Month: January 2019

The hot wind blew sand as if I was standing in front of a sand blasting machine. The bandana that covered my face just below my eyes was saturated with sweat and covered in the fine sand blowing out of the Borrego desert. The goggles covering my eyes had become pitted over the last two weeks of never-ending Santa Ana winds. Yeah, it was just another day working on the Borrego Springs Water Treatment Plant project that my partner and I had taken on.

We as a company had never landed such a large project and now, we were finding that our bid had been lowered than the costs we were incurring. So, it was necessary that he and I do a majority of the work while employing a few of our crew members from San Diego. No one ever said owning a company was going to be fun, but this was a little ridiculous!

It was just about 4:00 and as I came down from the rebar wall curtain we had just erected I called to Dave, my partner, “Let’s call it for today! I need to shake and clean the sand out then find me a cold beer.” I could see Dave had no problem with this and confirmed it with an affirmative shake of his shaggy head. I gave the crane operator the hand signal to ‘dog it off’, shut his rig down and face it into the wind for the night. With that I headed to the camp we had set up near the project parking lot. Being low on money meant living accommodations were four sleeping tents and a large one for cooking grub, eating and also served as our bar. The Water Treatment Plant had shower facilities for their employees and had allowed us usage and that is where I headed. I would be ten pounds of sand lighter after a nice long shower.

After showering I entered the large tent and headed to the cooler which served as our refrigerator and grabbed a cold Rainer beer. In one motion I yanked off the pull tab and tilted the can, so I could drink it down in a few large gulps. As with everything I could feel the grit of sand on my teeth and down my throat as I drank. As I lit the camp stove and opened a can of pork and beans, I wondered how much sand I had swallowed in the last two weeks, I was sure I would never be rid of the stuff. It was in my sleeping bag and had crept into my duffle mixing with my clothes. There was no respite from it. How long would the Santa Ana’s blow?

As I stirred the beans, I heard the tent zipper being opened. Another gust of hot sand drifted in and seemed to increase the already stifling heat in the tent. Dave grabbed a beer and dropped his bulky body down on the bench of the camp table. He said in a low voice, “John, I think I am heading back to San Diego tonight. I just called Petey and he will be here in the morning to take my place. I need to get some book work done and see how things are going in the city.” Already sweaty and gritty I was in no mood for this conversation. I knew the reason he was heading home, and it had nothing to do with business. The wind and the sand were driving all of us crazy but why him instead of me. As I shook my head and did not look at him, I knew the reason, he had owned this company before me and still considered me a junior partner. In the end he would head back to the city and I would stay and do the job, Santa Ana winds or not. I just reached for another beer and said nothing. I would be drinking myself to sleep tonight so I did not have to listen to that moaning wind.

Have you ever thought about the amazing power of the wind? I know living here in hurricane and tornado country most folks understand it. Working outdoors for over 40 years throughout this country I have experienced its power in so many different ways. Facing hot blown terrors of the Santa Ana’s, in the mouth of the fierce canyon winds of northern Utah and the howling blizzard winds of the Great Plains. There is nothing quite so awe inspiring and powerful as being in the midst of the winds on this planet.

So why all the hoopla about wind this morning? It was inspired and that is the only word I can use by my morning devotional, a compilation of the writings of Ellen G. White about the Holy Spirit: “Ye Shall Receive Power”. And though I don’t normally do this I am going to place this entire devotion for today at the end of this blog.

Before I do, for those who are curious. I did remain in the Borrego desert for two more weeks of intense Santa Ana winds. Eventually they receded, and we finished the project. But I will never forget the fierceness of that wind. Nor will I ever forget the gentleness of God’s ‘wind’ as He brought me to Jesus, so well said in the following. Enjoy this devotion.

January 7- The Unseen Wind (Ye Shall Receive Power)

The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so, it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:8, RSV.

The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So, with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. [The Spirit] can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted.

By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the Word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God—a patient, protracted process. While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So, the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God. It is impossible for finite minds to comprehend the work of redemption. Its mystery exceeds human knowledge; yet he who passes from death to life realizes that it is a divine reality. The beginning of redemption we may know here through a personal experience. Its results reach through the eternal ages. —The Desire of Ages, 172, 173.

Blessings John,
1/7/19

He was with his shopping cart outside the 7/11 convenience store as I pulled up. It seemed I saw him any time I had a project in this part of the city. Sometimes I would see him pushing his cart along Sunset or Hollywood Boulevards or other times he would somehow show up miles away in North Hollywood. We had never spoke, but our eyes had met. We knew each other.

This day I was at the store early. It had been a long night and even though I didn’t normally drink coffee, it sounded good now, as long as I could put a couple of shots of whiskey in it. I had been able to park in the spot immediately in front of the doors and as I came out with my coffee it was a short walk balancing coffee in one hand and a donut in the other. As I set my coffee on the roof of the truck’s cab, I heard a voice behind me, “Sir, hey mister. Sir, do you have any change you can spare? I could really use one of them cups of coffee this morning and maybe a good-looking donut like that also!” I knew for sure it must be the ‘cart’ guy and as I turned, he was coming toward me slowly, dragging his left leg. Something I had not noticed about him before. As he drew closer, I could see his right eye was swollen and there was blood coming out of one of his ears.

Without thinking I blurted out, “What happened to you, man? It looks like someone whooped on you pretty good!” He shook his head as he drew nearer, and with what I took for a laugh said, “Yeah, brother! But you should see the other guy!” I found myself chuckling with him and said, “I don’t have any change but you can have this coffee and donut. I will go back in and get another. I only have plastic on me.” Referring to my credit card. He tried to protest but as I handed them to him, he accepted as I headed back into the store.

When I returned, he was back by his cart. As I climbed in my truck, I reached under my seat to grab the bottle hidden there. I was about to pour a generous dollop into my cup when I heard him once again, “You know sir, that there looks pretty good too!” He had made his way back to my truck and was now standing near my rearview mirror. Shaking my head, I said, “Climb in the other side and I will give you a taste.” I could see his reluctance and said, “You ain’t going to mess this old truck up anymore than it is. Come on.”

As he hobbled over to the passenger door, I didn’t know why I had asked him. I had to be onsite in less than a half hour and really wasn’t needing any conversation. I shrugged, thinking I will give him the bottle and he will be happy. I was about to do just that when he said, “Thank you for your kindness, it has been a rough night. A guy over on Highland tried to get my buggy while I was resting, and it was quite a tussle. As you can see, I kept what was mine, but it was not easy.” For a moment I sat conflicted. What had I gotten myself into? He continued, “I have seen you around. You and your crew building them parking garages in the neighborhood. I could tell you were an alright guy.” With that he held out his cup and I filled it. I wanted to know more about this guy. A man I thought of as a street bum now had a face and a life. I might be late this morning, but I was going to share my drink with him for a while.

Have you ever judged a book by it’s cover? Saw a person on the street or in a store and immediately made a judgement about that person. If you can say no than you are a better man or woman than me. So many times, I have rushed to judge someone without the least knowledge of them besides the clothes they are wearing or the car they are driving. Could you imagine what would have happened if Jesus would have done the same. Would he have picked the disciples he did? Would he see me today and think that guy is a mess, I have no time for him?

I am sure you are saying to yourself, “Jesus wouldn’t do that!” And, of course, you would be right. Jesus would not do that and that is the point. If He wouldn’t, why do I? Why do you? The fact is Jesus had a lot to say about judging others. Probably the most known is this from Matthew’s gospel, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7: 1-3) I think we should meditate on this verse every day before we go out into the world. Our judgements matter. They matter to others but more importantly they matter to God. If I could hold on to this maybe I would not be so hasty in my judgements. What do you think?

In that 7/11 parking lot, I came to know the ‘cart’ guy was actually James Thomas. A Vietnam vet. A father of two. A real person with a real life. For months I had seen him and judged him to be just another street low life. But as I sat drinking coffee and whiskey with him, I began to see we were not that different. We parted after about a half hour. James would not allow me to go into the ATM and get him any cash. I shook his hand and we went our ways. I would see him now and again after that and we talked. But within months I noticed he was not around. I don’t know what happened to him, but I pray he found some peace. I am glad I got to know him. Today I seek to see others through the eyes of Jesus. What a world it would be if we all could do just that.

Happy Sabbath and Blessings,
John
1/4/19

As the new year begins it is, as always, a time of reflection. Most of us begin each year with high hopes and new resolutions. Maybe it is exercise, diet, or defying an addiction such as smoking. Another year another promise and for many another promise broken. Our resolve seems to melt as the snow before warmth of spring.

I do recall my own resolutions from many different years in the past. Smoking and drinking were always at the top of my lists. There was one year where I actually quit smoking for about 2 months. Well, I really didn’t quit completely. Still sneaking a cigarette once or twice a day but I reasoned that my habit was at about two packs a day at the time so that was as much quitting as I could muster!

Other years were not much better. Resolving to cut back on booze or greasy foods. To exercise more and drink more water. So many good intentions without much to show for results. None of it worked. Yet today I am booze and smoke free. I am a confirmed vegetarian. A much healthier man than I was at thirty, even with terminal cancer. None the result of a New Year’s resolution. All the result of knowing God’s will and His resolve for my life.

The truth is all the changes in my life had little to do with my resolution, period, be it New Years or otherwise. I found like most of us who have tried to change ourselves that the results are beyond disappointing. They can be discouraging and, in some cases, cause utter despair. It is only in and through God’s Word that I have found the transforming power that has truly made a difference.

One of my favorite books of the New Testament says this, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Do you see it? God’s word is alive! It is active! It can cut through all our inabilities to deal with our addictions and problems. The things our most determined resolves melt in front of. The things that affects us right down to the joints and marrow. I sure know drinking was like that for me. It was part of everything I did. It seemed an insurmountable thing. Yet in God’s love for me it was not.

No, it did not happen overnight. No ‘poof’ and the urge to drink was gone, it was more like a realization. Knowing and trusting that God had more planned for me than to spend my life inside a bottle. His Word assured me this, “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) I believed Him. And I think that was and is the first step. Not resolving to stop through my own will power, but to trust in His plan for my life. In which he assured me that it did not include drugs or alcohol. If I trusted Him day by day, I would have victory!

Some people have told me, “You make it all sound so simple! Well, it is not that way for me!” To them I have said, “It is not simple or is it easy. God does not promise ‘easy’ or simple. But he does promise this, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) If we are willing and can take that first step, He will be with us every step of the way and I have assured those who have questioned and those who read this today it is true. I am living proof.

So, what does all this mean? Am I telling you not to start the year with ‘New Year’s Resolutions’? No, I do not mean to discourage anyone who wants or desires to change their life for the better. But as the year begins let’s try it God’s way. I am starting this year with a prayer, “Lord, this year I resolve to trust and surrender all to you. I know I am powerless over the worldly things that still draw me far from you. I seek the power of our Savior who said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) May His power through the Holy Spirit strengthen me and power my resolves throughout the coming year and beyond. Amen!”

Jesus is my resolve this year. May he be yours also. For whatever you are struggling with, you can be assured, He has overcome the world.

Blessings John
1/2/19