Decision Time: “I will be God’s Man” #6

I think I was in Junior High School when I first heard someone share these words of a shoe salesman, Dwight L. Moody: “The world has yet to see what God can do through a man totally yielded to Him. By God’s grace I will be that man.” I thought, very consciously, that if God could use Dwight L. Moody in amazing ways, he could probably use me.

This is where the journey began. This decision did not improve my grades, or change who I was. Through my high school and college years I desperately wanted to be elected to some office – it never happened.

When I made the decision that I wanted to be God’s man, I knew little of what “God’s man” meant, or about how to become one – other than to read the Bible. (I still have the Bible) And so almost every night before I turned out my light I would read one chapter in my Bible, and work at doing what the passage said. Many times the passage said nothing to me! Other times the implications of the passage for my life were very clear…and often I would clearly miss God’s standard. I was no saint, but this pattern proved to be enough to get me started in becoming “God’s man”.

If we seek to be God’s man, to live In Partnership With God, we will live in a counter culture. God’s people must swim against the current of society – until we get to heaven. Fact. Matthew 7:13 puts it this way: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”.

As we seek to live In Partnership With God, we must always remember that we will continue to sin – to make wrong choices – and we will often feel very frustrated about our own failures. At such times we must not forget that Jesus Christ died on cross that these sins could be forgiven. What is critical is that we repent/turn from our sin and ask for the offered forgiveness. We then begin again, with a clean slate, to work at living out our decision to be God’s man.

Many times at Deerfoot during the After Breakfast Bible Study I would ask two big, strong staff to come stand next to me. I designated one as God…the other as the Devil. Each took one arm – the challenge was to pull me in their direction. The direction I would go was my choice. If I pulled toward “God”…the “Devil” had no chance. If I pulled toward the “Devil”, I could move in that direction.

“I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back.”

And what is your decision?

A Great Man…a simple craft program…a lasting impact! #5

Whereas I was not a great student, I was pretty good with my hands – and my parents did everything they could to build upon this strength.

I think I was 12 (56 years ago!), when, during Christmas vacation, I went to a craft class taught in the basement of the Wheaton College Graduate School. The room was set up to do leather, plaster, cooper tooling, perhaps candles – probably through out the year. The room was not very big; the lighting was not very good.

The bright light for me in that room was Coach Chrouser, who taught the class. Every day he helped perhaps fifteen of us make Christmas gifts for our parents. We could choose what we wanted to make…and he would then work patiently with us.

I vividly remember making two plaster casts of the head of a Cocker Spaniel with which I would make book ends. When I had finished my work, Coach came over and asked if I would like him to help me finish up my project. And he took my plaster casts, already covered with brown paint, and with his magic hands, transformed my crude efforts into beautiful work. On Christmas morning I was incredibly proud of the present I could give to my parents.

Years ago I brought the members of my junior high Sunday school class to my wood working shop and helped each make a beautiful Christmas present of their design for their parents. I remember that Ken built a book shelf; another turned a bowl on the lathe, etc. I was passing on my experience to a few great young people, some of whom were struggling as I had been. The young man who built the book case still lives in our town, is married and has 3 children. Recently Ken came over to help me build a new work bench in my expanded wood shop.

I am sure Coach had no idea of the long term impact that he had – that he would continue to have upon me. (You may read more details of some of this in the months ahead) “Coach” started Honey Rock Camp for Wheaton College – where I was a camper, maintenance worker, counselor, unit leader, waterfront director, and tripping director/assistant camp director. It was for Honey Rock that I earned my American Red Cross Canoeing, Sailing, and Water Safety Instructor certifications. Coach was the head football coach at Wheaton College when I played on their undefeated football team. After I injured my back and we knew I should not play football again, Coach asked me to become the head cook for the two week football/cross country/soccer camp – and I was asked back the next year!

Apart from Sally Jo, and my mom and dad, Coach Chrouser was the person who has had the greatest impact upon my life.

We do not need to seek opportunities through which we can share interests, encourage, and perhaps in time, disciple and mentor. As we seek to Live in Partnership With God, He is bringing these people into our lives. The challenge is to take the time to be God’s instruments of change.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” — Matthew 25:40

Why Did God Not Touch Me? #4

As a child/young person I knew the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel, Gideon, David…I had heard people say…God spoke to me. I had been taught Matthew 7:7-9 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?”

 

And so, believing what I had been taught, I asked God to reveal Himself to me.  “Lord, touch me, shake my bed…do something now!”  Nothing!!!  Yes, I was disappointed – confused.  What was wrong with God, or with my relationship with God?    

 

Now I have a few ideas as to why God did not meet my request.  When Jesus was teaching a large crowd on a hillside, He told the story of the beggar Lazarus who, when he died, went to Abraham’s side in heaven.  And the rich man who continually ignored Lazarus went to hell. The rich man can see Lazarus next to Abraham and he urges Abraham to send someone to earth to warn people.  Abraham replied: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” Luke 16: 20 -31

 

The Bible provides many examples of the reality of God: water in the desert, Daniel in the lion’s den…Paul wrote: “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20

 

I knew the stories of God’s miraculous “activities” recorded in the Bible.  I had come to believe that our physical world with its plants, animals and people did not just happen.  Deep down I had no question as to the reality of God. 

 

What I wanted was a personal demonstration by God of His reality.  If God had physically touched me, would I expect God to do whatever I asked?  If God did whatever I asked, would He be God?  And what would happen to my pride?  What would other people expect of me?

 

I have read about many miracles…and been a part of many miracles…like my going to Pioneer Camp.

I cannot think of one miracle God has done for the sole purpose of demonstrating that He could “do a miracle”.

 

Every miracle in the Bible was to meet a specific need – Noah/flood, parting of water, Daniel in lion’s den, calming storm, healing people… Through miracles God meets specific needs – and in the process demonstrates His reality. 

 

As we seek to live as God’s children, as His friends, may we be able to say with Mary: “I am the Lord's servant.” Luke 1:38. Our challenge is to trust him through our fears; thank him in our joys.  I do not always meet this challenge, but this does not change the fact that God is real and that God desires to treat each of us as individuals – to accomplish His purposes – while meeting our real needs. 

 

When God needs to work through a miracle, God shows that He has the ability.   God did not feel the need to shake my bed…and He was right.  Even without the bed shaking I have trusted in the God I cannot see.

God Had Plans For My Future #3

I was 9 and 10 years old when I was a camper at Pioneer Camp, a place I loved, even after 6 weeks each summer.

When I was asked to become the new Director of Deerfoot Lodge, 1982, my father began telling me stories about the camp. He had been on the camp staff (1931-2) while preparing to be a medical doctor on the mission field. DL was just beginning: 12-16 campers each session. My father told me about the program, and he told me wonderful stories about Dad Kunz, the founding Director. Dad Kunz was a very special person to father –who was a teenager when his father had died.

When I became the Director of DL, I had only seen the camp once – on a bitter cold, snowy winter day! The following June I arrived at camp three days after our family had moved to New York from Texas. Jeff Littauer was opening camp – there were no work weekends. The only staff member I knew well was Jeff – who served as Guide leader that summer. I had met Dave Naysmith at his home. Nay had been at DL perhaps 15 years, and he knew the program and the staff very well. Nay helped me select a few good men from the previous summer’s staff – Dean Dover, as head cook, was a key carry-over person! Charlie Karner agreed to come for several weeks to head up maintenance. These staff members patiently helped me get up to speed.

By the time campers arrived I felt very much at home: the program and the organizational structure seemed very familiar to me. The physical setting was very much like I had enjoyed at Pioneer. Soon I learned Dad Kunz had spent several weeks at Pioneer Camp – he wanted to learn the program and organizational structure of an excellent Christian Camp. I was camper in 1948-49. Dad Kunz was there before 1930.

The Lord had prepared me to become the Director of DL…just as he had prepared Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Paul, and many others – before they had a clue how God would use them. Between attending Pioneer Camp and becoming Director of DL God continued to prepare me for DL. I had no clue what was coming.

Moses did not choose his parents, to be put into the river, to be found by Pharaoh’s daughter, to be raised by his own mother and to live in Pharaoh’s palace. When he killed an Egyptian, he did not know that his actions had been observed by a Hebrew, and that he would have to flee for his life to the desert where he lived for 40 years. God knew – and orchestrated Moses preparation to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Look back on your life. Can you see how God prepared you for what you are doing? Please do not try to figure out how He is preparing you for what is to come! Be confident that if you desire to be In Partnership With God, He is continuing to work out His plan for you.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. Jeremiah 29:11

IPWG: an observation and introduction of “EXTRA”

Observation: Each Monday Morning I will continue to share my story, chronologically, and how I have experienced God working for me, in me, through me. I am now writing the IPWG you will receive in about 12 weeks. As I work, I am observing that my experiences are moving from where I have been primarily the receiver…to where I am primarily one of God’s agents of change.

As you observe this, see if this has not been your experience as well. I know at least one of you is reading the Monday IPWG to their children – this could be interesting for you to point out to them.

EXTRA – an introduction. I have come to realize there are times when I would like to share with you thoughts which do not fit into the normal pattern of the Monday Morning edition of “In Partnership With God. When I do this, the EXTRA will only come mid-week and will be identified: IPWG EXTRA – then the topic…then how many pages the attachment has. Here are two examples of what the “EXTRA” may be like.

1. My e-mail response to a specific e-mail.

“Chief, I wish I could honestly say something like ‘but God is good,’ but this is a hard place to be. Not that I’m doubting, I have seen too much of grace and power to doubt. But I’m questioning, because this isn’t good. It is hard. And it probably won’t end or get easier ….
That looks pathetic to read. It’s where I am- and I covet prayer (the ability to pray) and peace.”

When I include people in a specific way, if there is any question as to whether it is OK with them, know that I have their specific approval to include them in the e-mail – they will have read the e-mail I will be sending to you. An example being that I write about Shelley Schenkel’s brain tumor and eventual physical death.

Here is Bart’s response to my question.
“With certainty! You have clarified the “Big” picture well and the story of my journey fits that picture. Hurting people need to know how (like others before them) to work through tough parts of God’s perfect provision in their life. It’s a journey that always comes before the answers. Bart”

My response to the ache of this Deerfooter is 3 pages – it took many hours to write. It is long – but very much shorter then the 250 pages of “When God Doesn’t Make Sense” by James Dobson. (This book was written in response to a plane accident in which four of his friends were killed – their color picture is the only picture in the book…and the accident is never mentioned. I was a very close friend of one of the four…and knew one of the others). . Philip Yancey wrote 278 pages – “Where Is God When It Hurts?” – the same basic topic. Both are excellent books!!

2. A reality or thought I would like to share, speak to. “The Power of God’s Word” was triggered by my reading an article in the current Leadership Journal (Volume 29, Number 1) – which is published quarterly by Christianity Today. The sub-title of Leadership is “real ministry in a complex world”. I share a personal experience of seeing the Power of God’s Spoken Word when read without comment.

Again, I welcome your e-mail comments – Be candid!
Chief chuck

Summer Camp….a life changing experience! #2b orig.

My mom and dad realized that school was hard on me. I was not doing as well as most kids in the class….though I remember Henry was a much worse reader than I was. I loved to be outside, often playing in the woods behind our home. Occasionally our family went swimming together at the public pool – Dad was able to teach me to swim quite easily.

Mom and Dad, realizing what my interests and abilities were, registered my brother, Dick, and me for Pioneer Camp in Port Sidney, Ontario, Canada. It was a boy’s camp on a private lake. Dad drove us up to Pioneer where we were campers for six weeks – I was 9, Dick was 11. We returned the next summer for 6 more incredible weeks.

It was at Pioneer that I swam my first mile – and learned the different swimming strokes. This was where I learned to canoe, and worked almost daily toward perfecting the canoeing strokes. Nine years later I was the canoeing instructor for Honey Rock Camp in Wisconsin, and co-taught a canoeing course for Wheaton College.

As my skills grew, so did my self confidence. Frequently I would be taken out of rest period to help set up for the water Olympics and to help in other ways. Over and over again I remember feeling special…

But there were some tough experiences too. One night I had diarrhea…rushed out of our tent, down the platform stairs…and felt the….sliding down my leg inside my pajama bottoms. I took care of the mess myself, and was very glad my counselor never woke up. It was a night I will never forget!

One summer my counselor’s name was Mitch. I remember him teaching our cabin that we were to put on the whole armor of God. He taught the lesson with flannel graph and as Mitch put the armor on the soldier, we talked about the significance of each piece of armor. Today Deerfooter’s sing: “O Fight the Good Fight Likes a Soldier, put on the whole armor of God! The belt and the breast plate and helmet, the shoes and the shield…”

Ephesians 6:10-18 provide a summary of the means Christians have to fight the evil powers of this world –
the evidence of which we see around us, often find living within us.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground…

  • Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist
  • With the breastplate of righteousness in place
  • Your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
  • Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one
  • Take the helmet of salvation
  • The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God
  • And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests….be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.”

The Bible verses we learn as children impact us throughout our lives. What verses do you remember?
What verses can we help our children learn? Perhaps learn ourselves? Here are a few good ones:

The Lord’s Prayer – Matthew 6:9-13, John 3:16-17, John 10:10, Ephesians 2:8-10, II Timothy 3:16-17
I Corinthians 10:13, Joshua 1:8-9, Psalm 1, Psalm 23, Psalm 100, Psalm 119:9 & 11

(Remember…perfect memorization is not nearly as important as understanding the meaning of the verse. If I had been required to learn each verse perfectly, I would have failed – and hated Scripture memory)

I was the Struggling Little Boy #2

I was the boy that needed a tutor to be able to pass 5th and 6th grade. My parents did everything they could to motivate me….and I tried, O how I tried!

I still remember doing an extensive report on Switzerland for my 6th grade teacher. With my parents help I received information from the Swiss Department of Tourism – beautiful pictures, maps, and lots of information. I worked my tail off, with help from my parents. I received a B- for my work. Why bother working so hard? I could have gotten a C, ok, maybe a D…without spending hours and days doing my very best work. Yet I continued to try to be a good student.

I knew I was not doing well in school – and my dad knew I knew that I was not doing well in school.

And every so often my father would take me in his arms and say: “Hang in there son. I flunked fifth grade, and I made it”. My dad was a medical doctor and a member of the Wheaton College Board of Trustees. Dad never quit believing in me…until he died at Deerfoot Lodge in 1988.

Were you a child like me? Do you know a little boy or girl who struggles today? Does he have a mom or dad who hugs him…and encourages in him? Even if they have such a parent, your affirmation will have a tremendous impact upon the child, particularly if you repeatedly show your interest in them.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matthew 19:14 -15

Salvation – The Foundation Decision #1

I must have made the decision to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior, but I have no idea when I did this.  I know I was a young child.  I grew up knowing about my sin, God’s great gift, Jesus Christ, and how he died on the cross that my sins could be forgiven.  I memorized, and had a reasonable understanding of John 3:16. 

In my world, I often heard people tell of how and when they accepted God’s gift of salvation – some of these were dramatic stories – and I did not know my “when or how”.  So, just to be sure, I remember singing this chorus many nights in bed.   “Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus.  Come in today, come in to stay, come into my heart Lord Jesus”. I never felt any different… 

I was in junior high when my parents decided our family should change churches. Before I could become a member, I was interviewed by an elder as to my readiness to become a member of our “new church”.  I clearly remember my disappointment when the elder did not question me about my salvation…not really about anything.   

Partly as a result of that experience, when I have interviewed potential staff members to work in Christian camps, I have tried to assume nothing – and pressed the person hard on the basics of their Christian faith.   

Several times I talked with students, yes, some attending Christian colleges – who seemed to believe they would be saved through their good works. Not so.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God– 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9  

Salvation is the free gift of God – to all who say…and believe “This is for me.”   

If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  John 10:9 

Be sure you have made this decision for yourself.  Knowing all of the theology involved is not required.  If you feel it helpful, find a Christian you can trust.

In Partnership With God ….introduction

PREFACE: Here is a brand new intro for this series – the series I wanted to do….and then chickened out on!

I know that it has been the transparent sharing of my life experiences with the campers and staff during the After Breakfast Bible Studies, and at other times, that has proven most helpful and encouraging at DL. But it is one thing to share what is coming with the campers and staff I see every day, people I know and who know me, than it is proving to be to share with some people who know me by reputation only, if at all.

But, here goes…a spiritual autobiography – what God has done for me and through me – and for and through the ministries with which I have been involved.

Sally Jo, and more recently son Dirk, have been with me through most of what I share – and they have encouraged me to share my experiences with you.

I trust that you will be encouraged….and challenged.

This intro is one page – future Monday Morning Devotionals will be a bit shorter.

______________________________________________

I have sought to live in Partnership with God since junior high school – when I first heard these words of Dwight L Moody:  The world has yet to see what God can do though a man fully yielded to God.  By God’s grace, I will be that man.”  My chosen verse then, and now, is Proverbs 3:5-6.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.”  

Weekly I will to share, autobiographically, my experiences as God’s child seeking to live In Partnership With Him.   I have wanted to do this for many years, but have not done so because of my concern that my story could result in a focus upon me vs. upon the God who has worked in and through me.  My experiences are personal…and if you write about your experiences as God’s servant, your experiences will be mostly different from mine…but just as real to you.  We are each unique to Almighty God.   

Here are some of my memorable experiences – chosen out of my 68 years – 24,020 days -3,736 weeks – 816 months.  What I share are not daily, weekly or even monthly experiences.  I had nothing to do with most of my early experiences – they illustrate what God did for me.  I hesitate to say that I know God.  No question: God knows me…all about me!  I desire to know God…and I feel I know a little of Him, and of the wonder that He has chosen me as His child and that He desires me To Live In Partnership With Himself. 

  • Looking back, I thank God for a family I did not choose, camp experiences that I did not plan, and people who came along at just the right time to help a struggling little boy become Director of Deerfoot Lodge.
  • As I grew up I wanted to know that God was real.  I prayed that God would touch me…shake my bed…or do something to demonstrate his reality.  Nothing!!!!!  My ideas of “why not”.
  • As a pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook, I prayed for a girl, 7 years in a wheel chair, to be healed….and she was!  Psychological or physical healing, I do not know.   When she walked down the aisle towards me, her pastor, for her own wedding….I just about had a melt down!
  • God shocked me when I was back in grad school – flat broke – Sally Jo and I had told no one. And John Kinsey knocked on our front door, handed me a check for $1000 and said “it’s a gift, not taxable” – then walked away.  I hardly knew the man. He did this 3 times, as needed.
  • God has spoken to me twice in dreams – and once made his presence very real to me
  • I continuing struggle to have a regular time alone with the Lord for Bible study and prayer.
  • God stopped the rain for camp construction where I was the new Director in direct response to 24 hours of prayer by college students
  • When the camp had no money, I watched God provide $57,000 through a man I had never met. 
  • Asked to resign (fired) after seven years – the relocated a summer camp had become a year around ministry 
  • I know my pride cost Deerfoot Lodge $35,000 one year…money DL did not have!
  • I have experienced many un-answered prayers…frustrating – feeling sometimes like God is on vacation
  • At times my heart has been overflowing with praise to God – true worship has been the result

So here we go…it has been a wild ride, this being God’s servant. Most of the time I will use real names, and if not, the name will be in italics.   

This book is about God and me, his weak but willing servant. I desperately want these devotionals to focus your attention on God – to both encourage you and challenge you – as God’s unique creation, His chosen servant.  

Determine to obey God!    Chuck Gieser 

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”   Ephesians 2:8-10

Babel: …that we may make a name for ourselves…

God was not against the people of Babel having a name.  Even before Eve was created, God gave to Adam the responsibility of naming each living creature in the Garden (Genesis 2:19).  What was troubling to God must have been the motives of the people who were building the city, the tower.  

 

It appears that some people continue to be willing to do almost anything to themselves, and/or to others, that they “may make a name for themselves” (Genesis 11:4). Some athletes take performance enhancing drugs, making a mockery of honest competition while slowly destroying their own bodies.   Other people are willing to destroy themselves through excessive stress or lack of sleep or exercise, through ignoring their families or their spiritual needs.   Many do make a name for themselves – but if their motives or means are flawed, how sad for those involved – and if the truth comes out, how sad for family, friends, and admirers.

 

Solomon noted that “A good name is more desirable than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1).   Solomon also tells us how to build that good name.  “Let love and faithfulness never leave you… Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man”. (Proverbs 3:3-4)

 

What is love?   “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   Love never fails”. 

(I Corinthians 13:4-8)

 

Where do love and faithfulness come from? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

 

P eople entrust their children to Deerfoot Lodge for two or more weeks – because of Deerfoot’s good name.  And what has built that good name?  The lives of the Deerfoot Lodge staff – a living demonstration of God’s love and of the fruit of His spirit. I believe Deerfoot Lodge, in a very unique way, is God’s place.  

 

What an incredible responsibility it is, as God’s people/representatives, to have and to maintain a good name.   Deerfoot Lodge will retain its good name as it continues to be a good steward of all that is entrusted to it: campers, staff, contributions – and the wonderful opportunities this combination brings together for the building of godly young men.

 

As we actively seek to live In Partnership With God, love and faithfulness will never leave us, and we will build a good name for God –  and for ourselves.   

 

(Our good name can enable another to make a safe bet!   You can imagine how I smiled when I learned that Tom Eakin, the Forest Ranger for the land surrounding Deerfoot Lodge, was in the office of the Sheriff of Hamilton County when an all points bulletin came in over the radio describing a specific car – and that the driver was probably drunk.   Tom pulled out a $100 and laid it on the counter – to bet that the driver was not drunk.  Everyone laughed….how could he be so sure?    Because he knew it was my car, and “Chief Chuck does not get drunk!”  Tom was right…my car…not drunk. Long story…I was a good guy).