For Such a Time as This

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

It's time to let go, and it's not going to be easy.

In just a few weeks, I'll say good-bye to the teenagers I've pastored, many of them for several years in my Youth Ministry. My wife and I are moving on to take a Senior Pastor's position in a nearby town. Although I'll still see the teens from time to time, gone are the days of overnight rallies, movie nights, pizza parties and those incredibly moving times of praying together for friends and family. I'll miss them terribly.

The Bible reminds us in Esther 4:14 that we are often called by God "for such a time as this." My time is over, and God is starting a new chapter. He has a brand new purpose.

I'm reminded of Hanna's promise to God in I Samuel. Hannah wept bitterly because she didn't have a child. So she promised God that if he would only give her a son, she would give him back to the Lord for all the days of his life. And that's exactly what she did. She gave her son Samuel away, and saw him only occasionally as he grew up.

It's interesting to note that Hannah never complained or spoke words of regret. When the time came to fulfill her promise, the Word says that she rejoiced! Why? Because the pain of giving up her child was overshadowed by the joy of living out God's will for her life.

It can be difficult to move into a new season in our lives. Our children grow up, they move on, often far away from home. It's our responsibility to raise them up in Godly fashion, then trust that they've learned enough along the way to keep the faith. They are only ours "for such a time as this." It's God's plan, but it's not always a smooth ride, is it? We get emotional. We long for what was... perhaps because we're afraid of what lies ahead.

But here's the good news. While the boy Samuel grew up to become a great leader, Hannah gave birth to three more sons and two daughters! In the new season of her life, God was more than gracious. As we transition in life, those who are faithful to God's word and His call will receive so much more than we give up. Sacrifices are only painful for a short time, when we trust God for tomorrow.

Yes, I'm going to miss those kids. But I can hardly wait to see what God has in store.

Landmarks

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

There are moments that shape our lives. Moments that, when we look back, we realize have helped to define who we are. I call them “landmark moments.” Each of us gets only a handful of landmark moments, but they become lasting memories. Sometimes they’re pleasant, often times they’re not.

My most important landmark moment took place on a summer’s night when I was 19 years old. Our family was planning a weekend camping getaway, a time of healing for a family that had seen it’s share of hard times. My mother wanted to unwind that night, so she told my father, “I’m going for a ride on my bike, and I’ll be right back.” But she didn’t make it home. Only a mile and a half from our home, she was struck head-on by a car and killed instantly.

At 19 I was legally an adult, but in many ways still a scared, insecure kid. However, I was forced to grow up overnight. There were funeral arrangements to be made; I had to be strong for my dad and brother. I wanted to make mom proud. In the weeks ahead I learned to cook, do laundry, take care of shopping and other household chores. My brother went back to college, and my father and I were left alone in a two-story, three-bedroom home that had never seemed so empty and quiet.

In the years since, I’ve learned how God’s hand was all over my life during that time. I believe he grieved along with my family. I believe Jesus felt the hurt I was feeling. Remember how Jesus wept at Lazarus’ grave, even though he already knew that he was about to raise Mary and Martha’s brother from the dead? I think Jesus wept because his friends were hurting! So I held on to the promise of Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV). I love that promise! But it’s a conditional promise. God will turn the most painful tragedies into blessing for those who love Him, those who follow Him and hold tightly to His hand.

God used that painful time to instruct me to lead, to develop a servant’s heart, and teach me about compassion. He healed my family’s wounds, and held us as we grieved. It would be years before I knew the lessons He had taught me would be essential in my role as a Pastor.

I continually hold one to one more of God’s promises, that although mom and dad are both gone, they have eternal life. And I think they would be proud of how God has shaped my life. I know I’m grateful to Him for never leaving or forsaking me, especially during a landmark moment.


Comments:


Great!
by: Lynn Mosher

Tim, I loved your article. It is true; the Lord uses those contrary circumstances in our lives as a grinding stone and polishing cloth to fashion His rough gems into glistening diamonds. Very nice job! And I'm glad you, as a guy, have joined the gals! May the Lord bless all your efforts to serve Him!



by: Shirley Peter

I REALLY ENJOYED READING YOUR ARTICLE AND AGREE THAT GOD USES THE HARD STUFF WE GO THROUGH TO SHAPE US FOR HIS PLAN. WE MAY WANT TO GET OUT OF IT WHILE EXPERIENCING IT BUT I HAVE ALWAYS FOUND THAT IT IS DURING THOSE TIMES I GROW AND MY FAITH BECOMES STRONGER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXCELLENT ARTICLE. SHIRLEY.

I Resolve!

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

There was a time - I'm still not entirely sure why - that I resolved to give up chocolate for an entire year. No candy bars, no hot cocoa on a cold winter's night, not even a measly little peanut M&M. Somehow, I made it through the entire year. I suppose I did it just to prove that I could!

I can't say that I've been that successful with every resolution. Many of us make resolutions in the new year to be better people, lose weight, find a new job, etc. And then as the excitement of the holidays begins to wane, we'll forget about our resolutions and get back to life as normal.

Perhaps it's time that we look at our resolutions from a new perspective. In God's word, a resolution was not just part of a wish list, it was a binding agreement; a covenant with God.

For instance, the prophet Daniel resolved "not to defile himself with the royal food and wine" (Daniel 1:8). Paul wrote, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:2). A resolution was a promise made by God's followers that would draw them into a more meaningful relationship with Him. Rare would be the time that our great heroes of the Bible would even think of breaking a resolution.

So what resolutions have you made? Perhaps it's time to consider if the resolutions we make are for our own sakes, or for God's glory. May I suggest that our promises can benefit both? Let's resolve to be the spouses, parents, students or workers that God intends for us to be. The Bible urges us to offer ourselves as a "living sacrifice" to Him (I Corinthians 12:1)! And it comes with a guarantee that God will show us His perfect, pleasing will for our lives. In other words, when we resolve to please God, He will bless our families.

Giving up chocolate for a year didn't do a thing for me. I didn't lose any weight, I still got teenage pimples, and I didn't feel any healthier. Why? Because it wasn't a resolution done for God's glory. I did it only to see if I could. How much more could we see God pour into our lives if we resolve to glorify Him instead?

Comments:


Thank you
by: Anonymous

I will make a resolution to be more Christlike and glorify his name through my actions. God bless you....



by: Ann

Wonderful words on resolutions! As you wrote, when we make resolutions for God's glory instead of personal choices, the end results are so much better.

Thank you for your keen insight and help on resolutions!

Ann

Say That Again!

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

It would have made a great greeting card commercial. The year was 1992, and I had just won a major award for excellence in broadcast journalism. To say I was shocked when I heard my name called at the awards ceremony would be a gross understatement. I took my shiny new plaque, posed for a quick photo, and returned to my seat, still shaking like a leaf. With a grin, my wife reached into her purse and took out an envelope. Inside was a card that read, "I knew you could do it. Congratulations!"

How's that for confidence?

That was 16 years ago, but I remember it so well. Why? Because whether we readily admit it or not, we husbands really do long for the approval and affirmation of our wives. It's true! Just ask King Lemuel. He's the guy who described Beaver Cleaver's mom for a whopping 21 verses in the 31st chapter of Proverbs. Tucked away in the discourse is this valuable nugget: "Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life" (Proverbs 31:11-12).

I thrive on the confidence my wife gives me. She can be brutally honest about my shortcomings, but her honesty is tempered with an assurance that she knows what I'm capable of. Like a young child who believes his parents can do no wrong, she lifts me up rather than tearing me down. "Faithful instruction is on her tongue" (verse 26).

Yes, it's a two-way street. In the New Testament, Paul admonishes husbands to love their wives. That should be a no-brainer. However, a "Proverbs 31 Wife" makes the husband's role so much sweeter. He will never outgrow his need to feel appreciated and valued.

Proverbs 31:29 says of this incredible wife, "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Now, doesn't that make an even better greeting card?

Comments:


confidence
by: Kathalene

Tim, you are so right!

Men need that encouragement and trust from their wives, don't they!

Oh, my heart feels so good tonight!
You said that exactly right, it so true!



by: Anonymous

Wonderful article on husbands and wives and their need for each other and how appreciation enriches lives!

Everyone on this earth wants, needs and loves to be appreciated. And is something that is freely given and freely received..

Good going!

Toni

The Key to Positive Thinking

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

"Wow Tim, you are looking good! You've lost a lot of weight!"

I smiled and thanked my friend who hadn't seen me in several months. I was about a year into my weight loss journey, and had dropped about 80 pounds. My health was improving, it seemed I was constantly buying new clothes, while I felt better about myself than I had in years. As my friend sized me up, I calmly waited for the inevitable question.

"So," she asked, "How did you do it?"

I had been asked that question countless times. My answer was always the same... Prayer, diet and exercise.

"What sort of diet?" she wondered.

I explained for the upteenth time that I had cut all fats from my diet. Carbs weren't the problem, so I ate a lot of breads and starchy foods. But cookies, pies, cakes and peanut butter were all out.

"Oh!" she exclaimed in horror. "You can't lose weight like that!"

Hello? In one breath she was complimenting my weight loss, and in the next, telling me my plan couldn't possibly work. Well, it did. I went on to lose 135 pounds, and I've kept it off for over six years. I didn't allow my friend to speak negative thoughts into my life.

Whose voice are you listening to today? God's word has a lot to say about the long, healthy, and happy life that He wants for his children! And while He doesn't promise that we can avoid all of life's unpleasantness simply by speaking the right words, He has outlined a plan to bring us the abundant life Jesus spoke of! It works something like this: Learning equals wisdom, and wisdom equals health!

Proverbs 4:20-22 says, "My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body."

Developing a positive attitude literally means that God wants us to get smart! Get His wisdom by studying His word, spending time in prayer and communion with Him, and plugging in to a great church. Your faith will flourish, and you will be better able to stand on His word, proclaiming the positive over your life. A positive Christian will say, "I believe in the power of Jesus Christ to handle any situation that comes my way." A negative Christian says, "Well, I guess this is just the way God made me, and I'll have to live with it."

When Jesus entered his hometown of Nazareth, the people began to grumble, "Isn't this the carpenter? What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles?" Their negative attitudes literally kept Jesus from performing any more than just a few healings. Jesus couldn't minister because of their lack of faith!

What about you? The Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Have you done a personal faith check lately? Are you getting a daily dose of His wisdom? Allow Him to give you the steps to take. Wisdom is the key to a positive, abundant life in Jesus Christ.

God's Perspective

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

They say that hindsight is 20/20. I’ve certainly found that to be true in my Christian walk. It seems God is always finding unique ways of molding us into the people He wants us to be, even though we don’t always see the purpose in our trials right away.

In High School, I had a classmate we’ll call “Sue.” There was nothing about Sue that attracted other students to her. In fact, most people would go out of their way to avoid her. She wasn’t attractive or smart, her speech was slow, and she had certain cognitive delays that kept her from keeping up with the rest of the class.

However, I had been taught from the time I was old enough to walk to befriend all people. My parents made it very clear that I wasn’t to treat Sue like the other kids did. I was expected to be her friend.

I can still remember the day Sue asked me if I would like one of her senior pictures. To be perfectly honest, my first thought was, “not particularly.” But I swallowed hard and said, “Sure Sue, I’d like that.” Her smile was incredible. It was obvious that no one else had shown any interest. She gave me two different photos and I placed them in my wallet.

But somehow, a few weeks later a cruel classmate got a hold of that wallet on the school bus. When she saw the photo of Sue, she began flashing it around and shouting, “Tim loves Sue! Look at this everyone, he’s got a girlfriend!”

I was mortified. But it didn’t stop me from digging in my heels, holding my head high and doing my best to give Sue my friendship.

Fast-forward 20 years. My wife and I sat in a cramped room across from a neurologist who gave us the grim news that our precious little boy had autism. Now my son was the one who didn’t “fit in.” He was the one who couldn’t speak, who had emotional outbursts, and didn’t do well in a regular classroom setting. We would hear the whispers from other children his age, “what’s wrong with him?”

While nothing could have fully prepared us for that day, or for the many long days and struggles to come, I can see now that God had softened and developed my heart, years in advance, to be the best parent I can be. My own parents had followed the commands written in the book of Proverbs to “raise up a child in the way he should go.” Befriending Sue all those years ago allowed me to teach others to befriend my son. And I’m grateful.

I had always admired parents of special needs kids. From my pre-parenting perspective, I would smile and say, “God always gives special kids the special parents.” Yeah, right. So how did this happen to us? We’re nothing special. We didn’t ask for this! But the Bible says in I Corinthians 13:12, “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” (NIV). We don’t have all the answers, now. But someday we will.

And sometimes, as I pull out my old yearbook and think about days that seemed so difficult back then, I can almost picture God winking at me and saying, “See? I knew what I was doing all along.”

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

There's a great saying that goes something like this: "Unforgiveness is like drinking deadly poison and expecting someone else to die." How true that is.

The anger and bitterness that well up inside of us from holding on to unforgiveness can be stifling. And it's often the deep-rooted pains of memories from years ago that hang on, weighing us down and keeping us from reaching our full potential.

Just a few days before my father suffered a fatal heart attack, I had the privilege of leading him back to Christ. We prayed together on the phone, and for the first time, I told him that he was forgiven for any hurt he had caused me and my family by his alcoholism. I forgave him for years of emotional hurts and neglect.

You see, I had just experienced the healing power of forgiveness myself. A powerful sermon just a few months before had driven me to the altar, where I laid down all the bitterness and anger I had been carrying with me since childhood.

What good was the unforgiveness doing? It certainly wasn't hurting the people who caused me pain in the past. When God set me free from anger, I saw the unforgiveness as a sin, a cancer in my life that had kept me from enjoying all that God wanted for me.

God has an assignment for each of us, a perfect plan to prosper and not harm us. But he can't act in our lives when we're holding on to anger.

What freedom I felt the day I told my dad that he was forgiven! We cried together, we laughed together, and for the first time in our often-broken relationship, we had peace. Three days later, he was gone to be with the Lord. Instead of anger, I had the "peace that passes all understanding" in my heart.

Just a couple weeks after Dad's death, I was cleaning out his closet, and thumbing through one of his old Bibles. On the inside cover was a notation in Dad's distinctive handwriting - "Psalms 32:1." I looked it up and read the words, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered."

The healing power of forgiveness had saved a father and son. He wants to do the same for all of his children. It's time to let it go, and let God. You are the only person who can prevent God from doing all that he wants in you. He is able to heal the broken heart, to give you the ability to forgive the seemingly unforgivable, if you'll only trust Him.

Reflections From 37,000 Feet

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

"What? You've got to be kidding me!"

My traveling partner's jaw nearly hit the floor when he saw the seats we had been assigned for our plane ride from Detroit to Atlanta. We were in row 38, seats A and B... the only seats on the plane without a window. My reaction? "Thank God, my prayers have been answered!"

It all took place just last week, and I'm happy to report that I survived my first plane ride ever! To say I was nervous about flying would be an understatement. But my burden was eased tremendously when I learned there would be no window nearby! I could safely relax in my seat and make believe I was in a very fast moving locomotive that never left the ground. Fortunately, the worst part of flying other than my unfounded fears was the two year old kicking the back of my seat on the return flight. I even brought home an empty airsick bag to prove to my wife that I wasn't scared.

She didn't buy it.

What's that old acrostic about fear? False Evidence Appearing Real? It sounds good on the surface, but it's harder to put into practice. Paul writes in Romans 8:15, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear..." He's right, of course. Our fears were nailed to the cross along with our sins. God promised to be with us always, never to leave us, never to forsake us.

It was 24 years ago today that my mother died in a horrific traffic accident while riding her bicycle. For years, I would fear the anniversary of that terrible night. I allowed false evidence to rule my emotions. It took a long time for me to get it into my heart that fear doesn't come from God. My Father is a God of love and peace. He cares enough about us to get us through the difficult days. Often, He speaks comfort in a still quiet voice. Other times He sends people into our lives to speak His word. He can even give us just the right seat on our first plane ride.

The anniversary that frightened me so has become a time of quiet reflection. I honor my mom's memory by living a life that she would be proud of. I hold on to God's hand for comfort, and look to Him for guidance daily. I have nothing to fear, and everything to look forward to in Jesus.

Washing Your Children's Feet

by Pastor Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

I didn't want to be nice to Chet. I didn't want to sit by Denise at lunchtime. I didn't want to be the only student in my classroom who would talk to the castaways, share my paper and pencils with the kid who didn't have anything or invite the biggest loser in class to my birthday party.

But eventually Chet, Denise and all the others became my most cherished friends. Why? Because I followed the command to "do unto others." I didn't learn it as a child from extensive Bible reading, or by taking sermon notes in church. I learned it from my mother.

You see, the Bible makes it clear that we all have spiritual gifts given to us by our creator. My mom recognized something in me early on. She knew I had a compassionate heart, and a gift for service. God had planted it, and she helped to cultivate it until the seeds grew into something beautiful. Now, my life is richly blessed because I've dedicated myself to serving others.

We are all called to serve, whether it's the primary gift God has placed on our hearts or not. Jesus demonstrated that for his disciples when he took on the role of the lowliest of household servants and washed their feet. Jesus was a great leader and people followed him because first and foremost, he was a servant. My mother was doing the same by modeling a similar servant attitude for me.

During school field trips (which she always volunteered to chaperone) she would choose the quiet and shy students to be a part of our group. Eventually, my other classmates would clamor to be with mom during every trip. Little by little, I began to understand the great joy in servanthood. My happiness eventually began to be based on what I could do for others, and not what they could do for me.

Romans Chapter 12 tells us that by offering ourselves to God for His service, we can "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (v.2 NKJV). Isn't that exciting - to know God's perfect will for us?

As parents, we know better than anyone what makes our kids tick. We know what excites them, what makes them happy, angry, or sad. Do you see the spiritual gifts that God has planted in your children? You have a tremendous opportunity to help that gift grow, and encourage your child to be all that he or she was meant to be.

Pray for your children each night as they sleep. Pray with them every day. Ask God to develop their gifts. And don't forget to thank Him for the wonderful gift that He has given you... the opportunity to serve Him by raising your children for His service.

Today is a Treasure

by Tim LaVere
(West Branch, Michigan)

Many years ago, when my mother-in-law was going through a rough time, I picked up a book for her that was simple, yet thought-provoking. It was no more than a long list of items that made the author happy. Page after page was filled with things like, "a sunset... a vanilla ice cream cone... talking a walk in the park..." It seems the author had learned to find joy in the little things that surround us.

I remember the first day I watched from the front window as my little boy boarded the school bus. I had always worked early mornings, and for the first couple years he attended school, I had never enjoyed the simple pleasure of watching him get on the bus. By then it was routine to his mom, but that day holds a special place in my heart. And really, shouldn't every day be filled with opportunities like that? I like to store those pictures in my memory bank. They're a great reminder that Jesus came so we could have life, and have it more abundantly! Why do we work so hard at finding ways to complicate it?

Many of us have big dreams for ourselves and our families. There are places we want to see, things we want to accomplish. Some of us have visions that seem impossible to everyone else. So we work hard. And we push hard. We're constantly looking toward tomorrow, taking another step toward that dream. Now don't get me wrong, I think dreams are fantastic. I have a lot of things I want to get done. God's not through with me yet by a long shot!

But in the meantime, I want to enjoy today.

God's Word says, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34, NIV). Wow, isn't that the truth? We can find ourselves so wrapped up in what is to come, that we fail to see what is right in front of us right now!

A beautiful sunrise. Getting caught in a chilly rain. A deer grazing in the field. Laughing so hard that we cry. They're all little treasures from God meant to help us make the most of our days.

I don't know about you, but I don't need a million dollar mansion to be happy. Besides, our real treasure lies in heaven, anyway. Every day we're surrounded by opportunities to write another page for our memory banks. Take a look around today and you're sure to see, even in the darkest of days, a treasure or two that God has placed in your life. His little treasures are worth more than anything we'll ever create on our own.