To My Daughters

For my daughters,

Sweet girl, You are one. One whole person. You have a whole life and every bit of potential to benefit the world as powerfully as any other person. You are inferior to no one.

You are also unique. There is no other "one" who is just like you. This means that you are the only one that can fulfill the plan that God has for you. God created only one of you. No one else has the same set of gifts, qualities, that you have. There is only one of you.

As you grow, you will discover different types of friendships. However, besides your momma and me, there are two key relationships that will guide your life in ways too deep and lasting to even measure. Precious girl, I want you to get these two relationships right. If you do, your heart will be blessed with joy, fruitfulness, and you will be saved from immeasurable heartache.

The first is your relationship with Jesus Christ. Little lamb, you (and all of us) need a good shepherd. Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd, but He is also the One who created you. You belonged to Him before you belonged to momma and I. You will belong to Him for all time. We have had you memorize Psalm 23 at home... this is so you will have a reminder for the rest of your life that Jesus is your shepherd. You may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but if Jesus is your shepherd you don't need to fear... even when the journey is difficult and you have enemies that are fierce. Precious one, trust Jesus. Don't run from the good shepherd. He will treat you kindly. In the end, Jesus will lead you to a new home... an eternal home.

Second, one day you will also discover a longing in your heart for "the one" human friendship with a young man that will become a life-long partnership. This is a good desire. I'm talking about your future husband. However, unlike Jesus, people are not perfect and - if you are not careful - your heart could be lead astray.

When you enter this stage in life, please be patient. Even years of waiting, wondering, and trusting God to bring the right man are immeasurably better than any season that turns the path of your life away from the best that God has in His heart for you. Ask Jesus to guide you in all of your decisions and relationships. Trust the wise people who have loved you for a long time. Look to those that have succeeded at what you want for your life. Don't lightly disregard a warning from someone that has demonstrated faithfulness to you, they may see something that you cannot see.

Here are some things to think about when you consider a young man who has expressed interest in you. He must be willing (and able) to give you 100% of himself to match your 100%. If he offers less, then you will be unequally yoked... (when one is partnered to less-than-one.) My heart for you is that you would never experience a partial partnership. You are one who is worth ALL of another person to share life with. If he doesn't bring 100% to a 100% partnership... don't be part of it. In fact.... sweet girl... run quickly away. Your future joy and possibly your very life depends on it.

Also, If you are not willing to offer him 100% of yourself, guard yourself and do not dishonor him by allowing him to believe you might give him more.

If you find a young man that is drawn to you... and also drawn to another young woman... and another... and another... don't give away anything at all to him. He is divided... and you don't want division in your life. Division begins in a divided heart, and divides wherever it goes... offering less and less and less. 50% of a person multiplied by 100% of another person, gives back only 50%. If you only offer 50% of yourself to a person offering only 50% back to you; 50% and 50% multiplied only gives back 25%... when you multiply divided people, you get less, not more. You're way too smart to be doing that. The world will tell you it's ok. The world will say it's actually more. The world is telling you a lie. The world has a divided heart, so living by the world's values will only lead to division. Division always results in less.

You are too valuable to settle for less.

A 100% commitment is expressed, first, in the form of a wedding that takes place before God, your husband, and in the presence of your family and friends before it is expressed as a marriage. The public nature of a wedding brings a community of people around you to support both of you in an important commitment. A wedding demands a very public statement that must be honored. If he (or you) are unwilling to make such a public commitment before God and your community, then don't commit anything at all to that relationship. You will lose whatever you leave there.

Marriage is a one-way trip. Even in the sad cases that a marriage ends, there is no way to un-do the life that was shared by all who are touched by a marriage... marriage always involves more than just two people. It is never just about you.

When you (or someone else) gets something wrong... whether small or large, there is hope in Jesus. Jesus will redeem anyone who will repent, surrender to Him, and let Him lead them along the narrow path of life. Redemption is not something you can earn. Thankfully, you don't have to earn it. But you do need to trust and obey.

I want to see your life marked with wholeness. Wholeness is built around whole numbers. Those families start best with one whole person who is wholly committed to another whole person who is wholly committed back the first whole person. A partnership between two whole people who are following the Good Shepherd, results in ever increasing life for those two and everyone around them.

If you want to know how to live as one whole person, you must learn from the ONE whole person. That person is Jesus Christ. You can learn about Him in the Bible. The Bible tells us what living as one looks like for Jesus... and what it can look like for you. Learn from people that have walked with Jesus for a long time. They can help you quickly learn things that may have taken them many years to understand. It is a precious treasure to have wise, faithful, Christ followers to help you.

I want you to experience all possible joy in this life. I want you to pass wholeness on to your children (my grandchildren) and help others you know that have been divided to be made whole again.

True joy (and strength) is found in Jesus. Jesus is also the One that will establish wholeness in your life and restore it to people around you.

At the end of your earthly life, you will look back and see how every decision (large or small) and every experience directed your path in powerful and unexpected ways. Be patient. Look to the wise. Trust your Good Shepherd... and walk in confidence as the beautiful gift that you are.

Consider today what the God has put in your heart to gift to your children, your husband, the people whose lives you will touch. Don't let the world, or anything in it, cause you to settle for less. Leave a deposit of light, love, and joy wherever you go. Jesus will give you something good to share for every season.

In the mean time, I love you 100%. I am filled with joy to know that I can have a priceless treasure like you as my little girl. Each of you carry both beauty and power. I know the world will be blessed through you. Remember, you are loved.., today, tomorrow, and for always.

-Daddy

Reminders for a Rainy Day

After months of hot, dry, days the rain has returned. Maybe you aren't as short-sighted as I sometimes feel, but during those warm sunny days I know that Autumn is coming. Yet, in July, it feels so far away that it is hard to imagine driving that same road in the rain. Later in November, it seems equally like a dream to remember driving with the windows rolled down and bright sun at 7pm in the evening. I've spent 100% of my life in Oregon's annual cycle of wet, sloppy, winters and warm summers. You'd think I would have these natural, repeated, changes clearly set in my mind.... but I don't.

In a similar way, we find ourselves in different seasons of life. Some feel warm, dry, and bright. Especially at the start of those seasons, it is exciting to see new things sprouting up around us. Blossoms everywhere are not only beautiful but carry the promise of fruit later on. God is clearly good and doing big things! Yay God!

Then winter comes. Dark, cold, uncomfortable... windows rolled up against the driving rain... Winter. ... yay God?

There are two things I invite you to think on. First is an observation. The second one is a tool to use on dark and foggy nights... those times that you feel discouraged, worn, and sunshine feels so far away that it doesn't even seem real.

The observation.
Winter may not be comfortable, but it is a season of rest and hidden growth. It's the soaking winter rain (and snow) that builds up a store of water for the next growing season. Without the Lord's provision that comes from those dark clouds, there is not fruit in the next year. For deer, their gestation is through the winter months. There IS new life being carried deep, hidden, and safe during the dark season... soft spotted fawns will be birthed when the days are warm again. You can choose to be thankful for the season of rest, restoration, and hidden growth that is happening through the winter months. New, tender, life is all around you, but it is hidden, protected and safe.

The tool.
When your life feels like winter and warm days are a vague dream, speak simple truths. Speak them out loud. When you speak it out, it is easier to believe yourself, others may be encouraged and the enemy will be discouraged!

Here are a couple truths rooted in Scripture to get you going.

I am a child of God!
John 1:12 - "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:"

God will sustain me.
Psalm 3:2-6 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." But you, Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

I can come to God in confidence.
Ephesians 3:12 "in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him."

I have victory and hope because of Jesus. I have put my trust in Him.
Romans 8:31-34 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."

Finally, I'll suggest a short, simple, prayer that you can remember in your darkest moment.

Pray with me... out loud. "Jesus, I am loved. Help me to love."

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Victory in Christ is experienced as we walk in His truth and His love. Speak the truth out loud... so you can hear it. The people around you can hear it. You'll find it encouraging on your darkest day.

Soon, you'll love the rhythm of the wipers on your windshield as they remind you how the Lord is providing for a bountiful harvest in the coming season.

The Old Sailor

My friend Tom gets things right. Among the many things he's gotten right is recording an album of kids songs he calls "Pooh Songs." We listened to it for months at bedtime around my house. I've heard that Tom may even come out of retirement and go on a (very) limited world tour for his album.

Among the songs is a gem he calls, "The Old Sailor." Its a funny and poignant poem about a shipwrecked sailor that Tom has put to song.

You can read it below.... or listen to Tom's version HERE.

The bottomline message is that you might get nothing done if you don't commit to a single task. This is because your mind plays a trick on you. It has to do with "opportunity cost."

Opportunity cost is the thing that you don't do because you choose to do something different. i.e. If you mow your lawn, you aren't visiting a friend. If you are studying genetics then you aren't learning culinary art. The twist on this is that we tend to unconsciously perceive the opportunity cost of what we do inaccurately. When you have five choices and we decide on one of them, we tend to feel like we've lost out on the sum of all FOUR other options. This isn't true at all. We've actually only lost out on ONE of the other options. If you choose to make mac & cheese for lunch, you didn't lose out on cold pizza, and a peanut butter sandwich, and a can of sardines, and soup. You just missed out of one of those. (Yes, I'm aware that you could probably eat ALL of these for lunch... but who would actually want to?)

Another related term is the "Tyranny of the Urgent." You experience this when you run all day long and discover at the end of the day that you were responding to "squeaky wheels" all day, but never got around to putting fuel in the tank. "Squeaky" is urgent (and annoying)... but fuel? You won't get anywhere without fuel.

In Matthew 6:33 Jesus is recorded as saying, "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

When you feel stuck, try this;
1) Pause. Breathe, and then ask the Lord "What really matters today?"
2) Choose a task
3) Give yourself permission to lay everything else down for a specific amount of time.
4) Remind yourself that "Perfect is good, but done is better."

5) Know that God is bigger.

At an Outpost there's no end to the list of tasks, but there is an end to the day. It won't all happen today, but it's critical that something happens every day. I'm sure this is true for all of us.

"Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him." - Psalm 62:1 (NIV)

The Old Sailor [Tom's version HERE]
by A.A. Milne

There was once an old sailor my grandfather knew
Who had so many things which he wanted to do
That, whenever he thought it was time to begin,
He couldn't because of the state he was in.

He was shipwrecked, and lived on a island for weeks,
And he wanted a hat, and he wanted some breeks;
And he wanted some nets, or a line and some hooks
For the turtles and things which you read of in books.

And, thinking of this, he remembered a thing
Which he wanted (for water) and that was a spring;
And he thought that to talk to he'd look for, and keep
(If he found it) a goat, or some chickens and sheep.

Then, because of the weather, he wanted a hut
With a door (to come in by) which opened and shut
(With a jerk, which was useful if snakes were about),
And a very strong lock to keep savages out.

He began on the fish-hooks, and when he'd begun
He decided he couldn't because of the sun.
So he knew what he ought to begin with, and that
Was to find, or to make, a large sun-stopping hat.

He was making the hat with some leaves from a tree,
When he thought, "I'm as hot as a body can be,
And I've nothing to take for my terrible thirst;
So I'll look for a spring, and I'll look for it first."
Then he thought as he started, "Oh, dear and oh, dear!
I'll be lonely tomorrow with nobody here!"
So he made in his note-book a couple of notes:
"I must first find some chickens" and "No, I mean goats."

He had just seen a goat (which he knew by the shape)
When he thought, "But I must have boat for escape.
But a boat means a sail, which means needles and thread;
So I'd better sit down and make needles instead."

He began on a needle, but thought as he worked,
That, if this was an island where savages lurked,
Sitting safe in his hut he'd have nothing to fear,
Whereas now they might suddenly breathe in his ear!

So he thought of his hut ... and he thought of his boat,
And his hat and his breeks, and his chickens and goat,
And the hooks (for his food) and the spring (for his thirst) ...
But he never could think which he ought to do first.

And so in the end he did nothing at all,
But basked on the shingle wrapped up in a shawl.
And I think it was dreadful the way he behaved -
He did nothing but bask until he was saved!

Drawn and Quoted

Be thankful for the endless flow of amazing quotes flowing steadily across social media platforms. Frankly, we need the encouragement.

Iron Burger is the super hero alter-ego
of Chester the Cheeseburger (credit: Alex Russell)

However, not all quotes have the same level of amazing-ness... or credibility. "I cannot brain today. I have the dumb." - LOL Cat. "Anything I don't understand or can't do is stupid." - Doug Stanhope.

If you're going to have "amazing quotes" in your diet... choose well. Make room for the voices of those that have walked in deep truth and holy beauty. Seek out those who draw truth and love to light.

"Cruelty and wrong are not the greatest forces in the world. There is nothing eternal in them. Only love is eternal." - Elisabeth Elliot. (Matt 28:18 "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'")

What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. - St. Augustine. (1 Cor. 13:7-8a "It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.")

"Give me one hundred preachers who fear nothing but sin and desire nothing but God, and I care not a straw whether they be clergymen or laymen, such alone will shake the gates of hell and set up the kingdom of God upon earth." - John Wesley (Matt. 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.")

The most amazing ideas spring from a heart touched by, and inspired by, the Master Creator. Our kind Creator, composed a beautiful collection through some of His favorite people for us to return to, for truth, encouragement, and hope.

4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. 8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates....
... And maybe post them daily on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.... ;-)

Advertisers know the power of repetition. Educators understand the influence of ongoing effort. What  parts of scripture to you repeat? Where are you applying ongoing effort to sew scripture within your own heart and the hearts of your children?

... Not one should be lost.

P.S. ... just because it's fun... "Hanging is too good for a man who makes puns; he should be drawn and quoted." - Fred Allen (Proverbs 17:22  "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.") 

He will say, "Here I am."

This passage is worth experiencing individually, each of us alone with the Lord. So, I will make no additional comment.  

May the Lord bless you in His Word. 

Isaiah 58 (ESV)

“Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God. 3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. 4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the LORD? 6 “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? 8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. 9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, 10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. 11 And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. 12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. 13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the LORD honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; 14 then you shall take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Lay it Down

I recently spent time with some far away friends that I hadn't seen for a few years. It was a delight to spend multiple days fully-engaged in Jesus-focused conversation along with precious times of prayer and worship.

During this time away, the Lord seemed to highlight a passage in the Gospel of Mark. Mark 3:13 (NASB) - And He went up to the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him.

Right before this passage is a description of the massive crowds of people that were coming to Jesus from several cities. There were so many people that He had to sit in a boat away from the shore as He spoke in order to avoid being crushed by the crowds. You see, Jesus is good at everything... so everyone wanted Him. "Wow, Jesus, you're so smart will you be a professor at my college?" or "Hey everyone! Jesus just healed this person... if you want to be healed come to Jesus right now!" and other voices, even the demons would exclaim, "Jesus, we know who You are! You are the Son of God!" We read stories of Jesus multiplying bread, exposing the prideful religious leaders for what they were, and loving children. I bet Jesus was a really good carpenter too.

Right in the middle of being good at everything, Jesus up and leaves.

He walked away from being a good teacher, though the people needed to be taught. He wasn't around for some of the folks that wanted physical healing, even though He had the power to help. He didn't cast out every demon and he didn't fill silos with extra food. Jesus didn't bow to the demands of the world, even when they were rooted in actual need.

In Luke 5:16 we read, "But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness to pray." He was responding to the call of His Father to come and spent time together. The Father doesn't need anything, yet longs for time with the Son. Jesus, in turn, "summoned those who He Himself wanted" and beautifully, "they came to Him."

The demands of life are legitimate. You have a mission and calling in the world. Keep it up!

I wonder, however, do you ever hear the voice of Jesus calling you away? When you hear Him summoning, do you go?

It is often a difficult thing to walk away from real needs to spend time with the One that doesn't need you. May we be reminded that we go because we need Him. He longs for time with His daughters and sons whom He loves.

Come away frequently to meet with the One that you need. Find quiet time every day with the Lord. Seek His heart for yourself, and for those He has entrusted to you. It is in time with the Lord that you get filled up. Jesus knows the needs of the people you care for. He loves them too. 

Sacrifice isn't always in doing more of what you are good at. Jesus shows us that, at times, the sacrifice that honors Him is when you pause all the amazing things you do... and just spent time with Him.

How do you do this?

A) Treat time with the Lord with the importance it carries by creating a quiet place in your day. 

B) Don't fill up this time and space. Allow room for silence in your mind and heart. 

C) Quietly speak out the blessings and promises of the Lord. Recite a passage that comes to mind. 

D) Ask the Lord to reveal His heart to you, honestly share your heart with Him in prayer. 

E) Notice the thoughts and feelings the Lord places within you during this time with Him.


Matthew 7:9-11(NIV) 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Shelled

From guest blogger Chip North.

I was reminded this morning in my quiet time of something that's been on my heart.

Uncle Mike made this statement to me regarding our time of worship on Sunday, "You have really come out of your shell".

I thought wow, I did not realize I had been operating from inside a shell. As I thought about this I realized that prior to accepting the assignment for the first book study from Daniel a year or so ago I had been "in my shell". It was safe in there, comfortable, no one really

expected much from me there, I was "in control". Oh there were some other things in there with me I did not mention, fear of failure, past hurts, insecurity, disappointment in other believers especially church leaders and the regret of my own sin(s).

Well I submit to you my brothers that there was someone or something else that was in control. I was not trusting in the One that called me to repentance and cleansed me for a purpose. Eric nailed it last night when he talked about being saved to help others into the kingdom, not just warm a pew. I am paraphrasing but that is what I heard. This was the same thing we heard at our Local Church Conference last week, we need to be looking outward not inward. This is the same as the Great Commission, Go therefore and make disciples.......

I was created to worship Him! I was created with the exact mix of gifts and talents that God needed for me to complete the work that He wanted me to do. I have been in hog heaven outside the shell! I still have my doubts about my abilities and my own insecurities but I am more than willing to serve Him even if I make a fool of myself for my King. After all He died for me! He died for you!

So I pray for all of us that we apply Proverbs 3:5-6 to our walk today. If you are in a shell of your own. "Put down the books" to quote brother Tony. Cling to God like the robe we talked about last night

(Jeremiah 13:1-11), He has a good plan for your life! He wants to use US to bring others into His kingdom because He loves everyone. He has created us with the exact mix of gifts and talents to complete the work He has for us. He has a purpose in His mind. Trust Him to speak to you, listen for that still small voice. Show up for work brothers!


Serving with you,
Chip

Detox

My wife and I are in the middle of a family experiment. We have significantly altered our family diet... for a specific amount of time. Our family is eating "whole" foods and excluding a lot of things we would normally eat. We are watching how we feel and our children's behavior to see if there are any clear benefits. It turns out there are, but not what I expected.

About a week ago a bunch of my muscles went into rebellion and seized up. I've been in pain since then wondering, "What is going on?" I've come to the realization that I'm experiencing detox.

Your body can cope with a lot unhealthy things and keep moving forward pretty well. It does this by taking all the poisons and junk that it's not sure what to do with and stashing it away in dusty corners.... until cleaning day arrives. Detox is cleaning day.

Have you ever decided to clean your house and discovered that it got a lot more messy during the cleaning process? That's detox. Have you ever sought to right a wrong in a relationship and things seemed to get more wrong before they got better? That's detox too.

Detoxification is when the polluting process is reversed. The goal is to be clean... but the path to clean isn't a tidy path. Whether it's your garage, your body, or your relationships, when you make a commitment to detoxify, know that this process requires effort and will involve some discomfort. Getting it right is worth it.

When you are on a detox path....
- Put Christ first in all and listen to His guidance. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Set the right pace. Allow yourself (or a relationship) to be stretched.... but not torn.
- Focus on the basics; Keep your heart grounded in Christ, drink lots of water, consume good things (body and mind).
- Finish what you started - If you leave a bigger mess, you haven't completed your mission.
- Sooner is better than later, because a little detox is much easier than a big detox.

Your body, mind and your relationships will be joy-filled... and more fruitful.

Hebrews 12:2, NASB "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

1 Peter 1:22, NASB "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God."

Matthew 18:15, ESV "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother."

James 5:16, ESV "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Ephesians 4:32, ESV "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Imagine if...

We all know people on the edge.

Sometimes they appear on the edge of the conversation. We've each seen that person... and been that person. Standing near. Listening attentively.... but not quite in the circle. Picture this person. Who's face do you see?

Some people we know are on the dangerous edge of a cliff, or walking the narrow edge of indecision.   They may be making destructive choices in relationships and in life. They're not even sure they want to be saved because they're not sure they're worth it. Who is this person? Say their name right now.

There are also people on the edge of giving up.... which, perhaps, could also be the edge of reaching breakthrough. We know these people too. The good person that never seems to move forward. The gifted person whose talents go unrecognized and unused. You've felt their pain.... because you care about them. You know their name.

These are people we care about. Why would we standby and let them fade from the conversation, slip off the cliff, or stay stuck?

Imagine if your circle of conversation were a little bigger and how much richer it could be.
Imagine if the risk taker chose life instead of death, and left the edge of the cliff forever.
Imagine if the discouraged and weary person that has so much to offer found a family where they were received, celebrated, and encouraged.
Imagine if they were part of life at the Outpost.

Leave behind fear. Remember what's at stake. Call those on the edge into the circle. You have the power to change someone's life with a simple invitation. Who are you bringing to dinner?

The smell of the evening meal is hanging in the air. The fire is warm, the room is bright. The family is gathering. Come... don't leave anyone on the edge. All are welcome at the Outpost.

... that not one would be lost

"What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:12-14

Paul the Babbler

An observation that I've made is that the Lord's way often looks upside or backwards (or both!) when you are seeing it from a worldly perspective. That's because, if we are looking from the world's perspective... we are upside down.

When the Apostle Paul rolled into Athens... a few years back... Athens was no longer the peak of all civilization it had once been. But it was still an important place, especially if you liked to have ideas and think thoughts. Idea having and thought thinking was all the rage in Athens. The idea-havers and thought-thinkers would tell you they were pursuing ultimate truth. From what I read in the Book of Acts, I think they were deceiving themselves. They had long since confused actual, immutable, real, truth with very new zingy and trendy or really old and important sounding.

Acts 17:21 - "Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new."

The idea havers and the thought thinkers fell into two main groups (and lots of other smaller groups). There were the Epicureans and the Stoics (Acts 17:18).

The Epicureans basically believed that life is about what you feel... and because they weren't totally dumb... good feelings were better than bad feelings. So, if something felt good, that meant it was true-ish. Many of the Epicureans valued good food, good company, good humor, and good stuff. They wanted to keep from feeling too cold, or too hot... because neither feels very good.

The Stoics were basically very... stoic. Life is not about feelings at all. Life is about rational thought. You must follow reason and logic and remain completely unmoved by your feelings inside or your circumstances outside. (Something tells me there were more Epicureans running around than Stoics) The Stoics didn't even enjoy being stoic, the two founders of the Stoic school even took their own lives.

These two mindsets weren't new then and have continued on under many names and behind many defenses since Athens. They were upside down then... and they are upside down today. Both are deeply focused on self... and by extension leave little room for any real love.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 - History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.

Then Paul shows up.... and he carries a message of truth that IS different. To an upside down world, Paul's message sounds... totally upside down!  Some were saying, "What would this idle babbler say?" (Acts 17:18)

Paul, the babbling idiot, had come to tell how God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life. Paul explained that the Son he was talking about is Jesus... and the proof of the message is that after Jesus was unjustly killed, God raised Him from the dead. (Yes, this is an unprecedented event... which is why it is suitable proof of something happening that was totally unique.)

Later in his life, Paul sends a letter to some of the neighbors in that same area. He writes, “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." - 1 Cor. 1:18 When he wrote this, it could be that Paul was remembering when he was called a "babbler" by the idea havers and the thought thinkers of Athens.

Does the gospel seem upside down to you? Does the message of the cross of Jesus Christ seem backwards? If so, check your perspective. Are you standing in the world... or among those who are being saved?

After hearing Paul, the idea havers and thought thinkers said, "We shall hear you again concerning this." But it never happened. They didn't hear Paul again... perhaps they weren't truly listening in the first place. This is how the idea havers and thought thinkers of Athens missed out on the REAL truth.

The busy world of idea having and thought thinking can be a wilderness. In the wilderness, it's easy to get turned around, inside out, and upside down. Sometimes we may feel sure of ourselves or think that we are correct... and be walking away from the Outpost, instead of towards it. Being confident is not the same as being right.

... Maybe I'm just babbling...

John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.”

2017: Clarity

The word I've been seeing, hearing, sensing, and challenged by for 2017 is the word, "clarity."

World Magazine suggests giving
the gift of "Clarity" for 2017

It started popping up everywhere a few weeks ago. It seemed I couldn't get through a conversation or article without hearing that word spoken. In December, World Magazine chose that word - of all words - to be front and center on their sales wrap for an issue. Like.. give the gift of clarity for 2017. I was sent an article that spoke about the power and value of clarity. An email devotional referenced clarity as something important for the coming year. Yes. I believe it is.

That's a flickering image of what brought this word, circumstantially, to light. But what does this mean when our boots are on the trail?

The meaning of clarity for us this year is made more precise in a list of words that people I know have felt are significant; deliberate; diligent; unity; boldness; abundance; peace; redeemed; listen; and integrity. Each word carries it's own story and focus. As we move forward, I'll share more about what clarity means for life at the Outpost.

In addition to those words, there are passages of scripture and a picture that has meaning for this season. Second Corinthians chapter 5 recounts how Jesus came with a ministry of reconciliation and that ministry is for us as well. As Jesus' people, we have a ministry (read: we are to bring the gift of...) reconciliation. We are to be ambassadors for Jesus, drawing people back to the Father. Another passage is Psalm 91. Psalm 91 declares God's goodness, protection, and faithfulness in the midst of struggle. Psalm 91 tells us who God is... and invites us to join the original psalmist in making the same declarations.

Finally, a picture. A friend felt this impression put on his heart for this season. He saw a naval battle group in the ocean coming against a single naval re-supply ship of an opposing navy. The single ship cannot hope to stand against a battle group. We see this as a call to walking in greater unity - each person bringing their own gift for the benefit of the whole body. Every ship matters. Even the mighty battle group could not battle for long if there is no re-supply ship nearby!

This image of the navy is a lot like life at the Outpost. The Outpost would be a lonely, desolate, place... and definitely not a refuge if there were only one person living and working here. It takes a cohesive, committed, team to establish a place of refuge. It takes family.

Let's grow more clear together this year. Clear on who God is (Psalm 91); Clear on who we are (John 15:5 - I am the Vine, and you are the branches); Clear on what we are about (2 Cor. 5:16-21)


Not one should be lost...

Welcome to the Outpost

An outpost is an isolated or remote branch of some larger group. Whenever I hear that word, I picture a little group of log buildings at the end of a wagon trail and at the beginning of a great wilderness.

There is always a group of people that stay at the outpost. For them, the outpost is home. There is also a stream of people that come through the outpost. These people are trying to reach a destination beyond the outpost, but they will never reach their future home if they do not first reach the outpost. These people stay for a season… a day, weeks, or even years, but in due time they move on to their destination. 

Everyone who finds refuge at the outpost receives what they need to complete the next leg of their journey. However, these refugees bring something needed for the little community to both thrive and serve. You see, God cares for the people who call the outpost home and they have needs too. 

Sometimes, people at the outpost learn of one lost in the wilderness and in great need of help. The outpost assembles a rescue team to locate them and bring them to safety. We all know what it’s like to be lost. No one should be lost. 

Pedee is an outpost. For many, Pedee appears to be the end of the trail. But we know there is a dynamic community of pioneer-spirited people that call this area home… we are the residents at the outpost. Over the years we’ve seen a flow of people that come to and through Pedee Church; these people each contribute something and receive something during their time. This is the mark of a healthy outpost. Also, we know there are people who are lost in the wilderness around us… and each of us has been lost before. *

Jesus is our example. He came into the wilderness to seek and save the lost… you and me. Even more… He’s made us family. Now, Jesus sends us on mission. His mission, into the wilderness from our assigned outpost. That not one would be lost.** 

Welcome to the Outpost - On Youtube
* (1 Cor. 12:12; Isaiah 53:6)
** (John 3:16; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 3:9)