Give It Up -- Matthew 19:10-12

“For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” (v.12)

Quite frankly, I find it unacceptable! Especially when I think, “what have I sacrificed for the kingdom of heaven?”

Thinking about these verses, it is not just about sex and it is not just about divorce and celibacy after remarriage (as odd as that thought might be). It is also about a committed relationship to another human being, a “significant other”. Now I suppose, if you have never known that kind of relationship in the first place you might not miss it, but, having known it, then to walk away from it for the duration of your lifetime, is quite another thing.

There are some concepts in Scripture I cannot relate to and this is one of them. There are some elements I can relate to primarily through application, and this is one of them. What have I given up for the kingdom of God? Or should I say what of significance have I given up for the kingdom of God? Now here is the key….. WILLINGLY!!! When I reflect on years gone by, I believe there have been times where I’ve said “Father, whatever it takes, I’m yours” and then when He takes, I say, “Hey, wait a minute, I didn’t know you were going to do that! If I would have known that….”

There are some things I have “given up” that have caused me great bitterness, grief and anger toward my Father God, that is not what I am talking about. He and I have, and in some instances are working through that. What I am talking about is what I willingly yield to Him for the kingdom’s sake.

There is nothing easy about kingdom work, serious kingdom work. I don’t know about you, but it scares me at times and in all candor --- this kingdom thing can really be vexing.

Father Spirit, it’s pretty paltry, when I look at the list of “give ups” for the kingdoms sake. Then again, I don’t suppose you are keeping any kind of scorecard. I am sure, when the time comes to let go, you’ll let me know. You always do.

The Light --- John 1:1-5

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” (v.5)

The WORD precedes time and creation. He was before anything “is”, every thing that has life, has life because of him. In him was life everlasting and that “life” was the hope of all men, “the light of all people”.

“The light shines in darkness”. It does not ask to shine, it does not need permission to shine, it does not require someone to think positive thoughts in order for it to shine – it just shines because it is LIGHT – It is light and life and it cannot do anything but shine. Moreover, the good news is that darkness can do nothing about it! It cannot understand it nor can it extinguish it! As much as it may try, it will never overcome THE LIGHT, just as the gates of Hell will not prevail against the living church of God! (Matthew 16:18)

Why would I even consider putting this kind of Light under a bushel? Have I lost my mind? Do I think for a moment that it will make any impact on the fact that this light will shine no matter what? That is the nature and character of this Light. C’mon Mac, people are stumbling around out there, bumping into walls, tripping over themselves, and flying blind. Let it shine!

Father, I spend so much time at this desk that I sometimes loose sight of “life”. I get so absorbed in what seems productive to me, that I forget what really matters. People matter – Light overcoming darkness matters – community matters. Help me use tonight as a stepping-stone to reaching out and then let that be a means of branching out, that Christ might be glorified. In Jesus name.

Two Blog or Not Two Blog

I wanted to let you know I'm expanding some of my writing projects and posting them on a new blog. It will contain some of the writings from this site, and other's that I would not normally post here. I am also working on a couple of Web sites, once those are completed, I'll make a decision about which blogs to keep open or combine.

The new blog can be found here. There are also some other really great links there that you might want to check out. I hope you'll bookmark it and tell your friends about it. It's important for me to get feedback and to read people's comments.

blessings,

My Friends

We have some friends who work for YFC, Youth for Christ. I say “friends” – actually, Paul is the one who has the position, but Virginia is the one who helps bear his burdens. I say “work” instead of serve because whenever he describes what he does it always sounds like work to me, the miles he drives or flies, the hours he invests, the tears that he sheds, the countless meetings or seminars that he conducts or is involved in, the work teams he puts together, etc., the amount of support he needs to raise each month, each year, it all sounds like work to me. She also, is heavily involved in ministry and does a good bit of travel, but hers is a paid position – as in salaried! Doesn’t make it any less demanding, just has one less component to it.

Why am I saying this? I guess because what they do is important. But most of all because of who they are as disciples for Christ. I have known a lot of pastors, a few Bible teachers, and many Christians, but I have not known two more authentic people than these. Every day, somewhere in the world a piece of “fruit” is hanging on the tree because of them. And many times, they don’t even know its happening. Because of their work, every day, lives, continents away, are changing just a little bit which may have a huge impact on their culture in years to come, and you and I are oblivious to it.

They are world changers. I am amazed and pleased to call them my friends.

Can I do what they do? Probably not. Can I do what I do? Certainly. Which does God expect me to do?

Greatness --- Mark 9:33-37

Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve, and said to the them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:33-35)

It’s obvious they told someone what they were arguing about since Jesus knew and addressed the issue. It must have been a tad embarrassing for all of them. After all, what had any of them done to deserve greatness in the first place? Putting greatness aside, what had any of them demonstrated that would impute any sense of leadership to any one of them?

I suppose I could cast a few stones in the direction, but I am pitiful myself when it comes to that kind of nonsense. Not so much greatness, as recognition and attention. I have made progress in moving away from that in some regards, but there is still much work to be done. Nevertheless, it’s a sad state of affairs. I was just thinking of it last night as I was going to bed in fact. So maybe God is giving me a bit of a wake up call this morning.

There is no secret when it comes to the “why” of it. I am pretty clear on that. I guess I’m just disappointed that I haven’t dumped more of that baggage then I have. Then again, maybe I have released more than I realize, and what’s left over I am more sensitive too. I think I like that better. Either way, it appears there is more work to be done.

Father, it really is pitiful the way I look for or seek recognition. I think sometimes it is to affirm my worth, but you have already done that, so why isn’t that enough? Grant me the courage to let go of whatever it is I’m hanging on to and seek only your love, rest only in your grace, and find all that I need in your presence. In Jesus Name.

Listen To Him! --- Mark 9:2-12

“This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to him!” (v.7)

When I read the story of the transfiguration experience, I am always impressed. It is an account of three men’s alone-time with the Savior that was like no other. Often when I hear sermons on it, the emphasis is on Peter’s lack of understanding the significance of the event and desire to put up some tents and linger a while. The significance of Elijah’s and Moses’ presence is often next on the list of sermon themes. However, the one thing that seems most significant about this whole event is God’s presence!

God has apparently made a very obvious habit of not intervening in the life of Christ. He does so at the baptism of Jesus and here, but I’m not certain that He does anywhere else. At Jesus’ baptism, He says that He is “well pleased” with His Beloved Son, here He says something entirely different, “Listen to him!”
Not follow him, not obey him, not believe in him, but “listen to him!” Literally, He said hear him, or give ear to him.

Sometimes when we “listen” to other people, what we’re really doing is waiting for our turn to talk. That is not what this word means. Nor, I would contend, does our English word mean that. It means to listen with a desire to understand. In addition, God did not suggest it, He rather emphatically exhorts it! It is in listening to Jesus that we will learn...

I am not a good listener. Whether it’s in conversation or when I’m reading I get distracted easily, similar to Peter. It’s not often fear that distracts me as it did Peter, although it can be – I can be afraid I don’t know how to answer the person or I’m not capable of communicating with that person. Often times it’s a random thought or a word or phrase taking hold and moving me in a different direction and before long, I miss what’s said, or several sentences or paragraphs in a book or magazine. I lose focus. It’s never intentional, it just happens.

I do that with Jesus too. I lose focus. It’s never intentional, it just happens. I don’t always listen as well as I should. I don’t always hear with understanding. I think I know when I don’t. I always want to get my two cents in, when he really has no need of my change. Perhaps I need to hear God again, “This is my Son, my Beloved, listen to him!” After all he has the....

Father Spirit, I’m not a good listener I know that. My ear is not always attentive to Your Beloved, or anyone else for that matter. Today, I am making a decision to be a better listener. To hear with my ears, my mind, and my heart, whether it is in conversation or reading your Word. May it be, in Jesus Name.

Did I hear that Correctly --- Mark 8:22-9:1

In some previous notes on Mark, which I did not publish here, I focused on the “slowness” of the disciples to come along in thought with Jesus and his teaching. Here in this series of passages, they seem to get it, and then one of them Peter, gets a stinging rebuke because he got it and wanted Jesus to understand that he got it.

In the rather familiar passage of “who do men say that I am”, where Peter proclaims that Jesus is “the Christ”, Mark records that Jesus “sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.” (8:30)

Then Jesus teaches “openly” about his impending suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. Peter, not knowing the difference, takes Jesus aside and rebukes him for this, after all, didn’t Jesus just tell “them” to keep things under wraps, now he is making a public proclamation of some rather startling things. Of course, we all know what happens next.

I just want to say a word of defense for people like Peter and me. Sometimes I don’t always know where that line is. It doesn’t mean I don’t understand it just means I don’t know all the parameters all the time.

Peter, although he will have tougher times ahead, recovers rather nicely from it all. I didn’t initially. I am hoping to learn from it all and do better, but it is indeed a challenge. I don’t always take criticism well, whether it’s the “self” kind or from outside sources. However, I am learning and I think growing in that area.

Father, it’s never easy and never “nice” at times. So I pray that when you put me in those situations where I need wisdom and restraint, that I will understand that and think, act, and speak accordingly. In Jesus Name, amen.

Let's DO Chruch

Well, it's Saturday and Sunday's Comin'! I'm not sure where I heard it, but someone preached a sermon on that theme, Sunday's Comin'! It was a great message as I recall. Unfortunately, that's all I recall at this point. Nevertheless, Sunday's Comin for us. Time to make a selection on where we'll "do church" this week. Mind you, I don't look forward to this decision every weekend. Neither do I enjoy being disappointed with what we've discovered up to this point.

I don't think our expectations are that high, just good quality preaching - true to the text, a reasonably good Bible Study class and some caring folks who seem to love God. It doesn't have to be "mega" or "micro", Southern Baptist or Independent, just Christ centered.

It's funny because my sister-in-law & brother-in-law are here visiting and they are in a similar situation. But they are more anti-established church and pro church-plant. So we've been talking about this at length. They have mentioned churches with signs that say "More Jesus Less Crap" and Church Planting pastors with web sites or blogs with sections on them that seem specifically designed to provoke the local church establishment. I suppose if you've been called to do that, fine. But sooner or later those churches may "become" the very establishment they rail. It just doesn't seem kosher. :)

The church is not perfect, I know that. Some of those in our area seem stuck in time, captured in a cocoon of tradition. Others seem performance oriented, and others seem to be struggling just to survive, holding to their past thinking they can revive what they once were. Will any of it work, I'm not sure, seems to work for those who are there. I reckon that matters to them, even though it doesn't to me. So perhaps I should just move on until I find one that does.

On My Own -- Mark 6:48

“When he saw they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by…” (Mark 6:48 NRSV)

There is probably not a more familiar passage in all of scripture than the one of Jesus walking on the water. Then, of course, there is Matthew’s addition of Peter and Jesus taking that little hydro-stroll together. An account that Matthew is the only one to mention. Nevertheless, water walking is not what captured my attention while researching Mark. What did is that little phrase, “he intended to pass them by”.

Mark is a terse penman. He also adds bits of information that bring color to his accounts that the other writers do not. Not fabrication, but detail. This may be one of those occasions and I rather like it.

Of course it flies in the face of my perception of Jesus to think that he would pass by his disciples when they were in distress, buy why should it? Why does he always have to come to the rescue? Why can’t he just check in, see how they’re doing and let them be? After all, these are fisherman turned fishers of men, they’ve just returned from a very successful mission of preaching, teaching, healing and perhaps even raising the dead, so what’s a little storm on the sea to these guys? Besides, it’s no Perfect Storm. Maybe Jesus figured they could handle it just fine.

I am going to believe that there are those circumstances when God has equipped me with everything I need to do what needs to be done to handle what comes my way. That does not mean He will not walk by and check in on me, that doesn’t mean I don’t pray, it simply means God gave me the gifts necessary, the power of His Spirit, and the information from His Word to do what needs to be done in many situations, then He expects me to act accordingly. The real question is, will I? Or will I wait for him to get in the boat and calm the sea for me?

Father, help me to be a man of action. To take courage and do, not to fear and always call out. In Jesus name.

Unbelieveable --- Mark 6.6a

“And he was amazed at their unbelief”

I don’t know whether it should go in the Guinness Book of World Records or not, I haven’t done the preliminary research.However, in different parts of the country where we have either lived or visited, you occasionally see signs that read “Hidden Driveway”. Well I’m here to tell you, I have found every single one of those driveways! Unfortunately, I haven’t kept count. However, I’m sure if I had, it would be some kind of record!

That’s a silly notion I know. Yet, when I read this verse in Mark, I thought, that’s silly. Why would Jesus be “amazed” at anything, belief (Luke 7.9) or unbelief, anywhere or anytime? This is the son of God, he knows what is in the heart of all men (John 2.24) yet, for some reason he seems amazed that people in his own town, even among his own family members don’t believe him or in him.

Do I simply write it off and move on? Or, is there within the God-Man a measure of limitation. Now that may shock you, but it doesn’t shock me. If he were not bound by some limitation, what value is there in saying he was tempted in all areas just like me, yet without sin, if he doesn’t have the same “humanness” that I am strapped with?

I say liturgically that he is “fully God and fully man, the God-Man” but is that just lip service and convenience or is there truth to his human side? I find a measure of comfort in knowing the full humanity of Jesus is indeed “full”. Do I understand it, no? Is it important that I understand it, no? I don’t understand many things. I just want to know that my savior knows – really knows, not just because of divine love, but because of loves love.

I struggle every day with stuff that is real. The enemy knocks on my door regularly. I fight to know what my next step should be as a man, a husband, a father. I beat myself up wondering what the hell am I doing with my life and how embarrassing this whole thing seems at times. I wander, I wonder, I hope, I dream, I laugh, I love, I cry, I write, I sweat…. That’s my life, can my savior identify with that? Thankfully, I believe he can, because he “was amazed”.

Father, someone, somewhere may read this and feel like there has been some kind of heresy done on these pages and I suppose that’s okay. You and I know that’s not the case. I’m just a seeker hoping to find. Artists want me to see him, songwriters want me to hear him, and writers want me to feel him. I just want to know him and be known by him, that’s all, nothing more. May it be, in HIS name.

Oops, I didn't Expect That

I struggle every day to make sense of things. It seems that the more I know, the more I know I don’t know. That which I thought should be normal really isn’t normal at all. What I hoped would be a good day turns out to be a disaster. Go figure, life is just full of “oops, I didn’t expect that!”

There seems to be more and more instances when I have that same experience while reading Scripture this time around. “Oops, I didn’t’ expect that!” tends to be a phrase I utter to myself on several occasions. That’s not to say it’s a disappointing utterance, rather the contrary in most instances, it’s rather exciting. Scripture reading should be fresh and somewhat of a revelation each time we come to it.

That is the reason experiences like I mentioned the other day and those that I encounter almost every day in my own reading tend to motivate me and inspire me. I have always been a staunch proponent of Biblical inerrancy. Not so much in terms of inspiration of Scripture, as much as the interpretation of Scripture.

I must confess there have been times when I have wanted to jump up out of the pew in the middle of a sermon and say, “Hold it – I’m not sure where you got that particular idea, but it’s not in my Bible!” But then God has not appointed me His special watchdog.

My only responsibility is to be true to His word on my own account. That is challenge enough.

Father, I have no idea what today will bring. I do know there are already several pieces of clutter in my mind. Life has begun and I’m yet a couple steps behind on the day and I didn’t expect that. So help me to gather myself, refocus, and get done what needs to be done. When my project time comes and I am back in Your Word, let my focus be single minded and intense. In Jesus Name, may it be.

I Mind, It Matters -- 2Timothy 1.13-14

As I have confessed before, my mind doesn’t always run along straight tracks. For me that provides occasion for entertainment, for my wife it offers opportunity for frustration, for my friends – well it just exasperates them at times. Nevertheless, it keeps life interesting. Let me give two examples that are effecting today’s devotional time.

As I read the Psalms, it is obvious that David, or the psalmist, feels strongly that, at some point, sin affects his physical well-being. Now, as just one example, for David that could mean his little foray with Bathsheba lead to some STD and he’s suffering the consequences. As likely as that may be, I tend to believe it’s more an internal impact of the soul affecting his external person, rather than just a physical consequence of his immorality. In addition, there are more and varied expressions throughout the Psalms. (Psalms 38, 39, 41, etc.)

Having said that, this past weekend here is what I heard from two sources in two different churches. These are not exact quotes, but very close and accurate in intent. One, that God does not cause illness or physical harm to come upon us – of course “cause” is the operative word there. And two, God provides evil and temptation in my life to drive me closer to him.

Now I found both of those concepts intriguing. One was in the context of a Sunday School class, the other in the context of a conference at a local church.

It is my suspicion that both of these comments went unnoticed and unprocessed by the majority of folks who heard them. Are these people correct in their observations? Is either of them? That’s not my purpose. What is my purpose is to thank God that He has given me ears to hear and eyes to see beyond the nose on my face, and a mind to think clearly in most instances.

Paul said to Timothy,
Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. 2Timothy 1.13-14

Father, help me to know it when I see it and hear it, both bad teaching and good. Not based on my opinion, but based on Your Word. Never taking anything for granted, just because of the source, if it doesn’t appear consistent with Scripture.
Amen.

God's Will -- Psalm 40

Decision Making and The Will of God, I suppose I am a bit surprised to find that book is still available on Amazon.com. That book was all the rage years ago, almost too many years to mention. It was the manual for determining God's will for one’s life. Most of the people in my circle of friends read it and practiced the principles it laid out. I am sure today they are still in the center of God's will. If only…

There is probably not anything more troubling for me than that particular principle -- discovering God's will. Not so much on the grand scale of things, but on the more daily, regular cycle of the mundane. I suspect that I spend a disproportionate amount of time mulling over the “what” and “when” and not enough time with the “who” of it all, that I get confused and disoriented, mainly because I am a now –type personality. Struggling with patience has produced more bruises than I care to count. Therefore, this confusion will most likely not resolve itself any time soon, like now, for example.

Does God really care whether I wear briefs or boxers? Drive a red truck or black? Is He shaking His head about our Lubbock house, saying to Himself “If you would have only listened and done “this” that would have all been taken care of by now.” Except I have no idea what that “this” was or might have been. Or, is it all just playing itself out?

Perhaps it’s best if I just set this kind of musing aside and get busy working.

May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!” As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God. (Psalm 40.16-17)

Fully Pleasing --- Colossians

“…That you may be filled wit the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God”. 1:9-10

When you cut through all the clutter, every son wants to please his dad in some way. What boy doesn’t, in some way, desire recognition from his father about his accomplishments? Whether it’s riding the bike for the first time without training wheels, getting that first base hit, or catching that first fish, the desire to please is there.

My mom took me down to buy a brand new pair of basketball shoes for my try-outs to the High School basketball team. This was going to work perfectly, six foot two, good speed, and long arms, what a combination for basketball. Besides, my step-dad was a huge sports fan, so I was certain he would be impressed with his son on the high school basketball team. This could be our chance to connect at some level, at least a level he enjoyed, sports. I was pumped and ready. What I failed to realize was it helps if you really knew how to dribble the ball and play the game! My try-out lasted all of five minutes and the coach gave me my walking papers. I was devastated. Not that I didn’t make the team, deep down I knew that was an outside shot, but I didn’t even get the bottom of my new shoes dirty! I didn’t even get a chance and how embarrassing was that going to be to my dad.

I’ll admit, when I got home that afternoon I threw my shoes in the corner and cried. I told my mom my motive and she half way understood, of course I never told my dad. As far as he knew, it was just another tick mark on my list of failures. I knew pleasing him was not going to be an option, so that’s the day I stopped trying.

Do I carry that mess over to my understanding of God? I suspect I do. Does it influence my understanding of what it means to lead a life “fully pleasing to Him”? You can count on it. Nevertheless, this is no High School basketball try-out I’m involved in. This is my life. It is not wholly dependent on me but “Christ in me, the hope of glory!” There is nothing I can do that is good enough outside of grace through faith in the risen Christ, after that it’s a completely new life

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, 3for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your* life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.(Ch.3)

Father, the residue of trying to please still lingers. I am not sure how to fully rid myself of it. Yet, I know that with you anything I do is irrelevant except my total dependence on your Son through faith. It is by grace I have been saved! What I do now, matters, there is little doubt about it, just help me keep it in perspective, understanding there is no “cheap grace”. In the name of Jesus, may it be.

Sometimes I Wonder --- Leviticus 21

Sometimes I just scratch my head and wonder. Other times I think, “You’ve got to be kidding?”

As I continue my orderly read through Leviticus, certain themes are hard to ignore such as, atonement, being cut off, without blemish, etc. The one “without blemish”, takes on a new significance when God tells Moses to tell Aaron that no one shall serve as a Priest in the tabernacle that has a blemish. This makes complete sense, since the bulls, goats, birds, etc. must be without blemish, the environment was to be cleansed, therefore perfect, it’s a reasonable conclusion that the priest should be without blemish. (Lev. 21:16-24)

As you might expect the writer puts down a roster of things that would be considered blemishes, one leg longer than the other, a broken limb of any kind, mutilated face, bad eyes, etc. Then he points out one that just made me pause and wonder, “crushed testicles”. How on earth does one get his testicles crushed? That’s number one. Number two, how in heaven’s name does one survive getting his testicles crushed? And finally, how would anyone else know that this had happened, unless of course they were within six miles of the poor fellow and heard his scream! All the other issues listed are ones that can be easily seen or detected, the itching of course might be difficult, but would not take long to discover, other than that, this one is the only one that would be considered non-obvious. In addition, it’s not something I would think a man would boast about. So how do you uncover something like that?

Whatever the case, I am fairly certain it’s a good thing that “without blemish” is not a requirement for serving God in our present day. Although, when I come to think of it, in my lifetime I have witnessed many a pastor whose preaching was disabled but I have only witnessed one pastor that was disabled in any manner. He was a blind black pastor in Texas. He was some kind of preacher! Saying “amen” to him was like saying “sic-em” to a dog!

Oh my….sometimes I just have to wonder, and smile. :)

Father Spirit, my blemishes go far deeper than what may hinder me on the outside. Mine hinder my heart. Wash me that I might be whiter than snow, cover my ugliness with the beautiful blood on Jesus.

Forsaken --- Psalm 38

“Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, do not be far from me…” (v.21)

For whatever reason, my mind cannot totally comprehend what it might mean to be forsaken by God. From a pure academic standpoint, I get it. But overall, I just cannot wrap my arms around it. Yet, I fear it. Or, should I say have known the fear of it. That fear is a good part of why I am here right now. Don’t get me wrong, that does not mean I am, as they say down south, “skeerd”. I am not scared. I do, however, have a healthy fear of the LORD.

Without going in to copious detail, I believe there is validity to the concept of apostasy. Having said that, for many years my absence from delight in the Lord was not because I didn’t believe I was a believer, but because I believed my role as a believer had been compromised. Anyway, that’s a whole other subject.

My point is, through the years, what I began to fear was being forsaken by God. I know that’s a terrible thought – you who are faithful pilgrims relish in the “I will never leave you nor forsake you” promises, while folks like me, and I suspect there are many, wrestle with “Do you also wish to go away?”

Maybe, just maybe….those who went away that day pondered their decision and thought, “This cannot be good. I will go back.”. Similarly, the nine lepers who did not return to give thanks, may have decided one day, “How stupid is this – here I am clean and whole, and I never said ‘Thank You’. I’m going to go find that man and tell him thanks”. I don’t know. One day perhaps I’ll find out.

Anyway, regardless of whether or not I fully understand it, I could not fathom the idea of being forsaken by God. The idea of Hell was the least of my worries. Being separated from my LORD, whatever that meant, was just not going to be an issue any longer, if I had any hand in it. Setting things right was an absolute necessity.

There are times when I desire “easy”. Where my mind and heart does not have to grapple with this kind of stuff – I will sort it all out one day, after all…

Jesus love me, this I know
For the Bible tells me so

Little ones to Him belong
They are weak, but He is strong

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me

Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so.

Joy in the Camp -- Leviticus 1-11

In preparation for my next writing project, some of my research has me reading the Book of Leviticus. I’m a huge fan of the OT, so this is no problem for me, although, as many of you know, Leviticus can be a bit repetitious in parts.

At the inauguration of the priesthood of Aaron and his sons, (Lev. 8 -10) there is an incident when Nadab and Abihu get a little carried away in the moment and offer an extemporaneous incense offering to the LORD. Well this “unholy fire" resulted in a spontaneous combustion of holy fire that destroyed them both on the spot. Not a good way to start – or end -- a ministry. In the midst of this tragedy and all its implications, Aaron’s other two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, had taken the “goat of the sin offering” and burned it instead of eating it in the sanctuary as they had been commanded to do by Moses. Well, Moses was not a happy camper about this second indiscretion by his newly installed priests and let Aaron know about. Aaron in turn explains the reasoning behind it, something that we’re not totally privy to, and Moses is satisfied. (10:16-20)

In one commentary, there are two explanations given for what Aaron may have said to Moses as to why Eleazar and Ithamar did what they did. One, they were too distraught to celebrate the joy that comes from the atoning work of the sin offering. The second, they were totally unworthy to eat the offering because they recognized the depth of their own sinfulness before God. The commentator dismisses the “joy” explanation as being unthinkable in this context, at anytime.

I thought about that since “joy” seems to be such an integral part of worship or the normal Christian life in our culture. When I first came to Christ, I could not contain my enthusiasm. Then after a while, it seemed I needed to manufacture it. That does not mean I was not happy in my life with Christ, or that I was not excited about what Christ had done for me, it just means that my outward enthusiasm had diminished. I suspect that’s somewhat a regular occurrence for folks. Anyway, I felt like I needed to keep the outward thing going, so I made every effort to do that. And believe me, it required a lot of effort. I don’t feel like I have to do that any more.

Joy is a good thing. How I express my joy is my thing. When I think of my sin and what Christ did that there might be atonement for my sin, yes, there is joy. But, there is more a sense of grief that my sin put him there in the first place.

Father, I know if it wasn’t me, it would be someone else. But it was me, it was my sin that put your Son on the cross. My heart is so heavy with grief because of that. I never want to take my sin casually because for Him it was so costly. I know I need not walk in sorrow, because of the resurrection and the forgiveness through Christ, yet I do not ever want to be so cavalier about it that I forget Calvary. Thank you Father that you love me enough….

Stumbling Along --- Psalm 37

“..Though we stumble, we shall not fall headlong, for the LORD holds us by the hand” (v. 24)

I did that yesterday. Stumbled that is. I’m not very proud of it, but it is what it is. The thing about that stumbling is I could see it coming. It was like looking at two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, you know they won’t fit together, but you try them anyway. It was like that. I knew I shouldn’t take that next step, but I did anyway.

No, I didn’t get hurt, but thanks for asking. No, no one else got hurt, but thanks for asking. My heart took a hit though and my pride. When the Lord and I talked about it, it was embarrassing trying to justify it. How paltry those excuses were.

In days gone by, I would have been devastated, even crippled by this little incident. I would have beaten myself into a corner and said, “How could any one…..?” However, I didn’t do that this time. I’m not sure, but I think that’s a good thing. Not a sign of insensitivity, but a sign of growth, the ability to see, confess, repent, and move on. At least I like to think it represents growth.

HE squeezed my hand, hugged me and said, “I love you”, so I reckon that’s a good thing. Don’t you?

Steadfast Love ---- Psalm 36

How precious is our steadfast love, O God!
All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
They feast on the abundance of your house, and you
Give them drink from the river of your delights.
For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Psalm 36:7-9

“Steadfast love” – I suppose when I hear that phrase I always wonder, “Is it really?” Many people call it “unconditional love” like the love of a mother for her child. Yet, there seems to be something more in that term steadfast. Yet, still I wonder, is it really?

Whether it was true or not, I thought I had to “measure up” in order to receive my parent’s love. Of course, they were obligated to love me to a certain degree simply because they were my parents, goes with the territory, but to get the full load, it required some extra doing.

As one might expect, I carried that over to my own children, perhaps in a different form. Yes, I love them without reservation. Yet, I find it hard to love them without “judgment”. Some of that stems from the fact that I was a long-distance dad. That is, through divorce, my relationship with my children was via phone, short-term visits, cards and letters. Consequently, I had little input into the early development of their decision-making abilities. That is by no means castigation toward their mothers, just an observation. So now, when my children make what “I think” is a poor decision, naturally I feel perhaps I could have influenced a better decision had I “been there” in the formative years.

Now I know how ridiculous that sounds, but that’s how I feel – so I deal with that.

Naturally, I make that same transfer to God. If I do that with my children, then surely God must do that with me. Yes, He loves me unconditionally, BUT…..each time I make a poor decision, each time I choose incorrectly, each time I ….God must have some holding back, it’s only natural.

That’s just the point, it is NOT NATURAL. There is nothing “natural” about God’s steadfast love! It is just that steadfast – firm, fixed, constant! The English language does not have words that convey the stability, strength, and eternal stamina of a word like “steadfast”. We just can’t do it, because we can’t do it. It’s a GOD thing. As much as we would like to think otherwise, only God’s love is truly steadfast.

It is so hard for me to get my arms around that sometimes. I want to. I need to. I just can’t always seem to.

Father, somehow let me move the understanding of your steadfast love from my head to my heart. Let me be able to wrap my arms around the fact that your arms are always wrapped around me – always. Then let me pass that on. In Jesus name, I pray. May it be.

Bless The Lord --- Psalm 34

I’m getting comfortable “praising God”, but I find it awkward to “bless” Him. I enjoy being “blessed” BY Him and enjoy His “blessings”, but for me to “Bless the LORD” is a bit uncomfortable.

The poem that follows is my entry for today. It puts in short-form my journey. I wrote it while meditating on verse 1 of this Psalm and thinking about that praise chorus “Bless the Lord, O My Soul”.

Bless the Lord

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I am so mad at you right now

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I can’t understand why you do this to me

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I don’t know why you won’t answer my prayers

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I feel so alone and hurt right now

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I struggle to understand this kind of love

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I think sometimes I’ll never make it

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I wonder how you know all this

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I can’t just take your hand

Bless the Lord at all times…
But I did

Bless the Lord at all times!

Mirror, Mirror....

I can't believe it. Then again, I reckon I can, it's part of who I am. Already I've allowed the head part of me to get in front of the heart part of me. I suppose there is a reason for that. Looking inward is never enjoyable.

Like a lot of people, things in my body and mind don't always work right. Consequently, I take a series of medications. I have for years. Once I started the regimen it wasn't too far down the road when "I" decided that I was doing good and could go off the meds and things would be fine. So, of course I did. It wasn't long before my body began to tell me, without reservation, I had made a huge mistake! Of course, I had to go back to the doctor, confess my stupidity and start weaning myself back on the medications.

For me, looking inward is somewhat similar. I can do it for a while, then I think I've done enough and everything is back to a certain level of normalcy where I can "move on" to other things, like theologizing or sermonizing. Oh my...how silly can one man be!?

It's true, because my passion is in the scripture and I love getting into it and tossing ideas around and thrashing about with others on "difficult" concepts, I get sidetracked. That's part of who I am. And in some sense, that is what helps me to grow. But, it just doesn't need to always be part of this journal.

So if you follow this journey, I apologize when I theologize. I'll open the heart up more.

Let you steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you. (Psalm 33:22)

God, History, Culture --- Psalm 33

“…The earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD”. (v5)

Well, we all know that’s not true, or is it?

What exactly is God’s role in history or culture today? Better yet, what is our role as Christians in culture, as it shapes history?

"Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. "(v12)

Is that strictly a reference to Israel, the chosen people, or is it transferable to the “new” Israel?

In the most recent weekly e-mail version of Christianity Today, the editor writes an article entitled “On Not Transforming Culture: We have better and harder things to do than that” http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/augustweb-only/132-42.0.html . His position is Christians are not called to transform culture/the world. It’s a great read and a challenging perspective.

In the “I AM’ sayings of Jesus, as far as I can determine, the only one that is applied to the disciples is light – Jesus said “I AM the light of the world”; he also said to his disciples “you are the light of the world”. He also tells them they “are the salt of the earth”, but he never says of himself “I AM the salt of the earth”. Now you may not find that interesting, but I do.

Light illuminates and exposes, salt seasons and preserves. I’ve delivered numerous sermons and heard many on those two passages. The question is, to what degree should we expect our role as “light” and “salt” to influence culture?

Maybe we are not called to transform culture. Perhaps our role is simply to touch the life of our neighbor or friend. Then let him touch the life of his neighbor or friend. Then let him touch the life of his neighbor or friend. Before long…Oops, what do you know….!

Truly the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine” (vs. 18-19)

Father, our world, our culture, our very neighborhoods are dying. They are starving for meaning and hope, for love and understanding. I know the hope they so desperately long for. Now can I be faithful in making it known to them. May it be.

Dressed For Action --- Luke 12:35

Let’s say you used to be able to perform a specific task, or there was a special skill you had, neither of which you practice any longer. Now you want to start them up again. Someone is encouraging you and says, “It’s like riding a bike…”

No doubt, we’ve all heard that phrase. Well, I made use of the phrase literally, when I was riding and racing bikes. There were a couple years when I stopped riding while trying to adjust to some medications. Once I got back on the bike, it took me some time before I felt comfortable again and to get my legs back, but I soon returned to top riding form.

I feel a little like that now. “It’s like riding a bike…” I was off the “bike” for some time. I am back up and riding, but I still feel a bit wobbly. I haven’t quite gotten my legs under me. Nevertheless, many of my past skill sets from ministry, Bible study, counseling, and pubic speaking, are laying there in the recesses of my mind occasionally bobbing to the surface, waiting for the time to ----

If I was measuring my spiritual progress on a continuum and some one asked me where I wanted to be on a scale of one to ten, I would say “A nine or ten of course”. But in actuality, where I want to be is one notch further today than I was yesterday. If that’s from a three to a four, then so be it. Just let me, let God, move the marker. That’s all I desire. Then one day soon, I’ll be “Dressed for action and have my lamp lit!” (Luke 12:35) Glory!

Father Spirit, it's with an open heart and willing spirit that I seek your desire for my life. Make my feet like hinds feet and eyes singularly focused on your beloved son Jesus, so that I may walk the path you have set before me looking intently at The Light of the World and one day ready to be dressed for action with my lamp lit. In Jesus Name, may it be.

Choose a Choice --- Luke 10:38-42

When was the last time you were distracted? Or, maybe I should ask, when was the last time you were not distracted?

It used to be, when I sat at my desk, I needed to have everything put away before I could do my Bible reading or any type of studying or writing. Otherwise, I would begin thinking about bills needing to be paid, other books needing to be read, or lists calling for attention. I could barely keep my focus for ten or fifteen minutes before I slipped away into some other train of thought. I have sense learned to block out those kinds of nuisances.

Now I have “bigger” interruptions; Job searches, writing assignments, a dog that wants out- or in - or to play, yard work, blogs to update, emails that go “ding” when they arrive on my computer. A whole host of assorted distractions that are new and different. Yet just as disruptive.

Luke provides us with a snapshot when Jesus and Martha had a conversation about distractions. It appears Martha was distracted with chores around the house, while her sister Mary was spending time learning in the presence of the Master. This role choice didn’t set well with Martha so she suggested to Jesus that he say something to Mary about her lack of attention to the matters-of-consequence*, that is, the chores.

“Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself?” she asked. (10:40)

I can just see Jesus shaking his head and with a soft sigh, saying “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted about many things; there is need for only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (vs. 41-42)

In other words, Martha considering what is going on around you and whose presence you are in, only one thing should be occupying your mind right now, household chores is not it. Spending time learning from me is! What does it profit a woman if her whole house is spic and span but she squanders an opportunity to be in the presence of the Master?

Based on the text, it is difficult to determine precisely what Jesus may have been saying in this encounter. As we know, Luke is recording from what he has heard, not seen. Since there are variations in the MSS suffice it to say he definitely is drawing a comparison between the choice each woman has made.

I get worried and distracted by many things. But when you net them all out, how important are they, really? I know this may sound as absurd as worrying about housework or meals, but does it seem reasonable to spend three hours keeping my yard looking nice and thirty minutes reading scripture and praying? Is it appropriate to drop two, three, four hours each evening watching my favorite television programs and only allocating a fraction of that time investing in my local church body? Talk about distractions!

Over the years I have had many a guilt trip laid on me by many a preacher about distractions, priorities, discipline, and the like. I suspect I needed them all. However, it’s when I came to my own conclusion to do something about it that progress began. It is all a matter of choice. I can choose to be distracted or I can choose to remain focused. I can choose to spend my time foolishly or invest my time wisely. I can choose to do “chores” or choose Christ.

I think I will choose “the better part, which will not be taken away…”


*matters-of-consequence, from The Little Prince, a “term” that refers to mundane or non-consequential matters.


Father, I have the right to choose. I do not have the right to choose the consequences of my choices. Each moment wasted is never recaptured. Each moment spent learning from the Master is life building and will never be taken away. Let me cast the worries and distractions of this life, this day, this moment, at your feet, knowing that you care immensely about me. May it be, in Jesus Name.

"Rag-Tag Army" --- Luke 4-9:6

When Jesus selects the twelve disciples, also called apostles according to Luke 6:13, he spends the night prior in prayer. It must have been a difficult thing for him. He knows from the beginning that one will betray him. He knows from the beginning that one will vehemently deny him. He knows from the beginning that they will sleep when he needs them awake; they will lash out when he needs them to be quiet; they will question when he needs them to trust; they will wonder when he needs them to be strong. Yet he chooses them anyway. Isn’t that just like him?

In Martin Bell’s The Way of the Wolf, he has a story called “Rag-Tag Army”. It goes something like this:

I THINK God must be very old and very tired. Maybe he used to look splendid and fine in his general’s uniform, but no more. He’s been on the march a long time, you know. And look at his rag-tag little army! Listen! The drum beat isn’t even regular. Everyone is out of step. And there! You see? God keeps stopping along the way to pick up one of his tinier soldiers who decided to wander off and play with a frog, or run in a field, or whose foot got tangled in the underbrush. He’ll never get anywhere that way. And yet, the march goes on.

He goes on to describe a group of “soldiers” who take off their shoes for the march and of course, God will have to stop again and wait for them. Then, there is a group who is holding hands while they march. The ones on the end, are not holding onto anything – “one hand is reaching, empty”. So, they hold hands with each other and “everybody marches around in circles. And so God must stop again”.

If God were more sensible, he’d take his little army and shape them up. Why, whoever heard of a soldier stopping to romp in a field? It’s ridiculous. But even more absurd is a general who will stop the march of eternity to go and bring him back. But that’s God for you. His is no endless, empty marching. He is going somewhere. His steps are deliberate and purposive. He may be old, and he may be tired. But he knows where he’s going. And he means to take every last one of his tiny soldiers with him…And most of us are afraid and lonely and would like to hold hands or cry or run away. And we don’t even know where we are going, and we can’t seem to trust God – especially when it’s dark out and we can’t see him! And he won’t go on without us. And that’s why it’s taking so long.

Listen! The drum beat isn’t even regular. Everyone is out of step. And there! You see? God keeps stopping along the way to pick up one of his tinier soldiers who decided to wander off and play with a frog, or run in a field, or whose foot got tangled in the underbrush. He’ll never get anywhere that way!

And yet, the march goes on….

I know God is not “old” and He is not “tired” – but He sure has the right to be! And I’m certain He has times when He must wonder what it is that so distracts us from keeping in step with Him. Was it a frog, or a romp in the field, or did you, like me, get your foot tangled in the underbrush and need some help getting it out?

There is nothing easy about discipleship. Jesus does everything he can to equip his disciples to be prepared for their upcoming journey. On more than one occasion, he looks them straight in the eye and gives them the instructions they need in order to survive. In Luke 9, he gives them their marching orders. But still they keep bumping their heads against the wall of “oh-I-can-do-this-myself” or veering off course following road signs that read, “Narrow Road Ahead – Come Over This Way”. You would think they…

You would think we….

You would think I would learn after a while? Let’s see if I can get this right.

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. (Luke 9:23-24)

Deny – daily….save – lose….lose – save.

That’s how you develop discipleship. That’s how you measure a life. And the march goes on…

Father Spirit, dying to self is a difficult thing. I have a tendency to hold on tight to who I am. I think somehow my meaning and purpose comes from that. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. My purpose and meaning comes when I shoulder the cross and put one foot in front of the other on a street called straight. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, let me walk that street with confidence today. In Jesus Name.

Happy, Happy, Happy --- Psalm 32

Psalm 32

The weight of a single boulder or a sack full of stones, a thousand pound load is still a thousand pound load.

The burden of one sin or a compilation of many, the stress and levy taken on both body and spirit is dramatic.

David’s sinful act with another man’s wife placed him under a burden that drained his spirit, sabotaged his body and forced him to his knees. (Psalm 51) This Psalm follows that confession.

I think there are times when I forget the exacting price that sin takes on my body as well as my spirit. It was not long after turning the proverbial corner in my spiritual journey, that my wife said to me “it’s like this load has been lifted off your shoulders”. In some sense that is true. I had spent so much time convincing myself of my own alienated position to God, that I didn’t realize what it was doing to me physically and emotionally. Even now, I find myself somewhat restrained and tentative -- Cautious that I might be overlooking something.

I want to let go and sing with the psalmist; Happy, happy, happy “…are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (v1)

I want to be glad, rejoice, and shout for joy because “…steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD”. (v.10-11)

Father, thank you for your protective hand during my dark days; thank you for your steadfast love that found its ultimate expression in Christ; thank you that there is therefore now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus!

NOTE:
Those times, that I call my “dark days”, were intriguing times for me emotionally. Physically, I was in the best shape of my life during much of that time. As long as I had my cycling and my work, I could do a decent job of camouflaging the rest of what was going on. When it came to a point where I could not ride any more is when things spiraled out of control. I fell apart physically, my depression worsened, the daily headaches that I had been experiencing for years were vengeful. It was chaos. Every day was like its own nightmare.

After a period, you learn to adjust. That abnormal life becomes normal. As I explained to one of my counselors, “I don’t understand what normal is. I wouldn’t know it if it slapped me in the face.”

There are miles in between all of this that gets me where I am today. Here is what I want to say about those miles. God kept a hedge about me for which I will be forever grateful. Yes, I sinned. My transgressions were many and varied. However, each time I found myself attempting to cross that “hedge” I knew it. In other words, my internal moral compass had not been broken. It still worked! Now to many that may seem like no big deal. But to me, that spoke volumes! It meant that I had not lost touch. That there was a point of reference; a lighthouse on the shore; a safe harbor somewhere. I was not abandoned or alone.

Of course, the outcome of all of that is this – where I am today. Cautiously optimistic, yet courageous in my outlook.

Thoughts on Scripture -- Luke 1

Finding a “church-home” is never easy. Our search in NC has been harder than most other states we have lived in. Not because there is a lack of churches, on the contrary, they seem to be on every corner. But there is a lack of what I would call vibrant churches in our “grouping” – three to five hundred range. They are either very small or very large. I say that only because, as we look, I’ve been doing some snooping on the internet at different church web sites.

As with any good web site, many churches will list normal information about their facility. In addition, many include their doctrinal statements. In those doctrinal statements, most have a declaration about scripture. How the Bible is the inspired word of God with out any “mixture of error” or something to that effect. Each time I read that I wonder if people really believe that and subscribe to that, at the pew level. After all, it is a rather substantial statement. And, it carries some serious ramifications.

The reason I bring that up springs from this first chapter of Luke, even the book as a whole. Here is a man who apparently does not have first hand knowledge of the life and ministry of Jesus, yet writes with such detail. Plus, he includes parables that the other gospel writers do not. These are things that I am finding fascinating. There are others, for example:

* When Zechariah has his little encounter with an angel and is struck speechless because of his “unbelief”, Luke records that little gem “he kept motioning to them...” That conjures up a picture in my mind that frankly is pretty funny. It’s an unnecessary phrase, but it adds “life” to the event he is describing.

* He indicates that John the Baptist will be “filled with the Holy Spirit” before his birth; Zechariah was “filled with the Holy Spirit”, and Elizabeth was “filled with the Holy Spirit”. A phrase somewhat unique to his writing in Acts, but used here strangely enough in events that precede Pentecost.

Every day I find new things in scripture that I did not see before or did not know were there. It’s rather exciting. Not only that, it propels me to read more – more of the Bible and more outside the Bible. That too is exciting.

There is a phrase that I use to drag out quite often it goes like this, “you’re either green and growin’ or ripe and rottin’”. I’m back in the “green and growin’” phase and I like that a heck of a lot better than the other.

Father, I get excited about your word and what it says about me and to me. I am amazed at its power and its forever-relevance. May I tuck it away in my heart and keep it as a light unto my path, that I may not sin against you. Father, thank you for the victory today-- in Jesus name. May it be.

Note: When reading and writing this entry. For some reason, I began to think about the KJV of the Bible. We saw a church sign yesterday that ballyhooed their pastor’s anniversary and the fact that they used the KJV. I’ve not been a big fan of that version primarily because of the “thee, thou, hath, etc”. Nevertheless, it got me looking at the “New” KJV.

The amount of trash talk on the internet against the New KJV is significant. Of course, diehard KJV folks do not like any “modern” translation, but apparently, they especially do not like that one. Now I will admit, a few of their reasons for supporting ONLY the authorized version of the KJ Bible are a bit suspect and weak. However, the one that has significant merit is the italicized entries. Entries denoting words or phrases the translators added that were not a part of the original text, but added to enhance meaning. Most modern translations don’t do that except, on occasion, in footnotes if it’s a significant departure from the original text. At least that’s my understanding of it. The symbol used on the first printings of the NEW KJV – well let me tell you that really got some press. But overall, it was some fun reading.

Myself, I use the NRSV. Have for years. Had been a huge fan of the NASB for many years, then switched around 1989. My wife uses the NLT. I guess when you net it out; it may not make a difference which version you use, as long as you use it. If it’s just collecting dust or holding the weekly bills in place, then pick a burgundy cover, it goes with most anything.

Set Your Mind... -- Romans 6-8

A pair of six-guns with those bright white plastic handles and the holsters with the long tassels, the new Schwin bicycle, or the weight set that I knew would make me big and strong – once I had those things in my mind and on my birthday or Christmas list, it was impossible to “live without them”.

It seems that as an adult, once I set my mind on something, I am just as focused on making it happen, as I was when I was a child. I am amazed sometimes at how I can rationalize my “need” for things. My ability to analyze how important it is that “we” have this or that new toy , go here or there, or do this or that, is pretty dog-gone impressive sometimes.

To be quite candid, I wish I were as focused when it comes to spiritual things. Paul said “…those who live according to the Spirit, set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” (Romans 8:5) I don’t always do that. I believe that my heart is there much of the time. I am certain of the hours my physical self is there since my butt is in this chair a lot of that time. However, I am not always certain that I have set my mind in that direction. Similar to other morning, my heart wanted to be here, my butt was in the chair, I just could not set my mind on course.

I understand that Paul is not referring to a daily devotional time, but a way of living -- A mindset, not a single exercise of the mind. Nevertheless, the two can be linked and in some sense should be. Each minute spent ‘in this chair” will cultivate a habit. That habit will create a mindset. That mindset in conjunction with that habit will help build a life. So it is important that I learn how to block out distractions, even minor ones – especially minor ones. If I cannot do that, then how can I hope to block out the enemy when he attempts to distract me? Or when “evil lies close at hand” and I must resist?

Focus, setting my mind on the things of the Spirit, which is what will keep me strong and growing in the LORD. Seeing what it is I want and squeezing out those things that conspire to steal my mind, my devotion, my time. Like when I was a boy, that bike I wanted for my birthday -- I knew it would be there because I had set my mind on it. :)

"No Soup For You" -- Romans 5

I remember meeting him for the first time. He was one of the biggest men I had ever met. Firm handshake, confident voice, and a sloppy dresser, but one of the best “bosses” I would ever have the privilege of working with. One of the things that made him “great” was his penchant for the obvious. When one of his team had issues to deal that required time away from work, his usual response was “life happens, take whatever time you need”.

“Life happens”. You get up in the morning ready for your personal time and before you can stop it, a thought or plan gets deposited in your mind that won’t go away. As hard as you try to push it to the recesses of your brain, it creeps forward every time you blink your eyes. Dagnabit…. Why did I let that get in there!

Now some of you may be more disciplined than I am and can force these kinds of interruptions away, like students who study with the TV on or the radio blaring. I am not one of them. Focus is important for me. Distractions are just that, distractions. I am not good at multi-tasking when it comes to intimate time with Lord.

So, perhaps tonight will be better --- Until then…”no soup for you!” MacD.

Father Spirit, help me to not live the day under distraction, but to keep my eyes upon you. Amen.

Let There Be Light --- 1-3 John

For my “job”, one of my assignments is to put together a list of book, article, or poem ideas I would like to write about then pare them down to five top ideas. After that, pick one to do some research on and begin fleshing it out.

One of the ideas I am pursuing involves the “I AM” sayings of Jesus. I would tell you more, but then, of course, that would spoil all the fun. What I can tell you is that one particular “I AM” statement hit very close to my heart considering where I am on my journey. So I’m going to share my notes as my journal entry.


“I AM the light of the world…”

I have a love-hate relationship with scary movies. I love good ones but hate watching the scenes when you know something scary is about to happen. There is no logic to that, it is just the way I am. I remember the first real serious scary movie I saw as a teenager, Wait Until Dark. It had one scene I remember vividly. It seemed to make everyone in the theatre jump out of their seats. Of course, since then, the dark and I have never gotten along. Light is always a good thing for me.

When Jesus says, “I am the light of the world”, I am drawn to that with a certain degree of comfort. Like a ship led by the beam of the lighthouse, I have this image in my mind of what Jesus was trying to convey.

In contrast, there are times when His light is like on-coming high beam headlights and I want to shield my eyes and look away.

But, for the most part, the word light evokes a positive response. It is revealing, soothing, and often seems as life sustaining as the sun.

The problem lies in what it reveals and that is exactly the point Jesus makes with his statement. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness…” It is impossible for darkness to be present where there is light. The two cannot co-exist. If I continue to follow Jesus, I will never find myself walking in darkness, ever! Every step will be illuminated with his presence and darkness cannot stand in his presence, ever! Therefore, I “…will have the light of life”-- the illumination necessary for me to see clearly, think clearly, and act clearly. That being true, then how does sin fit in for me as a Christian?

I recall a moment in my college experience when one of my professors and I got into a rather intense argument. It was over Jesus’ statement, “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). He made the statement that it was not possible to be ‘perfect”, even though he understood the word meant complete. I just about came out of my chair! “What do you mean, it is not possible! Why would Jesus make the statement if it were not possible?” I challenged. Oh my, it wasn’t pretty after that! J

I don’t know the full ramification of sin once one accepts Christ. I know the effect it has had on my life. I understand things like “keep sinning”, “continue in a lifestyle of sin”, “practice sin” and such translations of the present active tense. I also know that I have an obligation, in some respect, to actively avoid sin. That is, to make sure my feet are on the path that has the light shining on it and not stepping off into the darkness. It is a hard lesson. It is even a harder practice. Similar to what Paul said, the things I know I should do, I do not do. The things I know I should not do, I find myself doing.

5 This is the message we heard from Jesus* and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.6 So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.9 But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.10 If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. (NLT)

Like a magnet, darkness draws me. Similar to the scary movie – I know something terrible is about to happen, I don’t want to watch, but I can’t help but watch.

Oh, glory, the good news…

“…if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1Jn. 2:1-2)

Jesus is the one who extends his hand and says, “Here, take my hand. Get back on this path, back into the light and walk with me”.

Father, may I always choose light over darkness. Help me to walk one step at a time in the path that you illuminate, that Christ be glorified and sin find no dark corner in which to hide. May it be.

Growth --- 1st and 2nd Peter

My mind is flooded with so much “stuff”. There are a dozens of things clamoring for attention. Yet, the one thing that seems dominant is “growth”.

Every time I go to Scripture, I find new building blocks. On every page, there are tender words of encouragement and challenge. The amazing thing is, I surmise that any other time on my journey these words would not have had the same impact as they do today. That does not mean I would not have noted, underlined or written about them. It simply means they may not have hit me with the same force they do today. Which, I believe is a signature of growth.

What I find most intriguing about this whole thing is how my mind processes all of this. I have always been a “critical thinker”. Usually the emphasis has been on “critical” and not on the thinking part. Now I find myself leaning more on the thinking.

For a variety of reasons, my mind is not as sharp as it once was. I miss that. Nevertheless, the desire and hunger is stronger than I believe it has ever been and I am enjoying that!

Peter says, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2Peter 3:18a)

There may be many things I need but my priority must be growing in the “grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. Nothing else matters. I can have an understanding of theology that equals that of Karl Barth, but without a deep and abiding knowledge of Jesus what good would that do? I can speak fluent Greek and parse every verb, but what value is that? I may learn to read the Torah, but to what end? All of these may have value, but only in relationship to my growing in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior.

My loving Heavenly Father, you loved me so much that you sent your only son as a ransom for my sin. May I honor that sacrifice by growing faithfully in the understanding of that grace and the knowledge of who He is as both Lord and Savior. May it be.