Love and Death

One thing that I've come to learn over the past 15 years is that who I used to think that I was is no longer completely true...and who I currently think that I am will likely change in the future, too. Let me try to explain without boring you with the metaphysics of my tiny pea brain. Over the past couple of decades, I have done things that I said I would "never" do, and I failed to do things that I always thought that I would or should.
That brings me now to the topic of Love and Death. Throughout my adult life, I have had very little fear or worry about death. Like I do with so many other aspects of my life, I held death as just an inevitable truth. "I don't have any control over it....why worry about it..." kind of attitude. Well, recently I had noticed a chink in my "why worry about it" armor. And, today as I was driving home from work, I passed a cemetery and experienced a physical and emotional response to seeing a grave being dug. My brain shouted out to the cemetery something like "Stay away from us!"
My response surprised me. But it didn't take me long to figure it out. I have never loved anything or anyone the way that I love my family. I want to protect them from everything. I don't want them to experience the pain of seeing someone they love die, and I don't want any of them to die (obviously). I know that this isn't realistic, but I'm not choosing to feel this way or think this way. This change in my philosophy wasn't by choice. I hate it; it's foreign to me; and I don't know what to do with these feelings of vulnerability.
So, I looked up death in the Bible, and the first thing I came to was 1 Cor 15:55 "Where Oh Death is thy victory; Oh where Death is thy sting?" That wasn't comforting to me......
But, then I read the entire chapter..... Paul discusses the resurrection of Christ. There are several passages that struck me, but the one that I read over and over...."And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame."
I was shamed somewhat by this, but more than that I was put back on point. "I die every day as surely as I glory over you.." What I read throughout chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians was "Yeah, this life is painful and sorrowful...there is no shelter from the deaths of this life. Don't wilt because of it. Make sure the ones you love know not just the harsh realities of this life, but also know the Message of our Resurrected Savior. Don't focus on sheltering; focus on empowering them to face this world's pain through the power of the Truth."

The Sandlot

In the 1993 movie, The Sandlot, two boys face off in a classic shouting match in which they exchange wicked barbs aimed at each other. My kids' favorite insult is, "You bob for apples in the toilet, and like it!" The final zinger is, "You play baseball like a girl!!!!" All the other kids looking on are stunned at the statement.
Yesterday, while reading in Matthew 23, I couldn't help but think of this scene as I read Jesus' shellacking of the scribes and Pharisees. The following is a condensed version hitting some of the highlights, but the entire chapter is full of vicious humor. It was particularly vicious because it rang true.
"They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. Blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell? Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town. "
My favorite was the reference to "whitewashed tombs", beautiful on the outside but full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. I plan to refer to this one if I ever get into a shouting match with someone. Just joking ( I think).

Annoying Little Sin

Have you been beating yourself over the head with a favorite sin lately.....

Modern Day Pharisees and Sadducees?

I've been reading Matthew lately and have really enjoyed Jesus' sense of humor in answering his disciples and the Pharisees and Sadducees. The below section of scripture is from Matt 15:1-20. I have read these passages about 5 times over the past 2 days because it really strikes me as being great humor mixed in with deadly truth. Additionally, the scenario is so very pertinent to our world today. In speaking with multiple young lost folks lately, a common pattern of concern was voiced from each... "I have a hard time accepting belief in something in which its believers say how much they love Jesus and then wag their fingers at my appearance. All the while, they are demonstrating a life that possesses none of the loving qualities that Jesus taught."

Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”
He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘ These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”
Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”
But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”
So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

How about you? Are you more concerned about the external issues (that will ultimately be "eliminated"), or are you more concerned about what is proceeding from the heart? Apparently, there are plenty of modern day Pharisees and Sadducees.

Worship & Healing

Do you believe that God still performs miracles today? Do you believe that He can heal people today? Is there evidence in the way that you live your life that you believe God is able to do these things?

My sister Pam sent this to me today....

The Story

The Song


In The Story, I really appreciated the female band member stating, "The name of the Lord is a Strong Tower and a Refuge and a Fortress. And worship is how I remember that I'm in that Place."

Worship Anywhere

I'm not a fan of Pepsi products, but I became an instant fan of this guy singing in a hotel vending machine room.

If It Was Good Enough For Him....

Matthew 4

1-3 Next Jesus was taken into the wild by the Spirit for the Test. The Devil was ready to give it. Jesus prepared for the Test by fasting forty days and forty nights. That left him, of course, in a state of extreme hunger, which the Devil took advantage of in the first test: "Since you are God's Son, speak the word that will turn these stones into loaves of bread." 4Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: "It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God's mouth." 5-6For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said, "Since you are God's Son, jump." The Devil goaded him by quoting Psalm 91: "He has placed you in the care of angels. They will catch you so that you won't so much as stub your toe on a stone." 7Jesus countered with another citation from Deuteronomy: "Don't you dare test the Lord your God." 8-9For the third test, the Devil took him to the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were. Then he said, "They're yours—lock, stock, and barrel. Just go down on your knees and worship me, and they're yours." 10Jesus' refusal was curt: "Beat it, Satan!" He backed his rebuke with a third quotation from Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God, and only him. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness." 11The Test was over. The Devil left. And in his place, angels! Angels came and took care of Jesus' needs.

I read this passage this morning and came away with an appreciation for a very simple accomplishment that Jesus achieved by taking on flesh. He demonstrated that even He, the Son of God, sought the Holy Spirit's guidance, and He demonstrated the even He was best able to handle temptations thrown at Him by the devil by referring to Scripture instead of trying to handle it all on His own wisdom.

Thanks to Colin for the use of the photo of the wilderness in Israel.

What If You Were There

I read an interesting blog post tonight regarding "Are We Any Different Today?" The point of it was exploring the question, "If you had been around during the years of Jesus' ministry on this earth, how would you have responded to Him?" It also explores the concept of whether the church of today possesses parallels with the religious sects of Jesus' time. It is a brutal question to answer.

This post really intrigued me because I have frequently imagined myself living in various biblical eras, and pondered how well would I have behaved in comparison to the characters in the Bible. To be very honest, I am confident that no one would have ever wanted to name one of the books of the Bible using my name.

Romans' Road

As I've stated not so long ago, the Message of the Gospel is very simple. Back when I was in high school, I learned a simple way to share the scriptural basis of the plan of salvation with someone else. It is called the Romans Road, because it utilizes scriptures in Romans to lay down the steps. I have used this pathway many times over the past 20+ years, and each time I've been grateful that the message is so simple and that the tool is so simple.....because, let's face it, I'm plenty simple, too.

The following is an example of the pathway and was taken from RomansRoad.org

Who is good?
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous; no, not one.

Who has sinned?
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

Where sin came from.
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.

God's price of sin.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord.

Who paid The price?
Romans 5:8 God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

The only way out.
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth, the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart God hath raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Take God at his word and claim His promise for your salvation.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

3 Things

I read an article from Pray! earlier regarding 15 Ways to Make Prayer a Natural Part of Your Family's Life. Most of the suggestions seem to be quite useful and practical. I really like #3: "Whenever you see or hear about someone in need, take time to pray about it with your children." I like the idea of praying immediately for things. Often, when someone says, "Please pray for me" or "Please pray for so-and-so", I pray with them right at that moment.
The article spurned me onto a tangent, which I am prone to find. Answer this question for yourself: If you could only teach your kids 3 things, what would those 3 things be?
I have my 3, but they were difficult to come up with. I'd like to know your 3.
My three: 1) The meaning and implications of Christ's life, death and resurrection; 2) How God wants a relationship with everyone through each person's day to day life and through prayer and 3) How to stay away from financial debt.
Coming up with only 3 is very challenging, and chances are, if I answered the question once per month for a year, I'd probably come up with at least one different answer each month.

Strength in Weakness

2 Corinthians 12 (New International Version) 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

So many times we humans become focused on our inabilities and on the hardships we are enduring. The bulk of many church's prayer lists/requests are focused on relieving people of their burdens, illnesses and pain. According to Paul, we should take delight in our weakness and hardships. He reasons that Christ is more able to reveal his strength in us at these times. This makes perfect sense if you think that if He revealed His strength in you when you are flying high, then you would most likely credit yourself and not Him.

Once again, live your life with the understanding that this world is not your home and that we are merely being prepared for something far better. If you do, when difficult times arise you will more readily accept them as opportunities to rely more fully upon Christ.

Amish School Tragedy One Year Later

In response to the one year anniversary of the tragedy that occurred in the small school house in Nickel Mines, Pa, USA Today ran an article discussing a retrospective focusing on how the Amish community has responded to the event. The article is fairly well done, and includes Q/A with Steve Nolt author of Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy.
Within the article Mr. Nolt, who is Mennonite, relates that one reason that the Amish were able to so fully commit to forgiveness of the murderer is that they believe that in order to have their own sins forgiven, they too must forgive the sins of others..... I don't argue with that statement, but I will say that stated in that way, it places a great amount of emphasis on the thought, "I'm doing this in order to receive something in exchange." In actuality, my understanding of their motivations, and the motivations of other followers of Christ is more in line with this line of belief, "I have no right to judge others for their sins, because I myself am a sinner too. Furthermore, my Savior loved me despite my transgression so fully that He sacrificed His own life for me. Thus, it is a minor sacrifice on my part to forgive those who hate or hurt me. Any forgiveness that I afford is not to obtain forgiveness in exchange, but instead, is a response of gratitude to the One who has demonstrated amazing forgiveness to me already."
Once again, I encourage you to take a look at the responses to the USA Today article posted below it. Doing so provides some insight into how a lost world views Christians functioning as Christians. For some, it is hard to grasp the actions of forgiveness, but I can understand how confusing it may seem without the personal experience of forgiveness to form your perspective.

Who Do You Serve?

Over the past few years, I've developed a much better concept of what hymnists, poets and song writers have meant when they wrote words to the effect that "This world is not my home" or "I'm just a pilgrim in a foreign land." As my walk has become closer to Christ's (granted I'm still way off), it has become more and more evident that I don't fit in here. This world is not rooting for me, and my welcome has long worn thin. Things of this world make less and less sense to me because my perspective on life has become more Kingdom focused and less world focused. Thus, the world perspective just does not make a whole lot of sense to me. (And when it does make sense, it usually indicates that I wandering the wrong direction.)
Once again, I am referencing Alistair Begg's daily devotional. Today, he discussed citizenship and Ephesians 2:19.
This devotional struck with me with the thought that the Christian Walk is not just something that is "a good idea", "nice to do" or merely morally correct. If you view your citizenship as being of heaven and your ruler as being God, then you're at risk of treason if you are bowing down to or serving someone or something else.
Who are you serving today? Personally, I can only say, "Thank God for Jesus."

Long Distance Race

Much of my life has been spent in a sprint. Spiritually, I've either been in a huge hurry to be God's servant or racing to please my flesh. Ultimately, I've fatigued of one or the other and then ran the race of it's counterpart. EXHAUSTING!!!! Especially for those in my life trying to keep up with me during it all.

Hebrews 12:1-13 describes the discipline that it takes to run a long race, which life is. In Alistair Begg's daily devotional today, he explores He explores Hebrews 12:2, and relates that the Holy Spirit's role is to turn our eyes from self and onto Jesus. Whereas, Satan is fully intent on us focusing on self, self, and more self.

Excerpt from the devotion: He (Satan) insinuates, "Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you do not have the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold on Jesus."
During my sprints, Satan has been pleased with my rapid fatigue and the wavering and self-doubt that went along with it. The end result was fractured relationship between my heart and the Father.

But, check this out, there's good news. Here is some more from the devotion: Remember, therefore, it is not your hold of Christ that saves you--it is Christ; it is not your joy in Christ that saves you--it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, although that is the instrument--it is Christ's blood and merits.

So, whether you are riding a spiritual high sprinting hard for Jesus' sake or riding a spiritual low feeling separation from Christ and The Father, keep your eyes off of self and onto Jesus. Pray that.

If you want to read more of the devotion, here it is: Looking To Jesus

Biblical Humor

I love finding humor in the Bible, especially some of Jesus' exchanges with the Pharisee's (for example, "Why are you so concerned about the speck in your brother's eye when you have a plank in your own?"), and Jer 5:13 referring to some self professed prophets as speaking wind (flatulence) instead of words.
Here is a link to a page that explores Biblical humor in an in depth way: Biblical Humor.
It is not the easiest reading, but if you sift through it a bit, you will find some gems. Here are some examples:
Puns/wordplay – the naming of people throughout Genesis, such as Jacob and Esau (25:25–26); Jeremiah 5:13 plays on ruah , ‘word', ‘wind' (with implications of flatulence) in the mouths of false prophets.
Ambiguity – Haman is led up the garden path (Esther 6).
Sarcasm – Paul's anger at the Judaizers (Galatians 5:12).
Scatological references – Eglon's servants thinking he was relieving himself (Judges 3).
Mention of the taboo – sex and prostitution (Ezekiel 16:33); priests and prophets vomiting drunkenly (Isaiah 28:7–8).
Misfortune of others – Balaam humiliated by his donkey (Numbers 22); the Philistines' god Dagon flat on his face and the people covered in tumours (1 Samuel 5).
Absurdities/the ridiculousness of others – Abraham and son repeating old and increasingly silly errors (Genesis 12, 20, 25); arrogance of the builders in Genesis 11; bizarre and repetitive episodes in Samson's career (Judges 13–16).
The grotesque – Eglon's fat belly swallowing up Ehud's blade; Nebuchadnezzar reduced to an animal (Daniel 4).
Things unexpected, out of place or incongruous – a camel through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:23–24); stagey bargaining in front of Sarah's corpse (Genesis 23); the Lord 's mockery of creatures asserting their superiority to their creator (Isaiah 10:15).
Irony – Jesus' teaching throughout the gospels; Philip's comment that nothing good comes out of Nazareth (John 1:46); Caiaphas noting that it is better for one man to die for the people (John 11:50).
Satire – against the king of Babylon in Isaiah 14; but also through Jeremiah and most Minor Prophets.
Parody/lampoon – the Lord 's mimicking of Pharaoh (Ezekiel 29:3–5); the Lord 's taunt to priests and prophets (Isaiah 28:9–10); Israel's priests are dogs calling for beer (Isaiah 56:9–12).

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Prior to beginning our Vision Committee meeting last night, I read this passage from Psalms 55:1-11 "1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, And do not hide Yourself from my supplication. 2 Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily, 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked; For they bring down trouble upon me, And in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is severely pained within me, And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, And horror has overwhelmed me. 6 So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7 Indeed, I would wander far off, And remain in the wilderness. Selah 8 I would hasten my escape From the windy storm and tempest."
9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, For I have seen violence and strife in the city. 10 Day and night they go around it on its walls; Iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. 11 Destruction is in its midst; Oppression and deceit do not depart from its streets."
The images these words convey are of pain, fear, hopelessness and misery. Now compare this imagery to the words offered in verse 22: "Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you."
Both of these images are brought to life in drama, obviously created by a high school aged youth group, that I happened upon today. In light of the scripture reading last night and the topics discussed, this video seems very appropriate to share. Total Eclipse.

Meaning of the Flag at Military Funerals

Here is an interesting insight into the symbolic meaning of the folding of the flag at military funerals. It really brings to the forefront how seriously our founding Fathers held their Christian beliefs as an integral part of what our country should be about.
The folding of the flag is almost entirely about honoring God the Father and Jesus the Son........
The existence of the USA should be almost entirely about honoring them as well.
The Meaning of the Flag

It's a Jungle

Taken from Weekly Devotional by Max Lucado:
The story is told of a man on an African safari deep in the jungle. The guide before him had a machete and was whacking away the tall weeds and thick underbrush. The traveler, wearied and hot, asked in frustration, “Where are we? Do you know where you are taking me? Where is the path?!” The seasoned guide stopped and looked back at the man and replied, “I am the path.”
How often do we get frustrated with not knowing the direction that God is taking us? However, usually we are most frustrated because we are not considering the direction that God is taking us, but instead, are focused on where our wordly "leaders" are taking us.
A large majority of the time, my times of frustration are a result of losing sight and faith in My Navigator.
If you are frustrated, irritated or discouraged, take a look at Psalms 46; pay particular attention to verses 1-5 and 10.

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8 Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. 10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." 11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Galvin

While looking and listening at the Free Music site, I heard a song that really caught my attention. I wanted to know who wrote and sang it, so I went to his site. What I found deeply moved me, and I would like to share it with you.
Galvin is a young Singaporean man who has recently come to Christ. His testimony is profoundly touching to me. You can read it at his website or view it a video explaining it. I recommend viewing both.
God has obviously blessed him with many talents including musical voice, composing, artistic ability....etc, but Galvin would likely tell you that his greatest blessing received has been God revealing Himself to Galvin and his family.

Debt Free

My wife and I are currently undertaking a major overhaul of our financial habits by implementing lessons learned from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace seminar. One of the keys to accomplishing financial peace is removing debt and the tremendous burdens that debt can cause.
In this world today, it is very rare to find an adult that does not have debt. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find adults that are absolutely overwhelmed by debt. I have been there, too. It is a desperate feeling to see the bills come in every month and having the realization that I am not in control of my finances. What a nauseating feeling to see the pile of debt and recognizing that your monthly income is greatly smaller than your monthly expenses. It is no wonder that finances are cited as the primary reason for most divorces and in the top 3 of reasons for suicide. WHY? Because, when you are faced with such an ugly monster that you yourself have created, there often appears to be no answer.
If this is where you are today financially, I highly recommend that you take a look at what Dave Ramsey has to offer in terms of regaining control of spending and reduction of debt.

NOW, imagine if someone would come to you and offer to accept all of your debt, and pay it all for you with no strings attached, no IOU. Imagine the relief. Imagine how it would impact you the rest of your life. Imagine how it would radically impact your family. Imagine the absolute freedom that it would give you to be the person that you would like to be and to do things for the ones that you love. Imagine how you would respond to that person that gave you such a remarkable gift. Imagine the joy!

Jesus Christ has done this for you!
The ugly debt of sin that we ourselves have created, that has no answer, that is corrupting the peace of our lives, that is interfering with our ability to give of ourselves to our loved ones, that is so amazingly overwhelming, and that appears to have no end in sight, HAS been paid in full upon the cross.
So NOW, imagine the relief. Imagine how it would impact you the rest of your life. Imagine how it would radically impact your family. Imagine the absolute freedom that it would give you to be the person that you would like to be and to do things for the ones that you love. Imagine how you would respond to that person that gave you such a remarkable gift. Imagine the joy!
Here is an excerpt from Alistair Begg's daily devotion for today:
We are now--even now--pardoned; even now are our sins put away; even now we stand in the sight of God accepted, as though we had never been guilty. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."(Romans 8:1)