2020: Can We See Clearly?

(Written after reading Amos 4.)

Is a wildfire sent by God as punishment for sin? How about hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, famines, plagues, pandemics, and the like? Are they divine occurrences, “natural” circumstances, or permanent consequences of the fall of man (Genesis 3:17) but unrelated to mankind’s current refusal to submit to God as kurios? Is it as “cut and dried” as many think?

Where, in the Bible, did the people of God remain faithful as a whole and suffer disaster? Yes, there were individuals who remained faithful and suffered. They are heroes of the faith: Joshua and Caleb, Daniel and his three friends, Jeremiah, the disciples, etc. But their faithfulness stood out against a backdrop of unfaithfulness on the part of the people as a whole. On the other hand, the Israelites where all made slaves in Egypt and this is not specifically identified as being caused by their sinfulness but, rather, by the Egyptians wickedness (Exodus 1:8ff). Does the fact that God saved them from the plagues that fell upon the Egyptians and delivered them from that slavery negate the fact that they suffered as slaves?

From an argumentative standpoint, all have sinned and the wages of sin is death. So, we are all guilty. That argument, however, must include that many have repented and are secure in the hands of God. Sin continues but so does repentance and forgiveness. There is a distinct, important, and eternal difference between sin as a permanent foundation upon which a life is built and sin that is confessed and forgiven. King David was an adulterer, a murderer, and a man after God’s own heart. Such is possible only through God’s mercy and grace when a sinner repents.

When God forgives sin, He removes its guilt from us. The guilt penalty/price was repeatedly paid by sacrificed animals and has been eternally paid by Jesus on the cross. That is what atonement is. That is what atonement does. (Leviticus 10:17; 16:30; Psalm 103:12; Romans 4:7; Ephesians 2:5; etc.)

But people as a whole, particularly nations and specific people groups, remain unrepentant and continue to bear the penalty. When they continue in sin—denying, deflecting, and/or defending it—are they subject to God’s wrath? Would God—does God—bring punishment on them? What form does that punishment take? Did God only use plagues and disasters in nature as a punishment in Bible times? If so, what does He use now? If not, how do we distinguish between God’s wrath and, say, the natural shifting of tectonic plates or development of weather patterns?

The truth will set us free. But do we declare our own version of truth or do we seek God’s Truth?

Such thoughts and discussions can be interesting, even fascinating, and can certainly be time consuming. But we should desire that they be productive. It is vital that we focus our examination to inside the circumference of our own arms' reach. A good starting point can be Amos 5:12-15.

Sometimes People Leave

(It is probably "bad form" to air a grievance or complain about a problem while it is happening. I am happy to say that is not the case here. It is simply on my mind.)

It happens. People leave churches.

Earlier in my ministry, I talked another staff member out of resigning in anger. Frankly, his anger was justified and his staying only made matters worse. (Note: A disgruntled staff member does not engender goodwill in a congregation.) Following his eventual and inevitable departure, an older deacon, we will call him “Fernando Verde”, shared that he learned many years before that it is best to let someone go without trying to talk them out of it.

Since that day, I have followed that advice. The following is my policy, thanks to “Fernando”:

If/when someone leaves/resigns/quits or announces they will, I do not try to talk them out of it.

1. If you have been in prayer about it and believe God is leading you to do it, I would be working against God if I tried to talk you out of it.

2. If it is a decision you have come to on your own but without being convicted or convinced that it is God’s will, it would not be good for you to be persuaded by me if you are not persuaded by God.

Exception: I will try to talk you out of it if God clearly directs me to do it. (This has not yet happened.)

Thoughts—

It is not on me or about me. Your choices/decisions are yours. You need to own them. If you are truly following God, Hallelujah! Move on in joy! If you are following your own direction, you need to take the steps necessary to get back on course, i.e. admit it, ask forgiveness, accept forgiveness, do what can and should be done to fix it where possible, and humbly start again. And, yes, if you are following your own direction and do not believe you need to take those steps, it is better for the fellowship of our congregation if you move on.

Something To Chew On

“Don’t put so much food in your mouth all at once and wait until you chew and swallow what’s already there before you take another bite!” That compound sentence is taken from the files of, “Things My Parents Had To Tell Me Too Many Times.” The urgency of the moment did not allow for a thorough account of the rationale behind it. The basic idea was, “Do what you are told and you will eventually understand… hopefully… maybe… someday… if we let you live.” Agreement, understanding, and wisdom may have been in short supply but past experience had instilled a sufficient measure of fear and a more exhaustive level of mastication immediately commenced.

Having finished reading Jeremiah yesterday, this morning’s devotion time included beginning Lamentations. Normally this would include several chapters, perhaps twenty minutes to half an hour or more. But this morning ended up just being that first chapter. Even before finishing the second verse, it was clear that it was too much, too fast. The need to more fully chew on it and swallow before moving on was clear.

Jerusalem had fallen and, with it, the last hope for Judah. The writer portrays the emotions, the questions, the grief, the bewilderment, the inevitability, the feelings of betrayal, the loss, and the despair so vividly and within such a relative economy of words. Had they ignored what was coming? Was it the worst of all nightmares? Were they dumbfounded? Did they deserve it? Was God’s wrath more than they could bear? Was there enormous regret and grief? Were their spiritual weaknesses now exposed and undeniable? Were they overwhelmed with shame and embarrassment? Did they plead for help?

Yes. To all those questions, the answer is a shivering, “Yes”.

There was no way to read those twenty-two verses without recognizing the course our nation has been on for a very long time. It is as if one is looking into a future—being given a preview of coming attractions—to which we have been prepaying our admission. And it seems to be a future to which we have finally and fatally arrived.

Who will save us? The answer God gave Solomon remains true today. "If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

Since God always keeps his promises (Numbers 23:19; Psalm 103:17) and in light of 2 Chronicles 7:14, why is our nation not being healed? Where do we point the finger of blame?

Three Women and the Unborn

One year ago, an article in the NY Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/08/upshot/politicians-draw-clear-lines-on-abortion-their-parties-are-not-so-unified.html) showed that members of the two main political parties often hold differing views from their party platform regarding abortion. The article and others infer that the leading candidates usually line up with whatever view they believe will garner the most votes. I have to admit that I agree: Political candidates cater to the people and the more widespread the office, the more they cater in their desire to win votes.

Regarding abortion, I had held what I considered to be a rather strong, yet sympathetic, view: Abortion is wrong… but what about victims of rape, etc.? My view changed many years ago and it was not because of someone's preaching, a well written article, a powerful speech, or graphic images spread across the internet or television screen. Three people had the greatest impact on adjusting my view: My wife, my mom, and my grandmother (and grandfather).

All three of these women stand/stood 100% against abortions—ALL abortions. My dear wife is resolute because, as she will quickly and with unabating firmness point out: Abortion is, first and foremost, about the baby. Whatever the reasons of the mother (and there are some heartbreaking, horrific, and ungodly circumstances), the baby deserves to live.

My dear mother has made the same point. Growing up, she always taught us that "two wrongs don't make a right." That extended to the wrongs done to women, which can be of the most vile and unthinkable nature. They are not made right by committing further atrocities, in this case, taking the life of another human being, i.e. an unborn (or, nowadays, even a new-born) baby. I pray Mom will be able to continue sharing that conviction and love for all lives as long as the Lord allows her to live on this Earth. She is 91 years old as of this writing.

Then there is my Grandma Gantenbein. Her example speaks for itself. She was not a large woman. At least, she was not large physically. She also had her share of health problems. When Grandma and Grandpa had their first child, Aunt Dorothy, all went fairly well. But there were problems when Uncle Al was born and the doctor told my grandparents that they should not have any more children. When they found out Grandma was pregnant again, that doctor told them that they need to terminate the pregnancy because it could do great harm to Grandma and the baby, with death being a very real possibility. Grandma's response (echoed by Grandpa Gantenbein) was that they were going to leave that in God's hands and trust Him. Aunt Betty survived the birth as did Grandma. But, the doctor said, "No more children!" He told them it was a matter of life or death. When they refused to have an abortion in 1923, Uncle Don was born but the doctor was adamant about the loss of both the baby and Grandma if they had another. In 1924 the doctor did his best to talk them into terminating the fifth pregnancy. As before, my grandmother bore witness to God's sovereignty and affirmed that if she died, so be it, but that baby's life was sacred and she was going to do everything possible to allow it the opportunity to live. Whew! James Calvin, aka Dad, made it. To the extent it affected Grandma's longevity… maybe without the 3rd, 4th, and 5th child, she would have lived to be a miserable and self-centered old woman. Instead she passed away, full of joy and always proclaiming the love of God, at the tender age of 89, a little more than two months after her 13th grandchild and Cathy Lynn Van Scyoc were married. Her home church pastor, her fifth child, and her son in law officiated her service.

I am so glad for the examples and unwavering conviction of these three saints. I am here today, with a refined view of the issue, because of them.

Summer of 1965 – Myself, Grandma Gantenbein, Dad (James Calvin Gantenbein)

Now, the Southern Baptist Convention has before it a resolution to condemn all abortion. Clearly it would not be necessary if they had wives, mothers, and grandmothers like mine. I would remind others of what they reminded me: 1. It is about the innocent baby; 2. Two wrongs do not make a right; 3. You would not be here today if someone had not trusted God and stood up for what was right in His eyes.

Following is a link to a web site where you can read the SBC resolution and, if you choose, take your stand to protect the lives of the unborn and the conscience of those mothers who might otherwise choose to commit this sin for which you cannot not put the toothpaste back in the tube.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScgVHlX3klYqQthBEJ-6YGgANtFuNaLjYXiQ6loUzaHOLu8OA/viewform?fbzx=6859269257849298698&fbclid=IwAR0fXrOx_Rp8zPKxGA_RgTawrB_-p3olfow5kRkv9ZUN05NGQusMpOEwRB0

Has It Been Two Years?

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been just over two years since our last annual Christmas letter. I know. You are thinking, “FINALLY! I’ve been waiting for this since early January 2018!”

But, before we delve into all that has happened in our family since that time, please, share what has been going on with you. Go ahead…

Wow, that is a lot better than what I was going to share so I’ll just end this letter here.

Okay, okay. Stop begging. I will share.

First, the kids—

Aaron, Denise, Sélah (4+ years), and Emma (2+ years) purchased a house here in Port Orchard and have turned it into a warm home. They have a new addition, too. His name is Brodie. We look forward to the day when this energetic puppy is grown and his nails and teeth do not so easily scratch and draw blood. 

Shane and Alison also bought a house where they live in Eureka CA. They have plenty of room to stretch out, let the dogs roam, raise chickens (again), and pick apples. They love going mushroom hunting, fishing, and crabbing. They gained a new addition in November, as well. Her name is Cecilia Lynn and our newest granddaughter is SO CUTE (even if she looks like her daddy’s side of the family)! 

David, Jordan, and Levi (2+ years) were not going to be left out on this thing of expanding families. As a matter of fact, they added to their family back in July. Maelie Jo is also SO ADORABLE! Big brother, Levi, can already say his full name, although a “D” sound is easier to say than all those other consonants so, for the time being, it may sound more like, “Eevi Dames Dandendine.” No matter. He still gets an A+ from everyone.

The thirteen of us (excluding non humans)—

It is such a joy when your offspring and their families come to visit (usually one family at a time) and we had several of these blessed events over the past two years.

We were also blessed to have everyone here for this past Christmas. A classic example of how formal we are during these gatherings was when we posed for pictures. Well, perhaps “posed” is not the most accurate word for what went on. Despite taking over 180 pictures—individual families, grandparents with grandkids, and the group photo—the best picture was… let’s just say “natural” or “casual”… or chaotic. Yes, that is more accurate. But we had a wonderful time figuring out and demonstrating how four established families (and their “way of doing things”) can get along with patience, grace, and, most of all, love.

The two of us—

We both stay very busy as part of Kitsap Lake Baptist Church. This March we will celebrate fourteen years with this wonderful congregation. This past summer, Cathy joined me for the annual Kids Camp. She was helping with all the food preparation (and clean up) while I served as Camp Pastor. I hope she will continue to join me doing this each year but it is up to her. She continues to serve as the lead teacher for our Children’s Sunday School.

Cathy and I had one of those “experience of a lifetime” things when we went through the Panama Canal as part of a big vacation in Spring 2018. A few days before going through the canal, Cathy let me take her parasailing and she loved it! We would (and, hopefully, will) do it again without hesitation, given the opportunity. A big bonus was learning how to make  salsa, guacamole, and chili rellenos with poblano peppers from a chef in Mexico!

2019 was been a year of joy and sadness. On March 3, my dear mother in law, Dorothy Van Scyoc, entered into the presence of Jesus at the age of 93. We know that she is forever full of joy but we are saddened that we will be without her for the remainder of our time on earth. Cathy’s parents were very dear, generous, loving, and godly people. Their four children are proof. This was also the reason we made three trips to Oklahoma in eleven months, with the last trip culminating in driving a rental truck back to Washington State, carrying precious memories that are now part of our home.

I did say that 2019 included joy. The greatest of these were the births of Maelie Joann on July 11 (a real 7-11 baby) and Cecilia Lynn on November 2 (late, just like her momma). Added to that, we took a 7-night cruise to Alaska with our dear friends, Danny and Cathy Herron. We rode a real live steam train out of Skagway all the way into Canada on the same tracks travelled by the gold miners. The train passed within inches of the rock faces created by dynamite. The other side dropped off hundreds of feet to the river below. It was just like being at Disneyland!

This past Summer and Fall, we were also able to get some work done on our house, adding a cover to the patio, replacing the worn carpet, and making some other helpful improvements. I reckon we won’t be moving anytime soon. 

Finally (yes, there is an end to this novella), the big, big, big news: After 33 years of working for The City of Tacoma, Cathy retired on July 1. To celebrate, I took my wife on a wonderful nine-night mystery trip that included Branson MO, Disneyland, and her very first non-tourist train ride (Amtrak in a sleeper car). I am so grateful for all the years she spent helping to support our family as well as carrying the major burden of maintaining our household. Now, she gets to do whatever she wants! (I hope it includes taking me on vacations.) Oh, I almost forgot: The City of Tacoma dedicated the training room to Cathy and named it after her!

That’s it.

Happy and Merry all-those-special-days-and-holidays-during-the-year!

Our love to you!

Jim and Cathy