24 January 2009
Home
But recall the former days, when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, (33) sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. (34) For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. (35) Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. (emphasis, mine)
In "Faith's Hall of Fame," the author of Hebrews goes on to say that Abraham:
...was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
In speaking of Jesus Crucifixion, outside the gate of Jerusalem, we are encouraged to go to Him, to be like Him, and to bear His reproach...
...for here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (15) Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. (16) Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (20) Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, (21) equip you with everything good that you may do His will...
Pastor's of the past would refer to Christian's (in my mind, there is only the 'born-again' kind (see John 3, Jesus' discussion with Nichodemas)) as Alien's and Stranger's on this earth.
Pastor Carlos, at this morning's men's breakfast up in Q-Town, reminded me that this world, actually, is not my home. In effect, much like the Christian's in Bible times, we are looking for Heaven, a city whose designer and builder is the Lord of the Ages (Jesus Christ)!
I own a house. I have a passport for the U.S. of A. But this may change one day. Maybe, like the early Christian's, I'll be put into prison for talking about Jesus and His love for all mankind (I hear this is hate speech). Perhaps I'll have to forfeit my right to travel, or reside in the place of my own choosing due to the 'sky falling.'
OK, so that seems a bit silly; but it wasn't for the Hebrews of whom we just read! If they had their property plundered, it's possible that mine will one day be, as well. This world is not my home.
I love my computer, and my books. My house is cool for what it is (OK, so it's not that cool, yet), but I don't really need these things ...as far as need goes. Someday I'll loose my house, my computer, my stuffs. Someday I'll loose the whole world, I'll die, but please, just give me Jesus.
John 14 says He's working on that home for me, where I won't be alien or stranger, because I'm already a resident up there. I may not have a laptop, or lots of books in Heaven, but Paul tells Timothy that there's treasure there:
[We] are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, (19) thus storing up treasure for [our]selves as a good foundation for the future, so that [we] my take hold of that which is truly life.
Lord Jesus, I pray that when the time comes, we will have such a relationship that I can truly say with my whole heart, 'you can take the whole world, but give me Jesus.' Mold me into your image. Prepare me for every good work You have in mind for me. Live in me, love through me, and glorify God in all I say, think and do.
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Hebrews 10:32-35, esv.
Hebrews 11:10
Hebrews 13:14-16, 20-21a
I Timothy 6:18-19 ... emphasis mine in all, [brackets] mine, as well.
Labels: alien, Carlos, God, Heaven, Hebrews, Home, Q-Town, residency, stranger, Timothy
05 December 2008
Emergency Department
Well, a day or two ago I spent a few hours in the emergency department of my local hospital.The diagnosis: near-syncope.
I could have told them that.
For those who don't know, I work full time as an EMT-Paramedic (as opposed to an EMT-Basic).
My partner and I had actually just saved a life... that doesn't happen all the time; many who activate EMS (the Emergency Medical System) really aren't having a life or limb threatening event... At any rate, we were headed to the fuel yard when my cell phone began to feel heavy in my hand.
...When my 'heavy feeling' didn't go away, and light-headedness began, I checked out my pulse and decided I wanted to put myself on a heart monitor so I had my partner pull over (and we called the other crew, as nothing like this had ever happened to me before). I was in my 'normal sinus arrhythmia' as usual, but there were some variations the other medic got excited about, and I decided were worth checking out (considering my symptoms).
So, I got my second ride -- for myself -- in the back of an ambulance.
Out of the 5 ED physicians on duty, I was assigned the one who has been my medical command physician at a volunteer squad for some 14 years... Funny.
Vital Signs:
BP up initially
HR Normal for me (under 60bpm)
SpO2: 97% (over 95 is a passing grade)
R Normal LS CTA
Still felt lightheaded/ heaviness for several minutes in ED, especially w/quick movement.
The most stressful part was that my books were back at the station, and they wouldn't let me on facebook to catch up even though there was a computer in the room! I had to watch Law and Order after an hour of nothing...
At any rate, I had a 12-Lead ECG, heart monitoring throughout, blood tests and a CT scan (yes, I now have proof I have a brain). The long and short of it is the discharge diagnosis was: NEAR SYNCOPE (almost fainting). Really ppl, srsly.
I have a follow up appointment next week w/my PCP to review the bloodwork, etc., and schedule specialist's appointments (yuck).
Well, hopefully this will limit some questions about my ER visit, but feel free to ask anything, and PRAY. It could be dehydration (most likely in my mind), a blood sugar problem (least likely in my mind) or a cardiac problem (possible, as my heart beats pretty slow for a big guy).
In case I haven't told you in a while, I love you, and Jesus does too!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
PS: If this is disjointed, I apologize. It was not written in one sitting. :-]>
Labels: ambulance, cardiac, ED, Emergency Department, ER, facebook, God, sugar, vital signs
29 November 2008
Thanksgiving Spectacular, circa. 2008
The above is from "No More Stupid" - a blog I follow by Teri, a friend from the other coast.Jesus is always there for us and He orchestrates schedules, events and even dinners so that believers can minister to other believers in times of trouble and in times of celebration.
As I read her insightful entry on her family and their resemblance to the body of Christ, I was reminded that the body of Christ is my family.
Holidays have not always been happy times for me.
I recall the occasional holiday growing up when I would be 'banished' to my room for some seemingly insignificant event, causing me to miss whatever I had deemed the 'best part' of that particular holiday. Sometimes it would have been the parades, other times, the arrival of some relation or another. The perception of this young me was that celebrations would be better off without me there.
This philosophy of living carried well into my adult years; likely affecting more than 3/4's of my holidays.
Thanksgiving 2008 was likely the best holiday I've celebrated; although it didn't look like it was going to be from my earlier vantage point.
Working in E.M.S. (9-1-1) I generally go home (the parents) every other Christmas or Thanksgiving. Being scheduled naturally for Wednesday and Friday in November, I will be home for Christmas. Having Thursday off could have meant another sad holiday alone.
Enter Ryan and Nate, two of my favorite people on the planet. These brothers celebrated Turkey Day 2007 at Ryan's house, and thoroughly enjoyed it. They invited me to join them this year, and I readily agreed.
Through a series of events, as the holiday approached Nate decided to travel over the holiday, placing a small quandary in my festivity planning. As a note, I am sooo thankful that he got to head to warmer climates to spend time with a best friend of his from ages past.
The problem, was that this may mean that Ryan and Hilliary may change their plans, which of course, would change mine (you recall, don't you, that it really is all about me). But 'Jesus is always there for us. He orchestrates schedules, events and dinners so that believers can minister to other believers in times of trouble, and in times of celebration.' Isaiah said 'but the Lord is mindful of His own... He remembers His children.' Either way, I'm blessed.
I had resolved to celebrate the day with Jesus, even if other opportunities had NOT arisen.
The confirmation came and the Holiday arrived. Communion Thanksgiving Eve was great. Pastor's Brian and Carlos led a great evening, w/Pastor Joe speaking. Slept in Thursday morning.
Arrived at R&H's and hung w/them and the babies. Watched 'Star Wars: Clone Wars' then more of Hill's fam arrived. They were very pleasant and relaxed. Appetizers, drinks and fun ensued and led through a lunch that would easily compete w/Mom's (sorry, Mom, but Hilliary did a wonderful job...). More of Ry's family arrived for 'desert' and hanging out.
Well after dark the place began to thin out again and the hilarious comedy "Kung Fu Panda" aired on the DVD/TV. I don't know when I've enjoyed a movie so much. The lowest note was the last movie of the night, "Tropic Thunder" which I can't even say was laced with swearing. That was the main focal point, methinks. At any rate, I love Ryan and Hilliary so much the more and am thankful to be a part of their family. Brother Nate was missed, but made an appearance via photo/text messaging that brought a good laugh.
I can hardly wait for the Wedding Feast coming up soon. I'm sure to sit near Nate and R&H and so many of you. The food will be beyond comparison, the atmosphere clean and blessed, the building (which I might add, has been in the works for a couple thousand years) beyond compare! And the Groom: I can only imagine. The spouse of our dreams to spend eternity with.
Thank you Jesus, for a incredible day.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus,
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: family, fellowship, food, God, Hilliary, Holiday, Jesus, Kung Fu panda, Nate, Ryan, Star Wars, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving 2008, Tropic Thunder, Wedding Feast
13 November 2008
God's Short Arms?
"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ears to dull to hear. But you iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
These verses from Isaiah 59:1-2 (NIV) have been playing in my head for some time, now.
The past month has been one of the most trying months in my Christian life. From the death of a co-worker to temptation to 'bag-it-all' and run, Jesus Christ has brought me through. There's a song that includes these words:
Can You hear me?Can You touch me?Can You break through these chains that define me?Draw me closer in, don't let me go alone, don't let me go.
I need you to KNOW that the answer to those questions is YES! I've found during my 37 years that Jesus can hear, can reach, and will draw me (and you) closer in! He has broken through some major chains that defined me for years! His arm was not too short, and He has shown me some sinful patterns that prevented this new level of freedom I've found!
For so long I've defined myself through the (perceived) eyes of others (what will so-and-so think). My perceived level of importance in another's mind could wreak havoc on my heart. While believing my identity was in Christ, my observable theology was working itself out that my identity was in others. Now I can more fully say, it is "Christ in me, the hope of glory!"
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: chains, deaf ears, God, House Band, identity, Isaiah 59, others, perception, short arms
08 November 2008
Why the Wait?
So, it's unfortunately relatively normal for me to 'skim' when reading God's Word, especially when it's a 'familiar' passage of Scripture. I can't claim to have read the book of Joshua all that many times, but certainly have a few times.
That being said, it's amazing that the Lord can interrupt the reading flow, or have a Pastor comment, or somehow take the hum-drumm and breathe new life into it (I think that's why it's the Bread of LIFE, or the LIVING WORD of GOD)!
At any rate, here's Joshua 1:(10+)11
And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, "Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, 'Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess."
Seems pretty straightforward, right?
- We have followed the children of Israel as they followed a pillar of cloud/fire for the past 40ish years, and now they are actually going to enter in!
- Or perhaps this time there's a warning because, after all, there are well over a million people to prepare for the 'battle' phase of their wandering and settling?
- Maybe it's because Josh want's to do things differently than Moses, and has worked out this 'behind-the-scenes' deal w/God?
Why do I care? I suppose because the Holy Spirit felt it was important enough to put in there, so it's important enough for me to put a little time into it!
What we discover is very interesting... From vs 11 until chapter 3, vs 1 is another familiar story (I kinda like it when God does that, He's a good author, you know?).
Let me just spill it now: The reason there was a three day warning was because that's how long it would take to prepare one more soul for the Kingdom! Rahab, the Prostitute!
Humor me for a moment, and look at Matthew 1:5-6a
...and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king...
Without this three day pause, recorded in Scripture, we would not have Rahab to marry Salmon, to father Boaz, who as an older man would marry Ruth (yes, the one with the Book about her in the Bible). Ruth ad Boaz would never have had Jesse, the father of David the sweet Psalmist of Israel!
God takes three days to secure a spot for David's Great Grandmother!
Besides that, here's her verbal contribution to the story (2:9b and following, italics mine):
"I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordon, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath...".God interrupted the lives of over a million people, to impact this one woman, to impact the lives of over a million people with encouragement, and ultimately, for their salvation and ours!
Why the wait? Because God is just as interested in the one, as the million!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: God, Israel, Joshua, King David, Living Word, million, one person, one woman, Rahab, read the Word, Salvation, Word of God
20 October 2008
Of Life and Death
Sunday evening I helped out in Manhattan at the NYC Harvest '08 w/Greg Laurie (Madison Square Gardens). All the tickets were sold and some 13,000 men, women and children attended. Over a thousand registered decisions for Christ Jesus.
It was so awesome. Pastor Greg spoke of the death of his son, Christopher Laurie, in a MVC this past July, commenting that Christopher is now in Heaven. He knows this because Christopher believed the Bible's promise that if on confesses their sins to God, and accepts God's gift of forgiveness and eternal life (through Jesus Christ, His Son) they SHALL be saved.
Christopher didn't, and those 1,300+ won't be going to heaven because of who they are. Christopher doesn't get in because his Dad's a Pastor (I don't read anywhere in Scripture, or other writings where God has Grandchildren). Those making decisions to live for Jesus the remainder of their time on earth, and into eternity will get to spend it with the Master of the Universe because of what Jesus did on the cross, not because of anything they have done.
Shortly after Pastor Greg began his message I received a text message advising that a co-worker (age 39) died of a massive heart attack just a couple hours prior. I finished what I was doing with the Crusade and was amazed at the contrast. Even as a friend passed on from physical life to physical death, a thousand people passed from eternal death to eternal life!
The contrast was stark, and amazing. The reminders of Christopher Laurie (Traumatic Death) and Boz (Medical Death) and then the redemption of all those people who are now spiritually ready to pass from physical life to spiritual eternal life with Jesus.
We are not guaranteed our next breath. I am not quite Boz' age, and I'm a little older than Christopher. Whenever God decides I've accomplished His will for me here on earth He will call me home to Heaven. I am ready. I've accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. He's my friend, my King and my God.
Do you know Him? Do you want to? (Follow this link for "How to Know God")
Jesus is ready for relationship with you, just call Him!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Boz, Christopher Laurie, death, eternal damnation, eternal life, God, Harvest, Harvest Crusade, How to Know God, Jesus, life
24 September 2008
1,570,000
In the interest of Truth and Justice, I'm going to go ahead and leave my original posting, here; BUT in the interest of TRUTH and Humility, I've found I need to correct this one! See the notes below for the correction...
ORIGINAL POST:
David has long been hailed as Israel's King. The King from which Messiah descended. The King who sought after God's own heart. The sweet Psalmist of Israel.David was anointed by God, through the Prophet Samuel, to be king. The Spirit Of God came upon him (granted he was not filled with the Spirit, never to be abandoned...).
First Chronicles 21:1 reads: "Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to...".
:::healthy pause:::
If this Man of God, David, author of Scripture (jointly w/Jesus) could be incited by Satan to do anything, how much more should we be on our guard (it feels better to say 'we' than 'I' and 'my')?
David sinned and ONE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY THOUSAND men died in a three day period because of it! Granted I'm not a King, but it kinda sheds a little light on the whole 'my sin affects you' theory!
It only takes 12 verses for David to come to his senses...
First Chronicles 21:13 reads: "Then David said to Gad, 'I am in great distress. Let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for his mercy is very great, but do not let me fall into the hand of man."
And there it is. The man after God's own heart knows God is a merciful God. Even for decisions about punishment David runs into the hands of God, and not away from Him.
Oh that we would do the same.
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Now here's the correction. David's sin did indeed impact the nation; however according to verse 14 only 70,000 men died due to the pestilence. This is grave, indeed, but not as I had previously listed. My apologies for the over-zealousness in getting the original post posted, and THANKS!
Labels: Chronicles, God, King David, mercy, million, punishment, Satan, Sept 11
31 July 2008
Thoughts from A New Day
Well I've been threatening, and it's time to start making due. I'm trying to settle on which compilation of CD's/mp3's to get of the Exodus International Freedom Conf, and my plan is to listen again, and comment on each (Main Session at least). But for now let's take a running leap into general thoughts:
Wow. I can hardly wait to listen to this again. I'm sure there'll be more.
Hmmmm. I think I'll stop with that for this particular post! Perhaps I'll be able to refine the way I enter these as time goes on, but I really wanted to get this ball rolling!
Look out!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Registration: actually went quite smoothly. It was disappointing to not be able to get a shuttle service as part of the package, but we got a Great service from Ashville to Ridgecrest. We were met by a 500 year old (OK, 91?) volunteer with just the most humble, helpful spirit, to show us where to go!
Alan Chambers: Led the first Main Session. I can easily declare w/o hesitation that this was by far the best session I have ever heard him give. What a blessing! Here are a few notes from his talk.
GOD LOVES YOU! -- This was awesome b/c I've been saved for years and years and just in the past 6 months I've began to accept that Jesus Loves me, Jesus likes me, God the Father likes and loves me, God the Holy Spirit loves me and likes me! Me! Inconceivable! But true.
I Cor 6:11, reminds me that God is not 'wringing his hands, wondering what to do with you" now that you've accepted His offer of Salvation! He's not surprised by sexual sin!
...How can I judge someone who's just trying to survive? Someone that's so hungry (emotionally/ relationally starved) they'll eat out of the garbage can.
God wants to meet those needs, too! He's the real thing.
How awesome to be able to live the BULK of our lives with believers in church, not 20 years in support groups.
And finally, the prayer that God will 'help me deny what comes naturally to me (Sin comes naturally!)!
Wow. I can hardly wait to listen to this again. I'm sure there'll be more.
Hmmmm. I think I'll stop with that for this particular post! Perhaps I'll be able to refine the way I enter these as time goes on, but I really wanted to get this ball rolling!
Look out!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Alan Chambers, Exodus, Exodus Freedom Conf, God, prayer, sin
24 July 2008
A New Day
We will overcome
by the blood of the Lamb
and the word of our testimony!
This perhaps unintentional themesong from the Exodus Freedom Conference last week seems to also be becoming my mantra in my journey into freedom from death into life, from darkness into light and from bondage into holiness!
There's so much to say, a lot of which has already been said, but for me I just think about my encounter with God. In my recollection this was the first time I've SO strongly felt the presence of God that I truly had to remove my shoes, for the ground upon which I was standing was Holy! If I thought it would not have attracted attention to me from God's work I would have fallen into the aisle to kneel or perhaps even prostrate myself (I know, I'd have been a fire hazard! BUT the Holy Spirit's fire was there...).
This was my third conference with Exodus, and I loved it.
Sigh.
I truly hope to post more, but the tyranny of the urgent is upon me.
More soon,
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: Exodus, Exodus Freedom Conf, fire, God, holy groud, Holy Spirit, overcome, shoes
10 July 2008
Learning to Breathe
God has taken me through some pretty interesting places in life. Perhaps some day I'll share some of them here, but I'll just let that hang out there.
I've found myself stating more and more frequently that I 'hate my job. My full time job, that is, working as a Paramedic. The most frequent response I get to that statement is to the effect of:
Blah, blah, blah, get a grip, blah, blah, blah.
My part time job is better. I get frustrated on occasion, but that's only natural, isn't it? Overall I love it, am useful, am appreciated, am growing, am learning... I help broken people learn to breathe again, especially in certain areas of their lives. I am not a counselor. I am a discipler.
:::Dramatic Pause:::
I want my own Coffe Shop and Bookstore.
Don't know where that came from.
:::Extended Dramatic Pause:::
Well, I guess I need to go spend some time with Jesus!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
I've found myself stating more and more frequently that I 'hate my job. My full time job, that is, working as a Paramedic. The most frequent response I get to that statement is to the effect of:
Why on earth would you hate that? You get to help people who need you!
Blah, blah, blah, get a grip, blah, blah, blah.
My part time job is better. I get frustrated on occasion, but that's only natural, isn't it? Overall I love it, am useful, am appreciated, am growing, am learning... I help broken people learn to breathe again, especially in certain areas of their lives. I am not a counselor. I am a discipler.
:::Dramatic Pause:::
I want my own Coffe Shop and Bookstore.
Don't know where that came from.
:::Extended Dramatic Pause:::
Well, I guess I need to go spend some time with Jesus!
Blessings!
ChaplainChas.
Labels: blah, Bookstore, Coffee Shop, God, hate, Jesus, job, learn to breathe
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