Playing in the Street

"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets," Zech 8:5

When I was young, my mother would say, in joking frustration, "Go play in the street."  I don't think that is what the prophet Zechariah is after, when he speaks of a future day when children would do just that.  He is certainly speaking of a day of peace, joy, and laughter; when the Prince of Peace would bring peace to earth--both in part at his inauguration, and in fullness at his consummation.  

But I am also convinced that the New Heavens and New Earth will be one of activity, responsibility, engagement, and--yes, play.  When my Fort Bragg MPs patrol the roads, and we feel safe enough that our kids play in the street; when neighbors come out to play, and talk, and borrow chocolate chips; when we bring or fire pit out, and throw the football, we are mirroring and moving toward that great Day when there will be no more skinned knees, or dangers, or accidents of any kind for those whose trust is in Christ.  

Someone has called it "rolling back the effects of the fall."  In a way, I do that in different ways, not just as a neighbor, but as a Chaplain.  I am blessed that Soldiers instantly identify me by the cross on my uniform.  And as I live out my life, find balance with my family, seek to be helpful, promote justice, and bring encouragement, I am imaging Christ to a lost world.  

This morning, instead of doing PT with a platoon of Soldiers, one with a cane called me over.  He has had multiple injuries and is in severe and constant pain.  As the conversation finally got around to 'religious' issues, he opened up to me that he has a nominal faith and attends a church.  I was able to talk about Christ's suffering, his poor treatment by others, his physical pain, and the wrath of God he bore for the sake of those who believe.  That those who suffer more can identify with him in unique ways that others can't.  

As we continued to talk, I thanked God silently for calling me into military Chaplaincy.  I continue to love what I do, and I have more opportunities than ever to be stretched and communicate the gospel.  God has most certainly answered that early prayer of mine, that many have joined in praying for me! 

Even as my excitement in what I do stays strong, for the time being, I'm losing the motivation to blog regularly.  I will send a newsletter to supporting churches regularly, and if anyone would like a copy of those by e-mail, send me a message: hammted@gmail.com. 

Blessings, and thanks for continued prayers! 

Sharing Leads to Deepening

"...and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ,"  Phlm 1:6.

I have often read the jailor account in Acts 16 and thought, "Sure, when is it going to happen that someone comes to me and asks, 'What must I do to be saved?'"  Well, it finally happened. In casual conversation after church last weekend, someone mentioned to me they were wanting to be saved, but that they had to take care of some things first.  This led to a long conversation, and me communicating that there is nothing one must 'take care of' first, and her trusting Christ.   Miraculously, we didn't have any interruptions in a room full of people for at least 30 minutes.  My wife didn't come prop me up and complement me, which would not have been a bad thing.  The Navigator Director was not around for me to pass her off to.  God gave me the words I needed, the confidence, the ability to be a tool in his hands, when it seemed clear someone was ready to trust him.

During seminary on a visit to Prague, I remember watching a respected pastor have a one-on-one conversation about faith, belief in God, and spiritual issues with a young lady.  I remember his confidence, his articulateness, his boldness, and thinking, "Wow, I wish I could do that."

Some just have a gift,  But I believe God uses life experiences, and sometimes the hard knocks of life, to develop in us deeper levels of confidence and ability to just navigate waters--including waters of relationships, questions, and conversations.  When I meet young Soldiers now in my third career (and calling), and they tell me about their short lives, their home state, their interests, I can almost always find a connection point, some way in which the contours of my life have intersected with theirs.

God also gives ability where there is an exercise of faith.  As one shares their faith, they develop greater faith themselves, as the above verse hints.  Lord, thank you for "Two Ways to Live," and my buddies that learned that gospel presentation with me, and for using it as training wheels to propel me forward in the exercise of my faith.

God, thank you that multiple extraordinary and ordinary forces combine to mature us as we walk through life, growing, looking to you, looking ahead to our reward.  Thank you for using me, in increasing measure, as part of your plan, the advancement of your church, your kingdom, and your glory, amen!