Update:
I got through my first day alone very well. Remember when you first got your driver’s
license and the freedom you felt. So
mature. So free. That is how I felt yesterday. My wife and I continue to refine our system,
but it worked well. I was worn out in
the afternoon and took an hour nap, but I was very satisfied. I was also thankful for those who called or
came to visit me during the day. That
helped me get through emotionally. I am
finally off all antibiotics (IV and oral).
My next step is to see the surgeon on December 23. He should start removing the staples in my
stump and give me an idea of what’s next.
My plan is to be at church this Sunday and share my story of what
happened and especially of how I saw God at work in my life. It will explain why I am so positive and
upbeat about what has transpired. I
look forward to seeing my church family and being with you! Thanks for your support and prayers!
Thought for the Day:
Let me share a personal struggle that most of us face time to time—accepting help
from others. By nature, I am a
helper. My basic motivation is helping
others. While I earned my B.S. in
Criminal Justice—it was with the idea of physically helping people. When I became an officer in the U.S. Army—it
was to protect people and the country I love.
When I decided to become a pastor—it was to help people
spiritually. When I became a chaplain
for the police and fire departments—it was to help them doing a better job of
helping others. And now instead of being
the helper, I am the one being helped.
This feels so wrong! It is like playing with a prickly cactus. Acknowledge I have a need. Ouch! Ask
for help. Ouch! Accept the help. Ouch!
It’s not that I am ungrateful. Oh
no! I am extremely grateful for every act of kindness that people have
bestowed upon me. I feel I don’t deserve
it and I am unworthy of it. But I am SO
grateful. Words cannot describe how very
thankful I am (Did you catch that? A
preacher who is at a loss for words?
Amazing! But you know that I will
try anyway.).
1 Corinthians 9:9-11 For it is written in the Law of Moses:
"Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about
oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this
for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when farmers plow and
thresh, they should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a
material harvest from you?
I use the Bible as my source and guidebook.
If I compare myself to its teachings and they don’t match, then it is me
who needs to change. So as I look at the
Bible, I see that it says that it is only right for me to receive physical
compensation for the things I do. I
realize that my being uncomfortable about receiving help when needed (not
constant mooching—but real need!) is not because it is wrong, but because of my
PRIDE.
When I was in seminary, my mom was hospitalized. They weren’t certain that she would
recover. My parents lived in southern
Missouri and I was in school in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Besides going to school full-time, I worked
at UPS overnight to pay our bills. My
wife stayed at home with our (at that time) two children. Of course, I called off work and hopped a
flight to Missouri. My mom recovered by
the way, but I had just spent all of rent money (lost wages and airline
ticket). I had no idea how we would
survive, but I was certain that God would provide. A couple of days later, two pastors from the
church came over and asked about my mom, etc.
They asked about our finances too.
They said, “Here is a check from the church to cover your lost wages and
airfare.” I told them that I couldn’t
accept it because I was waiting on God to provide. I got a classic answer, “Just who do you
think we work for?” The pastor nailed
it, “Would it be easier if we left cash money in a bag on your doorstep, rang
the doorbell and ran?” I answered,
“Yes.” It was PRIDE that was getting in
my way. I was the giver. I was the helper. I couldn’t accept help or receive from
others. Get over it, man! You just aren’t that important.
So I would encourage you to be both a Giver and a Receiver. Swallow your pride and ask for help when you
need it. Make certain that during your
times of plenty and strength that you support and encourage others. And then when dark and difficult things
occur—accept the help that God sends your way.
Sorry about the length, I’m just speaking my mind. Read what you want. Don’t feel any pressure.
I've been up since
about 3 a.m., so it's time to go back to bed for an hour or two.
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