Faith's Struggle
by Sarah E. Haringa
Hurdles are getting higher, God,
losing sight of who you are.
Going through the motions now,
each day like the one before...
Every hour is a test of patience,
each minute a test of strength.
Lord, how much longer must I wait?
Right now it seems you’re late...
"All in his time," so people say,
and while I know those words are true,
with the way things are going, God,
I’ve lost the comfort in that, too...
My hope is being shattered,
burdens press me to the ground.
My once-strong faith is wavering,
like Peter I’m sinking down...
I’m sailing a sea called Lonesome
to an island named Despair.
My ship has blown off course,
black clouds looming in the air...
Lightning fills the darkened sky,
and it feels like I’ve been hit.
But when I ask, "Why Lord?"
you simply say, "Don’t quit..."
Oh God, I’m your child!
Please listen to my cry.
However long it takes,
I’ll wait for your reply...
But if I have to wait much longer,
then you must give me patience.
If I am supposed to trust,
then you must give me faith...
Your answers mean so much to me;
it’s your will I’m striving for.
All I want is a glimpse of home,
to rest at last upon your shore...
Is this what they mean by
"Leap of Faith"?
When your feet can’t touch the bottom
and land seems so far away?
I want to reach out to you
despite my present fears.
Draw me closer to you now, God,
and wash away my tears...
I will rest tomorrow,
your love is all I know.
But in the storms of life, Lord,
please hold my hand and don’t let go...
9.19.2003
it's been a hectic week and my bloggin' has suffered a bit... sorry.
here's the : WORD of the WEEK --
TRANSMOGRIFY
transmogrify \trans-MOG-ruh-fy\, transitive verb:
To change into a different shape or to transform, often with
bizarre or humorous effect.
word used in a sentence:
For the impulsive sin of turning to look back at the
firery destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's wife is
transmogrified into a pillar of salt as she flees the
inferno.
hmmm, man, I should be a pillar of salt - I've looked back many times. the lesson: ah, friend, when God frees you and delivers you; move forward & refuse to look back or long for the things of your sinful past. AREN'T YOU TIRED OF WATCHING RE-RUNS?! There's a new season premiering on your "life" channel today - don't miss it - it's awesome!
here's the : WORD of the WEEK --
TRANSMOGRIFY
transmogrify \trans-MOG-ruh-fy\, transitive verb:
To change into a different shape or to transform, often with
bizarre or humorous effect.
word used in a sentence:
For the impulsive sin of turning to look back at the
firery destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot's wife is
transmogrified into a pillar of salt as she flees the
inferno.
hmmm, man, I should be a pillar of salt - I've looked back many times. the lesson: ah, friend, when God frees you and delivers you; move forward & refuse to look back or long for the things of your sinful past. AREN'T YOU TIRED OF WATCHING RE-RUNS?! There's a new season premiering on your "life" channel today - don't miss it - it's awesome!
9.15.2003
DV8 UPDATE:
what an incredible weekend we enjoyed! man, it was awesome!!
just Thursday through Saturday, 54 teens accepted Christ into their hearts at high schools, middle schools, shopping malls, football games, concert and the oUtbReAk! YES! then, on Sunday night @ DV8 Live we had 260 teens with 19 visitors and 25 MORE commitments to Christ (that's 79 in 4 days)!! God is moving so powerfully! not only are we reaching teens EVERYDAY but our discipleship efforts on Wednesday & Sunday mornings have never been better attended. we are seeing God build community among us and we're stronger than ever. now, i know that His word states: "First pride, then the crash - the bigger the ego, the harder the fall" (Proverbs 16:18, the message); so let me be clear that this is a GOD THANG! it's His work and we give Him ALL the glory!!
i'm just humbled and honored to be able to hang out with the greatest generation to ever be born. you teens know who you are and KNOW THAT i LOVE YOU and i'm PROUD OF YOU! and just think, how much MORE God loves you! HE'S SMILING!!
keep praying EVERYDAY - that's talking AND listening!! bury your nose in His word and live your life LOUD amongst your campus, family & beyond! HE'S IN YOU! now, be "Jesus with Skin on"
I BELIEVE!
oh... here's a TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
:D
what an incredible weekend we enjoyed! man, it was awesome!!
just Thursday through Saturday, 54 teens accepted Christ into their hearts at high schools, middle schools, shopping malls, football games, concert and the oUtbReAk! YES! then, on Sunday night @ DV8 Live we had 260 teens with 19 visitors and 25 MORE commitments to Christ (that's 79 in 4 days)!! God is moving so powerfully! not only are we reaching teens EVERYDAY but our discipleship efforts on Wednesday & Sunday mornings have never been better attended. we are seeing God build community among us and we're stronger than ever. now, i know that His word states: "First pride, then the crash - the bigger the ego, the harder the fall" (Proverbs 16:18, the message); so let me be clear that this is a GOD THANG! it's His work and we give Him ALL the glory!!
i'm just humbled and honored to be able to hang out with the greatest generation to ever be born. you teens know who you are and KNOW THAT i LOVE YOU and i'm PROUD OF YOU! and just think, how much MORE God loves you! HE'S SMILING!!
keep praying EVERYDAY - that's talking AND listening!! bury your nose in His word and live your life LOUD amongst your campus, family & beyond! HE'S IN YOU! now, be "Jesus with Skin on"
I BELIEVE!
oh... here's a TOZER TODAY:
"The Christian is a Holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from where the danger will come."
:D
hey,
we're working this week on making MUCH NEEDED improvements to our student outreach websites:
<----- click links to left for either DV8 and/or M/C
we want YOUR help!!
so, please tell us what you would like to see on our webpage...
email me your suggestions: chillydog1@yahoo.com
love you - have a great Monday!
peace...
we're working this week on making MUCH NEEDED improvements to our student outreach websites:
<----- click links to left for either DV8 and/or M/C
we want YOUR help!!
so, please tell us what you would like to see on our webpage...
email me your suggestions: chillydog1@yahoo.com
love you - have a great Monday!
peace...
YOU AND GOD
People are often unreasonable,
irrational, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse
you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere
people may deceive you;
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating
others could destroy overnight;
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
some may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
-Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable,
irrational, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse
you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere
people may deceive you;
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating
others could destroy overnight;
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
some may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.
-Mother Teresa
9.13.2003
9.12.2003
9.11.2003
9.10.2003
Friends, tomorrow is September 11th... a day etched in our memories forever. Many of us remember the tragedies & fears but I want to bring something uplifting to consider...
A Positive Slant on Things
By now everyone has heard the death toll and reports of the destruction from the terrorist attacks on the US. These were deplorable acts that we will never forget.
But now is a time to look at the other side of the numbers that came out of New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. The sad, but somewhat uplifting side, that the mainstream media never really reported - the SURVIVAL rates and some positive news about the attacks.
The Buildings
The World Trade Center: The twin towers of the World Trade Center were places of employment for some 50,000 people. With the missing list of just over 6,000 people, that means 90% of the people targeted survived the attack. A 90% on a test is an 'A'.
The Pentagon: Some 23,000 people were the target of a third plane aimed at the Pentagon. The last count shows that only 123 lost their lives. That is an amazing 99.5% survival rate. In addition, the plane seems to have come in too low, too early to affect a large portion of the building. On top of that, the section that was hit was the first of five sections to undergo renovations that would help protect the Pentagon from terrorist attacks. It had recently completed straightening and blastproofing, saving untold lives. This attack was sad, but a statistical failure.
The Planes
American Airlines Flight 77: This Boeing 757 that was flown into the outside of the Pentagon could have carried up to 289 people, yet only 64 were aboard. Luckily 78% of the seats were empty.
American Airlines Flight 11: This Boeing 767 could have had up to 351 people aboard, but only carried 92. Thankfully 74% of the seats were unfilled.
United Airlines Flight 175: Another Boeing 767 that could have sat 351 people only had 65 people on board. Fortunately it was 81% empty.
United Airlines Flight 93: This Boeing 757 was one of the most uplifting stories yet. The smallest flight to be hijacked with only 45 people aboard out of a possible 289 had 84% of its capacity unused. Yet these people, with a battle cry "LET'S ROLL," stood up to the attackers and thwarted a fourth attempted destruction of a national landmark, saving untold numbers of lives in the process.
In Summary
Out of potentially 74,280 Americans directly targeted by these inept cowards, 93% survived or avoided the attacks. That's a higher survival rate than heart attacks, breast cancer, kidney transplants and liver transplants - all common, survivable illnesses.
I'm, obviously, not taking one life for granted -- they ALL matter to God. Yet, I can see God's protection & provision in the midst of such horrible attacks.
You know, the devil is the ultimate terrorist. He's targeted our souls many, many times but are we alive? YES! We are survivers of his cowardice attacks. Why? Simple: JESUS! He's already won!
So, as 9.11 is upon us, let's remember to pray for all of the families with lost love ones due to this tragedy. But, let's also rejoice in God's sovereign protection! THANK YOU JESUS!
peace
A Positive Slant on Things
By now everyone has heard the death toll and reports of the destruction from the terrorist attacks on the US. These were deplorable acts that we will never forget.
But now is a time to look at the other side of the numbers that came out of New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. The sad, but somewhat uplifting side, that the mainstream media never really reported - the SURVIVAL rates and some positive news about the attacks.
The Buildings
The World Trade Center: The twin towers of the World Trade Center were places of employment for some 50,000 people. With the missing list of just over 6,000 people, that means 90% of the people targeted survived the attack. A 90% on a test is an 'A'.
The Pentagon: Some 23,000 people were the target of a third plane aimed at the Pentagon. The last count shows that only 123 lost their lives. That is an amazing 99.5% survival rate. In addition, the plane seems to have come in too low, too early to affect a large portion of the building. On top of that, the section that was hit was the first of five sections to undergo renovations that would help protect the Pentagon from terrorist attacks. It had recently completed straightening and blastproofing, saving untold lives. This attack was sad, but a statistical failure.
The Planes
American Airlines Flight 77: This Boeing 757 that was flown into the outside of the Pentagon could have carried up to 289 people, yet only 64 were aboard. Luckily 78% of the seats were empty.
American Airlines Flight 11: This Boeing 767 could have had up to 351 people aboard, but only carried 92. Thankfully 74% of the seats were unfilled.
United Airlines Flight 175: Another Boeing 767 that could have sat 351 people only had 65 people on board. Fortunately it was 81% empty.
United Airlines Flight 93: This Boeing 757 was one of the most uplifting stories yet. The smallest flight to be hijacked with only 45 people aboard out of a possible 289 had 84% of its capacity unused. Yet these people, with a battle cry "LET'S ROLL," stood up to the attackers and thwarted a fourth attempted destruction of a national landmark, saving untold numbers of lives in the process.
In Summary
Out of potentially 74,280 Americans directly targeted by these inept cowards, 93% survived or avoided the attacks. That's a higher survival rate than heart attacks, breast cancer, kidney transplants and liver transplants - all common, survivable illnesses.
I'm, obviously, not taking one life for granted -- they ALL matter to God. Yet, I can see God's protection & provision in the midst of such horrible attacks.
You know, the devil is the ultimate terrorist. He's targeted our souls many, many times but are we alive? YES! We are survivers of his cowardice attacks. Why? Simple: JESUS! He's already won!
So, as 9.11 is upon us, let's remember to pray for all of the families with lost love ones due to this tragedy. But, let's also rejoice in God's sovereign protection! THANK YOU JESUS!
peace
9.08.2003
ok, i have another word of the week
today's word is...
DEFENESTRATE
defenestrate \dee-FEN-uh-strayt\, transitive verb:
To throw out of a window.
Sentence: i would happily defenestrate the devil
if i caught him near a window.
hey, this was such a unique word that i just had to add it to the blog! if you don't like it, walk over to the window and defenestrate it!!
:D
today's word is...
DEFENESTRATE
defenestrate \dee-FEN-uh-strayt\, transitive verb:
To throw out of a window.
Sentence: i would happily defenestrate the devil
if i caught him near a window.
hey, this was such a unique word that i just had to add it to the blog! if you don't like it, walk over to the window and defenestrate it!!
:D
souls, souls, SOULS!!
ohhhhh, Yeah! this weekend was so amazing - as i mentioned, 32 teens accepted Christ on Friday night well then 41 more accepted Christ on Saturday night and then 16 more accepted Christ today! 89 SAVED IN ONE WEEKEND!
we are working our butts off finding as many options as possible to disciple these new believers! we have CPR (campus prayer revival) every Monday morning at area schools - also at schools: youth alive, campus life, fellowship of Christian athletes, r.o.c.k. groups plus "power lunches" and "bible"-study halls! Then we have CodeRed at DV8 with brand new IT (impact teams) we also have EMT (extreme ministry teams), MD (master's decision) and MC (master's commission) in addition we have Elev8 and DV8U... whew! it takes a lot to reach and equip a generation of warriors!
now, we're pressin' hard into prayer! all month we're back to BASIC TRAINING learning and re-learning how to aggressively & accurately pursue an awesome relationship with God through prayer. here's one thought regarding it...
Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems. HE can do anything/everything!
i hope this blog brings inspiration & motivation to ALL who read it! it's YOUR time ~ don't be caught chillin' when the trumpet sounds!
if i can help, SHOUT at me: chillydog1@yahoo.com
...peace...
ohhhhh, Yeah! this weekend was so amazing - as i mentioned, 32 teens accepted Christ on Friday night well then 41 more accepted Christ on Saturday night and then 16 more accepted Christ today! 89 SAVED IN ONE WEEKEND!
we are working our butts off finding as many options as possible to disciple these new believers! we have CPR (campus prayer revival) every Monday morning at area schools - also at schools: youth alive, campus life, fellowship of Christian athletes, r.o.c.k. groups plus "power lunches" and "bible"-study halls! Then we have CodeRed at DV8 with brand new IT (impact teams) we also have EMT (extreme ministry teams), MD (master's decision) and MC (master's commission) in addition we have Elev8 and DV8U... whew! it takes a lot to reach and equip a generation of warriors!
now, we're pressin' hard into prayer! all month we're back to BASIC TRAINING learning and re-learning how to aggressively & accurately pursue an awesome relationship with God through prayer. here's one thought regarding it...
Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems. HE can do anything/everything!
i hope this blog brings inspiration & motivation to ALL who read it! it's YOUR time ~ don't be caught chillin' when the trumpet sounds!
if i can help, SHOUT at me: chillydog1@yahoo.com
...peace...
9.06.2003
CHILLYISM CORRECTION!!!
the last post that i had, "don't crucify today..." well, i did a search and found that someone else had said the same thing in 1935. not that i had ever read it -- but it's a further reminder that there's little about me that's original. ha!
so, here's the whole article written with the quote included:
"Today"
Written to Margie Major by her father, Harold Major in 1935
"Don't crucify today between those two thieves, yesterday and tomorrow.
Either thief will rob you of the joy of living today and opportunities of service.
Yesterday and tomorrow, both are far away nothings. One is only a memory,
the other a vague promise. You might not even be here tomorrow. Accept from
the past only the lessons it has taught you and leave both yesterday and
tomorrow in the care of your loving Heavenly Father, knowing that He will
do for you better things than you can either ask or pray for.
Go forward today with the light of triumph in your eyes, trusting moment
by moment in your risen Savior as you live to glorify Him. He will hold you fast!"
gotta give props where they belong!!
peace
the last post that i had, "don't crucify today..." well, i did a search and found that someone else had said the same thing in 1935. not that i had ever read it -- but it's a further reminder that there's little about me that's original. ha!
so, here's the whole article written with the quote included:
"Today"
Written to Margie Major by her father, Harold Major in 1935
"Don't crucify today between those two thieves, yesterday and tomorrow.
Either thief will rob you of the joy of living today and opportunities of service.
Yesterday and tomorrow, both are far away nothings. One is only a memory,
the other a vague promise. You might not even be here tomorrow. Accept from
the past only the lessons it has taught you and leave both yesterday and
tomorrow in the care of your loving Heavenly Father, knowing that He will
do for you better things than you can either ask or pray for.
Go forward today with the light of triumph in your eyes, trusting moment
by moment in your risen Savior as you live to glorify Him. He will hold you fast!"
gotta give props where they belong!!
peace
. . . does God still answer prayer? . . . does He still save people??
Yes! YES!!!
tonight was a night of High School football games here in mid-America... big crowds under the lights as a cool autumn-like breeze blows ~ i love this time of the year! ... and IF you were Jesus, where would you hang out? that's right - you'd be at the game with your face painted among the cheering masses. yeah, well US TOO! and... well... 32 TEENS ACCEPTED CHRIST!! OH YEAH!
we have seen teens accept Christ right in the halls of their public schools EVERYDAY this week! what can your God do?! Anything! EVERYTHING!!
pray hard... obey quickly. your availability is God's opportunity to do a great work in/through you!
I BELIEVE!
Consumed with Christ,
chilly " oh captain, my captain "
P.S. I'm not positive that Jesus would paint his face -- but, I think he might... He did tonight when he wore Joel Henney's skin to the football game.
:D
Yes! YES!!!
tonight was a night of High School football games here in mid-America... big crowds under the lights as a cool autumn-like breeze blows ~ i love this time of the year! ... and IF you were Jesus, where would you hang out? that's right - you'd be at the game with your face painted among the cheering masses. yeah, well US TOO! and... well... 32 TEENS ACCEPTED CHRIST!! OH YEAH!
we have seen teens accept Christ right in the halls of their public schools EVERYDAY this week! what can your God do?! Anything! EVERYTHING!!
pray hard... obey quickly. your availability is God's opportunity to do a great work in/through you!
I BELIEVE!
Consumed with Christ,
chilly " oh captain, my captain "
P.S. I'm not positive that Jesus would paint his face -- but, I think he might... He did tonight when he wore Joel Henney's skin to the football game.
:D
9.05.2003
9.04.2003
... ok, it's that time again when i ask for some "feedback" ...
no, i'm not insecure but i do want to know what your opinions are about this blog: favorite feature (chillyism, tozer, vocabulary, devos, etc), new title and format, and whatever else.
so, email me TODAY and shout out how you're feeling about it all: chillydog1@yahoo.com ~ c'mon, email me NOW and be specific!
love ya...
cC
:D
no, i'm not insecure but i do want to know what your opinions are about this blog: favorite feature (chillyism, tozer, vocabulary, devos, etc), new title and format, and whatever else.
so, email me TODAY and shout out how you're feeling about it all: chillydog1@yahoo.com ~ c'mon, email me NOW and be specific!
love ya...
cC
:D
TOZER TODAY:
"The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abandonment of all things. The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have banished every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing. These are the 'poor in spirit' " (The Pursuit of God, 23)
...so the only way to be "rich in Christ" is to be "poor in spirit" --- ahhhh, yes! I get it!!
"The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abandonment of all things. The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have banished every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing. These are the 'poor in spirit' " (The Pursuit of God, 23)
...so the only way to be "rich in Christ" is to be "poor in spirit" --- ahhhh, yes! I get it!!
9.03.2003
This Is The Place Where Jesus Is
by Ginny Olson
The destination was Bethlehem. As a child I imagined it was full of wood crèches resembling Swiss ski lodges in the middle of rolling hills, dotted with woolly sheep. But I’d already seen enough of Israel on this trip to know that it wouldn’t meet my Sunday school expectations. Though I was prepared for the cheap souvenirs and tourists shouldering video cameras, I was still enthusiastic about seeing firsthand the place where the God who created the universe became screaming, infant flesh.
Our group walked across the square to the church at Bethlehem. It was actually a patchwork of different churches pieced together over the centuries, each trying to claim a portion of the site by erecting wall or a doorway. We entered the darkened sanctuary on the Eastern Orthodox side of the church. Straight ahead were ornate silver artwork, hanging candles, and antique icons. Off in a corner, a priest paced back and forth in silence—our guide said he’d seen this priest in the same place doing the same thing on each of his 10 or so tours through the church.
We were herded down stone steps to a well-lit cave where the Orthodox say Jesus was born. Nuns in white and sky blue habits were one of the few signs that this was more than a museum stop. After a few minutes we continued our tour to another part of the church and were greeted with a 30-foot tinfoil dove erected for the Christmas season.
The Reynolds Wrap bird was the last straw. I was overwhelmed by the crush of tourists and the museum-like quality of this place. I’d come hoping for an encounter with God and instead encountered international church culture, complete with tinsel trimmings.
Then I noticed a stairway at the back of the sanctuary. As the rest of the crowd moved to the front to examine the aluminum bird, I escaped to the catacombs further below. I needed to get away and figure out what was going on in my soul. Amidst the ancient tombs, it was quiet at last. The cool darkness was pierced by only a few rays of light and an occasional prayer candle. I wandered the dimly lit maze of former graves and breathed in the ancient air.
Moving further into the depths, I turned a corner and stumbled into a monk.
It took me a minute to figure out who he was; instead of the stereotypical brown sackcloth, he’d donned worn work clothes and a faded green canvas apron covered with wax drippings. He’d just finished chipping away the melted wax from the candles that tourists and pilgrims had lit. He looked up and smiled as he wiped his hands on his apron. Grasping my hand gently between his two worn ones, he spoke softly in a deep French accent, "You are searching, aren’t you?" A little taken aback, I politely nodded my head. He held onto my hand and quietly said, "Follow me."
I was surprised at how his hand, so gnarled and weathered by years of labor, could be so gentle. I found myself trusting this stranger as he led me to the far end of the maze where no tourists were. We walked up a slight ramp to a door no bigger than four feet high and stopped. "You’re searching for Jesus, aren’t your?" I nodded. "This is it," he said, smiling and patting my hand like a pleased grandfather. "This is the place where Jesus is. I cannot let you in right now. The door is locked. But this is where he was born."
Joy was all over his face. The edges of his dark eyes crinkled as he smiled. He then turned and disappeared, leaving me alone with my thoughts. In the deserted tomb, beneath the patchwork of church culture, I was encountering God.
I dared not touch the little wooden door—I simply stood there, weeping silently. "Is this really the place where Jesus was born?" I wondered. "You’d never know it was here." Then after five minutes of solitude, I was touched with sense of peace I’d never felt before. Of course this is where Jesus was born. Its humble, secret quality was so opposite from the fanfare and clamor of the museum above me—and fitting for the birth of a poor carpenter’s child.
The monk—wherever he was—knew it, too. I thought about his gentleness. His hands. His kind, open touch that helped me trust his guidance and his words. This old monk gave me a flesh and bone connection to an otherwise impersonal, superficial experience.
And isn’t that the reason why Jesus came to earth? To let us touch, reach, and know the untouchable, unreachable, unknowable God?
As I ascended the winding stone staircase to join the rest of the group, I was far, far away. Part of me wanted to tell the others what had happened, but I couldn’t—it was too powerful and too precious to even articulate.
It was also in those moments that I learned that the essence of youth ministry happens in the catacombs of the soul, deep beneath tinfoil programs and calendars crammed with events and appointments. Youth ministry is about taking young people by the hand and leading them to the door where Jesus is.
We can’t unlock the door for them—they must make that decision alone. All we can do is lead them there.
Just like an old monk in a wax-stained smock did for me.
by Ginny Olson
The destination was Bethlehem. As a child I imagined it was full of wood crèches resembling Swiss ski lodges in the middle of rolling hills, dotted with woolly sheep. But I’d already seen enough of Israel on this trip to know that it wouldn’t meet my Sunday school expectations. Though I was prepared for the cheap souvenirs and tourists shouldering video cameras, I was still enthusiastic about seeing firsthand the place where the God who created the universe became screaming, infant flesh.
Our group walked across the square to the church at Bethlehem. It was actually a patchwork of different churches pieced together over the centuries, each trying to claim a portion of the site by erecting wall or a doorway. We entered the darkened sanctuary on the Eastern Orthodox side of the church. Straight ahead were ornate silver artwork, hanging candles, and antique icons. Off in a corner, a priest paced back and forth in silence—our guide said he’d seen this priest in the same place doing the same thing on each of his 10 or so tours through the church.
We were herded down stone steps to a well-lit cave where the Orthodox say Jesus was born. Nuns in white and sky blue habits were one of the few signs that this was more than a museum stop. After a few minutes we continued our tour to another part of the church and were greeted with a 30-foot tinfoil dove erected for the Christmas season.
The Reynolds Wrap bird was the last straw. I was overwhelmed by the crush of tourists and the museum-like quality of this place. I’d come hoping for an encounter with God and instead encountered international church culture, complete with tinsel trimmings.
Then I noticed a stairway at the back of the sanctuary. As the rest of the crowd moved to the front to examine the aluminum bird, I escaped to the catacombs further below. I needed to get away and figure out what was going on in my soul. Amidst the ancient tombs, it was quiet at last. The cool darkness was pierced by only a few rays of light and an occasional prayer candle. I wandered the dimly lit maze of former graves and breathed in the ancient air.
Moving further into the depths, I turned a corner and stumbled into a monk.
It took me a minute to figure out who he was; instead of the stereotypical brown sackcloth, he’d donned worn work clothes and a faded green canvas apron covered with wax drippings. He’d just finished chipping away the melted wax from the candles that tourists and pilgrims had lit. He looked up and smiled as he wiped his hands on his apron. Grasping my hand gently between his two worn ones, he spoke softly in a deep French accent, "You are searching, aren’t you?" A little taken aback, I politely nodded my head. He held onto my hand and quietly said, "Follow me."
I was surprised at how his hand, so gnarled and weathered by years of labor, could be so gentle. I found myself trusting this stranger as he led me to the far end of the maze where no tourists were. We walked up a slight ramp to a door no bigger than four feet high and stopped. "You’re searching for Jesus, aren’t your?" I nodded. "This is it," he said, smiling and patting my hand like a pleased grandfather. "This is the place where Jesus is. I cannot let you in right now. The door is locked. But this is where he was born."
Joy was all over his face. The edges of his dark eyes crinkled as he smiled. He then turned and disappeared, leaving me alone with my thoughts. In the deserted tomb, beneath the patchwork of church culture, I was encountering God.
I dared not touch the little wooden door—I simply stood there, weeping silently. "Is this really the place where Jesus was born?" I wondered. "You’d never know it was here." Then after five minutes of solitude, I was touched with sense of peace I’d never felt before. Of course this is where Jesus was born. Its humble, secret quality was so opposite from the fanfare and clamor of the museum above me—and fitting for the birth of a poor carpenter’s child.
The monk—wherever he was—knew it, too. I thought about his gentleness. His hands. His kind, open touch that helped me trust his guidance and his words. This old monk gave me a flesh and bone connection to an otherwise impersonal, superficial experience.
And isn’t that the reason why Jesus came to earth? To let us touch, reach, and know the untouchable, unreachable, unknowable God?
As I ascended the winding stone staircase to join the rest of the group, I was far, far away. Part of me wanted to tell the others what had happened, but I couldn’t—it was too powerful and too precious to even articulate.
It was also in those moments that I learned that the essence of youth ministry happens in the catacombs of the soul, deep beneath tinfoil programs and calendars crammed with events and appointments. Youth ministry is about taking young people by the hand and leading them to the door where Jesus is.
We can’t unlock the door for them—they must make that decision alone. All we can do is lead them there.
Just like an old monk in a wax-stained smock did for me.
word of the week
this week's word is...
NUMINOUS
numinous \NOO-min-us; NYOO-\, adjective:
Indicating or suggesting the presence of a god-- spiritual, divine; inspiring awe and reverence-- holy.
Sentence: there was a numinous atmosphere each night of boot camp this past weekend... (a very true statement).
yes! you're wiser!!
this week's word is...
NUMINOUS
numinous \NOO-min-us; NYOO-\, adjective:
Indicating or suggesting the presence of a god-- spiritual, divine; inspiring awe and reverence-- holy.
Sentence: there was a numinous atmosphere each night of boot camp this past weekend... (a very true statement).
yes! you're wiser!!
9.02.2003
so sorry that it's been a few days since my last post...
i was in the "woods" for Boot Camp ~ INCREDIBLE!!!
"I touched the Master, the Master touched me; I'M FREE"
TOZER said: "Nobody ever got anything from God on the grounds that he deserved it. Haven fallen, man deserves only punishment and death. So if God answers prayer it's because God is good. From His goodness, His lovingkindness, His good-natured benevolence, God does it! That's the source of everything" (The Attributes of God, 47).
well, this past weekend, GOD DID IT!
now, i'm off to a real bed, in an alergy-free room without crickets!! :D
i was in the "woods" for Boot Camp ~ INCREDIBLE!!!
"I touched the Master, the Master touched me; I'M FREE"
TOZER said: "Nobody ever got anything from God on the grounds that he deserved it. Haven fallen, man deserves only punishment and death. So if God answers prayer it's because God is good. From His goodness, His lovingkindness, His good-natured benevolence, God does it! That's the source of everything" (The Attributes of God, 47).
well, this past weekend, GOD DID IT!
now, i'm off to a real bed, in an alergy-free room without crickets!! :D
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