Since 1965 Christ Church of Oak Brook has sought to be a community of disciples where the worship of God, the spiritual growth of people, and the service of God’s kingdom are pursued with passion and excellence.

I was the Associate Pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook (CCOB), IL for 30 wonderful and yet very tough months – 1972-75. While at CCOB, the church grew from less than 1000 to 2300 members. It would be much easier for me to write only about the highlights, the successes, the easy times etc. I do not think this would be most helpful to you, or honest of me. When we left, I believe the senior pastor was relieved. I will do my very best to write from my heart….

Pastor Arthur DeKruyter was the founding pastor of this unique, thriving church, and a man who had the courage to significantly change his understanding of God’s desired involvement in people’s lives, and to change his approach to ministry. He wrote about these transitions in his book, Journey into Joy. It takes tremendous courage for a person who was incredibly successful in founding and leading a healthy, growing church (6 families to perhaps 4,000 people when he retired) to consider serious personal change, but he did. We were there before this transformation occurred. When I returned on a Sunday morning, perhaps 15 years later, I was welcomed with a hug and a big smile!

This was the only time our family had the privilege of living near extended family. None of us knew we would have this privilege for less than three years. Although we lived within 30 minutes of my parents, two brothers and their families – and 30 minutes from Sally Jo’s parents and her brother and family, we did not see any of them nearly as much as we thought we would. They were busy and we were busy and we just did not carve out time for each other. Again, wonderful times and some tough ones.

I did not realize some of the impact of my ministry at CCOB until we returned for the church’s 40th anniversary celebration. The church had remained focused on its mission and the congregation had grown to over 6,000.

On Saturday evening there was a dinner when we had the opportunity of seeing many people we had enjoyed during our “Oak Brook years.” During the course of the evening David Melvin, Executive Pastor of CCOB, told me I was a pivotal reason he was in the ministry. He reminded me of a conversation we had 25 years before. We had talked about the fact that he had felt he should go into the ministry for some time, but, as I remember, he had a wife and children, and no significant financial resources. I did not know his parents, but was 99% sure they had very considerable financial resources. I suggested he go to them, tell them his heart’s desire and the financial obstacle he faced – and ask if they would be willing to help. No one in his family had gone into full time Christian vocation, and he did not know how this request would be received. I gave no further thought to the conversation. And here he was, thanking me for my role in his becoming a minister.

On Sunday morning, as we walked toward the sanctuary, many of the elders were in the large foyer welcoming people to church, most often by name. One of these elders welcomed us, and asked our names. I said that I was Chuck Gieser, Associate Pastor of the church for about 3 years. His response blew me away. “You were here for only three years? What an incredible legacy you left.”

After the service a man introduced himself and said that when he was 12 he interviewed me for a school paper he was writing. After our time together he decided he would go into the ministry. I had no clue!

While at CCOB I saw excellence in ministry modeled, worked with and was mentored by incredible people, was encouraged to use my gifts/abilities in the organization and implementation of many different ministries, experienced the reality of God in life-changing ways, gained insight into my strengths and weaknesses, and decided in many areas what I would seek to do and not do, all of which helped prepare me for further ministry.

I was shocked when, after only 18 months in Presbytery, I, a Yankee, was voted to be one of the two ministers from Nashville Presbytery to serve as a delegate to the meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, US. How did this happen? From a human perspective, my guess is that it was because every pastor and many church members throughout Presbytery knew my name.

I had worked with others to plan and lead two very well attended, “successful” retreats for the Presbytery’s high school students. When young people come home excited about their great retreat in a beautiful Tennessee state park pastors and parents are grateful. One of these retreats was at Easter time, and the young people returned to their homes telling how they had re-enacted the crucifixion, and how they were moved to tears as they realized what Jesus Christ had done for them….Parents and Pastors literally thank the Lord. Someone is getting to the hearts of “our kids.”

Those who attended Presbytery knew I was theologically conservative, but refused to be involved in church politics. It was quickly known that I was willing to listen to others, give my perspective and to vote according to what I believed was right. Pastors and layman alike respect this, even when your thinking is different than theirs.

Three months later I accepted the call for me to become the Associate Pastor of Christ Church of Oak Brook, IL. With the decision finalized, I notified the Executive Secretary that I would be moving outside of the bounds of Nashville Presbytery and requested he notify Presbytery and the elected alternate delegate to the meeting of the General Assembly. I also asked if he would seek permission for me to “labor outside of the boundaries of Presbytery”. This request could easily be denied as CCOB is an independent church with a “congregational” form of government.

When several “conservative” members of Presbytery heard what I had done I was “visited” and told that I really should go to the meeting – conservatives in the church were counting on my vote. In my heart I knew I had done what was right – this was why Presbyteries elect an alternate delegate.

At their next meeting, Presbytery granted my request and I was able to keep my ordination status within the PCUS, and was able to continue putting church matched retirement money into the Presbyterian Minister’s Annuity Fund.

Three years later we moved from Illinois to Texas where I became the Director of Sky Ranch – a ministry that was building a new camp/conference facility in East Texas. When we had moved, I called the Chairman of the Ministerial Credentials Committee of Presbytery, a Dallas pastor, and introduced myself as the new Director of Sky Ranch. I said I would like to become a member of Dallas Presbytery. He invited me to his office and in the course of the conversation he asked me if Young Life would be renting the Sky Ranch facility for weekend retreats. I confirmed that this was true.

He then bluntly told me that, as long as he was Chairman of the Ministerial Credentials Committee, I would never be able to become a member of Dallas Presbytery. I was stunned! He went on to say that Young Life had taken “his” church’s best high school students for their program. I knew first hand that this was something Young Life worked hard not to do. Because of this pastor’s experiences or thoughts, the Dallas Presbytery door was shut!

I had few alternatives. I wrote a letter to Nashville Presbytery requesting permission to continue “to labor outside of the bounds of Presbytery”. I was on shaky ground as I had only served in Nashville Presbytery for 20 months, and had not been back in 3 years. Again they granted my request – my name still rang true to them.

Our family joined Highland Park Presbyterian Church where the man I served under after I graduated was pastor. This church affiliation enabled me to have credibility with those in the “main-line denominations” and those in the independent Bible churches. I had credibility without spending hours in Presbytery meetings. My hours went to building Sky Ranch.

When we live In Partnership With God, we must do what we believe to be right before Him. God knows our hearts….and though people may not like what we say, most also know our hearts, and respect our courage.

Within our first year in Murfreesboro the “Stones River Presbyterian Co-operative District” was up and running – 8 churches were working together to develop a strong ministry for each church and the Presbyterian Student Fellowship of Middle Tennessee State University. The large, old former funeral home had become “the morgue” and home to my office, to the Christian Education (CE) supplies gathered and organized from and for the eight churches, to a large conference table (25 + people), a coffee house, a ceramics lab, two small meeting rooms – and the third floor “pool hall”. It had been an intense year – and it seemed like there was finally time to breath.

And then came the invitation. Clayton Bell, the minister I had worked under when I first graduated from seminary, had recently become senior minister of the 4,000 member Highland Park Presbyterian Church just north of Dallas, Texas. “Would I consider coming to the HPPC to head up their Christian Education program?” Harry Hassel, Sr. pastor of the largest church in the SRPCD said we had his blessing to go…but he hoped we wouldn’t! Sally Jo and I had enjoyed working with and learned much from Clayton, and his wife, Peggy. I do not remember that Sally Jo and I put much energy into the decision. Our answer: No. I have remembered the truth:” every invitation is not a call from God.”

A few months later we were contacted by Christ Church of Oak Brook, IL, an interdenominational church located just West of Chicago. We were asked to come up to the church to meet with the church leaders, learn about the church’s program, and see the facility. We went…at least we would have a few days with our families – both of our parents and three siblings lived within 30 minutes of the church. The people were wonderful and their vision for the church was clear. The program was solid and the facility was, for us, mind blowing. Soon after the church began, the developer of the village of Oak Brook had given the church many acres located at the key intersection, less than a mile from a major highway. Soon after the property was given, the people of the church dug deep into their pockets and the present sanctuary was built – it seated 1200 people. The building was unique and incredibly beautiful – the new congregation wanted to make a statement to the community…and they did! Within ten years about 1000 people were attending weekly. In five months the new CE building with a large fellowship hall would be ready for use. I was asked to become associate pastor, with particular responsibility for Christian Education and the “groups” within the church.

How could we say yes? We had been in Murfreesboro less than two years. It was only now becoming “home” to us. The ministries of the Stones River Presbyterian District were going well. There were outstanding young people in the PSF. Recently I had been voted by Presbytery to become one of their delegates to the General Assembly. Many ministers never get this opportunity. (How this happened, I still do not understand.)

What were our real motives in making the move to become part of the CCOB ministry? The opportunity to live near family? Working with some truly great people? The challenge of developing ministries within a large church? Enjoying the excellent music program and great pipe organ? My office, and my secretary’s office, would not be too shabby!

One question in my mind was “Why was it so easy to say no to HPPC in TX…and difficult to say no to Christ Church of Oak Brook”. We really wanted, almost needed, hand writing on the wall. For us, it did not seem difficult to say and mean: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. The huge challenge was….Lord, which path?!!!!!! The handwriting never came! I do not know how long we talked, prayed, and thought about the decision. We had trusted and knew we could not lean on our own understanding. The Lord knew our hearts. Ultimately the only guidance that we should move was the still, small voice of God’s Holy Spirit. After the decision, God’s gave us his peace. When we had finally decided we should move to Illinois, I remember that emotionally and physically I just shut down.

The opportunities God gives to us, the work He has prepared for us have often been surprises. Our challenge is to remember that the opportunities and the work remain His. We are His servants. Repeatedly God has taken our lives in new directions: a city church in AL, a small country church in CT, an education/student ministry in TN, a large suburban church in IL – and eventually into 30 years of directing camps in TX and NY. Living in Partnership With God has been for us, a wild ride! The challenge for each of us is obedience, not what we think will be the outcome.

I have just returned from 10 days in Vieques, a small, scruffy island off Puerto Rico. Sally Jo stayed on for another 9 days with Barb, a mutual friend. Over a period of nine years we have been on the island at least 18 weeks. During these years we have taken many other trips, in and outside the US, yet, almost every year we return to Vieques.

Why? Because we can enjoy without thinking very much! Almost no stress. We know the roads, stores, beaches, and the basic “rules” of the place. We have a daily pattern: before breakfast we drive ten minutes to Sun beach, arriving about 8:00 AM. The sun is warm, the breeze is light, and the waves gently roll onto the wide, clean beach. We leave our “shoes” in the car and walk from one end of the beach to the other at a pretty fast clip – then return walking with small waves washing over our feet. 45 minutes. We may see two or three people. It is beautiful, no question. But why walk this same beach at the same time of day perhaps 100 times? It is beautiful. Nothing surprising. Very relaxing.

In the evening Sally Jo and I may sit in canvas chairs on the deck of the casita – no bugs, screens, neighbors, utilities, almost no noise. Just us, a few fluffy clouds, bright stars and a slice of the moon. Often we say little – why talk? We are able to talk all day. We sit together, feeling thankful to God, who is also present. We rest and regroup – mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

I realize I have not been very good at “resting”. It seems there is always something more I feel I should do..

I find it is easy to give God the credit for creation, the bible, my salvation. I say God is eternal, unchangeable, and all knowing, powerful, wise, loving, etc. I look at my life and it is easy to see that God prepares work for me to do – and prepares me for the work He has for me to do. This being true, why does God give me so much to do – and tell me to rest? The problem must not be in what God expects of me…but in my perception of what God expects of me. If I am too busy to rest, which God tells me I must do (creation – rested 7th day, 10 commandments), something in my life must be out of whack! My time must be going to what God considers “non-essentials”. This could mean that I change my lifestyle – or my job. It could mean that I volunteer less…and refuse to be talked into things I should not spend time on.

Sally Jo and I have always given 10% or more of our income to the Lord for His work. To do this has required our family to do without many things. With the 10% we could buy our children nicer clothes, or buy a better car, or perhaps take “grander” vacations. There is always something we can spend money on. But we have said 10 % is God’s….period!

I have come to realize that just as we set apart money for God, I must set time apart for rest – in obedience to God. And the time for rest must be a top priority – according to the God who made me, loves me, has plans for me, etc.

I read Hebrews 4: on the casita deck and in the first eleven verses the word “rest” is included 10 times. Rest seems to be a package – like the different kinds of rest are really one “rest”. Is it possible to rest physically…and not be resting in other areas? Perhaps not. I can be sitting still…and have a thought that causes my pulse and blood pressure to go up. Medical research speaks to the undeniable relationship between our mind and our body. I am not resting if I am lying in a hammock in the warm sun…trying to solve a work or relationship problem, or feeling angry, or worried about… I will not buy the idea that rest is just a change from what we normally do

The 10 commandments tell us “six days you shall labor…the seventh…you shall not do any work…the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” God has made the day holy…He does not tell us to make it holy, but God does clearly say…to rest on this holy day.

If I take this seriously, I should not be writing the In Partnership With God mostly on Sunday afternoon and evening. As much as I enjoy doing this, it is work! If I do not have this Sunday block in which to write…I am sure I can write at a different time in the week – which means something of lesser value will need to go. I should say “this I will do!” Ouch.

Sally Jo and I leave for Vieques, PR this evening. This is the island where our daughter Carla/Sea has lived for 4 years – is massage therapist…and sometimes eco kayak guide (7 hr trips) – will stay in her Casita – 16 X16 – 2 story -with two decks looking out over lush green valley to ocean beyond. Can only see 18 lights in the distance at night. Incredible place for us – beyond utilities – only way in and out is 4X4. Jayson Reitz and David Speers spent 2 weeks in the building process – many others have helped…I took friend from church down for a week. Truly incredible place – queen size bed was made from bamboo – hangs from ceiling – mosquito net incase bug comes at night…no screens…no front on casita… water off roof into 1000 holding tank…we pump up to two 50 gal barrels – one is outside, painted black…heats water for shower…waste water from sink and shower used to flush ordinary toilet into septic system Jason built. Normal gas stove/oven…

Anyway – I will stay with Sally Jo for 12 days – then I leave and friend from Bakerville Church (1966-70) will fly in when I fly out and they will be together for another 9 days.

It will be good to get her away from ice…very much afraid of slipping. Her bones are healed…muscles still trying to catch up. She is scheduled to go on bike trip with sister in Chechloslovakia in June – helps her keep focused on getting stronger.

Wazi and MaMa Lee (for you Deerfooters) will be staying her until I return.

God is good… let us remember to praise Him – in our hearts, our living, and with our mouths.

Sally Jo and I spent three weeks studying under Dr. Francis and Edith Schaefer at the L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland and three weeks under Major Ian Thomas in at Capernwray Hall in England. Whereas I felt I had a reasonable understanding of Christian doctrine and the Christian life, I did not feel adequately prepared to answer the challenging questions the students at Middle Tennessee State University would raise.

Both of these ministries focused on meeting the spiritual needs of the students, and others, who came. Dr. Schaefer wrote “How shall we Then Live?”, “The Mark of The Christian” and other books. Each Saturday evening he would sit on the hearth of the fireplace and ask “What shall we talk about tonight?” Out would come the questions.

Dr. Schaefer never backed off his position that the Bible was God’s Word and could be trusted as such. I do not remember that he answered questions with a barrage of Scripture. What he did was tie the question into the total perspective, the overall teaching of the Bible. Surprising to me, the students were satisfied – and moved on to the next un-anticipated, often deeply personal question. During the three Saturday evenings we were present, he repeated the same basic answers over and over again – God’s system, God’s plan, was cohesive, and both broad and specific as to it’s guidance. How shall we then live? The Bible tells us. Try it…it works!

Students at L’Abri, at Capernwray – and those attending colleges and universities in the US do ask difficult questions, but behind almost every real question is: ”Does my question have an answer that is consistent with the teachings of the Bible and work in daily Christian living?” My personal challenge continues to be to convey to students that the Christian life is a cohesive philosophy of life with implications for daily living. The Bible teaches that God created humanity and loves His creation so completely that He sent His Son Jesus to demonstrate God’s love for His people, even to the place where Jesus died for their forgiveness. God desires that His creation choose to trust Him, to enjoy His goodness and to choose to love Him. People have always struggled with what God tells people to do and not do, but when any person chooses to seek to obey God’s directives, he increasingly understands God and His ways, to love God, and over time, experience God’s work in him and through him.

We see this truth in many Biblical passages including:

• “Noah was a righteous man…he walked with God” “Noah did all the Lord commanded him to do” — Gen 6:9, 7:5 25
• ”Enoch walked with God” — Genesis 5:24
• “Abram believed the Lord” — Gen 15:6
• “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded” — Exodus 7:20
• “Joshua…left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses” — Joshua 11:15
• “David did as the Lord commanded him” — II Samuel 5:25
• “Peter got down out of the boat and walked on the water” — Matthew 14:29
• Paul said: “This one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining to what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which Good has called me” — Philippians 3:14

Jesus brings this perspective to His own teachings: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit” Jesus said: “You are my friends if you do what I command. Jn 15:14

Does living God’s way work? Does it satisfy me? Yes! Do I fear death? No! Do I wonder how I should live or focus my efforts? Not really. God knows my heart. I seek to live In Partnership With God – as did Noah, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Peter, and Paul and many others.

God knows what is best for us! God will guide us into situations for which He has given us the gifts and the training. Will some of these be faith-testing? We can hope so! It should take courage to obey God. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him!” Hebrews 11:6

I do not believe history provides a better way to live.

Solomon wrote: “you cannot understand the work of God” (Ecc. 11:5) and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path.” (Pro 3:5-6KJV). If we cannot understand God, how can we possibly understand in advance what the good works are that God has planned for us? (Ps. 139:14-16, Eph 2:10). The decision to move from Bakerville, CT to Murfreesboro, TN was difficult, in part, because we did not know what was ahead for us. Yes, we had a general job description, but that was it. We had no clue what the positive/people result of our move would be. Sally Jo and I agreed: we had to move to Murfreesboro.

Bob, Jane, Ann and Martha Sue were present at our first meeting with The Presbyterian Student Fellowship of Middle Tennessee State University. Ann and Martha Sue were from Murfreesboro. Bob was the son of a military family – they had lived in many different places. Jane was from North of Nashville.

Bob Todd was bright, capable, and personable – he planned to become a medical doctor. At some point while we were there Bob decided to go into the ministry. I remember questioning him about this decision. After Bob and Jane graduated from Middle Tennessee State, they married and moved to Illinois where Bob attended and graduated from Trinity Theological Seminary. He then pastored a Presbyterian Church, and Jane earned her RN degree. Three years after seminary Bob went to medical school. While in medical school I told him I was sorry we had somehow caused the detour. Bob laughed and assured me he was very glad he had gone to seminary. He medical school bills were paid by the U.S. government in exchange for his serving as a doctor in a rural area where there was little medical care available.

Bob and Jane moved to Abbeville, SC. They bought a small house and Bob set up a small medical practice and pulpit supplied in local churches. Their two children grew, and a third was born. The little house became exceedingly full. About this time a widow in town came to Bob and Jane and asked if she could trade houses with them. They wondered about this as her house was much larger, had a swimming pool, and a very large garage. The lady explained that she appreciated their work in the community, and she did not need her large home any more. The swap was made! Bob’s practice grew to serving over 10,000 different patients – with a staff of 4 medical doctors and a nurse practitioner. Bob also taught a course in medical ethics for a medical school. This past year Bob moved from the family practice into working with Hospice. When Bob and Jane moved to Abbeville, they had no clue as to the impact they would have on the community, and how God would provide for them. Bob and Jane seek to live In Partnership With God.

Martha Sue was 6’ tall and our young daughter, Carla, told us she wanted to become as tall as Martha Sue. We’d say “no way – you don’t have tall parents.” We were wrong. Martha Sue’s dad, Burns, was the church elder who worked tirelessly with me on the opening of the Morgue for my office, for use by the PSF, and many other people. I called her mom “Mother Martha” and I can still hear her laugh! She made plum jam – and insisted that leaving a pit in the jam increased the flavor. Martha Sue was an only child and her mother worked hard to raise a proper southern lady. Burns wanted to be sure Martha Sue knew how to do out door activities. He helped her become an excellent horseback rider. Burns bought a boat so Martha Sue could learn how to water ski – she also learned to rappel down rock cliffs. Mother Martha was mortified! and laughed about it all.

Martha Sue earned her Masters in Christian Education and went to work with students at Montreat Anderson College. She eventually married Randy Bowyer, the Director of Student Development, and they had a daughter and two sons. Their sons, Tom and Tim, became campers, Guides and staff at Deerfoot Lodge. Tim became a Guide Leader. Martha Sue just finished her R.N. degree and is now a nurse in Clemson, SC. She, Randy, Katherine, Tim and Tom seek to live In Partnership With God.

Ann Crenshaw was steady, and full of life. Her mom ran the Ceramics program at The Morgue. Ann earned her Master’s Degree in Christian Education and has served churches in the field of Christian Education for 32 years – while doing this she also has served as the Chaplain for a Police Department! Ann is presently in Georgia, and there is no indication she is about to stop. Ann seeks to live In Partnership With God.

These five people encourage others to live In Partnership With God. This ripple effect will continue.

Sally Jo and I are very thankful we obeyed God’s challenging directive: move to Murfreesboro.

None of us know the extent and impact of the good works God has planned in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10)

Our family has enjoyed many benefits from being in full time Christian work. In Murfreesboro these included:

A Flexible Schedule: Our schedule was generally flexible – if we planned ahead. Yes, there were weekly services to lead and meetings to attend, but most of the time spent doing required office work, study and meeting with individuals and small groups could be flexible. Thus I could take our daughter, Carla, to school most mornings. If the weather was “bad” I could spend extra hours in the office. If the weather was good…and nothing was scheduled, I tried to be with the family.

Supportive Church Members: Our family was warmly welcomed by the people wherever we ministered. Many opened their homes and hearts to us, and treated our children like their own children or grand children. As an example, in Murfreesboro, Dr. Ernest Hooper loved to take Carla, age 6, and Jenna, age 3, to parades! He was an incredibly warm, encouraging person, as were his wife, and their daughter, Mary, a favorite baby sitter. Virginia Saunders took care of our months-old son, Dirk, so Sally Jo could go with me on retreats and to other student functions. Dot Crenshaw was in charge of the ceramics lab located on the second floor of “The Morgue”. We still enjoy using the plates the girls painted under her guidance. And there were other people who were very special in our lives, like Burns and Martha Carroll. B.B. Gracie was paralyzed from the waist down – and taught me so much about how to relate to handicapped people.

Students Want Family: Through the years we accepted and affirmed young people and they accepted and affirmed our family. In Tennessee, students were often in our home and our kids could crawl all over them, sing with them, eat at their cook-outs and participate in their retreats. One particular retreat comes to mind. Our family, except Dirk, went with the students to a large, beautiful state park with nice rental facilities. The cost was low because we did all our own cooking. On Saturday afternoon, after being assured by the park ranger we could do so, those who wanted to set out on a hike around the medium sized lake made by damming up a river. When the dam was built, the water came up and the trees died. Over time the shore had became a tangled mat of stumps and branches. In the area of the state park the shore had been cleared, but the shoreline of the rest of the lake was a mess. After we had hiked for a couple of hours, we realized the ranger was simply wrong! Soon after we turned around, it started to snow and the temperature dropped – not in the weather forecast! Hiking around, through and over wet stumps and branches was almost impossible. We were in trouble and we knew it. We hiked from the lake into the dense forest and headed for the road we had driven in on – a risky idea, but really our only alternative. We kept going in a straight line by using a technique I had learned in camping. Carla and Jenna were carried by the students. Carla still remembers the students putting her in a large sweatshirt with the sleeves tied shut. Two hours later we arrived at the lodge just as it was got dark, really dark. Those who remained at the lodge fixed a hot meal – and were ready to call the ranger for help. Everyone was tired, safe, and ready to eat. We did it! Our family shared and remembers this challenging, unity building experience!

New Interests Begun: The Sikes family had lived on the same farm since the Civil War – there were blood stains on the floor and bullet holes in the walls of the big old house. The Sikes family raised horses and ponies…and ran a horseback riding program. Here it was that Carla was introduced to horses. The Sikes gave us a Shetland pony named Dolly, with her very young colt, Tinker Bell, to put in a small fenced area at the back of our 200 foot deep yard. Carla learned to take care of the pony. In the morning I would go out the back door and call out: “Hello Dolly” and the mare would whinny back. Carla went on to raise and train a Chincoteague pony and eventually become an instructor for the Camp Horsemanship Association – she certified instructors for the organization in both English and Western riding.

Just as the Lord has used Sally Jo and me – and our children! – to enrich the lives of many, a very large number of people have enriched our family member’s lives – a result of living In Partnership With God.

Are there experiences you can provide for those who minister in your life?

As I go into this year I am aware that what I need to do is what I know I should already be doing.

God has told me quite clearly…

• What I should be: A person who desires, above all else, to live a life that brings God joy.
• Where I am to begin if I do not want to sin: Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against thee
• What I should do: Good works which the Lord has prepared for me to do
• Which of the 10 commandments I should keep: All 10
• How is sin defined: Doing what is not pleasing to the Lord. God does not distinguish between BIG SINS – little sins
• How I should be: A person who demonstrates the fruit of the spirit: Love, joy, peace, gentleness, meekness…
• How I should think: on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy
• How I should forgive: 7 X 7, keeping no record of wrong – as God has forgiven me
• How I should work: Do it with all my might.
• How I should love: With the same continual, unconditional love God loves me
• How I should invest: Not to lay up treasures on earth, but by laying up for myself treasures in heaven
• How I should give: Freely
• How I should take care of my body: As His temple
• How should I live during this next year? Doing what I know I should do, every time.

I know that everything the Lord asks me to do is for my own good – and none of what God asks me to do will be in conflict with God’s other guidance for me. To have a great year I must simply discipline myself to be God’s man.

So what brings this into focus as we enter this New Year?

I know I am a sinner – in thought, word, and deed. Only I know the extent of my sinful thoughts – and though I know I am often not evidencing the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control – there are also many times that I am not aware that I do not demonstrate this fruit. Even though my sins are forgiven, even though I have the guidance of and the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, I struggle not to sin,

Much of what happens in the world is clearly in conflict with what God tells us humans to be, to do. Nevertheless, the Bible cautions me about being critical of another person (judge not), it encourages me to reach out in love, compassion, and forgiveness. Sadly, even knowing my own struggle not to sin, I find it so easy to be critical of another person because of what I think are the other person’s sins. Thus I sin in my desire to “set another right!” The Bible tells me that if a brother offends me, I am to go to him, one on one. In reality, I seldom do this. I believe we are to proclaim God’s truths, but this is different from trying to convict another of sin – perhaps a fine line. I do not think there is a place in the Bible where I see demonstrated or taught that I am to try to convict another person of sin – or to try to control society.

In 2009 I will again work to live my life as Jesus Christ would have me live as defined by the Bible and the Holy Spirit, who never leads contrary to the Bible. I will again work at helping other’s know God’s way for us humans to live. I will seek to encourage those who know God’s way, to live God’s way. I hope not to spend time being critical of others who do not know, or chose to ignore, God’s ways for humankind.

I live as a forgiven sinner. I must focus on managing myself through the power of God’s spirit.

“How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.“ –Luke 6:42

My challenge, our challenge, is to go into the new year, 2009, prayerfully committed to Living In Partnership With God.

One Sunday morning I put on my robe and entered the sanctuary. A little boy in the front row pointed at me and said: “Mommy, is that Jesus?”

When leaving Greenville’s Post Office late Friday afternoon I saw an elderly, very tired looking woman several yards behind me. I patiently held the door open for her and as she walked past me she paused and quietly said: ”Thank you. This is the first good thing that has happened to me today”

“Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” –Matthew 25:40

In reality, we are the only Jesus some people may ever meet.