Blind Faith: Lessons from Bartimaeus, Mark 10:46-52

Hello all:

As noted before, I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church called 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. A few weeks ago I started posting these notes 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 October 25. The lesson is on Mark 10:46-52. If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!

A Story of Blind Faith
Lessons from Bartimaeus
Mark 10:46-52

Introduction
Questions
What do you think of when you hear the words “blind faith”?
Give an example of what you consider “blind faith”
How does “blind faith” compare to what the Bible depicts as faith?

Today’s Story
Mark chapter 10—several groups come to Jesus
1. Pharisees test him (vv. 1-9)
2. His own disciples question him (vv. 10-12)
3. Children came to be blessed/the disciples rebuke them (vv. 13-16)
4. Rich young ruler comes looking for approval (vv. 17-27)
5. Disciples come promoting themselves (vv. 28-45)
6. Bartimaeus comes in faith hoping for healing (vv. 46-52)

Faith focuses on what is important (like the children and Bartimaeus). In this story, faith focuses on three important items.

1. Faith Sees The Need
Mark 10:46-48

He was blind
Probably poor
Unable to work
Resorted to begging

He knew he was needy

He heard about Jesus and knew he needed something from him
His hearing prompted some kind of faith
What did he hear? He heard of Jesus' power and authority

He cried out for help—He was tenacious and persistent

The crowd didn’t like his actions, so he cried out louder

He was desperate to get to Jesus
How desperate are we? Where are we needing an encounter with Jesus?
Do we care what the crowd thinks, or are we going to get to Jesus no matter what?
What hinders us from coming to him and believing what the Bible says about him?

Faith focuses on what is important. Faith looks at the needs around it.

2. Faith Sees An Opportunity
Mark 10:49-50

Jesus stopped
He heard the cries of the desperate man
How tenacious are we in getting Jesus’ attention?

Jesus called
He invited the man to come
He expected a response
When Jesus calls, what hinders us from responding? Do we leave him waiting for us?

The crowd encouraged
The folks who wanted him to shut up now invite him to Jesus
What needs have we tried to silence?
Who do we need to encourage to come to Jesus?
Where are the desperate people in our world?

Bartimaeus responded
He threw off his old “work clothes” made especially for begging (perhaps in expectation of a new profession?). What do we need to throw aside to follow Jesus?

He jumped up (shows a strong desire to respond to Jesus’ call). How have we responded to his call? Have we jumped up, or are we slowly going after him?

Faith focuses on what is important. Faith sees Jesus' coming by as an opportunity to obtain salvation.

3. Faith Responds to Jesus
Mark 10:51-52

A question and a response
Jesus asks a question/Bartimaeus responds

The question is the same Jesus asks his disciples in Mark 10:36 when they asked for places of honor
What do you want me to do for you?

Bartimaeus answers humbly/respectfully (“Rabboni, let me regain my sight”)
The disciples did not (“Give us a place of honor”)
How do we respond when God asks what we want?
Does our response focus on the needs around us, or are we looking for a place of honor?

A command and a response
Jesus commands: “Go”
Bartimaeus responds: He follows Jesus
He is given what he requests, then he becomes a disciple

Faith focuses on what is important. Faith responds with obedience and discipleship

Discussion Questions
What did Bartimaeus hear about Jesus? How did that change his actions?
What have you heard about Jesus? How has it changed your actions?

How desperate are we for God’s attention? Where do we need an encounter with Jesus in our lives? Where are our needs?

Are we concerned with what others say, or are we going to get to Jesus no matter the cost?

What hinders us from coming to Jesus or believing what the Bible says about him?
What needs have we tried to silence?

Who needs our encouragement to come to Christ for help? Who is desperate in our world?

What do we need to throw aside to follow Jesus?

How have we responded to Jesus’ call? Have we jumped up, or are we slowly going after him?

What do you want Jesus to do for you?

Where is our focus?

Thanks for reading!

And then the plate broke . , .

Hey y'all:

Just a bit of rambling for you today because I'm in a bit of a introspective mood or something (yeah, I know I should be grading or writing or something "academic," but life is like that sometimes). Anyway, I started off the day with a pretty good mood, but it has been one of those days (for another example of this, read my past log "It's my birthday and O'Charley's forgot the appetizer again" at http://beyond-the-wardrobe.blogspot.com/2006_02_01_archive.html).

So, I got in the car, the CD player wouldn't work. Drove down the road in my neighborhood, almost got run over by "neighbors" who apparently do not know what a "Stop" sign is. On the highway got tailgated by a police car (yep, tailgated, thought he wanted in my backseat or something). Got to work and felt completely invisible . . . and then . . .

Some guys came into the office to hang pictures for a colleague. Little did I realize that they would be relentlessly pounding on my wall from the other side. In a few minutes, a commemorative plate of a Russian lacquer painting was vibrated off my shelf and broke.

Sigh

Now, before you all think I'm beginning to feel too sorry for myself (or before you think I'm fishing for "recognition"), let me just say . . .

It is really okay. Yeah, it smarts a bit, but it is okay.

I may not be the newest shiny toy, or the most popular person, or even the most recognized "whatever", but I know one thing is still true . . . God has not forgotten me.

He has written me on the palms of his hands; he gave his only unique, one of a kind Son so that I could be his child; he created a whole universe so I could be born as one among many whom he would love; and he knows my name.

As surely as God knows the stars by name, he knows each of us in his creation. None of us are overlooked. Oh, we may have times where we "feel" as though the world will survive without us, but the reality is a bit different. Each of us have a role to play in God's grand story to end all stories. We all are a part of the greatest thing ever.

Whether we choose to participate or not, we are all of us a part of what God is doing.

No, it won't fix my mood, but those words sure make me smile a bit.

I'm not alone . . . I haven't lost anything worth much . . . and God is still in control.

I admit, it isn't much of a "fix," but then again God never promised us that nothing bad would ever happen.

So, here I am, introspective and all. It's cold outside and a bit gloomy, kind of matching my current emotional state. And yet. . . and yet . . .

I'm smiling just a bit.

Why? Because I am convinced of better things. Because I know God's character. Because his Word never fails.

How inexpressible is his great gift towards us!

How surprising and overwhelming is his love!

I know the end of the story . . . it will be "happily ever after."

If a few plates or books get lost in the meanwhile, I'll figure out a way to deal with it.

If you are having a day like mine, let me know. I want to pray for you.

Life sucks sometimes, but God is good all the time.

Thanks for reading!

What's the Word? Hebrews 4:12-13

Hello all:

I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church (We meet in Campus North room 1880 Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m.). 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 October 11. The lesson is on Hebrews 4:12-13. If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!

What’s the Word?
Hebrews 4:12-13

Introduction
Have you ever been promised something and not had it happen?

Has there ever been a time when someone failed to keep their word to you?
How did you respond?
What did you think of the person’s word from that point on?
Was their word “good” or not?

The Lion, The Witch, The Wardrobe
Edmond and the White Witch

A word is only as good as the character of the person who gives it

Today’s passage: Hebrews 4:12-13

Context
Hebrews chapter 3 and 4
Chapter 3: Hard hearts kept the Jews in the wilderness from God’s rest
Chapter 4: The Word they heard did not profit them because “it was not mixed with faith” (v. 2)
Hard, unbelieving hearts do not hear with faith
Soft, faithful hearts are open to correction from God’s Word

A word is only as good as the character of the person who gives it

To trust the Word we must trust God

To know the Word we must know God who spoke it (John 1)

What do we know from this passage? Two things:
1. The Power of the Word
2. The Person of the Word

The Power of the Word
Hebrews 4:12

Characteristics of the Word
It is alive
God’s Word is a life giving seed (1 Peter 1:23) that produces new birth (John 3:1-7)

It is active (energes)—Isaiah 55:11
God’s Word is good food and nourishment (1 Peter 2:2) and produces faith (Romans 10:17)

It is sharp (like a scapel, machaira)—Ephesians 6:17

It pierces (we become undone—cf. Is. 6:5)
God’s Word has a reflecting power to show us our sin (James 1:22-25; Romans 3:23)

It analyzes, exposes, critiques, judges, assesses
It counteracts the deceiving power of sin, God’s Word exposes sin
God’s Word will separate us from our sin (Psalm 119:11), or our sin will separate us from God’s Word (Isaiah 59:2)
God’s Word cleanses us from sin (Eph. 5:26; Psalm 51:2)

How do we respond to God’s Word?
Do we let it expose what needs to be removed, or do we ignore its warnings?

A word is only as good as the character who gives it

Do we trust God?

The Person of the Word
Hebrews 4:13

God’s Word is Part of God (Psalm 18:30)
It is God’s nature to speak (Genesis 1; Psalm 119)
It is God’s nature to speak truth (John 17:17)
God’s Word is an extension of God’s person (John 1:1-5, 18; Heb. 1:1-4)

What is God’s character?
He is omniscient
Nothing is hidden from him
Not even that sin you think you hid!

He sees all as it is
Everything is naked before his eyes
No motives or thoughts remain hidden
He is the ultimate Judge

Given what was said above
How do we respond to God’s character?
Do we try to “hide” like Adam and Eve? Do we try to cover up our “mistakes” so he won’t see?

Do we properly understand God’s character?
If not, how can we get to know him better?

We will be judged by what we do in response to God’s Word and God’s character
How will we measure up?
Proverbs 30:5

A word is only as good as the character who gives it

We need to know God’s character through God’s Word

Application
2 Timothy 3:16-17
2 Timothy 2:15
God’s Word is spoken (“breathed”) by him, and in it he reveals his unique character

We must study it in order to know and to understand who God is, what he has done, and what he expects of us

Studying God’s Word is a command, not an option

This week
Spend at least 30 minutes a day studying God’s Word (start with the Gospel of John or Psalm 119)
Spend time meditating on God and his character—spend time with him! Make an appointment and keep it
Act on what he says in his word: confess, repent, submit, tell someone else, memorize a passage—respond in a way that is obvious to others

How we respond to God’s Word reveals our character—what does your response say about you?

Questions
What is the Word of God? How can you know?

What is the capability of the Word of God?

In what sense is the Word of God living? Active? Or sharp like a sword?

How does God’s Word reveal these three characteristics to you?

How has God’s Word come alive, been active, or pierced you?

Why is your response to God’s Word important?

What is your response to God’s Word? Do others see it, or are you a “secret” disciple?

Has the Word of God failed when people reject it?

How does the Word of God help you through the wilderness times in your life?

How can you use the Word of God to help one another?

How does God see you? For what must you give account to God?

Thanks for reading!

Time to Get Serious, James 4:7-12

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!

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

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!

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:

"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!

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!

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:

"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!

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!

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!

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!

"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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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 . . .

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!

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!

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!

No Reputation--A Christmas Meditation

Philippians 2:5-9 NASU

"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!

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:

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!