A Long Journey!

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Scott Ranck

I just got back from my morning walk, feeling very much at peace with life, and pondering the journey I’ve been on these 60 years. I’m going to give you a quick overview of life stages and what I learned through each.

Scott High School1Drifting Years 1-21: I pretty much absorbed whatever was around me and went with the flow. I did what I had to do in school to be able to play sports. I was a late bloomer and really didn’t do anything in high school to prepare me for college or a career. I would never have been voted most likely to succeed! I never read or really cared about doing much to develop myself. I did go to community college because I didn’t like my job of factory work.

001Discovery Years 21-32: At twenty-one my course changed. Gayle and I had been married two years and we were in trouble. We got invited to church by Gayle’s cousin and started going. I came to know the Lord personally that year. As a young married couple our TV blew the picture tube and we couldn’t afford to replace it. I began to read the Bible every night and read it through probably 25 times during that time. We got very involved in church. I became a voracious reader and wanted to know about everything I could learn. We moved and I went to Bible College and spent years 25-32 formally studying the Bible and theology. The kid who never tried graduated Summa Cum Laude with the highest GPA in our graduating class.

BereanSpiritual Breaking Years 32-39: My first pastorate was a small country church in rural North Carolina. I was certain I had the stuff to make it happen. During this season, the Lord broke me spiritually. He humbled me to see with all my best efforts, I could not grow that church. Through a major breaking and surrender the Lord did in a few months what I hadn’t been able to do in four and a half years! The church exploded with growth after the breaking.

231591584SQVYjF_phEmotional Breaking Years 40-50: I was never taught about emotional health. Though Scripture teaches we are spiritual, emotional and physical beings, the emphasis where I was taught was always on the spiritual. During these years the Lord showed me how emotionally unhealthy I was, prone to resentment, racked by insecurity and an overly strong need for outside affirmation. During these years I experienced total burnout and an emotional crushing. I began to learn all I could about emotional health and how to achieve it.

croppedGrowing Healthier Years 50-60: During these years, being open and asking God to reveal and remove all that gets in the way of Him doing what needs done, it has been a struggle but time of serious healing. During this time, I’ve also had some physical things, reoccurring injuries from running. For the first in my life I had quit regular workouts and gained some weight and felt out of shape. I was shocked to see how much my physical condition affected my spiritual and emotional life. In beginning to walk, realizing I cannot eat three big meals a day any more and taking back control of my physical life, I feel far more centered.

Conclusion: Life is a long journey. It has many twists and turns and it isn’t over till it’s over. Never give up on people because awareness can come at anytime and life’s trajectory can turn to a more positive direction. Having Jesus in your life and being open to His teaching can transform you. Finally, each of us is responsible for our own spiritual, emotional and physical health. Do the best you can with what you’ve been given.

Blessings,

Scott

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I Wish This Moment Would Never End

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Scott Ranck

IMG_3060Have you ever said that? I wish this moment would never end! I remember thinking that from my early childhood till the present. On a beautiful cool summer morning in Pennsylvania running outside to play, I remember thinking, I wish it could always be like this.

At about twelve years of age our family went to Sea Isle City, New Jersey for the first time. For me, seeing the ocean was love at first sight. From then on, being at the beach was a moment I wish would never end.

Gayle and I have had times now living in Florida, where we are at some beautiful location, enjoying dinner, outdoors, palm trees, sunsets, live music, light breeze and I wish the moment would never end.

The problem is not only do the wonderful moments end too quickly, so do the weeks, months and years! I honestly have to pinch myself at times when I think about how in the world I could be sixty years old already!

Do you honestly think anything on earth would be better than heaven? What if all the moments we wish would never end are simply appetizers for what the main course in eternity will be? Those paradise moments are all about being in a beautiful setting and being connected to someone or several others having a good time.

Eye has not seen nor ear heard what the Lord has prepared for those who love Him! But the Spirit reveals them to us. Maybe one way the Spirit reveals those things to us is through the highlight moments here on earth! Something to ponder!

Blessings,

Scott

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The Least of These. . .

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Scott Ranck

One benefit of getting older is being able to watch decades of time and changes that come into vogue. Reading widely and following many Christian Leadership type journals, I watch the church “Fashion Show.” The cool, young, hip conference speaker types, who also then become the book writers and “fashion shapers,” take the church through the same cycle as fashion designers take us on clothing by determining what is “In” and what is “Out.”

Yesterday, I heard an interview on Janet Parshell’s America talking about alleviating poverty. The guests were talking about their book titled, “The Least of These.” The title comes from Matthew 25:40 and what scholars call the sheep and goat judgment of the nations. The context of Matthew’s writing can be seen in chapter 10 when Jesus sends out the disciples and tells them not to take any money but rather to depend on others kindness. If a family gave the messenger of Christ food and shelter they were to declare God’s blessing on that home, if they did not, the messengers were to shake the dust off their feet and move on! Even in the immediate context, Matthew 24:9 Jesus says, Then you will be arrested, persecuted and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers.” He is preparing his disciples for what is to come and how they will be mistreated, then He moves to chapter 25 and shows that He has their back and people will be judged for mistreating them, because ultimately, when you mess with His messengers, you are messing with Him!

The American experience, has been one of the few times in human history the church, true believers who are spreading their faith have also had wealth. That was pretty foreign to disciples and ministers in the early church. In fact, in Matthew 10, Jesus warned the disciples he sent out they where being sent out as sheep among wolves. He said, get your big boy pants on because you will be flogged, betrayed, arrested, stand trial and persecuted. Jesus said, the servant is not greater than the master!

The missing link to an accurate understanding of the Matthew 25 passage is, “The least of these MY BROTHERS! In the famous passage when Jesus says, you get to be with Him because you fed, clothed, visited in prison, etc. has nothing to do with the American Church caring for homeless people!! It is a passage that is judgment on the nations and how they responded to Jesus followers who are spreading the gospel message. The Christian Servant is an extension of the Master, and how you treat them is how you treat Him!

There are plenty of other references to use to take care of the widows and orphans, but using this passage in a general way to indiscriminately make caring for non-believing destitute people in 21st century America is Bible abuse!

To make caring for the poor the main mission of your church superseding the sharing of the Gospel message may be in vogue today but it is in error! Churches have historically had benevolence ministries caring for the less fortunate. Today, churches call benevolence ministry, missions! This is a subtle shift of focus based on a faulty interpretation of the New Testament!

blessings,

Scott

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Life is not About Your Possessions!

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Scott Ranck

crowdinyardI’m sitting on a porch in Pennsylvania this morning. I am here for a big family and friends picnic in the tradition of Glen and Shirley Ranck, my parents. I am also here to help my brother and sister finalize the family home. My parents decided early on, they wanted their kids and their friends at our home. We built floats for the annual Mummers Parade at our home with a bunch of kids from high school. We had a swimming pool and trampoline and it was open to all! Approximately, 50 years ago two close friends and I dug the hole for an in ground trampoline and helped pick every pebble out from under what would become our swimming pool!

Years and years of friends, family and neighbors enjoyed that back yard. We have received notes from all over the country from people saying, “Coming to your backyard in the summertime was the highlight of our childhood years.” It was an inviting place! When dad was alive, he was pretty quiet in the background, but it was a big treat when he got home from work, for him to jump in the pool with us. Mom on the other hand was never quiet nor in the background! When you were in the yard, it was like you became her kid! She was fun but kept everyone in line.

Yesterday, my brother and I tore down the swimming pool, the trampoline was sold a year ago. We broke up what was left of the pool deck. Dad originally built it and it has had many repairs by others over the years. When I saw the pile of what was left, I felt this blog brewing!
Pool&DeckGone

It really hit me that the pile of debris does not come close to representing what transpired here on the corner of East Central Ave. and Church Street! The real value of life is not in the things we possess! In fact, the real value is when we use the things we possess to build community, relationships and share love with others.

Ultimately, everything each of us owns will be a pile of rubble. No earthly possession no matter how nice or how expensive will last forever. Only two things will last. Your relationship with God and your relationships with others. The really important things seem to be captured in these two pieces of art my sister made years ago, that are still hanging in the empty family home!
LivingRoom Wall

Today, as family and friends gather on what would have been Mom and Dad’s 66th wedding anniversary. Their legacy isn’t the property at 215 E. Central Ave. Their legacy is the life and love they shared at 215 with so many of us! I choose to celebrate the latter rather than be depressed about the former things passing away!

Blessings,
Scott

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Paradise Living

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Scott Ranck

ClearwaterBeach
For everyone who dreams of living in California, Florida, Hawaii or some other tropical paradise or who think, “If only I lived somewhere else, I’d be happy,” this blog is for you to ponder.

Gayle and I moved to Florida nearly 10 years ago now. Through my work, I’ve had opportunity to stay at the finest resorts Florida has to offer. Gayle and I have had dining experiences at the nicest water front restaurants on both the east and west coasts of Florida. Yes, God has blessed us far more than we deserve. On top of that, though we don’t live on the water, we have been blessed with a beautiful home, so that when we return from an adventure we feel like we live in a paradise type place.

We have had those adventures where you think, “I hope this never ends.” The problem is they always do! There is still only 24 hours a day living in paradise and they go by just as quickly as anywhere else! God has planted eternity in our hearts! Somehow in the blink of an eye, since living here, I went from 50 years old to 60 years old!

During our decade here, life has had its ups and downs. Struggles, physical, mental and emotional still exist. Relational challenges, financial challenges and every other challenge you have anywhere else still happen on a regular basis. Twice a year in Florida we have love bug season. For several weeks spring and fall these lightning bug like bugs come out thick and they are nasty. They are just a reminder this isn’t really paradise yet.

God designed us to live forever. That is what we are really seeking when we want to live in paradise. We want our forever home and it is not to be found on earth. I believe God gives us glimpses of what heaven will be like in those fleeting moments when everything is right but they don’t last long here.

I’d like to encourage you to seek to know Him, who is life. Look forward to a future where there will be no more sorrow, pain or death and God will wipe all tears from our eyes. Let life’s struggles cause you to look to Him, who is life. Let those moments of paradise remind you there is a future place beyond your wildest dreams waiting for those who KNOW God, through Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Scott

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A Gunner’s View of a Bombing

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Scott Ranck

An entry my Dad wrote in 1944.

S/SGT Glen A Ranck 459th Bomb Group 159th Squadron 15th Air Force

S/SGT Glen A Ranck
459th Bomb Group
159th Squadron
15th Air Force

Mission to Campina, Rumania

We took off on our mission early in the morning and were told our mission was to Campina, 19 miles north of the Ploesti Oil Refineries and that there was light and heavy intense flak and a possible 45 enemy fighters. We rendezvoused over the field and finally started up the Adriatic Sea. We were all very tense and with throbbing pulse, we were “Sweating it out.” We put on our flak suits as soon as the Yugoslavia coast came in sight and crawled in our turrets. We test fired our guns into the sea and soon were going inland toward Rumania. After crossing the Danube and entering Rumania there was very little talk over the interphones because the target was about 50 minutes away. At 4 minutes from the I.P. the waste gunner began throwing out chaff. I was searching for enemy aircraft when suddenly what appeared to be a P-51 came through the formation and as it passed by us I saw the Nazi insignia and recognized it as a ME109. Shortly after I saw 11 ME’s clowning at 2 o’clock high. (By this time the flak was very intense as we were on our bomb run). The ME’s peeled off in fours and attacked my position of our ship. I tried to get my sight on them but they were so close they filled the whole sight so I just held my trigger and fired into them. After 8 had made a pass I sighted another coming through the formation. I put my sight on him got my lead and fired away. He never finished his attack for his engine was throwing out a dense black smoke as he faded away down out of my sight. By this time four more ME’s made a pass the last of the four got a direct hit behind my turret with a 20mm shell which exploded and hit the bombardier as he was leaning over his bombsight. He was stunned by a piece of the exploded shell which hit his head. All nose oxygen was shot out. The pilot called bomb doors open. The bombardier control did not work so the navigator went down in the hole to open them from there. He was hit in the legs as he opened the doors. At bombs away the bombardier unconsciously pulled the bomb release. There were plenty of good hits. The flak was still intense.

Bomb doors were closed and we started back with two engines hit and the hydraulic lines shot up. We made an emergency landing at Bori, Italy to get the wounded men to the hospital. The engineer wrapped a rag around the hydraulic lines good enough to use the brakes. We landed rough but safely and returned to our home base by truck.

The plane has a 10″ dia hole behind the nose turret several machine gun bullet holes in the waist and engines. We can be thankful that it was God’s will for us to get back safely.

Scott Ranck on behalf of my Dad, The late S/SGT Glen A Ranck

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Freedom’s Price Tag

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Scott Ranck

section-60-arlington-national-cemetery-1024

Having been 18 years old, one time, then having three children who were 18, thinking about the men and women who make the courageous choice to serve in our military is humbling. Most enlist as young people, with their entire lives in front of them. Most in our life time have enlisted knowing our country is at war. I cannot imagine hugging one of my children goodbye knowing they were going into harm’s way and may not return. I cannot imagine holding tightly to my spouse knowing it may be the last time and then letting go!

So many have given their lives for our country to be free and for all people within our country to be free. Did you know more people died in our Civil War than any other war we’ve fought! It is estimated 625,000 people died in that effort. World War 1 had 116,516 deaths, while World War II had 405,399. The Korean Conflict cost us 36,516 patriots while Viet Nam was 58,209. Our current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq all totaled is pushing 10,000 lives.

Every number represents a Mom’s child, a Father’s pride and joy. Each number is someone in a family portrait and each one is now a huge, gaping hole in a family’s heart. Each one is an empty seat at the table, so we can all eat in Freedom.

Remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for you and me to enjoy the freedoms of America. Read some history, read the constitution and do your part to protect what this nation is all about. It would be a shame if all those lives would be lost in vain. Thank you soldiers and families for your sacrifice.

Blessings,
Scott

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The Number 1 Killer of Marriages

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Scott Ranck

Our life group has been studying a book by David Clark, “Married but Lonely.” Almost no one in the group liked the writer’s approach, but it has opened some major conversation. Through the semester and gathering on all my past experience I’ve come to believe there is a common thread that destroys marriages.

It comes from within! The killer is not accepting your partner the way they are right now. Whether you have spoken or secret expectations for your partner doesn’t matter. If you don’t have complete acceptance of them just the way they are it sends an emotional message that says, “You aren’t good enough the way you are.” Once that vibe is picked up and it will be, distance begins to creep in.

Best friends are best friends because the person accepts you as you are. You don’t have to pretend around them. They love you when your up and when you are down. They don’t have lofty expectations for you. When a person senses that acceptance they talk freely. There isn’t a private conversation in their head, editing everything so as not to get in trouble. When you have to edit your thoughts before you speak you do not talk freely.

When acceptance is not present and distance creeps in, then any other stressors in life whether, kids, finances, where and how to worship all become issues to divide you further. When acceptance is present, all those things give you topics to pull together and discuss freely.

This truth is why dating and courtship are critically important. You have to know the person deeply and investigate how you both approach life. When you have a solid foundation of shared values acceptance should come easier.

I used to tell people in premarital counseling, If you cannot accept your future partner exactly as they are now, if you cannot be happy with them exactly as they are today, don’t get married!

If you are currently married and are disappointed in your spouse, you are in trouble and the trouble is within you! Here is the remedy. Look in the mirror at all your own imperfections and ponder whether you prefer your partner loves and accepts you as you are and treats you with grace, or if you prefer they constantly send you messages they are disappointed in you.

Spend all your energy working on your own issues and trust God is big enough to communicate to your partner whatever they need to work on, while you give them grace to grow and accept them fully as they are. As long as we attempt to do what only God can do, change someone from the inside out, He steps back and lets us give His job a try. When you stop trying to play God’s role in someone else’s life, He will step up and do what only He can do.

If you are not accepting your spouse as they are, you are destroying your own marriage!

One disclaimer, if your spouse is involved in violent, illegal or destructive behaviors, you may come to a place that you are no longer willing to stay with them. I’m not advocating accepting these things.

blessings,
Scott

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Hooked on Phonics?

Posted on May 18, 2014 by Scott Ranck

I’ve had a good time the last few days diving deeply into Colossians Chapter 3 in preparation for the Men’s Group Monday Night. I’m comparing the old life to what the chapter calls new life or real life in Christ. The passage lists five vices to put off and five virtues to put on.

I was reading in the New Living Translation but also had a bunch of other resources to dig into the real meaning of the Greek words behind the English text. Colossians 3:7-9 says, You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

As I read this passage and saw the nature of the other behaviors, dirty language, didn’t seem to fit. So, I got out the tools and delved into the real meaning of the Greek on this. The word is only used one time in the Bible and it is right here in this passage. It actually comes from a compound word the first portion means abusive and the second part words. Abusive words seem to fit the passage better because all the other things he says to put off are basically hurtful behaviors toward others. Ephesians 4:29 would support this idea. Don’t use corrupt speech but use speech that builds others. Corrupt speech is talking in a way that hurts or tears down others.

My conclusion is God is not overly concerned with vocabulary, He is not hooked on phonics, but is very concerned about our intent. Are we speaking to hurt, abuse, shame, put down others, or is our talk intended to speak life into others?

All my life, Christians have been more concerned about vocabulary rather than intent. I had Sunday School teachers tell us as children words that were off-limits because they were close to cuss words. We were taught don’t say gee whiz, heck, hell, damn or s**t. But the same good church people will gossip and slander people all day long! From my study of Scripture, I’m convinced God is far more concerned with the latter and could care less about the former.

God does however, take very seriously using His name in empty ways, using His name in any detrimental way causes God great offence. The reason is His name represents His character and every good thing about Him. So, again, it is the intent of your heart in the use of God’s name that matters. Glorifying Him or deriding Him determines whether the use of His name is profound or profane.

blessings,

Scott

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My Gayle

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Scott Ranck

Gayle's Engagement Pic2878690530035176356hgvStG_fsWe noticed each other around 14 years old. We talked in the halls of our Junior High School and once in a while I walked her home from school. It was on one of those walks in the ninth grade I asked Gayle if, “I asked you to marry me what would you say?” She said yes! She said yes at 17 when on September 17, 1971 I asked her to marry me with an engagement ring. Then, “I do,” January 20, 1973 as 19 year olds. Last night on a couple of hour car ride, after hearing a message on the radio about godly women, I was pondering what an amazing lady Gayle is.

For all these years as two very imperfect people, she has learned to have such a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus, it has enabled her to love me unconditionally through thick and thin. She is my friend, lover and balancer. She is one of the few people I have ever met whose sole desire was to please the Lord and be a home maker, my wife and our kid’s mom. After all these years I want her more than ever. I still want to love her and share the rest of our lives together. All three of our adult children still love her more than life and value the investment she made in them. Our family loves to be together whenever we can and I attribute that to Gayle.

Most of you don’t know how difficult it would be living with me. I bore easily, get a million crazy ideas, am very hard to please and for much of my life have struggled with discontentment. But Gayle, has stabilized our home, has loved me and has for the most part done all that with love in her heart and a smile on her face. She has been at my side as an amazing partner now for almost forty-one and a half years. On this morning after Mother’s Day, I am so thankful she chose to love me and to have a family together. I have learned so much from her. Thank you misiz for being such an amazing wife and mom all these years. I love you severely.

Blessings,
Scott

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