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!!!