What People are saying about Crossroads of Life

What people are saying about Crossroads of Life

We really loved this! We thought the language was especially good. It was as if we were sitting down and talking. We also liked the topics and how they flowed. There were questions we all ask from time to time…like “how did I get here?” The topics were thorough and Scripture inserted at just the right place. This is really excellent. We can see that the Lord used you in a mighty way! This is going to help a lot of people, including us. You did an awesome job! Wow! We’re impressed!

—Gina Dickerson, hospitality executive, and Jon Dickerson, sales executive, Denver, CO

Crossroads of Life

Making Tough Decisions using Biblical Principles

Author: Richard Godfrey

 For anyone struggling with life’s decisions.  Because most of us were never taught how to make decisions this book is a must read. It will empower anyone to be a great, sound decision-maker whether it is in finances, relationships, retirement, marriage, regardless of the area. 

Order Crossroads of Life Today at:

http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000477713/Crossroads-of-Life.aspx

Based on sound biblical principles this book is for you.

Joseph part 2

Read Genesis 37-39; 40-48

Joseph’s story can be summarized, without over simplification, as a story of servant hood to ministry.  His story actually begins in chapter 37 wherein he dreams a dream, relays the dream to his brothers and parents escalating animosity and turmoil in the family. Joseph, being the favorite son of his father Israel, antagonizes the situation between himself and his already jealous brothers.

Some things the Lord tells us are not for broadcasting, but the text is silent in respect to his dreams. At any rate his brothers are already livid against him when he tells the dreams.

The dreams in essence are for Joseph’s knowledge only. They constitute God’s calling and purpose on Joseph. God’s calling always has a purpose. But our God is so gracious toward us that He even hits a straight lick with a crooked stick!

In essence the dreams were his calling to ministry…but he had much to learn…humility for one, patience for another.

Calling for ministry

Basically there are three stages on ministry.

1.    The calling itself: comes in various fashions as God sees fit; some are more pronounced as in Moses when his mother saw he was a proper child and his subsequent experience with the burning bush. Abraham was also called out of the land of Ur of the Chaldees. Each of the twelve disciples had a unique, personal calling. The apostle Paul was called on the road to Damascus and spent some 14 years in the desert preparing for his purpose in ministry. Paul’s purpose was to minister to the Gentiles. Each calling is divinely tailored to each individual

2.    Preparation: the time divinely set for training to attain one’s ministry. Both Abraham and Moses had their time of preparation; Moses tending sheep on the back side of the desert for 40 years. Abraham’s wanderings in the land to the Promised Land. Paul spent at least 14 years in the desert before being released into his ministry. The 12 spent at least 3 years of personal tutorage under the master.

3.    Sending: comes only after the appointed time of preparation. It is said that Moses began his ministry prematurely when he slew the Egyptian.

Sadly many of us don’t wait for the preparation but skip directly to ministry, thus missing God’s intended mark. Ephesians 4:11-13 chronicles the preparation for the New Testament church. How often we tend to skip and miss the part of the 5 fold ministry…for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry. The primary function of the 5 fold ministry is to train up leaders for the work of the ministry; they are our mentors so we don’t have to tend sheep 40 years on the back side of the desert. This is good teaching for ME! Preparation teaches patience, humility, servanthood, love, forgiveness and all the works of the Spirit.

        If we skip the preparation and mentoring we ourselves become poor mentors of those following in our footsteps. Whether it be seminary, Bible school, or being thrust under another to learn there is nothing like being mentored by someone’s whose been there and back.

Servanthood can be defined as that period of training between the call of God and being sent out into your ministry. It is that time when we are seeking to serve the will of another as opposed to our own.

The servant is not above his master _{Matt.10:24; Lu.6:40; Jn.13:16; 15:20}

But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. _{Matt.20:26; 20:10}

To skip the preparation one is doomed to a life of failure and little growth not to mention the discouragement.

·         Many times our ministry and purpose is right under our very noses but we miss it because we’re too busy chasing the spotlight, the glit, the glamour, and the fame.

·         We’re too busy ministering overseas or across the country but miss our next door neighbor or even, God forbid… our own family.

·         We miss it because we don’t want to be a servant…to anyone. We know it all and have it all.

·         The servant is the one who will gladly lay down his own life for the sheep of another, Jn.10:12-15.

In spite of sharing that which he ought to have kept to himself, in His foreknowledge, had a plan for Joseph. Joseph had some vital lessons to learn before he was to ascend to the position depicted in the dreams.

Note: has God ever told you something, anything, you knew was for your ears only?

·         What did you do with that information?

·          Did you share it or keep it in your heart?

·          It’s called the gift of knowledge 1 Cor.12:8. Sometimes it’s for sharing, and other times it’s for your ears only.

·         A word is a part of a sentence; in Joseph’s case he had a word or partial piece of crucial information. He was given only the end result and not the whole story.

·         Our Father rarely gives the whole story at once; rather it’s given bit by bit, piece by piece. We can’t handle it all at once.

The dreams 37:5-11

·         From his family’s perspective it was just another ploy of arrogance in setting himself above the others.

·         From a divine perspective it represented the end of Joseph’s journey:

1.    To save his people from famine

2.    To demonstrate God’s loving care for His people

3.    To be a forerunner of the Messiah

4.    To teach His people the value in servitude [he that is greatest among you shall be your servant Matt.23:11]

Joseph learned and earned a servant’s heart by the things he suffered:

·         In prison he had no choice but to serve, the alternative was ultimately death

·         He learned to live a Godly life in bondage

·         He learned obedience to His Heavenly Father

·         Even when falsely accused and imprisoned he maintained his integrity in the Lord his God

·         His lifestyle was impeccable even when falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife

The Turtle and the Fencepost

When I asked a brother in the Lord the best way to advance in law enforcement he told me the story of The Turtle and the Fencepost.

“When you see a turtle on a fencepost a question come to mind.

How did the turtle get on the fencepost?

You know he can’t jump and you know he can’t climb. Have you ever seen a turtle jump or climb?

So, how did he get there? Someone must have put him there!”

My brother-in the Lord started from the bottom as a State Trooper, rose through the ranks to eventually become the Commander of the entire State Patrol. After retirement he became Chief of Police in one of the largest cities in the state. After retiring as chief of police he was appointed, by the President of the United States, to head the US Marshalls over the western section of the same state, which encompasses more than two thirds of the state.

So, how did he get there, on the fence post?

He reasoned that since he can’t jump or climb someone must have put him on that post.

During his career he built himself a network of individuals throughout Law Enforcement; he joined unions and supportive law enforcement organizations nationwide and became widely known amongst the profession; he took every assignment with the fullest of integrity and zeal.

A turtle never gets anywhere without sticking his neck out, so he stuck his neck out from time to time and someone noticed. From his youth he had a goal of becoming a US Marshall and eventually he made it. Although it took him years of long hard work, he made it to the top! All this before his 60^th birthday!

Joseph too had a goal, a God given goal [given in a dream].

·         He was 17 when he had the dreams, was sold into Egypt Gen.37:2-28

·         He was 30 when he was made overseer Gen.39:4

·         2 years after the baker was restored and the butler hanged he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams Ge.41:1-57

·         He was 39 when his brothers first came to Egypt (second year of the famine, or nine years after being made overseer)

·         He was probably 41 or so when the brothers came a second time and Jacob comes to Egypt

·         He was 110 when he died Gen.50:26

From the outside it looks as if everything was quick and easy, or does it?

Remember, thought he was his father’s favorite, yet:

·          He was despised by his brothers

·         Sold into slavery by his blood brothers

·         Imprisoned in Egypt (at least 11 years)

·         Falsely accused by his master’s wife

·         Again imprisoned

·         Interpreted dreams of the baker and chief butler

·         Forgotten for 2 years by the butler

·         Reinstated to 2^nd over Egypt by Pharaoh

·         Faces his own brothers who sold him into slavery

·         Last but not least he comes face to face with his father Jacob

·         And becomes the savior of Israel

Doesn’t this all seem familiar to contemporary society?

An acquaintance once told me “It takes 20 years to become an overnight success”. How are you doing?

Faith Building Practice and Review

1.    In Joseph’s story, who were included in his network?

2.    Who was the turtle?

3.    Who is in your network? List them.

4.    What is your dream or passion?

5.    What do you think of “20 years to be an overnight success” means?

6.    What principles can you learn from this lesson?

7.    What might happen if the wrong person sets you on the fencepost too soon?

8.    What might happen if the turtle tries to jump or climb?

9.    What happens if the turtle never sticks his neck out?

10. What lessons do you think Joseph learn on his journey?

11. What lessons have you learned on your journey?

12. What lessons do you think or know you need to learn?

Knowing God

A brief [not complete, add to the list] synopsis of the persona of God:

·         Love

·         Gracious

·         Merciful

·         Righteous

·         Longsuffering

·         Gentle

·         Faithfull

·         Compassionate

·         Forgiving

·         Friend

       The ultimate goal of Bible study is to know God and not to merely memorize Bible trivia. As you study, identify the attributes of God. For instance: make a note when you read of God extending His forgiveness or compassion, and remember how He has done the same for you.

http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000477713/Crossroads-of-Life.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/When-Lightning-Strikes-Time-Mourn/dp/1494364786/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414247702&sr=1-2&ke

Bible Studies

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When Lightning Strikes preview

Introduction

 “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”(Rom. 8:22-23)

            As a direct result of the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, all creation is in a vicious cycle of death and deterioration, just waiting for the redemption of humanity. (Rom. 8:20-23)

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev.21:4)

            One day, when the New Heaven and New Earth appear, God will abolish all death, pain, and sorrow for all eternity. Perhaps this is the answer to (Romans 8:22-23). Until then we are admonished “to occupy till He comes” (Luke 19:13).

I have found that most people, yes even staunch Christians, Pastors, and members of the Clergy, often find it extremely difficult, if not  impossible, to search the Scriptures for consolation in  their own personal times of tragedy. However, when given appropriate literature they have expressed gratitude and relief as well as the ability to navigate the grieving process, and recovering, and healing sooner than others might expect them to. In short people will pick up a booklet to read before the Scriptures. Most Bible bookstores have an excellent selection of books on the select topic, with subjects directed toward widows, widowers, grieving children, even divorcees.

I have also found that quite often most people are at a loss over what to say or do when confronted by someone in the process of grieving. For this purpose I have written the second half of this book called Oil and Wine. It is designed to train God’s children to administer “first aid” to the wounded,[as a sort of first responder] until more, if needed professional help is acquired.

Prayerfully, this will be of assistance in such a time of need.

                                         

“Be of the same mind one to another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” (Rom.12:16)

A late, but wise, Pastor of mine used to say, “If you have a congregation of mixed social-economic and educational backgrounds, preach to the lowest level and you will reach the highest level at the same time, but if you preach to the highest level you will miss the lower levels and many of those in between.

There are some excellent resources which describe the grieving process with clarity. With that in mind I promise to attempt to keep it as brief and to the point as possible, keeping in mind also that the Scriptures have a great deal to say on the subject; therefore, I will base this thesis on the Biblical foundation. I hesitate to use the term “thesis” as I don’t want to convey the illusion of a post-graduate doctoral paper. Rather my desire is that it be easily read and understood by the man or woman on the street.

My desire is to equip the laity (Samaritans, if you will) with enough information to pour Oil and Wine [first aid] upon the wounded in their time of need. To equip them with only the basic necessities to help those in need, to hear their brokenness, feel their pain, and offer prayer and comfort.           

 James 2:14-18 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he have faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

 See part 2 Oil and Wine.

Lightning—a metaphor

            I have chosen the title When Lightning Strikes to illustrate the sometimes paralyzing and deadly force a tragedy may have in attacking an individual, family or group of people. Lightning can either come seemingly out of nowhere or we may have advanced warning. It has been said that if you count, by seconds, the time between the sound of thunder until you see the lightning flash, it will be an indicator of how close the lightning strike was. To be sure, some survive and thrive, while still others succumb to suffer more lasting and devastating effects.

Could it be that Jesus was referring to the same storms of life in Matthew 7:24-27 when he spoke of the man who built his house upon the rock as opposed to the man who built his house upon the sand.

The house built on the rock withstood the storms of life as contrasted to the house on the sand which fell and was destroyed. To be sure the ones who build their faith on the Rock, Christ Jesus, do in fact weather the storms of life far better than those of little or no faith. We who are the “first responders” are given privilege to help the stricken to weather the storms and rebuild on the solid rock of Christ.

Certainly it strikes a sense of fear, vulnerability, and of being violated into the hearts of those unwitting participants. The more intense the trauma the greater the opportunity for long term even lifelong altering changes. For evidence of its devastating affects one has only to follow a story in the local newspaper. I believe that somehow and to some degree we have all become rather insensitive to tragedy as long as it’s not personal. It is almost as if it were some sort of anesthesia administered publicly which to some degree, at least, may be beneficial in staying off widespread panic and pandemonium. When we were children the prevailing attitude was “It will never happen to me” or “It always happens to the other person”. We thought “I’m indestructible” or “I’ll live forever”.

Scriptures are replete with accounts of individuals being struck with “lightning”; therefore I will draw upon some of these accounts. Noting also that while tragedy comes in all forms and has many manifestations the one most often acknowledged is death, as it has the most severe and devastating and eternal effects.

For example: loss of employment, income, health, wealth, friendships, fire, wind, earthquake, flood, or pet, failing a test or exam and so on. All these and more are traumatic events to which each and every one of us will to some degree experience at one time or another during our brief visit on this planet that we call home. (See Rom.8:22-23; Rev. 21:4.) To be sure absolutely no one is exempt, neither race, gender, nationality, age, affluence, influence or otherwise.                                                  

            The story is told of a prominent family counselor who was to be honored for his work. During the reception line, whereby his friends and colleagues would offer congratulations, he decided to conduct an experiment on them without their knowledge. As each colleague passed by offering their accolades, he would say to them, something like this: my mother-in-law fell off the roof and broke her neck, or my cat got run over by a car today. He told several “stories” with the intent of observing the responses he received from the unwitting participants. His observation was astounding as various ones would reply with something like this: “Oh that’s great”; or “I’m so happy for you”, or “Congratulations, I know you’re so proud.” Thus proving that people either do not listen, are not paying attention to what is being said, or God forbid, simply don’t care.                      

            Sadly that is exactly what happens every day. We encounter people in all walks of life who are smiling on the outside while dying on the inside. In effect they are living double lives. I know of professionals  who are able to keep a façade of deep seated hurts, like divorce, terminal illness, and wayward children, the list goes on and on and on. They may be your next door neighbor, a co-worker, or someone at your place of worship, perhaps even your best friend.

So why don’t they speak up? Why don’t they tell someone they are hurting so badly? Perhaps even worse, why do so many pass by on the other side when needed help is obvious?

When Lightning Strikes offers the answers to those haunting questions.  Oil and Wine offers helpful solutions to administer aid and comfort to those in need.                

Author’s note: I have observed the reluctance of hurting people, including myself, to share their hurts and pains. People don’t speak up or ask for help for a variety of reasons.

The notable causes for the reluctance to share are:

1.      The obvious lack of compassion and concern, both in and out of the church. The impatience and apathy of those listening.

2.      The sense of “not wanting to get involved”.

3.      The lack of “knowledge” of “what to do or say” (lack of training).

4.      The innate sense that “no one cares”, so I won’t share.

5.      They often assume they can’t trust anyone.

Sometimes it includes, God forbid, pastors, ministers, and church leaders, the very ones charged with the oversight of God’s sheep.

Our Mother’s Funeral

            Our mother passed away just before Thanksgiving in 2001. Our father and mother had been married for 66 years. Dad was heartbroken to lose his soul-mate of 66 years.

Dad had cancer and we expected him to go first, so it took all of us by surprise when Mom went first. She passed away in her sleep, suffering a massive stroke, while laying next to Dad, caused from the stress of caring for him.

            During the funeral, Dad being hard of hearing, arose and stood by Mom’s casket sobbing, as he leaned over to give her one last kiss and hug. He would have done anything to have joined her right then and there. Dad passed away six months later.

That was, perhaps the most tender and kindest expression of love I’ve ever witnessed.

I’m grateful to all those who ministered to my family and myself including my older sisters Jean Elliott and Ann Schultz. They truly poured Oil and Wine

When Lightning Strikes

A Time to Mourn a Time to Heal

A Study of Grief

Author: Richard Godfrey

This book is a must read for anyone desiring to know how to comfort those in need. It is based on sound biblical teachings with a composite of interviews and stories of real people struggling with a variety of grief; helpful and insightful to both the lay person and the clergy.

http://www.amazon.com/When-Lightning-Strikes-Time-Mourn/dp/1494364786/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1414247702&sr=1-2&ke