Mountain Tops and Valleys

Last Sunday I drove down to Miami stadium to speak to the players, wives, and coaches participating in the NBA’s “Big 3” league chapel. My chapel service had all the teams represented and seeing competitors join to worship and hear God’s Word is quite encouraging for this old gym rat.

After my message I was pleased to have two NBA veterans make decisions to follow Christ as Savior and Lord! This kind of response always sends me to the mountain top spiritually and the long drive north to Orlando was filled with music and thankful praise. Seeing the power of the Lord change lives still amazes and energizes me.

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing but to us who are

being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Cor. 1:18

A couple of Hall of Fame players who are now coaching also asked to visit with me after chapel. They were impressed to hear so many Bible references specifically relating to current cultural issues like abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, etc. They wondered why they had never heard these verses and their powerful teaching and correction before. I suggested the Supreme Court’s decision in 1970 to ban prayer in school followed soon after the banning of the Bible (God’s Word), or in 1980 the banning of the Ten Commandments which all began to limit access for students in public schools to Biblical history and teaching. Ironically, the only Ten Commandments left are in the Supreme Court building probably because they are carved into the marble wall!

A half century ago Francis Schaffer warned that there will come a day when you won’t recognize the America you once knew. I think that day is here.

“Behold the days are coming,” declares the Lord God, “when I will send a famine on the land… not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11

This lack of access and interest in the Word of God causes a lack of spiritual nourishment for many young students and adults in America today. It is dangerous to allow the culture to decide what is right and wrong.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

Another noticeable shift in American culture is the growing antagonism and aggressive criticism of Christians and the Word of God. Shortly after playing in a golf tournament in our area one of the participants, I was introduced to loudly and angrily accused me of being non-inclusive and homophobic. When this type of greeting occurs, it saddens me knowing it is a result of the news of my background of being a Christian missionary or chaplain has reached unwelcome ears. These are the valleys of trying to win people to Christ. The prophet Jeremiah was very familiar with the cost of serving the Lord with the mountain tops and the valleys.

“Behold, the Word of the Lord to them an object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it.” Jeremiah 6:10b

Only days after this golfers confrontation I played again at this same club and one of the men who witnessed the confrontation requested to have me in his foursome. I would have the privilege of leading him the Christ in the golf cart before the turn. And I was back to the top of the mountain again with that priceless joy of experiencing God’s grace in a new life!

“Just so, I tell you, that there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10

The prophet Jeremiah lived above his moods and did the will of God regardless of how he “felt.” He had to deal with people who wanted him to remain silent. I want to be more like Jeremiah and resist the temptation to remain silent only because some do not want the Gospel to be heard.

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel,

for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16

Because He lives,

Tom and Karen Randall