Random Thoughts

These are the kind of things that get me in trouble. Yet, it seems to be in my nature to inquire about things I don't understand. Call me stupid, but some times I just want to know, or at least explore.

Take for example the building of the Tabernacle in Exodus 25-27. Based on a rough estimate, the account in the NRSV involves around 2500 words. Because of the economy of the Hebrew language, let us say that in the original it may have involved 1800 words. Maybe more, maybe much less. Either way, it's a large chunk of information.

Now Moses and his assistant Joshua go up on Mount Sinai together, but Moses alone, enters "the cloud" and spends forty days and forty nights up there with God. During this time one of the items Moses receives are the blueprints for the tabernacle, the sanctuary of God. It is laden with detail. (How's that for an understatement?)

Here is where my mind starts spinning. Moses, by his own admission is a bit slow of speech and not a real rationale thinker. Hence the need for Aaron's assistance on numerous occasions. In fact, Moses finds it difficult to get around the desert with much accuracy. Therefore, how, under God's heaven, does this man retain this blueprint information or who is taking notes for him?

Two tablets of stone..."Written with the finger of God." Yes, I am aware I do not have to understand it. Yet, those must have been some rather large stones or the writing on them, some very creative short hand. What we usually think of when we picture the tablets of stone are the ten commandments. Not details of the tabernacle, priestly vestments and the like. Nevertheless, there it is, detail after detail.

I know you plenary verbal folks are probably flipping out right now, and the "god-breathed" crowd are rolling their eyes, but seriously. This is pretty heady stuff. This is not some random theological proposition. This is intricate detail down to lamp stands and pole rings; gold leaf and incense.

What's that you say about "angels dancing on the head of a pin?" Why this is no such thing. It goes straight to the heart of inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy. Besides, how did the "bread of the Presence" get in here already?

Well, I must say, if for no one else, it's been a fun little exercise for me. It is such a joy seeing God's Word come alive and challenge me and prick my mind and stimulate my thoughts. Ink and paper by themselves are such boring items.

God Bless the reading of His Word! 

God bless men like me, who so often don't comprehend it.

The Law

If you said to people familiar with the OT, "I thought of my mother while reading in Exodus today." Many might immediately conclude that I hand in mind the commandment to "Honor your father and your mother..." (Ex. 20:12)  And they would be wrong. I actually thought of her regarding two particular sayings she used to always throw out at me..."I hope that put the fear of god in you!" and "The road to hell is paved with good intentions".

What caused those two wonderful pieces of advice to surface where one particular passage in Exodus and one overall theme. The passage is 20:20, "Do not be afraid; for God has come only to test you and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin." Seems rather paradoxical. On one hand "do not be afraid" on the other, "fear him".  Of course, it is not a paradox. We have nothing to fear when it comes to our relationship with God if we have the proper fear of Him. Something, I believe, is sorely lacking in the contemporary church. (Large statement, I know)

The other is "good intentions". On several occasions the wonderful people that Moses has in tow, offer up these words or something similar, "Everything that the LORD has spoken we will do."  Of course, we all know that was not the case. In fact, it seemed as though they could not wait to do otherwise.  How like me, these pitiful people called God's chosen people appear to behave at times. Saying one thing and doing another. Whatever were they thinking?

It appears I must confess, my dear mother may have been right. Even though, I don't think those words were ever spoken in tones of philosophical wisdom, she indeed was speaking the truth. Fear of God is a good thing and good intentions are a bad thing if not followed with proper action.  Way to go mom!

Father Spirit, may I always have proper respect for who you are - the God of the universe, there is none like You. May my intentions be supported by action that is pleasing to you and honorable to my fellow man.  In Jesus Name.

If...Then

If...then
If...then
Like hands on a clock
Tick tock, tick tock

Listen...obey
Listen...obey
Beating out a rhythm
Keeping tune with time

Hear...do
Hear...do
Like the thumping of a heart
Pulsing, pounding, pulsing, pounding

We think there are other options
We hope for an in-between
A maybe
A sometimes --
There is none

Come...follow
Choose...this day
Not tomorrow
Or the next
But this day

Hot...cold
With...against
We think it hard
He thinks it easy

If...then

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Apologetics

Technorati Tags: Apologetics

 

"I know when I am gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them. Therefore, be alert..." Acts 20:29-31a

Be alert....the world needs more lerts!

Apologetic - one who defends or attempts to justify a doctrine or belief. (Webster's New World Dictionary & Thesaurus, 2002)

For most of my life I have not seen the necessity for apologetics. It has never seemed reasonable to me that defending the "faith" based on arguing, debating, or philosophizing has ever really gained much. I'm not certain even if winning a debate the agnostic, atheist, or unbeliever, would convert based on their losing the argument. Perhaps I'm missing something, but I've never seen the need to defend or justify the gospel.

That does not mean that we should not be able to recognize heresy when we encounter it, or sloppy doctrine, or poor teaching. We should, indeed. That does not mean we should not be able to stand our ground when the Jehovah Witness ring our bell (doorbell that is) or the Mormons stop by our home, or we get accosted by some other loosely defined religious group somewhere in our journey. It just means how much time should we invest in that arena?

I remember as a new Christian, my little band of groupies and I went down to Arrowhead, CA to the Campus Crusade for Christ headquarters. We were there to get prepped for a witnessing campaign during the Rose Bowl parade. We were pumped and psyched!  As luck would have it, my first "target" was a grad student in Philosophy from UC Berkeley. To put it candidly, he ate my lunch!  I did not talk to another person the rest of the day, but I did enjoy the parade!

Since that experience, it seems to me that issues surrounding apologetics always boil down to "my point" against "your point". Sometime neither person can substantiate their points based on fact, often it's just "belief" or supposition. If there are facts, usually the other side has similar, but different facts on their side. It's like Moses causing the Nile to turn to blood only to have Pharaoh's sorcerers do the same thing. Neither party gained anything that day except a red Nile that stunk up the place.

Paul is warning the elders from the church at Ephesus that there are going to be some power mongers and some folks who are going to be distorting the truth. Some will even be in their own "congregation". Their intent will be to gain a following for themselves - to "entice the disciples." Since Paul cannot be there he exhorts them to refresh themselves on the current philosophers of the day; brush up on the latest readings regarding creation vs. evolution; and ingest some archeological journals so that they'll be prepared for this onslaught.

No........He commends them to "God and the message of his grace."

Now it's not quite that simple, but pretty much. Sound orthodoxy will deflate over extended hypotheses almost every time.  Love wrapped in God's grace will dissolve most doubters. If not, if the Holy Spirit speaks to their heart and they shut themselves off or out, no amount of defending our faith or anyone else's will matter at that point.

Having said all that, I think I'll go ahead and register for the upcoming conference on Apologetics being held here in the Charlotte area in November. It should be fun!  Then again....

1 Peter 3:15-16a

God's Presence

"Much of our difficulty as seeking Christians stems from our unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly." (A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God)

When was the last time your bushes were burning? Or someone said to you, "Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground."

The experience of Moses on Mount Horeb is more than just the beginning of an exodus. It represents a refreshing of a relationship between God and his people. That is a saga in and of itself. What I find fascinating is this...."And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God." (Ex. 3:6) He was in the very presence of the almighty and he knew that he dare not look! What intrigues me about that is the difference between then and now. 

If that were to happen today, I suspect the first thing the person would do is try to get a look at God.  If a voice said "remove your sandals for you are standing on holy ground." I suspect the first thing out of the person's mouth would be, "Why? What's wrong with my flip flops?"

When was the last time you sensed the presence of God in such a way that you felt you dare not look, and that you must remove your "sandals"?  Which leads me to this question...

Are we dumbing-down worship?

As many of you are aware my wife and I continue to seek a local church home. So we have had many opportunities to experience a variety of different churches and "worship services".  I have also done extensive exploration on the Internet both locally, regional, and across the nation to see what's going on and I have to ask, "Are we dumbing-down worship?" By that I mean:

1. Has the focus become more on evangelism instead of growing the faith of the present believers?
2. Has the "casual" nature of worship in some churches developed such an attitude of familiarity with God, that we no longer sense the awe and wonder of God's presence in worship?
3. Have we become so performance oriented that we have lost the power of God and replaced it with the power of man to sway the emotions of other men?
4. Have we become so focused on "mega" when it comes to size that we've lost the magnificence when it comes to El Shaddai

My observation is familiarity breeds contempt, or so they say. And I believe it may be true when it comes to some forms of contemporary worship. In many instances it's no longer a Sunday morning worship. It resembles more of a Sunday afternoon barbeque.

From what I see on the Internet or talking to others, this trend is not unique to this area, in fact it may be more prevalent in other parts of the country than in this area. So, the question must be asked is it our "form" of worship that others resist that leads the church in this direction or is it the content of our faith? Do we think for one minute that if we somehow provide Lazy-Boys and Podcasts that people will believe or grow in their faith? Is it someone's contention that the un-saved will be swayed by drama, concerts, or coffee in the vestibule?  And since when did the primary worship service become a vehicle for evangelism anyway? 

No, I do not have the answers. I have some suspicions. Nevertheless,  I suspect Tozer is right, we have an "unwillingness to take God as He is and adjust our lives accordingly."  We would rather God adjust His, to ours! Whether that is in corporate worship or individual worship.

"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie"

Exodus 1-2

Years in another land with no apparent interaction worth recording. Then, once a new Pharaoh comes aboard, and the burden becomes too much the cry goes out. A series of events are set in motion that begins a new chapter in the history of God’s people. After almost 80 years under the thumb of another god, they will now begin to see what it takes to follow their God!

Perhaps it is not always good to call certain issues to God’s remembrance. (Ex. 2:24-25) As the saying goes, it is sometimes best to “let sleeping dogs lie.” It is in my nature most of the time to be unsure, dissatisfied, and often disoriented with my current situation or “plight” as I am most oft to refer to it. I don’t know why that is. Perhaps my brain is hard-wired that way. Perhaps I choose to live in that confusion because it suits me. Perhaps I like the turmoil because it handicaps me from doing anything significant and taking personal responsibility for it. I am truly not certain. What I do know is that it is consuming.

In truth, the current state of affairs may not be all that bad. Compared to what may be ahead, what I am experiencing might indeed be purely delightful. However, I don’t know that, do I? Should I expect that perhaps God has something better for me? That He has some grander purpose or design for this pitiful person. When in fact, what I am doing now may be the
best there is. Indeed, all there is. I have heard it said that, “Even kings dream of different occupations!” If so, what might those occupations be, Plumber, IT technician, Pharmacist, Lawyer, Mechanic? Just exactly what would a king dream of being if they were not the king? I find that whole notion rather preposterous. That is like saying Donald Trump dreams of being a Bell Hop at Motel 6.

If my soul is being stirred to greater things, perhaps the only thing it should be directed to is knowing Christ and him crucified. That is all. However, can I be satisfied with that? I know I must – I know that is the right and proper thing – I know that is what God prefers, even expects --- but would that be enough?

Many of you, who have been on this journey longer and with more faithfulness than I, no doubt scoff at such questions or ramblings. That is fine. You have most likely never dealt with the darkness of depression, or been on the edge of self-destruction, or looked down the barrel of despair and wondered what the “hell” is all of this about anyway?
You may have thought there were times when God had left you but it is
unlikely that you had ever felt that kind of loneliness and abandonment so deep
in your soul that you could not look another clock in the face and see its
hands tick past the “witching hour” one more time.

Yes, there are times when it may be best to let God be. To not call His memory to what once was, or what He had once said, or promised, or committed Himself to fulfilling. As though He could forget – and that may not be the issue so much as not stirring Him to action. Is that to say, Israel was better off under the oppression of Egypt. They obviously thought so once they began to experience the alternative (Ex. 14:10). Nevertheless, it was no longer a “deal or no deal” situation. They may have hoped for that, but there was not an option of taking their lumps and going back. They had to move forward.

It is true in my case. I cannot go back. There would be no chance of survival. I could not manage the consequences of that. To which one might say, that is a pitiful motive for moving forward. To which I would reply, no more pitiful than self-serving pastors who want nothing more than
recognition or reward; or self-serving pew mongers who do nothing more than place a butt in the pew in hopes to be seen by “men” and gain some type of status, or acclaim. I contend that mine is one of survival, theirs is one of sanctimonious dribble. I’m willing to confess mine, they choose to disguise theirs. Is one better than another, not likely. The only difference, I do not have enough gold to make a calf, they most likely do.

Might there be a conclusion to this? I suspect there will be one day. It will not be today. For I press forward. Ashamed, confused, disoriented at times, bewildered by it all; perplexed and often jealous of those who have this all under control and on their quiet little journey toward sanctification. I expect they know or at least have learned, “it is not good a sleeping hound to wake”.

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I wonder

I am 56 years old. I have been a Christian for thirty eighty years. But in many ways I feel like I am starting over minus ---

My life in Christ is longer than my years before Christ. In fact twice as long. One would think the depth of the river would be substantial but in many ways you can wade across much of it, mostly because it seems to be missing the ----

It should be embarrassing to confess this but it's substantially my own doing, or undoing. And some of the shallowness is not that I forgot, so much as I cannot remember, and there is a difference. But what truly concerns me is the significant missing factor ---

You don't just go out and get "it". They don't manufacture it or put it in books or sell it on CD or DVD. You cannot borrow it from someone else or get a loan somewhere. I'm not even sure it's something that can be replicated or re-experienced.

It's the wonder - the pure wonder that comes with knowing Christ, with being in His presence, sensing his love, feeling the fire in your heart and the passion in your spirit. It was there once...I remember it. There are times, songs, certain words, or passages of Scripture that trigger those "feelings" and that sense of wonder. But it all seems so short-lived. Maybe that comes with age, or maturity, or some such thing. If so, I don't like it. I much prefer the wonder of it all! I miss it!

I wonder if the "wonder" will wander back to stay?

"On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate." Psalm 145:5

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Ya Gotta Listen- The Gettys

If you have not heard Keith and Kristyn Getty then I would encourage you to do so. They are being featured at a writer's conference I'm attending this weekend. Those of you that are into contemporary music will probably be familiar with some of their music, but for me, it was my first time hearing them and I was "wowed!"

The fact that their music has an Irish flair didn't hurt. But if you have a chance to see them in concert, you will NOT be disappointed.

God Bless!

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Time Waits For No Man

"Patience is a virtue" - we have all heard it and we have all loathed hearing it at one time or another. Patience is not a quality that fits well in our culture today. Life moves to fast - it's like paying cash and waiting for change, while everyone else just swipes their card and goes. Yes, like the Visa commercial. Nevertheless, there is some truth to that marketing message. The theme is no longer a matter of I want it now to pay for it later, the theme is focused on I want it NOW!!! Period! The issue is no longer instant gratification, with the stress on gratification, the inflection now belongs on "instant".

When I take my mindset, warped by our culture's concept of time, and attempt to fit it around the Genesis story of Joseph and his twelve or thirteen years in prison for something he did not do, it cannot be done. My mind just will not register that kind of patience. I would like for it to. But nope.....not a part of what I know to be my character.

The question then becomes, is it a part of my Christ-like character? The new character being constructed in me, in all of us, as we grow in our relationship to Christ. I know what the "old" me would do, but what about the "new" me. Would I be able to see through the fog and remember:

"...The LORD was with (me) and shows (me) steadfast love." (Gen. 39:21)

"...God intended it for good.." (Gen. 50:20)

"...If anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile." (Matthew 5:41)

"Consider Christ...so that you may not grow weary or lose heart." (Heb. 12:3)

And finally...

"May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father..." (Col. 1:11-12a)

Father Spirit, may it be!

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Jacob Wrestles With....

Genesis 32:24-31

Try as I might, I cannot wrap my arms around this encounter. Perhaps someone, somewhere, sometime, who reads this will bring me insight, but for now - I have my own wrestling match with these pages of God's history.

I believe I understand the conclusion - that Jacob demonstrates his worthiness to God as a "changed man" and capable of filling the role of patriarch.  His determination and persistence is what God wanted to see from a spiritual standpoint, He already knew it existed from the standpoint of striving with man.

What I struggle with is the main figure in the story other than Jacob, I.e.  the angel. If you read the commentaries, you'll find it runs the spectrum, from merely a divine being to that of Christ. Then there is the issue of this seeing God "face to face".  It was my understanding according to Exodus 33:20 that God said, "You cannot see my face; for no one shall see me and live."

As I have said here and other places, it's hard for me to comprehend any man wrestling with God and being the victor. Yes, I know that this divine being struck Jacob's hip, apparently in a sign showing that he could, at any time gain the upper hand, but that seems rather a weak argument.  Nevertheless, from the dietary comment at the conclusion of the story, apparently a reasonable one.

This one will have to stay on the burner a while....

I struggle with many issues on my journey. None, I am sure to compare with meeting a jilted brother or preparing to lead a "chosen people", but still they are real issues to me.  Ones I wrestle with sometimes daily. Perhaps I am not fighting hard enough, holding on tight enough, or insisting strong enough. Maybe that's the lesson. At least the lesson for me...today.

Father Spirit, I know you don't buckle under the scrutiny so thank you for letting me ask my questions. You know my pitiful weakness and how quickly I succumb to old habits and basic instincts - this is hard.  I need courage for the battle and determination to endure.  Forgive me for my sins and lead me not into temptation - let me hide your word in my heart that I may not sin against you and find the courage I need to prevail against the enemy.   In Jesus Name

How Can A Man....

I've tried formatting this post several different ways and was not successful, so I've just posted a link. If you go to the link, you'll see  the thoughts I was attempting to post here, under "How Can A Man..."

http://normmacdonaldthewriter.com/The_Poetic_Side.html

Blessings to all,

Trusting Totally

I don't remember the first time I heard the illustration, but I've probably heard it several times in my life. It has to do with "the chair". You may have heard it yourself one time or another. It usually comes up regarding faith or trust. You don't know that the chair will hold your weight, but you sit down in it anyway having faith or trusting that it will. I always thought that was a pretty lame illustration, although I suspect I may have used it myself a time or two.  I think I liked the light switch one better.  Then again I suppose there truly is no exceptionally good illustration when it comes to describing biblical faith or trust. -- Not so much the "saving" kind, but the living-out kind.

Currently, I'm reading through Genesis and had been reading the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 where God decides to prove Abraham's level of "trust", or as the text says, "fear" (v.12). On the walk up the mountain with Isaac, there was a tremendous amount of trust being exhibited. Abraham was, however halting it might have been, walking with complete trust in his God. Perhaps not understanding, but nonetheless, trusting. Isaac was walking, under the load of wood for his own cremation, having complete trust in his father - even though he had no idea what was about to happen.  One was trusting their Father, the other trusting their father - but both trusting completely.

I don't know how they did it. I truly don't. It is beyond my level of comprehension to think first of all that God would ask that of Abraham and furthermore that Abraham would do it, apparently without question.  My goodness, I have trouble sometimes trusting God with my finances, or my career choices, or my ability to be a good husband. What is any of that compared to walking up the mountainside with your child knowing that you may have to walk down without them?

In this day and time, the way we think of faith sometimes, it would have required ten soaking fleeces, five lightening bolts from heaven, and three angels at our front door with a signed letter from God himself, before some of us would have made that move. Even then, we would suffer some level of obsessive compulsive disorder and keep asking for more "proof" that this was really what we were supposed to be doing, before ever doing it.

However, I do remember those times in my life when I was the get up and go type of guy. If God said, "get up and go", I would get up and go. Those were some wonderful times. Times of real blessing and joy. Times of absolute trust and blind faith.  Then - life changed. I changed. God didn't, I did.

Can I re-capture those get-up-and-go type times? Probably not. But I can learn to trust Him more. Is blind faith still a part of my vocabulary? Unfortunately not. But I can climb boldly up new mountainsides knowing that I would never be climbing alone.

Perhaps it's time to dust off my favorite verse...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

God, Country, Family

Technorati Tags: God, Country, Family

 

What is it that would make a person disavow anything of supreme value?

Why would a son or daughter disdain father or mother? Why would a citizen turn his or her back on their country? Why would a fool say in his heart, "there is no God?" Or a chosen nation choose to look away from the one who chose them?

I have never been a big fan of fiction. I'm not sure why. I remember reading several books about Jim Thorpe when I was a boy. I recall one book about a man who worked with Tigers that I must have read a dozen times, yet I don't recall it's name. Yet when it came to the "classics" or the have-to-read books in school I slogged my way through them with shear agony. Perhaps that is why I have shunned fiction for the most part. 

That does not mean I ignore all fiction. I enjoy the writings of Martin Bell, Calvin Miller, and those types. But to venture much beyond that, I get heavy eyed quickly. So recently during a trip to Border's I forced myself to pick up a book that has a collection of short stories. I felt like I should broaden my horizons and short stories seemed a manageable way of doing that.

My first selection was The Man Without a Country by Edward Everett Hale. My confession is, just a couple pages in and I was ready to confirm my beliefs about fiction, but I forced myself to continue and what a blessing it has been. It was first published in the Atlantic Monthly, December of 1863. It's the story of "Nolan".

Candidly, I'm not certain the full scope of what lead up to it, but at the end of what we would call a Court Marshall, Nolan made this statement, "Damn the United States! I wish I may never hear of the United States Again!"

And so it was. His sentence was that he was to never hear, nor see, nor be exposed to, in any fashion, the United States, "homeland", or any reference thereto, for the rest of his life. That sentence was carried out with him being confined, for the most part, on one naval vessel after the other, sailing the seas port after port for a good portion of his adult life.

At first, even for the first several years, Nolan was arrogant about his sentence, just as most people are who disdain things and then begin to realize that the consequence of their action may be more severe than they had imagined.  Then it wasn't long and that arrogance turned to a deep sense of mourning, for he realized a man without a country is no man at all.  Just as a person without a family, or a person without a God is no person at all.

One day, after an experience freeing some "slaves" from another ship, Nolan came to realize the severity of his loss and he turned to the then young Mr. Hale and said,  "Youngster, let that show you what it is to be without a family, without a home, without a country. And if you are ever tempted to say a word or to do a thing that shall put a bar between you and your family, your home, and your country, pray God in His mercy to take you that instant home to His own heaven. Stick by your family boy; forget you have a self, while you do everything for them....And for your country boy, and for that flag, never dream a dream but of serving her as she bids you...behind officers and government, and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to her as you belong to your own mother."

What passion emanates from so great a loss. What he once "damned" is now what he is hopelessly devoted to, but forever estranged from physically.  Does that matter? I would think, without question, it matters.

I'm not sure how the story ends, I'll get there. But right now, what I've come to know is that it hooked me. But more than that it reminded me that I want to be sure to: Tell God every day that I love Him; remember to call my Mom every week and tell her that I love her; to continue to be hopelessly in love with my wife; and be proud that I am an American.

God Bless the United States of America and the strength of family.

Alone

Have you ever been at a point where you were approaching the end of your rope and you weren't quite sure whether you, or anyone else, had tied a knot on the end?

Do you ever have days where you look around and wonder what the heck am I doing "here"? Not in this state, so much as in this "state".

Was there a time when you came to the end of your work and thought, this has to be the end of my work?

Did you find yourself one day saying "uhm, no one ever said that about me!"

Has the gnawing feeling of "Am I really doing God's will right now?" been so annoying that you thought perhaps you weren't?

Thanks....I thought it was just me, and I hate being alone.  Don't you?

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.  Let your glory be over all the earth!         (Psalm 57:11)

Discipleship - Cont'd

I suppose you could be wondering why so much time on this topic. There are several good reasons, first and foremost, I'm on that journey myself. That is, a journey toward discipleship. But also because I'm auditing a class on it, doing some major research on it, and reading several books regarding it. You might say, it's  on my mind.  :)

In some of the material I've been reading I have begun to see words like "genuine", "zealot", "authentic", and "passionate" used to describe "true" disciples of Christ in the modern day church. Quite frankly, those terms scare me. It's not that I don't want to be a genuine follower of Christ, I do. It's not that I don't want to be passionate in my pursuit to be Christ-like, I do. Nevertheless, as soon as I start using those kind of adjectives to describe my particular status in the discipleship realm, there is always the real danger that someone else is going to be labeled "inauthentic" or "dispassionate" and therefore inferior to me. And I think we all know the tendencies regarding those types of situations.  There's bound to be some chest-thumping and "look at me" going on.

In the culture where Christ presented most of his teaching, the Jews in general and the Pharisees in particular had three very specific and valued exercises; alms, prayer and fasting.  These practices were "marks" indicative of their devotion to God, and for some their perceived status before God.  Consequently, when Jesus was training his disciples he made certain that they understood not only the importance of these exercises but also the value of secret service.

He warned them first that their "righteousness should exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees" if they ever hoped to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Then he goes on to explain to them that making a show of their "piety" (NRSV) or alms-giving results in absolutely no reward from God. Praying on the corner to be seen by others gets you just exactly that - seen by others and nothing more. Playing make-believe when fasting by putting on a pitiful face and walking about looking famished, may get you the sympathy of men but not of God. (Matthew 6:1-18)

The righteousness* they should do, should be done in secret. So secret that not even their left hand would not know what their right hand was doing. Yes, they were the light of the world, but that light was to reflect toward God for HIS GLORY. It was not a spotlight on them for self promotion or self-glorification. Now there is genuine discipleship.

 That is what I believe God is calling us to when He says to "follow him".  Yes, it is true that there are lessons to be learned, character traits to be developed, and good works to be fleshed out, but it's not something we put on T-Shirts that say "look at me I am a TRUE follower of Christ". If we have to put it on a T-shirt so other folks can know, then we probably ought not be wearing the T-shirt!

Father Spirit, I am a long way from where I want to be, but maybe closer today then I was yesterday, and I thank you for that. Thank you that your Word is quick to point out my faults and even quicker to redirect my paths. May I be a good student and an obedient follower.   In Christ's name.

*In Matthew 6:1 the word righteousness was is used instead of "alms" in the earliest texts. "Alms" was noted in the margins. This may be key to what Jesus said regarding "unless your righteousness exceed..."

Discipleship

In a recent conversation with a good friend of mine, he was telling me about a member of his church. It's a man that CW went to school with, that has come to a personal relationship with Christ through his ministry and is now totally sold out to Christ and a deacon in the church.

What a joy that must be to see someone you've known for years, come to Christ. Then watch them, under your example and leadership, grow in Christ and become a faithful disciple and begin producing fruit of their own.  That is what ministry is all about.

In a book that George Barna wrote on Growing True Disciples, he talks about the need for good coaching or mentoring when it comes to discipleship. I call it "walk alongside" discipling. It's what Jesus did. Unfortunately, it's sorely lacking in many churches today for a variety of reasons. But apparently not at CW's church.

In places like Homer, IL the churches don't get very big - but apparently the people that touch the lives of other people for the cause of Christ are becoming giants!  They may never build a Crystal Cathedral, but I suspect they shine bright with the love of Christ and reflect his image and character in what they do and how they live -- And that's all that really matters.

One day, I hope you have the privilege to meet my friend CW and his family. If not, I suspect that one day, at some time or another,   each of us may bump into someone in heaven that is there because of them.

Temptation

Sometimes you just have to sit there. As much as you would like to go after it, you know if you do you'll pay the consequences.

This morning, our pup was outside and had been quiet a bit longer than I thought he should have. Of course, that's never a good sign. It usually means he is in to something he shouldn't be. So I went to check on him.

There he is sitting in the middle of the driveway, motionless, just looking at a bird that is sitting motionless, on the side of the yard not more than fifteen feet from him.  Now you must understand, that Eli (our dog) loves to chase birds! In fact, he loves to chase just about anything that's in "his" yard. But there they are, just watching each other.

It's like this bird knows that where he is sitting is right on the line where the "invisible fence" is and if Eli comes near him, he'll get a little shot in the shorts! So basically, he's safe as long as Eli doesn't want to pay the consequences of yielding to temptation.

There's Eli, thinking, "Boy would I love to chase that bird, but if I do, I'm going to get a shot in the shorts and I don't care for that much, so I better just sit tight."

Each seemingly knows the other's limitations. Yet, the bird can go where ever it wants, Eli cannot. He would like to, but it's not in his best interest or safety.

There are many temptations in this life that look very appealing. They are just sitting on the border of my life staring at me. Almost taunting me. Every one carries with it a choice and a consequence and every day it seems I must choose.

One day, I will be able to take the collar off my dog and he'd never attempt to cross the barrier because he has learned that it's not appropriate to do so and he chooses to stay inside the boundaries, willingly.

One day, I too may be able to face many temptations and not give them a second thought. How? By learning to be a good disciple, a strong follower of Christ so that my first nature is Christ likeness.  That will be a good day indeed!

"Sanctify them in the truth, your word is truth." (John 17:17)

Slaves to Friends

There's a popular praise chorus "I Am A Friend of God" that is sung in many churches these days. Frankly, I cringe each time I hear it. Not that I don't like being a friend of God, but that it all seems much too casual and I'm fairly certain most people singing it have no concept of what it means to be a friend of God.

Oh we like the idea of God being OUR friend, it gives us warm fuzzy feelings and thoughts of comfort. But for us to be God's friend, well that's a different matter.

One of those verses that we often quote "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for his friends"  But Jesus goes on to say "You are my friends, IF you do what I command you. I do not call you servants/slaves any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another."  John 15:13-17 

Being a friend of God is serious stuff. It has eternal consequences and comes with heavy responsibility. It's called being a disciple of Christ; taking up our cross daily and following him; abiding in him; bearing fruit; and of course, loving one another which is the supreme measure of friendship with God.

Well - I suppose I'll not approach that chorus the same way, ever again.

Father, indeed you are a better friend to me, than I will ever be to You. Nevertheless, let me keep my focus on abiding in Christ and the command to "love one another" and bear the fruit that comes from that.  In Jesus name.

The Cross

"...At the right time Christ died for the ungodly."  Romans 5:6b

What made then the right time?  Why not a hundred years earlier or later?  Why not during the Civil War period? Or 2005? Why was then the right time?

Maybe a stoning would mean nothing or an execution in front of a firing squad or a lethal injection - maybe a cross was what God was waiting for. 

"It is finished!", he said.

Slaves of Righteousness

"But now that you have been freed from sin and enslaved to God, the advantage you get is sanctification. The end is eternal life."  Romans 6:22

Slavery is not a concept that peaks the interest of too many people. In fact, it repels most. Our country still suffers the indignity of "slavery" and its consequences even to this day.

At the time Paul was writing to the church in Rome, it would have been no different. It's true, the OT concept of slavery was much kinder that what we would think of, but the Roman's idea of slavery was not kind at all.  It is hard to think that his readers would have had an immediate flash back to Old Testament tradition without first passing through their present cultural conditions. So why use that term at all?

Does it make a difference that the term may mean "bond servant". This is a slave who once gaining their freedom, chooses voluntarily to stay with their "master" and serve him for the remainder their lifetime. As a bond servant they will be kept by the master, own no land and earn no wages. In order to signify this new relationship, the slave has an awl driven through their ear lobe. (Exodus 21:6) 

According to the ISBE, there is no historical recording of any one actually choosing this option for their life. Now I don't know if that's accurate or not, but I can believe that to be true. No one willingly chooses to be another man's slave - for life!  Or do they?

Paul says that is exactly what we do in our relationship to Christ. We are "freed from sin" and the become "enslaved to God". It is no easy matter. It truly means self must step aside. That the LORD must truly be lord and master.  My pride takes a pretty big hit on that one ---- everyday.

Father, there is no easy way to step aside when it comes to my pride. No magic formula. It has to be a conscious choice every day. And I struggle with that. Help me keep in mind the Master that I serve loves me beyond measure - His yoke is easy and his burden is light.

Bless The Lord!!

I just have to share this one. Especially after the earlier post.

Right after making my journal entry for the day, I opened my mail and began to sort through bills. When I opened my city utility bill I just about dropped dead of a heart attack. It was over $1,300!!! Now for some of you that may not be a big deal, but considering the months prior bill was just a tad over $75 this one was a real shocker!!!

Of course I just flipped out. I could not imagine how we could use that much water or sewer. Sure my mom was here, but quite frankly she doesn't bath that much or.... oh never mind.  And we did have some other family here, but to use that much water was ridiculous!  

You see, with two mortgages, balancing two house utilities, and all the other stuff that goes with it, money is not a pure luxury. So this bill is not something I took lightly.

So I called the city....not to rant and rave, just to inquire. She asked me some questions about our usage and I assured her we did NOT have a pool, were not watering our yard, and I stopped taking showers weeks ago!!! :)   She said she would look into it and get back to me.

Well this thing was just dragging me down. So finally I just stopped and prayed about it. That's not my normal habit. Basically I told God I was sorry it took this kind of thing to push me to Him and that he knew how these sorts of things weighed on me and often buckled me needlessly. So I was just going to give it to Him and leave it at the foot of the cross.   And basically put it out of my mind.

I picked up a book and started in on my days work, not five minutes later, the phone rings. It is the city customer service associate calling me back.  They had made an internal error. My bill was not $1,300 but $110!!!  Oh my, what a wonderful LORD.

A Small Win!

Back several years ago, I used to race bikes. In bicycle racing they have a series called Criteriums. This is a short course race, usually a mile or so in length, generally around several city blocks or a town square. The race was comprised of so many laps plus time. Example, 30 laps plus ten minutes.

The age category I started racing in was Masters 45+. In that category were several former European racers who had come to the states and now just kicked around the circuits for "fun". Without saying, these guys were good. And without saying, after the first race or two, I realized I didn't stand a chance of winning, so I decided I would just make each race "hell" for them and I was good enough to do that.

During a race, I would sprint from the pack on a short climb or a corner section and make them chase me, then sit back down and ride with the pack. Then do it again, then again, then again.  Every time I did it, since the races were so short, they had no way of knowing whether I could sustain the break and stay out by myself and win, so they had to chase me. It was quite fun. 

In the process of doing that, while it was fun. Over the course of the season I realized my overall bike riding got better. My legs got stronger, my sprinting skills got better, my endurance was expanded, I just got better in every category and it showed itself in other races. What a benefit!

Sometimes, I think I'm not making any progress in my "walk with the Lord." The days go by where I'm surrounded by books, spend hours in the scripture, sometimes days pondering a single passage, chapter or book. To what end?

Then those "sins that so easily beset me" come knocking and I realize they don't have the same hold over me they once did. My mind does not react the same, my heart does not react the same, and I think -- YES! I am making progress!  YES, I am getting stronger!  I don't always win, but I know God's grace is doing a work in my life.

Father, I suppose for the sake of anyone that would read this I could have said I always gain the victory. But I don't. It hurts my heart that sometimes my resistance isn't any stronger than it is sometimes. But I am so thankful that I can look at my heart and mind and say - wow, Norm, you have made progress, you really are on the right track. No one that reads this will ever know how important that is. So I praise you and say THANK YOU LORD!

Random Thoughts

Technorati Tags: Bibles

I'm auditing a class at a local seminary in the Charlotte area and during tonight's schedule they had a chapel session. I don't know that they have one every week, since there wasn't one last week, but there was tonight. Anyway, one of the main men at the seminary was the emcee for the service. I'd never seen him before nor have I ever met the man. So I just sat and watched the proceedings. After introducing the guest speaker he sat down just a couple seats over from me - I happened to sit on the front row - I noticed he had one of those thumb-indexed Bibles. That struck me as odd.

I've never been a fan of thumb-indexed Bibles. Just like I've never been a fan of Bibles with the words of Jesus in red. I figure you ought to be able to tell when Jesus is speaking and when he's not, so you don't need someone one putting his words in red. After all, I want to underline them myself!  Anyway, back to this Bible. I have this "conviction" that if you're going to read the Bible and be a student of the Bible you ought to be able to find your way around the Bible without the aid of a thumb-index.  I always thought those folks were "cheatin" when it came to looking up scripture passages.

Yes, I know it's hard when you're flipping page after page, section after section, looking for that obscure minor prophet tucked away somewhere in the middle of things, but that's half the fun!  How will you every learn them if you only have to stick your thumb in that little cut out and flip to it? 

"Real Christians Don't use thumb-indexed Bibles" - there ought to be a bumper sticker for that!

New Posts

I'm using a new program to post to the two blogs I have going right now. It's called Windows Live Writer. It allows me to write my blog entries off line then just hit "publish" and like magic, it gets published to the blog site. The problem is, it works great with WordPress, but not so hot with Blogger. So, things may look a little different from time to time. Sorry for the confusion.

Their Godward Side

                                      Genesis 9:18-11:9

I make no bones about it, reading the account of the tower of Babel leaves me a bit baffled and babbling myself. It is hard for me to think that for a minute God is intimidated at all by this nonsense of a tower reaching to the heavens or this ridiculous thought that a single-minded mankind could pose a threat of any kind. So what is the issue?

In terms that I can understand, it appears that it was the same one that strapped Adam and Eve, the attempt to increase themselves on the god-ward side. God had said to them, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." (Gen. 2:17)  Of course, we all know, all too well the consequence of their little adventure when they opened that door of "surely God didn't mean..."

Now, in the starting over process, God has told the descendants of Noah to go "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth." (Gen. 9:1)  However, somewhere along the way they decided that "surely God didn't mean...." So they decided to strengthen themselves around their commonality and nationality and build a monument as a tribute to their selfishness.  As they were building up, God was coming down....

I cannot count the number of times in my life when I choose to increase my self on the god-ward side and tell myself, "surely God didn't mean..."  Whether it's a word that needs to be spoken, a deed that needs to be done, a move that must be made, the hesitation and questioning that handicaps me is surprising. What is it about me that thinks I know better than God? 

I may not totally understand the Tower of Babel incident, but I can certainly identify with it.

Father God, my nature is to want control. The reality of it is, control creeps over into my wanting to increase myself on the god-ward side. How foolish that is. I confess that to you and ask your forgiveness.  In Jesus Name.

Choices --- Genesis 5-9:17

Evan Almighty, I don’t know if you saw the movie this summer or not, but it was funny, and it was enjoyable and it was not biblically accurate, nor was it intended to be. Nevertheless, did I mention that it was funny? In addition, if it got people to thinking and talking about God, then I suppose that’s a good thing.

The flood narrative has always peaked my interest. Often it raises more questions for me than any other portion of scripture. They are not new questions I’m certain, just nagging questions. For example,

I understand the concept of free will. Yet, when humanity started down that slippery slope after the little apple episode in the garden, it was surely no surprise to God where it would all end. So what made the great I AM believe that starting over would make a difference? Even if Noah was doing right in God’s eyes that says nothing about his sons or other family members – or does it?

Why a flood? Besides being a pitiful way to die, water is not a common symbol of purging, that seems to be fire. Not that burning to death is any better way to die.

In the past decade we’ve had Tsunami’s that have devastated land and people, massive hurricanes and torrential rains inundating cities and causing catastrophic damage and loss of life. In many respects these areas will never fully recover from that, just as man never fully recovered from the flood until ---- until Christ.

Did the flood change the fact that man was made in God’s image but lives in selfish rebellion? No! Will that ever change? No!

Does it still grieve God’s heart that His creation is not living up to His expectations? Absolutely! Will we ever? Absolutely not, outside of Christ!

Did God make a mistake? No, it was not His choice to make.

We all have choices. For me the hardest one has already been made, the daily one’s are yet to be made. So -- if you’ll excuse me, there is a cross in the corner labeled “daily” waiting for me to take it up and someone I must follow.

Enoch Walked With God -- Genesis 5-6

“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him.” Genesis 5:24

I used to think if I were going to die, dieing in my sleep or going quickly would be the way to go. However, with further reflection, just walking off the scene with God would be supreme!

“Enoch walked with God…” There are countless ways you can describe a relationship to God, I would think none sweeter than that. Push your vocabulary to the limit attempting to paint a picture of discipleship, there would be nothing that captures the scene like those four words.

In his book Growing True Disciples, George Barna asked four hundred and fifty born again Christians “What is the Single Most Important Thing You Would Like to Accomplish in Your Life?” 20% of those who answered responded with something related to spiritual growth. I’m not certain whether that surprises me or not. Nevertheless, I have decided that if someone were to ask me that question, my answer would be…. “To walk with God”.

Sounds pretentious when you say it, but what greater goal could any Christian have than to walk with God. To be in step with Him. To find harmony and community of spirit sufficient enough that you can “walk” with Him.

That does not mean that we “causualize” God’s presence or image. This is not some after meal calorie burn off we’re talking about. This is the kind of walk that fosters communication and engenders love. As one of my professors said about prayer, “You ask me what it means to pray, this is what it means to me, I talk to God, He talks to me.” When you walk with God, it would seem that the relationship would be so intimate that it is almost off limits. So personal as to be close to invasive. So inner-circle that you almost fear to put both feet inside. How can one even conjure up the appropriate image of this kind of walking? Yet how can we not long for it in our life?

Father Spirit, to walk with you dare I ask. To walk with you, equip me for the task. Let me prepare myself as though that walk will be this afternoon. In Jesus Name.

Friends

Several things happened this past week that made me think about friends and friendship. One was two long, but enjoyable, conversation with a couple long time friends that I don't see often enough. One is a faithful servant of Christ through YFC and has been most all of the years I have known him. The other is a faithful servant of Christ through a local pastorate in Homer, IL. Each have unique ministries, yet each touch the lives of other people in very special ways. They are both men that I admire a great deal and hold up as examples of what true disciples of Christ should "look like".

The other was a conversation we had with some friends of ours while over at their house for dinner. It wasn't intended to be a conversation about friendship, it just turned into one as the evening progressed. I found the nature of the conversation both stimulating and intriguing.

The fact is, I'm not good at friendships. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy them, because I do. It just means that I find it hard to know how to "conduct" a friendship on an on-going basis. I think about my friends often, sometimes daily. I pray for them, often send them emails, and cards on birthday or holidays (actually my wife does) and will contact them under certain conditions. But to just pick up the phone and "chat" or stop by for coffee, I'm not real good at that. I suppose that's because I don't practice it, or haven't seen it modeled. I'm not certain. Then again, maybe I just prefer to not do those types of things. Maybe it's because I always feel like there might be something more that's expected or I don't know how to end it, or I don't like saying "goodbye" or, shoot, I don't know.

Whatever it is, I do enjoy friendships. I would give my friends the shirt off my back and my last buck if they needed it, no questions asked. That's just who I am. Often times they would not know that, but it's true.

What I think is we tend to measure other peoples friendship toward us based on what we understand friendship to be. Just like we measure the depth of someones commitment to Christ based on what we think a deep relationship to Christ ought to look like. And I think that's not fair. Unfortunately, I'm not sure there is a "standard" for friendship, a measuring rod that says you're doing it right or you're doing it wrong. I suppose, for me, if there were, I would have an easier time with this whole process.

Friends are a good thing. Good friends are a treasure. Treasure good friends.

Worship --- Genesis 4

This past Sunday we attended Christ Covenant Church, a PCA church, in Matthews, NC. It’s a church we’ve thought about attending for a while and this weekend seemed to be a good time since Dr. Ross was starting a new series on Worship.

I think it’s always good when God directs my mind toward worship, especially now when we are trying to find a place to call “home”. Worship is important in Christian's walk with God, in fact, it’s of primary importance. I can get by without many things, but worship is not one of them. Yes, I know it’s an intensely personal thing, but it is also a very corporate experience.

Worship to me is not about being entertained or jerked around emotionally, it’s not about encountering God – but rather being encountered by God. It’s not about coming into His presence, but realizing that HE is in our midst. It’s not about feeling as if I need to confess, but being compelled to confess because of the overwhelming conviction of God’s Holy Spirit. Worship is not about me, it’s about God. All I bring to worship is the “I”. I bring me. God doesn’t want my fatted calf, my incense, my money, He wants me.

When I read Genesis 4, I am not sure what prompted Cain and Abel to bring their offerings to God, the text really doesn’t tell us, it just says “In the course of time…” (v.3) And I am really not one hundred percent certain what made the difference between the two experiences, but I’m fairly certain it was not so much what was offered, but the condition of the heart of the one offering it. It may be true that God prefers lamb chops over broccoli but that doesn’t seem to be the emphasis. The motive of the heart is what captures God’s attention and gathers His response.

When I open myself to God’s presence, seek to bless Him and praise Him, to seek His mercy and grace, to worship Him-- it’s my heart that will determine the genuineness of it all. Not my lips, not my posture, not whether I’m in church or in my “prayer closet”, it’s my heart. Now having said that, let me say this, one of the best places to enjoy that experience the most is within a body of believers, a.k.a. a local church.

O come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture,
And the sheep of his hand.
(Psalm 95:6-7)

Unload --- Proverbs 3:5-6

Labor Day weekend, I suppose it could not be more appropriate because I am laboring big time!

Do you ever find yourself under a load that you never expected to be carrying? You’re not sure how it got as big or as heavy as it did, but somehow without your knowing it, that load has become of unusual proportion.

For me, that happens in my mind. It begins to look like my desk after a while. A pile here, a pile there. Then, when there is no more room, I set stuff on the floor, then a table, then the credenza, then….before you know it, material is everywhere. I want it compartmentalized, but my mind won’t always accommodate. I want it categorized, but my mind won’t always label things correctly, I want it neatly organized, but my mind doesn’t recognize that concept! So, before long, the self induced chaos becomes such that it weighs me down and causes me to wonder, like I am now, how did it all get this way and how do I fix it?

I’m not certain how it all got that way, but I have a pretty good idea how to fix it…

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.”
Proverbs 3:5-8

Father God, it’s been a hard couple of days. My head can’t seem to catch up with my heart at times. Nevertheless, in my prayers last night you showed me some things that gave me renewed peace and assurance. Let me use that understanding to stand under your grace and love with renewed vigor, trusting you in ALL my ways. I love you LORD.