Of Men and Monkeys

The Ones We Love

Rich Mullins-

Ten years ago in September, Rich Mullins was killed in a gruesome car accident.  I admire how he lived.  He made millions in the Christian music industry yet he gave it all away.   For two years before his death, he lived on a Navajo indian reservation teaching music to children.  When he died, his belongings were said to have fit in a small storage shed. 

I want to live like that; like this: 1 Timothy 6: 17, 18, 19  "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."

Never forget what Jesus did for you. Never take lightly what it cost Him. And never assume that if it cost Him His very life, that it won't also cost you yours."Rich Mullins

 It's just that for so many people that I know, Christianity is this matter of ...morals. Christianity is a religion about morals. And they will even talk about Jesus. And they will say kids need to know about Jesus so they won't smoke, drink, or dance, or go with girls that do, and all that kind of thing. And I kinda go, 'That's not why people need to know about Jesus. The only reason, the only possible excuse for talking about Jesus is because we need a Savior.' Rich Mullins

Lessons from the book of Ruth~ 

We as humans are looking for rest....rest from work, finances, relationships...there are numerous stresses around all of us.  Too many times, I, with a determined attitude, try to figure out how to alleviate the stresses- by myself.  ...But, true rest in my heart cannnot be found in a different job, in a different geographic location, in any human.  There is NO remedy for my restless heart until I come back to Jesus, THE BEGINNING AND THE END of all things.  Pure and simple.  "Come unto Me all that are weary and heavy-laden, and I (Yes, only I) will give you rest."

When we trust in God, we find unexplainable refuge under the wings of God.  THen, we can trust God to work through human authorities and counsel that He brings into our lives.  You don't have to figure everything out anymore, but can have a solid confidence that God is leading and moving through your circumstances.

Satan would like us to believe that if we have failed and blown it, as we all have, that we're not worthy to approach God.  In Satan's deceptiveness, he only offers us "part" of the truth.  It's true, we are NOT worthy to approach the Lord to be our Redeemer-but that's the point.  It's our unworthiness that makes us a candidate for His grace and His provision.  It's our need that qualifies us to go to Jesus and say, "Will you redeem my life?  Will you redeem me from destruction?  Will you redeem my situation?" 

When we come as needy sinners to God, we're really saying to God, "I'm coming under your covering, I'm letting You spread Your wings, Your garment, Your mantle over me and take my whole messed up, sinful, broken, depraved life as Your own."  We come, begging Him to take on our poverty, our losses and our need.  We come, because He told us to. 

Ezekial 16:8 "I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness.  I gave my solemn aoth and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Sovereign Lord, and you are mine."  Isn't it beautiful?

Remember the old hymn by Charles Wesley?  It reiterates well...  "Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee,  Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.. Plenteous grace with Thee is found, ...Grace to cover all my sin."

Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given unto me."  The picture here is, "Because I have authority, I'm going to take care of you, I'm going to meet your needs." 

Why, then, do we try to make it on our own, being self-sufficient, capable, independent?  It only robs God the chance to work as our Kinsman-Redeemer~

In Memory of Steven Smith

Some people automatically draw you in.  Sometimes, it's their charisma, their unique sense of humor, the sound of their voice, the sweetness of their face, or simply their kind spirit.  But when you meet a Christian who walks with God, it’s something else.  It’s something rare that makes them stand out above the crowd.  Something that makes me feel like I’m somehow in the presence of heaven- a little taste, I think, of Jesus.  I’ve met a few people like this in my short life.  When I do, I consider it a great gift from God, because I am changed. 

I met such a person once on an airplane, yes, an airplane!  I was on the last leg of my flight to New York city in May, 2003.  We sat down and had an instant Christian connection and I knew without a doubt this was a GOD-touched moment.   We talked non-stop through the entire flight and parted at the baggage claim, new-found friends.   Having exchanged contact info, we continued to communicate and on Thanksgiving of that year, I made a 5 hour trip to Iola, Wisconsin to see them.  What a delightful time!  My initial fondness for this family only grew as we continued to call and fellowship many times after.

This post is dedicated to their loving father and husband, who almost one year ago was living out His last days to the glory of the One he loved so much.  His life was a glimpse into God’s heart. 

The poem in yesterday's post was sent to me by one of his family members following his death.  Incredible that anyone could speak these words of hope during such a difficult time.  Oh that God would give me the maturity that I could live as I have witnessed in this family.

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