Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You’ve probably heard the line about the guy who cried out to God in desperation, praying, “Lord, give me patience—and give it to me NOW!” Joseph could well have been driven to pray like that during many times in his life. He was sold into slavery by his brothers—only after Reuben, the eldest, persuaded the others not to kill him! (Actually, Reuben intended to rescue him later.)  In his slavery his conditions went up and down. 

First, he is brought into the house of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. “But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.” (Genesis 39:2)

Then, when Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses him of attempted rape, his situation deteriorates to the point of being imprisoned. There again, we read, “But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and lovingkindness…”. The prison warden puts him in charge of the prisoners and day-to-day operations.

Two of Pharaoh’s officers, his chief butler and his chief baker, are thrown into prison after offending the king. They tell Joseph about the dreams they had and Joseph interprets the dreams, telling them that the chief butler will be reinstated but the chief baker will be hanged. Joseph asks the butler to “mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this house.” (Hey, what good would it do to have the baker mention it?!?!) But the butler forgets Joseph.

Two full years later, Pharaoh has a dream of his own. He tells the Egyptian magicians (say “Egyptian magicians” 3 times fast!) and wise men about the dream but none of them can interpret it. When the butler hears about it he has an “Aha!” moment and finally tells Pharaoh about Joseph.

Joseph interprets the dream and goes on to tell him of a plan and advises Pharaoh to appoint trusted officers to carry it out. Pharaoh, lost as a goose but certainly no dumb man, decides there is no one better to do the job than Joseph.

If you want to read all of Joseph’s story for yourself, go to Genesis 37. My point here is to write about the patience that Joseph practiced and to encourage you, and myself, that we can do the same—and on what basis we can do it!

What kept Joseph “going”, so to speak, through his years of slavery and imprisonment?

I submit to you that it is shown in the two verses quoted: “But the Lord was with Joseph” Genesis 39:2 says: “though a slave”.  Even in the best of times, Joseph was not a free man. For several years, whatever his comfort or lack of it was, he was a prisoner—a position caused by his own brothers. His position in Potiphar’s house had been lost due to a lie. His big opportunity to be let out of prison was apparently lost (after two years wouldn’t you think so?) due to the forgetfulness of someone.

“But the Lord was with Joseph.” And this was his assurance.

You and I have that same assurance and more. Because of our acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives, you and I have the Holy Spirit within us, and have become His sheep.

“The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never lose it or perish throughout the ages. [To all eternity they shall never by any means be destroyed.] And no one is able to snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29

And we have, among other promises from God’s Word, one which I love to read and confess from Hebrews 13:5. It is especially stirring when read from the Amplifed Bible, with the richness of meaning that comes from a full translation of the original Greek language:

“Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]”

Let’s take away the parentheses and brackets to read God’s promise again:

“He, God Himself, has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down; relax My hold on you! Assuredly not!”

Instead of praying for patience—especially “right now”, why not dwell on this incredible promise from God until it becomes “credible.” Read it, meditate on it, and praise God for its Truth.

From this promise will rise the patience to endure anything knowing that–as with Joseph but in the fullness of the new covenant and presence of the Holy Spirit within, the Lord is with you. God will not, will not, will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down; relax His hold on you! Assuredly not!

Love,
Brother Bill

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It is my habit to daily read and confess Psalm 91 for myself and my family. This morning I just kept going and read Psalm 92. There I found such a gift!

Easter Sunday was a day of powerful praise and worship at Gateway Community Church—my church home. Yet we were doing so in the midst of electrical problems, some who were not feeling their best, and other issues that the world, the flesh and the devil had instigated.

But God (one of my favorite Biblical phrases) through His Holy Spirit inhabited the praises of His people.

Verses 1 through 5 of the psalm express what the congregation, the band, the choir and praise singers were engaged in doing corporately that morning:

IT IS a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises [with musical accompaniment] to Your name, O Most High, To show forth Your loving-kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night, With an instrument of ten strings and with the lute, with a solemn sound upon the lyre. For You, O Lord, have made me glad by Your works; at the deeds of Your hands I joyfully sing. How great are Your doings, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep.

Verses 6 through 9 speak of what we were up against:

A man in his rude and uncultivated state knows not, neither does a [self-confident] fool understand this: That though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to be destroyed forever. But You, Lord, are on high forever. For behold, Your adversaries, O Lord, for behold, Your enemies shall perish; all the evildoers shall be scattered.

Finally, verses 10 through 15 show what we received from the Lord through our genuine heartfelt praise of Him:

But my horn (emblem of excessive strength and stately grace) You have exalted like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil. My eye looks upon those who lie in wait for me; my ears hear the evildoers that rise up against me. The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible]. Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. [Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment]. [They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

Isn’t that always the result when we give ourselves wholeheartedly and unselfishly to praise and worship of our Lord and Savior?  When we do so in the midst of problems – man-made and otherwise –- He works through any situations and gives us so incredibly in return.

What a gracious and mighty God we serve.

Love,
Brother Bill

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I want to introduce you to my friend, Al Cagle. I’ve known Al and his wife, Jeane, for a number of years through our church, Gateway Community.  I’ve served with them on the drama team and come to love them both as two of God’s special people.

Jeane sent this example of Al’s writing to share with me and gave me permission to share it with you.  It is from an email he sent to the members of his Life Group.

The following is from Al:

With the economy the way it is, some may be starting to feel trapped in their jobs or situation.  It is easy to start to complain about how you are stuck and cannot get out. In some cases, it might be very valid.

But I am going to ask you one thing: “Who do you work for?”

In one of Stephen Covey’s books he writes about being responsible.    He explains that that word responsible can be broken down into response-able.  He challenges that no matter what is happening, you ultimately decide if it is “good” by your response.

A lady in the audience at one of his lectures stood up and explained that she was a home care nurse and she had a lady that was grouchy, uncooperative, mean, and negative and was making her life miserable.  She hated going to this lady’s house.  Covey told her that she was still response-able.   The lady sat down upset that Covey obviously did not understand.

It is funny how we sometimes view problems, difficult situations, and life’s jungles as not our doing and, therefore, there is nothing we can do but complain.    Paul wrote that all things are made right (pause, pause) through God (Romans 3:28).   James wrote whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy (James 1:2).

Okay, so when all hell breaks loose I should be happy?   Really?

So, “Who do you work for?”

If you are working for a company or yourself or even for some grouchy, mean customer, it is easy to become angry, disgruntled, or disenchanted.  You can even start to plan on moving to another job unless the economy is in the tank and you are then trapped—right?   Luke 19:40 says that if we don’t praise God then the rocks will break out in praise.  Wow! If we cannot find a reason to praise God, that dumb, stupid rock will pick up the load for us.

The fact is that you get to decide everyday how the day will be. You get to decide every moment how you will view the situation. God does not promise problem-free lives but He does promise hope and reward.  He asks only for obedience.  Job learned that lesson as he lost all of his possessions.

That lady in Covey’s group finally had an “ah ha” moment.  She came up to Covey afterwards and said, “I get it.  Why am I letting that woman’s poor attitude infect me with a poor attitude? Yes, she can see the life as miserable but I don’t have to do the same.  I can smile and laugh at her and say, ‘I am so sorry you are having a bad day but not me.  I am having a good day.’”

She figured out who she worked for.

At the end of the day it is not important how happy the customer is (in some cases they are never happy).

It is not about whether your boss is pleased with your performance and giving you praise.

What really matters is what God sees of your performance. He is my Boss.  He is the reason I go to work, am a father, am a husband, dance a jig, sing a song, love, exist.

And here is the great thing:  my Boss thinks so much of me that He sacrificed his very son so I could keep living.   So, hey, I will do whatever he wants and I can’t help but be happy about it.   Today, he wants me to work at Dow Chemical as a production leader. Tomorrow he may want me to work at the garbage dump moving waste around.  I still work for the greatest Boss ever and I will more than happily do what He wants.

I have read that the bad kind of stress (the kind that causes health issues, pain, and death) is caused when you are not acting in line with your values.   When you let God rule and obey, you will never act out of line with your values because He is your value.

So, who do you work for?

Thanks, Al (and Jeane for letting us read and share this)

Love,
Brother Bill

Read My Big Break – Part One here.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 Amp

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Continuing to read from the mythical Book of William, Chapter 1:11:

¹¹And so it was that William was taken from the home of Hermann along the road to city of his home. The Lord continued to be faithful and to travel with him.

¹²Throughout the days that passed, faithful friends called and visited to inquire of his well-being and to bring meals to sustain and enjoy.

¹³There continued to be wailing and gnashing of teeth but, as at the home of Hermann, there were great blessings from God and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁴And the Lord continues to work to this day.

My grandkids did not know exactly what to make of this new version of “Papa”, as they call me. He walked around with a strange contraption-made even stranger due to the extension for my broken wrist. He was not like the guy who had chased them around the house during games of “Duck, duck, goose.” When I first began to gingerly test being “walker-less”, my granddaughter exclaimed, “Papa’s back!”

In light of the recovery still ahead of me, Morgan’s observation was a little premature but it was welcomed and a true indication of how she had viewed Papa’s condition. Behind that walker–which I both blessed and cursed–I took several daily turns on “Loop 428″ (as I named the circuit around our house that I exercised (the number of our house is 428).

My continuing experiences included showers which would not have been possible without my loving wife there to wrap my casted broken wrist so it wouldn’t get wet and to stand beside me because I could not clean myself. There were also the hundred-and-one times (at least) when she had to do or get something for me which was practically impossible for me such as helping me dress and to put on (and take off) my boots.

Although she has always done so much for me, she went above and beyond the call of duty–to use the proverbial expression. And not only did she take such excellent care of me personally, she undertook the considerable paperwork, photocopying, and conversations on the phone with both Samaritan Ministries (our “insurer”) and the various healthcare providers. I continue to admit to all who know us: I definitely married UP (as if I had to tell them).

I put the term insurer in quotes above because it’s impossible to find a simple term for the role Samaritan Ministries played.

In 2005, when my employer laid me off, we were without group medical insurance. The cost to convert the group coverage I had to individual was prohibitive and the individual coverage premium was almost as high-and climbing higher each month.

Through one of her cousins, Chris found out about Samaritan. After much prayer and consideration we dropped our traditional coverage for them. The plan consists of a large community of Christians who have come together to share each other’s medical bills. Members are active in church and believe in living biblical lifestyles that include making healthy living a priority. Each pays a monthly “share” that is used to pay fellow members’ medical bills.

The people with whom we dealt at Samaritan could not have been more competent in handling negotiations with providers nor with us.

One of the great blessings I received from the individuals and families who mailed us checks were the notes, cards, and letters that accompanied them. Not only was this correspondence warming, supporting and inspiring but I knew that in addition to the prayers of friends and family around me there was an even larger community of believers lifting up both Chris and me in prayer.

As great as the impact of these experiences was, and with the many times I felt the Lord so close during this time I must confess, however, that my flesh is weak (Surprise, Surprise!)

There were times of despair. Few times in my life have I shed as many tears. There were tears of pain, anger, frustration and, in all-too-many cases, tears of self pity. At times, I would give voice to my complaints along with the tears.

It was in these moments the Lord would gently correct me saying, “Son, it’s all right to cry; that is a release. But do not speak. Do not give the enemy a foothold.”

I know full well that my experience is so minor in light of the pain and tragedy others have faced. I also know that my accident–even from the distance I fell–could have been fatal or permanently debilitating, and it was so much less. Yet the Lord never condemned or criticized for self-pity. He simply reminded me that it was not His best for me.

As He continued to speak to me, it was as if I were His only concern on Earth. (Talk about multi-tasking!)

There were rehab sessions for my hip and later, when the cast was removed, for my wrist. To this day there are times when it seems healing is complete-or at least imminent. Other days, it seems to have gone backwards. My last appointment with my surgeon resulted in a good prognosis for both hip and wrist. I possibly face minor carpal tunnel surgery on my wrist but, then again, it may not.

I thank the Lord for the delicious meals provided by those who signed up and traveled out of their way to deliver. We do not live in the nearby neighborhood of the church we attend. There was a time commitment on the part of brothers and sisters in Christ to both prepare and bring the meals we enjoyed and which helped take some load from Chris.

There were the financial gifts, as well as a blessing of some work to building a website for the husband of one of the therapists who came to our home-someone whom I would not have met and talked with outside of the contact brought about due to my accident.

The blessings I received from the Lord-both directly and through His children-have proven to me over and over the words of Romans 8:28.

My accident was not a “test from God” and certainly not a punishment. I don’t even waste time trying to involve the actions of our enemy, either. It was simply an event–a symptom of our fallen world (pun not intended, but I love puns so I’ll leave it!).

I know that, as soon as believers gathered around my broken body, some were praying even then.

I know that, as soon as the Lord stopped my futile self-pity and self-incrimination and spoke the words of Romans 8:28 to me (using His own authorized translation), I felt the presence of His Holy Spirit, who never left. And I know that our Heavenly Father moved those who continued to pray and to give and to serve.

Above all, He has caused me to grow in my daily walk with Jesus Christ. I can say that without claiming an ounce of self-credit because God has made it clear that the work has been all His.

Praise God. Thanks to all who prayed; thanks to all who served in our behalf.  How beautiful is the body of Christ!

Below is a companion video to the four-part letter about the accident. It may serve as an aid to remembering this vital promise.

Love,
Brother Bill

Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, the young woman who is unmarried and a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel [God with us]. Isaiah 7:14 Amp

All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet, Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel–which, when translated, means, God with us. Matthew 1:22-23 Amp

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One prophetic scripture written some 700 years before the second has a meaning beyond its own time. 

First of all, what is the difference between Immanuel and Emmanuel? The difference lies only in the English spelling. Both words are the translation of the Hebrew word ‘Imanu’el’ meaning “God [is] with us.”

This phrase conveys the idea of God come down in the flesh, living alongside mankind, sweating and subjecting Himself to the pains of the flesh; finally subjecting Himself to man’s brutality while extending His love to bring the offer of redemption to all.

That is the very radical meaning of Christmas. It isn’t about mistletoe, music, parties and presents, or even the spirit of giving. Christmas is a celebration of the radical fact that God took on human flesh when Jesus was born. Jesus–God Himself–is Immanuel, God With Us!

The difference for us is like night and day. In past times God lived among man but confined Himself to a separate place where few could go:

THEN SOLOMON said, The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness;  I have built You a house, [in which the dark Holy of Holies seems] a [fitting] abode for You, a place for You to dwell in forever. 2 Chronicles 6:1-2 Amp

God made appearances as “the angel of the Lord” as in this episode with Moses:

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up.” When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God. Exodus 3:1-6 Amp

The angel of the Lord, God Himself, revealed Himself in a visible, personal way-taking the form of a human being.

Then, as foretold, God sent His only-begotten Son, Jesus, to walk among us. But after three short years of ministry He was to leave again. The night before He was to be crucified,

…Jesus, knowing (fully aware) that the Father had put everything into His hands, and that He had come from God and was [now] returning to God… John 13:3 (partial) Amp

and told His disciples:

[Dear] little children, I am to be with you only a little longer. You will look for Me and, as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: you are not able to come where I am going. John 13:33 Amp

They were puzzled and deeply troubled by this unexpected (to them) turn of events.

Simon Peter said to Him, Lord, where are You going? Jesus answered, You are not able to follow Me now where I am going, but you shall follow Me afterwards. John 13:36 Amp

Jesus attempted to assure His distressed followers:

DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me. John 14:1 Amp

After telling them that where He was going they could not go at present (John 13:35) but that He would return for them (John 14:3), Jesus comes the core meaning of Immanuel:

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever- John 14:16

While Jesus as “God in the flesh” could be physically “with us” He was limited by His physical body.

Therefore, the only way for the unbroken, never-ending presence of God with us was as Jesus explained:

I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. John 16:7 Amp

That promise of Immanuel is not just to the apostles; It is to us also.

What does it really mean to you and me?

Do you know what it feels like to feel utterly alone–to attempt to live your life with nothing to fall back on; with no one to help? If you’ve ever gone through desperate times you know exactly what it feels like. The wonderful promise made through the Christ child-Immanuel–is that God pledges to be with us in our troubles. He will not leave us to your own resources. All of His resources are now available to us.

Jesus was born in a moment of time. He paid for our sins, was resurrected, and returned to the Father.  Though He left us physically, He has been true to the promise given to us in Deuteronomy 31:6 and emphatically restated in Hebrews:

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] Hebrews 13:5 Amp

Hallelujah (He is Here), from Hillsong, is presented as a Christmas song. In its truest sense, however, I maintain it is a song for all time. Listen to the song below as you read the words. Let the reality of the concept of God with us surround and inhabit you.

Love,
Brother Bill

He is here
The Savior has been born
The one we’ve waited for
Surrounded by our praises

He is here
The promise of our King
To You our lives we bring
Let Your glory be revealed

Joy to the world
Peace to all who love Him
The Savior has been born
And all of heaven smiles

Glory to God
Bring an offering to Him
Join with all the angels
Singing hallelujah

He is here
The Savior has been born
The One we’ve waited for
Surrounded by our praises

He is here
The promise of the King
To You our lives we bring
Let Your glory be revealed

Joy to the world
Peace to all who love Him
The Savior has been born
And all of heaven smiles

Glory to God
Bring an offering to Him
Join with all the angels
Singing hallelujah

——————————————————————————————-

This song is from the Double-CD Songs for Worship – Christmas by Hillsong Australia.

Order Songs 4 Worship CD, MP3 album or any single mp3 from Amazon

Read My Big Break – Part One here.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (Amp)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Continuing to read from the mythical Book of William, Chapter 1:7:

⁷And so it was that William was taken from the Gateway to a place where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. Yet, yea verily, the Lord was with him and he was surrounded with laughter and mirth and love.

⁸Throughout the days that passed, faithful friends came calling to inquire of his well-being. Sacred songs were sung over him and gifts were received. There was praise and worship in the midst of brokenness.

⁹Beginning in these days also there were blessings from God and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁰So, at last, William was sent forth from the place of earthly healing. And the Lord continued to work.

From the moment He prompted me to pray from Romans 8:28, the Lord began to prove Himself to me time and again.  In the Emergency Room there were those dear friends-those brothers and sisters in Christ–who knew to keep things “light” because they know me.

In the middle of x-rays and examinations there was levity. And there was music.

The new experience of being strapped to a backboard–a legal requirement–was so confining to me I could feel panic rising in me. But then, Betsy, our Worship Leader, began to sing over me and with me. The words and music of “Hallelujah (He is Here)” from Hillsong filled the room and the Lord was with us. Then we sang “I Have A Hope“, a song from Tommy Walker that I had learned only recently–which Chris and I had confessed as our own-completed the ministry of the Lord for the moment and about which I’ve written a previous letter (click on the song title).

“Hallelujah (He is Here)” brought my heart’s attention to His constant presence. “I Have A Hope” was the response He wanted from me.

In all the activity, I was not always aware of the passage of time. Medication took me in and out of consciousness. Yet, I was continually aware of the presence of God’s people with me. When I finally was taken to my room (they tell me it was 2:00 AM), the party continued.

Attempting to take part in the festivities, I began to give my best Ozzy Osbourne imitation. (It was only later that I realized that I was sounding like him.)  I tried to tell stories but, instead, would forget what I was talking about, would get too tired telling one, or would complete one and wonder what I had been talking about.  My condition produced slurred speech and an inability to form complete thoughts.

At least I was able to inadvertently bring laughter to those who had the patience to listen.

The remaining days of the seven I spent in the hospital brought the usual experiences: complete loss of appetite, sleep interrupted by nighttime medical “visitors”, the same repeated questions by a parade of white coats, and drugs of all types on a regular basis (some even brought relief from pain!).

But God… (Don’t you love it! This is one of my favorite phrases in the Bible) provided some wonderful experiences as well. There were also those brothers and sisters in Christ who came to call, a prayer quilt which I still use and treasure, and the continual awareness of the presence of the Lord.

One special event was the mini-worship service conducted by the aforementioned worship leader Betsy and a group of special people. They recreated the praise and worship music – as well as the morning announcements (she even brought a bulletin) – I had missed on the Sunday morning after my admission on the previous Tuesday.

It has been my habit to get to church early enough on Sunday to catch at least part of the last rehearsal before the service begins. Then, after attending the first service and participating in the worship, I stay for the first part of the second service to sing again. It is known-at least among some on the praise team–that I am sort of a “groupie.”

Because of this routine (but I know it is mainly because of the love in her heart for the Lord and for me) my sister-in-Christ surprised me (as well as my wife and the others who were present) with this special event. It was not a performance but, rather, a participatory time when we worshiped together. Not only did it touch my heart but the music spread to everyone in the hospital wing and several came to the door to witness it for themselves.

Chris drove me home Tuesday night a week almost to the hour of the accident. My grown son had to practically lift me out of the car and into the house. The first month-through Christmas-was filled with movement on a medical walker. One special friend said of me, “Here come the ‘Walkers’” when I approached and called me “Bill Walker-less” when I finally graduated to a cane.

At last, I was home. The words of Romans 8:28 had sustained me so far. I had been blessed and loved in the midst of adversity. And God would be faithful in the days to come.

Stay tuned.

Love,
Brother Bill

Read My Big Break – Part One here.

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (Amp)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

We continue reading from the Book of William, dropping down to Chapter 1:3: 

³Yea, verily, a small multitude of God’s people had gathered at the Gateway-called to many and diverse tasks in service to the Lord.

⁴Some who were called to be singers and instrumentalists were preparing praise and worship for the next gathering of the faithful.

⁵Others were laboring to prepare the sanctuary for the approaching celebration of Christ Jesus’ birth, and still others were laboring to let those who have ears hear and those who have eyes see.

⁶And so it was that, although William fell in their midst, few were aware it had taken place.

Okay, indulge me a little with the further description using the fictitious Book of William. What I’m saying is that, although there were a number of folks there (okay-not a multitude, perhaps!) within several feet of each other, I fell with little notice.

I don’t remember who the second one was to find out I had fallen off the stage. Of course, I was the first (speaking of human beings only and not the Lord)!  But then, in an instant, it seemed as if I were surrounded. There was concern by the body of Christ, there was attention by friends who had some medical background. Looking back, I’m certain there were prayers being voiced.

Yet, there I was, lying there berating myself out loud and under my breath for doing something so “stupid.”  Over and over, as if my regret and self-incrimination over being and acting like an “idiot” could change things, I continued mentally to go over the fall as if my apologies to God would erase the act.

Yes, it was a careless act on my part. One might say that my reaction was “natural.”  Why wouldn’t I feel responsible for a thoughtless act such as this which would affect my life, Chris’ life, and the lives of others-not to mention the added expense at a time when we could ill afford them.

But the Lord thought differently.

In the midst of it all, the Lord began to speak to me. Without words, He stilled my lips to their self-criticism and condemnation.  He began to reconcile me to what had happened and I felt a calming and peace start to fill me.

Then He brought to my mind the words of Romans 8:28, as He would over and over afterward.  I began to affirm them to myself, thinking, “Lord, this has happened and there’s nothing I can do about it. Just let me gain something positive and meaningful out of this situation.  Cause me to grow in my knowledge and my relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Thoughts of “if only” still rose in me: “If only I had been more careful”, “If only I had stayed home instead of insisting to Chris that we come.” And there were the “what ifs”: “We don’t have traditional insurance-what if we’re not able to pay for this?” and “What if this is a serious injury and I’m not able to walk normally?”

The ambulance came; Chris rode with me.  We were on the way to our “Great Adventure.”

The best is yet to come.

Love,
Brother Bill

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (Amp)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

And so we begin by reading from the book of William 1:1-2,

¹And it came to pass in the year of our Lord 2008AD on the 25^th of November that Christine and William journeyed for an hour on the heavily-traveled road to the Gateway. They ventured forth to help with the decoration of the temple for the celebration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²And as they gathered at the Gateway with other true believers they knew not of the great fall that awaited William nor that he would be taken from their midst by strangers who would offer healing for his broken body….

I begin this letter in this quirky way for several reasons.

First, the story I’m about to relate took place just before Thanksgiving last year when I was thinking not only of the family gathering to come but also was beginning to get into the “Christmas spirit.” That fact lent me to think of the stories of Jesus’ birth I love to hear and read time and again.

Second, the “road” I was to “travel”–-which began that night-–was to be for me a time like no other in my long past life. It was to be a journey filled with pain, frustration, and tears but also with joy, laughter, victory, a special closeness with my Savior and Lord, and the greatest outpouring of love and prayers from God’s people I have ever knowingly received.

Third, I began this letter in this way because—as you may suspect by now or know from knowing me–I’m quirky.

The beginning of my story is related in the above “verses” from the fictitious book of “William.”

In short, my wife and I were at our church, Gateway Community, to help decorate the sanctuary for Christmas.

It was November 25^th—just two days before Thanksgiving–when I persuaded her to go with me to see what still needed to be done.

We arrived that night after a 45-minute drive through a combination of regular Houston traffic mixed with a slew of early holiday shoppers—the kind of delay that can often make me want to turn around and go home.

But not this time; I was determined to get there and help and nothing could stand in my way.

I was helping with others to unroll long strings of Christmas lights that were attached to, and wrapped around, long pieces of lumber. Once unrolled, these boards were to be suspended behind long sheer curtains at the back of the stage, providing multiple strings of bright lights to show through.

Naturally, unrolling these lights led me to walk backwards from upstage to downstage and…well, while you can probably see it coming, I certainly did not.

Oh, I thought I was aware. I remember having the presence of mind to look for one of the short sets of stairs that lay on each side of the rounded stage front. I had a misplaced sense of security in knowing that I was avoiding these steps. But after that—I gave it no further thought.

The next thing I knew was that I was falling. I was never aware of being about to fall but recognized only that I was in a semi-horizontal angle making vain attempts to balance by flailing my arms around like a bird trying to take flight. (Wow! Wouldn’t that have been something if I could have done so! Say, Jesus walked on water. Did He ever walk on air? I guess He did when He ascended.)

My next awareness was not of falling but of being on the floor in front of the stage. My left leg was somewhat to one side and nothing I tried would get it to move alongside my right. My left arm was pointing up at my side, a large lump on the upper side of my wrist.

Although I’ve had falls before as an adult, I’ve never broken bones. Usually, after varying amounts of body checking and recovery, I have gotten myself up and proceeded with stiffness, some pain, and have recovered in short order.

This time, though, I knew I would not be getting up on my own, experiencing–and complaining about–some pain, shaking it off, and going home to rest.

After being strapped on a board–for the first time in my life–and being transported by ambulance (without siren) to the hospital—for the second time in my life—I experienced a week’s stay including meals, injections and medications, plus operations on my hip and wrist. I couldn’t eat the meals. There wasn’t anything wrong with them; I just had no appetite whatsoever (a rare occurrence for me).

So, that’s the first part of my story—and I’m sticking to it. Stay tuned for Part Two where Romans 8:28 comes into play. I’ll write about my recovery–still a work-in-progress—but, much more importantly what God, through the Holy Spirit, taught me as a result of my request.

Love,
Brother Bill

And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner.
Exodus 17:-15 Amp

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

However majestic the pageantry of an Olympic opening ceremony, the most thrilling part to me is the parade of athletes. As the athletes of each nation parade into the stadium, the proud citizens stand, applaud, and cheer for those who represent them. And each group is preceded by the flag of their country. Their banner goes before them as a rallying point for the nation they represent.

When the gold, bronze, and silver medal winners stand to receive their awards, the flag of the gold medal winner is displayed in the highest position, and the anthem of his or her country is the only one played.

In other ceremonies and events, as during the pledge of allegiance, the 4th of July, or Veterans’ Day we salute, celebrate, or see our flag displayed as a symbol of our freedom.

We also mark victory in war with banners. The army of a country conquers new territory and the victory is marked by the planting of their flag-usually in the most prominent location available. The flag testifies to who has won and who is now in control of that land and it serves as a monument.

The banner I write about today, however, contains elements of all these occasions but precedes them in history and is greater in importance.

After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness. Then, they met their enemy, Amelek.

From there, the story goes like this:

Then came Amalek [descendants of Esau] and fought with Israel at Rephidim.

And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.

So Joshua did as Moses said and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop. When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.

But Moses’ hands were heavy and grew weary. So [the other men] took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua mowed down and disabled Amalek and his people with the sword.

And the Lord said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in the book and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens. And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner. Exodus 17:8-15 Amp

Rather than have him plant a flag, God had Moses build an altar to mark this spot as a place of remembering. God also revealed his name as Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord is my Banner.

Look at the totality of the victory the Lord provided: Not only was the enemy defeated but his name was “utterly” blotted out.

But then, what’s this?

And he said, Because [theirs] is a hand against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation. Exodus 17:16 Amp

Just who is the guy, Amelek? How can he be utterly defeated and yet keep coming back? Is he some sort of evil Energizer rabbit?

While the literal Amelek was defeated, other “Amelek types” would rise up against Israel-and us-in the future. And who does Amelek symbolize? The devil, of course.

But we are to have no fear. Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord our Banner, is not only a flag we plant to mark a victory, He is also a banner we carry into future battles-battles for which we have the assurance of victory. Aaron and Hur – in the person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit-are there to help and encourage us in battle.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; John 16:33a Amp

Jesus says we’ll continue to have trials, distress, etc. But we’re to have perfect peace and confidence?

Yes, Jesus’ victory on the cross defeated the devil but he is still in the world.

Then we get the really good news:

…but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] John 16:33b Amp

Understand what Jesus did when He overcame the world: He conquered it for us and deprived it of power to harm us.

How? How can we continue to have tribulation, trials, distress, and frustration if He has conquered these things for us?

The answer is not meant to minimize the tragedy and injustice that continues in the world nor in our individual lives. We live in a fallen world-in which the devil and his cohorts continue to do their work.

But we have been given tools. Among them are:

Ephesians 6:11-18 – the Armor of God

1 Corinthians 2:16 – the mind of Christ

James 1:5 – the wisdom of God

James 4:7 – the power to resist the devil and order him to flee

And we have Jehovah-Nissi—The Lord our Banner.

He knows all about you but He loves you anyway. Nothing can take that away. Your name is written on His hand and on His heart. And He goes before you today, proclaiming, “Here comes my child.”

I love this song from Watermark. Listen to it with joy at what your Banner thinks of you.

Love,
Brother Bill

Carry You

God of all creation orders all the universe
Every detail of the corners of the earth now (He covers)
And nothing comes between His mighty hand

Nothing can surprise Him ’cause He knows all about you
Every detail of the corners of your heart now (He knows You)
And nothing you could do can take that from you

Let love carry you, let His heart cover you
Like a big, warm coat
So you can be warm whenever you’re cold now
He goes before you now with a big, bright banner across this town
Saying, “here comes my child…here comes my child”

You’ll never walk alone now
‘Cause He loves to surround you
Your name is written on His hands and
on His heart now (He loves You)
And nothing you could do can take that from you!

Let love carry you, let His heart cover you
Like a big, warm coat
So you can be warm whenever you’re cold now
He goes before you now with a big, bright banner across this town
Saying, “here comes my child…here comes my child”

Keep truth in whatever you do and His favor will rest on you
Keep hold of every promise He has given
Keep giving all of your life and be a living sacrifice
‘Cause He’s given you everything you need in Jesus,
Everything you need…

Let love carry you, let His heart cover you
Like a big, warm coat
So you can be warm whenever you’re cold now
He goes before you now with a big, bright banner across this town
Saying, “here comes my child…here comes my child”

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But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. Hebrews 12:22-24 NIV

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I wrote recently about those Bible verses that contain words and phrases that seem to “jump out” at us when we read them because they’re contained in familiar songs of praise and worship.

Well, I had that experience just the other day when Hebrews 12:24 grabbed my attention. All at once I heard this song in my mind. Are you familiar with it?

Your blood speaks a better word
Than all the empty claims I’ve heard upon this earth
Speaks righteousness for me
And stands in my defense
Jesus, it’s Your blood

What can wash away our sins?
What can make us whole again?
Nothing but the blood
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

What can wash us pure as snow
Welcomed as the friends of God?
Nothing but Your blood
Nothing but Your blood, King Jesus

Your cross testifies in grace
Tells of the Father’s heart to make a way for us
Now boldly we approach
Not earthly confidence
It’s only by Your blood

(Nothing But The Blood — Words and Music: Matt Redman Copyright © 2004 Thankyou Music)

The wording of verse 24 in other translations is not the same as in the NIV. If I had been reading one of these perhaps I would not have recognized the “song lyric.”   Perhaps, too, this is the way the Lord works with us.

At first, the words “speaks a better word” caused me to think of this song. Then, working as only the Lord does, He began to speak His “better word” to me.

He led me to read this verse in several other translations which gave me greater insight.

And to Jesus, the Mediator (Go-between, Agent) of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood which speaks [of mercy], a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel [which cried out for vengeance]. Amp

You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. Heb 12:24 NLT

This, in turn led me to Genesis 4:10 — to which this verse refers.

But the LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!

And then He filled me with the realization—once again—of what Jesus did for us.

Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance and judgment. And God had to respond. But under the new covenant Jesus became our Mediator with the Father. His atoning blood does not cry out for judgment but secures our acceptance by God.  As the song says, the blood of Jesus speaks righteousness for me and stands in my defense.

And what of all those “empty claims?”

Nothing will make me righteous in the eyes of God except the blood of Jesus.

I cannot work to attain it, I cannot perform religious exercises and rituals nor can I repeat this life over and over until my “karma” is right.

We are saved only by the blood of Jesus.

“But Bill,” you might say, “I know all this. What’s the big insight?”

Yes, we know all this; we talk to each other about it. We might even say, “Yes, Amen!”

But today, pause and think on it. Read the words to the song. Read Hebrews 12:12-29. Ask the Lord to fill you with the realization of these things–not just in your head, but in your heart.

Contemplate these things and you will be awed by them and, perhaps, more inclined to fulfill your calling to the greatest benefits our new covenant provides.

Jesus, it’s Your blood.

Love,
Brother Bill

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