Worry-Free Living: Internal GPS

One Christmas we bought our son Mark a portable GPS system for his car. Most new cars come equipped with one, but Mark drove a vehicle with “history.” He needed a GPS because Mark is, shall we say, directionally challenged.

During the holidays, Mark headed for his best friend’s home in Murphreesboro. He was to be back at 6 p.m. for dinner. When the meal was ready, Mark hadn’t arrived, so his dad called him. “Where are you?”

“I don’t know. I’m lost.”

Now, think about this. Mark had been back and forth to his friend’s house dozens of times over the years. How could he be lost?
His answer surprised us: “I’m using my new GPS. It’s taken me a way I don’t recognize. I have no idea where I am.”

Mark’s plight sounds familiar to all of us who have tried to find our way on a strange road.

The Bible is our road map for life, but we may find ourselves navigating in rough terrain. The road may appear unmarked, without specific
Scriptural guidelines. It requires steps of faith, taking unfamiliar paths just as our biblical forbearers did. Getting off and then back on the road is one thing; staying on the road is quite another! I call it “living between the ditches.”

These ditches are spiritual paradoxes such as We can know God. God is mystery. And Christ sets us free. We are slaves of Christ. Now, since I’m into paradoxes and polarities and antonyms, I’ve coined two extremes of how we approach life. The first is life strife. The second is life stride. Stay tuned to read about the differences and which leads to worry-free living.

Hospitality: My Elisha Room

If you've read my last postings, you are familiar with the fact that Kimberly lives in South Carolina. However, she makes monthly trips to Nashville for cancer treatments at the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center. Although the cancer treatment—an experimental drug—is "free," the expense of transportation, meals, and hotels over the months had eaten into her family's pocketbook. I feel led to offer my home as a place for Kimberly to stay.

In October, 2011, Kimberly came for her first stay at "Betty's Bed & Breakfast." Although it might appear that Sim and I were being the “good Samaritans” in this story, actually Kimberly was the answer to my prayers. You see, we had an “Elisha room” at our house, and I had been disappointed that we were not having occasion to use it regularly for ministry. In the pastorate, we seemed to always have someone visiting the church—whether a missionary or evangelist or ministry friends—but since leaving the pastorate, our extra bedroom and bath were sitting idle.

In case you don’t remember what an Elisha room is, here's the story from 2 Kings 4:8-10: "One day Elisha went to Shunem. A prominent woman who lived there persuaded him to eat some food. So whenever he passed by, he stopped there to eat. Then she said to her husband, 'I know that the one who often passes by here is a holy man of God, so let's make a small room upstairs and put a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp there for him. Whenever he comes, he can stay there.'"

My "Elisha room" is downstairs rather than upstairs and unlike Shunem, the view from the windows is the beautiful rolling hills and green foliage of Tennessee. We've had guests from Canada, Kenya, China, and Mexico. They have ranged from a ballet troop, to international students, to great evangelists. Of course, the most important guests have been my grandchildren!

The first Wednesday that Kimberly stayed with Sim and me, we went to prayer meeting at my downtown church. Kimberly met the people who are usually at "our" table. After the service, an interesting thing happened. One of my friends stopped me to say, “If Kimberly ever needs a place to stay, and you can’t keep her, let us know.” It seems she and her husband also have an "Elisha room." Sure enough, in November, Kimberly stayed with this couple, as I had family visiting. And they remain on stand-by when we are not available to keep Kimberly.

Since I have begun sharing Kimberly's story with others, I've found several families who have "Elisha" rooms. They just didn't have a name for this special place! Practicing hospitality is at the heart of Jewish and Christian teaching. Some scholars list hospitality as a gift of the Holy Spirit. If you have an empty bedroom at your house, think of ways it can be used for ministry. Opening your home to those who need a place to stay is an invitation for angels to visit (Heb. 13:2)!

God Sent Me a Barnabas with Long Blonde Hair!

This continuation of the Kimberly story (see January,February 2012 blogs) began in the fall of 2011. You will recall that Kimberly credited a daily devotion magazine for confirmation of God's leading to seek cancer treatment in Nashville. Kimberly and her mother had come to Nashville for her monthly treatment and were staying in a hotel directly across from LifeWay Christian Resources—the producer of that daily devotion!

The two of them decided to walk over to our offices and meet the folks who worked on the magazine, Open Windows. As editor of the magazine, I would have been among the first to greet Kimberly. Except I was on medical leave with a hip fracture! But I heard about the visit and the deep impression Kimberly's story had left on the staff.

The magazine staff (thank you especially, Susan) put together a collage of the particular issue of Open Windows that had blessed Kimberly so much. We planned a big surprise break-time celebration for her next trip to Nashville. We would present the collage and enjoy cookies and punch with our new-found friend. But Kimberly came down with a cold and was not able to attend the "party." And—as it turned out—I was not yet recovered from my hip fracture.

Would I ever meet the mysterious Kimberly? All I knew was that she was an attractive, vivacious blonde, and like the biblical Barnabas, had the gift of encouragement. I now know Kimberly lights a room simply by walking into it. Her contagious smile and "people first" attitude attract others to her like the proverbial flies to honey.

When I returned to work, I began a relationship with Kimberly over the phone and by e-mail. I asked about her travels and where she had stayed in Nashville. Kimberly flew in on Wednesday afternoons and left Thursday afternoons. "What do you do on Wednesday nights?" I inquired during one phone conversation.

"Nothing much. I just rest," she replied. Knowing by now that Kimberly loved going to church and being a member of a downtown church near my workplace, I asked Kimberly if she would like to go to church with me some Wednesday night. "I would love that!" she replied without hesitation.

Then the thought struck me. Why should I take Kimberly to a hotel for the night when I would be coming back downtown the next morning anyway? Although the Sarah Cannon treatment facility was not on my beaten path to work, it certainly wasn't far away.

Little did either of us know that Kimberly was going to be an answer to my prayers!

No Room in the Inn? You Just Wait!

I promised a continuation of the Kimberly story (see January blog). And so we come to the spring of 2011. Kimberly and Michael had prayerfully decided to seek her entrance into an experimental treatment program for the melanoma cancer that slowly seemed to be winning the battle for her life. But when Kimberly approached the Sarah Cannon cancer facility in Nashville, TN, she was told there were no vacancies in the program.

Just like Joseph and Mary seeking shelter on the night of Jesus' birth, Kimberly was turned away with a 'No Vacancy' sign. But God had a plan, and like many of His plans that appear thwarted before they even begin, this plan would not be denied. Joseph discovered that plan after being thrown in a pit and then in an Egyptian jail. Jonah's submarine adventure ended on dry ground. And Daniel's influence wasn't curtailed by the Lion's Den dinner menu. So is it any surprise that someone dropped out of the Nashville program, and Kimberly took his place?

Now think about getting from South Carolina to Nashville on a monthly basis, usually for at least an overnight stay. Michael and Kimberly are in the 99% of Americans, not the top 1 %. No medical benefits could possibly cover every expense. Michael and Kimberly prayed in faith God would provide and took the step of faith into the darkness—faith that moves mountains.

Thank goodness for frequent flier miles and programs to assist medically-necessary air travel. Hooray for Southwest Airlines having a direct flight. But transportation to the treatment sites in Nashville, meals on the road, and trips back and forth to the airport were out-of-pocket expenses. Kimberly tried first one hotel, then another, seeking the lowest rate. Kimberly was also concerned about Samuel's well-being while Mom was away from home. She was his ride to school and number one homework consultant! Also, the family was still going to Virginia occasionally to meet with Samuel's doctors about his progress with his cleft palate.

Months went by as Kimberly settled into the routine of travel and treatment. On her July trip Michael and Samuel got to come with her, and they witnessed the fireworks show from Riverfront Stadium in Nashville. Then in October Kimberly's mom made the trip with her. That's when I first heard about Kimberly. But more from that in my next post!

The Spirit Speaks in Our Daily Routines

She came into my life unexpectedly, definitely a God-thing. Before meeting her (I was home nursing a hip fracture), I heard about Kimberly, who had visited LifeWay to meet the people who produce Open Windows, a daily devotional magazine which I edit. Open Windows, it seems, had been used by God to give her a new lease on life.

In and of itself, this testimony is not unique. Repeated throughout the nation many times each year, I hear through snail mail, email, and telephone calls how specific devotions bless people's lives (700,000 readers). But Kimberly was facing terminal cancer and had been told she had only one chance: an experimental program being conducted at the Sarah Cannon (remember Minnie Pearl?) Treatment Center in Nashville, TN. The regular trips to Nashville would be expensive and grueling in her condition. Would the treatments even work, or worse, have terrible side effects.

Kimberly's ten year old son Samuel had been born with a severe cleft palate. Six surgeries later, and with another surgery anticipated in Spring, 2012, just thinking about the insurance claims seemed daunting. Her husband, Michael, prayed with her about their decision. One day he found an Open Windows devotion which seemed to speak to him. The Spirit encouraged Michael to believe Nashville might be their answer. Later, Kimberly walked past the magazine, which was turned over on its back. An advertisement caught her eye. Although it announced an event she wouldn't attend, the bold print title exclaimed, "Come to Nashville." The Spirit spoke to Kimberly. Together, she and Michael would give this new treatment a try!

I'll tell you more about Kimberly in my next post, but for now let's stop and contemplate the wonder of it all. Believers faced an immovable object (terminal cancer), they sought the counsel of God, and the Spirit spoke through what was a for Michael and Kimberly, a daily routine: reading a devotion with Scripture and prayer.

As you begin a new year, and as you think about affirming life goals, make it a resolution to spend time each day in Scripture and prayer. Want an answer to perplexing problems? Look to God, through His Word and prayer; sometimes the Spirit speaks in dramatic ways, but often He uses our daily routines.

A Brand New Christmas Gift

Looking for that perfect and unique Christmas gift for family and friends? OK, this may not be subtle, but I am offering you a special deal on MY NEW BOOK!

Book 2 of the Living Between the Ditches series, When Christ Sets You Free, is available from the bookstore at crossbooks.com.

As a special introductory offer, I am making the book available at the author’s discount. Contact me soon and you will receive your book in time for holiday gift giving.

The new story of Parker Hamilton connects readers with favorite characters from Book 1, When God Makes No Sense, without confusing readers who have not read it. Preview the Prologue below.

Prologue

Parker Sloan Hamilton waited outside the Orlando bus station. He had
been released from prison 128 minutes ago and already felt the insecurity of
freedom. The overcast sky and threatening rain dampened what should have
been a joyful occasion.

In his mind he had pictured this day full of sunshine with a blue sky
and fluffy clouds. A circle of family and friends would meet him, with Gram
Sloan leading the way. After a round of hugs, they would whisk him away to
a new life. All that would be missing was a brass band playing “Glory, Glory,
Hallelujah.”

But no one was here. Not even the couple that ran the halfway house to
which he’d been mandated for supervised release.
Parker shuffled his feet and thought. He had the clothes on his back—the
ones he had worn in to prison that cold December day almost two years ago.
He had a small collection of bills—his entire savings from money he hadn’t
spent at the prison commissary. He could make a call inside the bus station.
But who would he call?

He had the phone number of that couple somewhere in a pocket. They
obviously weren’t going to show. Story of his life. Chaplain Jake Thomas had
told him one source of help was available 24/7. Parker had come to depend
heavily on that source and had never yet received a busy signal.
Parker was in the process of bowing his head when an older Ford sedan
rounded the corner and pulled up beside him. “Hey,” an African-American
giant of a fellow hollered. “You Parker?”

One of the fastest answers to a prayer not yet prayed, Parker thought.
“Yeah, I’m Parker.” He climbed into the car and sped away with someone
he’d never met.

*******

The passengers rode in silence for several minutes as the car wound through
traffic and merged onto the interstate. Parker felt a cold sweat cover his body
as he gripped the seat cushion. Slow down, he thought. All I need is to be
stopped by the cops.

Once in the flow of traffic, Parker felt his heart rate go down and his
breathing normalize. He hadn’t been in a car in two years. Maybe he was a
little edgy. His gaze turned to his seatmate. The burly man returned his glance
and spoke in a surprisingly gentle voice. “How’re you doin’, man?”

“Good,” Parker lied a little.

“My name’s Xander. But you can call me anything if it’s dinner time.” He
laughed heartily at his own joke.

“I’m Parker. Parker Hamilton. But then, you knew that.”


“Not too many guys named Parker hangin’ around outside a bus station.”
Again he laughed. Parker eased back a bit into his seat.

“I know you expected Mr. Connor to pick you up, but he had to go to the
hospital,” Xander continued.

Parker’s eyebrows shot up.

“Seems Miss Amber showed up unexpectedly.”

Parker’s imagination was in full gear. Who was Miss Amber? A jilted
girlfriend of a resident at the halfway house? Had a brawl broken out? Was it
serious enough to send someone to the hospital?

“Sorry to hear that,” Parker mumbled, fear creeping back up his spine.
Xander looked puzzled, then laughed again. “No, man, you got it wrong.
You see, Mr. Connor’s wife, Mrs. Megan, she just had her daughter this
morning—named her Amber Alise. I got to visit them on the way to get you.
My, my, my! Curly black hair, just like her Mom. They goin’ to have to lock
that child up when she’s a teenager,” Xander chuckled.

“I didn’t know Mrs. Megan was expecting.” Parker felt a little foolish.

“She sure wasn’t expectin’ three weeks early! Man, I been up since 4 a.m.
The whole place was buzzin’. Nobody was prepared to welcome Miss Amber
yet. Her grandma won’t get here until day after tomorrow. So, I’m kind of
in charge of the place for a while. You’re goin’ to have to eat my cookin’ this
week,” Xander grinned.

Parker wanted to be annoyed by the man’s humor. He certainly didn’t
share his jovial mood. However, Xander’s easy, relaxed manner had a calming
effect. Maybe this new place would be halfway decent.
Parker caught himself grinning at his pun. Halfway decent. What more
could a guy expect from a halfway house?

*******

Xander pulled off the highway and wound through several major intersections
before turning into an older neighborhood of Orlando. Large leafy trees and
well-kept lawns, newly painted exteriors and an occasional renovated home
told the story of a once inner city neighborhood revitalized by new families
moving into the area.

Xander pulled into the driveway of a white, shingled two storied house with
green shutters. Parker could see a light on in an upstairs window. “We’re here,”
Xander announced as he turned off the motor. As Parker fiddled with his seat
belt, Xander loped through a light rain to the front door and had it unlocked
before Parker was out of the car.

“Come on in,” Xander said. “We’ ll get you outfitted with some clothes
and stuff .” He took Parker through a large living and dining area, past the
kitchen, and into a storage area where shelves were filled with men’s clothing,
sized and neatly stacked, along with toiletries, tennis shoes, and rolled socks.
Parker immediately went to work finding his sizes and putting items into a
cardboard box Xander provided.

“Get what you need for the next few days,” he said as he headed for the
kitchen. “Dinner will be ready in thirty minutes. You best be on time. It’s one
of the rules around here. The guy upstairs will show you your space.”

Parker finished filling his box, grabbing several extra containers of
shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste in case his fellow residents lived by the
prison rule, “What’s yours is mine, and I’ll take it.” He found a back stairwell
to the second floor. At the top of the steps, he stopped and took a breath. He
wasn’t exactly looking forward to sharing space with anyone, much less former
inmates. Not that he could talk.

Chaplain Jake, who had recommended this place, was certain Parker would
fit in. Residents had to fill out an application and meet specific requirements:
participation in chapel worship services and Bible study groups, completion of
the prison’s drug rehabilitation program and/or therapeutic support groups,
job skill training classes or a prison job, reasonably clean disciplinary record,
and—most of all—a desire for a new and different kind of lifestyle.

Parker had a coveted spot, he knew. Several of his friends from the prison
chapel were waiting for just such an opportunity. He had to make the most of
these next six months. Slowly he pushed open the door to the second floor—the
door to his new future.
*******

Find out how Parker’s story will help you discover how to experience freedom in Christ as a lifestyle. Order now to receive your book in time for Christmas!

Zombies? Bring 'Em On!

My father was a year-round prankster, but at Halloween he really got weird! I never personally saw this, but my Mom swore that one year Dad climbed on our roof, draped himself in a sheet, and scared to death little "trick or treaters" who came to the door for candy. He would jump out from the chimney and shout "whooa" as they screamed and ran from the doorway. Dad got to keep a lot more candy that way, but I suspect he did it because he loved playing pranks.

Americans spend millions of dollars on Halloween costumes and parties. We more or less take for granted the skeletons and scary masks in store windows at this time of year. Last year at Halloween I was in Germany on a mission trip. Germany is just beginning to experience something like the American Halloween tradition. I took a picture of a Halloween carnival advertisement, which the Germans I talked to found distasteful. I imagine Halloween will catch on there and across Europe as it gives an excuse for devilish behavior.

I'm not against Halloween (little kids dressing up and collecting candy), but I do find it paradoxical that our enlightened American media and entertainment world disavows any need for a God to counterbalance evil in this world and yet finds itself fascinated by zombies. Zombies are everywhere, along with vampires and witches. Why are these personifications of evil so interesting to us when any notion of sinful behavior has been wiped away by the "intolerant of intolerance" crowd? To call something "bad" is to be a bigot or worse. How then, can there be a force of evil?

If there is evil(as Hollywood seems to insist), there must also be good. Otherwise, how would we recognize evil? The Bible teaches that only God is good. He alone holds back the forces of evil in the world. Without His mighty power, we would be overcome by the "prince of darkness" and his minions. Picture a fourth, fifth or sixth dimension which we can't see filled with battle scenes pitting the forces of good against the forces of evil (see 2 Thess. 2: 7-12). Ah, but believers know how this story ends. The good guys win!

"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one" (2 Thess. 3:3)." Believers, take heart this Halloween! The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 Jn.4:4).