Procrastination


The book of Matthew, in the Bible, tells a story of ten virgins in chapter 25, verses one through thirteen. Five of them were wise because they had brought enough oil to keep their lamps burning. Five of them were foolish (procrastinators) because they did not come prepared for the Lord’s coming by having enough oil for their lamps. So, when their Lord does come, we read in verses 10, 11 & 12, “ …… and those who were ready went in with Him to the wedding and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us! But He answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ “

The following story is a true illustration of my own procrastination in the early years of my marriage.

Once again, as in years past at Christmas time, I waited to the last moment to buy something special for my wife. One year I had really messed up. I waited until Christmas Eve to go out and find something, not having any ideal what I was looking for. I ended up at one of those cut-rate, carry-all, never closed marts, like E Z Mart or J Mart or something. It was about the only place I could find still open.

Most everything was picked over so I went to the lingerie section. The thing that seemed most appropriate, at the time, was a brown cotton night gown with acorns printed all over it. My wife and I still laugh, although uneasily, about that night gown to this day.

A couple years later here I was again, last minute shopping. But this year I was not worried. Weeks before Christmas, my wife had given me the name of a perfume she really liked. What could be easier? Many of the stores in our local Mall would probably carry it. I mean, what were the odds of them all selling out of the same brand of perfume at the same time? Between them, they must have had many hundreds of bottles of perfume on hand for this major buying season .

The name of the perfume was Cashmere and I learned later that it was very popular that year. You can probably already see the trouble I was heading for. Later on I wrote the following poem for my wife, describing my quest for Cashmere on that Christmas Eve in 2005.

Poem for my Wife

I asked my sweetheart what she longed for
As far as a gift, to her from me
I asked her to search her inner core
To find what that might be

She told me of the fragrance she sought
As a Christmas gift this year
She voiced its name, and it, I caught
The aroma called Cashmere

So I waited till Christmas Eve
And took my quest to the Mall
I tried every store from A to Z
Sears, Penny’s, Yonkers,… All!

But to my amazement no one had it
It was sold out everywhere I went
And it was time for me to quit
For the day was nearly spent

On the way home I had a thought
I mean it became so clear men
Sure enough, there it was bought
At a place called Elder Beermans


I got lucky that night. Since then I have learned to plan my gift buying a little further in advance. I believe that procrastination is the cousin of apathy, and apathy is doing nothing. Edmund Burke, an Anglo-Irish statesman, author, orator, political theorist, and philosopher, who served for many years in the House of Commons of Great Britain, has been credited for the saying, “For evil to triumph it is only necessary for good men to do nothing.”

The Lord told us in His Word that no man knows the day or the hour of his return, but we need to live alert and ready, watching for it as the watchman waits for the morning. Procrastination caused five of the ten virgins to miss the Lord. Stay alert and prepared, if your waiting to the last minute remember this; no one is guaranteed when that last moment will arrive.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.(Philippians 4:11-13 NLT)



Tough times call for tough people. Right? Well, maybe, but I believe there is a qualification that marks truly tough people. They understand where their strength comes from, just as the Psalmist did in Psalm 121:1 & 2 when he said, “I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” My help, or my strength, or my toughness, comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s who makes me tough enough to go through tough times.

He gives me the wisdom to know that difficult times have an end. Good times, hard times, exciting times or boring times, they come and go. But they do not go on forever. They are cyclical like the seasons. I know that some places do not have radically different seasons, but in Michigan, we have a Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall that are clearly defined from one another.
There is no question, when the air temperature is 10° and there is three feet of white stuff on the ground, it is winter. When spring comes, the snow melts and buds appear on the branches of trees that have been void of leaves for months. The air is pregnant with new life, possibilities, expectations, and hope. Spring gives way to summer with its warmer temperatures, outside activities, and the cry of young people, “Surf’s up dude.” Well, they don’t actually surf on the Great Lakes (that I know of) but you get the idea - fun in the sun. Then the air begins to cool, the wind picks up, and the leaves on the trees are transformed into beautiful hues of yellows, reds, and browns before they fall to the ground. Again, there is no question, (at least not to native Michiganders) fall is here.

The thing we know for certain about these seasons is that they come every year and they end every year. It would get boring to have one season that never changed. Life is like that also. We live in a world of diversity where times, situations and circumstances are in a constant state of flux. In Michigan, we say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes, it’ll change.” So when tough times come, remind yourself, they have come to pass. But the question I want to bring to our attention is, what do you do while you are waiting for it to pass?

First, you cannot do it alone. This is tough, particularly for men who are part of the Baby Boomer Generation. Many of them grew up hearing and watching stories of World War 2 heroes and tough cowboys who could grit their teeth, go it alone, stow their emotion, and win the day. That was reinforced with the John Wayne types on the silver screen. They would rather die than show weakness. When they did die, it was with their boots on! One might ask, “Is that the definition of tough, or is that actually a facade built on a type of weakness?” But that’s a question for another time.

Solomon spoke well in the book of Ecclesiastes, chapter 4, verses 8 through 12, “This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (NLT)

We all need someone to help us shoulder daily burdens. We were not designed to go it alone. When God made Adam, he was alone. There was no other human for Adam to fellowship with. Then God said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (NLT). The first source of help that Christians are to turn to is Jesus. It is He who gives us the strength we need to deal with the diversities of life. He assures us in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Secondly, as we are waiting for trouble to pass, we have to realize that it need not be passive waiting. There is much going on in as we wait. Isaiah 40:29-31 puts it like this, “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” (NKJ) Waiting on the Lord is not passive. During those times we should be living life as usual; praying, meditating on God’s Word, helping others, and meeting with believers for fellowship around our common purpose which is to know Jesus and make Him known.

The Story Of The Chinese Bamboo Tree

A man takes a little seed of the Chinese Bamboo Tree, plants it, waters it, and fertilizes it for a whole year, and nothing happens. The second year he waters and fertilizes it and nothing happens. The third year he waters and fertilizes it and nothing happens. How discouraging this becomes!
The fourth year he waters and fertilizes it and, you guessed it, nothing happens. After four years of waiting, and nurturing, and watering, it gets frustrating and seems fruitless. But, if he continues to water and fertilize the seed, sometime during the fifth year, the Chinese Bamboo Tree grows ninety feet in six weeks. As the man who planted the seed waited to see growth, he watered and nurtured that seed. And even though he did not see the growth for a time, the roots were growing deeper and deeper as he waited and watered.
Life can be likened to the growing process of the Chinese bamboo Tree. It is often discouraging. We keep doing things right, and nothing changes. Things may even get tougher. But if we are waiting on the Lord and believing we can do all things through Christ, we realize that tough times don’t last but tough, Jesus people do.

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “ONE THING you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” Mark 10:21 (NKJ)




February is "Black History Month". Since our church is racially mixed, we celebrate it each year through different presentations throughout the month. One year, the kids from three of our Sunday school classes presented something special on that theme each successive Sunday of the month. And, of course, the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King are always highlighted at some point every year. Rev. King said many profound things and we always have plenty of his quotes on hand. The one that has really stuck with me through much of my life was from a 1964 speech made by King in my home town of Detroit. I don’t have it word for word here, but he said, "If a man doesn't have something worth dying for, it's not worth living." King believed so strongly in equality for all people that he devoted his life to that one important cause and was martyred in his quest for it. Jesus said, "He that gives his life for my sake will find it" (Matt 10:39). Certainly Rev. King was striving for the one overriding thing that Jesus taught believers; that we need to love one another with the love that comes from God.

The point is: that having a focus in life is important. It is beneficial in so many ways; it simplifies our lives, helps us stay on track and even blesses others. It gives purpose to our days by bringing an order to our lives which helps us to function. Do you have something you feel that strongly about, something larger than you? Something that is so important to you that you would give it your all.... your very life?

In the 1991 movie "City Slickers," starring Jack Palance and Billy Crystal, we are once again reminded of finding something, one major thing, in our life, that gives us meaning and purpose. In the movie Billy Crystal and some friends, who all live and work in New York, are going through a mid-life crisis trying to find what is truly important. The daily grind and ‘same old same old’ of their existence has left them craving something new and fresh. They decide to go out West and participate in an authentic cattle drive with real cowboys, in an effort to do something totally opposite of their ordinary, hum-drum, daily routines. But they are from the big city and know nothing of western life.

On their arrival at the cattle ranch they are met by a crusty old cowboy named “Curly” played by actor Jack Palance. He is the epitome of the tough, wind-worn, grizzled, larger than life trail-boss. He and Billy Crystal get off on the wrong foot and Crystal is a bit fearful of him. One day the two of them are riding along next to one another driving the herd and separated from everyone else. Curly looks over at Crystal, with a hand rolled cigarette hanging from his lips and says, “You city fellas arrive here all uptight and stressed out. You think one week out here will work out all your kinks and even reveal the meaning of life to you.” Then he holds up his pointer finger and says, "There's just ONE THING that’s really important in life." Crystal, of course, has been on a personal quest looking for answers to his questions about life; why am I here, what am I created to do, what is important in life? He asks excitedly, "What is it Curly? What is that ONE THING?" Curly chuckles as he draws on his cigarette and replies in a somewhat benevolent tone, "That's what you have to find out."

And so it is. Each one of us has to answer that question for ourselves at some point. "What is so important to me that I'm willing to give my life for it?" The Apostle Paul said, "I am being poured out as a drink offering....." (2 Timothy 4:6). He literally poured his life out in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. That was his ‘Bread & Butter,’ his ‘Meat & Potatoes,’ his life’s calling that he was willing to, and eventually did, give his very life for. At Hope Lighthouse Ministries, we feel so strongly about ministry to the poor, at risk children, the disenfranchised, the addicts and those who just do not fit the "American Dream" that we have given our lives to it since 1996. It's not always pretty; it's not often easy, and there are no over-riding financial benefits. As a matter of fact, my pay is often a few weeks behind. But, it's what we live for, to see people who feel forgotten find love and acceptance. We do that through meeting their practical needs, which models the love of Christ, and gives us credibility to speak to them about their major spiritual need, Jesus Christ.

We have a vision to change the lives of as many people as the Lord will entrust to us in the community we live in, and beyond. Again, we do this by first meeting them where they are at. Then, genuinely caring for their needs while showing them love tempered with dignity, and teaching them that God is no respecter of persons. Someone has said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”. Then, as always, we point them toward the Savior who beckons. If people can see the real Jesus modeled in us, we have done the “ONE THING” we feel we are called to do. God has given us a mandate to reach the least, the last and the lost with His saving grace. Do you have a burden for hurting people, throw-away children, ex-prisoners, addicts, etc., to know Jesus? These people, when saved, will live changed lives, which will change others, which will change communities, which will change our world.

Martin Luther King had that “ONE THING” in his life that made life worth living. Curly, the old cowboy knew that it was that “ONE THING” that made his life a great fulfilling adventure. What is your “ONE THING?”

The way of life winds upward for the wise, That he may turn away from hell below. Proverbs 15:24 NKJ



About one year after we started Hope Lighthouse Ministries, in1996, I was working in our newly acquired downtown storefront, which barely had running water or electricity. We had been meeting in borrowed store fronts, a closed down bar on Broadway Ave., and in Rowan Park, which is in the center of this little city. The city was Muskegon Heights, Michigan and was situated on the western side of the state, not far from the shores of Lake Michigan. Detroit was about a three hour drive East and Chicago was about a three hour drive South and West. It was a city of about 12,000 residents, known by most as “The Heights.” It was also known as a high crime, poverty and drug area.

At one time, the population of the Heights was over 16,000, but like many American cities in the 70's, 80's and into the 90's, it had been declining steadily. Many businesses had closed or moved out of town leaving empty store fronts and huge empty shells that had once been manufacturers employing thousands of local residents. It then became a domino effect. The manufacturers closed down, which puts people out of work. The people cannot afford to shop in many of the stores so the stores close, or move, many leaving empty buildings in the downtown area. When the stores close, employers in the service industry, from janitorial, to delivery services, to all forms of maintenance service companies loose accounts and have to let more people go. Many people start to move out of town to look for employment in other areas, their houses left behind in disrepair because they could not afford to fix them and no one would buy them. Many of these houses become abandoned and begin to create blights across many neighborhoods. Meanwhile, many people who are out of work and cannot leave the area join the ranks of those surviving on various government assistance programs.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Now, more and more people are getting on assistance and less and less people are paying taxes. So, not only are the few that are employed being taxed beyond limit in order to carry an impossible load, but the infrastructure of the city is breaking down because there are fewer workers and even fewer dollars. Many people out of work turn to drugs and alcohol which creates a fertile atmosphere for drug dealers, crime, poverty and hopelessness. Some begin to feel as though God has let them down and turn their back on their Creator. These few points I have mentioned are just a simple overview, or glimpse, into this whole scenario that has been played out again and again in cities across our nation. Satan could not have thought up a better plan than this to destroy a country founded on Godly principals and to plunge a people into despair. Our job as believers is to, “Close the road to Hell.”

2 Corinthians 4:8 & 9
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

When Hope Lighthouse Ministries moved into our present store front (nearly 5,000 square feet) it had been abandoned for over ten years and had been gutted. There was no plumbing, electrical wire or fixtures left in the place. The old wooden floor was termite infested, the roof leaked everywhere and there was no furnace or duct work left in the building. The windows were all broken out and boarded up. But, it was beautiful to us because it was in the heart of the city and near the people, schools, families, homeless, etc., we wanted to minister to.

I remember one day, early on, when we got the water running, the electric on, and the phone working. The floor was still dirt where we had torn out the wooden floor and, I had a desk with a working phone and a single, bare, light bulb hanging overhead. I had arrived! As I sat there with my feet up surveying all that the Lord had done, I was startled by the phone ringing for the very first time. I thought excitedly, “Someone is calling me.” I should tell you, at this point, that during those early years, if my wife did not have a steady job we would have had little, or no income. It was my wife on the phone that day, just trying out our new number. We had gotten married one year before we opened the ministry in the Heights on April 1st, known to many as April Fools Day but, that's another story.

My wife, Sui, was calling me from her job, and she was very excited. "Have you heard the news?" she asked. “What news?” I countered. She replied, “Everyone here is talking about it. It's the most exciting, ground breaking news I've ever heard. ” “What news,” I repeated. After going back and forth for another minute she finally blurted out, "It's the headline on the front page of today's newspaper. It says, “The Road to Hell will be Closed this Summer!" I gasped, "What!? That's great, uh, what are you talking about?" Then she went on reading the article from the paper, "The bridge is out, so the road to Hell, Michigan will be closed this summer." For those of you who do not know it, there is a town in Michigan with the name Hell.

Some say a pair of German travelers stepped out of a stage-coach one sunny afternoon in the 1830s, and one said to the other, "So schön hell!" - translated as, "So beautifully bright!" Their comments were overheard by some locals and the name stuck. Others claim that soon after Michigan gained statehood, George Reeves was asked what he thought the town he helped settle should be called, and replied, "I don't care, you can name it Hell for all I care." The name became official on October 13, 1841

This is a true story, even though the news article my wife read was about Hell, Michigan and not the eternal Hell that awaits those who refuse to bend their knee to Jesus. But, from that time on we determined that our mission was just what the paper had alluded to. We were to knock out the bridges people use to travel the road to hell. If you are wondering why we do what we do in spite of long hours, low pay, frequent rejections, overwhelming financial burdens, sometimes losing a soul, and other discouragements, we do it to, “Close the road to Hell.”

Since those early days God has helped us to not only finish the renovations to our store front but has expanded our services to the community exponentially. As many as 500 families a month come through our food & clothes pantries and since 2001 our discipleship houses have been helping men who are struggling with drugs and other life controlling problems, as well as those coming out of prison or off the streets. They learn 24/7 accountability, go through classes, work at tasks within the ministry, learn and apply what it means to live and function in their community, and become productive men and of integrity who love the Lord.

We never run out of ministry but we are always running out of food & clothes, kid's school supplies, volunteers, needed materials, and yes, money. You may wonder why we continue all these services, and more, when less than 30% of our funding comes from within. We have been called as missionaries to this area. We are raising-up a community center in this mission field that deals largely with transients, the homeless, at-risk children, the very poor and all who need to know Jesus.

You ask, "Why Do We Do It"? We do it to “Close the road!!”