Wayfarer on the Creative Path

Chapter-a-Day 2 Timothy 1

I, Paul, am on special assignment for Christ, carrying out God's plan laid out in the Message of Life by Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:1 (TM)

We're in Chicago this week and I was filled with energy by walking in the city yesterday to a meeting. I had some foot-stompin' blues on my iPod and felt charged with electricity as I made my way past the Sears Tower. Of course, I couldn't help thinking about The Blues Brothers.

Maybe that's why my right-brain immediately read the first verse of 2 Timothy and pictured Paul sitting in a Roman prison with black Ray-Ban Wayfarer's on - turning to the Roman Centurion next to him and saying in a thick Chicago accent, "I'm on a mission from God."

The cool reality for all believers is that we are on a mission from God. Not just Paul, not just our pastor and the missionaries around the world - but me, too. This world is not our home. We have dual citizenship. We've got a temporary visa for our visit to this Earth, and God has sent us here with a purpose - to live our lives out for Him, to follow the path He's laid for each of us, and most importantly to share His love with everyone in our path.

Being a believer means I'm a Soul Man - on a mission from God :)

 

What verse meant something to you? Email subscribers can click on the title of this post and you'll be taken to a "permalink" of the blog post. Once there, you can scroll down and submit a comment. Feel free to share what you got out of today's chapter!

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and Browserd

Chapter-a-Day I Timothy 6

Whoever is a slave must make the best of it, giving respect to his master so that outsiders don't blame God and our teaching for his behavior. I Timothy 6:1 (TM)

I'm reminded this morning of a high school teacher of mine who was dismissive of God because the Bible did not specifically speak out against slavery. I have found that there are a lot of specific subjects on which God does not specifically speak. Yet, I don't think God's relative silence is because He doesn't care. The scriptures are not a political platform. They speak to how we, as individuals, are to live our lives in relationship with God and others. When we, as individuals, begin to live out love, mercy, grace, and justice - then social evils tend to get addressed corporately.

God isn't as intent on changing society as He is on changing me.

What verse meant something to you? Email subscribers can click on the title of this post and you'll be taken to a "permalink" of the blog post. Once there, you can scroll down and submit a comment. Feel free to share what you got out of today's chapter!

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and alist

I Timothy 5

In any event, keep a close check on yourself. And don't worry too much about what the critics will say. I Timothy 5:23a (TM)

The cool thing about being in the Word on a regular basis (ala chapter-a-day) is that God can give you just what you need when you need it. As a leader (in family, in business, in community) I've been struggling with this whole 'don't worry what the critics will say.' I'm one of those people blessed/cursed with a personality that likes to please people. The reality is that effective leaders don't please everyone. In fact, sometimes leaders don't please anyone even when they are doing exactly the thing that needs to be done.

I had just been talking about my struggle in this area with my friend Kevin yesterday. Paul's encouragement to Timothy goes straight to my heart today. It's just what the Great Physician ordered.

What verse meant something to you? Email subscribers can click on the title of this post and you'll be taken to a "permalink" of the blog post. Once there, you can scroll down and submit a comment. Feel free to share what you got out of today's chapter!

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and jontintinjordan.

Her Royal Highness!

Taylor was crowned Homecoming queen on Monday! Woohoo!

We were so excited for her. As a teenage girl, I know that insecurities abound. Taylor is such a great kid with such a genuine faith. Her kindness towards others is really amazing. I'm pleased to see that her peers rewarded her this way.

Pics of her and the court are here.

Chapter-a-Day I Timothy 4

Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! I Timothy 4:15 (TM)

Wendy and I drove to Chicago last night. This is one of my favorite times of the year as the crops turn a golden brown against the brilliant green turf of the hills and pastures. There were combines out harvesting as the sun went down on a beautiful autumn evening.

God uses the metaphor of agriculture  over and over and over. The land God created is woven with His character. It's virtually impossible to work the land or watch it worked year after year without learning eternal lessons. If you're going to grow something, you have to cultivate ("to promote or improve growth of - by labor and attention" - Dictionary.com) it. A crop of corn, our spirits - they both require cultivation if they are to grow and produce a bushel-busting harvest.

What am I doing to cultivate my spiritual growth?

Creative Commons photo courtesy of Flickr and ellievanhoutte

Chapter-a-Day I Timothy 3

The same goes for those who want to be servants in the church: serious, not deceitful, not too free with the bottle, not in it for what they can get out of it. I Timothy 3:8 (TM)

As an actor, you learn that the key to presenting a believable character on stage is to have a thorough understanding of that character's motivations. It's not just the words from the script and the blocking of the scene - it's understanding what the character wants and needs. It's the motivations that drive the words and actions. The better you understand what drives the character, the more real the presentation.

The same is true in real life and my training as an actor constantly challenges me to think about my own motivations. "What's my motivation here? Am I doing this out of my love of God or out of my own desire for recognition?" It's common to question our actions ("don't gossip"), but by getting to the heart of the matter, God can deal with the root issues that generate our words and actions ("Why do I gossip? I think talking about others makes me feel superior and "in the know". God, help me mind my business and find my esteem in You alone").

When I am mindful of my own motivations and focus on my heart, my words and actions follow.

'Dutch Royalty'

We were tickled last week to find out that Taylor was nominated to the Homecoming Court! Woohoo!

She came home Friday night to model the dress she'll be wearing (she looks gorgeous, of course) and the 'coronation' assembly is tomorrow followed by a luncheon for the students and parents. We're excited for her. It's so cool that her peers voted for her along with her good friend Emily.

You go, Taylor.

Chapter-a-Day I Timothy 2

Since prayer is at the bottom of all this, what I want mostly is for men to pray—not shaking angry fists at enemies but raising holy hands to God. I Timothy 2:8 (TM)

Occasionally, I run into people at the airport that I haven't seen for years. A childhood friend, a guy who was in my Western Civ class in college, or an old neighbor. You see each other, exchange pleasantries and comment how long it's been. We then shake hands and go our opposite directions. Does my relationship with that person have any impact on my life? Not really.

Many times I treat Jesus, who gave his life for me, like an old acquaintance. He desires prayer - conversation - two-way communication with me. But, I'm often off to the next duty, obligation or recreation. I forget that He isn't someone I bump into at the airport. He is with me at all times. I just don't recognize it.

Chapter-a-Day I Timothy 1

Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I'm proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. I Timothy 1:15-19 (TM)

I love that Jesus came to love and save sinners - even me.
I hate when those who claim to follow Jesus think He came to judge sinners and make them deputies.

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 28

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20 (TM-emphasis added)

I remember when I started traveling on my own for work. For years, my boss would always go along with me. He began by helping me with training, eventually he let me do most of it and just came for the company. He then moved on to other things. I missed the personal companionship but he had other people to train and I was ready to do it on my own.

The disciples had to be feeling some of the same fears, and Jesus spoke directly to them.
"I'll be with you." The cool thing about God is that He is always with us. The in-dwelling Holy Spirit is ever present and active.

We are never alone.

Mom & Dad's 50th Anniversary Celebration

We had a very long, but great weekend with the Vander Well clan as we gathered to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary. When we approached mom and dad about it earlier in the year, mom really wanted to be with her family and dad kind of wanted a nice open house. So, we gave them each what they wanted.

On Friday night just the family (all 15 of us) met at Noah's Ark restaurant in Des Moines. Noah's is an old family favorite, and all of us enjoyed a great meal together. Good food, good wine and lots of laughter! On Saturday morning we all gathered to take family pictures at the park and then spent the afternoon welcoming family and friends at the folk's church for an open house. It was amazing to see so many people come to celebrate. There were family, friends and neighbors we hadn't seen in years.

(btw, mom and dad have always dreamed of going to Hawaii, but raising four kids and six grandchildren have kept them poor and busy. So, in honor of all they've done for us through the years, we pitched in to send them on their way. They leave for Honalulu in October!)

Here's a few pics of the family. Enjoy!

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 27

But when the accusations rained down hot and heavy from the high priests and religious leaders, he said nothing. Pilate asked him, "Do you hear that long list of accusations? Aren't you going to say something?" Jesus kept silence—not a word from his mouth. The governor was impressed, really impressed. Matthew 27:12-14 (TM)

Sometimes, silence is the best answer.

God, grant me the wisdom to know when to speak, and when to keep my mouth shut.

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 26

Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, "My Father, if there is any way, get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?" Matthew 26:39 (TM)

Praying often leads me to reflect on my heart and my own motivations. I'll be going along praying and feel like I'm giving God my laundry list of "gimme"s. Even in the noblest of intentions, I'm often convicted at how self-centered my prayer life can be. Jesus gives me such a wonderful pattern for prayer in the Garden. "Here's what I want - my selfish heart desire - but you God - what do you want?"

When I take the time to ask, and listen. Those can some of the most profitable moments of attitude-adjustment I experience.

You have given everything to me.
What can I do for You?
You have given me eyes to see.
What can I do for You?

Pulled me out of bondage and You made me renewed inside,
Filled up a hunger that had always been denied,
Opened up a door no man can shut and You opened it up so wide
And You've chosen me to be among the few.
What can I do for You?

You have laid down Your life for me.
What can I do for You?
You have explained every mystery.
What can I do for You?

Soon as a man is born, you know the sparks begin to fly,
He gets wise in his own eyes and he's made to believe a lie.
Who would deliver him from the death he's bound to die?
Well, You've done it all and there's no more anyone can pretend to do.
What can I do for You?

You have given all there is to give.
What can I do for You?
You have given me life to live.
How can I live for You?

I know all about poison, I know all about fiery darts,
I don't care how rough the road is, show me where it starts,
Whatever pleases You, tell it to my heart.
Well, I don't deserve it but I sure did make it through.
What can I do for You?

- Bob Dylan

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 23

"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Murderer of prophets! Killer of the ones who brought you God's news! How often I've ached to embrace your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you wouldn't let me. And now you're so desolate, nothing but a ghost town. What is there left to say? Only this: I'm out of here soon. The next time you see me you'll say, 'Oh, God has blessed him! He's come, bringing God's rule!'" Matthew 23:37-39 (TM)

I had just arrived in Jerusalem when George, one of my guides, commented how much he disliked the city. I thought this an odd comment. and asked him why. "It's dark. All of these religions focused on one place, and it is so spiritually dark." Over the next few days I came to realize what he meant. If you want religion then you can find it in Jerusalem. You can't spit without hitting a shrine, holy place, historical marker or a spiritual pilgrim making their way to a shrine, holy place or historical marker. I would argue that there's more religion in Jerusalem than any place in the world.

And yet, in Jerusalem there is also more anger, hatred, misunderstanding, conflict and persecution than any other piece of land in the world. Religion does not produce what God is after. Only a relationship with him can produce what God is after: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control.

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 22

Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them." Matthew 22:37-40 (TM)

The Beatles sang, "All You Need is Love", and it goes to show you that God can and will use anybody to get His point across. As much as we try to heap our own human expectations on to it ("don't do this," "don't do that," "go here," "do this," "read this one," "vote for him," "buy this," "don't watch that," "don't listen to this,"), God's call to us boils down to two ingredients:

• Love God
• Love others.

If we act upon that at the core of our being, everything else will follow.

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 21

Jesus said, "Yes, and I tell you that crooks and whores are going to precede you into God's kingdom. John came to you showing you the right road. You turned up your noses at him, but the crooks and whores believed him. Even when you saw their changed lives, you didn't care enough to change and believe him. Matthew 21:32 (TM)

Back in the 80s when Bob Dylan was on tour to promote his second gospel album, Saved, he commented that the college students and "fans," angered that he was singing gospel, booed him loudly and eventually left the concert halls in droves. But, he noted, the prostitutes and homeless came in off the streets to listen.

The Message has always been received most openly by those who have nothing to lose. Those who cling most tightly to this life will never let go of the things of this world long enough to grasp the Truth.

Summer's Last Hurrah!

All summer long we tried to get the four of us away to the 'playhouse' on Lake of the Ozarks. First there was mission trips. Then there were jobs and friends and CNA classes. The last weekend of summer was our last chance, and we grabbed the chance.

After a nice family gathering with the Halls on Saturday, we took off on Sunday morning for the lake. The weather was warm and beautiful. We ate, we shopped, we rode the waverunners, grilled out and played Apples to Apples. We took a sunset cruise in the boat - returning under a moonless sky and a stunning, starry display.

With it being Taylor's senior year, we appreciate the fact that these family getaways are going to be less and less frequent. We have to enjoy the moments while we can.

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 20

"He replied to the one speaking for the rest, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?' Matthew 20:13-15 (TM)

"It's not fair!" is one of the first phrases we learn as a child. As parents, we quickly learn the retort, "Life is not fair." Our culture is obsessed with 'fairness'. We have unions, lawsuits and political platforms founded on making things "fair". Yet, our feelings of "unfairness" are rooted in our pride and our self-centered desires.

Parables have one basic truth they are trying to teach. In the parable of the workers Jesus is addressing the age old question "why would God save the sinner who makes a 'deathbed confession' when there are all these people who gave their entire lives of service?" God is good. God is just. God is free and generous with salvation.

When my children used to scream "it's not fair" in their tantrums, I knew that they did not have the ability to grasp the context of the situation. As a parent I needed to be gracious and help them mature into that understanding. Our Heavenly Father knows all things, and we can trust that He understands the 'big picture' much better than I do.

Taylor to "Star" in Fall Production

We were excited to hear that Taylor was cast in the lead female role in Pella High School's fall production of Tartuffe. The play, a stage classic by Moliere, tells the story of a pompous, religious hypocrite. Performances are scheduled for the first weekend of November!

Taylor, seen here as a shopper in Union Street Players' production of The Christmas Post, will not be pregnant in this show.

Congratulations, Taylor!!

Chapter-a-Day Matthew 19

The young man said, "I've done all that. What's left?" Matthew 19:20 (TM)

This young man came to Jesus because there was something "missing". He'd done everything he knew to do in order to live a "good life" and be acceptable to God, but there was that nagging feeling that he wasn't right with God. Jesus response made it clear that it wasn't the case of something "missing" but of something "being in the way". In this case, the man's possessions were possessing him. They were taking up so much of his heart, time and energy that he had no room left in his heart for God.

Does God seem far away? Do you feel that something is "missing" spiritually? Is it really something missing or is there something in the way?