Confirmation that God had chosen Sally Jo to be my wife. #9

Becoming a medical doctor was the logical choice: My father was a doctor and my older brother was in medical school. Sally Jo knew I planned to be a doctor.

A week before the Christmas vacation of my junior year of college, I asked Sally Jo if she would become my wife. She said “yes”! The next week she headed to Alaska where her brother was in the military. She had a great trip…including skiing at Alyeska. She skied! I drove a USPS truck delivering packages!

While Sally Jo was on her trip I made the tentative decision to switch from going into medicine to going into the ministry. This was a huge shift for me…and I really did not know how I should tell her about the change in my thinking – or how she would respond!

When she returned we had dinner together at an excellent restaurant, and somewhere during the evening, with knots in my stomach, I asked “What would you think if I decided to go into the ministry instead of medicine? Sally Jo quickly came back with:

• “What caused the sudden change?”


• “Do you think you are tactful enough?”


• “Didn’t you know…I have always wanted to be a minister’s wife?”

My heart came out of my throat…my heart started beating – fast!
“Let’s go back to the question: “What caused the sudden change?”

Such decisions are seldom sudden. Three factors led to my somewhat tentative decision.

• For two years I was the paid tenor soloist for the First Presbyterian Church in Oak Park, IL. The beautiful stone church had stained glass windows, a great pipe organ…and good music. The minister, Dr. Watermulder, spoke each Sunday morning for 20 minutes. When he was finished, I got his point! At the end of the service he stood at the door in his black robe and, looking each person in the eye, he shook their hand firmly. One night a week he played basketball with men from the church. I was impressed. The ministers I knew generally spoke for 30 minutes…and to me, either did not make a clear point or what they said seemed irrelevant to my life. Their hand shake was anything but firm…and if they had tried to play basketball? Out of the question! Dr. Watermulder was a minister with whom I could identify.


• While delivering USPS packages with my crew of peers, who had not grown up in the Christian faith, over our bag lunches we would talk. One young man in particular asked me the most basic questions about the Christian faith/life. One evening he asked if I would tell his girl friend what we had talked about. The story of Jesus Christ was totally new to them. This was a thrilling challenge for me.


• The pivotal point for me occurred when Mr. Garret Groen, a lawyer I knew, said he would like to talk with me. We set up a time, and I walked the two blocks to the beautiful Groen home. The living room ceiling went up like the front of a ship…perhaps 15-20 feet, and the sides of the “bow” were glass. It was in this setting Mr. Groen said ”Chuck, I cannot get it out of my mind: I think you belong in the ministry, not medicine. I would like to challenge you to bring to people the best product in the finest packaging. So often Christ is presented to the world in shabby packaging.”

God had been preparing me for my meeting with Mr. Groen, just as He had prepared Sally Jo’s heart for my question. Sally Jo’s response finalized my decision: I would go into the ministry.

Are you open to having God change your plans? To become a Sunday School Teacher, change your work patterns, change job, become a foreign missionary, change giving pattern, to present Jesus Christ in better packaging?

Remember: If we desire to live In Partnership With God, we must follow His written instructions and His leading.

IPWG - EXTRA - e-mail response - struggle with what God allows to happen - 3 pg response to e-mail received.

Chief,

…..I wish I could honestly say something like 'but God is good,' but this is a hard place to be. Not that I'm doubting, I have seen too much of grace and power to doubt. But I'm questioning, because this isn't good. It is hard. And it probably won't end or get easier until mom is gone. And she'll leave two high school girls behind, one of whom has questioned 'mom, don't leave me like my Chinese mother did' (she was adopted at 4). God gave my parents, during a trip to china last fall, a vision of service to orphans there- what of that?” That looks pathetic to read. It's where I am- and I covet prayer (the ability to pray) and peace.

........

(My response: I am completing this after spending 3 days with Nancy – with whom we have been close friends since 1968. Nancy went through a tough divorce situation…and then soon had to watch her sister die of breast cancer. Sometime after her sister died, Nancy married her sister’s husband – and 10 years later she found out that she had breast cancer…”cured”…and then five years later learned she had pancreatic cancer. After radical surgery and chemo she has lived 2 years – but the battle is very close to over. The day after we returned home I spent two hours with Jan…another close friend of ours. She could die very, very soon. Both of these women – and Shelley Schenkel, whom I will write about in the following, have demonstrated an internal peace…smiles of contentment, of joy.

Bart and Nancy have both read what I have written and both feel it is true. Bart’s actual response: “With certainty! You have clarified the "Big" picture well and the story of my journey fits that picture. Hurting people need to know how (like others before them) to work through tough parts of God's perfect provision in their life. It's a journey that always comes before the answers. Bart”}

Dear........
Through out your life you will have many unanswered questions. I certainly do. But this is where faith comes in...and, to some degree tested. I have learned so much from Bart Schenkel and his kids. For seven years they cared for Shelley -mom/wife - hoping against reasonable hope that Shelly would be healed. And she died....

Bart said to me over the years..."I must have faith, for if my faith fails me now, what good is my faith? He has also said several times...."There is no point in asking why". Does this mean that Bart did not suffer? When things got too much for Bart, he would get on his bike and peddle and go and go...with the tears flowing down his cheeks –Then Bart would regroup...and go back to his role of husband, caregiver, and father - seldom able to leave their home.

Sally Jo and I new Shelly for several years before the tumor began to grow – continuing to visit with them during the years before she died. Though her body slowly broke down, her spirit, her joy did not! Shelley was given peace that passed all understanding...she radiated joy, even when she could barely be understood - or walk. Bart and the children also reflected this peace that passed all human understanding.

Six weeks after the memorial service Bart was in our home and said…”I must trust God…one thing that cannot be shaken is my faith in God” This sounds like Job: “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” Job 13:15

How does this happen to the believer? Satan is a very powerful force in this world. God does not cause pain, but Satan is continually pulling on God's people. And we are caught in a tug of war. Satan desires that we turn from God...and turn to him! The Bible, God’s word, begins telling of Satan and his power…and our human weakness.

Why God took his protective hand off Job (except to protect Job's life) it is difficult to understand. In time God did restore to Job what he had lost...and more (that is if it is possible to replace one person with another). Today we look back at Job's "story" and have many more insights than Job had as he went through his earthly "hell". And today we are, at least I am, encouraged by Job's story. God did not forsake Job.

In many ways Job was like Jesus, for Jesus had everything stripped away from him - except God's ability to raise Him from the dead. For the disciples, it was incredibly difficult time - watching while Jesus suffered and died. It just did not make sense...until 40 days later.

When pastor of the little country church in Bakerville, CT. Billy Warner died...very suddenly of a brain aneurism/ hemorrhage - pain and death within a couple hours. I remember the evening only too well. Linda and Billy had 2 children with # 3 on the way.

I remember holding Linda the night before the funeral. We stood together on the small porch with northern lights above in the sky. I could feel the unborn child between us...Linda was devastated...we all were! I remember her saying...”once you have had candy, it is so hard to live without it “. Billy was an outstanding young man - I could go on and on about my experiences with him.

Everyone, not only in the church, but in the little farming community knew Billy (area had only a blinking yellow light, a small gas station and the church). We all knew his parents, his family. Billy's dad was a farm worker, living in a very small house on Hal Glowsky's farm. They turned to me to pick out the casket. There was almost no insurance money...it was tough on all of us in the church – and in the community.

Two days later we had the funeral. The 200 seat church was jammed with people standing in every spare inch. I remember saying - "Billy died in the Lord - he is now in heaven because Jesus Christ was his Savior....etc. and then I went on....None of us can ever say we have not been warned! Death can come to us at any time." Billy was 28 years old…I was 28 years old.

The impact upon our little church was incredible...a turning point in the lives of many people....a lasting impact. Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord, was invited into many hearts - seen in many lives.

Some time later I had the privilege of being the minister for the wedding of Linda and John Sear. John had been Linda's boyfriend in high school - gone into the military...had never married. John was another incredibly wonderful husband for Linda. I have the very large saw blade from Billy's firewood saw (turned by belt from power takeoff of tractor) hanging on our barn...a thank you gift from Linda and John.

Back to Shelley Schenkel. Shelley died just over three months ago. It will be interesting to see the impact of Shelley's physical death upon the congregation of which she had been such an active part, to whom she had been an incredible servant. At the memorial service several told how Shelley had shared the message of Jesus with them. She had walked with many others through very tough times. Shelley has gone to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The final chapter has not yet been written.

Bart said to one of his daughters...”Oh that the Lord would have taken me!” And his daughter responded, “Dad, no offence, but if you had died it would not have had near the impact that mom's death did”.

Where I really struggle personally – with how the love of God plays out is when I look at the suffering of Christians in other countries – starvation, rape, murder, etc. These are the best answers I have found for myself to this point in my life.
Regardless of the hell people live through on this earth – God’s people know God’s presence.

• It seems that the closer the people are to God…the more they experience His presence.


• The greater the trauma, the greater the tragedy, the greater the experience of God’s presence.


• The length of our lives here on earth is proportionally tiny in comparison to the length of our presence in eternity.


• When we read that all things work together for good, for those that love God, for those that are called according to his purpose ….the Lord must have in mind life on earth AND in eternity. How else can I make any sense out of :
  
  Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
  
  Ephesians 6:20 “Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
  
  James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Our God sees the total picture…He is the Alpha and Omega….He knows the beginning and the end! We must never forget this. God sees the total picture. God is all loving - of others as well as us. I do not think our physical comfort is of great concern to God.

When (not if) we are caught in an incredible struggle, let us hang on, in faith believing, that God knows what He is doing ...and we do not need to know, we do not need to understand. God is God…His ways are not our ways. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”. Isaiah 55:9

Someday we will see our Lord face to face. God knows this and He knows He has nothing to be ashamed of. Oh to hear Him say at that moment...”well done good and faithful servant!” And He may then explain to us our unanswered questions...or He may not. I have not yet had that experience.

I love you ...., you know this...in fact I have tears flowing down my cheeks as I write this. Life on earth can be incredibly tough! - for some, their entire life seems to be tough

God is loving and faithful...yes...even now - with your bewilderment and intense personal frustration and pain. I know this ...even as I ache over situations in my life.

If we do not hang onto the truth that is taught in the Bible over and over again, what good is our faith? We would have a God led false hope...and we do not!!!

HEB 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.

And this final thought. If we become bitter against God…how can we know the joy of living In Partnership With God? How can we any longer be of use to our Heavenly Father? How can we have the comfort that He says the Holy Spirit is here to bring us? “when the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father” John 15:26 KJV

And, let’s face it; people on earth do not want to be around a bitter person. We must work through our pain, even if the only resolution becomes…”I just do not understand” and then we get on with our lives. We can remember loss… but we cannot hang on to it, acting as if it did not happen. This process will take time, but we dare not drag it out!

And yes, the loss, the struggle will come back to us. Recently I had a dream about what happened to me, to our family, 26 years ago. I had thought the inner pain, the reality of the unfairness was gone…I was wrong. I was totally surprised! I thought I had forgiven – and I think I have…but this does not remove all of the pain. Life is sometimes incredibly unfair…ugly if you will – as the direct result of sin. We must acknowledge this reality and not abandon the great reality of God’s love. We must move our focus from the one to the other.

chief chuck

A Good Wife…Chosen for me by God #8

Sally Jo and I attended a 200 student Christian high school: Wheaton Academy. The school had both “town” and “boarding” students. We lived in town and during my senior year I often had permission to use a family car. Sally Jo and I would double date, and our dates were dorm students. After we took our dates back to the dorm, we would drive the 6 miles back to Wheaton. That ride began to take longer and longer. After a several months we realized we did not need to drive to the Academy to pick up our dates. I would drive the three blocks to Sally Jo’s home…and we would head out for a great time together.

We slid into our relationship. There was no thought, I assure you, that we were dating because we believed it was God’s will for our lives. None! We wanted to be together.

Sally Jo spent 16 summers at Hills Lake. While living on the South side of Chicago her mom and dad purchased a summer cottage…complete with an out-house in the garage and a pump at the kitchen sink. Each June, her dad would take her mom and the four kids up to the lake for the summer, and he would drive the six hours to be with the family each weekend - and then for two weeks each August.

At “Hoppe Pine Vista” Sally Jo learned to swim, row, fish and clean fish, canoe, water ski – and to take her baths in the lake. She had summer friends - and school year friends. Sally Jo learned to live in two very different worlds…comfortably.

During grade school Sally Jo’s family built a home in Wheaton…and indoor plumbing arrived at the cottage. While in college I had many wonderful days with the family at the lake – learning the world which was so much a part of her life.

Twenty years later we were living in Texas…and each June I would take Sally Jo and our three children to Sky Ranch for the summer. Through the week I lived in Dallas, where Sky Ranch had its primary office…and each Friday I would drive to the ranch to be with our family for the weekend. Twenty seven years later we moved together each summer to Deerfoot Lodge – a wilderness camp for boys. Sally Jo already had the pattern of moving each summer to the lake…and for her to have running water and a hot shower in our cabin was luxury! God had prepared Sally Jo well.

Did Sally Jo and I choose each other…or did God engineer the whole thing? Or both? While we were dating the 5 ½ years before we got married I do not remember thinking that God had prepared Sally Jo to be my wife. I do remember struggling through many differences/challenges during those years – and wondering…”is this the girl I should marry?” Today it is easy to see God’s careful preparation for the work He would give us to do…together. For 45 years we have worked together at Living In Partnership With God. Always easy? Are you kidding? But…God has blessed us, used us beyond what we could ask or think.

Remember how this relationship began – no more planned by us than I planned to go to Pioneer Camp in Canada at age 9 – or prayerfully chose to work on a farm, or wash pots and pans for Young Life, or help build a house in Costa Rica.

May it be that when I say to a girl, `Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, `Drink, and I'll water your camels too'--let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." -- Genesis 24:14

Seek to live your life pleasing to God – and smile!

Spring Vacation Work Week - I was the cook! #7

It was spring vacation and snow was still on the ground at Honey Rock Camp in Northern Wisconsin. Coach Chrouser had taken several of us teenagers for a work week. Coach was the camp's founder, Athletic Director at Wheaton College, and my craft instructor during Christmas vacation several years before.

We used the outhouse as the camp water system had not been turnd on for the summer. My friend, Dave, was one big boy...and when he stepped on the outhouse floor...down he went! We heard his desperate call for help - and went running. We found Dave hanging by his hands...and started laughing so hard it was a challenge to pull him out - before he was into a really significant problem!

Coach decided I should be the cook for the week...in between my other work. Each morning he would talk me through the menu and tell me how to prepare the simple, but excellent, food. We worked hard, ate well, and laughed much as we worked getting camp ready for the coming season.

Each of us knew that we were important to Coach, and we learned that his high expectations of us were a demonstration of this relationship. With Coach we always learned new skillls - and that we must do our work well.

When we made a mistake under Coach, if we had done our best, we were encouragedd, received further instruction and we continued on with our work. When we did something wrong becaue we were lazy, or because we "broke the rules", we were soon reminded of the fact...very explicitly, very intensely. When he was sure we realized the folly of our ways ...we never heard about the incident again. Coach never changed - we did! It was a privilege to work for and with Coach Chrouser.

When we invite a person to work with us on a project for which they lack the necessary skills and/or self confidence, the person is almost always pleased we thought they could handle the resonsibility - even if they say "no thanks". Our challenge is to match the person with the right opportunity through which they can learn and succeed. When beginnning a new responsibility, the person needs to know what is expected of them and that they will receive the necessary instruction/coaching. And then encourage...praise...thank! As the person grows into more of what the Lord would have them be, the person feels good about themselves - and appreciative of the person who gave them the opportunity to grow. (NEVER dump work you do not want to do on an unsuspecting person!)

Coach showed me that I could do more than I througt I could through the Christmas vacation craft program a few years before. And so if Coach said I could cook for 8 people, I believed I could...with his help. Coach would not let me fail! Soon I was cooking on the trail at Honey Rock, and a few years later I cooked for 200 college athletes.

When we have the opportunity to work or play with a person who has more knowledge/skill than we do, we should welcome the opportunity. When we have the opportunity of having someone work with us - planting a garden, repairing a car, leading a Bible study, teaching a class, building furniture or a log cabin, painting a barn, preparing a nice meal - let us welcome the opportunity to teach, to encourage, to buid up one of God's special people. This is part of living In Partnership With God.

Think through the things that Jesus did alone...it will not take you very long!

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land." -- Psalm 41:1-2

Decision Time: “I will be God’s Man” #6

I think I was in Junior High School when I first heard someone share these words of a shoe salesman, Dwight L. Moody: “The world has yet to see what God can do through a man totally yielded to Him. By God’s grace I will be that man.” I thought, very consciously, that if God could use Dwight L. Moody in amazing ways, he could probably use me.

This is where the journey began. This decision did not improve my grades, or change who I was. Through my high school and college years I desperately wanted to be elected to some office – it never happened.

When I made the decision that I wanted to be God’s man, I knew little of what “God’s man” meant, or about how to become one - other than to read the Bible. (I still have the Bible) And so almost every night before I turned out my light I would read one chapter in my Bible, and work at doing what the passage said. Many times the passage said nothing to me! Other times the implications of the passage for my life were very clear…and often I would clearly miss God’s standard. I was no saint, but this pattern proved to be enough to get me started in becoming “God’s man”.

If we seek to be God’s man, to live In Partnership With God, we will live in a counter culture. God’s people must swim against the current of society – until we get to heaven. Fact. Matthew 7:13 puts it this way: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”.

As we seek to live In Partnership With God, we must always remember that we will continue to sin – to make wrong choices – and we will often feel very frustrated about our own failures. At such times we must not forget that Jesus Christ died on cross that these sins could be forgiven. What is critical is that we repent/turn from our sin and ask for the offered forgiveness. We then begin again, with a clean slate, to work at living out our decision to be God’s man.

Many times at Deerfoot during the After Breakfast Bible Study I would ask two big, strong staff to come stand next to me. I designated one as God…the other as the Devil. Each took one arm - the challenge was to pull me in their direction. The direction I would go was my choice. If I pulled toward “God”…the “Devil” had no chance. If I pulled toward the “Devil”, I could move in that direction.

“I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back."

And what is your decision?

A Great Man…a simple craft program…a lasting impact! #5

Whereas I was not a great student, I was pretty good with my hands – and my parents did everything they could to build upon this strength.

I think I was 12 (56 years ago!), when, during Christmas vacation, I went to a craft class taught in the basement of the Wheaton College Graduate School. The room was set up to do leather, plaster, cooper tooling, perhaps candles – probably through out the year. The room was not very big; the lighting was not very good.

The bright light for me in that room was Coach Chrouser, who taught the class. Every day he helped perhaps fifteen of us make Christmas gifts for our parents. We could choose what we wanted to make…and he would then work patiently with us.

I vividly remember making two plaster casts of the head of a Cocker Spaniel with which I would make book ends. When I had finished my work, Coach came over and asked if I would like him to help me finish up my project. And he took my plaster casts, already covered with brown paint, and with his magic hands, transformed my crude efforts into beautiful work. On Christmas morning I was incredibly proud of the present I could give to my parents.

Years ago I brought the members of my junior high Sunday school class to my wood working shop and helped each make a beautiful Christmas present of their design for their parents. I remember that Ken built a book shelf; another turned a bowl on the lathe, etc. I was passing on my experience to a few great young people, some of whom were struggling as I had been. The young man who built the book case still lives in our town, is married and has 3 children. Recently Ken came over to help me build a new work bench in my expanded wood shop.

I am sure Coach had no idea of the long term impact that he had – that he would continue to have upon me. (You may read more details of some of this in the months ahead) “Coach” started Honey Rock Camp for Wheaton College – where I was a camper, maintenance worker, counselor, unit leader, waterfront director, and tripping director/assistant camp director. It was for Honey Rock that I earned my American Red Cross Canoeing, Sailing, and Water Safety Instructor certifications. Coach was the head football coach at Wheaton College when I played on their undefeated football team. After I injured my back and we knew I should not play football again, Coach asked me to become the head cook for the two week football/cross country/soccer camp – and I was asked back the next year!

Apart from Sally Jo, and my mom and dad, Coach Chrouser was the person who has had the greatest impact upon my life.

We do not need to seek opportunities through which we can share interests, encourage, and perhaps in time, disciple and mentor. As we seek to Live in Partnership With God, He is bringing these people into our lives. The challenge is to take the time to be God’s instruments of change.

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” -- Matthew 25:40

Why Did God Not Touch Me? #4

As a child/young person I knew the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel, Gideon, David...I had heard people say…God spoke to me. I had been taught Matthew 7:7-9 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?"

 

And so, believing what I had been taught, I asked God to reveal Himself to me.  "Lord, touch me, shake my bed…do something now!"  Nothing!!!  Yes, I was disappointed – confused.  What was wrong with God, or with my relationship with God?    

 

Now I have a few ideas as to why God did not meet my request.  When Jesus was teaching a large crowd on a hillside, He told the story of the beggar Lazarus who, when he died, went to Abraham's side in heaven.  And the rich man who continually ignored Lazarus went to hell. The rich man can see Lazarus next to Abraham and he urges Abraham to send someone to earth to warn people.  Abraham replied: "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." Luke 16: 20 -31

 

The Bible provides many examples of the reality of God: water in the desert, Daniel in the lion's den…Paul wrote: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:18-20

 

I knew the stories of God's miraculous "activities" recorded in the Bible.  I had come to believe that our physical world with its plants, animals and people did not just happen.  Deep down I had no question as to the reality of God. 

 

What I wanted was a personal demonstration by God of His reality.  If God had physically touched me, would I expect God to do whatever I asked?  If God did whatever I asked, would He be God?  And what would happen to my pride?  What would other people expect of me?

 

I have read about many miracles…and been a part of many miracles…like my going to Pioneer Camp.

I cannot think of one miracle God has done for the sole purpose of demonstrating that He could "do a miracle".

 

Every miracle in the Bible was to meet a specific need – Noah/flood, parting of water, Daniel in lion's den, calming storm, healing people… Through miracles God meets specific needs – and in the process demonstrates His reality. 

 

As we seek to live as God's children, as His friends, may we be able to say with Mary: "I am the Lord's servant." Luke 1:38. Our challenge is to trust him through our fears; thank him in our joys.  I do not always meet this challenge, but this does not change the fact that God is real and that God desires to treat each of us as individuals – to accomplish His purposes – while meeting our real needs. 

 

When God needs to work through a miracle, God shows that He has the ability.   God did not feel the need to shake my bed…and He was right.  Even without the bed shaking I have trusted in the God I cannot see.

God Had Plans For My Future #3

I was 9 and 10 years old when I was a camper at Pioneer Camp, a place I loved, even after 6 weeks each summer.

When I was asked to become the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge, 1982, my father began telling me stories about the camp. He had been on the camp staff (1931-2) while preparing to be a medical doctor on the mission field. DL was just beginning: 12-16 campers each session. My father told me about the program, and he told me wonderful stories about Dad Kunz, the founding Director. Dad Kunz was a very special person to father –who was a teenager when his father had died.

When I became the Director of DL, I had only seen the camp once – on a bitter cold, snowy winter day! The following June I arrived at camp three days after our family had moved to New York from Texas. Jeff Littauer was opening camp – there were no work weekends. The only staff member I knew well was Jeff – who served as Guide leader that summer. I had met Dave Naysmith at his home. Nay had been at DL perhaps 15 years, and he knew the program and the staff very well. Nay helped me select a few good men from the previous summer’s staff – Dean Dover, as head cook, was a key carry-over person! Charlie Karner agreed to come for several weeks to head up maintenance. These staff members patiently helped me get up to speed.

By the time campers arrived I felt very much at home: the program and the organizational structure seemed very familiar to me. The physical setting was very much like I had enjoyed at Pioneer. Soon I learned Dad Kunz had spent several weeks at Pioneer Camp – he wanted to learn the program and organizational structure of an excellent Christian Camp. I was camper in 1948-49. Dad Kunz was there before 1930.

The Lord had prepared me to become the Director of DL…just as he had prepared Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Paul, and many others – before they had a clue how God would use them. Between attending Pioneer Camp and becoming Director of DL God continued to prepare me for DL. I had no clue what was coming.

Moses did not choose his parents, to be put into the river, to be found by Pharaoh’s daughter, to be raised by his own mother and to live in Pharaoh’s palace. When he killed an Egyptian, he did not know that his actions had been observed by a Hebrew, and that he would have to flee for his life to the desert where he lived for 40 years. God knew - and orchestrated Moses preparation to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Look back on your life. Can you see how God prepared you for what you are doing? Please do not try to figure out how He is preparing you for what is to come! Be confident that if you desire to be In Partnership With God, He is continuing to work out His plan for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11

IPWG: an observation and introduction of “EXTRA”

Observation: Each Monday Morning I will continue to share my story, chronologically, and how I have experienced God working for me, in me, through me. I am now writing the IPWG you will receive in about 12 weeks. As I work, I am observing that my experiences are moving from where I have been primarily the receiver…to where I am primarily one of God’s agents of change.

As you observe this, see if this has not been your experience as well. I know at least one of you is reading the Monday IPWG to their children - this could be interesting for you to point out to them.

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EXTRA – an introduction. I have come to realize there are times when I would like to share with you thoughts which do not fit into the normal pattern of the Monday Morning edition of “In Partnership With God. When I do this, the EXTRA will only come mid-week and will be identified: IPWG EXTRA – then the topic…then how many pages the attachment has. Here are two examples of what the “EXTRA” may be like.

1. My e-mail response to a specific e-mail.

“Chief, I wish I could honestly say something like 'but God is good,' but this is a hard place to be. Not that I'm doubting, I have seen too much of grace and power to doubt. But I'm questioning, because this isn't good. It is hard. And it probably won't end or get easier ….
That looks pathetic to read. It's where I am- and I covet prayer (the ability to pray) and peace.”

When I include people in a specific way, if there is any question as to whether it is OK with them, know that I have their specific approval to include them in the e-mail – they will have read the e-mail I will be sending to you. An example being that I write about Shelley Schenkel’s brain tumor and eventual physical death.

Here is Bart’s response to my question.
“With certainty! You have clarified the "Big" picture well and the story of my journey fits that picture. Hurting people need to know how (like others before them) to work through tough parts of God's perfect provision in their life. It's a journey that always comes before the answers. Bart”

My response to the ache of this Deerfooter is 3 pages - it took many hours to write. It is long - but very much shorter then the 250 pages of “When God Doesn’t Make Sense” by James Dobson. (This book was written in response to a plane accident in which four of his friends were killed – their color picture is the only picture in the book…and the accident is never mentioned. I was a very close friend of one of the four…and knew one of the others). . Philip Yancey wrote 278 pages - “Where Is God When It Hurts?” – the same basic topic. Both are excellent books!!

2. A reality or thought I would like to share, speak to. “The Power of God’s Word” was triggered by my reading an article in the current Leadership Journal (Volume 29, Number 1) – which is published quarterly by Christianity Today. The sub-title of Leadership is “real ministry in a complex world”. I share a personal experience of seeing the Power of God’s Spoken Word when read without comment.

Again, I welcome your e-mail comments - Be candid!
Chief chuck

Summer Camp….a life changing experience! #2b orig.

My mom and dad realized that school was hard on me. I was not doing as well as most kids in the class….though I remember Henry was a much worse reader than I was. I loved to be outside, often playing in the woods behind our home. Occasionally our family went swimming together at the public pool – Dad was able to teach me to swim quite easily.

Mom and Dad, realizing what my interests and abilities were, registered my brother, Dick, and me for Pioneer Camp in Port Sidney, Ontario, Canada. It was a boy’s camp on a private lake. Dad drove us up to Pioneer where we were campers for six weeks – I was 9, Dick was 11. We returned the next summer for 6 more incredible weeks.

It was at Pioneer that I swam my first mile – and learned the different swimming strokes. This was where I learned to canoe, and worked almost daily toward perfecting the canoeing strokes. Nine years later I was the canoeing instructor for Honey Rock Camp in Wisconsin, and co-taught a canoeing course for Wheaton College.

As my skills grew, so did my self confidence. Frequently I would be taken out of rest period to help set up for the water Olympics and to help in other ways. Over and over again I remember feeling special…

But there were some tough experiences too. One night I had diarrhea…rushed out of our tent, down the platform stairs…and felt the….sliding down my leg inside my pajama bottoms. I took care of the mess myself, and was very glad my counselor never woke up. It was a night I will never forget!

One summer my counselor’s name was Mitch. I remember him teaching our cabin that we were to put on the whole armor of God. He taught the lesson with flannel graph and as Mitch put the armor on the soldier, we talked about the significance of each piece of armor. Today Deerfooter’s sing: “O Fight the Good Fight Likes a Soldier, put on the whole armor of God! The belt and the breast plate and helmet, the shoes and the shield…”

Ephesians 6:10-18 provide a summary of the means Christians have to fight the evil powers of this world -
the evidence of which we see around us, often find living within us.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…

• Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist
  
• With the breastplate of righteousness in place
  
• Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
  
• Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
  
• Take the helmet of salvation
  
• The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
  
• And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests….be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.”
  

The Bible verses we learn as children impact us throughout our lives. What verses do you remember?
What verses can we help our children learn? Perhaps learn ourselves? Here are a few good ones:

The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13, John 3:16-17, John 10:10, Ephesians 2:8-10, II Timothy 3:16-17
I Corinthians 10:13, Joshua 1:8-9, Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 100, Psalm 119:9 & 11

(Remember…perfect memorization is not nearly as important as understanding the meaning of the verse. If I had been required to learn each verse perfectly, I would have failed - and hated Scripture memory)

I was the Struggling Little Boy #2

I was the boy that needed a tutor to be able to pass 5th and 6th grade. My parents did everything they could to motivate me….and I tried, O how I tried!

I still remember doing an extensive report on Switzerland for my 6th grade teacher. With my parents help I received information from the Swiss Department of Tourism – beautiful pictures, maps, and lots of information. I worked my tail off, with help from my parents. I received a B- for my work. Why bother working so hard? I could have gotten a C, ok, maybe a D…without spending hours and days doing my very best work. Yet I continued to try to be a good student.

I knew I was not doing well in school – and my dad knew I knew that I was not doing well in school.

And every so often my father would take me in his arms and say: “Hang in there son. I flunked fifth grade, and I made it”. My dad was a medical doctor and a member of the Wheaton College Board of Trustees. Dad never quit believing in me…until he died at Deerfoot Lodge in 1988.

Were you a child like me? Do you know a little boy or girl who struggles today? Does he have a mom or dad who hugs him…and encourages in him? Even if they have such a parent, your affirmation will have a tremendous impact upon the child, particularly if you repeatedly show your interest in them.

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matthew 19:14 -15

Salvation – The Foundation Decision #1

I must have made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, but I have no idea when I did this.  I know I was a young child.  I grew up knowing about my sin, God's great gift, Jesus Christ, and how he died on the cross that my sins could be forgiven.  I memorized, and had a reasonable understanding of John 3:16. 

In my world, I often heard people tell of how and when they accepted God's gift of salvation – some of these were dramatic stories – and I did not know my "when or how".  So, just to be sure, I remember singing this chorus many nights in bed.   "Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus.  Come in today, come in to stay, come into my heart Lord Jesus". I never felt any different… 

I was in junior high when my parents decided our family should change churches. Before I could become a member, I was interviewed by an elder as to my readiness to become a member of our "new church".  I clearly remember my disappointment when the elder did not question me about my salvation…not really about anything.   

Partly as a result of that experience, when I have interviewed potential staff members to work in Christian camps, I have tried to assume nothing – and pressed the person hard on the basics of their Christian faith.   

Several times I talked with students, yes, some attending Christian colleges – who seemed to believe they would be saved through their good works. Not so.  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9  

Salvation is the free gift of God – to all who say…and believe "This is for me."   

If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  John 10:9 

Be sure you have made this decision for yourself.  Knowing all of the theology involved is not required.  If you feel it helpful, find a Christian you can trust.

In Partnership With God ….introduction

PREFACE: Here is a brand new intro for this series - the series I wanted to do....and then chickened out on!

I know that it has been the transparent sharing of my life experiences with the campers and staff during the After Breakfast Bible Studies, and at other times, that has proven most helpful and encouraging at DL. But it is one thing to share what is coming with the campers and staff I see every day, people I know and who know me, than it is proving to be to share with some people who know me by reputation only, if at all.

But, here goes...a spiritual autobiography - what God has done for me and through me - and for and through the ministries with which I have been involved.

Sally Jo, and more recently son Dirk, have been with me through most of what I share - and they have encouraged me to share my experiences with you.

I trust that you will be encouraged....and challenged.

This intro is one page - future Monday Morning Devotionals will be a bit shorter.

______________________________________________

I have sought to live in Partnership with God since junior high school - when I first heard these words of Dwight L Moody:  The world has yet to see what God can do though a man fully yielded to God.  By God's grace, I will be that man."  My chosen verse then, and now, is Proverbs 3:5-6.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path."  

Weekly I will to share, autobiographically, my experiences as God's child seeking to live In Partnership With Him.   I have wanted to do this for many years, but have not done so because of my concern that my story could result in a focus upon me vs. upon the God who has worked in and through me.  My experiences are personal…and if you write about your experiences as God's servant, your experiences will be mostly different from mine…but just as real to you.  We are each unique to Almighty God.   

Here are some of my memorable experiences – chosen out of my 68 years – 24,020 days -3,736 weeks – 816 months.  What I share are not daily, weekly or even monthly experiences.  I had nothing to do with most of my early experiences - they illustrate what God did for me.  I hesitate to say that I know God.  No question: God knows me…all about me!  I desire to know God…and I feel I know a little of Him, and of the wonder that He has chosen me as His child and that He desires me To Live In Partnership With Himself. 

• Looking back, I thank God for a family I did not choose, camp experiences that I did not plan, and people who came along at just the right time to help a struggling little boy become Director of Deerfoot Lodge.
• As I grew up I wanted to know that God was real.  I prayed that God would touch me…shake my bed…or do something to demonstrate his reality.  Nothing!!!!!  My ideas of "why not".
• As a pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook, I prayed for a girl, 7 years in a wheel chair, to be healed….and she was!  Psychological or physical healing, I do not know.   When she walked down the aisle towards me, her pastor, for her own wedding….I just about had a melt down!
• God shocked me when I was back in grad school - flat broke – Sally Jo and I had told no one. And John Kinsey knocked on our front door, handed me a check for $1000 and said "it's a gift, not taxable" - then walked away.  I hardly knew the man. He did this 3 times, as needed.
• God has spoken to me twice in dreams – and once made his presence very real to me
• I continuing struggle to have a regular time alone with the Lord for Bible study and prayer.
• God stopped the rain for camp construction where I was the new Director in direct response to 24 hours of prayer by college students
• When the camp had no money, I watched God provide $57,000 through a man I had never met. 
• Asked to resign (fired) after seven years - the relocated a summer camp had become a year around ministry 
• I know my pride cost Deerfoot Lodge $35,000 one year…money DL did not have!
• I have experienced many un-answered prayers…frustrating – feeling sometimes like God is on vacation
• At times my heart has been overflowing with praise to God – true worship has been the result
  

So here we go…it has been a wild ride, this being God's servant. Most of the time I will use real names, and if not, the name will be in italics.   

This book is about God and me, his weak but willing servant. I desperately want these devotionals to focus your attention on God – to both encourage you and challenge you - as God's unique creation, His chosen servant.  

Determine to obey God!    Chuck Gieser 

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do"   Ephesians 2:8-10

Babel: …that we may make a name for ourselves…

God was not against the people of Babel having a name.  Even before Eve was created, God gave to Adam the responsibility of naming each living creature in the Garden (Genesis 2:19).  What was troubling to God must have been the motives of the people who were building the city, the tower.  

 

It appears that some people continue to be willing to do almost anything to themselves, and/or to others, that they "may make a name for themselves" (Genesis 11:4). Some athletes take performance enhancing drugs, making a mockery of honest competition while slowly destroying their own bodies.   Other people are willing to destroy themselves through excessive stress or lack of sleep or exercise, through ignoring their families or their spiritual needs.   Many do make a name for themselves – but if their motives or means are flawed, how sad for those involved – and if the truth comes out, how sad for family, friends, and admirers.

 

Solomon noted that "A good name is more desirable than great riches" (Proverbs 22:1).   Solomon also tells us how to build that good name.  "Let love and faithfulness never leave you… Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man". (Proverbs 3:3-4)

 

What is love?   "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   Love never fails". 

(I Corinthians 13:4-8)

 

Where do love and faithfulness come from? "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

 

P eople entrust their children to Deerfoot Lodge for two or more weeks – because of Deerfoot's good name.  And what has built that good name?  The lives of the Deerfoot Lodge staff - a living demonstration of God's love and of the fruit of His spirit. I believe Deerfoot Lodge, in a very unique way, is God's place.  

 

What an incredible responsibility it is, as God's people/representatives, to have and to maintain a good name.   Deerfoot Lodge will retain its good name as it continues to be a good steward of all that is entrusted to it: campers, staff, contributions – and the wonderful opportunities this combination brings together for the building of godly young men.

 

As we actively seek to live In Partnership With God, love and faithfulness will never leave us, and we will build a good name for God -  and for ourselves.   

 

(Our good name can enable another to make a safe bet!   You can imagine how I smiled when I learned that Tom Eakin, the Forest Ranger for the land surrounding Deerfoot Lodge, was in the office of the Sheriff of Hamilton County when an all points bulletin came in over the radio describing a specific car – and that the driver was probably drunk.   Tom pulled out a $100 and laid it on the counter – to bet that the driver was not drunk.  Everyone laughed….how could he be so sure?    Because he knew it was my car, and "Chief Chuck does not get drunk!"  Tom was right…my car…not drunk. Long story…I was a good guy).

Tower of Babel: Humble Yourself in the Sight of the Lord

The people who worked at building The Tower of Babel did so "to make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."   (Genesis 11:4)

 

What was the name of the people of Babel?  The Bible does not tell us. 

What happened to the people? "the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth" (Genesis 11:8)

 

The people who worked at building The Tower must have known success or they would not have thought they could build a huge tower.   They probably had a great work ethic, considerable vision, and sufficient materials with which to work.  Their problem was:

            Their Motive – to make a name for themselves

            Their Attitude – we can do it.

           

This is a great example of "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)

 

Contrast "Come, let us make a name for ourselves" with …the Lord said to Abraham "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; There are only 27 verses between these quotations.

 

We must remember to "humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (I Peter 5:6)  How much better it is to humble ourselves and to know that God will lift us up, will care for us – than it is to be proud and to be humbled by God.

 

It is easy for us Christians to become like the people who built the towel of Babel – and to think/say….I can do it!   The more "success" we have doing what God desires us to do, the easier it is to deceive ourselves, to believe, at least subjectively, that we are the reason for "our success".   Can we learn from the history of the nation of Israel…where enough people within the nation decided to do their own thing that the nation was humbled over and over again?  God told Moses "Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water.   Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock…the LORD said to Moses "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." (Numbers 20:)  Many years of faithful service – and a great humbling!

Can we learn from the obvious downfall of some of the leaders within the Christian community today?

 

How much better it is to keep the mindset of " Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus" (Romans 1:1 ) and of "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (James 1:1)

 

With this mindset we can be content doing whatever we know the Lord would have us do, regardless of our situation.   Our egos are not to be involved with our decision making. 

 

Dr. McQuilken, who I referred to last week, was an excellent college President.   I cannot imagine that Dr. McQuilken was not an excellent caregiver - tough assignment though this must have been.  And I am confident that he did so with a wonderful attitude.

 

Let us " do it all for the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31). Humbly we can live In Partnership With Go d.

Adam - Noah: Decisions based upon desire

Adam was an unrighteous man: the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eye and desirable for gaining wisdom. Adam's decision was based upon an immediate desire, not upon an ultimate desire to obey God's directive.

 

Noah was a righteous man: he built an ark and he did everything just as the Lord commanded him. Noah's ultimate desire was to obey God - knowing the work that would be required; ignoring what must have been the thinking of those around him.

 

Dr.  Robertson McQilken was the President of Columbia Bible College, and through the years I have heard nothing but praise for his leadership, respect for the quality of man that he is. Every indication is that Dr. McQilken was a righteous man – by choice.   While President his wife developed Alzheimer's disease and she became terrified whenever she was not physically able to see her husband.

 

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." (Ephesians 5:25).  To this point Dr. McQilken's love for his wife was not in conflict with being a college President, from speaking throughout the world.    This changed.  Dr. McQilken had to make a choice…and he resigned his Presidency and stopped his travels so that, to the very best of his ability, he could remain in his wife's field of vision until she died.  

 

Dr. McQilken lived In Partnership with God – as College President, and as Caregiver for his wife – knowing that this decision would consume his life for weeks, for months, for years to come.     

 

Unlike Dr. McQilkin, I had little to resign from, no real decision to make, when Sally Jo broke her right arm when she slipped and fell on our tile floor. She was in such pain that I had to call ambulance to take her to the hospital.   The x-ray showed a clean break about an inch below her shoulder, but it also showed that the bone had slid about 30% to one side. Surgery was possible, but this would require opening up the shoulder area – to be avoided unless absolutely necessary.   Due to the location of the break, the best treatment was to put her right arm into a sling and to be very careful!!!  Her arm and hand began to swell: the easy choice was made to have a ring cut off to maintain circulation to the finger.   No circulation, no finger!  Suddenly our world changed, big time!

 

I began doing almost everything with or for Sally Jo.  Try living with a wife who has a very painful arm, even while taking a narcotic pain killer.   My taking showers with my wife sounds romantic – until you realize that I am in the relatively small space of a shower – with a wife who is in pain, whose arm is out of it's sling and is black and blue from shoulder to beyond her elbow. Out of the shower I gently dry her off, and then, very carefully, get her dressed into what has become a very limited wardrobe, and back into its sling. During the day I get her a drink, hand her a book, prepare and cut her food, and get her out of and re-settled/comfortable into a recliner – with ice on her arm that should be 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.   Night/sleep is in the recliner. At night the ice routine does not continue – unless the pain becomes intense.  Regardless of pain levels I must get up with Sally Jo at least once.

 

Dr. McQilken's wife knew little of her physical condition, of the world around her. He cared for his wife for weeks, for months, for years.   Sally Jo is acutely aware of her physical condition, of the world around her. I will care for her for a few weeks.  Either way, the work of caring for a person you love is physically and emotionally draining.  

 

Both Adam and God knew what God required of them.  Adam disobeyed God.   Noah obeyed God.  

 

Our decisions must not be based upon our desires, or upon what we or the world deems most important, or upon convenience – but ONLY upon what is right before the Lord.

 

Disobeying God is never insignificant – it is never the right thing to do!

 

Noah: God’s Assignment – Provisions Available

If God chooses us to be His earthly partner on a particular project, let us consider carefully.     Our partner has limitless resources…which make it possible for Him to have the standard of "rightness" for his assignment – and righteousness for His partner. 

 

God is righteous – and created us in His image.  Our righteousness is made possible through a true desire to live a life pleasing to God, accepting the forgiveness of our sin through Jesus Christ.(Galatians 3:11)     The words righteous and righteousness, with regard to God or man, are used 514 times in the Bible.  .

 

The "Noah Assignment" we are aware of was to build an ark.   God said…this is your God assigned project…therefore I am in this with you – You Will Be In Partnership With God.   God asked Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, the 12 apostles, Paul and others to be His earthly partners for a particular project.   The projects we are aware of were history changing.  I am confident that God gave each of them much smaller, seemingly insignificant, assignments before and after the "biggie".   This principle is confirmed in Matthew 25:23 "You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things."

 

Noah's assignment:  build the ark.    The resources to build the ark were available – or the Ark could not have been built!  We know Noah was unable to call the lumber yard and ask that the materials be delivered.    There is no suggestion Noah was able to call an engineering firm and a construction company.  And there is no suggestion that Noah had to build the ark by himself.   Noah had three sons, and it seems likely they would work on building the ark.   And there seems to be nothing to rule out the possibility that Noah was able to hire other workers to assist – but the assignment was Noah's.    …"and Noah did all that the Lord commanded him to do"   (Genesis 6:22, 7:5).  

 

I knew when I became Assistant Pastor/Minister of Education in the "deep south city church" that I would be in a tough situation.   In the previous two years three Assistant Pastors or Directors of Christian Education had come…and gone.  Yet, even knowing this, I could move forward with confidence – for I was In Partnership With God.   But…oh my!

 

In June, the first month on assignment, I had asked for the responsibility of managing the custodian – the House of God was physically in a mess.   The custodian quit – BUT another, super capable man was supplied by God.

 

In that first month I also told the 32 Sunday School teachers that if they did not desire to continue teaching when Sunday School started up in September, to let me know by the end of July.   My reasoning:  Romans 12 and Ephesians 4 teach that the church is a body and give indication that all of the necessary parts of the body exist within the church.    No one should be teaching the Lord's truths who did not feel called to be doing so. 

I was not expecting that 30 of the 32 teachers would resign!

 

With confidence I had made the right decision (and a knot in my stomach) I set out to find 30 teachers who were qualified and wanted to teach beginning on the first Sunday of September.   I do not remember how it happened, but on that first Sunday in September there were 34 teachers excited by the opportunity to teach God's truths to others.

 

God proved Himself faithful to me….and, during that next year, to 34 teachers – People living In Partnership With God"  

Noah: Righteous Living and Excellent Work Require Obedient Faith

When God told Noah to build the ark, God gave to Noah all of the instructions He knew were necessary to complete his assignment.   "So make yourself an ark of cypress wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. ¹⁵ This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. ¹⁶ Make a roof for it and finish the ark to within 18 inches of the top. Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks." Genesis 6:14-16. Noah believed his God given assignment was do-able.  Noah lived In Partnership With God.     

 

God has often given to me a significant task – and the information He deemed necessary to complete it.  

 

I have never heard the voice of God or  seen the handwriting on the wall, but I am confident that   as I keep my heart's desire to know and obey God's directions for my life, God has lots of ways of getting his message through to me.  Biblical history proves this.   Consider how God surprised Noah, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Samuel, David, Matthew, Mark, Saul/Paul and many others. God has directed my life through the reading of the Bible, the words of another person, circumstance, a dream - and always with the confirmation of peace in my heart.   We can "Trust in the LORD with your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

 

After I graduated from seminary, I became the Assistant Pastor/Minister of Education of a significant church of a city in the Deep South.   I knew that everything about a church "teaches". The church in which I was to minister, God's house, was dirty and un-kept. So I said to the Senior Minister:   "For six years I was the janitor for my dad's office. Can I take over the supervision of the custodian?"  His immediate response:  "yes!"  

 

The custodian's name was "Lightening" – which referred to the white lightening he drank, not to the speed at which he worked. Lightening and I took a tour of the facility and looked at the general state of affairs.   I told him what I expected of him.  If he asked how to do something, I told him.  Immediately Lightening went to work.

 

The next week he was scheduled to go on vacation…and he did not return to work!   Here I was - I had essentially asked for the responsibility for the cleanliness of the facility, and the custodian was no more! "Lord…what do I do now?"  I knew almost no one!   A couple days later a very large, muscular black man came to tell me he had heard I needed someone who could work…and that he could work!  T. B. Ethridge was hired on the spot.    T.B. was an exceptional person – a wonderful man. I soon learned how sharp his mind was.  Late one afternoon I retuned to the church and T.B. told me he had some telephone messages for me.  Out of his memory came six messages, who had called, and their telephone numbers. I was amazed - and told him so.   Then he told me how, when he returned from the war, no one was willing to teach a black man how to read or write.  

 

Soon after T.B. became the custodian, a church member asked me if T. B. could teach his mentally challenged son (about 25 with 4th grade reading level) to be a janitor.   T.B. told me he would enjoy working with the man.  Soon T.B had his assistant reading the labels on the cleaning products.   They worked together for over a year - until the family moved to another city.  The son had learned a trade – and the church sparkled from top to bottom.  

 

When I asked the senior pastor if I could be responsible for the supervision of the custodian, I knew why I was asking for the responsibility, but had no idea what I was getting into, and no idea of how we would see God's hand of provision!   

 

"Noah – build an ark."   "Chuck – care for my sheep."

  

Yesterday and today, we can live In Partnership With God .