"Changing Plans"

“Changing Plans”

In March of this year Karen and I made arrangements to visit Dave and Kristie and their families in Virginia and South Carolina with a jaunt to Colonial Williamsburg sandwiched between. Then Karen had cataract surgery in early April with the second one scheduled for early May. We then learned she wouldn’t have her new glasses in time for the trip so we changed our plans and now will travel with the same itinerary in early September. We don’t yet know the reason(s) for the delay (maybe we never will) but God does. So we trust Him who says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (Proverbs 16:9, NLT). Put another way, God reserves the right to change our plans.

When we made the decision to leave the pastorate and pursue health care chaplaincy in South Carolina we hoped to make the transition in 2008 but put it off for a year due to our mothers’ health issues. Then when “retirement” approached we first anticipated moving to Florida in 2013 but again we experienced a year’s delay. But in both cases subsequent events made God’s purposes clear and, as always, “…We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him….” (Romans 8:28).

Joseph may have wondered why he was imprisoned for 13 years but even in this difficult situation “…the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden….” (Genesis 39:21). This prepared him for his high position in Egypt and enabled him to help his family during the time of famine (“…It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”—Genesis 45:5). His life’s plans certainly changed but he always entrusted himself to God’s care.

It’s not wrong to make plans—Jesus emphasized this in two brief parables (Luke 14:28-32)—but His brother cautions us to include God (“…You ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”—James 4:15, emphasis added). Remember Solomon’s counsel, “Many are the plans in (one’s) heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19:21, emphasis added).

So when our plans change let’s roll with it—God’s at work.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Gates"

“Gates”

One of the world’s most famous gates is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. It was built in the late 18^th century and has been politically significant, perhaps most notably (and infamously) as a symbol of the Nazi Party. It was heavily damaged during World War II but restored after hostilities ended. It was closed during the time the Berlin Wall divided the city but was reopened when the Wall was torn down in 1989. It’s now viewed as representing a reunited Germany.

City gates were important in ancient times. Most cities were walled and besides providing entrance gates were places of commerce, news and functions of government. This is shown when God commanded Joshua to designate six cities of refuge for protection of those who took another’s life accidentally: “When he flees to one of these cities, he is to stand in the entrance of the city gate and state his case before the elders of that city.” (Joshua 20:4). When Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s wall some 1000 years later twelve gates were included, the names of most indicating their primary purpose: Sheep, Fish, Jeshanah (or Old), Valley, Dung, Fountain, Water, Horse, East, Inspection, Gate of Ephraim, Gate of the Guard (see Nehemiah 3). When Karen and I visited Israel in 2017 our guide told us there were nine gates in first century Jerusalem (read the posting “The Golden Gate” to learn about the most significant one).

Jesus used a gate to symbolize His Person and Work. He said in John 10:7, “…I am the gate for the sheep.” During His days on earth shepherds would lie across the only opening to the sheep fold to protect the flock from predators. He went on: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (Verse 9). In this picture He rightly claimed to be the only means by which people could have a relationship with God (“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”--John 14:6, emphasis added).

Just as Jerusalem’s gates had a purpose Jesus our Gate came to provide us with access to God (“…through him we…have access to the Father by one Spirit.”—Ephesians 2:18). City gates were closed at night but Jesus is always available to “…bring you to God.” (1 Peter 3:18). That’s an open invitation—avail yourself of it.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"The Dugout Classroom"

“The Dugout Classroom”

I’m a life-long Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers’ fan. I followed in the footsteps of my father and grandfather (in fact, the house in which Dad grew up was on Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn, which ran behind the right field wall of Ebbets Field, the Dodgers’ home park). Over my life I “semi-adopted” the New York Mets when they became part of the National League in 1962 and the Boston Red Sox during our 20 years in Manchester NH but my main loyalty has never changed. (And to complete my baseball preferences, they do not include the Yankees!)

In 1954 the Dodgers hired a new manager, Walt Alston. (Most Brooklynites said, “Walt Who?”) His Major League playing career consisted of one at bat (he struck out) but his baseball knowledge earned him managerial posts in the Dodgers’ minor league system for eleven years before moving to the “Big Time”. He led the Dodgers for 23 seasons (only Connie Mack and John McGraw had longer tenures with one club and both of them were owners of the teams they ran). He never had more than a one-year contract and didn’t know his salary until the season’s first pay check. His skill as a strategist is borne out by his winning pennants and World Series titles with strong and weak hitting and pitching teams and his ability to succeed with patchwork line-ups. He was justifiably elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1983.

I see some parallels between Alston’s leadership style and the functioning of Christ’s church. For openers, he managed on a day-to-day basis—a win today didn’t guarantee one tomorrow. That David understood this principle is shown in Psalm 61:8: “I will fulfill my vows day after day.” (NLT) Secondly, Alston used different players and their skills to get the job done. In Christ’s body, “…there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:4, NASB). In addition, one game doesn’t make a season—it takes 162 of them. In God’s economy success is measured by consistency over the long haul. The Apostle Paul observes, “…The one who has begun his good work in you will go on developing it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, Phillips). Finally, Alston was rewarded for his good work with salary increases and ultimately induction into the Hall of Fame. For us as God’s people Jesus’ words, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21) await us when we’ve completed our purpose and journey on earth.

Walt Alston was a school teacher in the off-season as well as an instructor from the dugout. We’re enriched as we learn from him as well as many others in the unique classrooms of life.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Up to the Challenge"

“Up to the Challenge”

About every fourth week I’m on call for off-hours emergencies as part of my responsibilities as a part-time chaplain at our local hospital. During my week on duty in March I answered eleven calls, eight involving deaths: two in which families chose to withdraw life support from terminally ill patients; a young dad who’d been kept on life support so his organs could be harvested and donated to preserve others’ lives; two school-age sisters whose motorbike was hit by a pick-up truck; two car crash victims; and a man who passed away from natural causes. (Please pray for the families impacted by these tragic events.) It was an emotionally draining seven days and I’m thankful for the prayers of God’s people and for wise counsel and support from Karen and my pastoral care colleagues at the hospital.

When I get a call like one described above I usually have no idea of the dynamics I’ll encounter when I arrive. So as I’m driving to the hospital I’m asking God for His help in dealing with whatever the circumstances might be. And in many cases the Scripture that comes to mind is, “Let us…approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16, emphasis added). As I shared in a previous essay, I can’t think of a time God didn’t help me minister when my presence was desired. Again and again I’m reminded of Paul’s words: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, emphasis added).

In a recent session of our Men’s Bible Study in our community one of the participants said, “God’s grace keeps pace with the situations you face.” In other words, it’s always up to the challenge. And as we ask for it it’s available. “The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Amen!

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan