"Professor Gus"

“Professor Gus”

One of my most rewarding retirement activities is keeping in touch with our church fellowship’s military chaplains (mostly via emails) to encourage them through prayer. This past January I communicated with Cmdr. Rob Nelson, who serves at the Naval Station in Newport, RI. He shared some prayer requests and blessings, one of which was adopting a “hound mix of some sort” who he and his wife Crystal named Gus. The unique thing about their new acquisition is that Gus has only three legs. (Many years ago long-time friends had a three-legged cat named Trio so Rob’s news brought back memories.) Gus’s “handicap” made his master think of how even an imperfect canine can bless people in ways we’d never imagine.

As I thought about Gus and the joy he’s brought to his new household several people with significant physical challenges came to mind. One is Rev. Ralph Montanus, a New York City evangelist who lost his sight at about twenty but still led a church and founded the Gospel Association for the Blind. (The theme song of his radio broadcast was “Count Your Blessings”.) Then about thirty years ago I met a godly man at a Christian conference center who was confined to a stretcher because of a neurological disease but still pastored a church. (I can’t remember his name but God certainly knows who he is.) And who can forget Joni Eareckson Tada, who at 17 became a quadriplegic due to a diving accident but has been used of God to begin “Joni and Friends” to enhance ministry to those with disabilities. These and many others didn’t allow their shortcomings to get in the way of serving in the name of Jesus and provide tremendous examples to us.

In the Scriptures we read of people who thought their perceived limitations disqualified them from doing what God was calling them to do. Moses’ excuse was, “I’m just not a good speaker….” (Exodus 4:10, NLT). Jeremiah said, “I am only a child.” (Jeremiah 1:6). Gideon maintained, “My clan is the weakest…and I am the least in my entire family.” (Judges 6:15, NLT).  Amos probably felt the same way because he “…was a shepherd, and…took care of sycamore-fig trees.” (Amos 7:14) but he answered God’s call when He said, “Go, prophesy to my people Israel.” (Amos 7:15). And God honored his faithfulness.

Has God put a burden for some ministry on your heart and mind but you’re balking because you feel inadequate? If so, learn from Professor Gus, give yourself to God and allow Him to bless others through your weakness. And remember Paul’s words: “…When I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Is 'Enough' Enough?"

“Is ‘Enough’ Enough?”

One of the most interesting Major League players during the 1950’s was an eccentric young pitcher who deviated from the norm in a number of ways. His contract one year called for a bonus if he won fourteen games, a feat he accomplished by the end of August. He then went to his team’s general manager, asked for his money and said he didn’t want to pitch for the rest of the season. When told there was a month to go and he could be a twenty game winner he responded, “If I win twenty, you’ll want me to win twenty all my life.” Unfortunately he failed to achieve his potential because, as a teammate said, “He never was a big pitcher because it wasn’t important to him.”

This big leaguer’s attitude towards his performance is much like how many people view their walk with Christ. We may come to a place where we feel we’ve grown and/or served enough and want the rest of our life off because, as with the hurler above, it’s not important to us to continue pressing onward. But what does God’s Word say? Our Lord’s friend writes, “…Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18, emphasis added). And the Apostle Paul calls on his readers (including us) to ‘…serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13, emphasis added). In the original Greek both verbs are in the present tense and can be accurately rendered, “Keep on growing” and “Keep on serving”. For how long? Listen to Paul again: “…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, emphasis added). (Of course, any of us can reach a point that we can no longer do what we once did due to age, health, finances or other factors. But we can pray for those who continue God’s work.)

Jesus taught, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with (him or her) two miles.” (Matthew 5:41). So we’re expected to go beyond the minimum requirement. (Where would we be if God said, “I’ve done enough! You’re on your own now!”?) God’s given us much materially and spiritually and He holds us accountable to be good stewards of His resources (“…From the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”—Luke 12:48).

Have I done enough? Have you?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"Directional Signals"

“Directional Signals”

During a conversation with my brother Dave on the cruise mentioned in the previous article he facetiously said he planned to open a business on Long Island devoted exclusively to repairing turn signals on vehicles since they don’t seem to work too well. While living in New Hampshire we heard a Boston news commentator’s take on this subject in which he said, “Drivers must think that using directional signals is giving vital information to the enemy.” This trend was borne out not long ago when I followed a car which made three turns to go into the hospital’s parking garage without indicating the driver’s intentions. Maybe you can identify with the frustration (and sometimes anger) this can bring, especially in heavy traffic.

I did some research on state laws regarding the use of turn signals. In 2015 (the most recent data I found) 23 states required it, 20 didn’t and in 7 it depended on various factors such as road conditions. (In Florida where we live it moved from depends to mandatory in 2018.) But it appears these statutes are seldom enforced—I’ve seen police vehicles fail to indicate their intentions—except in the case of accidents.

Why do drivers so often fail to take such a simple step? Some reasons which come to mind are lack of concentration, forgetfulness, getting into a bad habit, lack of concern for others and last second decisions to make a turn. Perhaps stricter monitoring of violations would begin to reverse this practice.

God has His directional signals to help keep us safe and on the right path in life. David shares some words of confidence God had given him: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8, NKJV). This is one of my favorite verses which I often repeat. But how does God show us His way? I can think of several methods He uses: His Word (Psalm 119:105), the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). The discernment He places within me (Hebrews 5:14), the counsel of godly people—with me the most important one is Karen (Proverbs 15:22) and life’s circumstances (1 Chronicles 12:32). There may be more (“…{God’s} greatness no one can fathom.”—Psalm 145:3) but these have worked well for me and may for you as well.

So the next time a motorist doesn’t want to give vital information as to his or her intentions thank God that He’s provided vital information to guide your life. And taking some liberties with God’s words through His prophet: “This is the way; walk (and drive) in it.” (Isaiah 30:21).

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

"2019"

“2019”

The just-completed year saw many significant events (e.g. natural disasters, terror attacks and economic matters). Some had far-reaching impact while others were little noticed except by families and groups involved. Join me in a little reminiscing.

2019 marked the 100^th Anniversary of many notable events including:

-Ratification of the 18^th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establishing Prohibition (it was repealed by the 21^st Amendment in 1933)

-Congressional approval of the 19^th Amendment providing for Women’s Suffrage (it took effect in 1920)

-The Treaty of Versailles formally ended World War I (it was never ratified by the U.S. Senate)

-Jackie Robinson, Major League Baseball’s first African-American player, was born in Cairo, GA

-Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees by the Boston Red Sox for $125,000

-Acadia National Park in Maine and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona were formed.

-Oregon was the first state to tax gasoline (at a penny a gallon)

And it also saw the 50^th year observances of:

-The Apollo 11 landing and man’s first walk on the moon

-The Woodstock Festival Rock Concert in upstate New York

-The “Miracle Mets’” defeat of the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series

-The incorporation of Wal-Mart

-Dave Thomas’ opening of the first Wendy’s in Columbus OH

-Boeing’s introduction of its 747 jumbo jet (it entered service with Pan Am the next year)

-The appearance of the first ATM in Rockville Center NY

Our family’s two biggest events were:

-Karen and my 50^th Anniversary on November 29. We celebrated with a Caribbean cruise accompanied by my brother Dave and his wife Jean who marked Gold on June 28

-Our grandson Nate’s wedding to Noel on December 21 at which I was privileged to officiate

As we’ve entered 2020 we realize how fast time marches on, especially as we get older. So let’s remember David’s words: “My times are in (God’s) hands….” (Psalm 31:15) and Moses’ prayer: “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12, NLT).

May we prosper as we walk in God’s ways this year and always.

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan