11-11-2016 Spirit Of Nations

Shout out praises to the LORD, all the earth! Worship the LORD with joy! Enter his presence with joyful singing! Acknowledge that the LORD is God! He made us and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give him thanks! Praise his name! For the LORD is good. His loyal love endures, and he is faithful through all generations.

Psalm 100:1-5 

Today was most definitely a highlight, a “keeper”. And as typical, it started with an inconvenient accident. I’ve become alert to the fact that when things don’t go exactly as I have planned (or want), you are preparing me for a wonderful change. Here we are in Israel, in one of my favorite places on the planet - Gennesaret, more familiarly known by it’s Biblical title, the Sea of Galilee. We are preparing for a trip onto the waters in a vessel captained by a Christian brother who takes people out to worship with songs and praise. This in itself is a fantastic moment, but it is made more so by the fact that our small group will be sharing the sail with a larger group of French believers. The opportunity to share our faith in you with the faithful of another country is something that I’ve been anticipating for many weeks. We have not met this group before and I’m excited about communing in our love for you.

But when we arrive at the boat, we’re told the French group has not shown up. It turns out they are behind schedule and so they / we will only be able to worship on the water together for a mere 30 minutes – a blink of an eye when it comes to such spiritual matters. None the less we hope to make the most of the moment and when they arrive, we greet them warmly. They return the welcome in a familiar way that is hard to explain to those who don’t share our faith in You, the God that desires forgiveness in relationship. As we push off from the dock, Captain Daniel calls me over for a private conversation and explains, “Mark, I’m so sorry for the shortness of the trip. I would like for your group to stay on the boat after this ride is completed and join us also for the next group.”

What a gracious proposal. We have just been given expanded time in the place where you sailed with your disciples and, just as you offered them additional exclusive time together, we now will have extra time to bow before you, wrapped in the panorama of perpetual history. I stand on the bow of the boat staring first into the rich green waters and thinking a strange thought. I want so much to jump in and soak in the liquid moment. A voice of one of my companions next to me interrupts my private reflection, “I’ll jump in if you do.” I am delighted by the realization that she had shared the exact desire as I and it makes me wonder how many others over countless trips had considered the same? My gaze then lifts up to the surrounding countryside, the mountains and the fertile fields that embrace the shore that frame our encounter. A hazy blue sky canopies us as a hoopa, reminding me of your planned wedding to us. This is one more beautiful rehearsal that you have allowed me. Thank you, Jesus .

The sun bounces off the waters onto another canopy, the one that covers the boat, allowing your light to dance in ripples over us. And the wind whispered your presence. I am as near to you as I have ever been and I want to freeze the warm moment. It is then that I realize there is more going on here. Your French believers are singing a lovely song. I had studied the language in school and so I actually catch some simple phrases, including, “Notre spiriteux d’accord Jesus, avec tu—Our spirits agree (belong) Jesus, with you.”

It is such a perfect moment, made more so by a Frenchman, I never caught his name, who started talking passionately about another special moment. Again I catch snippets, “Orage – Storm, Alarme – Alarm, Sauve-nous – Save us”, and I instantly realize he is rendering the story of your disciples panicking during the storm and then waking you to calm the very waters on which we now sail. Then more animated words, “Pierre - Peter, Main- Hand,” combined with a simple gesture of reaching down with the orator’s palm, portrays the tale of Peter’s peril when trying to walk with you on the water, and your pulling him up to stand by you. I can see it all, Lord. I am washed in the tears of your translation. I understand now that it isn’t some secret spiritual language you give us to set us apart from one another. Instead you encourage us to gather in common, joining of revelation, so that, no matter the dialect, we all can experience your story, our story unfolding.

As the boat returns, I think, what can be better than this? - a silly question to ask in your presence, for as we bid our new spiritual brothers and sisters adieux, the next crew loads on. Now we are in the presence of Chileans, Latinos from my old home-base of Houston Texas!), and other Hispanic believers from parts unknown. Here I am less confident in my dialectic abilities, yet the immediate affection we receive from this group, bond us one to the other. We sing together familiar praise songs, they in Spanish, we in English, sometimes all joining in a common chorus of Hebrew and even a touch of Portuguese taught to us by Capitan Daniel. So many nationalities and languages, so much heart, such a Great God…Gadol Adonai! There is much more you provide in this day, fodder for many more conversations between us, you teaching me in your language and with your graceful gestures, just how much more I have to look forward to in our common relationship.

Meanwhile, I bask in this revealing and smile with understanding that you have etched the picture and the memory into the depths of me. Praise you for your continued love poured into me by a communion that any who know you will also understand and, I pray, appreciate.

Todah Rabah—Thank you so much,

Mark C.

11-7-2016 Surprise Beginnings

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows

me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."   John_8:12

  

Lord, you have the most amazing sense of humor. Patti and I have been praying for opportunities to help facilitate ministry trips to Israel and you provided the perfect platform by joining our friend Sam on just such a trip, beginning November 8th. We thought you were all done, that walking with this amazing man would be a great way to ease into more substantial roles. Of course we should have known better.

Five days ago we learned that Sam had to be hospitalized. Praise you that his health issues are being addressed by a wonderful group of medical professionals. Praise you that he is recuperating and that he is covered in prayers by many, many friends and family. And Yes Jesus, praise you above all else that he did not begin the journey to Israel and THEN begin to experience troubles. You are a God of perfect timing, even when we might not appreciate the balance of things to come.

I confess that Lord, the fact that so little time remained until we were “wheels up”, weighed heavy on my mind. This is a select group of very special travelers, any one of them could (and would be willingly capable) of coordinating the continuation. But how would all the pieces fit? Who would have the time to assemble all the information and contacts and keep all the balls smoothly juggled in mid-air?

Patti and I arrived at the hospital that night to encourage our friend and to honestly scope out if possibly his condition was less serious, hoping that a night in the hospital and an intravenous vitamin boost might just turn the tide. We hoped beyond hope that, when we walked in, Sam would be back to his old crusty self, ready to hop on the plane with a shrug and a chuckle about the circumstances that would dare interrupt such important work.

Instead, there he lay on a gurney, yes in good spirits, but no, not in any way shape or form looking even fit enough to sit up, must less hop anywhere. He saw me and smiled. The next words out of his mouth almost made me want to request an IV.

“Well Mark, this will be a baptism by fire for you, my friend; baptism by fire.”

Wait, what? Master, I’m sure you understood my confusion at the time. What had Sam meant? Why would the fire be under my feet? What was he talking about? Now things were happening quickly. The sick man was wheeled out to another location and we couldn’t follow to continue the conversation. My mind was reeling as we walked out of the hospital entrance with Sam’s daughter. I had never met her before and she introduced herself, then asked, “Are you Mark?”

I acknowledged and she continued, “My dad was talking all afternoon about you and how confident he is that you’re going to do fine, taking on the leading of this trip.”

Wait, what? Lead? I’ve never led a group to Israel. Sure, we’ve been to the land, sure we’ve developed great friendships and contacts, have studied the culture, even having fallen in love with the land and its people…your people. But to take on management of this scope, is it possible? Yes Lord, I know all things with you, are.

Patti and I talked and prayed about the commission on the way home. Curiously I felt a peace I didn’t expect. Everyone we shared the news with didn’t seem surprised at all. With the help and encouragement of friends, family and my beautiful bride, Sam and you, I now see the possibility as a reality.

There was only one thing that still concerned me. It was the word people were using to describe my new function: Leader. I remember studying scripture concerning examples of leaders. Interestingly the word is seldom used in a complimentary way to describe even kings who honored you. Other words that you used to describe those who “do the Father’s will” did pop up: Servant; Follower; Disciple. The one that caught my attention most was Shepherd. You, Good Shepherd demonstrated the technique best – one who guides and encourages, protecting and correcting when necessary…still and always while seeking Abba Father’s will.

I can do that Lord. I can shepherd because you have taught me how.

Only one day away now, the real test begins. Am I ready to trust you? Will I let you shepherd me so that I can shepherd others? My fellow travelers have encouraged me, as have you Lord. I’m willing and place myself in your will.  This is going to be an interesting ride. I trust you have even greater plans, maybe even other surprises planned ahead. I also trust, and I know my fellow travelers have expressed as well; we are confident you will not put us in situations where we are incapable of enduring. We recognize You as our true leader, the perfect shepherd to follow.

And as a shepherd under the guidance of The Shepherd, I am honored to follow in your footsteps.

Mark C.

11-1-2016 Prayerful Preparation

That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you,

so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our

fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:3

Lord, I met with my friend Schumann today. What a joy to get his 104 years of perspective on life…even if now it is a bit of a blur to him. One thing he does remember well is me, when I come jogging down the street. There he sits in his wheel chair, waving and inviting me in.

I shared with him again that Patti and I are getting ready for our two week journey to Israel (can it only be one week from today that we will be “wheels up”?). Our travels excite Schumann vicariously. He shares an adventure he once had, but he can’t quite recall where or when it occurred. The important part to him…and to me is that you, Jesus were there with him on his journey, as you will be with us.

I detailed to the old man just a few of the places we would be visiting, The Sea of Galilee, Shiloh and the Western Wall in Jerusalem. I spoke of the people—people like him and me who are so beautifully entwined into the history of the place. I explained how we would be ministering to them…and they would be teaching us. His eyes grew brighter with his imagining and our chat about these amazing locations. Schumann and I are not shy in our opportunity to share the love of our God.

“I know you can’t come with us,” I said with regret, “but are there any prayers you’d like to send with us? I can write them down for you and even stick them in the cracks of the Western Wall.”

“I’d like to depend on you to put my prayers into words,” Schumann shared. “It’s hard for me to do.”

I was not ready for that, Holy Spirit. Isn’t that Your job, to offer up prayer for us when we don’t know how or what to pray? I know I’m not worthy of that task, but how was I to explain this to Schumann?

“What if we pray together right now, then I’ll take that prayer with me as our shared offering?”

The old man smiled, “Oh yes.”

“Father God,” I began, “thank You for the presence of Your Spirit in this place. Thank you for Your love and that we can speak to You here, and even carry our prayers to You in the land You gave to Your people, Israel. Thank you that Schumann and I, no matter how our age may limit us sometimes, will always be Your children. We don’t understand why You love us so, why You sent Your son, Jesus to die for us. But You did. And now You, through Jesus, live in us. Schumann and I pray for those who still will not listen or seek You. We thank You, Spirit for our fellowship with each other and for our fellowship with You. Help us to share that with others. Give them ears to hear and eyes to see Your love through our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray all of this.”

With that, I told Schumann I would bring back pictures to share with him. And this centurion then took my hand and said something else that struck me in the deepest place. “He has done a good thing making you.”

I wonder sometimes if I am doing enough with what You have made in me, Creator. But You appear not to be done with the work, for today You blessed me in a way I didn’t think possible—by the simple words of an old forgetful man, who refuses to forget the love of You, his Maker. Let me never forget either, his example.

I know that taking these petitions to the Wall in Jerusalem does not somehow make the communication with You, God, any more holy. But by sharing in prayerful dialogue with others, You have given me a glimpse into their hearts and allowed me to share mine. You have allowed us a peek at the perfect Kingdom to come, fellowshipping with Your amazing and loving son as our King—who will share with us a millennium of moments like I just shared with Schumann.

Praise to You!

To All Y’all who might be reading this, Patti and I welcome you to share in this same fellowship. Please type out and email your prayers and we will carry them with us to share the journey in a unique way. But remember…”wheels up” in seven days!

PS Our GoFundMe webpage continues to be available for ministry contributions. Go to: 

https://www.gofundme.com/IsrealMinistryTrip

Mark C.

10-15-2016 Soon Coming

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we

had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to

please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.

                                                                                                                    1Thessalonians 2:2-5

Lord, I recently fellowshipped with some men whom I have not seen in many years, but there was something very different in the encounter.

It happened when I was invited to a men’s breakfast. A good friend, who has a great loving heart, encouraged me to join them and I have to admit, I was curious as to how these brothers in you, Jesus had been doing. Our family had walked away from their congregation because of doctrinal differences that seemed at the time, irreconcilable. Since that time, I have kept in touch with some of those individuals, but for the most part have kept myself distant.

Messiah, you know all of this, and you know the uncomfortable mix of emotions and dissonance that percolated within my soul as I walked through the door into the event. I have always had a difficult time trying to explain to those who walk a different spiritual path, why the things that caused our family to break away are so compelling to us. And now the potential for someone asking, “Why did you leave,” would be literally laid out on the breakfast table. What would I say? I love these people still. Sure, some of them (two in fact) already had asked for my explaination early on in our separation, but that was in private. For the most part, few at the church seemed concerned with our exodus and so there had been no exploration of our differences.

This men’s fellowship however was a very public venue without any formal structure—just the kind of environment where such a seemingly innocent question might come up. If it did arise, didn’t I owe them my honesty? Would they be ready for my answer? I know, Master, that when I open my mouth, “things” come out and I wanted to be careful not to injure, but to engage. Would the venue allow that?

As it turned out, the gathering itself was quite innocuous. There was a time when the subject of “feasting” came up. I offered some teaching I had received about Leviticus and Your appointed Feast’s, YWHW. That didn’t seem to be an area of much interest to them. So mostly, I listened, hearing in the undercurrents of conversation, some of the same subtle differences that encouraged us to veer away in the first place. I sensed from You though, that this was not the time or place to sharpen iron with iron. So the conversation remained superficial.

I volunteered to help clean the kitchen after our time together; thinking you, Lord had allowed me to dodge a bullet. That’s when one of the men, a newer member of the group whom I had not met before, asked me how long ago I had attended the church and I told him.

            “So why did you leave?” He responded.

            There it was, the hanging curve ball, ready to be knocked out of the park. And still I hesitated.

“Our family felt compelled to be involved in a smaller church environment that included homechurch-group participation,” I explained.

It was not untrue. It just wasn’t all the truth. This clan of men weren’t really familiar with the whole home-group concept and I knew that. I knew it would get a strange look (which it did) and then a nod and then we were on to other more banal stuff. The idea of washing dishes over the deeper divisions of denominational discourse was just too unappetizing.

I left the gathering still feeling unresolved in my spirit, Lord. I don’t believe you meant for me to take it any further than I did, and I also don’t think the discussion is over. As with most journeys, there are points of engagement along the way, but You, God, always shape the timeline of our growth in progressive steps. Relationships are never final, even when there seem to be great distances to be traveled for reconciliation to happen. You relentlessly bring us ever closer, even as we struggle to pull away.

I suspect, Lord, that others have experienced this same kind of wrestling. I have watched individuals and families disengage from a church community, sometimes disappearing without a trace. I have observed fellow believers and pastors in congregations literally ignore the absence, never addressing in “the personal”, that an arm or a leg, or a toe or even a hair has gone missing from the body. What has happened to the example you offered, of redemption? Do we think that only pertains to our individual walk with you? Do we think that we somehow get a pass when we walk away, or when we know someone else has walked away?

            I sense that You want me continue this dialogue with my old church family—not to push for some sort of vindication, but to invite mutual exploration of truth. Your Truth. Jesus, I already have plans for getting together with my friend, the one who dared to re-offer his hand of brotherly fellowship. I intend to seek his wise council on this matter as well. If nothing else, his and my relationship may strengthen from the discussion and together, we may draw closer to you in the process.

            As my wife and I ready for our trip to Israel, this lesson in relationships begs another powerful question for me. Am I on a journey of reconciliation with my Jewish brothers and sisters as well? Can I learn from them and they from me, how we might come to a better understanding of you, our Messiah? Might we dare to become that close?

            No Lord, I am not trying to become Jewish, just as I am not trying to go back to old, flawed patterns of theological thinking (that statement alone should inspire a lively conversation with my brothers!) What I hear you compelling me to do is to share my story and my journey with those who have not walked in new territory. What I hear you advising is to understand their outlook, not to embrace but to encourage comparisons. In doing so, You Spirit will influence us all toward a more complete picture of obedience.

            Messiah Jesus, the reason I share all of this is simply in pray and preparation, to walk as you would have me walk, toward your mission for my life. I simply desire you to hold my hand and guide me. Will others listen? Only you and they can answer that. Will I be blessed by the dialogue and the fellowship? Most certainly: it is Your will, Father, I pray it be done in anticipation of complete fellowship with another friend, my best and perfect friend Jesus, who is soon coming again to dwell with us. May I be totally prepared for THAT conversation!

Blessings,

Mark C. 

9-19-2016 So Close

"I called on your name, O LORD, 

from the depths of the pit; you 

heard my plea, 'Do not close your 

ear to my cry for help!'

You came near when I called on you; 

you said, 'Do not fear!' "You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life.”  

Lamentations 3:55-58

Dear Lord, we are so close. That is a typical adage I hear: “We are so close 

to completing something; we are so close to changing our circumstances; 

we are so close to breaking down and things completely coming unraveled.”

But what are we really, really close to? What is the thing we are closest too? Of course, this is a personal perspective Master, but it seems like most people measure the hope and meaning of their lives by how close they are to…something.

Me too—I confess that my step by step progression either inspirers me to push on more diligently, or to turn back from the way I came to put some distance between me and my “closeness.” So what am I and my wife that close to? You know me best, Creator. I’ll first gravitate to the easy answers.

We are so close to…

—learning lessons from our past actions and inactions; pleasant and unpleasant.

—improving our financial situation; after a struggle of years.

                      —overcoming recent physical struggles.

—finishing up preparations for the great adventure You have placed before us; our ministry trip to Israel

                        —understanding prophesied future events which You warn will affect us 
                        significantly.

I’m sure You will subliminally suggest more to add to the list, Lord. I’m positive that anyone looking at this short list, can make it a longer one for themselves. Your Spirit is that kind of teacher, always encouraging us always closer to the answers You desire us to discover.

Sometimes though, You don’t seem to be ready for me to be as close as I desire to be. With being close, comes the awareness that things are not completely right…yet. Although not my preference, I do recognize a certain healthiness in the realization: In being close...there must remain, a gap. If there were no gap, there would be no need for us to strive. I am not yet sufficiently refined by Your methods and You have built into all of us, believer and non-believer alike, the characteristic of desire. Some of us desire to climb the hill toward Your love, others to take the downhill path.

Our closeness, provides an advantage. It humbles, causing me to realize how, no matter where I am on the uphill path, there is still more to learn, more to refine—so close, yet so far away. And it teaches. You encourage our journey, reminding and teaching along the path. I know what I’ve learned is but a speck of what You have yet to offer. So I remain obedient, walking out my faith with Your guidance, seeking the work yet to be done…

—changing my ways, repenting of our unpleasant past and striving to obey You, even when we think we know a better (or easier) way.

—not just improving our financial situation, but being alert to and resisting unrighteous spending temptations

—being spiritually vigilant and health conscious during the healing process of our physical struggles.

—more diligently sharing the testimony of our Israel adventure, including others through awareness, prayer and vicarious participation.

            O yes, in all of this, pointing all the attention toward You. Professing Your handiwork and Glory in it all. With Your help and using the resources You supply—scripture, the fellowship of other believers, and our daily encounters with Your Spirit, we draw closer still. 

And as we draw nearer to one another, You give us other things to be close to; a kingdom where we will not be close, but one. And that’s a place I long to reach. I know, by Your promises, that its already “done” in Your eyes, the victory is Yours. But I am only close to understanding how You can love me, love all of us, that much.

We are so close to knowing you better. Draw ever nearer to us, Lord Jesus. I feel your closeness— the real, real closeness with the one I hope for. Pull me, pull us all in and help us learn how to share the closeness of your love with those who have yet to recognize your presence and the glory of the Father, whom you lead us ever closer to.

Shalom

Mark C.

8-9-2016 This Year In Jerusalem

Oh God, you are my God: earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live: in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 64:1-4

Lord of the Land and of Your People, Lord of our personal salvation, Lord of Israel,

It seemed “on again, off again, maybe yes, maybe no…” We said we would wait for Your will. We fought through the ups and downs, even shared our struggle and disappointment with friends and family; thinking that the “deal was off”—too many walls in the way to knock down. But that is Your way Lord, preparing us to see, not what we can do, but how You alone are able. Now You have made Your presence known. So simple, so…You. When Your Spirit says, “go,” there is no stopping the plan. We received notice from our friend, Sam that all is now in place for our flights and lodging to Israel, November 8th – 22nd. Other friends have joined in, to travel with us, and our ministry is launched!

            Oh, not that there aren’t still challenges. Patti fell and broke three ribs, my work has been affected by the economy, world events suggest chaos will triumph. We are unsure if the enemy is provoking, or if You are asking us to “step out” in faith. Pardon me, we do know: It is a little of the first and a lot of the latter.  In confidence, we stand. Not our confidence—You, Jesus give us strength.

And when You give strength, Master, You do no fool around! My wife will not be daunted by physical restrictions, I will not let worry stand in the way. And so we already see fruit. My business shows great signs of improvement. Patti’s stamina grows daily. Friends and family offer support and…enough said…You have called and we answer.

Our hope though is not just in the blessing this trip provides for us, but in the sharing it allows. We will serve those in need through The Joseph Project and other Israel ministries. I will share, in blogs and through my book writing, whatever new insights You will inspire, my God. We will chronologue  the journey; engaging in prayer with all who desire to participate, whether traveling with us physically or in spirit. We will share Your Gospel message without fear or apology. 
And stilll we expect challenges. We know that the enemy will continue to try to distract us. We know that You will continue to shape and use us to Your purpose. Will we need others to help us? You are a God of community: we don’t know, nor can we imagine all of those You will inspire with this adventure: So as You instruct us to do, we pray…

—We pray for active and continued support, encouragement and the prayers of our friends and family.

—We pray for strength and support to those who will physically be traveling with us; for Sam, Peggy, John, Ed, Donna, and Dawn.

—We pray for your purpose in all of this and that we are inspired to greater understanding, strong teaching and spiritual growth for all of us while we journey in the Land.

— Lord, we pray that those, we encounter—through this blog, in our daily lives, during our Israel journey and beyond—will see Your light reflected outward through us.

—We pray that the lives You send us to touch will join in to support and spread the message of our purpose so that above all, the world may know that You are God.

Praise to You, Sovereign God, for we we will do by Your will, walking out our faith with Jesus as our heartfelt companion. In his name we pray. Amen and amen. 
And to you reading along, please let us hear from you. Even if you have no interest in Israel, or in the God that Patti and I serve, we are excited about even that discussion: we hunger to understand and to be understood. So share your hearts with us and let’s discover together, what this conversation is really all about.
Blessings and Shalom, ברכות שלום

Mark & Patti C.
markc91754@comcast.net

http://steppingoutinfaith-theisraeljourney.blogspot.com/

If you feel compelled to contribute financially to this ministry journey: https://www.gofundme.com/IsrealMinistryTrip

05-09-2016 Dividing the Baby

Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.
Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,
for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.
The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.   Proverbs 3:29-35

Lord, it’s not that I can’t do this thing, but that I’m convicted not to do this thing. What is this thing? Does it really matter? Master, I thought long and hard about offering a concrete example of my struggle in these difficult times, but I believe the struggle I’m going through is more universal than one personal conflict can convey. It will probably be fairly easy for my friends and family to figure out the issue with which I wrestle―the date and current events should be enough to extrapolate. But another time, under different circumstances, will come, when these words might encourage other people to seek Your wise council. I pray for those future times, and so my context will be broad.

Why am I so conflicted? Is not Your word clear; that I’m to try to do good and avoid the bad stuff? If my efforts are well intended, is that not enough and won’t You forgive me if I act in ignorance? A very unusual thing is taking place; a threat, a force that tempts me to forsake my theological beliefs in trade for the overall “good” of others. Yikes, would I do that willingly? I’d like to think not.

On the other hand, some say a reasonable alternative solution exists. All the right words are being used to suggest hope in the popular solution, and many people I know seem convinced that the “fix” has great merit. I too would sign up, but for a warning You once offered, that keeps bouncing around in my head.

Beware of false prophets, they come to me in sheep’s clothing, but within,

they are treacherous wolves…by their fruit, I’ll recognize them.

The fruit is right there to see. It has been there for many years, now ripe to be plucked, but I can’t seem to convince myself that the bad tree has somehow become a good tree. So, for the first time in my life, I find myself having decided I cannot exercise a freedom I would typically be honor-bound to see through.

 Friends and foes alike criticize me, some saying, “Yes, following our lead may not be the righteous choice, but if you don’t follow, then the consequences will be terrible.” Others respond to my supposed inaction with derision, “Good. If you don’t take action, then our actions will win out.”

There are those who suggest I’m behaving sanctimoniously, looking down on those who don’t agree with me. Sovereign God, yet another friend asked me to consider, “What would Jesus do under the same circumstances?” That raises a deeper question…is my choice similar what Solomon had  was forced to consider when the two women approached him claiming the same baby as their own? Or is this the same kind of pressure you, Jesus, faced when you walked the earth? I’m certainly not in the same league, but when your family and friends insisted that you behave one way, not considering the Father’s way, in order to fulfill their wants and desires―you took an unexpected and painful path.

You, Lord, have taught me not to react proudly, but with humility, scriptural study, patient prayer and seeking out wise council. By these means, You have reminded me of my own past follies. Too often I have ignored the difficult choice; not to be conformed to the world, but to be spiritually transformed by You. I’ve been guilty of not trusting Your words― doubting Your ability to resolve a conflict―instead trusting in my own skills.

Over and over, I’ve paid a stiff price for ignoring that trust, and now looms another opportunity to walk instead, in Your footsteps. I believe I have to make a very specific choice. In this particular and very unique situation, I can’t be obedient to the demands of my country, community, my family, my friends and still serve You. The worldly choices I’m presented with clearly (in my heart) would steer me off the path You’ve lit for me.

A question posed by one other fellow believer has helped to confirm a better course. He asked simply, “Does your faith in your invisible God, demonstrate visible evidence of God? If I’m honest with myself, too often, I want to justify my action by claiming that my choice is the “lesser of two evils,” but if that’s true, am I not participating willingly in dark matters?

Lord, You are fully capable of using any worldly circumstances for Your purpose. I have peace and confidence in that. But I’m convinced there is more to this place-in-time, than meets the eye. I believe You are listening for my heart, and longing to hear it beat in sync with Yours. So really, it’s not a matter of what Mark should do, nor how my actions compare to the example of my Lord and Savior.  What does matter is how I respond to Your call. So, Lord, what would you have me do?

            My wife and I are making preparations to travel back to Israel for a ministry trip (Praise You!) and, though my current dilemma seems as far removed, as Your holy land is from my current dwelling place, they share a common string. We want to believe, that our trip is one that is for Your purpose. It seems a righteous cause and we are being encouraged by others to pursue it. But why is that event by any means different than the other I have spoken about? Lord, in humility, I’ve approached You with this question, I have sought scriptural understanding, patiently prayed and heard from wise council. You’ve provided the answer that settles my soul regarding both situations―all situations:

I can argue all day long that the welfare of others is important to me,

but am I truly willing to sacrifice my personal popularity and wellbeing to

actually do for them, what I would have them do for me?

―You did.

And I have peace, that in this moment, during these difficult times, with You strengthening me―I can do the same.

Your will be done.

Mark C.