Rx for Crash and Burn

         Just as no two Parkinson’s patients are alike in symptomatolagy  or treatment; so also for Christians. In resolving their crash and burn situations.different strategies are constructed. My strategy, based on prayer and seeking wisdom from God was  this:

Break down generalized ”crash and burn” identity crisis into workable facets. Like guilt, shame, anger, false guilt,self esteem, what is truth and what is a lie,.etc. It is most difficult to work with a generalized diagonosis – “old man not worth anything” or  derogatory labels placed upon you by another. Like “There goes fatso..’ So my self-diagnosis of “identity crisis” had to be broken down

Underlying the whole process is the word “authenticity,” total honesty with oneself and with God. “GOD, I’m feeling worse than nothing. You’ve given me some wonderfull  successes in the past. But now you have seemingly closed all doors for achievement, for performance, for ministry.

Issue #1 Lousy communicator: I could be on a quest for learning more about world’s happenings so that I could  improve my ability to communicate “small talk.” Or, just accept the reality.

Stuttering. That is  different. Most stutterers I know mellow out as they get older. Fluent speech comes with time and maturity. Time and maturity was working for me until, I began taking a stronger Parkinson’s medication about 3 years ago.. Stuttering kicked back in full force and now it is the worst it  has ever been.

Some studies indicate that there is a connection with the brain’s dopamine. Not enough can cause Parkinson’s. Too much triggers stuttering. I don’t know. All I know is that is what happened to me.

So, the prescription for issue #1 is  develop a strategy for becoming more knowledgeable or accept the fact that I’m not a good communicator and that will be ok. There doesn’t appear to be  any more I can do about the stuttering, except pray for a miracle.

Issue #2: I was comparing my self to three young successful bucks and was found wanting. Such foolishness, comparing  two different seasons of life. The Bible says ”bring your thoughts into captivity.” Burwick, you’ve got a choice – either be grateful for how God has blessed you during your “performance years;”or complain about what you don’t have now. (Which so easily can turn into bitterness.which  leads to depression.)

“So Father, I repent of my selfcenteredness that lead me to comparing with those three  young men. Bless  them so that they become even more successful. And, thank you that I don’t have  to work. And thank  you for all the success you have provided for me in the past.”

So, I need not fret over what I don’t  have now, and I don’t need to get defensive when someone confronts me.

What did I learn?

·        The crash and burn experience was good for me. It addressed my spiritual pride. Can’t be spiritually proud when you are in a funk and it helps break the cycle of unhealthy pride for the future.

·        I’ve learned for the umpteenth time that God is enough. There are, or will be, times in your life when all hell seems to  be cut loose, and nothing on a human level will meet those deep longings (for God) – which I believe we all have. It’s too bad that we usually have to be stripped of our false supports to come to that  point when we plunge a bit deeper into the pit  of idolatries(God replacements), repent and turn to Him at an ever-deepening level. The stripping process is not pleasant, but the product is seen as more than worth the adversity.

·         Teaching a concept doesn’t mean one has assimulated it. I have taught“Who we are in Christ” and “Knowing God as my Source of Security” for 37 years. I’ve written a book on it “Self Esteem: you  are better than  you think." There should be no reason why I’m having an identity crisis. When I’m feeling down, I can remind myself of who I really  am in Christ and my Source of securiy is The Creator of the universe.

Why doesn’t this concept stay seared into my brain? My opinion is that lessons are best learned in an emotional setting. To learn about our identity in Christ is more quickly learned as I experience Identity Crisis.

And what I thought were God’s words to me was getting to some core issues, “Ray, that is not identity crisis, that is selfcenteredness. Stop your flesh thinking and remind yourself of who  you really are in Christ and who I am as your loving Father.”

·        Relationships are more important then production. This concept is something that I’ve been trying to learn for 30 years, beginning with surgery for a spinal tumor in 1981. I believe that God orchestrated that event, speaking to my spirit saying, “Ray, you  are a hard worker and  that is good. However, your work ethic has replaced your people focus. Doing has become more important  then being. The greatest commandment is love – Me first,  then others and yourself. It is not perform and achieve for approval of others. Allow Me to love others through you, beginning wit h your wife,and you will feel more significant and you will enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle.”

I’ve been working at this since. BUT, I love to work, and I’m finding   that it can be an escape from relationships, along with being iolatry (achievement ranks above time with God.)

Different situations have occured since 1981 to remind me that work shouldn’t be “numero uno,” the latest being my four-wheeler accident  that has rendered my left leg almost  useless. And of course,  the Parkinson’s which is  escalating and slowing me way down.

             This is what I’m learning.  This is why I can do my James one  rejoicing even in  tough times knowing God is at work, shaping me and growing me more into the image of Jesus. (Romans 8:28-29)

Thanks for walking through this with me. I hope  you can catch the power behind the simplicity of these thoughts.

God's Encouragement

god's

            Hope  you had a fire-free and happy fourth of July. It is so easy to take blessings like our freedom for granted., although our president seems to be moving  us in an other  direction.

I’m still working on the post “What I learned through my  crash and burn” reported earlier. It takes this slow learner time to integrate.

God is so good. As I’m coming out of  the crash and burn  experience, He allowed me to receive an email that was so encouraging. I hope I’m not being audacious in sharing it with you.My take on this is, God knew I was  struggling with an identity crisis. He wanted me to see that my production isn’t something  that I can always see   Then He lovingly jostles with me saying, “Quit your self-absorbed complaining, Burwick. I t is not an  identity crisis, it is a self-centered guy not getting what he wants.” And He puts  His arm around me and lovingly prompts this lady to write me the following.

“Oh Ray, God is using your book to break so many chains off of me. I know a person has to be in that place in life where they are ready to be free, to live. I, in my hurt and anger, became so lonely and vice versa . Its a life stealing, deadening trap that Satan sets up to destroy us. I will share something, my anger ( not knowing that is what it was at the time) was so bad I truly believed I was demon possessed and had many times been anointed, hands laid on me, prayer,  you name it. As I was reading, rereading now my eyes began to open and and the sexual abuse ( as a child ) and the death of my cousin/baby brother Destry when he was 2, and the horribly controlling church I grew up in and on and on I could really see them, where that seed of hurt had blossomed into the ugly putrid disease ridden heart  And I wanted free. Jesus said He came to give us LIFE “FULL AND MORE ABUNDANT" and that includes me.   

“I am as all people on a Journey in this life, and I want a Journey that is full of Him. I had to be on this part of my Journey this is the "freedom  side becoming free from anger and letting myself be free to Praise," and God is sending every means of help so that I can be the daughter He always intended me to be. Your writing is plain and simple, right to the point, no sugar coating, just a passion to help God’s children be free. It is not a self gratifying book. It’s a God glorifying book.“

Isn’t that encouraging!  It’s as though God said, “There are some definate things Ray can do to turn  the identity crisis into great value, but I’m going to give you a special blessing of encouragement with this email. Isn’t God good?

CRASH AND BURN

CRASH AND BURN

 I crashed and burned when we had company here last week... It began with an altercation with the wife. that later I saw was insensitsive and inappropriate on my part. Confrontation was in public. Her husband and my wife supported the  woman. I became dsefensive and angry with all  three, tried to justify  by saying, “I am a lousy communicator. Not good at small talk.” But I was trying. I apologiz ed the next morning.

I am a poor comunicator, besides the stuttering which is getting more profuse, Both feed my identity cisis. This incident began the crash.

            Then being around 3 successful, achieving men highlighted to me my performance position – zip, nada. The Evil One whispered,“ you used to be a successsful BB coach at Cascade College, you earned a doctoral degree, built a successful counseling private practice; was director of Whole Life a Christian singles group, small group leader, built a horse ranch. Written a couple of published books. You’ve received honors from two colleges, The House of  Repesentatives of the state of Alabama recognized you for ‘your outstanding achievements.’ Your alma mater built a suite in the gym for treatment  of   athletic injuries and named it after you. Now,  you are a has-been. No ministry. No friendships here in Kentucky.  No vision. No goals. You can’t walk. Can’t talk. No production. You are an old .man with nothing to contribute to life – yours or anybody elses. Does God  really care?”

Does the Evil One ever attack you when you’e down, really hurting ?

I withdrew from everyone.They probably saw me as a stumbling, bumbeling old fart –  of little value, worth nothing.  Oh, I could have been projecting my self feelings on  them I suppose, thinking that they thought what I thought about myself.

Other components of my crash and burn identitiy crisis were: return of insomnia,  PD symptoms progressing more rapidly. Blurred and double vision.

So these things coming together made for one depressed guy with an identity crisis.  And a  “to hell with it” attitutde. Of course, no self pity. Ha!

            All this coming after my writing on James 1::2-8 a couple  months ago. “Rejoice when you run into problems and trails of many kinds.” That is the main reason I haven’t posted. I haven’t been able to practice what I preach. Getting better, but got a long way to go.

            What does all this lead to? Just a reminder to myself and those  of  you who desire personal growth. James chapter one tells us to be joyful during tough times. Then  He challenges us to ask God for wisdom. That has to mean that when we go through tough times we should have such intmacy with God that we can ask Him ”why?”

“God, You are all powerful. You could have prevented this adversity from happening.What are the lessons you want me to learn. How can what I am exper                         iencing help me grow?

            What I have learned through all of this will be shared with you in the nex t posting.

UPDATE

I think I need to give an explanation for my absence. Been a while since I’ve writen. A friend wrote, saying,” I remember you were supposed to take it slow for a couple weeks while you adjusted to the DBS and got it adjusted to your North Dakotan body. “

I’ll use his note as a spring board for this posting.

How is that (post Deep Brain stimulation surgery) going?

            The dyskinesia left immediately and the low times between taking medicine have leveled out. I’ve cut in half the Mirapax I’ve been taking. The not so good news is my balance is worse. Stuttering is more profuse. Mind is dulling.  These negatives could be a natural progression of PD rather then a results of t he surgery.

And how are you doing with the pain management? I’ve seen the pain management doc twice – two shots in the hip. Hip replacement surgery is next.

 Any more information on your back damage? No. that is , hopefully, the last issue with which to deal.

How are you doing? As I keep my focus on God and what I think He is doing through all this, I’m doing well. If my sight shifts to what may happen, unless there is a miracle, it is easy to slip into a “what the heck. What’s the use?”  And spend the time in front of the TV or reading. Self pity then rears its ugly head. This doesn’t happen very much. It is ugly.

What are you doing? Landscaping and visiting a plethora of doctors.

(Michael how did you like that ‘p’ word?) Take one or two naps a day. Night sleeping is still a challenge.

Who are you doing it with? With  Theresa or by my self.  I don’t drive so T has to drive me.

Where are you doing it? Now Gary, that might be too personal!

Any new spiritual insights? That will come in the next posting.

            Hopefully it won’t take as long in coming as his one has.

           BLESSINGS
                 HOPE
                       JOY

40 Staples

YUP, HERE'S PROOF.There is a brain. Well, at least aftermath of the Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. We are two weeks out of surgery. 
   The battery gets activated next week, though it is in my chest now. 40 staples closed the sawing and drilling phase.
   Nothing of significance has  transpired yet. Dyskinesia stopped immediaely but has returned at half force. (only when I'm eating.) Can't figure that out.
    Thanks for your prayer. I was at peace through the whole procedure.For results, my petition to our Father is that balance can be restored. Falling is not conducive to keeping body in tact.

Rejoicing doesn’t alleviate the pain. But it sets an atmosphere where pain is more manageable.Mondy morning, 7:30, I was modeling the gown that receives he most ink – the open back surgery gown.Rejoicing? I was not. But there  was  peace. Dr. Mandybur could easily have as his theme song: Crown Him with Many crowns.He was deftly applying a titanium crown, beginning with  gently ramming two side pieces in to each ear in my skull. He used that as  the guiding points for placement of the crown’s four-foot thorns…about 79 of them. Just teasing. That was fairly painful. But the locals he gave, about eight, to deaden the skin for entry of the probes, was rather unpleasant. Then, because the cat scan was not processed correctly he had to give them all  over  again.

After the crown was dug into my skull, he put me out and I was out for an hour or two. To be awakened with  questions and directions to perform. I told him if he could find the stutter button and disconnect it, I’d pay him double. He did find the speaking in tongues button. One prod triggered a language I hadn’t heard before. Actually, I would have called it garbolly-goop. That all happened in 4 -5 hours.

 The pain continued the following day at home with a neck sting. Tomorrow, surgery continues with the placement of the battery pack in my chest. Hopefully the  spine problem can be corrected soon.

Scores of people have told us they have been praying for me. THANKS

Brain Drilling

Two types of drilling will be going on Monday at 9 a.m. My home state  of North Dakota  has hit the big time in oil production.Drilling is non stop in scores  of wells. The other kind of drilling I’m concerned about is the two holes that will be drilled in my head.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) begins  at 9 a.m. with connection of two wires to spots in the brain, then directed to my chest. Thursday a power pack will be inserted in my chest that qualifies me for participation  in the best looking bionic man contest.

I’m surprised by my lack of fear. I’m at peace about the whole affair.Several people have told me they were praying for me. That must be the cue, cuz normally the fear would be internalized and come out with some bodily dysfunction.

A decision had to be made between the DBS, hip replacement or possible back surgery for a disc out of  line. That, along with the ongoing ATV accident which has depleted much of the nerve activity in left leg and foot, I’m beginning to feel a little like Job. Job’s  response to his adversity was, “The Lord gives and he Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised.” I’m endeavoring  to know more deeply the truth of God’s sovereignty. He either causes or allows our circumstances – “the Lord gives and the Lord  takes away.”

 Then the ultimate goal is found in Job's  remarks half way through the book,  “though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” I don’t know what to expect from DBS – could be a  stroke. My hope is not in the surgery results but in God alone who, according to Matt. ?:11, wants to give good gifts to me.

If you have been following this blog, you will recall that a week or two ago we were examining the James 1:2-8 "Rejoice in adversity. This is probably not my final test in rejoicing. But this seems like a big one...Rejoice in brain surgery? Rejoice because my back is at times in excruciating pain? Rejoice  when I'm experiencing the bone on bone hip situation? It seems like an unattainable task. Too idealistic!
That is when God slips up on me and gently whispers, "Ray,  trust  me. I'll use what  ever happens  through the surgery, for your growth in Christ and so that others can see my hand and learn  to trust me also.You are smack dab in the middle of my will. The results of your  brain surgery are in my hand. I love you more than you can imagine."
Peace, wonderful peace.

Brain MRI

 Had a brain MRI this week. Good news. Bad news. Good news?  They were able  to  locate a brain. For many norwegian-estonians, that is sometimes a stretch. But they had to work for it and finally the machine located the target half ways between my feet and my head. No, just kidding.

The bad news? The diagnosis was insufficient dopamine caused by eating too much lutefisk and lefsa.  No, just  messing with you.The MRI was done in preparation for DBS. (Deep brain stimulation,) scheduled for Monday morning. The doctors will drill two holes in my skull into which they will insert wires. Another surgery four days later to insert a battery pack in my chest to which the wires will be connected.Then a few doctor visits to regulate the juice.

Kinda scarey. But the people who I talked to about their experience with DBS are gung hoe about the procedure.  Your are  the counselor. You ask me, “How are you feeling about this operation?”

I reply, “Three months ago I had said ‘No way, Hosea. No one is messing with my brain.’” Now my response is if there is a way to lesson the symptoms, lets go for it. Especially for  Theresa’s sake. She has been a wonderful care-giver, but I don’t want her to have all that extra pressure of taking care of an old invalid.

God says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And that is over-riding the fear.

My quick prayer every time I am fearful is: “Lord, I’m in your hands and I trust your promise that “all things will work together for my good, the good of others and for your glory.”

Another M RI tomorrow on my back and hip. Will keep tabs for you.

HE IS RISEN

“He is risen!”

“He is risen indeed.”

This is a common Easter greeting for Christians around the world. Easter is my favorate  time of the year. So, I share with you appropriately some exerts from one of my favorate passages of Scripture – 2nd Corinthians 5:15-21

 He (Jesus) died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

Doesn’t that blow your mind. The pre-Christian hears the Gospel. Receives Christ as Savior and Lord. He/she is a new person. A fresh influence within, called the Holy Spirit,  empowers the new believer to live for God and for others. We don’t have to be controlled by fear, resentment, self-centeredness and other unhealthy attitudes. As we yield our lives to Christ and His ways,  the Holy Spirit empowers us to become more Christ-like … more peace of mind, more joy and contentment - a new person.

However, some of the most miserable people I’ve met are Christians, torn between their self-centeredness  and the new life Christ has given them. Sometimes the problem lies in a rebellious spirit. But most  of the time, the cause for their misery is not being honest with themselves. They blame others for their angry spirit, their negative critical attitude. Or they make excuses like, “I’m just kind of on edge today.”  Rather than face their tendency  to be negative, angry and critical, followed by confession to God and the other person involved.

He is risen!

He is risen indeed and is showing me unhealthy attitudes (like spiritual pride) and empowering me  to change and  mature in Him.

I trust He is risen in your life also.

more on joy

Birmingham's John Wheeler responded to my writing on  "joy," with these interesting comments.

 Joy is proof to the world that God can fully satisfy the human heart. In Your presence is fullness of joy. -- Ps 16:11

 Joy is not a luxury or a mere accessory in the Christian life. It is the sign that we are really living in God's wonderful love, and that His love satisfies us. -- Andrew Murray

 Joy is the component that, when added to a trial, provides the strength to endure it.  For the joy of the Lord is your (my) strength. -- Neh 8:10

 Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ. Let the heart of them rejoice who seek the Lord. -- I Chron 16:10

Thanks, John.

An "Impossible" Directive Exposed - 12

This is the last posting of theJames "Impossible" directive -  rejoice during tough times. I hope the study has been helpful to you.

To get James 1:2-5, 12 into shoe leather:

1.      Recognize God’s sovereignty – all powerful. He could have prevented the adversity.

2.      Commit your life to Him  and yield to His plan for  your life.

3.      Shift focus from the circumstances to asking Him for wisdom on what He is wanting to do in  your life. How is He wanting  you to grow?

4.      Something may need to be done about the situation – an intervention, a confrontation, a tightened budget or whatever the situation calls for. But that will not be the focus. The focal point is “How does God want to use this in my  life?”

5.      Don’t try to sqirm out of the difficulty or be too quick to ask God for a reprieve.Rather, allow Him to do a deep work within of healing and growth. That is something about which to rejoice.  There may come a time when you need to take action. Like the wife of an adulterous  husband.  You may ask him to leave if he doesn’t want to let go of the other gal. But the eviction is for him, to awaken him to reality, not for  your own comfort.

6.       Recall the promise of James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. ³ For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. ⁴ So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. Great rejoicing material.

A very dear friend, Dr. John Vawter, suggested I include with the question: “How do I see my Parkinson’s Disease as a refiner and not as an enemy?” Hopefully a good way to end this study.   Walk with me as  I shoe leather  this example.

            PD is basically a diminution  of dopamine in the  brain. It doesn’t act the same way in any two people, nor does a singular treatment fit all. The cause of PD has not been determined. For me, the symptoms are: no energy or strength when “off”; driving complications (I have  quit driving); balance - I fall much – fractured rib, etc.; insomnia excerbated by RLS; Dyskinesia ( body movement out of control);  bradykinesia (slow body movement); stuttering worsened markedly when a stronger medication was needed; drooling; constipation; and much more. I don’t want to bore  you, so that ‘s enough. Needless to say it is very restrictive, at times very painful, and sometimes quite embarrassing.

 I’m scheduled for Deep Brain Stimulation surgery April 23. . Deep brain stimulation involves inserting very thin wire electrodes into specific targets in the brain:  The electrodes are attached to a generator implanted under the skin in the chest, much like a pacemaker, resulting in a roughly 30% diminishment of symptoms and the  possibility of taking less medication

Do I perceive this as an enemy to my well-being or as God’s loving, refining process? Got  your  shoes on? Hike with me.

I have 65 years of walking with Him, so I have a record of how He has taken care of me all this time.  I recognize God’s sovereignty – He is all powerful and He could have prevented the adversity. I’m committed to Him and whatever His plan is for my  life. Thus, I know that is important to  shift focus from the  stressful wages of Parkinson’s (and stuttering) to: “God, what are you wanting to do in my life through  this adversity? How can this be a good gift from you? (Matthew 7:11) Then, I can truthfully rejoice, because my focus is not on the hard times but on what God is wanting to do in and through me.How He wants to mature me.

 

I’d like to say I handle all the PD stress given in the above paragraph perfectly, 100% of the time. But I would be lying. After having fallen five times one day, I grew very discouraged and wept. Wept out of sorrow for all I have lost. Wept out of frustration for all the blocked doors, present and future. And once in a while I can get  a little self pity going. That’s ugly but that is where I am part of the time.

 

Shoe leather continues with: “Is there anything I should be doing about it?” Seeking medical help is most appropriate and that is where the brain surgery enters the picture. But  neither PD nor its treatment is the focus. I desire to be a man who loves God and people and I want to walk closely with Christ. That kind of growth can only come  through tough times.

My desire (most of the time) is to deeply integrate that fifth shoe leather principle: “Don’t try to sqirm out of the difficulty or be too quick to ask God for a reprieve.Rather, allow Him to do a deep work within of healing and growth. That is something about which to rejoice.” 

 

 We are applying James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. ³ For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. ⁴ So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. Great rejoicing material.

 

As I make that most difficult decision to bring my thoughts into captivity, from the pain of adversity to the James chapter one principle, I reap the blessing described in verse 12 of that first chapter. ¹² God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

If you would like a 13 page email copy of this series, let me know at rburwick@mindspring.com

An "Impossible" Directive - 11

We are winding down the study of James 1:2-8,12. There will be one more  posting after this one.

BOTTOM LINE

God, through James, challenges  us to be open to grow in our desire to be more and more Christ-like as demonstrated in the above elements of perfection. And this kind of growth can  happen only through some kind of  difficulty. That is   the reason we can be joyful during a tough time. Not so much thankful for the situation but for what God will do through the situation if we cooperate.

To cooperate requires a willingness to shift focus from the troublesome situation to a willlingness to see what area of character growth is being exposed because of the adversity. The end result:growth to a mature and complete Christian life. It sounds great, but it is not easy to do. Much prayer is usually needed for God to soften our heart  to  yield to God’s plan for  our life.

For example. Marriage has a great potential for adversity. It is an effective revealer of what  needs growth and change. So many divorces occur because  each  person keeps pointing the finger at the other and refuses to face “the log in their own eye.” And that log is usually some form of selfishness.

You are living with a husband who is having an affair. In your eyes he is the culprit. He is a culprit, but unless you were a perfect wife you played a part. That is no excuse for what he has done. But if what he has done is your focus, you are cheating yourself out of some personal growth  yourself. Your prayer can be, “God, this really hurts and makes me furious.” Those feelings get processed with God. Then the spotlight is on self. “God what do you want me to learn from this. How do  you want me to grow because of this pain?”  If there isn’t a ready answer, James 1:5 says pray for wisdom from God and He will give it.

An "Impossible" Directive - 10

In our pursuit of understanding James 1:2-8, 12 there are key words.

Key word #4: Endurance

”…for when your endurance is fully developed…

Endurance defined:

·        ability to bear prolonged  hardship

·        the staying power of life (James Moffatt)

The Asbury Bible describes it this way: “It may be in the home (sickness), in the workplace (competition), or even in the Christian community (jealousy). They (hardships) come in many sizes and shapes, often irritating, always unplanned (Adamson, 54), and always demanding a response. We prefer not to have to contend with them, hoping to be spared the strain and stress.”

Living in reality, everyone must face the challenges of adversity. No one is immune to hardship. In  this passage James is encouraging us not  only  to face the harsh times but to intentionally meet them head-on, taking a positive stance with an attitude of joy! It  has been said,“Welcome the challenge! This testing of our faith will begin to generate endurance, which serves as a basic ingredient in the development of Christian character.” …for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Key word #5: Perfect

James challenges the readers to be open to the ultimate effect of endurance—a mature and complete Christian life. The word perfect is defined by Vine’s Dictionary: having reached its end, finished , complete, conveying  the idea of goodness, a process leading to consummation. It comes by making trials work to the advantage of the believer. It sounds great. It is, but it is not easy to do. Each situation requires perception, evaluation, and an intentional  informed response. Who has that kind of resourcefulness? It is within reach through prayer. What does  perfection look like?

Essential elements of “perfection“:

·             benevolence – Mat.19:21 Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” This said to a young man who wanted to follow Christ but  loved his money more. Is there a part of ourselves that God is saying “Give that up. It is too important to  you..Benevolence – a pocket book yielded to God.

·             Love Col 3:14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Even making eye contact with people is an act of love. Look with me at one example.

 MONDAY, Jan. 30 (HealthDay News) -- The need for a connection to other people is so powerful that being ignored by a stranger can make someone feel left out, according to a new study.

People need to feel they are part of a group or connected to others in order to be happy, the researchers explained. This sense of belonging can come from joining a club, a friendly neighbor or -- as this study reveals --

In even eye contact from a stranger.conducting the study, researchers randomly chose people walking on the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, Ind. A research assistant either looked them in the eye, looked them in the eye and smiled or looked in their general direction but not directly at them. Once they passed the research assistant, the study subjects were asked how connected they felt to others.

The study, published in Psychological Science, found those who had gotten eye contact from the research assistant felt less disconnected than those who were ignored -- even when they didn't get a smile.

"These are people that you don't know, just walking by you, but them looking at you or giving you the air gaze -- looking through you -- seemed to have at least momentary effect," said study co-author Eric Wesselmann of Purdue University in a school news release. "What we find so interesting about this is that now we can further speak to the power of human social connection. It seems to be a very strong phenomenon." 

Science is catching up with Scripture. Continuing on essential elements of “perfection.”

·             Performance(Good Works) James 2: 22 NKJV  Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?

·             Tongue control James 3:2  Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

·             Obedience ! John 2:5 NKJV But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

Perfection is rendered “Maturity” by some and that does sound more reachable. Question: Using these elements as a guide, how are we doing in our growth of perfection?

An "Impossible" Directive - 9

Key word #3: Testing.
“When your faith is tested.” The adversity  is to become a testing. “The whole point of testing is that it is sent not  to make us fall but to make us soar. Adversities are sent not to defeat us but that we may defeat them. Not sent to make us weaker but are sent to make us stronger. Therefore  we cannot bemoan them. We must exult in them and rejoice in them.” (Barclay).

Like the athlete whose coach is pushing him/her hard by adding extra weight to the bar or more windsprints to increase endurance. In a sense the athlete is being tested to see the extent of their motivation. How badly do they want success. The champion athlete doesn’t look forward to the added workout but  accepts it because they know the result will be added strength to accomplish the goal of victory.  So also with the Christian.whose adversity heat is being turned up.It reveals the depth and genuineness of that person's faith. This is why, for the one who wants to live by faith, the trial can be a time for rejoicing, because  God will use the trial to develop some characteristic that is lacking. James says, "Rejoice in that prospect!"

Bottom line: how do  you and I respond to tough times?
Resist?
Relinquish?
 Rejoice?

Probably the most healthy way would be to go through each phase.  As with King David as recorded in the Psalms, express the natural feeling response to a  tough time. “Hey, God. Why do I have to  …? A resistance. If occupying this space very long, bitterness toward God is inevitable. Resistance can be a chronic life-long mind set or it can be brought under control and often a relinquishment stage follows. ” I don’t like what I am experiencing but I’ll put up with it. Tough times are just a part of life.”

For the person desiring a close walk with God, James’ exhortation to be joyful in the adversity becomes  the response, because of the knowledge that a result can be growth in character, “that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”
Wow! “Lord, work this concept into the very core of my being…but don’t make the cost too high.”J

An "Impossible" Directive - 8

 Continuing  the study of James 1.

Key word #3: Testing.
“When your faith is tested.” The adversity  is to become a testing. “ the whole point of it is  that it is sent not  to make us fall but to make us soar. Adversities are sent not to defeat us but that we may defeat them. Not sent to make us weaker but are sent to make us stronger. Therefore  we cannot bemoan them. We must exult in them and rejoice in them.” (Barclay).

Like the athlete whose coach is pushing him hard by adding extra weight to the bar or more windsprints to increase his endurance. In a sense he is being tested to see the extent of his motivation. How badly does he want success. The champion athlete doesn’t look forward to the added workout but he accepts it because he knows the result will be added strength to accomplish his goal of victory.  So also with the Christian.whose adversity heat is being turned up.It reveals the depth and genuineness of that person's faith. This is why, for the one who wants to live by faith, the trial can be a time for rejoicing, because  God will use the trial to develop some characteristic that is lacking. James says, "Rejoice in that prospect!"

Bottom line: how do  you and I respond to tough times?
 Resist?
Relinquish?
 Rejoice?

Probably the most healthy way would be to go through each phase.  As with King David as recorded in the Psalms, express the natural feeling response to a  tough time. “Hey God. Why do I have to  …? A resistance. If occupying this space very long, bitterness toward God is inevitable. Resistance can be a chronic life-long mind set or it can be brought under control and often a relinquishment stage follows. ” I don’t like what I am experiencing but I’ll put up with it. Tough times are just a part of life.”

For the person desiring a close walk with God, James’ exhortation to be joyful in the adversity becomes  the response, because of the knowledge that a result can be growth in character, “that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”
Wow! “Lord, work this concept into the very core of my being…but don’t make the cost too high.”J

An "Impossible" Directive - 8

 If this study of James 1 seems chopped up in this format, please email me at rburwick@mindspring.com for the 12 page complete study. I'll be happy to email you a copy free.  It has been  a life-changing study for me. How in the world to rejoice during adversity.

The Spiritual Dynamics of Trials (1:2-5)

Life’s situations and events are only the surface. James tells his readers to look for the deeper meaning, thus the challenge in verse 5: “ask God for wisdom.” We’re not to focus on escaping the surface hardship. “God, please help me through this harsh condition.” James is encouraging us to go deeper. Ask  God for wisdom. “God, what am I to learn from this tough time. Why and how is this adversity a good thing for me?

We can see a progression of events in this passage that can lead to personal growth if we cooperate with God’s arrangement of circumstances for us.

Adversity => Testing => Cooperation – not resistance => Rejoice => Perseverance => Maturity (perfectly complete, needing nothing.)  So, someone says, “I’m not a perfectionist – I am perfect.” Not! But I believe as we walk with God daily, obedient and yielded, the sanctifying process develops us into becoming more like Christ who was/is the epitome of  perfection.
James seems to be saying that joy is available to the Christian no matter how severe the adversity. However, a word of caution. Don’t spiritualize the pain involved by quickly rejoicing. Allow yourself to feel the normal feelings when experiencing great trauma. Fear. Anger. Guilt. Whatever. Process those with God through prayer and sharing with another person you trust. Then, instead of focusing on the circumstances, look for the spiritual dynamics of trials. “Father, what are you wanting to do in my life  through  this  trial? Are  you  testing me in any way?”
Tomorrow's post: testing

An "Impossible" Directive - 7

"JOY" is another key word in our study of James 1.

Key word #2  Joy

            “When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.”

 If one's goal is to become mature in Christ, and if that is a goal far higher and more valuable than merely avoiding hardships, or escaping from them, then indeed consider it joy when you meet the trials by which you attain that treasured goal.  Joy is an attitude choice no matter the circumstances because if one is walking with God, Psalm 16:11 tells us that in God’s presence is fullness of joy.

            “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.”

Dallas Willard in his book “Renovation of the Heart,” describes it so well. “Joy is a pervasive sense of delight in an encompassing good well-secured. For joy, all is well, even in the midst of specific suffering and loss. Self-sacrificial love is therefore always joyous – no matter  the pain and loss it may involve. For we are always looking at the larger scene in which love rules: Where all things (no matter what ) work together for good to  those who love God and are drawn into His purposeful actions on earth. Joy is a basic element of inner transformation into Christ-likeness and of  the outer life  that flows from it.”

            It has been said that joy is the finest of heart and mind tonics; it gives new jest to life; it is the song of  the heart.

            We’re not viewing  joy as a rah rah emotional  high. Joy feels different to different people.When I’m sensing God’s presence, my joy  feels more like contentment. Joy is available even when in adversity, not for adversity, but IN. If we were rejoicing for a hardship, that would be called “masochism” (deriving pleasure from being mistreated in some way).

 Consider it joy when you meet the trials by which you attain that treasured goal of completeness.. Though joy is a fruit of  he Spirit, it is our responsibility to  appropriate it and put it into action. Rejoice! We are called to joy – even in tough times.

An "Impossible" Directive - 6

Session 6 on James 1 directive to rejoice in tough times. We are looking at the sources of adversity, cocvering 1) our own doing;
2) God's discipline;
3) God's refining process; and today:

4. Satan – A Source for sorrow

            From First Peter 5 we read:  ⁸ Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

            And in Ephesians 6:10-18 we observe: A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we^[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 ¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.   ¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere

            We don’t look for a demon under every bush, nor do ignore this ruler of the spirit world. For he seeks  to devour.and destroy us. At times the conflict can be severe.

 It happened when I was teaching a Bible class on the three most important issues in life – know God, know self; and know about the enemy. I was to teach the following day on knowing about satan. Here is the story:

            Saturday night, My first wife Ann and I were praying and singing  All of a sudden  her nose began to bleed – profusley. I couldn’t recall the last time she had a nose bleed. The bleeding wouldn’t stop. Rushed her to the hospital emergency. The doctor cauterized a vessel in her nose, saying it was probably a seasonal reaction. Drove the 25 miles back home. Got home and the bleeding started again. Ann said, “I never  have nose bleeds. Something is up.” As we talked and prayed it came to us that this could be a work of satan to discourage us in the teaching about him in the morning. We prayed against him and the bleeding stopped, never to return, ever.
            Satan can be a source of adversity personally  or as Christians desiring to share the Good News of Jesus, corporately. In business the best marketing plan is a happy and content consumer who spreads the word about the product’s virtues. So also with evangelism. Pre-christians respond more to the Living Word than the spoken word. A joy filled Christian who is expeirencing “trials and temptations of various kinds” is a powerful  witness in  the promotion of a walk with Christ. It is also a great threat to the opposition’s game plan, a plan described in the Ephesians 6 passage we just observed. Our warfare with the evil one.

            I believe that one of Satan’s greatest tools of weaponery is “entitlement“     “You don’t deserve what you’re going through. As a Christian you ought to have much better than that. You are being cheated.You deserve more.”

            If a person listens to that voice and the outcome is not the desired one the result is often discouragment, frustration and a squelching of the Holy Spirit’s work within. A marring of fellowship wth God.

            Satan’s victory. Our defeat, until repentance which leads to restoration of fellowship with God.
            Have a peek in my kitchen window. Insomnia has always been a problem for me, hightened now by Parkinson’s disease. I’ve commited this challenge to God. People have prayed for me. Zip. Nada. I searched the Scripture for answers. Many passages referred to sleep. LikePsalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. Proverbs 3:24 You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.
Psalm 91:1  Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
But the passage that hit my cynical button was Psalm 127:2. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to His loved ones.
            God gives rest to his loved ones. Does my lack of rest mean I’m not one of His loved ones?. I tried all the tricks proposed by man to get a good night’s sleep.. I  tried high powered sleep medication. It would work for a few days and back to the sleeplessness. I prayed. Nothing.  I became angry with God and grew cynical about prayer. My wife would want to pray for my sleep befor we would go to bed. I told her God wasn’t interested in my sleep. “Don’t waste your breath.” My frustration added to the sleep problem. Fellowship with God was at best fragile.
            After wrestling with this for years, I was finally able to give up the entitlement of a good sleep and accept the adversity. And now I’m working at the rejoicing challenge of James one.

            So, sources for adversity are self-induced, God’s discipline, God’s refining process, satan and just  the fact  that we live in a fallen world and manure happens.