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.

The Power of Scripture

Well, I did it! I finished the book RIVEN last night (the book is due out 7/22). I had been saving those last few pages because I wanted to be able to read them all in one sitting. It was worth it.

Now I'll confess, this is the first time in my life that I have read a novel that was almost 600 pages. The book, Left Behind was close to five hundred, but other than that I slog through novels and seldom reach the end.

I'll admit, there were times when I was saying to the author, "C'mon already, let's get moving." However, that is simply a reflection of my character and not Jerry's writing. I am a "get to the point" kind of person.

Some of what moved me about this novel was its use of scripture. I found myself fascinated with how many times I read quotes from the Bible that contained more than just the standard "verse" we often hear. There were full paragraphs and each had their own setting that brought the power of scripture to light. I'll say it again, that moved me, often to tears.

When was the last time you heard someone quote a portion of scripture and sound like they "owned it?" Not just quoting it correctly but that it issued from the heart and not simply the brain.

I struggle to memorize scripture these days. It use to come easy, now not so much anymore. However, as I was reading today, I began to see some of the passages cited in the novel and looked at them as they stood in context, and I thought, "I want to know that. I want to make that a part of who I am, etch it on my heart." That made me think immediately of Psalm 119:11, "I have stored your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." But wait, look at the whole passage:

How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.

With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Blessed are you O LORD; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.

That, my friends, is the power of Scripture!

Turning Points

It could be the result of triumph or despair, but I suspect most of us have a turning point when the reality of God hits us like never before. As a splash of cold water to the face, we suddenly wake up to the intimacy of our faith and find a level of belief we had not known previously.

Looking back on my initial faith experience, I affirm such a turning point at the beginning of the journey. But it was just one of many. Yes, I lapsed more than most, but none the less, even in my darkness, there were periods of light that kept me cognizant  of the Divine and His ultimate expression of love in Christ.

Often times saving experiences with God are voiced in melodramatic phrases and almost surreal expressions. Sometimes to the point that the average person could never identify. Hearing or reading the recounting of peoples' turning points are also, it seems, elongated and embellished sometimes to the point that makes me want to say, "Are you sure?"

Currently, I am reading a new book called Riven, by Jerry Jenkins. So new, in fact, it is not even in bookstores.  I was privileged to receive an advanced promotional  copy. Now I don't usually read novels, or most types of fiction. However, this book has captured me from opening sentence to what I think will be closing moments.  You see, I purposely did not finish the book yesterday because I did not want to be tempted in revealing the "end."

In this book, the reality of the Christian life, as many of us experience it, is set out in a way that makes perfect sense. There is no "Oh, how wonderful" at the turn of every page, just the stark reality of life as it often plays out on both sides of the fence. Yes, there are turning points, but they come not so much as flashes of light in the darkness, rather gradually, like the sun's rays peaking through the blinds.

It is without shame that I say, "You must read this book." It engages the mind and the heart as you follow the life of two main characters that are not as antithetical as you might think.

Thank you Father for those turning points in my life, those times when your reality and presence force me to my knees crying "Glory!"

Avoid the Ugly

Over the past several days, I have been captivated by the stories of Saul and David. Talk about an opportunity for the study of personality disorders, these two men put it all out on the table for everyone to see.

Saul, attempting to cling to a pathetic kingship that he had no doubt was slipping quickly through his fingers. David, doing almost anything to survive, grasping at the hope and belief that he one day would fulfill his call as "the LORD's anointed."

On at least two occasions, David had an opportunity to end it all yet chose not to betray Saul as the then "anointed" of the LORD. Each time, they came to what seemed to be a truce, yet both went their separate ways not reconciling at all other than in words.

Saul seeks the counsel of a medium in order to gain direction and understanding. David seeks the refuge of the arch enemies of Israel to gain some semblance of order to his life and those who chose to follow him.

The solace in all of this is, if nothing else, for the reader's sake - if not then, certainly now. We see men in all their weakness attempting to do what they believe they have been called of God to do. Men who attempt to cover all their bases to ensure survival. Men I identify with all too well.

What I love about the Old Testament is that it seems never to conceal the obvious flaws of its heroes. Something we seldom see either in the New Testament or in today's culture.

I suspect, especially for men, exposing flaws and weakness, leaves on vulnerable. In part because once we confess and reveal our flotsam it seems to become fair game for destroying us, not a means of restoring us. It's the price paid for playing on a stage that demands perfection in others.

One Sunday, I was stunned when our pastor told a story about his abuse, while he was a young boy, at the hands of one of is uncles. What stunned me was not so much that he told that story, but I thought - how many men within the sound of his voice might identify with that or something similar in their own lives. Men who fear sharing that trauma because of what others might think, or how they might be judged.

Shouldn't the church be a place of healing and restoration?  Wouldn't you think that would be the safest place to deal with such issues? Oh, I don't mean the deep psychological scares from such an event - but the feeling of safety to release it from the hallows of one's heart and come to terms with it. 

I have read of churches who begin such ministries. How the men meet secretly or under the guise of some other purpose in order to deal with histories of abuse, addiction to sex or pornography. I can only imagine the sense of relief and freedom that comes from exposing those sores and allowing them to heal. However, it comes at a cost of another kind.

Dealing with the reality of life is never pretty. Often the people we congregate with would prefer to avoid the ugly and deal with the trivial. I suspect as long is that is the case, the church will never truly be the church.

Breaking Character

When an actress breaks character, she slips out of her role and into her own personality. You seldom see this from professionals, except perhaps on comedy shows when one actor begins laughing and can't stop. This then leads to everyone else breaking character and either the "take" is scrapped or it is left in for the audience to enjoy. We saw this type of thing a great deal on live comedy such as The Carol Burnett show between Tim Conway and Harvey Korman or the I love Lucy show. Not so much anymore, although it does happen.

There are times when we might be asked to "break character" with regard to our faith in following Christ. That does not mean to infer that our relationship with Christ is merely a "role" we play. What it does mean is that as follows of Christ we are to exhibit a certain character - quality of life and beliefs - that often separate us from the rest of the crowd. When we violate that quality of life and belief system, we break character.

I vividly remember when my wife lost her job because she would not lie to the sub-contractors she had been working with. Doing so would have been a breach of character for her. Oh, it might have been a "wink and a nod" to the one who was asking her to lie, but to other people who saw and were impacted by her living testimony, it would definitely have been a break in character.

When we read about Saul, David and Jonathan in 1Samuel, there is a great deal of lying going on. At one time or another each of them misrepresent the truth. But were they breaking character or was this a normal course of human relations at that time, in that culture?  Selfish behavior and self preservation seemed to be the order of the day on the part of each of these men (and their wives at times).  Therefore, is it acceptable to lie when it comes to saving one's skin? Is all fair in love and war?

In a book I'm reading, "Writing for the Soul" by Jerry Jenkins, he tells of his research and interviews with Mike Singletary, the famous linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Mike told him candidly about a serious incident in his life when it might have been easy for him to break character on two occasions. The first time was when he had an "affair" while engaged. Then during his honeymoon he felt compelled to confess this indiscretion to his wife. He could have kept it a secret hoping no one would find out, but he did not want to live with that lie. He told his wife realizing that they would have to start building a trust relationship all over again. He could have broken character a second time, but he chose not to. (Writing for the Soul, p. 124)

In Acts 7, when the High Priests asked Stephen "Are these things so?" It would have been easy for him to deny his faith and blend into the crowd. But he did not break character. Even when the stones that would crush his skill and break his body were lifted high, he did not break character.

Everyday, in some way, I suspect we are tempted to break character. That is exactly what the enemy was trying to do with Jesus in the wilderness temptations. That is exactly what he tries to do with us. May we be found faithful and hold our "part."

Father, I struggle to say on the path every day. It seems, without fail, something calls out to me to "break character." May I seek your strength to stay faithful one more day.

You Don't Say

Many times, when deciding what to write on this blog, I find myself writing in reaction to something or mentally replying to thoughts or ideas I have heard or read. I suppose that makes me a reactionary. Or, depending on who you ask, a pain in the butt.

Take, for example, my comments last week regarding the material being dished out in a Sunday School lesson. Or words my pastor shared, several weeks ago, regarding prayer. My observations were in reaction to issues related to what I read and what I heard.

I do this not because I believe my opinion is superior. Rather because it helps me think through material or thoughts that come to mind in response to what I am hearing, reading, or seeing. However, the real nub of the issue comes from how I couch my observation in words. Often times it can be harsh and sound very judgmental. I suspect there are moments when that is intended, but most often it is not.

In my walk with Christ, I find the area of speech and sometimes the written word, being my most difficult area of challenge. Then again, I suspect I am not alone in that regard.

What if I wrapped my words in the phrase, "the Lord spoke to me about this and here is what he said...." Would that make a difference? Or "The Lord came to me in a vision and said..." Could that give a sense of the divine to my words or thoughts?

I hear those phrases, or something similar, a good deal. However, does that mean what is said or "seen" is credible? Does God come to us or speak to us in visions?  If it is in light of and in response to the biblical text, perhaps, if not - I would be suspicious.  When people use those phrases, are they simply euphemisms or slang for, 'This is what I think is the best direction based on the information we have?" Or is it God saying, "Do this or do that?"

As human beings we can talk ourselves into a good many things and then attempt to legitimize the whole thing by adding some hint of divine direction to the whole experience. Is that indeed legitimate?

The idea or common word for "vision" is used a little more than a dozen times in the NT. The original words used, "horama" and "optasia/optasis", are the words selected and they mean vision, apparition, a spectacle, or something gazed at. Once you  move passed the book of Acts, the only time those words are used is in Revelation. It seems there should be some import in that observation. Not because I make it, simply because it is a fact. "Visions" are not common in the life of the NT church. Of course, something must be said for the "gift of prophecy" as mentioned in 1Corinthians, but that is a subject for a latter time.

Believe me, it would be wonderful if God would speak to me in a vision about my life, my career, my direction for tomorrow. But he does not! Or does he?

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.... Jesus' wrap up to the Sermon on the Mount

If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily, and follow me.   Jesus's direct observation to those wanting to be his disciples.

Perhaps the next time I hear some say, "God spoke to me in a vision," I might reply - "You don't say." Then follow that up with, "Did God say in that vision that you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Christ, or was it something different?"

I Really Don't Know

I remember sitting in Mr. McMahon's High School history class with my eyes glazed over and often nodding off. It was not that he was such a bad teacher, in fact he was probably a good teacher. He had a passion for history. However, his passion got lost in his presentation and his vast knowledge.

I have spent a couple of days know reading and pondering a portion of scripture in Romans. I can sense Paul's passion and vast knowledge, but often I get lost in the thick of it all. It is not that my eyes glaze over - although I must admit sometimes... - it is that his language is so intense and the subject is so deep.

My reading started in Romans 8 as a result of a pursuit regarding God's omniscience, which lead me to his sovereignty, which lead me to the theme of predestination, which culminated in the idea of election.

What is so intriguing about Paul's discourse in chapters 8-11, is his use of the word "all" in chapter 11. Now I do not intended to parse either the word or Paul's powerful expressions concerning the word. That is beyond my qualifications. I simply want to make an observation. As near as I can count, Paul uses the word some 46 times in his letter to the Romans. There are three critical times he uses the word in Romans 11, which is where I began pondering this particular thought. 

ALL is a rather significant word. Especially when it comes to salvation. For if one is not careful in understanding the word, it can often lead to the idea of universalism. That is, everyone will be saved eventually.

The hinge verse is Romans 11:26, "And all Israel will be saved..." Does Paul mean every individual Israelite, Israel as a nation - God's chosen - or Israel with regard to the "elect" within Israel?

The next time he uses the word is in verse 32. "For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all." Now the key to his verse and perhaps the one in v.26 may be what Paul had said earlier in verses 1-6. It is the story of Elijah pleading with God for Israel, but God assures Elijah that he has "kept seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal."  So perhaps "all", in verses 26 and 32 does not really mean "all" in the sense of every or each one is "imprisoned in disobedience" but the nation as God's people.

The last time, in this chapter, that Paul uses the word is with reference to God, verse 36. "For from him (God) and through him and to him are all things." Now that is certainly a case where all means all. At least, I would think so.

Why is any of this important? Because I want to be a student of the word and not just an observer. I want to be feeding on it not just reading it. It is seldom easy for me, but always rewarding, even if I come to no certain conclusion. In other words, I suspect it is alright, when studying Scripture, to say "I really don't know."

Father, what a blessing it is - what a joy to have access to your inspired word. Often times I fear I take it for granted when I should be treasuring it, devouring it, and applying it to my life.

Reflections on Omniscience

What does God know?  He knows everything of course.

What does God control? He controls everything of course.

Where can God be found? He is everywhere, at all times.

If God knows everything, controls everything, and is found everywhere, why does the word "predestination" stir a chill in the minds of many? It seems the concept is acceptable when it comes to the overall character of God and His work with mankind. However, when we bring it down to a personal level - especially regarding salvation - it becomes a stumbling block.

For many non-reformers, we like he idea of "God's will" better. It sounds softer than, "God predetermined this or that to happen and it is out of your control."

The writer of Proverbs said, "The eyes of the LORD are every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good...Sheol and Abaddon lie open before the LORD; how much more the hearts of the children of men?"  (15:3,11)

In the Reformation Study Bible, there is an extensive comment on divine omniscience. In one paragraph we find this, "God's knowledge is linked with His sovereignty: He knows each thing because He created it, sustains it, and now makes it function every moment according to his plan (Eph 1:11). The idea that God could know, and foreknow, everything without controlling everything is not only unscriptural but illogical."  (pg. 896)

Is that a lesson in puppetry or is it a matter of how man's free will fits that understanding of God? As a human being, created in the image of God, am I devoid of any "control" over my thoughts or actions?

This whole idea confounds me. Oh, it would be nice to have pre-scripted answers to all the questions, but that would be too easy.

Is it unwise to simply leave it as a mystery? To let God be God and not attempt to dissect His thoughts or intentions.  I suspect so, yet still my mind cannot run from the seeming dichotomy.

The Truth about Truth

In our society and many others, it seems that "truth" has become a relative issue. I suspect it is never more apparent than during a political season. However, the "Truth" of the gospel is never relative.

One of the oft quoted verses from the Bible are the words of Pilate when he says to Jesus, "What is truth (John 18:38)?" Now I am not certain whether Pilate was being sarcastic or he was asking with some level of sincerity. That is not necessarily the issue. What is the issue, is what prompted the question. It comes as a result of this statement by Jesus

You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world -- to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice (18:37).

There are a couple of facts that stand out in that statement. 1) Jesus came not to be a king, rather to be a witness to the truth. 2) Those who either were predestined to hear it, or those who have committed their lives as followers of Christ, listen because what they hear (and see) is truth.

This does not mean that truth is merely the absence of a lie, or strictly moral truth. What it means is this truth is absolute and eternal. This truth, in Christ, is a fleshing out of life the way God intended it to be - in right relationship to Him.

When Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." He was saying something more than a statement of exclusivity. He was proclaiming that his way was God's way, his truth was God's truth and his life was God's intended life for mankind. The access to and fulfillment of that is via Christ to God. That is not as much exclusivity, as it is simply truth.

Truth can be sought in a variety of ways. But the truth most people seek is not really truth - it is simply a way of trying to get some peace, purpose and satisfaction in their life. To make sense of things that make no sense.  It is simply a magnification of what's-in-it-for-me.

The primary reason most people are put off by Christ - besides encountering too many hypocrites - is that he calls them to TRUTH. To release the living of a lie and embrace the truth of God. Truth that calls one to sacrifice not self-indulgence. Truth that calls to serving, not being served. Truth that calls to love not manipulation. Truth that yields to God.  That is the truth about truth.

That truth is not fashionable nor comfortable. I struggle with it every day, sometimes every hour. Nevertheless, that is the truth I am called to in Christ and through Christ.

Powerful Pronoun

There are times, if I am not paying attention, that I sit down to the keyboard and my fingers are not set in the "go" position. It is amazing what happens. My words look like this...,u eptfd ;ppl ;olr yjod smf [rp[;r vsmmpy imfrtdysmf yjr, - "my words look like this and people cannot understand them." 

In Scripture, there are those moments when it is good to shift words; especially pronouns. The exercise gives a new perspective and direction to the meaning. For example, here is John 17:20 as it stands in the text:

I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word...

Now let's change the pronoun - for illustration, I will use my name and a singular pronoun.

I do not ask for Norm only, but also for those who will believe in me through his word...

That certainly gets my attention, especially when I know that this is Jesus' prayer to the Father concerning those who commit to following him. Let's look at another. The italicized words are replacements of a plural pronoun for a singular or personal name.

Father, I desire that Norm also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me... O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and Norm knows that you have sent me. I made know to him your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you love me may be in him, and I in him. (John 17:24-26)

Now, substitute your name for mine. Doesn't the prayer take on a new sense of power?

I do not know this for certain, but I suspect, Jesus still prays that prayer, in some form every day as he sits beside the Father's throne. Furthermore, I suspect that he and the Father think of you and me from time to time when that prayer echoes in the halls of heaven.

I clap my hands and say GLORY! Thank you Father!

Missed Communication

At times, for grins, I read the upcoming Sunday School lesson in the LifeWay books our church uses. Often, I struggle with the depth and application of these lessons, but they are what they are. However, this week is one I just cannot let go.

The main text used is in 2 Samuel 13-14, about David's sons Amnon (his first born) and Absalom (his third). In the text, Amnon is lusting after his half-sister Tamar. He sets up a plan to be alone with her and rapes her. After the act, he despises her and leaves her in derision to her family.  Well, Absalom knows that has happened and sets a plan in motion to kill Amnon for what he has done. It's the ol' two wrongs hoping to make one right. Which, of course, it does not.

Now here is the kicker. When David learns of what Amnon has done, he apparently does nothing! I suppose that is why, in part,  Absalom does what he does.

As the story moves along, Absalom and David are estranged from one another over the incident. Absalom lives in another country for a few years. Then, with some convincing, David allows his son to come "home" but never sees or speaks to him.

Now the point of the LifeWay lesson centers around communication, primarily, communication within the family. Now I ask you, how in the world would effective communication made the situation any different?  Somehow, we think in our Western mind, that other cultures value "communication" and methods of communicating, in the same way we do. I am not certain they do.

Do we assume that David never shared with his sons the lessons he learned from the adulterous affair with Bathsheba? Do we believe that David had no moral standards set before his boys?  Do we believe that he never taught them the Shema, or any of the laws of God? Is this whole incident simply played out in order to fulfill Nathan's prediction that there would be disaster in David's house? A classic "be sure your sins will find you out" scenario?

Those, in my estimation, are the important questions to ask about the text. It is about what goes wrong when people do "what is right in their own eyes" with little regard for the consequences.  That is indeed missed communication.

Sanctified in Truth

Have you ever been in a situation - a classroom, business conference, training seminar - where you were overwhelmed? Then, in your mind at least, you simply through up your hands saying, "I cannot take any more! This is simply too much information!"

There was a point in the "training" of the disciples/apostles where Jesus said to them, "I still have more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now." Apparently, they were at that point of saying, enough - we cannot contain everything. That did not excuse them from the exercise of knowing and growing in their relationship to Christ, it simply indicates they were not ready for the full course.

As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to keep knowing and growing. To push ourselves to the next level of understanding so that we may be "complete in Christ." We need to get off the "milk" and onto solid food (1Cor. 3:1 & Heb. 5:11-14).

In John 15-16 Jesus talks to the disciples about a good many things. Whether through parable or direct discourse, he stretches their mind and soul and forces them to think beyond what they already knew about the Messiah. He pushes them to a deeper understanding of their personal relationship and what is to come.  He moves them from a point of confusion and leads them to a point of confession.  He nudges them from their understanding of their place in the world, a place of conflict, to a point of conquest yet to come.

All of it was more than a full plate and something that challenged the disciples to the core. Nevertheless, Jesus wraps it all up as they listen to him pray what has become known as the High Priestly prayer (John 17). The key to the prayer is this - "Sanctify them in the truth; you word is truth (v.17).

"Truth" is a hard nut to crack. Often times, when reading God's word, we look at words and think we are seeing the whole picture. But I propose, if those standing their listening to the Master had difficulty understanding what he was saying, how can we grasp it with a cursory skimming of the pages?

Followers of Christ are called to full understanding of truth. God's word is truth. Our mission is to feed on it, not simply read it. Our task is to push ourselves to the point where we say, "I must take a break, my mind and heart cannot take any more."

I often find myself lost in the words and not the message of scripture. I regularly realize that my reading has been superficial and not sanctifying - sucking on the milk and not cutting meat. Those are the times when I fail to move forward in my relationship to Christ. Conversely, when I read and read again, until I comprehend the magnitude of what is being said, each nuance, those are the fruitful times.

Father, sanctify me in the truth. Your word is truth. May I be found faithful taking my seat at the table.

Twenty-Five Years

How could I ever described what it is like to spend 25 years with someone I love more today than I did when we first "fell" for each other?

How could I paint a portrait of a woman that gives of herself with no thought of others? Who is supportive and encouraging even when I do stupid things, and I have done plenty of stupid things over the past 25 years.

It amazes me to this day that she was willing to take a risk on me. Having multiple failed relationships as baggage, she was willing to plunge herself into the unknown waters of marriage with no thought of my failures, only our potential life together.

It is because of her, that I am where I am today. She is God's unending message of unconditional love to me. How could I profess any type of "thank you" that would ever measure up to that gift? Even "love" does not begin to describe our romance.

The mother of King Lemuel is right "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised (Prov. 31:30)."

I open my heart and yield it to another 25 years.

When the Rooster Crows

It can be rather annoying. For apparently no particular reason, roosters crow. They crow in the early dawn or the late of day. But they do crow. It seems the most common reasons are one, they are programmed to do so at daybreak (which may often be much earlier than you and I would call daybreak) and two, they crow as a control mechanism. Either way, it appears that the crowing is mostly territorial. To let other roosters know who is in charge of what.

When Jesus told Peter, "The rooster will not crow until you have denied me three times (John 13:36-38)," there was nothing particularly special about it - the crowing that is. If anything it was suspending an animals natural instinct until an appointed time.

What was special spiritually was a "marking" of an action that signified defeat, Peter's denial of Christ. This was important because it helps us to understand how even those who appear strongest, struggle.

There can be times in my life when the rooster never seems to shut up. There are other times when I can be making great progress only to falter and hear the rooster crow. Yes, at first it is annoying. But then I realize the "crowing" signals there is a problem. Sin has encroached on a territory that belongs to God and He will not tolerate sin.

I suppose I am thankful that we have no roosters in our community, at least that I can hear. I am also thankful that there is, in some regards, an internal rooster which is always present. When that rooster crows, I know there is a problem.

Father Spirit, thank you that when the rooster crows, You are calling me back to Yourself. Although I may weep with sorrow when I hear it, I can rejoice that You are signaling me - I have crossed the boundaries, come back where I belong.

Personal Thoughts

This past weekend was a bit awkward for us. It started Thursday afternoon with a call from my oldest son that we were now the proud grandparents of a new baby boy - Trystan Paul  --- 8lbs 2.25oz, 20" long.

Not only was that news great, but it came with a phone call! That means we talked instead of exchanging emails which is how we have conversed for almost a year. Therefore, the blessings were doubled.

Then came the news that the baby was suffering some breathing problems and they had to put him in ICU. Being over a thousand miles away, when you would prefer to be "out in the hall" during all of this, proved challenging for my wife and I. Yet, our son proved more than capable of dealing with the facts and managing the situation for he and his wife, Autumn.

As parents and grandparents, our job was to pray and his job was to do what Dad's do, step up to the situation and handle it. Something he did quite well.

As of Sunday, the crisis had passed and baby Trystan Paul was doing well and able to go home with Mom and Dad. Naturally, this brought a relief to our hearts. In addition, it meant that for three days my son and I talked at least once, sometimes twice a day. That in itself was a blessing we could not have measured.

I am thankful for our new grandson, there is no doubt about it. So please don't misunderstand when I say, I am thankful for this "crisis" that opened a door of communication that both of us were hesitant to open on our own. 

Did God cause this situation with Trystan? I do not know the answer to that. What I do know is that He is using it ways no one would have known.

It is odd how "situations" bring blessings unexpected. Sometimes you just shrug your shoulders and say the only thing  you can...

Thank you Father!

Big Things

There are times when things are just too big for me to get my arms around. It could be that my mind is too small, it could be because I have a narrow thought pattern, it could be that I am not fully open to new thoughts and ideas. I am not certain.

The other day, we were in a church waiting for my niece's pinning ceremony to start. She is finishing nursing school and they have a particular ceremony called "pinning."  Anyway, while we were sitting there I pulled out a pew Bible and opened it at random and read a couple of paragraphs.

The passage was John 5:19-47. Verses 27-30 talk about judgement. Specifically, the judgement passed from God the Father to Jesus, the son. Yet later in the same book, Jesus said that he did not "come to judge the world (12:47)." I am not certain how those two opposites can be accurate. I am not saying they are a contradiction, simply that they seem to say different things.

It is true, that to some extent my judgement is a result of my own actions and responses. That Jesus' objective was to save not to "judge." That men have to a certain degree created their own judgement. Yet it must be true that God has a role - a role either in himself or in his son.

It would be easy simply to say that judgement is a response to our belief or unbelief. However, I suspect there is more to it than that. So I'll noodle it for a while. Pray about it and search for a clear understanding. Perhaps God will oblige.

Blessings to all.

What is the Cure?

Men are not real good about seeking medical attention willingly. Usually they need a great deal of wife-coaching or something major to happen before they pursue a doctor. That is pretty much how I am. Although, as I get older, I am less prone to put things off. One never knows.....

Recently, I was diagnosed with oligopistos. It was not something my doctor caught on my most recent visit. The discovery came while I was reading. I ran across an article in a magazine I subscribe to and then when I was doing my morning reading, the obvious struck me, "Those are exactly the symptoms I experience."

I suspect I knew these symptoms where present a long time ago, I simply refused to address them. Now, getting hit twice on successive days, it must be a "sign" from God. 

Oligopistos! What am I going to do? How will I ever manage this devastating condition? The antidote is extreme and the cure rate, well - I'm not exactly sure what the cure rate is.

For those of you who have never suffered from oligopistos, or those who are not certain whether you have it or not, its common name is puny faith or little faith! It is basically a failure of the heart and soul to trust God in every situation or circumstance. Few of us are good at mastering that level of faith.

Four times in Matthew's gospel Jesus rightly diagnoses his follower's problem as oligopistos - puny faith. Whether it related to daily needs (6:30), dependency on him (14:31), or a clear understanding of his mission and those who would attempt to derail it (16:8) the issue was clear - Their faith was too small.

My faith is too small.

What is the cure? Actually I am not certain. The logical response to that question would be more faith. However faith is not like peanut butter, you don't just dip the knife back in the jar and get some more. I expect it is more like a yielding of the heart and soul - a releasing of who and what we are to who and what we are called to be in Christ. That is radical and intense.

Father, now that my condition is exposed. I am not certain what to do about it. I could say, "Grow my faith", but that may entail things I am not ready for. Nevertheless, stretch me a bit more today than you did yesterday. I truly do want "big" faith.