This past weekend I had the opportunity to view the all time classic 1939 movie the Wizard of Oz with my wife and daughters. Before you stop here and say “what’s the big deal” it been on television every year for as long as we can remember, give me a minute.

I saw it the way the original producer and director meant the viewer to see their labor of love; on a big screen. I’m not talking about at one of those 20 screen multiplex locations but in a restored 1920’s movie theater, the original venue the movie was intended to be screened. I even had the opportunity to view the projection both where unpaid volunteers loving restore and tend the 1940’s vintage projectors that bring the magic of the film to life.

All of this occurred in a city, Detroit, in a neighborhood, Grand River and Lasher in a theater, The Old Redford, and with a movie, the Wizard of Oz, that many have already written off, as old and outdated and not worth a second look.

In this day when many churches are trying to package, promote and modernize Gods’ Word and our Christian lifestyle in segments and sound bits that fit neatly into 60 minutes on a Sunday morning, I can’t help but think of how far we have fallen from God’s original intended plan for our relationship with HIM. I had to ask if I was guilty of writing God off as old and outdated, something or someone to be experienced as only a small part of my life, and not really significant in this new digital society in which we all live.

During this upcoming hectic time of year, when it is hard to find time to complete every task that has to be completed, I would challenge you to slow down and take the time to experience your loving Heavenly Father the way He was intended to be experienced. I was challenged with the following scripture. Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” May He be exalted in our lives our churches and our communities.

Michael Adams

“Beware of seeing yourself through other people’s eyes. There are several dangers to this practice. First of all, it is nearly impossible to discern what others actually think of you. Moreover, their views of you are variable, subject to each viewers spiritual, emotional, and physical condition. The major problem with letting others define you is that borders on idolatry. Your concern to please others dampens your desire to please me, your creator.

It is much more real to see yourself through MY eyes. My gaze upon you is steady and sure, untainted by sin. Through My eyes you can see yourself as one who is deeply, eternally loved. Rest in My loving gaze, and you will receive deep Peace. Respond to My loving Presence by worshiping Me in spirit and in truth.”

Heb. 11:6, John 4:23-24

“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (2 Cor 8:2-4)

God allows both Christians and non-Christians to experience every form of suffering known to the human race, just as He allows His blessings to fall on both. Poverty, like other forms of suffering, is relative, as Lars and I were reminded while we were in India. Our country’s definition of the “poverty level” would mean unimaginable affluence to the girls we saw working next to our hotel. For nine hours a day they carried wet concrete in wooden basins on their heads, pouring it into the forms for the foundation of a large building. They were paid thirty cents a day.

On my list of Scriptures which give clues to some of God’s reasons for allowing His children to suffer is 2 Corinthians 8:2: “Somehow, in most difficult circumstances, their joy and the fact of being down to their last penny themselves, produced a magnificent concern for other people” (PHILLIPS). It was the Macedonian churches that Paul was talking about, living proof that it is not poverty or riches that determine generosity, and sometimes those who suffer the most financially are the ones most ready to share what they have. “They simply begged us to accept their gifts and so let them share the honors of supporting their brothers in Christ” (v. 4).

Money holds terrible power when it is loved. It can blind us, shackle us, fill us with anxiety and fear, torment our days and nights with misery, wear us out with chasing it. The Macedonian Christians, possessing little of it, accepted their lot with faith and trust. Their eyes were opened to see past their own misery. They saw what mattered far more than a bank account, and, out of “magnificent concern,” contributed to the needs of their brothers.

If through losing what this world prizes we are enabled to gain what it despises–treasure in heaven, invisible and incorruptible–isn’t it worth any kind of suffering? What is it worth to us to learn a little bit more of what the Cross means–life out of death, the transformation of earth’s losses and heartbreaks and tragedies?

Poverty has not been my experience, but God has allowed in the lives of each of us some sort of loss, the withdrawal of something we valued, in order that we may learn to offer ourselves a little more willingly, to allow the touch of death on one more thing we have clutched so tightly, and thus know fullness and freedom and joy that much sooner. We’re not naturally inclined to love God and seek His Kingdom. Trouble may help to incline us–that is, it may tip us over, put some pressure on us, lean us in the right direction.

Elisabeth Elliot
Keep a Quiet Heart

And the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” (Joshua 3:7)

How quickly man-made greatness fades! Before he attacked Russia, Napoleon Bonaparte seemed to have the world at his feet. But the Russian invasion turned into a disaster and Napoleon, fearing his position at home was in danger, left the French army and hurried back to France almost unaccompanied. Arriving at a river crossing, Napoleon inquired of the ferryman whether many deserters had come that way. Not recognizing the famous leader, the man responded, “No, you are the first.”

God does not deal in such fleeting fame. What He offered to Joshua was something far better than anything man could give. As Joshua responded in obedience to God’s Word, the Lord assured him that He would exalt him. Just as God had brought honor to Moses, so would He bring honor and respect to Joshua. This would not be a human grab for glory, but a gracious gift from God.

God offers the same to every Christian. As we make Christ the center of our lives and His Word the focal point of all that we say or do, the Lord will bring to us a glory that will outlast any honor that man could bestow. While we may not always be recognized by the movers and shakers of this world, the Scriptures assure us that we will be revealed in all our glory when Christ returns (1 Pet.1:7).

Don’t worry if those around you fail to praise you. Seek instead for the honor that comes from the Lord. That glory will last forever.

Eternal greatness can come only from an eternal God.

Woodrow Kroll

Little Jamie Scott was trying out for a part in his school play. His mother knew he had his heart set on being in the play, but she feared he wouldn’t be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, apprehensively she picked him up after school. To her surprise, Jamie came rushing out, his eyes shining with pride and excitement. “Guess what, Mom!” he shouted. “I have a part! I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer.”

God calls some of us to be in the limelight; others He calls to “clap and cheer.” At this point in his life, Joshua was asked to do the latter. It would be 40 years before he became the leader of Israel. In the meantime, he was a supporter and assistant to Moses. And he did it well. Whether it was battling with the Amalekites (Ex. 17:10) or providing moral support as Moses met with the Lord on Mount Sinai, Joshua served the Lord by being an encouragement to the His servant.

Those whom God calls to serve Him in leadership face many challenges. Often they carry deep responsibilities and heavy spiritual burdens. At times they are the target of malicious gossip or hurtful behavior. You can understand how important it is that they have around them some mature believers who are there to “clap and cheer” for them. What a blessing such encouragement can be!

Have you given any thought to how you might be an encouragement to the servants of God whom you know? Who encourages your pastor or his wife? Who cheers on the Sunday school teacher or the workers at the homeless shelter? What can you do today to lighten their load and lift their spirits? Too many are prone to criticize and complain. Perhaps God has a part for you. Commit yourself to “clap and cheer” and you’ll be the hit of the play.

Be a cheerleader, not a jeer-leader.

Woodrow Kroll

I needed to make a desperate run to the grocery. I was on my way home after a tiring Stephen Ministry visit with a terminally ill patient and his supportive and fearful wife. On top of that my arthritis was acting up after walking the hallways of the local hospital, compounded by days of heavy rain and exhausting humidity.

As I was crossing the parking lot I saw a young boy, I’d say in his early teens, loading groceries into the trunk of a car. Nearby an elderly gentleman was sitting in one of those store provided motorized carts for the handicapped. As I approached them the man called out, “Do you need this cart?” What a blow! I must have looked mighty fatigued and walking much slower than normal.

It is refreshing to come across someone willing to hold out a helping hand to a total stranger.

Read the words by the unknown author found in the Book of Hebrews,

“Keep on loving each other as brothers.
Do not forget to entertain strangers,
for by so doing some people have
entertained angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13: 1-2

Now I’m no angel, far from it, but the message is clear. Be friendly, considerate and helpful, striving to be Christ-like to all and God driven to those in need. Compassion for one another is portrayed time and time again in the Diary of the Father instructing us to lead a life of caring and love for all His children. We need look no further than the examples of Jesus as he tended to the poor, the needy and the sick. If only we could be as comforting.

Paul certainly understood this as he opened his letter to the Church in Corinth,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble
with the comfort we ourselves received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

It all begins with a small step of kindness to a neighbor, a friend or a family member.

D.A. Cobb

I was recently given my first assignment as a newly commissioned Stephen Minister. I was expecting to care for someone possibly going through a difficult divorce or maybe a traumatic job loss. Little did I know I would be assigned to a terminally ill husband, father and grandfather. Not only that, he had slipped into a coma. It would be a difficult challenge to my beginning ministry.

On four occasions his wife had requested a pastoral visit from another community church but they never replied. My leader heard about her distress and called me. Within hours I was at the hospital ministering to this abandoned and lonely family.

I never had a conversation with him, we couldn’t. But I whispered to him, I stroked his hair and I prayed for him. I gave him communion and lifted him up to the Father in the final hours of his earthly visit. And when the decision was made to turn off all life-support I was asked to be there.

The radio news announcer Paul Harvey was known for his famous tag line, “And now for the rest of the story.” Now it’s my turn to tell the rest of the story. I only knew the family a few weeks but the day after his death they requested I speak at his funeral. What a privilege and honor! I also arranged for one of the pastors from my church to conduct the service. The family was tearfully grateful.

Listen as Jesus reveals the real definition of honor,

“Whoever serves me must follow me;
and where I am,
my servant also will be.
My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
John 12:26

I am honored trying to do God’s work and that of His precious Son, Jesus Christ. Who would have thought this persistent sinner of a few short years ago would be standing today in the service of the Father? It is only by His acceptance and grace have I been forgiven and only through His loving mercy am I able to minister by writing these testimonial essays. Does He have a plan for our lives? Absolutely! We need to silently focus on the words of the Creator and hear the instructions He so faithfully and abundantly shares.

Read with me as Jesus teaches at the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles,

“He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself,
but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him
is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
John 7:18

D.A. Cobb

The other day I was talking on the phone with a good friend. She was asking me how the sales were going for Volume 1 and we began to discuss a new web site I found a few weeks ago. It is a fascinating tool. I simply typed in a few keywords like, God is Everywhere or D.A. Cobb, and anytime someone “googles” them I receive an email giving me the source of the inquiry. Mostly they are from global bookstores. You can now purchase copies from Great Brittan to Australia but my favorite is one distributor in India selling my book for 771 rupees.

I found myself bragging about the exposure and really getting into myself. I was just going on and on while taking full credit for my achievements. Then it happened! The phone went dead. That’s right, the battery needed to be recharged. It was as though God was telling me to remember we are a partnership in this writing process and I needed some recharging of my own.

I immediately thought of this verse from Proverbs,

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2

I prayed for a large dose of humility and to be washed clean of my ever present pride. I cannot begin to recall how many times I have said, “I write for Him not me.” These are not just fabricated words but a deeply held belief in His power to direct my thoughts and design these compositions.

There is a fine line between pride and humility and my human nature leads me across the inviting threshold time and time again. Sometimes I find myself aware of my less than humble outbursts but more often I am renewed as I respond to His displeasure at this thoughtless writer. It is only by His healing grace do I sit and craft Volume 3.

I now understand without him nothing good is possible. I ask for His presence at all times to guide my footsteps knowing without Him I would remain just a perpetual sinner with no future and certainly no hope.

Listen as we read together these words found in the Book of Luke,

“Jesus replied, ‘what is impossible with men
is possible with God.”
Luke 18:27

Praise God in all things.

D.A. Cobb

The other day I needed change for a twenty dollar bill. I asked the cashier for a ten, a five and six one’s. I was of course joking but she handed me a ten, a five and six one’s. Maybe I found a new way to increase my retirement income.

Earthly change can be exhausting. We find ourselves captives to routine, slaves to the familiar and prisoners of sameness. As we grow older any change interfering with our comfortable lifestyle is considered highly intrusive. We become driven by the need for and content with the status quo. I guess you could say most of us are, “set in our ways.”

We are by nature creatures of habit. To some just the thought of change becomes a frightening and panic filled moment. Blood pressures rise, hearts beat faster and minds race. Nothing seems to help. But wait! There’s hope.

The Father also desires change, a change in us. He even inspired a Book on the subject.

Listen to the Son as He teaches the disciples,

“I tell you the truth,
unless you change and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 18.3

Here we have a short twenty- one word verse guiding mankind toward the spiritual radiance of everlasting life. They are easy to read but so difficult to follow. My understanding is as we approach Christ we should do so with newborn innocence and childlike faith. It is at those moments when I believe He is most receptive to our prayers and responsive to our petitions.

Listen again as Jesus speaks to the people,

“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

A change for God is change forever.

John 10:27

D.A. Cobb

As Becky set out some “sun-tea” this morning on our deck to brew for the day, I read Dr. Kroll’s devotional. Life for the people of God has not always being easy, and often is quite difficult and a struggle in a world not yet fully experiencing its redemption. But when life seems to throw us lemons, what do we do? Dr Kroll gives us a good reminder from the life of Esther.

“So it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women. Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.” (Esther 2:8-9)

Those who find the greatest joy in life are people who refuse to be discouraged by their circumstances. Author Zig Ziglar says, “If life hands you a lemon, take the lemon and make lemonade.”

Esther was handed a lemon. King Ahasuerus decreed that all the beautiful young virgins in his kingdom should be brought to Shushan for his inspection. He was looking for a new queen, and a beauty pageant was his method of choice. Esther was part of these degrading procedures. But in spite of what must have been an ordeal for a young Jewish woman, she kept her sweet spirit. Her attitude so impressed Hegai, the custodian of the women, that she became a favorite.

Others have learned this secret as well. Charles Goodyear’s lemon was a prison sentence resulting from a contempt of court citation. Instead of complaining, he became an assistant in the kitchen. He then used this sour situation to work on an idea for vulcanizing rubber. His lemon became our lemonade. Because of Charles Goodyear, we have better tires, which means better travel and a better way of life.

God doesn’t exempt us from experiencing sour fruit. We live in a fallen world and that means we may find ourselves in situations as tart as lemons. But God can help us keep our spirits sweet. Ask Him to help you. A sweet testimony can squeeze the juice out of a sour world.

Nothing is so sour that it can’t be sweetened by a good attitude.

Pastor Jeff