The Volunteer

As I transitioned from Assistant Pastor to Emergency Service Chaplain I noticed some strong similarities. One particular and important area is volunteering.

Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines volunteer as;

A person who enters into military or other service, of his own free will. In military affairs, volunteers enter into service voluntarily, but when in service they are subject to discipline and regulations like other soldiers. They sometimes serve gratuitously, but often receive a compensation.

God has wired us to be givers. We inherently like to give but when our frustrations and expectations take over it messes things up. I have seen this in the "church" environment too.

What happens is, those who forget the reason for volunteering often fall away from their comittment. This leaves the remainder for others to do. The problem becomes that they often have too much to do. These are the ones that keep reminding themselves that they are serving others. But when they get overloaded they get bogged down and frustrated losing sight of the initia reason for volunteering.

For 9 years I was unvolved in Children's ministry. 5 of those years I was the Pastor in charge. I was the one who "did more". I became resentful of "those" who seemed to not do anything. I needed a quick kick in the head to remind me of why I volunteered and who I was serving. The trouble for me was that I became a grumbling servant trying to do everything when I wasn't supposed to. I could hear God saying "Frank, if you're not happy doing it for Me and the children, than please stop doing so much. I want a happy giver". Deep down I really enjoyed giving and doing it for God, because of what has does for me.

There are many passages in the Bible that tell us that God knows all and sees all including our heart. When I keep this in the front of my mind it helps me tremendously. We are called to be volunteers.

-So for those of you who continue to seve and take up after others, do only what you can and enjoy it! God knows and He wants to help.
-For those of who who have cut back, please remind yourself of the good you do by volunteering and that God is the rewarder. How does He reward?? However and whenever He sees fit.

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." Galations 6:9 written by The Apostle Paul who truly knew frustration and exhaustion.

Below are a few quotes about volunteering:

Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why, when I am in special need of help, the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim. ~William Feather

A pessimist, sees a glass of water as half empty; an optimist sees the same glass as half full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty. unknown

A New Zealand Maori Proverb (translation)
Ko taku rourou "with my resources
Ko tau rou rou and your resources
Ka ora te tangata everyone will benefit"

"When all good ceases, all hell breaks loose" Chaplain Frank

THANK YOU FOR ANSWERING THE CALL TO GIVE

Ask God to bring more.

A mouth full of gravel

Besides the amazing love and grace that God gives to
us each moment, I also enjoy His justice. Do you remember God telling us that revenge is not for us to take on, but His? "Vengence is Mine says the Lord, I will repay". (Deuteronomy 32:35) THAT IS VERY COMFORTING. After all He can do a better job than we ever could.

We know so many people that cheat to get by in their lives. At times we are the one that gets cheated and it is frustrating. We try to do right, not giving in to the temptation of dishonesty. Well, if you are someone who gets mad at those who SEEM to get ahead by their dishonesty, here is something for you.
Proverbs 20:17 "Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel".
Folks stay honest, even when temptation arrives, because at the right time, God will judge all things. God will bless you as you wait on His justice. Then he will give those who cheat a mouthful of rocks! The sweetness of believing in God's promises and the eternal rewards for faith far outweigh the temporary pleasures of dishonesty (sin). God sees and He knows, He is just more patient than we are. Personally I am glad He is. It took me 35 years to realize this and it has changed my life. He has adopted me into His family. My hope is that you will too, as you discover His amazing qualities. If you are already part of His family than this reminder just helps you love Him even more.

PEACE...

Quick Help for Heated Conversations

You may find the following Proverbs to be obvious but, having them in the front of your mind when someone is temporarily angry or irrational could help to bring more productive conversation in the future?
I know many try to do this so keep on trying, God is cheering on peace makers.

Proverb 15:1 " A soft answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up trouble"
In a conversation or argument we have the power to control the direction. No matter who we are taking to we still can direct it. Just remember this Proverb (Word of wisdom).

OK Frank, suppose the guy is a complete idiot? This logic won't apply to him,what do we do?

Proverb 20:3 "It is honorable for a person to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel". (The wise one will stop the discussion until a better time no matter what they say)

Proverb 26:4-5 "Do not answer a fool according to his lack of sense or else you will be like him." (he will bring to to his level)

James 1:19 -I know, not a proverb but I love this one "Be quick to listen and slow to speak". This is one of the first things an experienced first responder does. They listen to and observe the situation around them. This information will help them to know what the response and intervention needs to be.

Proverb 13:3 Whoever guards his mouth shall preserve his life but whoever opens their lips wide shall have destruction." Watching what you say will keep a simpler and more peaceful life, but oral diarrhea will cause the contrary).

I hope these help promote more peaceable & productive conversations and decrease inappropriate responses.

Resemblance Part II

In part 1 I wrote about how we can resemble our parents in some ways. It of course can be physically but the more amazing way is in character. How our kids decide somehow to pick certain traits or behaviors to mimic and then become part of who they are as we did with our folks. Another contritbuting factor of our behaviors is our friends. The more we spend time with them the more we can pick up little (or big) traits that add to us being us. Well as a Chaplain of course I will wonder how much do we resemble Jesus?
The answer to this question will be; It depends on how much we know about Him and how much time we spend discovering who He is.
I would like to help in this area. (As I should).
There is enough historical documentation, in addition to the Bible to let us know what Jesus did in His short yet powerful life.
While in His early thirties, Jesus spent all His time making people aware of who God really is. He helped bring a clearer view of God. Jesus was ALWAYS interested in helping others. Even when He was very tired He still looked at the multitude of people that followed Him as "sheep without a shepherd and had compassion on them"(Matthew 9:36). Many times, as we know He responded to the call of people to heal their relatives or even come after someone had died. People looked to Him to save them from their crisis. And in many cases He did, even to those who were undeserving or ungrateful. He was their First Responder.
He forgave those who broke certain laws. He reminded people that it isn't good from God's perspective to judge harshly someones actions without considering our own first.
He told us to forgive often, help those in need, consider other's needs more than our own. He was patient with the slow learners and of course He forgave those who beat Him, scoffed Him and falsely accused Him. Jesus was the perfect example of perfect love. I would encourage you to read 1 Corrinthians 13 and read verses 4-8. This is where the Apostle Paul clearly spells out what real love looks like.
This would be a good stopping point for me to take inventory of myself and ask: Do I resemble Him? Are there some traits where someone would notice?
I can safely say I have a long way to go but I know where I want to be.
These are life changing things to have in family, relationships, friendships, community and marriage.
My hope is that you would take time to discover more of who Jesus/God is and decide also to resemble Him. It will truly bring you much more peace that you have now.

Who do you resemble? Part 1

Our five children lacked the option to pick who they might want to resemble. Our four year old guy, adopted from Guatemala, looks absolutely nothing like me (good for him). He's tall, has a head full of thick dark hair, looks great in everything and has a perfect nose. BUT if you spend some time with him you will find he has the same weird humor and actions as I have, plus the same major interests in tractors and automobiles. People would see him and still say, "boy, I can see alot of Frank in him"(maybe not so good for him) even thought he does not physically look like me.
Kids in many ways, are "images" of their parent(s).
When I read in Genesis (which means the beginnings) Chapter 1 Verse 26, it says that God created mankind (us) in His image. The question of many has been, what is meant by His image?
Does it refer to physical? How about spiritual? Or is it behavioral?
Does God have a body like us?
There are several descriptive passages in the Bible that makes it sound as if God does have physical attributes like man.

OK, then its not spiritual... Well, the Bible says that God is Spirit (John 4:24)...Confused? I don't blame you. But if you spend more time reading we find that the texts used to describe God with human parts were to help us readers comprehend certain things about Him because He is spirit, and that is tough to for our minds to understand. If God the Father had a human body it would severely limit Him and God is not limited. (Matthew 19:26)
As I learn more about Him, and then watch parents and kids, I believe this question of image simply comes down to character & actions.
We know God's heart was reflected in the life of His Son Jesus. So as we look at the character of Jesus in Part 2 we will discover (if you are truly open and honest) that we humans (us) have been created in His image. The real issue is, it is either obvious in us or suppressed.
If you have kids or around them, watch them and see how they are made in their parent's image.
Come back for part 2!

Ethics & Morals

Its best to first simply define our terms. Below I have simplified the definitions from the current Webster's Modern Dictionary and Noah Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language from 1828. (which by the way is very interesting to compare other deffinitions too)You can use it online.

Ethics: The standard in which moral actions are based on. "What aught to be"
Morals: The actions reflecting our ethical standard. "What is"

Ethics is where we set the bar of right and wrong. Meaning, what is truly acceptable and what is not. Morals are our actions that show it.

At our last Youth Bible study,I asked the group if a married couple could thrive relationally and in love if they both had a different ethical standard? They said "not for long".
Then I applied this question to families. Could they be a developing and functioning unit? They also said no.
We moved from family to friendships, business, towns, cities, nations and the world. For each of them they said no, they would not thrive. I then asked them, "how do you know?" and they answered, "because we see the results of that in our own surroundings." And by the way, it affects them deeply.

The challenge is for us to examine ourselves, often, and see where we vary our ethical bar. And if so why?
In my past I realized the biggest reason I would change by bar was for my own gain. Once I noted that I also realized I could never criticize another for doing the same.
It has been my aim to keep the bar as high as God initially placed it. Not expecting perfection, that would be impossible. But wanting righteousness. Doing things with a right heart and motive. This is what pleases God.

There is so much in Bible passages regarding the importance of being upright. The results of it is better marriages, stronger families, work behavior and solid friendships. So many around us are greatly affected by where our ethical standard is placed.

If you could take a moment and consider God's perspective of the world. What does He see when He looks over the globe?
Abundant selfishness, Hatred, Murders, Stealing, Lying, Backbiting, Sexual Immorality, Oppression, Wars, Depression, Empty Lives and broken families.
Sure there are lots of good that happen, but they does not negate these terrible facts.
World change has to first start in a person, setting a proper standard in our lives and working hard to keep it, even if we risk humiliation, hurt pride, exclusion or even forms of persecution.

Let God be the judge of those things. He did say, "Revenge is mine, I will repay" Isaiah 66:24. I am very cool with that. That takes away the crazy thought that I have the right and responsibility to avenge someone when I myself need improvement.

Recently at the Squad House we took one of the ambulances and emptied it of its contents. We decontaminated the patient care area, inspected and counted the items removed. There was a list of what NEEDED TO BE in it and began to replace old with the new. The the proper items were put back in an organized manor making the truck ready for optimal function. In the future others will come and do this again. Keeping the ambulance at its required expected standard for proper and reliable service. Why should we be any different.

So the challenge is to join me and take inventory. See where you are with your standard for marriage, parenting, relationships and work.
If you want to see where God sets the bar search out the Bible in Ephesians chapters 1-6. Read one at a time and see where the bar is for each type of relationship you have in your life.
Pray that God will help you to get there as I do too.

PEACE in the knowledge to receive and joy in the wisdom you will have..

Sincerity

During one of our Youth Group classes we were reading through 1 Corrinthians 9. The Apostle Paul responded to those who accused him of being in it for the fame and the money. Needless to say he was hurt and mad. His integrity had been challenged by those who didn't know him and were jealous of his popularity as he went around teaching about Jesus. So in this letter, Paul directly addresses his sincerity.

When the class reading got to the this place I asked the kids what sincerity meant? Surprisingly none knew! We waited two minutes and I realized that some important terms regarding character are not being taught thus the teens aren't ever challenged by them. The odd silence was broken when a boy hesitantly answered "is it when you are really real?"
The word used in the Greek is SINE CERA. This is where we get our word sincere, which actually means WITHOUT WAX. It refers to the sculptors that made marble statues or fine pottery. If when during their work, a piece would fall off or a crack, the project should be scrapped and a new one begun. But money mattered and dishonesty and dishonesty was prevalent. So artisans of less integrity would take some of the marble or clay dust and mix it with wax. They would use it as a cosmetic glue to restore the item to a "perfect" state and maintain the premium price.

In Greece and the surrounding areas, temperatures would rise high during the day causing the the wax to melt and the product would eventually show its flaw.
Sculptors and potters with true integrity would have no choice but to painfully abort the project and begin another. They would accept the loss of time and money for the sake of their integrity desiring to deliver a premium product. In fact these particular craftsmen would hang a sign of guarantee over their shop that would read "SINECERUS" ("WITHOUT WAX").
Our life application here is this;

When situations in your life become difficult or hot, what gets exposed? Do your true motives show? And if so, what are they? Are you really concerned for others or is selfish ambition the driver of your actions. Are you willing to sacrifice time or money for the welfare of another or do you want for yourself so much that you are willing to be phony for a time to get it?

Sincerity represents a pure heart in what we do for others. God encourages us and in many places (Proverbs especially) to be sincerely motivated and not self seeking. The rewards for that come from Him. This is what He wants from us. This is how He treats.
For those of you who try with a sincere heart (not necessarily a perfect one) God will acknowledge and bless you in someway. It is not what we do that God is interested in, it is see why we do it.

No matter the temperature of a situation, God can see the wax and dust that fills the ugly cracks in our hearts. There is a great joy and freedom in doing something for another with a sincere heart. I had to pray often and continue to do so because selfishness is always knocking at the door wanting to return to its previous place in my heart and mind. Muse over your motives in helping others. If there is lack of sincerity in your job duties, volunteer service or in your relationships. Ask God to help you to achieve a heart without wax. He would love to help get you there.

PEACE

From Here to heaven. Chaplain Pippin

On January 6th 2010 Chaplain J. Edwin Pippin passed from here to Heaven.
Father Pippin was the Chaplain for SVRS for over 5 years up until about 2007.
I had never me him but I was privileged to hear from some of the volunteers and also to read some comments about his character.
I would like to dedicate this blog to the memory and service of this godly man.
Chaplain Pippin (Ed) was described as kind, patient, compassionate, "there for you", willing and able to listen quietly. He brought a warm and loving presence and cared for the SVRS team. He attended serious scenes to be available as needed and the list goes on.

Just looking at these words that described his character, it jumps out that these are also the character traits of the God whom Ed loved and served. Chaplain Pippin was an ambassador for the Lord God Himself. As ambassadors (Christians) we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. From the testimonies of Ed's service, he succeeded in his assignment to selflessly love those around him.
Chaplain Pippin has heard those long awaited wonderful words from his Father in heaven; : "Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will put you over much, enter in to the joy of your Master". Matt 25:21

Not everyone will be called to be a Chaplain or a Priest. But whatever it is God has called you to do (parent, professional, laborer, friend or soldier) do it with all your heart, and do it for the Lord of Heaven, just as Father Pippin did.
His shoes may be pretty large to fill, but he and I serve the same loving God and my hope is that I would be as obedient as Father/Chaplain J. Edwin Pippin, until it is my turn to be called Home and hear those wonderful words too.

I am thankful for all of those who have spent some time with Ed Pippin.

Amazing Peace is in the hearts of those who know God,