It is the best of times. It is the worst of times.

​Hello, all.....

I'm generally upbeat but just sad about the state of the American Church at large.
 
It's devastating. Josh Duggar has been charged w/possession of child pornography. I don't watch TV, so I've never seen "19 & Counting", but I know that the Duggars were sold to America as the perfect Christian family. Then, there were recent scandals w/the Fallwells, Ravi Zacharias, Bill Gothard, Ted Haggard, etc. And I still grieve deeply about something that hit hard in 2014. A former pastor friend of mine who lobbied for trad family values in his state capitol likely killed his wife. Despite serious medical issues, she "just got up & vanished" early one morning according to him. Even if he didn't kill her, he started dating another woman 6 wks later....scandal enough. His wife's remains were found 2 1/2 yrs later on their large property. Many questions linger. I long for justice to be served but I grieve more than I'm angry. 

It's not for us to speculate on anyone's eternal destiny. The "Hall of Faith" (Hebrews 11) features Lot & Jephtha, to whom we wouldn't give the time of day.....so, ultimately, we shouldn't opine. Their salvation is just another testimony to God's Grace. 

I mention such tragedy to beat the lay ministry drum, one of the main lenses through which I see Scripture. Pastors face more severe spiritual attacks than the avg. believer. If satan can destroy a shepherd, he might destroy an entire flock. And Christian "superstars" experience a wider bandwidth of temptation. When "Christian" = "lay worker", the Church will be healthy....w/o superstars. Too many pastors don't finish well because we expect too much. Times are about to get tough & the laity needs to step it up. There is joy in serving. And emphasis on ".....but the workers are FEW" in Matt. 9:37

Every activity of God is an "Us" thing in the trinitarian context (Genesis 1:26). Immanuel came to be among us (the Church) & Church is inherently an "us" thing as reflected in our Spiritual Gifts poured out in service. If more Church members ministered, we'd alleviate much of the stress on pastors. 

The 80's rock group, Styx, had many thought-provoking songs, unlike many of their contemporaries. If you don't like this music, which is a high caliber of rock, turn the sound off & read the insights. 

Kingdom work is about God doing the amazing through avg. people. A young man from our Church was invited by a man from "that other Abrahamic religion" to study a book about his religion in a group of men. Knowing little about that religion, our Church friend stepped into that space by faith. Several of us are now part of what has morphed into a book club which discusses both faiths. Most of the regular attendees are from the "T" country. It has now expanded to their entire community. 30 people from that country showed up at our Church picnic last Sunday. More on that next time!

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Here's a recap/update on the "A" refugee whom I met on a French train in 2018: When his buddy boarded w/o a ticket, I paid the fine & was able to give them an instant message on redemption!  I'd given him a Bible Chip, but he regifted it while visiting family (also refugees), living in the "P" country next door to his homeland. So, he called in Feb of '20, requesting a hard copy of the Bible in his language, which I sent via the USPS. He messaged on 4/22 of this year (during the time of the fast), asking why I'd never sent it. Apparently lost. So, I sent another copy! He also requested clothes & shoes. A friend who'd been a Gospel worker in that country suspected that he might be a conman. He said, "Let me ask a worker in Europe to call him." Turns out the guy who called him was from his hometown & confirmed his sincerity!!! The gifts & just sending the box via DHL cost a pretty penny, but I don't "tithe" traditionally, so I'm not worried. He's also getting a tin of saffron candy.....much loved in his country! 

A friend asked what it cost. I told him & he sucked air. I said, "Oh, but that's actually a very good price! Many have paid w/their lives to get Bibles into his country. Also, there are workers in that country who've spent years w/little traction. Mr. Magoo (moi) just 'chanced upon' the 'right' French train & God shows up!" I love chasing mysteries. 

I surmise that in heaven we'll sit around, laughing hysterically, telling joyful stories of Providence. W/every tear wiped away, only the best of times will be recalled & as redeemed by Jesus.....How "so & so" cluelessly walked over there & then this happened......& then how God did "such & such" when another brother or sister walked into the picture, doing that.......weaving a tapestry of stories that will be told w/ever deeper detail into all eternity. 

For the rising up of laity and the nations, 

........Just another witness to His Glory!