Tuesday

Quiet Time - Giving
Morning Flagpole - Contribution
Class - Barnabas, Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 4-6
Morning Assembly - Luke the Apostle
Let's Talk - What About Them?
Evening Assembly - Giving
Evening Flagpole - Dreams

Monday

Quiet Time - Receiving
Morning Flagpole - Christmas in June
Class - Peter, Acts 2-4; Cornelius, Acts 10-12
Morning Assembly - Luke the Author
Let's Talk - What About Me?
Evening Assembly - Receiving
Evening Flagpole - Wants

Sunday

Quiet Time - Gifts
Evening Assembly - Gifts, Acts 1
Flagpole - Needs

Gifts in Acts

This is not an exhaustive list of gifts found in the book of Acts, but these 12 items jumped out me through a recent re-reading of Acts:

1. The continuing presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit (1:5)

2. The continuing of the redemptive narrative seen in the preaching of the book of Acts -- they often begin with the OT and how Jesus fulfills OT hopes.

3. A brand new start -- Acts 2:14-41 (Belief, repentance, baptism, reception of the Holy Spirit). This will model will be demonstrated over and over again through the narrative of Acts is replayed daily in the Church today.

4. Fellowship (aTS 2:42-46). The earliest belivers were together not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally and shared not only their lives but their possessions.

5. Suffering and boldness (Acts 4:29). Peter and John marveled that were considered worthy to receive a beating because of their association and preaching of Jesus. After the early persecution begins, the church prays for boldness to fearlessly preach Jesus.

6. The spread of the Gospel -- We know the story already, how the gospel begins in Jerusalem, and then on to Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

7. Paul -- He is just one example of the many lives we read about that were drastically made over because of Jesus. Paul, especially demonstrates the effect that Christ has on even the hardest of hearts.

8. The mystery revealed (cf. Ephesians) -- that is the acceptance of the Gentiles into the fold. They are the sheep of the other pen.

9. The travels of Paul and his companions and his letters -- we see the diffusion of the Gospel, and the creation of many new churches and learn a great deal about Paul.

10. Christ-centered preaching urging Christ-centered living.

11. The unchanging gospel in changing culture (Acts 17). Paul doesn't change the gospel when dealing with a different culture, and neither should we. I believe that Acts 17 provides a great model in how to contextualize the gospel for a different culture.

12. The abrupt ending of the book of Acts -- the point being the work of Christ is not finished. We are to live the mission began by the aposltes, we are a part of the continuing story of Christ. Because we are a part of this redemptive narrative, we are the 29th chapter of the book of Acts.

An introduction to gifting

“I want to give you something.” Those words make your eyes open and your ears perk up. We love gifts. The anticipation of receiving something especially for me is exhilarating. I may be expecting a certain something or it may be a total surprise, but it is still intriguing. The idea of giving and receiving is what I call “Gifting”. This process is much more than the exchange of items, it envelopes the entire concept of benevolence from a givers view and acceptance and utilization from the receivers view. It involves anything that can be transferred from one individual or group of individuals to another individual or group. The receiving and use of a special talent or skill is also part of the “gifting” process. Resources, regardless of how unique, are special, particularly to those involved in the process of receiving and giving, “Gifting”. We therefore, desire to learn and instill the lifestyle of giving, receiving, resources (great or small), “Gifting”, in our campers through a study of “Gifting” in Acts.

We will first explore what “gifts” are and as many aspects of gifts as we can. As we have just stated, a gift is anything that can be transferred from one individual or group to another. There is more surrounding any particular gift that makes the gift special. The expectation of gifts is a key element as in the fulfillment of a birthday or Christmas gift or it may be unexpected as in the surprise announcements of life ie, “The new car, baby, etc.….” As a result, gifts can be fulfilling or disappointing. What we expected to receive was either less than what the actually gift was and we were fulfilled or expectations were more than the actual gift and we were disappointed. The excitement, therefore, surrounding any gift, is dependent upon the expectation as much as the actually gift.

Next, the receiving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is important. We have an option, we can either accept of reject the gift. Not many of us, if any, have rejected a gift at first sight. We are probably gracious, to some extent, when being a presented a gift and accept it. We then have a choice to either find personal value in the gift or not. Acceptance may be more immediate and then the gift looses value in our eyes resulting in ultimate rejection, or acceptance may be delayed, but when it occurs, may last. It is possible that the gift is found valueless in the short term or the long term and discarded, rejected. The ultimate outcome of receiving a gift is a choice that we alone can truly make based on our value system.

The giving of gifts in the “Gifting” process is a test for a maturing individual. Anyone can and, most likely will accept a gift. How ready and willing are we to give gifts? Our first nature as babies is to receive and what we give results in a lot of sleepless nights, dirty diapers and work for the receiver. However, even in this dismal scenario, we are perceived as giving by bringing immense joy by our very existence. Without knowing or realizing, we are giving, because the receiver perceives what we are as joy and therefore, a gift. Therefore, our gifts are only gifts because of the value system of the receiver, not an overt attitude on the part of the giver. As we “grow up”, hopefully, we mature emotionally, socially and spiritually as well, and our intent of giving changes from ignorance to benevolence. The purpose of our giving in the purest sense should be to benefit the receiver regardless of the reception, expected, perceived or actual. When we can give in this manner without regard to self, but with total regard for the receiver, we can begin to experience the joy of our presence in the eyes of the receiver, just as we did as babies. We will have come full circle in a sense. The common factor is ignorance. In our beginning, it is ignorance of regard for others, in the latter, it is ignorance of regard for self. Another element to consider in giving is the attitude of the receiver. As we mature, regard for others should increase and regard for self should decrease and the response or expected response of the receiver should not affect the giving of the gift, at all. To become Christ-like necessitates us giving of our life and life’s gifts regardless of the short term or long term reception. The more mature we become the more we realize that giving in the gifting process is a gift in itself.


The recognition of the abundance of gifts over the world’s hording nature based in a Scarcity mentality is a reality of the maturing Christian individual. We live in a world culture that bases its economic systems on the finite nature of goods available for consumption. The limited supply of any goods or services, scarcity, necessitates an increase in the value according to the economic systems. This view necessarily carries over into our relationships when we limit our goodwill gestures, gifts, toward each other and use the scarcity mentality to create envy, jealousy, hatred and other less than Godly emotions that ultimately result in antisocial and ungodly actions. The converse of a scarcity mentality is an abundance mentality. This attitude bases itself in the notion that plenty is the rule rather than the exception and the provider of plenty will continue with His provide-ance at just the right time. Two necessary components of the abundance mentality are trust, a total reliance on the provider, and generous giving of whatever is entrusted to the “abundant” receiver. This is not a prevalent or popular attitude in our world culture and has, to my knowledge, never been attempted as a pure economic system. It is, however, a way of life based on a true abundance mentality to be sought after for the maturing Christ-one.

The realization that our gifts are actually resources to be utilized in the pursuit of the fulfillment of God’s purposes is the next step in the “Gifting” process. Gifts are only resources if they are used for their intended purpose. Used for any other purpose they are not resources and subsequently abused gifts. Once a gift is given and received, the continuing value must be ascertained. One of the important considerations when determining value is the Resource value of the gift. A resource is something which is a source of giving over and over until the source is depleted--a re-source. Given this definition implies that a gift can only be a resource if it is used to ''gift" again either partially or wholly. Therefore, a gift received and held, not used to its potential, becomes useless surplus in the life of the receiver. We sometimes call these "White Elephant" or "Gag" Gifts. The appreciation of these gifts at most is as an item in a garage sale and at least, occupying space in a land fill. A true resource, however, has an infinitely more beneficial purpose. Usefulness is the key. A resource possesses unlimited potential if valued for its unique purpose(s). One of the interesting features of this concept of gifting, resource, is that when given it is possible that it takes on a new purpose according to the needs, desires and attitudes of the receiver. This can be good or bad. The cycle begins again and all of the previous attributes of “gifting” come into play all over again. The receiver has to decide whether this gift is a resource or garbage.

The abundant life is the result of properly using the gifts of life in the “Gifting” process. We have explored the various decisions and results of those decisions surrounding this process. The result of making the God-centered decisions is life abundant here and hereafter. This is exemplified in the ultimate life of Jesus Christ and is made possible by His “gifting”. Other examples of this favored life are chronicled in the Book of Acts and in many other biblical references. The key is to accept the lifestyle of the gifted and become a giver through trust in the provide-ance of the ultimate provider.

The final step in the “Gifting” process is to serve and ultimately be served. This is the classic give and receive situation. When we give in the spirit of the ultimate Giver we are more than just benevolent, we are servers. We don’t just place the gift; we decorate and embellish the gift through the selfless act of elegant service. Also in the classical reception, we don’t just get a gift; we are treated to the service reserved for the saints, the Christ-ones who are compelled by the love of God to do nothing less than serve others as they would serve God. When we serve we are the ones that are ultimately served. To paraphrase a popular scripture, it is definitely easier to serve than to be served. Those that are true servants are difficult to serve. They enjoy the serving, giving, infinitely more than being served, receiving. While we have difficulty “gifting” them, God does and will be sure to serve them.

The result of a “Gifted” lifestyle, then, is the realization that the true Christian life is the most selfish lifestyle when one understands the eternal values of the Christ-one’s.

Steve

Starting work for Peak Week 2006

Attention all visual hunters, teachers, cooks, junior staff, and challenge course dudes! Camp is only weeks away, and the man with all of the hats is drafting curriculum.

This year's plan is to work on the book of Acts! We'll particularly be looking at how God gifts his people. So get out your Bibles and get to work on studying one of the most exciting narratives in all of human literature.

Be careful when you read; Luke leaves all sorts of clues in his telling of this great historical drama. Look out for: "the prophet like Moses", the way the early church viewed the use of possessions, the "Godfearers", the "summary statements", the pattern of the Pauline mission, and, yes, you might even want to pay close attention to the sermons!

Are there any similarities between Paul, Peter, Jesus, Elisha, Elijah, and Moses? Luke thinks that there are! Are there any connections between Acts and the gospel of Luke? You might lose count if you try to keep score. Are there any references to the Old Testament in Acts? That's like asking if any scripture gets quoted at Lu-Jo!

Look forward to what is ahead -

Blessings,

Ron

Camp is around the corner...

I am looking forward to camp, as I am sure ya'll are. I am also looking forward to the discussion we will have here. So, enjoy the early days of Spring, don't forget to set your clock ahead this weekend, and devote yourselves to praying for our week of camp.

Anyone out there in blog land?

I know it's sometime still until Camp, but I miss it. I miss the morning coffee over quiet time. I miss the enduring odor emanating in the boys dorm. I was there two weeks this year, so I don't know if the smell was me or my boys! I miss our staff meeting times, and Ron's teaching. I miss breakfast, lunch, dinner, Kanteen. Don't worry about me, I still eat, but it's not camp food. I miss flagpole, and being for a few minutes close enough to God you can almost touch his face. I know flag pole isn't the only place where we can encounter God, but these moments are wonderous.
I miss listening to the tales of the visual hunters. I just miss camp.

The retelling of the Moses story in Acts 7:17-44

The retelling of the Moses story in Acts 7:17-44 is important for grasping the structure of Luke-Acts as a whole in that “Luke has selected and structured the Moses story so that it matches exactly the story of Jesus and his witnesses” (Writings, 224). Johnson goes on to point out that “Moses’ story falls into three stages. At the time when the promises to Abraham were about to be fulfilled (Acts 7:17), Moses is sent by God to ‘visit’ the people (ie., to ‘save’ them). They are ‘ignorant’ of his identity and role, so they reject him a first time and he must flee into exile (7:23-29). While in exile, Moses is empowered by God and sent back to the people a second time. He leads them out of Egypt and through the desert with ‘signs and wonders.’ But they reject him and his words a second time, preferring an idol made with their own hands. As a result, those who reject him this time are themselves rejected (7:39-43)…This is striking enough, but the connection between Jesus and Moses is made absolutely clear. At the heart of the Moses story we find the same sort of kerygmatic statement made elsewhere about Jesus (Acts 7:35-37):

This Moses, whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ God sent as both ruler and deliverer by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. He lead them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet from your brethren as he raised me up” (Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament, 224).

A little later in the same chapter, Johnson adds, “The pattern of the Moses story provides the fundamental structure for Luke’s two volume work. In the Gospel, we read the story of God’s first sending of the prophet Jesus to ‘visit’ his people for their ‘salvation’ (Luke 1:68; 7:16; 19:44); of their initial rejection of this salvation, out of ignorance; and of Jesus’ being ‘raised up’ from death. In Acts we find his establishment in power signified by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the sending of his witnesses filled with that Spirit, and the second offer to Israel of salvation ‘in his name’ (Acts 4:12; 5:31). This time, the cost of refusal is separation from God’s people. The pattern also shows us the precise reason the Jerusalem narrative is so dominant and critical: it is in Jerusalem that the first rejection, the empowerment, the second offer, and either acceptance or rejection by the people all occur” (Writings, 225).

Johnson adds, “if Acts gives us Luke’s interpretation of his Gospel narrative, then we can expect to find in his Gospel, with stricter constraints, the same understanding of Jesus as a prophet like Moses” and then provides an example that points us back to the Old Testament prediction of Moses that God would raise a prophet like him. Johnson, cites, Luke 7:11-15, the story of Jesus raising a widow’s son from the dead, and the conclusion of the story in verse 16, “Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has arisen among us!’ And, ‘God has visited his people!’” (Writings, 225). Johnson also alludes to the Transfiguration, and to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and their encounters with Christ and the language used in each case is reminiscent of the language of Moses’ prediction of a coming prophet.

Luke Timothy Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament, An Interpretation. Fortress Press, 1999.

Jesus in Acts

"If Luke understands Jesus as the fulfillment of Israel's hope and as inextricably related to both God and the Spirit, Luke also understands Jesus to be present and active in the church's witness. Interpreters of Acts have sometimes emphasized the absence of Jesus in Luke's second volume (Conzelmann 1961, 202-206; Zwiep 1997, 182). In obvious and superficial ways, the narrative itself requires Jesus' absence, since following the ascension Jesus can scarcely be present in the same way as he is in Luke's first volume. Some remarkable strands in the narrative undermine that absence, however. In the first verse of Acts, Luke characterizes his first volume as concerning 'the things Jesus began to do and to teach' (AT, emphasis added). The NRSV obscures this phrase with the translation 'all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning,' probably because the translators assume that Jesus is absent from the story of Acts. The continuity of Jesus' activity may well be what Luke asserts here, however. Prior to his ascension, Jesus instructs the apostles (v. 2) and identifies them as his witnesses, which implies that their own teaching and preaching is, in effect, Jesus' work. Jesus enters the narrative only at Paul's conversion, where he charges Paul with persecuting, not the church, but Jesus himself (9:4). The repetition of this charge in the subsequent reiterations of Paul's conversion (22:7; 26:14) gives it greater force. Two further texts reinforce the presence of Jesus. In Acts 9:34, when Peter goes to the ailing Aeneas, he does not cure him in Jesus' name, but announces: 'Jesus Christ heals you.' And in 26:23, at his climactic defense speech, Paul asserts to Agrippa that Jesus is the one proclaiming light to Israel and the Gentiles. These statements scarcely reflect an understanding of Jesus' absence."

Gaventa, Beverly Roberts. Acts. Abingdon New Testament Commentaries (Nashville: Abingdon, 2003), 34-35.

Christology as curriculum

Another possibility is that we might study Jesus for a week as our curriculum.

Sunday: Jesus, completely human

Monday: Jesus, wholly (and holy) God

Tuesday: Jesus and his relationships: with God and with us

Wednesday: Jesus and atonement: (1) covering sacrifice, (2) satisfaction of justice, (3) Christus Victor (Christ victorious over sin), (4) an act of love, (5) new creation.

Thursday: Living a Jesus-centered life

Friday: Jesus and the church

Saturday: Walking with Jesus

Bibliography:
Childers, Jeff W. and Frederick D. Acquino, Unveiling Glory: Visions of Christ's Tranforming Presence, Heart of the Restoration Series, Vol. 3, Douglas Foster, ed.(Abilene: ACU Press, 2003)

Fiddes, Paul S., Past Event and Present Salvation: The Christian Idea of Atonement (Louisville: Westminister/John Knox, 1989).

Lewis, C. S. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (New York: Collier, 1950).

Milligan, Robert. The Scheme of Redemption (St. Louis: Christian Board of Publication, 1869).

Wright, N.T. The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1999)

Yancy, Phillip. The Jesus I Never Knew (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995).

Gifts and the book of Acts

In thinking about Peak Week for 2006, one possibility that Steve had mentioned came to mind: giftedness. Then these thoughts followed (in the order they are in the text):

God promises gifts (Acts 1.4) and gives what he promises (13.34)

All good gifts are from God (Acts 2.38)

When we give good things, they are given in the name of Jesus (Acts 3.6)

God gives healing (Acts 3.16)

Gifts serve needs (Acts 4.32-37)

Gifts must be given with the right heart (Acts 5.1-11)

God gives the Spirit (Acts 5.32;2.17)

Other godly gifts vary (Acts 6.1-3)

Only God should be given certain gifts (Acts 7.59)

Forgiveness is the greatest gift of all (Acts 7.59-60)

Certain gifts can only come from certain people (Acts 8.18)

God's gifts are not for sale or unholy uses (Acts 8.20)

Our gifts are both an offering and a memorial (Acts 10.4,31; 24.17)

Seeing God's gifts in others can be astonishing (Acts 10.45)

Godly gifts are for every child of God (Acts 11.17;2.17,18)

Godly gifts are meant to be shared (Acts 11.30)

Failure to give what is due is dangerous (Acts 12.23)

When all else fails, God gives us proof (Acts 17.31)

Gifts can be a sign (Acts 19.2,3)

God also gives us jobs (Acts 20.24) and the tools to accomplish them

God, in his grace, gives us an inheritance (Acts 20.32)

It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20.35)

The word give was not meant to be used with certain prepositions - in or up (Acts 23.21)

God gives life (Acts 27.24)

God uses our hands to do and to give (many citations), which brings up an interesting thought: although the hands of people are described in this book as the ones doing and giving, actually God is doing all of the work and giving all of the gifts.

Books used for staff development

Some of you asked for bibliographic information on the resources I used for staff development with both junior and senior staff. Here are the main resources:

The information about dealing with high-energy kids comes from:

Glasser, Howard, and Jennifer Easley. Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nutured Heart Approach (Tuscon: Glasser, 1998).

The information about emotional intelligence comes from:

Goleman, Daniel. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ(Bantam: New York, 1997).

Goleman, Daniel, Annie McKee, and Richard Boyatzis. Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence (Cambridge: Harvard Business School Press, 2002).

The information about desire comes from:

Eldredge, John. Dare to Desire: An Invitation to Fulfill Your Wildest Dreams (Nashville: J. Countryman, 2002).

The information about spiritual growth comes from:

Carotta, Michael. Sometimes We Dance, Sometimes We Wrestle: Embracing the Spiritual Growth of Adolescents (Orlando: Harcourt Religion Publishers, 2000).

All of these books are available through Amazon, or other book dealers. Eldredge's book is on sale at Mardel's.

Peak Week completed

Peak Week 2005 was a great and godly success. The campers may be gone, and the staff getting some well-deserved rest, but we hope to keep the blog alive as we move to develop plans for camp next year.

Obviously, posting to the site will be slower at the beginning than it was over the last two months, but that will give us more time to think and research.

God bless all of you for your part in camp. May he continue to bless you as you continue to bless the lives of children.

Grace and peace,

Ron

Quote for the day . . .

"Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air." - John Quincy Adams

Where are you?

If you're not at camp, why not? The blog will be unattended for the week of camp: June 12-17.

Grace and peace to you all.

Quote for the day . . .

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt

Quote for the day . . .

"Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth." - Benjamin Disraeli

Quote for the day . . .

"I would rather feel compassion than know the meaning of it." - Thomas Aquinas

Quote for the day . . .

"Reason guides our attempt to understand the world about us. Both reason and compassion guide our efforts to apply that knowledge ethically, to understand other people, and have ethical relationships with other people." - Molleen Matsumura

Quote for the day . . .

"When you begin to touch your heart or let your heart be touched, you begin to discover that it's bottomless, that it doesn't have any resolution, that this heart is huge, vast, and limitless. You begin to discover how much warmth and gentleness is there, as well as how much space." - Pema Chodron

In memoriam

I know that Memorial Day was last week, but I feel compelled to remember those whose sacrificed their lives 51 years ago on the beaches of Normandy. Although they never hoped to acquire any additional land, or so much as one trinket of treasure, the invaders of Normandy crossed the Channel to fight evil, resist tyranny, and end oppression. Many of them felt compelled by God to do this thing, even at the ultimate human cost. May the mighty God of love grant them grace and peace because of their selfless gift.

Quote for the day . . .

"He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good." - Confucius

Quote for the day . . .

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker." - Helen Keller

Quote for the day . . .

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

How to create a post on the blog

For all of you who may have never posted to a blog before, here are the basic steps.

If you have not logged in yet:
1. Go to http://peakweek.blogspot.com (probably where you are now).
2. Click the Blogger button at the upper left corner of the page.
3. You will be asked to log in; enter your user name and password (if you have forgotten your password, you can ask the blog to e-mail it to you by clicking on the question mark to the right of "password").
4. Once you are logged in, you will go to the Dashboard. All of the blogs you are a part of are listed here. Select the Peak Week blog.
5. You will be taken to the Edit posts tab of the Posting page. Click on the Create tab.
6. You will be given a form to fill out; enter a title, enter your post, and then you have the option to "Save as Draft" (your entry will be saved and you can post it later) or "Publish Post" (your entry will be posted).

If you have logged in:
1. Go to http://peakweek.blogspot.com (probably where you are now).
2. Click the Blogger button at the upper left corner of the page.
3. You will go to the Dashboard. All of the blogs you are a part of are listed here. Select the Peak Week blog.
4. You will be taken to the Edit posts tab of the Posting page. Click on the Create tab.
5. You will be given a form to fill out; enter a title, enter your post, and then you have the option to "Save as Draft" (your entry will be saved and you can post it later) or "Publish Post" (your entry will be posted).

You can edit the posts you have entered later if you choose to do so. Just remember that if you wait too long, other people will have read them and will tend not to re-read them because they will assume that they already have.

Happy blogging!

Helping out a sister

Tiff asked me for some help. She was having some trouble trying to post this, so here is what she asked me to post concerning worship songs!

“I've heard Days of Elijah, but I dont know it yet and I really liked it! In Christ Alone is beautiful too,” on the message about songs from Jason H."

Hosch

I have some newer songs on power point slides, send an e-mail to jason.retherford@gmail.com, and I will forward you what I have!

Psalm 42

The original "As the Deer . . ."

As the deer pants for ravines of water,
So my souls pants for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, the living God;
When will I come and appear before you, O God?
My tears are my bread, day and night,
They say to me all day, "Where is your God?"
This I remember and I pour out my soul:
For I led the throng in procession
to the house of God,
With a voice ringing with joy and thanksgiving
in the tumult of the crowd.
Why are you downcast, O my soul,
and why do you mutter within me?
Hope in God, for still I will give thanks to him,
my salvation, my God.

(Ps 42.1-6 RV)

Sometimes we have the feeling that the song presents a serene, silvan setting in which this strong, noble stag pauses in his frolic to consider his thirst during the early morning hours. Instead, the psalmist presents a picture of an animal, haggard from a lengthy chase, longing for a sip of water even from a shallow pool in the midst of the rocks. The heart of the deer is about to burst from deep within its chest. The thirst is overwhelming, and the fear is tangible. The confidence and power of this once-noble animal have been poured out.

Only God can fill this thirst.
Only God can calm this heart.
Only God can deliver his creation from its enemies.
God alone is its shelter.
God alone is salvation.

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

More music resources

Jason,

I don't know if you know this or not, but there are a couple of resources out there that I have found to be helpful with worship music.

One is www.worshipforum.com
The other one is the Garnett Church of Christ web site, they have quite a few worship songs with sheet music!

Hope this helps.

By the way, I am a psalm 100 singer. The NIV puts it this way, shout for the joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song."

Let's just say, I have joy and make noise!

As the deer II

Jason,

Here are the words to the newer version of "As the deer."

Note: guys lead, girls echo
Jason, there is a beautiful descant, but I don't have it, sorry!

But, this song rocks!

As the deer
thirsts for the water lord
So, my soul longs after you
my soul thirsts for the living God,
yes my soul, longs after you

And I pour out my soul
deep within me
deep within me
I pour out my soul

Draw me deeper Lord
Deeper Lord in you
draw me deeper lord,
deeper lord in you

As the deer
thirsts for the water lord
So, my soul longs after you
my soul thirsts for the living God,
yes my soul, longs after you

And I pour out my soul
deep within me
deep within me
I pour out my soul

Draw me deeper Lord
Deeper Lord in you
draw me deeper lord,
deeper lord in you

draw me deeper lord,
deeper lord in you

And I pour out my soul
deep within me
deep within me
I pour out my soul

draw me deeper lord,
deeper lord in you

draw me deeper lord,
deeper lord in you

Quote for the day . . .

"Courage is found in unlikely places." - John Ronald Reuel Tolkien

Giving the Log Jam a sense of scale

Ron straddles the Log Jam 

Log Jam

No, it's not Paul Bunyan's bed; it's the Log Jam 

Tri-Peaks

A view of Tri-Peaks 

Swinging beam

Balancing on the Swinging Beam 

Tee Pee Shuffle

Standing on Tee Pee Shuffle 

Zig Zag

Looking east across Zig Zag 
The next several posts are photos of some of the newer challenge course elements that were completed this last weekend.

Just a passing through...

I am busy. Up to my ears in camp preparation. I know that may not sound very deep, being that I am a tad over 5 feet, but trust me, I am swimming in camp prep.

I wanted to let you know I have found some useful application type/game/lesson material that is topical to our week. www.youthministry.com has some helpful material. I hope this helps.

Also, I will be out at Robert's Week so if any of ya'll are there, well I will see then!

In the mean time, pray and prepare.

Quote for the day . . .

“Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower.” – S. H. Simmons

Work on the challenge course

Ben and Bailey at work on the Challenge Course 

This photo is a very small sample of the work that happened over the Memorial Day weekend on the ropes course (see the report below). Unfortunately, everybody was so busy working that just a few pictures were taken!

T-shirt front

T-shirt front 

Here is the front of the shirt that was described below. Obviously, the staff line would only be on the staff t-shirts.

Another alternative color

Another alternative color 

An alternative color

An alternative color 

Work toward a final t-shirt design

Updated t-shirt concept and color 
Based on a small survey sample (Bailey), this is the preferred version of a t-shirt design for camp. The phrase at the bottom of the tag is borrowed from Thomas a Kempis.

The front of the shirt would be just:

Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF
Peak Week

as you find it on the top of the tag in the above graphic. Other colors are shown above; let me know what you think.

Quote for the day . . .

“A pat on the back, though only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, is miles ahead in results.” – Bennett Cerf

Test for you old fogies

This is a current culture test to see if you are keeping up with adolescents. If you are over 30, tell us what the following expressions are, and which of them does not belong:

yellowcard
green day
white stripes
bluetooth
sister hazel
maroon 5

If you are 30 or younger, keep your peace (and try not to laugh too loud).

Kempis on Humility

These are the words of Thomas a Kempis on humility, written in the 1400's. He wrote in the form of a dialogue, where the Lord taught, and his servant responds. What do you think?

"My son, walk thou before Me in truth, and in the simplicity of thine heart seek Me evermore (Gen 17.1). He that walks before Me in truth shall be defended from evil attacks, and the truth shall set him (John 8.32) free from seducers and from the slanders of unjust men. 'If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed' (John 8:36), and shall not care for the vain words of men."

"O Lord, it is true! According as Thou sayest, so, I beseech Thee, let it be with me: let Thy truth teach me, itself guard me, and preserve me to an end of safety. Let it set me free from all evil affection and inordinate love; and I shall walk with Thee in great liberty of heart."

"I will teach thee (saith the Truth) those things which are right and pleasing in my sight.

Reflect on your sins with great displeasure and grief; and never esteem yourself to be anything because of good works.

In truth you are a sinner; you are subject to and entangled with many passions. Of yourself you always tend to nothing; you are quickly cast down, quickly overcome, quickly confused, quickly dissolved. You have nothing whereof you can glory (1 Cor 4.7), but may things for which you ought to account yourself vile; for you are much weaker than you are able to comprehend.

Let nothing therefore seem much of all the things you do. Let nothing seem great, nothing precious and wonderful, nothing worthy of estimation, nothing high, nothing truly commendable and to be desire, but that alone which is eternal. Let the eternal truth be above all things pleasing to you. Let your own extreme unworthiness be always displeasing to you. Fear nothing, blame nothing, flee nothing, so much as your vices and sins, which ought to be more unpleasing to you than any losses whatever of things earthly."

Do you agree or disagree with Kempis? Is this really humility or is it something else?

Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ, Book 3, Chapter 4 (Augsburg: n.p., 1486); (Chicago: Moody, 1982), 101-102

Battle of the five kings revisited

In Humility and Humiliation, we looked at the battle of the five kings from the perspective of Adoni-Zedek. But how did the Israelites see it?

Even though God had granted them success in peeling off one layer after another of the Canaanite onion, the five kings constituted a formidable foe. After the Lord encouraged Joshua ("Do not fear . . ."), the Israelites engaged them in one of the most dramatic battles ever recorded:

An all-night march
A surprise attack
A road pursuit
A barrage of hailstones
A poetic prayer
A sun frozen in time and space
A cave full of conquered kings
Victory.

It was the kind of victory that you remember your entire life. It was the kind of victory which is remembered across many lifetimes. Longer than the Battle of the Bulge, longer than the Battle of San Juan, longer than even Agincourt. And, as is the case with warriors, it was told by triumphant fathers to awed children. Good days or bad, it became part of the celebration of being an Israelite. Years later, a psalmist still celebrates the day:

"The Lord gives the command;
The women who proclaim the good tidings are a great host:
'Kings of armies flee, they flee,
And she who remains at home will divide the spoil!'
When you lie down among the sheepfolds,
You are like the wings of a dove covered with silver,
And its pinions with glistening gold.
When the Almighty scattered the kings there,
It was snowing in Zalmon." Ps 68.11-14 (NAS)

So, in the face of God's power, the power of earthly kings is as ephemeral as snow in desert mountains. God will bring victory to his people. And his people remember. Again and again, they relive the victory. The victors are the ones who are, after all, around to remember and relive. Those who fight God vanish from life and from memory.

Later, when the Israelites had to deal with oppression at the hands of the five kings of Philistia (Judges through 1 Sam 7), you have to believe that they were remembering the victory over five other kings, and wondering when God would act. God did. God sent a man after his own heart, and the five kings of Philistia disappear like snow on a May mountain.

But things aren't always that simple. In previous posts, we've talked about the reality that God doesn't always deliver victories in the way that we would want. But what is interesting is that, for his people, not only are we allowed to remember the victories which God has handed us, but we can remember the losses which he has allowed us to suffer. Losses which both test and build our faith.

But still, as faithful Israelites, we remember and hope.

Quote for the day . . .

“Kindness is a hard thing to give away; it keeps coming back to the giver.” – Ralph Scott

Report on work day

Rodger Schwenn has led work crews to help get Lu-Jo in shape over the last two weekends. He has had a number of people working hard to get the facilities back in shape. Leroy and Tim Bills have also been hard after it to keep the grass on campus mowed and looking neat. The old place is looking good, but come prepared to do your part!

Report on the challenge course

Construction of Phase II of the Challenge Course at Lu-Jo continued this weekend. (See Letter from the challenge course team, and Ropes course work day). This was an extemely rainy weekend, with a steadily increasing rain from noon Saturday until dark, mud through Sunday p.m., when the skies fell for hours. Deep mud all day Monday.

The crew worked hard in mud and water all three days, pausing for irregular snacks and worship on Sunday.

By the grace and help of God, the following items were accomplished:

Clearing of land for new elements
Clearing of new additional pathways
Completion of Tri-Peaks
Completion of Tee-Pee Shuffle
Completion of Swinging Beam
Completion of Log Jam
Completion of Zig-Zag
Completion of Maze
Work on Portal - 70% complete
Gravel applied to all elements surfaces
Cross-tie boundaries placed around all elements, new and old
Preparation for bridge placement
Re-tightening of all cable work on Phase I elements
Safety inspection of the course

In other words, 98% of Phase II is complete. Work on the bridge will continue at a later time.

As of Sunday afternoon, $700 of the necessary funds for this work had been received. The crew launched out in faith to complete this work, trusting in God to work in the hearts of others to hold up their hands in this work.

May God be glorified by the things he has done at the Challenge Course, and the things he has yet to do there.

Quote for the day . . .

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi

Quote for the day . . .

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa

Keep on posting . . .

The blog administrator is taking three days to go to Lu-Jo and work on the Challenge Course with Nathan, Ben, Tara, Bailey, and Ann. All updates to the index, and replies for rkb, will be caught up next Tuesday.

Take this opportunity to post your ideas, your plans, and discuss them with your peers. After all, God willing, in a little over two weeks we'll all be there.

Grace and peace,

Ron

Quote for the day . . .

“One kind word can warm three winter months.” – Japanese proverb

New invitations to the blog

Welcome to all of the staff members of Peak Week of Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF! For some time, those of us who have been planning for Peak Week have been discussing curriculum for this session of camp. Some of you are familiar with blogs, and can readily find your way around the 180+ posts and multiple comments.

To make navigating the blog easier, a link to an index has been placed on the left side of the page; that index is updated every 3 to 4 days. The basic structure for curriculum for the week is linked on the left side as well. There is also an archive listing on the left, because only the last seven days are shown on the front page of the blog.

Remember that on blogs, the earliest postings are at the bottom of the page. For other clues about this blog, go to the Index, scroll to the bottom where there is the entry, "The Blog," and read the postings there. If you have any other questions, e-mail me at wbhdir@aol.com.

Enjoy the blog!

Lines and circles

I wonder if we appreciate the difficulty of Joshua's task of leadership the day that Moses didn't come down from the mountain (Josh 1). The transition of leadership from one person to another is always fraught with difficulty. That change of person and power is vastly complicated when the new leader follows a leader that is good at the job, and nearly impossible when the previous leader has been the object of reverence and respect.

The initial reflex of leaders in such cases is to circle the wagons until the lines of authority become clear. Surely someone in Joshua's inner circle counseled him, "Allow people to get used to your voice and your style." But his choice made his leadership task that much more difficult; he followed God's instructions and made a bee line for the promised land. Perhaps this passionately brave act in the face of coolly cautious logic is why God encouraged Joshua to "be strong and courageous."

Oh, it's not like Joshua didn't check to see if anyone was following. He immediately queried the 2 1/2 tribes that were getting land on the east side of the river, and they reassured him: "Don't worry, Joshua, we'll toe the line. Be strong and courageous!" What made such remarkable loyalty possible? What assured the people that they could faithfully follow Joshua?

Their leader may have changed, but their God had not. As they lined up to march to the Jordan (Josh 3), the ark of the covenant, the very symbol of God's presence, moved one half of a mile in front of the nearest tribe. A full seven minutes ahead of the first soldier (I rather suspect that God is actually much farther ahead of his people than that). And then, in the middle of the river and on the other side, they left memorials of 12 stones. Some scholars believe that the Israelites did not stack these stones, but placed them in a circle (Gilgal can mean circular). Each tribe equal; each tribe a part, all of the tribes united. Whenever God leads, whether through transition, trouble, or temptation, the godly leader is assured of success (at least in God's terms). In this case, God led his people through a river swollen to its annual flood stage. Through battles with a stronger and more numerous foe. Even through their own failings and sin.

Both a godly leader and his people can be strong and courageous when they know that their true loyalties are to a God who is loyalty personified. If my leader is loyal to God, I can loyally follow. If my people are united, and loyal to God, I can lead as God would have me and be assured that they will follow. What makes a transition of leadership like the one from Moses to Joshua survivable? Loyalty and unity.

Quote for the day . . .

“Until you have learned to be tolerant with those who do not always agree with you; until you have cultivated the habit of saying some kind word of those whom you do not admire; until you have formed the habit of looking for the good instead of the bad there is in others, you will be neither successful nor happy.” – Napolean Hill

Creating successes

Patience. Kindness. Compassion. Gentleness.

These are words that I heard quite a lot when I was in the 8th grade. Well, maybe not, but at least that's how all of my friends at school treated me. Well, maybe not, but at least that's how all of my brothers and sisters in the youth group treated me. Well, maybe not. None of these things happened. My experience with patience, kindness, compassion, and gentleness came mainly from the presence of some special adults in my life: Phyllis Morgan, Barbara Ellis, Janna Smith, Gusta Hoffman and their sisters in Christ, may they glorify God forever.

I believe that, since we are teaching these virtues, we had better be particularly careful to model them for our campers this week. That does not mean that we do not need to set boundaries and maintain them, but that there are certain ways to do that which are consistent with these virtues, and others that are not (I'll talk more about this in another post).

I believe that we need to teach these virtues, but that teaching them is not enough. I believe that we, as good teachers, ought to illustrate these virtures, but that is not enough. I believe that we, as God's children, ought to demonstrate these virtues, but that is not enough. I believe that we ought to try to catch them demonstrating these virtues and praise them for the doing of them, but that is not enough. I believe that ultimately, we have to create the opportunity for them to do something good and then encourage the thunder out of the behavior.

To a great extent, the ropes course presents, by design, those kinds of opportunities. But that is not the only time or place where that kind of creation of opportunity and reward of these virtues can happen.

Let's put a lot of energy into highlighting the virtues that our kids display after they encounter the opportunities that God and we create for them at camp. I think that we'll find that, not only will it change our perceptions of the week, but it will also change the behavior of the kids in our care for that period of time.

Quote for the day . . .

“Keep in mind that the true meaning of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good.” – Ann Landers

Quote for the day . . .

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” – Mark Twain

A letter from the Challenge course team

Here is a letter that the Challenge course team asked me to pass along to those on the blog. If you know someone else who might like to receive this letter, please let Ben or Nathan know, and they will send a copy to them.

The Challenge Course
.......at Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF

Dear Friends,

During the winter of 2003 - 2004, Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF began construction of a new addition to the camp facilities, The Challenge Course. The original idea was sparked by several members of the Board of Directors to develop a new program for the summer sessions that would promote spiritual development, leadership development, teamwork, confidence, curriculum application, and fun. The result of this idea was the construction of a low ropes course, or challenge course, which was designed to emphasize and develop these specific areas of focus. In order to lighten the financial burden of such an undertaking and to examine the effectiveness of such a facility, it was decided to construct the course in three phases. Phase I was completed just prior to the start of the summer sessions in 2004 and was chosen to be used by every camp director for their session of camp.

Phase I included the construction of 11 elements (including 3 portable elements) in a wooded area across the creek where the cool shade offers a welcome relief from the heat. The response that we received last year following the summer sessions was extremely encouraging. The kids (and Staff) responded spectacularly when faced with the various challenges experienced on the course. Working through the various challenges opened up opportunities for the teachers and staff to make practical applications of the lessons that they were focusing on during that specific session of camp. As many of you who were staff now know it is one thing to tell someone that you trust them, but to courageously dive into their outstretched arms is proof! With such a great response to Phase I of The Challenge Course, it was decided to begin Phase II of the course construction during the Spring of 2005.

Phase II began as a result of gifts (both physical and financial) from friends of Lu-Jo that are passionate about seeing the lives of young people changed in a way that brings them closer to God. During this phase of construction we will add 7 new permanent elements to the course, bringing the total number of elements to 18! This would make this the most comprehensive low ropes course, not only in Oklahoma, but that I am aware of in this part of the country. This will truly be an experience that is unique to Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF. In order to make this happen, we are still in need of a small amount of financial support. The major expense, both during Phase I and now during Phase II, was the purchase of specific playground gravel which surrounds the elements to prevent injuries on the course. Since safety is our highest priority in construction of this course, the use of this gravel is an absolute necessity. To purchase enough gravel to surround the new elements, as well as, re-dress the areas around the current elements it will cost us about $2,500. A secondary project, if there is funding, is the creation of a 25’ wooden bridge on the course to increase the accessibility of the new elements from the main course area. The costs for this are strictly for lumber and would run about $500 to build (this may appear to be inexpensive, but this is because we were able to get the main structural timber donated).

If Phase II is completed as currently planned then our total cost, including Phase I, would still be under $7000. To put this into perspective, if we were to hire a company to come in and build a course that is comparable in style and number of elements it would cost around $30,000. We are extremely thankful for the amount of support that we have already received to make this dream a reality. We know that every one of you shares our same dream to help establish a solid foundation in the lives of these young people who come to Camp Lu-Jo to grow closer to God and to each other. Please keep this work in your thoughts and prayers that it might be an effective tool in changing lives for God. If there is any way that you are able to help us in this endeavor financially, no matter how small or large the gift, you will be contributing to changing the lives of hundreds of young people who are a part to Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF for years to come. If you have any questions regarding The Challenge Course, Phase II of construction, or Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to talk with you about this work. Thank you for all that you do for the work of God and for Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF.

God Bless,

Ben Bruner and Nathan Gatewood

Ben Bruner
ben.bruner@backpacker.com

Nathan Gatewood
nathan@two-brothers.com

Camp Lu-Jo KISMIF
P.O. Box 2232
Lawton, OK 73502
www.lujo.org

Countdown to camp

After over 175 posts on the blog (and numerous comments), we are now a little less than three weeks away from being at camp. Get ready!

Quote for the day . . .

"The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacifice what we are for what we could become." - Charles Du Bos

Ropes course work day

This weekend, Nathan Gatewood and the Bruners (Ben and Tara, Bailey, Ann and Ron) will be having a work weekend to attempt to make some significant progress on completing new elements of the challenge course (for more information about the work in progress, see Ropes Course, Phase II).

If you would like to come out and help, please contact Nate or Ben at the e-mail addresses below. We will be needing all different kinds of labor.

We understand that many of you may not be able to attend; please keep us in your prayers. Ben and Nathan still need donations to pay for the gravel to complete the course (approximately $2,500), and to build a bridge as a part of the course (approximately $500). If you can help with these expenses (or know someone who can), please contact Ben or Nathan immediately, as they will need to order materials (or not) soon.

Thanks to all of you who have helped to make this new and exciting part of Lu-Jo possible.

Ben Bruner
Nathan Gatewood

Kindness and compassion

We are somewhat behind on quotes relating to kindness and compassion, so here is a post to help catch us up:

“The individual is capable of both great compassion and great indifference. He has it within his means to nourish the former and outgrow the latter.” – Norman Cousins

“When a man has compassion for others, God has compassion for him.” – Talmud

Compassion for yourself translates into compassion for others.” – Suki Jay Munsell

“It’s only in our minds that we are separate from the rest of the world.” – Gay Luce

“Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.” – Albert Schweitzer

“Often the most loving thing we can do when a friend is in pain is to share the pain—to be there even when we have nothing to offer except our presence and even when being there is painful to ourselves.” – M. Scott Peck

“Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always to try to be a little kinder than is necessary?” – J. M. Barrie

“That old law about ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind.” – Martin Luther King

Quote for the day . . .

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop, The Lion and the Mouse

Index returned to service

After a brief interlude, the index to the site has been restored and a back up created.

Quote for the day . . .

"Was launching D-Day on June 6 the right idea? Well, the weather was too bad on the 5th, but it wasn't great on the 6th either. How would one know if it's courageous or dumb until the dust settles? There's no such thing as a safe risk. That's an oxymoron. All courage is a risk. None of it is safe. The only way to decide is through the shining ether of time." - Warren Bennis

Moses and Joshua

Moses and Joshua are both known as great leaders, but sometimes I don't think that we realize the commonalities and connections between these two godly men. Here are a few of the parallels and connections in the life of Moses and Joshua as God works through them to lead his people from the land of Egypt to the land of Promise:

Moses comes to a place where he is “on holy ground” (Ex 3)
--Moses celebrates Passover with Israel (Ex 12)
----Moses leads Israel across the Sea (Ex 14)
------Moses ascends the mountain with Joshua below (Ex 32)
--------Moses delivers the covenant before Joshua and the people (Ex 34)
----------Moses and Joshua in the wilderness with the people (Numbers)
--------Moses reviews the covenant before Joshua and the people (Deut)
------Moses ascends the mountain with Joshua below (Deut 34.1-4)
----Joshua leads Israel across the Jordan River (Josh 3)
--Joshua celebrates Passover with Israel (Josh 5.10-12)
Joshua comes to a place where he is “on holy ground” (Josh 5.13-15)

Isn't it interesting how their lives focus on God's time with his people in the wilderness? (The above structure is called a chiasm by biblical scholars.) The Passover with Joshua may not seem like a large matter at first, but when you consider that it had not been celebrated for years (none of the males had been circumcised, Josh 5; see the rules in Ex 12) this makes the parallel more striking.

In addition, here are some interestingly similar events:

Both led the Israelites across a boundary (geographical and spiritual) of water
Both won a great battle with their hands extended up before God (Moses with a staff, Joshua with a javelin)
Moses led the first celebration of Passover in Egypt; Joshua led the first celebration of Passover in Canaan

Quote for the day . . .

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." - Viktor Frankl

Joshua 22, thoughts on conflict resolution

I want to take our thoughts to near the end of Joshua's life. The promised land is theirs. 600 years of promise have come to fruition, and with all the good that has happened one scene catches my attention. The land is conqured, and the 2 and 1/2 tribes can now return to the east side of the Jordan. They build an altar, and the west bank tribes see this as a threat to national unity, and they arrange a war party led by the grandson of Aaron, Phinehas.

The nation is on brink of a civil-religious war.

"If history is any teacher, the book of Numbers makes it transparent that internal crises (Numbers 11, 12, 13-14, 16, 20) carry a far greater potential to sidetrack the advancement of God's people that does an external crisis (Numbers 22-24). A Korah is more dangerous than a Balaam. God turns curse into blessing, but does not turn rebellion into blessing" (Victor Hamilton, HandBook on the Historical Books, 76).

The charges brought against the transjordan tribes are three fold.

1. They are guilt of apostasy. They have turned away from following the Lord....

2. The two and one-half tribes are guilt of rebellion...

3. The third charge is that of "breach of faith" (Hamilton, 77).

The nation of Israel has several incidents from their past to serve as markers of the dangers of internal strife (Achan Joshua 7 and Peor Numbers 25) and "if one individual could, via his unfaithful actions, threaten the existence of all Israel, how much more could two and one-half tribes do so! Hence, this act of religious malfeasance must be aborted promptly" (Hamiton, 77-78).

As it turns out the delegation come to blot of their brothers are misinformed. At least to Phinehas' credit and those with him, they take the time to discuss the construction of this altar. It turns out that this newly built altar is to serve as a reminder to the west bank tribes that the transjordanians are God's people too.

Boy, our churches would do well today to talk out issues. I can think of numerous stories of misinformed, maybe well-intentioned believers have castigated or even ex-communicated brethern over an issue that they didn't even take the time to find out more information about.

I have even noticed today that once the rumor mill gets started, some of our people don't take the time to check out the rumor at all and assume since brother so and so reported the news that it must be true, or brother so and so found the information of the internet and therfore it must be true.

When we will learn that it is better to talk about our problems however, misinformed or whatever our mis-perceptions maybe.

In youth culture, this sort of thing is real too. She/he said such and such. Maybe we all have encountered this sort of thing with our own kinds or once was caught in the middle of one of these accusastions.

I am working with a young man right now who seems to jump at the first indication of trouble. Someone is talking about him or his family, and he would rather react with his fist than respond with gospel ethics.

History is great teacher. When will we learn?

Could this be a let's talk topic, if we haven't already set those topics in stone? (Gossip, rumors, dealing with these issues, etc.)

Quote for the day . . .

"Modesty is a shining light; it prepares the mind to receive knowledge, and the heart for truth." - Madam Guizot

Do not fear . . .

At the beginning of the book of Joshua, the Lord signals his choice of Joshua as the man to step into the shoes of Moses. As Joshua accepts this role, God gives him counsel to guide him in his service as leader of Israel:

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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." Josh 1:7-9 (NIV)

Contained in the list of "do's" and "do not's" is a statement that finds echoes throughout the book of Joshua.

"Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged." And at the beginning of Joshua's span of leadership, fearlessness is a hallmark of his service. As a matter of fact, from Josh 1 through Josh 6, all of the fear and terror is on the side of Joshua's enemies. Their hearts were melting with fear. But then Ai happens.

After the disaster at Ai, Joshua trusts less in his judgment. Now he has lost soldiers in combat. Now a loss tarnishes his record. After Ai, before every major battle, the Lord personally encourages Joshua with these words, "Do not be afraid."

Before the return to Ai (Josh 8.1)
Before the battle of the five kings (Josh 10.8).
Before the battle with Jabin (Josh 11.6).

Those words are followed with different instructions or predictions, but the most important part of the message is personal and to the point, "Don't be afraid, don't worry; this is what I want, and I will help you accomplish it."

Why this encouragement? Why the counsel up front to avoid fear? I believe that God well understands the burdens and dangers of leadership and he knows that fear is prominent among them. Some of you might answer that the leaders you know are among the most fearless people that you know. Some of them are; but some of them only appear to be.

Because of their experiences, some leaders struggle with fear. Fear of failure. Fear of falling short of God's plan or desires. Fear of winning the wrong battles. Fear of parts of the job for which we're not suited. Fear of a follower being lost or hurt or worse. Fear of having personal weaknesses exposed. Fear of a personal failure tainting a lifetime of public service. Fear of losing those closest to us because time is given to others who seem to demand it. God simply says, "Do not fear."

But what about discouragement? Sometimes discouragement is nothing but fear gone to seed. After we've avoided the things that make us fearful long enough, things just don't get done like they're supposed to be done. The inertia and the growing list of things to accomplish become the burden of discouragement. Or sometimes, a constant diet of listening to the fears and complaints of those who follow takes on a similar unbearable weight.

There is only one solution. Fear of the event is always worse than the reality. Do not fear, but go and do what God calls you to do.

How did things turn out? This advice becomes so engrained in Joshua's being that he, in turn, counsels his generals with the same advice, "Do not be afraid,"(Josh 10.25). And, in the end, Joshua urges his people to nurture only one fear: "Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness" (Josh 24:14, NIV).

Quote for the day . . .

"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence." - Daniel Hudson Burnham

New invitations

As of 12:45 today, "Big Don" Williams has been invited to be a part of our blog. Welcome!

Quote for the day . . .

"Compassion is the basis of all morality." - Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 - 1860)

Help for your search . . .

To make things on the blog easier to find, I've installed a topical index to help you find previous postings about specific subjects. This includes a list of postings about specific passages in Joshua. Just look on the bar on the left for the underlined word, INDEX.

Quote for the day . . .

"Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion." - George Wilhelm

Quote for the day . . .

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill

Countdown to Camp

Four weeks until camp . . .

In case you didn't know . . .

It has come to my attention that not all of you know that there are links on some of the postings. Anytime that you see that a word (or words) is underlined (and sometimes the color is different), then that word is probably a link. If you drag the cursor over the word and it changes to a pointed finger, then it is a link. If you click on it, your Internet program will take you to the site, just as a regular internet link would. An example of such a post is Aggies cross the Brazos. See, that was a link within the blog.

The underscored time beneath each post and on the left takes you to a page that has just that post and all of the responses (comments) to it. The underscored line on the right takes you to a page where you can make a comment. Have a happy blog!

Quote for the day . . .

"How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." - George Washington Carver

The pillar of cloud

"By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." - Ex 13:21-22 (NIV)

When the Exodus began, God gave his people a tangible vision of his presence (although he chose not to reveal himself as he really is). This continued all the way through the wilderness wanderings and all the way up to Moses' parting from his people:

"Then the LORD appeared at the Tent in a pillar of cloud, and the cloud stood over the entrance to the Tent." - Deut 31:15-16 (NIV)

This was not a small matter to the Israelites, because centuries later, it still remained a symbol of God's compassion for his people:

"Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take." - Neh 9:19-21

What is remarkable to me is that you don't read about the pillar in the story of Joshua. When did the pillar of cloud leave? When God makes his exit, it is frequently a big deal (just look at his exit in Ezek 10 or Acts 1). But the scriptures never tell us when the cloud of pillar left. Don't you imagine that God's people had to wonder where God was? Don't you think that their children would be asking about it? This is similar to the problem mentioned by Jason in his post, Where is God? I personally think that the pillar may have ceased to appear when the manna and quail stopped. After that, God's providence through the land became the symbol of his continual presence.

I believe that since then God has required incrementally more faith of his people. It was easier for those who had seen the mighty acts of God in the wilderness and the taking of Canaan than it would be for those who came later. The prophets, despite the things that they heard and saw looked forward to the things that would happen in the time of the Messiah: "For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it." (Luke 10.24 (NIV) And finally, Jesus made it clear that "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." - John 20:29 (NIV)

Yet, at the same time, God has given his written word as evidence and the Spirit as a Comforter to allow us to maintain a faith that glorify him as surely (if not as largely) as Joshua's did. God grant us a childlike faith in his presence: simple, loving, and dependent.

Why Aggies, Ron?

After my previous posting, Aggies cross the Brazos, a few of you might be wondering what was on my mind. As usual, I had more than one reason for what I wrote, a couple of which might be obvious:

1. I was exercising my sense of humor.
2. I was having a little fun with Nathan.

I hope that no one was offended by my word play, because I assure you that my love for the Word is profound. But I had a couple of other motives for the post which might not be as obvious at first.

3. I wanted to demonstrate to some of you who were not as familiar with blogging what you could do with a blog. Sometimes a posting can't contain everything, so we can refer (with links) to other sites that have the information.

4. I hoped to show some of you who aren't as familiar with the Internet how much you could find out on it in one hour. A couple of the traditions in the posting I knew from a visit I had with Nathan at College Station a year ago. But the rest I found out by doing searches on Google, one of the best search engines (an Internet research librarian that moves at the speed of light) out there. I honestly did all of the research in less than one hour, and then wrote the story in about as much time.

5. I wanted to show us all the challenge that language and symbols in the biblical text present to every reader. The story about the Aggies deliberately shifts the language, metaphors, and the story connections so as to make it less recognizable to those who do not understand the traditions of Texas A&M. The concept of "Twelfth Man", though it originated at A&M, has now become nearly universally well known in sports. But other words such as "maroon out" have a very specific meaning in the A&M context that are meaningless elsewhere. When we look at the biblical text, we need to be alert for those words, and how those words keep occurring (or stop occurring).

Sometimes words that appear to be innocent, like "march to the Brazos", appear to be merely a description of action. But to an Aggie, and especially to one from the Corps of Cadets, this has a very specific meaning. The biblical text is full of these as well. When the text refers to the "two men who had spied out the land", it not only referred to the two who had met Rahab, but is deliberately echoing the brave and similar endeavors of Joshua and Caleb nearly 40 years earlier.

Every book in the Bible is inspired. As God inspired the human writers of each book, he had them speak his thoughts in their own voice and in their own words. Just look at the places where Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John choose to tell the stories using different words (where Mark says "kingdom of God", Matthew more frequently says "kingdom of heaven"). If we can understand why these words were chosen, we understand the story at a totally different level.

When they wrote, they made every word count. In our time paper is cheap, and the Internet allows writing to not even waste that consumable resource. But in ancient times, writing was expensive. Every word used was necessary to tell the story. What's an example from Joshua?

Let's pick the example of Rahab. At the end of the story of Jericho's fall, the text simply says, "But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho-and she lives among the Israelites to this day." Josh 6:25 (NIV) But buried in the text a little bit earlier is the comment, "They brought out her entire family and put them in a place outside the camp of Israel." Josh 6:23 (NIV) Why outside? I'm not going to answer that question for you, but I'll give you a hint: look for the word "outside" in some of the earlier books in the OT. This will show you the significance of one little word.

But there is the importance of making connections as well. How does Rahab connect with the rest of the salvation story? If you don't know, study it out; I assure you that you will find her connection to be significant.

You might ask, "Ron, are you trying to teach us how to read?" No, obviously you already know how to do that. What I am trying to do, though, is to help train you to read closely. This will allow you to find a richness in the Bible that will refresh your love and regard for it. God bless you all as you live in the story that continues from his Word.

Quote for the day . . .

"I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all." - Leo Rosten

The Aggies cross the Brazos

[It has come to my attention that we may have been somewhat ethnically oppressive on this blog, so I have decided to select a minority group (Aggies) and tell the story from their perspective. This is sort of like The Message, but on the Aggie level.]

And it came to pass in those days that the Aggies had finished their long Elephant Walk through the wilderness and came to the Brazos. After preaching a really long sermon, Moses climbed a nearby mountain (nearly as high as Kyle Field) and disappeared. From 10:00 that evening until the next morning, not a sound was heard but that of Silver Taps.

The next morning, Joshua talked with the Head Coach, and the Head Coach said, "Hullaballo, Caneck! Caneck, Joshua. Hullabaloo Caneck!" [The precise meaning of the Aggie dialect in English is not entirely clear.] And Joshua went out to the people, and the people said, "Hullaballo, Caneck! Caneck, Joshua." And Joshua said, "Go." And so the Aggies went and began their March to the Brazos.

While they crossed the river, each of the 11 guys on the team picked up a rock from the river bed and put his number on it. They made a dog pile with the rocks so that they could remember which side of the river they were on. The Twelfth Man showed up with a rock, too, so they let him put it on top of the pile. The Aggies then made camp in Gilgal [some authorities think that this may have been College Station].

That night, when one of the cadets went into his tent, he found Reveille in his bed. Perfectly well aware that no good Aggie would make her move, he went to find another place to sleep. As he crossed the camp on the newly-built sidewalks, he saw two figures walking on the grass. Absolutely infuriated, he went after them to get their names. But as he got closer, he saw that these were no Aggies; these were spies from Austin [some translators render this as "Jericho"]. Then it happened. The two spies actually stepped off the grass and onto the A&M seal. The cadet fainted.

When he awoke, the spies were gone. He promptly reported the incident to Joshua, and the entire Aggie camp surged into an uproar. They engineered a Bonfire so that once again there was a pillar of fire by night and a column of smoke by day over the entire Aggie camp. Then Joshua dispatched spies to Austin (Jericho).

When the spies arrived at Austin, they went to Rahab's house [this part of the report is unclear]. The walls were all made of buff-colored brick and stone, the roofs were tiled with clay, and the banners were all burnt orange. Rahab explained that the people here called themselves "Longhorns". The spies promised Rahab that if she could get them out of Austin safely, they would keep her and her family safe. But she had to be certain to stay inside, and hang a cord of maroon out of her window [some ancient manuscripts read "scarlet"]. The spies returned to camp where they reported to Joshua that the people of Austin were melting in fear because of them.

The Aggies marched against Austin. On the first day, they marched around the city once. The people in the city laughed, because they thought that the Aggies were clueless about how to have a tailgate party. On the second day, the Aggies did the same thing again. Some of the people in the city thought about throwing a bomb at the Aggies, but everyone knows that no Longhorn can make a decent pass. This went on for six days. On the seventh day, the Aggies marched around the city seven times. This made thirteen trips around Austin, once for every time the Aggies ever actually beat the Longhorns.

After the last circuit, Joshua commanded the Aggie Band to play the Aggie War Hymn. When that was done, all of the Aggies let out a big "Whoooop," and the walls of Austin fell. And the Aggies went back to their camp in College Station, taking Rahab and her family with them. And Rahab stayed in Bryan.

Chigaroo-garem,
Chigaroo-garem, Nate.

P.S. - Yes, I know the actual record, Nate: A&M vs UT: 34W-72L-5T

Quote for the day . . .

"Instead of pointing a finger, try reaching out a hand . . ." - Sign in front of the Hollis Church of Christ

Are we a people of complaining or compassion?

Quote for the day . . .

Life is a long lesson in humility. - James M. Barrie (1860 - 1937)

Courage = fear + going anyway

"Courage is doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared." -- Eddie Rickenbacker, Bits & Pieces, April 29, 1993, p. 12.

One of my all time favorite films was one of the early NFL greatest hits vidoes. I know, it's cheesy, but as an impressionable adolescent who loved football, this video was better than Nintendo! Anyway, the above qoute was echoed by one of the great linebackers interviewed for the film. He said something to effect that those who are the most courageous are the one's who are afraid, but go anyway. I love that.

How true for our story. God asks us to do a many scary thing for him. Those of us who have answered God's call, though scared, learned something through our faith/border line crazy trust in God's providence.

I can't help but wonder at the beginning of the book of Joshua, how scared and overwhelmed our hero must have felt. I think it must be similar to a new and almost too big to handle opportunity comes our way.

For Jen and I, it was/ is being parents, and then of course moving to Oklahoma. While we not may not have to cross the Jordan during flood stage, we learned to lean on God and His promises through this ordeal.

How comforting for Joshua to have God tell him numerous times, "be strong and courageous." I am sure Joshau was afraid, but he was afraid and carried on anyway.

This could be said of Joshua, can it be said of me?

"I have but one passion; it is He, He only."

Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf.

For returning bloggers . . .

For those of you who are returning to the blog, be sure and visit Ropes Course, Phase II if you haven't already done so.

Humility or humiliation

Adoni-Zedek. Offended and troubled by the defection of the Gibeonites to the Israelite camp, the king of Jerusalem gathers four other Canaanite kings, marches to the gates of Gibeon, and begins a siege (why attack the Gibeonites instead of the Israelites?). The Gibeonites call Joshua to come from Gilgal to help them out, and one of the most famous battles in history ensues.

Not only is it a bad day at black rock for Adoni-Zedek, God holds the sun still at Joshua's request so as to make it the longest bad day ever. Adoni-Zedek and the four kings hide out in a cave, which the Israelites seal with rocks until the battle is over and the combined Canaanite forces are wiped out. Instead of waiting for the kings to starve to death in the cave, Joshua sends for the five kings and has them brought before his army. He has his commanders put their feet on the necks of the kings (the acme of insult in the ancient world), beheads them, hangs their bodies on five trees for a day, and then buries them in a cave. What a humiliating way to end someone's life!

Why is the humiliation so significant? Those of you with study Bibles will find a notation that Adoni-Zedek means "Lord of Righteousness", or "My Lord of Righteousness". That's a fair understanding of the Hebrew. Now, although "Lord" is a title that is often used of kings in the OT (especially of David), there is a hint that this is a divine title. Adoni is also a title that is used for God. Remember that the predecessor of Adoni-Zedek only called himself Melchizedek, which means "king of righteousness" (this is the king of Salem who blessed Abram, Gen 14.18). But here, the current king of Jerusalem (Salem) is no longer content with merely being a king, but must title himself "LORD". How proud can you get?

Can you imagine the affront to his power to have one of his neighbors choose to make a deal with the enemy? If no Godfather would put up with that kind of nonsense, then you can bet that no god (little g) would tolerate it either. Besides which, the turf the Israelites possess plus Gibeon cuts Canaan in half. So, pride offended, Adoni-Zedek acts.

But God, the Father of all humanity, reduces this proud man to the status of a humiliated man suffering a humiliating death. The Gibeonites, though many and strong, humbled themselves and survived. But a proud ruler exalted himself in front of the people of God and found humiliation instead of glory.

Just before the end, Moses warned Pharaoh to humble himself before God (Ex 10.3). Aid comes to Daniel because he humbles himself (Dan 10.12). And both James and Peter counsel us to humble ourselves before God so that he can exalt us (James 4.10, 1 Pet 5.6). So will we actively humble ourselves, or passively suffer humiliation?

P.S. - There is going to be a "Lord of Righteousness" who will rule over Jerusalem and every other place, but he doesn't appear in this part of the story. When he does appear, not only will he be a better king - he will be a better priest as well (Heb 7). This Adoni-Zedek will deliver his people to glory, not to death. Oddly enough, this mighty king knows more about humility than any other leader humanity has ever known.

We're Back

We are back. The little computer has been to visit Dell. We are back and work, somewhat. We hav alot of reading and laughing to do. Ya'll are great, a huge encouragement. Keep it going! We will be making staff assignments shortly. How's that for being a politician? Most everyone has checked in. We will be inviting all staff to join us shortly. Our hope is that this will enrich all involved. We will be attempting to "blog-savvy" those of us who are not. Your comments are wonderful and inspiring. Take courage the journey is close to fruition.

Quote for the day . . .

To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. - Soren Kierkegaard

For such a time as this...

I was reading a historical survey of the Old Testament, and something caught my attention. I knew it all along, but the actual re-reading it, or seeing it again astounded me. The author of this overview mentioned the historical situation of the time of the Jordan crossing and the conquest of Canaan, and how all around Canaan there were many tribal, and national squabbles going on, that Israel was pretty much able to advnace through the region with little or no mention of Egypt, for Egypt was busy with affairs of her own. The thought that nailed me between the eyes was the notion that all of this occured happened according to God's plan. It was his timing of the historical situation all around Israel, that assured them their reception of the promise.

Our God is Lord of time and the rise and fall of nations.

A monologue

Ron: So, has the blog gotten kinda quiet, or is it me?
Ron: Oh, I think they left when I wasn't looking; all except David.
Ron: What's David doing?
Ron: He's still with you, he's just typing his next posting.
Ron: Is the post that long?
Ron: No, his typing is that slow.
Ron: At least he's still hangin' in.
Ron: Yep. So what do you think is happening?
Ron: I'm not sure; maybe it's me.
Ron: Could be; I warned you about those arcane references to Greek Mythology . . .
Ron: So you think they're bored?
Ron: Out of their gourd.
Ron: Maybe it's because you take up all of the space with your posts.
Ron: It's the Internet, dude; there's an unlimited amount of space.
Ron: Yeah, but there's not an unlimited amount of time to read.
Ron: So you're saying . . .
Ron: If they take the time to actually read everything you write . . .
Ron: Then they don't have time to write anything themselves?
Ron: Got it in one, ace.
Ron: Wow. So right now . . .
Ron: The longer this goes on, the longer it will be before some one responds.
Ron: Wow. Talk about a Catch-22. Hey, wait a minute . . .
Ron: What?
Ron: Maybe it's not the length of my posts, maybe it's because they think you're being a know-it-all.
Ron: Me?
Ron: Yep, it wouldn't be the first time.
Ron: But I don't know it all!
Ron: You're tellin' me.
Ron: Well, it's about time you listened to somebody . . .
Ron: That's the whole point! I really want to listen, to know what they think!
Ron: Maybe they're not through thinking yet.
Ron: Maybe they don't know that the rest of us want to know what they think.
Ron: Well, write this down and then they will.
Ron: OK, but won't it make them think you're goin' crazy?
Ron: They're pretty tolerant; they've already known that for a while.

Quote for the day . . .

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. - The Dalai Lama