Our House

The like-titled 80s hit by the English band Madness has been going through my mind since receiving some disturbing news last Tuesday night. A former schoolmate visiting her parents emailed a message informing me my old childhood home was on fire! After my father and mother both died almost a year ago, the house had been unoccupied and was slated for demolition. Still, the fire department put out the flames and later determined it was caused by an arsonist.

I have many memories growing up at 722 5th Street South in Moorhead, Minnesota. Originally built in 1902, this two-story house was bought by my parents in 1970 after renting various places during the early years of their marriage. One exciting thing for me as a six-year-old was having my own room. My little sister and I no longer had to share one. My second-floor bedroom was connected to a sun porch where I often played with my toys. Sometimes I’d open up a glass door and put on puppet shows while neighborhood kids watched from the backyard. Other times I went down to the basement and listened to records, played foosball, pool or ping-pong.

Of course, a bigger house meant more chores needed to be done. Among my assigned duties were vacuuming, mowing the lawn, weeding the garden, and picking up poop in the dog pen (which I hated the most). I also made coffee for my parents but wouldn’t drink the stuff myself until years later.

Our family’s move to the corner of 5th Street and 8th Avenue initially caused a rift with the Moorhead school system. Our previous home was closer to Riverside Elementary. The new house was still close enough for me to walk to Riverside for first grade. Officials repeatedly told my parents I had to go to Park School because of a zoning ordinance. I ended up going to Park from second to fifth grade. Then I returned to Riverside for sixth grade. Declining enrollment resulted in Park closing down (though it was later resurrected as a private Christian school).

Our house was also close to Concordia College. As a boy, I often rode my bicycle around the campus. Following my high school graduation, I enrolled at Moorhead State University because their tuition was less expensive. Fortunately, that was also within walking distance.

Meanwhile, my parents decided to build a spacious addition in place of the original garage. Construction of that began in the mid-1970s but wasn’t completed until a decade later. While the addition was in a half-finished state, I made use of the vacant space by having rummage sales. Dad contributed items such as used furniture and paid me a commission. When the addition was finally done, a large family room was used for celebrations, meals, and watching TV.

In 1985, I enlisted in the Army National Guard and then moved to Minneapolis. For a while, I’d come home about four times a year. My visits became less frequent after becoming a Christian in 1991. Mom and Dad were initially uncomfortable with my newfound faith. God later provided alternative places for me to stay in the Fargo-Moorhead area. It’s just as well since I didn’t like being around my mother’s smoking.

After Mom had a stroke and moved to an assisted living facility, Dad was okay with me staying at the house again for short visits. By this time, the bedrooms upstairs were mostly used for storage. So I slept on a couch in the family room. I didn’t mind that except when the dogs woke me up with their barking.

For years, I speculated of someday inheriting the house even though I didn’t want to settle in Moorhead again. That was never an option. Due to financial issues, Dad sold the house to Concordia College but continued renting it from them. The college had already torn down neighboring houses to provide extra parking space for students. There was recurring talk of our house coming down as well but wouldn’t happen during my parents’ lifetime. 

While it would still be nice having my own house someday, I have a more glorious home waiting in heaven. Jesus promised me a mansion in John 14:2. The house fire is a reminder never to be consumed with temporal things that won’t last forever.

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” - 2 Peter 3:10

Heavenly Homes

A few years ago, actress Jennifer Anniston purchased a one-bedroom penthouse apartment in New York City for $8 million. Around that time, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg bought a $7 million home in California. It was also reported Michael Jordan was building a home in Florida with an estimated value of $20 million. The secular media doesn’t mind celebrities and athletes owning multi-million houses. Yet they will launch an “exposé” if a preacher buys (or is given) a house for a fraction of that amount.

Even some believers are critical of brethren with nice domiciles. One time a homeless man I met in Florida complained about a local pastor having a $500,000 house. Before you pity this homeless man, it should be pointed out he was a modern-day Jonah running from the call to preach. God will bless those who will obey His will for their lives. Isaiah 1:19-20 says, “‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Every Christian will someday walk through pearly gates on streets of gold and have a heavenly mansion (John 14:1-2). A wall made up of twelve different kinds of precious stones surrounds the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21). God desires His people to live in beautiful places.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus prayed for the Father’s will to be done “…on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) Joshua 24:13 talks about the Lord giving the Israelites, “…a land for which you did not labor, and cities which you did not build, and you dwell in them; you eat of the vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant.” Therefore, a Christian shouldn’t be made to feel guilty by jealous brethren for having numerous possessions including a nice home. It’s not up to any individual to dictate how much a believer should or shouldn’t have. That’s between him and the Lord.

Once I met a woman who felt led to reside with a group of homeless people in “Tent City”, a makeshift shelter in a wooded area of Mobile, Alabama. Of course, not all Christians are called to live like that. Those that are usually do so for a season to reach certain individuals. A couple times, the Lord led me to stay in a homeless shelter for the night. Despite the uncomfortable environment, it resulted in ministry opportunities.

Some missionaries like myself have traveled from city to city without a permanent home. In her book “Tramp for the Lord”, Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom wrote about living out of a suitcase for years while preaching around the world. Corrie still desired a place of her own. God eventually blessed her with one where she spent the latter years of her life.

Admittedly, there have been times I’ve considered leaving the mission field and working a regular job again to have a more “secure” lifestyle. Whenever that thought crosses my mind, I remind myself of this comment a Facebook friend posted…

“A good friend I went to college with started out in full-time ministry. He had some bad experiences and decided to become a fireman instead. I talked to him today. He is retiring with great benefits and a nice house at a young age. I told him, ‘I'm jealous of you.’ He said, ‘Don’t be, I wish I had the courage to stay with ministry. I'm jealous of you.’ Wow, kind of helped me see things in a different way.”

While still desiring my own house, I will trust God to provide one at the right time and not settle down somewhere for the sake of being comfortable. Serving the Lord occasionally requires sacrifices. However, rewards are available when a Christian is willing to give up worldly possessions and the approval of man to obey a higher calling.

“Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.” - Mark 10:29-30

Disabled for Christ?

A friend of mine once sent me an email that intended to be a praise report. Due to personal health issues, he was approved to receive disability payments. This man became (as he called it) “disabled for Christ.”

In one way, it was good news my friend started receiving a consistent income stream. From the time I’ve known him, he’s struggled with finances and keeping a steady job. I can identify with creative individuals who have difficulties finding their niche in the workplace. Aside from that, my friend prefers to be in ministry and occasionally does volunteer work in that area.

On the other hand, I don’t consider being “disabled for Christ” a praise report. Immediately Philippians 4:13 came to my mind, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Sadly, there are people who don’t want to be healed for fear of losing money and people’s sympathy. It reminds of a joke I heard years ago…

A Republican with a hunched back entered a restaurant one afternoon and asked the waitress for a cup of coffee. He shuffled over to a booth, painfully sat down, and glanced across the restaurant and asked, “Is that Jesus over there?”

The waitress nodded, so the Republican said to give Jesus a cup of coffee, his treat.

The second patron to enter the restaurant was a Reform Party supporter on crutches. He hobbled over to a booth, sat down and hollered, “Hey there, sweet thang, how's about gettin' me a cold glass of Coke!”

He, too, looked across the restaurant and asked, “Is that God's boy over there?”

The waitress nodded, so he said to give Jesus a cold glass of Coke, on his bill.

The third patron to come into the restaurant was a Democrat in a wheel chair and he asked the waitress for a cup of tea. He also looked across the restaurant and asked, “Is that Jesus sitting over there?”

The waitress nodded “yes,” so he told her to give Jesus a cup of tea on him.

As Jesus got up to leave, He passed by the Republican, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.”

The Republican felt his back straightening up, and he rose up his hands, praised the Lord and did a series of back flips as he went out the door.

Then Jesus passed by the third party guy, touched him and said, “For your kindness, you are healed.”

The man felt the strength come back into his legs, got up, and danced a jig out the door.

Then Jesus walked towards the Democrat. Suddenly the Democrat jumped up and yelled, “Don't touch me...I'm drawing disability!”

I’m not saying it’s wrong to receive any form of government assistance. Personally I would like to see more done for our military veterans who sacrificed their lives to protect the freedoms we often take for granted. As a young Christian, I briefly collected unemployment benefits but didn’t feel comfortable with that. Once I submitted an application for subsidized housing but later found a place to live through a pastor I know. I felt this was a reminder believers should avoid looking to the government as their source of supply.

God wants to be our provider as well as our healer.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.” - Psalm 103:2-3

Set Your House in Order

Photo by Marchand Meffre

Occasionally when I’m about to get a ride somewhere, my driver will apologize for having extra junk in the car. Usually, I reply in jest, “I’m not from Good Carkeeping and so your secret is safe with me.” I’ll make similar comments if I walk into a house and my host is apologetic for it not being spotless. Certainly, I’m not a neat freak but do recognize the importance of being organized. Sometimes I’ve allowed my bedroom to become messy but always feel good inside after things are put in their proper place.

Contrary to popular belief, the phrase “cleanliness is next to godliness” is not in the Bible. Nevertheless, there is some truth to that statement. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” This verse can apply to other areas of life besides church meetings. I heard one pastor point out the condition of our home is often a reflection of our spiritual life.

It reminds me of the time I was invited to stay in a country house that was very filthy. Despite the homeowner being an evangelist, many of the other residents were smokers and drinkers. I opted to sleep in an abandoned trailer nearby. Soon people noticed a moldy smell on me. Meanwhile, much gossip and other ungodly activities occurred on the property. I felt relieved when a door opened for me to move someplace else. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace...”

We serve a God of order. Genesis 1:2 says, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” The Hebrew word for “without form” is tohu, which is also defined as “confusion” and “place of chaos.” This was due to Lucifer’s rebellion. Then God spoke creation into existence. Until man allowed sin to enter in, the earth was a perfect paradise. The order of this universe is evidence there is a creator.

Even the secular world recognizes the importance of being organized. Television and radio host Larry King once said, “Getting your house in order and reducing the confusion gives you more control over your life. Personal organization somehow releases or frees you to operate more effectively.”

Not being organized affects the lives of others. In both 2 Kings 20:1 and Isaiah 38:10, King Hezekiah was commanded by the Lord to “set your house in order” for he was about to die (Hezekiah’s life was ultimately extended fifteen years). Sometimes I’ve had to wait around for people wasting time looking for misplaced items like car keys hidden in an untidy home.

Now if this is an area you’ve struggled with, one suggestion I can offer is downsizing. Instead of being a packrat, it’s better to dispose of extra stuff not being used. One night at a Jerry Savelle meeting, he led the congregation to give away things other people needed. I got blessed with an electronic keyboard that enabled me to resume creating music. Later when I needed to downsize again, I gave the keyboard to my dad since he often talked of getting one.

Over the years I’ve taken part in garage sales and placed Craigslist ads to generate extra money. Most of the time though I donate stuff to individuals or Christian organizations like the Salvation Army. Things are more valuable in the spiritual realm as a seed.

Cathy Lechner once wrote a book titled “I'm Trying to Sit at His Feet, But Who's Going to Cook Dinner?” We shouldn’t be like Martha who was so focused on accomplishing things that she neglected spending time with Jesus like her sister Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Nevertheless, it’s possible to keep a neat orderly home while maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord.

Most Christians wouldn’t think of having their churches in disrepair. Would you want Jesus to walk into your house if it’s in disarray?

“for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” - 1 Timothy 3:5

You’re Covered

Over the years I’ve heard ministers give differing opinions as to whether they should have a “covering” or a fellow minister overseeing them. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines covering as “a thing used to cover something else, typically in order to protect or conceal it.” One apostle I know preaches that everybody should have a pastor. I believe that’s good advice, especially for newborn believers. Whenever leading someone to the Lord, I always encourage him (or her) to find a good church where he can be discipled and grow in the things of God.

The Bible mentions people who had spiritual mentors: Joshua had Moses, Elisha had Elijah, and Timothy had Paul. On the other hand, Moses never had a spiritual father nor did Elijah or Paul. Paul even cited that as proof of his apostleship (Galatians 1:15-17).

I’ve heard some Christians claim, “I am submitted to God, and no one else!” People who make remarks like that tend to have a rebellious attitude and are not open to correction. Although a believer “ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29), Ephesians 5:21 talks about “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” 1 Peter 5:5 also says, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.”

Nevertheless, there are times when a Christian must step out even if others disagree with where God is guiding him. In 1996, I resigned from my job at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association because the Lord wanted me to attend revival meetings in Toronto but my supervisor wouldn‘t give me the time off. He plus elders from my church questioned my decision. To them, it looked foolish for me to leave a “stable job.” But instead of following their opinions, I obeyed what God instructed me to do. As a result, I had the opportunity to stretch my faith and live in Toronto for two months where the Lord met my needs. After returning to Minnesota, I came back to work at Billy Graham. Two years later, I left that job for good to travel on the mission field full-time.

Now and then I haven’t officially had a home church but still sought counsel from other ministers I kept in contact with. Sometimes the Lord has led me to temporarily move to a new city where I initially didn’t have any spiritual connections. In situations like that, I always sought out a good church to attend that I could also refer newborn believers to. Occasionally pastors there encouraged me to come forward and speak without hearing me preach beforehand. They discerned by the Spirit of God I had something to say that would bless their congregations.

Still, there have been critics who accused me of being a “lone ranger.” Until recently I considered paying money to join a ministerial organization so my ministry would have greater creditability. But then I heard this powerful statement from Ian Clayton: “You don’t have to buy a covering when Jesus is your covering.”

If you happen to be in-between churches right now, pray and ask God to lead you to where He wants you planted and to whom He wants you accountable. Until then, God has you covered if you are submitted to Him.

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.” - Psalm 91:4