I think I'll write a book titled "1001 Reasons to Avoid Church." It will only take me a couple of days to 'git 'er done." I'll just have to sort through the thousands I've heard over the years and pick the more creative ones.
I llove the one I heard about the lady who said whe would come, but there were "just too many hypocrites." To which the pastor replied, "Oh, come on. We can always use a few more!"
There's at least one good reason to get regularly involved with the Body of Christ. It's the Body of Christ! So if you are not part. . .then you're surely not part!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Storms
And there arose a great storm. . . Mark 4:37
It’s that time of year. Storms of great intensity roam across the middle of our country and often wreak havoc on the countryside and in the lives of people. Just a few days ago the news was of sixty tornados in one brief time period. Some men and women have gone to great lengths to protect themselves from such storms, and yet many are hurt and killed every year.
Storms in nature are not the only problems in life. The reality is that there are other kinds of storms which blow difficulty and despair through our life and leave behind a sense of uncertainty about the future.
The narrative in Scripture that tells us of the storm on the Sea of Galilee through which the Savior slept also demonstrates His power over the challenges of life. When He arose to rebuke the wind and waves He brought to light the power of His presence in the situations and circumstances which so easy upset us.
Since our Savior is able to control the Cosmos with a word, will He not also be able to control the anguish that comes when death invades our ranks? Will He not be wise to give an answer to the despondency that follows the loss of a job, the reversal of financial fortune, and the gloom that envelopes us when a friend fails to be such? Will not the desolation and misery of our children gone astray be comforted by His words of llove and care? Or can we not on the strength of His consolation survive the damage done when we are betrayed or abandoned by one whom we have lloved and supported in the battles of life?
Yet many have not moved to protect themselves from these storms by entering a personal, intimate relationship with the Savior. We are somehow confident that the coming tornado will strike the house down the street, but not ours. We are sure that the injury will be in someone’s life, but not ours. We have no storm shelter, no flood insurance, and we’re confident our roof is on tight. Who needs a Savior? Who needs a comforter? Who needs one who provides, when we most need it, the soothing reassurance that life does not consist in the abundance of things or the commendation and acclaim of men?
We need protection from life in life! When the storms come, and they will, the Savior will speak peace. That’s a reality you can count on.
It’s that time of year. Storms of great intensity roam across the middle of our country and often wreak havoc on the countryside and in the lives of people. Just a few days ago the news was of sixty tornados in one brief time period. Some men and women have gone to great lengths to protect themselves from such storms, and yet many are hurt and killed every year.
Storms in nature are not the only problems in life. The reality is that there are other kinds of storms which blow difficulty and despair through our life and leave behind a sense of uncertainty about the future.
The narrative in Scripture that tells us of the storm on the Sea of Galilee through which the Savior slept also demonstrates His power over the challenges of life. When He arose to rebuke the wind and waves He brought to light the power of His presence in the situations and circumstances which so easy upset us.
Since our Savior is able to control the Cosmos with a word, will He not also be able to control the anguish that comes when death invades our ranks? Will He not be wise to give an answer to the despondency that follows the loss of a job, the reversal of financial fortune, and the gloom that envelopes us when a friend fails to be such? Will not the desolation and misery of our children gone astray be comforted by His words of llove and care? Or can we not on the strength of His consolation survive the damage done when we are betrayed or abandoned by one whom we have lloved and supported in the battles of life?
Yet many have not moved to protect themselves from these storms by entering a personal, intimate relationship with the Savior. We are somehow confident that the coming tornado will strike the house down the street, but not ours. We are sure that the injury will be in someone’s life, but not ours. We have no storm shelter, no flood insurance, and we’re confident our roof is on tight. Who needs a Savior? Who needs a comforter? Who needs one who provides, when we most need it, the soothing reassurance that life does not consist in the abundance of things or the commendation and acclaim of men?
We need protection from life in life! When the storms come, and they will, the Savior will speak peace. That’s a reality you can count on.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Leadership
It's been reported that the "Congressional Leadership" has written to President Bush to say, "This Congress is taking the responsible course and responding to needs that have been ignored by your administration and the prior Congress." It seems that they want 535 members of Congress to manage the war in Iraq. From the beginning of this Nation wise men and women have understood that such an undertaking would be disastrous.
There is an absolute reverse corollary (can I say that?). Sometime an individual will develop a "private interpretation" of Scripture and lead a host of people astray (David Koresh, Jim Jones, etc.). The value of the Church's rich theological understanding is abandoned for the promotion of one person's idiocy.
Our nation elects a Commander-in-Chief and trains men and women to conduct war when necessary. It's time for Congress to attend to what they do best (keep that pork coming) and listen to those who follow the wisdom that comes from learning and understanding history correctly.
There is an absolute reverse corollary (can I say that?). Sometime an individual will develop a "private interpretation" of Scripture and lead a host of people astray (David Koresh, Jim Jones, etc.). The value of the Church's rich theological understanding is abandoned for the promotion of one person's idiocy.
Our nation elects a Commander-in-Chief and trains men and women to conduct war when necessary. It's time for Congress to attend to what they do best (keep that pork coming) and listen to those who follow the wisdom that comes from learning and understanding history correctly.
Murder in the First Degree
" Do not murder" Matthew 19:18 (HCSB)
It doesn’t matter how you define the victim, to contemplate the act of bringing about the death of another individual, to determine the method and means whereby the act will be consummated, and then causing such action, is, by law, defined as first degree murder. Jesus said, “do no murder” (Matthew 19:18).
The shrill voices of pseudo-intellectualism, political expediency, and hysterical feminism will never dissolve the fundamental truth that all human life is authored and bestowed by God and the termination of life by choice* or whim is a violation of Sovereign design.
A society inundated with the death of innocents is only a step away from the destruction of genocide. (See Deuteronomy 27:25; Isaiah 59:7; Jeremiah 22:17) Alain Destexhe, Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders said, “Killing someone simply because he or she exists is a crime against humanity; it is a crime against the very essence of what it is to be human. This is not an elimination of individuals because they are political adversaries, or because they hold to what are regarded as false beliefs or dangerous theories, but a crime directed against the person as a person, against the very humanity of the individual victim.”
During these days in our beloved Republic, the cry for freedom to choose death for another individual because of one’s own incorrect choices, indiscretion, ignorance, inappropriate behavior, and a multitude of other indiscriminate sins, is driving our nation toward unspeakable evil. As hundreds of thousands gather in our Nation’s Capitol, and undetermined numbers of citizens clamor or whisper in favor of crime against humanity, there must be those who speak vociferously for Truth. The words of British philosopher Edmund Blake still ring true, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
No thought here, however, is complete without a clear understanding that God in His infinite mercy and grace chooses to forgive. As believers, while we may find ourselves, or know of another, guilty of any sin, when we can agree with God and see our sin as He sees it, (see 1 John 1:9) He is forgiving and cleansing. Learning to forgive ourselves is a much more difficult task. But God is gracious, and brings unmeasured peace to those whose mind is stayed on Him.
*The taking of a life in war, or in self-preservation, must never be our choice, but an action demanded by necessity or command.
It doesn’t matter how you define the victim, to contemplate the act of bringing about the death of another individual, to determine the method and means whereby the act will be consummated, and then causing such action, is, by law, defined as first degree murder. Jesus said, “do no murder” (Matthew 19:18).
The shrill voices of pseudo-intellectualism, political expediency, and hysterical feminism will never dissolve the fundamental truth that all human life is authored and bestowed by God and the termination of life by choice* or whim is a violation of Sovereign design.
A society inundated with the death of innocents is only a step away from the destruction of genocide. (See Deuteronomy 27:25; Isaiah 59:7; Jeremiah 22:17) Alain Destexhe, Secretary General of Doctors Without Borders said, “Killing someone simply because he or she exists is a crime against humanity; it is a crime against the very essence of what it is to be human. This is not an elimination of individuals because they are political adversaries, or because they hold to what are regarded as false beliefs or dangerous theories, but a crime directed against the person as a person, against the very humanity of the individual victim.”
During these days in our beloved Republic, the cry for freedom to choose death for another individual because of one’s own incorrect choices, indiscretion, ignorance, inappropriate behavior, and a multitude of other indiscriminate sins, is driving our nation toward unspeakable evil. As hundreds of thousands gather in our Nation’s Capitol, and undetermined numbers of citizens clamor or whisper in favor of crime against humanity, there must be those who speak vociferously for Truth. The words of British philosopher Edmund Blake still ring true, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
No thought here, however, is complete without a clear understanding that God in His infinite mercy and grace chooses to forgive. As believers, while we may find ourselves, or know of another, guilty of any sin, when we can agree with God and see our sin as He sees it, (see 1 John 1:9) He is forgiving and cleansing. Learning to forgive ourselves is a much more difficult task. But God is gracious, and brings unmeasured peace to those whose mind is stayed on Him.
*The taking of a life in war, or in self-preservation, must never be our choice, but an action demanded by necessity or command.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Equality?
I've been the designate "pray-er" in the Senate in Austin a couple of times. I am grateful for the opportunity. I am a Christian. This is supposed to be a Christian nation. They never asked me not to use the name of Jesus in my prayer, but I don't always find that necessary, so I would have been OK if they had.
Now some folks are upset that the Congress of Texas is using Muslim leaders to pray. Shouldn't they have "equal access?" Sticky wicket, as some say, in this nation that abhors anyone "feeling less than equal." Let's just make sure we understand. Muslims pray to Allah. He is not the God of this nation. In fact, I am not sure who Allah is at all. But he is not God. There is only one God. He is the one "in whom we trust." All else is just religious talk.
Now some folks are upset that the Congress of Texas is using Muslim leaders to pray. Shouldn't they have "equal access?" Sticky wicket, as some say, in this nation that abhors anyone "feeling less than equal." Let's just make sure we understand. Muslims pray to Allah. He is not the God of this nation. In fact, I am not sure who Allah is at all. But he is not God. There is only one God. He is the one "in whom we trust." All else is just religious talk.
Tired
Come away by yourselves to a remot place and rest a while. Mark 6:31
Most of us understand perfectly what it is to be tired. Sometimes it is a long day with too many clothes to wash, floors to sweep, meals to cook, or perhaps we went to work early and stayed late and the boss was on a tear. Maybe it’s been a long week with more tasks than we could handle, or a month with no days off. No matter whether the work is physical, mental, or spiritual, we find ourselves tired, and we are almost unable or certainly unwilling, to go on.
In Mark 6:31 (Luke 7:10) Jesus invited the twelve to a retreat in the desert because He knew they needed rest and privacy after their tiring ministry and the press of the people. They were surely disturbed by the death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14ff) and their journey had been difficult. The Scriptures seem to indicate that they didn’t get much resting accomplished (at least Jesus didn’t) but perhaps they were able to secure some time while Jesus went on without them.
Along with the tiredness of their experience, there was the hurt that comes from folks who would not hear their message. People had undoubtedly turned them away, mocked their skill, derided their commitment, and, as I mentioned earlier, killed their friend. All of that came together to the point that Jesus knew some desert time was mandatory.
I believe that our worship experiences, individually and collectively, ought to be times of refreshing and encouragement. Sometimes they are not. Our work of reaching out to the spiritual and physical needs of our community ought to infuse us with enthusiasm. Sometimes it does not. What then can we do?
How about some time alone with Jesus? It won’t be a week in Hawaii, but it can do more for the dissipation of discouragement and despair than any number of weeks in Hawaii. Taking time to shut out the dissonance of daily life, to absent our self from the apathy and ignorance of our society’s indifference to our God-given task, can be therapeutic in the short term.
John Peterson in his hymn “No One Understands Like Jesus” said,
No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim. No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; cast all your care on Him.”
No one understands like Jesus; every woe He sees and feels. Tenderly He whispers comfort, and the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus when the foes of life assail. You should never be discouraged; Jesus cares and will not fail.
Most of us understand perfectly what it is to be tired. Sometimes it is a long day with too many clothes to wash, floors to sweep, meals to cook, or perhaps we went to work early and stayed late and the boss was on a tear. Maybe it’s been a long week with more tasks than we could handle, or a month with no days off. No matter whether the work is physical, mental, or spiritual, we find ourselves tired, and we are almost unable or certainly unwilling, to go on.
In Mark 6:31 (Luke 7:10) Jesus invited the twelve to a retreat in the desert because He knew they needed rest and privacy after their tiring ministry and the press of the people. They were surely disturbed by the death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14ff) and their journey had been difficult. The Scriptures seem to indicate that they didn’t get much resting accomplished (at least Jesus didn’t) but perhaps they were able to secure some time while Jesus went on without them.
Along with the tiredness of their experience, there was the hurt that comes from folks who would not hear their message. People had undoubtedly turned them away, mocked their skill, derided their commitment, and, as I mentioned earlier, killed their friend. All of that came together to the point that Jesus knew some desert time was mandatory.
I believe that our worship experiences, individually and collectively, ought to be times of refreshing and encouragement. Sometimes they are not. Our work of reaching out to the spiritual and physical needs of our community ought to infuse us with enthusiasm. Sometimes it does not. What then can we do?
How about some time alone with Jesus? It won’t be a week in Hawaii, but it can do more for the dissipation of discouragement and despair than any number of weeks in Hawaii. Taking time to shut out the dissonance of daily life, to absent our self from the apathy and ignorance of our society’s indifference to our God-given task, can be therapeutic in the short term.
John Peterson in his hymn “No One Understands Like Jesus” said,
No one understands like Jesus when the days are dark and grim. No one is so near, so dear as Jesus; cast all your care on Him.”
No one understands like Jesus; every woe He sees and feels. Tenderly He whispers comfort, and the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus when the foes of life assail. You should never be discouraged; Jesus cares and will not fail.
(©1952 John W. Peterson Music Company)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Let's Quit!
There is very little that is easier than quitting. I've been known to run (you know--marathons and such) a little, and my body keeps saying to my brain -- "Let's quit!"
Lots of people, even those in Congress who ought to know better, want to quit the war in Iraq. I talk to people frequently that want to quit their job. Some kids (students, if you will) want to quit school. Folks find lots of reasons to quit Church. Every year multitudes of teachers quit teaching, leaders stop leading, physicians stop treating, attorneys stop practicing, preachers stop preaching. It's just easier than struggling on. One thing is true -- almost anybody can do it.
Here's a suggestion. Let's not! I suspect that if everyone quits not much will get done. But then, quitters don't usually care about anyone but themselves anyway.
Lots of people, even those in Congress who ought to know better, want to quit the war in Iraq. I talk to people frequently that want to quit their job. Some kids (students, if you will) want to quit school. Folks find lots of reasons to quit Church. Every year multitudes of teachers quit teaching, leaders stop leading, physicians stop treating, attorneys stop practicing, preachers stop preaching. It's just easier than struggling on. One thing is true -- almost anybody can do it.
Here's a suggestion. Let's not! I suspect that if everyone quits not much will get done. But then, quitters don't usually care about anyone but themselves anyway.
For Such A Time
. . . and who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this. Esther 4:14
(This devotional was written on 04-04-04. It is as appropriate on 3/27/07 as it was the day it first appeared)
Don’t you llove the date on today’s devotional? I like stuff like that because it is unique and not something you see every day. We’ve seen some lights in the sky over the past few weeks and months that will not occur again during our lifetime. It’s a great time to be alive.
I don’t believe we are here by chance. Not on Earth, not in the United States (forgive me all those multitudes of people who receive this note outside the US), not in our Church (whichever one you are in), not in the relationships of which we are a part, rather, they are all part of God’s design and timing for us.
In Esther 4:14 (more 4’s) Mordecai tells Esther through a messenger that “perhaps she has come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.” I believe she did. More than that, however, I believe each one of us has come to the Kingdom for such a time as this. We are a part of each other’s life because of God’s design and timing. We live where we live and go where we go because of God’s timing and placement of our life. And if that is true, and it is, how valuable is every moment of every day? How valuable are we to our families, our friends, our jobs, our Church?
No one can do what God has designed for you to do. No one can take your spot or place in life, your family, your job, or your Church. You employer might find someone to do your job, your spouse might remarry, your Church might get ten new members to carry your part of the load, but no one replaces you.
Listen to me. You are vital. Vital, I tell you. You are here by God’s design. You’ve got stuff to do! You’ve got victories to win! You’ve got relationships to master! You’ve got folks to llove! You’ve got ministry to accomplish.
This is the time. Now! Right now! If ever there was a time when your family needed you to be God’s person, it is now. If ever there was a time when your Church needed you to stand up for Truth and right, it is now. If ever there was a time when you must be about God’s design it is now. You are a part of the Kingdom of God now! For this time! Hook it up – let’s go!!
(This devotional was written on 04-04-04. It is as appropriate on 3/27/07 as it was the day it first appeared)
Don’t you llove the date on today’s devotional? I like stuff like that because it is unique and not something you see every day. We’ve seen some lights in the sky over the past few weeks and months that will not occur again during our lifetime. It’s a great time to be alive.
I don’t believe we are here by chance. Not on Earth, not in the United States (forgive me all those multitudes of people who receive this note outside the US), not in our Church (whichever one you are in), not in the relationships of which we are a part, rather, they are all part of God’s design and timing for us.
In Esther 4:14 (more 4’s) Mordecai tells Esther through a messenger that “perhaps she has come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.” I believe she did. More than that, however, I believe each one of us has come to the Kingdom for such a time as this. We are a part of each other’s life because of God’s design and timing. We live where we live and go where we go because of God’s timing and placement of our life. And if that is true, and it is, how valuable is every moment of every day? How valuable are we to our families, our friends, our jobs, our Church?
No one can do what God has designed for you to do. No one can take your spot or place in life, your family, your job, or your Church. You employer might find someone to do your job, your spouse might remarry, your Church might get ten new members to carry your part of the load, but no one replaces you.
Listen to me. You are vital. Vital, I tell you. You are here by God’s design. You’ve got stuff to do! You’ve got victories to win! You’ve got relationships to master! You’ve got folks to llove! You’ve got ministry to accomplish.
This is the time. Now! Right now! If ever there was a time when your family needed you to be God’s person, it is now. If ever there was a time when your Church needed you to stand up for Truth and right, it is now. If ever there was a time when you must be about God’s design it is now. You are a part of the Kingdom of God now! For this time! Hook it up – let’s go!!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Appropriate Fear
I hear the academic elite are doing everything possible to prohibit the introduction of a seminar on the theory of "intelligent design" in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. There's talk of "controversy" as to the validity of the information. That seems reasonable given the lack of controversy regarding the theory of Evolution. I was thinking that controversy had died out since anyone with a grain of intellectual honesty can determine the total stupidity of support for "nothing plus nothing else, given enough time, equals everything infinitely complex."
It's just wise to keep folks in the dark as much as possible about the "Designer" of life and all things beautiful. If they find out, and the Spirit of Truth begins a work in their mind and heart, the whole scientific infrastructure of "origins" could collapse under the weight of its own foolishness.
For Heaven's sake, don't let that "intelligent" stuff get a foothold in our schools! And whatever else we do, don't ever let the "theory" be overcome by the "Truth."
It's just wise to keep folks in the dark as much as possible about the "Designer" of life and all things beautiful. If they find out, and the Spirit of Truth begins a work in their mind and heart, the whole scientific infrastructure of "origins" could collapse under the weight of its own foolishness.
For Heaven's sake, don't let that "intelligent" stuff get a foothold in our schools! And whatever else we do, don't ever let the "theory" be overcome by the "Truth."
Running Water
The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him. John 7:38
The dozer driver working next door this past week managed to dose up the water line that runs between the fire hydrant on our property and the property on which he was working. Water was everywhere. People saw it running through the parking lot and into the street—and gave me a call.
Then, just today (Thursday, as I write this), the City folks came to inspect the repair and opened the hydrant on our property and once again, water flowed everywhere (except on our grass, of course).
It seems like such a waste. I know they have to “purge” the lines, or whatever they call it, but there is a lot of water wasted that could be used for some purpose other than filling the storm drain.
The reality is, there is a lot of “water” that is wasted in the operation of the Church. The pure water of God’s Word is clearly and accurately proclaimed, but rather than becoming that “river of living water flowing deep within,” it is allowed to flow unhindered past our mind and spirit. We are not as quick to believe as we ought to be because we are not really thirsty for the things of God.
The water of God’s Word is of no use to those out there who are not a part of the family of God. Truth is spiritually discerned and without the Spirit within us, no value comes from the rich resource our Father provides.
In the verses preceding the one quoted here, Jesus tells those following Him that they soon will look for Him, but will not be able to find Him. He was indicating that only those who were possessed by His Spirit would understand Truth. While we look for water in the physical sense when the drought comes, we are not likely to find it, and certainly not in abundance. The same is true in the Church. If we fail to utilize properly the water of Truth He reveals, the time will come when the water will no longer be available. Spiritual thirst will lead to spiritual death.
Remember Jesus’ words, “If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink!” We need more drinking and less wasting. I wish the city would learn that! I wish the Church would learn that!
The dozer driver working next door this past week managed to dose up the water line that runs between the fire hydrant on our property and the property on which he was working. Water was everywhere. People saw it running through the parking lot and into the street—and gave me a call.
Then, just today (Thursday, as I write this), the City folks came to inspect the repair and opened the hydrant on our property and once again, water flowed everywhere (except on our grass, of course).
It seems like such a waste. I know they have to “purge” the lines, or whatever they call it, but there is a lot of water wasted that could be used for some purpose other than filling the storm drain.
The reality is, there is a lot of “water” that is wasted in the operation of the Church. The pure water of God’s Word is clearly and accurately proclaimed, but rather than becoming that “river of living water flowing deep within,” it is allowed to flow unhindered past our mind and spirit. We are not as quick to believe as we ought to be because we are not really thirsty for the things of God.
The water of God’s Word is of no use to those out there who are not a part of the family of God. Truth is spiritually discerned and without the Spirit within us, no value comes from the rich resource our Father provides.
In the verses preceding the one quoted here, Jesus tells those following Him that they soon will look for Him, but will not be able to find Him. He was indicating that only those who were possessed by His Spirit would understand Truth. While we look for water in the physical sense when the drought comes, we are not likely to find it, and certainly not in abundance. The same is true in the Church. If we fail to utilize properly the water of Truth He reveals, the time will come when the water will no longer be available. Spiritual thirst will lead to spiritual death.
Remember Jesus’ words, “If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink!” We need more drinking and less wasting. I wish the city would learn that! I wish the Church would learn that!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Vision
Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God's Son, growing into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ's fullness. Ephesians 4:13
Do you ever have trouble seeing? Sometimes as folks get older their eyes begin to weaken a bit. It might be things are just not as sharp as they used to be, or maybe the lens grows cloudy (cataracts), or changes in the shape of the cornea means we can see the distance marker but we can’t read the words in the book, or vice-versa. A visit to the optometrist and the optician, or some time with the ophthalmologist is in order and he often sets things right.
What do we do when our Spiritual vision is weakened? As we get further and further away from the original vision we discovered under the leadership of the Father, we often have trouble seeing what it is we are to be about. There are times when distractions cloud our view of outreach and ministry, and we forget to maintain a strong emphasis on what is really important.
Often everything just changes, which is the natural order of things, and consequentially we don’t see the vision the same way we once did. It must be time for a visit with the Great Physician! We may need to see again from His heart the vision that is before us. We might even need some new lenses with which to view His calling.
A Church needs to draw its Mission/Vision statement from Ephesians 4:13. My favorite reads like this: Providing for Prayer, Bible Study, Worship, and Family of God experiences, we seek to reach people with the Good News of the Gospel, and then endeavor to do the work of the ministry, edifying the Body of Christ, as we come together in the unity of the faith and the disciplines of llove, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
All of us need to be involved in those four areas listed above. Sometimes they are personal and individual, sometimes they are corporate and public. But all of them are necessary. We can never do the second and third part of the vision until we have done the first. And if we have done the first, and fail in the second and third, we are just being lazy and rebellious.
See again the vision. Set your heart on prayer, Bible study, Worship, and experience frequently the Family of God gathered. Then, you will have a witness to share, a Gospel to tell, and opportunities to disciple and be discipled. The result of that will be maturity in the faith. That’s the vision. That’s the mission.
See it again, for the first time.
Do you ever have trouble seeing? Sometimes as folks get older their eyes begin to weaken a bit. It might be things are just not as sharp as they used to be, or maybe the lens grows cloudy (cataracts), or changes in the shape of the cornea means we can see the distance marker but we can’t read the words in the book, or vice-versa. A visit to the optometrist and the optician, or some time with the ophthalmologist is in order and he often sets things right.
What do we do when our Spiritual vision is weakened? As we get further and further away from the original vision we discovered under the leadership of the Father, we often have trouble seeing what it is we are to be about. There are times when distractions cloud our view of outreach and ministry, and we forget to maintain a strong emphasis on what is really important.
Often everything just changes, which is the natural order of things, and consequentially we don’t see the vision the same way we once did. It must be time for a visit with the Great Physician! We may need to see again from His heart the vision that is before us. We might even need some new lenses with which to view His calling.
A Church needs to draw its Mission/Vision statement from Ephesians 4:13. My favorite reads like this: Providing for Prayer, Bible Study, Worship, and Family of God experiences, we seek to reach people with the Good News of the Gospel, and then endeavor to do the work of the ministry, edifying the Body of Christ, as we come together in the unity of the faith and the disciplines of llove, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
All of us need to be involved in those four areas listed above. Sometimes they are personal and individual, sometimes they are corporate and public. But all of them are necessary. We can never do the second and third part of the vision until we have done the first. And if we have done the first, and fail in the second and third, we are just being lazy and rebellious.
See again the vision. Set your heart on prayer, Bible study, Worship, and experience frequently the Family of God gathered. Then, you will have a witness to share, a Gospel to tell, and opportunities to disciple and be discipled. The result of that will be maturity in the faith. That’s the vision. That’s the mission.
See it again, for the first time.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Carbon Neutral
Ha ha ha ha ha ha - I'm sorry, I can't stop laughing. Are you kidding me? Are there people out there who are actually spending money on a "carbon-neutral wedding," or buying some "pig in a polk" when they take a flight that will "off-set" the exhaust of the jet, and a "MarryMe" woods where they will plant a tree or mow the grass with a goat or something, if you send them money (of course, of course)? Ha ha ha ha ha ho ho ho ho he he he.
This has got to be the biggest scam in world history. People will always develop a way to take money from the gullible. P. T. Barnam would have a field day. Maybe instead of ridicule I should get in on this deal. . .
Send me $2 and I'll plant a tree on my farm and put your name on it. For $2 more, I'll send you a picture of it. Shoot, for $10 I'll name a mature tree for you (I've got hundreds). Then you can take a flight or drive another 1000 miles or get married! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. . .
This has got to be the biggest scam in world history. People will always develop a way to take money from the gullible. P. T. Barnam would have a field day. Maybe instead of ridicule I should get in on this deal. . .
Send me $2 and I'll plant a tree on my farm and put your name on it. For $2 more, I'll send you a picture of it. Shoot, for $10 I'll name a mature tree for you (I've got hundreds). Then you can take a flight or drive another 1000 miles or get married! Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. . .
Choosing Sides
It's not enough that we have a major conflict in Iraq and other serious skirmishes going on around the world, desperate situations involving large groups of people in our own nation from natural disasters, and a multitude of other problems affecting the planet. Some continue to want a battle with the President of the United States over a matter that is nothing more than political infighting at worst and poor performance at best.
We are losing this society to evil, hatred, bigotry, excess, crime, ignorance and apathy. Meanwhile leaders (in their opinion) of our Congress are so obsessed with destroying this President they can focus on nothing else.
It's not a matter of Democrat vs. Republican or vice versa. It's a matter of determining what is vital and what is not. This matter (fired lawyers) causing such a stir is stealing time from deadly serious concerns. We need some of these dummies to pay attention to the right stuff!
We are losing this society to evil, hatred, bigotry, excess, crime, ignorance and apathy. Meanwhile leaders (in their opinion) of our Congress are so obsessed with destroying this President they can focus on nothing else.
It's not a matter of Democrat vs. Republican or vice versa. It's a matter of determining what is vital and what is not. This matter (fired lawyers) causing such a stir is stealing time from deadly serious concerns. We need some of these dummies to pay attention to the right stuff!
Heartache
John 6:60ff
I’ve been involved in marriage counseling for many years. Although I have never experienced divorce, people tell me, and I believe it, the similarities with the death of a lloved one are apparent.
Losing a family member is hard. I won’t deny that blood makes for closer relationships than spirituality (even though I don’t believe it ought to be that way). But I will tell you it is agonizing (at least for me) to lose someone you llove, whether through divorce, death, or a change in proximity and contact.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus to his disciples after he was clear that not all would believe (see John 6:60ff). It must have been a great heartache, from a human perspective) to ask those closest to Him, “do you also want to go away?”
I have always made it a priority of the ministry in which God has allowed me to participate to place more emphasis on those we have than those we might reach. Some feel that is the wrong sentiment, and prohibits reaching the mainstream of people in our society. Many Churches are moving toward abandoning older (read needy) folks, and more and more pastors are ceasing to shepherd the flock in favor of becoming a “visionary leader.”
Since I have chosen to llove, as best I can, all those who come this way, it is a difficult and hurtful time when someone decides to move on to other things. Sometimes that is necessary because of circumstances beyond our control, but it is no less hurtful. Sometimes there are disagreements within the confines of a diverse family, or perhaps someone feels neglected or betrayed, and we fail to exercise the “forgiveness option”, and that hurts deeply and long term. Sometimes it is the Father moving us to different ministries and families. It still hurts unbelievably.
Llove is an interesting and phenomenally complex discipline. It often feels so good, but it sometimes hurts like sixty.
"Thank you, Father for always lloving us, giving us what is best, and letting us llove one another in close proximity. . .if only for a little while."
I’ve been involved in marriage counseling for many years. Although I have never experienced divorce, people tell me, and I believe it, the similarities with the death of a lloved one are apparent.
Losing a family member is hard. I won’t deny that blood makes for closer relationships than spirituality (even though I don’t believe it ought to be that way). But I will tell you it is agonizing (at least for me) to lose someone you llove, whether through divorce, death, or a change in proximity and contact.
I am reminded of the words of Jesus to his disciples after he was clear that not all would believe (see John 6:60ff). It must have been a great heartache, from a human perspective) to ask those closest to Him, “do you also want to go away?”
I have always made it a priority of the ministry in which God has allowed me to participate to place more emphasis on those we have than those we might reach. Some feel that is the wrong sentiment, and prohibits reaching the mainstream of people in our society. Many Churches are moving toward abandoning older (read needy) folks, and more and more pastors are ceasing to shepherd the flock in favor of becoming a “visionary leader.”
Since I have chosen to llove, as best I can, all those who come this way, it is a difficult and hurtful time when someone decides to move on to other things. Sometimes that is necessary because of circumstances beyond our control, but it is no less hurtful. Sometimes there are disagreements within the confines of a diverse family, or perhaps someone feels neglected or betrayed, and we fail to exercise the “forgiveness option”, and that hurts deeply and long term. Sometimes it is the Father moving us to different ministries and families. It still hurts unbelievably.
Llove is an interesting and phenomenally complex discipline. It often feels so good, but it sometimes hurts like sixty.
"Thank you, Father for always lloving us, giving us what is best, and letting us llove one another in close proximity. . .if only for a little while."
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Learning
This past week my wife took the grandkids to Washington, D. C. She had been promising to do so for years. She often took her class from school, and now the boys were old enough to understand what they would see. It was an amazing trip for them.
One thing they saw during their tour of the Capitol Building was Congress - IN SESSION. Interestingly enough almost no one was there. In fact, it is often (you can watch it on TV) only the one or two who are debating some senseless topic, or whoever is getting the pork, or whatever advances the particular political agenda of someone or another who manages to show up.
You'd think, for Heaven's sake, for the money we pay them they could at least show up for work. What was it Mark Twain said - "Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. " Man, I Wish I'd Said That!
One thing they saw during their tour of the Capitol Building was Congress - IN SESSION. Interestingly enough almost no one was there. In fact, it is often (you can watch it on TV) only the one or two who are debating some senseless topic, or whoever is getting the pork, or whatever advances the particular political agenda of someone or another who manages to show up.
You'd think, for Heaven's sake, for the money we pay them they could at least show up for work. What was it Mark Twain said - "Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself. " Man, I Wish I'd Said That!
Words
But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and that defiles a man. Matthew 15:18
Have you ever considered that some words may be more important than others? Words often engender action, thought, delight, despair, joy, pain, sorrow, and concern. We are encouraged by the Scriptures to guard our mouths (words) recognizing that those words that exit our mouths demonstrate the contents of our hearts. (Matthew 15:18)
We would be wise to listen to others as they speak, but we must never forget to listen to ourselves as we speak. It really is not all that difficult to listen, but is often difficult to hear.
We justify our words based on a plethora of ideas, feelings, attitudes and thoughts. As the words come tumbling out we fail to recognize the impact they have on the minds, hearts, attitudes and lives of those who are subjected to them. We hear them (if at all) in the light of our emotional state without much regard for others who must endure our words without the benefit of understanding what the source may be.
Does that mean we can never say what we think? Can we never speak what we feel? Are we limited to pleasantries and paltry platitudes to define the parameters of our speech? No. But we must begin to consider the hearer. We must learn to speak so that misinterpretation and misunderstanding are never the result of our conversation.
Our words can be a sword, a fire, a branding iron, a cutting, dismantling force that wreaks havoc in the lives of those around us and “comes home” to leave us with the disheartenment of having hurt the ones we should llove most.
The wisdom of the ages tells us to think. Think about what we say. Better yet, think about what we are about to say. Is it good, wholesome, encouraging, edifying? Will the hearers (us and them) be pleased with the results of the words action?
We do not plead for silence, but for rational, lloving thought. That is the manner in which God’s people build their relationships.
Have you ever considered that some words may be more important than others? Words often engender action, thought, delight, despair, joy, pain, sorrow, and concern. We are encouraged by the Scriptures to guard our mouths (words) recognizing that those words that exit our mouths demonstrate the contents of our hearts. (Matthew 15:18)
We would be wise to listen to others as they speak, but we must never forget to listen to ourselves as we speak. It really is not all that difficult to listen, but is often difficult to hear.
We justify our words based on a plethora of ideas, feelings, attitudes and thoughts. As the words come tumbling out we fail to recognize the impact they have on the minds, hearts, attitudes and lives of those who are subjected to them. We hear them (if at all) in the light of our emotional state without much regard for others who must endure our words without the benefit of understanding what the source may be.
Does that mean we can never say what we think? Can we never speak what we feel? Are we limited to pleasantries and paltry platitudes to define the parameters of our speech? No. But we must begin to consider the hearer. We must learn to speak so that misinterpretation and misunderstanding are never the result of our conversation.
Our words can be a sword, a fire, a branding iron, a cutting, dismantling force that wreaks havoc in the lives of those around us and “comes home” to leave us with the disheartenment of having hurt the ones we should llove most.
The wisdom of the ages tells us to think. Think about what we say. Better yet, think about what we are about to say. Is it good, wholesome, encouraging, edifying? Will the hearers (us and them) be pleased with the results of the words action?
We do not plead for silence, but for rational, lloving thought. That is the manner in which God’s people build their relationships.
Monday, March 19, 2007
The Most Important Thing!
I hope you have read yesterday's post. Otherwise this won't make sense. After looking at Worship, Prayer, Bible Study, Spiritual Maturity, and Gifts, and many of the Scriptures related to their importance in our lives, I have chosen to make a public stand regarding which operation is most critical in the life of a believer. It is none of these! Rather, the most important action on the part of a believer is involving ones self in a family of believers where Truth is clearly and accurately proclaimed.
There's no ignoring or "moving past" the Church. When making the attempt to do so, the vast majority of believers will fail to effectively involve themselves in all or any of the afore mentioned actions. Rather, we will grow spiritually colder until we will appear to be just another member of the World's unredeemed masses.
Some may think the Church is irrelevant. They need a fresh look at God's Word!
PS If you would like a CD that discusses this matter, please contact lloveletters.com
There's no ignoring or "moving past" the Church. When making the attempt to do so, the vast majority of believers will fail to effectively involve themselves in all or any of the afore mentioned actions. Rather, we will grow spiritually colder until we will appear to be just another member of the World's unredeemed masses.
Some may think the Church is irrelevant. They need a fresh look at God's Word!
PS If you would like a CD that discusses this matter, please contact lloveletters.com
Performance Review
1 Corinthians 3:10 and following
Most of us are familiar with performance reviews. If we are employed, it is not unusual for our employer to tell us how we are doing every so often. If we are a performer (actor, musician, teacher, etc.) the reviews come pretty often, and from a lot of sources.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10ff, we are told that there is going to be a performance review in relationship to how we have lived our lives under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we forget, or perhaps have not known, that it is coming. In light of that, how must we live?
I get a review every week (sometimes more often) on the job I am doing. My sweet wife is always kind, but brutally honest. And I am not so naïve as to believe that others (although I may never hear them) are, shall we say, making discernments, as well.
But what is really more important is that our Father is aware of our lives down to the smallest detail. Every action, every word, even every thought is subjected to his standard of purity, holiness, and truth. When I am tempted to take an action that I know is wrong, or speak a word that is damaging, or think about things that are the antithesis of Godliness, I need to be reminded that He will review my performance.
Wasn’t it Jesus who said (in the revised C. West version) that we are not defiling the Temple by enjoying a BLT sandwich, but by the words that cross our lips when our heart is not squeaky clean, and the actions we take when the Spirit is not in control?
Got a performance review coming? Yea! We do.
Most of us are familiar with performance reviews. If we are employed, it is not unusual for our employer to tell us how we are doing every so often. If we are a performer (actor, musician, teacher, etc.) the reviews come pretty often, and from a lot of sources.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10ff, we are told that there is going to be a performance review in relationship to how we have lived our lives under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we forget, or perhaps have not known, that it is coming. In light of that, how must we live?
I get a review every week (sometimes more often) on the job I am doing. My sweet wife is always kind, but brutally honest. And I am not so naïve as to believe that others (although I may never hear them) are, shall we say, making discernments, as well.
But what is really more important is that our Father is aware of our lives down to the smallest detail. Every action, every word, even every thought is subjected to his standard of purity, holiness, and truth. When I am tempted to take an action that I know is wrong, or speak a word that is damaging, or think about things that are the antithesis of Godliness, I need to be reminded that He will review my performance.
Wasn’t it Jesus who said (in the revised C. West version) that we are not defiling the Temple by enjoying a BLT sandwich, but by the words that cross our lips when our heart is not squeaky clean, and the actions we take when the Spirit is not in control?
Got a performance review coming? Yea! We do.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Most Important
I've been doing a lot of thinking about what is the most important operation in the life of a Christian. I would guess I need to define "operation." What is it that the Christian does (or fails to do) that makes all the difference?
I am sure I have the answer. At least at this point in time, with the knowledge I have gathered and the experiences I have lived through, I am pretty sure I am right. One thing is for sure, I am confident most people will be surprised, at least at first. I expect to find some (maybe a lot) who disagree. I just hope those folks won't be disagreeable.
I'm going to talk about it. . .before I write about it. So if you know where I talk. . .
I am sure I have the answer. At least at this point in time, with the knowledge I have gathered and the experiences I have lived through, I am pretty sure I am right. One thing is for sure, I am confident most people will be surprised, at least at first. I expect to find some (maybe a lot) who disagree. I just hope those folks won't be disagreeable.
I'm going to talk about it. . .before I write about it. So if you know where I talk. . .
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Torture
This guy who claims to be Osama Bin what's his face's right hand man is confessing to a lot of stuff. Do you think we tortured him? Of course, I don't know. Let me tell you what I do know.
I know a lot of moms and dads, wives and children, brothers and sisters who are tortured every day because of the loss their lloved one on the battle field. I imagine the torture of learning how to walk with one leg or no legs, eat with no arms, cope with life when one's brain is damaged beyond repair, to survive the agony be being burned nearly to death, or live with the nightmare of war which won't go away even when the battlefield is far behind.
We didn't start this war, and we seem reluctant to finish it. Those who attempt to destroy the United States with terrorism, those who kill and maim in the name of godless religion may find the going tough. I hope so.
I know a lot of moms and dads, wives and children, brothers and sisters who are tortured every day because of the loss their lloved one on the battle field. I imagine the torture of learning how to walk with one leg or no legs, eat with no arms, cope with life when one's brain is damaged beyond repair, to survive the agony be being burned nearly to death, or live with the nightmare of war which won't go away even when the battlefield is far behind.
We didn't start this war, and we seem reluctant to finish it. Those who attempt to destroy the United States with terrorism, those who kill and maim in the name of godless religion may find the going tough. I hope so.
Latitudinarianism
John 14:6 and Acts 4:12
I am becoming increasingly convinced that the evangelical Church is embracing and absorbing latitudinarianism. Many people have no idea it is happening because they have no strong attachment to Truth. Insufficient time and effort in establishing the Word of God in our hearts, or ignorance that allows practitioners of such foolishness to influence our thinking, had created an environment where extra-Biblical drivel survives and thrives.
In John 14:6, Jesus spoke clearly the message of the Gospel. In Acts 4:12, Luke records Peter’s address to the Sanhedrin in which he unmistakably condemns every religion as a lie.
Some religions claim that sinners are not justified by faith alone, through grace alone, by Christ alone (Roman Catholicism). Some extreme Word Faith movement followers damage the Truth of Christ in an effort to make ‘health, wealth, and happiness’ the focus of salvation.
We are often encouraged to accept all “doctrines” so that unity might prevail. To cling to, and express the Truth, is considered intolerance, and, for many, tolerance is the pinnacle of the enlightened mind. In the opinion of some, a simple affirmation of Jesus, and a lifestyle embracing any number of individual preferences, is preferable to creating division by exactness.
Be reminded that the enemy does not care what we believe as long as what we believe is not the Truth. Antinomianism invades our ranks and makes obedience elective. Sanctification is relegated to noncompulsory standing. Imputed righteousness becomes a non-issue. The most basic fundamentals of authority, inspiration, and infallibility of Scripture are left without a champion. Somewhere we must return to a core of objective Truth that is absolute and non-negotiable.
Jesus said, “you shall know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free.” Jesus also said, “I am the Truth.” I know He was right.
I am becoming increasingly convinced that the evangelical Church is embracing and absorbing latitudinarianism. Many people have no idea it is happening because they have no strong attachment to Truth. Insufficient time and effort in establishing the Word of God in our hearts, or ignorance that allows practitioners of such foolishness to influence our thinking, had created an environment where extra-Biblical drivel survives and thrives.
In John 14:6, Jesus spoke clearly the message of the Gospel. In Acts 4:12, Luke records Peter’s address to the Sanhedrin in which he unmistakably condemns every religion as a lie.
Some religions claim that sinners are not justified by faith alone, through grace alone, by Christ alone (Roman Catholicism). Some extreme Word Faith movement followers damage the Truth of Christ in an effort to make ‘health, wealth, and happiness’ the focus of salvation.
We are often encouraged to accept all “doctrines” so that unity might prevail. To cling to, and express the Truth, is considered intolerance, and, for many, tolerance is the pinnacle of the enlightened mind. In the opinion of some, a simple affirmation of Jesus, and a lifestyle embracing any number of individual preferences, is preferable to creating division by exactness.
Be reminded that the enemy does not care what we believe as long as what we believe is not the Truth. Antinomianism invades our ranks and makes obedience elective. Sanctification is relegated to noncompulsory standing. Imputed righteousness becomes a non-issue. The most basic fundamentals of authority, inspiration, and infallibility of Scripture are left without a champion. Somewhere we must return to a core of objective Truth that is absolute and non-negotiable.
Jesus said, “you shall know the Truth, and the Truth will make you free.” Jesus also said, “I am the Truth.” I know He was right.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
At The Courthouse
When I get to thinking that in the Church things are unorganized, slow, purposeless, inane, without thoughtful planning and careless, all I have to do is make a visit to the Court House. Right away I know the Church is in great shape.
I hear constantly that our Criminal Justice System is behind, overwhelmed, backed-up, over-worked and under-paid.
Want to know why? Go visit the courthouse and watch! I've never been in a place where there are more people accomplishing less. With so much to do, why not exercise a little discipline in relationship to time, effort, organization and management.
Some people are working hard! That's always the case! They deserve credit. Others, well. . .
I don't mean to be ugly, but, for Heaven's sake!
They can't arrest me for saying that, can they?
I hear constantly that our Criminal Justice System is behind, overwhelmed, backed-up, over-worked and under-paid.
Want to know why? Go visit the courthouse and watch! I've never been in a place where there are more people accomplishing less. With so much to do, why not exercise a little discipline in relationship to time, effort, organization and management.
Some people are working hard! That's always the case! They deserve credit. Others, well. . .
I don't mean to be ugly, but, for Heaven's sake!
They can't arrest me for saying that, can they?
Rhetoric Complaints
For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Proverbs 8:7-9
Now that the campaigns for political office are again in full swing, I have a complaint. In fact, I want to complain about everything that is said that is untrue, wicked, crooked, perverse and just plain wrong. We have seen so much of that in recent years in the political spectrum, in the reporting of “news” and in our society at large. We would be dishonest if we did not also acknowledge the Church is guilty of the same kinds of things.
I wish the war in Iraq was over. Who knows what is going on there? Certainly if one listens to the news media we are losing big time. If we listen to our President and some others, we are winning; slowly but surely. Somebody is not telling the truth, and I am praying it is the media. During the election cycle it seems as if no one is talking about anything except the “other candidate.” It’s almost never about what one can do to be effective in government, rather always about how the “other” candidate is a failure, a crook, a liar or just pain stupid. It is difficult to know who believes what, or who has done what, unless one knows the candidate personally, and even then it is “iffy” sometimes.
Since the Church of Jesus Christ, in opposition to God’s command, has become defensive against the onslaught of evil in the world, rather than offensive attacking the very gates of Hell, we too have succumbed to this problem of speaking truth. It’s getting more difficult to know who is on the Lord’s side. With pseudo-prophets waxing eloquent, false teachers populating the air-waves, and misrepresentation of God’s Word prevalent, we need all of God’s real children to get their mouths right and knowledgeable. Jesus said it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles, but what comes forth in our speech indicating what is in our hearts. (Matthew 11:15-18)
One does not have to listen long to hear wicked, crooked and perverse things. And God knows we cannot always be successful in keeping such things from our ears, but we can always control what comes from our mouth. We must recognize the only way to have a Godly mouth is to have a pure heart. The only way to have a pure heart is to be free from sin. When we are, then our mouths will speak truth. Truth is always apparent to those who have found the genuine knowledge of God’s Word. We need to get in the Word. We must confess our sin. We must allow God to purify our heart. We’ll notice the difference in our mouth.
Now that the campaigns for political office are again in full swing, I have a complaint. In fact, I want to complain about everything that is said that is untrue, wicked, crooked, perverse and just plain wrong. We have seen so much of that in recent years in the political spectrum, in the reporting of “news” and in our society at large. We would be dishonest if we did not also acknowledge the Church is guilty of the same kinds of things.
I wish the war in Iraq was over. Who knows what is going on there? Certainly if one listens to the news media we are losing big time. If we listen to our President and some others, we are winning; slowly but surely. Somebody is not telling the truth, and I am praying it is the media. During the election cycle it seems as if no one is talking about anything except the “other candidate.” It’s almost never about what one can do to be effective in government, rather always about how the “other” candidate is a failure, a crook, a liar or just pain stupid. It is difficult to know who believes what, or who has done what, unless one knows the candidate personally, and even then it is “iffy” sometimes.
Since the Church of Jesus Christ, in opposition to God’s command, has become defensive against the onslaught of evil in the world, rather than offensive attacking the very gates of Hell, we too have succumbed to this problem of speaking truth. It’s getting more difficult to know who is on the Lord’s side. With pseudo-prophets waxing eloquent, false teachers populating the air-waves, and misrepresentation of God’s Word prevalent, we need all of God’s real children to get their mouths right and knowledgeable. Jesus said it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles, but what comes forth in our speech indicating what is in our hearts. (Matthew 11:15-18)
One does not have to listen long to hear wicked, crooked and perverse things. And God knows we cannot always be successful in keeping such things from our ears, but we can always control what comes from our mouth. We must recognize the only way to have a Godly mouth is to have a pure heart. The only way to have a pure heart is to be free from sin. When we are, then our mouths will speak truth. Truth is always apparent to those who have found the genuine knowledge of God’s Word. We need to get in the Word. We must confess our sin. We must allow God to purify our heart. We’ll notice the difference in our mouth.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
I Was Wrong!
It is hard to say, "I was wrong!" I'm not sure why we struggle so with that, but there is a larger disturbance in life. And that is, simply, our unwillingness to get past the "wrong-ness" which is foisted upon us with a forgiving spirit and a choosing of forgetfulness that allows us to return to a workable, lloving relationship.
If you've never been wrong, in your words, deeds or actions, then you just don't "get it." Besides, who would want to establish an ongoing relationship with a pathelogical liar. Recognize that "wrongs" come, and you can live with anger, bitterness, even hatred, or you can forgive, which rightly defined includes forgetfulness, and find peace rather than conflict.
All of us are wrong, at times. Not all of us are forgiving!
If you've never been wrong, in your words, deeds or actions, then you just don't "get it." Besides, who would want to establish an ongoing relationship with a pathelogical liar. Recognize that "wrongs" come, and you can live with anger, bitterness, even hatred, or you can forgive, which rightly defined includes forgetfulness, and find peace rather than conflict.
All of us are wrong, at times. Not all of us are forgiving!
Little Piece of Heaven
. . .and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the Earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10
There are some incredibly pretty places where men have chosen to build their homes or spend a significant portion of their time. One of those was described to me this week as “my little piece of Heaven.” It could be that Heaven will be a bit like that place, or totally different, we just don’t know. What we do know is that this Earth and everything on it will be destroyed. Only the people will survive – some destined for eternity with God, and some headed toward eternity separated from God. Baring a change of heart, i.e. the impartation of salvation to the soul of some folks, good and bad, their little piece of Heaven here on Earth is the only Heaven they will ever know.
How sad it is that one can labor a lifetime for something that strikes them as Heaven and still miss the greatest gift God has to offer. They never come to the knowledge that by exercising faith and receiving grace resulting in the redemption of our life from the wages of sin, that when “our earthly house is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
There is great beauty in this Earth, and I am a believer in seeing and enjoying as much of it as possible. I can’t help but believe that Heaven will have some of the beauty of this place we call home, but we’ll never know if we fail to focus on the reality that only a heart changed by the Spirit of God will ever have the opportunity to discover God’s infinite dwelling place.
One thing I hope; every House of Worship of the Living God will be a little piece of Heaven. It is there that we discover llove and peace and hope and healing. It is there that we find the Truth and its application to our daily life. It is there we immerse ourselves in the Family of God and journey toward Spiritual maturity. It is there we glimpse what eternity will embody and the llove we will share.
Find your little piece of Heaven. But, for Heaven’s sake, find Heaven.
There are some incredibly pretty places where men have chosen to build their homes or spend a significant portion of their time. One of those was described to me this week as “my little piece of Heaven.” It could be that Heaven will be a bit like that place, or totally different, we just don’t know. What we do know is that this Earth and everything on it will be destroyed. Only the people will survive – some destined for eternity with God, and some headed toward eternity separated from God. Baring a change of heart, i.e. the impartation of salvation to the soul of some folks, good and bad, their little piece of Heaven here on Earth is the only Heaven they will ever know.
How sad it is that one can labor a lifetime for something that strikes them as Heaven and still miss the greatest gift God has to offer. They never come to the knowledge that by exercising faith and receiving grace resulting in the redemption of our life from the wages of sin, that when “our earthly house is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
There is great beauty in this Earth, and I am a believer in seeing and enjoying as much of it as possible. I can’t help but believe that Heaven will have some of the beauty of this place we call home, but we’ll never know if we fail to focus on the reality that only a heart changed by the Spirit of God will ever have the opportunity to discover God’s infinite dwelling place.
One thing I hope; every House of Worship of the Living God will be a little piece of Heaven. It is there that we discover llove and peace and hope and healing. It is there that we find the Truth and its application to our daily life. It is there we immerse ourselves in the Family of God and journey toward Spiritual maturity. It is there we glimpse what eternity will embody and the llove we will share.
Find your little piece of Heaven. But, for Heaven’s sake, find Heaven.
Monday, March 12, 2007
To Steal a Baby
Another baby stolen right out of the hospital. Praise God the child was found and returned to her mother. Is it possible some hospitals are too careless?
It helps me to remember that many of our precious babies are being stolen from the Church. Usually they are teenagers or pre-teens when the deed is done, but it is happening with regularity. They are stolen by the Enemy from careless parents whose priorities are not on the Spiritual growth of their little ones. He uses worthless TV and video games, ungodly music and movies, peer pressure and pride, and our brightest and best are losing the battle because we are focused as parents, leaders, teachers, and mentors on something of lesser importance.
It's a most serious problem. We must utilize Biblical solutions if we would avoid losing many of this generation of Youth.
It helps me to remember that many of our precious babies are being stolen from the Church. Usually they are teenagers or pre-teens when the deed is done, but it is happening with regularity. They are stolen by the Enemy from careless parents whose priorities are not on the Spiritual growth of their little ones. He uses worthless TV and video games, ungodly music and movies, peer pressure and pride, and our brightest and best are losing the battle because we are focused as parents, leaders, teachers, and mentors on something of lesser importance.
It's a most serious problem. We must utilize Biblical solutions if we would avoid losing many of this generation of Youth.
Waterless
These people are springs without water. – 2 Peter 2:17
On that place we affectionately call “the farm” where I spend so little time, there is a small “lake” (a pond, according to my wonderful wife). Anyway, when it was being built the excavators had difficulty with the water from underground springs keeping the soil so wet the dozers had problems removing the dirt. Every night the hole would get a few inches of standing water. Now, three or four years later, the water level keeps going down. Very little rain has caused the springs to dry up and there’s not been enough run-off to keep the lake full.
This passage in Peter occurs in the midst of a discussion about “false-prophets and teachers” Peter says these folks have abandoned the straight path and become arrogant, focusing on their base instincts rather than Truth.
The more I read, and the more I see of the 21st century Church, the more I am reminded of “springs without water.” Understand that I will not here continuing to talk about false teachers, rather I want to take Peter’s metaphor and apply it to believers. If we think of that water coursing through the life of believers as the presence and power of the Spirit of God, we can quickly see that for many, many folks in the Church of Now, there is precious little water. Many have lost their desire to pursue the “things of God.” There is little focus on Bible Study and Prayer, at least from a collective perspective (check the attendance at your local Church during Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, that is, if they have that anymore). There is not a lot of attention given to reading and exhortation from the Word of God. Preaching has become “topical” rather than expository, messages from God have become homilies from men, and any points proclaimed after twenty minutes are largely lost on folks who have mentally departed. “Koinonia” is little understood and even less practiced, and the command to “assemble” on a regular basis is ignored by most folks.
I will stipulate that one of the great losses in the Church is “the rain.” We seem to lack a clear, accurate dissemination of Truth. Theologians spend considerable time debating what Truth is and the water so desperately needed is dammed up by useless rhetoric. Individual dams in the life of believers have been built through lack of obedience to revealed Truth. Is it any wonder then that the springs are dry?
The solution is simple! More water! It’s way past time to blow-up the dam. More now than ever before we need to “open the flow” of God’s Spirit in our lives, convicting of sin, and imparting revelation of Truth to the mind and heart. We need the shared commonality of our daily walk to build the Body and free the mind of believers from the chains of slavery to disobedience.
Need some dynamite?
On that place we affectionately call “the farm” where I spend so little time, there is a small “lake” (a pond, according to my wonderful wife). Anyway, when it was being built the excavators had difficulty with the water from underground springs keeping the soil so wet the dozers had problems removing the dirt. Every night the hole would get a few inches of standing water. Now, three or four years later, the water level keeps going down. Very little rain has caused the springs to dry up and there’s not been enough run-off to keep the lake full.
This passage in Peter occurs in the midst of a discussion about “false-prophets and teachers” Peter says these folks have abandoned the straight path and become arrogant, focusing on their base instincts rather than Truth.
The more I read, and the more I see of the 21st century Church, the more I am reminded of “springs without water.” Understand that I will not here continuing to talk about false teachers, rather I want to take Peter’s metaphor and apply it to believers. If we think of that water coursing through the life of believers as the presence and power of the Spirit of God, we can quickly see that for many, many folks in the Church of Now, there is precious little water. Many have lost their desire to pursue the “things of God.” There is little focus on Bible Study and Prayer, at least from a collective perspective (check the attendance at your local Church during Prayer Meeting and Bible Study, that is, if they have that anymore). There is not a lot of attention given to reading and exhortation from the Word of God. Preaching has become “topical” rather than expository, messages from God have become homilies from men, and any points proclaimed after twenty minutes are largely lost on folks who have mentally departed. “Koinonia” is little understood and even less practiced, and the command to “assemble” on a regular basis is ignored by most folks.
I will stipulate that one of the great losses in the Church is “the rain.” We seem to lack a clear, accurate dissemination of Truth. Theologians spend considerable time debating what Truth is and the water so desperately needed is dammed up by useless rhetoric. Individual dams in the life of believers have been built through lack of obedience to revealed Truth. Is it any wonder then that the springs are dry?
The solution is simple! More water! It’s way past time to blow-up the dam. More now than ever before we need to “open the flow” of God’s Spirit in our lives, convicting of sin, and imparting revelation of Truth to the mind and heart. We need the shared commonality of our daily walk to build the Body and free the mind of believers from the chains of slavery to disobedience.
Need some dynamite?
Sunday, March 11, 2007
No Pepsi?
I received my "umteenth" e-mail this morning telling me not to buy Pepsi because the can doesn't say "under God." I like diet vanilla Pepsi. And you know what? I don't care if the can says "under God." Why would I expect a major company, or any company for that matter, to promote a Biblical worldview when their goal is to sell soda pop? And yes, I do know what the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States says.
Creating a Nation, under God, is my job. If I spend less time worrying about what Pepsi, or Disney, or Wal-Mart is doing and more time lloving my neighbors and sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world, I might accomplish something worthwhile.
My failure to purchase Pepsi won't change a single thing in life. My witness to Christ and His power to save, will open the conduit which allows Him to redeem a life. One at a time, men and women come to faith. Perhaps, even any unbelieving execs at Pepsi will hear the Good News!
Hey, it's just my opinion!
Creating a Nation, under God, is my job. If I spend less time worrying about what Pepsi, or Disney, or Wal-Mart is doing and more time lloving my neighbors and sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world, I might accomplish something worthwhile.
My failure to purchase Pepsi won't change a single thing in life. My witness to Christ and His power to save, will open the conduit which allows Him to redeem a life. One at a time, men and women come to faith. Perhaps, even any unbelieving execs at Pepsi will hear the Good News!
Hey, it's just my opinion!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Remembering the Departed
Do you have eyes, and not see, and do you have ears and not hear? And do you not remember? Mark 8:18
I remember Luke and Pernie. This past week I visited their little homestead deep in the woods of South-Eastern Oklahoma. There’s not much there now. The stone foundation of the little house Luke built can still be found, if you know where to look. Some of the detritus of decades they spent in solitude stand out to the watchful eye. They were an interesting pair.
The first time I met Luke, he was friendly. I’d been told he would not be. Pernie invited me into the tiny rock and mud structure they called home. I’d been told she would not. I learned a bit about them over the few years when I would occasionally stop by. He died of a stroke, probably. That’s what she told me the last time I saw her in the little house, alone. She reluctantly moved away to a nursing home for a few months, and willed herself to join Luke.
I could not help but think about their legacy this week. What is left of their brief journey through this life? Almost no one knew much about them. I never found but one or two other persons who had ever visited them up there in the woods. I never spoke to anyone who had been in the “house.” I don’t know of anyone who had the pleasure of walking the woods with Luke and hearing how he survived without any of the trappings we call necessary.
I am sure that if one did not know about this place, so remote getting there is a difficult task, it would never be noticed. The Nature Conservancy, which owns the property now, has seen to that.
When you and I are gone from this dimension we call life, what will be left behind to identify us? Most of us will leave off-spring. Some will leave financial resources, tangible items that someone will cherish. But will we have passed this way without leaving a significant witness to the Truth? Will we depart this life without having an impact for Christ on those around us? Is it possible we will have used our resources without some consideration for the spiritual well-being of others? Will our words and actions have been those that edified, encouraged, enlightened, and lloved?
I picked up a small, unmarked, glass jar, lid intact, this week. I wondered if whatever came in it had made Pernie happy. Did it satisfy her sweet tooth? Did it make her smell like the flowers she cultivated? Did it hold some medicine that made her feel better?
I hope when I’ve gone to be with Jesus, someone will hold up something I have touched and remark, “Now there’s a Truth one can live by.”
I remember Luke and Pernie. This past week I visited their little homestead deep in the woods of South-Eastern Oklahoma. There’s not much there now. The stone foundation of the little house Luke built can still be found, if you know where to look. Some of the detritus of decades they spent in solitude stand out to the watchful eye. They were an interesting pair.
The first time I met Luke, he was friendly. I’d been told he would not be. Pernie invited me into the tiny rock and mud structure they called home. I’d been told she would not. I learned a bit about them over the few years when I would occasionally stop by. He died of a stroke, probably. That’s what she told me the last time I saw her in the little house, alone. She reluctantly moved away to a nursing home for a few months, and willed herself to join Luke.
I could not help but think about their legacy this week. What is left of their brief journey through this life? Almost no one knew much about them. I never found but one or two other persons who had ever visited them up there in the woods. I never spoke to anyone who had been in the “house.” I don’t know of anyone who had the pleasure of walking the woods with Luke and hearing how he survived without any of the trappings we call necessary.
I am sure that if one did not know about this place, so remote getting there is a difficult task, it would never be noticed. The Nature Conservancy, which owns the property now, has seen to that.
When you and I are gone from this dimension we call life, what will be left behind to identify us? Most of us will leave off-spring. Some will leave financial resources, tangible items that someone will cherish. But will we have passed this way without leaving a significant witness to the Truth? Will we depart this life without having an impact for Christ on those around us? Is it possible we will have used our resources without some consideration for the spiritual well-being of others? Will our words and actions have been those that edified, encouraged, enlightened, and lloved?
I picked up a small, unmarked, glass jar, lid intact, this week. I wondered if whatever came in it had made Pernie happy. Did it satisfy her sweet tooth? Did it make her smell like the flowers she cultivated? Did it hold some medicine that made her feel better?
I hope when I’ve gone to be with Jesus, someone will hold up something I have touched and remark, “Now there’s a Truth one can live by.”
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Appearance
My two sons and I walked into the restaurant just before closing time. We had been in the woods for a couple of days, were three days unshaven, dirty, caps pulled low over greasy hair, and looking, for all the world, a bit scary. Actually, it was the folks in the cafe' who looked scared.
As we sat to eat, I mused, "how would they look at us if we came in dressed for work instead of three days deep into our "vacation?" One son manages a premier restaurant in Dallas, and always wears expensive suits. One son is a National Director for a major IT company, and even his "grubbies" are expensive. I've been known to wear some great duds as well, so we would have appeared quite differently.
Do we make judgements about people by the way they look? Yes! And God always looks at our heart. What does He see there? Is it that which is beautiful in His site, or would He be justified in being a bit afraid? Hearts need to be clothed in the light of Truth!
As we sat to eat, I mused, "how would they look at us if we came in dressed for work instead of three days deep into our "vacation?" One son manages a premier restaurant in Dallas, and always wears expensive suits. One son is a National Director for a major IT company, and even his "grubbies" are expensive. I've been known to wear some great duds as well, so we would have appeared quite differently.
Do we make judgements about people by the way they look? Yes! And God always looks at our heart. What does He see there? Is it that which is beautiful in His site, or would He be justified in being a bit afraid? Hearts need to be clothed in the light of Truth!
Misnamed
You shall be named the priests of the Lord, they shall call you the servants of our God.
Isaiah 61:6
Some things are just misnamed. Katrina is such a pretty name for such an ugly storm. They should have changed the name to Genghis. Sometimes I watch all our little boys creating havoc around the Church and hope they turn out as nice as their names.
I have been looking at the narrative of the parable in Luke 15 about a Father and his two sons. We have long called that the parable of “the Prodigal Son.” I am sure it is misnamed. It should be the parable of “the Lloving Father.”
Of course that got me thinking about this issue of us (you and me) being called priests and servants of the Lord when in reality our lives and actions might dictate a bit of a different name. I am not sure I understand all of the implications of being a priest, but I do know a little about being a servant. Mostly we are failures in that category.
We are not failures at serving because we are “bad” people. Rather, it is because we are products of our environment and training/teaching, and so embroiled in our society that we have great difficulty finding a place in our hearts for serving God and others.
The Scriptures call for both. I admit we may be better at the former than the latter. Yet as I come to understand what it means to be a servant, I have to question how we act and react. The most common term (doulos) in the Bible is an adjective signifying ‘in bondage’ (according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words), yet is frequently indicating subjection without the idea of bondage.
The greatest example of being a servant is found in Philippians 2:7 where we are told Christ Jesus “made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” Now, we are to pattern our life (read: operation) after His. That includes a lot of things prior to but not excluding “laying down our life for the brethren.”
I don’t want us to be misnamed. I don’t want our family of believers here at SGBC to be misnamed. I want us to be busy serving God in all the possible ways and manners in which that is possible and serving each other with enthusiasm and joy.
What’s in a name? Good question. I hope you have an answer that befits your position and possession.
Isaiah 61:6
Some things are just misnamed. Katrina is such a pretty name for such an ugly storm. They should have changed the name to Genghis. Sometimes I watch all our little boys creating havoc around the Church and hope they turn out as nice as their names.
I have been looking at the narrative of the parable in Luke 15 about a Father and his two sons. We have long called that the parable of “the Prodigal Son.” I am sure it is misnamed. It should be the parable of “the Lloving Father.”
Of course that got me thinking about this issue of us (you and me) being called priests and servants of the Lord when in reality our lives and actions might dictate a bit of a different name. I am not sure I understand all of the implications of being a priest, but I do know a little about being a servant. Mostly we are failures in that category.
We are not failures at serving because we are “bad” people. Rather, it is because we are products of our environment and training/teaching, and so embroiled in our society that we have great difficulty finding a place in our hearts for serving God and others.
The Scriptures call for both. I admit we may be better at the former than the latter. Yet as I come to understand what it means to be a servant, I have to question how we act and react. The most common term (doulos) in the Bible is an adjective signifying ‘in bondage’ (according to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words), yet is frequently indicating subjection without the idea of bondage.
The greatest example of being a servant is found in Philippians 2:7 where we are told Christ Jesus “made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” Now, we are to pattern our life (read: operation) after His. That includes a lot of things prior to but not excluding “laying down our life for the brethren.”
I don’t want us to be misnamed. I don’t want our family of believers here at SGBC to be misnamed. I want us to be busy serving God in all the possible ways and manners in which that is possible and serving each other with enthusiasm and joy.
What’s in a name? Good question. I hope you have an answer that befits your position and possession.
Friday, March 2, 2007
No Bones About It
In 1980 a tomb was found. In 2007, we’re told it is the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. Man, does this information create some problems. All Christians I know are going to struggle with the “no resurrection” issue. The Church of Rome is going to have a difficult time with the “family” thing. If Jesus’ brothers are buried in this tomb, there goes the forever virgin Mary thing. Those Churches whose people live miserable lives waiting on their inheritance in Heaven are unhappy too. If Jesus has a son, Judah, is he going to get the lion’s share? How much will be left for them? If Jesus was married, does that mean the supposed intimate relationship with John was not a reality. That’s tough on the “gay” community.
Here’s what I’m going to do. I going to believe the testimony of God’s Word illuminated by His Spirit within me that clearly declares - It ain’t Him! He’s alive and living in Heaven!
Here’s what I’m going to do. I going to believe the testimony of God’s Word illuminated by His Spirit within me that clearly declares - It ain’t Him! He’s alive and living in Heaven!
Learning To Preach
2 Timothy 4:2 – Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching.
When one spends time around people who do a particular thing well, whether it is building or banking, teaching or twirling, it is hoped that some of the expertise will rub off and one’s abilities will become more proficient.
At a recent seminar sponsored by Georgetown College, I heard a few of the “most effective preachers in the English speaking world” as they spoke in various environments, and sat at the feet of a homilitician who is, in my opinion, nearly without peer. During hours of reading from a multitude of commentaries and hearing a master expositor wax eloquent, I was reminded again and again of the high calling that is the life of those God has chosen to proclaim Truth.
The most difficult factor to accept is that there appears to be fewer and fewer in our society who are anxious to invest the time and energy required to learn the Truth, develop the discipline of inculcating the Word into a teachable mind and ultimately disseminate that authority into the lives of God’s children by means of a supernatural gifting from our Sovereign Lord. Rather, pulpits are populated by a life-coach with a Bible.
There follows the struggle of accepting the fact that many, if not most, of God’s people are unwilling to enthusiastically embrace the reception process, and those who are not rightly related to God are so confused by the innumerable competing philosophies and dogmas they are clueless as to what is true.
To resolve the dilemma those who speak must make hard choices. One choice is to “dumb” down the conversation to the lowest common denominator. Move toward what is most acceptable to everyone and refuse to be bullied by the outcome. Another choice is to remain faithful to studied exposition, accurately dispensing God’s revelation of Himself to willing hearers and “doers.” Every day God’s people and those who have yet to come to faith will make a choice for their own mind and heart. Every day we move closer to an accounting of that choice either individually or collectively.
God is patient, unwilling that any should perish through lack of faith, continuing to tarry in His return for the Bride without spot or blemish. Those who are changed least at the last will be those who are changed most at the present by the power of the Word spoken into lives by God’s Spirit (see Romans 12:1-2). Paul the Apostle knew the right word for the young Timothy. Persist! And don’t forget the patience.
When one spends time around people who do a particular thing well, whether it is building or banking, teaching or twirling, it is hoped that some of the expertise will rub off and one’s abilities will become more proficient.
At a recent seminar sponsored by Georgetown College, I heard a few of the “most effective preachers in the English speaking world” as they spoke in various environments, and sat at the feet of a homilitician who is, in my opinion, nearly without peer. During hours of reading from a multitude of commentaries and hearing a master expositor wax eloquent, I was reminded again and again of the high calling that is the life of those God has chosen to proclaim Truth.
The most difficult factor to accept is that there appears to be fewer and fewer in our society who are anxious to invest the time and energy required to learn the Truth, develop the discipline of inculcating the Word into a teachable mind and ultimately disseminate that authority into the lives of God’s children by means of a supernatural gifting from our Sovereign Lord. Rather, pulpits are populated by a life-coach with a Bible.
There follows the struggle of accepting the fact that many, if not most, of God’s people are unwilling to enthusiastically embrace the reception process, and those who are not rightly related to God are so confused by the innumerable competing philosophies and dogmas they are clueless as to what is true.
To resolve the dilemma those who speak must make hard choices. One choice is to “dumb” down the conversation to the lowest common denominator. Move toward what is most acceptable to everyone and refuse to be bullied by the outcome. Another choice is to remain faithful to studied exposition, accurately dispensing God’s revelation of Himself to willing hearers and “doers.” Every day God’s people and those who have yet to come to faith will make a choice for their own mind and heart. Every day we move closer to an accounting of that choice either individually or collectively.
God is patient, unwilling that any should perish through lack of faith, continuing to tarry in His return for the Bride without spot or blemish. Those who are changed least at the last will be those who are changed most at the present by the power of the Word spoken into lives by God’s Spirit (see Romans 12:1-2). Paul the Apostle knew the right word for the young Timothy. Persist! And don’t forget the patience.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Global Warming
Have you noticed how hot it is? Have you seen all that ice and snow around the country, even in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area a little while back (snow is unusual in Ft. Worth if my 50 years of experience counts)? Well, that must speak to global warming. At least it must have to do with the "green house" gases, or the carbon dioxide emissions, or the cows, or the hairspray hole in the ozone layer. One thing is for sure! God has lost control of His creation! We have run amuck and He is no longer able to control even the weather. I'm getting concerned, personally, that He may have lost control of the other planets as well. and if they should exit their orbits we could get hit by Jupiter, or swallowed up by the rings of Saturn. We better get some scientists working on a solution to this thing. The planets, I mean! A direct hit from Mercury could put a serious dent in my vacation plans.
Integrity
Job 26:5 – I will maintain my integrity until I die.
There are a multitude of problems which face our nation. Some of those problems have solutions in our United States Congress. Immigration, war, nuclear proliferation, the assault on marriage and the home, and other concerns, will only be solved when those who represent us in Washington D. C. take specific action and provide precise, unambiguous legislation.
The difficulty comes when we clearly understand that all of these matters require those who legislate to be cognizant of what is right, just, honorable, and true, and then act in accordance with those characteristics. Unfortunately, if one listens closely, studies
voting records, and asks appropriate questions, one finds that the majority of representatives in our U. S. House and Senate are mostly focused on a single issue – re-election.
Job, famous for his patience, although it is actually his righteousness (read: God’s righteousness in him) for which he should be known, believed that no matter what comes or what happens, one cannot abandon his integrity. Integrity, as I use it here, is defined as “unimpaired, sound, pure, including moral soundness, honesty and uprightness” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). I am confident that those we have chosen to represent us know what is right, honest, sound and pure. Nevertheless, those qualities take a back seat to doing whatever is necessary to be re-elected. If that means catering to special interest (rather than representing those by whom they were elected), placating the predominate media (so they won’t “run you over” with their bias), or speaking out of “both sides of one’s mouth, so be it.
It would be wrong to paint everyone with the same broad brush, but until we, as a Nation, are willing to live up to the standards on which we were founded and sustained over the course of our history, we are treading in sinking sand. Those in our Legislatures, both State and National, must be leaders in obedience to law, deference to universal morality, and commitment to justice and the “American Way.”
When morality, justice, respect for law, and personal accountability are gone, America is on the path to destruction. Our grandchildren will live in a society we would not recognize. And no, this is not a political commentary, but rather a reminded that “blessed and happy is the nation and people whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12; 144:15, arrangement mine).
Lawlessness (think: immigration), immorality (think: same sex marriages and abortion) and dishonesty (think: what is said vs. what is reality) are Nation killers. Read history! Study God’s Word! The Truth is inescapable.
There are a multitude of problems which face our nation. Some of those problems have solutions in our United States Congress. Immigration, war, nuclear proliferation, the assault on marriage and the home, and other concerns, will only be solved when those who represent us in Washington D. C. take specific action and provide precise, unambiguous legislation.
The difficulty comes when we clearly understand that all of these matters require those who legislate to be cognizant of what is right, just, honorable, and true, and then act in accordance with those characteristics. Unfortunately, if one listens closely, studies
voting records, and asks appropriate questions, one finds that the majority of representatives in our U. S. House and Senate are mostly focused on a single issue – re-election.
Job, famous for his patience, although it is actually his righteousness (read: God’s righteousness in him) for which he should be known, believed that no matter what comes or what happens, one cannot abandon his integrity. Integrity, as I use it here, is defined as “unimpaired, sound, pure, including moral soundness, honesty and uprightness” (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). I am confident that those we have chosen to represent us know what is right, honest, sound and pure. Nevertheless, those qualities take a back seat to doing whatever is necessary to be re-elected. If that means catering to special interest (rather than representing those by whom they were elected), placating the predominate media (so they won’t “run you over” with their bias), or speaking out of “both sides of one’s mouth, so be it.
It would be wrong to paint everyone with the same broad brush, but until we, as a Nation, are willing to live up to the standards on which we were founded and sustained over the course of our history, we are treading in sinking sand. Those in our Legislatures, both State and National, must be leaders in obedience to law, deference to universal morality, and commitment to justice and the “American Way.”
When morality, justice, respect for law, and personal accountability are gone, America is on the path to destruction. Our grandchildren will live in a society we would not recognize. And no, this is not a political commentary, but rather a reminded that “blessed and happy is the nation and people whose God is the Lord (Psalm 33:12; 144:15, arrangement mine).
Lawlessness (think: immigration), immorality (think: same sex marriages and abortion) and dishonesty (think: what is said vs. what is reality) are Nation killers. Read history! Study God’s Word! The Truth is inescapable.
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