Monday, June 18, 2018

Four Faithful Friends


Mark 2:1-12--“When Jesus saw their faith...”

Reuben lay dozing on his mat in the afternoon heat, generally where one would find him any day or night. Besides the hot, dust-laden breeze, the familiar sounds of village life drifted in through the open doorway: children’s shouts and laughter, a rooster crowing, the braying of a donkey.  Reuben heard but barely heeded.
It had been ten years since the accident. Falling twenty-five feet off a rock-faced cliff while trying to collect birds’ eggs had been the split-second event that changed his life forever.
A mere teenager at the time, Reuben had been with four of his friends, who thought it would be great fun to climb to where falcons had their nests. His companions had teased him a bit about being afraid to mount up to the spot where they could see a very fine hole in the rock with a bird’s nest there. Boys being who they are, from that it turned into a good-natured dare. At that age, who can resist?
Reuben, a sensitive, tentative fifteen-year old, had resolutely swallowed his fear of heights and proceeded to cautiously climb higher.
Then it happened. The rock he was clinging to with his bare toes, gave way and crumbled under him. His hands slipped and he plunged to the ground, narrowly escaping with his life, though his neck was broken and his whole body paralyzed.
This tragedy marked not only Reuben’s life, but his four friends as well. Their genuine sorrow and guilt over having egged him on, provoking his effort that resulted in permanent injury, weighed heavily on them. Consequently, they dealt with their own consciences by assuming his care—each of them taking turns. Their devotion was unswerving and determined, year after long year.
At first, it went well. Reuben was grateful and showed remarkable resilience. Then, as time crept forward, he sank gradually into deep depression and bitterness. Raging and complaining at life, at his family, at his dedicated friends, and ultimately at God, became a seeping wound that affected his mood and outlook. Complications had developed from his inert, prone position and he experienced constant pain.
His friends were not detracted from their mission. They would care for him, all his days, as long as they were able.  Each one became more determined as time went on.
Marcus, the oldest of the group, was in the marketplace one day, when he saw a crowd of people tightly clustered around a Man. His curiosity stirred, Marcus edged closer. With rough, homespun clothing this person looked like any ordinary Jewish man, but there was something about His face. Marcus was mesmerized. Was it His quiet dignity?  No, it was more than that. A look of authority, of contained-power?  Of gentleness, of mercy? Yes, it was all that. But more—it was the countenance of a King, a royal Person, clad in unremarkable garb. He learned from a by-stander that this was Jesus of Nazareth, a carpenter.
The Man was teaching—using common illustrations and stories from the lives, stories, and livelihood of the Jewish people. His words carried force, authority, and spoke straight to one’s heart. Marcus felt something stirring at the deepest level in his own being. For the first time in his life, the strong Jewish foundations he had acquired from the rabbis, took on new meaning. The Torah wasn’t just a book of laws and regulations.  This Jesus made it alive: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, strength--and thy neighbor as thyself.” He then proceeded to define who our neighbor was:  the downtrodden, the despised--even the Samaritan.
Tears slid, unbidden, down Marcus’ face. Something very deep within had been stirred and changed. The teaching concluded and he turned quickly. “I must tell the others,” he muttered to himself.
Finding his three friends, Marcus gathered them at his home and related the story of his encounter with Jesus. “You must come with me to hear Him. Never a man spoke as this man does!” he urged them.
The four companions, knit closely by their circumstances, made their way to the town square the next day—a Sabbath. They saw Jesus, surrounded by his followers, sitting under an olive tree. Jesus turned and smiled at the four. “Welcome, friends,” he said, cheerfully, and gestured for them to draw near. As the crowd continued to gather, Jesus began to teach. His words about the hypocrisy of Pharisees and religious leaders were strong and painfully direct; but He spoke gently to the common people, warning them to be on their guard against such practices. “The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
The four friends looked at each other and nodded with agreement. This man’s teaching was right on! And he wasn’t afraid to confront the religious hierarchy—this took real courage.  Some of his words made one uncomfortable, as if looking in a mirror and seeing oneself as one truly looked on the inside.  Yet, when Jesus’ dark, brilliant eyes met yours, one felt he accepted you and forgave the penitent, repenting heart.
Marcus and his companions were captivated, unable to tear themselves away.  Nearby, a cluster of Pharisees and scribes stood, their arms folded, at times whispering among themselves. Marcus heard one of them say with a sneer, “I wonder if this man dares to perform one of his so-called miracles on the Sabbath!” Jesus turned and looked directly and sternly at the Pharisee, then deliberately spoke to a man with a withered hand, “Stand up, my friend, and come close. Stretch out your hand!” When he did, his hand became completely normal—exactly as his other hand.
The crowd was delighted and cheers went up on all sides, as once again, Jesus had bested and humiliated the religious gentry.  Marcus turned and grinned at his friends: “Round one—Jesus wins; Religious leaders—zero!” Then, it was as if they all had the same thought, as their eyes widened and they all seemed to speak to each other at once.
“Reuben! We must bring him to Jesus!”
Arriving at Reuben’s home, they found his aged mother bending over him, sponging his face with cool water. “He’s ill – a fever has taken hold of him.” She spoke in terse tones to the men.  “It is indeed the worst I have seen him.”
Reuben, moaning and mumbling incoherently, seemed unaware of his surroundings.  His head, the only appendage he could move, tossed from side to side.
“We must take him to Jesus—now! Marcus said urgently. They carried him on his pallet and headed back to the marketplace. Arriving, they found Jesus and his disciples had gone; but a woman, standing in her doorway, said they had been invited to one of the Pharisee’s homes—“down that street, in front of the synagogue,” she told them.
When they reached the house, they found it filled to overflowing with people, crammed in every corner, hallway, and room, and stretching out into the street. It would be impossible even for a man, alone, to get through the crowd, much less four men carrying a stretcher.
One of the friends pointed to the flat roof-top and the stairs leading to the top along the side of the house.  “Quick!” he said, “We must try that way—Reuben might not last much longer!”
A young boy had followed them up. “Tell us—which room is Jesus in?” Marcus asked. “This main room, right under here,” the lad answered. The men began to dig with some tools the boy brought them. Roofs in Palestine were made of reeds, overspread with mud, or tiles. It wasn’t too difficult to make an opening.
In the room below, Jesus had been preaching, but then people began commenting, as dirt and chunks of dried mud began to fall on them. Soon, they could see the men’s hands, then their determined faces, as they created an opening. The home-owner had begun remonstrating when he saw the action they were taking, but Marcus called down, “Do not worry—we are honorable men, and we will repair the damage!”
Jesus chuckled as he saw what they were about to do, “A fortunate man is this, to have four friends with such faith!” Soon, the pallet began descending, as the men lowered their emaciated, gravely ill companion down to Jesus.
He gazed at the feverish, pain-ridden man, and saw deep into his sin-sick soul—the bitterness, the rage, the resentment against his circumstances. “Son, your sins are forgiven,” Jesus spoke gently.
The teachers of the law, seated nearby, thought to themselves, “Who does this upstart think he is? Only God can forgive sin – he’s a blasphemer!”
Jesus, turning to look at them, said indignantly, “Why are you thinking those thoughts? It is equally easy for me to forgive sin or to make this man walk. And to prove this,” he said to the Pharisees, “and so you’ll know God has given me this authority on earth,” he spoke firmly to Reuben, lying on the mat in front of him, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
The four friends, crowded around the opening in the roof, held their breath as they watched what would happen. The crowd was absolutely silent. No one said a word. The religious experts sat with narrowed eyes, their arms crossed. Outside in the street, some children were shouting to each other at play. Inside, in the crowded room, with its heat and odor, it seemed the whole universe came to a stand-still.
Then, a split second later, Reuben opened his eyes. The first one he saw was the happy face of Jesus—such a wonderful face— strong, manly, yet filled with love, forgiveness, acceptance, and restoration. The paralytic smiled back, as wellness flooded his body.
Jesus reached down and gave him his hand. Reuben took it and sat up—the first time in ten years. His legs were still shriveled and emaciated, but Jesus pulled him to his feet. Reuben took a tentative step, as the crowd pushed back to make room. He began walking slowly, wobbling a bit at first, in a tight circle. Someone reached out to steady him, as someone else pulled the mat out of the way. Jesus grinned and gave a thumbs-up to the happy, weeping faces above him in the opening.
With excitement, joy, shouts, and applause increasing by the second, the people made way for Reuben to pass through their midst, carrying his mat on his shoulder. Behind him were the discomfited, embarrassed religious leaders, a rejoicing crowd, and a smiling, joyous Jesus.
Ahead of Reuben was a blessed, new, forgiven, restored life and his four, faithful, happy friends with whom to enjoy it.
                                    ***********************
How often we need “four friends,” whose faith and steadfastness will carry us in prayer when we are weak, have lost hope, and can’t-see-the-forest-for-the-trees. Perhaps it will take these saints time—praying and believing—to remove the “tiles and roofing materials” of unbelief and dullness to make an opening.
When I can’t take myself to Jesus, this is when I need the Body of Christ—beloved sisters and brothers—to open the roof, lower me into His Presence and watch for miracles. Thank you.

Friday, December 2, 2016

Thanksgiving Daily, Not Just November

I had a reality check the other day. You know, those moments when suddenly what you thought was a really bad situation you were able to view from another—more positive—angle.

As I have “matured” my post-polio issues have multiplied and become complicated by a number of factors. I woke up the other day and it seemed like every single part of my body hurt—all the way to my eyelashes. I moaned and groaned, complaining to the Lord that according to Schisler Family genetics, I’m probably going to live a Very Long Time (my Aunt Helene just turned 98!), enduring a pain-filled extended life. Discouragement, depression, dismalness—all the “D” words—put me into a sorry state.

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Then yesterday I happened to read Joni Eareckson Tada’s blog, describing her present condition, 50 years after her swimming accident that left her a quadriplegic. This dear woman of God, who has influenced so many people through her testimony, can’t even scratch her own nose, feed herself—much less take care of her own bodily needs. Joni wrote:

"Every single morning when I wake up I need Jesus so badly; I just can't tolerate the thought of another day as a quadriplegic with someone else giving me a bed bath and exercising my legs and toileting routines— it all just seems too overwhelming.” Her next thought is to pray, "Jesus, I need you. I can't do this. I cannot do quadriplegia but I can do all things through you."
I was so convicted. “Lord, I just need to shut up, suck it up, straighten up, give up the complaints and BE THANKFUL, for heaven’s sake. Nowhere even close to Joni’s challenges, I am blessed beyond belief. (And by the way, my pain levels are greatly reduced today. Sometimes it's the weather, circadian rhythms, cycles of the moon, NASA launches, government idiocies--I dunno. Some days are just like that!)
Thanksgiving isn’t just a one-day holiday. It’s a daily event— a life-long attitude. Today I am truly thankful.

Monday, September 5, 2016

BIG PARTY IN HEAVEN!

There's gonna be a big party in heaven -- Dad, Jack Schisler, is turning 100 on Sep 11. Here's the Face Book announcement and a FREE download offer of the book in 3 languages!

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! In honor of my dad, Jack R. Schisler’s 100th BD (which he’s celebrating in heaven!) I’m offering for 2 days only—Sep 10 and 11—a FREE Kindle digital version of the book A Man After God’s Own Heart—the Jack Schisler Story! Available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese!


UN ANUNCIO MUY IMPORTANTE! En honor al cumple de 100 años de Papi, Jack Schisler (que él está festejando en el cielo!) estoy ofreciendo por solo 2 días—el 10 y 11 de SeptiembreGRATIS en Amazon Kindle el libro en forma digital La Historia de Jack Schisler, un Hombre Conforme al Corazón de Dios.



AVISO MUITO IMPORTANTE! Em homenagem a meu pai, aniversário
100 de Jack R. Schisler (que ele vai estar comemorando no paraíso)—estou oferecendo por 2 dias somente — Set 10 e 11 —uma versão digital gratuito a Vida de Jack Schisler—un Homem Segundo ó Coração de Deus! Olhe para esse título en Amazon.


Saturday, August 27, 2016

Fruit That Remains

Something to think about: We may never know during our time on this earth what continuing impact our lives have had -- here's an example of that:

For several years I have maintained a website, www.jackschislerstory.com, which has a photo slideshow, testimonies about the book: A Man after God's Own Heart-the Jack Schisler Story, and information on how to purchase it, available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, print form as well as digital.

In January, 2015, I received a message through the website from a young man in Indonesia:

Darma Sola Fide, a school teacher, lives near Balai Sepuak where we were in Borneo. He is actually a Dayak, and said his great uncle was Guru Lombok, the Dayak leader that worked very closely with Dad and Mom-- Jack and Marian. He only remembered his relatives speaking of missionaries, Arthur Mouw and Jack Schisler, but knew very little about the history, being only in his late twenties.

                                              (Lombok, Marta, Marian and Jack--1950)



In doing an internet search of the name he remembered, Darma found my website, and was fascinated to see his own Uncle Lombok and Aunt Marta in those old photos. Though his English is limited, he was able to explain that the Bible school that Arthur Mouw and Jack had started there in Balai Sepuak is continuing to this day, though it was relocated to another town. The church at Ebenezer (Eben) continues in the exact spot, though it has been rebuilt four times, and is now a modern building. (Jack with Dayak pastor; first church building--1950; second, modern one--2015)



He shared his findings, including the photos, with the Dayaks there and found two elderly men who had only been children at the time, but who remembered my father. Darma also told me how there are churches, schools, health clinics, and thousands of Christians in the Belitang area of Borneo. “My people don’t know how the gospel came to us, and we need to know this history,” he said. “We need to hear this story.” The incredible thing is that he has access to internet and has an iPhone, which we find unbelievable, given the fact that in our time there was no electricity or roads—very little connection to the outside world, other than river-travel.

Since that initial contact with Darma, we have continued to correspond, including exchanging photos, some which I am including here.

My siblings and I have marveled at this connection—after 60-plus years; being able to catch a glimpse of “fruit that remains.” We so wish that our dad and mom, over there with Jesus, could have lived to see this, but perhaps God has allowed them to have a small peek from heaven at the harvest that continues after these many decades.

A further event to rejoice over: As a result of my brother, Ken’s contacts, there is someone who has been at work translating the book, A Man after God’s Own Heart—the Jack Schisler Story into Bahasa Indonesian—the fourth language. We believe it can be of great benefit to make this important history of missions and revival available to the Indonesian people, and particularly the Dayaks of West Borneo.

My thoughts regarding this is that "he who goes forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." There are surely many tears shed during the planting of precious seed, but just as surely there will be a harvest--even if we don't live to see it.

Monday, August 15, 2016

She Walks Funny But She's Nice

During one of our seasons of living in Lima on furlough, Danny, who was around age five, was taking swim lessons that a friend arranged. She picked him up and brought him back most of the time, but once was unable to, so I went to get him. Danny excitedly wanted to introduce me to his swim instructor and took me around to the backyard swimming pool. He cheerfully announced, “This is my mom—she walks funny but she’s nice!” I’ve often thought that might have been a good book title!

On another note, in 1985—in the intense heat and humidity of a Paraguayan summer, following a period of discouragement from the many demands on my limited strength and mobility, I went to prayer and felt the Lord say:

“My child, rest in the Lord—I am your faith, I am all that you need. The enemy would rob you of my blessings by bringing discouragement. Resist him; praise me even in these difficult times for you. I know what I am doing. Someday you’ll understand. There are hosts in the heavenlies watching, observing you, and many here are viewing your life. You are a testimony to my work in you—and many are strengthened by your life.”

I pray and trust that has continued to be what people have seen – God's grace and sustaining power in keeping me going and giving me joy.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

AARRRGGGHHH! Here I am again, after a LONG hiatus which included a trip to Paraguay and a host of other things which I won't bore you by listing here.

So I'm back to cogitating on this whole subject of writing, which becomes increasingly complex as I gain understanding through my connection with Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. It has been wonderfully informative, but at the same time, rather disheartening. Jerry strongly discourages all of us "blooming authors" for the most part to avoid self-publishing. He says good writing is the key to getting published by traditional publishing companies. Then, of course, one has to build a platform or a tribe (gain followers), get shorter articles published first in magazines or other people's blogs, and build up one's own blog with a host of followers. I say, "Good luck with THAT." OK, I'm supposed to focus on ONE thing first, so I guess I'll do that with this feeble, futile, fumbling attempt at blogging. No, scratch all that! Gotta stay positive.

By the way, I'm still plugging away at my memoir, which might have the title, "The Crystal Bell of God's Protection" or something like that. I'll keep everyone posted...

Here's another one of my journal entries from long ago (from the date, I probably was the new mother of Baby Danny):

1974
"Lord, here I am in this cluttered room called 'daily life'—so many busy, though good things to do and in the midst of it all, a door—the entrance into your Presence. There you are, waiting for me, but the door is small and in the clutter, I pass by, always thinking 'I’ll go in' but continually distracted by the duties in this room. Beyond the door there is Peace, Quiet, Rest, Communion with You—just by turning the knob, opening the door, and entering. I can close it again on everything else, and just experience the  blessedness of an hour with you. There’s no need to ask you to help me enter—the door is there. All I need to do is open it. You’re waiting for me.

You are asking for an obedient heart—give me that kind of heart, Lord. I can’t promise you obedience if you don’t do it. I can’t live a life of faith if you don’t plant faith within me; I place absolutely no confidence in myself. It is only your grace that will bring me through. Increase that spark until I become a white-hot flame that can’t be quenched. Draw me above the realm of enjoying your blessings, to the place of enjoying YOU.


Lord, your promise is like a great mountain before me. Yet every time I climb the next hill I find there are yet more hills between me and the mountain. Someday I will reach it, in your time and way. There are no short-cuts. You are taking me from faith to faith—the hills yet to be climbed."

Forty plus years later, it's still true. If anything, there are more distractions than ever. Now, no longer a mommy of a tiny baby, I'm a grandma. Still needing to open that door. He always waits...


Sunday, May 8, 2016

Maintaining a blog is the next challenge!

Maintaining a meaningful, engaging, powerful blog is my latest challenge. It's been several weeks since I last posted something (only had 5 readers on that one!) I thought the tag lines were good, but apparently not too many others thought so! :(

I’ve finally figured out the problem: I’m “full-time everything” – a full-time wife, housekeeper, grandma, piano teacher, volunteer for our mission organization, and wannabe author. There are not enough hours in the day and I’m stuck with the 15 or so waking hours I have.

Anyway, moving to another topic, I've been reading over past journals, going all the way back to the 70s. Many of the entries are drivel, but there have been some significant communications I've had with God--usually during moments of crisis, discouragement, or pain. And sometimes I demonstrate a down-right bad attitude.

Here's an interesting one:

Nov. 12, ‘84
At end of rope again – manifested rebellion towards the Lord—threw Bible against wall. Was dumb-struck at what I had just done. Resulted in deep breaking and repentance. The Lord spoke (I even sensed Him smiling): “I’m not surprised.” Long conversation with Him, brought rest and inner healing. I was drawn to Psalm 13 NIV
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
    How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
    and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
But I trust in your unfailing love;
    my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the Lord’s praise,
    for he has been good to me.

I'm glad the Lord isn't shocked by my attitudes. He still loves me, forgives me, and is ALWAYS good to me. Sometimes He has to let me see the stuff that’s buried deep down. It isn’t pretty, but being brought to the surface allows Him to deal with it.

The bottom line is that I can trust in His unfailing love and rejoice in His salvation.