Children live like we are supposed to live – childlike. Jesus said we could not even enter the kingdom of God unless we became as little children. Children live in the world of reality. Adults have been trained to live in illusions taught by the world’s systems.

We all start out childlike – unique, spontaneous, and special. I know I did. My greatest joy was riding my “four wheeler” up and down the terraces. I was unaware of the problems my parents had living with my grandmother, or mom’s struggles taking care of me while dad was in the South Pacific fighting in WWII. I was just “Jimmy.”

As with all of us the world’s systems slowly closed in on me and buried my uniqueness and joy. The educational system limited my options and pushed me into categories where I didn’t fit. The political system restricted me to two parties, neither of which spoke my heart. Then there was the Christian religious system that told me what I should believe to be accepted in the group. I was given a “mind set” to read Scriptures the “right way.” So I spoke, and even taught others, with borrowed voices of the group to be accepted. For a while I spoke the Episcopalian voice, then the Evangelical voice, then the Campus Crusade voice, then the Navigator voice, etc. Each added some truth, for which I was grateful, but none expressed my heart or allowed my doubts. To question basic doctrines, was to cause disturbance and eventual rejection.

We all know the drill.

So I conformed to the systems to be accepted and liked, but I became fragmented and broken. I was tired of wearing other’s faces and speaking with borrowed voices. So I began a journey back to “Jim” – God’s idea of me – who I really was. I am learning to listen to my true self apart from the voices of the systems. It has been costly. Systems are not kind to those who leave. But it has been worth it, because the joy is the journey through the professor’s wardrobe with Susan, Peter, and Lucy into Narnia with Aslan.

I was there from the start
This child they called “Jim.”
Fit for only one part
In a play from my heart

I was who I was
Past moments forgotten
Present seconds enjoyed
The future unemployed

Freedom was real
Riding my wheels
Leaning into the curves
Along Brush Creek

To grab an afternoon snack
Of peanut butter and jelly
On my way to Bobby’s
To mess around with my buddy

But as I grew up
The bike was parked
And the route was restricted
By other’s directions

I could not escape the places
Where I wore other’s faces
To look as I should
Not be as I be

Where I was taught
To speak with borrowed voices
Learning lines to a play
That did not fit my way

I was told the other fashions
Would help me be respected
To be accepted
And not be rejected

I wanted to be liked -
Loved and adored
So I dressed for effect
To be part of the elect

I tried the foreign tongue
But absorbing strange words
Was unnatural to my style
Imported to my smile

And “Jim” was buried
Under other’s inventions
Living by the rules
And all the conventions

I wondered who was “Jim”
A doctor for my family?
A salesman for my fortune?
A believer for my faith?

My outside pulled from my inside
Which mask did I fit?
I was bent back and forth
And finally I did break

I was in pieces
Lying on the ground
A product of other’s ideas
Of what best I should found

How could I come together?
Inside matching out?
Not lying here in fragments
Wondering how to get about.

I decided the way was back
To the place I had been
To find the freedom I lack
And ride that bike again.

Because the “Jim” I was
Is who I am meant to be
Not conformed to the prison
Of the other’s thoughts of me

On the journey back to “Jim”
I left the world of illusions
And walked into a new dimension
A kingdom with no delusions

It supported me on my walk
With no deceptive talk
It applauded my progression
And blocked steps of regression

It maintained my amateur standing
Letting me work for love, not wealth
I was connected with others
Not as a competitor, but for our health

I found the best room where I fit
To help a redundant race
Is to be an original, not a copy
And occupy my special place

If our mind-set is tradition we will stay in the box set by “authorities” and nullify truth.
If our mind-set is pride, we will see ourselves as the good guys in the story and others as outsiders.
If our mind-set is comparing with others we will see ourselves as better or worse than “them.”
If our mind-set is legalism, we will judge and exclude others by our selective rules.
If our mind-set is impressing others, we will read to show off our knowledge.
If our mind-set is looking good we will concentrate on image and miss reality.
If our mind-set is vengeance, we will use the words as a weapon to get even.
If our mind-set is rejection, we will see condemnation in the words.
If our mind-set is a lust for power, we will use the words to control others.
If our mind-set is love we will use the words to comfort others.
If out mind-set is encouragement, we will use the words to give hope.
If our mind-set is hearing truth, we will stay learners and listen.
If our mind-set is to learn, we will let the word speak instead of speaking to the words.
If out mind-set is arrogance, we become “know-it-alls.”
If our mind-set is humility we know we have more to learn and get “rest of the story.”
If our mind-set is to discover, we take the risks of adventure and break from the crowd.
If our mind-set is to label others, we will imprison them in groups and miss the person.
If our mind-set is political power, we use the words to destroy “them” and promote “us.”
If our mind-set is compassion, we will use words to help not to hurt.
If our mind-set is empathy, we will see hearts instead of brands.
If our mind-set is to “see-through,” we will not just “look at.”
As William Blake wrote,
“This Life’s dim Windows of the Soul
Distorts the Heavens from Pole to Pole
And leads you to believe a lie
When you see with, not through, the Eye.”

So… The glasses you put on before you read the words are far more important than the words you are reading.
How can we develop a good mind-set? Here is the advice of a man who broke out of his cell of religious bondage in the joy of ever-expanding truth: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things… and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil 4:8-9 ESV)
And he said, “To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Rom 8:6-7 ESV)
When we listen to the Spirit of Truth whisper in our ears while we read, we will come to the proper mind-set and know what the words are really saying.

Maybe then we can dissolve some polarization.
Maybe then we will see all people as gifts from God.
Maybe then we will connect in God’s universal law of unity.

Just dreaming on a beautiful Colorado morning, but dreams can come true.
At least it can start with two… me and you.

We can get stuck in the middle of our walk with Christ and forget the goal.
Christ has come to live in us so we can move on to live with Him.
The reason we are to deny self and pick up our cross is to follow Him.
We are to give away what we have so it will be ours.
We have to let what we sow drop into the ground and die so it can grow and bear fruit.
We die with Him so we can live with Him.
We are buried with Him so we can be raised with Him.
We are hidden in Him so we can appear with Him.
We are to take our minds off the things of the flesh so we can focus on the things of the spirit.
We are to “leave” so we can “cleave.”
We are to put off the old man so we can put on the new. As George MacDonald wrote, “The man, who does not house self, has room for his real self, God’s idea of him.”
We come from things to come to him.

We can get so bogged down in denying, dying, being buried, resisting the bad, that we forget the second half of the equation – being raised with Him to walk with Him.

Our purpose is to be a unique expression of the life of God to the world around us. We are to be an original not a copy of someone else. Our final destination is not just to get to heaven, but to be with our Father. Without Him, heaven is just another pretty place – empty and lonely.

The really good news is we don’t have to wait to die to be in heaven with our Father. We can be with him now in every activity – working, being with family, watching football, or shopping for Christmas. As C. S. Lewis said, “I have never lived anywhere but heaven.” Heaven is a parallel universe right where we are now. We can live with Him every new morning and every new year.

How? Just turn to Him where you are and say, “Hi Daddy.” This simple act will connect to the ultimate dimention in God’s creation.

May you enjoy the walk with Him this new year.

Recently, I came on some wisdom from Oswald Chambers from “My Utmost For His Highest” (Oct. 21) that was a great encouragement to me and I hope to you also, since most of our life is doing ordinary tasks.

Here is what he wrote:

“Discipleship is built entirely on the supernatural grace of God. Waling on water is easy to someone with impulsive boldness, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is something altogether different. Peter walked on the water to go to Jesus, but he ‘followed at a distance’ on dry land. (Mark 14:54) We do not need the grace of God to withstand crises – human nature and pride are sufficient for us to face the stress and strain magnificently. But it does require the supernatural grace of God to live twenty-four hours of every day as a saint, going through drudgery, and living an ordinary, unnoticed, and ignored existence as a disciple of Jesus. It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God – but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people – and this is not learned in one hour.”

Among honking horns, rude secretaries, being ignored, confusing routes, unfamiliar addresses, and flat tires, I have found the living God in the ordinary routines of life.

You know something else I have seen? When other delivery men see my Quick Silver sign on my car, they wave and give me room. Why? Because they know how hard the job is and what I am going through.

And so it is with our God of all Comfort. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every way has been tested as we are, and yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness (“freedom of speech” in honesty) so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:15,16)

So don’t get discouraged with the mundane details of life.
Keep being faithful in the little things.
That is where God will show up!

Speaking of being real…
A dying man asked me to have breakfast with him. His time was short and very valuable, but he had something important he wanted to tell me. He had pancreatic cancer, and as we sat down, he slowly moved his legs under the table with great difficulty. What was so important to take the time and to endure the pain?
He had been the pastor a church for over thirty years. He was loved and appreciated, and it was difficult for the people to accept his illness and coming death. They were showering him with gratitude for his ministry to them. However, the service for which they were most grateful was not his teaching, sermons, visitation, or running the church. It was something totally unexpected, and he wanted me to write this story and pass it on after he died. So I pass this on to you as a memorial to Tom who died five weeks after our breakfast together.
He said he had a problem with pornography for the first thirteen years of his ministry. It was a powerful addiction and it was “eating him up” inside. It was a horrible secret that he had kept hidden from everyone, even his wife.
Then a visiting evangelist from Canada came for some meetings and Tom signed on as one of the counselors. The first night, Tom went down to help counsel and a man approached him with a pained look on his face.
“I have a bad problem.” He said.
“What is it?” Tom asked.
“I am addicted to pornography!” he said in broken words.
Tom’s knees buckled and he froze, not knowing what to say. Here was a man with the same problem he had kept secret for thirteen years. What could he say? Finally he told the man to go to another counselor, because he couldn’t help him.
Tom was so shaken that he just sat down on a front-row seat, alone as the crowed cleared out. His evangelist friend saw him and asked if anything was wrong. Tom told him he couldn’t continue as a counselor. The evangelist asked him why. Tom hesitated to answer. Would he expose his hidden weakness he kept hidden for thirteen years? He fought the shame in his heart, but finally Tom revealed his secret addiction. The evangelist was not judgmental, and called some other men to pray for him. Tom told me with bright eyes that the exposure of his sin, admitting his faults, and asking for forgiveness led to incredible peace. For the first time in thirteen years he felt clean and free!
When he came back to the meeting the next night, he was on cloud nine. He relaxed in his seat looking forward counseling others. Suddenly, the evangelist shocked him out of his peaceful state. In front of thousands, including many from his own church, he said, “Tom, why don’t you come down here and share what God did for you last night.”
“Jim, I couldn’t believe that walk to the front was so long. I had taken a seat way in the back and it seemed like I had to go six miles to that platform. I don’t know what I shared, or how long it took. It seemed like six hours, but it was probably only six minutes. As a pastor sharing an addiction to pornography, the place was electric. You could hear a pin drop. When I finished, I was shaking trying to walk back down that broad center aisle to my seat. But something amazing began to happen. Scores of men began to get out of their seats and walked up to me in tears and gave me a hug! I had admitted a common problem, and they thanked me for sharing. It was amazing.”
His wife and daughter were waiting for him as he returned to his seat. Suddenly, it dawned on him that this was the first time that they had heard of his addiction and might be deeply hurt by what he had shared. What were they thinking? They didn’t say a word. After the meeting the three of them drove home in silence. As they sat around the kitchen table Tom’s wife silently made some hot chocolate. Tom wondered what they were thinking and was afraid he had totally blown his relationships with his family.
All of a sudden his daughter burst into tears. Tom thought, “Here it comes. I have really hurt her.” Then she said something he never expected in a thousand years.
“Daddy, thank you for sharing tonight! Now I know you are not perfect and I can come to you with anything!” They embraced. Tom said they have been the closest of friends ever since. His wife also responded with deep love and forgiveness.
Open sharing and transparency became the hallmark of his ministry from then on. “That is what I wanted to tell you, Jim. People don’t remember much about my sermons or talks, but they remember the honesty and openness. They are telling me that transparency was the greatest gift I ever gave them! That was what set them free and helped them the most!

(Excerpt from Jim’s new book pictured above, to order go to Jim’s Web site.)
The door on that old van had always given us trouble, but I never expected the terror that would follow on this quiet summer day in Denver.
I had completed seven hours of exhausting roto tilling, and it was time to return the machine to the rental shop. Marleen our bouncy, blond four-year-old wanted to ride with me and hopped in the front seat. I loaded the roto tiller in that old van, and headed for the shop having no idea what was about to happen.
We returned the machine and climbed in for the trip home. I was relieved that a hard day’s work was over, and I was anxious to get home and rest. Marleen stuck her head out the window to feel the wind in her face hanging on that old door. I was glad she was having such a good time. These were the days before seat belts, and I didn’t think she was in any danger.
As we approached a busy intersection, I had to make a left turn across three lanes of traffic. I had made this turn a thousand times, because it was only a half mile from our home. I noticed a huge semi-trailer truck barreling toward us, but thought I could make the turn in front of him in time.
I gave it full power to make the turn, and all of a sudden I heard Marleen scream for help. The old door had flown open with Marleen hanging over the pavement ready to fall into the path of that huge truck and be crushed by its eighteen wheels. I knew the truck couldn’t stop in time, so all I could do was continue the turn and hope Marleen could hang on to the window ledge. But I knew it would be impossible for her little hands to stay on the rounded edges of the door. There was nothing for her to grab and hold. In a flash it looked like she would be killed because of my negligence. How could I ever forgive myself? How could I tell Reenie, that Marleen was dead and I was responsible? Would she collapse in sadness for years? Would she ever forgive me? Would our life ever be normal? It is surprising all the things that flashed through my mind in a second. (I still have shivers writing this today.)
Miraculously she held on even through a violent bump in the road! I stopped the van on the side of the road and tried to catch my breath. I was nervous from fright but felt relief she was still there. What had happened? How did she hold on? Marleen turned to me and said, “Daddy, someone held my hands on the door!”
I have always believed in the reality of God’s angels, because they are mentioned over 300 times in His Word; but I had just seen tangible evidence of their loving work! An angel had been sent by our loving Lord to hold my daughter’s hands on that swinging door and save her life. His grace and love overruled my own irresponsibility. He still had a plan for her and He would keep her alive until that plan was fulfilled.
We can all look back on times when we almost died, but were saved. This should give us confidence that God still has a plan for us. If we are alive, He has a purpose for us being here on earth.
Our Father is good. Whether He had saved Marleen or not, I would say He is still good, even though I wouldn’t understand Him. But on this bright, summer day He sent an angel to save my daughter and bail out her dad.

Remember as you get out of bed, your Father is starting you off with love, faithfulness, and mercy, loading you with benefits and carrying your burdens. So you don’t have to waste your time with worry.
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, Who daily bears our burdens.” (Ps 68:19)
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits.” (Ps 68:19)
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never comes to an end, they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lam. 3:22, 23)

So… While you are in the shower, sing of God’s strength and love and ask Him for help every day.
“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love.” (Ps 59:16)
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you.” (Ps 5:3)

Search the Word daily. Pay attention and you will be a noble person in God’s kingdom! (Search = “Receiving the word with readiness of mind, questioning examining, investigating and scrutinizing”)
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11-12)
“Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God — no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.” (1 Tim 4:7-9)

Be on the lookout for God’s wisdom daily. There is a parable from God everywhere you look if you are alert.
“Blessed is the man who listens to me (wisdom), watching daily at my doors.” (Prov 8:34)

Be content with daily provisions and don’t require a huge storehouse of stuff. Remember the guy who built more barns for his things and didn’t live long enough to use them? If you have a home and have to rent a storage facility, maybe it is time to give some things away.
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord? Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” (Prov 30:8-9)
“Give us today our daily bread.” (Matt 6:11)

Leave your self behind when you walk out the door. Stick to God’s purpose for you, and follow Him. Don’t try to get him to follow you around, that doesn’t work.
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
“I die daily.” (I Cor. 15:31)

Encourage each other daily. Look for ways to compliment and comfort others. Little acts of kindness can change the world.
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Heb. 3:13)
“So continuing daily with one accord…” (Acts 2:46)

Fulfill your responsibilities. Walk in integrity and do what you said you would do.
“I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.” (Ps 61:8)

Look forward to the Lord’s return daily.
“Since everything here today might well be gone tomorrow, do you see how essential it is to live a holy life? Daily expect the Day of God, eager for its arrival. The galaxies will burn up and the elements melt down that day — but we’ll hardly notice. We’ll be looking the other way, ready for the promised new heavens and the promised new earth, all landscaped with righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:11-13)