It’s Better to Let Them Run Their Course

Here in Brazil, there are these ants called Army Ants. They’re bigger than your average ants and they always travel in large groups. Sometimes as we’re driving down the mountain we’ll see something laying across the road that looks like a black rope, or something, when in fact it’s a huge group of these Army Ants (literally thousands of them) traveling side-by-side in a long line- going wherever their going.

Here's an example of some of the ants on our road the other day

Well, we’ve always heard that if they ever come into your house it’s best to just let them go where they're going (in these long lines) and not to disturb them. Just let them run their course and then they'll leave when their done because they never stay long. No biggie.

An Army Ant eating a baby caterpillar. Great, huh?

But here’s the problem with that- I don’t want thousands of giant ants marching through my house, like they own the joint, doing whatever they want and then leaving when they feel like it. I don’t know… just call me crazy, I guess.

A close up shot of these ants. They're like regular ants on steroids!

The other night Me and MJ were tag-teaming making dinner when, all of the sudden, I looked and there are hundreds of these Army Ants marching in a line in through the kitchen window and onto the counter. No way! So I quickly closed the window (cutting their line off) and I grabbed a can of bug spray and started to spray all the ants that were in the house. BAM! Take that Army Ants: )

Then I went outside to spray any of them that might be out there too. When I got to the outside of the kitchen window that’s when I saw it… a long line of Army Ants (made up of literally thousands of ants) that ran the entire length of the house. It was like an ant super-highway.

So I started spraying this long line of ants that ran the entire length of the house and when I rounded the corner of the house, reaching the other side- I could see that the line continued with thousands more of these stupid things! I yelled inside to MJ (who was inside still working on dinner) to throw me another can of bug spray out the window. She did and I continued spraying. 

It was dark but I could see at this point that the line continued up the wall and toward the second story of the house. So I stood on the ground and just aimed my can of spray upward- killing all the ants that I could reach.

After about 10 minutes I went back inside (into the kitchen) feeling pretty good about killing all the ants when I heard Maryssa yell out, “Dad there’s ants upstairs!” So I ran upstairs with my partial can of bug spray to save the day: )

She was upstairs watching TV in the dark and could see ants on the wall (because the TV was illuminating them). So I ran over to the wall and sprayed the ants that I could see. They weren't in ‘one of their long lines’ though. They were all just frantically scurrying around. Hmmm. That’s weird.

So I flipped the lights on and… OMG! There were tens of thousands of ants all over the walls and I was standing in a sea of black (thousands of angry Army Ants!) that had almost covered the entire floor. I stomped and sprayed (kinda freaking out, actually) and stomped and sprayed. I ran out of spray (again) and ran into Matthew’s room and grabbed another can (that he had next to his bed) and returned to stomping and spraying. There were so many ants that mere words can’t express how freaky it was. It was mass chaos, for sure. They were everywhere. Put it this way- there were so many ants that I couldn't even take a break from spraying to even go and grab my phone to take a picture! I was afraid that if I stopped for even a moment that they would totally take over our entire house- there were that many ants.

Well, after what seemed like an eternity, I finally sprayed/stomped/killed all the ants. It was exhausting. Really. It was like one of the plagues of Egypt or something, for real. And as I started to sweep all the dead ant carcasses into a big pile I thought about what we had always heard- “if those ants come in your house just let them do what they're gonna do and don't mess with them. They'll leave.” OK, lesson learned.

But, you know, I think there’s a spiritual application to this as well. Because the same thing can be said about different tests/trials that come into our lives. James 1:2-4 says,

“Count it all joy, brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it’s full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

You see, typically when we face different trials in our lives, the first thing we do is look for the escape hatch. But God is telling us (through James) that we need to let the trial produce steadfastness (which is "a life of faithful endurance amid troubles and afflictions") and to let it have it’s full effect (aka- run it’s course) in our lives. Because that thing, if left undisturbed, it will perfect us once it’s reached the end.

So, running from a trial, insulating myself from a trial (with whatever) or trying to end a trial in my timing is equivalent to me seeing the ants and trying to get them to leave on my terms and not theirs- it doesn't produce the best outcome. I just need to wait it out and let it run it’s course. Easier said then done though, huh?

What about you? Do you try to end/escape a trial rather than just letting it run it’s course in your life? If so, the outcome's never what’s best for you and you’ll probably face the same test again- guaranteed. Just like trying me trying to get the ants to leave on my terms. It would've been better to just let them “run their course” and then I could've just moved on. Oh well…

Still Learning,

Jim  

It’s Worse Than I thought

I use to think that I was doing pretty good as a man, as a husband, as a father and as a follower of Jesus. But the longer I live and the closer I get to The Lord the more I see how messed-up I really am. It’s pretty frustrating, actually. 

You’d think that the longer someone's a christian (and truly following Jesus) that all their faults would dissipate more and more as time went on. But mine seem to be growing more and more with each passing day! It’s crazy.

If I can be brutally honest with you- when I look at myself and all of my sinfulness I get so discouraged. I don’t want to be like I am. The pride, the ‘being easily agitated', the anger, the frustration, the grouchiness when things don't go my way, the snarky sarcasm I use as humour when in reality it’s usually just a covert way of making fun of someone or something. It’s like, “am I even saved, really?” 

I can remember when I use to think I was doing really good because I didn't do all the things I did before I gave my life to Jesus. I mean- I didn’t cuss or drink anymore. I didn't  smoke or get high. I didn't look at inappropriate stuff on the internet like so many other people were struggling with. I was faithful to my wife and loved my kids. I didn’t even listen to secular music and would turn off a movie in a second if something bad was on it. Because "I ain’t playin’ man.” Pretty holy, huh? But wait... it gets better.

I read my Bible every day. I prayed. And don’t even get me started on ministry stuff… all the years of service in the local church, moving to the foreign mission field and even adopting a bunch of kids 8 years ago. Man, I always felt like I was doing really good.

But now, as I look at who I am inside (at the part that people can’t see) I get really discouraged. I’ve got such a long way to go. The emotions that flow through my mind and the attitudes that I wrestle with on a daily basis… where do these things even come from!?

I don’t want to be like this. This is worse than I thought.

But here’s the thing- that’s where the Gospel comes in. The Gospel wasn't just something that I heard a long time ago that ‘got me saved’ it’s something that also ‘keeps me saved.’ 

As we walk with The Lord and we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives we’re being sanctified daily. And as we allow God to show us our imperfections and weaknesses it causes a dependance on Him and His grace that’s actually a good thing.

Because the closer we get to Christ and see His perfection, the more it magnifies and allows us to see our imperfections. That’s what suppose to happen. We will never be perfect (even though we’re suppose to strive for perfection- Matt. 5:48) until we get to Heaven and Death, Hades, Sin and the devil are forever done away with (Rev. 20). 

And if we ever get to the point, in this life, where we think we’re doing ok and we think that there are no areas in our lives that need improvement- we’re just deceiving ourselves. There are always areas of sinfulness and areas that need to be submitted to Him (I John 1:10). 

But, as we walk in the Light, we’re given the promise that we can have fellowship with Him and that His blood will cleanse us. And if we confess our sins (after we recognize that we actually have them) we’re promised that He will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:5-2:2). 

That’s why I’m so thankful for what tomorrow represents (Good Friday). It represents the day that, in spite of us, Salvation was provided for us. It represents the day that God gave us a way back to Him. And it’s the one and only thing that keeps us righteous and justified before Him. It’s not all the things we do or don’t do- it’s about what He did on His cross.

So, even though I’m worse than I thought I was it’s ok. Because now, more than ever,  I’m trusting in Him and relying on Him and not all my good deeds and the things that I think I’m doing right. 

Have a great Good Friday and a blessed Resurrection Weekend!

Love Ya!

Jim, MJ and the Whole Dunn Family

Skipping Church

Matthew and Vicki this past Sunday

We've been in pastoral ministry for almost 2 decades now and church has always been (and still is) an important part of our family’s life. We’ve always placed a high priority on church. I believe that church is an important part of our spiritual growth and that our church family, and the community that it provides, is vital for that 

(spiritual growth) to happen. 

Plus by setting aside time at the very beginning of the week for corporate worship in a community of faith is another way of honouring God with ‘first things.’ 

Having something planned on a Sunday, other than church, has always been a no-no for the Dunns. We’re just not gonna do it. Over the years we’ve seen other people miss church for just about every excuse imaginable but not us. We’re not slackers like them: )

So, when Matthew asked me about racing on a Sunday, my immediate response was “no, it’s Sunday." But then, the more I thought about it, I changed my mind and here’s why:

My kids have been raised in church and have faithfully served in church (wilfully- not because they were forced to) their entire lives- literally. They even left everything behind, almost 5 years ago, to come with Mom and Dad to Brazil to follow God’s will for our family. And they did it without even the slightest bit of rebellion or push-back. 

So, as I weighed out the pros and cons of yes and no I came to the conclusion that missing one Sunday wasn't gonna hurt anybody. 

- It wasn't gonna hurt our church because I had a good friend that I could trust to preach for me (thanks Patrick). 

- It wasn't gonna be sending the wrong signal to my kids because they all know how we feel about church and we've proven it over the years.

Actually, I believe that for us to put ministry aside for one weekend spoke volumes to the kids about our priorities too. 

God first, then Family and Ministry comes after that.

I’ve seen a lot of PK’s and MK’s (Pastor's Kids and Missionary kids) grow-up and resent God, the church and their parents for some of the choices that their parents made. Because by always placing our ministries as a priority over our families we’re sending the wrong message to our children. 

Sure, we need to make sure that our kids know that following Jesus means that we make sacrifices that aren’t comfortable and it’s hard (most of the time). But when it comes to scheduling everything (i.e., church and church events) over our families… we really need to use wisdom and be willing to miss some things for the sake of our families. 

I definitely didn't learn this lesson early on either. I can’t tell you how many Easter Events, Fall Festivals and Christmas Eves, etc., that we missed ‘together' as a family because Mom and Dad were ‘’ministering' to everyone else. In retrospect I wish I would've done things differently. But, since I don’t have a time machine, I’m gonna focus on what’s ahead and, at the same time, tell those who are new to ministry to really make it a priority to prioritise rightly. 

So, back to this past Sunday. We all skipped church 'as a family' (that sounds so weird, haha) and went and cheered for Matthew as he participated in his first motocross event. 

There was a short ceremony (before the first race) for the owner of the track who just passed away here recently. 

Matthew, Vicki and Robert waiting for Matthew's first race

There's Matthew on the starting line (in the blue)

Matthew also had a bunch of people come out to support him too (besides family). It was great seeing friends from the mountain, Terra Boa, Jardim Paulista and from church coming to support our son.

Just some of the friends who came to support Matthew

 We were so proud of him too. For the most part, the people he was racing against were all older, more experienced had better bikes- but he definitely held his own and we had a great time together ‘as a family.’ And guess what?… the church didn't fall to the ground without us, the world didn't stop spinning and God’s not even mad at us! Ha!

Matthew, between races, talking to one of his friends

Matthew and Vicki waiting for the second race to begin

Matthew on the starting line of his first race

Matthew and one proud Dad: )

So, would we do it again? Yep, you can count on it:)

Still Trying to Figure This Thing Out,

Jim

PS- Here's a quick video of one of the starts

In God We Trust?

Here's the sign that hangs in our house above our front door

I was sitting here at my kitchen table thinking about the zillionth poisonous snake I had just finished killing while MJ and I were walking outside a few minutes ago (ridiculous). And, as I looked up, I saw the sign that hangs inside our house (over our front door). It reminded me of the fact that we’ve never had anyone bitten by one of these things. We totally trust Him and we are very grateful.

In God We Trust printed on the back of a US Twenty Dollar Bill

Then, for some reason it got me thinking about things back home in the States. The sign says, “In God We Trust.” For us, it’s not just something that’s printed on a plaque in our home either. It’s something that we try to live by and it’s something I’ve heard all my life (being an American). Heck, it’s even printed on all our money! But, be that as it may, it’s seems like it’s something that a lot of people have forgotten about. Here, let me explain:

We’ve been without any internet (absolutely zero internet at all) for 2 weeks now at our house. We’ve gone through 4-5 wi-fi modems (that are connected to an antenna on our roof) over the last few years too. These modems are what allow us to get internet service via a radio signal. 

Well, a couple weeks ago (when we were having all those storms) we had a power surge that took out our modem- again. Even though it was connected to a surge protector it still got zapped. Go figure. Anyway, we’ve ordered another modem and we expedited the shipping (still waiting, haha!) and it should be arriving any day now: )

We go to town a couple of times per week. And, when we do, we always try to get online and check our email and our Facebook messages (if we’re able to get service, that is). And, it seems that over the last several weeks (on Facebook) it’s gotten absolutely crazy with how many political posts there are. It seems like everyone has an opinion… and a strong one too. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people, with such strong-diverse-opinions, who are absolutely convinced that they’re right and anyone who disagrees with their line of thinking is, not only wrong, but a heretic! lol!

The Antichrist? Really?

According to some of my "Facebook friends” (depending on who they are), “Trump and Hillary are both the antichrist and are going to bring destruction to the US if elected!” Really? It’s crazy how far some people are willing to go with letting their thoughts be known and criticising everyone who doesn’t have the same political convictions as them.

I even saw where a “famous minister” has prophesied that a particular candidate is “God's chosen man” and that God told him that this person will be the next president! And then another high profile minister has endorsed (on social media) a different candidate as “God's chosen one” and that anyone who calls themselves a christian had better vote for this person or they're ‘christianity’ is in question. Really? Which one is it? I’m confused.

I guess the fact that I’m removed from my culture right now (here in Brazil) and can look at the situation almost like ‘an outsider’ is kind of beneficial because it’s allowing me to see things from a different perspective. And, to be honest with you, it’s kind of embarrassing (as an American Christian).

To have political convictions is great. But to proclaim your political convictions so strongly (like it’s the Gospel or something) by telling everyone who doesn’t think like you that they're wrong and that you're right is ridiculous. And worse yet, it does something very damaging- it isolates people. I say "it isolates” because it takes everyone who doesn't think like you and it puts them out of reach (to you, anyway) and it eliminates your ability to effectively speak into their lives (probably forever- or at least until the election is over and they forget about all your Facebook rants). It’s just not worth it.

For some reason I thought that, first and foremost, we were brothers and sisters in Christ (referring to my christian Facebook friends)? Not first and foremost Republicans or Democrats. Not first and foremost for Trump or Cruz. Or first and foremost for Hillary or Bernie. Right?

One of these will probably be the face of our new President- like it or not: )

Is this an important election? Yes, absolutely. Are we as christians suppose to fulfil our civic responsibility and be a part of the voting process by trying to vote for and elect who we think is the right candidate? Yes, of course. Do we have issues that are important to us and that are core to our beliefs? Sure.

But, propping up your candidate as “God’s anointed" (someone else's words- not mine) and criticising everyone who doesn't have the same thoughts as yours is wrong. Because when the smoke clears and this is over we have to continue to reach the world with the Gospel ‘together’- that’s the mission. Our main mission (at least it shouldn't be) isn’t to get our candidate elected and blast everyone who doesn't vote your way.

If we spend so much effort segregating ourselves during this election process (by all of our crazy social media comments) it’s just gonna make it that much more difficult to do what we’re really called to do ‘together’ once this passes- and it will pass.

And, if you want to get down to it, as far as hanging our hopes for the future on whoever is elected ? Sorry, that’s not what we’re suppose to do either. Our trust is suppose to be in God and in Him alone. I don’t care if the most wicked person on the planet gets elected- God’s plans and purposes will still happen. He’s in control- not some political party. I mean, look at the last few thousand years of world history. There were some pretty evil and ungodly people in charge, during different periods of time, yet God’s plan of redemption and His will has ALWAYS been done regardless. He actually even used some of those wicked people as ‘the tool' to fulfil His plans: ) 

But by reading some of the stuff on social media you'd think that we’re in such BIG trouble right now and that if “the wrong person gets in office” it’s over!  It seems like trusting in God has all but vanished into the distance. It’s crazy.

So, there’s my political rant: ) Hopefully it didn't offend you because that definitely wasn't my intention. My intention was (and is) to get us all to do what God’s called us to do. Trust Him and reach people with the Gospel.

So, let’s use wisdom, let’s vote, let’s pray and let’s endeavour for unity (christian unity). It’s actually something that Jesus prayed for in John 17 too. Go look: ) He prayed that we would “be perfectly one even as He and The Father were one so that the world would know that He was sent by God and that we could bring Him glory.” 

We can have differing views (politically) and still do this because the banner we gather around is Christ crucified and the redemption we have through His blood- not the banner of our political party.

Love You Guys and God Bless America!

Jim