Grant Andrew couldn’t understand, but that didn’t keep Great-grandma Clay from talking to him through Amy’s tummy: “Be patient, Grant. . . We’re excited for you to be with us, but not right now. . . We want you to be with us next Christmas, not this year. . .” A little over a week ago our oldest child, Amy, was admitted to Baptist Hospital with early contractions. For a week we were on pins and needles, wondering what would happen. Would Amy deliver Grant two months early? Was he ready to live outside the womb? Was Amy o.k.? Amy’s situation prompted us to change our Christmas plans. Instead of Amy and Jeremy joining us in Springfield, we drove to
Memphis, since Amy, after six nights in the hospital, is on complete bed rest at home.

We have really good news – because of the faithfulness and goodness of God, the prayers of many, and the excellent medical care of doctors and nurses, the intense contractions have stopped and Amy is resting comfortably – as comfortably as a seven-month pregnant mother can rest. We continue to trust in the sovereignty of God. His purpose for Grant, as for each of us, will prevail. That’s the promise of Proverbs 19:21.

Some of us have teasingly accused Grant of being impatient. While that charge won’t stick against him, it could against some of us. Patiently waiting is very difficult for most of us Homo sapiens.

• Young couples, wanting their parents’ lifestyle, can easily go “head over heels” in debt for a big beautifully furnished house, rather than wait until they can afford it.

• An athlete, eager to excel and be the best, takes steroids rather than patiently and consistently building his body through hard work and good nutrition.

• A pastor, with more vision than wisdom, impatiently leads a congregation into unmanageable debt which ultimately cripples the ability of the church to do effective ministry.

• A couple, because “we’re in love,” engages in pre-marital sex rather than waiting until marriage to enjoy God’s gracious gift of sexual intimacy.

• Christ followers, with a sincere desire for their friend or family member to know Christ too, become spiritually pushy rather than planting the seed and waiting for God to produce a fruitful harvest of salvation.

• Still stinging from being hurt by someone, we lash out and get even, rather than wait for God to vindicate us.

God knew that waiting and being patient are hard for many of us, so He gave us these encouragements, promises, examples and instructions:

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry” (Psalm 40:1).

“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7, 8).

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience. . .” (Proverbs 19:11a).

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

“Be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

God has a way of giving His best to those who wait! One way to finish strong is to live patiently and watch God work out His perfect plan in our lives!

Thanks, Grant, for patiently waiting. Your time is coming – it won’t be long!

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There has been a resurrection in Rogue Valley!

Having been invited by Pastor Brian Steller to preach at Calvary Church, in Jacksonville, Oregon, I was honored to participate in the church’s 60th anniversary celebration.

The weekend was fabulous. Hundreds of people participated in meal and worship events as Calvary Church gave praise to God for His faithfulness during these last six decades.

The church had a strong start as John and Maryann Skinner came from California to plant this church. Under the leadership of other strong and godly pastors, this church became a vibrant church in Jacksonville and the entire Rogue Valley. More than four hundred people were part of Calvary at its peak.

Sadly, the church fell on hard times. By the time this enthusiastic and passionate young couple, Brian and Kimberly Steller, arrived five years ago to pastor Calvary Church, they could count the people who were part of the church on two hands and one foot – eleven people. Brian and Kimberly’s two young girls were the only children in the entire church.

The youngest deacon, Roger Ackerman, was fifty. Paul Kerth, the oldest deacon was 92. Harry Belau was 82. Jack Bransford was 80. These four men and Brian, about sixty years younger than Paul, were the leadership team.

Being a wise young pastor, Brian spent the first six months praying and talking with this small remnant about their future. Finally, he broke the news to them, “We have to make changes.”

They asked, “What kind of changes, pastor?”

“Everything has to change,” he replied.

“Why everything?” they asked.

“Because,” he honestly said, “What we’re doing now is not working.”

The response of these deacons, whose average age was seventy six years, paved the way for the resurrection. They said, “Pastor, whatever changes need to be made, to reach the younger generation, make them.”

And he has! The facilities have been updated – the logo has changed – the music is contemporary – small groups have been implemented – the worship service has a non-traditional look and feel, yet very Christ centered and Spirit led.

The 60th anniversary service was electric! You can imagine the energy when Pastor Brian introduced and honored five charter members who are still active in the church. They love him and he loves them. Before I shared a message entitled, “Reaching The Rogue Valley Until Jesus Comes Again,” they took a “coffee break.” The entire congregation, totaling more than 200, left the sanctuary for a cup of good coffee and fellowship. Fifteen minutes later we reassembled and I preached.

This is a resurrected, renewed, and revived church! People are being saved and filled with the Spirit regularly. Young single adults and young couples are everywhere. Dozens of babies and children are now part of the church. The youth group, under the passionate leadership of Josh and Shereena Gering, is alive, strong, and growing.

I watched Paul, Harry, and Jack (The young deacon, Roger, is deceased). I don’t suppose the worship choruses the church was singing were their favorites. But there they were – clapping and raising their hands in praise to God – a huge smile on their face – as they looked around and saw a sanctuary full of joyful worshippers, young and old.

These older men could have killed their church or kept it very small. Instead, they chose to support their pastor – follow his vision – and embrace the change. Calvary Church is doing exactly what Jesus expects us to do – they are making disciples – loving, joyful, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus Christ.

There’s been a resurrection in Rogue Valley. And I witnessed it!

Paul, Harry, and Jack are finishing strong! Because of them and a young couple who was courageous enough to make necessary changes, but not alienate the older generation in the process, Calvary Church is finishing strong, too.

For as long as I can remember I’ve had access to a magical drawer. As a young boy, sharing a room with my brother, Jim, the drawer was there. While living in Wadsworth, Ohio, during my late high school years, I benefitted greatly from the magical drawer. Amazingly, that magical drawer has shown up in our home for the thirty-two years that Debbie and I have been married.

Come to think of it, the only time in my entire life the magical drawer and I have been separated was the four-year span while attending college. Even then, the magical drawer showed up during holidays and summers while living at home.

This magical drawer is well used. I open it every morning shortly after getting out of bed. It never fails. Every time I open this drawer, I take out what I need. I never put anything into it, yet it seems to fill up once a week. It may get low, but it never runs out. As amazing as this drawer is, this is the first time I have spoken or written about it. And I’m sure you’ll understand why – the magical drawer is my underwear drawer.

We all know, of course, there is no magic to it. My mother and my wife have lovingly and faithfully washed my clothes for over five decades. They take dirty clothes and make them clean. Every week for thirty-two years Debbie does our laundry – willingly, joyfully, and without complaining. She never says, “John, did you notice I did the laundry again this week?” She’s like Nike – she just does it!

Most of us have people like my mom and Debbie in our lives – people who joyfully and faithfully serve without drawing attention to their work. Every day when I come to work at 1445 North Boonville Avenue, in Springfield, Missouri, the temperature is just right – the electricity works – there’s food in the cafeteria – the waste baskets are empty – the computers are functioning well – the bathrooms are sparkling clean – the sidewalks are swept – Esther has printed my daily schedule and placed it on my desk. It’s not magic – a lot of committed and capable people have been diligently working behind the scenes to make these things happen.

Honestly, over the years I have not thanked Debbie enough for her acts of kindness. In fact, it was just a few days ago when the “magical drawer” thought occurred to me. I thanked her for being the “magic” behind the drawer. I think my thanks surprised her. I know it encouraged her. I’m not sure I ever thanked my mother for working her “magic.” I guess I’ll have to wait until heaven for that one.

One aspect of finishing strong is acknowledging that all of us benefit from the loving service of others. Perhaps you’d like to join me in identifying two or three people that we can thank for being the “magic” in your life. Your word of thanks may just make their day brighter and this Christmas season more meaningful.

By God’s grace I’m finishing strong – I hope you will, too!

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