The Way Of The Wolf - As Told By Norm MacDonald

Change of Scenery

2008-07-25T16:47:00.004-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

God Bless.

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

Orthodoxy

2008-07-25T09:15:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A hard lesson, but one I am learning.

Just Say the Word!

2008-07-24T08:31:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Builders for Life

2008-07-23T08:33:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes You Just Shouldn't

2008-07-22T08:24:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

I like those days.

Scan Is Complete

2008-07-21T10:05:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch Out Here Come The Words!

2008-07-18T07:59:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's Have a Healing

2008-07-17T08:21:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Could You? Would You?

2008-07-16T10:14:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Could you? Would you? join in the challenge.

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

Here are some tips...

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

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

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

On The Scales

2008-07-15T09:48:00.002-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Mixed" Blessing

2008-07-14T08:47:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is truly a mixed blessing.

Thank you Father for the joy of grand children.

He Can

2008-07-11T09:45:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HE CAN!

The Struggle

2008-07-09T23:02:00.001-04:00

Is it sin that frustrates me or grace undeserved

I confess without number - I find forgiveness without measure

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

Wretchedness veils my eyes - Unconditional love opens them again

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

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

Recharge

2008-07-08T08:57:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expose Yourself

2008-07-07T08:42:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

The writer of Proverbs has this little nugget:

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

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

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

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

It's Greek to Me

2008-07-03T08:50:00.001-04:00

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

ויהי דבר־יהוה אל־יונה

But I can say it flawlessly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where Does My Light Shine?

2008-07-02T09:05:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scatterbrain

2008-06-30T09:28:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-27T09:05:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-26T09:07:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-24T09:42:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-23T08:44:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-20T08:57:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-19T08:48:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-18T08:33:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-17T08:10:00.001-04:00

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?

2008-06-16T08:56:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-13T07:56:00.001-04:00

"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

2008-06-12T08:59:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-11T08:11:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-10T09:46:00.001-04:00

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?

2008-06-09T08:59:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-06T08:30:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-05T08:32:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-03T09:35:00.001-04:00

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

2008-06-02T08:56:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*****

Go Aggies!!!

Truth Matters - Part II

2008-05-30T10:07:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-29T11:58:00.001-04:00

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!

2008-05-28T16:33:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-27T08:49:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-26T08:20:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-24T07:04:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-23T08:54:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-22T09:02:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-21T08:34:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-20T08:14:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-19T09:22:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-16T09:46:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-15T09:35:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-14T09:30:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-09T09:08:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-08T10:38:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-07T08:43:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-06T08:49:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-05T07:50:00.001-04:00

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

2008-05-03T09:44:00.001-04:00

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?

2008-05-01T08:45:00.001-04:00

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.

Love & Hate

2008-04-30T09:47:00.001-04:00

The day my parents asked me to leave their house is still fresh in my mind. I actually thought it was a badge of my devotion to God for them to do that. For you see, I must hate them in order to demonstrate my love for God. After all isn't that what Jesus said, "Whoever loves Father or Mother more than me is not worthy of me..." and "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children, brothers and sisters...cannot be my disciple."

If we carry the thought further, apparently God hates them that hate him, He hated Esau, He hates sinners - because sinners hate Him, etc. etc. So hating is not a bad thing, it's a good thing if we hate for the right reason, correct?

If I love chasing after things more than I love following Christ, I must hate God, right? It is not possible to love God and "things." For Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." (Matt. 6:24)

The mystery of this idea of hate is deep. We confirm that God is love, yet with the same breath we affirm that God is a jealous God. We read in the same Gospels, hate your family and honor your family.

It is interesting to me how different folks have different approaches to this idea of hate.

When I was being such a butt-head and flaunting my pitiful piety in front of my parents to the point they invited me to leave, I am not certain I was doing God a favor. It is unlikely that any honor was reflected on Him as a result of that. I know for certain, my parents were not saying, "How devoted and committed our son is to God." It is more likely they were saying, "Our son needs to be committed."

When we compare our devotion to God to those things that surround us, it indeed must be supreme. Supreme to the point that it appears to be "hate" for anything else. Our commitment to Christ must know no rivals. Bouncing that up against our commitment to anything or anyone else may seem like "hate." But is it?

This indeed is a mystery.

Father Spirit, may my devotion to You be supreme over everything else in my life.

"He Ain't Heavy..."

2008-04-29T17:24:00.001-04:00

If this stilted mind is right, Simon and Garfunkel's song, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, has a line in it that says, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother." The song is about encouragement, sharing another's burdens, being there for a person in need. At least that is my take on it.

It was several years ago, in another state, another town, a casual friend of ours lost his Dad. The death was rather sudden and took a heavy toll on our young friend. There was an immediate point of identification for me, since both my Dad and step-dad had died within two years of each other. So my heart could feel his heaviness.

Even though we were not close friends, one afternoon, I picked up the phone and called the young man and let him know that there was someone out there who could share his sorrow. Someone who could help him carry that heaviness of heart.

I knew that there would be times when he hungered to hear the words of his father; To see his face; feel his touch; to simply know that he was there. Then come to the realization that he was not there and he would experience none of those things again.

It is a devastating feeling.

Our conversation brought us both to tears, as it is now. Nevertheless, a few weeks later his wife shared with me how much that phone call meant. What an encouragement it had been to the man.

I say this not because I am a kind and considerate man, often I am not. I share this because sometimes "heaviness in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." Prov. 12:25

At one time or another, we all feel the heaviness of life. Many times, those around us are experiencing burdens almost unimaginable to us. We may not know what to do or what to say. A word of encouragement may be all that is needed to help ease the burden. Letting them know that you are there encouraging them as they walk over the "bridge of troubled waters."

Father, let me be an encourager. Help me not to feel embarrassed to reach out. For some the bridge is long.

Pig Rings

2008-04-28T14:03:00.001-04:00

My office is situated in such a way with a simple glance to my left I can see out the window and enjoy nature, keep an eye on the neighborhood and keep watch for the mail. I will admit, this "convenience" comes at the price of an occasional daydream or interruption in my work flow or train of thought.

There is a sense, when reading Proverbs 11, that the writer may be in a similar situation. Everything seems to be flowing right along then, without warning, we read, "Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without discretion (v.22)."

The use of rings in an animals nose, such as pigs, cows, or bulls serves a useful purpose not a decorative one. Rings in a pig's snout primarily prevent the pig from rooting - foraging where they shouldn't be foraging. For other animals, since the inside of the nose or snout is extremely sensitive, the ring serves as a means of controlling the animal.

In ancient times, nose rings were fairly common. When Abraham's servant went to find a wife for Isaac when he found Rebekah, and determined she was the one, he put a nose ring on her and bracelets (Gen. 24:47). Ezekiel refers to God's bride, Israel, saying God had adorned her as a bride and put a "ring on (her) nose and earrings in (her) ears and a beautiful crown on (her) head (16:12)."

The purpose of the nose ornament was a sign of commitment-a decision to be faithful. No rooting around for the wife or the people of Israel. A commitment was made and it was expected to be honored.

The writer of Proverbs may be saying, a beautiful woman/bride/wife who has no discretion in her behavior is like putting a sign of commitment on the snout of a worthless animal. It has no meaning or value.

Signs of commitment are of little import if one is unwilling to follow through on the commitment. Taking up the cross of Christ means nothing if our pattern of behavior belies what we say we believe. The principles of the Cross are not for sissies. There is nothing superficial about one who has committed themselves to be a follower of Christ.

Poor Thinking

2008-04-26T12:01:00.001-04:00

This is not a political statement, simply an observation in poor thinking.

Considering the condition of the economy and the prospect for future "growth", it seems rather short sided the way President Bush is thinking. Somehow, he believes that those "incentive checks" starting to go out Monday will be a shot in the arm to the economy. I cannot imagine anything further from the truth. I suspect most of those funds will recycle back into the economy in the form of people paying bills and perhaps eeking out one more mortgage payment.

Poor thinking is not uncommon among politicians. It is not uncommon among the common. A good example is found in Genesis 32 & 33 when Jacob prepares to meet Esau. For the first time since his deception of Esau, Jacob will have an encounter with his brother. Expecting that Esau will act in a manner similar to the way Jacob acted many years prior, Jacob is in fear. Fear that proves to be unfounded.

How often do we do the same - Live in fear of the unknown and ultimately, the unfounded? Living under a pretense that worry and anxiety will somehow produce something of substance. I'll confess I do it all the time.

Many of my friends and readers of one of my blogs know for over a year we have been anxiously awaiting the sale of our house in Texas. At least I have been "anxiously awaiting" that transaction. Well, it is now under contract. A great blessing, yet at the same time for me, simply a shift in anxiety. That is, I'll be anxiously awaiting the closing date in some fear of circumstances changing to sabotage the sale. Of course, if the sale does finalize, I'll simply then move my anxiety to another area - should we travel to England to see the kids, to Texas to meet our new daughter in-law and grandkids, to Washington to visit my mom, or a trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary? My, I'm worn out just thinking about what it will be like thinking about those things.

As my wife and I were discussing my "handicap of anxiety", almost simultaneously we thought of 1 Peter 5:6-7; "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Perhaps Jacobs wrestling with the "the man" at the river Jabbok, or his prayers to God prior to setting out toward Esau's land are a reflection of what Peter was saying. It was all a matter of coming to terms with what was real, not what was imagined. A means of changing poor thinking into right thinking. A time of deciding to trust God and move ahead.

Someone once said that, "Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere." Trusting God is what neutralizes worry and anxiety. As Jesus said, "Therefore, do not be anxious....your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:31-33)

I am not sure why I am such a slow learner, perhaps I will look back on this whole event and see all that God has taught me - and he has -- then realize it's time to trust Him in all areas, with everything.

New Commandment

2008-04-25T10:03:00.001-04:00

"Half baked" - It is a way to describe either something that is not fully baked, or, as it was and is used by some folks in the common market, "nuts" - as in no handle on the pail or out of one's mind.

The thoughts I share today are "half baked." Meaning, not fully baked, from my perspective, perhaps out of one's mind by others.

For quite some time I have struggled with the idea that Jesus' teachings can be characterized as commandments. Commandments in the sense that one might normally think about them with reference to the Ten Commandments or The Law. (I have written about this previously.)

Many Bible teachers have large lists outlining the commandments of Jesus. One teacher indicates that there are some 200 commandments of Christ. A list, he did not provide, but simply posited the statement.

Here is my struggle and I would welcome any insight or comments with regard to my observations.

My understanding, when reading the Gospels, is that Jesus taught his disciples a new way of living and giving of oneself. If it could be summarized it would be this - "just as I have done" you do likewise. He folds all of that into what he characterizes as a new commandment, "...That you love one another, just as I have loved you, you are to love one another (John 13:34)."

Now the idea of loving is not unique (new) to Christ, his disciples, or most communities or groups in NT times. What is new, is that they love just as Christ has loved, through total surrender, service and self sacrifice. In other words, be willing to give everything for one another. That is NEW. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends," puts it all in perspective.

Did Jesus abrogate the Ten Commandments? No, he fulfilled them completely. Did Jesus re-write what he did not like about God's previous commandments? No, he affirmed them and encouraged others to do the same. Did Jesus do anything other than fulfill the commands that the Father had given him? No. However, as near as I can tell, the only commandment he gave his followers was this - "...Love one another, just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35

Just as Israel struggled with the whole of the Law, I truly expect that command of Christ is sufficient to challenge me for all my days. If I get that right, coupled with what Jesus affirmed as the two greatest commandments in the Law, than I shall have done well.

Having said all that, how do I reconcile such phrases as "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you..."; "if you love me keep my commandments", etc. I do not have a specific reply other than to fall back on John 15:12, "This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you."

Father, I confess my inability to understand. I confess my struggle to love sacrificially, to love without condition. I yield my heart, by the power of you Spirit may I learn to do both without reservation.

Loose Lips...

2008-04-24T07:21:00.001-04:00

You may have heard the phrase, "Loose lips sink ships." It originates from World War II and it's original form was "Loose lips might sink ships." The idea was that inadvertent words may give information to the enemy and cause harm to our men and women in uniform.

The writer of Proverbs says something similar, "When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (10:19 ESV)."

It seems that the idea behind this verse is basic, the more one talks the more likely it is that they will cause harm or speak hurtful words. Restraint in speech and conversation is more instructive and shows prudence and wisdom.

GUILTY!!!! That's what God was saying to me when I read this verse. Indeed, I have a tendency to say more than the situation requires and sometimes with words that have been dipped in the well of sarcasm or the vial called "poison." Given the opportunity, or if the situation seems to require it, I can kick the slats out from under anyone. Which I confess is wrong, hurtful and indeed sin.

I recall a bumper sticker that was popular a few years ago; "Be patient, God isn't finished with me yet." Reading this verse in Proverbs has struck me in just that way. God is exposing and wanting to chip away those areas of my life that are hurtful, not only to others, but to me and my ability to be a follower of Christ.

Words can be benign or they can be cancerous. They can carry meaning or malice, healing or hurt. Sometimes I just need to know when to shut up!

Loose lips can sink relationships. They can drive a wedge between me and the other person in such a way it may never be undone. That indeed is transgression of the greatest form.

...But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. (James 3:8-9)

Father, thank you for your Word and how it speaks to my needs. May I be wise enough to heed its instruction and strong enough to yield my life to your shaping.

Haunting Thoughts

2008-04-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

As I move along this continuum of faith, my mind is often agitated and swirling with questions, ideas, and thoughts. I often write about them as they come, other times, I simply ponder them and wonder what their significance might be, if any.

One that has puzzled me for some time is the idea of "invitations" at the end of a worship service. I must admit, when I was a pastor, many years ago in Southern Baptist Churches, the invitation is what you lived for. It was the time of decision and commitment. It was a time when perhaps God would offer "proof" that His word would not return void and that the preaching had touched the hearts of many.

I will also confess, there were times when I made the invitation so broad - "If you love your mother - come", that it would be impossible for anyone to pass up the opportunity to come forward. I smirk at the idea now, but then it was no laughing matter.

Over the past year especially, my wife and I have been exposed to a variety of worship settings. Some would offer an open invitation, inviting those to come either for membership or "salvation." Some would issue an invitation that merely asked for follow-up after the service or at some later time.

The one's that intrigue me now are the ones where people are asked to bow their heads and close their eyes - then - those who are making a decision for Christ or some other significant decision to raise their hands or to "look up" so that decision can be acknowledged. Why is that?

Is there a fear of asking people to PUBLICLY acknowledge their decision to faith in Christ? Not merely to raise their hand, look up, or wink three times, but to step out boldly and by doing so say, "Yes, I am making a decision to follow Christ."

The Christian faith is not a secret society with some sort of secret hand shake. The life is all about public acknowledgement of one's relationship and commitment to be a follower of the Christ (Mark 8:38, Luke 9:26).

John gives us a clear example of this in the closing pages of his Gospel. "Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him (Christ), but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God (12:42-43)."

Uhm..."the glory that comes from man" - fleeting at best, trivial at worse. The "glory that comes from God?" - satisfying and eternal.

My conclusion - should I come to one - is this. If God ever granted me an opportunity to pastor again, invitations would be selective and public - openly, brazenly and without fear - public. The other times, I would simply challenge people to make whatever decision it is and flesh it out in the way you follow the Christ.

Father Spirit, this forum is about as public as one can get. At times it serves simply as an environment for putting forth ideas. Other times it is an expression of my own angst regarding my walk with Christ. Through it all, let me seek your glory.

Tradition

2008-04-22T09:07:00.001-04:00

"Tradition" is the opening number for the acclaimed Broadway musical, Fiddler on the Roof. In the song, the main character, Tevye, explains the roles of each social class (fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters) in the village of Anatevka, and how the traditional roles of people like the matchmaker and the rabbi contribute to the village. The song also sets the major theme of the show: the villagers trying to continue their traditions and keep their society running as the world around them changes. (From Wikipedia 4/08)

Much of what Jesus faced, with regard to opposition toward him, was that of tradition. What Jesus taught confronted the Jewish tradition head on. It was the ultimate game of "chicken" - who was going to flinch first? Certainly not the Messiah, so the Jews, steeped in tradition, dug their heels in at every opportunity and continued to put themselves - their eternal destiny - in jeopardy.

In the US, people do not cling to tradition or traditional beliefs as much as they do in other societies. Consequently, we often think that "making disciples" is a matter of leading people to a saving knowledge of Christ and then turning them over to some type of Sunday morning "educational" structure that is somehow going to equip them as followers of Christ. We give them a set of rules and modicum study of the Word and hope for the best.

Naturally, as men like Barna, Hull, and Hybel** can testify, that type of disciple-making is akin to no disciple-making at all. Nevertheless, if growth in church attendance is up and Sunday School attendance is up, what is being done must be working - Right? The old "if it ain't broke don't fix it" mentality.

The "tradition" of the Church can be just as stifling as the Pharisees tradition toward the Law, the LDS tradition toward their "book", the natural man's tradition toward his favorite activities.

In the Gospel of John chapters 7 & 8, Jesus has an on-going exchange with the Pharisees and religious leaders. For a full week, or more, during the Feast of Booths, he dialogues with them and yet, they cannot, will not, come to an understanding. An understanding of who he is and what his mission is. Some are said to "believe in him" (John 8:30), however Jesus knows that their tradition is interfering with true belief, saving belief. This becomes evident with the exchange that follows from verses 31-59.

I often think that I do not have many traditions. But I do. My biggest one is my daily routine and lifestyle. Disrupt it, or schedule something that conflicts with it and I find it hard to justify abandoning my routine. I can do it, but I feel tremendous guilt when I do. Trivial perhaps, nevertheless, it is built in to my being and I find it hard to be flexible with regard to it. It handicaps me in many ways.

"Tradition" - the world changes and traditions find it difficult to keep up. Yet, in order to be a follower of Christ we are called to deny ourselves (and our traditions), take up our cross daily, and follow him. Both the "denying" and the "taking up" call for discipline and total commitment to the Christ that calls us.

Father, may I be found faithful in my following.

** Barna's Book "Growing True Disciples", Hull's books "The Disciple-Making Church" and "The Complete Book of Discipleship" and Hybel's "Reveal" study and book.

Wisdom for Living

2008-04-21T10:02:00.001-04:00

My father in-law is most likely one of the wisest men I know. At least to the extent that I know him. Often his life is a mystery kept wrapped deep within his heart. However, when he does unwrap a portion he exposes a life of deep contentment.

As my wife was growing up, and still to this day, my father in-law had a tendency to communicate truth to his nine children through "message boards." He would paint a saying or axiom on a piece of wood and post it on the hillside, in direct view, out the dining room widow. When the family was eating or playing games around the table, those words were always visible.

Naturally, as kids are prone to do, they would scoff at some of his witticisms, however most of the children and grandchildren can quote several of them to this day and comment on how they have affected their life.

One that my wife and I reflect on often is "Do Not Criticize, Condemn or Complain." It may go without saying, that my wife can practice that with ease. On the other hand, I jump in to those three practices with both feet!

That particular saying is like a double-edged sword. It can be applied to the words of the wisdom writer who said, "Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray." (Prov. 10:17 ESV)

My rationale can be laid out in this manner. Heeding the "three Cs" is like instruction that keeps one on the path of disciplined living. Bitterness is often the fruit of criticizing, condemning, and complaining. No one wins when bitterness is in the game.

The second edge is "reproof." If there is not a measure of critical analysis, condemnation for wrong living, behavior, or speech - and criticism that brings positive reflection, then a variety of things may run amuck.

Of course, balance is the key. And having a valid role that allows the exercise of those "C" characteristics is important.

Many of us do not have that valid role. We simply enjoy criticizing, condemning and complaining. Somehow it puts us in a superior position to those, or that which we are assaulting. Oh my.

Father, I confess my penchant for the three Cs. My desire to find in them fodder for fulfilling my own weaknesses. Forgive me and teach me to hold a quiet tongue or silent keys if words cannot be laid down that glorify You and build up the body of Christ.

Fasting

2008-04-18T09:31:00.001-04:00

I suppose it is rather contradictory to talk about fasting after having just finished by Pop-Tart! Nevertheless, I will.

Sometime in my journey of faith, I know I have fasted. But that memory is distant and almost non-existent. That spiritual exercise has never been a part of my growing in Christ. Therefore, I expect that I have missed something.

In the lengthy discourse given by Jesus to his disciples, as Matthew records it, Jesus focuses on three spiritual disciplines; giving, prayer, and fasting. His introductory remarks to each of these is not "if" you do them, but "when" you do them. They are not new to any of his intimate hearers, they are expected practices.

Frankly, I am gung-ho for the first two, but that third one scares the daylights out of me.

As a part of my examining Matthew 6:16-18, I did some supplemental reading on fasting. The practice of that discipline as it sets in the Old Testament, New Testament, and practices in the Church today. Most of it was what I knew already, fasting was a regular practice, often done two times a week or associated with special occasions or needs. For the ancients up to and including NT times, fasting was usually done on what we call Monday and Thursday. For the believers, it moved to Friday and Sunday. Practices today vary but are seldom seen in Protestant churches, usually in Anglican or Catholic assemblies.

The intent of fasting is a redirection of focus - off self and onto God. I suspect that for those new to the practice, like myself, the focus would initially be off self and onto food. Then I might progress to off self onto how good I'm doing (oops that is "self" isn't it?). Then, if I am disciplined enough to continue the practice, off self onto God.

I have a least one friend who I know fasts. For my others I am not certain. Which I suspect is appropriate.

In preaching a sermon series through the Sermon on the mount, talking about the Lord's Prayer, my pastor has said "You are not a Christian if you do not pray." I'll be interested if he says the same thing about fasting. I suspect he won't.

Of course, just like the Pharisees, if you read different selections by churches or groups, you will find "fasting" includes everything form restraining from just certain foods, to restraining from looking out the window for the day. :) In other words, fast, but do not make it totally inconvenient.

We are even told by nutritionists that going long periods without food is not good. Uhm....somebody should have told Moses or Jesus that.

I'm not going to say what my intent is toward this discipline. However I do think it is a valid part of Christian discipline. So I suspect I better practice my "oh, I'm not fasting" face.

"Preach it Brother!"

2008-04-17T08:46:00.001-04:00

Preaching is an intriguing exercise. I suspect if you asked most people what they think of preaching the answers may move dramatically across the scale. Many people simply see it as getting yelled at. Others see it as a motivational message stirring them on in their Christian life. (I've not met those people, but I'm certain they are out there.)

Here is what strikes me as the irony of preaching. If it is evangelistic in nature, often it is forceful and direct. If it is discipling in nature, it can take a more teaching-tone. All dependent on the preacher of course. Some can't help but yell. Others find that communication in worship seldom needs forceful speech.

I am not certain I know anyone who enjoys being yelled at or talked to, in any context. But I do know many people who hunger to be taught what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Even when you read the sermons of Peter or Paul, there is never a sense that they are being boisterous. Firm, intent, direct, even passionate, but not one of those requires a "preachy" tone.

I am currently reading a book by N.T. Wright entitled "Following Jesus - Biblical Reflections on Discipleship." It is in fact a series of sermons. There are times I can almost see him delivering these messages to his predominately English congregation. Then I think, most people in America would walk out after one of these and dare say they were "boring." Implying, if they have not been exhorted by loudness, they have not heard a sermon. What a pity.

Enthusiasm and passion attract me just like they do other people. These are hard emotions to manufacture regardless of how loud one might get. However, they do issue from an intimacy with the text and an identification of it's teaching. Those two points require only that you share it with me genuinely. I will respond.

"It's For Your Own Good"

2008-04-16T09:28:00.001-04:00

How many times have you heard or perhaps said those words? They are similar, by intention, with words like, "It is going to hurt me more than it hurts you." Or, "Believe me, you may not understand this now, but you will thank me later."

These are "justifying" remarks. They explain to whoever is the focus of our action, that what they will experience is for their building up and not for their destruction. The action we are about to take is not about us, it is about them.

Hard to swallow this concept at times, isn't it?

The apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians says something similar. "Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves before you? We are speaking in Christ, before God. Everything we do, beloved, is for the sake of building you up (12:19)."

Paul has no need to exculpate himself before his readers. There is no need to try and justify his words or his actions. Everything he has said and done has been in the open before everyone, including God. What he has said and what he has done, or will do, is based on the strengthening of the disciples in the Corinthian church. Something that perhaps has been undermined by the so called "super apostles" that have infiltrated the body and attempted to distort both Paul's credibility and his teaching.

Paul's fear -- when he comes he will find continued pettiness among them and a blatant lack of repentance (vs. 20-21).

In my journey, God is using multiple people in a variety of ways to direct my steps. I do not always like what I hear or read. At times it takes days, weeks, or months to sink in and take hold; to realize their actions have been directed toward my good, not my destruction. Nevertheless, I am learning. And I suspect that is what discipleship is all about.

As Paul said later in his letter, "Your restoration is what we pray for (13:9)."

Father God, thank you for those in my life you have lead to give encouragement and instruction, words of correction and words for building up. May I always find the strength and courage to receive their guidance to your glory.

Improve on this!!!

2008-04-15T09:07:00.001-04:00

Automakers deliver new and improved cars for our safety and pleasure. Retailers deliver better service and compete for our business with supposedly improved products. Homebuilders look for ways to give more home for the money with amenities and attractive features. Even food producers look for ways to improve everything from Cheerios to Cheetos.

However, I sincerely doubt that anyone, anywhere, at any time could improve on these words:

For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints of light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transformed us into the kingdom is his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:9-14)

May God help us to see the power in each word, the joy in each segment of our salvation, and the wonder of the supreme and supernatural effect of our redemption in Christ - who paid our debt in full.

Thank you Father for the sacrifice made to secure my rescue. Through the power of your Spirit, may I lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.

Let's Turn in Here!

2008-04-14T09:11:00.001-04:00

When I take a trip, usually I have a specific route and destination planned. I seldom vary from that route. In fact, I am not one to take little side trips along the way. And I seldom want to veer farther then a half mile from the exit ramp to take a meal break! I am not certain whether that is a "guy" thing or not, but that is how I am.

For some reason, how I live and think is dramatically different. I am always taking little "side trips" and my mind can stray from its initial thoughts at the blink of a an eye.

Like this morning. When reading my scripture, my mind was taking all sorts of side trips. How my neighbor cut too far over on my lawn. How I felt so sullen after last nights church service. How I should put up a fence along OUR property line. How we did not get a call from the Realtor saying our house was sold. Etc, etc.

In Proverbs 8 we are told that "the woman Folly is loud...seductive, and knows nothing (v. 13). She calls out to those "who are going straight on their way" crying out, "whoever is simple, let him turn in here! (vs.15-16)"

Somehow, I could identify with that. I am often intent on "going straight" yet find many things that are foolish and silly calling out for me to "turn in" - turn in and pursue them

Yes, I know it is a matter of discipline. But sometimes the lure seems so sweet and those secret thoughts so satisfying I find it hard to stay focused. (Proverbs 9:17)

Jesus said if anyone is going to follow him, then that person must take up his cross daily. Perhaps for some of us, that "daily" becomes moment by moment, hour by hour. A constant blocking out of the loud and seductive clamor of foolish thoughts and destructive behavior.

I tend to think the clatter I hear beckoning me from the path of the cross, other people do not hear. The exits along the path I take seem to have attractions strewn about with their neon lights and fancy ads enticing me to come and enjoy their offerings. Other followers of the cross seem immune from all of that. But are they?

I know the emptiness of empty. I know that taking that off ramp may lead me to discover that there is no way to get back on the original path chosen. That somehow the route planned will never be the same, yet...

There she goes again...."turn in here, come on, go ahead, turn in here."

Damn, I hate that!

Father, teach me how to keep my eyes on Jesus. To focus on what it means to follow him daily. Through the power of your Spirit, may I find the strength to keep going straight.

Public Thought

2008-04-12T09:52:00.001-04:00

What was the first act of God's creation?

If you said "light", you might be wrong - At least to some degree.

According to Proverbs 8:22, "wisdom" was the first act of God's creation. That is, depending on the translation you use and how the verb "kaw-naw" is interpreted.

Most translations I looked at translate the word as "Create" or some word related to that idea. However, if you examine the use of the word from Genesis to Zechariah (the word appears not to have been used beyond the time of Zechariah), it is predominately translated as "buy", "possess", or "get." All within the scope of the word's primary meaning.

The ESV renders the word in Proverbs 8:22 as "The LORD possessed me (wisdom) at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old."

Now it's Saturday, so allow some latitude here. If God "possesses" something, it had to be either there as part of his nature, or there in some other form. If God had not moved in terms of creation before Genesis 1, then wisdom has always been - or perhaps was before God was.

When I first read Proverbs 8:22 in my ESV translation, I thought, "wait, God cannot possess something. That would mean He acquired something outside himself." Which would mean, as stated earlier, either it was as He was, it was before He was, or it completed Him in some way. None of those ideas are very palatable. As I expect it was not to many other translators, so they chose "created" or "fathered" or some word related to those ideas.

Why is this capturing my attention? For one very good reason, how a team of writer's translate a word has an impact on the overall tone of the verse. It gives you some insight in to what the translator's were thinking or even perhaps, their theological tenor. I would much prefer to read verse 22 and see the word "created" than the word "possessed." One allows me to keep going without serious consideration. The other causes me to slam on my reading brakes and say, "Wait, that is an unusual word and it carries certain implications."

Yes, these are public thoughts on quiet overcast Saturday morning in NC. Thoughts that you might read and say, "What the heck is this guy thinking?" Or, "This is much ado about nothing." And you may be right. As always, context is critical and verse 23 seems to clear up the issue stating that wisdom was "...Set up at the first, before the beginning of the earth." Why the ESV translators did not appear to be consistent here is a mystery.

Nevertheless, it has jump-started my mind and that's a good thing for me.

What did Jesus do - What will I do?

2008-04-11T10:07:00.001-04:00

Part of the joy of doing a great deal of reading on the subject of discipleship is finding new ways where I don't measure up to the task. That may sound odd, but finding my weakness is what allows me to grow. Anyone can continue to build on their strengths, the hard part about being a follower of Christ is confronting weakness and sin.

After finishing the great chapter on faith (Ch.11), the writer of Hebrews has a "therefore." Of course, when you see a "therefore" it is always wise to ask, "What is it there for?" Well, here is the answer to that;

Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

We are exhorted to look to Jesus as the "founder and perfecter of our faith." The form of the Greek word for "perfecter" is used only here in the NT. However it can also be translated as completer. A similar word and idea is used by Jesus in Matthew 5:48, "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

I understand that the bar presented in Matthew's passage is high indeed. Who could ever be perfect or complete like God is perfect or complete? Nevertheless, when we look at the Hebrew's passage, we have a bit of light shed on the topic as it relates to Jesus and what it means to be a follower of Christ.

First, Jesus lived the perfect life. He was one who was "in every respect, tempted as we are, yet without sin (Heb. 5:15)."

Second, Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice. "He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption...the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself, without blemish to God... (Heb. 9:12, 14)"

Third, he fulfilled, completed the perfect will of God. The only reason Christ is "seated at the right hand of the throne of God" is because his work is done. God's plan for redemption is completed with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

Because of what Christ did - we are compelled to "consider him who endured...such hostility against himself, SO THAT (we) may not grow weary or fainthearted (Heb. 12:3)". As follower of Christ we have by no means suffered to the point of our example - to the point of total sacrifice. "In (our) struggle against sin (we) have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood (12:4)."

In this book, Following Jesus - Biblical Reflections on Discipleship, N.T. Wright says in his preface, "Plenty of people in the church and outside it have made up a 'Jesus' for themselves, and have found that this invented character makes few real demands on them. He makes them feel happy from time to time but doesn't challenge them, doesn't suggest they get up and do something about the plight of the world. Which of course the real Jesus had an uncomfortable habit of doing."

Man! I hate it when someone confronts me with my paltry attempt at following Christ! Being complete in Christ, following the example Christ set, doing what I often find uncomfortable doing, is my biggest challenge as a disciple. Now that I have confessed that, I expect I might determine what I plan to do about it.

The Politics of Change

2008-04-10T08:38:00.001-04:00

I have been paying attention to politics, to one degree or another, for forty years now. Never have I heard the word "change" used so much by two candidates than it is by Senators Clinton and Obama. The import of that is how they use the word. It is almost always a noun, seldom a verb.

The noun form of the word means a substitute, alteration, or variation (variety). As it is used by the political candidates it means a fundamental alteration in how government is done. Of course, unless you happen to be living under a rock, that will never happen, as much as any of us may wish it. Too many people have too many vested interests in their city, county, state or Political Action Committees to make that kind of change possible.

When the Bible speaks of change, especially regarding conversion it speaks of it primarily in two ways. One is a fundamental change in our being - hence the term "born again." The other is a progressive change in our person, some will call this sanctification.

When Jesus said to Nicodemus, "You must be born again," he was not insisting Nicodemus to do something that he was incapable of doing. He was making it clear to Nicodemus that being born of the Holy Spirit means a radical change in the fundamental nature of a person brought about by God. (John 3)

When Paul talks about being "transformed by the renewal of your mind," (Romans 12:2) he was speaking of a transitional way of thinking and being for the person who has been born again. That is, our "inner nature is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16)."

Each idea of "change" has its place in our lives. The first may be a noun the second a verb. In the first there is an alteration or substitution of one life for another - "the old has passed away, behold, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17)." In the second there is an altering or the heart and mind. We live in transition as your hearts are being renewed and we are being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 4:16, 4:18). We have "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (Colossians 3:10)."

Even though we are being blitzed by this word "change", it is imperative that we keep it in perspective. Regardless of who is elected next January, in politics the proof is in the doing.

When it comes to the Christian life, the proof is in the been, becoming AND doing (James 2:26).

The Clint Eastwood Christian

2008-04-09T09:05:00.001-04:00

I remember what seemed to be my last moments of weakness. That does not mean I am not weak and that I do not have moments of weakness now, it simply means I do not or in some sense will not, allow those moments to do their work in my life.

The circumstances were fairly basic. I had been pastoring a church in Sacramento for a little over a year. One day, I came home to find my wife and son had left me. No note, no message, just gone. The months that followed ultimately resulted in our divorce. No one was going to do that to me and get away with it. The church I was ministering to voted unanimously to keep me on and help me through this time. But I refused. I was hurt, humiliated, and basically mad. Mad at God and wanted nothing to do with life as a minister. So I resigned.

A few months after that, there was little doubt that I was sinking fast. I knew if I did not do something, I would drown. So I went to the seminary I was attending to re-enroll - to place myself in what I thought was a safe and nurturing environment. They refused, saying I must wait a year and demonstrate contrition and remorse. It was like a kick in the stomach. The knot at the end of my rope had been untied and fell hopelessly into nothingness.

Once I gained my composure, I decided I would not let anyone do that to me again. So I pursued what I called my "Clint Eastwood" life. A "dirty Harry" mentality that built walls all around my heart. A life that would not let anyone in and I pulled out my 44 magnum, "The most powerful handgun in the world...", anytime anyone tried. My motto was his motto, "Go ahead punk, make my day!"

May I say now, with great shame, I left plenty of dead bodies in my wake. I refused to be weak or show weakness. I resisted vulnerability and dependency on God. I was going to be my own man! A man's man!

How foolish. Nevertheless, there are still remnants of that persona that haunt me today. It is often difficult for me to identify with Paul's words, "For when I am weak, then I am strong." I prefer to be strong and made stronger. Again I say, "How foolish!"

I am hesitant to say all of this may be my "throne in the flesh." However it may be exactly that. Satan uses it to slap me around and shove it in my face saying, "What a pitiful Christian you are." Indeed, he may be right. But I have one who lives inside of me that is greater than he. One that will pour out his grace and help me to be transformed in my mind and heart, to be conformed to his image - not "dirty Harry's."

Father Spirit, continue to do a work in me that only you can do. Let me learn that weakness - weakness in Christ, provides true strength for living.

Spiritual Disciplines-Prayer

2008-04-08T09:56:00.001-04:00

As followers of Christ there are certain disciplines designed to strengthen and deepen our relationship to Christ and his reflection in our lives. I am not certain what the full compliment of those disciplines might be - however, I am certain you would receive a varied response depending on who you asked.

Prayer is most definitely one of those disciplines. I suspect, again based on who you asked, it would rank at the top in most anyone's listing.

I have been thinking a great deal about prayer these past couple of days. In part because our Pastor spoke about it last Sunday morning and will again for the next few Sundays. He is doing a series on the Sermon on the Mount and looking at the Lord's Prayer right now.

In his introductory remarks to the Lord's Prayer, he stated the necessity of prayer for disciples of Christ and strongly implied if one does not pray, then they are not a disciple of Christ. (He did not use the term "disciple" he used "Christian.") I have been chewing on that for a while now. Here's why.

There are two implications of that position. One is that a form of prayer is indicative of one's relationship to God. Two, one cannot be if one does not do. Now I am certain he might argue those two observations, but nonetheless, in the context of his remarks that was the implication.

I pray a lot. Not like you might pray perhaps, nevertheless, I pray regularly. In fact, I would suggest it is hard for any follower of Christ to not pray. I often pray with my eyes open. I seldom pray on my knees. I despise praying over a meal in a restaurant. I pray when am reading scripture, especially when I am struck by a truth I had not seen before or processed. I pray when I am writing either for publication or pleasure. I pray when I screw up or something comes out of my mouth that should not be there. I even pray when watching TV and something touches my heart either for good or bad. In some sense, this blog itself is a form of prayer for me.

Yes, I have what some may call "formal" prayers. But those are few and far between.

Prayer is a supreme privilege for believers. Having full access to God through Christ is a powerful thought. That does not diminish the import of models like the Lord's Prayer, it simply means that that prayer is a model, not a ritual. It also means that God's presence, at all times, makes praying, in many regards, an on-going, pray-as-it- comes, experience.

Can a person who professes to be a follower of Christ, not pray? It seems unlikely unless they have been taught some form of prescribed prayer. Will a follower of Christ pray? Absolutely. Will how a person prays be an implication of their devotion to God? I would hope not.

Father I pray that my prayers will be prayed in a manner that speaks of our relationship, not of my prayer practice.

Wise and Influential

2008-04-07T08:56:00.001-04:00

When I reflect on my life, I can say rather confidently that some of the wisest men I have known were not Christian as many would term it. The other side of that is, many of the best Christians I have known were not very wise. I do not know if that is a contradiction or simply a distorted reflection. However, it seems that those concepts are almost mutually exclusive but they are not - or at least should not be.

The wise men I have known relate life's issues in terms that are often Christian - but applicable to all men.

The Christians I have known usually relate life's issues in terms of quoting scripture - words that are not always understandable to all men (1 Cor. 2:14).

Perhaps this is one of the reasons false and deceptive teachings are so readily received by the multitudes. What is being said seems wise and insightful, however, it has no real basis of truth. Whereas those who would combat these false teachings with Scripture seem infantile and unwise, because "natural man" cannot understand them.

False teaching is seductive because it appeals to our inner desire for independence and self-sufficiency. Scripture is repulsive because it reveals and exposes man's insufficiency and lays bare the true intent of the heart - not the mind.

Of course, none of this is new. But because of today's technology and information gathering, we learn about the masses who are seduced by these false teachings quickly and easily.

Now it is no "secret" why these teachings are appealing to those who are being taught by "The Secret" or by Oprah, it fills a need in people's lives for meaning and satisfaction.

Were these same people to see in us a sense of meaning and satisfaction, perhaps they would be drawn in the direction of the cross. But, in most instances, they do not. Or at least if they do, they see a certain level of contradiction between what we say and what we do.

Another part of it is that Christianity is not a path without suffering and challenge. Followers of Christ are never assured of anything except tribulation, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world (John 16:33)."

Most people I know and perhaps many you know, will not willingly sign up for a life like that. That is, until they see the peace it brings in the midst of tribulation and the love expressed through Christ.

Perhaps this whole process is something akin to Elijah and his standoff with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). Whose God is real? Whose God will answer?

Well?

Do we live as serving a living God who will answer or do we live as servants of a baal - deceived into believing that somehow what is a figment has now become real in some way?

Wise and influential - one necessarily precedes the other. We can have little influence if we are not wise.

The High Call of Forgiveness

2008-04-05T15:11:00.001-04:00

How God works always astonishes me.

Earlier this morning when I was reading one of Jesus' parables in Matthew 18, I began to contemplate the issue of forgiveness. That has always been a difficult concept and practice for me. I suspect it is because often in the Christian community you see the word and the concept spread about as though it were peanut butter. We spread it on everything, even the slightest indiscretion that may only require and apology - gets the benefit and strength of "forgiveness."

Anyway, after reading the passages in Matthew and then responding to my son's email, I found myself saying, "acceptance and forgiveness are things I find difficult to do."

Jesus' point in the parable of the "Unforgiving Servant" was basically this. God has forgiven us a tremendous debt - we in turn must forgive others - it is not an option, rather an imperative. Something that issues from a realization of our own forgiveness.

Does forgiveness mean we forget? Not unless we are god-like.

Does forgiveness mean we loose the emotion involved in the wrong? It is unlikely unless we are in a state of denial.

Does forgiveness mean everything will be okay from the day we forgive and forward? I doubt it.

Does forgiveness mean once it is done, that wrong or any wrong related to people in interaction with one another will never surface again? Of course not.

Forgiveness is hard. No doubt. Releasing people from the debt we think they owe us will never be an easy exercise. Dare we think it was "easy" for God? I should hope not, it cost Him dearly. And our debt was real.

I need to be able to forgive. Not doing so carries a burden that extracts its daily toll. It brings its own special curse. It clouds the eye and clogs the heart.

Father, I am learning, yet I still find it hard to forgive. Allow me to dwell in the joy of Your amazing forgiveness in light of my seemingly insurmountable debt of sin. From that, may forgiveness of others come freely and without restriction.

Playing with Fire

2008-04-04T09:48:00.001-04:00

One would come away with the impression that cheating wives and unfaithful husbands was the norm were they to watch most television "dramas" or soap operas. Desperate Housewives, Sisters, "Big Brother", or any countless number of afternoon dribble, all display fooling around as though it is expected and often lauded.

The wisdom writer says that there is absolutely no way you can "carry fire next to your chest and not get burned", or walk on hot coals and not expect your feet to be scorched (Prov. 6:27-28). Furthermore, I would suspect that anyone who conducts themselves in such a manner as to violate their marriage pledge would certainly confirm those statements. Yet it happens everyday, somewhere, with someone.

Our pastor the other evening was telling us about a news story where a 65 year old woman shot another woman in their church because she thought the other woman was spending too much time with the pastor - a man she was "sweet on." Go figure!

Now, lest we isolate this premise of "playing with fire" to simply sexual circumstances, it could be applied to any number of things; lying, cheating, stealing from the company we work for, false pretense, etc. There are a multitude of character flaws that could cause us to get burned.

They say that if a cat steps on a hot burner, it will never do it again. But guess what, it would never step on a cold one either, because it could not tell whether the burner is hot or cold unless it takes the step.

Our new life in Christ does not preclude our playing with fire. Nor does it exclude our being burned. The enemy, the devil, "prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1Peter 5:8)." And guess what? It might be you, it might be me, it might be your brother or sister in Christ.

I am not certain if the origin of our popular phrase, "play with fire and you're gonna get burned" comes from these verses in Proverbs. What I am certain of - fire burns! Hot coals will, without a doubt, scorch your feet. I prefer to avoid the flames!

"Be With" - How?

2008-04-03T10:28:00.001-04:00

It is my desire that perhaps someone reading this blog will help me. Help me understand the history or significance of those two little words "be with."

You hear those words often in the church, especially during prayer. I think our pastor used the phrase seven or eight times in the same sentence last night, not these words but something similar; "Lord, we pray that you would be with so and so; that you would be with our missions group; that you would be with our youth group; that you would be with our service today; that you would be with the pastor as he preaches; that you would be with the folks who need your with and your be."

Is there ever a time that God is not "with" us? We tout the ubiquitous nature of God, yet we always implore His presence. We extol the presence of the Holy Spirit (GOD) in the believer, then we ask for His presence as though He took leave somewhere or somehow.

I expect the phrase is a euphemism for "bless" but I cannot be certain. If you listen to how people use those two words "be with," it certainly implies something more than "bless." The implication is for God to be present at or with the people, function, or intent of either.

There is a historical aspect of it. In Genesis 26:3 God says he will "be with" Jacob in order to fulfill the covenant oath made to his father Abraham. In Genesis 48:21 Jacob said God will "be with" Joseph; God says he will "be with" Moses as he leads the people out of bondage, etc. etc. Nicodemus brings that same concept with him to Jesus in John 3:2 when he says that no one can do the kind of things you do "unless God be with him."

Now there are a multitude of other occurrences in the New Testament where these words "be with" are used. The majority are in Paul's letters where he concludes them with "grace be with you" or something similar such as "the God of peace be with you" in Philippians 4:9. There are a few variations, but clearly the intent in the NT is different than that of the OT. The presence of God or Christ with the believer(s) is a given. It is not something to be invoked.

Having said all that, it seems to me that "be with" is, as I mentioned earlier, a backhanded way of saying "bless", "guard", "keep safe", or something similar. So why don't we just say that?

If what we are doing is based on self-design and not God's leading, then invoking His presence or blessing is certainly commendable - even necessary. However, if it is something God is initiating and superintending, then how can it fail?

So how do we want God to "be with" us? To cover us? To confirm His agreement with what we are doing? To affirm our stepping out on faith, or even stepping out by sight? To lead our faltering steps or direct our paths? Whatever it is, wouldn't it be nice if we just said that instead of some shorthand "be with" phrase that allows us to move on?

"Father, my prayer is that you will be with everyone who reads this particular missive."

Only Trusting

2008-04-02T08:41:00.001-04:00

I find it hard to trust God.

Let me clarify. I find it hard to trust God when things are not going the way I believe they should; When I am not getting what I want or God is not acting on my behalf the way I believe He should. Rather selfish I know, but then isn't that what our culture is about in many regards - self indulgence, self gratification, the pursuit of more things, the "good" life?

In Matthew's Gospel, 6:19-34, Jesus spends some time addressing this issue. Within those verses there are two "therefore". As any good Bible student knows, when you see a "therefore" you always want to ask, "What is it there for?" In this section they are there for two reasons: 1) to teach us "not to be anxious about your life (v. 25)" and 2) "do not be anxious about tomorrow (v. 34)."

Prior to the first "therefore", Jesus talks about laying up, looking out, and laying down. His point is rather succinct. Laying up my list of wants is what gets my love. Where my mind's eye shines light, the things I am looking out for, is where I converge my attention. Laying down my life to get more, is what exposes my devotion. It is all about a misdirected me.

Did I mention that I find it hard to trust God? It is hard because I am often too busy laying up stuff for myself. I am looking out for and lusting after things to clutter up my life, not to mention my garage. My devotion is on getting more, not on getting God.

My fear is rather simple. If I let go of laying up, looking out, and laying down, then how will I define success? How will my neighbors know how good my life is? How will I be able to tell others how much God has blessed us ---- WITH?

I do not know how I am going to free myself from all of this. Acknowledging it has been a good first step for me. However, I find it so hard to let go. My fist is clinched so tightly around wants and desires. If I free myself from it all, will I loose it all? If I loose it all will that engender greater trust or fuel resentment and a renewed passion for replacing those possessions?

Did I mention I find it hard to trust God?

The Check

2008-04-01T15:47:00.001-04:00

I wrote a check this weekend which was undoubtedly the most unusual check I have ever, or will ever write.

The amount was not all that significant, just a few bucks shy of $90. But the impact of that check literally changed my life. Even if I could, a hundred thousand, even a million dollars would never have covered the reason for that check. So it seemed rather embarrassing to write the check for so little. Nevertheless, I did and did so with a grin ear to ear.

Not many people have the privilege of writing these types of checks. In fact, I would dare say no one within my circle of friends or even my circle of influence has ever had the opportunity to write a check similar to this. If they have, I would be flabbergasted. Not so much that they would not have the money, many would. It is simply that they, more likely than not, have never had the opportunity.

I know the circumstance this check represents will not be tax deductible on next years taxes, but that's okay. That issue was taken care of years ago.

It is unlikely that any of my children will have the privilege of writing such I check, though I would wish it for them.

And it is my hope and desire that I never have to write such a check again - ever. And I do mean ever!!!

Yep, check number 1260 in my register. Amount, $87.90, made out to Jack Hutchison, my father in law. The purpose, reimbursement for a hospital bill from January 6, 1951. The day my wife was born. A check I was pleased to write. One that he will never cash. However, it represents a blessing I have enjoyed for right at 25 years now, and intend to enjoy for another 25 or more.

Thank you FATHER! Thank you Jack and Jean Hutchison.

Inflection and Reflection

2008-04-01T09:24:00.001-04:00

I find it most disturbing when scripture speaks to me personally. It is much easier and more comfortable if I can glean truth related to the general population or someone else in particular. Nevertheless, I suspect it is time to hit things head on.

Verbal communication can be like a tinder box waiting to explode. A virtual ticking bomb that we hear, but often have little control over. I think James puts it this way, "It (the tongue) is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8b)." With the slightest inflection of the tongue we can trigger the bomb and cause massive destruction.

Let's look at an example. Take the phrase, (appropriate to the season), "I did not say the politician cheated on his wife." Suppose I put the reflection on the primary verb... "I did not say, 'the politician cheated on his wife.'" It adds a certain meaning. If I move the inflection to the verb of the direct object, "I did not say, 'the politician cheated on his wife.'" It adds a whole other nuance.

If we take this same principle and move it to our own daily conversation with or about other people, it is easy to see how a certain inflection can produce a reflection on the situation that could cause "confusion."

The writer of Proverbs says, "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him." (6:16) Hate is a strong word. It conjures certain images in our mind that are seldom positive. It is hard for us to think of God as hating, we would rather think of God as loving. It is more comfortable for us to imagine things that are an abomination to God. That is, things that are morally repugnant. Nevertheless, hate and abomination are ascribe to God regarding certain things. I'll not reiterate the list, but I make one observation. Three of the seven noted in Proverbs 6:17-19 relate specifically to verbal communication.

"A lying tongue...a false witness....one who sows discord..."

For the purpose of this writing, I will eliminate "false witness" and focus my attention on the other two.

A lying tongue may be described as one who finds it difficult to tell the truth under any or most circumstances. I know a couple of men like that and of course, it impacts any sense of trust or confidence I might place in their words. It was/is never comfortable talking with those people.

"One who sows discord" is most representative of "inflection and reflection." This person uses words to plant seeds of doubt and confusion, so that they might weaken a person's or group of people's reputation or credibility. They never overtly say this or that, rather they subtly imply or inflect a certain meaning in their words that produces the desired results. I have a penchant for doing this type of thing. Usually not maliciously, but nevertheless, it comes out. Fortunately, I have Christian friends who do the same, so I do not always feel alone in my discomfort.***

God hates that kind of talk. That makes me cringe, because that kind of talk is often a weapon in my arsenal of self-defense. It is a tool to keep people off balance and uncomfortable; to keep me "in charge." It issues from weakness not strength. How pitiful is that?

For more on this you can read James 3 - for now, let is suffice to say...

Father, I am guilty. I confess the kind of speech that you hate. Forgive me and let me yield my tongue to the power of your Spirit that it might be tamed and brought under control.

***Did you notice how that statement does exactly what I am referencing?

Quandary Resolved

2008-03-29T06:04:00.002-04:00

Thanks for the input both here and off line... The situation has been resolved, at least from my standpoint.

I chose to speak to the dad and explain to him what I knew about the situation. He was VERY appreciative and thankful. He also learned of the situation in such a way that he had several hours to contemplate his response before talking with the boy.

Looks like things worked our fine. Thank you LORD.

Jesus - the man's man?

2008-03-28T09:36:00.001-04:00

What? You sent my camel's hair coat to the cleaners! How could you, I was planning on wearing that to church Sunday!

In the April '08 edition of Christianity Today there is an article by Brandon O'Brien entitled "A Jesus for Real Men - What the new masculinity movement gets right and wrong." It is a fascinating read. Not because I consider myself over-flowing with testosterone, rather because it points to a movement - however engaging - that really is ridiculous. It reminds me of those bumper stickers that you see, "Real Men Love Jesus" or "Real Men Love Their Wives." "Real men" as opposed to what - not real men?

The article quotes a couple popular books and highlights two movements that are apparently alive and well either in the community at large or the local church; "Church for Men" and "GodMen." The premise of this movement is fairly simple - woman have taken over the church and neutered the real Jesus making him a sissy. Creating an effeminate Christ - one that no "real man" would ever or could ever identify with. Hence, "real men" are not found, in any significant numbers, in the local church. Therefore it is the intent of these groups to "Re-Masculate Jesus."

I'll not walk through the article, it's best you read it for yourself. However, I will say it is a sure sign of how desperate many churches might be to present a Christ or gospel that reaches the heart of men - "real men" of course. Let me explain.

This Sunday, scan your worship service and compare numbers - men to women. After you have done that, attempt to determine, by body language if nothing else, whether it appears those men are there because they desire to be there as followers of Christ, or they are there because their wife desires that they be there.

Naturally the above exercise will not qualify as an official survey, but it may turn a cog or two in the brain. Then think about the ministries in your church that are directed toward men. Usually you will find a "men's group" - if you're like our church it's an early morning group because real men get up early to face the day. No real man wants to study the scripture with other men in the afternoon or evening. Beyond that you may have to search hard to find anything else beyond the Building and Grounds committee.

There is something odd about this whole thing, a re-masculated Christ. I consider myself a real man, a follower of Christ, and yes, I am not opposed to punching your lights out if that is what is necessary. But does that make me a real man or merely a man in the process of being transformed into the image of the real Christ?

Let me end by sharing a quote from Mr. O'Brien

The way to recover the biblical image of Jesus is to submit ourselves to the Scriptures and let them discipline our preconceptions. In the process, we must remember that the purpose of discipleship is not primarily to become fulfilled men and women, but rather to be transformed into the image of Christ. (CT April 2008, 52)

Ponder This

2008-03-27T09:29:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, I wrote about the concept of pondering when pondering a course of action. Now I would like to explore the idea of pondering when pondering how God ponders our paths.

He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake.

I suspect most will recognize that as a stanza from the Christmas carol, "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." It is often used to impose a certain level of terror into the hearts of kids in order to extract good behavior leading up to a gift giving extravaganza. Once we reach a certain level of maturity we realize that Santa is not that all-knowing.

Well, ponder this -

For a man's ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. (Proverbs 5:21)

This is a great example of "context" and biblical interpretation. In this verse, as opposed to 4:26, it is the LORD who is pondering. What is He pondering? "A man's ways" is what the verse tells us. In fact it goes on to say the LORD ponders "all his paths." His cannot refer to God because He has no need to weigh his character or behavior, so it definitely refers to man. In addition "path" and "ways" compliment one another.

The word "ponder" is the same word we looked at in the previous writing - it means to roll flat, weight, or, based on context, weigh - as heavy in thought.

Bottom line...there is no way our way is not observed by God and given consideration. As the Psalmist said, "If I ascend to heaven your are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there (Psalm 139:8)!" The way we conduct ourselves; what we say, what we do, what we think, does not escape God's awareness. We may think we have pulled the blinds, turned out the lights and closed the door, but all to no avail.

Now the nub of this is that December 25th is not necessarily our day of reckoning. If we do not ponder our paths, God surely does. The consequences may be manifest now or later, we may be ensnared tomorrow or die "for lack of discipline" (Proverbs 5:22-23). The point is, God knows and He is not idle with that knowledge.

When I ponder that, it engenders a bit more attention than Santa Claus coming to town!

NOTE: By no means do I imply that correct conduct is only corralled by fear of God's punishment. What I do intend to say is that all actions have consequences. God is not blind to who we are, what we do and what we think. And we can be sure that, to a certain degree, what we sow we will reap. As "Dear Abby" once said, "We cannot sow our wild oats and then pray for a crop failure!"

What A Quandary

2008-03-26T14:15:00.004-04:00

When I grew up playing around the neighborhood, if I got into trouble or did something I was not supposed to do, which was often, if my mom was not around to paddle my butt, one of our neighbors did it for her. After all, a mom can't be in all places at all times.

Those days are pretty much extinct both butt paddling and watching out for your neighbor's kids. Neighbors may have a Neighborhood Watch, but it is usually for "bad guys" not misbehaving kiddos.

Here's my dilemma. My neighbor and I were talking for an extended time last Friday afternoon. In the course of the conversation we chatted about his boy, a teenager, who had managed to get himself grounded. His dad talked about how hard it was for the kid to understand, but even more so, how hard it was to stick to his guns regarding the grounding. Of all times, it was Easter break for the boy. The grounding included basically everything - Ipods, Computer, his 4 Wheeler, and to top it off, getting his driver's license. It was a personal responsibility thing. Many of us parents can identify with this whole scenario.

Well...here is where I come in....I am in my office much of the day and of course have not seen the boy out and about much in the yard. However, this morning, I see him drive out in his Jeep. Now this is not unusual, the boy even goes and gets the mail at the end of the driveway in his Jeep, or riding lawnmower, or 4 wheeler (lazy comes to mind on that one!)... Anyway, he doesn't stop at the end of the drive, he is gone for close to half an hour. Now remember, he has a permit but no license AND he is grounded.

My concern is do I mention this to his Dad? I would want to know if it were me. Do I mention to the boy that I know his situation and let him do the right thing? Or...do I just let it be?

Of course much of this is thinking out loud, since I may not receive a response before I make my own decision, nevertheless, I would like to know your thoughts.

Cogitate and Contemplate

2008-03-26T09:16:00.002-04:00

Recall the most recent time when you simply sat down to think deeply about something. Chances are it was more related to work than character of life. I suspect that is the case with many of us. We cogitate problems related to our livelihood more than our living. Then of course, for many, their work is their life.

In Proverbs 4:26 the writer says, "Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure."

We don't ponder things much any more in our culture. We usually just do. We are more reactive than proactive. More response oriented than contemplative. "Do it now" has become the motto.

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary, the mother of Jesus, it is said she "pondered" his greeting (Luke 1:29) . When the shepherds came and told her about the angel that appeared and heralded the birth of Jesus, "Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:19)." She did not merely accept or reject, she pondered what these things could mean for her.

This regeneration journey I am on found its beginning in my pondering the condition of my life and realizing that the path I was on was not productive to my soul. Now there are many days as a result of reading God's word, that I contemplate my steps, my progress, my thought process. Sometimes that is revealing, other times it is repressing.

"Ponder the path of your feet..." That word ponder comes from a Hebrew word that basically means to roll flat. Similar to making a road and using one of those huge heavy rollers to press the surface flat, minimizing or eliminating bumps and ruts. That is what the writer is calling the reader to do. Think deeply about where you are "walking". Give weighty concern to the path your feet are on. If it is the correct path, "Then all your ways will be sure." If not, expect problems and difficulties.

Does that mean simply by pondering we prevent problems. Absolutely not. What it means is, the path of right living is an affirmably productive path in apposition to "evil" or morally corrupt behavior. Evil consumes a life (Proverbs 4:16-17) righteousness confirms a life (Proverbs 4:18).

"Ponder the path of your feet" then anticipate firm footing.

Father, it is not often that I reconsider my path. I regularly take it for granted which I know is dangerous. Let me ponder the path I am on and make certain that it leads straight to You.

Life Applications

2008-03-25T08:05:00.001-04:00

Far be it from me to speak for anyone other than myself, but there are times when reading the Bible can be downright intimidating. Or should I say "convicting?"

It is not unusual to find those who would make the words of scripture more convoluted than necessary. Often times the basic meaning of a passage is just that, the basic meaning of a passage. This is seldom more true than when reading Proverbs. Most of the verses are what they are. Consequently, it becomes rather elementary to draw application from what we read.

In Proverbs 3:25-32 there are a series of commandments which can resonant with even the most casual reader. Some, based on today's culture, might be points to take issue with, but the bulk of them are rather straight forward. One seemed especially appropriate for today's culture.

"Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm." Proverbs 3:30

When I read that I thought immediately of "road rage." Perhaps it is not an affliction that weighs on you, but it is one that haunts me consistently. Often, the person that enrages me, has done nothing wrong per se, they have merely inconvenienced my path or progress. So it becomes my job to teach them a lesson.

Okay, let's cross that verse out. Pretend it is not applicable to the living standards of today. There, I feel better already!

Naturally we cannot do that. We can certainly ignore that verse, or pretend it has nothing to do with us, but I suspect there may be many who can identify with "my" problem and say, "I suppose I am guilty of the same thing."

I do not need a "Life Application Bible" to have a point of scripture eat at my conscience. I simply need to be open to what the Bible says.

Father, I stand guilty as charged. Grant me patience and understanding with other drivers. Help me to know they intend no harm, they simply are void of common courtesy and driving skills. And at times, so am I.

The Biggest Loser - No Make that Winner

2008-03-24T09:27:00.002-04:00

It is a challenge to avoid knowing about the show The Biggest Loser. Across the country there are towns, cities, counties even entire states that are getting involved in helping people loose weight.

The thing about that program is the regimen the contestants find themselves pursuing. It involves everything - workouts, competitions, diet and retooling their rethinking in order to shed pounds.

When you watch the early weeks of the show people are bitching, moaning, and complaining about the workouts, the food, and the competitions. Nevertheless, as they continue, they see the benefits involved in all three of those disciplines as the pounds disappear.

When competitors are voted off or at the final "weigh in" here is a paraphrase of what you hear most often. "It helped me to think differently about how I eat, how I see myself, and it taught me the discipline necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle."

It is true the people voted off are told "You are not the biggest loser" and the person who wins is hailed as THE biggest loser, the reality is, they all win! They have learned things about themselves they would have never learned outside that experience. Why? Because they were under an umbrella of discipline that pushed them beyond what they thought were their limits.

The writer of Proverbs says, "My son, do not despise the LORD'S discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights (Proverbs. 3:11-12)." These verses are quoted by the writer of Hebrews when he talks about discipline and how it "yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews. 12:3-11)."

God disciplines us for specific reasons. Not because he delights in the exercise, rather because He delights in the beneficial outcome of the exercise. He wants us to stretch ourselves beyond what we think are our limits. I don't always see it that way. Like the contestants on the television show, I complain, resist and lament my circumstances. Yet, like most, in hindsight, I often see clearly how the discipline was "for my good" (Hebrews. 12:10) but while it is going on, I seldom regard it as beneficial.

"Now discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11)." That word train is the Greek word "γυμνάζω" or goom-nad-zo. It is the word from which he get gymnasium. We all know what happens in a gymnasium and it ain't tea parties!

If millions of Americans across the country can discipline themselves to work out and shed pounds wouldn't it be nice if the Christian community could take the same approach to spiritual disciplines? To react with enthusiasm toward the "peaceful fruit of righteousness" that comes from being trained in God's gymnasium.

It may not be pleasant at the time, but one thing we can be assured of, our parents "disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he (GOD) disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness (Hebrews. 12:10)."

Father, there is no doubt that I resist your discipline. I often even rebel against it. Help me to see that it is for my good, to generate a certain level of holiness and the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Knowledge

2008-03-21T09:15:00.001-04:00

Francis Bacon said, "Knowledge is power." Perhaps it might be better stated, "Knowledge of GOD is power."

In the garden of Eden, God told His human creation, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die (Genesis 2:16-17)."

What was at issue here? Was it that man would "know" good and evil or that he would not know God who sets the standard for good and evil. When Adam and Eve chose to increase themselves on the god-ward side, did they violate the sanctity of knowledge, or the sanctity of knowing God? Was God never going to allow them access to that specific tree, or was He saying through His restriction, there is a greater knowledge that you must first understand before you can ever understand good and evil?

The writer of Proverbs tells us that if we seek wisdom, "Then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:5b)." That is not God's knowledge, but knowledge of God; His character, His righteousness and justice; His standard for right living. Of course these are not areas that we can fully know, but they are areas that this writer says are knowable. Once we understand knowledge of God, "Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path (Proverbs 2:9)."

Having this kind of knowledge helps me put things in perspective. That is, to see things differently. To, in some way, to some degree, see "life" as God sees it. That is indeed a different perspective on knowledge.

Yes, to some degree "knowledge is power." However the greater statement is that, knowledge of God is power for right living.

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding... (Proverbs 2:6)

Oops, Now what?

2008-03-20T08:41:00.001-04:00

My mother is fond of the saying, "You made your bed now lie in it." The phrase, not original with her, is used often to explain to people a similar biblical phrase, "you reap what you sow." Neither of which are what I would consider good news!

The phrase "you made your bed, now lie in it" apparently comes from a tradition in the days when people made their own mattresses. This project was done yearly and if you made it incorrectly, you experienced the consequences. For example if you stuffed the mattress with grasses, they might last for a while, but then they would break down and be of no use. On the other hand, if you stuffed the mattress with down or feathers, you would experience a level of comfort for the duration of that particular mattress.

The proverbial saying came to mean - the circumstances you find yourself in are of your own doing so live with it.

That is a good reflection of how I view my life right about now. The situation I am in, spiritually, is of my own doing. Even though I am trying desperately to find my way to the surface, I am drowning in my own consequences - eating the fruit of my ways (Proverbs 1:31).

I often wonder if God is having a good laugh over it all. If He is relishing in my misery and its certain level of calamity (Proverbs 1:26). Am I calling out to a deaf ear(Proverbs 1:28)?

God's ways are not my ways. So perhaps, having made my bed years ago, I am now stuck lying in it? Oops, now what?

Is there a whisper of hope that as the writer of Proverbs says, "Whoever listens...will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster (Proverbs 1:33)?"

The Voice

2008-03-19T08:30:00.001-04:00

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to see things the way other people see them? To think like they think, talk like they talk, interact as they interact?

Each person has a "voice". It is what constitutes their character. The Apostle Paul had one - one that morphed according to the circumstances surrounding him (1Cor. 9:22). The Apostle Peter had one. It often landed him in predicaments he might rather have avoided. Even after the resurrection of Christ, his 'voice' was still his. John had one, Mark, Luke, and Matthew had one. Each speaking with a "voice" that bore distinction and was unique to them.

Everyone has a voice. Most of us are true to our voice. The one primary exception might be politicians, but they are in a category by themselves. Yet, in reality, they often reflect "our" voice, or so they say prior to election.

Each person's voice is special to them. It is what draws us to them or repels us. Does that mean we seek to change their voice? I would hope not. To do so means we would be left with one less unique voice in the universe. If we changed everyone's voice to reflect personal desires, we would wind up with a solo that almost no one would listen to except the person who created it.

Paul altered his voice on a couple of occasions. One most notably in his second letter to the Corinthians. He did it in order to "boast", which apparently was not his nature, but necessitated because of circumstances (2Corinthians 11-12). This is interesting because many people are prone to boast as a matter of course. This was true of the false apostles Paul was engaging and is especially true in our American culture. Boasting is often how we set ourselves apart or elevate ourselves from our neighbors, our co-workers, even our friends.

Boasting, in a certain form, has become a part of my voice and I do not like it. It is not necessarily new, but it is something that I have come to realize and desire to repel. (Is that boasting or confessing?) I became conscious and aware while having a conversation with another individual and I found most of our interaction was simply trying to "out boast" one another. I did not like it at all.

I am not sure how my voice will sound without the element of boasting. Perhaps it will be more inviting. Or perhaps, it will fall away in obscurity. Either way boasting is on its way out and that is something to boast about! :)

The Command

2008-03-18T08:41:00.001-04:00

The other day, in our Sunday School class, we were going through a study in 1John. During the context of teaching, the instructor made this statement. "We are required to love all men." Men of course meaning all people. Well, I took exception to that - the required part - and offered that that may not be the case. Christ commands/requires us to love one another, but there is no where, that I am aware of, that Christ commands us to love all men.

Well my goodness...you should have seen it! You would think that I had committed heresy. Of course, being a Yankee in a Southerner's court did not help matters much. That was already one strike against me. Nevertheless, I clung to my observation.

The retorts ranged from quoting Jesus' response to the young ruler who inquired which of the commandments was the greatest, the point being "love your neighbor as yourself" was a command. Indeed it was, but not a command of Christ. Nor is "neighbor" a reference to all men. Then there was the "love your enemies" point. Which was a part of Jesus' sermon on the mount. Again, not couched in a command.

He commanded Peter to "Come" in reply to Peter's request. He commanded demons to leave the oppressed, but as far as I can tell, John 15 shows us his only command to his followers. That is that we love one another and by so doing demonstrate that we are followers of Christ.

Yes, I know about the great commission in Matthew 28 where Christ says, "...teaching them all that I have commanded you." But what does that entail? Does it refer back to Jesus saying he had come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets? That his intent was not to do away with that teaching rather he had come to fulfill it. Or could it refer to the teachings he expressed as the disciples followed him, learned from him and now are enjoined to communicate them to new disciples?

Command is a strong word. It is not one Jesus employs often. Related to this writing, either command or commandment is found in ten verses in John, as used by Jesus. The context is either Jesus following the commandments of God or Jesus giving a "new commandment" (John 13:34, cp. 1John 3:10), that we are to love one another.

Now I am not going to quibble over whether or not what Jesus "taught" is equal to his commanding something. And as my wife pointed out, which is where I did not make my observation clear enough. In other words, I failed to clarify that indeed, Christ teaches us to love our enemies, those who persecute us, the disadvantaged, etc. Which is different than commanding us to do something, nevertheless, still has extreme weight when fleshing out our Christian experience.

The point I was attempting to make was outside of a handful of instances where he commands people to "tell no one" (Matthew 17:9), commands Peter to "come" to him on the water (Matthew 14:28-29), commands demons to depart (Mark 9:25), he seldom commands anything related to discipleship.

There was already a record in history where people, mainly the people of God, failed in their attempts to keep commandments unto righteousness. That is why our relationship to God is not built on commandments but grace through faith. It is a relationship not a command - except to "love on another." And God knows how much trouble we have with even that.

Love is our obligation and expression of living within the community of faith. We get that right and much of the rest of righteousness through following Christ comes "naturally."

See also...Romans 12:18, Galatians 6:10, 1Thessalonians 3:12, 5:14-15, 1Peter 2:17 for some other examples of teachings regarding "all men".

Deception

2008-03-17T09:34:00.001-04:00

I witnessed a "rant" Sunday evening that almost left me speechless. The springboard for this particular tirade was from the Book of Revelation. It was an episode like I had not heard since my very early days as a Christian coming up through the ranks of the Southern Baptists. This particular incident covered everything from Oprah to aberrant sexual behavior.

As I sat listening, somewhat in shock that this would be going on, my attempts at giving it credibility based on the sermon topic, which apparently had become "deception", proved to be formidable.

In the context, not of the text necessarily but of the speech, there was this call to the listeners to know the truth in order not to be deceived. The truth was the Bible and the deception was behavior or beliefs that were apparently contrary to the Bible. That's where folks like talk show hosts, Saturday morning cartoons, and other anti-social or should I say, anti-Christian behaviors, came in to play.

Now I am not saying that what was said was wrong. My point is this. Deception very seldom comes clothed in those things we know to be obviously wrong based on scripture.

Allow me to put that comment into context. A few postings ago, I mentioned a book called The Shack. It was recommended by a friend of mine so I thought I would give it a read. It is a warm and fuzzy kind of book that has theological teachings that in many regards are contrary to Scripture. A few are rather blatant, some are cleverly camouflaged.

It is this kind of teaching that enters the mainstream of the Christian culture, that often goes unnoticed. It goes unnoticed because many in the mainstream of the Christian culture do not have an understanding of biblical teaching that allows them to ferret the deception and bring it into the light. I am often one of them.

Social ills are just that social ills. Do Christians have an obligation to speak out against them? Yes, if for no other reason than they impact all of society. However, when it comes to deception, our enemy the Devil, seldom uses social ills to undermine our belief system, he uses subtle untruth - within the community of the believers - to undermine our belief system (Acts 13:7-12). I suppose those untruths may find a reflection or even a home in societies practices, but is the church to be a reflection of society, or of Christ (Ephesians 4:14-32, 1John 2:15-17)?

Father, I know a lion when I see it. What I am susceptible to are wolves in sheep's clothing. The craftiness of words spoken with boldness and confidence. I am vulnerable to packages wrapped in pretty paper but whose content is untruth. Help me to be discerning and rely on your Holy Spirit to decipher a well conceived lie from the eternal truth of Your Word.

Fear This!

2008-03-14T08:46:00.001-04:00

In the not too distant past, I would see bumper stickers, window stickers, T-shirts and more with the phrase "Fear This." I was never quite sure what that meant. On some vehicles with the window sticker, I imagined they were wanting me to fear the power under the hood. On those who wore the phrase I expected I was to fear them. Like they could do some extreme bodily harm to me or others if riled.

Then, someone from the South I'm sure, came up with a sticker that said "Ain't Skeered." That seemed to take the steam out of the other one and it gradually disappeared.

Fear is a truly a mystery. We fear things that often may not or will not come to pass. We fear actual things like spiders and bugs. We fear situations like height or water or tight places. People call them "phobias", which is a derivative of the Greek word "phobos."

As I am reading through John's Gospel, I am at chapter 18, the place where Jesus begins his execution process. With the arrest of Christ, before the High Priest, we read about Peter's denial of Christ, something that Jesus had told Peter about.

There is no doubt in my mind that Peter did what he did because of fear. He had no idea what was to happen but he sensed it was not going to be good and he feared being discovered, he feared for his life.

Fear (phobos) is challenging concept in the New Testament. A quick search of the word reveals some engaging uses.

When Jesus heals a mother's son, the people respond with great "fear" and realize a "the great Prophet" is among them (Luke 7:16)
When Jesus walks on the water the disciples respond in "fear" (Matthew 14:26)
Paul says to the Philippians to "work out" their salvation with "fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12)
John tells us that complete love, perfect love, casts out "all fear." (1John 4:18)

Fear handicaps us. In many regards it prevents us from walking by faith, because what we see or imagine in front of us scares us. It intimidates us. It forces our eyes of the Christ onto the circumstances.

I have a great many fears in my life right now. At times my heart seems like it is about to burst. My eyes well up at the slightest prick from those fears. One minute my mouth says I trust God in what He is doing, the next minute, I find clouds of doubt and despair engulfing my heart and mind. At times I feel the weight is so strong I cannot move. I am afraid to move.

How can we walk by faith when we are shackled by fear? Naturally the answer is "we cannot." One element must be dominate.

Like a child standing on the edge of the dock with a waiting father, arms wide open, standing in the water saying, "jump!" we must decide. Do we jump or do we stand trembling on the dock?

A CHILD'S GAME

A cheap imitation of some cosmic imagination

Formless as clay on the potter’s wheel

God can be a manager of things

Or a molder of persons

Hanging limp on the strings of the puppeteer

Stretched firm on the concert violin

God can either play with us

Or play us

What say you magnificent mind

What say you humble heart

God won’t wait long

You must decide

This is no child’s game

There is no place to hide

"He lifted up his eyes and said..."

2008-03-13T09:20:00.001-04:00

Jesus prayed for me. Not only did he pray for me, through him I have complete access to God the Father. Not a casual access mind you, rather a divine access so intimate and so marvelous that it is most often beyond understanding.

Knowing Jesus is knowing God. It is in that knowing that God sets me apart as his child. That knowing comes through God's truth - His word is that truth (John 17:17).

I must confess that many times I read God's word that I might know more - when in actuality, I seem to know Him less. My focus is not on knowing Him more, rather that I might simply have more knowledge. How embarrassing and shameful that admission is.

Jesus prayed for me. Not that I might simply know more, but that I might know him and God who sent him, that I might have life. He prayed, "...This is eternal life, that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 17:3).

The essence of that "eternal life" is not just a one time knowing. The focus of that knowing is more than mental ascent. It is being sanctified in truth (17:19). Set apart for God's holy service, just as Jesus was set apart for God's divine purpose.

Jesus prayed for me. That the love God had for him would be made known to me. That just as God was in Christ, Christ would be in me (17:26). I cannot even begin to explain that, understand that, or even feel worthy of that. Yet, Jesus prayed for me, that it would be so.

"He lifted up his eyes and said..." the most wonderful words that I could ever hear; "The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and love them even as you love me (17:22-23)."

Thank you Father.

Conditional Love of the Father

2008-03-12T09:32:00.001-04:00

This is nothing exhaustive, but it occurred to me while reading John that the terminology of God as "Father" is ubiquitous. In fact, a cursory examination shows the term πατηρ (pater) used 228 times in the Gospels. 113 times in Matthew, Mark and Luke, 115 times in John! Of those in John, only fifteen are not references to God the Father. That is amazing when you consider the other three Gospels have almost a 50/50 ratio between father such as Abraham and Father as God.

Some of us find the idea of referring to God as Father difficult; mostly because of how we associate that term with the experience we had with our paternal fathers. For me that love experience was totally conditional and never fulfilled. However, we are often told that God's love is unconditional and totally fulfilling. Which may, on the whole, be true. Nevertheless, I would like to look at a passage in John that expresses God's love as "conditional".

...For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I come from God. (John 16:27 ESV)

That conjunction "because" carries with it the idea of condition. It is properly translated and belongs to the text, so that is not an issue. The issue is, what is it about God's love that is conditional?

We have been taught and believe that "God so loved the world" (John 3:16) is totally unconditional - And it is, to a point. The "in order that" holds some requirement to it. Which is, in part, key to this particular verse in 16:27. The Father loves us "because" we have loved and believed in His son. As you may recall, "no man comes to the Father" except through Jesus Christ. He is the gateway to intimacy with the Father. Christ is the threshold we cross in order to gain access to the Father. It is that part which is conditional. It is that part which carries with it a requirement of sorts.

This does not negate God's love of all men. Love that calls for the sacrifice of His only begotten son. That focus of love is purposeful, this focus of love is freeing. Jesus is freeing us up to full access to the Father. In a real sense Jesus is saying, I do not need to be your intermediary any longer, you can come to the Father yourself (v. 26) because you have loved me and believed in me.

It is a hard concept to wrap our arms around. By the same token, it is a wonderful unveiling of an enigma that often has believers "interacting" and praying to Jesus when these activities can clearly be directed to the Father.* This concept also frees us from a stumbling, hesitant, and often fearful approach to God, to an open and fulfilling access based on sacrifice, love, and belief.

[*This does not negate the idea of the Trinity, it merely reflects what Jesus seems to be saying in 16:26-27 and what he teaches us in the Lord's Prayer - "Our Father..."]

World "View"

2008-03-11T09:02:00.001-04:00

John 15:19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

John 15 is a pivotal piece in the overall ministry of Christ. Often, his "I AM" sayings are directed toward the religious or unbelieving but here in the last, the "I am the true vine" proclamation, he sets the stage for the on going ministry of the disciples and makes observations that will be vital to every follower of the Christ.

Throughout this chapter - twelve times - Jesus uses the word "abide" or a cognate of the word to emphasize his point of abiding in Christ (v. 4), abiding in his love (v. 9), and fruit that is abiding (v. 16). If you choose, you can replace the word "abide" with the word "remain". The idea and emphasis is the same. And the concept is very weighty in its significance for believers or followers of Christ.

What struck me, as I was reading some comments on this chapter, was a question posed by A. T. Robertson in his "Word Pictures" series. It relates to v. 19 noted above. Robertson presents this question, "Has the world become more Christian or Christians more worldly?" What a great question. What a damning question.

In this day of mega-churches, church growth and an emphasis on entertainment and programs, has the gospel been replaced by good marketing campaigns? Have we moved from the concept of bearing fruit to a methodology which results in plastic fruit.

In our local paper, over the past several months, I have read about kids programs designed to attract adults, ministers taking a seat at the "bar" in order to be available to the patrons for counseling, a church that puts a "flyer" in shot glasses that says, "Give us a shot!", billboards that border on the risque in order to attract attention. It may be the case that these techniques fill the pews, but do they change the heart?

"Has the world become more Christian or Christians more worldly?"

Does the world view you and I, the Christian community, as a respite place from the environment of chaos - a place of change and re-creation, or just another community program that usurps time and energy without the threat of changing their person?

Father Spirit, help me be an agent of change, not a victim of conformity.