Unmet Expectations From The Bunker Day 17

When things change they can change quickly. Last night the state department said all the Bahraini foreign exchange students would be going home, but they didn’t know when. There wasn’t any expectation that he would leave before May at the earliest. There were just no flights to His country.  But when things change they can change quickly and our expectations go out the window,

This morning we received word that he was to be ready to leave tomorrow. Rebecca and I talked back and forth with the Bahraini embassy as they arrange the flight home. The King said he wanted his students home immediately and it was happening. When things change and all.

When Yousef came he had certain expectations about being here ten months, engaging with American Students, and learning what it meant to grow close to his host family. All was going well until the Corona Virus. Every expectation flew out the window. First it was school—cancelled, then stay at home, and finally go home. It’s been hard for him to leave all of a sudden. He is learning to manage his expectations. How we are helping is by asking him questions about what he has learned while being in America.  Here are a few of things he has said.

1.     At Spring Hill he told Paul Ginther that he saw people’s lives changed. And though he couldn’t say that his had it did make him think.

2.     One of the things he really noticed was how friendly the people of our church have been toward him, as well as the teachers at school.

3.     He told me today that he learned that for Christians it wasn’t just about loving Jesus (a concept that is unusual for a moslem to express) but that Christians love and support one another. He didn’t realize that Christians had such a concept on community.

4.     That Christians do everything with a purpose. The way we celebrate Christmas and Thanksgiving or when we get together. It reminds me of the verse that says we should redeem the time.

What is saddest, for him, is that the new family he has just now grown to love may never be seen by him again. I told him that out of all the host Families we are the most likely to come and visit.

Expectations are hard, especially when they are not met. We can get frustrated and angry. Our tempers can flair and our words can sting. Disappointment can lead to depression and heartache. So how do we deal with unmet expectations? We need to learn to manage them.

1.     Ask if the expectation is a real expectation. Sometimes we expect something that others can’t meet or were never going to meet. Take for example an expectation that God would stop Covid19 from spreading or getting your family sick, or even killing people. If God is loving then why won’t he do something about it. God has never said that he would do away with pain and suffering, and to expect him to is an expectation doom to fail. What he does promise is that through the body he will bring encouragement and support. Through the Spirit he will give us peace.

2.     We need to remember every way that God has provided for us in the past. It is easy to praise God, or forget him, in the good times. When things get rough instead of hands wide open we clench as if trying to hold on to the past. Remembering what God has done will remind us that goodness still abounds. We can then wait patiently until today passes and the good mercy of God falls on us anew. Remember his mercies are new every morning.

3.     Act with kindness toward others. When expectations are unmet we often become self focused and that focus is always on the negative. Focusing outward revives the soul as well as encourages others.

4.     Give praise to God. Praise and worship are the first to go when expectations are unmet. We feel the need to blame someone for not having a particular expectation met and God is a big target. He also doesn’t throw stones back.

2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

God’s ways are his, and he doesn’t keep counsel with his creation. What he does do is include us in the process of restoration. Whatever your situation or expectation take a step back and ask, “how is God at work in this situation in order to build his kingdom, brings others to Christ, and give Him the most glory. I’m just saying…

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Managing expectations from the bunker day 17

Blown Away From The Bunker Day 16

Who's tripping down the streets of the city

Smilin' at everybody she sees

Who's reachin' out to capture a moment

Everyone knows it's Windy

And Windy has stormy eyes

That flash at the sound of lies

And Windy has wings to fly

Above the clouds (above the clouds)

Above the clouds (above the clouds)

By the Associations

Last night would have made Dorthy think she wasn’t in Kansas anymore. The howl all night long  was enough to keep you from sleeping. Wait that’s exactly what happened. Porthos and I have been out of bed (up earlier) since 4:30 am. But as the song says we are reaching out to capture a moment. 

Wind is an extraordinary phenomenon. “Wind is caused by differences in the atmospheric pressure. When a difference in atmospheric pressure exists, air moves from the higher to the lower pressure area, resulting in winds of various speeds. On a rotating planet, air will also be deflected by the Coriolis effect, except exactly on the equator.” Wikipedia. Ecclesiastes 1:6 puts it this way, “The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns”.  Now I understand that,  however, whether science or poetry it is still a mystery.

The scripture speaks of wind 135 times. The Old Testament often refers to God as its originator. As in Genesis 1, “God caused a wind to blow across the face of the deep.” This doesn’t discount the science, it just acknowledges God’s power over the wind. We see it again in the Gospels when Jesus  caused the wind to subside, affirming his deity. The mystery of the wind is coupled with the mystery of salvation in Jesus’ statement to Nicodemus, 

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:7

Being born of the Spirit is a mystery. How does it happen? What is faith? How come one person believes and another not? What does it mean to be filled with the spirit? And what and how does the Spirit give spiritual gifts? How do you really walk in the Spirit? And what are these things called the manifestations of the Spirit? There is good reason why an unbelieving world thinks we are “trippin’” through the streets of the city. 

Think about it. You are born of the Spirit (if the spirit of God lives in you). You live by the Spirit, walk by the Spirit, and are gifted by the Spirit. You can grieve the Spirit by not living according to the Spirit’s fruits. What’s wonderful is that we hear the Spirit’s voice because we are his children, the sheep of his pasture.

So, one of these days, when all is said and done, no more virus, no more pain, no more suffering then we will hear, “the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” Revelation 22:17. What a glorious day! Until then hold on to your hat ‘cause we be trippin down the streets of the city smilin’ at everybody we meet telling the good news of Jesus. I’m just saying…

Blown Away From the Bunker Day 16

To be determined from the bunker day #15

Ever wonder why there aren’t enough test kits? I was reading this morning that the company that makes them produces 400,000 a day. That sounds like a lot, but with a U.S. population of 329.45 million people it will take about two years to make enough kits for every individual in our country to be tested once. In the country of Bahrain they test everyone coming off an airplane, but it’s a comparatively small number. It’s hard be patient when hospitals ration the test unless you meet a strict criteria, especially if it is your loved one not feeling well. Nothing more disconcerting than to hear your symptoms aren’t sufficient for a test when your feeling horrible. It makes you feel devalued, “your value is to be determined.”

How are you feeling? It’s to be determined.

What is the status of your passport? It’s to be determined.

Are you going to church this week? It’s to be determined.

When are you going back to work? It’s to be determined.

The phrase “to be determined” is chalked full of misgiving because of the unknown, what ifs, and doubts. Covid119 falls under that category of “to be determined.” We don’t know about tests, work, the length of the pandemic, church, and what will happen with our family and friends. Its the topic of every day. Memes fill Facebook both serious and funny. Sometimes we just have to laugh. Is the world going crazy? That is to be determined.

Thinking on this topic reminded me of this verse,

1 John 3:2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared (will be determined); but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

We like to know what will come, it’s about control, which can be frustrating when it comes to the Lord’s return. Will it be today or tomorrow? Will we have to wait another 2000 years or is it right around the corner? The bottom line is that we don’t know and what we will be like when Jesus comes is uncertain. So, we are patient, we pray, we continue to share the gospel and we encourage one another until Jesus returns. BUT…

When he appears we will be like him! The righteousness that has been declared over us by faith will be ours in reality. Our worship that has been in the Spirit will be actualized in the presence of the Father. Our knowledge of our position will be fully understood. All because we will finally be in the presence of our savior!

As followers of Jesus we should know what it means to live by faith, therefore living by faith in these uncertain times should be normal. However, living in today’s uncertainties can stretch our emotions, relationships, and our sanity. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, it’s to be determined. That is why we need each other’s support. Even though we are home we can call, Skype, zoom or write to give comfort. We may not be meeting but we are family and stronger for it. I’m just saying, 

From the Bunker Day #15

It’s not just about the virus From the bunker Day #14

I am a cynic by nature, you would think I was born in Missouri. So when all the media hype began to hyperdrive across the airwaves, I have been somewhat skeptical. Washing my hands every time I touched something from the outside world has seemed to me to be over the top. “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” But those pesky torpedos can blow up a ship.

They said from the start it wouldn’t be long before everyone knows someone who is positive or has a relative who is infected. The prediction has come true, at least for our family at St. John, a relative of a member is positive. Its surreal when you hear the news. “It must be something else. Surely they couldn’t have it.” The steady updates proved it to be true. Then it becomes real. Our family is in need and there is very little we can do, so we pray and put our trust in the Lord.

 It’s not just about the virus. We have family members that are on dialysis, recovering from surgery, and waiting for other medical news. We have heads of homes without jobs, single moms struggling to make ends meet, and parents struggling (not just because of school closures) with undisciplined kids, and elderly who were homebound before the quarantine.

And you know what, we have been caring for one another. Like the Apostle Paul said, “For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1:7. Whenever I talk with some from St. John I hear a story of how we have been caring, praying, and supporting each other. As a Pastor that warms my heart.

The caring doesn’t stop does it. Needs still must be met, people still need the power of prayer, and the body of Christ is the best place for it to happen. Continue to pray for the recovery of Corona victims, but let’s remember to meet the other needs as well. 

If you are able you can give to the benevolence fund, or you can write a check directly to the person in need, which ever is most efficient for you. You guys are awesome! I’m just saying.

From the bunker Day #14

A Foggy Joy From the Bunker Day 13

A Foggy Joy, From the bunker Day 13

 

Parody on America’s Song Sandman.

Ain’t it foggy outside 

All the planes have been grounded.

There’s a virus gone wild.

Let’s keep 6 feet around us.

Funny I’ve been there and you’ve been here 

But let’s not panic or live in fear 

‘Cause I understand  You been running from the man

That goes by the name of the Spirit

He gives you life and offers you peace 

In a hurricane called Corona 

Ain’t the weeks gone by slow?

Oh, work I have missed you.

I almost forgot to ask

Have remembered your devotions?

Funny I’ve been there and you’ve been here 

But let’s not panic or live in fear 

Cause I understand  You been running from the man

That goes by the name of the Spirit

He gives you life and offers you peace 

In a hurricane called Corona 

Maybe I could get Jason and his family to perform it. Of course there is nothing funny about catching the Corona Virus and it is important for us to take every precaution not to catch or spread it. Yet, in the midst of all the cautionary measures we need to stop and enjoy life. For those who have family going through the virus, or have lost jobs, or businesses that are suffering, joy is not the easiest commodity to come by. But what does the Scripture say, 

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b

It is not our joy that gives us strength, but God’s joy for us. He loves us, cares for us, watches over us, provides for us, and most of all has provided us peace in His Son Jesus. When everything around us seems to fall apart God is still in control. Hebrews 4:15 says,

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus suffered at the hands of evil men to save us from our sins, but in doing so he went through the same loss and emotions we do. The Father lost a son. The Son took on our infirmities.  Jesus had no place to lay his head, and ultimately sacrificed everything so that we could be lifted up to the Father. Jesus did it all for the joy set before him. We have a joy set before us, The Father’s, and it will strengthen you in your darkest hours if you lean on him. I’m just saying.

From the Bunker, Day 13

Scary is the unknown — from the bunker Day 12

Scary is the the unknown — From The bunker day 12

Last night was restless. I woke up several times, in and out. I knew I was awake but the length of time I slept or was awake eludes me. I rolled over and turned off the alarm and the next thing I knew an hour had gone by. But the sun is out and the temperature will be near perfect today. So what could I have to worry about? That’s right, the unknown.

We live in the hyper Information Age. Have a question? Google it. Need to know how to fix something? YouTube it. Want to know what your friends had for dinner? Facebook it. We know more about everything and yet there is much we don’t and can’t know—and that can be scary.

How long will the pandemic continue?

If we let up in the social distancing and isolation will it just jump back?

How long can the virus live on different surfaces, and have I brought it into my home?

How will this contagion affect the economy?

How will it affect my job?

Will my neighbor be infected?

Will I get infected? Will my children?

These are scary questions because our minds take us to the worst case scenario and all of the apocalyptic movies we have ever watched. I saw “Designated Survivor” last night and the episode was about a virus that started to spread across the US killing hundreds of people. Fortunately television can solve all the problems in an hour — thank you Jack Bauer. But today I wake up to…the unknown.

What scares us about the known is not the lack of information, but the lack of control. Information is helpful so that I can do something about it, figure out my next steps, prepare for the worse or look forward to the best. So how do we deal with these overwhelming feelings of an unknown future?

Remember and Trust. 

First we need to remember how God has brought us though unknown situations before. Take a moment and list them. Then we need to remember God’s promises. Here are a couple familiar ones.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

TRUST. Next we need to trust that God will keep his promises. Trust is based on experience. If I remember how God has brought me through in the past the easier it is to trust him for the future. This very familiar passage comes to mind.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

It seems like a trite saying, “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future,” but it is true. Whatever happens with the virus, whatever happens with the economy and my job, whatever gain or loss I might experience, one thing stands true,

(ESV) the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces,

and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,

for the LORD has spoken.

9 It will be said on that day,

“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.

This is the LORD; we have waited for him;

let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” Isaiah 25:8,9

I’m just saying 

From the Bunker day 12

Going Stir Crazy From the Bunker day 11

-->Going Stir Crazy From the Bunker day 11

My son built a climbing wall in his sons’ bedroom. So when he says that his kids are climbing the walls it is literal. I am sure parents are about at that point. When there is no school, or now you have become homeschool parents, it is a different ball game. It is a different world we are living and it can be overwhelming.

Porthos (my dog) is driving me crazy. He wants to play all of the time. Fortunately for me I can tell him to go lay down (and if he really gets under my skin I can kick him [not really]). Of course I don’t have children at home who are clamoring for attention. That’s been long past, so to relate to overwhelmed parents I have to dig deep into past memories. So, In these days what can you do to stave off waves of feelings that tempt you to yell, threaten, or even hit your precious children?

1.     Take a deep breath.

2.     Remember they are a gift from God (with a no return policy).

3.     Keep telling yourself they are not your enemies.

4.     When you feel like lashing out ask for a hug (it will stop them in their tracks and won’t know what to do. It’s unexpected)

5.     Gather them around for a moment of prayer, or stop and pray for them in the middle of the conflict.

6.     Find resources that will help you organize your time. (Shoot Lindsay or Rachel and email and ask for some suggestions). 

7.     We are opening up the church for scheduled times of one hour. If you are interested contact Marcia and she will give you your options. Sometimes a change of pace is good.

8.     If all else fails remember a little chaos is better than 20 to life.

If you are a grandparent and are able maybe take the kids for a while. Be careful, though, the parents may not come back. I’m just saying….

(ESV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

7 Be not wise in your own eyes; psalm 3:5

From the Bunker Day 11

From The Bunker Day 10

From the Bunker Day #10

I was trolling through Facebook this morning, something I haven’t done for a long time. With the stay at home order (which itself seems at odds with American democracy) I feel more connected to see friends and family posting pictures of what they are doing. More now than ever is it important to stay connected. For some that isn’t a problem, social media is just an extension of their personality — social.

This morning what jumped out at me were all the pictures of babies. Mothers, fathers, grandparents all smiling as they hold their tiny bundles proudly. People are drawn in and comment on their little adorableness. I even caught myself exhale a little, “awww”. There is something about babies that is precious. Amidst the diapers, feedings, crying, and spitting up comes a smile, a giggle, and eventually “momma,””dada” and for a moment the world’s problems melt away. Life seems so simple and the future hopeful.

Jesus said you must be be born again, and that you can’t enter the kingdom without first becoming child like. Peter said that we have been born again to a new and living hope and like infants we are to long for the sincere milk of the word. In more a craftsman’s metaphor The Apostle Paul said,

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

As children of the kingdom we are loved and valued by our Heavenly Father. Far more than we can think or imagine. He “gives birth,” “creates,” something new every time someone becomes a follower of Jesus. We are his and no one can take us out of his hand. 

There is a bird singing outside my window this morning, a reminder that spring is coming, Easter is on it’s way, and we have a hopeful future. I’m just saying…

From the Bunker Day #10
Pastor Paul

If you would like and are able to give as part of your daily worship follow the link, Thank you Lord.

From The Bunker Day #8

 

From the Bunker Day 8

 

“(ESV) 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.” Gen. 2.

 

I pray that you are having a restful day. And for all those work-a-holics this an opportunity to give a prayer of thanks for not being able to go into work today. God turns all things together for good.

 

Rebecca was scrolling through Facebook at all the people posting their church’s sermons. Never before has such a liberal organization like Facebook been the dispenser of such great news. God turns all things together for good. 

 

Rebecca also commented, “just think what it would be like without the internet?” The isolation would be magnified tremendously. God turns all things together for good.

 

One of our ABFs held an online Zoom class this morning. Someone asked how to share your faith with someone who is scared because of the virus. It reminded me of the passage, “1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” God turns all things together for good.

 

When we all get together after this season we will have to have a testimony time to share how God has worked in and through us as a result of the corona virus. Until then wash your hands, sneeze into your sleeves, and don’t for get to express love in the most meaningful way — share clean toilet paper.

 

From the Bunker day #8

 

If you want to worship through giving go to online giving.

From the bunker day 6

Well, it’s starting. California has issued a mandatory shutdown of all non-essential businesses, and I am hearing from others here in Ohio the same thing; a plant shut down, a store closing and hours cut. Fortunately people will be able to apply for unemployment. But the emotional turmoil is still there, even if they know it isn’t their fault. Men and women are created to produce, to create, to find solace in a job well done. Even though unemployment helps to bring money into the home, it isn’t the same; we need to feel useful. Compound the fact that we are not to congregate with our friends. Social distancing is turning into social isolation.

I don’t know how people face the pressure without knowing Jesus. Our relationship with Jesus isn’t  a magic bullet to financial success or healthier bodies. The world offers those things and often in greater abundance. What Jesus truly offers is hope. I love the following passage:

(ESV) 7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians

We are not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed. When you are already dead you have nothing to lose. One of our members, in his late 80’s said, “if I die I know I’m going to heaven, so why be afraid?” Hope is powerful. We endure the hard things because we know this isn’t all there is. Today might be hard, but there is always tomorrow. Tomorrow looks bleak, summer is coming. If summer is too hot, well winter is right around the corner. You can be either half empty or half full, how you feel about life depends on it.

Having a family that cares about you is so important, and I’m talking about the church. We are not meeting but we are the church. People are offering to run errands for our older members, and as I have talked with them are doing well. And as more of our family are without jobs we may have to help support them, emotionally, in prayer, but financially as well. James 2 says, “(ESV) If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

 Our benevolence fund is about depleted and with the present economic crisis we are going to have a lot more needs. If you are able to give to both the general fund and the benevolence fund you would be helping your brothers and sisters. Let’s not take God’s blessing of employment for granted. As he has blessed us let’s also bless others.

Remember we are more than conquerors. We are overcomers. We are children of the light. We are adopted, forgiven, restored, and you are remarkable. I’m just saying…

From the Bunker Day 6

From The Bunker Day 7

What’s on the schedule today? Get dressed (maybe), eat breakfast (definitely) check the paint on my new leather sheath, flip through channels to find news about the virus, and ... that too an hour. Staying home and isolated from people can be monotonous at best and mind numbing frustration at worst. If it were good weather I could at lest work in the yard. Thinking about my day and this passage came to mind,

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of your time because the days are evil. Eph. 5:16

The days are definitely evil, So here are some things you can do, if you are not already doing them:

1. Spend some time in bible study
2. Spend some time in prayer for friends, family, leaders for health and wisdom during this time.
3. Put together a care package for someone in the neighborhood.
4. Call family members.
5. Call someone in your church just to talk.
6. Go to a neighbor who might need help or some company
7. Write some notes of encouragement.
8. Read that book you have been putting off.
9. Play games with your family.
10. Journal your thoughts.
11. Skype with someone so they can see you.

It would be easy to waist away the day, and some days may just be like that, but keeping your sanity means keeping connected with purpose. I’m just saying...

From the Bunker Day 7