Be careful who you believe?

Everyone is talking, many claim to be experts, all claim to be truthful and concerned about me and my best interests. From news channel to news channel, from person to person, from church to church, everyone is talking. They all want my attention, my money or my help. In exchange they promise to tell me what is right.....what is the truth. To make it worse we want to follow these people, we idolize them and we believe they can do no wrong. We teach our children to like them to follow them and strive to be like them. If they win enough football games, sell enough books or attract enough people to a gathering, they must be righteous......right. "Woe to you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like white washed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." Matthew 23:27 We must test what we hear against the truth. The age old question....."what is the Truth"? The bible says that "my righteousness is like filthy rags". So don't take my word for it. Examine for yourself. Remember, to expose what is counterfeit you should study the truth and the counterfeits will be reveal themselves. Jesus said that He is the truth and Paul proclaims in 2Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God (breathed word of God), and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". Time and testing has proven that the Word of God is not only historically accurate, but it is prophetically correct. Feel free to continue to test it, try to prove it incorrect or inconsistent or ....Feel free to believe it. In either case you will find yourself in awe of God, because nothing stands up to be true like His word. When I decided to stop chasing the truth and simply receive it I found unexplainable peace. I no longer have to labor over who is telling me the truth. I met the Truth and now all that is false is evident. How do I deal with what I know to be a lie and keep my peace? I am still working on that....I just know that I must be patient.

Cleanup Continues

"We love Him because He first loved us." ~1 John 4:9-10

It has been six weeks since the devastating tornadoes struck western Mass. and the work continues. Thanks to our many generous donors and volunteer workers, Milestone Ministries has so far committed over 500 hours of labor and thousands of dollars to the relief effort. Our primary focus for our volunteers has been tree and debris removal in Springfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham, and Monson.We have been working with Springfield Christian Ministries Tornado Relief, a wonderful group that coordinates the need for cleanup, and dispatches the necessary crews to get the work done. We have also been responding to direct calls for help from folks we have met on this journey. 

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." ~ Acts 20:35

This week we were blessed to be a part of the Monson "Chainsaw Response Team" an incredible group of volunteers made up primarily of off duty firefighters from all over Massachusetts. On Wednesday we joined with more than 150 volunteers to clean up King Street, one of Monson's most ravaged neighborhoods. It was absolutely amazing how well organized we were. We had just the right mix of chain saw operators, heavy equipment operators, and labor to move and stack the logs, brush, and debris. By 7:00 p.m. Wednesday night King Street, although barren, was cleaned of all debris and fallen trees.

"But the salvation of the righteous is the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble." ~ Psalm 37:39

With our tornado relief fund we have been able to aid victims with transportation help, housing assistance, and equipment required for cleanup. This week we also purchased a Thomas Skid Steer Loader, a piece of heavy equipment that will allow us to move  logs, brush, and debris in a fraction of the time it now takes. Our generous donors can be assured that their contributions are being put to the most beneficial uses.

The work goes on. 

We will continue aiding those whose lives were changed due to the storms of June 1, 2011 until the need no longer exists.

Tornado of 2011 Now What

On June 1st Western MA was devestated by a tornado, the first in over 70 years.  The landscape of  Springfield, West Springfield, Wilbraham and     Monson has been changed for ever.  Those of us from Western MA who watched the tornado and it's aftermath on  television were stunned and amazed.  Those who were huddled in their basement holding on to their loved ones and praying were also stunned and amazed.  Stunned that in just a few moments much of their worldly possesions were scattered for miles and that their home was no longer on its foundation and amazed that they had crawled out of the rubble alive.

Watching the aftermath of a disaster from a distance will move you with emotion, but standing in the aftermath will bring you to your knees.

I am honored to be working with a group of Christian men, women and children from various churchs that spread out in work teams with chain saws, rakes and hearts for service.

Prepared with tools to cut trees, trim branches and rake debis I assended on the ravaged neighborhood believing that the "S" on my chest and the chain saw in my hand would actually make a dent.  But as I was driving through what remained of a neighborhood my "S" faded and my chain saw seemed as a spoon to empty the ocean.
I just stood in the rubble, took a deep breath to hold back the tears and dug in.   Sometimes the homeowners join in, sometimes they just stare with a blank expression.  They have been at this for days, often alone.

What do say as you stand with them in a pile of what  was their life?  "How are you"" seems foolish.  Should you ask them the same questions that they have already been asked many times? Should you ask, "how can I be of help"?  Sometimes in life there are no adequate words.  My Dad taught me that you shouldn't speak unless you can improve on the silence .....at this moment that is sound advise

I decided just to introduce myself and stand with them, often in silence, visually review the mess and start to work, just go ahead and start like I knew what I was doing.

The Bible also has sound advise for this situation, Paul said   "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep".  Romans 12:15  This was the scripture that kept coming to mind.  Often the victims wanted to tell you how lucky or blessed or fortunate they were to be alive and so, standing in the mist of their life you rejoice with them.  Often  you could see desperation and fear in their eyes so you just stand and weep with them. 

It's kind of like going to the wake of someone that you never knew.  You are among people who have suffered a loss looking at a life laid out before them but you have no connection to the death.  So you just weep with them.

I am glad to report that we did make a dent after all.  But it was not the "S" on our chest that made the difference.  It was the heart in our chest that had the most effect.  We cleared many trees and picked up tons of debris but often the most important thing we did was to show up.

Milestone has also been providing needed supplies to the hundreds of families who are now living in a shelter because their home was destroyed.  If you would like to help you can donate on line at http://www.milestoneministry.org/.  100% of your donation will be used for the victims....no fuzzy math.

You can also help with prayer.  Just pray for restoration and deliverance.  God will respond.

 

Are Crumbs Enough?

It is always exciting to sit at the banquet table, and on many occasions I have been blessed  to enjoy that abundance.  But I have come to learn that I can live well on the crumbs. My daily bread is often what was left behind or ignored by others...... and that is sufficient for me.

Her daughter was sick, "demon - possessed", and she would do anything to make her well.  She'd heard there that there was a Jewish man named Jesus passing through her town and  that He had been healing the sick and casting out demons. 

Could it be true that her daughter might finally be healed.  If only she could meet Him and beg  for help. What are the chances?  As a Gentile, to approach him would be bad for her reputation.  What would her friends and family think?  Even if her daughter was healed who could she tell and who would rejoice with her.  Who would believe her?  Surely she would be chastised and possibly expelled from her people and her church.  But this was for her daughter and she was willing to risk it all.

She cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, Oh Lord, Son of David, my daughter is severely demon possessed".   His disciples urged Him to send her away; "she is not one of us".  But He answered and explained that He was sent first for the lost sheep of the house of Israel and she was not among that tribe.

This persistent Mom could not be discouraged so she worshiped Him, saying, "Lord help me!"
He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs."
She pressed on, "yes Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."

Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire," and her daughter was healed from that very hour.

This story as noted in Matthew 15:21 is one of compassion, faith, desperation and a simple prayer.  This Mom knew that the crumbs would be enough.  "Lord help me"was her simple prayer.

She came to Jesus the same way that many people seek him;
- they have a need/problem beyond their own ability to solve
- they come to  cry out (worship), often out of desperation
- they have faith that He can help, but wonder if He will

I find it exciting that due to the cross our access to Jesus and His mercy, healing, compassion and deliverance has no restriction.  Regardless of who we are, what we ever thought about Him  or were taught about Him, He will still receive us.  A recovering addict once said these beautiful words to me, " when I got to the very bottom, my lowest point......Jesus was there."

About 24 years ago I reluctantly exchanged everything that I thought was important for just a few crumbs.  I am glad to proclaim that God responded.  Today my plate is full everyday..... with plenty to share.  For this I am grateful.  Alleluia.

Do What Matters

On June 4th My Father’s House was blessed by 16 wonderful folks from all over the region. They were loaned to us for the day while visiting Springfield for the New England Synod Assembly of the Lutheran Church. The results were stunning.  Our carriage house was painted, our flower gardens were refreshed, trees were chain sawed and best of all we had a great time. My thanks to all those who

participated.....you have been a blessing to us.

 

The stones cried out

The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen.  The Pharisees called Jesus from the crowd, "Teacher rebuke your disciples."  He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones will immediatly cry out."
This abridged verse from Luke 19:37 was like a whisper in my ear as I stood before the magnificence of God to snap this photo.
  It was difficult to hear anything above the sound of stones and sea crying out "Holy, Holy, Holy". 
Creation makes it easy for us to clearly  see the invisible attributes of God..so we have no excuse.  Paul says it best in Romans 1: 18 ~ 21, where he states that creation itself leaves no doubt of God's  love, beauty, righteousness and power.
Our God gave the sea it's boundries and stones their strength.  He placed the planets and saw to every detail in a rose.  Yet He states that you are more valuable to Him than all these things. 
He sent His only Son for your salvation.....everything else of the earth is disposable to God. 
Eternity is too long to be wrong, invite  Jesus into your heart today.

Restoration

"And may he be a restorer of life and nourishment of your old age".  This quote from the Bible's book of Ruth 4:15, was given to Ruth to encourage her when she conceived a child in her later years.  This child was named "Obed"  which means "servant".  Proof that it is never too late for God to bring new life and restoration. 

This is a photo of the carriage house located on our property at "My Father's House". (see us on facebook)  This building is 140 years old and while it does not look like much on the outside right now, restoration began to take place on the inside over 1 year ago.  Very soon the outside will be restored and this old structure will look as though it has new life, but the truth is that new life began on the inside in November of 2009.   Even though we are now adding a new roof, siding and windows, it is the 15 months of rebuilding the integrity of the structure that will matter most in a storm.

God promises us that He is a restorer.  No matter our age, situation, or sinful ways; God desires restoration in our life.  But, like our old carriage house, restoration begins inside where it is not always evident to the world.  When we give our heart to Jesus He will turn it from stone to flesh.  As he begins to restore our heart it will soon begin to radiate on our outside.

Giving our heart to Jesus is a difficult decision because we are afraid that He will force us to change.  The truth is, He does not have to force us.  The restoration of your heart will be a slow process not quickly evident from the outside, but you will welcome it because it comes with great joy.

The cost of restoration for our carriage house has been an expensive process.  The cost of restoration of our heart  is FREE for the asking.  Jesus has already paid the price in full (just look to the cross).   Now it's up to us....if we just ask him to come into our heart and life.  He will forgive us instantly and our joy will be restored.

As long as we have breath it's never too late for restoration.