family

February 23, 2015

“The Doxology” Kimmie-Style

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Last week, I marveled as my daughter Kimberlyn praised the Lord with “The Doxology” on Tulsa morning news. Proverbs 18:16 reminds that a person’s gift opens doors. Wow, Kimmie. What a gift! What doors lie ahead? May you keep using your gifts to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. You go, Girl! Click the link if you would like to watch Kim Simon Doxology

February 14, 2013

The Encouragement of Community

Spending time with God’s family is an important source of encouragement.

Folks at Valley love the Lord and really love people. The relationship and kinship in which I participate encourages me! Sharing life together with the people who make up our local congregation inspires me! I love my Valley Fellowship family!

I also love my home. Time with Patti and my daughters is a blessing. We appreciate holidays with brothers, sisters, cousins, uncles and aunts. Mom had the Simon clan gather in Nashville for Christmas 1993 (four months after the death of my Dad), and visiting the Gaylord Opryland Hotel during the Christmas season became a family tradition. Look at us last year!

Don’t we look happy? We had fun – together. One reason for my joy is that my natural family is made up of people who love the Lord.

Although you can encourage yourself all by yourself (read more in tomorrow’s post), enormous encouragement comes from relationship with Christ’s Body, the church. The writer of Hebrews connects your call to encourage others with a call to meet together. “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG)

You need encouragement that only comes from a face-to-face, in-the-flesh encounter with another child of God.

Mutual encouragement results from time invested in fellowship, connection, community. Consider Paul’s stated desire to the family of God in Rome: “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” (Romans 1:12 NLT) Paul was certain that time spent with the Roman believers – whom he had yet to meet in person – would generate encouragement. Upon what was this certainty based? At least partially, His experience!

Early in his walk with Christ, Paul received encouragement from a peer relationship with Barnabas whose nickname actually means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).
Paul was a member of the team that hand-delivered a letter from Jerusalem that prompted encouragement in Antioch, “When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.” (Acts 15:31 HCSB)
In Antioch, Paul witnessed how prophets and church leaders “said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.” (Acts 15:32b NIV)
Paul personally benefited from his relationship with the church family, “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” (Philemon 1:7 NIV)

Paul understood the presence of an individual can release encouragement. That is one the big reasons why Paul regularly sent individuals on assignment – to impart encouragement.

“We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” (1 Thessalonians 3:2 NIV)
“I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.” (Ephesians 6:22 NIV)
“I am sending him [faithful minister Tychicus] to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.” (Colossians 4:8 NIV)

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)

As you encourage others, pray for them, and give them insights into God’s Word, you’ll grow in confidence and self–value. You’ll discover that you do have something to give away—you have the Word of God and the Spirit of God resident in you and freely flowing through you to others. The prophet Jeremiah wrote about the children of God that even though they were clay pots, they were as valuable as fine gold (see Lam. 4:2). You, too, are a vessel that God desires to use. He is seeking continually to pour Himself through you to others. Open your mouth and your heart, and begin to encourage people the Lord sends your way. (Charles Stanley, The Source of My Strength, 1994)

February 1, 2013

Don’t Mess With Me; My Angel Is Right Here!

During the 1970’s, as my family lived as missionaries in Uganda, East Africa, we experienced God’s supernatural protection. Frequently during three years under the cruel dictatorship of Idi Amin, the Lord supernaturally protected us. The house in to which we moved in Fort Portal was 200 miles away from our nearest American neighbor, but God showed Himself to be very near. I have many great memories from those years in East Africa. Below is a picture of me, my brother Barry with glasses, and Dad standing in front of Toyota Land Rover we used for so many tasks. To the right is Dad with a warthog that would soon become good eating!

One memorable episode from those years, involved my Dad trying to establish a work with a pigmy tribe not too far from where we lived. This particular tribe stayed high on a weed similar to marijuana and had dangerous mood swings. As Dad was learning the language, he became accustomed to leaving before the tribe would become violent. Unfortunately, on one visit Dad and another missionary were unable to leave in time. The tribe demanded an exorbitant payment or else they would kill them. Dad knew he was a goner! The tribe circled around them, not letting them return to their Land Rover. At that moment, a tall very-dark-skinned man dressed in a black suit, white shirt, black tie, and black polished dress shoes stepped out of the jungle and walked over to them. The tall man spoke to Dad in cultured British English, “Sirs, what is your problem?”

Frantically, Dad described that they were about to die because they did not have money to pay. “No problem,” the man said as he turned and began speaking to tribe in a dialect Dad didn’t understand. The tall man turned back and said, “Sirs, you may now go.”

Dad raced for the Land Rover. As they jumped in and started down the trail, the tall black man turned, walked into the jungle and disappeared. Later, Dad realized the man HAD to be an angel. This was the jungle! People do not wear suits in the jungle! Even if they did, shoes would not remain polished. He spoke English and the pigmy dialect fluently. Dad would later say, “I don’t know what the pigmies saw, but it obviously wasn’t the same thing I saw! If so, they would have killed him along with us. I am just thankful that my black angel was with us on that day.”

Many years after this incident, Dad maintained an uncommon degree of courage, even in the face of arduous challenges. Sporadically Dad would testify, “Don’t mess with me. My black angel is right here with me!”

Angels still guard today. We can walk and live in peace knowing that God has His angels watching us. Angels, as God’s servants, guard and deliver. The Lord surrounds us with His security force. Scripture reveals God’s care 100% of the time. Protective angels have been charged with our personal care. Are we assigned a personal guardian angel? I believe so!

When Peter was miraculously released from Herod’s jail and stood knocking at Mary’s door, the disciples praying inside did not believe that Peter was knocking – “It must be his angel.” (Acts 12:15 NIV) Apparently, the early disciples accepted that Peter had an angel charged to keep him. Jesus warns His listeners to “not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10 NIV) I think it’s proper to see personal guardian angels in the wording “their angels”. Oral Roberts assures, “Every child has a personal guardian angel. This means a great deal to those of us who have children and grandchildren.” (The Angels that Help Us, 1980, p. 7) My Dad accepted he had a personal angel and drew great courage from that fact.

The angelic protective covering might be more appropriately compared to a zone defense, than to a man-to-man defense. Angel-to-man or zone? Conceivably, two accounts in Acts chapter 5 and 12 suggest a prison-zone defense! Ultimately, I don’t have to know for certain. The way in which God chooses to protect us is up to Him. I’ll trust the Lord’s supervision.

Before the people of Israel entered their promised land, God promised to send His angel to prepare the way. “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I’ve prepared.” (Exodus 23:20 NIV) Two angelic responsibilities are mentioned:

to guard and
to bring to the place that God had prepared.

God assigns angels to do the same thing today. We have proof of God’s angelic protection in the past. The Lord sent an angel to protect Dad, to deliver Peter and Paul, to rescue Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and the Lord can do the same today. Believers’ bodyguards are on assignment.

I wonder – did God reassign Dad’s angel to me? I think he might be here in my office with me, so don’t mess with me!

January 23, 2013

What My Mother Taught Me

My mom celebrated her 70th birthday at the end of last year. I am so honored to have been her son and for Patti and me to have been able to work alongside of her for so many years.

Someone emailed me “What My Mother Taught Me”in early 2000. I don’t know who originally wrote it, but I find myself laughing at it.

My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE: “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside – I just finished cleaning!”

My mother taught me INTERCESSION: “You better pray that this stain comes out of the carpet.”

My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL: “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”

My mother taught me LOGIC: “Because I said so, that’s why.”

My mother taught me FORESIGHT: “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”

My mother taught me IRONY: “Keep laughing and I’ll give you something to cry about.”

My mother taught me about GOODWILL: “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who wish they have what you do!”
My mother taught me about OSMOSIS: “Shut your mouth and eat your supper!”

My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM: “Will you look at the dirt on the back of your neck?!?”

My mother taught me about STAMINA: “You’ll sit there until all those peas are finished.”

My mother taught me about WEATHER: “It looks as if a tornado swept through your room.”

My mother taught me how to solve PHYSICS PROBLEMS: “If I yelled because I saw a meteor coming toward you; would you listen then?”

My mother taught me about EXAGGERATION: “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times!”

My mother taught me THE CIRCLE OF LIFE: “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”

My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION: “Stop acting like Jerry!” (my dad)

January 6, 2013

WWJD – Live as Jesus Did

My daughters usually read for themselves now, but when they were younger they begged for Patti and I to read to them. One book that Rozy and Kimberlyn particularly enjoyed was a children’s version of Charles Sheldon’s In His Steps. The story of Clarie and Bill’s adventures set in the days of the old west captured Rozy and Kimberlyn’s imagination. Page after page, my daughters pondered, “What would Jesus do?” and the book opened the door for lots of good discussions about living for Jesus.

Jesus Christ is the model for EVERY aspect of life. Consider a few passages that highlight the example of Jesus Christ.

“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 NIV
“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.” Romans 15:7 NLT
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25 NIV
“Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.” Colossians 3:13 CEV
“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NLT

How does “live as Jesus did” live out in the real world? What does it mean for me to live like Jesus? How do I “bear the stamp of Christ” (1 John 2:6 PHILLIPS) in every aspect of life?

What would Jesus do? WWJD armbands were hugely popular in the 90’s. That is not a bad question to ask, but author Dallas Willard suggests we add, “WWJD . . . if He were me?” How do I model Christ behavior as a husband, a dad, a pastor? How do I live like Jesus in my office, my entertainment, my attitudes, my relationships, my ministry?

I think the Apostle Paul’s mission statement for life is: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 NASB). Paul lifts up Jesus as the model and urges, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB). My standard of comparison should never be people. I must judge myself not by other peoples’ lives, but by Jesus Christ’s life. Wayne Grudem unveils the purpose for this imitation of Christ:

“Our imitation of Christ should not be thought of as a mere mimicking of Jesus’ actions, however. The far deeper purpose is that in imitating him we are becoming more and more like him: when we act like Christ we become like Christ. We grow up to maturity in Christ (Eph. 4:13, 15) as we are ‘being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another’ (2 Cor. 3:18). The final result is that we shall become perfectly like Christ, for God has predestined us ‘to be conformed to the image of his Son’ (Rom. 8:29; 1 Cor. 15:49), and ‘when he appears, we shall be like him’ (1 John 3:2). When this happens, Christ will be fully glorified in us (2 Thess. 1:10–12; John 17:10).” (Systematic Theology, p. 846.)

January 2, 2013

Patti’s Christmas Letter 2012

My wife Patti wrote a Christmas letter that I thought pretty well summarized our2012 year. Here it is:

Dear Family and Friends,

We experienced a 2012 filled with God’s goodness, answered prayer, some tension and lots of rejoicing. Greg and I celebrated 25 wonderful years of marriage and 24 years of ministry at Valley Fellowship Church (VFC). I love Greg’s preaching and you can listen to many of his passionate sermons at valleyfellowship.com. Greg has moved into the techno-world; follow Greg’s twitter @GregLovesPatti. I greatly enjoyed teaching Bible studies for ladies and mentoring high school student leaders. I serve as VFC missions pastor, Valley Fellowship Christian Academy (VFCA) administrator, and as an ICAA/SACS representative, spurring academic and spiritual improvement in Christian schools through the accreditation process.

Rozy, an Oral Roberts University junior, is only one semester from student teaching. She joyfully serves as a student chaplain and directs an ORU student prayer movement team. Kimberlyn is a high school junior at VFCA. She plays basketball, heads the youth worship band, prays as a student leader with the Children’s Prayer Network, and spends countless hours playing guitar – her passion.

Our family experienced God’s healing power in multiple ways. On July 7^th, God spared Kimberlyn from serious injury when she crashed a four-wheeler off an Idaho mountain trail. The emergency room visit uncovered a bone tumor on her right shoulder blade. After months of uncertainty, countless tests, multiple trips to St. Jude’s in Memphis, and successful surgery in September, we greatly rejoice the tumor was benign. I felt the flood of God’s grace resulting from the prayers of so many people. Prayer and God’s promises carried us through. Praise the Lord!

In November, Kimberlyn and I enjoyed a tremendous Guatemalan mission trip, and our whole family is preparing eagerly for a 2013 summer mission trip to Tanzania. We anticipate God’s move in 2013 in our family, our ministry, and our nation. Our world appears in turmoil, but He’s got the whole world in His hands, hands able to hold all of us together too. We pray that you and your family will be blessed, healed, and filled with expectancy for God’s presence.

Expecting Miracles in Your Life,

Patti Simon and the Simon Family

December 31, 2012

New Year – New You?

Family traditions are a GOOD thing. One Simon family tradition is the taking of communion before the meal of Thanksgiving or Christmas or just-about-any-holiday. We take time to remember the broken body and precious blood of our Savior. For New Year’s, we take it up a notch – sparkling grape juice and blessing one another as we anticipate God’s blessing.

Patti, Rozy, Kimberlyn and I will stay awake long enough to watch the Times Square ball drop as 2013 dawns in New York. My daughter Rozy is particularly fascinated by the celebration. Someday we might have to visit New York to witness the show, but tonight we will settle for television views. We’ll say “Happy New Year!” to one another, and – bet on it – I WILL kiss my beautiful wife. As a family, we’ll also pray, expecting God to do awesome things in 2013.

Tonight, millions of people will cheer “Happy New Year!” Will you be one of them? Are you expecting something good in the new year? If so, what choices are you making?

“For us a new year symbolizes new opportunities, new hopes, and new dreams.

And yet, the stroke of the hour simply has marked the dawning of another day. Whether the year really will be new lies within each person. If, when the shouting is over, we fall back into the same old rut of sin and rebellion against God, then nothing has changed. No, years become new only if we make them so.” Howard Hendricks, My Favorite Illustrations

Choices impact our lives. Choices create circumstances and change circumstances. Make sure the choices you make land you with the consequences you want. Like it or not, we get what we sow (Galatians 6:9). It is better to look ahead and prepare for a harvest than to look back and regret the weeds.

Before her death, Grandma Geerhart (Patti’s mother’s mom) gave Patti and I advice she thought would help us as spiritual leaders. In the midst of that wisdom was a list of choices that could keep a person looking ahead:

Every day say something to God.
Every day let God say something to you.
Every day say something for God.
Every day do something for God.

What choices will you make to really make this a new year?