DateLine (3/28/07 – Nanuet, NY)
In his autobiography, Just as I Am, Billy Graham tells about a conversation he had with John F. Kennedy shortly after his election:
“On the way back to the Kennedy house, the president-elect stopped the car and turned to me. ‘Do you believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?’ he asked.
‘I most certainly do.’ ‘Well, does my church believe it?’
‘They have it in their creeds.’
‘They don’t preach it,’ he said. ‘They don’t tell us much about it. I’d like to know what you think.’
I explained what the Bible said about Christ coming the first time, dying on the Cross, rising from the dead, and then promising that he would come back again. ‘Only then,’ I said, ‘are we going to have permanent world peace.’
‘Very interesting,’ he said, looking away. ‘We’ll have to talk more about that someday.’ And he drove on.”
Several years later, the two met again, at the 1963 National Prayer Breakfast.
“I had the flu,” Graham remembers. “After I gave my short talk, and he gave his, we walked out of the hotel to his car together, as was always our custom. At the curb, he turned to me.
‘Billy, could you ride back to the White House with me? I’d like to see you for a minute.’
‘Mr. President, I’ve got a fever,’ I protested. ‘Not only am I weak, but I don’t want to give you this thing. Couldn’t we wait and talk some other time?’
It was a cold, snowy day, and I was freezing as I stood there without my overcoat.
‘Of course,’ he said graciously.”
But the two would never meet again. Later that year, Kennedy was shot dead. Graham comments, “His hesitation at the car door, and his request, haunt me still. What was on his mind? Should I have gone with him? It was an irrecoverable moment.”
Year ago several Christians including myself would routinely have lunch together at my company cafeteria. One of the engineers started joining us periodically and expressed a lot of interest in our faith occasionally asking questions. One morning many in my department were gathered in a conference room for a series of presentations. The engineer who occasionally joined us for lunch was present and very engaged in the presentations asking questions about the subject matter. After a break for lunch we reconvened to continue the presentations. The engineer did not return and later we learned that he had gone home at lunch and took his life. As we looked back at those luncheon questions we all realized with the clarity of hindsight that the questions were a plea for help. Irrecoverable moments! I carry the guilt of the lost opportunity with me some 20 years later.
All of us are presented with opportunities to speak or serve as ambassadors of our Lord Jesus. Join me in praying that God will sensitize our hearts to recognize the moment and the courage to seize the moment. It’s a matter of eternal life or death.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Reflections
DateLine (3/21/07 – Nanuet, NY)
The last few years have been a unique period in my life. To be honest a few years back I could not have imagined the lifestyle that has been mine since 2003. By nature I am a homebody but the sad truth is I’ve spent more time away from home the last 4 years than I have at home. Family life has always been my center but I’ve spent more time alone during this period than I have with family. Now I can tell you that this period has presented more than a few challenges but I am convinced that this has been God’s will for me at this time. Having said that it is obvious to me that God desired to use these circumstances to teach me some valuable lessons regarding life. So if you’ll allow me I’d like to share five lessons that God has taught me.
Lesson #1 – God’s crowning creation; mankind is remarkably diverse. I have had the privilege to work in Boston, San Francisco, Italy, Germany, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, Ireland and New York during this time. This has been a pretty good stretch for a boy born and raised in an insular Southern culture. As Christians we are charged with a global mission. It’s become painfully obvious to me that in order to reach diverse cultures, we must have a command of the essential elements of the truth and be able to communicate in plain spoken terms, many times in a language that is not the primary language of the listener. While I have observed differences I’m struck by the universal similarities; desire for respect, response to love, need for God. My view of the world and an appreciation for the challenges of our mission are forever changed. I have enjoyed immensely experiencing these cultures not as a tourist but working alongside the residents.
Lesson #2 – Time = Commitment. Separation from family is a byproduct of the itinerant worker lifestyle. With crystal clarity I have come to understand that the foremost indicator of commitment to family is expressed by time spent. I have learned that it could be very easy to become irrelevant to those I love most simply by depriving them and me from being together. As a parent I have realized that time away begins to pull you out of a position of influence with children. To make up for time lost I have had to learn to prioritize time that we do have and intentionally plan quality time. The greatest investment is the investment of our most valuable commodity; time. We take for granted our relationships.
Lesson #3 – Complacency can be mistaken for contentment. A normal “existence” runs the risk of complacency. It is very easy to be lulled into a routine that while comfortable does not necessarily equal alignment with God’s will. As a matter of fact complacency may be what the writer of Revelation was describing with the description of the church of Laodicea; neither hot nor cold; just existing. There have been periods in my life where I exhibited all of the outward sides of doing all the right things but there was no contentment. Contentment comes from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. The last few years have been anything but routine and calm but it has been a period of contentment from deep within because I felt strongly that God had opened this door. While I love routine; sometimes obedience to God’s will forces us outside of our comfort zones.
Lesson #4 – Distance does not preclude Intimacy. Physical separation can lead to loss of intimacy; with wife, children, family, church family. I have learned that intimacy is not always physical. I have struggled to figure out how to maintain a sense of closeness with people that I was not with as often as I once was. While I have learned that intimacy is best in person there are ways to achieve a level of intimacy while separated by thousands of miles. In my case I have tapped into technology. My initial objective with ReferencePoint (and now TouchPoint) was to create intimacy and connectedness in a young adult community that has trouble getting together physically because of very active lifestyles and time away at school. What I found was that the medium was in fact helping me to stay connected with church family from afar. Remarkably God led me to discover an interest in writing that otherwise would have been hidden to me. My email dialogue with some of the TouchPoint “groupies” gives me a sense that I’m participating in church from thousands of miles away.
Lesson #5 – Exhaustion exposes our true nature. Last year I was on the road 48 weeks of the year. The constant travel takes its toll on the body and the psyche. Every year around Halloween I hit a physical and psychological wall and it’s all I can do to hold on to Thanksgiving week or Christmas break which will allow for a much needed rest. What I’ve noticed is that in a state of physical and mental exhaustion one is more prone to exhibit characteristics of the human sin nature. No matter how hard I might want to keep my “natural man” under control it is right there below the surface waiting to rear its ugly head. It is very important to pay attention to our mental and physical health. We cannot be effective ambassadors for God nor can we be loving members of our family if we are not healthy. Our body is a temple; now I have a greater appreciation.
Wow, it’s been an interesting time. You know what, I’m just glad I’m still learning. It lets me know that God is not through with me yet. Ain’t God good!
The last few years have been a unique period in my life. To be honest a few years back I could not have imagined the lifestyle that has been mine since 2003. By nature I am a homebody but the sad truth is I’ve spent more time away from home the last 4 years than I have at home. Family life has always been my center but I’ve spent more time alone during this period than I have with family. Now I can tell you that this period has presented more than a few challenges but I am convinced that this has been God’s will for me at this time. Having said that it is obvious to me that God desired to use these circumstances to teach me some valuable lessons regarding life. So if you’ll allow me I’d like to share five lessons that God has taught me.
Lesson #1 – God’s crowning creation; mankind is remarkably diverse. I have had the privilege to work in Boston, San Francisco, Italy, Germany, Virginia, Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, Ireland and New York during this time. This has been a pretty good stretch for a boy born and raised in an insular Southern culture. As Christians we are charged with a global mission. It’s become painfully obvious to me that in order to reach diverse cultures, we must have a command of the essential elements of the truth and be able to communicate in plain spoken terms, many times in a language that is not the primary language of the listener. While I have observed differences I’m struck by the universal similarities; desire for respect, response to love, need for God. My view of the world and an appreciation for the challenges of our mission are forever changed. I have enjoyed immensely experiencing these cultures not as a tourist but working alongside the residents.
Lesson #2 – Time = Commitment. Separation from family is a byproduct of the itinerant worker lifestyle. With crystal clarity I have come to understand that the foremost indicator of commitment to family is expressed by time spent. I have learned that it could be very easy to become irrelevant to those I love most simply by depriving them and me from being together. As a parent I have realized that time away begins to pull you out of a position of influence with children. To make up for time lost I have had to learn to prioritize time that we do have and intentionally plan quality time. The greatest investment is the investment of our most valuable commodity; time. We take for granted our relationships.
Lesson #3 – Complacency can be mistaken for contentment. A normal “existence” runs the risk of complacency. It is very easy to be lulled into a routine that while comfortable does not necessarily equal alignment with God’s will. As a matter of fact complacency may be what the writer of Revelation was describing with the description of the church of Laodicea; neither hot nor cold; just existing. There have been periods in my life where I exhibited all of the outward sides of doing all the right things but there was no contentment. Contentment comes from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. The last few years have been anything but routine and calm but it has been a period of contentment from deep within because I felt strongly that God had opened this door. While I love routine; sometimes obedience to God’s will forces us outside of our comfort zones.
Lesson #4 – Distance does not preclude Intimacy. Physical separation can lead to loss of intimacy; with wife, children, family, church family. I have learned that intimacy is not always physical. I have struggled to figure out how to maintain a sense of closeness with people that I was not with as often as I once was. While I have learned that intimacy is best in person there are ways to achieve a level of intimacy while separated by thousands of miles. In my case I have tapped into technology. My initial objective with ReferencePoint (and now TouchPoint) was to create intimacy and connectedness in a young adult community that has trouble getting together physically because of very active lifestyles and time away at school. What I found was that the medium was in fact helping me to stay connected with church family from afar. Remarkably God led me to discover an interest in writing that otherwise would have been hidden to me. My email dialogue with some of the TouchPoint “groupies” gives me a sense that I’m participating in church from thousands of miles away.
Lesson #5 – Exhaustion exposes our true nature. Last year I was on the road 48 weeks of the year. The constant travel takes its toll on the body and the psyche. Every year around Halloween I hit a physical and psychological wall and it’s all I can do to hold on to Thanksgiving week or Christmas break which will allow for a much needed rest. What I’ve noticed is that in a state of physical and mental exhaustion one is more prone to exhibit characteristics of the human sin nature. No matter how hard I might want to keep my “natural man” under control it is right there below the surface waiting to rear its ugly head. It is very important to pay attention to our mental and physical health. We cannot be effective ambassadors for God nor can we be loving members of our family if we are not healthy. Our body is a temple; now I have a greater appreciation.
Wow, it’s been an interesting time. You know what, I’m just glad I’m still learning. It lets me know that God is not through with me yet. Ain’t God good!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Fisherman - Part 3
DateLine (3/14/07 – Nanuet, NY)
“Welcome to live coverage of the 2007 edition of The Angler’s Cup. This is day one of the largest fishing tournament in the world and we’re happy to be here to bring it to you courtesy of our sponsor Legacy Lures. Our reporting begins today with the venue, the venerable Hallowed Hall; a historic location here in Sweet Pond, Georgia. As most of you know this annual event rotates among some of the largest venues in the world but none more steeped in tradition than this place. The participants in this week’s tournament earn their way to The Cup via weekly qualifiers held in fishing halls worldwide.”
“We had a chance earlier to meet with some of the favorites for the coveted Cup and we’re going to roll some of that video now. Our first interview is with Jane Banksitter; veteran lady angler.” “Jane, can you share with us your strategy for this year’s event.” “I’ve been looking forward to coming back to Hallowed all year. Fortunately I didn’t have to worry about qualifying since I’ve got an eternal bye based on my 1965 world championship. My strategy is real simple; I’m really here for the pageantry, you know. I’ve paid my dues and had my time; I’m more interested in hanging out here in the hall. Isn’t this a great old lady? My favorite part of the week is the awards banquet later in the week; old friends – you know! The food is to die for. Until then I’m just hanging out and soaking up all that this truly historic event has to offer.” “Thanks, Jane. Enjoy yourself.”
“That’s was an interesting perspective from one of the veterans. It’s a shame we won’t be seeing her on the water today. Hey, there’s Sam Conventional. Let’s work our way over and get a few words from him. Sam, Sam! Over here. What’s on your mind as we get ready for the starting gun?” “Well I brought my lucky tackle box. My best friends in the world are in that box. I’ve had most of my lures since my granddaddy bought them for me when I was a kid. I couldn’t imagine a tournament without them. I am a little disappointed in some of the sportswriters who seem to be on my case lately. Listen, here’s my philosophy; these lures are what got me here and I just feel like I’d be letting my ole granddaddy down if I traded them in on some new ones. I know it’s been a while since I’ve had a good tournament but I feel like if I just hang in there and be true to myself, the magic will return.” “Thanks Sam. Good luck today.”
“Let’s go over and speak to some of the spectators. I’m always amazed at how many show up to this event – funny they never even get to the water – I guess they’re just motivated to be here and hang out with the fishermen. What’s your name and where are you from?” “I’m Joe Pewman, from Five Forks, South Carolina. I just love being here. I wouldn’t miss it, I’m here every year. How do you like my vest? It’s a Sam Conventional classic. He’s my man - I could watch him fish all day long. His TV show is the greatest; those classic old lures; some of my best napping. I’d like to say hi to my wife Ann and kids back home; Veronica – that’s my 12 year old daughter, and Sammy – that’s my son – I named him after my hero.” “Thanks Joe. I’m sure the folks back in South Carolina wish they were here.”
“One last interview; Ralph Humbler. Come over here. Ralph, what’s your secret? Year in and year out you always seem to be in the hunt. Come on, how do you do it?” “Well, it ain’t no secret. My Daddy was a fisherman. I learned from Him - just watching and listening. He seemed to always know where the fish were. That’s the real secret. You gotta be where the fish are. Equipment’s not near as important as location. I ain’t much for all these fancy parties and stuff. I just love to be on the water. Daddy’s been gone a long time now but somehow when I’m out there at dawn I feel Him close by pointing the way to the fish. It’s all I ever want to do.” “Thanks Ralph. Not a nicer gentlemen in the contest.”
Now for the point. I’ve spent the last two weeks using words like passion, state-of-the-art, camaraderie, persistence, flexibility, adaptive, innovative, lifestyle, investment, commitment, focus, endurance, dedication, precision and efficiency to describe sport and commercial fishing. In the satire above its painfully clear that these words for the most part cannot be used to describe the efforts of the church as it pursues one of the primary purposes, evangelism. The words that come to mind are more like misguided, tradition, outdated, lack of purpose, and lack of commitment.
Jesus used the fisherman hook to call two of His disciples; Simon and Andrew who themselves knew full well the fisherman lifestyle in that they were fisherman by trade. With just a few words Jesus set expectations and described the objective; when we fish out the hole; move on; when the lure is not working; change it; be willing to work at it; it’s not easy; use leading edge equipment and methodologies. Church, what are we doing? We’re fishermen, we’re not socialites.
Jesus extends an invitation to anyone willing to respond, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19
Let’s get on the “water.”
“Welcome to live coverage of the 2007 edition of The Angler’s Cup. This is day one of the largest fishing tournament in the world and we’re happy to be here to bring it to you courtesy of our sponsor Legacy Lures. Our reporting begins today with the venue, the venerable Hallowed Hall; a historic location here in Sweet Pond, Georgia. As most of you know this annual event rotates among some of the largest venues in the world but none more steeped in tradition than this place. The participants in this week’s tournament earn their way to The Cup via weekly qualifiers held in fishing halls worldwide.”
“We had a chance earlier to meet with some of the favorites for the coveted Cup and we’re going to roll some of that video now. Our first interview is with Jane Banksitter; veteran lady angler.” “Jane, can you share with us your strategy for this year’s event.” “I’ve been looking forward to coming back to Hallowed all year. Fortunately I didn’t have to worry about qualifying since I’ve got an eternal bye based on my 1965 world championship. My strategy is real simple; I’m really here for the pageantry, you know. I’ve paid my dues and had my time; I’m more interested in hanging out here in the hall. Isn’t this a great old lady? My favorite part of the week is the awards banquet later in the week; old friends – you know! The food is to die for. Until then I’m just hanging out and soaking up all that this truly historic event has to offer.” “Thanks, Jane. Enjoy yourself.”
“That’s was an interesting perspective from one of the veterans. It’s a shame we won’t be seeing her on the water today. Hey, there’s Sam Conventional. Let’s work our way over and get a few words from him. Sam, Sam! Over here. What’s on your mind as we get ready for the starting gun?” “Well I brought my lucky tackle box. My best friends in the world are in that box. I’ve had most of my lures since my granddaddy bought them for me when I was a kid. I couldn’t imagine a tournament without them. I am a little disappointed in some of the sportswriters who seem to be on my case lately. Listen, here’s my philosophy; these lures are what got me here and I just feel like I’d be letting my ole granddaddy down if I traded them in on some new ones. I know it’s been a while since I’ve had a good tournament but I feel like if I just hang in there and be true to myself, the magic will return.” “Thanks Sam. Good luck today.”
“Let’s go over and speak to some of the spectators. I’m always amazed at how many show up to this event – funny they never even get to the water – I guess they’re just motivated to be here and hang out with the fishermen. What’s your name and where are you from?” “I’m Joe Pewman, from Five Forks, South Carolina. I just love being here. I wouldn’t miss it, I’m here every year. How do you like my vest? It’s a Sam Conventional classic. He’s my man - I could watch him fish all day long. His TV show is the greatest; those classic old lures; some of my best napping. I’d like to say hi to my wife Ann and kids back home; Veronica – that’s my 12 year old daughter, and Sammy – that’s my son – I named him after my hero.” “Thanks Joe. I’m sure the folks back in South Carolina wish they were here.”
“One last interview; Ralph Humbler. Come over here. Ralph, what’s your secret? Year in and year out you always seem to be in the hunt. Come on, how do you do it?” “Well, it ain’t no secret. My Daddy was a fisherman. I learned from Him - just watching and listening. He seemed to always know where the fish were. That’s the real secret. You gotta be where the fish are. Equipment’s not near as important as location. I ain’t much for all these fancy parties and stuff. I just love to be on the water. Daddy’s been gone a long time now but somehow when I’m out there at dawn I feel Him close by pointing the way to the fish. It’s all I ever want to do.” “Thanks Ralph. Not a nicer gentlemen in the contest.”
Now for the point. I’ve spent the last two weeks using words like passion, state-of-the-art, camaraderie, persistence, flexibility, adaptive, innovative, lifestyle, investment, commitment, focus, endurance, dedication, precision and efficiency to describe sport and commercial fishing. In the satire above its painfully clear that these words for the most part cannot be used to describe the efforts of the church as it pursues one of the primary purposes, evangelism. The words that come to mind are more like misguided, tradition, outdated, lack of purpose, and lack of commitment.
Jesus used the fisherman hook to call two of His disciples; Simon and Andrew who themselves knew full well the fisherman lifestyle in that they were fisherman by trade. With just a few words Jesus set expectations and described the objective; when we fish out the hole; move on; when the lure is not working; change it; be willing to work at it; it’s not easy; use leading edge equipment and methodologies. Church, what are we doing? We’re fishermen, we’re not socialites.
Jesus extends an invitation to anyone willing to respond, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19
Let’s get on the “water.”
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Fisherman - Part 2
DateLine (3/7/07 – Nanuet, NY)
Commercial fishermen are some of the hardiest people alive. Whether we’re talking about the sole proprietor lobster fisherman in New England or the yeoman on an international fishing vessel. Harsh conditions, long hours, hard work; a rugged lifestyle. Focus, commitment, dedication; all in or not in.
One form puts fishermen days on end at sea in pursuit of “the wild catch.” Away from family and friends for sometimes months; a self-sacrificial thrust into alternative social circles. This form of the “industry” has invested millions in highly efficient ocean going processing plants. Big investments; big rewards; big results. Modern fishing techniques have overharvested some areas of the massive oceans that cover the globe such that quotas have been imposed. Multiple harvesting techniques are employed depending on the species being fished for and the area being fished.
A more modern version is based on aquaculture; that is fish farming. While perhaps not as nostalgic as the fishermen setting out to sea, the level of commitment, investment, and dedication is none the less equivalent. Precise and predictable; the results are astounding. In 2003, the total world production of fisheries product was 132.2 million tonnes of which aquaculture contributed 41.9 million tonnes or about 31% of the total world production. There is an interesting overlap between sport fishing and commercial fishing in the “pay-to-fish” enterprises. Businessmen provide stocked ponds for the angler’s joy for a small fee, often tied directly to the reward.
Some of the world’s cultures revolve around fishing, no doubt born of the need for sustenance. Fish is a major source of nutrition the world’s population. God has wonderfully provided and this is an industry that reaps God’s bounty. Regardless of the type of commercial fishing concern, it requires meticulous planning and methodical execution.
Jesus extends an invitation to anyone willing to respond, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19
Stay Tuned for Next Week: Fisherman - Part 3
Commercial fishermen are some of the hardiest people alive. Whether we’re talking about the sole proprietor lobster fisherman in New England or the yeoman on an international fishing vessel. Harsh conditions, long hours, hard work; a rugged lifestyle. Focus, commitment, dedication; all in or not in.
One form puts fishermen days on end at sea in pursuit of “the wild catch.” Away from family and friends for sometimes months; a self-sacrificial thrust into alternative social circles. This form of the “industry” has invested millions in highly efficient ocean going processing plants. Big investments; big rewards; big results. Modern fishing techniques have overharvested some areas of the massive oceans that cover the globe such that quotas have been imposed. Multiple harvesting techniques are employed depending on the species being fished for and the area being fished.
A more modern version is based on aquaculture; that is fish farming. While perhaps not as nostalgic as the fishermen setting out to sea, the level of commitment, investment, and dedication is none the less equivalent. Precise and predictable; the results are astounding. In 2003, the total world production of fisheries product was 132.2 million tonnes of which aquaculture contributed 41.9 million tonnes or about 31% of the total world production. There is an interesting overlap between sport fishing and commercial fishing in the “pay-to-fish” enterprises. Businessmen provide stocked ponds for the angler’s joy for a small fee, often tied directly to the reward.
Some of the world’s cultures revolve around fishing, no doubt born of the need for sustenance. Fish is a major source of nutrition the world’s population. God has wonderfully provided and this is an industry that reaps God’s bounty. Regardless of the type of commercial fishing concern, it requires meticulous planning and methodical execution.
Jesus extends an invitation to anyone willing to respond, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt. 4:19
Stay Tuned for Next Week: Fisherman - Part 3
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