My 24 Addiction

I feel like I should introduce myself to a support group and say …”Hi am Jess and I am a 24 addict.” In case you are not aware “24” is series on the Fox Network that features the adventures, trials and exploits of Jack Bauer. Jack is an agent for the fictional Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). One of the unique aspects of the drama is the fact that each season consists of 24 hourly episodes all of which take place over the course of one 24 hour period. There are twists and turns and cliff-hangers and multiple overlapping plots that add up to an onslaught of intense, gripping drama. I am hooked. Thanks Brandon for being the dealer who gave me my first hit.

There are times that one must suspend belief to enjoy any work of fiction especially one that has such grandiose themes as 24 but there is one area that takes a major amount of suspension. It seems as if every terrorist (at least in the days I have seen so far) resides in Los Angeles and every terrorist plot is hatched, carried out and countered in Southern California. The reason for this is simple. The writers of 24 can’t have Jack going all over the world in the style of James Bond there are literally not enough hours in a day. Even Jack Bauer is constrained by the laws of time and space.

We certainly understand this limitation for ourselves and our fictional heroes. Only our God is beyond the bounds of the time, space, matter continuum which we inhabit. Theologians call this God’s transcendence. He is above, beyond and apart from His own creation. He can be everywhere at the same time, He equally occupies the past and future as He does the present. I can’t say I understand all of what I have just said but how can a man who is so limited understand One who has no limits.

I am certain that neither your or my worst days are to the extremes of Jack Bauer’s worst days. I can, however, rest assured that wherever I am, whatever events are pushing me along into the future. God is there. He is all around, involved, and in control. My response is simple but profound. Worship Him. Trust Him, 24/7.

It's All About Change

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2Co 5:17)

There is frog that lives in a room downstairs. It is a room that our preschool uses here at Bible Center Church. That is a picture of him above (I assume it is a him). He is an African Clawed frog (Xenopus Laevis). He came to be with us as part of teaching series with the kids and came in the form of a cleverly designed and marketed product called – “Grow a Frog Kit.” The kit consists of a small plastic box, food, decorations and a grow-a-frog tadpole. The kids got to watch as the tadpole changed into a "froglet" and on into the final African clawed frog form. This was a hit with the kids and now, a couple of years later, the frog has moved to successively bigger homes and now swims and entertains a new class of preschoolers. All of this got me thinking (a good thing to do) that if I were to measure my spiritual change - would I still be in the tadpole stage, or maybe even a "froglet?"

Wherever I may be, I can make a couple of observations: One - Change is the norm of Christian living and experience. I have been made new positionally in Christ and practically I need to continue to change. Two - just like the former tadpole needs the correct environment and nutrition to complete the change so do I and so do you. As I remind myself may I also challenge you to keep a watch on your environment by ensuring you are sharing life with other believers and you are avoiding harmful influences in your environment. Secondly may I challenge all of you tadpoles, froglets, frogs and friends with this question: how is your spiritual diet? Maybe it is time to truly feast on God's Word. It is a must for change and change we must.

Time

“With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer” Luke 22:15

Often others do not have time for us and often we do not have time for others. Even worse sometimes it is not a matter of time but of desire. We really don’t want to be with others when they really need us. On the night before His crucifixion, at this last Passover, Jesus desired to be with the followers. He expressed this in words and then demonstrated His heart for them by using the Passover elements to show His coming sacrifice. The broken body, symbolized by the bread was for them. The shed blood symbolized by the cup was for them. Even in a moment where it might be expected he would be self-absorbed, Jesus heart took Him beyond His own suffering to reach out to His needy followers.

Jesus is not a remote Savior but One who desires to fellowship with us. It would be prudent of us to so order our lives that we have adequate time to spend with Him. There is not substitute for unhurried time to meditate and commune with the Savior.

My Acting Debut

"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1Corinthian 9:22)

Over Thanksgiving weekend I had my acting debut, I was asked to guest-star in Brandon's newest video production. It was a project for a video course he is taking in college. He choose to spoof "The Da Vinci Code" with one called "The Baptist Code." I get to play the pastor of a church that is not exactly open to change. The video also features, Brian, Jessica and Brandon's friend Matt. There is lots of silliness and it is all played for laughs but is kind of like the old Joke: How many Baptists does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: Change who said anything about change?" Anyway this inflexibility is not just a condition of those who go to churches that have a particular denominational label on them.

We who are followers of Christ face a seeming dilemma. In some areas we are to be completely inflexible. That which is clearly revealed in the Word of God is to be defended. However we can defend our areas of preference at the same level and in essence make non-absolutes, absolutes. Our opinions or prejudices can become dogma or on the other hand the truth can be compromised for pragmatic ends. So where is the balance? I am impressed with the Apostle Paul. He would allow himself to be stoned or run out of town rather than back down on the truth, while at the same time was more than willing to give up the eating of meat or shave his head in order to complete his ministry. So how does one come to understand where to draw the lines, where to be unmoveable and where to bend? While this answer and its biblical basis is beyond the scope of this essay, I would offer one bit of advice: Take a look at your motivation. The Pharisees the most over inflexible people in world history were wrongly motivated. They did what they did or what they did not do to make themselves look better. They were motivated by human pride rather than glorifying God. When I can set aside my selfish desire to be king of the mountain and focus exclusively on making a big deal out of God, I usually can find the way. Try it, it no doubt will work for you too.

Use this link if you would like to view "The Baptist Code" video.

What is Man?

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

I love Google Earth, if you haven’t tried it you are missing some real fun and it is free. (http://earth.google.com/). It has satellite and aerial pictures stitched together to make 3-D model of the earth and you can zoom in on any place you like. You can search using names; zip codes etc. and you can overlay road maps and other info. You can also tilt the maps to give you a 3-D look at the terrain below. The series of images above is of the Waggoner Home as seen via Google Earth. Actually from this vantage point all that own is really very unimpressive. Just another non-descript house on a little hill top among so may others. I am quite sure I am the only person who has every hunted for it. It is kind of the reverse of David’s thoughts above. Different perspective (looking down rather than up) but the emotion is still the same. How is it that man being so insignificant in light of all that is, what is the significance of man that God even notices? Why does He bother, why does He care? Why does He extend His care? The real answer is that our significance does not come from us, but from Him. We are His design, His creation, His plan, His purpose, His project, His objects of Love, His bearers of His glory. It really is all about Him.

I have been working on plans for a writing project for 2007, and one of my section titles is: “God is God, God is Great, and You Ain’t Him.” There are times when I need to reconnect with the Google Earth point of view. When I get judgmental of others, I need to remember, He is quite capable of that without my help. When I get bothered that things don’t go my way, I need to remember that His will and ways are perfect. When I get to hogging the glory, I need to remember that all glory belongs to Him. These are just a few of the ways that I tend to act like I am in charge. But I am just a tiny little creature that without Him, would be all but lost in the cosmos. It really is all about Him.

Christmas Newsletter

I know you get lots of Christmas newsletters detailing family comings and goings from your friends. Here is ours. At least we are delivering this one without killing any trees. If you are inclined to read about the Waggoners then use this link to get a PDF version of the 2006 Family Newsletter.

By the way... have a blessed Christmas.

"And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

Three of my favorite people

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." (Ps 127:3)

Take a young man and young woman deeply in love, and embarking on the journey of marriage, add 25+ years of commitment and learning, three pregnancies, three labor and deliveries, countless meals, lessons, play times, work times, conflict management, times of worship, bedtime stories and prayer, thousands of other things and an overwhelming dose of the grace of God and what do you get - three terrific children.

I have arrived at the time when my (former) little ones are now in young adulthood. Maybe this makes me a little reflective and sentimental but I know as only the three in the picture above that I have not been a perfect father. If I knew then what I know now, I would do countless things differently, but who Jessica, Brandon and Brian have become brings so much joy and (sanctified) pride to my heart. They each are unique, which in itself is a miracle, to see how the same pool of genes can produce such different and special people. They each have been blessed with great gifts and talents. They are of all things in my life, along with their mother, the most precious gifts of God that walk this earth. Thanks guys for being my kids. Thank you Lord for your blessing in this man's life.

"As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: (Psalm 127:4-5)

Harvest Time

“He who gathers in summer is a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.” (Proverbs 10:5)

Just outside the conference room at Bible Center Church is beautiful oak tree on a grassy knoll. I have a strategy to help me through the frequent and long meetings that I am part of in that room. I usually try to sit in a location where I can see out the floor to ceiling windows that look out beneath the canopy of the Oak Tree. When the conversation gets tedious or -- dare I say it …boring – I can find some relief in the acrobatic entertainment that is just beyond the glass. Often in fall the tree is alive with several squirrels. The picture above is of one of this gang. They chase each other through the branches, sometimes they stretch out and snooze on a limb. They at times will groom their furry coats but the main object of their attention is the acorn harvest that the tree produces. One day they are making repeated quick trips to the ground to grab a fallen nut and then make a quick ascent to a safe spot and devour the delicacy. When they are quite full of acorns they invest their energies in burying all the acorns that can. I can only guess how many acorns lay under the surface of the particular slice of real-estate. I also wonder how many of these will ever be dug up for a winter snack. One thing that is sure these little guys make the most of the opportunities to prepare for the future.

The verse above proves that this is a wise approach to life for those who are more earth-bound. First, industriousness is a virtue. It is a wise, practical, profitable, honorable, and smart thing to do. Hard and persistent work is highly commended and highly recommended. This is an important reminder when the norm of our culture is to work at play and to play at work. The second lesson from this verse is that one should take advantage of opportunities. Just as a harvest only comes once a year and only lasts for a brief period. We must ever be on the alert to take advantage of the sometimes fleeting opportunities in life. The opportunity for parental influence is shockingly short. The chance to bear a witness to a co-work is short-lived. The chance to choose to do right only occurs once per situation.

I want to gather in summer and don’t want to be asleep during the harvest.

Conspiracy Theory

“ And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them.” (Luke 22:2-4)

“The Da Vinci Code” – The Kennedy assassination – UFOs -- It seems as if there is a conspiracy theory for every major event, or non-event in history. Such theories are espoused, promoted and debated. In the passage above we have a glimpse of a true conspiracy on three levels. On a personal level, Judas had been a follower of Jesus for several years but behind the scenes he was motivated by personal greed. There are many aspects of his life and heart that defy easy analysis. But this is knowable, he thought he was doing something for himself but he really became entangled in plot of cosmic proportions. The second level of this conspiracy plays out as Judas became part of the scheme of ruling elite who desired to kill Jesus, but even more damning, he also unwittingly become part Satan’s plan to thwart the ministry of Jesus.

This is a good time to remember that one’s personal disobedience can have wider consequences than we intend. An impulsive act can damage relationships. A careless word can smite a heart. A proud look can crush a spirit. We must ever be on guard concerning our private motivation. I doubt that Judas ever intended the results that followed his picking up the money-bag containing 30 coins, but sin has a way of flowing into the wider steam of damage that has flowed through our race since the garden of Eden.

For Today: Ask God to help you take a good look at what motivates you in life.

Friend of God

Who am I that you are mindful of me

That you hear me when I call
Is it true that you are thinking of me
How you love me
It's amazing

(Chorus):
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God
he calls me friend

Phillips, Craig and Dean recorded this song on their 2004 CD entitled "Let the Worshippers Arise" and has become a favorite of mine. (If you want to see them sing this song, go here -Friend of God Video) Perhaps because as the song says - it is amazing that the God of the universe would call me friend or perhaps because it is so personal, so first person, that I am gripped every time I hear it. The song is based on John 15:15 but I have been led to it again from another passage. I have spent the last couple of weeks preparing a message for this Sunday morning at Bible Center from Luke 22. As Christ prepared for the Passover that would become the Last supper, He makes this statement in Luke 22:15, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer." Passover was a sacred time a time to be together with family or those closest to you. In this case Jesus desired to be with His followers. In the culminating hour of His earthly journey He wanted a time of close and personal fellowship with His followers. Flash forward 1973 years and Jesus still desires close and personal fellowship with His followers. My message Sunday will emphasize that the Lord wants not just our time, our attention or even our loyalty. All of these can be just window dressing on stale routine or empty ritual. What He really wants is our heart. It is His desire. That my motivation, my goals, and ambitions and all that I am or claim to be to be unalterably cemented to Him. He wants it real not rehearsed. He wants to be the epicenter of my life not just the epidermis. He wants my heart. He wants your heart. I want to give Him mine, do you want to give Him yours?

High Falls of Cheat

I admit it, I am a waterfall lover. Last week I got to visit a wonderful location. The picture above is of the High Falls of Cheat in a remote section of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. (take a look at this video clip [Real Media] of the same falls). There is something majestic, mesmerizing and peaceful about them. I also like the roar of the water, I like how the water moves from a tranquil flow to a raging torrent at the lip of the falls. I have stood close to Niagra Falls on the deck of the Maid of the Mist, I have stood at the base of Staubbachfalle in Switzerland with a drop of more than 900 feet, and I have enjoyed many lesser ones. In a word, waterfalls are cool.

I don’t know that there will be any waterfalls in heaven, but there at least will be flowing water. Revelation 22:1-2 indicates that a river of the water of life will flow from God’s throne through the main thoroughfare of the celestial city. The river though real, seems to symbolize the continual flow of blessings, provision and joy from God Himself for the benefit of the redeemed. Let your mind meditate on that a while and you may blow a few circuit breakers in your brain. What a great and wonderful God we serve. To Him be all the praise.

So let my few thoughts on waterfalls – or better yet – go enjoy one yourself—cause you to reflect on God’s goodness.

“There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.” (Psalm 46:4)

Banjos and Blessings

Forty-three adventurous souls have just completed the BCC Senior Saints Fall Foliage Tour. It was great time in the mountains and touring by bus and train. One stop was at the American Mountain Theater (www.americanmountaintheater.com) for an evening of fun and music. The picture is of Joe Gainer on the banjo; Joe is an accomplished banjo player as well as a comedian. While listening to Joe and the rest of the bluegrass group, “Hardly Ever.” I recalled a quote I heard sometime ago. Someone said that they could not imagine someone being sad and playing the banjo. I agree it is just generally seems like a happy instrument. As I reflected a little deeper I wonder what people think of me (or if you are brave…insert your name) do they see someone they just can’t imagine being sad, or is there some less positive emotion on display?

I do know that my emotional disposition is connected to my focus. If I focus on what I don’t have, can’t do, etc. I end up playing in a minor key. If I choose to focus on the ever-present blessings of God and trust in His care and plan then I am a lot more like the ol five-string! Keep on picking!

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Low expectations are the key to everything.

Often we are encouraged to raise our expectations or we are to have high expectations of ourselves, our team or others. It sounds so positive and forward leaning doesn't it. Ever heard some of these? "When you go on that field you need to expect the best from yourself and your team-mates." "This sales team is the best ever, but next year we have high expectations for you." and so it goes. In reading "The DNA of Relationships," by Gary Smalley, I ran into this definition. "The difference between what I expect and what I get is stress." Therefore all of you who are overstressed and over frustrated, you angry, ill-tempered over-expecters --listen up. The key to happiness is (drum roll please) LOWER YOUR EXPECTATIONS!

This is especially true when dealing with others, for all others are imperfect people who are riddled with flaws. When others don't provide the love and affirmation we crave - lower your expectations. They are coping with their own overwhelming issues. If others do not make decisions with which you agree, remember this they should not be expected to. Their logic and values are fouled up so we should not expect consistent wise choices. If we are living with the false hope that we will always receive what we want, when we want it and in the way we want it, we will be in a state of continual stress. Rather, expect less and when a little love and cooperation comes your way be thrilled with the surprise. A few concise statements from the Bible may help with in the expectation game.

Forbear one another Eph. 4:2

Forgive one another Col. 3:13

Love one another 1 Thess. 4:9

Build up one another 1 Thess 5:11

Don't judge one another Rom. 14:13

Have compassion for one another 1 Pet. 3:8

Listen as well as read

In addition to reading my random thoughts here, you can also listen to some of my random thoughts via my new podcast. Just click the link under JW's links on the right side of this page to try it out. I am currently doing a weekly episode from my teaching series entitled "How Life Works - Unlocking the Treasure of Proverbs." I am attempting an expository approach as opposed to a thematic approach, even though I have been told it can't be done, but I like a challenge. The ones being posted now were presented at Bible Center late 2005 and early 2006. New messages in this series will begin in November. I hope these episodes are a blessing. You can subscribe to my podcast via iTunes if you want new episodes brought to you as they are published. Any feedback would be appreciated!

Waggoner Men

The Saturday after labor day is Mound Festival, an open air arts and crafts festival centered around the most famous landmark here in South Charleston, which is an Indian Mound. Historians say it was build by the Adena Indians in the distant past. After a stop at the hotdog stand I followed my Mom and Julie through the maze of booths at the bottom of the mound while the other Waggoner Men, My Dad and sons, Brandon and Brian climbed to the top of said mound. Having my digital camera at the ready I captured the image above. (in the old days “taking a picture” was called making an exposure – now in the digital age it is “capturing an image”). Any way as I looked at this picture --I mean image-- I was struck that this was the generation before me and after me. I guess now that I am firmly in the clutches of middle age I think more of this kind of thing. I am reminded that so much of what I am has been shaped by my parents and so much of my children has been shaped by me. The former brings gratefulness for all that my folks have done for me. The latter thought is a rather sobering one. I am trusting that the Lord will make up for my deficiencies, as they are many. My prayer for my sons and my daughter is that they will walk with God. I have not always done so, but I have learned in the first half of life that waking with God is not only right it is also practical. In my line of work you encounter many who have been left as damaged goods due to the destructive path of disobeying our Heavenly Father. So to my kids and anyone’s kids –walk with the Lord!

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9)

If you can't get enough...

In case you want to read some more of my musings over the years, there are a number of articles by me on the archive page, at the Bible Center Website, there you will find 34 articles from 1998-2006. Some are repeated here and on my previous journal, but if you can't get enough I wanted you to know that there is more! Blessings...

PS. The picture really has nothing to do with this blog posting but I thought it was cool, it was taken April 1, 2006 using my way-cool tabletop telescope and my Dimage Digital Camera, and in case you don't know - this is a picture of the moon, our earth's only natural satellite... If you would like a full-sized copy or like to know how you can get some wonderful computer desktops created by yours truly, drop an e-mail to desktops@waggonermedia.com

How to turn $31,000.00 into smoke!

Last Sunday night the city fathers of Charleston, West Virginia tuned a pile of money into a cloud of smoke over the waters of the Kanawha River. There is one important intermediate step, and that would be three flatbed tractor-trailer loads of fireworks. Julie, Brian, I and several dozen friends gathered at our regular fireworks-watching spot and waited for the gala fireworks at the conclusion of the Charleston Regatta. We managed to avoid all the other regatta attractions including Charlie Daniels and Randy Travis, but we went to see fireworks. We did enjoy the sights and sounds (If you want to watch a brief video of the grand finale use this link [Real Media] ) but as the clouds of gunpowder laced clouds floated across the capital city I began thinking about this…what do you have left after the last flash and last bang? Some memories, some good times with family and friends and few low-quality pictures, but is that really worth the money.

Before I get too judgmental – I must confess I have invested my time, talent and treasure in many endeavors that may have had some momentary attraction but no lasting return.
I don’t know much but I have learned this over the years of my journey. Only what is done for God’s glory has any lasting meaning or significance. My prayer, my goal is for my life to have less flash, less bang and more of His glory.

… whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
1Corinthians 10:31

Sparrows

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

I had a few minutes recently to try out some of features of my digital camera. Just outside of our dining room is a thistle seed feeder, suet feeder and a humming bird feeder. I enjoy watching the comings and goings at the bird feeders while I am at mine. This seemed a likely spot to do some photography. One picture (above) was just a quick shot without much thought. As was reviewing my pictures later my mind wandered to the verses above. Even though Brian informs me that this is female purple finch and not a sparrow it still reminded me of the verse above. For those of us who tend toward worry or feelings of being devalued, then this is a comforting reality. God knows about and cares for this little feathery one, and also us who not only carry the creative design of God (how much engineering would it take to design and build something that can flies that only weighs 6 ounces?) but also carry the image of God, and hence the greater value placed on us. These verses also indicate that the omniscience of God (the numbering of the hairs on our heads) is proof positive of His ability to carry out His favorable care for us. He knows and He cares. We should know this as well. To the lovely lady perched in my picture – thanks for the reminder.

Foamhenge

While on my way to take Brandon to Lynchburg, VA to get all moved in to his dorm at Liberty Univeristy we all noticed a rather odd sign telling us what was just ahead on the road, we had just left I81 and had just passed the previous big attraction in this neck of the woods Virginia's Natural Bridge. But now just ahead was FOAMHENDGE, what, pray tell, was this, well sure enough, just past the entrance to Natural Bridge, and near the wax museum, the Natural Bridge Caverns, and the Virginia Drive-through safari and the Natural Bridge Road-side zoo.... was Foamhenge, a full sized Styrofoam replica of Stonehenge. We didn't stop but we did turn a wide-eye to this unnatural wonder. Upon returning home I turned to the authoritative source for tacky road-side attractions, RoadsideAmerica.com which revealed that Foamhenge is the creation of one Mark Cline (Washington Post article on Mark) who is best known for making full-sized dinosaur sculptures. I also discovered that there are several Stonehenge replicas scattered around North America including ones made out of junk cars and abandoned refrigerators. This little diversion got me to thinking about a couple of things, #1 the fascination with replicas, and #2 the fact that the replica never quite matches the impact of the original. Whether it is the 1/3 sized replica of the Eiffel Tower at Kings Island or reproduced Europe at Bush Gardens they still fall short.

On the spiritual plane there is an exception. Think about this from 1John 3:2: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." Christians are being remade in the image of Christ, and He will get the process right! Next time you are frustrated with other believer or with yourself remember that when we are with Him, we all we be perfect, complete and remade.

Questions:
1. How does this reality help you have patience with other?
2. How does this reality affect your view of yourself?

The Tomb

"He is not here: for he is risen" (Matt. 28:6)
A tomb. Of all places for a miracle of eternal proportions to take place, a tomb would seem the least likely. But it was a tomb where the humility of Christ ended and the exaltation of Christ began. It was the place where the hope of the disciples died and where it was reborn three days later. It was the place where death met the power of God and death lost. It appeared to be a lasting testimony of the victory of Satan but became the ground of his eternal defeat. The tomb was closed by loving hands, sealed by hateful hands, but opened by angelic hands. It was guarded to keep robbers out of the grave; it was emptied to allow sinners into heaven. When Jesus was in the tomb it separated Him from the living, after Jesus arose, the empty tomb separated Him from every would-be savior the world has ever known.

As you reflect today on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, let your mind pause by the empty tomb and thank God for all it represents to you. Thank Him for the assurance of salvation gained and eternity secured. Spend a few extra moments worshiping your Living Savior!