CROSSCURRENTS - Larry Whittlesey

LEARNING TO TAKE MY LUMPS

It's just your basic piece of 2'x4', a scrap left over from the ongoing construction project going on at Crossroads. But Thursday morning it became an object lesson for our staff devotions Let me give you a little background, and then I'll explain the significance of the 2'x4'. 
 
.  Over the past couple of months I've been teaching a class on Exodus at the church. As we've moved through the first 10 chapters of this account,  I've been amazed at how stubborn and rebellious the Pharoah really was.  I mean this guy just didn't get it! There was no way he was going to win this "war of wills" with God.  Each time Moses came to him with the request to let the Israelites go, Pharoah arched his back like a 2 year old pouting in the corner!  "No, I won't let you go"  or   "I'll let you go, but only on these conditions".  Moses warned him of the consequences of refusing, but  the Pharoah was more concerned with exercising his own power of control.  He was one oif the world's first real "control freaks". 
 
    Unfortunately, every time he refused, the consequences were worse for him and the entire nation of Egypt. First came the plague of blood, then frogs, gnats, flies, pestilence, boils, and hail!  By the time God sent the 8th and 9th plagues (locust &  darkness), even his own advisors were astounded at Pharaoh's stubborn refusal to admit he was wrong. God had given him a multitude of chances to change, but he had rejected each opportunity or reneged on the agreement he made with Moses.
 
    A simple request didn't do it for Pharaoh.  A gentle nudge didn't move him.  A reprimand didn't have any effect on his actions.  A direct confrontation was met with stern opposition.  God had poked, prodded and pleaded with Pharoah to listen, but he refused. So God had to get out a 2'x4' and bring a more substantial consequence....the plague of locust, then darkness, and finally the plague of the firstborn.    Wow!
 
Sometimes God only has to nudge us to get us to listen. Other times He may need to shout or put a few obstacles in our way.  But there are times when we force him to pick up a 2'x4' and whack us good before we will stop, listen and obey.  I've had a few of those experiences.....and I suspect you have too!  So will your kids!  Doesn't that bless you?  The point is,  we need to learn how to listen better and how to teach our children how to avoid making the same mistakes.  We may need a 2/x4' every once in a while, but hopefully we can be a bit more pliable than old Pharaoh so that God can get us to do what we need to do without getting "whacked". 
 
Experienced at taking a few lumps,
Larry

LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

Every once in a while golden opportunities present themselves to communicate one of those imperative lessons of real life. Nick Vujicic is an Austrailian man who was born without arms and legs.  Despite this incredible handicap, Nick lives a full life. He participates in a variety of sport activities like golf and swimming,  maintains an active speaking schedule that requires him to travel literally around the world, and boldly represents his faith in interviews, TV appearances, and print media. Watching him in action is truly a remarkable experience. 

 

     For the last several years Open Arms International has been sponsoring a community Good Friday breakfast at the Portland Convention Center.  Such gatherings are often great places to mingle with other Christians from around the community, but not usually a place one would make a special effort to bring kids.  But this year it's going to be different!  This year's Good Friday Breakfast may be an opportunity to let your kids experience something that is truly remarkable.......and in the process learn some of life's most important lessons.  Why? Because Nick Vujicic will be the speaker. 

 

On April 2nd you have the opportunity to take your family to what should be a truly inspiring experience....seeing and hearing Nick Vujicic in person.  Imagine the conversations that experience could prompt around your dinner table?  I'm not "promoting" the event, but rather the opportunity!  I think this gathering could truly be a life-changing moment you and your family!!

 

    Granted, this is a fairly expensive proposition --- $35 per person for breakfast at the Convention Center. But during those two hours those privileged to be in attendance will see a true testimony of God's grace and a perspective on life that is worthy of emulation. If a man with no arms and no legs can live victoriously, then surely we can find peace amidst the storms of our lives.

 

Therefore,  I want to unashamedly challenge you to seriously consider investing a few dollars in your family and a couple of hours of your time to experience the real meaning of John 10:10 ,  "I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly". 

 

For ticket information go to  www.portlandgoodfridaybreakfast.org  or call 503-296-9989.  I, for one, don't want to miss this opportunity to see this incredible man of courage and faith in person. As Nick says,  God came to give us "life without limits!"

PROUD OF THE UNIFORM I WORE

  I had just turned 17 and the US was still heavily involved in an unpopular war in Vietnam. Due to the very real prospects of being drafted the next year,  I decided the best course of action would be to join the US Air Force.  Therefore, on September 1, 1972 I left my home and family in Salt Lake City and headed to San Antonio for "Basic Training".   Little did I know at the time how much my life was about to change! 
 
   As one of the youngest recruits in the Air Force, at least legally,  I was not particularly prepared for what awaited me when I got off that plane.  First, there was the incredible difference in climate. I arrived about midnight in San Antonio, where it was still 95 degrees with about 90% humidity.  I couldn't believe how hot it was and how much I was sweating.   Second, the sergeant who greeted the other new recruits and I at the airport wasn't anything like the friendly, gregarious recruiter who had enlisted me.  This guy looked and acted like he was about ready to punch a wall.  Third, and foremost,  I was about to be engulfed into a moral culture that I knew nothing about and would put my faith to the test. 
 
    I met my drill sergeant at 4 AM that morning when he came ranting through the barracks about an hour after we had finally bunked down.  As we stood there in our shorts wondering why this guy was so angry at us, I realized this was not going to be eight weeks of fun and games!  He screamed,  slammed a few lockers, and intimated all 55 of us in training flight #4077. 
 
    By 5 AM we were at breakfast  (at that time I didn't even know 5 came twice a day!), then it was off for our 30 second haircuts  (pretty traumatic since it was the 1970's and we all had long hair), getting uniforms,  shots, and a constant barrage of reminders that we were a bunch of "#$%^&*)+<"  that the Air Force was going to turn into men.....whether we liked it or not!  Needless to say, I heard a few words I had never heard before....both by my drill sergeant and my fellow "dweebs". 
 
    For the next 7 years, both on active duty and in the reserves,  I lived the life of a member of the US military.  There were a lot of things about the military that went against my nature, but there were also some things about my time in the service that I still look back on with pride. I worked in the highly sensitive field of communications, routinely dealing with classified information and handling responsibilities well beyond what others my age could even image.   For the  most part, this was a "team" that knew they had to work together.  With all of our various jobs, it was a team with a primary mission.  There was a proud tradition of service and sacrifice that permeated the culture.  A few of the "lifers" didn't seem to get it, but many of those I worked with served with distinction, respecting the traditions and protocol of the military system.   I was proud to be in Air Force.....but I was also glad when the day came when I received my Honorable Discharge. I never went to war, and my two overseas assignments were both cancelled before I was to report, but I had served my country fulfilled my duty. 
 
Whether we agree with the current war in Afghanistan or Iraq, I believe we should honor the American Veterans who have served the US in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard.  Many have served at a great sacrifice.  A multitude  have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.  Others served during a season of peace, insuring the safety and security of our way of life.   I'd invite you to personally "Thank" a veteran or a member currently serving in our military.  I'm grateful I was given the opportunity to be a part of this proud tradition......and I'm even more grateful for those who paid the price, and continue to pay the price,  for me to live in America.  Let's teach our kids how important our veterans are and what these men and women do for each one us every single day!
 
Grateful to be an American,

Not So "Tiggerific" Anymore!

   One of my favorite Disney characters of all time is Tigger!  Whether he's bouncing around on his tail,  helping Pooh find his honey pot,  teasing Eeyore about his gloomy outlook, or chasing Rabbit around the meadow,  Tigger always seems to be upbeat and happy.  He seems to have an endless supply of energy.   If you looked up the word "enthusiasm" in the dictionary, you just might find a picture of him! 

    At one time in my life I truly was a "Tigger". My energy supply seemed almost endless.  I could put in 18 hour days at work and still have at least 2-3 hours to play time  before I needed to rest.   The way I looked at it,  too much sleep was just a waste of time -  4 hours a day was more than sufficient. 

    I'm not ready to admit I'm getting old, but even I have noticed a dwindling supply of energy lately.  While I still probably have more energy than most,  I am in decline!  Isn't that sad!!  I've always felt my enthusiasm and upbeat spirit have served me well in the ministry.  But what will happen if I slow down a become,....well, "normal"?    Will people still like me?  How will I get anything done?   What will I do with all that "down time"?   What does a Tigger do when he stops being so "Tiggerific"? 

  While I'm not sure of all the answers to that question,  I always believed God has a plan for each day of our lives.  As I watch the students at school I sometimes wonder what their future will be?  What waits for my own children, grandchildren, and (heaven sakes) my future great-grandchildren?  When I'm too old to "bounce" anymore,  will I be able to contribute anything meaningful to my family,  the church or society?

   Perhaps the answer isn't in the "bouncing" but in the personality of Tigger!  In the midst of sometimes difficult circumstances Tigger always seems to find the positive.  His outlook on life is worthy of our emulation.  I want to be a positive, happy, pleasant guy to be around....even when I'm old and wrinkled.  I may not be able to keep up with the 20-somethings anymore, but I'd love them to want to around an old Tigger like me!

    So here's my challenge to all of the bouncing Tiggers,  silly Pooh's,  gloomy Eeyores, and mischievous Rabbits out there.......let's show the next generation that we refuse to become "victims" of life's inevitable circumstances.  Rather, let's demonstrate the staying power of God's grace, in spite of the creaking bones,  bifocals,  bunions, aching backs, gray hair,  and wrinkled faces!   Of all the "lessons" we can teach those "young bucks",  nothing could be more powerful than the power of that type of example.  

 

BUILDING TOWERS AND MAKING LIFE CHOICES

Life is a series of small choices.  Every day we make hundreds of decisions about little things that determine what we will or will not do.  These choices include what we will eat, the clothes we wear, which route will take to our jobs, how we'll interact with others,  and our response to the hundreds of other opportunities we will have to choose one option over another. None of these choices are very big, but they are the fabric of everyday life.
 
On the other hand, life's "BIG" decisions don't come up very often in our lives --  things like who we're going to marry,  whether we'll buy a car or a house,  making a job or career change, or how we'll respond to God's leading.  Big decisions are moments that require concentrated attention to detail,  viewing the situation from every angle, and using all the collective wisdom we can find. If we get one of those wrong,  our life takes a turn for the worse! 
 
Yet, if you think about it,  it's the small choices that we make every day that become  the "building blocks" of every big decision!  Our small choices stack up on one another to create who we are, how we act, and what people think about us!  The "big" decisions are usually just a compilation of all the small choices we've made prior to that time.
 
  Recently my grand daughter, Gabby, gave me a visual demonstration of that principle.  Like most 2 year olds, she loves "Duplos",  the larger size of Lego Building Blocks.   She has taken to the task of building "towers".  She carefully picks out which blocks go where, what colors she wants to use, and how tall the tower will be.  One at a time the blocks are added.  Each block is chosen with care and placed right where she wants it.  With very little help from Gramma she recently constructed the tower in the picture above. As you can see, the tower is taller than she is.  With the tower on the floor, Gramma let Gabby stand on the fireplace hearth so she could keep building!   The end result was pretty impressive ....both in design and height!
 
    "Small choices are the building blocks of big decisions".   As I looked at that tower again this morning I was struck by how this tower illustrates that principle.   Our "everyday" choices on little things makes us who we are.  Eat too many fast food hamburgers and milkshakes  over any period of time and you're going to have to make a "big decision" that you need to start working out again and lose 50 lbs.....which is what I need to do right now!  Ugh!!  Spending too much money on your credit cards little bits at a time add up to a big debt that will require you to change your lifestyle.  Putting off that routine maintenance will usually lead to a major breakdown....and a much bigger expense. Making minor compromises on your values will lead you down a slippery slope into sin and into a bigger, but loving,  confrontation with your God. Small decisions build "towers", whether those are good towers or bad towers....sometimes it's amazing how big those towers can get! 
 
Next time you're headed to Taco Bell, or pulling out that credit card,  or facing down one of life's many other temptations,  think about Gabby and her Duplo's. Then ask yourself, "What kind of tower am I building?"   Perhaps that thought alone may be enough to make you re-think that "small choice" because you've made a "bigger decision"....or you'd like to avoid having to make bigger, tougher one later! 
 
  To All My Fellow Tower-Builders

BOUNCING ON THE BED

A boy was happily jumping on his parent's bed.  Mom and dad were out for the evening, so he was being cared for by his grandmother.  Obviously she was a bit concerned when she saw what he was doing. 
 
   With a stern look on her face she asked, "Are you allowed to jump on your parent's bed like that?' Innocently her grandson replied,  "Sure,...... as long as they don't see me!"
 
   Unfortunately a lot of us live our lives just like that.  As long as we don't get  "caught",  we  find ways to  cut corners,  rationalize our  choices, or make excuses for our behavior.  Compromising one's values and moral standards is a dangerous practice.  At the very best it's a "slippery slope" that will lead us to places we would have never imagined we would end up.   Ask any addict how they got to where they are and they will tell you a story of little compromises that led to bigger compromises,  more excuses and  a growing ability to rationalize their actions because of their current situation.  The same is true for most criminals,  those who get involved in prostitution or pornography,  and almost anyone struggling with a negative personal habit,  behavior issue, or moral failure.
 
   There's no shortage of examples for us to consider.  Just ask Tiger Woods how he ended up on the front pages of virtually every newspaper in the country for all the wrong reasons.   And while we may not be as visible as the "Tiger Wood's" of the world,  compromise and rationalization is no less of a danger to those of us who are just average, normal, hard-working folks......even if we do call ourselves a Christian.  
 
    One of the best things we can teach our children (and the students here at CCS)  is the importance of establishing their values and standards in advance.  Life will come at us with unexpected speed. When we least expect it we will be faced with a "slippery slope" situation where our choices will be tested.   By making some decisions in advance we will have a ready answer.   Relying on situational ethics is a recipe for disaster. 
 
  We should also remember , and teach our children, that no matter how many excuses we can come up with for our behavior,  others around us can usually see right through that.  They know whether we know they know or not!  The can see through the facade of smoke and mirrors we put up to cover the compromises we've made.  We certainly can fool some of the people some of the time,  but we need to come to grips with the fact that we can't hide from the choices we make.  Sooner or later others will know who we really are and how phoney our excuses may be. 
 
The answer is to live a life of integrity.  To establish your values and beliefs, and then consistently live out those choices in your daily routine.  Integrity is usually one of those qualities you can see in a person,  as is the lack of integrity.  Let me challenge you to live a life of integrity and help us teach that lifestyle to the next generation.
 
Getting Honest with the Man in the Mirror