Father Knows Best

Back in the 1950's Father Knows Best was a popular family TV program. The thought behind the program was when all else fails, the father of the family knew what was best. But today I wonder how many children and teenagers would still believe or agree with that statement?

It seems like many things in the world have gone downhill since the 50's, but then they were probably already headed that way; most of us just didn't realize it, however, it has become more and more apparent in recent decades. Relationships of every kind seem to be falling apart, blown up or just gone crazy. The wisdom and the blessings of fatherhood is lacking.

There are times in life we have also missed the heavenly Father's gifts of wisdom and other blessings, because of rebellions or human preferences. We have become a society with too many choices to chose from, so many in fact that we have become spoiled. Back when the automobile was first made the saying went, "you can have it in any color you want, as long as it is black."

Today, many things we purchase comes in varieties of colors, shapes and sizes. Such things as houses, cars, boats, phones, appliances, electronic items, foods, pets and so much more. But in the process of having such a variety we have also become much more picky. As a result of this bad habit we often no longer appreciate or care for certain things. This not only applies to material things, but also our choice or choices in people, friends, mates, locations, tastes, styles of worship and even our attitudes toward the weather.

Choices are nice to have but when we begin to refuse something because it doesn't meet our preferences or wants, then we to run into problems. Many mothers are frustrated because their children won't eat what the rest of the family eats, or they don't want to play the same games or watch the same TV programs /movies as the rest of the family, or do what they are told. As adults we are not much different. After all where do you think the kids got their attitude and bad habits from?

The father is the gatekeeper. He is responsible for what he allows in the house—directly or indirectly—because of what he says, does or permits. (This also applies to husbands.) Whether it is watching TV or what the children see in other children or adults. Without the father's proper guidance children will go astray. As adults we've been the same way when we don't listen to the Heavenly Father. The old saying, "Monkey see monkey do," hasn't changed for most people. If the world is our role model there will be problems.

Another area is our preferences, such as music, art and nature. God is the inspiration behind all of it, but much has been perverted by satan. God inspired the words, sounds, textures and shades of colors. God loves variety. He created it, in every flower, tree, animal, person, stars and planets. Look at all the beautiful and different varieties of flowers and trees that are intended to praise and worship God, just as all nations were meant to. Is it right for us to say one is better or worse than another just because they doesn't meet our approval or our personal preferences? Or is it right to reject the new, because the old seems better? God sees the heart of every individual that is singing and dancing before him, and He loves it all. We should learn to broaden our taste for worship, music, foods and every color in the rainbow.

There is nothing wrong with our preferences. We all have them. Yet we shouldn't limit them or else we could miss out on the finer things in life. How often I have heard people said they hated something that other people just love. Such as clothes or car styles, foods or colors. Can you imagine sitting across the dinner table from Jesus, and your father just gave thanks for the food and then someone says, I hate peas or I hate tomatoes. I know it sounds foolish, but people do it all the time, and not just when referring to foods. God created everything including the rain; and when we speak of hating them, it's offensive. We need to watch our words more carefully if we are truly giving thanks or being thankful.

I believe, we should teach children to embrace a broader spectrum of things by us setting the example. However, at the same time I think it would be wise to limit the number of things and gifts we give them, in order to teach them to appreciate what they already have. Adults should do the same. But, many children and adults don't like restrictions. And therein lies the problem. God's ways are aways different from man's.

God in his wisdom knows his children need guidance. The first commandment regarding children, was for them to honor (obey) their parents, that it might go well with them. While the children of Israel were in the desert they were taught by the heavenly Father, YHWH. They were given very few choices. They were limited in their clothes, what they ate, drank, and how they worshiped God. They were also limited where they went as they needed to follow the cloud through the desert, it was for their protection day and night. God was trying to teach them all certain principles of obedience, submission and appreciation. Because Father God knew what was best for them. And he expected them to obey or they were disciplined. (Which a good father does.) There were also serious consequences for rebellion.

Once they entered the Promised Land they were given more freedom of choice, but still under certain guidelines. Anyone who wanted to become an Israelite could, as long as they accepted and obeyed the commandments, laws and covenants of God and their restrictions.

Jesus was no different. Jesus told people that he only did and said what his Father did and said. He also taught His disciples the ways of the Father. When Jesus sent them out the first time they were very limited as to what they could take on their journey and where they could go or stay. At the end of Jesus' ministry the same disciples were less restricted and were told to go to every nation teaching them what they had been taught. The last commandment that Jesus gave his disciples was the commandment of love and not just obedience. That should be our ultimate guideline. (God always has certain restrictions for our well-being.) Everything was to be done in love and they still are to be done in love.

Today, it should still be the same for all of God's children. We are still expected to love and "follow the cloud," the Spirit of Christ. Yet, there are still the same temptations, if not more. Even when we go to a buffet restaurant we are free to choose, but we should choose that which is good for us, and not a little or a lot of everything else. The same thing applies for everything else in life. God has guidelines for what we do and what we receive. We need to listen to Jesus, so we can pick and choose what he wants for us and His church.

When we are given something by God we should accept it, even if it isn't our favorite color and be grateful for it. In the future he will give us more freedom to choose. A number of years ago God provided a house for us to live in, and another time a truck for us to drive. Neither were our preferences, but we were thankful. As we learned to be thankful and obey, God gave us the money to design and build a house and to purchase the kind and color of car we both liked. We still chose what we believed he wanted, instead of doing something lavish or foolish.

When we, as God's children, are faithful in the little things, then God is willing to trust us with more. This happens in the process of becoming His sons and daughters. And in the end we will hear him say, " Well done my good and faithful servant." And to my sons, "Everything I have is yours," because you have learned that Father knows best.

The Spirit VS. The Flesh

This past week I was in a men's meeting where we've been studying the Gospel of Mark. We were at Chapter 14 that deals mainly with Jesus' last evening with his disciples before His crucifixion. It included the Passover meal, Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, His arrest and trial. This chapter also exposes some very heavy issues regarding the battle between the spirit and the soul (the flesh). There was Jesus' prayer of submission, Judas' betrayal kiss, Peter's sword of defense and his denial and then all of His disciples fled. Each man had a battle that night but only one of them won.

After we read the chapter, some of the men talked about Peter's denial and one of them made the comment that, "We have all denied Jesus at some point in our life, because we are all flesh." The statement is true, but Jesus was also flesh. We must understand that Jesus was both flesh and Spirit and we need to realize that the disciples as well as us are both flesh and of the same Spirit as Christ (Rom. 8:11,26). Peter realized that later on, and that's why there was no denying Christ when it came time for him to face his own cross. So what truth had Peter learned that many of us still need to learn?

Peter came to recognize two truths, first: Satan has already been defeated, and second: we must draw on the Spirit of Christ and not our own strength in our flesh, if we also, like Jesus, are to win the battles that we all face. Let's examine these truths more closely.

Satan fell. He was cast out of heaven and down to earth, but he was still determined to reign someplace and to get even with God. So he wanted the soul of man, and to foil God's plan for mankind. Satan tried to accomplish this through tempting Eve with the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. And as a result of their choice, Adam and Eve also fell, and thus the whole human race as well, because of their first sin of disobedience. Yet, God was and is still in control and nothing surprises Him. He may have had disappointments, but never in His son Jesus, the Second Adam.

In the beginning, God made man a unique creation. He was created different from the angels and the animals that were also created. God made man triune; Spirit, Soul and Body, so that He would be able to share an intimate relationship with man. The Fall changed that; our spirit (which is what communes with God who is spirit) basically died, communication cut. By the death and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, complete and permanent restoration was made possible through our repentance and renewed desire to be obedient. Jesus' High Priest prayer was and is for us to be one with Him and God (John 17:11,20&21). We are no longer tied to the world, but have been set free to once again walk with Him in that same intimacy that Adam had with our Creator in the Garden. Therefore, we are a new creation with Christ's DNA living in us, the power of the Spirit conquering the weakness of the flesh.

Our body may be made up of the same dust of the earth, but our spirit is now the same breath that God breathed into Adam. Jesus Christ is the breath that gives life to our soul, which dwells within our body. The Spirit and the soul make up our eternal nature. It also gives us our intelligence, ability and the personality of each individual person. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a bonus. It gives us his power, boldness and helps us to discern spiritual matters.

Our soul is the seat of our intelligent thoughts, our will and desires, and our emotions. Unfortunately, due to the fall, the triune harmony was broken, thus the soul became more attracted to the flesh nature of man rather than the spirit nature of God. Man was meant to have fellowship with God and the Bible tells us that Adam walked with God in the cool of the day. We don't know if Eve did or didn't, but she was expected to follow her husband and maybe that was one of reasons Eve became satan's target rather than Adam. Why Eve was looking at the fruit we don't know, curiosity maybe? But now Adam was looking, listening and following Eve's leading. Both took their mind and eyes off God's words, the Tree of Life, and were then easily led astray.

Adam and Eve were given free choice, just as satan was. Yet through pride and deception their choices led to disobedience and eventually their separation from the relationship they once enjoyed with their creator and God. Their actions of disobedience had far greater ramifications and consequence than they could have ever imagined. This is still true for each of us today. Since then there has been a continual war in the heavenlies between God and satan; good and evil, an ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh within mankind.

Jesus Christ was the only one to overcome all satan's numerous temptations and thus defeated him completely. The closest satan ever came to winning the war was in the Garden of Gethsemane, where everything was at stake. When Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, "Father, all things are possible for you, remove this cup from Me; yet not my will, but yours (be done)." That was the greatest three hour spiritual battle in history and Jesus succeeded for our sake. This was Jesus spiritual cross.

Jesus stayed with the Father's plan. He knew his Father's heart and desires, because he spent time with him in prayer regularly. The crucifixion was only a visual replay of what happened that night when Jesus prayed, those three hours, even to the point of sweating drops of blood. His flesh had to yield first in the Garden, so when he hung on the physical cross He could complete the will of His Father to restore fallen mankind.

Jesus was resolved to live by the Spirit of God, and not yielding to the flesh that wants to be safe, comfortable and pain free. He also understood that the future of mankind was at stake. Jesus experienced Gethsemane for all of us. When Jesus stood back up He was ready for the physical battle. And then He came to his sleeping disciples and stated the problem, regarding temptation, that we all face, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

The spiritual battle and the physical battle were over and won when Jesus cried out, "It is finished!" When he hung from that cross for mankind. Victory was complete when Jesus rose from the grave three days later. Yet the battles still continue, but they are won because He made it possible. It was then that God had put satan under our feet and was made him our footstool. We need to believe that and accept it as a fact. Thus we are ultimately in control of satan's position.

Every son and daughter of God must live their part of Gethsemane and The Cross. It is not only for our sake, but for future generations to come—for a thousand generations (Deut. 7:9). Our actions and words effect the future and go beyond time and space. We have a mission, just as Jesus did. And that is to accomplish the will of the Father for the Kingdom of God. As the apostle Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." The power for our lives comes through Him. And our prayers and sacrifices are meant to secure the future through our words of faith and blessings.

Everything Jesus Christ is and has, is at our disposal by faith. He gives us His authority when we live by his Spirit and not our flesh. (Gal. 2:20) By faith we also have the victory, which the rest of the world can not say because they do not have His Spirit in them.

Many Christians still don't realize their authority and are still struggling through life, mostly through ignorance, because they have allowed their life to be lead more by their flesh rather than the Spirit. They have not fully understood that it is a daily process to surrender their life (soul) on the altar of sacrifice. As Jesus said, "Take up your cross daily", He didn't mean when you feel like it. God expects our flesh to yield to the Spirit, not the other way around (read Rom. 8:5-8). "The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace." Jesus came to earth as a Son to serve God, the church and his bride. Should we do anything less? As we desire a deeper relationship with God, consider asking Him how you can best accomplish that?

Here are some of the things the Spirit of Christ should be doing in our lives. When we are lead by His spirit, they will come as natural as breathing. Yet to try to do these by human effort will be futile.

The Spirit is focused on Jesus and His life.
The Spirit knows the Truth and studies His word.
The Spirit is one with the Body of Christ.
The Spirit blesses, heals and restores.
The Spirit obeys and submits to God's authority.
The Spirit listens and communicates with the Father.
The Spirit takes up and embraces the cross.
The Spirit is love, grace and mercy.
The Spirit is patient, kind and compassionate.
The Spirit forgives sins and overlooks faults.
The Spirit thinks in term of eternity.
The Spirit is courageous and victorious.
The Spirit is always willing to change and learn.
The Spirit doesn't dwell on the past.
The Spirit seeks that which is eternal.
The Spirit is willing to leave everything for Jesus.
The Spirit denies the flesh its desires.
The Spirit talks about the kingdom of God.
The Spirit eats what gives life to the body.
The Spirit gives often and freely.
The Spirit sacrifices and doesn't complain.
The Spirit believes all the promises of God.
The Spirit is simple and requires less.
The Spirit is faithful and honest.
The Spirit receives the love of God.

"Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desire is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires is opposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want." (Gal.5:16-17 NRSV)

May the Lord bless you as you walk in His Spirit through all your life's journey.

Missing The Bus

How many of you have ever missed getting somewhere because you were late to the airport, or to the train station or bus terminal? And when you arrived the counter attendant said, "I'm sorry that flight [or train or bus] has already left." There you stand in shock, thinking how could they leave without me? You had plans and appointments and people waiting or depending on you; and now you won't be there, because you were a little late. And then there are those people who seem to be late, wherever they go.

Many of us have had such experiences or situations. Some people write it off as that's the way it is, or those things just happen, or it's the other person's fault. Sometimes it's the weather or traffic congestion. Other times there are unexpected accidents. But most of the time, it's our fault. The bottom line is that we often get up too late, forget to set the alarm, hit the snooze alarm too many times, or we cleaned the kitchen before leaving, or spilled coffee on our clothes, or loose a favorite earring, or a dozen other things that were not really a priority. Something you just felt you had to do before heading out the door. I had one such experience, and it changed my life.

Back in 1994, I was 47 years old and had been doing some serious soul-searching. I had been praying on a mountain two hours every morning before going to work. I was seeking a deeper walk with God, and had planned on doing this for 40 days. When the 40 days were almost over, I felt I needed more guidance. So I told my family I was going to see a minister, who happened to be a prophet, that lived in Texas. I had heard incredible things about his life from cassette recordings a friend had sent me and I felt this prophet could help me. So I wrote the minister a letter asking if I could meet and talk with him. I needed to know if I was on the right track with God, because I had been having some strange dreams. I hadn't heard back from him, but felt I was to go see him anyway.

A bus company was offering a one way travel special for $69, to anywhere in the continental US. So I purchased a ticket and was headed to Texas. It took three days and two (miserable) nights. (Trying to sleep while sitting up is not normal or fun.) When I finally arrived, I learned that my letter wasn't taken seriously. I had planned to stay over a month and I would exchange a painting to anyone who would provide room and board. There was a young divorced man from the church who was kind enough to help me. But, the minister (the prophet) I came to see was out of town for a few more days. I didn't see that as a problem considering that I would be there for a while.

After he came back I still didn't see him, but met with one of his associates. Finally, I got to see him, but was surprised by his attitude and then he accused me of having an independent spirit, after consulting with his associate. He also told me that if I wanted his help I would need to move my family there—to Texas.

I thought and prayed about it, after all he was a prophet and I was nobody. While there, I went to every meeting they had. I saw some interesting things in the meetings, but also saw some things that bothered me. Finally, one night I felt God was telling me that it was time to leave. This prophet had talked about the need for spiritual fathers. Yet, I felt God was telling me this man was not the one for me, but another young man I had met five years before was to be. We had seen each other a few times over the years and had corresponded at times. So I called him up and we talked. Then I asked him if I could spend a few days with him, also if he would meet me at the bus station in his town. He said, "Yes."

I was back on a bus again, heading the right direction. I was going to see the right person this time, and he would meet with me. During the bus ride back, I felt much better. I had even given up my seat to a young mother and child that got on the already full bus, because the bus service picked up other passengers along the way whether there were available seats or not. There was also a young foolish man sitting at the back of the bus causing trouble. And he wouldn't stop smoking after being warned several times. When we arrived at the next destination the police were waiting for him.

We would be there for a short break so the passengers could get off and stretch and get a snack. But, before we got off the bus, the driver told everyone, "When it comes time to leave, keep your eyes on the driver and not the bus."

Well, I thought I knew how long the wait would be, judging by the other stops we had made. So I took a walk looking for a market. I wanted something to eat, but had less than two dollars on me and no credit cards. I walked one way for a block, no market. I then went back past the bus and headed the other direction, finally I found a small market across the street. I looked back at the bus but couldn't see the door side or the driver. However, I felt I still had time so I went in to buy a candy bar. After a few minutes of not being able to decide, I left the store, not buying anything. But, when I looked down the street the bus was gone. I was horrified; this can't be happening to me. I went back to the bus station and everyone was gone but me. The office clerk informed me that it would be another five hours before the next bus would come through. I had plenty of time to think about my mistake and call my friend. So I took another walk.

While walking, I cried out to God, "Why me? I've been good. I didn't cause any trouble. I gave up my seat. Why, didn't you say something?" The Lord said, "I did. Don't you remember what the driver said?" "But, he's just a bus driver," I replied. "Yes, but, when you're on his bus, he is your authority."

That was another principle I was learning, but forgot to apply it to my own life. Then I felt guilty, ashamed and like a fool. The prophet was right; I was independent. Then God impressed on me that such was not true, that I was his son. He also showed me that the Father disciplines his sons because of His love for them. He let me know that yes, I had made a mistake, but now you won't forget how much I love you. We must remember to keep your eyes on the driver, Jesus. He's taking us where we need to go.

After that, I was able to walk down the street with joy in my heart and my arms raised praising God for his wonderful love for me. I was able to take the next bus so I arrived five hours later; my friend and my baggage were waiting there for me. (Five is the number for grace.) It is God's grace that gets us through our lives. My friend was Sheldon David, and he has been a special friend ever since. Also, I will never forget the lesson I learned that day.

It is important that we submit to God's authority wherever we go. But, mostly it is important that we keep our eyes on Jesus. We should never allow ourselves to be distracted by carnal desires or relationships. We need to be ready to move whenever He does. Also, whenever God disciplines us, it's for our good no matter how much it hurts. So what if we look like fools? It's better to learn now before it's too late, than to arrive at the end of life's journey and find out we took the wrong bus.

A Career With God, Pt 2

No, I didn't want to be a pastor. But after some time had passed, I approached my heavenly Father and said, "Yes, if that's what you want me to be, I will be a pastor." Then God said something that surprised me, "OK, now you can be whatever you want." I said, "Really?" Well, I thought, I would like to become an artist if that were possible. I had painted a couple years by that point and was doing well for as young as I was. I also enjoyed painting, but had never considered it as a profession. Maybe I could incorporate it with ministry too. So "I decided" to finish college and put the two careers together.

The next two years seemed to be a waste. I played tennis on the campus courts more than I studied and I tried doing a little dating. I didn't think girls would like me, but that's another story. Finally, the last year was almost over and I couldn't wait. All I wanted was to get my degree and get out of there. I had enough of: how to build a bigger church, how to preach a better sermon, denominational glorification, carnal and religious knowledge, and trying to please the teachers to get their approval— good grades to advance to the front of the class.

By the end of the school year I didn't care any more, I even started cheating on tests and on term papers. I thought to myself, "This is crazy God, I can't believe I would stoop to this again to prove something, and to whom?" Finally, the last day in one of my classes, I had waited until all the other students left, then I turned in the final exam. Then I went up to the professor and told him that all his classes were a waste of time, then I walked out of the classroom with my term paper—which counted as a third of my grade—still in my hand. In four years all I ever got from him were C's, even though he seldom, if ever, read them. And his tests were absurd. (These were not exclusively my opinions.) He would lecture every day, whether anyone was listening or not. Most didn't listen and he didn't seem to care either, and that's pretty sad. Thank God, not all the teachers were like him.

Years later I prayed and forgave him and the school of man's religion and asked God to forgive them also. They just didn't know any better then or now. I know they meant well and they probably loved God very much, but Bible colleges of organized religion are usually futile if your desire is to really know God. (That is accomplished by spending time with Him on your knees.) Needless to say I failed the class and I never went back to get the six remaining credits necessary to graduate with a degree and to receive my sheepskin. I felt that if God were to ever use me in ministry, it would be his call, and not from the approval of man.

Four years had gone by and all I had now were a lot books (which I later burned) and a lot of human opinion. But something else happened; I lost my faith in God. Studying for man had replaced my personal hunger and love for God. And now I was worse off than when I started college. (25 years later I understood why; religion kills faith. Besides, it is God who makes ministers: apostles, prophets, teachers, evangelists and pastors, and not man.)

After that experience, I continued to paint full time, selling my oil paintings and getting a lot of recognition through the media (newspaper and magazine articles plus some TV coverage). I also bought a lot of things to try to fill the emptiness I felt. By the time I was 23 years of age I had purchased an older house (that I remodeled); it looked over a beautiful lake. I also bought a new sports car convertible, a ski boat, a new 25' motor home, a new motorcycle and two German Shepherds, that traveled with me around the U.S. while doing art shows.

I was the picture of success. But, I was also lonely and sometimes felt miserable; however the "gift or talent of painting" continued to improve and was enjoyable. Art was also rewarding, but at what price? I always gave God the credit for the talent, but seldom did I witness. Something had changed including my relationship with God. One prayer I often repeated was, God, please do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

Nearly eighteen years had passed before God and I really connected again. Yes, there where times in between when I would repent, like going to a priest for confession every few years when guilt settles in. I went to church sometimes, mostly to pick up girls who were often shallow like me. I did numerous art shows around the country and eventually I met a special young lady at one show in Denver, Colorado. She was the prettiest girl I ever dated and I married her seven month later. But still, marriage didn't satisfy the burning ache inside of me, because of the one I had left back when I was 2o years old in college. I didn't realize I chosen a career without Jesus. I had taken some steps of submission, but I later failed. Thank God for his never ending love and second chances.

Although I believe it was God's will for me at the time to go to the Bible Collage, I would be cautious to recommend it to any one, unless they too felt it was God's will. (Many Bible colleges have become universities now offering liberal art courses and medical training, and are helpful for other careers.) College did teach me the ways of organized religion, but eventually God revealed to me its dangers—which I had to eventually repent from. I also see the result of their teachings in most churches and ministries today.

The real mistake I and many other people made and make, is that when God gives us a choice of what we want to do, he wants to hear us say, "Lord, whatever you want me to do; that's what I want." Then he could of said something like, "I want you to be an artist, a teacher or a missionary for me," and it would of been different, because God and I would of been working together. When I was 42 years old, God asked me to lay down my profession and learn from him, my new boss.

Now I'm doing what He wants me to do. I'm no longer an artist but I'm trained and prepared for His ministry as one of God's sons. At the age of 63 I'm still learning, but now it is almost time to graduate. Despite the cross and the costs, serving Jesus is everything to me. Whatever your occupation or career, make sure it's God's choice for you. Do you see and understand the difference? I hope so. His choice verses ours, that's the real question. Who's in control? You can't call him Lord Jesus and do what you want.

The good news is, it seems that whatever course in life we take or chose, God somehow has a way of using those experiences. Regardless of whether they're His perfect will or not—good or bad. He can use them to develop character and/or humility in our lives, to fulfill His ultimate plans for us, that is if we surrender them and ourselves to Him. He is able to use them and us to touch humanity in ways we would not have been able to do before. Every experience can eventually bring us closer to Him and fulfill our career with God.

"I know the plans the I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you...and I will restore..." (Jer. 29:11-14)

A Career With God

What would you like to be when you grow up? This innocent question is often asked of children just to see where their little minds are going. It was also a popular question asked of children on the Art Linkletter Show back in the 1960's, and he wrote a book, Kids Say the Darnedest Things. It is always surprising to hear how kids answer the question and why. It is also one of the precious moments in a parent's or teacher's life, hearing young children talk about what they want to aspire to when they grow up. Their answers vary greatly, from the creative to the usual; doctor, policeman, fireman, nurse and veterinarian. But when children get older and start thinking about college and careers, the question becomes more serious. And paying for that extra education is another issue. Now that we are older, most of us still have dreams and ambitions of what we want or would like to be, even us Christians.

Even though I was raised in church life, it wasn't until 18 years of age that I gave my heart to Jesus. Until then I had been straddling the fence; I believed in God, the Bible and the Son of God, or so I thought, but I had nothing personal. In my own mind I wasn't bad either, because I didn't smoke, drink, have sex, dance, date, party, swear too much, or associate with those who did. I think I was pretty typical of most kids raised in Christian families back in the early sixties. My life wasn't exciting nor was it boring to me. I was happy, or so I thought. I had just finished high school with above average grades and was thinking of going to the University of Washington to become an architect. I enjoyed painting in an art class in high school, however I made some money drawing house plans for my uncle who would then build the houses with my dad's help. And so I thought that would be a good career choice.

But something changed that first night during a Youth Rally, in 1965, that lasted five nights. The church had a guest speaker, and I was sitting with a girlfriend along with about thirty others kids, plus some adults. After his sermon, which wasn't particularly stirring to me, the preacher asked if there was anyone interested in accepting Jesus Christ as their savior. My girlfriend raised her hand along with some other young people. I became convicted in my heart, realizing I had done nothing to influence her life for Christ because I had been totally self-centered. I too, needed to make a decision for Christ and so I did. I went down to the altar with the other young people. Then I confessed my sins and accepted Jesus Christ into my heart as my personal Lord and Savior. My thoughts and focus changed and I felt different and clean inside. I wanted more of God, and so a few nights later I was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues with my arms raised over my head for 2 hours as I praised God. (Both, humanly impossible). I was definitely different now, even though I didn't fully understand the significance of everything that had been and was happening. Even the other young people noticed a difference in me. All I knew was that I wanted more of God and His power to live my life for Him. After that I also wanted to read the Bible more as to know Jesus better.


I had enrolled at a Bible College a few weeks before the youth rally, because I needed another year of a foreign language so I could attend the University. I had never been to the campus before I applied. Nor did I have any idea of what a Bible College would be like, other than a place I thought the girls would be wearing long hair and dresses, and the guys would be carrying Bibles, and everybody desired to serve God in some capacity.

I was also surprised to be accepted, because I had lied on some of the application questions concerning my personal faith, fearing I would not be accepted. Even the pastor had approved my application. I was a little afraid about going, but now I was looking forward to it. Well, I was in for another surprise when I finally started at the little college of about 400 students. Not everyone was interested in serving God or was even a Christian, some had enrolled because it had been required by their parents for some reason. (Including if their child wanted their education paid for. The price was $300 per quarter plus books, if you lived on campus. Hard to believe, but that was 1965)

I enjoyed college even though it was a challenge, because now I wanted to do good and be honest, no cheating as I had done on some tests in high school. I especially enjoyed the Bible courses, but not the others basic courses required if I was to go to the University. Maybe I could do some church architecture as well as houses. But, God had other plans for me now that He had me there.

During the first quarter, my mother drove me the six miles to college. To get back home I either hitchhiked, walked or a friend drove me. The next quarter, I was finally able to buy a 56 Chevy, for $150, from the son of the college president. I paid for the car and all my school expenses by selling my paintings in art shows as well as painting houses for my uncle.

After I had completed my first quarter of school, God started dealing with me about the future. God had plans for me and the University wasn't in his picture. It seemed to me that he wanted me to continue where I was in the Bible School. But what was I to become if I stayed? Then God asked me if I was willing to be evangelist? After thinking it over for a while, I said sure why not, I loved talking to people about the Lord. Being His witness and traveling would be fun. So I informed the college that I would be continuing my stay there after the first year. I did well in all the Bible courses but I struggled with the other ones, and some of teachers just didn't appeal to me much. I also noticed the teachers all seemed to have their own slant on God and His powers which seemed strange to me. It was also disappointing to see that not everyone had a passion for Jesus.

During the next year (and some serious soul searching), God asked me if I would be a missionary? I asked what happened to the evangelist? No answer. I had heard many stories about missionary life, some good and some bad—if you lived through it, not to mention where you would live or what you would eat. Finally I said, "yes, I will go wherever you want me to go, I will be a missionary." A few months later God asked me if I would be a pastor? I replied, no way, end of conversation. From my observations, that was the most ungrateful calling a man could ever be placed in. Pastors did a lot of work, and poured out their hearts and got very little results.

I remember a particular incident with our pastor. Every Sunday morning and evening he would preached good messages. After the evening sermon he would invite the congregation to either pray in their seats or come down and pray for a while at the altar before leaving church. Almost everyone prayed, but after five minutes people would look up to see if anyone had moved yet, because you didn't want to be the first one to get up to go visit someone before leaving; you might feel a little guilty if you did. Within a few more minutes almost everyone was up and visiting one another. This went on for months until one evening after a heartfelt message, the pastor told the congregation not to bother coming down to pray if it were just for show, and to go home without talking to anyone and think about what he had said. Wow! The truth had finally been spoken.

To be continued.