Change of Scenery

Recently I have been trying to keep things updated on two blogs and one website. I have not done a good job of any of it simply because it takes so much time. Consequently, I am making a change.

I am consolidating everything on one site - my Wordpress site.

http://www.normmacdonald.wordpress.com/

I have just finished updating the Wordpress blog with articles, poems, web links, and the like. The articles and poems are on page two...there is a link for that page on the right hand column. I have also added some great web links...Woot, Giveaway of the Day, Lee Park Baptist Church, and the prayer request site for Lee Park called Prayer Workz (somebody already had "Works").

It is my hope that you will join me there and of course, tell your friends. :)

God Bless.

http://www.normmacdonald.wordpress.com/

Orthodoxy

When some one uses the phrase, "It's like herding a bunch of cats," there is little doubt that what they are talking about is chaos. Orthodoxy is somewhat like that - herding cats, that is.

Orthodoxy is, by its very nature, orthodox. That is, conforming to a set of beliefs, uniform standards or established conventions. When some one is described as "unorthodox" it simply means they are not conforming to what is expected.

Orthodoxy is often translated beyond beliefs into the area of behavior. For the fact of the matter, they are combined to a large degree - one's belief determines their behavior. Also, one's behavior is indicative of their belief system. The problem is with the former set-up, belief determining behavior.

In Luke's gospel, John the Baptist was having a struggle with orthodoxy. The "lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world," was not conforming to expectations. Consequently, he sends some of his disciples (John himself was in prison) to ask Jesus, "Are you really the one we have been expecting, because you sure don't act like it (loose paraphrase on my part)." Not only was Jesus not conforming to the religious leader's expectations of the Messiah, he was throwing John a curve ball that he was not ready to catch.

Orthodoxy often breeds complacency or a false confidence. Then, when some one breaches the walls of our traditional belief system, we wonder "How can this be? This is not at all what I was expecting."

Jesus tells the disciples of John to go back and tell him, "I am doing exactly what the prophet Isaiah proclaimed the messiah would do. It may not be what you or these other people expected, but it is what the gospel of the Kingdom is all about (again a loose paraphrase)."

For me at least, it seems the lesson from all of this is relatively clear. The Word of God should dictate my belief system - orthodoxy. My belief system should not dictate how I interpret the Word of God.  I find that I must constantly remind myself of this as I read scripture. I must allow it to speak to me based on its very nature as the Word of God. Then it is important that I adjust my belief system to what it says. Not what I want it to say or think it should say.

A hard lesson, but one I am learning.

Just Say the Word!

Growing up, when those who were my senior, or my parents, or a person I worked for said, "Do this" - I did it. No questions asked, I just did it. Now days that is not usually the case, either for me, or for others, even kids. Everybody what's to know "why," or what's in it for me if I do that thing. Or, they simply say, "no."  I expect the only place that is different is in the military. From what I understand, you question an order in the field and it could cost you or someone else their life.

In Matthew 8 and Luke 7, there are stories of a centurion and his slave. Each gospel writer has varying details to the story, but for the most part the stories seem to reflect the same incident.

Each story stresses the centurion's words that he is "not worthy" for Jesus to come to his house for the healing. Just like any good military man, if he said to his troops "Go," they went. Consequently he felt it was sufficient that if Jesus simply said the word, his servant would be healed.

In Luke's account, the writer goes to some length to justify the worthiness of the centurion by having the elders of the Jews say, "He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue (v. 4-5)."  Jesus does not even give this justification credence by responding to it. What he responds to is the centurions expression of faith - "say the word" and it will be so.

Jesus "marveled at him" not because the centurion's servant "was highly valued," not because the elders of the Jews said the centurion was worthy, not because he helped build a synagogue, Jesus marveled at him because of his expression of faith - say the word and I believe it will be done.

I don't know about you, but I'm a justifier. Somehow it seems I must justify to God why He might want to do something for me or someone else. And often I have a long list of justifiers. The reality of it is, those justifiers simply expose my pitiful faith. There are times when the simplest and best thing to do is come before God and ask that He just "say the word" believing that what we ask will be done.

Builders for Life

When was the last time you built an 8 million dollar home?  When was the last time you built an 8 million dollar home and found it to be uninhabitable because of shoddy workmanship?

That is exactly what happened to actress Sandra Bullock and her new dream home in Austin, TX.  After years of waiting and just a few nights in the home, she has moved out and sued the builders for shoddy work. She plans to demolish the house and start over. 

Reading that account reminded me of a story I had come across years ago. A major contractor was taking an extended trip to Europe. He gave his foreman a million dollars to build a house. One of the conditions of building the house, was that whatever savings the foreman could accrue in the construction would be his. Well, the foreman skimped in many areas of the construction and saved almost half the amount he had been allotted.  When the owner of the company returned from Europe, he looked over the house and received the foreman's report.  The foreman was quite proud of how well he had done, not actually telling the owner about the quality of materials - or lack there of - used in building the house.

When the tour was finished, the owner was true to his word, but instead of writing the foreman a check for what he had saved, he simply handed him the key and said, "Here, the house is yours."

At the closing of Jesus' sermon on the mount, he said that those who hear his words and fail to incorporate them in their life will be like someone building a shoddy house with an unstable foundation. Those people who hear AND do what he has been teaching will be like the one who builds their house on a solid, unmovable foundation.

Make no mistake, we are builders. Each one who claims the name of Christ is a builder - a builder for life. As such, we either hear and not do, or hear and do. We can skimp or we can give our very best. Either way, one day, Jesus is going to hand us the key and say, "Here, the house is yours!"

     "Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.
     But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."  (Luke 6:46-49 ESV)

Sometimes You Just Shouldn't

There are certain days of my work week when I do mostly reading. I have never been a voracious reader. As a kid, reading ranked right up there with eating peas. My seminary days probably marked my most extensive excursion into the printed page.  Anyway, in my present situation, I do - what is for me - a good deal of reading.

What I am learning is this--- sometimes you shouldn't! Sometimes too much reading is dangerous and depressing. It can squelch the spirit and stifle one's enthusiasm. Here are just a few examples:

• Presidential candidate Obama probably redefines the word liberal and people are totally unaware. His stance on abortion is beyond liberal. His position toward the gay and lesbian rights will push this country to normalize that behavior and his position on Federal funding for faith-based community programs is conditioned on hiring without regard to religious beliefs, sexual identity and orientation.  (Dobson & Mohler comments, BPNews On-Line Newsletter 7/21 ; "Soul Searching", World Magazine, July 26/August 2, 2008, 38)
• Medical doctor leaves a six figure job to devote himself full-time, not to missions, or helping poor communities with healthcare, but to pursue blogging full time - another six figure job. (Yahoo.Com, macrumors, 7/21)
• A transgender Oregon woman - living as a man gives birth and claims that doing so "doesn't make (him) less of a man." (World, ibid, 11)
• Sarah and Jacob lie and poor old and blind Abraham has no clue he is being duped.  (Genesis 27)
• Finding one's writing style and realizing that getting your work in print is more than an uphill battle and can take years and years of perseverance. (Ethel Herr, An Introduction to Christian Writing, (Highland Books, Godalming, Surrey and Write Now Publishing, Phoenix, AZ, 1999) 150-173

Well, I suspect there is no sense in spoiling your day. So I gather you get the idea. Sometimes you just shouldn't!

Then again, there are glorious days when reading can make my spirit soar and lift my heart to unimaginable heights. Many of those days are spent among the same pages where the "liars" live. For grace often abounds with just the flip of a page.

I like those days. 

Scan Is Complete

When I replaced my old laptop, it took several days for me to get the new one set up.

One of the programs that came pre-installed with the new laptop was a trial version of Norton 360 Security Suite, a program that monitors for viruses, blocks spam mail and looks for spyware intrusions. I have had these programs before and often had my work interrupted while it did its work. I like this one because it does all its work in the background. It basically runs unnoticed until a pop-up messages tells me that the "scan is complete."

The program runs on a regular basis and the intent is to keep  my computer safe from intruders, whether the malicious kind or merely the annoying kind. When it finds anything, it gives me options to keep what it finds, quarantine, or delete them.

When the message "scan is complete" popped up this morning, I thought, "The Holy Spirit scans my life regularly and lists those things that are harmful to my soul. Areas that still need a good deal of work and attention - harmful things that I could place in quarantine, or simply delete before they cause harm."  But am I paying attention?

Yes, I am convicted, from time to time, of areas that are not pleasing to the Lord. Nevertheless, I suspect there are many more areas that lay hidden in the background, running silently, like a malicious virus, waiting to destroy or distort the longings of my heart. For all intents and purposes I am unaware of their presence and seldom feel their impact until it is too late.

Each day, it is important that I open my heart to the Holy Spirit and ask the LORD to scan every part of my being. As the Psalmist said,

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!  (Psalm 139:23-24)

Then, once God shows me where the problems are, it is imperative that I take care of them. Not doing so could cause serious problems down the road and impact my testimony for Christ.

Watch Out Here Come The Words!

Blogs are a unique venue. Anyone can write one and random people from anywhere in the world can read them once they stumble across them. They provide an avenue for releasing one's thoughts on the general public for a variety of reasons. Political blogs can pound politicians. Personal blogs can expose more person than one cares to see or hear. Religious blogs can take people down paths that only the unintelligent might follow. There are blogs for photography, music, writing, Information Technology, children's issues, and marriage issues. You name the topic, wholesome or not, and chances are there is a blog that speaks to that issue.

Everyone hopes that others will read their blog. Some may even expect to become "well-known" because of their blog. However, most bloggers are simply using a specific forum to express themselves.

The thing about blogs is that they provide a clean slate on which to put words. Words are powerful things whether written on a blog or spoken to another person. They can encourage and heal, they can discourage and wound. At times either of those intents can be used by the blogger intentionally or unintentionally.

Basically, in our country and in the blogosphere, we are free to say anything. I am free to say anything. But does that mean I should?

Yesterday, while at the doctor's office, I noticed they had a picture of Laura and President Bush hanging on one of the file cabinets. Someone had taken a marker and drawn devil like attributes on the President's face.  My comment to the nurse was this, "There are some countries where you would be shot for doing that." Her response was, "They must not be free countries."  "You are right," I said and then continued, "Just because we are free to do something does not mean we should. He is still the President of the United States and we ought to respect that."

I am learning that blogs are the same way. Just because we can write something does not mean that we should. The writer of Proverbs says it this way:

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is deemed intelligent.  (17:27-28)

Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Let's Have a Healing

Our world has its share of faith healers. But let's face it, many if not most are merely charlatans and money grabbers. Nevertheless, crowds flock to their assemblies. Some out of curiosity, like NASCAR fans hoping to see the big wreck, others genuinely seeking a healing.

In our country, we don't see much actual healing going on as a result of faithful prayers or miraculous works. But it does happen. In other countries, those countries that don't get bogged down with the doubts that plague our western civilization, it is seen more frequently.

When Jesus healed, he healed! It was not a time issue, other than instantaneous. The healing was just that - a healing.

Because the disciple Luke apparently had a medical background, healings are significant to him. In the gospel of Luke, as Jesus comes down from the mountain after selecting the twelve apostles, he records a rather significant event. Crowds are coming to Jesus not to spy out or test his ministry and legitimacy, but to experience his ministry through a healing. In Luke 6:17-19 it is recorded that those with diseases were being healed and those being harassed by evil spirits were cured.

Now I think it is interesting that Luke makes the distinction between diseases and the annoying work of evil spirits. It is one thing to suffer the effects of, lets say, diabetes. It is quite another to have your mind and heart harassed by evil spirits. Diabetes is selective, the suppressing anguish that comes from the evil one can be considered random and almost universal in potential. Yet, Jesus heals them all.

For believers, we can be victims of a plethora of diseases. There is no exemption for those in Christ. However, what can impact our testimony and ability to follow Christ is the annoying sniping of evil spirits. Like picking at a wound that is trying to heal, the enemy seeks to harass and squeeze us in such a way that we hang on to fears, doubts, and and guilt. Just when we think we've made a breakthrough he throws a rock through the window of our mind and says, "Not so fast!"

Those in Christ can never be possessed by evil spirits, it is incongruent with the presence of the Holy Spirit. However, that does not prevent the demons of hell from pushing us down and attacking us like annoying flies at a picnic - except with greater consequence.

Luke tells us that "all the crowd sought to touch (Jesus), for power came out from him and healed them all."  It is through the power of Christ and the shield of protection the Holy Spirit provides that we find a healing from this onslaught of evil and tormentors of the mind.  The demons of darkness cannot abide in the light of Christ.

"Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."  James 4:7

Could You? Would You?

I have been shopping for Bible software to aide my study and writing projects. It seemed interesting to me that most every program offered had some variety of "daily reading" program that would allow you to keep on track and read the Bible in its entirety. A nice feature to be sure.

In fact, many churches have programs in place to lead their people through a systematic reading of scripture in order to complete the Bible in a year. An achievement worth recognizing until....

In the most recent issue of Christian History and Biography there is a rather detailed history of the church in China - its roots and how it is thriving today. Throughout that article, there were sidebars noting specific people who played a significant role in the history of Christianity in China. Fascinating segments to be sure. However, let me point out a couple of "facts" about two of them.

John Sung (1901-1944)  Based on the article, it is said that after his conversion Mr. Sung attended seminary and apparently was so zealous for his faith that the seminary president had him committed to an insane asylum. "For the next 193 days he read the Bible 40 times."     40 times...did you get that? That's basically once every 5 days!

Wang Mingdad (1900-1991)  At one point in his life he retreated to the hills outside Beijing and "read the Bible through six times in 62 days."

Now granted, during those times these men did not have "work", a family to tend to, lawns to mow and trash to take out. Nevertheless, those are staggering numbers!  And to think, we're proud when, or if, we get through the Bible in a year!

Reading this article - the sacrifices Chinese Christians made to spread the gospel and deepen their faith as followers of Christ -- it made me realize how pitiful my efforts are as a disciple.

Now it is true, reading the Bible through in a year, a month, or a week does not necessarily make one a "better" Christian. However I suspect it would have a huge impact. 

Now indulge my math - for me, using my current study Bible if I read the Bible in a year, it would mean five pages a day. Of course those pages include study notes and sidebars, so in fact, I could read more of actual biblical content.  If I did it in six months, that would mean ten pages a day, three months, right at 21 pages a day.  Uhm.....I think I can do that.

Any takers for the six or three month challenge?  Of course it may mean less television, sacrificing some sleep, or forgoing some other activities, but imagine the joy of accomplishing the feat and the blessing from scripture. It would be akin to fasting and reading at the same time, since something most likely has to go.

I'm shooting for an August 1st start date and a three month goal. That will give me time to mentally prepare and perhaps get a head start. It also provides an easy measuring point for month to month progress.

Could you? Would you? join in the challenge.

If you are currently doing a "read-the-Bible-through-in-a-year" program, it is just a matter of ramping things up since you should be more than half way through already.

Here are some tips...

• If you have a hand held PDA or something similar, you can go to E-Sword.net and download the Bible to that device. That way, anywhere, anytime, you can keep reading. 
• Programs are also available for your laptop or desktop PC.  I'm not promoting E-Sword per se, it's just free and I like free. Besides, I am currently using it. 
• If you think you'll get distracted from sidebars and your own notes in the Bible you have, order a new inexpensive Bible to use and leave pens and pencils in the desk while you are reading.
• Ask the cooperation from family members for some uninterrupted reading time (good luck). If they agree, have them check-in on you from time to time to make sure you are still awake!
• Seek some one to hold you accountable.
• Do your best to go Genesis to Revelation, reading programs that bounce around tend to distort the flow.

I'm excited. But I want to be certain we do not lose sight of the tremendous sacrifice the men mentioned above made and the Chinese Christians are still making today for the cause of Christ. Persecution breeds strength and perseverance.  Romans 5:3-4.   Pray for China.

* Christian History & Biography, (Issue 98, Spring 2008) 12,21

On The Scales

It always strikes me odd, when going to the doctors, that the nurse has me stand on the scales as is. I'm never certain how they actually come to a determination of my benchmark weight. One day I could be wearing shorts, a T-shirt and carrying my laptop. The next time I go in, I could be wearing jeans, cowboy boots, dress shirt, and carrying my Bible. They never seem to care.

When it comes to my spiritual growth, I am often just as uncertain regarding my benchmark weight. I suspect others are also.

In a recent survey done by LifeWay, a branch of the Southern Baptists, they asked people to "describe or illustrate evidence of their spiritual growth." Some of the responses they received were:

-- "I'm much calmer."
-- "I'm a better friend."
-- "I'm a better person and more caring."
-- "My marriage is better."
-- "I am better at running my household to care for my family; I made some changes to facilitate hospitality in our home."
--"I am more tolerant of people."
-- "There aren't many outward 'signs.' The growth I experienced is manifested more on a personal level."

When I read these, I thought they were pretty weak. No real reflection of growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ, or becoming "renewed" or a transforming of the mind, etc. Then I thought, "How would I answer that question?" Here is what I might say:

• More sensitive to sin and quick to confess and repent
• More involved in God's Word and striving to become a better student of its teaching
• Aware of my personality traits and how they impact my testimony for Christ
• Struggling to stay aware that I live by grace, through faith and not by works - there is nothing I can do to atone for my past or influence the present
• Loving my wife more, being a better spiritual leader, and showing more love to my children and grandchildren (3 in 1)

I suspect there may be more I should list or could list, but that's a decent start.

It is uncertain whether my answers are any better than those from the survey. Perhaps I am couching mine in spiritual terms and the other respondents did not. However, I suspect, that when you peel back the truth of their responses, you might find some revealing weaknesses.

What precipitates the kind of responses from people listed from the survey? Is it that they are not being fed either from the pulpit or in Bible Study classes? Is it that they refuse to "eat" when they are being fed? Is it that they have never progressed from the milk of the word?

The title of the article in the BP News is Shifting Sand. Where does this sand start shifting? Perhaps poor preaching, but I suspect it comes more from weak teaching in the Sunday School class or Bible studies. This is where shifting sand and slippery slopes begin to evidence themselves in the church at large and individual believer’s lives. Whether it is an off-handed comment, an under developed theme, or neutral study materials, things like that can lead not only to a very blurry benchmark, but they also provide the kind of fodder that blurs what is and is not spiritual growth

How would you answer the question if someone asked you to describe or illustrate evidence of your spiritual growth? Can you look back at a benchmark period and say, "This is where I was then, this is where I am now as a follower of Christ."

I go back to the doctors Friday, maybe I'll go naked so they get a true benchmark and a good laugh when I step on the scales!

"Mixed" Blessing

On this blog, my attempt is to be fairly transparent and somewhat vulnerable with my spiritual journey. Therefore, this particular topic fits nicely, since it challenges the capacity of my heart to love, forgive, and accept.

While we were in Texas this past weekend, it was reported on the news that the State of Texas is investing millions in what they call "pre-marital" counseling. Their hope is to stem the tide in that state (and I suspect other states) where one of every two marriages ends in divorce.  That's a noble cause and a heavy statistic. Yet, that is reality.

My folks were divorced, I have been divorced, and my oldest son has been divorced - for some of us, more than once. That sets up a certain scenario that many people do not often take into account. How grandparents meld with a mixed family.  It is hard enough for the parents, but uniquely awkward for the grandparents.

Within the past year, my wife and I multiplied our number of grandchildren. We went from four to eight. If you take into account the children from my son's previous marriage, the number is actually eleven. This is indeed a challenge.

Obviously the kids have no control over their situation and, in reality, neither do we as grandparents. By in large, our role is to accept and love. Often, easier said than done. Nevertheless, I believe we have been somewhat successful in the challenge.

The writer of Proverbs said that "Grandchildren are the crown of old men..." Literally, the sons of sons - in other words, those carrying the family name. In mixed families, this line becomes blurred, because sons may now have different fathers. Even though, for example, my son may adopt his three new sons and give them his name, are they truly carrying the family name? Even my son, because his mother and I were divorced, has a different name than mine, which means his sons have different names - so is it my "name" that continues or his adopted dad's name that moves along in time. Blood says one thing, name says another.

All of this is indeed a difficult to sort out. However, what comes as a challenge to our hearts is welcoming with love, joy, and an open heart, the mixed blessing of all our grandchildren. Forming bonds, and building relationships is our goal.

We cannot control how our son manages his marriage. Our hope and desire is that this bond will be the one that lasts "'til death do we part." Nevertheless, the children involved have no control over the outcome of the marriage, they are simply fellow travelers in that journey, as are the grandparents.

What that means for us -- we have a quiver full of grand kids. All delightful, all full of fun, all innocent in many regards and blended together. Each one is special in their own right and occupying a special place in our hearts, no matter what.

It is truly a mixed blessing.

Thank you Father for the joy of grand children.

He Can

Often overlooked, but overflowing with significance, is one of the first encounters Jesus has after a band of disciples began to follow him. The incident involved a man with leprosy. The exchange basically goes like this:

"Jesus, if you decide you want to, you are able to cleanse me from this disease," said the man with leprosy.

"Oh my friend, I have decided and I choose to do exactly that," said Jesus.

This exchange is one of my favorite in all of scripture. It exposes the vulnerability of the man asking and the tenderness of the man responding. It demonstrates Jesus' "want to" side. And it shows the new disciples exactly the type of man they have chosen to follow. Not just a man with powerful words and insightful teaching, but a man with a tender touch and a willingness to meet the needs of individuals, not just society - as they may have expected.

The amazing thing about this account is the "want to" of Jesus. I forget about that some times when I am praying or simply living my life. I lose sight of how he wants me to meet my needs, he wants to see me grow, he chooses to come along side through the Holy Spirit and guide me.

I think at times I approach God not truly confident there is a "want to" side. That somehow I must convince or cajole. That my roles is to plead my case instead of simply saying, "If You choose to, you can..."

There is not magic formula for understanding the "want to" of God. In fact, I suspect, it is not as difficult as me make it out.  We are all lepers. We are all in need of healing. We are all isolated from our community in some form or another. Some may enjoy that situation and have there own personal pity party. Others of us can choose to approach God's throne and say, "God, if you want to, you can...." and believe that

HE CAN!

The Struggle

 

Is it sin that frustrates me or grace undeserved

I confess without number - I find forgiveness without measure

Oh the unsearchable riches of Christ - The immeasurable depth of his love

Wretchedness veils my eyes - Unconditional love opens them again

 

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ...    Ephesians 3:8

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!       Romans 11:33 

Recharge

Thinking back some 40 years, I was trying to remember what those initial days were like after coming to Christ. What the emotions were, the enthusiasm, the joy. I can vaguely see it in my minds eye.

When I was reading Luke's account of the specific calling of Peter, James and John there is that word "everything" - pas. A word that means all, all things, everything. In their case the everything amounted to their job, their home, to some degree their family and certainly their future as they knew it.

It is ludicrous to believe they abandoned all of that for a stranger. They had heard the teaching of Christ, perhaps not just there that day, but other places and other times. They were not mere zombies in their response. They were responding to what they understood as the good news of the Kingdom of God. The attending miracle of the fish, simply sealed the deal.

What they had heard and what they had seen was enough for them to become followers of this man Jesus - a man that Peter sensed was more than just an ordinary teacher as he falls at his feet crying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

Even though I don't recall those initial days in my own life, there are some things that keep triggering my heart and recharging my battery.

• The Word of God still excites me and challenges me
• My heart still fills with emotion when I sing praises to God
• My desire to be more than I am keeps pushing me
• Sin still pricks my heart and causes me remorse
• I desire to share what Christ has done for me

Those first days will never be repeated. Nevertheless, reminding myself of that decision helps me to understand, I decided to something that day; To follow Christ. Then I was not sure what that meant entirely or where it would lead. Today, I am even less sure. But those trigger points keep bringing me back to the reality of it all. They force me to ask myself, "What have I left for the cause of Christ?"

Father thank you for that moment in time when I said "yes" to Christ. May that moment be a way to recharge this moment, that I might be an enthused follower of the Christ.

Expose Yourself

Uncertain how it all began, there soon came a time in my life when my heart was overflowing with sadness and turmoil. On the outside it appeared as though all was well and nothing had changed. Inside, however, my heart was sinking and I was being battered about by the "whys" and "what's wrong with me" interrogation of my own mind. Everything important seemed to be slipping away and I seemed powerless to stop it.

I still have some of those same struggles today. My desire and ability to be a follower of Christ is at times convulsed by actions and thoughts that weigh me down and push me under the surface. No one sees the currents of fear and doubt tugging against my heart.  All the time they threaten to pull me under. But I'm a man and I could never confess to anyone that I have difficulty swimming so I keep the struggles hidden.

My perception is that others do not wrestle with the same issues I do. But, in reality, I suspect they do. They are simply good at keeping it under the surface and out of sight. Just like me, they would never dare expose themselves and their vulnerability - at least willingly.

I also suspect the risk of exposure is not so much revealing one's vulnerability, but knowing that there are few people who could accept and receive that unveiling.  It's like the friend who asks, "How are you doing today?" They don't really want to know, it just seems like an appropriate thing to say.

The writer of Proverbs has this little nugget:

The purpose of a man's heart is like deep waters, but a man of understanding will draw it out. (20:5)

Notice, the writer does not say, at least here, the man of understanding does anything or has any magical answer. He simply helps draw from the deep waters the purpose, thoughts, and struggles of the other person.

The world needs more men of understanding. More sensitive souls that are willing to hear, "My heart hurts and I am struggling to stay afloat some days."

Perhaps that is what discipling and mentoring is all about. Perhaps that is what drew the men of Galilee to the MAN of Galilee. They knew Jesus had no problem dropping the bucket down into the deep waters of men's souls and helping expose their true self - their true purpose.

It's Greek to Me

I think the biblical languages are intriguing. I am especially fond of Hebrew having taken it in graduate school, even though I mastered it little. Its style, the power of select words, the pictures the writers painted with those words were fascinating to me.  This is all I really recall from those days, 

ויהי דבר־יהוה אל־יונה

But I can say it flawlessly.

Recently, I have decided to start re-learning Greek. That implies that I may have learned it once, which I did, but with little mastery so it would be hard to say I actually learned Greek. Like many of my friends, I survived "suicide Greek"...taking the language study in a four week cram course, five days a week, eight hours a day. Now you know why it was dubbed "suicide Greek." Nevertheless, it was always a struggle for me to know the various endings and the meaning of the tenses.

After many miles under my tires, I have begun to understand some things about biblical Greek. It's a great tool in the hands of the wise, a foolish one for the undisciplined.

Often pastors use the Greek to reinforce an already preconceived notion making much clamoring about a particular usage or construction of a certain word. When in fact, those nuances may have never been intended by the writer, especially a NT writer. After all, Classical/Attic Greek - the language used by the Greek philosophers and teachers both prior to and after the NT was written - was a much different language than what is known as Koine Greek or common Greek. The idiosyncrasies and nuances are more a part of the classic, than the common. If you never learn Greek grammar, that's fine. At least remember that one thing.

What amuses me is some people believe that having looked up a word in a lexicon or on the Internet somehow gives them the privilege to use that as part of their presentation - as though it adds credibility.  We have one Sunday School teacher who is prone to this, yet he struggles to pronounce names of cities or people as he reads his own English translation. Isn't there something wrong with that picture?

Words are powerful things. Assigning the right "value" to words reinforces the word's power and consequently the context in which it is used. We should be good stewards of that fact.

I am looking forward to studying the language again. But most of all, I am looking forward to the attempt at absorbing and retaining more from this go around. Perhaps one day, I can pick up my Greek New Testament, flip open the pages and say with confidence - it's Greek to me!

Where Does My Light Shine?

Back in 1968, when I accepted Christ, the first church I attended was a Catholic church. It was not so much that I was a devoted Catholic, it was simply the only church I knew. If my family ever went to church, that was the one. Consequently, that's where I went.

The environment there seemed so stifling to my new found faith that I sought other options immediately. The recurring thought as I looked around the sanctuary was, "They seem to serve a Christ on the cross, but my faith is in a risen Christ."

Had I been raised as a devout Roman Catholic, I suspect my new faith in Christ would have adjusted to that environment with new meaning and new understanding for the liturgy. In fact, I would think, if anything, that my "light" should shine in that environment and not be removed. But that is speculation.

Often when you hear people discuss Peter, Paul, James and the others apostles, you hear them speak as though these men have abandoned the synagogue and their "worship" there. If that is the case, I would be very surprised for that is the one place their light could shine the brightest. That does not mean the local assembly of believers took a back seat, they did not. It simply means the religious system these men grew up in did not loose value or importance once they accepted Christ. On the contrary, it grew in value and importance. It was, in some sense, the "fields white for harvest."

They were seeing for the first time the significance of the "good news." The were understanding the Sabbath, the sacrifices, the festivals in a new manner - The spiritually significant manner which God intended.

Perhaps too often, we take our light, remove it from the darkness and cluster it with other lights. That results in a very bright environment, but it does nothing for the darkness outside.

I often wonder if my light shines in my neighborhood or if it only has brilliance when I am at church? In the workplace, is there a glimmer of light, or have we so removed ourselves unconsciously that the twinkle is gone and we simply blend in? Have we abandoned old friends because they don't subscribe to our beliefs, or are we shining in their midst?

Uhm....where exactly does my light shine?

Scatterbrain

If it were not so sad, it would be somewhat funny. There are many days - most days in fact, when scatterbrain defines who I am.

Even though there is a band by the name and a book, I am referring to neither of those, rather the state of mind - being scatterbrain.

The on-line Webster definition is "a giddy, heedless person." Of course the key word there is "giddy." That word means,  1) "having or causing a whirling sensation - an unsteady sensation, dizzy or 2) frivolous."  Frivolous being the operative word. Webster's New World Dictionary defines it as, "One who is incapable of concentrated thinking."

If my scatterbrain were severe, I suppose one might call it ADD. But, of course, I think it's not. The malady simply allows me to loose focus, it does not cause me to loose focus. And even though the definition says so, it is not that I am "incapable of concentrated thinking." I am. My condition manifests itself by a myriad of ideas and "need-to-do" activities crowding my brain and heart in such a manner that I allow myself to get lost in the chaos.

The writer of Proverbs says that "Many are the plans in the mind of a man... (19:21a)  The two Hebrew words many and plans can lend themselves to this idea of being scatterbrain.  The writer goes on to say, "...But it is the purpose/counsel of the LORD that will stand."

Knowing the purpose/counsel of the LORD is what neutralizes scatterbrain tendencies. Of course the key there is "knowing", which also brings havoc to me. Not so much because one cannot know the purpose/counsel of God, but because there is an implied time element there. It does not just happen, it comes from listening, learning, and following.  Three things that I have difficulty with - Oh, did I mention scatterbrain?

My nature wants things to happen now! Not tomorrow, next week, next year, or a dozen years from now, but NOW! Have you ever felt that way?  That, my friend, starts the circle which leads to "many plans", which feeds the condition of scatterbrain, which can, if allowed to go unchecked, short-circuit the plan/counsel of the LORD. 

The writer of Proverbs also says, "When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD (19:3)." The MacDonald  translation would be, "Scatterbrain tendencies are like throwing a wrench into the works, then we wondering why God shut down the line." To put it simply, I undo the knot, then yell and blame God for letting the boat drift off. Rather ridiculous isn't it?

There is no simple fix for scatterbrain. It takes discipline to focus and bring things into submission. To push the trivial to the background and engage the significant. Easier said than done, but I am working on it. 

Oops, gotta run, I have a million things to do today!

Flip Them Pages Folks

Last night I read a brief story about a pastor in Rockwood, TN that made a commitment to read more. Consequently, he read 68 books in a year. Think about that, 68 books! Five books a month minimum. Plus, he read the Bible through several times.

When did he have time to watch television!

This twelve month period, I've managed nine and have three more sitting in the "waiting" stack before my year ends in September.

The question I have is how does a 57 year old pastor process or retain all that information? That does not mean I am doubting his feat. It is simply the shear magnitude of that kind of reading must certainly bear a consequence of some kind - Like ignoring his wife maybe!

I had one year where I committed to reading a book a month. I managed a bit more at eighteen. When I was getting my masters it seemed I was reading a thousand of them.

My problem is retention and understanding. If I can't talk about what I read and process it in some tangible way, it is hard for me to retain the information.

Pastors should read, read with a vengeance and read quality material. But so should those of us sitting in the pew. We should all feed our minds. Not only that, I suspect having an avenue for discussing what we read would also be good.

68 books! An accomplishment I never intend to challenge. However it does inspire me to keep flipping those pages.

The Temptations of Christ

I have spent a good deal of time these last few days wrestling with the temptation narratives as detailed in Matthew and specifically Luke . There are a great many questions left unanswered about these accounts. Nevertheless, the main issue at hand is the purpose of these temptations.

I suspect most of us have heard various homilies on these temptations and what Satan was trying to lure Christ into. Some accurate, others less so. Nevertheless, the main focus is the understanding Jesus has of his role and purpose as a kingdom builder and if he will stay true to that mission.

Each temptation is preceded by the phrase, "If you are the son of God...."

There no doubt in Satan's mind that Jesus was the Son of God. What he wanted to see is whether or not Christ could be tempted to establish his Kingdom as something other than what it was intended to be. To make his sonship less than God wanted it to be. It was not a matter of "IF you are" but more a matter of BECAUSE you are the son of God, you can take this route to the kingdom instead of the one set by the Father.

The situation is similar to what Peter said to Christ, "Far be it from you Lord! This shall never happen to you," talking about Christ's impending death and the event of the cross (Matt 16:23).  Jesus' rebuke of Peter shows that he knew the enemy was simply trying an end run to the same goal. It was a stab at one of those "opportune times" Luke mentions as he concludes the temptation narrative (Luke 4:13).

There is more to the temptation narratives than either author lets on. It runs deeper than mere symbolic gestures designed to present an un-temptable Christ. Nevertheless, the primary message is about the Kingdom. The true Kingdom which is to be built on the spilling of blood and an empty tomb. If the enemy could be successful with Christ, as the sacrificial lamb of God,  and divert him from that mission, it could end up being no mission at all. 

The enemy always seeks to detour our devotion with easy things. He intends to clutter our life with the doing of things and not the becoming of Christ likeness. For our culture and mind set this is more than tempting, it is desirable. Doing things is measurable and quantifiable. Becoming "in Christ" is less tangible. It requires greater discipline and a sensitive balance of inward and outward focus. There is no easy task list to check off. The narrow road is never any wider than what the cross on our back will allow.

Not in the same magnitude, but often in a similar manner, we are all tempted and tested in ways that stretch and challenge us to make choices. Seldom are our physical and mental resources  depleted on the same scale as Jesus', but that is no matter. Satan still finds us an easy target. He is good at spotting our vulnerability. He knows how to sift and seek the "opportune time" to moves us off our intended path.

How do we resist? Is it simply a matter of quoting the appropriate verse of scripture? No, it is much more than that. It is understanding who we are in Christ and what our intended purpose is as a child of God and a servant of the Kingdom. What that means for you, I am not certain.  What that means for me, I choose not to share. However, what it means for each of us is this...

Rom 12:1  I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Rom 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Class Dismissed

This Sunday our pastor will finish a preaching series on The Sermon on the Mount.  I suspect all pastors, at one time or another, have done this exercise with varied degrees of success. After all, what is the objective in preaching this type of series?

Is it that people actually read, see, or hear commentary on this great passage of scripture? Is it that people will do a self-examination and make some alteration in their life or with their life? When the three points and a poem marathon finishes and class is being dismissed, what will be the measure of success from such a series?

Jesus had basically one expectation, at least from what Matthew tells us, and it was not that people would be "astonished at his teaching."

The expectation of Jesus was that people would understand, the kingdom of God is built by people who "...do the will of (his) Father who is in heaven (Matt. 7:21)."  It was not a matter of blind and superficial obedience or performing the supernatural. It was a matter of doing the will of God.

Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the importance of hearing that leads to doing. It was not enough to say, "Wow, that is some kind of message." It was imperative that people act in response to what they heard/understood. That is how one builds a house on rock and not on sand. It is not merely looking at the blueprints, it is actually building the structure per the blueprints.That is how a disciple of Christ stands firm during turbulent times.

If was clear to Jesus that there were plenty within ear shot who lived lives of so called righteousness, but were mere shadow puppets on a wall. Jesus wanted those who desired to be his disciples to respond to his teaching in such a way that their "righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees." To live a life that stood, not so much in contrast to those role players, but one that was lived in conformity to and consistency with God's will and God's purpose and God's desire.

When Jesus dismisses class he expects great things - life changing things -- world changing things. He did not expect a classroom full of note-takers, but a classroom full of people making note worthy moral, social and spiritual changes in their lives.

Father, let me be a doer and not just a hearer. May I live what I know to be true and know what I live is true.

Safe at Last

Where do you feel safe? For many of us it is our home, but if you have ever had your home broken into, you know the feeling of violation and fear that follows. It's never the same again.

Is there something that makes you feel safe? In our city and surrounding area, there has been a spike in home break-ins and robberies where, for a apparently no reason, people have been beaten or shot. Consequently, there has been a significant rise in gun ownership. I suspect it is the false allusion that the presence of a handgun makes one feel safe. Or the ability to carry a concealed weapon somehow provides security.

Who gives you comfort and sense of safety? For many children it is their parents. Running to mom or dad seems to be a normal reaction of children when they are frightened or feel threatened. Then again, for some children, their parents are their worse nightmare.

Does a large nest-egg give you a sense of safety and security? Perhaps building a barrier of things around yourself gives you the assurance you need to feel unassailable. The writer of Proverbs is quick to point out that kind of security is simply in one's imagination (Prov. 18:11).

That same writer says, in the prior verse, that "The name of the LORD is a strong tower, the righteous man runs into it and is safe (Prov. 18:10)."

For me, the power of that verse hinges on my understanding of God. Not just what He can do, but who He is - His very nature. Seeking refuge in the great I AM, will result in a sense of safety that transcends fear from harm. It can bring a sense of peace and rest that will allow me to say, "No matter what, my defense is certain."  It is a sense of safety that must no longer issue from my mind, but find root in my soul.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.

It's Worth Asking

From time to time, I will send those on my email list an article with the intent of soliciting their feedback or broadening their horizons. As if I could lend a hand in doing that! Nevertheless, when I find an article interesting, my hope is that they will also.

Exchanging ideas and wrestling with tough questions is often a lost art. Many people do not want to engage in dialog about challenging issues. Which is unfortunate.

A recent article I read questions the deity of Christ. Another appears to take the key tenants of scripture and transforms them into sociologically acceptable terms.  Both articles were intriguing - going down roads where my mind finds it hard to stay in step. Nevertheless, they push me to think and make decisions.

Reading the Bible is not a check-your-mind-at-the-door exercise. Whether we read it as part of our personal devotions or in preparation for teaching a Bible study or small group, keeping our mind engaged with the text is key to understanding.

This morning, for example, in my study of Luke, I found myself asking this question. "Who was with Jesus during those forty days in the wilderness while he was being tempted?" One would think somebody had to be there in order to originally present the account as a part of his life story.  It seems unlikely that Christ, somewhere down the line said..."This is what happened to me when I first began my ministry" and none of the Gospel writers record that teaching session. Then again, this may have been their recording of that teaching session.

Scripture is fascinating. It stretches my mind and heart when I think that a man like Luke would see it important enough to chronicle the life and ministry of Christ in order that "a friend" might have certainty about the things he has been taught regarding Christ. He may not tell everything, but after much research and prayer, he tells what he believes is important.

What might Theophilus have done with this information? Did he wait in anticipation of Luke's next chronicle in order to get the whole story? Did he take what he read and bounce it up against what he had been taught and say, "Yes, that makes sense. It is exactly as I had heard when I came to faith in Christ."

I listen intently to sermons and our Sunday School teachers. I bounce everything I hear up against the biblical text. Each phrase is filtered through what I have read, what I have learned, what I understand the text to be saying. It may sound corny, but the Bible should be shaping my belief system. My belief system should not be shaping the text. So it is indeed worth asking the questions that bring understanding. Just as Theophilus brought his questions to Luke. 

Father, may my mind and heart be open to Your Word. May I be a good student as well as a devoted follower of Your Son.

Luke the Blogger

I enjoy my blogs. In great part, I write them for personal enrichment. They help me put down in words, what is rattling around in my brain or tugging at my heart. At the same time they are accessible to thousands, even millions of people. Therefore, if someone gains value from reading them, I am pleased.

Blogs are everywhere and written by just about anyone. In some respects, they have replaced, or significantly altered, the use of Web sites. If one has a Web site, they almost must have a blog. People want to hear and interact with the thoughts of others. We don't do that very well in person, for fear of offending someone, but we will do it in cyberspace.

Would Mark, Luke, or Paul have written blogs?

If Luke is accurate, and we have no reason to believe he was not, there were "many" writing good and accurate chronicles or accounts of the life and ministry of Christ - perhaps even the early years of the church. However, he sees it as important to put together an orderly, somewhat chronological account of these events. Not just so he can express himself, rather that he might assist Theophilus with understanding what he has heard concerning the Christ.

Having investigated and "traced out" these writings, complimented by his own experience, Luke sets out to compile an orderly account in order that Theophilus, or whomever would read it, would have certainty concerning the things they had been taught. In many regards, this is the first discipling program outlined in the NT.

It seems that often Church discipleship programs are focused on church order, doctrine, and determining one's gift(s).  Here Luke indicates that what is important is knowing Christ! His life, his way of thinking and doing. After all, that is the intent of being a disciple - knowing Christ and reflecting him.

I suspect I would have been a subscriber to Luke's blog. He would be talking about what I need to know about - Jesus Christ.

My Prayer

Father,

I am struggling today - not unlike most days. My heart wants to rest in your presence and praise you but my mind is racing frantically to and fro jumping from one thought to another. Each question, each idea , each want or desire brings on its back another question, idea, want or desire. It seems overwhelming at times.

Are these types of things temptations or tests?  Is my heart being tried in the midst of chaos to determine whether I can bring it into submission and rest in You? Or are these temptations  blocking moves from the Evil One, forcing my attention away from You and on to other things?

Learning to sort this out that I might discover and abide in the joy of Your presence is my prayer today.

Amen

The Vow

To the Lord I vow

My only recourse now

The enemy knows

He works to bring me low

 

Making a vow seems easier

Easier somehow than self restraint

To violate the vow is not an option

To work around it, that’s something else

 

Common sense

Rational behavior

Uncommon thinking

Irrational thoughts

 

Behavior is a choice

The way of the will

Poor behavior brings remorse

The way of the conscience

 

Choosing joy means

Choosing new thoughts

Living joy means

Living new actions

 

Can I sustain it

Not alone

Can I refrain from it

In Him alone

 

To the Lord I vow

My only recourse now

The enemy knows

He works to bring me low

 

Hang on my fellow pilgrim.

Where's the Power?

I am always intrigued when I read the gospel accounts of what many call the "end times."  What fascinates me is that the simple fact the Jesus seems to know most everything that will happen except the "day or that hour." I don't know whether that is because, as some commentators would say, he is limited by his man nature and not able to exercise his divine nature. Which seems odd, when he clearly seems to be exercising his divine nature to discuss everything up to that point. Nevertheless...

What I am noodling is this...if there were no "end times" as we often here it discussed and preached today, would the gospel still have saving power? If preachers stripped away the threat of the second coming and being caught asleep when Christ returns, would the simple gospel of justification by grace still have power?

Many of you may recall, or may still experience, that evangelistic question, "If you died today, do you know where you would spend eternity?" That is the lead in for many an evangelist when presenting the gospel. But what value does that have? Yes, I know it has value from the standpoint of heaven and hell, but what value does that have for someone to believe the gospel? Is the good news simply a safety net?

If Christ has not returned for almost two thousand years now, is there really any reason for me to believe that he will return today or tomorrow, or next week? Shouldn't my motive be to live in relationship to Christ because of grace, abundant living, joy, thankfulness and a reconciling peace with God NOW? I suspect in some regard, that is why the "prosperity gospel" has so much success, because it offers incentive for living in the now, not the then.

If you have made it this far, let me say clearly, the second coming of Christ is a part of my belief system. My question lies simply in this "where's the power" of the Gospel?

I believe the power of the Gospel is in the glorious news of justification by grace, through faith. That salvation is grace and peace, joy and the desire to fulfill and flesh-out the wonderful truth that God is one, there is no other, and to love my neighbor. Both of which I am incapable of doing on my own, it is only through Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit. If that puts me in good stead for the second coming of Christ, thank God!

The Blank Check

"What do you want me to do for you?"

That was the question Jesus asked of blind Bartimaeus as he and his disciples were leaving Jericho and heading for Jerusalem.  Now unless I miss something, this is a hugely profound question.

Bartimaeus, as Mark tells us, the son of Timaeus (from the word unclean or defiled), was sitting on the side of the road as the not so small group was passing by. Discovering that Jesus of Nazareth was in the group he began to scream at the top of his lungs, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" The people around him tried to shush him, but he screamed louder, "Son of David have mercy on me!" It must have been quite a sight.

Jesus stops and calls for Bartimaeus. When Bartimaeus comes over, completely unable to see the one he was calling to and had been called to, Jesus asks him, "What do you want me to do for you?"

Reading the story, I'm thinking it should be rather obvious to Jesus what the man needs.  Bartimaeus must have been stunned. In effect, Jesus was offering him a blank check. But there was only one thing on Bartimaeus' mind - to see again. That one act, would open up a whole new world for him and indeed, make anything possible.  Jesus grants his request.

In some regard, every day, Jesus is asking me, "What do you want me to do for you?" Naturally, I begin to think of all the things I have been praying for previous to that question. Then I hear a hint of "and" in my mind. "I ask for this and..." Could you do this and...?"

Often my petitions are cluttered with gimme's. I come with my hand out instead of my heart open. If I were truly aware that Jesus asks that question of me regularly, perhaps I would learn how to pray correctly and effectively. To ask for what matters, as Bartimaeus did.

I suspect, opening the eyes of the son of the unclean, forever changed that man. That is what I want my personal petitions to do for me. 

Providence Part II

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.   Prov. 16:33

I'll admit, the idea of casting lots with regard to decision-making has a certain appeal. Yes, there is a randomness to it, but apparently - at least in the OT - the decision of the lots was from the LORD.

Many times in my early Christian walk, I used the idea of lots or fleeces to see what decision I should make. Or should I say, what decision God was wanting me to make.

After 40 years in the faith, I yearn for the simplicity of that idea. However, I understand that is not what honors God. Listening to and following the leading of His Holy Spirit is what brings honor to God. That is the blanket I must wrap around my decision-making process. 

That concept is more difficult because it is hard for me to keep my own desires and wants out of the way. Like the early disciples, casting a lot, would be much easier. However, I still find myself asking God to "show me," "help me to understand," to "make it clear" which decision should be made.  All, in some sense, veiled attempts at casting lots. But frankly, I don't know how else to do it.

I am the type of person that seldom has peace about anything. As soon as I think I do and make a decision, I feel like perhaps I should have made the other decision. There are times I work at creating that "peace" knowing all along, there is no peace. This makes my life seem like one big uncertainty.

I suspect the good news is that God is fully aware of my ambivalence. In His providence, apparently He knows that I am going to do this, wishing I had done that, when all along the this is what was within the scope of His will. Or, if I did the that then felt bad about not doing the this, if I change my mind, He is fully aware of that also. Neither the this nor the that will change His plan for the universe. Nor, in some sense, His direction for my life. It may simply be a detour of sorts. So, actually, either decision is fine. Bearing in mind, their may be consequences for each.

Now I will confess, I envy the folks who have this all figured out and live totally and peacefully in what they know is God's will for their lives. Perhaps in the next 40 years I will get there. But I am not there now. I am however, learning to "trust God, knowing I am exactly where He wants me to be" even in the midst of my waffling.

Father, I desire to live within Your will for my life. I pray that as you teach me Your word You will, at the same time, teach me to be filled with the knowledge of (Your) will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of (You), fully pleasing...bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in (my knowledge of You).  Colossians 1:9-10

Providence

One of the huge conundrums of scripture, indeed in one's understanding of God, is the idea of providence - the control or management of future - even current - events.

I expect there are few doctrines in the protestant church that receive more wordsmithing and perhaps less genuine attention than this idea of providence.  Which may be evidence of most peoples failure to fully grasp the concept.

In the Reformation Study Bible, which by the way, is an excellent study Bible whether you are of a reformed persuasion or not, there is this statement regarding providence.

It is sometimes supposed that God knows the future but does not control it; that He upholds the world, but does not intervene in it; or that He gives general direction, but is not concerned with details. The Bible emphatically rules out all such limitations of His providence.

Now on the surface that is fairly straight forward. God controls ALL things. It is a reflection of what the writer of Proverbs says in 16:9, "The heart of a man plans his ways, but the LORD establishes his steps."

The piece continues with this:

God's 'concurrent' or 'confluent' involvement in all that occurs does not violate the natural order, ongoing causal processes, or the free, responsible agency of human beings. God's sovereign control does not take away the responsibility and power of second causes; on the contrary, they are created and have their roles by His appointment.

If you did not follow that, basically what they are saying is that if a person makes a decision contrary to the primary will of God, that's okay, God knew the person would do that, in fact, had already set that decision as part of His sovereign will.  So, it was really not contrary to His primary will. In some ways, this is similar to the Proverb, "The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble (16:4)."

Frankly, when it comes to this idea of providence. I am not fully convinced where I would land if pressed for a decision. Accepting God's interest, involvement, and yes even "control" over my life in general terms does not cause any friction. Believing that God is concerned whether I wear boxer shorts or tigthty whities is a stretch for me.

That does not mean I am a modified deist. It simply means that I struggle with some of the consequences of providence and sovereignty. I would choose the proverb, "Commit your work to the LORD and all your plans will be established (16:3)."  For you folks who are strictly NT, Romans 8:28 would be your choice.

In reality, God is going to do what God is going to do. I may not understand it, agree with it, or find it comfortable, but it is what it is - I think.

Be Anxious for Nothing

Anxiety is a strange bedfellow. It is the type of emotion that can paralyze the soul and the mind, often for no reason.

In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he writes these words:

Phil. 4:5-7  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Peace issues from a release of anxiety. We cannot have peace in the midst of anxiety. That would be a paradox.

This morning, when I dropped my car off at the dealership for repairs, I noticed my wedding ring was missing. I ALWAYS wear my wedding ring. I can think of only one or two occasions in the past where I have taken it off. So my first thought was I had lost it. Somehow, it had come off and it was gone. I went in to an immediate panic. After 25 years, I had somehow lost it.

While waiting for my friend to pick me up for a ride home, I was sitting outside looking at my now empty finger. Then it hit me. That ring was merely a symbol. It had no lasting value except as a symbol of the bond between my wife and I. She would understand and it could be replaced. I breathed a prayer and released the whole situation to God.

When my friend picked me up, I expressed to him my anxiety over the situation. But my words seemed empty and untrue. In reality my heart did not feel anxious anymore. I had a peace. My response to him was automatic - a shadow from the past. I realized I was not anxious. I tried to work up some anxiousness, but it was short on coming.

After a quick look around the house, there was my ring. Sitting on my dresser. I am not sure why, but it was there.

It is so unlike me to let go of apprehension and distress. Many times I feed off it. Yet, this time I was free to let it go. It felt great.

Father thank you for the opportunity to learn more about myself. To discover the joy of your peace - peace that passes all understanding. When bigger things come, may I remember this moment.

Are We Missing Something?

I am not certain how long I had been leading the particular congregation. Nevertheless, I do remember their reaction. One Sunday morning during my message, I slammed my Bible down on the floor as an emphatic display that the Bible I was reading from was simply a book - not an idol. It was a written "documentary" of the people of God, the life of Christ and the early days of the Christian church. It was not a sacred piece of ancient scroll or something God-breathed. It was a translation of scripture just like a dozen others held in the laps of people in the pew.

Well you could have heard a pin drop. With over a hundred pair of eyes staring back at me with malice intent, I thought those folks would lynch me right on the spot.

Fortunately for me, unfortunate for others, they did not hang me. They simply caught their collective breath,  settled back and listened to my point.

That church was a Southern Baptist church, similar to the one we attend today. Then, like now, there really are no symbols of the faith, no expressions of liturgy that heighten our senses to the presence of God and our desire to worship Him. Yes, we have baptism and the Lord's Supper, but often those expressions are done with a hurry-up-and-get-on-with-it attitude. 

Now I am not proposing that the rites of baptism or the Lord's Supper become as sacraments. Nor am I proposing that we hang crosses, or have stained glass images of the life of Christ everywhere. But I do think we are missing something by not having significant symbols of our faith and history. Hooks that allow us to hang truths from them. Points of reference that can lead our thoughts back to God and what He has done for us in Christ.

Yes, perhaps I am talking about a more solemn liturgy that prompts the mind to spiritual thoughts. Perhaps I am talking about less "let us entertain you" type worship and more of a focus on God and not the stage personalities involved in worship. I want to be moved in my spirit not always challenged in my mind.

Sneaky Phrases

Whether reading a novel, a history book, or scripture, there are times the author embeds a sneaky phrase that often is a linchpin to understanding the work as a whole.

The apostle Paul is probably one of the best examples of this. Very seldom are there wasted words or phrases in his letters. I am not certain that means he chooses one word over another, thus we give import to a certain word that may not warrant it. However, he writes with purpose and instruction, with very little space devoted to pleasantries.

In what appears to be his first letter, Galatians, from word one he is teaching and instructing. That should call us to immediate attention when we read the letter. In fact, to some extent, he outlines what he plans to talk about in chapter 1, verses 1-5, and then never looks back.

A sneaky phrase that sits within these verses is, "according to the will of our God and Father..."  This phrase is pregnant with meaning. It tells us that Paul's apostleship is no accident, that unmerited favor is no accident, that the absence of enmity with God is no accident, that Christ's sacrifice is no accident, that our deliverance from the influence of this present evil age is no accident. Everything issues from the will of God.

Of course looking at the vast expanse of God's will raises certain questions, but that will be another post. What is important is that Paul is setting the stage, in what appears to be his very first "official" communiqué, for the bedrock of an entire belief system - the will of God.

Often I read scripture unaware that the umbrella of God's will is hanging over my head and shadows every page and chapter. I read segments without regard for the whole. I see a puzzle piece without ever looking at the picture on the puzzle box.  Therefore, I suspect I miss a great deal of the power and influence of the word of God.

Being a student of scripture is no easy task. Being influenced by scripture is challenging. Knowing the intent of God's magnificent will for mankind and this man is daunting.

I plan to be more attuned to sneaky phrases from now on. Often they hold the key to the door of understanding.

Check Up from the Neck Up

Like a recovering alcoholic, I tend to mark the days of my "recovery." I am not certain why, I suspect it has to do with measuring progress and development. Or determining when its time to turn the burners up. Nevertheless, an anniversary is approaching and we're feeling pretty good about things.

My measuring rod is mental mainly. How I think and what I think about. The issues I allow into my mind and those I attempt to keep out and pray fervently to avoid provide me a good sense of progress.  Those same things also suggest there is a long way to go. That's okay. Whenever I've read Paul's comment about "being transformed by the renewing of your mind," it was never my belief that that was instantaneous. New thinking - resulting in new behavior - takes time.

The life of faith is not easy. The cross we are called to pick up daily, is not light. At times my plodding steps are just  that plodding. Often with haunting thoughts of past failures dogging each step.

Yes, it is good to take a check up from the neck up as Uncle Zig says. To examine attitudes and thoughts is a good thing. To measure one's progress is positive. If looking at life on a continuum with one being "poor" and ten being "perfect (as in complete), moving one mark forward is good. Although I, like many, would prefer to make quantum leaps along the scale - one tick mark at a time is wonderful. Therefore, I am thankful.

Praise God for His glorious grace in Christ Jesus!

Just the Facts

Some may remember the old TV series Dragnet with the main character Joe Friday. His famous and oft quoted line was, "Just the facts Ma'am."

Actually, those words were never uttered by Jack Webb who played Friday.  He used phrases like, "All we know are the facts, Ma'am," or "All we want are the facts Ma'am." Somewhere and someway, his words were popularized by the phrase we know as "Just the facts, Ma'am."

Popular culture, even history, has a way of distorting the facts. Not to the point of believability, but often to the point that they are familiar but not quite accurate. Any student of scripture will encounter this tendency on many occasions. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi's quote of an apparent verse in the OT, “The Bible tells us in the Old Testament, ‘To minister to the needs of God’s creation is an act of worship. To ignore those needs is to dishonor the God who made us.’" Now that concept may be true - as stewards of God's creation, it is imperative that we act responsibly. But there is no particular verse that resembles her quote.

Our Sunday School class is entering a study of Galatians. Consequently, that is where I'll be spending much of my time these next few weeks. That Pauline letter presents some interesting issues regarding it's date, to whom it was addressed, and the particular issues Paul confronts. 

The most interesting debate centers on who Paul was writing to when countering particular false teachings. You can line up Bible scholars a foot deep on both sides of the issue. Each with merit to their arguments. However, does it impact the message of Paul? Not significantly. Does coming down on one side or the other, diminish the dastardly effect of  an oh so slight difference in the truth being planted among the believers there - wherever "there" is? No, not at all.

There is little doubt that Paul's emphasis on salvation - justification by faith and works - is the central issue of the letter. Though some Jews were wanting new converts to be circumcised and bring themselves under the law, this was a violation of the true Gospel that Paul had presented to them earlier. Yes, justification is by faith and the only thing necessary to compliment that was to avoid meat offered to idols, avoid blood, refrain from what was strangled, and avoid sexual immorality. (Acts 15:22-29)

Oops...did I say "justification by faith and works?"

It doesn't take much when it comes to slight of hand or word, to distort the truth of the gospel. The truth which is..."By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph. 2:8-9)."

As followers of Christ - new or experienced; as students of the word, as hearers and doers, staying attentive to what the Bible says is the truth is essential. For seldom does it square with what the our culture says.

"Just the facts Ma'am."

Attitude and Action

Over the past several days, a great deal of my time has been spent watching the NCAA Woman's Softball championship and World Series playoffs.  I have probably enjoyed this as much as I enjoy and find myself riveted to the Little League World Series later in the summer.

There is something about watching these women play that has not escaped my attention. It is their attitude. Out of all the games I have watched, I believe only one time have I seen a player get upset at the play of another.

The reason that made an impact is simple - attitude is everything. These woman play the game because they love playing the game, not because they have hopes of some professional contract down the road or some eternal glory - it is for the love of the game. And their attitude is consistently demonstrated in their actions. As a compliment, their actions continue to feed their attitude. It truly is a joy to watch.

As a follower of Christ, I know there are times when my attitude is pathetic. Unfortunately to compliment that, often my actions are counterproductive to my faith. It is a constant battle for me. The problem resides in the reversal of priorities. It is not my attitude that determines my actions, it must be an awareness of an action that produces my attitude.

Paul makes a comment, in his opening remarks to the Galatians, that the Lord Jesus Christ "gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age." He begins to wind down the letter with these words, "...Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The desires of the flesh result in pitiful behavior and stinkin' thinkin'. However, if we walk by the Spirit our attitudes and actions will be pure, uplifting, and beneficial.

I am delivered from this present evil age, yet often I live as though I still have both feet firmly grounded in it. It is a paradox that, I suspect, all of us struggle with from time to time. We do not live as delivered, we live as though we are still detained.

The sacrifice of Christ for my sins results in my deliverance through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. That action should, even must, result in a new attitude. Bearing the fruit that leads to "...love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, (and) self-control."

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." (Gal. 5:25)

*****

Go Aggies!!!

Truth Matters - Part II

The scripture speaks of two truths…one is a spiritual truth, such as “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” That truth is the universal truth of God in Christ, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for sin, and his resurrection from the dead.

Then there is truth as we normally think of it – moral truth; veracity, genuineness, honesty. Such verses as “speaking the truth in love” or “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another” are good examples of this. This concept of truth involves both character and speech.

Moral truth has difficulty without spiritual truth. Spiritual truth is fleshed out in moral truthfulness.

Moral truthfulness, even for those of The Truth, is a difficult quality to master. Indeed, it is evidenced as a challenge in the Old Testament within the community of Yahweh, just as much as the  Acts community. It appears anytime there is a relationship – casual or formal, personal or impersonal, among many or few, living, speaking and dealing in truthfulness can be a challenge.

In the New Testament, Paul makes it clear, speech such as slander, obscene talk and lying should all be eradicated with the old self. Most of us know how hard it is to rid ourselves of the “old self” and continue to be transformed into Christ-likeness. Nevertheless, the command and obligation to do so is apparent.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie (literally “stop lying”) to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Col. 3:5-10)

Paul emphasizes being transformed by the renewing of our mind, and putting on the new self. What might have been acceptable living habits before, are no longer acceptable for the believer. That kind of transformation requires radical action.

In May of 2003, Aron Ralston, then 27, was climbing in the Colorado mountains. His arm became pinned beneath a thousand pound boulder. It was apparent that he was not able to free himself and he would certainly die there out of view of any rescuers.

Ralston became trapped on a Saturday, by Tuesday he had run out of water and after two more days he decided the only way he would survive is if he amputated his arm. Using a pocket knife that is exactly what he did.

When Paul says, "Put do death therefore what is earthly in you" the action indicated is exactly like that experienced by Mr. Ralston. In other words, do whatever it takes to get rid of what is "earthly" in you, related to both thoughts and words. Then, "Put on the new self with its practices which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

Jesus put it more succinctly, if your right eye offends you, pluck it out. If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. Take whatever action necessary, radical action, to shed the old self and put on the new.

Is it any wonder integrity (truth in character) and honesty (truth in word and deed) are such rare qualities?

Uhm...where did I leave my pocket knife?

Truth Matters

It is irritating me like a nagging itch I cannot scratch. And for the life of me I cannot figure out why. Part of it may be a reaction to this "tell all" book by Scott McClellan. Part of may be the whole political scene surrounding the upcoming election. Part of it, I suspect, may be my own haunting past of deception. Whatever the number of parts, and the role I may or may not play, I am perplexed and bewildered.

There may be a relative issue when it comes to truthfulness. I am not certain. But it seems to me, saying "yes", if my wife asks me, "Does my hair look okay?", even when it may not, is unequal to saying "yes" if my boss asks me, "Did you fill out your timecard accurately?" and I did not.

Perhaps what is irritating me is that people - seemingly important people - are knowingly deceptive and everyone knows it. Like politicians saying they are not going to raise taxes. The news media saying the present fair and objective reporting. Or religious leaders refusing to make public their financial records.

None of this is a surprise so much as it is so flippant. So obvious. So cavalier.

Does truth matter only when it serves an agenda, or does it matter period? Are the American people willing to neutralize truth in favor or getting something in return? Do I understand the value and long-term benefit of truth and am I willing to stand up for it, no matter what?

It's an itch I gotta scratch.

Now Play Nice!

Apparently there is no lack of ignorance in Hollywood. Big shocker there, right?

Here is a snippet from an Internet posting regarding actress Sharon stone

"I'm not happy about the way the Chinese are treating the Tibetans because I don't think anyone should be unkind to anyone else," Stone said Thursday during a Cannes Film Festival red-carpet interview with Hong Kong's Cable Entertainment News. "And then this earthquake and all this stuff happened, and then I thought, is that karma? When you're not nice that the bad things happen to you?"

Now I don't want to compound ignorance by making an ignorant comment about an ignorant comment made by what appears to be an ignorant person. But what does the Chinese government's treatment of the Tibetan people have to do with the thousands upon thousands of innocent people killed in that quake and the hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes?

And how in the world did "karma" get dragged into the whole mess?

Yes we reap what we sow and perhaps no one should be unkind to another person or people groups. But does the Chinese government give a rip about what Sharon Stone thinks?  I venture not.

Often times I forget that there is a world outside the continental US. I forget that there are cultures different than mine, belief systems incongruent with mine, and governments more corrupt than ours. Nevertheless, life is what it is.

My heart hurts for both people groups, the Chinese and the Tibetans, but bad karma? I don't think so.  God's judgment? I'll not judge that. Population control? No comment. An act of nature? Now we're getting somewhere.

Playing nice is a hard thing to do when people don't see eye to eye on basic issues. If you're involved in a local church, you know that's true. If you pay any attention at all to politics you definitely know that is true. Compromise is a hard thing to achieve when basic ideologies are in conflict.

Almost every book in the New Testament deals with relationship issues in one form or another. On more than one occasion we are implored to love one another, deal kindly with one another, speak respectfully of one another, forgive one another and uplift one another. Talk about playing nice! Yet those very concepts continue to be the biggest thorn in the side of contemporary churches and our ability to live out our faith effectively, for the world to not only see, but admire.

Father God, help us to play nice with one another."

Prayers and Praying

It was several months ago that I posted a piece on prayer. The focus was centered a bit on my own frustration about why God was choosing not to answer our prayers regarding a specific issue in our life. Something that He is about to do shortly, I believe.

Prayer, for me is one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life. Yes, we all pray in one form or another. We even pray often about the same need(s) seeking either God's direction or His action. Often these prayers seem to go unanswered. And, it is in my nature to question why that might be.

This past Sunday, our pastor addressed the issue of prayer. Specifically, he offered his thoughts regarding the passage in Matthew where Jesus states with some certainty, that we should ask, seek and knock. For in doing so we will receive, find, and a door will be opened.

That teaching of Christ has been befuddling to me for many years. As a pastor, in order to reconcile the difficulty of the truth, I took the avenue that said we receive, find, and doors are opened only when we are in right standing with God and pray according to what fits within His will. Neither of which are qualifiers that Jesus states, or implies.

Now, before I explore my Pastor's comments, let me say that my observations are merely on the basis of interacting with what I hear from the pulpit - something I think everyone should do. I seldom, if ever, just absorb what I hear without filtering it in some way.

Therefore, what my pastor had to say about the verses in Matthew 7:7-11 ( he also added vs. 12-14 as a part, which I have yet to figure out) was this: 1) We must pray a righteous prayer and 2) we must be living a righteous life for this passage to have its full impact. I suspect these points, or some variation of these points, are not new to anyone regarding these passages and others.  After all, we must be able to explain in some way, why prayers are not answered with the immediacy Christ implies.

Is it when I am in right standing with God that I can expect my prayers to be answered? Is it when I have some insight to God's will and pray accordingly, that what I ask, seek, and knock for will be granted? Well yes --- to some degree.

It is true that the prayer of a righteous person avails much, that impudence has its place and asking without selfish desire all play a part in prayer that brings the desired response. However, in the Matthew setting, perhaps something different is in mind.

Could it be that what we (and the disciples) are encouraged to ask, seek and knock for, are the very values and characteristics Christ has been enumerating up to this point? That the "good things" are those qualities of Christ likeness spelled out in the Sermon on the Mount? Naturally, desiring those qualities leads to a certain righteousness. Living those qualities brings a certain harmony with God's will. However, I suspect the cart is indeed before the horse if we emphasis quality of life and prayer as the starting points. They are the fruit. It is when we "seek first the Kingdom of God," that needs will be met and desires fulfilled.

The whole point about the Sermon on the Mount is not so the general public will be uplifted and motivated. It is that Christ's followers will understand what is expected in their lives. I suspect that the entire closing remarks, Matthew 7, bear that out.  At least in Matthew's mind as he caps this segment of Christ's teaching.

Father, let me ask until my poor spirit is made rich. Let me seek until I find meekness in my life and not bravado. May I knock on the door of a pure heart until I find it open. Let me be light and not darkness.

God Bless Our Soldiers

As I grow older I develop a stronger sensitivity and appreciation for the men and woman who protect our freedoms every hour of every day. It matters not to me whether they might be emptying a waste basket at the Pentagon or engaged in small arms fire on the streets of Baghdad.  Everyone contributes to the effort.

Last night, on television, I was watching an account of WWII and the testimony of several men who survived that horrific war. It gave me pause to consider.  I have no idea what it takes to engage an enemy face to face, to shoot someone and watch them fall before my eyes. To be on a ship one minute, than lose over 500 of my friends and shipmates in a single strike, finding myself floating in the ocean trying to dodge the strafing of enemy fire from the planes overhead.  I have no idea what it takes to fly a plane loaded with supplies over the "Hump", knowing that each flight could literally be my last. I have no idea what it would be like to march 90 miles with little food or water in the scorching heat, watching men die all around me or see them taken off to the side of the road an shot because they could not keep up. I have no idea.

Yes, I can judge a war from the sidelines. I can protest the death of young men and women. I can wish none of it was necessary. However, as long as humankind has ideals - however distorted or abusive - as long as there are values that do not coincide with other people's values, there will be war.  It can be fought with words or weapons. But I will never discount the commitment of those in the past, those in the present, or those in the future who choose to defend my right to have and express my ideals and values.

God Bless our Troops and God Bless America.

Turning a Corner

The words stunned me. Even now when I think about them I cringe and wonder how I could have been so naive and introspective.

On more than one occasion on my blogs I have referred to my life as "second best." That some how or in some way, because I was not doing what I believed God called me to do, I was living an inferior life.  A good friend and mentor, sent me a few emails attempting to get me to see how foolish that thought pattern was. How insulting to God it might be. Each time he offered counsel, I responded with my rationale. However, his words remained and began to rattle around in my brain knowing there may be revealing truth in what he was saying.

The other evening, while my wife and I were spending some time together on the deck, she carried the thought to a new level.  She indicated she had read my friend's emails and she agreed with him. Then she spoke directly with a question that stunned me. "Am I then second best?

If I were texting, the response would have been OMG - Oh my God!

This person who has been my rock, my source of inspiration and perpetual love - my "message from God that He loves me unconditionally," now puts things in perspective. Her words force me to think beyond my own pity party and look at reality.

There is nothing hidden from God. Not a sparrow falls from the sky without Him knowing, the very hairs of my head are numbered. The architect of the universe knows, directs and allows every event in my life. From before I was born He knew I would be right where I am, doing exactly what I would be doing. He knew every choice that would lead me here and knows exactly what I am doing now. Best of all, He was preparing a wonderful woman that would bring great joy and love into my life.

In spite of all my failures and indiscretions, there is nothing about God's will that is second best. As one person said, "May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be."

This is a corner-turner for me. Words that I might have easily spoken to another have come to hit me head on. Years of self-programming must now be erased. I don't expect it to be a miracle healing, but I do expect that God will heal my heart and mind. That He will reveal the joy of being in the here and now and living within the infinite scope of His will.

Thank you Jon.

Alice, forgive me for ever writing words or expressing thoughts that would somehow cause you to feel less than God's best regarding yourself or our love.

Father, forgive me for selling You short. For giving people the impression You might have an inferior direction for me or anyone else. Help me to embrace the fact that I am exactly where You want me to be.