My Life In Books, Vol.2

Welcome to Volume Two in my series, “Top Ten Most Significant Books”. I’m listing the books that have made the biggest impact on my life so far, in the order I first read them. If you’d like to start at the beginning, you can click here to read Volume One. My list continues with…

• #4 The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
  
  Coleman makes a case for the priority of spiritual multiplication in ministry—as opposed to simple addition—based on a detailed examination of Jesus’ earthly strategies. Perhaps no other book has been more influential on my own personal ministry philosophy.
  
  Takeaway: Men were His method. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)



• #5 Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
  
  I first picked up this allegory during a dry season in my walk with the Lord. My heart so identified with Much-Afraid, as the Chief Shepherd led her, along with her companions Sorrow and Suffering, on her journey to the High Places. It has become my go-to book during times of depression and despair. Somehow God always uses it to soften my heart and draw me back to Himself.
  
  Takeaway: “The only way [to reach the High Places] is by learning to accept, day by day, the actual conditions and tests permitted by God, by a continually repeated laying down of our own will and acceptance of his as it is presented to us in the form of the people with whom we have to live and work, and in the things which happen to us.” (from the Preface)


• #6 The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee
  
  Yes, this book—which is actually a transcription of a sermon series Nee preached on Romans 5-8—has its share of heresy. (For instance, one chapter advocates baptism as a pre-requisite for salvation.) But after years of teaching it to others, this is the book that opened my eyes to what the Spirit-filled life was really about.
  
  Takeaway: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
  

Coming up next in Vol.3…Simplicity, humility, and eternity.

The Church And Health Care

Yesterday I posted a summary of an excellent editorial by George Barna entitled, “Jesus’ Health Care Plan”. The article reminded me of something Tony Evans wrote in his systematic theology, What A Way To Live!. He describes four concentric “circles of responsibility”:
He utilizes these circles to illustrate who is responsible for a man. So, first someone should take care of himself. If he isn’t able, then his family cares for him. If the family is not able, then the church cares for him. If the church is unable, then the government cares for him.*

I don’t really know if more government involvement in U.S. health care is a good idea or not. But I do know that poor Americans often do not receive adequate health care. And somebody needs to do something.

What if the American Church (myself included) would rise up and answer our call to take care of the poor and disenfranchised? Wouldn't it be awesome if the Church was doing such a good job caring for the sick that we wouldn't even need to have the debate about socialized medicine?

Public health care in the U.S. used to be almost exclusively provided for by the Church. I’m not sure what happened. But I want to try to be part of a generation that will take this challenge on again.

I previously linked to a video about Robert, a doctor in Tennessee who is really making a difference in this area.

What are practical ways we the Church—not just medical professionals, but anyone—can think outside the box and rally to this cause?

*This is my paraphrase of Evans’ idea, as I remember it. I read the book a decade ago, and I don’t have it handy; but I have tried to represent his position as best I can.

Jesus And Health Care

George Barna recently posted a challenging editorial entitled, "Jesus’ Health Care Plan". He lists seven “noteworthy perspectives that underlie Jesus’ health care strategy”, taken primarily from the Gospel of Luke:

1. Jesus healed people because He believed that good health matters.
2. Jesus invested Himself in their healing because He loved and cared for people.
3. Jesus healed everyone who presented a medical need because He saw no reason to screen some out as unqualified.
4. Jesus healed every kind of illness He encountered.
5. Jesus pursued them because He saw Himself as a servant.
6. Jesus allowed them to disrupt His schedule because He realized that people’s pain and suffering was their top focus in life.
7. Jesus expected His closest followers to heal others.

I highly recommend reading the entire article here.

John Stott On Being Salt And Light

“Our Christian habit is to bewail the world’s deteriorating standards with an air of rather self-righteous dismay. We criticize its violence, dishonesty, immorality, disregard for human life, and materialistic greed. ‘The world is going down the drain,’ we say with a shrug. But whose fault is it? Who is to blame?

Let me put it like this. If the house is dark when nightfall comes, there is no sense in blaming the house; that is what happens when the sun goes down. The question to ask is, ’Where is the light?’ Similarly, if the meat goes bad and becomes inedible, there is no sense in blaming the meat; this is what happens when bacteria are left alone to breed. The question to ask is, ’Where is the salt?’

Just so, if society deteriorates and its standards decline until it becomes like a dark night or a stinking fish, there is no sense in blaming society; that is what happens when fallen men and women are left to themselves, and human selfishness is unchecked. The question to ask is, ‘Where is the Church? Why are the salt and light of Jesus Christ not permeating and changing our society?’

It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eyebrows, shrug our shoulders, or wring our hands. The Lord Jesus told us to be the world’s salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is largely our fault and we must accept the blame.”

From Human Rights and Human Wrongs, Baker Book House, 1999.

Did You Know? 4.0

If the video doesn't show up in your browser, just click here.

Thanks, @minnet!

UPDATE: Michael Hyatt transcribed this video here, if you're interested.

Launching Another Blog: InfiniteThrift

Great money-saving tips.

Online thrift store.

Money raised goes to worthy causes.

Check it out here.

My Life In Books, Vol.1

Last month I reviewed Richard Stearns' excellent book The Hole In Our Gospel. In that post I mentioned it was one of a handful of books that had so radically re-shaped my worldview that it actually changed the trajectory of my life.

As I sat down to write a post about that “handful”, I realized my list of significant books more closely resembled a couple of handfuls! As a matter of fact, if you include Stearns’ book the list would be a Top Ten.

So I’ve created a list, sorted chronologically: not necessarily by when the books were published, but in the order I read them. I’ll start in this post with the first three of my Top Ten Most Influential Books:

1. Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell
   
   I grew up in a largely secular environment. When I started investigating the claims of Jesus Christ my senior year in high school, I wasn’t interested in becoming part of some pie-in-the-sky religion; I needed to know my beliefs lined up with logic and reason. Although a number of more current “defense of the faiths” have been written since 1986 (when I first read Evidence), this set of books became indispensible to me as I sorted out my new faith and answered the questions of my still-skeptical friends and family.
   
   Takeaway: Everything always comes back to the cross: The tomb is still empty.
   
   
2. Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot
   
   If I had known Jim Elliot in real life, I don’t know that I would have liked him all that much. But when I read his biography my senior year in college, his uncompromising focus and clear perspective inspired me. And since I had decided to become a missionary upon graduation from college—to the great disappointment and frustration of many who loved me—I needed inspiration.
   
   Takeaway: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.”
   
   
3. Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
   
   So simple, yet so profound: Theology Proper you can take with you.* The subtitle of Bridges’ book is “Even When Life Hurts”. He warns this book is best read when not in the middle of a crisis. I agree. But I am so grateful I tucked away the lessons learned here during a calm season, so I could pull them out when the storms hit.
   
   Takeaway: God is trustworthy because He is all-powerful, all-wise, and all-loving. He orders everything for His glory AND our good—never one at the exclusion of the other.
   

Coming up next in Vol.2…Allegory, ministry philosophy, and a bit of wacky theology!

*You will note that all the books on my list are easily accessible to laymen. Although I can appreciate Lewis and Packer, or even Edwards and Chesterton if I really strain my brain, the books that have impacted me the most are all relatively entry-level.

Queso Quote: The Main Object of Life

“I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country…I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others do the same.”

—C.S. Lewis

How Do You Handle A Panhandler?

Every few days it happens. I pull up to a busy intersection. Stop at the red light. And there he is, flashing his cardboard sign:

“Will work for food.”

“Homeless vet, down on my luck.”

“Anything will help. God bless you.”

I struggle with how to respond. Do I make eye contact? Smile? Give him money? Pray for him?

Left to my own devices, my heart would remain fairly cold toward him. Sadly, my first reaction to him is usually along the lines of, “Why doesn’t he just get a real job?” But Jesus lives inside of me now. And I’m fairly confident His first thought toward the man differs completely from mine.

I’ve learned a little about God’s heart toward panhandlers by observing several friends over the years…

One day Jennifer was carting a group of us around in her minivan, when she intentionally changed lanes at a stop light so she could give a panhandler a $20 bill. I mumbled something like, “Aren’t you worried he’s just gonna spend that on booze?” She answered, “Well, that’s between him and the Lord. Maybe he will. But what I give is between me and the Lord. And I don’t think the Lord will ever fault me for erring on the side of mercy.”

Steve sometimes stops to treat panhandlers to lunch and listen to their stories. Lori prepares care packages—bags full of bottled water, non-perishable food, McDonald’s gift cards, local shelter information, etc.—ahead of time and stores them in her car, ready to whip out when the need arises.

I read an interview with George Clooney recently where he discussed his views on this topic. (The interviewer observed Clooney give generously to a panhandler.) Clooney said something like, “Yeah, so he’ll probably go buy a drink with that money. So what? He probably needs a drink.”

Somehow George Clooney, with all his wealth and worldly status, who from outward appearances doesn’t have a deeply spiritual life, has more compassion for panhandlers than I—a missionary—have. He understands better than I that none of us deserve the good things we have. And that mercy granted only when earned isn’t really mercy at all.

I’ve been searching for the John Piper quote I read a couple of years ago about the topic, but for the life of me I can’t find it.* So you’ll have to pardon me for paraphrasing—I’m sure he wrote much more eloquently than I. His question was, “Where would we be if God only gave to us when He knew we would steward His gift well?”

I’m still wrestling through all of this, particularly the practical application aspect. This issue has become even more complicated, and weightier, now that I have children old enough to notice panhandlers—and to notice how I respond to them.

If you can provide insight and instruction for me (and my readers) on this issue, would you kindly share it below?

*I think I read the Piper quote in Don’t Waste Your Life, but I can’t remember for certain. If anyone knows the source, will you please let me know?

Too Wet To Go Out

"The sun did not shine.

It was too wet to play.

So we sat in the house

All that cold, cold, wet day.

I sat there with Sally.

We sat there, we two.

And I said "How I wish

We had something to do!"

Too wet to go out

And too cold to play ball.

So we sat in the house.

We did nothing at all…"

God sent us rain this afternoon, after a summer-long drought. I found my two youngest simply staring at the steady downpour through the window, and I couldn’t help but be reminded of Sally and her brother from Dr. Suess' The Cat in the Hat. (Except of course the temperatures here are still in the 90’s, so the “cold” aspect of the story doesn’t quite fit!)

Scott Rodin on The Relationship Of Money And Faith

“We must never for a single moment lose sight of the stark realization that whenever we deal with money, we are dealing with dynamite. What is one day that which we control, the next day becomes the controller.

Such dynamite must be defused, and the greatest defuser that we as Christians have at our disposal is the opportunity to take that which seeks to dominate us and simply give it away. Think about it. There is no greater expression of money’s total lack of dominance over us or of its low priority in our lives than when we can with joy and peace, give it away for the Lord’s work.

You cannot worship the God of mammon and be a free and cheerful giver. Likewise, you cannot serve the living God and be a hoarder of his resources. Giving, both how we give and how much we give, is the clearest outward expression of who our God really is. Our check stubs speak more honestly of our priorities than our church memberships.”

From Stewards of the Kingdom, InterVarsity Press, 2000.

Our Advocate In "Adam"

My husband and I saw the profoundly thoughtful movie Adam this weekend. For those whose lives have been touched by Asperger’s Syndrome, it’s a must-see.

One of my favorite scenes takes place at the beginning of the story. Adam—the main character of the movie, who has AS—is having a rough day. He is laid off from his job. Then on the way home he is roughed up by a pair of policemen who misinterpret his actions. Now he is at the office of a lawyer who is reviewing the will of Adam’s father, who had been Adam’s main support system before he died six weeks earlier. The lawyer tells Adam that to make ends meet, he will have to sell the only home he has ever lived in.

Now this would be an extremely difficult day for anyone. But for someone with AS, who finds great comfort in routine and consistency, this day becomes unbearable. Understandably, Adam begins to completely melt down, right there in the lawyer’s office.

That’s when Harlan—an uncle figure to Adam who has accompanied him to the office—intervenes. First, he walks over to Adam and coaches him calmly, “Adam, cross your arms over your chest.” *

Next Harlan turns to the lawyer. “Can you send the documents by mail so we can look at them another time?” The lawyer starts to protest, but Harlan gives him a stare-down that stops him mid-sentence. “Of course,” he relents.

Harlan represents such a beautiful picture of God in this scene:

The Holy Spirit, our comforter—who moves toward us and speaks the words we most need to hear when we are in distress.

And Jesus, our advocate—who steps in to shield us and who speaks in our defense.

I’m so grateful to be His.

*Actions like this can soothe those with AS and help them get “re-organized”.

MIXTAPE: It's About Time

I thought it was about time I posted a new mixtape.

Theme: Songs about time



Rules:

• Time must be a major lyrical theme of the song.
• This list will not include songs about “nighttime”—I’m saving those for another mixtape.
• The length of the mixtape must not exceed 90 minutes.*
• Only one song per artist.
• I must like the song.
• Each mixtape must, if at all possible, conclude with a great quote.

It’s About Time

1. Opening Clock from 24
2. No Time This Time – The Police
3. Once In A Lifetime – Talking Heads
4. Someday We’ll Be Together – Diana Ross & The Supremes
5. Anytime – Journey
6. You Might Recall – Genesis
7. New Years Day – U2
8. Graduation Day – Chris Isaak
9. History Never Repeats – Split Enz
10. Suspended In Time – Olivia Newton-John
11. Heavenly Day – Patty Griffin
12. Summer, Highland Falls – Billy Joel
13. When It’s Over – Sugar Ray
14. These Are Days – 10,000 Maniacs
15. Someday, Someway – Marshall Crenshaw
16. Seven Days – Sting
17. Always On Your Side – Sheryl Crow
18. Waiting In Vain – Annie Lennox
19. Not Enough Time – INXS
20. Good Times – Chic
21. Back In The High Life – Steve Winwood
22. One Small Day – Ultravox
23. Yesterday – The Beatles
24. The Long Day Is Over – Norah Jones
25. Closing Clock from 24

Selected Commentary:
Once In A Lifetime – Same as it ever was. Brilliant.
Suspended In Time – I heart the Xanadu soundtrack!
Heavenly Day – My friends James and Clare chose this for their first dance at their wedding. Perfect.
Summer, Highland Falls – June 1986
Seven Days – So very clever.
Back In The High Life – R: We’ll drink and dance with one hand free…
Yesterday – **sigh**
The Long Day Is Over – March 2006

So what's your favorite song about time? What did I leave off?

*Fittingly, it was extremely difficult to whittle down this playlist to fit in the time allotted!

To check out my other mixtapes, click here.

MISSIONARY MINI-PROFILE: Gladys Aylward

When Gladys Aylward (1902 – 1970) applied to become a missionary, every agency rejected her due to her lack of education. (She had been forced into domestic service by the time she turned 14.)

She was determined, however.

At age 28, Gladys traded in her life savings for one-way passage from her native England to China.

She settled in a remote area of Shanxi province, where she gained a reputation for her tireless work taking in orphans and reforming prisons. When the Japanese attacked China in 1938, she risked her life to lead 100 orphaned refugee children to safety over 100 miles of dangerous mountain terrain.

I love—and identify with—the following quote of hers:

"I wasn't God's first choice for China. I don't know who it was. It must have been a man…a well-educated man. I don't know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn't willing…and God looked down and saw Gladys Aylward…and God said, 'Well, she's willing.'"