Hello all:
For those who were unaware, I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Our group is the G.A.P. (for Graduates and Professionals), and each week I post the outlines and discussion questions from my lessons on the G.A.P. page on Facebook. I thought it might be a good thing to share these on the blog too so as to keep it a bit more active. So, with that introduction, here is the outline and questions for our meeting on September 27. The lesson is on James 4:7-12. If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!
Time to Get Serious
James 4:7-12
Introduction
When I was a child, I learned that if you made people laugh they would remember you
I tended to do silly things to get attention
My favorite part of Veggie Tales is still “Silly Songs with Larry”
However, I soon learned that there was a time for fun and a time to be serious
1. Coaches rarely appreciate humor during the big game
2. Bosses tend to want serious workers instead of office clowns
3. Baggage check personnel don’t like jokes about explosives
4. Generals want soldiers who are serious about duty and honor
“Three eternal truths: things are not what they seem, the world is at war, and each of us has a crucial role to play.” John Eldredge
When it comes to our walk with God, the letter of James reminds us that it is time to get serious
Get Serious with God, Part 1
James 4:7-10
Ten Commands are found in these verses
1. Submit to God
“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him.” C. T. Studd
2. Resist the devil
If we are properly submitted to God, Satan will not be able to stand because we use God’s armor to resist him (Ephesians 6)
3. Draw near to God
A command with a promise: “And he will draw near to you.”
Coming to God provides an opportunity for him to work in you, but such drawing near requires the next two commands
4. Cleanse your hands
Be careful what you do
We cannot draw near to God and hang on to sin at the same time
The two are mutually exclusive
5. Purify your heart
Be careful what you think (Phil. 4:8-9)
We cannot think the thoughts of God if we are still working on the enemy’s side
6-9. Be miserable, mourn, weep + Laughter to mourning (joy to gloom) = Repentance (cf. Jer. 31:13-14)
To repent means to reverse direction
“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but he has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” Augustine
10. Humble yourselves (another command with a promise)
"It is no great thing to be humble when you are brought low; but to be humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment." Bernard of Clairvaux
Phil. 2:5-8
Get Serious about Each Other
James 4:11-12
Jesus’ two great commands (Matt. 22:36-40)
Love God
Love your neighbor
James’ view of loving your neighbor is represented in the negative
Treating fellow Christ followers with disrespect
Gossip, speaking ill of one another, misrepresenting another’s position or word
Note the connection
To speak against your fellow believer is to speak against God’s Word/Law
Why? To some degree we are the “word” of God to each other and the world
We must be doers of God’s Word, not judges of it
Servant evangelism involves living God’s Word in our daily lives
Application
This word of God has been properly applied if it leads to repentance in personal relationships. This repentance will include several components:
1. Self-examination. We must cut through self-justifying claims and accepted patterns to look beneath the surface. We must scrutinize the way we relate to others. How are our relationships functioning? What are our underlying attitudes and motives toward each other? We need to learn to talk to each other, not about each other.
2. Evaluation by God's standards. We need to seriously evaluate our lives according to God’s standards of holiness. What in our lives measure up to God’s expectations?
3. Change. If we don’t measure up to God’s standard, then we need to pursue genuine repentance. Repentance should lead to change. There should be an increasing evidence of God’s standards in the way we treat each other and in the way we live.
4. Grace-reliance. We need to learn to rely on God. We need to move from self-reliance to complete abandonment to God and his ways. Remember, God gives grace to the humble. We must learn to humble ourselves and build up others. If we rely on God, we will not rely only on our own abilities.
Discussion Questions
Where do we need to get serious with God? Are we living intentionally submissive to God’s Spirit? What does it look like to submit to God?
Where do we need to resist the devil? Where do we need help in our resistance? How do you feel when you think of Satan fleeing?
Why and how does someone “move away” from God? Is there a part of your life out of which you have pushed God? Perhaps, in your singleness, relationships, parents, work or education? Are you serious with God in all those aspects, or do you just “say it”?
Describe a time when you drew near to God and/or when God drew near to you.
James tells us our hearts need to be purified. What got in our hearts that made them unclean? Think about a time something crept into your heart and analyze how that affected your life, decisions and relationships.
What would the church look like if we took serious the command to cleanse our hands and purify our hearts? What kind of impact would it have on our neighborhoods?
How is repentance a form of humility? What would happen if every Christ follower was as humble as Jesus?
Where do we need less judgment and more living of God’s word? Will you be the one to do it? Who could benefit from your acceptance?
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A Matter of Heart: Who is the Greatest?
Hello all:
For those who were unaware, I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Our group is the G.A.P. (for Graduates and Professionals), and each week I post the outlines and discussion questions from my lessons on the G.A.P. page on Facebook. I thought it might be a good thing to share these on the blog too so as to keep it a bit more active. So, with that introduction, here is the outline and questions for our meeting on September 20. The lesson was on Mark 9:30-37. If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!
A Matter of Heart
Who is the Greatest?
Mark 9:30-37
Thanks for reading!
For those who were unaware, I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church. Our group is the G.A.P. (for Graduates and Professionals), and each week I post the outlines and discussion questions from my lessons on the G.A.P. page on Facebook. I thought it might be a good thing to share these on the blog too so as to keep it a bit more active. So, with that introduction, here is the outline and questions for our meeting on September 20. The lesson was on Mark 9:30-37. If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!
A Matter of Heart
Who is the Greatest?
Mark 9:30-37
Introduction
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a hero
Win the big game
Save those in distress
Defeat the “bad guys”
Few people are born with a desire to be less than best
In our hearts, most of us want to be champions, to be the greatest
Questions
When you think of the word “greatest,” what comes to mind?
What did you dream of being when you dreamed of being the “best”?
Who represents best what it means to be the “greatest” in your life?
To be great requires great heart
Let’s look at a situation in Jesus’ life that reveals a contrast between someone great and someone “not so great”
Mark 9:30-37
1. Committed or Confused
Mark 9:30-32
Notice the contrast in these verses
Jesus is clear about what will happen next
This is now the third time he predicted his own passion
The disciples are confused
They are even unwilling to ask questions anymore
They are poor “learners” or disciples because they are apparently comfortable with their confusion
Jesus is committed to the plan set before him
He knows this is why he was sent, he does not need false publicity or recognition by others to spur him to complete God’s plan
The disciples have not even “heard” him
They refuse even to speak
The committed heart is focused on what God wants and refuses to be confused by outside concerns
2. Haughty or Humble
Mark 9:33-37
Notice the contrast here
Jesus discusses his death, and it falls on “deaf” ears
The disciples discuss who is greatest, while they miss the point
Jesus speaks straightforward truth, he is honest
The disciples’ confusion/shame causes them to stay silent
Jesus exalts the humble
The disciples discuss who is the best (behind Jesus’ back)
The humble heart serves others regardless of status
True greatness is
Honest
Doesn’t look for honors
Willing to serve the “least of these”
Are you great?
3. Application
To be great requires an honest and humble heart
We’ll never attain to Jesus’ high expectations
If we refuse to be honest about ourselves
If we refuse to humble ourselves
We must be willing to speak the truth about our lives, our selves, and our circumstances
It is time to be like a child, take off our masks with our brothers and sisters
This will require a commitment to love and to serve each other regardless of what we discover
If we are to be the men and women God intends, we must be “in each others’ lives”
This week, give serious thought to the relationships in your life
Look at where you are truly committed, ask yourself what (or who) you are “sold out to”
Ask where you have been less than honest or where you have thought more highly of yourself than you should
Humble yourself and ask forgiveness where needed
Follow Christ’s lead and speak truth where needed
Find a way to serve or to accept someone with childlike trust
4. Questions
Why do you think the disciples of Jesus were so intent on talking about their status than about what He had just been talking about?
Why might they be arguing now about who is the greatest? How does Jesus handle their conflict? Where do you tend to defend yourself the most? What causes arguments among us?
What do you find yourselves discussing "along the way" of life with fellow believers as you walk with Jesus Christ? Are you being honest with each other, or are you trying to look “best” and save face?
What does Jesus say about greatness?
Did you demonstrate a child-like faith when you came to trust in Christ for your salvation? Are you continuing to show that same trust as you walk with him? Why/why not?
What has been your experience when you submit yourself to the will of God and say "I am yours. I am your humble servant, ready to do your will"?
Thanks for reading!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Abortion: Where do you Stand?
A friend of mine recently pointed out how ironic it is that we now have a "moral mandate" to offer health care to every citizen, but it is also considered "moral" to kill unborn humans. Don't they deserve health care too?
The issue of abortion is a contentious one as people on both sides of the argument try to establish a "moral high ground." The problem is that the primary proponent of abortion as a "birth control method" (another irony as abortion does not "control" birth, but rather ends it) is an organization whose founding is decidedely questionable. Planned Parenthood was founded by Margaret Sanger, a proponent of eugenics who believed that some humans were essentially "waste" and not worthy of life. In her own words she says:
Dr. Dorothy Ferebee, of Planned Parenthood, further adds “The future program [of Planned Parenthood] should center around more education in the field through the work of a professional Negro worker, because those of us who believe that the benefits of Planned Parenthood as a vital key to the elimination of human waste must reach the entire population.” She further acknowledges what she sees as the importance of “Negro professionals, fully integrated into the staff, ... who could interpret the program and objectives to [other blacks] in the normal course of day-to-day contacts; could break down fallacious attitudes and beliefs and elements of distrust; could inspire the confidence of the group; and would not be suspect of the intent to eliminate the race.” (“Planned Parenthood as a Public Health For the Negro Race,” BCFA Annual Meeting, 29 January 1942, 3, MSCLC). This quote came from an article on the "Negro Project" and Margaret at http://www.citizenreviewonline.org/special_issues/population/the_negro_project.htm. For more info, please see the site.
While some may dispute these origins of Planned Parenthood, they have a harder time refuting current data. In a recent note from Mark Earley, we learn a bit of current views about race among certain proponents of Planned Parenthood (for more information, please see http://www.informz.net/pfm/archives/archive_831485.html). The bottom line is that this organization regularly kills humans under the guise of protecting the freedom of other humans. If we have a "moral obligation" to offer health care to American citizens, why then do we ignore the rights of babies in their mothers' wombs?
Tertullian (ca. 160-220 AD), an early church leader, made this comment: "“For us murder is once for all forbidden, so even the child in the womb . . . is not lawful for us to destroy. To forbid birth is only quicker murder . . . the fruit is always present in the seed.” For over 1800 years Christianity has historically deemed abortion an unethical, unnecessary, and even sinful operation. The views of some in the history of Planned Parenthood make the abortion business worse in some ways. Is abortion right? Is it a "right"?
Where do you stand?
Thanks for reading!
The issue of abortion is a contentious one as people on both sides of the argument try to establish a "moral high ground." The problem is that the primary proponent of abortion as a "birth control method" (another irony as abortion does not "control" birth, but rather ends it) is an organization whose founding is decidedely questionable. Planned Parenthood was founded by Margaret Sanger, a proponent of eugenics who believed that some humans were essentially "waste" and not worthy of life. In her own words she says:
"We do not want word to go out that we want to exterminate the Negro population, and the minister is the man who can straighten out that idea if it ever occurs to any of their more rebellious members." (Letter from Margaret Sanger to Dr. Clarence Gamble, 10 December 1939, Sanger Smith Collection, quoted in Linda Gordon, Woman's Body, Woman's Right: Birth Control in America, second edition, New York: Penguin Books, 1990, pp. 332-333).
Dr. Dorothy Ferebee, of Planned Parenthood, further adds “The future program [of Planned Parenthood] should center around more education in the field through the work of a professional Negro worker, because those of us who believe that the benefits of Planned Parenthood as a vital key to the elimination of human waste must reach the entire population.” She further acknowledges what she sees as the importance of “Negro professionals, fully integrated into the staff, ... who could interpret the program and objectives to [other blacks] in the normal course of day-to-day contacts; could break down fallacious attitudes and beliefs and elements of distrust; could inspire the confidence of the group; and would not be suspect of the intent to eliminate the race.” (“Planned Parenthood as a Public Health For the Negro Race,” BCFA Annual Meeting, 29 January 1942, 3, MSCLC). This quote came from an article on the "Negro Project" and Margaret at http://www.citizenreviewonline.org/special_issues/population/the_negro_project.htm. For more info, please see the site.
While some may dispute these origins of Planned Parenthood, they have a harder time refuting current data. In a recent note from Mark Earley, we learn a bit of current views about race among certain proponents of Planned Parenthood (for more information, please see http://www.informz.net/pfm/archives/archive_831485.html). The bottom line is that this organization regularly kills humans under the guise of protecting the freedom of other humans. If we have a "moral obligation" to offer health care to American citizens, why then do we ignore the rights of babies in their mothers' wombs?
Tertullian (ca. 160-220 AD), an early church leader, made this comment: "“For us murder is once for all forbidden, so even the child in the womb . . . is not lawful for us to destroy. To forbid birth is only quicker murder . . . the fruit is always present in the seed.” For over 1800 years Christianity has historically deemed abortion an unethical, unnecessary, and even sinful operation. The views of some in the history of Planned Parenthood make the abortion business worse in some ways. Is abortion right? Is it a "right"?
Where do you stand?
Thanks for reading!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Memories of Mayberry
Some of my friends have been posting about their favorite episodes of the old Andy Griffith show, so I thought I'd join the fun. Here are my favorites by season (the first five seasons):
Season 1
1. The Manhunt (Andy likes the map with magnets)
2. Stranger in Town (a mystery man seems to know too much about Mayberry)
3. Alcohol and Old Lace (two elderly women make moonshine for "special occasions")
Season 2
1. Mayberry Goes Bankrupt (the city owes a local man thousands of dollars, in Confederate dollars!)
2. The Manicurist (Barbara Eden co-stars as a manicurist in Floyd's barber shop)
3. Barney and the Choir ("Our only hope is that he will fall down and break his mouth!" Andy)
4. Andy and Barney in the Big City (catching a jewel thief)
5. Deputy Otis (Andy allows Otis to be a deputy to impress Otis' brother)
Season 3
1. Mr. McBeevee (Opie has an "imaginary" friend that is all too real)
2. The Cow Thief
3. Barney and the Governor (Barney tickets the governor's car)
4. The Loaded Goat (a goat eats dynamite, hilarity ensues!)
5. Andy Discovers America (Andy gets in trouble with the new teacher, then gets out of it!)
6. Barney's First Car (Barney buys a lemon, Aunt Bee helps push)
Season 4
1. The Sermon for Today (a visiting pastor tells the citizens to slow down, so they work hard all day to make it happen!)
2. Citizen's Arrest (Gomer, Barney, and a feud over a ticket)
3. Barney's Sidecar (Barney acquires a motorcycle and an amazing outfit to go with it!)
4. Hot Rod Otis (Otis buys a car, Andy and Barney convince him that his drunk driving ends with his drowning)
5. The Shoplifters (Barney goes undercover at Weaver's store)
Season 5
1. Barney's Physical (they stretch him, but can't make him gain weight because he gets the hiccups and can't eat!)
2. Barney's Bloodhound (Barney trains a "police" dog who likes crooks better but hates the dog whistle)
3. The Education of Ernest T. Bass (Ernest T gets a diploma!)
4. Three Wishes for Opie (Barney buys fortune telling stuff)
5. Barney Fife, Realtor (Barney tries to sell Andy's house)
6. Goober and the Art of Love (Barney teaches Goober his courting technique)
Okay, there you have it. It is more than ten favorites, but then I never could limit myself when it comes to Mayberry. Never could watch just one!
Next time maybe I'll do my favorite John Wayne movies!
Thanks for reading!
Season 1
1. The Manhunt (Andy likes the map with magnets)
2. Stranger in Town (a mystery man seems to know too much about Mayberry)
3. Alcohol and Old Lace (two elderly women make moonshine for "special occasions")
Season 2
1. Mayberry Goes Bankrupt (the city owes a local man thousands of dollars, in Confederate dollars!)
2. The Manicurist (Barbara Eden co-stars as a manicurist in Floyd's barber shop)
3. Barney and the Choir ("Our only hope is that he will fall down and break his mouth!" Andy)
4. Andy and Barney in the Big City (catching a jewel thief)
5. Deputy Otis (Andy allows Otis to be a deputy to impress Otis' brother)
Season 3
1. Mr. McBeevee (Opie has an "imaginary" friend that is all too real)
2. The Cow Thief
3. Barney and the Governor (Barney tickets the governor's car)
4. The Loaded Goat (a goat eats dynamite, hilarity ensues!)
5. Andy Discovers America (Andy gets in trouble with the new teacher, then gets out of it!)
6. Barney's First Car (Barney buys a lemon, Aunt Bee helps push)
Season 4
1. The Sermon for Today (a visiting pastor tells the citizens to slow down, so they work hard all day to make it happen!)
2. Citizen's Arrest (Gomer, Barney, and a feud over a ticket)
3. Barney's Sidecar (Barney acquires a motorcycle and an amazing outfit to go with it!)
4. Hot Rod Otis (Otis buys a car, Andy and Barney convince him that his drunk driving ends with his drowning)
5. The Shoplifters (Barney goes undercover at Weaver's store)
Season 5
1. Barney's Physical (they stretch him, but can't make him gain weight because he gets the hiccups and can't eat!)
2. Barney's Bloodhound (Barney trains a "police" dog who likes crooks better but hates the dog whistle)
3. The Education of Ernest T. Bass (Ernest T gets a diploma!)
4. Three Wishes for Opie (Barney buys fortune telling stuff)
5. Barney Fife, Realtor (Barney tries to sell Andy's house)
6. Goober and the Art of Love (Barney teaches Goober his courting technique)
Okay, there you have it. It is more than ten favorites, but then I never could limit myself when it comes to Mayberry. Never could watch just one!
Next time maybe I'll do my favorite John Wayne movies!
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, July 04, 2009
For Independence Day--July 4 (A Repeat)
Last year I posted this on the fourth of July, and this year I honestly couldn't think of any way to make it better. I hope you enjoy it!
Well, the USA is celebrating yet another birthday, and although some people think that the brightness has worn off this "city on a hill," I'm not ready to read her obituary yet. I went back into the archives to find some quotes for you today. The first one comes from John Wayne. On the internet you can find a lot of fun stuff about the Duke, but this audio of him speaking about his country is priceless to me. Click here to listen: http://www.coyote-art.com/91102/johnwayne.htm.
I wanted to add another one from my favorite actor. In the movie "The Alamo," Duke plays Davey Crockett, leader to the Tennessee volunteers. At one point in the movie he gives a speech about the USA and the idea of a "republic." Here is the excerpt I liked the best:
Finally, I wanted to share a poem with you all. About 9 years ago I discovered the poetry of Edgar Guest. The first poem I ran into was his "It Couldn't Be Done" in which he describes an optimist who wouldn't say "it couldn't be done" until he tried, and in trying the optimist accomplished the thing. At any rate, Guest is the author of dozens of patriotic poems, and I wanted to share this one in honor of the men and women who serve the USA in the various branches of our military and reserves. As you read this poem, why not say a short prayer of thanks for their service and ask God to protect them as they serve? Here's the poem, "The Things that Make a Soldier Great," by Edgar Guest:
The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,
To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,
Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,
The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,
The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:
'Tis these that make a soldier great.
He's fighting for them all.
'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;
'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;
For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam
As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.
Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run,
You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.
What is it through the battle smoke the valiant solider sees?
The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,
The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,
Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.
The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome
But to the spot, where'er it be --the humblest spot called home.
And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there
And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;
The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,
And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.
He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,
And only death can stop him now --he's fighting for them all.
On this fourth of July, as you give thanks for the freedoms and opportunities God has given you in this land, please remember to pray for those who defend our way of life and for the families of those whose loved ones paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy our great republic. Remember, it is a cliche, but it is true "Freedom isn't free."
Thanks for reading!
Well, the USA is celebrating yet another birthday, and although some people think that the brightness has worn off this "city on a hill," I'm not ready to read her obituary yet. I went back into the archives to find some quotes for you today. The first one comes from John Wayne. On the internet you can find a lot of fun stuff about the Duke, but this audio of him speaking about his country is priceless to me. Click here to listen: http://www.coyote-art.com/91102/johnwayne.htm.
I wanted to add another one from my favorite actor. In the movie "The Alamo," Duke plays Davey Crockett, leader to the Tennessee volunteers. At one point in the movie he gives a speech about the USA and the idea of a "republic." Here is the excerpt I liked the best:
"Republic. I like the sound of the word. It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. Some words give you a feeling. Republic is one of those words that makes me tight in the throat - the same tightness a man gets when his baby takes his first step or his first baby shaves and makes his first sound as a man. Some words can give you a feeling that makes your heart warm. Republic is one of those words."
Finally, I wanted to share a poem with you all. About 9 years ago I discovered the poetry of Edgar Guest. The first poem I ran into was his "It Couldn't Be Done" in which he describes an optimist who wouldn't say "it couldn't be done" until he tried, and in trying the optimist accomplished the thing. At any rate, Guest is the author of dozens of patriotic poems, and I wanted to share this one in honor of the men and women who serve the USA in the various branches of our military and reserves. As you read this poem, why not say a short prayer of thanks for their service and ask God to protect them as they serve? Here's the poem, "The Things that Make a Soldier Great," by Edgar Guest:
The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,
To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,
Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,
The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,
The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:
'Tis these that make a soldier great.
He's fighting for them all.
'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;
'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;
For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam
As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.
Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run,
You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.
What is it through the battle smoke the valiant solider sees?
The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,
The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,
Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.
The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome
But to the spot, where'er it be --the humblest spot called home.
And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there
And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;
The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,
And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.
He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,
And only death can stop him now --he's fighting for them all.
On this fourth of July, as you give thanks for the freedoms and opportunities God has given you in this land, please remember to pray for those who defend our way of life and for the families of those whose loved ones paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy our great republic. Remember, it is a cliche, but it is true "Freedom isn't free."
Thanks for reading!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Some quotes for you to consider . . .
I have had recent encounters with a coward and a liar, so it brought to mind the following quotes.
"Liars begin by imposing upon others, but end up deceiving themselves."
"A coward boasting of his courage may deceive strangers, but he is a laughing-stock to those who know him." [Lat., Virtutis expers verbis jactans gloriam Ignotos fallit, notis est derisui.]
Author: Phaedrus (Thrace of Macedonia)
Source: Fables (I, 11, 1)
"A cowardly cur barks more fiercely than it bites." [Lat., Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet.]
Author: Quintus Curtius Rufus (Curtis Rufus Quintus)
Source: De Rebus Gestis Alexandri Magni (VII, 4, 13)
"So cowards fight when they can fly no further; So doves do peck the falcon's piercing talons; So desperate thieves, all hopeless of their lives, Breathe out invectives 'gainst the officers."
Author: William Shakespeare
Source: King Henry the Sixth, Part III (Clifford at I, iv)
"The coward threatens when he is safe."
Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
"It is the coward who fawns upon those above him. It is the coward who is insolent whenever he dares be so."
Author: Junius
Okay, so that this note does not seem completely negative, here are some quotes dealing with something other than cowardice and lying:
“Therefore, O faithful Christian, search for truth, hear truth, learn truth, love truth, speak the truth, hold the truth, defend the truth until death.” Jan Hus
“We must be put to the flame before we can burn brightly. We cease to bless when we cease to bleed.” Anonymous
“The school of suffering graduates exceptional scholars.” Anonymous
“God finds his best soldiers on the mountain of affliction.” Anonymous
"If you've done big things in life you must expect to have excited some criticism. It's only people who've done precious little who get no criticism at all." (Margaret Thatcher)
Proverbs 22:29—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings, he will not stand before obscure men.”
Isaiah 50:4—“The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple.”
Oh well, kind of random, but that is how Monday can be!
Thanks for reading!
"Liars begin by imposing upon others, but end up deceiving themselves."
"A coward boasting of his courage may deceive strangers, but he is a laughing-stock to those who know him." [Lat., Virtutis expers verbis jactans gloriam Ignotos fallit, notis est derisui.]
Author: Phaedrus (Thrace of Macedonia)
Source: Fables (I, 11, 1)
"A cowardly cur barks more fiercely than it bites." [Lat., Canis timidus vehementius latrat quam mordet.]
Author: Quintus Curtius Rufus (Curtis Rufus Quintus)
Source: De Rebus Gestis Alexandri Magni (VII, 4, 13)
"So cowards fight when they can fly no further; So doves do peck the falcon's piercing talons; So desperate thieves, all hopeless of their lives, Breathe out invectives 'gainst the officers."
Author: William Shakespeare
Source: King Henry the Sixth, Part III (Clifford at I, iv)
"The coward threatens when he is safe."
Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
"It is the coward who fawns upon those above him. It is the coward who is insolent whenever he dares be so."
Author: Junius
Okay, so that this note does not seem completely negative, here are some quotes dealing with something other than cowardice and lying:
“Therefore, O faithful Christian, search for truth, hear truth, learn truth, love truth, speak the truth, hold the truth, defend the truth until death.” Jan Hus
“We must be put to the flame before we can burn brightly. We cease to bless when we cease to bleed.” Anonymous
“The school of suffering graduates exceptional scholars.” Anonymous
“God finds his best soldiers on the mountain of affliction.” Anonymous
"If you've done big things in life you must expect to have excited some criticism. It's only people who've done precious little who get no criticism at all." (Margaret Thatcher)
Proverbs 22:29—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings, he will not stand before obscure men.”
Isaiah 50:4—“The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens me morning by morning, He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple.”
Oh well, kind of random, but that is how Monday can be!
Thanks for reading!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Some Thoughts on Legacy
Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name is better than a good ointment, And the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth.
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.
In the past two weeks I have experienced several occasions that caused me to think seriously about the idea of legacy. On May 9 I attended Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary's graduation, in which I watched several students and good friends walk across the stage to receive their degrees and launch into their ministries. Then, on May 15, I paused to remember the life of Dr. Jerry Falwell who passed away two years ago. May 17 saw the retirement of Dr. A. Ray Newcomb from 33 years of being a pastor at First Baptist Church, Millington, TN. Then May 21 witnessed the graduation of my nephew, Ethan Percer. All of these events reminded me of beginnings and endings, but more importantly they reminded me of the impact a legacy can have on people. In the next few paragraphs I'll try to explain.
I'm not sure how much we think of the impact of our lives. As I watched the high school students graduate with Ethan and the seminary students walk the stage in VA, I couldn't help but think about what I may hear about these people in the future. Some of them have already made an impact, some of them have a future impact to make. Most of them have no idea what the end of their lives will be, they only have dreams and hopes and (perhaps) plans. I remember holding my nephew shortly after he was born. Ethan seemed so tiny to be the first grandchild born to my parents, and as I held him in my arms, I prayed that God would grow him into a warrior, a man of God who is willing to help others and serve God no matter the risk. I had forgotten that prayer, to be honest, until one day I heard a story about my nephew tutoring other students in school and going out of his way to help others when it wasn't necessarily a popular thing to do. He has laid a foundation for a legacy that will not fade. I received an e-mail from his principal that said, "I would be proud if all of my students were like Ethan." Ethan is building a legacy.
Some of the seminary students who walked across the stage two weeks ago have begun their legacy. Many of them left home and nice jobs to pursue a degree at the seminary. They said no to "success" as the world measures it so that they would have the opportunity to labor for God. Some will labor in obscurity, some will never have "the largest Sunday School in America," some will never make the "big money," or write the most impressive "how to" book for other pastors. I know their lives, their hearts, and I know that their legacy will be greater than any can imagine. Does anyone remember "James the Less"? He was one of the twelve chosen by Jesus, but even church history and tradition has trouble determining who he was. Yet, he was one of the twelve, one of the original disciples, one of the eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Not as famous as James the son of Zebedee, this James nonetheless left enough of an imprint on history to be regarded as one of those individuals who "turned the world upside down" with his life and preaching. We no doubt graduated a lot of these individuals, folks we may have a hard time identifying who will nonetheless make a great impression on many they will bring to Christ or love in God's name. "Less" may describe the knowledge of them, but it will not define their impact on those to whom they minister. I bet there were people in the first century who didn't think of James as "the Less" because of what God did through him. Nonetheless, James built a legacy, and like him, many of these graduating seminary students are building a legacy.
That brings me to two pastors--one gone and another freshly retired. Dr. Jerry Falwell and Dr. Ray Newcomb may have taken decidedly different paths to ministry, but they have something in common--their lives and ministries encouraged and affected many who now try to follow in their footsteps. Both men gave multiple decades to one congregation (Dr. Falwell served at Thomas Road for over 50 years, Dr. Newcomb at First Baptist for over 30 years), and the dreams and plans they received from God have inspired many to pursue the purposes of God for the love of Christ. Both men played a role in helping me grow as a new Christian, in helping me understand the concept of "call," and in helping me define the ministry to which God appointed me. I do not know where I would be without the legacies of these two men. On Sunday, we had a celebration of the ministry of Bro. Ray. During the singing of "Thank You," the minister of music asked all of us who had become Christ followers under Bro. Ray's ministry to come forward and stand by the stage. It seemed like over half of the crowd came forward to testify that God used this man's life and ministry to bring them to Jesus! There were doctors, lawyers, postal employees, politicians, teachers, and even one seminary professor. I was fine until then, but that scene brought tears to my eyes. Bro. Ray was getting to see his impact in a very visible form. Here were dozens, even hundreds of people whose lives will never be the same simply because he obeyed God to serve at First Baptist Millington. That number doesn't even count the lives that have been touched by those individuals as they went out to emulate their pastor. Bro. Ray and Dr. Falwell built great legacies.
Well, I've rambled a bit. I want to close with one more legacy to bring this full circle. As I watched my nephew graduate and as I participated in the celebration of my pastor's life and ministry, I couldn't help but think of one person who would have been so proud of both of them--my father. My dad, Bobbie Percer, passed away in August 2004. I have no doubt he would have loved this week--watching people honor his pastor and his grandson--oh, how proud he would have been. But my father's legacy is bigger than his joy at the accomplishments of others. You see, my dad left quite an impression. When my father passed away, my family and I drove to Millington from Waco, TX for the funeral. On Friday night before the funeral on Saturday, we had the traditional "viewing" when people would come to give their condolences to the family. I stood there in the line, greeting people in a line that stretched so far outside of the funeral home that the people were literally standing in the parking lot. I met folks I did not know, and they told me things I had not heard. One fellow told me how he came to Christ because my dad gave him shoes and a ride to church. This fellow's family was embarrassed to go to church because they did not have proper clothing. My dad not only clothed them, he gave them a ride to church. Another young man told me that he never would have graduated college if my father hadn't helped pay for his education. A young woman (with several children) told me of how my dad had helped her family and been instrumental in leading her husband and several children to the Lord. A line of nearly 1000 people marched through that funeral home and praised the life of this man, my father, in ways I could not even imagine. My dad was a great man. No, you'll never hear his name mentioned with luminaries like Jerry Falwell or Jack Kemp, but man what a large footprint this one man left in a small town in west Tennessee. Lives were changed (including those in his family), and eternities were determined. He did not even recognize all that he had accomplished, but he continued to love and to serve others because he loved a great God. His legacy is intact because he followed the example of his Lord. Bobbie Percer was a hero to many, and he is a hero to me. If I can have half the influence on others that my father had, I'll be a happy man. Bobbie Percer left a legacy and a good name.
I watched all of these scenarios open before me in the last two weeks, and it made me a bit introspective. What kind of legacy am I leaving? Where will my footprints lead others if they follow me? Who would attend a celebration of my life and what would they say? Would my love for Christ be obvious? Would my love for others be mentioned? God has blessed me to walk with giants (and some giants in training too), and I have to admit that I am often overwhelmed by their collective witness. I am reminded of a conversation I had with Dr. William L. Lane. I admitted to him that I didn't think I could live up to his example of a godly life and scholarship, and he said to me, "Never covet another person's gift, and never despise your own." He went on to remind me that God had not called me to be identical to Dr. Lane or to anyone else. God had called me to use my unique gifts and abilities for his glory. I do not have to live up to the stories of these giants, I simply need to live the legacy God has given me. No matter how obscure or unrecognized or inconsequential a life may seem, if it is lived for God it will have a legacy. What kind of legacy are we leaving the next generation?
Thanks for reading!
Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold.
In the past two weeks I have experienced several occasions that caused me to think seriously about the idea of legacy. On May 9 I attended Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary's graduation, in which I watched several students and good friends walk across the stage to receive their degrees and launch into their ministries. Then, on May 15, I paused to remember the life of Dr. Jerry Falwell who passed away two years ago. May 17 saw the retirement of Dr. A. Ray Newcomb from 33 years of being a pastor at First Baptist Church, Millington, TN. Then May 21 witnessed the graduation of my nephew, Ethan Percer. All of these events reminded me of beginnings and endings, but more importantly they reminded me of the impact a legacy can have on people. In the next few paragraphs I'll try to explain.
I'm not sure how much we think of the impact of our lives. As I watched the high school students graduate with Ethan and the seminary students walk the stage in VA, I couldn't help but think about what I may hear about these people in the future. Some of them have already made an impact, some of them have a future impact to make. Most of them have no idea what the end of their lives will be, they only have dreams and hopes and (perhaps) plans. I remember holding my nephew shortly after he was born. Ethan seemed so tiny to be the first grandchild born to my parents, and as I held him in my arms, I prayed that God would grow him into a warrior, a man of God who is willing to help others and serve God no matter the risk. I had forgotten that prayer, to be honest, until one day I heard a story about my nephew tutoring other students in school and going out of his way to help others when it wasn't necessarily a popular thing to do. He has laid a foundation for a legacy that will not fade. I received an e-mail from his principal that said, "I would be proud if all of my students were like Ethan." Ethan is building a legacy.
Some of the seminary students who walked across the stage two weeks ago have begun their legacy. Many of them left home and nice jobs to pursue a degree at the seminary. They said no to "success" as the world measures it so that they would have the opportunity to labor for God. Some will labor in obscurity, some will never have "the largest Sunday School in America," some will never make the "big money," or write the most impressive "how to" book for other pastors. I know their lives, their hearts, and I know that their legacy will be greater than any can imagine. Does anyone remember "James the Less"? He was one of the twelve chosen by Jesus, but even church history and tradition has trouble determining who he was. Yet, he was one of the twelve, one of the original disciples, one of the eyewitnesses to Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Not as famous as James the son of Zebedee, this James nonetheless left enough of an imprint on history to be regarded as one of those individuals who "turned the world upside down" with his life and preaching. We no doubt graduated a lot of these individuals, folks we may have a hard time identifying who will nonetheless make a great impression on many they will bring to Christ or love in God's name. "Less" may describe the knowledge of them, but it will not define their impact on those to whom they minister. I bet there were people in the first century who didn't think of James as "the Less" because of what God did through him. Nonetheless, James built a legacy, and like him, many of these graduating seminary students are building a legacy.
That brings me to two pastors--one gone and another freshly retired. Dr. Jerry Falwell and Dr. Ray Newcomb may have taken decidedly different paths to ministry, but they have something in common--their lives and ministries encouraged and affected many who now try to follow in their footsteps. Both men gave multiple decades to one congregation (Dr. Falwell served at Thomas Road for over 50 years, Dr. Newcomb at First Baptist for over 30 years), and the dreams and plans they received from God have inspired many to pursue the purposes of God for the love of Christ. Both men played a role in helping me grow as a new Christian, in helping me understand the concept of "call," and in helping me define the ministry to which God appointed me. I do not know where I would be without the legacies of these two men. On Sunday, we had a celebration of the ministry of Bro. Ray. During the singing of "Thank You," the minister of music asked all of us who had become Christ followers under Bro. Ray's ministry to come forward and stand by the stage. It seemed like over half of the crowd came forward to testify that God used this man's life and ministry to bring them to Jesus! There were doctors, lawyers, postal employees, politicians, teachers, and even one seminary professor. I was fine until then, but that scene brought tears to my eyes. Bro. Ray was getting to see his impact in a very visible form. Here were dozens, even hundreds of people whose lives will never be the same simply because he obeyed God to serve at First Baptist Millington. That number doesn't even count the lives that have been touched by those individuals as they went out to emulate their pastor. Bro. Ray and Dr. Falwell built great legacies.
Well, I've rambled a bit. I want to close with one more legacy to bring this full circle. As I watched my nephew graduate and as I participated in the celebration of my pastor's life and ministry, I couldn't help but think of one person who would have been so proud of both of them--my father. My dad, Bobbie Percer, passed away in August 2004. I have no doubt he would have loved this week--watching people honor his pastor and his grandson--oh, how proud he would have been. But my father's legacy is bigger than his joy at the accomplishments of others. You see, my dad left quite an impression. When my father passed away, my family and I drove to Millington from Waco, TX for the funeral. On Friday night before the funeral on Saturday, we had the traditional "viewing" when people would come to give their condolences to the family. I stood there in the line, greeting people in a line that stretched so far outside of the funeral home that the people were literally standing in the parking lot. I met folks I did not know, and they told me things I had not heard. One fellow told me how he came to Christ because my dad gave him shoes and a ride to church. This fellow's family was embarrassed to go to church because they did not have proper clothing. My dad not only clothed them, he gave them a ride to church. Another young man told me that he never would have graduated college if my father hadn't helped pay for his education. A young woman (with several children) told me of how my dad had helped her family and been instrumental in leading her husband and several children to the Lord. A line of nearly 1000 people marched through that funeral home and praised the life of this man, my father, in ways I could not even imagine. My dad was a great man. No, you'll never hear his name mentioned with luminaries like Jerry Falwell or Jack Kemp, but man what a large footprint this one man left in a small town in west Tennessee. Lives were changed (including those in his family), and eternities were determined. He did not even recognize all that he had accomplished, but he continued to love and to serve others because he loved a great God. His legacy is intact because he followed the example of his Lord. Bobbie Percer was a hero to many, and he is a hero to me. If I can have half the influence on others that my father had, I'll be a happy man. Bobbie Percer left a legacy and a good name.
I watched all of these scenarios open before me in the last two weeks, and it made me a bit introspective. What kind of legacy am I leaving? Where will my footprints lead others if they follow me? Who would attend a celebration of my life and what would they say? Would my love for Christ be obvious? Would my love for others be mentioned? God has blessed me to walk with giants (and some giants in training too), and I have to admit that I am often overwhelmed by their collective witness. I am reminded of a conversation I had with Dr. William L. Lane. I admitted to him that I didn't think I could live up to his example of a godly life and scholarship, and he said to me, "Never covet another person's gift, and never despise your own." He went on to remind me that God had not called me to be identical to Dr. Lane or to anyone else. God had called me to use my unique gifts and abilities for his glory. I do not have to live up to the stories of these giants, I simply need to live the legacy God has given me. No matter how obscure or unrecognized or inconsequential a life may seem, if it is lived for God it will have a legacy. What kind of legacy are we leaving the next generation?
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Others May, You Cannot
A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of hearing JR Hill speak to seminary students about the need to follow the lead of God no matter the circumstances, outcomes, or "success" of our work on his behalf. His discussion of ministering in obscurity and in looking only to our Master for approval regarding the success or failure of our ministry reminded me of an old tract a friend once sent to me. The tract was entitled "Others May, You Cannot." I have reprinted it hear as a reminder that the only applause I should seek is the smile and pleasure of my Lord that results from my complete obedience to and dependence on him. Enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
"If God has called you to be really like Jesus he will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put upon you such demands of obedience, that you will not be able to follow other people, or measure yourself by other Christians, and in many ways he will seem to let other people do things he will not let you do.
"Other Christians and ministers, who seem very religious and useful, may push themselves, pull wires and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it, and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.
"Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor because He wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence of Him, that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.
"The Lord may let others be honored and put forward and keep you hidden in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get all the credit for it, but make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious he may let others get credit for the work which you have done, and thus make your reward ten times greater when Jesus comes.
"The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting time, which other Christians never feel distressed over. So make up your mind that God is sovereign and can do what He likes with His own. He may not explain to you a thousand things which puzzle your reason in his dealing with you, but if you absolutely sell out to be His servant, He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and bestow on you many blessings which come only to those who are in the inner circle.
"Settle it forever, then, that you deal directly with the Holy Spirit and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hands, or closing your eyes, in ways that He does not seem to do with others. Now, when you are so possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this peculiar, personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of Heaven."
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
A Repeat: "You Will Go Free" by Tonio K
I posted this one a while back, but I wanted to rerun it for the fun of it. Enjoy!
For those of you who don't know Tonio K, all I can really offer is the following. I was an assistant manager at a Christian bookstore in Louisville, KY when I discovered this interesting and slightly different artist. He recorded two albums (that I know of) on the What? record label (distributed by Word music) and then he disappeared as mysteriously as he had appeared. For more on Tonio K. visit this site--Tonio K . At any rate, I was listening to his "Romeo Unchained" album today, and one of the songs struck me that I'd like to share with you all. The song is entitled "You Will Go Free" and seems to address the issue of fallenness and salvation. I'll let you be the judge. Here ya go:
"You Will Go Free"
by Tonio K.
You've been a prisoner
Been a prisoner all your life
Held captive in an alien world
Where they hold your need for love to your throat like a knife
And they make you jump
Yeah, they make you do tricks
They take what started off such an innocent heart
And they break it and break it and break it
Until it almost can't be fixed
Well I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know how long it's gonna take
I don't know how hard it will be
But I know
You will go free
You can call it the devil
Call it the big lie
Call it a fallen world
Whatever it is, it ruins almost everything we try
It's the sins of the fathes
It's the choices we make
It's people screaming without making a sound
From prison cells in paradise
Where we're chained to our mistakes
And I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know how much it's gonna cost you
Probably everything
But I know
You will go free
You can't see your jailer
You can't see the bars
You can't turn your head around fast enough
But it's everywhere you are
It's all around you
And everywhere you walk this prison yard surrounds you
But in the midst of all this darkness
Yeah in the middle of this night
I see truth cut through the curtain like a laser
Like a pure and holy light
And I know I can't touch you now
And I don't want to speak too soon
But when we get sprung
From out of these cages, baby
God knows what we might do
But I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know if you'll be leaving alone
Or if you'll be leaving with me
But I know
You will go free
Copyright 1986 N.Y.M. ASCAP/Bibo Music ASCAP
Thanks for reading!
For those of you who don't know Tonio K, all I can really offer is the following. I was an assistant manager at a Christian bookstore in Louisville, KY when I discovered this interesting and slightly different artist. He recorded two albums (that I know of) on the What? record label (distributed by Word music) and then he disappeared as mysteriously as he had appeared. For more on Tonio K. visit this site--
"You Will Go Free"
by Tonio K.
You've been a prisoner
Been a prisoner all your life
Held captive in an alien world
Where they hold your need for love to your throat like a knife
And they make you jump
Yeah, they make you do tricks
They take what started off such an innocent heart
And they break it and break it and break it
Until it almost can't be fixed
Well I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know how long it's gonna take
I don't know how hard it will be
But I know
You will go free
You can call it the devil
Call it the big lie
Call it a fallen world
Whatever it is, it ruins almost everything we try
It's the sins of the fathes
It's the choices we make
It's people screaming without making a sound
From prison cells in paradise
Where we're chained to our mistakes
And I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know how much it's gonna cost you
Probably everything
But I know
You will go free
You can't see your jailer
You can't see the bars
You can't turn your head around fast enough
But it's everywhere you are
It's all around you
And everywhere you walk this prison yard surrounds you
But in the midst of all this darkness
Yeah in the middle of this night
I see truth cut through the curtain like a laser
Like a pure and holy light
And I know I can't touch you now
And I don't want to speak too soon
But when we get sprung
From out of these cages, baby
God knows what we might do
But I don't know when
And I don't know how
I don't know if you'll be leaving alone
Or if you'll be leaving with me
But I know
You will go free
Copyright 1986 N.Y.M. ASCAP/Bibo Music ASCAP
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Easter and Expectations
This week is commonly called "Holy Week" by Christians. During this week we celebrate (is that the right word?) the last week of Jesus' life on earth. People will make pilgrimages to Israel and retrace Jesus' final steps, they will pause at the "rock of agony" and cry where Jesus cried out to God in Gethsemane, they will go to the pit where Jesus was interrogated, they will pause where Jesus supposedly stumbled under the load of his cross, they will visit and contemplate Golgotha, they will visit the empty tomb, and they will weep and cry and mourn.
Rightfully so . . . this was THE WEEK for which Jesus lived his entire human life, and it was a rough one for him. On Sunday before his crucifixion he entered Jerusalem with cheers ringing in his ears. The (usually fickle) populace embraced him for all the great miracles he performed, and they hailed his coming as though a conquering warrior had entered the city. Like paparazzi following a Hollywood star, they trailed behind this carpenter from Nazareth and looked for ways to become part of his entourage or to at least get a "piece of the action" as Jesus came to town.
These same folks will yell "Crucify him!" in just six days, by the way.
When Jesus offered them something tangible to grab, they wanted to be a team player, they wanted the fishes and loaves, the healings, the wonders, the mighty signs.
How soon their tune would change . . . how quickly they would turn on the one who was innocent of any sin except the failure to live up to their expectations.
How like them we are today . . .
When things are going our way, we look to heaven and sing God's praises. We celebrate and sing and run to join the band as God rides triumphantly over all our "enemies." But as soon as Jesus fails to live up to our expectations, what do we do?
I know the spiritual answer--"though he slay me yet I will praise him."
Do we really? Will we? Will I?
I'm struck with how Jesus routinely challenged the popular expectations of the crowds who showed up hoping for another demonstration of heavenly power and flash. In John 12, just after the people have celebrated his "triumphal entry," Jesus tells them that the way to jump on his bandwagon is for his followers to hate their lives in this world. Just think how that must have sounded to the celebrants rejoicing in the coming of their conquering hero!
"You want to be a part of my movement, of my thing?" Jesus asks, "Then you will have to regard your life in this world as a dead man would. You have to become the least, the slave, the dead one, in order to get in on my movement."
Come and die.
What an invitation!
Of course, Jesus knew that in just six days he would literally fulfill that invitation. The innocent would die for the unquestionably guilty . . . and he would die horribly.
I can just imagine how this conversation must have put a damper on the celebration in Jerusalem. Jesus took a party and turned it into a wake. The next thing we know he is engaged in theological discussions with the people and with the Jewish leaders. He created a controversy that caused folks to take sides. All he had to do was accept the adulation and promise to "win the war that must be won," but Jesus decided to go against expectations again. He decided to allow God to get the glory through humility and death.
Hasn't this happened to us? Just when we think we have God's agenda all spelled out like it ought to be, He throws us a curve ball that reminds us we aren't in charge! We have a hard time "boxing Jesus" into a neat package.
What's the point then? The point is that we should reverse the procedure. Instead of putting expectations on God, we should look for his expectations for us. What has He required of us? What does He want? How should we respond to His voice?
This week we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the process maybe we should participate in a funeral of our own. Maybe we should let die our selfish expectations about how God "ought" to act towards us. Bury them, and let God resurrect them in His image.
As we contemplate the price of our salvation, let us willingly become slaves to the one who has paid such a price to purchase our freedom. Like Jesus, let our prayer be "Father glorify your name." Remember, if a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it will yield much fruit. It is, however, pretty useless in a bag with other seeds. Let's allow God to plant us where he wants so that our service can produce fruit for his glory. Let's follow our crucified Lord by living cruciform lives.
What would the world look like if we did?
Let's find out!
Thanks for reading!
Rightfully so . . . this was THE WEEK for which Jesus lived his entire human life, and it was a rough one for him. On Sunday before his crucifixion he entered Jerusalem with cheers ringing in his ears. The (usually fickle) populace embraced him for all the great miracles he performed, and they hailed his coming as though a conquering warrior had entered the city. Like paparazzi following a Hollywood star, they trailed behind this carpenter from Nazareth and looked for ways to become part of his entourage or to at least get a "piece of the action" as Jesus came to town.
These same folks will yell "Crucify him!" in just six days, by the way.
When Jesus offered them something tangible to grab, they wanted to be a team player, they wanted the fishes and loaves, the healings, the wonders, the mighty signs.
How soon their tune would change . . . how quickly they would turn on the one who was innocent of any sin except the failure to live up to their expectations.
How like them we are today . . .
When things are going our way, we look to heaven and sing God's praises. We celebrate and sing and run to join the band as God rides triumphantly over all our "enemies." But as soon as Jesus fails to live up to our expectations, what do we do?
I know the spiritual answer--"though he slay me yet I will praise him."
Do we really? Will we? Will I?
I'm struck with how Jesus routinely challenged the popular expectations of the crowds who showed up hoping for another demonstration of heavenly power and flash. In John 12, just after the people have celebrated his "triumphal entry," Jesus tells them that the way to jump on his bandwagon is for his followers to hate their lives in this world. Just think how that must have sounded to the celebrants rejoicing in the coming of their conquering hero!
"You want to be a part of my movement, of my thing?" Jesus asks, "Then you will have to regard your life in this world as a dead man would. You have to become the least, the slave, the dead one, in order to get in on my movement."
Come and die.
What an invitation!
Of course, Jesus knew that in just six days he would literally fulfill that invitation. The innocent would die for the unquestionably guilty . . . and he would die horribly.
I can just imagine how this conversation must have put a damper on the celebration in Jerusalem. Jesus took a party and turned it into a wake. The next thing we know he is engaged in theological discussions with the people and with the Jewish leaders. He created a controversy that caused folks to take sides. All he had to do was accept the adulation and promise to "win the war that must be won," but Jesus decided to go against expectations again. He decided to allow God to get the glory through humility and death.
Hasn't this happened to us? Just when we think we have God's agenda all spelled out like it ought to be, He throws us a curve ball that reminds us we aren't in charge! We have a hard time "boxing Jesus" into a neat package.
What's the point then? The point is that we should reverse the procedure. Instead of putting expectations on God, we should look for his expectations for us. What has He required of us? What does He want? How should we respond to His voice?
This week we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the process maybe we should participate in a funeral of our own. Maybe we should let die our selfish expectations about how God "ought" to act towards us. Bury them, and let God resurrect them in His image.
As we contemplate the price of our salvation, let us willingly become slaves to the one who has paid such a price to purchase our freedom. Like Jesus, let our prayer be "Father glorify your name." Remember, if a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it will yield much fruit. It is, however, pretty useless in a bag with other seeds. Let's allow God to plant us where he wants so that our service can produce fruit for his glory. Let's follow our crucified Lord by living cruciform lives.
What would the world look like if we did?
Let's find out!
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Three Things about Me . . . yeah, I got suckered in again!
10 sets of 3 Boring! [tm] Things about me
Yeah, I couldn't think of anything else to post, and someone I know sent this to me. So, here goes another cheesy set of stuff about me!
Three names I go by:
1. Leo
2. Dr. Percer (for classes)
3. Dr. P (for Facebook)
Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Handyman on Mr. Knievel's dairy farm (to pay my way through college)
2. Youth pastor
3. Bookstore manager
Three places I have lived:
1. Millington, TN
2. Louisville and Bowling Green, KY
3. Waco, TX
Three favorite drinks
1. Coffee
2. Mountain Dew
3. Iced Tea (sweet)
Three TV shows that I watch:
1. Burn Notice
2. CSI: New York
3. Mentalist
Three places I have been:
1. Jerusalem, Israel
2. Athens, Greece
3. Siberia
People that e-mail me regularly:
1. My Wife
2. Seminary Students (more than one, yes, I know)
3. Ed Childers
Three of my favorite foods
1. Pizza
2. Steak
3. Chili con carne
Three friends I think will respond:
1. My wife
2. Ed Smithers
3. Krista Back
Three things I am looking forward to:
1. The first graduates from LBTS' new PhD in Theology and Apologetics Program
2. Getting SACS accreditation visit over and done
3. Watching my children grow up
Now, here's what you're supposed to do... remember, this will drive others nuts and continue the meaningless and sometimes vicious cycle of unnecessary and often boring information on-line. Oops, I mean "please do not spoil the fun."
Copy the note, delete my answers and type in your answers. Then tag a few good friends and family (especially those who you know will make snide and sarcastic comments about your answers) INCLUDING the person who sent it to you.
Yeah, I couldn't think of anything else to post, and someone I know sent this to me. So, here goes another cheesy set of stuff about me!
Three names I go by:
1. Leo
2. Dr. Percer (for classes)
3. Dr. P (for Facebook)
Three jobs I have had in my life:
1. Handyman on Mr. Knievel's dairy farm (to pay my way through college)
2. Youth pastor
3. Bookstore manager
Three places I have lived:
1. Millington, TN
2. Louisville and Bowling Green, KY
3. Waco, TX
Three favorite drinks
1. Coffee
2. Mountain Dew
3. Iced Tea (sweet)
Three TV shows that I watch:
1. Burn Notice
2. CSI: New York
3. Mentalist
Three places I have been:
1. Jerusalem, Israel
2. Athens, Greece
3. Siberia
People that e-mail me regularly:
1. My Wife
2. Seminary Students (more than one, yes, I know)
3. Ed Childers
Three of my favorite foods
1. Pizza
2. Steak
3. Chili con carne
Three friends I think will respond:
1. My wife
2. Ed Smithers
3. Krista Back
Three things I am looking forward to:
1. The first graduates from LBTS' new PhD in Theology and Apologetics Program
2. Getting SACS accreditation visit over and done
3. Watching my children grow up
Now, here's what you're supposed to do... remember, this will drive others nuts and continue the meaningless and sometimes vicious cycle of unnecessary and often boring information on-line. Oops, I mean "please do not spoil the fun."
Copy the note, delete my answers and type in your answers. Then tag a few good friends and family (especially those who you know will make snide and sarcastic comments about your answers) INCLUDING the person who sent it to you.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Today's Musical Selections . . .
I am in a Dylan kind of mood today, so it is no surprise that all of the music is his:
1. The Essential Bob Dylan
2. Under the Red Sky
3. Oh Mercy
4. MTV Dylan Unplugged
5. Slow Train Coming
6. Saved
7. Dylan and the Dead
Ought to be an interesting day musically!
Thanks for reading!
1. The Essential Bob Dylan
2. Under the Red Sky
3. Oh Mercy
4. MTV Dylan Unplugged
5. Slow Train Coming
6. Saved
7. Dylan and the Dead
Ought to be an interesting day musically!
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
48 Questions: Yeah, I gave in . . . So what?
48 QUESTIONS: THE REALITY EDITION
Sometimes these lists go too far, and become horribly cheesy. Thus, I answered honestly....
Tag 25 people to do the same thing, and horrify them.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My grandfather. His full name was Leolion. I was named "Leo" after him. My middle name comes from my other grandfather. One was a "character," the other a godly man.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Near the end of "True Grit" when John Wayne's horse died. Or during the "Dirty Dozen" when they are getting ready to blow up the German installation . . . (sniff, still brings a tear). . .
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I have forgotten how to write due to computers.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Spam, preferably fried, but right out of the can with mayo is fine too.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes, what are you doing, taking a census?
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
If you were an idiot, would you ask better questions?
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
No, not at all. Sarcasm can hurt feelings!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Who wants to know?
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Maybe
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Froot Loops
11. WHAT DO YOU DREAM ABOUT?
Hunting down people who tag me for these stupid questions and hunting down the people who create them.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Don't care, like most all kinds.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyes, and whether or not they are carrying a gun
15. RED OR PINK?
Dead or near death?
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I hate that I sometimes give in to peer pressure and fill out questionnaires like this one.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Father
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Not really, but hey, it's up to them.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
green and blue plaid, and barefoot
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Tom and Jerry, or Doobie Brothers, depends on whether you mean music or TV
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blood red
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Fried spam, fresh baked pizza, something being deep fried, or the sacrifice of a vegan to the god of meat
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Do you have any decent questions or are you just intentionally being a jerk?
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
College football and Curling
27. HAIR COLOR?
No, I don't color my hair. It is natural.
28. EYE COLOR?
I don't color my eyes either.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
coffee, chocolate, meat of all kinds, pizza, breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, pancakes, etc.), and any thing else that makes vegans mad.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Can't we have both?
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Transporter, I cried when his car exploded and the heads of the policemen flew out of his trunk.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
green
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Actually, I'm more of a fall, with some spring thrown in . . . what kind of gay question is this?
35. HUGS OR KISSEES?
What exactly is a "Kissee"? Is that the person giving or receiving the kisses?
37. I AM MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND WHEN...?
Someone mentions God, philosophy, Jesus, or another religious topic.
38. I AM LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND TO...?
"When can you meet?"
"What color is your hair?"
Other stupid questions--see above
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Comics or otherwise? I was reading "Four Views of the Warning Passages in Hebrews" and I am getting ready to read Orson Scott Card's "The Crystal City." In comics, I'm reading 45 years of Captain America.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Umm, I don't have any mice, so I don't know what their homes may look like.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Transporter, weren't you paying attention above?
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
My kids laughing.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Neither. I prefer Bob Dylan.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Siberia
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Yes, and no I won't tell you
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In the doctor's office of my home town
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
C. S. Lewis
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
She simply appeared on my porch one day as I was praying . . .
Sometimes these lists go too far, and become horribly cheesy. Thus, I answered honestly....
Tag 25 people to do the same thing, and horrify them.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My grandfather. His full name was Leolion. I was named "Leo" after him. My middle name comes from my other grandfather. One was a "character," the other a godly man.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Near the end of "True Grit" when John Wayne's horse died. Or during the "Dirty Dozen" when they are getting ready to blow up the German installation . . . (sniff, still brings a tear). . .
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I have forgotten how to write due to computers.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Spam, preferably fried, but right out of the can with mayo is fine too.
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Yes, what are you doing, taking a census?
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
If you were an idiot, would you ask better questions?
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
No, not at all. Sarcasm can hurt feelings!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Who wants to know?
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Maybe
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Froot Loops
11. WHAT DO YOU DREAM ABOUT?
Hunting down people who tag me for these stupid questions and hunting down the people who create them.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Don't care, like most all kinds.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Eyes, and whether or not they are carrying a gun
15. RED OR PINK?
Dead or near death?
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
I hate that I sometimes give in to peer pressure and fill out questionnaires like this one.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My Father
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Not really, but hey, it's up to them.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
green and blue plaid, and barefoot
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Tom and Jerry, or Doobie Brothers, depends on whether you mean music or TV
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Blood red
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Fried spam, fresh baked pizza, something being deep fried, or the sacrifice of a vegan to the god of meat
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My mother
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Do you have any decent questions or are you just intentionally being a jerk?
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
College football and Curling
27. HAIR COLOR?
No, I don't color my hair. It is natural.
28. EYE COLOR?
I don't color my eyes either.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
coffee, chocolate, meat of all kinds, pizza, breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, gravy, pancakes, etc.), and any thing else that makes vegans mad.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Can't we have both?
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Transporter, I cried when his car exploded and the heads of the policemen flew out of his trunk.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
green
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Actually, I'm more of a fall, with some spring thrown in . . . what kind of gay question is this?
35. HUGS OR KISSEES?
What exactly is a "Kissee"? Is that the person giving or receiving the kisses?
37. I AM MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND WHEN...?
Someone mentions God, philosophy, Jesus, or another religious topic.
38. I AM LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND TO...?
"When can you meet?"
"What color is your hair?"
Other stupid questions--see above
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Comics or otherwise? I was reading "Four Views of the Warning Passages in Hebrews" and I am getting ready to read Orson Scott Card's "The Crystal City." In comics, I'm reading 45 years of Captain America.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Umm, I don't have any mice, so I don't know what their homes may look like.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Transporter, weren't you paying attention above?
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
My kids laughing.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Neither. I prefer Bob Dylan.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Siberia
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Yes, and no I won't tell you
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In the doctor's office of my home town
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
C. S. Lewis
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
She simply appeared on my porch one day as I was praying . . .
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Reflections on 2008
Another year has come, and I wanted to share some reflections with you all.
1. I am not a patient man, and waiting in airports is not my favorite activity.
2. As an aside and with reference to the same issue: I do not like lounge singers.
3. Traveling is fine, but I like coming home best of all.
4. It is easier to take down a trampoline than it is to set one up.
5. it is easier to fall off a trampoline than to relive your youth ("I'll bet I can jump higher than you" is not a proper challenge for an over 40 person to issue to a 9 year old!)
6. Preparing lessons, sermons, or lectures on a weekly basis is not as easy as you think.
7. I hang out with some amazing people . . . true scholars who sometimes overwhelm me with their knowledge and love for God as well as wonderful young adults whose passion for Christ pushes me to desire to be more like Him.
8. I have a great family and great friends.
9. My daughter is simply amazing. I wish I had her creativity.
10. My son is astounding. If I had half his energy (or brains), God knows what I could have been.
11. I love my wife more every day. No matter what the economic, political, or seasonal outlook, she gets prettier and smarter every day.
12. I am addicted to board games. . . and dominoes . . . and coffee. . . and meat . . . and chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
13. You can never have enough books, especially comic books (I may have another addiction, huh?).
14. I miss my dog.
15. January is a fine month, but I like it better with snow.
16. Christmas ends too soon.
17. Another year of college football is almost over, and I already miss it.
18. I'm not very good at writing reflections.
19. I better stop now.
20. No, I mean it, I have to stop!
21. Aaargh! Quit reading! Can't you see it is tempting me to continue!
22. The End
Maybe . . .
Happy New Year!
May God's grace and finest blessings be yours in 2009.
Thanks for reading!
1. I am not a patient man, and waiting in airports is not my favorite activity.
2. As an aside and with reference to the same issue: I do not like lounge singers.
3. Traveling is fine, but I like coming home best of all.
4. It is easier to take down a trampoline than it is to set one up.
5. it is easier to fall off a trampoline than to relive your youth ("I'll bet I can jump higher than you" is not a proper challenge for an over 40 person to issue to a 9 year old!)
6. Preparing lessons, sermons, or lectures on a weekly basis is not as easy as you think.
7. I hang out with some amazing people . . . true scholars who sometimes overwhelm me with their knowledge and love for God as well as wonderful young adults whose passion for Christ pushes me to desire to be more like Him.
8. I have a great family and great friends.
9. My daughter is simply amazing. I wish I had her creativity.
10. My son is astounding. If I had half his energy (or brains), God knows what I could have been.
11. I love my wife more every day. No matter what the economic, political, or seasonal outlook, she gets prettier and smarter every day.
12. I am addicted to board games. . . and dominoes . . . and coffee. . . and meat . . . and chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
13. You can never have enough books, especially comic books (I may have another addiction, huh?).
14. I miss my dog.
15. January is a fine month, but I like it better with snow.
16. Christmas ends too soon.
17. Another year of college football is almost over, and I already miss it.
18. I'm not very good at writing reflections.
19. I better stop now.
20. No, I mean it, I have to stop!
21. Aaargh! Quit reading! Can't you see it is tempting me to continue!
22. The End
Maybe . . .
Happy New Year!
May God's grace and finest blessings be yours in 2009.
Thanks for reading!
Friday, December 12, 2008
My Annual Christmas Post
Hey y'all:
Here is a little meditation I wrote about 5 years ago that sums up for me what is the "Mystery of Christmas." I hope you enjoy the rerun!
Thanks for reading!
Merry Christmas!
Here is a little meditation I wrote about 5 years ago that sums up for me what is the "Mystery of Christmas." I hope you enjoy the rerun!
A little over 2000 years ago, a tiny child was born in the bleakest of conditions. Oh, he wasn’t the only one born in a bad state. In fact, in some ways, he was one of the lucky ones. He and his mother actually survived childbirth and thrived. Still, this story is unique and amazing on several levels.
First, this child would literally change the way time is reckoned in the world. His life and abilities would so impress generations of others that a brand new movement would be created, one that would radically change the very face of the earth (sometimes for good, sometimes for bad). His name would become recognized among the names of the greatest of humans, yet he never forgot his humble beginnings or lost a sense of who he was.
The second thing about this child is tied to the first in that this baby, this helpless lad full of spittle and mush, was born as the very Son of God. When Mary held his little head to her breast, he drank human milk. Yet, he was (and is) the God of the universe. Can you picture this simply ridiculous, yet somehow poetic scene? God, who calls the stars by name, pressed to the human breast for sustenance. Humble, yet almighty, is how most folks would no doubt recall this child.
A little over 2000 years ago, God proposed that the only remedy for the human condition of sin would be if he humbled himself, stepped out of eternity and into human flesh, and suckled at Mary’s breast in preparation for the greatest, most impressive conversion of all. God, in Mary’s arms, toddling around Joseph’s shop, learning to talk, learning to walk, tasting and touching things with human hands. As the Psalmist says in Psalm 139, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for us, we cannot contain it.”
God knew that the only way to redeem us was if he did it himself. Haven’t you ever had that thought? You know, the one where you say, “If I want something done right, I’ll just have to do it myself?” Imagine God having that thought about bringing us back to proper relationship with him. Imagine again that the only way he knew he could do that is if he came to earth as a baby. Think of it—-how vulnerable the almighty God was at that moment, how paradoxical that the God of all creation had to learn to walk! And why did he put himself in this situation? Out of his inexpressible love for each of us he acted in this manner.
He became insane that we may be sane. He became flesh so that we might walk in the Spirit. He became sin that we might be righteous. He became poor so that we might be rich. He became a toddling, dribbling, helpless babe so that we could become mature humans in the image of almighty God. What wondrous love! What humility and service! How then can anything he asks of us be too difficult?
Lord, in this Christmas season, remind me of your sacrifice and love so that I might be a light shining in darkness to others. May the grace of God and the peace of Christ rule in my family and my life.
Thanks for reading!
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
No Reputation--A Christmas Meditation
Philippians 2:5-9 NASU
This passage may not usually be associated with Christmas, but for some reason that is how it comes to me this year. Look closely at the passage above, then read the quote from The Jesus Style by Gayle D. Erwin below.
Christmas in America means lots of things to lots of different people.
For some it becomes a political event that pits “the true meaning of Christmas” against the bias of some against religion. For others Christmas is just another time to visit families and to pretend to get along with each other. For others Christmas is a season that involves incredible profits (or expenses) and lots of activities. This year some may see Christmas as a bleak season filled with bad economic news and the dread of a new year. For still others Christmas is simply a winter break, a time to regroup for a new year.
I know I’ve left a big group out! There are those who see Christmas as the celebration of the birth of the world’s Savior. But I want to twist the prism a bit and look at Christmas from a different angle.
Almost all of the views above look at Christmas from the perspective of what humans gain from the season. I wonder if we can look at the season as something we can offer to others, a gift of sorts. I wonder, can we make a gift of Christmas? Can we this year find a way to give the "spirit" of Christmas to those around us?
Hear me out . . .
This passage from Philippians reminds me that Christmas for Jesus wasn’t about what he would gain. In fact, he lost just about everything! He left the comfort of his Father’s place, he became a tottering, dribbling little baby, he had to learn to talk, to walk, to eat, he left his riches behind for the poverty of a manger, and ultimately he would even become sin, something he had never experienced. As Paul says, he made himself of no reputation.
Imagine what Christmas would be like this year if those of us who follow Jesus would do as Paul admonishes here and have this approach to the season. Imagine if we actually attempted to have the same attitude towards others that Jesus has towards us! What would Christmas look like if we didn’t care about what we got out of it but became more concerned about what we could give to others? How would our world change if we laid down our lives, our reputations, our desires in order to bless others this Christmas? What if we even went further and did it anonymously, with no expectation of reward or recognition?
Ronald Reagan is credited with the saying “There is no telling what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” We don’t like that approach though, do we? We kick against it! I mean, we deserve to be recognized, don’t we?
You came up with the idea that made the company money, shouldn’t you be rewarded? Maybe you found a problem and fixed it, and that fix saved someone’s job. Shouldn’t you be shown gratitude? Maybe you did some kindness for someone you knew couldn’t pay you back, shouldn’t you get credit for that? You gave that money to charity, shouldn't someone say "thank you"? You gave of your time to that charitable organization, shouldn't there be some "benefit" in it for you?
Don’t we all think that we should be center stage, center of the world, the most important person in the world? How many times have you heard “I quit going to that church because MY needs weren’t being met”?
No reputation.
Let that sink in.
NO Reputation!
No fame, no credit, no automatic acceptance, no celebrities, and no place where who you know or what you know earns you admittance or recognition.
Jesus made himself of no reputation. The very God of the universe became nobody. He emptied himself, he became a servant. As Isaiah said, he was not handsome or attractive in such a way as to draw attention to himself. He lived to give attention only to God. He had "no reputation."
Ouch!
We love our awards, the acceptance of others, the glamor of being “somebody,” or the wonderful happiness of fame, don’t we? We like to be recognized, remembered, acknowledged, accepted, and celebrated.
“Don’t neglect me” is the motto of many in our society and our churches.
The motto of Christ and his followers is “No reputation.” God chooses such people to further his agenda. Will we be involved, or do we like our perks too much?
In Job 1, Satan appears in God's court. God acknowledges the good job done by Job, and asks Satan if he has noticed what a righteous person Job has become. Satan's response is a tough challenge: "Does Job fear God for nothing?"
Think about what the evil one is implying here. He is asking, "Will a human serve God with no expectation of something in return?"
Will humans serve God for nothing?
That hurts, doesn't it? Even the mere thought of it as a possibility smarts a bit. Surely the mighty God of the universe wouldn't expect me to show him respect and serve his purposes without expectation of payment for services rendered, right?
Right?
Will you serve God for nothing?
Can we humble ourselves to the point where we realize that God owes us nothing? Quite literally, we have done nothing to merit a reward. Even our service is a response to his continued mercy.
Will we, like Christ, humble ourselves to the point of no reputation? Are we willing to be "nobodies" in God's service, among his people, even among those who ought to "recognize" us?
What would Christmas look like this year if we (all of us) decided to give with no expectation of return? What if we humbled ourselves and expected no acknowledgment? What if we chose to serve anonymously and to bless others without receiving a blessing in return? What would happen?
What can you do this Christmas season that will bless others and garnish no reputation for you? Who can you serve that can't repay you? This year let's commit ourselves to serving, giving, and loving as Christ did. Let's look for opportunities to bless others in a way that does not give us recognition. Instead of asking for things for ourselves, let's give to the needs of others. Instead of expecting gifts, let's give our lives away in blessing others.
How would that change Christmas in your neighborhood?
Thanks for reading!
"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
This passage may not usually be associated with Christmas, but for some reason that is how it comes to me this year. Look closely at the passage above, then read the quote from The Jesus Style by Gayle D. Erwin below.
“Christ Jesus . . . made himself nothing.
“He made himself nothing, he emptied himself—-the great kenosis. He made himself no reputation, no image.
“I can recall my father shaking his head and repeating over and over to himself, ‘If only I knew what this meant. There is something powerful here. If I only understood it.’ Maybe that is why this Scripture has glued itself to my mind and equally disturbs me. Reputation is so important to me. I want to be seen with the right people, remembered in the right light, advertised with my name spelled right, live in the right neighborhood, drive the right kind of car, wear the right kind of clothing. But Jesus made himself of no reputation.”
Christmas in America means lots of things to lots of different people.
For some it becomes a political event that pits “the true meaning of Christmas” against the bias of some against religion. For others Christmas is just another time to visit families and to pretend to get along with each other. For others Christmas is a season that involves incredible profits (or expenses) and lots of activities. This year some may see Christmas as a bleak season filled with bad economic news and the dread of a new year. For still others Christmas is simply a winter break, a time to regroup for a new year.
I know I’ve left a big group out! There are those who see Christmas as the celebration of the birth of the world’s Savior. But I want to twist the prism a bit and look at Christmas from a different angle.
Almost all of the views above look at Christmas from the perspective of what humans gain from the season. I wonder if we can look at the season as something we can offer to others, a gift of sorts. I wonder, can we make a gift of Christmas? Can we this year find a way to give the "spirit" of Christmas to those around us?
Hear me out . . .
This passage from Philippians reminds me that Christmas for Jesus wasn’t about what he would gain. In fact, he lost just about everything! He left the comfort of his Father’s place, he became a tottering, dribbling little baby, he had to learn to talk, to walk, to eat, he left his riches behind for the poverty of a manger, and ultimately he would even become sin, something he had never experienced. As Paul says, he made himself of no reputation.
Imagine what Christmas would be like this year if those of us who follow Jesus would do as Paul admonishes here and have this approach to the season. Imagine if we actually attempted to have the same attitude towards others that Jesus has towards us! What would Christmas look like if we didn’t care about what we got out of it but became more concerned about what we could give to others? How would our world change if we laid down our lives, our reputations, our desires in order to bless others this Christmas? What if we even went further and did it anonymously, with no expectation of reward or recognition?
Ronald Reagan is credited with the saying “There is no telling what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.” We don’t like that approach though, do we? We kick against it! I mean, we deserve to be recognized, don’t we?
You came up with the idea that made the company money, shouldn’t you be rewarded? Maybe you found a problem and fixed it, and that fix saved someone’s job. Shouldn’t you be shown gratitude? Maybe you did some kindness for someone you knew couldn’t pay you back, shouldn’t you get credit for that? You gave that money to charity, shouldn't someone say "thank you"? You gave of your time to that charitable organization, shouldn't there be some "benefit" in it for you?
Don’t we all think that we should be center stage, center of the world, the most important person in the world? How many times have you heard “I quit going to that church because MY needs weren’t being met”?
No reputation.
Let that sink in.
NO Reputation!
No fame, no credit, no automatic acceptance, no celebrities, and no place where who you know or what you know earns you admittance or recognition.
Jesus made himself of no reputation. The very God of the universe became nobody. He emptied himself, he became a servant. As Isaiah said, he was not handsome or attractive in such a way as to draw attention to himself. He lived to give attention only to God. He had "no reputation."
Ouch!
We love our awards, the acceptance of others, the glamor of being “somebody,” or the wonderful happiness of fame, don’t we? We like to be recognized, remembered, acknowledged, accepted, and celebrated.
“Don’t neglect me” is the motto of many in our society and our churches.
The motto of Christ and his followers is “No reputation.” God chooses such people to further his agenda. Will we be involved, or do we like our perks too much?
In Job 1, Satan appears in God's court. God acknowledges the good job done by Job, and asks Satan if he has noticed what a righteous person Job has become. Satan's response is a tough challenge: "Does Job fear God for nothing?"
Think about what the evil one is implying here. He is asking, "Will a human serve God with no expectation of something in return?"
Will humans serve God for nothing?
That hurts, doesn't it? Even the mere thought of it as a possibility smarts a bit. Surely the mighty God of the universe wouldn't expect me to show him respect and serve his purposes without expectation of payment for services rendered, right?
Right?
Will you serve God for nothing?
Can we humble ourselves to the point where we realize that God owes us nothing? Quite literally, we have done nothing to merit a reward. Even our service is a response to his continued mercy.
Will we, like Christ, humble ourselves to the point of no reputation? Are we willing to be "nobodies" in God's service, among his people, even among those who ought to "recognize" us?
What would Christmas look like this year if we (all of us) decided to give with no expectation of return? What if we humbled ourselves and expected no acknowledgment? What if we chose to serve anonymously and to bless others without receiving a blessing in return? What would happen?
What can you do this Christmas season that will bless others and garnish no reputation for you? Who can you serve that can't repay you? This year let's commit ourselves to serving, giving, and loving as Christ did. Let's look for opportunities to bless others in a way that does not give us recognition. Instead of asking for things for ourselves, let's give to the needs of others. Instead of expecting gifts, let's give our lives away in blessing others.
How would that change Christmas in your neighborhood?
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A Glimpse of Home: God's Irresistible Stare
For those of you too young to remember the great classic rock group Kansas, let me just say that their music defined my generation during our high school years as much as any 70s to 80s rock band. Their songs were majestic in scope and tenor, they were classic tales sung to the tune of an amazing mixture of heavy rock and roll, church organs, and violins. In some ways (to me at least), they were the U2 of my generation. Here is a song that I love from a 1979 album. Kerry Livgren wrote the song. It is entitled "A Glimpse of Home." Here are the lyrics:
As a young Christian looking for a music to define his spiritual journey, this song became a kind of "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" milestone for me. I can't be sure, but when I heard the lyrics above, I had the distinct impression that Livgren was talking about God/Jesus.
You see, though raised in a good Baptist home and church, I had in my youth become something of a doubter and skeptic. I tried to find reasons to ignore or overlook the Divine in what was around me, and I often came up with my own explanations as to why things happened as they did.
Yet even in my most skeptical moments, Jesus was there, "like an old superstition," haunting my days and my dreams.
I couldn't shake it. I couldn't shake him.
His patience and merciful stare seemed to follow me on matter where I went. His benevolent hand of mercy shielded me, protected me, even promoted me without my request.
He was there, a "revelation anticipating" my gaze, my faith.
One day I surrendered. Realizing that I was surrounded and enveloped by God, I gave in. I said, "Enough! I can't shake you, so I'll join you."
He kindly let me in. He also let me think it was my idea (grin).
This song defined that moment for me--the moment when I came face-to-face with God. He didn't blink. He opened his arms. He hugged me. He accepted me. He wanted me. He took me as I was.
His love has overwhelmed me ever since.
My search is over, I have found home. It is in the loving gaze of Jesus.
I love this song. Thank God for music!
Thanks for reading!
When I was very young so many songs were sung
So much wasted time on an uphill climb
But you where always there, a feeling in the air
There was nothing to fear you were so near
Now you are here once again
As I stand in your presence
I can feel the quiet patience of your gaze
Like an old superstition
You are haunting all my dreams and waking days
(Chorus)
All my life I knew you were waiting, revelation anticipating
All is well, the search is over, let the truth be known
Let it be shown (give me a glimpse of home)
There's no resisting you among the chosen few
It's hard to be sure, it's hard to endure
And when I hear your voice
I know I have the choice
To pursue an ideal, something so real
Now I've got nothing to lose
As I see your reflection
All the answers I desire become so clear
Like a page that is turning
I can look into the future without fear
(Chorus)
You're in my rock and roll, you're in my very soul
Though it's heavy to bear, it's a feeling so rare
And it's a mystery, the way it's meant to be
Can we ever know, we're moving so slow
There ain't enough time in the world
As I reach up the ladder
There is something ever higher to perceive
Like a fire that is burning
In my heart I know I surely must believe
(Chorus)
As a young Christian looking for a music to define his spiritual journey, this song became a kind of "Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" milestone for me. I can't be sure, but when I heard the lyrics above, I had the distinct impression that Livgren was talking about God/Jesus.
You see, though raised in a good Baptist home and church, I had in my youth become something of a doubter and skeptic. I tried to find reasons to ignore or overlook the Divine in what was around me, and I often came up with my own explanations as to why things happened as they did.
Yet even in my most skeptical moments, Jesus was there, "like an old superstition," haunting my days and my dreams.
I couldn't shake it. I couldn't shake him.
His patience and merciful stare seemed to follow me on matter where I went. His benevolent hand of mercy shielded me, protected me, even promoted me without my request.
He was there, a "revelation anticipating" my gaze, my faith.
One day I surrendered. Realizing that I was surrounded and enveloped by God, I gave in. I said, "Enough! I can't shake you, so I'll join you."
He kindly let me in. He also let me think it was my idea (grin).
This song defined that moment for me--the moment when I came face-to-face with God. He didn't blink. He opened his arms. He hugged me. He accepted me. He wanted me. He took me as I was.
His love has overwhelmed me ever since.
My search is over, I have found home. It is in the loving gaze of Jesus.
I love this song. Thank God for music!
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
God, Theology, and Karl Barth
I know, I know, some may be a bit shocked to find Karl Barth here, but I wanted to share a couple of quotes from pages 25 and 26 of his The Humanity of God. Barth says:
Barth seems to be saying that when we do real theology, we must concern ourselves not just with Christian self-esteem or self understanding/identity, but rather we must focus on the reality of God's invasion of our very lives, even his untimely (or is it "timely"?) interventions in the everyday mundane existence of humanity.
Theology is a moot point if God is studied in isolation from his workings with humanity.
When we change Christian thought or preaching into some kind of boost to the individual Christian's self-esteem, we have really lost sight of true Christianity or theology. Theology has little to do with me. It has everything to do with God and his attempts to work with humans, for humans, and in humans. He is not just the model of all that is good, he is the Author, Creator, and Initiator of all that is good, perfect, just, and holy. What have I created lately that can compare to that?
Theology makes no sense without Christology, without salvation, without the God of the universe joining his creation as one of them, so that by living among humans he may redeem every aspect of humanity.
Jesus became sin so that we may be the righteousness of God.
Jesus took on the likeness of sinful flesh so that he might condemn sin in the flesh.
God deals with us by becoming one of us. He does for us what we can't do for ourselves. What we could not accomplish in our sinfulness, God accomplishes in the likeness of sinful flesh. The prize we lost he came to regain.
If we lose sight of that, our vision becomes blurred and we forget that we are a part of a larger story--God's Story.
I am not the star, he is.
It is not my dealings with God that produce good theology or even life itself. Rather, it is God's dealings with fallen humans that produce so much good and greatness.
God in Christ became one of us, so that he might win us and win for us the prize we lost by our own sin. Christ descended to our level, then re-ascends to God with his prize intact. His prize is a redeemed humanity, a reconciliation between what was lost and the One who loved it enough to go find it and purchase it at his own expense.
God's humanity in Christ thus creates a bond between the divine and human, between man and God that not only gives hope, but a possibility for a good future.
All that is good here in this fallen world is a direct result of God's goodness and dealings with us.
We did not create it, we did not cause it to happen, we cannot make it better.
God is the author and star.
His dealings with us produce more grace, more light, more truth.
Maybe we should let him do his job.
Thanks for reading!
"Theology is in reality not only the doctrine of God, but the doctrine of God and man. . . . [It stresses] the fact that man's relation to God is based on God's dealings with man, and not conversely."
"When the Christian gospel was changed into a statement, a religion, about Christian self-awareness, the God was lost sight of who in His sovereignty confronts man, calling him into acount, and dealing with him as Lord. This loss also blurred the sight horizontally."
Barth seems to be saying that when we do real theology, we must concern ourselves not just with Christian self-esteem or self understanding/identity, but rather we must focus on the reality of God's invasion of our very lives, even his untimely (or is it "timely"?) interventions in the everyday mundane existence of humanity.
Theology is a moot point if God is studied in isolation from his workings with humanity.
When we change Christian thought or preaching into some kind of boost to the individual Christian's self-esteem, we have really lost sight of true Christianity or theology. Theology has little to do with me. It has everything to do with God and his attempts to work with humans, for humans, and in humans. He is not just the model of all that is good, he is the Author, Creator, and Initiator of all that is good, perfect, just, and holy. What have I created lately that can compare to that?
Theology makes no sense without Christology, without salvation, without the God of the universe joining his creation as one of them, so that by living among humans he may redeem every aspect of humanity.
Jesus became sin so that we may be the righteousness of God.
Jesus took on the likeness of sinful flesh so that he might condemn sin in the flesh.
God deals with us by becoming one of us. He does for us what we can't do for ourselves. What we could not accomplish in our sinfulness, God accomplishes in the likeness of sinful flesh. The prize we lost he came to regain.
If we lose sight of that, our vision becomes blurred and we forget that we are a part of a larger story--God's Story.
I am not the star, he is.
It is not my dealings with God that produce good theology or even life itself. Rather, it is God's dealings with fallen humans that produce so much good and greatness.
God in Christ became one of us, so that he might win us and win for us the prize we lost by our own sin. Christ descended to our level, then re-ascends to God with his prize intact. His prize is a redeemed humanity, a reconciliation between what was lost and the One who loved it enough to go find it and purchase it at his own expense.
God's humanity in Christ thus creates a bond between the divine and human, between man and God that not only gives hope, but a possibility for a good future.
All that is good here in this fallen world is a direct result of God's goodness and dealings with us.
We did not create it, we did not cause it to happen, we cannot make it better.
God is the author and star.
His dealings with us produce more grace, more light, more truth.
Maybe we should let him do his job.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Unraveled . . . .
Today as I drove to work, I couldn't help a bit of melancholy.
The weather was cool, traffic was light, John Denver was breezy (yes, John Denver!), the mountains were august, the sun brilliant, . . .
and I was melancholy.
As I drove I began to think of Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah for some reason. Each of these individuals had an amazing encounter with God. Abraham (while still "Abram") encountered the God of covenants. During a dream at night terrors seized Abram as he saw the torch of God move between the divided carcasses of the animal sacrifices. Abram was undone.
Moses encountered God first as an enigma. Moses saw a bush that was on fire and yet not burning. He went closer, he heard God, he took off his shoes. He was undone, his life would never be the same.
Isaiah lost a friend and a hero. When King Uzziah died, Isaiah wept and went into deep mourning. During his depression, Isaiah had a vision. Angels flew about, the holiness and awesomeness of God shook the foundation and pillars of the Temple.
God spoke, Isaiah trembled.
When Isaiah dared to speak in this holy company, the words out of his mouth were "Woe is me, I am undone!"
As I understand it, the Hebrew here has the meaning of being unzipped from the belly to the neck so that your insides spill out.
Okay, maybe I'm stretching it a bit, but it was not a happy thought for Isaiah. He felt unraveled in the presence of God.
That kind of describes my melancholy today . . . I feel unraveled. Like a ball of yarn that has lost its consistency, I am loose and dangly.
Like a sweater pulled apart thread-by-thread, I am undone.
I look at the majesty around me, the beauty and holiness and awe-fulness of it all, and I find myself undone.
It is not a bad feeling necessarily, but it is a bit unnerving.
I feel unraveled.
Like a joke with no punch line, or a sitcom with no laugh track, or a book with no thesis or direction, or a story with no meaning . . .
I feel undone.
How do I explain what is happening in my heart when words seem hard to find?
Life is good, things are fine, but I feel . . . well, what?
I think that this is a normal human emotion, and it is one I've encountered before. I'm not depressed; in fact, I'm not really sad at all! I'm actually smiling as I type these words!
I sit here in the midst of an august band of people, activities, and stuff, and I feel a bit unraveled.
Maybe I'm just relaxing . . . loosening things a bit in preparation for the next battle or the next activity or the next thing.
Maybe it is a "Selah," a sort of pause of spirit that causes me to reflect a bit.
It is a good thing, I think, to be unraveled before God and his wonderful creation.
So, like Paul, I will relish in my unraveling, in my undoing, in my weakness . . . for when I am weak, God is strong. When I am undone, God still does. When I am unraveled, Jesus holds all things together.
I smile, I sigh. I listen to U2 and Larry Norman and Bob Dylan (John Denver was making me too melancholy, I think).
I will go find some Jonny Lang. I will relish in the tones, in the thoughts, in the music. I will unravel before God and just be. I will let myself be undone so that he can renew me.
What a wonderful life!
Thanks for reading!
The weather was cool, traffic was light, John Denver was breezy (yes, John Denver!), the mountains were august, the sun brilliant, . . .
and I was melancholy.
As I drove I began to think of Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah for some reason. Each of these individuals had an amazing encounter with God. Abraham (while still "Abram") encountered the God of covenants. During a dream at night terrors seized Abram as he saw the torch of God move between the divided carcasses of the animal sacrifices. Abram was undone.
Moses encountered God first as an enigma. Moses saw a bush that was on fire and yet not burning. He went closer, he heard God, he took off his shoes. He was undone, his life would never be the same.
Isaiah lost a friend and a hero. When King Uzziah died, Isaiah wept and went into deep mourning. During his depression, Isaiah had a vision. Angels flew about, the holiness and awesomeness of God shook the foundation and pillars of the Temple.
God spoke, Isaiah trembled.
When Isaiah dared to speak in this holy company, the words out of his mouth were "Woe is me, I am undone!"
As I understand it, the Hebrew here has the meaning of being unzipped from the belly to the neck so that your insides spill out.
Okay, maybe I'm stretching it a bit, but it was not a happy thought for Isaiah. He felt unraveled in the presence of God.
That kind of describes my melancholy today . . . I feel unraveled. Like a ball of yarn that has lost its consistency, I am loose and dangly.
Like a sweater pulled apart thread-by-thread, I am undone.
I look at the majesty around me, the beauty and holiness and awe-fulness of it all, and I find myself undone.
It is not a bad feeling necessarily, but it is a bit unnerving.
I feel unraveled.
Like a joke with no punch line, or a sitcom with no laugh track, or a book with no thesis or direction, or a story with no meaning . . .
I feel undone.
How do I explain what is happening in my heart when words seem hard to find?
Life is good, things are fine, but I feel . . . well, what?
I think that this is a normal human emotion, and it is one I've encountered before. I'm not depressed; in fact, I'm not really sad at all! I'm actually smiling as I type these words!
I sit here in the midst of an august band of people, activities, and stuff, and I feel a bit unraveled.
Maybe I'm just relaxing . . . loosening things a bit in preparation for the next battle or the next activity or the next thing.
Maybe it is a "Selah," a sort of pause of spirit that causes me to reflect a bit.
It is a good thing, I think, to be unraveled before God and his wonderful creation.
So, like Paul, I will relish in my unraveling, in my undoing, in my weakness . . . for when I am weak, God is strong. When I am undone, God still does. When I am unraveled, Jesus holds all things together.
I smile, I sigh. I listen to U2 and Larry Norman and Bob Dylan (John Denver was making me too melancholy, I think).
I will go find some Jonny Lang. I will relish in the tones, in the thoughts, in the music. I will unravel before God and just be. I will let myself be undone so that he can renew me.
What a wonderful life!
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
How the media covers female VP candidates . . .
Another interesting note from National Review (this time the September 29 edition). This note is about Sarah Palin and compares media coverage of her run for VP with similar coverage of a certain Geraldine Ferraro.
Thanks for reading!
After Sarah Palin was nominated for vice president, and mauled by the establishment press, conservatives had the bright idea of seeing what the New York Times had written about Geraldine Ferraro, when she was nominated about 25 years ago. This is what the paper had to say on July 3, 1984: “Where is it written that only senators are qualified to become President? . . . Or where is it written that mere representatives aren’t qualified, like Geraldine Ferraro of Queens? . . . Where is it written that governors and mayors, like Dianne Feinstein of San Francisco, are too local, too provincial? . . . Presidential candidates have always chosen their running mates for reasons of practical demography, not idealized democracy. . . . What a splendid system, we say to ourselves, that takes little-known men, tests them in high office and permits them to grow into statesmen. . . . Why shouldn’t a little-known woman have the same opportunity to grow?” The New York Times takes its opportunity every election.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Obama and Bill Ayers: A Radical Connection?
Here is an article from the September 15, 2008 edition of National Review that I thought some of you would like:
That's right, a vote for Obama is a vote for people like Ayers.
I just thought you might like to know.
Thanks for reading!
"Bill Ayers is an unrepentant terrorist responsible for various bombings. He is also a friend of Barack Obama, who now dismisses Ayers as just “some guy who lives in my neighborhood” — albeit a guy who, along with his wife and fellow Weather Underground terrorist Bernardine Dohrn, hosted Obama’s political coming-out party at their home in 1995. In fact, Obama and Ayers had a close working relationship. They sat together on the board of the Woods Fund, a left-wing charity, and collaborated on an education “reform” project called the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, begun in 1995 when an Ayers proposal won a huge foundation grant. Ayers ran the CAC’s operational arm; Obama chaired the board. Together, they were responsible for distributing over $100 million — with no discernible improvement in Chicago’s schools but great advantage for their ideological allies. This summer, after being assured of access, frequent National Review contributor Stanley Kurtz was barred from reviewing the CAC records housed at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where Ayers is a professor of education. As we went to press, the ban had been lifted after considerable public pressure. But the attempts to suppress this story continue. After a conservative group ran an ad attacking Obama’s association with Ayers, Obama asked the feds to investigate the group. And he says that Bush is trampling our civil liberties?"
That's right, a vote for Obama is a vote for people like Ayers.
I just thought you might like to know.
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
On the Road Again . . .
Okay, okay, I'm not much of a Willie Nelson fan (but as a side note here is a funny Willie story--one day Willie Nelson was passing through McLennan County near Waco, TX, when he decided to stop by the side of the road to sleep. Unfortunately for him, doing that is illegal. A police officer came by and stopped to check out the car and driver. When Willie let his window down, his marijuana smoke billowed out. The officer later said he didn't know whether to arrest him or to ask for his autograph, so he did both. Seems that Willie didn't know that marijuana was illegal in Texas either! Oh well).
Now, where was I? Oh yeah, I'm not much of a fan of Willie Nelson (c'mon Leo, stay focused), but this song does adequately portray my current situation. I am in Atlanta (yes, again), and I am waiting to return to Lynchburg and my family. I sit here in Terminal C waiting for Delta to order me on the plane, and I can't help but watch people as they walk by.
There is the young mother trying to convince her toddler son that he must quit playing and get on the plane.
There is the young couple obviously too much in love (get a room, will ya?).
There are several soldiers boarding flights to various destinations of service (or maybe home).
There are the two young men who just sat down opposite of me with wool caps and hoodies on, yet wearing short pant. Does anyone get this fashion trend? Are their heads cold while their legs are warm? They are both relatively unshaven, look like they would be more comfortable under a bridge than in an airport terminal, and they stare into space while speaking nonchalantly into their blue tooth phones (is the plural blue teeth or blue tooths? Why do I care?). Seriously, they look like someone you would meet at a Salvation Army rescue mission, but they have all this expensive technology and such.
Of course, I'm the geek seminary prof sitting here in my red LBTS t-shirt while reading the latest Superman comic I picked up last week, so who am I to judge?
Last week I wrote about travel, and today it is still on my mind. Have you ever gotten to the place where you are fed up? You know, you don't feel well, your head hurts, your back hurts, you feel like you are in a fog, and you just want to sit down and cry?
Well, this weekend I have been there. In that spot. See it?
I marvel at the stories of the apostle Paul and his travels. How the heck did he do it? Did they have beverage or meal services on his missionary trips? Did his back ever hurt? Did he ever just want to go home?
Okay, enough whining. Some observations: No matter where you go people are essentially the same. They are all concerned with taking care of their families, being with their friends, and making a life while trying to make a living. These past three days I have encountered a cornucopia of such people.
There was the waitress at Red Robin the other day (by the way, I wasn't impressed with "gourmet" hamburgers--they were more expensive but not necessarily all the much better than Five Guys. Your mileage may vary). Anyway, this young lady was obviously having a rough day when I was seated in her booth. She looked over worked, and it took her a long time to come take my order. Of course, it didn't help matters much that I promptly dumped my root beer over (glass number 2, if you are counting!). She sighed noticeably and came to my aid.
I kidded with her as she cleaned up my mess on the floor, and I worked on using napkins to stem the tide on my table. I said, "Well, I usually have one of my kids do that for me, but I guess I miss them on this trip."
She laughed just a bit, so I took that as an opening. "You know, life sometimes seems like a series of mishaps and spills that almost never end. Yet, in most cases there is someone with a mop or a handful of napkins to clean up the spill. I am so thankful for that help."
She smiled again, and asked why I was in Atlanta. I was teaching a class on the New Testament, so I told her that. I added: "You know, I've lost count of the number of times my life has spun out of control only to have God drop by and clean up my mess. He sure has been good to me."
She shrugged and kept mopping, so I said, "Can I pray for you?" She really didn't say much, but her attitude seemed to lighten a bit. She joked with me, and at the end of the meal, she thanked me for making her day "better."
I'm kinda glad I spilled my root beer.
One more story and I'll go get on my plane. I was sitting in the lobby of the hotel on Friday writing some notes and reading my Greek New Testament (and my comics!). A man walked by and said, "I don't usually see a person reading the Greek New Testament and comics!" I laughed and introduced myself. Turns out this fellow is a United Methodist pastor who almost walked out of the hotel. He said that the Lord prompted him to come to the lobby to meet someone, and there I was. We talked about his ministry, about Liberty, and most importantly, about the Lord. He was an angel in disguise, I think, because he did for me what I would later in the same day do for the waitress. His kindness and concern lifted my spirit and gave me energy.
Isn't life funny like that? Just when you want to quit, God often comes in and gives you a reason to keep going.
I don't feel well, while I was in Atlanta my dog (a good pet for almost 13 years) died, my family grieved without me, and I am tired to the bone. I wonder who God is sending my way today?
I'll let you know!
Thanks for reading!
Now, where was I? Oh yeah, I'm not much of a fan of Willie Nelson (c'mon Leo, stay focused), but this song does adequately portray my current situation. I am in Atlanta (yes, again), and I am waiting to return to Lynchburg and my family. I sit here in Terminal C waiting for Delta to order me on the plane, and I can't help but watch people as they walk by.
There is the young mother trying to convince her toddler son that he must quit playing and get on the plane.
There is the young couple obviously too much in love (get a room, will ya?).
There are several soldiers boarding flights to various destinations of service (or maybe home).
There are the two young men who just sat down opposite of me with wool caps and hoodies on, yet wearing short pant. Does anyone get this fashion trend? Are their heads cold while their legs are warm? They are both relatively unshaven, look like they would be more comfortable under a bridge than in an airport terminal, and they stare into space while speaking nonchalantly into their blue tooth phones (is the plural blue teeth or blue tooths? Why do I care?). Seriously, they look like someone you would meet at a Salvation Army rescue mission, but they have all this expensive technology and such.
Of course, I'm the geek seminary prof sitting here in my red LBTS t-shirt while reading the latest Superman comic I picked up last week, so who am I to judge?
Last week I wrote about travel, and today it is still on my mind. Have you ever gotten to the place where you are fed up? You know, you don't feel well, your head hurts, your back hurts, you feel like you are in a fog, and you just want to sit down and cry?
Well, this weekend I have been there. In that spot. See it?
I marvel at the stories of the apostle Paul and his travels. How the heck did he do it? Did they have beverage or meal services on his missionary trips? Did his back ever hurt? Did he ever just want to go home?
Okay, enough whining. Some observations: No matter where you go people are essentially the same. They are all concerned with taking care of their families, being with their friends, and making a life while trying to make a living. These past three days I have encountered a cornucopia of such people.
There was the waitress at Red Robin the other day (by the way, I wasn't impressed with "gourmet" hamburgers--they were more expensive but not necessarily all the much better than Five Guys. Your mileage may vary). Anyway, this young lady was obviously having a rough day when I was seated in her booth. She looked over worked, and it took her a long time to come take my order. Of course, it didn't help matters much that I promptly dumped my root beer over (glass number 2, if you are counting!). She sighed noticeably and came to my aid.
I kidded with her as she cleaned up my mess on the floor, and I worked on using napkins to stem the tide on my table. I said, "Well, I usually have one of my kids do that for me, but I guess I miss them on this trip."
She laughed just a bit, so I took that as an opening. "You know, life sometimes seems like a series of mishaps and spills that almost never end. Yet, in most cases there is someone with a mop or a handful of napkins to clean up the spill. I am so thankful for that help."
She smiled again, and asked why I was in Atlanta. I was teaching a class on the New Testament, so I told her that. I added: "You know, I've lost count of the number of times my life has spun out of control only to have God drop by and clean up my mess. He sure has been good to me."
She shrugged and kept mopping, so I said, "Can I pray for you?" She really didn't say much, but her attitude seemed to lighten a bit. She joked with me, and at the end of the meal, she thanked me for making her day "better."
I'm kinda glad I spilled my root beer.
One more story and I'll go get on my plane. I was sitting in the lobby of the hotel on Friday writing some notes and reading my Greek New Testament (and my comics!). A man walked by and said, "I don't usually see a person reading the Greek New Testament and comics!" I laughed and introduced myself. Turns out this fellow is a United Methodist pastor who almost walked out of the hotel. He said that the Lord prompted him to come to the lobby to meet someone, and there I was. We talked about his ministry, about Liberty, and most importantly, about the Lord. He was an angel in disguise, I think, because he did for me what I would later in the same day do for the waitress. His kindness and concern lifted my spirit and gave me energy.
Isn't life funny like that? Just when you want to quit, God often comes in and gives you a reason to keep going.
I don't feel well, while I was in Atlanta my dog (a good pet for almost 13 years) died, my family grieved without me, and I am tired to the bone. I wonder who God is sending my way today?
I'll let you know!
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Ramblings from a Fellow Traveler
Well, here I am at the Atlanta airport again! It doesn't seem like too long ago that a certain seminary president and I were stuck in this magic wonderland (yeah, that's sarcasm in case you didn't get it). I'm sitting here in the food court of Terminal E, listening to some pianist try to make a few bucks by offering her renditions of popular favorites while some drunk at the bar tries to accompany her in song.
I wish I could be home now.
I mean, I don't mind the travel, but sometimes I just miss the familiarity of my home: family, friends, my big red lounge chair, my sleep comfort bed, and especially my wife and children.
After a day or so away, I always find myself longing to return to them, to return home.
I know, I know--"Home is where your heart is," or "Home is where you make it" or even "Home is where you hang your hat." However you define it, nothing quite fits like feeling "at home."
Lately I've noticed another longing in my heart, the longing for a place that I've never visited, where friends and family are that I have not seen in a long time. Sometimes I've caught myself looking up at the stars and thinking, "What's it like for my loved ones who have gone 'home'?"
Okay, she's playing "Love Song" now . . . if I could bring a gun into the airport, I might put it to my temple at this point!
Ugh!
Did I tell you I want to come home?
I stayed in a nice Hampton Inn in Atlanta. Great bed, great pillows, wonderful people to help with directions, good food, access to the Internet, etc. But . . .
It ain't home.
I've been thinking too much lately. Sometimes I get a bit melancholy when I think. My dad passed away four years ago around the first week of August. Years before he died his illness robbed him of vitality and verve. My dad was not himself. I'd go to visit him, he wasn't himself. He is now, he is finally "home."
Now the piano is playing some piece of classical music. I think I'm gonna have to move soon.
Where is Starbucks when I need some coffee?
Okay, let's try to be more positive--I'm positive I need coffee.
There, I feel much better.
I heard a preacher on the radio today. He wasn't bad, but I honestly can't remember what he said. I think he was speaking about marriage. I remember that he mentioned George Beasley-Murray, my former seminary professor. Isn't odd what we remember sometimes?
Friday I was running late for the class I was supposed to teach. I drove following new directions I'd never used before in a rented car. You know what I remember the most? I remember the guy in traffic ahead of me apparently pitching a fit because traffic was backed up due to construction. I'm sure he got where he needed to go, but I wonder why I remember that? Of all the stimuli smacking my brain at that time, why do I remember him?
I guess I should be glad I remember things.
Well, I've rambled enough. I have to say that it was an uneventful weekend, but I had an uncanny sense of God being there. Everywhere I turned, I sensed his protection and his kindness. It was a good weekend.
She's playing the theme from "Butch Cassidy" now. If she starts with "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" I may scream.
I'm going to find Starbucks. I'm going to have the most caffiene I can get for my money. I'm going to find a kiosk, plug in my computer, read Captain America, and get happy again.
Believe it or not, someone looking a lot like Jerry Lawler just walked by, I think I'll ask for his autograph.
Holy Crap! She's playing "Leaving on a Jet Plane"! My cliche-o-meter is going off the charts.
I will start humming my new favorite praise song (thanks Juan)--"Kill me, kill me, kill me Jesus."
Okay, off to Starbucks. Thanks for reading!
I wish I could be home now.
I mean, I don't mind the travel, but sometimes I just miss the familiarity of my home: family, friends, my big red lounge chair, my sleep comfort bed, and especially my wife and children.
After a day or so away, I always find myself longing to return to them, to return home.
I know, I know--"Home is where your heart is," or "Home is where you make it" or even "Home is where you hang your hat." However you define it, nothing quite fits like feeling "at home."
Lately I've noticed another longing in my heart, the longing for a place that I've never visited, where friends and family are that I have not seen in a long time. Sometimes I've caught myself looking up at the stars and thinking, "What's it like for my loved ones who have gone 'home'?"
Okay, she's playing "Love Song" now . . . if I could bring a gun into the airport, I might put it to my temple at this point!
Ugh!
Did I tell you I want to come home?
I stayed in a nice Hampton Inn in Atlanta. Great bed, great pillows, wonderful people to help with directions, good food, access to the Internet, etc. But . . .
It ain't home.
I've been thinking too much lately. Sometimes I get a bit melancholy when I think. My dad passed away four years ago around the first week of August. Years before he died his illness robbed him of vitality and verve. My dad was not himself. I'd go to visit him, he wasn't himself. He is now, he is finally "home."
Now the piano is playing some piece of classical music. I think I'm gonna have to move soon.
Where is Starbucks when I need some coffee?
Okay, let's try to be more positive--I'm positive I need coffee.
There, I feel much better.
I heard a preacher on the radio today. He wasn't bad, but I honestly can't remember what he said. I think he was speaking about marriage. I remember that he mentioned George Beasley-Murray, my former seminary professor. Isn't odd what we remember sometimes?
Friday I was running late for the class I was supposed to teach. I drove following new directions I'd never used before in a rented car. You know what I remember the most? I remember the guy in traffic ahead of me apparently pitching a fit because traffic was backed up due to construction. I'm sure he got where he needed to go, but I wonder why I remember that? Of all the stimuli smacking my brain at that time, why do I remember him?
I guess I should be glad I remember things.
Well, I've rambled enough. I have to say that it was an uneventful weekend, but I had an uncanny sense of God being there. Everywhere I turned, I sensed his protection and his kindness. It was a good weekend.
She's playing the theme from "Butch Cassidy" now. If she starts with "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head" I may scream.
I'm going to find Starbucks. I'm going to have the most caffiene I can get for my money. I'm going to find a kiosk, plug in my computer, read Captain America, and get happy again.
Believe it or not, someone looking a lot like Jerry Lawler just walked by, I think I'll ask for his autograph.
Holy Crap! She's playing "Leaving on a Jet Plane"! My cliche-o-meter is going off the charts.
I will start humming my new favorite praise song (thanks Juan)--"Kill me, kill me, kill me Jesus."
Okay, off to Starbucks. Thanks for reading!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Malcolm Muggeridge and "reality" TV
Those who are familiar with Malcolm Muggeridge already know that he was a journalist. If you didn't know that, you may wonder how it is possible for a journalist to be a Christian (grin), but that's a discussion for another day. The fact is that Muggeridge was a journalist, and in his lectures that later became the little book, The End of Christendom, Muggeridge notes some problems with the media. Here is the quote from pages 38-39.
That last line gave me pause. Here is Muggeridge, speaking decades ago, addressing the problem of news and reality. I understand this paragraph to be saying that even before the advent of cable TV, Muggeridge saw signs of the media's "dramatization of the public scene" as opposed to the straightforward reporting of "the reality of things." Is this some kind of reference to "making the news" versus "reporting the news"? Perhaps, but more to the point is the reference to the danger of becoming "more and more preoccupied with fantasy." This remark certainly sounds a lot like "reality" TV, doesn't it?
Think about it--we neglect our "real" lives to tune in to shows that purport to show us "reality" on TV. Yet these very shows are more interested in the dramatization of an "unrealistic" setting than in offering us "reality." We strand a bunch of people on an island, encourage them to stab each other in the back, film the results, edit that film, and then call it "reality!" Does anyone else appreciate the irony?
We take the desire among most humans for a loving relationship, find some single guy, set him up with a choice of several gorgeous women, and then film their responses as the fat hits the fan. Then we call it "reality" TV!
We put a bunch of has-been celebrities together in a house, encourage them to participate in shenanigans, then we call it "reality."
Why are we obsessed with this stuff? Could it be that our own "reality" is so mundane that we want a substitute reality for it?
We all know that (like TV wrestling) most of these "reality" shows follow a script and are edited to elicit a certain response, yet we persist in calling them "reality" TV!
Muggeridge was practically prophetic here. Look at the major cable "news" networks--don't you see basic "dramatization" of events instead of a reporting of "things"? Why does the coverage of MSNBC, CNN, and even Fox look the same? We are living in the age of reality dramatization predicted by Muggeride almost 30 years ago!
Maybe we need to look at "reality" in a different light. Maybe we need to search for capital "T" Truth and try to understand our reality in light of God's plans and purposes as opposed to pursuing a fantasy "reality" that has little to do with eternity. Perhaps we should listen to God and pay less attention to "media outlets" and "news makers"? What would the world look like if we took our reality seriously, if we considered God's call on our lives in this reality as more important than the "realities" we see on TV? What kind of world would this be if Christians put as much effort into pursuing God as we put into following our favorite "realities" on TV?
What do you think?
"A strange thing I have observed over many years in this business of news gathering and news presentation is that by some infallible process media people always manage to miss the most important thing. It's almost as though there were some built-in propensity to do this. In moments of humility, I realize that if I had been correspondent in the Holy Land at the time of our Lord's ministry, I should almost certainly have spent my time knocking about with the entourage of Pontius Pilate, finding out what the Sanhedrin was up to, and lurking around Herod's court with the hope of signing up Salome to write her memoirs exclusively. I regret that this is true. Ironically enough, as the dramatization of the public scene gains impetus, so we move farther and farther from the reality of things and become more and more preoccupied with fantasy."
That last line gave me pause. Here is Muggeridge, speaking decades ago, addressing the problem of news and reality. I understand this paragraph to be saying that even before the advent of cable TV, Muggeridge saw signs of the media's "dramatization of the public scene" as opposed to the straightforward reporting of "the reality of things." Is this some kind of reference to "making the news" versus "reporting the news"? Perhaps, but more to the point is the reference to the danger of becoming "more and more preoccupied with fantasy." This remark certainly sounds a lot like "reality" TV, doesn't it?
Think about it--we neglect our "real" lives to tune in to shows that purport to show us "reality" on TV. Yet these very shows are more interested in the dramatization of an "unrealistic" setting than in offering us "reality." We strand a bunch of people on an island, encourage them to stab each other in the back, film the results, edit that film, and then call it "reality!" Does anyone else appreciate the irony?
We take the desire among most humans for a loving relationship, find some single guy, set him up with a choice of several gorgeous women, and then film their responses as the fat hits the fan. Then we call it "reality" TV!
We put a bunch of has-been celebrities together in a house, encourage them to participate in shenanigans, then we call it "reality."
Why are we obsessed with this stuff? Could it be that our own "reality" is so mundane that we want a substitute reality for it?
We all know that (like TV wrestling) most of these "reality" shows follow a script and are edited to elicit a certain response, yet we persist in calling them "reality" TV!
Muggeridge was practically prophetic here. Look at the major cable "news" networks--don't you see basic "dramatization" of events instead of a reporting of "things"? Why does the coverage of MSNBC, CNN, and even Fox look the same? We are living in the age of reality dramatization predicted by Muggeride almost 30 years ago!
Maybe we need to look at "reality" in a different light. Maybe we need to search for capital "T" Truth and try to understand our reality in light of God's plans and purposes as opposed to pursuing a fantasy "reality" that has little to do with eternity. Perhaps we should listen to God and pay less attention to "media outlets" and "news makers"? What would the world look like if we took our reality seriously, if we considered God's call on our lives in this reality as more important than the "realities" we see on TV? What kind of world would this be if Christians put as much effort into pursuing God as we put into following our favorite "realities" on TV?
What do you think?
Monday, July 14, 2008
Is God There? A Day Dream Moment from Leo
Sometimes, when no one is looking, I day dream. If I'm not careful, I'll even talk to myself. I even find myself writing down some of these ideas on occasion. So, I'll confess: I like to think of myself as some kind of writer or story teller, a scholar or academic of sorts, yet I never seem to have the words to say what is really in my heart.
Of course, God is in my heart, and that is enough (or, at least, it should be!). Even if words fail me and my ability to explain clearly the thoughts and intents of my heart disappears, nonetheless Christ remains faithful and stalwart.
Will God fail? More likely the sun will cease to shine, the stars will blink out, the universe will cave in, and the earth will stop rotating on its axis!
Will God be there? How silly we can be! How can God not be there? For God not to be there amounts to nothing short of hell! That is the only place where God is not. Oh, we try to exclude him, to push him out of our lives as though we somehow have power or authority over the One who holds the cosmos in the palm of his hand! We may dig pits for ourselves, or develop yokes for ourselves to wear in an effort to hide or escape God's great governance of the universe, but we can no more push him out than we can dissolve the rings of Saturn, or move the moon, or snuff out the sun! What ridiculous notions!
Sure, we try to rid ourselves of God, but it never works. He is there, still loving us, still caring, still taking care of us, still pouring grace into our graceless lives. Oh, we may not acknowledge him, we may not “notice” the subtle coincidences as the hand of God, but they are there. Everyday, in hundreds of ways, God is watching out for us. Amazing thought, huh? The Psalmist said that “such knowledge is to wonderful for me,” and I think he was right.
Consider this—When they dug Saddam Hussein out of his hiding place, God was in that little hole with Saddam, loving him, trying to get him on the right track. When you and I try to hide away from God like Adam and Eve, using inadequate fig leaves to cover a problem that only the blood of Christ can fix, God is still there. When we hide in a closet or close our hearts to those who care, God is still there. He is at the highest height or the deepest depth!
The God who loves, that same merciful God is with you, in whatever rabbit hole you find yourself, he is there to comfort, to help, and most importantly, to love on you like nobody’s business.
Do you think God doesn’t care? Look around you. Do the trees worry about their next drink of water? Do the flowers worry about the sun? Do the birds worry about food? Yet we continue to think that God doesn’t care? How utterly foolish we can be! If God didn’t care, none of life would be good, none of this would matter, none of us would be alive, none of this would exist.
I don’t know how to say it—we are caught up in "God moments" everyday. We may not recognize them, but there they are! Jesus shows up as the odd person who seems destined to "waste your time" and only wants to chat, or as the young person looking for encouragement concerning something “disturbing” he has found in Scripture, or as the mother with three young Veggie Tales fans who is taking great pleasure in her latte and in browsing for books at the bookstore, or as the friend who arrives on your doorstep at just the right time with a word of encouragement and hot chocolate. He shows up as the person who tips or compliments you, as the person who “accidentally” gives you a word of encouragement. He comes as the encouraging e-mail, the unexpected but welcome phone call. He comes in the beauty of creation to overwhelm and amaze you.
He comes like the Father who adores the child. He smiles, he says, “well done.” He is There with YOU! In the flood, in the fire, in the sweet times, in the good times, in the hard times, he stands with you and applauds you. He kisses your face and thinks to himself, “What a delightful child! How proud I am to be here!” Look for him, he is there!
Thank you, Father, that you are here, and you will be there. Create moments for us that remind us of your subtle and eternal watch care for us. Energize us by that knowledge and create the character of your Son Jesus in us. For Christ’s sake, do these things we pray.
Thanks for reading!
Of course, God is in my heart, and that is enough (or, at least, it should be!). Even if words fail me and my ability to explain clearly the thoughts and intents of my heart disappears, nonetheless Christ remains faithful and stalwart.
Will God fail? More likely the sun will cease to shine, the stars will blink out, the universe will cave in, and the earth will stop rotating on its axis!
Will God be there? How silly we can be! How can God not be there? For God not to be there amounts to nothing short of hell! That is the only place where God is not. Oh, we try to exclude him, to push him out of our lives as though we somehow have power or authority over the One who holds the cosmos in the palm of his hand! We may dig pits for ourselves, or develop yokes for ourselves to wear in an effort to hide or escape God's great governance of the universe, but we can no more push him out than we can dissolve the rings of Saturn, or move the moon, or snuff out the sun! What ridiculous notions!
Sure, we try to rid ourselves of God, but it never works. He is there, still loving us, still caring, still taking care of us, still pouring grace into our graceless lives. Oh, we may not acknowledge him, we may not “notice” the subtle coincidences as the hand of God, but they are there. Everyday, in hundreds of ways, God is watching out for us. Amazing thought, huh? The Psalmist said that “such knowledge is to wonderful for me,” and I think he was right.
Consider this—When they dug Saddam Hussein out of his hiding place, God was in that little hole with Saddam, loving him, trying to get him on the right track. When you and I try to hide away from God like Adam and Eve, using inadequate fig leaves to cover a problem that only the blood of Christ can fix, God is still there. When we hide in a closet or close our hearts to those who care, God is still there. He is at the highest height or the deepest depth!
The God who loves, that same merciful God is with you, in whatever rabbit hole you find yourself, he is there to comfort, to help, and most importantly, to love on you like nobody’s business.
Do you think God doesn’t care? Look around you. Do the trees worry about their next drink of water? Do the flowers worry about the sun? Do the birds worry about food? Yet we continue to think that God doesn’t care? How utterly foolish we can be! If God didn’t care, none of life would be good, none of this would matter, none of us would be alive, none of this would exist.
I don’t know how to say it—we are caught up in "God moments" everyday. We may not recognize them, but there they are! Jesus shows up as the odd person who seems destined to "waste your time" and only wants to chat, or as the young person looking for encouragement concerning something “disturbing” he has found in Scripture, or as the mother with three young Veggie Tales fans who is taking great pleasure in her latte and in browsing for books at the bookstore, or as the friend who arrives on your doorstep at just the right time with a word of encouragement and hot chocolate. He shows up as the person who tips or compliments you, as the person who “accidentally” gives you a word of encouragement. He comes as the encouraging e-mail, the unexpected but welcome phone call. He comes in the beauty of creation to overwhelm and amaze you.
He comes like the Father who adores the child. He smiles, he says, “well done.” He is There with YOU! In the flood, in the fire, in the sweet times, in the good times, in the hard times, he stands with you and applauds you. He kisses your face and thinks to himself, “What a delightful child! How proud I am to be here!” Look for him, he is there!
Thank you, Father, that you are here, and you will be there. Create moments for us that remind us of your subtle and eternal watch care for us. Energize us by that knowledge and create the character of your Son Jesus in us. For Christ’s sake, do these things we pray.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
In Honor of Independence Day--July 4
Well, the USA is celebrating yet another birthday, and although some people think that the brightness has worn off this "city on a hill," I'm not ready to read her obituary yet. I went back into the archives to find some quotes for you today. The first one comes from John Wayne. On the internet you can find a lot of fun stff about the Duke, but this audio of him speaking about his country is priceless to me. Click here to listen: http://www.coyote-art.com/91102/johnwayne.htm.
I wanted to add another one from my favorite actor. In the movie "The Alamo," Duke plays Davey Crockett, leader to the Tennessee volunteers. At one point in the movie he gives a speech about the USA and the idea of a "republic." Here is the excerpt I liked the best:
Finally, I wanted to share a poem with you all. About 8 years ago I discovered the poetry of Edgar Guest. The first poem I ran into was his "It Couldn't Be Done" in which he describes an optimist who wouldn't say "it couldn't be done" until he tried, and in trying the optimist accomplished the thing. At any rate, Guest is the author of dozens of patriotic poems, and I wanted to share this one in honor of the men and women who serve the USA in the various branches of our military and reserves. As you read this poem, why not say a short prayer of thanks for their service and ask God to protect them as they serve? Here's the poem, "The Things that Make a Soldier Great," by Edgar Guest:
The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,
To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,
Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,
The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,
The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:
'Tis these that make a soldier great.
He's fighting for them all.
'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;
'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;
For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam
As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.
Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run,
You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.
What is it through the battle smoke the valiant solider sees?
The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,
The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,
Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.
The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome
But to the spot, where'er it be --the humblest spot called home.
And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there
And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;
The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,
And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.
He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,
And only death can stop him now --he's fighting for them all.
On this fourth of July, as you give thanks for the freedoms and opportunities God has given you in this land, please remember to pray for those who defend our way of life and for the families of those whose loved ones paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy our great republic. Remember, it is a cliche, but it is true "Freedom isn't free."
Thanks for reading!
I wanted to add another one from my favorite actor. In the movie "The Alamo," Duke plays Davey Crockett, leader to the Tennessee volunteers. At one point in the movie he gives a speech about the USA and the idea of a "republic." Here is the excerpt I liked the best:
"Republic. I like the sound of the word. It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. Some words give you a feeling. Republic is one of those words that makes me tight in the throat - the same tightness a man gets when his baby takes his first step or his first baby shaves and makes his first sound as a man. Some words can give you a feeling that makes your heart warm. Republic is one of those words."
Finally, I wanted to share a poem with you all. About 8 years ago I discovered the poetry of Edgar Guest. The first poem I ran into was his "It Couldn't Be Done" in which he describes an optimist who wouldn't say "it couldn't be done" until he tried, and in trying the optimist accomplished the thing. At any rate, Guest is the author of dozens of patriotic poems, and I wanted to share this one in honor of the men and women who serve the USA in the various branches of our military and reserves. As you read this poem, why not say a short prayer of thanks for their service and ask God to protect them as they serve? Here's the poem, "The Things that Make a Soldier Great," by Edgar Guest:
The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,
To face the flaming cannon's mouth nor ever question why,
Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,
The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,
The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:
'Tis these that make a soldier great.
He's fighting for them all.
'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;
'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;
For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam
As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.
Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run,
You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.
What is it through the battle smoke the valiant solider sees?
The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,
The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,
Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.
The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome
But to the spot, where'er it be --the humblest spot called home.
And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there
And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;
The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,
And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.
He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,
And only death can stop him now --he's fighting for them all.
On this fourth of July, as you give thanks for the freedoms and opportunities God has given you in this land, please remember to pray for those who defend our way of life and for the families of those whose loved ones paid the ultimate price so that we can enjoy our great republic. Remember, it is a cliche, but it is true "Freedom isn't free."
Thanks for reading!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Are you rich or are you poor?
Rich or Poor?
In the Beatitudes, Jesus states “Blessed are the poor” or “Blessed are the paupers.” He also states in the Gospels that it is difficult for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Have you ever wondered at the juxtaposition of those two thoughts?
I know the traditional interpretation of both sayings, and I am aware of the devotional literature that surrounds them as well. What I want to consider for a few moments today is the abject difference between the two.
The poor are blessed, but the rich have a difficult time entering God’s kingdom.
Why?
Most of us have been “poor” at some point in our lives. Oh, we may not have been as poor as the poorest of the world, but we had to do without due to our lack of means. Maybe our stomachs even growled and our heads hurt a little bit from hunger. Perhaps we even had to bypass the purchase of a particular item we desperately wanted or even needed. Yes, we have known some form of poverty. Did we feel blessed? Really?
Did you feel “happy” during those times of poverty? In all likelihood, we looked forward with some measure of pleasure/joy to the day when we wouldn’t suffer such setbacks. We prayed and wished for a time when we would have abundance and would not have to “do without.” We didn’t feel blessed, we felt miserable.
Some of us today are rich, or at least, we aren’t as poor as we used to be. We can pretty much get what we want or need when we want or need it. We don’t have to “do without” unless we choose to do so. As an example, I recently took my family to Walt Disneyworld, something I could never have done when I lived and worked in Waco, TX. I am no longer “poor"! Do I feel far from the kingdom of God? Do I feel unhappy or a lack of blessing? Not really.
What could Jesus mean then? Was he just speaking rhetorically or do these words tell us something important?
I think it is Matthew who says “Blessed are the poor in spirit” as opposed to simply “Blessed are the poor.” I like what Oswald Chambers says in My Utmost for His Highest.
God says that the kingdom of heaven is for those who realize that they cannot enter on their own abilities or initiatives. God reserves blessing for those who know they do not deserve it. Faith in Christ starts with futility in self. To the degree that I think I can save myself, to that degree the blood of Jesus is ineffective for my salvation. If I think I can save myself, why do I need God? God's grace is free to those who realize their need for his kindness (it is his kindness that brings us to repentance, right?)
Thanks be to God for the grace to enter! Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift in Jesus Christ!
Thanks for reading!
In the Beatitudes, Jesus states “Blessed are the poor” or “Blessed are the paupers.” He also states in the Gospels that it is difficult for a rich person to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Have you ever wondered at the juxtaposition of those two thoughts?
I know the traditional interpretation of both sayings, and I am aware of the devotional literature that surrounds them as well. What I want to consider for a few moments today is the abject difference between the two.
The poor are blessed, but the rich have a difficult time entering God’s kingdom.
Why?
Most of us have been “poor” at some point in our lives. Oh, we may not have been as poor as the poorest of the world, but we had to do without due to our lack of means. Maybe our stomachs even growled and our heads hurt a little bit from hunger. Perhaps we even had to bypass the purchase of a particular item we desperately wanted or even needed. Yes, we have known some form of poverty. Did we feel blessed? Really?
Did you feel “happy” during those times of poverty? In all likelihood, we looked forward with some measure of pleasure/joy to the day when we wouldn’t suffer such setbacks. We prayed and wished for a time when we would have abundance and would not have to “do without.” We didn’t feel blessed, we felt miserable.
Some of us today are rich, or at least, we aren’t as poor as we used to be. We can pretty much get what we want or need when we want or need it. We don’t have to “do without” unless we choose to do so. As an example, I recently took my family to Walt Disneyworld, something I could never have done when I lived and worked in Waco, TX. I am no longer “poor"! Do I feel far from the kingdom of God? Do I feel unhappy or a lack of blessing? Not really.
What could Jesus mean then? Was he just speaking rhetorically or do these words tell us something important?
I think it is Matthew who says “Blessed are the poor in spirit” as opposed to simply “Blessed are the poor.” I like what Oswald Chambers says in My Utmost for His Highest.
“The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount produces despair in the natural man—the very thing Jesus means it to do. As long as we have a self-righteous, conceited notion that we can carry out our Lord’s teaching, God will allow us to go on until we break our arrogance over some obstacle, then we are willing to come to him as paupers and receive from him. ‘Blessed are the paupers in spirit,’ that is the first principle in the kingdom of God. The bedrock in Jesus Christ’s kingdom is poverty, not possession; not decisions for Jesus Christ, but a sense of absolute futility—I cannot begin to do it. Then Jesus says—Blessed are you. That is the entrance, and it does take us a long while to believe we are poor! The knowledge of our own poverty brings us to the moral frontier where Jesus Christ works. . . . Jesus Christ never asks us to decide for him, but to yield to him—a very different thing.. . . If I know that I have no strength of will, no nobility of disposition, then Jesus says ‘Blessed are you,' because it is through this poverty that I enter his kingdom. I cannot enter his kingdom as a good person, I can only enter it as a complete pauper.”In other words, as long as I think of myself as offering some gift or blessing to God, I cannot receive his free gift or blessing. Unless I recognize the poverty of my own will and spirit. the poverty of my own abilities to give God anything he needs, I cannot humbly receive what God has to offer. Like a little child, I must recognize my limitations in order to enter the kingdom of heaven. "Rich" people like us think we can buy or earn what we need or want, that somehow we can give God something without which he cannot possibly accomplish his plans. "Rich" people think that God needs them on his team, that God is "lucky" to have them on his side.
God says that the kingdom of heaven is for those who realize that they cannot enter on their own abilities or initiatives. God reserves blessing for those who know they do not deserve it. Faith in Christ starts with futility in self. To the degree that I think I can save myself, to that degree the blood of Jesus is ineffective for my salvation. If I think I can save myself, why do I need God? God's grace is free to those who realize their need for his kindness (it is his kindness that brings us to repentance, right?)
Thanks be to God for the grace to enter! Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift in Jesus Christ!
Thanks for reading!
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