Check out my latest book! This one is a KIDS BOOK, written by ME and illustrated by OUR GRANDKIDS.
Written especially for young ones, but all ages will be encouraged that YOU are seen, known and loved by JESUS.
Visit www.amazon.com/author/johnfehlen to purchase ”The Way I See You” and others.
Thanks!
Check out this really cool eBook with stories, poems and artwork written and created by the people of West Salem Foursquare Church.
My wife, Denise, and I are in the thick of a battle of sorts.
I want to win, and therefore, I need her to lose.
We are in a battle for “status.”
Let me explain…
I fly a lot. I’m in airplanes quite often. Perhaps it’s for denominational meetings, speaking engagements, vacation, or whatever. Simply put: I fly a lot.
Denise, well, not so much. But when she does fly, she tends to fly longer distances, because her family lives primarily in the Midwest, and those miles add up quickly.
For many years I have been trying to achieve status on Alaska Airlines. It’s been an obsession of sorts. I like boarding earlier, having more seating options (ie: exit rows), and admittedly/shamefully, I take a small degree of delight in watching passengers scramble for overhead bin space, while I peacefully settle in with my AirPods and a magazine.
So, you can imagine my sheer horror when I recently discovered that Denise had gotten “status” before ME. She doesn’t even care about it. I CARE about IT a great deal! But she DOES enjoy rubbing it in my face, especially when they call out her premium grouping to board early, often accompanied with confetti, standing ovations, and a Dixieland band.
Meanwhile, a part of me dies inside.
All of this came to a significant head on our most recent flight to Mecca, I mean, Disneyland. Trips to Disneyland used to be for the kids, but now it’s for my wife. It’s not really my jam, but I go for her, because she loves all things Disney so much. It’s good for her soul. So you would think Denise would recognize my selfless sacrifice and not heap on the whole “status shame” any further.
But no.
When the flight attendant came down the isle with drinks and snacks, Denise let her know (in what I thought was a very loud voice) that she is one of Alaska’s finest, most preferred customers, and that one of the benefits accordingly bestowed upon her is that of a piece of premium chocolate.
I, on the other hand, humbly and quietly, made sure that the flight attendant was aware that we were together. Married. Husband and wife. The two became ONE. I mentioned that we share everything, including our airline status, and that should warrant a piece of chocolate for yours truly.
The flight attendant pulled out her corporate cellphone, clicked on the seating chart, and extended her thanks to Denise Fehlen as a preferred member of the Alaska Airlines family.
Then she actually said this: “Denise, you are Gold. John, you are nothing.”
I kid you not.
Thankfully I had that tiny pretzel Snack Mix bag, and the deep understanding that I am a child of God.
You see, I am NOT nothing. Neither are you. It doesn’t matter what the flight attendant, or anyone else for that matter, says to you or about you.
You and I are fearfully and wonderfully made.
You and I are the apple of God’s eye.
You and I are seen, known and loved.
Our “status” is that of co-heir with Christ, seated in heavenly places.
All other status is, well, insignificant in comparison.
Period.
Any yet, I think you’ll be pleased to know (I know I was) that a few minutes later, the flight attendant came back down the isle, stopped at our row, and handed ME a premium piece of chocolate too. She said, and I quote: “Here you go, young man.”
She called me YOUNG.
Take that Denise. 🙂
Attempting to summit Oregon’s third highest peak, along with three of my kids, was one of the most painful, exhilarating, exhausting, rewarding, and humbling things I have ever done. Sounds like life and leadership in these extremely challenging days, doesn’t it?
Are you getting weary and worn out?
Are you feeling beat up and ready to quit?
Are you looking for some encouragement for your soul?
Take a journey with me, and the prophet Elijah, in discovering a supernatural source of strength, as well as practical steps for whatever “climb” you may be facing.
I would be honored if you would buy a copy of my NEW BOOK in PAPERBACK or KINDLE, then leave an Amazon review, AND tell a friend. Thanks!
If you’re a pastoral leader, and as weary as I have been these last months, AND you aren’t able to afford a copy, please let me know, and it’s on me.
NOTE: This is an updated version of a post I wrote back in 2016. The reason I’ve updated and reposted it is because its central figure, Amos Eash, just went home to be with Jesus at the age of 95 years old. Yep, he was born in 1924.
I didn’t know Amos very well. I only had a few, albeit significant, interactions with him over the years. One of those interactions is written about below. May it serve as an encouragement to you today, and in a small way, may it serve as a tribute to a wonderful man of God.
I am at my local Starbucks just about every day. And if I’m not at Starbucks, I’m at some coffeeshop around town. I know, I know: I have a problem (the first step is admitting right?). But in my defense, THREE of my four kids work at our neighborhood Starbucks and, well, I’m a good family man. Also, a silly amount of baristas attend our church, which makes it one of those “return of the tithe” kinda things!
So I think I’m justified. Stop judging me.
Sure I’m a espresso addict, but more than anything I’m here for the people. I love to see folks…you know, the coffee shop regulars. One such regular is Amos Eash.
Amos is 92 years old. He’s a kind elderly gentlemen that exudes warmth. He is usually in his seat right when the doors open around 5:30 am. Then, after chit-chatting with the other patrons, finishing his tall Pikes Place, and perusing the newspaper, he will make the long, slow shuffle to the door. I always give Amos a glance and a friendly “Good morning Sir” but we’ve never had a long conversation.
Until today.
He told me about how his morning was shaping up. Tidbits from the newspaper. His next stop was to go to Snap Fitness to exercise a little bit (keep in mind that he is 92!). Then we talked about his knees and hips and how he was able to avoid surgery by simply moving and being active rather than sitting in his chair for too long.
Then before he walked out the door, he stopped, came back to me and asked: “Are you the pastor at the church up the hill?” I acknowledged that I was.
He said: “Young man, heaven and earth will pass away, but word of God endures forever. Every day before I do anything I read the Word. Then at night before I go to bed, I read the Word. It is my life.”
I leaned forward because he had my full attention.
Then he looked me in the eye and said: “May the Lord richly bless you today and may God speak to you in a fresh way.” I nodded in agreement and whispered an “Amen.” He then smiled and shuffled his way out the door to this truck.
Amos of Starbucks.
There was an Old Testament prophet also named Amos. In the biblical book named after him this verse is captured…“The days are coming when I will send a famine through the land, not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord” (Amos 8:11).
I can’t think of a worse kind of famine. Let’s pray that we don’t experience a famine such as this again in our land or hearts.
How?
Well, let’s be like Amos Esch of Starbucks who hungers and thirsts for the word of the Lord, and allows it to speak to him in fresh ways each and every day.
Every so often a particular song grabs my heart and attention for an extended season of time. Usually it’s a recently released tune that I put on repeat until I’m flat out sick of it. Most often, admittedly, it’s a worship song, because of the way they tap into spirit and soul through my ears.
But this song is somewhat older (released in 2011) and it’s by Coldplay.
“Every Teardrop is a Waterfall”
I turn the music up, I got my records on
I shut the world outside until the lights come on
Maybe the streets alight, maybe the trees are gone
I feel my heart start beating to my favourite songAnd all the kids they dance, all the kids all night
Until Monday morning feels another life
I turn the music up
I’m on a roll this time
And heaven is in sightI turn the music up, I got my records on
From underneath the rubble sing a rebel song
Don’t want to see another generation drop
I’d rather be a comma than a full stopMaybe I’m in the black, maybe I’m on my knees
Maybe I’m in the gap between the two trapezes
But my heart is beating and my pulses start
Cathedrals in my heartAs we saw oh this light I swear you, emerge blinking into
To tell me it’s alright
As we soar walls, every siren is a symphony
And every tear’s a waterfall
I resonate with the desire for solitude (“shut the world outside…”). I can often be found in a quiet space with “my records on.” This is how I tend to deal with feeling overwhelmed, tired or vision-less. And, by the way, this can happen often for me. I’m a fairly public person, with a lot of work, expectations, and stress. I can go for a quite awhile, but then I tap out. When I feel depleted, I withdraw. And, when I do, then my heart starts beating again. The lights start coming on. Heaven is in sight. From underneath the rubble I can start singing a “rebel song.” Bono from U2 says “joy is an act of defiance.”
Then purpose and vision start to return. I too don’t want to see another generation drop. Drop into despair. Drop into depression. Drop into death. I want to do something about it. I want to risk something again. I want to live in the “gap between the two trapeze.” This is the line that has captured my energy and passion as of late. What does it really mean to live in that gap? It’s the space between letting go of one point of security in order to reach another. You can’t hold onto both at the same time. You have to let go of something in order to grab onto something else. What’s at risk? Failure? Misunderstanding? Loss? Death, or worse, Embarrassment?
I don’t know. And that’s why it’s been said that “faith” is spelled R I S K. Faith and risk is the gap between the two trapeze. Wanna join me there?
I’m not much of a builder. I didn’t get those genes from my father. Actually, I must not have gotten his fishing, hunting, oil-changing and handy-man genes either. Sigh.
Here’s the deal: My wife does those things. She’s good at them, and, for the most part, enjoys them.
She’s the builder, painter, landscaper, and fixer.
I cook stuff. Don’t judge (unless I’m on one of those cooking shows, then you can judge for yourself and declare me the WINNER).
So, when I read about Noah in the Biblical book of Genesis, I get a little bothered. OK, more than bothered…I get downright bugged by the guy. He not only constructed a very large boat, but he also took the helm of said boat and navigated open waters. Don’t even get me started about my boating fiascos, um, I mean, adventures.
The guy built an ARK, for crying out loud. This wasn’t a kayak or canoe. It was huge. About one and a half football fields huge!
But, catch this: he also built an ALTAR (see Genesis 8:20). The first thing he did after the waters subsided, and he was able to walk on dry land, was to build an altar.
One was his work unto the Lord and the other was his worship unto the Lord. He did both really well.
Friends, each of us have work AND worship…and they should be done well, and unto the Lord.
What is your ark?
Where is your altar?
Let’s do them both well, and do them as unto the Lord. That’s the Noah Way!
“In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this?”
It’s not like they weren’t used to being in boats.
And it wasn’t uncommon for a storm to kick up while they were in those boats.
So what’s the big deal?
Luke 8:22-25 captures a story in which Jesus invited his disciples to get into a boat and go over to the other side of the lake. Ultimately we read of them arriving in the land of the Gerasenes, where we read about Jesus restoring a demon-possessed man (8:26-39). Most likely the boat trip started in Capernaum and would have navigated out into the center of the Sea of Galilee.
I have personally been in a fishing boat in the middle of that very body of water, and have (jokingly) fell asleep on the boat as a reference to this passage of Scripture when Jesus fell asleep.
In my case, a slight wind (and some waves) picked up causing our touring team to wonder if we were going to experience something similar to that of the New Testament disciples. Thankfully it ended up being fairly mild…unlike what we read about in Luke 8. They were in a “squall.” They were “being swamped.” They were in “great danger.”
That may account for the fear and amazement the disciples felt. I know it would do the trick for me. I get seasick pretty easily. But that’s not the case here. Sure, the disciples did wake up Jesus with the wide-eyed declaration: “Master, we’re going to drown!” But these guys were sailors and fishermen that were undoubtedly familiar with boats and storms. So why were they “in fear and amazement?”
It didn’t have to do with what the storm was doing to them, but instead, what Jesus did to the storm. He rebuked it and it subsided. He commanded the winds and water, and those winds and waters obeyed him. Um, wow.
Storms can surely evoke an emotional response, but nothing will quite bring out the kind of fear and amazement that the disciples experienced like a storm stopping on a dime because someone told it to!
Talk about fear AND amazement.
There are times in our lives when we experience both fear and amazement at the exact same moment. Fear of the unknown. Fear of what we can’t control. Fear of failure and disappointment. AND also amazement at God’s hand of blessing. Amazement at his grace and wisdom. Amazement in the midst of the sheer sovereignty and majesty of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Fear AND amazement. Ah, the beautiful tension.
What if fear AND amazement were meant to be experienced together? Like a tandem bicycle, both peddle toward the same destination: the glory of God.
The New Testament text in our Pause Bible Reading Plan recently was Hebrews 4. Check out vs. 16 with me:
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
There are so many words in this verse that are powerful and noteworthy, but one especially grabbed me: “THEN.”
Let us THEN approach God’s throne…
One could say “Because of this, we can approach God’s throne” or “In light of what’s been established previously, we can approach God’s throne.”
THEN. Why can we approach God’s throne?
Here’s why…look with me at the few verses just prior to Hebrews 4:16.
1. Because Jesus is our great high priest. This speaks to His DIETY.
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest…” 4:14a
2. Because Jesus ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God. This speaks to His AUTHORITY.
“…who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” 4:14b
3. Because Jesus can relate with our weaknesses. This speaks to His HUMANITY.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses…” 4:15a
4. Because Jesus was tempted in every way, but did not sin. This speaks to His VICTORY.
“…but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” 4:15b
All of this is the “THEN.” This is why we can approach God’s throne with confidence. This is why we are able to receive mercy and find grace. This is why we can come to the Father during our times of need.
The why is JESUS.
It’s ALL because of JESUS.
If you actually KNOW me then you would know that I’ve been into books for a very long time. That’s nothing new. It’s not a current fascination.
Bottom line: I read a lot.
And by a lot, I mean…a lot.
As of this writing I’ve finished reading my 67th book of 2017. And I currently have approximately six other books in the pipeline. I’m on target to hit, and perhaps exceed, my goal of 75 books this year.
To find out more about my love for books and reading, check out a few previous blog posts:
1. Books I tackled on my 2016 Summer Sabbatical.
2. The kinds of books that my reading is focused upon.
3. The best books I’ve read (as of 2012).
So, yah, I read a lot, but it’s not the only thing I do. I don’t have countless hours to just “sit and read.” I’m a pastor of a large church (is this where you insert a joke about pastors only working one day a week???). I’m a husband, father of four, grandfather of two. I’m involved with my denomination, speaking at churches and events, as well as leading biblical tours to Israel, Greece, Rome, and Turkey and missions trips to various countries. I’m an adjunct college professor and guest lecturer at two universities. I could keep going, but you get the point that I’m not just sitting around with nothing else to do but READ A STINKING BOOK.
So then, the question I get asked often is: How do you read so much?
Here’s a few ways how:
1. I always have books close by. They are in my car, backpack, office, bedside, and home office. I use my iPad Kindle App when I fly, especially overseas, but primarily I reach for paper & ink to read from when I have some down time. It’s staggering how much you and I can read when we pick up a book instead of our phone.
2. I’m a huge fan of the public library. Any time I get a book recommendation from someone, discover something of interest in a bibliography, or see something I like on Amazon or at a local bookstore, I will try to reserve it at my local public library…for free! Sure, I do also purchase books, especially when I want or need it immediately, but for the most part I put them onto my online queue and wait for them to arrive. It’s exciting for me to get an email regarding a “book on hold” and it keeps a steady flow of reading material coming to me without cost.
3. I have less Screen Time. I’m gonna be brutally frank here: if you want to read more books you simply must watch watch less TV, scroll through less Facebook, scan less Instagram and Pinterest. Sorry. There’s no judgement on my end. I love my social media. I too cry during each episode of “This is Us.” Oh, and I’m pretty bummed that Chip and Joanna are filming the last season of “Fixer Upper.” So, hey, no judgement. But if you seriously want to read more, then the trade-off has to be with your screen time. One last jab: have you ever heard of someone on their deathbed saying: “My only regret is not spending more time on Twitter and Facebook?”
Here’s a few closing, miscellaneous thoughts regarding books and reading:
• If you don’t like the book, or don’t connect to it somehow in the opening 40 pages then put it aside. Life is too short to read something you don’t enjoy.
• This may not work for you, but I like having a bunch of books going at the same time, so that I can grab a specific one for specific times and situations. For example: right before bed I don’t like to read business books or other topics that get my mind racing. I need to slow my brain down, so I choose a book accordingly. That’s why I have 5-6 books in varying degrees of completion, and I will often finish them all up on a rainy, slow weekend or vacation.
• When I finish reading a book, I post it online. This is a public form of motivation for me, but it also let’s others see what I’m enjoying. I will often hashtag my posts with #leadersarelearners because I really believe that I as a leader must always be learning and growing. Books are not the only way to do that, but they sure are a good way!
• I almost always read with a pen in my hand (unless I’m reading a novel). I mark up the book with underlines, asterisks, and comments. Later I can look back and see the most impacting portions and thoughts from each book. However, I don’t recommend you do this with the library books!
• Books are great gifts. I give them away often. I know how something I’ve read has powerfully been used to unlock growth in my life, so I want that same possibility for others.
• The first and most important book I read is my Bible. Nothing can or should replace the Word of God.
Happy Reading.
