Reviewing Vance Christie's Hudson Taylor: Gospel Pioneer to China

Three years ago, when my former pastor paid me a visit in Tianjin, he gave me Vance Christie's biography about Hudson Taylor. Pastor Dimmick really couldn't have given me a much better gift. I don't often read biographies, but whenever I have done so, I usually find the reads to be quite enjoyable. Vance Christie's book is definitely in that enjoyable category. Hudson Taylor: Gospel Pioneer to China is a 200-page book about a man who left the United Kingdom in 1853 to serve in the Middle Kingdom for 50 years. In the 19 chapters, you'll read some absolutely amazing accounts. Hudson Taylor faced a great deal of heartache and opposition; however, he remained committed to God's work. Although the writing is simple enough for some of my sixth graders to handle, the book should engage most adults who enjoy Christian biographies. Tim Challies, my favorite blogger, gives his book endorsement, and you can add me to that list. Please know that should you ever hear me complain about how challenging my life is overseas, you have permission to slap this book across my face. Xie xie.

Reviewing Randy Alcorn's Heaven: Biblical Answers to Common Questions

Aside from the Good Book, Randy Alcorn's Heaven is my favorite book. Randy Alcorn has taught me much about my future home, and although you may not agree with everything he says, his book will very likely make you think deeply and smile often. If you're not up for a 500-pager with tiny font, I recommend his 60-page booklet. There are many who have misunderstandings about Heaven, and this booklet can provide you with solid answers supported by Scripture. Below are the book's contents.

• Introduction
• The Present Heaven and Future Heaven
• Will Heaven (the New Earth) Be an Actual Place?
• What Will Heaven Be Like?
• What Will We Look Like in Heaven?
• What Will We Do for All Eternity?
• What Will Our Relationship with God Be Like?
• Won't Heaven Be Boring?
• Will There Be Animals on the New Earth?
• Will We Have Our Own Homes in Heaven?
• What Won't Be in Heaven?
• Will Time No Longer Exist in Heaven?
• Will We Know Everything When We Get to Heaven?
• Will We Remember What Happened on Earth?
• Can Those in the Present Heaven See What's Happening on Earth?
• If People in Heaven Are Aware of Bad Things Happening on Earth, How Could It Really Be Heaven?
• Will We Be Reunited with and Recognize Our Loved Ones in Heaven?
• Will There Be Marriage and Family in Heaven?
• How Can We Know for Sure That We'll Go to Heaven?

If you have any interest in knowing the answers to the above questions (if you don't, check your heart rate) or desire to share the Good News with others, spend a buck and have the book delivered to your computer in seconds. Don't be a cheapskate.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. Revelation 21:1

What I Miss About Indiana

Although my citizenship is in Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and nearly half of my life has been spent overseas (the past eleven in Tianjin, China), I have strong Hoosier roots. I'm super thankful for the summer breaks I get to spend in the great state of Indiana. There is much I miss about life in the Crossroads of America, and below are ten things I miss about living there.

1. Hanging out with family & friends
2. Driving a truck on long country roads
3. Worshipping at reformed church services
4. Juggling a soccer ball on a freshly cut lawn
5. Being able to check out a ton of books at the local library
6. Observing wildlife - gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, white-tailed deer
7. Seeing amazing blue skies and giant white clouds nearly daily
8. Fishing in peaceful locations - largemouth bass, white crappie, longear sunfish
9. Eating homestyle cooking - pork tenderloins, catfish fillets, chicken n' dumplins
10. Going to parks - little league baseball games, swimming pools, creative playgrounds

Reviewing John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life

Recently, after delivering a Sunday message, I was asked if I had read a lot of books by John Piper. That made me chuckle because I've read more of his books than books by any other author. I first read his book, Don't Waste Your Life, over a decade ago, shortly after the book's release and not too long after my move to China. I wasn't a very mature Christian back then (and I still have a ton to learn), but despite the seriousness of Don't Waste Your Life, it's easy to understand and can be enjoyed by believers and nonbelievers in all stages of life. This can't be said about all of Pastor Piper's books, since some of his books are poetic pieces or highly academic.

Don't Waste Your Life is a 190-page book that is filled with Scripture and divided into the ten chapters listed below. I read the book as part of a small group study in which we tackled a very manageable one chapter a week. A group study edition, group study kit, and study guide are now available.

1. My Search for a Single Passion to Live By

2. Breakthrough - the Beauty of Christ, My Joy

3. Boasting Only in the Cross, The Blazing Center of the Glory of God

4. Magnifying Christ Through Pain and Death

5. Risk is Right - Better to Lose Your Life Than to Waste It

6. The Goal of Life - Gladly Making Others Glad in God

7. Living to Prove He is More Precious Than Life

8. Making Much of Christ from 8 to 5

9. The Majesty of Christ in Missions and Mercy - A Plea to This Generation

10. My Prayer - Let None Say in the End, "I've Wasted It"

Perhaps the biggest impact the book made on me was an illustration found in chapter three concerning a Reader’s Digest article. The article talked about a couple that retired early so they could ride a boat, play softball, and collect seashells in Florida. Unfortunately, this is the American dream, so many are wasting their lives on.

If you are interested in learning how this tough life is supposed to be lived, I recommend Pastor Piper’s Don’t Waste Your Life. You won’t get a feel-good message, but you will be pointed to the one who can make your life mean more than riding motorbikes, playing soccer, and collecting Starbucks mugs.

to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27

Reviewing C.J. Mahaney's Don't Waste Your Sports

Sports have always been a big part of my life, but unfortunately, much of my involvement in sports has been for the wrong reasons. Although I can’t change the past, today I try to make my playing and coaching glorify God. Pastor Mahaney’s 50-page booklet can help you understand what that entails. Whether you’re a high school athlete, soccer mom, or coaching adults, Don’t Waste Your Sports is for anyone who wants to honor God through athletics. The six short chapters listed below can be read in less than an hour.

1. Sports at Their Best—and Worst

2. What Are Sports Really For?

3. Meeting God before the Opening Tip

4. Play to the Glory of God

5. Sports Idols

6. Your Next Game

At the end of the book, there are application and discussion questions for athletes and parents. I recommend that athletic directors provide the booklet to their coaches and discuss the material before their respective seasons get underway. We must realize that sports are gifts from God, so we compete in a way that shows humility, grace, and a heart of thankfulness.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14

Happy 10th Anniversary, Megan!

I don't want to place too much importance on numbers in the Bible, but many scholars consider the number ten a symbol of perfection (the Ten Commandments, the ten northern tribes of Israel, tithing, etc.). It also happens to be the number of years Megan and I have been married. Although I have been far from perfect as a husband, God brought us together perfectly in holy matrimony after a nearly three-year-long-distance relationship. To celebrate our ten years of marriage, I would like to share ten ways Megan has pointed me to the perfect man and our only Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. Megan has loved me not only when I've been super nice and smellin' real good, but when I've been at my absolute worst. Megan has loved me even when I've been a complete blockhead.
2. Megan has brought joy into my life even when I've been a little high-strung and forgetting the big picture. She knows how to bring a smile to my face, a task that has been challenging for many.
3. Megan has helped provide me peace, even when Mr. Wick has been more like Mr. Whack. Megan reminds me that God is sovereign and that we are to rejoice even during the darkest of times.
4. Megan has displayed the utmost patience despite my repetitive middle school humor that has been known to cross the line. She has displayed patience despite the immature and idiotic statements that have come out of my big mouth.
5. Megan has taught me much about kindness. How she interacts with friends and complete strangers shows who she belongs to and reminds me that I have much to learn.
6. I see the Father of Lights producing more and more goodness out of Megan. I am blessed to partner with Megan as we play a minor role in Kingdom work.
7. Megan is all about faithfulness - to me, her children, our community, and most importantly, to God. I certainly wouldn't be who I am had God not placed Megan in my life.
8. I grew up thinking toughness was a fruit of the Spirit, but Megan helps me remember that gentleness is where it is at. I can't just be a warrior; I need to be a tender warrior.
9. When others have wronged Megan, she has shown self-control when I would have given my mean face. Instead of trying to control a situation like me, she'll remain calm and pray about the matter.
10. Megan is a woman of truth who truly sharpens me. I can count on her to provide me with different perspectives in a manner that is honest and respectful. I'm so thankful God has gifted me with Megan these past ten years, and I look forward to seeing how He will work in our lives in the future.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Cancer Does Suck, But...

Over the years, several close family members of mine have been stricken by cancer. This includes my American aunt and grandfather, Japanese grandparents, and my mother-in-law. I, of course, would never in a million years ever wish cancer on someone; however, I am thankful that cancer, amniotic band constriction, dementia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, strokes, and other medical conditions my family members have battled can be opportunities to cling to the cross and witness to the goodness and hope found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May He be given all of the glory during the pain-free and painful times of our lives.

Be sure to check out this four-minute video of Noah Spivey, a high schooler from The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. He did not waste his cancer.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Difficult Days, A Divine Deliverer

I recently started my ninth reading of the longest book in the Good Book, the Book of Jeremiah. If you need to be reminded how easy you have it and how good God is, this is the book for you. I'm puzzled how I can forget how difficult Jeremiah's life was, yet it happens. Here are some eye-opening facts about the Prophet Jeremiah that can provide us with the right perspective on life:

• Jeremiah was told he couldn't marry or have children (Jeremiah 16:2), and he preached the truth with dogged determination for 40 years. 
• The people desired Jeremiah's death and discarded God's message. 
• Jeremiah felt depressed, discouraged, and deserted, and he really started to doubt God's plan for him.
•  Although Jeremiah has much to say about death and destruction, we see that God is the deliverer of the good news. 
• Jeremiah did not just weep, but he was dedicated, and it was God who helped him to go the distance.

I do not understand everything we have to go through, but I know God is good and He is there for us. Sometimes I get furious about the injustice in the world, heartbroken about the personal challenges family and friends are facing, and pessimistic about dilemmas I must help resolve. At times, I complain and want to quit, but I know our Father's grace is sufficient. I must look to the cross and remember that Sunday is coming. I look forward to that day when you, me, and Jeremiah can talk about the greatness of God.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3

The Son of Man Raised

1. The Resurrection proves that the Son of Man is the omnipotent God victorious over sin and death. We can trust Him.
2. The Resurrection confirms that God's wrath was satisfied and our debt was paid in full. We are forgiven for our sins.
3. The Resurrection assures us that we serve a living Savior who continues to intercede for us. We are to be envied.
4. The Resurrection guarantees our future resurrection. We are alive.

Victorious. Washed. Prized. New. Let's make sure we are constantly sharing this good news of blessed hope.

12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, who he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If the Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

From Principal to Teacher

In a couple of months, I will move across the hallway from my second office to my sixth classroom. Many of my present duties will change as I transition from a middle school principal to a classroom teacher. Although I am excited about the change, there is still much to be done in my present position. Below is some of what the next school year will look like, which I'll give more thought to when the summer hits. I will go from...

1. assigning teachers to spring trip teams to chaperoning the sixth-grade spring trip to Liaoning Province.
2. emceeing major House events to sponsoring House 4 - a mixed group of more than 20 middle school boys and girls who meet once a week and compete against four other Houses.
3. presenting faculty devotionals several times a year to facilitating the middle school team devotionals.
4. providing advisory resources and schedules to advising a small group of sixth-grade students.
5. speaking at middle school assemblies every month to emceeing the assemblies weekly.
6. visiting the cafeteria occasionally to serving lunch duty every Friday.
7. watching middle school athletic events to coaching the middle school girls' soccer squad.

Serving as a principal these past four years has blessed me in numerous ways, and I look forward to seeing what our Father will do in the coming months. I'm blessed to work with such a great team of teachers who understand the great responsibilities we have and the great expectations that are placed on us.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. James 3:1

How Can We Inherit Eternal Life?

1. The Problemo: We must understand that a holy God made us in His image (Genesis 1:26), but that we are wretched sinners (Romans 3:23) who deserve to be eternally separated in Hell from God's love (Romans 6:23).

2. The Solution: We must believe Jesus, God's perfect Son, died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins (1 Peter 2:24) and that He resurrected (rose from the dead) three days later. Jesus is the only way to the Father, and He is the only way to satisfy God's wrath (extreme anger).

3. Our Response: If we receive God's gift of salvation in faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), we will be:
    A. regenerated (We are made spiritually new),
    B. converted (We repent of our sins and trust in Jesus for salvation),
    C. justified (We are forgiven of our sins and declared righteous),
    D. adopted into God's family (We are reconciled with God and become His child),
    E. and through the Holy Spirit, sanctified (We become more like Jesus as we live our lives for
         God's glory - 1 Corinthians 10:31).

4. The Future: When we die or when Jesus returns, we will go to Heaven with resurrected bodies (glorification) to worship God forever (Revelation 21-22:5). All creation will be restored, and it will be da' bomb diggity!

Do you believe this? Do you believe For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16)? Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved (Romans 10:9-10). This is the way to a life of purpose. To deepen that life, you will want to:

1. Rely on the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
2. Read, study, memorize, meditate on, and share God's Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. Constantly pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
4. Learn from Godly people and worship with them (Hebrews 10:25).
5. Serve others joyfully in Christ (1 Peter 4:10).

to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen (Romans 16:27).

The Power of the Resurrection

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "all things are put in subjection," it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Eating Dogs and Talking Dogs

Last weekend, we discovered a nice-looking restaurant near our apartment complex that serves man's best friend. I wouldn't have known that it was a dog restaurant, but I have a smart wife who can read Chinese hieroglyphics. I used to have a reputation for chomping down on some interesting things, such as entire fish, the reproductive organs of different animals, and various raw meats (including dog), but I do have my limits. Although it's certainly permissible to eat meat (e.g., Matthew 3:4, Matthew 14:17-20, Romans 14:1-3), I take serious issue with eating endangered animals or animals that are still alive. That's pretty twisted. I do believe there will be a day when I'll be eating meat substitutes with enhanced taste buds (e.g., Mark 14:25, Revelation 22:1-2), and my meals will be far greater than any beef jerky, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and Buffalo wings I have consumed. Perhaps I'll even enjoy these meals with talking dogs. Chew on that one.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

What Mistakes Did I Make As A Middle School Principal?

As I finish my fourth and final year as a middle school principal (at least for the near future), I've been pondering how God has used me and what I could have done better. If I had a do-over, these are three things I would do differently:

1. Not Respond To Emails So Quickly - If you wait to answer emails, you can often provide better answers, or an answer may not even be needed because the matter gets resolved.

2. Not Accept So Many Unscheduled Meetings - Telling a person that you don't have a minute and scheduling a meeting with that person can enable you to have a better meeting and be more productive.

3. Not Place Work Responsibilities Ahead of Family Time - Who is more important: your colleagues or your family? Too often, we bring our work home when, in many cases, it needs to stay at work. Don't blur the lines.

I made a ton more mistakes than what I mentioned above, and I certainly continue to mess up, but I'm extremely thankful to work in a great community of believers and to have such a patient and gracious family. More importantly, I'm thankful for the merciful Father who never gives up on me, the Spirit who works in me, and for the Son who said, "It is finished."

Is War Ever Justifiable?

John Adams, the second president of the United States, said, "I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy." Do you believe war is ever justifiable? Explain. This was a question we challenged our 115 middle school students with recently, and three groups said war is always unjustifiable, one group said war can be justifiable, and one group gave the pros and cons to both sides. I can understand why the majority of young people would think war could never be justified.

I'm a certified U.S. history teacher who has visited the Independence Hall of Korea, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Museum, and the War Remnants Museum (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam), so you could say I've educated myself a little about the atrocities of war. To say war can be ugly and horrible is quite the understatement. We are an absolutely sick bunch, but unfortunately, there are times when wars should take place.

I am all for being peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and loving our enemies (Matthew 5:44); however, I'm not going to simply pray for someone who breaks into my home. I'm definitely going to pray, but I'm also going to make war because I have a duty to protect my family. Wickamania will be unleashed, and it ain't gonna be pretty. We have a duty to forcefully protect human life against those who forcefully attempt to harm human life. To take a pacifist route would most likely result in more violence and harm being done. If pacifism were biblical, we should not only get rid of the military but also police officers. Can we say absolute chaos?

The bottom line is the world is filled with sinful people, and sometimes the only way to stop sinful people from killing others is to go to war (e.g., American slave owners, Hitler). God is clearly not against every war. Numerous Bible verses show that the sovereign LORD of hosts (armies) is not a pacifist (e.g., Deuteronomy 20:16-17, 1 Samuel 15:18, Ecclesiastes 3:8). When Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, returns, he will make war (Revelation 19:11-21). We should be constantly praying for wisdom and peace, but we must understand that there will always be conflict until we see the New Heavens and New Earth. Come, Lord Jesus. Come.

Happy Patrick of Ireland Day III

Ten Things I'm Looking Forward To As I Return To Teaching

Two days ago, a number of people were quite surprised to hear that I will no longer be serving as the middle school principal at Tianjin International School. The Father has placed on my heart a desire to teach middle school students His Word and the world He has created. In no particular order, below are ten things I look forward to as I return to teaching sixth graders.

1. Performing in skits with students
2. Going on spring trips
3. Creating units and lessons
4. Collaborating with other teachers
5. Assisting students with their schoolwork
6. Using an iPad for instruction
7. Students asking deep questions
8. Biblically integrating content
9. Seeing hearts transformed
10. Having my daughter Rose in my classes

Ten Things I'll Miss About Being a Principal

Two days ago, I announced that after this school year, I will no longer be serving as the middle school principal at Tianjin International School. After four years as an administrator, I will be returning to my former position of teaching sixth graders the Good Book and social studies. I am excited that I'll be back in the classroom full-time, but there will certainly be some aspects of my job that I'll miss. In no particular order, below are ten things I'll miss about being a principal.

1. Congratulating a student for being accepted to our school

2. Interviewing an excellent teaching candidate

3. Working closely with like-minded administrators

4. Presenting information to parents about school programs

5. Speaking at student assemblies every month

6. Making decisions that enhance the school's appearance

7. Engaging students during classroom observations

8. Creating and improving school programs

9. Emceeing major school and divisional events

10. Helping and praying with so many teachers, parents, and students

Do You Hear Me, God? Are You Listening?

God hears everything because He’s omniscient. 1 John 3:20 says for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. This does not mean God “listens” to everything, though. Some things we think and say God may find to be flat out ridiculous, so He chooses to flat out ignore us (e.g., Psalm 66:18, Isaiah 1:15, Jeremiah 14:10-12, Matthew 6:5). Perhaps you’ve said to a child, “You may be hearing what I’m saying, but you’re not listening to me.” Hearing and listening have different meanings. Listening requires a response.

You can pray to God, and He will hear your prayer; however, He may not listen to it. His answer could very well be complete silence. In fact, if you are living your life however you like, you shouldn’t expect God to answer your prayers in a way that pleases you. Why should anyone expect any answers from God if they don’t believe He exists and if they choose to live however they want? All people need to first and foremost repent of their sins and place their faith in Christ.

If you are living a life following Christ, you still can’t expect God to always answer your prayers in a way that pleases you. We are sinful creatures with sinful desires. Sometimes our prayers can be downright unbiblical. I’ve been guilty of being more concerned about what others are thinking about my prayers than about truly praising and thanking God during my prayers. Nice, Wick. Despite my flawed prayers, God is gracious and merciful (Psalm 86:15).

God is so good, yet He is also wonderfully mysterious. We often can’t comprehend God. The Prophet Isaiah reminds us, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9) God's ways are also perfect; we know He answers our prayers perfectly all the time. Psalm 145:17 tells us how the Lord is righteous in all His ways. We can trust God whether He answers our prayers with a yes, no, or wait.

Are you trusting in God with all your heart, or are you leaning on your own understanding? Have you submitted to the Son of Man in all your ways? Only God can make your paths straight. Submit to the all-knowing King of the Universe who answers all prayers perfectly.

“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” Isaiah 42:8

The Jump Shot

You're Irresistible...

The Wonderful School of Pain

The first of Cru's four spiritual laws is: "God loves you and offers a wonderful plan for your life."

With absolutely no disrespect intended toward the late Bill Bright, I would like to add a few words to Cru's first principle that explains the Christian message of salvation: "God loves you and offers a wonderfully perfect and at times, a gut-wrenchingly painful plan for your life."

Pain is a gift from God, yet we often do not think of pain this way. Typically, we don't thank God for massive migraines that make us feel like our brains are going to explode or thank Him for debilitating depression that makes us want to crawl into a hole and hide. We are creatures of comfort who complain and whine about why we must endure any form of hardship.

Approximately a decade ago, I read about Dr. Brand's work with lepers in India. He observed that many of his patients would lose their fingers and toes during the night. He shockingly discovered that rats were chewing on his patients' fingers and toes while they slept, but they never woke up because they had no sense of pain. Dr. Brand also noticed that young children with leprosy would gnaw off their fingers because they had no sense of pain. Thank you for pain, God.

Although pain is one of the numerous results of the original sin, without pain, we would not know when medical attention is needed. James 1:2-3 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." When we endure painful trials, we can take joy in knowing that God is at work in us to sanctify us, to make us more like His Son, Jesus. This applies to all kinds of pain - emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical pain.

The good news is that Jesus died on the cross in our place for our sins, suffering the most excruciating pain, the holy wrath of His Father. This includes paying the price for my respectable sins of discontentment and ungratefulness. Jesus understands the pains we go through and endured the greatest pain to redeem us and glorify His Father. 1 Peter 2:24 says, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." One day, death, mourning, crying, and pain will be a thing of the past for all believers in Christ (Revelation 2:14). Draining elbows and drilling kneecaps will be no longer.

Although pain is a huge part of life, God provides us with the grace to persevere. The Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." Pain shows how weak we are and can demonstrate the comforting, healing, and perfecting power of God.

Like you, I experience different kinds of pain from time to time. In my 40+ years, my body has endured a couple of broken bones, been under the knife on several occasions, been stitched up in multiple spots, and has had numerous cuts, bruises, blisters, sprains, and strains, as well as a few lost toenails and fingernails. Many of these injuries have resulted from activities I once enjoyed, such as kicking a ball and climbing trees. Recently, a painful bout with elbow bursitis and the decision to have ACL surgery this summer have resulted in me throwing myself a grand pity party despite being blessed with so much, and while so many are experiencing far greater pains than me. God, in His mercy, has once again shown me how sinful I am and how much I need Jesus Christ.

God's plan is wonderfully perfect and downright painful at times. I shared a couple of pains I am enduring, and I could share more if I discussed all of the mental, emotional, and spiritual anguish I battle. I thank God He is refining me through painful circumstances, that the cross is a source of comfort, and that our Sovereign Lord will soon provide us glorified bodies free from sin, suffering, and sickness.

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:6-7

I'm Always Rejoicing in the Lord

I'm always rejoicing in the Lord...NOT. Believe it or not, there are some mornings when I don't exactly have that joy in the Lord feeling. Perhaps others often think that of me; however, keep in mind my joyful look can be mistaken for a look of anger. :-) It doesn’t take me long to do things without rejoicing. If my eight-year-old requires multiple reminders that it's time to get out of bed, I am not exactly rejoicing in the Lord. Having only decaf coffee in the apartment does not make me jump for joy. If I open up my inbox to find an email of a less-than-joyous nature, that can certainly put a damper on my spirit. Even the activities I find most enjoyable in life can be experienced with displeasure due to my sinful heart. Prior to a knee injury last year, I used to really enjoy playing soccer, but I would get pretty perturbed if my teammates didn’t play defense. I enjoy fishing, but I have a few stories of fishing trips that don't include any fish. I can even worship God with others and start thinking of how someone has wronged me.

I find encouragement in the Apostle Paul’s testimony, and I look forward to learning more from him in Heaven. Here was a man who found joy in the most difficult of circumstances. In 2 Corinthians 7:4, he says, I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy. In Colossians 1:24, he says, Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. 

How could Paul make these kinds of statements? First and foremost, Paul learned this from Jesus. Luke 6:22-23 says, Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. Paul knew his earthly troubles would be temporary and that He would be rewarded with great treasures in Heaven. Paul took his eyes off his circumstances and remembered the truth, the words of Jesus.

How does one produce the kind of joy Paul talks about? Where does it come from? It comes from the Holy Spirit. Man is unable to produce it. Galatians 5:22 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. All those who have placed their faith in Christ have the Holy Spirit and, through Him can have this joy in their life.

Perhaps this seems like basic stuff to you; however, we need these reminders. I need these reminders. We are quick to take our eyes off the cross and forget what God says. Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let me say that again. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Did you realize rejoicing is commanded and not optional? What is amazing about Paul's statement is that he said it in a prison cell that wasn't exactly a five-star hotel. How was he able to do this? Again, through the Holy Spirit. 

What if we do not desire to fight for joy in the Lord? What if we are struggling to have that joy? 2 Corinthians 1:24 says, Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. If we do not desire to fight for joy in the Lord, we must tell others and cry out to the Lord. He desires for us to find joy in Him. We are not to act as if we have it all together. We don't. You have junk, I have junk, we all have junk, and moments when we do not feel very cheery. When I am not feeling particularly joyful, there are a few key people in my circle of friends who listen to me, pray for me and with me, and who point me to the Word, to the good news of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for the body of Christ. We are not meant to be independent but are made interdependent for community. This includes introverts like me. We need one another to live joyously in the Lord.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

The Saving Righteousness of Christ Through Faith

The Saving Righteousness of God Through Faith from Mark Wickersham

The Mission of CBI Japan

Wick's 2013 Highlights

2013 consisted of some huge ups as well as something not so fun in February. Check out past highlights at the following links: 2010, 2011, 2012.

January - We add Josiah to the Wickersham clan on the 20th. That makes three Chinese kids with a 9.5-year gap between the youngest and oldest. God is awesome.

February - I tear my ACL in my right knee while playing soccer with middle school students. This is tear #2 (Tear #1 occurred in my left knee while coaching high school students in 1997).

March - I set up Instagram and Twitter accounts all on my own accord. I'm just a few years late.

April - I complete my third and final Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) class and have only three summer classes to take at Columbia International University (CIU).

May - The Wickershams move to an apartment complex closer to TIS. I'm extremely happy about our new home in the peaceful setting.

June - Megan and the kiddos visit me at CIU for the first time. I'm pleasantly surprised at how much Megan enjoyed small-town southern life.

July - I complete an M.Ed. in Educational Administration at CIU. I never thought I would earn a master's degree, especially one in education.

August - The Wickershams participate in the Color Run 5K in Beijing. My knee was a little achy, but I finished the race.

September - I increase my coaching responsibilities and coach 30 Lady Eaglet soccer players, two of whom are Rose and Grace. I'm so thankful that my daughters actually want me to coach them.

October - I attend a standards-based assessment summit at the American International School of Guangzhou, China, and earn a graduate credit through the State University of New York.

November - A surprise bacon sundae birthday party is thrown by Megan for my 40th. It appears we have a tradition, but I'm not sure how Megan will be able to surprise me if I reach the big 41.

December - I get the privilege to speak at my secretary's wedding and get a little choked up in the process. His permanent covenant-keeping love for us is overwhelming.

Wick's 2012 Highlights

There is no typo in the title. The past day, I reflected on the past two years. You can check out past Wickersham highlights here: 2010 & 2011.

January - The TIS community moves into a brand new school building that contains 75 classrooms, our first gym, tennis courts, and much, much more. We definitely don't deserve this.

February - Carol, Megan's mother, is diagnosed with cancer and is given this special opportunity to witness to others the truth and glory of Him.

March - Megan flies to Indiana and surprises her mom. I played Mr. Mom for 1.5 weeks.

April - I take the girls on a special daddy's date to a newly opened Burger King in a western-style mall. It just tastes better.

May - After more than a two-year break, I'm thrilled to see Megan blogging again at http://meganwickersham.wordpress.com/. I like Megan's writing style and envy her creative flair.

June - I complete my first grad class through Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). Taking classes through IWU enabled me to complete an M.Ed. in three years.

July - We see our first picture of Josiah Lee Fuzi Wickersham on Megan's 39th birthday. I can't believe I'm going to have a boy.

August - In addition to my duties as a middle school principal and PE department supervisor, I add Good Book Head of Department to my plate.

September - Megan and I attend an admin retreat in Xiamen (southeast China). The warmer temperatures appeal to my inner islander.

October - I plan to attend education conferences next month in Malaysia and Thailand. One is a secular leadership conference, and the other conference is for Christian educators.

November - Megan throws a surprise bacon sundae birthday party for me. Everything tastes better with bacon.

December - I start a research class through IWU that results in a 60-page action research report. That was a little work.

Lay's Fun Wasabi Shrimp Flavor Chips & Spicy Green Peppercorn Fish Flavor Chips Are Da' Bomb Diggity!

Although I'm fine w/ being a meat-and-potatoes guy, the TCK in me also doesn't mind a little adventure in my dining experiences. Yesterday I picked up a flavor of Lay's chips that makes sense to my Hoosier and Japanese makeup - fun wasabi shrimp flavor. I like how this flavor is described as fun. A few months ago, I picked up a bag of Lay's spicy green peppercorn fish flavor chips. These chips weren't described as fun, but I found them to be just as fun as the Lay's fun wasabi shrimp flavor chips. Perhaps they are even more fun. They have a dead fish floating on the cover of the bag, and I think that definitely puts them in the fun category. Although shrimp and corn fish flavor chips may not sound appealing to you, I have bought both flavors multiple times. The bags state the date of minimum durability is nine months, but this isn't a concern for me since they get eaten up within minutes after I purchase them. You betcha I can't eat just one.

 

Are You a Lover of Truth?

Are You a Lover of Truth? (John 14:6) from Mark Wickersham

Reviewing James MacDonald's When Life is Hard

I received James MacDonald's book, When Life is Hard, a few years ago when Pastor MacDonald was a council member of the Gospel Coalition. Christian books about overcoming adversity appeal to me, so I was thankful to receive this book as a Christmas gift. Unfortunately, I never found When Life is Hard to be very engaging and only recently finished this 200 pager. I think I would have enjoyed the book more had I read it several years ago when I was at a different stage in life. Perhaps it would have been better for me to read the book with others and to write down my answers to the questions Pastor MacDonald posed. I found nothing in Pastor MacDonald's book that caused me to raise any eyebrows, although I would not simply say that God allows painful, difficult things to happen. A few of the positives in his book include having key words and phrases bolded or in italics, the use of Scripture (ESV, NASB, and NKJV translations) throughout the book, and how nicely the book is organized. Some of the ways Pastor MacDonald speaks truth include:

Glimpses of God: At the beginning of every chapter, a theme verse is examined, word by word.
From God's Heart to Mine: At the end of each chapter are a couple of verses or a short Scripture passage to memorize.
Mining for Gold: Each chapter includes a set of personal questions designed to help you reflect on and implement what God is showing you about trials in your life.
Come Forth as God: The final chapter looks at the sixteen key lessons covered in the book and summarizes them.

I am sure many people have made better sense of pain and suffering from reading When Life is Hard, and I think more will be blessed in the years to come by Pastor MacDonald's stories of hope. I appreciate hearing messages that don't gloss over the fact that life is hard at times, but there is One who can help you through the hard times.

Reviewing Greg Laurie's How To Live Forever

Whenever we listen to sermons as a family, I typically find a recent sermon preached by Greg Laurie. His sermons are biblically based and preached in a manner that can help all of us better understand the Chief Cornerstone. I found Greg Laurie's booklet, How to Live Forever, like his sermons. How to Live Forever presents the gospel message in 27 pages. Below are the titles of the ten short chapters.

1. The Quest
2. Would You Sell Your Soul to End the Frustration?
3. Yet We Are Made in God's Image
4. The "S" Word - Sin
5. Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?
6. Why Did He Do It?

7. A Bleak Alternative
8. What Do I Have to Do?
9. How to Know God
10. Now What?

Since this booklet was written in 1999, some of the statistics and pop culture references (e.g., Back to the Future, Gianni Versace) are dated, but this is really of little importance. Scripture is found throughout the booklet in NLT, NKJV, and NIV (1984) translations, and Pastor Laurie handles unpopular topics such as the cross and Hell in a way that can engage people from various backgrounds. There were a couple of times when I read something that I would have worded differently or perhaps stressed something from another standpoint. Despite this, I believe How to Live Forever has definitely been used to feed souls and will continue to do so in the years to come.

BGEA's Defining Moments: James Munroe, David Tyree, and Lacey Sturm

Reviewing Paul Miller's A Praying Life: Connecting With God in a Distracting World

Paul Miller's book, A Praying Life, was published four years ago and has sat on our Chinese bookshelf for much of that time. Recently, though, I was motivated to complete the book before a focused day of prayer. I desire to be more than someone who dispenses popcorn prayers, says grace before family meals, and provides nicely worded vertical requests at organized gatherings. I desire to be a prayer warrior who prays without ceasing; however, I permit so much to distract me from constantly communicating with my Heavenly Father. Unfortunately, my sick heart prefers reading and talking about prayer with other sick people instead of praising the Great Physician. Fortunately, Miller's book supplied not only sound theology but practical advice to help me better understand how I can go about better communing with my Creator.

A Praying Life consists of five sections divided into 32 compact chapters. The chapters are largely composed of personal family stories that show Miller struggles with sin like all of us. The chapters also show we have a great God who always answers prayer perfectly. We may not always like or understand God's answers, but we can trust that our Sovereign Lord knows what He is doing. I am thankful for Miller's use of Scripture throughout his book, as well as the sprinkling of informative diagrams.

Miller's book is endorsed by a few authors whom I have greatly benefited from (Tim Keller, Ken Sande, and Paul David Tripp). Within the book, you will find Miller quoting a wide range of people who have different thoughts on prayer (St. Augustine, C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, Nancy Pearcey, John Piper, N.T. Wright, Philip Yancey). Although I strongly disagree with some of the theological viewpoints of some of these people, I was not disturbed by anything I read in Miller's book. Also provided in the 280-page book are a foreword by David Powlison, a short introduction, some acknowledgments, more than six pages of notes, and advertisements for a few other resources from Miller. Below are the titles of the sections of the book.

Section 1: Learning to Pray Like a Child
Section 2: Learning to Trust Again
Section 3: Learning to Ask Your Father
Section 4: Living in Your Father's Story
Section 5: Praying in Real Life

I recommend checking out Miller's book if you are feeling spiritually dry and want to supplement your time in the Word. As a result of reading A Praying Life, I decided to use a prayer list again - a practice I stopped a few years ago. This time around, I'll use my ever-changing list in hopes that it will enable me to have a more fruitful praying life. Please do not hesitate to lift me up or ask me how I am doing. I can always use the accountability.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Most (The Bridge): A Father's Day Film

Reviewing Kenneth S. Coley's The Helmsman: Leading with Courage and Wisdom

I was fortunate to be able to purchase The Helmsman at an ACSI conference in Thailand this past fall. It was required reading for one of my last M.Ed. classes at Columbia International University. The Helmsman is a 250-page book with five sections consisting of 12 chapters, and it is a book for Christian principals or those who will become principals one day. The titles of the sections and chapters are:

I. Perspectives and Personas
    1. Biblical Perspective - What are specific ways administrative tasks are performed differently in Christian schools as opposed to non-Christian schools?
    2. Historical Perspective - Is our school effective? Am I an effective principal?
II. The Helmsman as Administrator: 1 Corinthians 12:28
    3. Designing Your School's Philosophy - Is Christ the foundation of every aspect of our school programs?
    4. Establishing Your School's Governance - Is Scripture being used to develop and maintain the governance of our school?
    5. Curriculum Leadership - What do our units teach us about God, humankind, creation, moral order, or purpose?
III. The Helmsman as Builder: Nehemiah 1-13
    6. Community Builder and Transformational Leader - What weaknesses do we need to improve upon in our school?
    7. Six Forces of Leadership and Leadership by Outrage - What are my strengths and weaknesses as a leader, and what needs to change?
IV. The Helmsman as Builder of the Body: Ephesians 4:11-16
    8. Supervision of Instruction - Is the supervision of teachers being differentiated?
    9. Leadership Development - Is Jesus the supreme example of leadership development in our school?
V. The Helmsman as Steward: 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
  10. Finance and Facilities - Are biblical practices being conducted to generate funds?
  11. Legal Issues - Are we doing anything that would defame the name of Christ?
  12. Shore Leave - Is now a time when you need to consider stepping away from the demands of your position?

Although I have served as a middle school principal for three years, Dr. Coley taught me new information and gave me ideas that I will further reflect on. I clearly see why this book was a part of my educational administration course. It is a solid book that has blessed me, and I am sure will bless many others.

                         

Dudley Do-Right Pays The Money For the Mortgage on the Cow

Shai Linne's Lyrical Theology Part 1: Theology Has Been Released!

Reviewing Tom Rath & Barry Conchie's Strengths Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow

I received Strengths Based Leadership prior to a workshop I attended with other ISC principals. Although the book is over 260 pages long, 135 pages are devoted to descriptions of the 34 StrengthsFinder themes, 20 pages cover the research behind the book, and nearly 10 pages are references. Strengths Based Leadership identifies three keys to being a more effective leader:

1. Knowing your strengths and investing in others' strengths
2. Getting people with the right strengths on your bus
3. Understanding and meeting the four basic needs of those who look for you to lead them

The book is organized into three parts. Part one is called Investing in Your Strengths, part two, the longest part, is entitled Maximizing Your Team, and part three is about understanding why people follow. Short introductions and conclusions are also included. In part two of Strengths Based Leadership, Rath and Conchie introduce us to four leaders who illustrate each of the four domains of leadership strength. Those four domains are executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. The leaders introduced include Wendy Kopp, Founder and CEO of Teach For America (executing), Simon Cooper, President of the Ritz-Carlton (influencing), Mervyn Davies, Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank (relationship building), and Brad Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of Best Buy (strategic thinking). I didn't think highlighting Brad Anderson was best since Best Buy's market isn't as strong as it once was; however, Strengths Based Leadership was written in 2008, and Brad Anderson retired over four years ago.

The 34 StrengthsFinder themes are grouped into the four domains of leadership strength based on a statistical factor analysis and a clinical evaluation by Gallup's top scientists. I have bought into the strengths-based philosophies and clearly see how certain people are better suited for certain positions. I think the best aspect of this book is having access to the StrengthsFinder 2.0 Assessment. Apparently, this is unavailable on the Kindle edition. After inputting your unique access code online to take the assessment, you receive a personalized strengths-based leadership guide.

I have shared my assessment with several other people, and we have found it to be fairly accurate. According to the assessment, I am strongest in the strategic thinking domain (input, intellection, and learner) and weakest in the influencing domain (helping your team reach a much broader audience). My assessment also stated I'm strong in the achiever (a great deal of stamina and working hard) and connectedness (faith in the links between all things) themes. Those who have shared their assessments with me have also stated that they largely agree with their assessment outcomes.

I am glad I was gifted with this book because it has enabled me to better understand myself and shown me the importance of placing people in the right jobs. I do not see myself promoting strengths-based assessments and discussions in the near future, but I now consider people's strengths far more than ever. Strengths Based Leadership is a simple read with much of it being material that can be skimmed, but new insights can be gained from reading the book.

Duck Commander Phil Robertson - Deciding To Follow the Son of Man

Reviewing Mez McConnell's Is There Anybody Out There?: A Journey From Despair To Hope

After listening to Pastor McConnell's testimony several months ago and seeing his autobiography for three bucks, I dropped the Washingtons for this incredible account of how the Father radically transforms people's lives. Is There Anybody Out There? is not your typical Christian story, and there is very little reference to God in the first half of the book. Pastor McConnell had an extremely troubling upbringing that led to a life behind bars, yet God got hold of Him and changed him forever. Pastor McConnell hails from the UK and uses slang when he writes of his younger years, so some of his language might be slightly unfamiliar to American readers. Initially, the first-person point of view is written in a very direct and choppy manner, much like what we might expect from someone who is living a life of disorder. After Pastor McConnell becomes a Christian, he continues to write honestly, but we also read how he lives boldly in a new way. This book is a reminder that a Christian is not only one whom Christ has saved, but one whom Christ has regenerated. I highly recommend this book for both believers and skeptics.

to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27

Reviewing John MacArthur's Found: God's Will

Although I have listened to my share of Dr. MacArthur's sermons and have frequented his Grace to You site for the answers to various questions, this is the first time I have read one of Dr. MacArthur's books. The 75-page Kindle version of Found can easily be read in no time, and it is solid material that is thoroughly supported by Scripture. Dr. MacArthur's seven-chapter book does not use complex theological language, but it does contain profound truths in words that any layperson can understand. Found is organized in the following manner:

1. Is God a Cosmic Killjoy? - The will of God is clearly revealed in His Holy Word.
2. The Crucial First Step - God wants people to be saved.
3. The Fizzies Principle - We must be filled with the Spirit.
4. The Priority of Purity - Be sanctified (pursue holiness).
5. Silencing the Critics - Submit to the Lord and submit to others in the Lord.
6. Facing the Flak - Suffer for Jesus.
7. You're It - If you are the right you, you can follow your desires and you will do His will.

If you want to better understand God's will for you, it is not as complicated as many people make it out to be. Dr. MacArthur helps us understand that in a succinct and straightforward way. I wholeheartedly give Found my Wickersham stamp of approval.

The Greatest Versatile Thinker of All-Time

Jesus Christ: The Greatest Versatile Thinker of All-Time from Mark Wickersham

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

The Parable of the Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8) from Mark Wickersham