by anyone who is doing their best, even if they live in a hand hewn log cabin in Lodi
• Heartbreak comes to all of us and many times it’s unexpected

I think you can already tell how they taught us the first two lessons by example, but the others came over time. 

One Saturday, I was returning from Lodi with two neighbors and a load of wood. Ed was a retired consultant on airport management for the United Nations. When I first approached him about this family, he told me he didn’t believe in charity, but that didn’t last long. My other neighbor was a pediatrician from Richlands who had retired to Abingdon. On this Saturday Ed and the doctor were talking about how the Lodi family was so extraordinary. The two were puzzled about how they could be so articulate and well-mannered, until the doctor came up with the answer. He surmised that the mother must have some aristocratic heritage. I promise, I didn’t laugh out loud. You see, just because someone is poor, they’re not necessarily crude or ignorant. I think we’ve seen plenty examples in recent days where people of wealth are crude. 

Before that day was finished, Ed and the doctor had promised all of the children $5 for every “A” on their report card. I’m not sure how much that amounted to, but both boys were eventually granted academic and athletic scholarships to college. The oldest son attended the University of Virginia and the youngest went to Emory and Henry.

One day Ed called me over to his driveway to talk with him and the the oldest son. This man who didn’t believe in charity had taken the young man to an expensive men’s clothing store to outfit him for school. I was tempted to remind him of his thoughts on charity, but didn’t, because I was just happy to see such wonderful generosity.

The last lesson was a hard one. The family’s young daughter was killed in an accident around the age of five. As a result, we learned that grief is hard and comes to all of us. We saw the examples of a good pastor in Bristol—Lester MacKinnon—and the kindness of my brother Phil, neither of whom knew the family, but made sure the funeral expenses were paid. 

My family and I moved to Indiana soon after the oldest son started college and I haven’t seen or heard from the Lodi family in more than 28 years.    

So how is it that this true story came back to me today, December 28, 2017 and why did I think of bread casting? As I was helping a client at Faith in Action, I received a wonderful gift from God. This client from Damascus didn’t want to be there. He was embarrassed and wanted to be a good provider for his family, but life hadn’t been kind to him. As we were taking care of his electric bill, I made some conversation to put him and his wife at ease. I asked if she was a native of Damascus and she said yes. Then she said, “Maybe you know my family...” I thought, “How in the world would I know your family?” But she told me her maiden name and—you may have guessed it—the Lodi father was her uncle and the boys were her cousins. I told her I did know them, and asked about the family. It turns out the oldest son graduated from UVA and is a missionary for his church, while the youngest is doing well in his career. Both parents are fine and still very active.  

More than 36 years ago, I cast $40 (which was a lot of money at that time) and today it came back to me. What would this family have achieved without Ed, the doctor, Lester MacKinnon, and Phil? Only God knows, but today He let me find a nugget. Some might say my conversation at Faith in Action was coincidental, but I say it was a gift from a God who cares for me. I believe every day is a good day for bread casting. You never know how or when it will return to you, but I assure you it will. 

Violin Concert

I went to a violin concert on Saturday in Knoxville, TN.  It starred Leah Abigail
Thelen.  Perhaps you have heard of her but if you haven't, you will.  Leah is my
charming, talented, brilliant, and beautiful granddaughter.   Leah is just six years
old and already starring in a major violin concert.  OK, It was about 20 students playing about one minute each but Leah was definitely the star.  I may have exaggerated a little as all the students were stars and it might have been just a recital but I came away thankful for a lot.

• I am thankful for the Leah's home that encourages her and her sister Molly to explore different activities to find their bent
• I am thankful for Leah's home that is full of music that expresses hearts full of joy and lives full of hope
• I am thankful for the promises of Psalm 42:8  "By day the LORD directs his at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life."

Leah

George Young understood songs in the night.  He was a carpenter, and a preacher of the gospel. In the late nineteenth century he labored in obscurity, serving small rural areas in the United States. Today, there is not even a reliable record of the dates of his birth and death.  Often his income was so small he had difficulty supporting his wife and family. Even so, he kept on diligently serving the Lord.

Finally, after a great deal of effort and years of sacrifice, the Young's were able to move into a small house they had built for themselves. All were delighted with the new place, but tragedy soon overtook them. While George was away holding meetings in another community, some ruffians who were hostile to the gospel he preached set fire to the Young’s home burning it to the ground.

In 1903, George Young published a hymn for which he wrote both words and music. It is a testimony to his faith in God, in spite of this severe trial. It depicts different kinds of circumstances and experiences we face in life, with a reminder that the Lord provides for us in them all. The opening stanza paints a lovely picture, reminiscent of the 23rd Psalm. But the author was well aware that not all of life is like that. The song’s refrain gives a more sobering view of life’s trials:

1. In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet,
   God leads His dear children along.
   • Refrain:
     Some through the waters, some through the flood,
     Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
     Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
     In the night season and all the day long.
2. Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night,
   God leads His dear children along.
3. Though sorrows befall us and evils oppose,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes,
   God leads His dear children along.
4. Away from the mire, and away from the clay,
   God leads His dear children along;
   Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
   God leads His dear children along.

Maybe you are in a night season today.  A time of struggle, sorrow, or hurt.  Remember, God gives the song and leads His dear children along.  

Leaving A Legacy

I recently lost a good friend when Bob Kilgore was promoted to heaven.   While I usually wouldn't share a eulogy  except at a celebration service, I thought it might do us all good to think about the life of  this faithful man.
__________________________________________________________________
I am Larry Bays from Ecumenical Faith in Action and it is my privilege to be here today to celebrate the life of Bob Kilgore.   Faith in Action is a Christian Mission to the poor and hurting in our community.   The name Christian means Little Christ and those that follow with Christ’s teaching,  including putting the interest of others before our own.

While there are many names and adjectives to describe Bob such as good son and brother, faithful and devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, trusted colleague, patriot, and dependable friend, the one that described him best is Christian. To each and every one he was known as a caring gentleman, a good man.   I agree with Neal Kilgore who said if you look at the definition of gentleman in Webster Dictionary, it would reference Bob.  I would take it one step further; it would have his picture with his big and gentle smile.

I got to know Bob at Faith in Action where he served so faithfully.   But to me Bob was more than someone who volunteered, Bob was my friend.  Bob and I found we had a lot in common. We both had grown up in the country in SW VA.  We both had parents who believed in hard work.  Both went  to college, both married up as Bob would say, both our wives were teachers, we both worked for public utilities, both of our wives passed away too young, and we both had helped to take care of parents after our wives had passed.

I remember the first time Bob and I went out to eat.  It was on a Friday and he had helped in the food pantry. So after we closed, Bob suggested we go for lunch.  Knowing Bob was very much a distinguished gentleman, I thought we might be going to House on Main or Wildflower Bakery but Bob had another idea.  He wanted to go to one of his favorite places to have one of his favorite meals.  So he pulled into Dairy Queen and ordered us both hot dogs.   But what a great lunch!   Having hot dogs with Bob Kilgore was better than eating steak at a country club.   I learned a lot during those meals we shared.
•  I learned about Charlene and her courage and while he never said it, Bob's care during her illness.
• I learned about taking the Mega Bus to see Scott’s family and  how he enjoyed the visit.
• I learned about his trip last year to see Sara and her family and how he admired your care for each other.
• I learned Bob was pleased about all his grandchildren’s and children’s academic and professional  achievements but  he was proud of the people  you are, your character and your caring for him, each other, and others.
• I learned Bob like to have the blessing said before meals because he was thankful.
• I learned Bob had a heart for others and was always willing to give a hand.
• I learned Bob liked to go to the small post office in Meadowview because they were nice people there.
• I learned Bob like to travel but there was no place like home in SW Virginia to him.
• I learned of Bob’s deep and enduring faith in Jesus that sustained him.  

Now to be fair, Bob and I went to more places to eat than Dairy Queen, like Macado’s but  I enjoyed Dairy Queen as much as any.  Bob was always good company.

Bob served faithfully in many areas of  Faith in Action’s Christian Mission. He worked in the food pantry, he drove patients to doctor appointments, and he would even take cardboard to be recycled.  Madelaine Warren  who arranges the transportation for patients told me patients always requested Bob because of his kindness and gentle spirit.    Kathi  Lowe our executive director emeritus told me of the time Bob observed the difficulty getting a client in the office because the only wheel chair available had no back.   Within a week a new wheelchair arrived and everyone knew Bob had arranged it but he never would admit it.

Ted White, also a AEP retiree, Civitan, and EFIA volunteer told me about the time they ran out of bread one Tuesday night. Everyone wonder where Bob had gone until he backed  his truck up to the dock with the bed covered with bread.  Bob lived a life of giving and caring.  My favorite Bob story was the night he called me at home.   He had gone to recycle the card board at JMH when the campus police thought they had a criminal.  Bob would always laugh and tell me how he fought the law and the law won.

As I was thinking about Bob earlier this week, I thought of a passage of scripture that has been paraphrased  from  Romans 12: 9-10: Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

I think these verses describe Bob perfectly and all we have to do is add his name. Bob loved from the center of who he was, there was no fake in him.  He ran for dear life from evil, and held on for dear life to good.  He was a good friend who loved deeply and Bob practiced playing second fiddle.  

While there are many adjectives to describe Bob, I think Christian is the one he valued most.  He was a faithful servant and follower of Christ.  And for us, we have been given a wonderful example by Bob to follow.  Scott and Sara (Bob's children), you have been given a wonderful legacy.  May all who come behind Bob Kilgore be found faithful.

God bless you.

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THE REBEL JESUS

I have enjoyed the music of the Chieftains for many years. I think I purchased their CD called The Belles of Dublin over 10 years ago. The Chieftains are a traditional Irish band  from Dublin, Ireland. Their sound, which is almost entirely instrumental and largely built around uilleann pipes (the national bagpipes of Ireland), has become synonymous with traditional Irish music and they are regarded as having helped popularize Irish music across the world.

The Chieftains from Last.fm

One song on this CD that has always captivated me is The Rebel Jesus. The words describe a Christmas scene and how many of us go about the Christmas season. We buy presents for our friends and family, we may take an annual pilgrimage  to church, and we might consider giving something to those less fortunate.

All of these are good, but as the song instructs us, there is more.  Read these words of the third verse:

"We guard our world with locks and guns
And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus."

As we look back at 2012, we are thankful for the many who have "interfered in the business of why they are poor" by volunteering at and financially supporting your Faith in Action. You are Faith in Action. Also, we are asking for your continued support in 2013 as we focus on the "why they are poor." 

The Rebel Jesus
(Click on The Rebel Jesus to hear this song.)

Be Strong and Courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

When have you been afraid? I remember growing up in our holler on the Benham Road in Bristol, VA being awaken one night by the scream of a bobcat. My adrenaline was pumping and my heart was racing. Adrenaline has numerous effects on different parts of the body such as more blood will traveling to our brains which makes our minds keener.  The adrenaline kick will usually last for one or two minutes, during which time you’ll have hopefully dealt with the dangerous situation. Isn't the design of the body by God amazing? Adrenaline may allow us to show more courage in dangerous situations.

I recently read a list of things that frighten us. The top ten are as follows:

survivingsurvivalism.com 

1. Fear of flying
2. Fear of public speaking
3. Fear of heights
4. Fear of the dark
5. Fear of intimacy
6. Fear of death, dying
7. Fear of failure
8. Fear of rejection
9. Fear of spiders
10. Fear of commitment

According to this list, we would rather die than fly or be required to speak in public. I did find it humorous that fear of clowns was number 22. I guess some people do fear me (my friend Phil Leonard always said I was a clown.)

I must admit I was fearful this week after seeing how divided we are in our country as shown in the election results. What really concerns me is our inability to address real issues without lying about the issues and then demonizing our political opponents. Our country has major issues to address and it will not be led from the White House but from our houses. Christians will be required more now than ever to be strong and courageous.

We may think this thing of courage is not required but according to the first chapter of Joshua it is a command. Actually God is commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous. But with God there is always a promise. God told Joshua “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

We can let fear dominate our life or we can choose to be strong and courageous. We can let fear grip our heart and influence our decisions. We can rationalize why we can’t be strong or courageous. We can justify why we should be discouraged and drown in self-pity and yet what does God command? “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

“The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” What a wonderful promise for the family of God.

Yes, there is a Mayberry

This week marks the passing of Andy Griffith, someone we all wanted to know. Actually we all want to know someone like the character he played on the Andy Griffith Show, Sheriff Andy Taylor. 

 

In the show, Andy is a widower and father to one young son, Opie. Andy's Aunt Bee acts as his live-in housekeeper and as surrogate grandmother to Opie. Andy goes fishing with his son and often spends evenings on the front porch strumming his guitar.  Andy always covers for his bumbling deputy, Barney Fife and he loves to play pranks.  He always helps the less fortunate, helps his community, goes to church, and is a giver. 

On July 6 after a hot day of work loading food in cars at the food pantry, I decided it was time for a hair cut.  I usually go to Wal Mart (I like to hear my name announced on the intercom at Wal Mart, “Larry Bays to Cost Cutters”).  But I forgot to take exit 7 so I ended up in my community of Indian Springs where there is an old fashion barber shop like Floyd's Barber Shop.   I had never been there before but decided to give it a try.  

When I went inside, my local pharmacist and friend, Michael Messamore, had just gotten in the barber's chair. Seeing Michael there gave me some comfort that this was not a butcher shop for hair.  Michael knows me well, having provided all of the medicine and chemo 5-FU for my late wife Betty.  Michael always waited on me personally and would always tell me that he, his wife Laura and daughter Sarah were praying for us.  As Michael was leaving he told me Sarah is getting married next week.  I then remembered how Andy Taylor never wanted to look like he had just gotten a hair cut.  I thought that’s why Michael was here a week before Sarah’s wedding day; he had watched Andy explain that to Opie.  Yes, there is a Mayberry!

 

Also in the Indian Springs barber shop, asleep on the couch, was my good friend Jim Fuller.  Jim and I have breakfast about once a month.  I sat down next to Jim and starting gently pulling the paper off his chest, just like Andy would do to Barney.  As the barber and Michael laughed, I tried to startle my friend Jim.  Jim eventually woke up and we caught up on what was happening in both of our lives.  We set a date for our next breakfast and argued about whose turn it was to buy.    Jim is a really good man and he comes from the good stock.  I met Jim about three years ago. He is retired from Eastman Chemical, a native of Bristol, VA, a graduate of Virginia Tech, a faithful husband, good dad and granddad, and is experienced with grief.    When I first met Jim I learned his dad was the Fuller of the Fuller Bus Line in Bristol from years ago.  I have fond memories of Mr. Fuller from a Christmas morning around 1959.  My dad loved to drive buses and would drive charter buses for Mr. Fuller on weekends.  On that Christmas morning, Mr. Fuller was out delivering ham and turkey to all of his employees just like Andy and Barney on the Andy Griffith Show.    I never forgot his kindness to my dad and to our family.  Yes, there is a Mayberry!

I have the privilege of working for an organization that helps feed over 2000 people each month.   Through this organization people in need are provided clothing, transportation, medical treatment, medicine, and financial assistance.   We are actually like Andy, we are not Andy Taylor but we are representing over 20 churches, 400 volunteers, and civic minded companies in our community.  Because of them and volunteers like Marty, Nancy,  Sally,  Bill, Bob, Mary Ann, Penny, Madelyn, Kathy, Jane, Sharon, Don, Bruce, and too many others to list, we are able to serve our community in a effective and efficient way.  Yes, there is a Mayberry!   

Call Me Simple Minded


Proverbs 21:30  “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.”

1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is nonsense to God, for it is written: “He has seized the wise in their craftiness.”


I love Natural Tunnel State Park.  The Park is in Scott County, VA. about 20 miles north of Kingsport, TN.  I first went there when I was 4 to 5 years old with my Aunt Francis. She bravely took all five of her nephews, ranging in age from 5 to 11.   I have gone to the park over 15 times in the past 10 years. I have enjoyed Pappa Joe Smiddy Concerts, lights in the park, and just looking at the beautiful scenery.   I especially enjoy riding my motorcycle there on cool fall days.


Last year I rode my motorcycle to the park and took the chair lift to the base of the tunnel.  There I found Tony Scales who had written a book about history of the tunnel and how he claims the tunnel was formed.   Scales was selling copies of the book titled Natural Tunnel: Nature's Marvel in Stone.  Mr. Scales is a nice man and I enjoyed getting his insights on the history of the tunnel but I must admit he and I are worlds apart on its formation.   According to Mr. Scales and the official Natural Tunnel web page:  “The creation of Natural Tunnel began more than a million years ago in the early glacial period when groundwater bearing carbonic acid percolated through crevices and slowly dissolved surrounding limestone and dolomite bedrock. Then, what is now Stock Creek was probably diverted underground to continue carving the tunnel slowly over many centuries.”

May I Have Your Attention Please?

1974

How many of you remember teachers back in your high school or college days asking for your attention?  I remember one cold January morning in 1975, when I vaguely heard a similar phrase attached to my name.  I was in my 3^rd year of college and taking an 8 a.m. class.  I avoided early classes like the plague, not because I am not a morning person, but because I worked nights at UPS to pay for college. This particular Friday morning I was in a corporate income tax class taught by Dr. George Morton.  I was practicing my newfound talent of sleeping while sitting up straight in a desk when I heard these words from the girl sitting next to me: “Wake up...wake up! He is asking you a question.”  Then I heard Dr. Morton say, in his deep southern drawl, “We’ll wait on Mr. Bays to come back to the world. Mr. Bays, would you answer the question?” Much to my embarrassment I didn’t know the answer and I didn’t even know the question.  

Jesus used various methods to get people’s attention while He walked on earth.  Jesus was the Master at painting world pictures.  He often did not speak literally, but figuratively. He spoke in parables and painted word pictures. Instead of literally coming out and saying what he meant, he often would tell a story to get people’s attention.  These messages of Jesus frequently frustrated his disciples. They wished that he would speak literally and not be quite so subtle.  Jesus used overstatements, hyperboles, puns, similes, metaphors, proverbs, riddles, and paradoxes.   

Here are a few examples:

Luke 14:26  “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” 

Matthew 7:3-5  “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Matthew 16:18  “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

Matthew 5:13  “You 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 underfoot.”

I really enjoy Jesus’ word pictures where: 

•  He said, “I am the light of the world”  just before He created sight for a man born blind (John 9:5).
• Jesus ask a woman for water and then says, “He gives living water.” (John 4:10)
• After feeding the five thousand, He says, “I am the bread of life.” (John  6:35)

Perhaps the greatest word picture Jesus ever drew was at the Last Supper. There He told us to remember His death until He returns, providing a picture that is observed by Christians to this day.  Just think about it: the one thing Jesus wanted to emphasis most was His death and resurrection. It wasn't His miracles, His creation of sight, or His ability to outwit His enemies. No, He asked us to remember His agonizing death. It was as if it was the high point of His life.  Everything was secondary compare to this moment.

During the Last Supper—a Passover celebration—Jesus took a loaf of bread and gave thanks to God. As He broke it and gave it to His disciples, He said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying,  “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you” (Luke 22:19-21). He concluded the feast by singing a hymn (Matthew 26:30), and they went out into the night to the Mount of Olives. It was there that Jesus was betrayed, as predicted, by Judas. The following day He was crucified. The accounts of the Lord’s Supper are found in the Gospels (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:7-22; and John 13:21-30).

Singer, songwriter, and teacher Michael Card talked about his understanding of the Last Supper in a retreat I attended three years ago at the Billy Graham Center at the Cove. Card said he doesn't partake in the Lord’s Supper because he deserves to eat and drink at this holy table, but he runs to this table because he needs the cleansing it provides.

Michael Card

Have the word pictures painted by Jesus caused you to give Him your attention?  Have you run to the Savior for the cleansing He alone can provide?  That is why He came, lived a perfect life, died, and physically rose from the dead.  He wants you to know how much He loves you.  If you will give Him your attention, you will be internally thankful and blessed.

By the way, Dr. Morton required me to give him my attention for the remainder of my tax class. He called on me for the answer to the first question of every class, another question near the middle of the class, and the last question of each class. What was the result? I not only passed the class but I made a B and when it came time to sit for the C.P.A. exam, I was prepared.  Thank you, Dr. Morton.

Come to the Table by Michael Card

Time to Grow Up

“When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11

I have heard a lot of sermons and read a few authors on the subject of Christian maturity. The writings and the sermons usually talk about the characteristics of a mature Christian and the characteristics of an immature Christian. But none of these sermons or writings have impacted me as much as the words of my sweet granddaughter on May 27, 2011.

I had the joy of keeping this two-year-old  most of that day while my very good son-in-law surprised his bride with a day out on her birthday. So while Laura and Michael were out for the day, Leah and I had a talk. Leah’s mommy and daddy had been teaching her that she was becoming a big girl and big girls don’t need diapers. My instruction from Leah came as I was changing her diaper. Leah looked at me and said, “Papaw, you are too big for diapers.....but I am little.”

It seems like just yesterday when I had written about the birth of this child. The following is an excerpt from that writing:

Love at First Sight
“Actually, the title of this article is not correct. The truth is I loved her before I ever met her. When I first learned of her a few months ago, I loved her. Then about 6 months ago, I saw a picture of her and I was hooked. Now before you get the wrong idea, I have been a grandfather in waiting for the past 9 months. Waiting to see and hold a God created new life.    Finally the call came from Michael as Bradley and I paced in Saint Mary’s waiting room.   Laura was fine and I heard Leah’s cry for the first time over the telephone.  

“Then it happened. I held her in my arms and I started speaking in a new language with phrases like, ‘she is papaw’s girl,’... ‘she loves her papaw,’ ... and the worse one, ‘she looks just like her papaw.’ 

“On April 20, 2009 at 8:08 p.m., a major change took place in my life: Leah Abigail Thelen was born. I am now reeling from the wonder and awe of that experience. I recall how the excitement surrounding the pregnancy announcement quickly changed to the stunning realization that the birth of this child would make me a grandfather.   I've been grandfathered, in spite of myself. It is a time of unmatched joy in the miraculous gift of new life, the opportunity to witness and share in the life of another human being.  One look at Leah, less than 2 hours old, did me in completely. And holding this miraculous bundle of life totally destroyed my manufactured composure.”

Now, just over two short years later and she is giving me instructions?  Who taught this bundle to talk anyway? It had to be her Uncle Bradley.

Leah’s words have stayed with me over the past year as I have pondered them from time to time. I must admit I have thought more about Leah’s words than any sermon on this matter. Leah is right; I am way too old and too big for diapers. As I look back over the past few years, I see times when I have acted selfishly, immature, and just plan wrong.  My excuses are just like Leah’s, “but I am little.” I have more than my share of, “But I……” You complete the sentence. I have used about any excuse you can imagine.

The problem with me has been my lack of spiritually maturity. Peter said, “As newborn babies desire the sincere milk of the word that you may grow by it.” (I Peter 2:2). In another place Paul said, “strong meat (chewable food that needs to be digested) is for men of full age.” (Hebrews 5:14). Peter said,  “Grow in the grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (II Peter 3:18)

How do I stop wearing spiritual diapers? Admitting the need to grow is the first step for a RDW (recovering diaper wearer). The second thing is to study the Bible and keep attending church. We must be patient. “To become perfect and mature, lacking nothing, we must have patience.” (James 1:4). In the words of Jim Valvano, “Don't Give Up . . . Don't Ever Give Up.” Then live every day as a servant of Christ should live.

P.S. - Update on Leah's instructions: I received a voice mail from her the other day. Instead of singing deep and wide she was singing deep and Papaw. Enough already! I will go on a diet. Who taught this child to sing anyway? It must have been her Uncle Bradley.

The Dastardly Duo Plotting! 

Stay tuned for the next Leah episode, same Leah time, 
same Leah channel.  

Looking For Rainbows

Sea of Galilee at Tiberias

Genesis 9:13-15

 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.



Rainbows!    Do you look for rainbows?   I do and I love this picture of my daughter Laura and granddaughter Leah looking at a rainbow.  I even gave Leah a rainbow maker that projects a rainbow on her ceiling at night.  It is a cheap imitation of the real thing.   Real rainbows can only be made by God.

 I saw a fantastic rainbow over the Sea of Galilee when I was in Israel.  There I learned of a Hebrew Rainbow Blessing.   It goes like this:

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheinu melekh zokher hab'rit v'ne'eman bivrito v'kayam b'ma'amaro.  Translated:  Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who remembers the covenant, and is faithful to God's covenant, and keeps God's promise.

Maybe that is why I and so many others look for rainbows. We are actually looking for the promise and to remember.  I know someone who really looks for rainbows. It is my friend, Jim Cline (and he gave me permission in 1991 to share his story).   I met Jim when my family and I lived in Kansas City.  Jim and I had a lot in common.  First the obvious, he is a handsome man and a successful CPA.......  Ok, I am a man and an inactive CPA.  He drove a really nice car, a BMW.   Ok, I drove an Oldsmobile.  His flavor of church was Methodist and mine was Baptist.  His son’s first name was James and they called him Jimmy.  My son’s first name is James and we call him Bradley.

Did you notice the change from present to past tense for his son Jimmy?  That was a big difference between Jim and I. His son Jimmy had died in a car wreck at the age of 16 just about four months before I met Jim.   Jim shared his story about Jimmy with me over the next year before my family and I left Kansas.  Jimmy had been killed in on Interstate 435 about 3 miles from my home on a rainy Friday night in September.  Jimmy was hurrying home to make curfew and was not wearing his seat belt.  The next day was unimaginable for the Clines but Jimmy’s two younger brothers had a football game scheduled in which their dad was the coach.  Jim reluctantly agreed to go because the boys wanted to play for Jimmy.   But by the end of the first period, all three were sitting on the bench, crying and numb on this cold and rainy Kansas City afternoon. Jim then recalled seeing the most beautiful rainbow he had ever seen and he felt calmness as he remembered God’s promise.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving as Jim and his family were gathering at his parents’ for a meal.  Jim's heart had been heavy the entire week wanting to know for sure if Jimmy was in heaven and he was asking for something from God, a word or a sign.   Also, Jim kept thinking all week about the rainbow he had seen on the Saturday after Jimmy’s death.   As Jim was walking into his parents’ home, his niece was with him and said:  “Look Uncle Jim at that beautiful rainbow and there is not a cloud in the sky.”  It was Jimmy’s rainbow and Jim again remembered God’s promise.

About two weeks later Jim received a call from one of Jimmy’s classmates. She wanted to give Jim something Jimmy had given her.  It was a letter written by Jimmy to encourage her and it contained a statement of his faith in God and his love for his dad, Jim.  Coincidence?   I don’t think so.  I believe that we do have a supernatural God that cares for His children and that He speaks to us in a small, still voice also known as a gentle whisper.

Do you look for rainbows in bad circumstances?   God’s promise is the same for you as it was for Noah and my friend Jim.  In Hebrews 14:4-6 it says, “... For He Himself has said,  ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say:

     ‘The LORD is my helper;
      I will not fear.
      What can man do to me?’”

The next time you see a rainbow remember the promise and say the blessing; God will make a way for you too:

Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who remembers the covenant, and is faithful to God's covenant, and keeps God's promise.

Mahalia Jackson

The View From the Shepherds' Field

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  Luke 2: 8

On March 28, 2008, my friend Jim Jordan and I were near Bethlehem in a place called the Shepherds' Field.   What a wonderful place to write about at Christmas time, the place where it all began. There we saw the remains of the shepherds’ tower. At the time of Jesus’ birth, the shepherds would have been manning the tower and watching for lambs to be born. The shepherds would leave the tower and inspect each one at birth to find lambs suitable for sacrifice. Once a lamb was found to be without blemish or spot, the shepherds wrapped the lamb in swaddling clothes and placed it in the manger for protection.

On the night of Jesus’ birth, the angel of the Lord came upon the shepherds in the Shepherds’ field and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were really afraid. But then the angel of the Lord spoke to them in terms only a shepherd could truly understand. The angel of the Lord said (New SW Virginia and East Tennessee paraphrase): “Calm down you guys, I got great and joyful news for you. The perfect Lamb of God has just been born, without blemish and spot in David’s home town just like God said it would happen. Now just to make sure you don’t miss this, you are going to find this Lamb wrapped in swaddling clothes and in a manger. What you shepherds have been doing, finding lambs without blemish or spot, is just foreshadowing, a picture of what this Baby will do for all mankind, once and for all.”

God always uses the unexpected things of this world to reflect His glory and point us to Him. Lowly shepherds were not even allowed to testify in court because they were not trusted. Yet, they were the Savior’s first witnesses. Jesus continued this practice into His ministry when a Samaritan woman, whose testimony before she met Jesus at a well was about as valuable as her empty bucket, became a witness. And He continues this practice today as He calls me and you to be His witnesses.

Are we willing to be His witness? A witness to what Christmas is really all about. The shepherds watching their flocks in the field got it right. They went and worshiped the baby Jesus. Let’s worship Jesus this year on Christmas day and every day.  Then, we can be His witnesses to a dark and lost world.

Jim Jordan

Rainy Day People

2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Gordon Lightfoot, a Canadian recording artist, wrote and sang a hit song in the 70’s called “Rainy Day People.” After reading the lyrics of this song, I think we could use more “Rainy Day People” in the church.  Look at the characteristics of  “Rainy Day People.”

Rainy Day People:

·       Always seem to know when it’s time to call

·       Don’t talk, they just listen till they’ve heard it all

·       Don’t lie when they tell ya they’ve been down like you

·       Don’t mind if you’re crying a tear or two

·       Always seem to know when you’re feeling blue

·       Don’t hide love inside they just pass it on

I would add one more characteristic of a “Rainy Day” person. They have received the comfort of God as Paul described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Have you thought about the comfort of God? Paul speaks a great deal about it here at the beginning of his second letter to the Corinthians. God is the source of mercy and comfort. Paul puts this understanding of God into place for the believers at Corinth. After stating this, Paul goes on in verse 4 to write: “who comforts us in all our tribulation.” God seeks to comfort His people whenever and wherever they are hurting.

But this comfort that God gives to us is not an end in itself. Paul continues to write, “So that we will be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted.” In this verse the emphasis falls upon our comforting others based upon God comforting us. These are the “Rainy Day People” we all need in our lives. They don’t come with questions, answers or a lot of talk. They understand how it feels to be down, feel blue, and to cry. They have received God’s comfort and they are not only willing but anxious to share God’s comfort with others.  

I am thankful for the “Rainy Day People” who have come along side of me and so many others during difficult days. Do you need “Rainy Day People?”  You will find them at church. Remember, “Rainy Day People don’t hide love inside, they just pass it on.”     

 

Gordon Lightfoot on YouTube 

Short Stories

I always enjoyed reading short stories in high school and college.  Maybe it was because of my very short attention span or maybe it was that there are so many really good short stories.  The list is long but here are a few of my favorites:

Gift of the Magi ~ O. Henry

The Ransom of Red Chief ~ O. Henry (I could identify with Red Chief)

The Open Boat ~ Stephen Crane 

The League of Old Men ~Jack London

The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber ~  Ernest Hemingway

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty ~James Thurber

                                      

Short stories have well defined plots and characters. They are suited for oral storytelling and their swiftly sketched situations quickly come to their points.  My favorite short story is just like that, as we get to walk right in on the action.  This story is found in the Bible in John chapter 9.  Jesus and His disciples are walking one day when they come upon a man born blind.  His disciples see Jesus looking intently at the man when they ask Him the question we all ask sometimes:  “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind?” or "Why?"   Why has this bad thing happened?  Jesus provides His disciples and us a different perspective as we break this intriguing story down into four sections.

 

Michael Card

First we find The Diagnosis.   It appears to be very straightforward, after all, the man was born blind.  No biopsy, CT Scan, blood test, or exploratory surgery required.   But while the physical diagnosis is clear, there is always another part of any diagnosis and it is the most difficult part.  Why?  Why was this man born blind?    I don’t know about you, but I have asked this question more than a few times.  It is interesting here that Jesus does not entertain their attempt to attribute blame to someone or something.    Michael Card wrote in his book,  A Parable of Joy:   “Jesus’ disciples had something else to learn and it is a lesson we need to learn. We do not have a God who strikes down a baby with blindness because his parents did something wrong.”    Jesus answer is  direct:  “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,  but his blindness is for God’s glory.”   As hard as this lesson is to understand and accept, our suffering can be for our good and God’s glory.  

The next part of the story we will call The Treatment.    Jesus reaches down and takes dust and makes an eye pack for the man, then sends him to the pool of Siloam to wash.   In our story, it says the man came back seeing.    I thought this was the climax when I first read this story.  The man had been healed .......or had he?   Technically, the man was not healed because he never had physical sight.  His sight had to be created and only God can create.  Jesus, as God incarnate, gives us another creation story of physical sight.  Secondly, it is only a treatment because this man’s eyes one day closed in physical death.    I was born blind in my right eye.  If I had the same experience as the man born blind, it would just be a treatment.  One day my eyes will close in physical death.   This man was still in need of  healing as we will see later in our story.

With any treatment, there may be Side Effects.   Medicines, chemotherapy, and surgeries all have side effects.   In our short story, the man born blind has side effects to his eye treatment. First, his neighbors didn’t recognize him.  They were not sure it was him and they took him to the Pharisees.  The Pharisees questioned him and didn’t believe his story  another side effect.  The blind man’s parents were summoned by the Pharisees and instead of being happy over their son’s sight became afraid, yet another side effect.  Finally, the Pharisees summoned the blind man one more time and demanded that he say Jesus was sinner because after all Jesus had healed him on the Sabbath. Sounds a little silly doesn’t it?  (Aren’t you glad we never have silly traditions that get in the way of people gaining spiritual sight?)   Then the man born blind who had no formal education, shows more wisdom than the astute of his day.  He was streetwise and said:  “I don’t know if He was a sinner or saint, but this one thing I know, I once was blind but now I see.”   

Recently I had a long conversation with a friend. He kept digging into the foundations of my faith and kept trying to dismantle what I believe.  I have to admit, I tried too hard to appear to be intellectual (always a mistake for me). Instead, I should have  simply told him my story.  We may not have all the theological or scientific answers but this one thing we know: We were once spiritual blind but now we see. 

Now, we get to the end of the story.  The Pharisees had just thrown the man born blind out of the temple when Jesus shows up again.  Here we will see in the final section of our story the real climax and it can be called The Cure.   When Jesus first saw the man, He saw more than just his temporary condition.    More importantly, Jesus saw his spiritual blindness.  Jesus seeks the man out and asks him a simple question, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”   The man answers: "Who is He that I may believe in Him?"  Jesus answer, “It is He who is talking to you.”  Then the man born blinds simply says: "I believe", worshiped Him, and gained eternal sight.   No longer just a treatment, the man has The Cure.   Michael Card calls this “the miracle behind the miracle.”    Jesus always sees the unseen conditions of our lives that may not be physically threatening but are eternally threatening.    

Seven years ago, our family received a very difficult physical diagnosis.  My wife Betty, at the age of 46, had stage 4 colon cancer.  The diagnosis was followed by several days of asking why.  Then came the treatments including  surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and drugs.   They did very little to extend her physical life and what we thought would be a long life became a relatively short story.  The side effects were painful but before her journey with cancer started, she had received The Cure by faith in Christ Jesus.   We don't  know if our lives will be short stories or an epic novels.   While I hope you have good health and a long life, I pray you have The Cure.   After all, at the end of our days,   it is The Cure to spiritual blindness that is the most important.