Archives by: Gary Hoag

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11

“When we give up our desires to be outstanding or different, when we let go of our needs to have our own special niches in life, when our main concern is to be the same, and to live out this sameness in solidarity, we are then able to see each other’s unique gifts. Gathered together in common vulnerability, we discover how much we have to give each other.

The Christian community is the opposite of a highly uniform group of people whose behavior has been toned down to a common denominator and whose originality has been dulled. On the contrary, the Christian community, gathered in common discipleship, is the place where individual gifts can be called forth and put into service for all.”

Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 77.

It was great to see family, even if it was only for a few days. By God’s grace, we made the 18 hour drive back from California to Colorado safely. We plan to quarantine for 14 days.

I’m excited to have my first GTP staff meeting today with the addition of Matthew Gadsden, CFO & Strategy Catalyst, from Adelaide, Australia. 

The key for this service to all vision to break forth is understanding the distinction between common denominator and common discipleship.

When unity is based on a few overlapping likes or interests (common denominator), we will largely remain divided and only parts of us will be celebrated and accepted.

But when our unity is based on who we are in Christ (common discipleship), then the diversity of each person is appreciated with love. It’s fun to watch the GTP team take shape.

Five people from five countries with unique gifts. Pray that through common vulnerability and solidarity, we can learn how much we have to give each other and for service to all.

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

“Joy and gratitude are the qualities of the heart by which we recognize those who are committed to a life of service in the path of Jesus Christ. We see this in families where parents and children are attentive to one another’s needs and spend time together despite many outside pressures. We see it in those who always have room for a stranger, an extra plate for a visitor, time for someone in need. We see it in the sudents who work with the elderly, and in the many men and women who offer money, time, and energy for those who are hungry, in prison, sick, or dying. We see it in the sisters who work with the poorest of poor. Wherever we see real service we also see joy, because in the midst of service a divine presence becomes visible and a gift is offered. Therefore, those who serve as followers of Jesus discover that they are receiving more than they are giving. Just as a mother does not need to be rewarded for the attention she pays to her child, because her child is her joy, so those who serve their neighbor will find their reward in the people whom they serve.”

Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 30.

As I read my book in the morningquietness of a large rented house with relatives who had come together by Lake Tahoe (pictured above), slowly my nieces and nephews, young parents, emerged with little kids. At that point, this reading came to life before my eyes.

When feeding a little baby with a bottle, a young mom received more blessing than she extends. The same was true for a young father. Soon the room was filled with life and happiness. While some sacrificed to wake up early, their service was abundantly rewarded.

The invitation to generous and compassionate service is, paradoxically, an invitation to receive more than we give. We don’t figure it out until we live it out that abundant joy and gratitude await us. When we adopt the mind of Christ, look what awaits us!

I have a way to go to exhibit tenderness and compassion. But what I will say is that setting aside my work on my daily post and helping the young parents with their toddlers was the highlight of my morning. It was even better than the good cup of coffee my son-in-law made for me. That was good too!

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20b

“When do we receive real comfort and consolation? Is it when someone teaches us how to think or act? Is it when we receive advice about where to go or what to do? Is it when we hear words of reassurance and hope? Sometimes perhaps? But what really counts is that in moments of pain and suffering someone stays with us.

More important than any particular action or word of advice is the simple presence of someone who cares. When someone says to us in the midst of a crisis, “I do not know what to say or what tot do, but I want you to realize that I am with you, that I will not leave you alone,” we have a friend through whom we can find consolation and comfort.

In a time filled with methods and techniques designed to change people, to influence their behavior, and to make them do new things and think new thoughts, we have lost the simple but difficult gift of being present to each other.

We have lost the gift because we have been led to believe that presence must be useful. We say, “Why should I visit this person? I can’t do anything anyway. I don’t even have anything to say. Of what use can I be?” Meanwhile, we have forgotten that it is often in “useless,” unpretentious, humble presence to each other that we feel consolation and comfort.”

Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 11-12.

Today is “Independence Day” in the USA. Each time it rolls around I remind myself and others that while our ancestors revolted against tyranny to establish a place for the freedoms that we now enjoy, our forefathers never intended us to navigate life in an independent manner.

The “simple but difficult gift” to give others especially during a pandemic is our presence. It’s difficult because at social distance it becomes really awkward. Checking in, perhaps with Zoom or some other tool, however, is important, not with an agenda, but to be present to each other.

As CEO of GTP with the saying “with you,” I have intentionally tried to build a culture of presence. You can read about it here. What’s been hard for me in this COVID season is to “be present” with people all over the world and still present to those around me. Despite the difficulty, we must try.

As COVID may be with us for a while, let us daily enjoy the gift of the presence of Jesus with us. We are not alone. From there, let us share the simple but difficult gift of being present to those around us and those we serve, reminding them that they are not alone.

And, together, let us declare our dependence on God and each other to make it through each day. I plan to do that today as Sophie, Peter, Jenni and I meet up with Jenni’s family at Lake Tahoe in a rented house to observe the 60th anniversary of her parents. Happy Anniversary, John and Wilma Pickrell.

With you!

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:36

“This command does not restate the obvious, something we already wanted but had forgotten, as an idea in line with our natural aspirations. On the contrary, it is a call that goes right against the grain; that turns us completely around and requires a total conversion of the heart and mind. It is indeed a radical call, a call that goes to the roots of our lives.”

Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 8.

As the pandemic persists, more of us are become aware of people we once greeted at church or in the daily course of life, who are no longer with us. It has taken their life.

In response, we can be tempted to retreat and move away from suffering. God help us focus not so much on our own well-being but to minister as conduits of divine kindness and care.

I am becoming convinced that generosity during a pandemic must be combined with compassion. As I explore this more deeply in the days to come, I am thankful God made this my word for 2020.

This “turns us completely around and requires a total conversion of the heart and mind” to live out. God help us be compassionate, by the power of your Holy Spirit, in Jesus name. Amen.

As a father has compassion on His children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13

“Compassion erases the mistakes of life, just as the rubber end of a pencil removes the smudges on the paper. Perhaps this is how most of us really feel and think when we are honest with ourselves. Compassion is neither our central concern nor our primary stance in life. What we really desire is to make it in life, to get ahead, to be first, to be different. We want to forge our identities by carving out of ourselves niches life where we can maintain a safe distance from other. We do not aspire to suffer with others.

On the contrary, we develop methods and techniques that allow us to stay away from pain. Hospitals and funeral homes often become places to hide the sick and dead. Suffering is unattractive, if not repelling and disgusting. The less we are confronted with it, the better. This is our principal attitude, and in this context compassion means noo more than the small soft eraser at the end of a long hard pencil. To be compassionate means to be kind and gentle to those who get hurt by competition.

A miner who gets caught undergrouond evokes compassion; a student who breaks down under pressure of exams evokes compassion; a mother on welfare who does not have enough food and clothes for her children evokes compassion; an elderly woman who is dying alone in the anonymity of big city evokes compassion. But our primary frame of reference remains competition.”

Henri Nouwen in Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life (New York: Image Doubleday, 1983) 6-7.

For those of us who admit to being competitive, it may be hard for us to also be compassionate. And with COVID-19 we can use “social distance” as an excuse to keep a “safe distance” from anyone who suffers.

I am not saying you can’t be both competitive and compassionate (as I want there to be hope for people like me), but based on Nouwen’s thoughts here, it may be tough to have both of these traits. This is sobering for people who want to be generous.

Over the next week I will post quotes from this book as I am reading it seeking to grow in compassion and generosity in the second half of this year.

I must start with the confession that I think I tend to use an eraser with the mistakes of life. I am learning that the generous thing to do is to move toward pain and suffering.

LORD, thanks for having compassion on us. Help me treat others with the same compassion and move toward and not away from pain and suffering. Amen.

Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you. Hosea 10:12

“God exhorted His people to sow righteousness so that they could reap the blessings (the “fruit”) of God’s steadfast covenant. They needed to understand God’s ways in the Torah, follow a path of justice, have unfailing love for Him, and seek the Lord continually. God would then shower them with His righteousness.”

Gary V. Smith in Hosea, Amos, Micah (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001) 151.

I want to interject a personal report today as we find ourselves halfway through 2020, and as yesterday was the end of my fiscal year for GTP.

As you may recall, I was “sowing” and praying for “showers” over the last six weeks. I was inviting people to partner with me in the work of GTP and praying for God’s provision.

On literally the day before the end of the fiscal year, I deposited the check that put us over the top. When in my journaling, I asked God, “Why wait so long.” I discerned this in reply.

God wanted over 110 new people to partner with us in the work. Had we met the goal weeks ago, I would not done the just and faithful work of inviting everyone to join in the global effort.

Our job is to sow truth in hearts that God has blessed them to participate with Him in His work. Because of His unfailing love, it is His job to move the people and shower the resources. That He did!

For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. To crush underfoot all prisoners in the land, to deny people their rights before the Most High, to deprive them of justice—would not the Lord see such things? Lamentations 3:31-36

“God is present as someone who loves His wayward people in spite of their sinfulness. There is more than affirmation of divine judgment in this chapter. If this was not also the experience of the poet before God, he could not have written 3:22-24, and he could not have affirmed that “though God brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love” (3:32). Note that the poet’s affirmation comes at the center of the book, in the midst of the middle chapter. Perhaps the placement is a clue, although a small one, that God’s loyalty is ultimately the center of existence for a believer.”

J. Andrew Dearman in Jeremiah, Lamentations (NIVAC: Grand Rapids, Zondervan, 2002) 461.

Recently my wife and I read through Lamentations. It’s true that the beacon of hope, the light in the seasoon of lament, shines in chapter three. The rest is largely filled with sadness.

What I had forgotten, but was pleasantly surprised to learn afresh this morning , was that often in Hebrew poetry, the message is often located in the middle. It is constructed like a chiasm.

What’s the chiastic message of Lamentations that has never been more relevant than in COVID-19? God is in center of existence. He is with us in these hard times. He will show compassion because great is His unfailing love.

Tell one person this today. We are halfway through what might be a long year. May our generosity come into view as  reminding each other to keep looking up. God has not forgotten about us.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:35-38

“Matthew adds a summary statement…making clear that the incidents he has reported are merely prominent examples of Jesus’ many works and teachings. At this strategic point, however, Matthew also emphasizes that Jesus’ mission is not his alone…On the historical level, Jesus’ ministry must also have prepared His disciples to carry on that ministry by example; such were the customary roles of teachers and disciples…As Jesus demonstrated the kingdom by compassionately healing, His disciples must do the same. In short, this is the point in the Gospel at which Matthew clarifies…that much of Jesus’ mission is likewise the church’s mission.”

Craig S. Keener in The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009) 308.

As we look closely at the compassion and generosity of Jesus toward this sick during COVID-19, we find a powerful idea in today’s text.

The aim of Jesus was not to be the compassionate healer but to teach and empower us to be compassionate healers. This links to the “customary roles of teachers and disciples.”

As a professor wrapping up a summer course tomorrow night, I can relate to this “customary roles” idea. I am not just teaching them with the aim of them to learn.

I want them to go and do likewise. That’s what Jesus wants for all of us. Look for the harassed,  helpless, and hurting and minister to them in the name of Jesus.

A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” He said. “Be healed!” Mark 1:40-41

“The leper, who had either seen Jesus’ mighty works or had heard about them, came beseeching Jesus to remove him from the ravages and stigma of this dreadful disease. In the firm conviction, “If you will you can make me clean,” he is asking for healing, not for the pronouncement that he is clean ritually, which only a priest could declare. It may be assumed that the man had shown himself to a priest once or several times already. His appeal was for Jesus to do what was believed impossible by human means, to cure him of his disease.”

William L. Lane in The Gospel of Mark (NICNT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974).

Clean is the air and water in the Rocky Mountains. Recently, I snapped the fresh header photo of Upper Bear Creek in the Mount Evans State Wildlife Area.

Alternatively, people were labeled “unclean” in the ancient world who had leprosy. Stay away! I think the same is true with COVID-19.

I don’t get out much, but when I go to the chiropractor for treatment I have to sign a waiver that I have not been near someone with COVID-19 for 14 days.

I can relate. It’s humbling to admit this but I tend to steer clear of sick people. Perhaps you would report the same tendency? Touching them is unthinkable.

Diseases like leprosy or COVID-19 ravage people physically. It may be worse that the stigma destroys the human psyche emotionally.

As I consider the generosity and compassion of Jesus related to disease, I see Him as more powerful than the ravages and unafraid of the stigma.

Gracious God, make us people fearless, generous people who deliver Your help and hope to a world filled with disease and discouragement. Amen.

Soon afterward He went to a town called Nain, and His disciples and a great crowd went with Him. As He drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then He came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited His people!” And this report about Him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. Luke 7:11-17

“The miracle reveals much about Jesus’ compassion and the extent of His authority. We may often feel concern for another’s pain and suffering, but what do we do to meet it? Sometimes the first step is awkward, since we wrestle with how our effort to reach out may be received, for we wonder if by bringing up the painful topic, we will make the pain worse.

But sometimes the most effective ministry occurs in a small act of compassion, not in an attempt to solve the pain. Jesus did more here than we are able to do, but the way in which he acted is important. The touch on the common showed His willingness to identify with the situation and not back away from it. Perhaps the best we can do is offer a compassionate shoulder or a listening ear. But this kind of “touch” often reaches below the skin and meets the pain of a hurting heart.

As we have already seen, Jesus’ miracles are audiovisuals of great truths, and no truth is more fundamental than His authority to reverse death. What was the most tragic of moments, the loss of an only child, Jesus turns into a reunion. The story connects with the sense of tragedy one feels at death and shows how Jesus has the power to reverse its presence. Our ministry of gospel should offer hope that in Jesus death can be overcome.”

Darrell Bock in Luke (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996) 205-206.

Post number 4,000 is now behind us. Thankfully, the recent deep-dive on the feeding of the 4,000 was inspirational for many. So, I plan to look closely at texts where Jesus showed compassion because I think it is the kind of generosity that is most needed in the world today.

Here Jesus gives us an audiovisual. He leads by example. He does a small act, that for the widow, was really big. He models for us that posture of moving toward and not away from the broken and hurting. How can you move toward those who are hurting right now as a result of COVID-19?

Some have lost their jobs. What would it look like for you to move toward an unemployed person? Others are sick. How might you offer hope to the afflicted? Many are mourning. Could you weep with them? Some countries have COVID-19 spreading widely. How can you encourage people you know?

Let’s move beyond worrying that we might look “awkward” and follow the example of our Lord Jesus who looks compassionate and generous. Let us bring hope and help to hurting hearts. It has never been more needed in the world as COVID-19 may be with us for a long time.