If I Should Wake Before I Die

When I was a small child, my parents taught me a prayer that I believe was part of the vital input that God used to awaken me to His Presence and my accountability to Him.

It’s a simple prayer, yet it contains some powerful truths that were instrumental in shaping my thinking about the unpredictability of life, the inevitability of death and my eventual day of reckoning before God.

The prayer says:

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.^[1]

Fortunately, that prayer wasn’t my only exposure to the revelation of God and the Christian worldview. Our family’s affiliation with a conservative Lutheran church afforded me a good deposit of Biblical truth through what that faith tradition calls “Confirmation”. In Confirmation, I was confronted with the Law of God through Luther’s Small Catechism^[2] where I began to see the basis of my accountability to God. I learned that God is pure and upright and that He expects moral purity in our lives, too. I didn’t enjoy Confirmation class. I didn’t like what I learned. Hearing about God’s hatred of sin didn’t make me feel good. In fact, over the subsequent years of my adolescence, I became increasingly more uncomfortable with the growing sense that I was living an immoral life. Thankfully, God didn’t leave me in despair. He brought into my life other voices who built on those foundational truths and pointed me to the Savior, Jesus Christ. (You can read about my spiritual journey at: https://tinyurl.com/ucv79h4.^[3]

In God’s mercy, He used the conscience-shaping truth of a child’s prayer and subsequent exposure to His Law to goad me from slumber and to help me “wake before I die” so that I might flee from the wrath my sin deserves and find refuge in the Person and work of Christ.

“Shhh, You’re Gonna Wake Him Up!” Recently, I participated in an adult Bible study where two individuals attempted to comfort another struggling soul by asserting that “guilt is never from God”. I’ve spent time with this group, and I’m certain that those dear people meant well. Perhaps they were attempting (albeit very poorly) to voice the core idea of Romans 8:1 “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” My concern that day, and my ongoing concern for many in our world, is that well-meaning, but inarticulate (or worse yet, misguided) people, are urging others to keep on sleeping by offering false comfort when what is needed is assistance in waking up so they might “flee from the wrath to come” and find the forgiveness God has provided for us through Jesus Christ. (Nahum 1:2-3, Matthew 3:7, Romans 1:18-20, Romans 2:5, Ephesians 5:3-6, Revelation 6:12-17)

“Shouldn’t Religion Make Us Feel Good?!” If, at this point, you feel like pushing back against the idea of God’s judgment by emphasizing God’s kindness and grace, you’re not alone. Dr. Everett Piper, the President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, noted that “Our culture has actually taught our kids (and some of us older adults) to be… self-absorbed and narcissistic. Any time their feelings are hurt, they are the victims. Anyone who dares challenge them and, thus, makes them ‘feel bad’ about themselves, is a ‘hater,’ a ‘bigot,’ an ‘oppressor,’ and a ‘victimizer.’’’ ^[4] Piper continues, “That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon (or reading a blog) is called <your> conscience. An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad. It is supposed to make you feel guilty. The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization.”^[5]

In other words, guilt can be a good thing if it motivates someone to take action to prepare to meet with God! In all the noise and distraction of earthly living, please remember that each of us will very soon (probably sooner than we think) be called to answer to God for how we’ve lived.

Friend, are you ready to meet God? If you’re not sure please read my article/ Gospel tract at https://tinyurl.com/wrka4f2 ^[6]

If you’re sure you’re fully awake, how about your family members? Are you assisting the young people in your life to experience a spiritual awakening by intentionally laying a solid foundation of objective truth and Biblical knowledge in their impressionable minds? If you’d like some direction on steps one can take with children, (and possibly invigorate your own faith) allow me to suggest a couple of quality tools.

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Sally Lloyd-Jones has done a great job of telling many important Bible stories in a very clear way and explaining how these narratives point to or are fulfilled in what Jesus did when He came into the world to rescue us! Get a copy and start reading these well-illustrated and profound faith-building stories to your little ones!

The New City Catechism: 52 Questions and Answers for Our Hearts and Minds (Gospel Coalition)

The New City Catechism was prepared by the folks at Redeemer Presbyterian (Pastor Tim Keller). The Westminster Bookstore describes it this way, “Simple, visual, biblical instruction in heavenly citizenship, distilled from the great and historic statements of the faith. Continuing the church’s age-old tradition in a thoughtfully arranged 52-question format, this succinct, interactive catechism equips young and new followers of Christ with the crucial truths of God’s Word. Perfectly suited for one-year memorization plans.”

I’ve used these resources with some of my grandkids and they’ve really enjoyed the songs which we’ve played on my guitar as well as with the free recordings available online and through the App Store for both iPhone and Android phones. ^{[7] [8] [9]}

Friends, if I’ve learned anything about this unpredictable world it’s that time is of the essence! Please don’t wait to do whatever is necessary to prepare to meet God!

If you want to talk further about how to move toward God and what it means to have peace with God, just let me know!

“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14 ESV

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…” 2 Corinthians 5:10,11a NASB

1. C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8130077-the-screwtape-letters
2. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Now_I_Lay_Me_Down_to_Sleep ↑
3. http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php#tencommandments ↑
4. https://www.neighbors2nations.org/pastor-johns-journey-and-gods-grace/ ↑
5. https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/august/university-president-to-students-this-is-not-a-day-care ↑
6. ibid ↑
7. https://www.neighbors2nations.org/love-means-caring-enough-to-tell-people-the-truth/ ↑
8. https://thegospelcoalition.bandcamp.com/album/songs-from-the-new-city-catechism ↑
9. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/new-city-catechism/id564035762 ↑
10. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.crossway.newcitycatechism&hl=en_US ↑

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Dear Family & Friends,

The Bible wisely reminds us that, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:  a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…”  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 ESV

Nancy and I recently recognized that we have entered a new season of life!

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in late 2019 and until last year was able to manage the symptoms with only mild medication and lots of exercise! But in 2024, I began to have serious problems with one of my knees and haven’t been able to continue my exercise regimen. In recent months, my symptoms have escalated and I’m having trouble sleeping. I’m constantly exhausted and I’m finding it more and more challenging to move and walk normally! While we love living in rural Missouri and have seen God’s blessing on our ministry at Big Creek Church, the undeniable fact is that Parkinson’s Disease seems to be progressing in my body and we feel the need to prepare to put our house on the market and to move closer to family.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and gets worse over time. It is caused by the weakening, damage, and death of nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, difficulty with balance, and impaired movement. The disease can also cause non-movement symptoms like depression, sleep problems, and memory difficulties.”[1]

What’s Next?

On January 16th I shared our situation with the leaders of Big Creek Church and they gave us their blessing to step out of my pastoral role at the church after January 19th. I will preach my last sermon at Big Creek Church on the 19th and then after completing any remaining administrative responsibilities, Nancy and I will give ourselves in earnest to the task of preparing our home to sell! Once we sell our home in Yukon, Missouri, we plan to move to McCall Idaho and build a small dwelling on my daughter and son-in-law’s property. (Lena & Lance Mallow)

 We Value Your Prayers!

As the Lord brings us to your mind, please pray for this transition. There are numerous details and decisions for which we’ll need wisdom and strength. In all of this, our chief concern is to bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father!

“…According to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:20-21 NASB

Sincerely,

John & Nancy Schaeffel

[1] https://search.brave.com/search?q=what+is+Parkinson%27s+disease%3F&source=desktop&summary=1&conversation=7b093df3765c79e92787c5, Accessed 1/18/25

On Christmas Day, 2020, I received an early morning phone call from my Dad informing me that my Mom had died. Her death was expected because eleven years earlier she had suffered a massive stroke which had destroyed her ability to walk, speak or care for herself. For over ten years, my amazing Dad cared for her in their home, devotedly meeting her needs while pushing through his own physical pain. Finally, in exhaustion my Dad decided it was time to place Mom in a care center. He found a good facility in a nearby community and daily drove to the care center to visit the love of his life! Even though Covid-19 visiting restrictions prevented close-proximity interactions, Dad traveled to the care center each day and interacted with Mom by standing outside of her window as she was waiting to receive lunch. Then during a recent hospitalization for a urinary tract infection, it became apparent that Mom’s body was failing. The impact the stroke conspired with the natural aging process and breakdown of an 82-year-old body resulting in a serious swallowing deficit! Not being able to swallow adequately severely limited her hydration and nutrition. Mom’s attending Physician explained that apart from tube-feeding, Mom could not live long in her current condition. Dad was faced with the prospect of making a decision no one wants to have to make: Prolong my loved-one’s life and subject them to more suffering or allow their condition to take their life and release them from their broken body.

Since Mom’s quality of life was so limited by the earlier stroke she had suffered, Dad mercifully decided not to subject Mom to any more life-prolonging interventions and to allow her die.  Consequently, it wasn’t long before Mom’s body began to shut down and our family prepared for her inevitable death.

We knew she would die. Her death was expected. When Dad called me early Christmas day, I grieved Mom’s death but also rejoiced that she was no longer trapped in a dysfunctional, broken body! What I’ve struggled with is not her death, but the fact that she died alone, with no one from our family at her bedside!

We knew she would die…What I’ve struggled with is not her death, but the fact that she died alone, with no one from our family at her bedside!

My training and experience as a pastor and chaplain, coupled with the compassion God has placed in my spirit compels me to, if at all possible, see to it that no one dies alone!

My Mom, though far from being flawless, was a sincere follower of Christ who loved God and cared for people!

If the Bible is true, (and I think it is) and if the testimonies of God’s people are to be trusted, (and I think they can be) then we have strong confidence to believe that God’s grace and supernatural presence was available to His dying child in sufficient measure to comfort her and carry her Home!

In an ideal world, there would be no suffering or death. Or perhaps, if life were “fair” everyone would live to a ripe old age and pass away peacefully in their sleep. But as experience and God’s revelation make so clear, we live in a fallen world where death is universal, and people of all ages lose their lives through natural disasters, violence, diseases, and accidents. Even Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, suffered unjustly,[1] went through extreme emotional and spiritual trauma without adequate social support,[2] and died in a manner so awful that the heightened degree of suffering associated with crucifixion has become an adjective for the worst form of pain! [3]

The Stark Difference Between the Christian & the Non-Christian

While death is the expected experience of all people, the Bible clearly distinguishes between the deaths of Christians and non-Christians. In fact, non-Christians while living are described as being only partially alive; they are organically alive but spiritually dead.[4] The spiritually dead are separated from God, alienated from Him due to sinful rebellion.[5] When the non-Christian’s body dies, their earthly, organic life ends, but their spirit enters eternity where they will be judged by God and be forever separated from the God who they refused to relate to during their earthly journey. [6]

The Christian, though equally deserving of God’s judgment will instead experience God’s love and acceptance. Though equally guilty of failing to meet God’s expressed standards, the Christian at some point acknowledged their failure, and turned from their sin in repentance and placed their trust in Jesus Christ’s death as their only hope of peace with God.[7] God responds to the sincere faith of the repentant sinner by crediting to their account the righteousness of Christ. The Bible says the Christian is “justified” which means to be declared righteous and to be treated as such. God is now free to treat the Christian with compassion instead of judgment because Jesus took the wrath that should be meted out to them. Because of their faith in Christ, they will not be judged! [8]In fact, there no longer remains anything that can separate them from the love of God.[9] That promise of spiritual intimacy with God is ensured by the fact that every Christian, upon receiving God’s forgiveness in Christ, also receives the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God![10] In preparing His disciples for His absence, Jesus said that it was advantageous to them that He leave and send the Spirit who would be with them forever.[11]

The Christian then, by virtue of their relationship to God through Jesus Christ, has access to supernatural resources to comfort and support them in life and in death! Even during a catastrophe like the government’s over-reaction to Covid-19, the Christian can say along with Jesus, “…yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” (John 16:32)

Jesus’ parting affirmation to His followers was, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

If anyone is united with Christ, they can face whatever happens with rock-solid assurance of God’s Presence and Power working in them! “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Seize The Moment!

Since everyone of us is just one heartbeat away from entering eternity, there’s no better time than the present to confirm that you are in a vital relationship to God through Jesus Christ.

Admit to God that you know you’ve failed to love Him and honor His desires. Express to Him your deep longing for forgiveness of your sins and restoration with Him. Ask God to meet you where you are and to guide you in finding peace with Him.

 Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)

The first Christians carried that same message to their lost and dying world by proclaiming, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

From that foundation for your faith the New Testament urges you to cry out to God for His salvation: for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” (See Romans 10:9-13)

God wants you to be restored to Himself.

Jesus Christ “….bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

I urge you, before you contract a terminal disease or your body is irreparably damaged in an accident, seek restoration with God!

“Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. 

Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7) 

[1] 1 Peter 2:19-24

[2] Mark 14:27-42, Luke 22:39-46

[3] Isaiah52:13-53:12, Matthew 26:67, Matthew 27:29-30, Mark 15:12-25, (See the definition and etymology of “excruciating”.) https://www.etymonline.com/word/excruciate 

[4] Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 2:13

[5] Romans 1:18-32, Ephesians 4:17-19, Colossians 1:21

[6] Ecclesiastes 12:7, James 2:26; Hebrews 9:27, John 5:28-29, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

[7] Jesus said, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32) From God’s perspective, “there is none righteous” (Romans 3:10-12)

[8] See Romans 3:19-31, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…”(Romans 5:1)

[9] Romans 8:1, Romans 8:31-39

Why Should You Consider Attending the Gospel Conversation Training?

The Gospel Conversation Training is being provided for any follower of Christ who wants to join Christ on His mission of making disciples of all nations. Jesus commands us to bring His Gospel to others and we want to help those who wish to be trained to become proficient in sharing Christ with others in a simple and easy way.

What Will You Receive by Participating in the Gospel Conversation Training?

*You will learn:

1. How to initiate a spiritual conversation with others.
2. How to share your own personal testimony with others.
3. How to share a simple and easy Gospel presentation to others.
4. What to do with those who give their lives over to Christ as their Lord.

This is powerful and practical training! Learn how to live an intentional, missional life that brightly shines the Light of Christ in your part of this spiritually dark world!

Who Will be Leading the Gospel Conversation Training?

Jay Moore, the author of “This Little Light of Mine-A Journey Into Missional Living” will be our trainer. Jay is a consultant, trainer and mentor on Church Planting, Missional Living, Disciple Making Movements, and Church Planting Movements. Jay and his wife, Linda are part of the NoPlaceLeftTucson Network, the developer of The Ordinary Christian and have been in Christian ministry in Southern Baptist churches for more than 30 years.

When and Where Will the Gospel Conversation Training Occur?

We are being hosted by the good people at the Meadows Baptist Church, 3701 W. Beardsley Road, Glendale, AZ 85308 on Saturday, October 6^th from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

What Will the Gospel Conversation Training Cost?

COST: There’s NO ADMISSION CHARGE! We will be taking up a love offering to give to our trainer.

This training is available to all Followers of Christ and Christian churches who sincerely want to join Christ in bringing the powerful mission of God to our community.

*A Sneak Peek at part of the training: Three Circles Gospel Presentation – http://noplaceleft.net/three-circles/

For more information contact John Schaeffel, 623.606.8909, jschaeffel@cox.net

Why me?!

Why did I get pulled over and receive a speeding ticket when so many other drivers were going just as fast as me or faster?!

Why me?!

Why did I develop cancer when others who are less careful about their diets and lifestyle dodged that disease?! Why me?!

One of the fascinating things about language is how the same letters or a phrase, when stressed differently or placed in a different context, can be used to communicate a profoundly different idea.

For instance, the phrase “Why me?!” can also be used to express wonder at one’s good fortune and great opportunity.

Allow me to illustrate:

“Why me?!”

Why was I so fortunate to be born in a family where I was cared for, disciplined and trained to work to support myself?

“Why me?!”

Why am I alive now, at this point in time, with so many life-giving technologies and with access to so much information?

“Why me?!”

Why was I blessed to be born in America where I have the freedom of speech and other Constitutional rights that allow me to live in relative security?

“Why me?!”

Why was I granted access to the Gospel message and allowed to attend churches and training institutes where the Bible was revered for what it is–God’s revelation– and wise teachers taught me to obey what I understood?

Do you see what I’m driving at? Having the right perspective empowers us to think clearly and to ask the right questions which can powerfully enhance our sense of well-being?!

The 103^rd Psalm reminds us that we should take the time to focus on the benefits that God has provided for His people.

 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.  Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;  Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” [1]

Your life may not have turned out as you hoped it could, and you may have good cause for discouragement, but if you have heard the Gospel and have come to know and understand the salvation God has made available to us through Jesus Christ, you are incredibly blessed! [2] Are you choosing to focus on God’s blessing in your life and “building yourselves up on your most holy faith”?[3]

In other generations, God’s people knew the power of this proactive, faith-fighting activity and even sang about it!  (Unfortunately, many of our churches have rejected the classic hymns and we are the weaker for it!)  The point is, if you’re discouraged today, you don’t have to stay there! Instead of wallowing in self-pity, you might try listening to and singing along with this great hymn (Count Your Blessings- Classic Hymn) and then start regularly, even daily,  taking time to recount all the ways that the Lord has blessed you!

The New Testament encourages Christians to be “transformed by the renewing of [their] mind”.[4]  That aligns with the maxim: “Change your thinking and you’ll change your life!”  Like no other message, the Gospel has the power to change our attitude and the trajectory of our lives because not only does the Gospel change our thinking, but through the Gospel, we are restored to God and have access to the resurrection life of Christ![5]  Through the Gospel, we are united with Christ to walk in the newness of life! [6] The Gospel reveals that God has acted to rescue us from the judgment our sin against Him deserves by sending His perfect Son to be our substitute![7] Through the Gospel, our sins are not only forgiven but we receive a new standing with God! [8] Because of what Jesus accomplished in dying for our sins, God can declare us righteous and treat us that way! That’s why the Bible says, “There is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!”[9]

That brings me to why I’ve written this blog: God created you and me for Himself and through the Gospel of His Son, He invites us to be restored to Himself and to embark on a journey of faith and obedience that will influence others to do the same!

When you know the God of the Gospel, and then obey His command to share the message with others, you’ll experience some of the deepest joy that anyone can have![10]

God wants you to experience the joy of joining Him in His mission to call your family and friends to be part of His eternal Kingdom.

If we can encourage you in your journey, please let us know!

In Christ,

John and Nancy Schaeffel

www.neighbors2nations.org

2 Corinthians 5:20, 21

[1][Psalms 103:1-5  New American Standard Bible

[2] Ephesians 1:3

[3] Jude 1:20, 21

[4] Romans 12:2

[5] Ephesians 1:19,20; 3:20

[6] Romans 1:16; 6:4

[7] John 3:16-18; Romans 3:21-26; 5:8

[8] Romans 3:24; 5:1

[9] Romans 8:1

[10] Matthew 28:18-20; John 13:17; Acts 5:41