Feb 2012
Nyjer Seeds
Wednesday, February 29 2012
We have a flock of gold finches that are just tanking on our thistle feeders. For days now they have devoured so many Nyjer seeds we have to refill them every day. While I am happy to provide sustenance to these lovely creatures I fear we might be doing more harm than good. If we were not feeding them they would be foraging and thus getting a variety in their diet. What we are doing is allowing them to stuff themselves on something that is good for them but it seduces them into a one item diet, which I am not so sure is healthy.
I once had a church member who would not read anything except his Bible. That is a pretty hard thing to condemn without looking like a pagan but I worried about his balance. He knew very little about current events. He was not conversant in things that were for most of us just common knowledge. Perhaps I am the one in error but I think we need to care for the whole person, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. God made us multi-faceted beings and each requires our attention if we are to be healthy. Every good parent wants their children to be healthy and God is a good parent.
I once heard a committed vegetarian say, “I would die before I would eat a piece of meat.” Obviously she was not a vegetarian for health reasons because the last time I looked it seemed that eating a piece of meat and staying alive was healthier than dying. Alas, it can be difficult to strike a right balance in life, but I do believe it is a quest God desires and expects from us.
I once had a church member who would not read anything except his Bible. That is a pretty hard thing to condemn without looking like a pagan but I worried about his balance. He knew very little about current events. He was not conversant in things that were for most of us just common knowledge. Perhaps I am the one in error but I think we need to care for the whole person, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. God made us multi-faceted beings and each requires our attention if we are to be healthy. Every good parent wants their children to be healthy and God is a good parent.
I once heard a committed vegetarian say, “I would die before I would eat a piece of meat.” Obviously she was not a vegetarian for health reasons because the last time I looked it seemed that eating a piece of meat and staying alive was healthier than dying. Alas, it can be difficult to strike a right balance in life, but I do believe it is a quest God desires and expects from us.
Algorithms
Tuesday, February 28 2012
This morning I watched a 7th grade math teacher instruct her students how to solve a ratio/proportion problem using an algorithm. At the end of the lesson, after the students were gone, I mentioned that there is a much easier way to solve the problem. She laughed and agreed. She explained that the algorithm was for students who didn’t know what they were doing. It is a menu. Do a logical step-by-step process and one will get the correct answer. However, she said, “Some of the students look at the problem and know how to solve it without the algorithm. I give them credit for that.” Good for her.
Through the years I have sat through some very complicated, complex presentations on righteousness by faith, sanctification and justification, predestination, free will, etc. My conclusion is these presentations are akin to algorithms. They are explanations for people who just don’t get it. Or perhaps it’s the presenter that doesn’t really get it. And just what is “it?” “It” is the simplicity of the Gospel. Jesus created us and took responsibility for us when we failed. His righteous life, death and resurrection makes it possible for us to be adopted into the family and receive eternal life. We are no longer under an obligation to the law but instead are obligated by love to be as much like our savior as we can. The only real mystery here is why He loves us so much to do this for us.
No algorithm needed. Perhaps there is another mystery and that is how come something so simple can sometimes sound so complicated? Perhaps the fault is in the old saying, “If something sounds too good to be true. It is.” But “it” is true!
Through the years I have sat through some very complicated, complex presentations on righteousness by faith, sanctification and justification, predestination, free will, etc. My conclusion is these presentations are akin to algorithms. They are explanations for people who just don’t get it. Or perhaps it’s the presenter that doesn’t really get it. And just what is “it?” “It” is the simplicity of the Gospel. Jesus created us and took responsibility for us when we failed. His righteous life, death and resurrection makes it possible for us to be adopted into the family and receive eternal life. We are no longer under an obligation to the law but instead are obligated by love to be as much like our savior as we can. The only real mystery here is why He loves us so much to do this for us.
No algorithm needed. Perhaps there is another mystery and that is how come something so simple can sometimes sound so complicated? Perhaps the fault is in the old saying, “If something sounds too good to be true. It is.” But “it” is true!
"Who are you wearing?"
Monday, February 27 2012
On the way into the Kodak Theater for the Academy Awards people dressed in their finest walked the red carpet, being interviewed for their moment in the spotlight. Robin Roberts from ABC was one of the interviewers and when referring to their clothes she said to one of her interviewees, “I’m being paid to ask you, “Who are you wearing?’” Each person responded with the name of some famous or semi-famous designer. The question, “Who are you wearing” stuck in my head. Should there be a red carpet to walk before we someday enter the throne room of the King of the Universe there just might be an interviewer from some far off galaxy asking, “Who are you wearing?” The answer, the only answer, for all of us will be Jesus, for it is His and only His robe of righteousness that will be appropriate. All other answers just will not work.
“For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10 It is an expensive garment; much more than anything on the red carpet Sunday evening. This garment came at horrendous cost and we are the most blessed to be adopted into the family so we can wear it. “For we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8
It’s a wardrobe that will never be out of style.
“For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10 It is an expensive garment; much more than anything on the red carpet Sunday evening. This garment came at horrendous cost and we are the most blessed to be adopted into the family so we can wear it. “For we have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Romans 8
It’s a wardrobe that will never be out of style.
Jealous vs. Zealous
Friday, February 24 2012
The King James Version renders Exodus 20:5 as follows, “I the LORD thy God am a jealous God.” I remember sitting in church reading my Bible, often it was much more interesting than the sermon, I was puzzled by this verse. I thought, “Wow, that’s bad. Jealousy is not nice.” Little did I know that words tend to change meanings as the decades pass. Scores of words used in the KJV have since altered their intent. Take Matthew 19:14 for an example, “Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: . .” I doubt if many little children would understand the word “suffer” in that context. And so it was for me with “jealous.” “Jealous” and “zealous” come from the same roots. Since 1611 “jealous” has taken on great negativity. Most likely those same translators today would possibly render the verse, “For I the LORD thy God am a zealous God.” It certainly has a more positive feel.
I very much like the idea that God is zealous for us. That word means actively and unreservedly enthusiastic. I certainly like enthusiastic people. It’s awful when we are waited on in stores by unenthusiastic people. When they fail to smile and mumble I really don’t ever want to return. Oh, there was that word “awful” – talk about a word changing meaning. It used to mean wonderful, full of awe. My wife would hardly be happy if I told her she looked awful.
And so it is that we have a God who is an enthusiastic fan; so much so that He gave His only Son that we might have everlasting life. Now that is zealous.
I very much like the idea that God is zealous for us. That word means actively and unreservedly enthusiastic. I certainly like enthusiastic people. It’s awful when we are waited on in stores by unenthusiastic people. When they fail to smile and mumble I really don’t ever want to return. Oh, there was that word “awful” – talk about a word changing meaning. It used to mean wonderful, full of awe. My wife would hardly be happy if I told her she looked awful.
And so it is that we have a God who is an enthusiastic fan; so much so that He gave His only Son that we might have everlasting life. Now that is zealous.
Truth is -
Thursday, February 23 2012
It is an outrageous thing to be a teacher. It assumes that someone knows something others don’t know. That is not so difficult to conceive when someone knows how to read or do math, but once we advance past the fundamentals it isn’t so clear-cut. History especially is and should be regarded with care. Just because it is in a book or a newspaper doesn’t mean it really happened and if it did everything has nuances that appeal only to some. The writers of textbooks, just like the rest of us, have agendas colored by their personal experiences and opinions. I have to laugh at people who claim to “tell it like it is.” All they can really do is tell what they think they know and what they think they saw or heard. Everyone thinks they know the truth and yet few of us can stand in mental lockstep with another. In many ways truth is but an agreed upon set of assumptions.
When I say Jesus died and rose again I am speaking out of my hopes, aspirations and biases resulting from where I was born, who my parents are, where I went to school and what books I have read, which were written by others like me. I wasn’t there. I didn’t see it happen. Yet I believe from the depths of my heart that it is true because it makes good sense. It doesn’t seem like a cunningly devised tale. (See II Peter 1) All of the disciples but John suffered a horrible death. They would not have done so if it was a contrived tale. Jesus said, “Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” That’s us.
When I say Jesus died and rose again I am speaking out of my hopes, aspirations and biases resulting from where I was born, who my parents are, where I went to school and what books I have read, which were written by others like me. I wasn’t there. I didn’t see it happen. Yet I believe from the depths of my heart that it is true because it makes good sense. It doesn’t seem like a cunningly devised tale. (See II Peter 1) All of the disciples but John suffered a horrible death. They would not have done so if it was a contrived tale. Jesus said, “Thomas, because you have seen me, you have believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” That’s us.
Debris
Wednesday, February 22 2012
Millions of tons of debris from last year’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan is making its way across the Pacific to our western shore. It will be yet another year before the bulk of it arrives. Needless to say, it will be unwelcome as it clutters our coast. It seems like a long time to wait but it will arrive. It is much like the fruit of bad decisions we often make. Because there is no immediate detection or results we think we got away with it. However, the debris will someday surface. A rotten diet, lack of exercise, burning the candle at both ends, smoking, alcohol, etc, erode away years at the end of life. The only advantage to that is you don’t have to make as many payments to the life insurance company before they have to pay your heirs. Too bad you won’t be there to see them enjoy it.
Our God is a very sensible God. He has good reasons for the lifestyle instructions He gives us in Scripture. There isn’t one thing He asks of us because He is arbitrary. He always has our best interests at heart. Recently I was challenged about this by a student who wanted to know just how it benefited us not to take His name in vain. Well, the answer is if we reduce His name to an exclamation point we lose the reality of who He is. If He is only a word to express surprise or glee or shock, He ceases to be a loving caring parent interested in our wellbeing and we will not access the blessings that come with a close personal relationship. It isn’t that He is offended. He is way too big for that. We are the losers. Actually, He also loses. He loses us.
Our God is a very sensible God. He has good reasons for the lifestyle instructions He gives us in Scripture. There isn’t one thing He asks of us because He is arbitrary. He always has our best interests at heart. Recently I was challenged about this by a student who wanted to know just how it benefited us not to take His name in vain. Well, the answer is if we reduce His name to an exclamation point we lose the reality of who He is. If He is only a word to express surprise or glee or shock, He ceases to be a loving caring parent interested in our wellbeing and we will not access the blessings that come with a close personal relationship. It isn’t that He is offended. He is way too big for that. We are the losers. Actually, He also loses. He loses us.
Life - Good and Bad
Tuesday, February 21 2012
This past weekend my wife and I had the splendid opportunity to visit one of our former students. She is teaching in a one room school in Vermont. What we observed was idyllic. Nestled in a rural environ surrounded by the glorious Green Mountains is a place every parent should desire for their child’s educational setting; a well-trained caring Christian teacher, modern media and a committed constituency provide an experience beyond what we had hoped to see. We are so very proud. Her parents must also share our feelings.
As we were returning to our home in Massachusetts I could not but reflect how our heavenly Father must feel about us when we excel. When we do good surely there is great joy in the courts of heaven. Alas, I also remember that Job was doing very well. God was very proud of him when Satan came and ventured that Job only did well because he was so blessed. I think we all know the rest of the story. We do live in a world that does not seem to relish good fortune and as the old saying goes, “No good deed goes unpunished.” It seems to be the nature of our existence.
But we should not forget the end of Job. After Satan has been proven wrong and was duly chastised Job spent his later years once again blessed. Even then he must have had moments when he missed his children. My sons are alive and well and make me proud on a daily basis and yet I do miss those little boys that chased each other around the house and squealed with delight when I came home. There is a sweet sadness even in good times. What must it be like to live for a thousand years?
As we were returning to our home in Massachusetts I could not but reflect how our heavenly Father must feel about us when we excel. When we do good surely there is great joy in the courts of heaven. Alas, I also remember that Job was doing very well. God was very proud of him when Satan came and ventured that Job only did well because he was so blessed. I think we all know the rest of the story. We do live in a world that does not seem to relish good fortune and as the old saying goes, “No good deed goes unpunished.” It seems to be the nature of our existence.
But we should not forget the end of Job. After Satan has been proven wrong and was duly chastised Job spent his later years once again blessed. Even then he must have had moments when he missed his children. My sons are alive and well and make me proud on a daily basis and yet I do miss those little boys that chased each other around the house and squealed with delight when I came home. There is a sweet sadness even in good times. What must it be like to live for a thousand years?
Deappetizers
Monday, February 20 2012
Have you ever gone to Olive Garden and totally stuffed yourself on the breadsticks so by the time your meal arrives you couldn’t eat another bite? Other restaurants bring you chips and salsa or chips with spinach and artichoke dip. They call them appetizers. Are they not more appropriately called deappetizers? Now some of you might respond to me with a lecture on self-control and that I should pace myself by just nibbling on those tempting morsels and of course you would be right. But I can’t just sit there and stare at them for the twenty minutes or so it takes for one’s meal to arrive.
And so it is with so many things on a mental menu. While I want to feed on God’s Word and other materials that will contribute toward a healthy spiritual walk, I become distracted by spiritual deappetizers. Life is filled with an endless array of books, films, television programs and video games. Just like the chips and salsa they are good. The problem for me is they sate my mind with so many interesting ideas and facts that I find I lose my appetite for Ephesians, Colossians and Luke. When I pick up what should be the main course I am just not hungry.
Three thousand years ago Solomon wrote, “. . . of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” What would he say if he could walk into a Barnes and Noble or pick up a Kindle? Paul told Timothy to study to show himself approved unto God. I doubt if that could have been done on a steady diet of Netflix.
And so it is with so many things on a mental menu. While I want to feed on God’s Word and other materials that will contribute toward a healthy spiritual walk, I become distracted by spiritual deappetizers. Life is filled with an endless array of books, films, television programs and video games. Just like the chips and salsa they are good. The problem for me is they sate my mind with so many interesting ideas and facts that I find I lose my appetite for Ephesians, Colossians and Luke. When I pick up what should be the main course I am just not hungry.
Three thousand years ago Solomon wrote, “. . . of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” What would he say if he could walk into a Barnes and Noble or pick up a Kindle? Paul told Timothy to study to show himself approved unto God. I doubt if that could have been done on a steady diet of Netflix.
Oh To Be Brave
Friday, February 17 2012
The last words of the American Declaration of Independence are, “we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”
Eighteen of the 54 signers had their homes burned and looted either by loyalists to the throne or British troops. Two of the signers lost sons in the ensuing battles. Rarely does one put his or her name to such a dangerous document.
One of my favorite of Jesus’ disciples is Thomas. He has gotten a bad rap in history with all that doubting business. Seldom do we note John 11 where Jesus announced He was going to Bethany because Lazarus had died and Thomas said to the others, “Let us go and die with him.” Apparently it was very dangerous for Jesus that close to Jerusalem. Thomas, brave Thomas, was willing to give all for His Lord.
If one does not have something in one’s life valuable enough for which to die one has not yet lived. We read stories of bravery and courage and we wonder how we would respond to danger. The older I get the easier it is to be brave for with each passing day I have less life to give. The richness and quality of one’s life is the commitment we make to something good and pure. How sad for those who have never discovered this secret.
And what happened to Thomas? He did survive crucifixion weekend in Jerusalem but according to tradition he did die for His precious Lord. As for the doubting? All the others had seen Jesus that Sunday. He had not. He loved Jesus so much he couldn’t understand why he had been left out. He wasn’t. Jesus told Him to come and touch. He does the same for us.
Eighteen of the 54 signers had their homes burned and looted either by loyalists to the throne or British troops. Two of the signers lost sons in the ensuing battles. Rarely does one put his or her name to such a dangerous document.
One of my favorite of Jesus’ disciples is Thomas. He has gotten a bad rap in history with all that doubting business. Seldom do we note John 11 where Jesus announced He was going to Bethany because Lazarus had died and Thomas said to the others, “Let us go and die with him.” Apparently it was very dangerous for Jesus that close to Jerusalem. Thomas, brave Thomas, was willing to give all for His Lord.
If one does not have something in one’s life valuable enough for which to die one has not yet lived. We read stories of bravery and courage and we wonder how we would respond to danger. The older I get the easier it is to be brave for with each passing day I have less life to give. The richness and quality of one’s life is the commitment we make to something good and pure. How sad for those who have never discovered this secret.
And what happened to Thomas? He did survive crucifixion weekend in Jerusalem but according to tradition he did die for His precious Lord. As for the doubting? All the others had seen Jesus that Sunday. He had not. He loved Jesus so much he couldn’t understand why he had been left out. He wasn’t. Jesus told Him to come and touch. He does the same for us.
A Grape Jelly Stain - I Think
Thursday, February 16 2012
I am sitting here looking at a purple stain on my shirt sleeve. I have absolutely no idea where it came from. It looks like grape jelly but I haven’t been near grape jelly today. This is very much like character stains – flaws. Some of them we know of and there are others we don’t even know are there. We are so much in love with ourselves we are blind to them. If anyone should hint of their presence we are quick to rationalize and cover; not just from the people who spotted it, but mostly from ourselves. I am fearful if we should know the old Jack Webb thing, “just the facts and nothing but the facts,” we would despair and jump off a bridge.
Many years ago I was waiting for my car to be repaired when I heard someone say, “Call the stain man.” About twenty minutes later I saw a man arrive with a small case. I have always wondered what he had in there because a few minutes later he walked out with a big smile and some green pieces of paper folded in his hand. He must have been good. Oh, how many times in my life have I had to call my “stain man” and I have to tell you He is good – really good.
I have always loved Isaiah 1:18. “Says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” What is so grand about this is the promise isn’t only for the stains we know about, it is for the ones not yet known. Only Jesus knows them and what I love best is He will remove them and never tell us about them. We don’t need to know.
Many years ago I was waiting for my car to be repaired when I heard someone say, “Call the stain man.” About twenty minutes later I saw a man arrive with a small case. I have always wondered what he had in there because a few minutes later he walked out with a big smile and some green pieces of paper folded in his hand. He must have been good. Oh, how many times in my life have I had to call my “stain man” and I have to tell you He is good – really good.
I have always loved Isaiah 1:18. “Says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” What is so grand about this is the promise isn’t only for the stains we know about, it is for the ones not yet known. Only Jesus knows them and what I love best is He will remove them and never tell us about them. We don’t need to know.
One Spiffy Guy
Wednesday, February 15 2012
While observing a student teacher in a third grade classroom this morning, I noticed one very spiffy young man wearing a dress shirt and tie. He had his hair slicked down and wasn’t wearing socks with his shoes – very preppy. I asked if he always dressed that way. The student teacher, a very good one, smiled and said, “No, it’s Valentine’s Day.” What a classy guy. I wonder if there was a specific lady he was trying to impress or was he just making a statement?
Many years ago I was invited to a Presidential Prayer Breakfast with Ronald Reagan. When I received the invitation the first thing I did was buy a new suit and new shoes. When I arrived I noticed there wasn’t one person in a t-shirt and jeans. Everyone was spiffed up. When we knelt for prayer I wanted to look at the bottom of people’s shoes to see how many were wearing new ones. However, I was a good boy and only peeked to see if the President had his eyes closed. He did. The secret service did not.
I realize what I am about to say is very old-fashioned but I wonder how people would dress when they come to church if they really believed they were having a meeting with the King of the Universe. Perhaps I should not be judgmental; perhaps that fellow with the t-shirt and jeans in church just might be wearing the best he has. Jesus told a story about a man who went to a wedding feast without the proper garb. He was tossed out. Of course the lesson of that story was about trying to get into heaven wearing our own righteousness. It will not work. Only Jesus’ righteousness is sufficient to save.
Many years ago I was invited to a Presidential Prayer Breakfast with Ronald Reagan. When I received the invitation the first thing I did was buy a new suit and new shoes. When I arrived I noticed there wasn’t one person in a t-shirt and jeans. Everyone was spiffed up. When we knelt for prayer I wanted to look at the bottom of people’s shoes to see how many were wearing new ones. However, I was a good boy and only peeked to see if the President had his eyes closed. He did. The secret service did not.
I realize what I am about to say is very old-fashioned but I wonder how people would dress when they come to church if they really believed they were having a meeting with the King of the Universe. Perhaps I should not be judgmental; perhaps that fellow with the t-shirt and jeans in church just might be wearing the best he has. Jesus told a story about a man who went to a wedding feast without the proper garb. He was tossed out. Of course the lesson of that story was about trying to get into heaven wearing our own righteousness. It will not work. Only Jesus’ righteousness is sufficient to save.
Our Yankee Treasure
Tuesday, February 14 2012
In 1978 our older son played for the Yankees. I don’t recall ever missing a game. I was very proud. His uniform is part of our family treasure trove. When we moved to New England we proudly displayed it on the stairway wall. Often I stop and admire it and him. However, this afternoon as the sun was sinking behind our western mountain, I was standing out on the street and to my horror I saw the sun shining brightly through the window illuminating his Yankee shirt to all who drive by. There it was with its big white letters on that field of blue right there in the window. Folks, you have to understand this is Red Sox Country. People drive around New England with nasty bumper stickers reviling the Yankees. No wonder the neighbors rarely speak to me. All this time I thought it was modernity with its busy demands on people’s lives.
Have you ever discovered that you have been offending others by your unintentional behavior? As a teacher I used to respond to students’ questions with “Oh, that’s easy.” What I meant was I can answer that for you. My wife pointed out what I was saying was, “Its easy, stupid. Why did you have to ask?” Needless to say I stopped.
Sometimes I hear people tell of how they witnessed for the Lord. They proudly tell stories of rudely correcting people who they think are not being nice. They refuse gestures of kindness because what is offered doesn’t comply with their dietary restrictions. It is so important for us to see ourselves and our behaviors through other’s eyes. Often it smarts because as Jesus said a two by four is hanging out our eye when we are speaking of another’s speck of sawdust.
The Yellow Light
Monday, February 13 2012
We’ve all been there. We are approaching a traffic signal when the light turns yellow. We have less than half a second to decide a. to press hard on the brake, b. press on the accelerator to get through the intersection before we see red, c. just maintain because we are okay to make it. The human mind is amazing. It processes distance, speed, coming traffic, presence of a patrolman, braking power and horsepower. It does it all in less time than it takes to say “one ten thousands.”
I wish I could make all my decisions so quickly and with such a good record of success. But, life is full of decisions that require serious ponder time. Who should we marry? Where should we go to school? How long should we stay in school? How many degrees are too many? What regimen of diet, rest and exercise will best serve me? What career should I seek? Should I take time for religion? If so, where should I go to church and what tenets should I accept as authority? None of these should be decided in less than a second.
At the close of Deuteronomy Moses exhorted, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, . . .” I do hope that one doesn’t take too long to decide. Finally, how grand it is that God chose us. He decided to send us His son. He once said to Jeremiah. “Before you were born I choose you.” What an awesome thought. Since He doesn’t play favorites that means you and I were chosen from the beginning of eternity itself.
I wish I could make all my decisions so quickly and with such a good record of success. But, life is full of decisions that require serious ponder time. Who should we marry? Where should we go to school? How long should we stay in school? How many degrees are too many? What regimen of diet, rest and exercise will best serve me? What career should I seek? Should I take time for religion? If so, where should I go to church and what tenets should I accept as authority? None of these should be decided in less than a second.
At the close of Deuteronomy Moses exhorted, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, . . .” I do hope that one doesn’t take too long to decide. Finally, how grand it is that God chose us. He decided to send us His son. He once said to Jeremiah. “Before you were born I choose you.” What an awesome thought. Since He doesn’t play favorites that means you and I were chosen from the beginning of eternity itself.
Pigs
Friday, February 10 2012
It just occurred to me that Jesus’ story of the wise man who built his house upon the rock is the same story as the three little pigs. Instead of the floods coming up it’s the big bad wolf blowing lots of hot air. It is very much the way life is. People, like two of the pigs, make lots of bad decisions and need to be rescued by those who made good decisions.
I sometimes hear people complaining about having to help people on welfare. We jump to the erroneous assumption that they all have chosen that path as a way of life. It is true some have. But most are in their predicament because of unwise decisions or just plain old misfortune that also happens to people who make good decisions.
I know you are expecting me to say we need to help them because it’s the Christian thing to do. It is. However, it is also the smart thing to do. When people get very hungry they grow desperate and desperate people can become very dangerous. We really don’t want to live in a city with hoards of hungry people. No matter how many wise decisions we have made in life, those who have, will become prey. That’s not a good thing!
Our assets, our talents, our education, and our good fortune are the fruit of good decisions and God’s blessings, which He bestows on us to see how well we handle them. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes. If I recall the story correctly I believe the pig with the brick house gave shelter to the other two. It’s also good to remember they were all pigs.
I sometimes hear people complaining about having to help people on welfare. We jump to the erroneous assumption that they all have chosen that path as a way of life. It is true some have. But most are in their predicament because of unwise decisions or just plain old misfortune that also happens to people who make good decisions.
I know you are expecting me to say we need to help them because it’s the Christian thing to do. It is. However, it is also the smart thing to do. When people get very hungry they grow desperate and desperate people can become very dangerous. We really don’t want to live in a city with hoards of hungry people. No matter how many wise decisions we have made in life, those who have, will become prey. That’s not a good thing!
Our assets, our talents, our education, and our good fortune are the fruit of good decisions and God’s blessings, which He bestows on us to see how well we handle them. Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes. If I recall the story correctly I believe the pig with the brick house gave shelter to the other two. It’s also good to remember they were all pigs.
Puzzled
Thursday, February 09 2012
I’m sitting here with a piece from a jigsaw puzzle I picked up off the street while walking my lab this afternoon. Somewhere in my neighborhood there is a puzzle that cannot be finished because I have the missing piece. There are so many theological and philosophical puzzles that are an enigma because we do not have all the pieces of the puzzles. The problem of pain, a loving God in a world of suffering, did dinosaurs and men live on earth at the same time, who wrote Hebrews, if Jesus is coming again why is He waiting; these are just a few. Paul says we are looking through a glass darkly. He’s right. We, with our finite minds, continue to try to understand the mind of an infinite God and we don’t have all the pieces.
Throughout the ages God, a self-revealing God, continues to share a few. In times past He spoke through the prophets but then He revealed Himself via the birth of Jesus. Jesus was and still is the finest vision of God’s true nature. Jesus said, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father.” Our continued problem is we see Jesus through the eyes of a tax collector, a fisherman, a physician and a homesick missionary. Each of them were limited in their ways to express what they saw and remembered. Therefore, we continue to see God through a foggy glass.
As we grow, as we seek, God is delighted to find opportunities to give us glimpses and insights. Hopefully, I understand more now than I did when I was forty or fifty. Note I didn’t say twenty because then I knew it all. Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given.” I’m asking.
Throughout the ages God, a self-revealing God, continues to share a few. In times past He spoke through the prophets but then He revealed Himself via the birth of Jesus. Jesus was and still is the finest vision of God’s true nature. Jesus said, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father.” Our continued problem is we see Jesus through the eyes of a tax collector, a fisherman, a physician and a homesick missionary. Each of them were limited in their ways to express what they saw and remembered. Therefore, we continue to see God through a foggy glass.
As we grow, as we seek, God is delighted to find opportunities to give us glimpses and insights. Hopefully, I understand more now than I did when I was forty or fifty. Note I didn’t say twenty because then I knew it all. Jesus said, “Ask and it shall be given.” I’m asking.
A Book of Cultures
Wednesday, February 08 2012
Like most American cities Leominster, Massachusetts is a rich blend of a variety of cultures and occasionally there are some misunderstandings as each group makes adjustments to accommodate the others. The more we understand each other the more we live in harmony. Nothing causes more difficulty than one group wanting everyone to be like them. I have noted similar problems when reading the Bible. We sometimes err by thinking the writers of the Bible were like us when nothing could be further from the truth. Not only do we have the cultural differences of various groups of people but horrendous differences in chronology. Just as our great grandparents would suffer culture shock if they could resurrect now, so we think far differently than people that lived two and three thousand years ago.
Often we err by looking at the Bible as one book written at one place in one time. There are over 1500 years between Moses and John. Also it is easy to project Christian values upon Old Testament characters. But to do that falsely colors the stories. Abraham and company were not Christians. They weren’t even Jews. The Jews were the descendants of Judah, the grandson of Abraham. There is the issue of the occidental mind and the eastern mind. Paul was an extremely unique individual educated in both arenas of thought. His letters are an amalgamation of two worlds, two cultures, two philosophies and one very special way to salvation.
How fascinating that God chose to reveal Himself to us via shepherds, politicians, fishermen, farmers, tax collectors, historians, warriors, a philosopher, a physician and a scholar. And the sum of it is an amazing story of God’s love for all cultures, all people and not just our little group.
Often we err by looking at the Bible as one book written at one place in one time. There are over 1500 years between Moses and John. Also it is easy to project Christian values upon Old Testament characters. But to do that falsely colors the stories. Abraham and company were not Christians. They weren’t even Jews. The Jews were the descendants of Judah, the grandson of Abraham. There is the issue of the occidental mind and the eastern mind. Paul was an extremely unique individual educated in both arenas of thought. His letters are an amalgamation of two worlds, two cultures, two philosophies and one very special way to salvation.
How fascinating that God chose to reveal Himself to us via shepherds, politicians, fishermen, farmers, tax collectors, historians, warriors, a philosopher, a physician and a scholar. And the sum of it is an amazing story of God’s love for all cultures, all people and not just our little group.
The Creator
Tuesday, February 07 2012
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: . .” “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” In my dictionary the definition of create is “to use imagination to invent things.” In His likeness God gave us the power to create. We are constantly producing new things and new art. We are continually creating knowledge and literature. It is the hallmark of the human race. Without the power to create we would have no freedom. We would be confined to the ancient paths set out for us with no power to really think or choose.
God is a creator. If He only made the things that He had made before, He would be a manufacturer. Life and planets would be nothing more than clones. God would be a prisoner in the universe bored by thinking the same old thoughts over and over. He would be reduced to a fabulously complicated computer program. He is so much more. He is a lover. He is a nurturer. He dazzles with His creations. It is we who have uglified His handiwork. Yet we also create beautiful new things. I live near an amazing art museum. When I first enter I think I want to stay all day but after an hour or so I need to leave. It is not because my feet hurt. There are plenty of places to sit down. It is my brain that hurts. It is over stimulated by the richness of ideas and beauty.
I am doubtful about God’s physical appearance being very much like us. But I have no doubt regarding the gift of creativity that He has shared.
God is a creator. If He only made the things that He had made before, He would be a manufacturer. Life and planets would be nothing more than clones. God would be a prisoner in the universe bored by thinking the same old thoughts over and over. He would be reduced to a fabulously complicated computer program. He is so much more. He is a lover. He is a nurturer. He dazzles with His creations. It is we who have uglified His handiwork. Yet we also create beautiful new things. I live near an amazing art museum. When I first enter I think I want to stay all day but after an hour or so I need to leave. It is not because my feet hurt. There are plenty of places to sit down. It is my brain that hurts. It is over stimulated by the richness of ideas and beauty.
I am doubtful about God’s physical appearance being very much like us. But I have no doubt regarding the gift of creativity that He has shared.
Reservered Premium Seats
Monday, February 06 2012
One of our friends invited us to his high school drama production. Each year he works diligently with his students preparing a really great production. We went a bit early to be sure to get good seats. We need not have hurried. When we walked in the door there were two premium seats with signs that said in big letters, “Reserved – Bothwell.” How grand. We felt important.
In Revelation 14:9 we understand that a third of the angels of heaven accompanied Lucifer when he left heaven. That certainly left a lot of empty seats in God’s throne room. And how will those seats be filled? I cannot but think they are now reserved for the redeemed. Just as Jesus said there is a place for us in His Father’s house (John 14) it makes good sense to follow that with an understanding we also have a seat in the throne room – a reserved seat with our names engraved for eternity.
I have a friend who for the past several years has served in the House of Representatives in Washington. He does not have to search for a seat each time he attends. His seat is well marked. It is his. Just so we need not fear there will not be a place for us. Our seat is well marked and we will use that seat each time we attend one of God’s events.
Unlike today where my reserved seat partially blocked the view of a little guy behind me there will be no blocked views in God’s throne room. Some years ago upon entering a large room I asked the attendant for an unobtrusive seat in the back. He stared at me and said, “We have no such seats.”
In Revelation 14:9 we understand that a third of the angels of heaven accompanied Lucifer when he left heaven. That certainly left a lot of empty seats in God’s throne room. And how will those seats be filled? I cannot but think they are now reserved for the redeemed. Just as Jesus said there is a place for us in His Father’s house (John 14) it makes good sense to follow that with an understanding we also have a seat in the throne room – a reserved seat with our names engraved for eternity.
I have a friend who for the past several years has served in the House of Representatives in Washington. He does not have to search for a seat each time he attends. His seat is well marked. It is his. Just so we need not fear there will not be a place for us. Our seat is well marked and we will use that seat each time we attend one of God’s events.
Unlike today where my reserved seat partially blocked the view of a little guy behind me there will be no blocked views in God’s throne room. Some years ago upon entering a large room I asked the attendant for an unobtrusive seat in the back. He stared at me and said, “We have no such seats.”
Discipline Wins
Friday, February 03 2012
It’s Super Bowl weekend. I realize for some of you that means little of nothing. You don’t care. But please excuse me and bear with me. I do live in New England and this is the fifth time in eleven years that the Patriots have won the opportunity to play in the Super Bowl. So there will be no surprise as to what I will be doing this coming Sunday evening.
You would expect me to raise a biased voice about the Patriots being the best team. However, the Patriots have a saying we in New England hear over and over. It is, “The team that wins will be the team that performs the best.” Victory is not necessarily the team with the best athletes. If we disregard the fact that misfortune could strike in the nature of an injury to a key player or the bad bounce of the football, which sometimes determines the outcome of a game, the real issue will be discipline. This is not something limited to football but to life itself. Disciplined people with a clear focus and a studied purpose are those most likely to succeed.
Discipline manifests itself by understanding no matter how good you are at something you can always improve. After last week’s division win, Tom Brady, the Patriot’s quarterback, spent a day with a passing coach. Success is not so much what is behind you but what is still ahead. In Luke 16:12 we read, “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” The development of character is disciplined determination to continued growth. No resting on laurels allowed. Prepare for tomorrow.
You would expect me to raise a biased voice about the Patriots being the best team. However, the Patriots have a saying we in New England hear over and over. It is, “The team that wins will be the team that performs the best.” Victory is not necessarily the team with the best athletes. If we disregard the fact that misfortune could strike in the nature of an injury to a key player or the bad bounce of the football, which sometimes determines the outcome of a game, the real issue will be discipline. This is not something limited to football but to life itself. Disciplined people with a clear focus and a studied purpose are those most likely to succeed.
Discipline manifests itself by understanding no matter how good you are at something you can always improve. After last week’s division win, Tom Brady, the Patriot’s quarterback, spent a day with a passing coach. Success is not so much what is behind you but what is still ahead. In Luke 16:12 we read, “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” The development of character is disciplined determination to continued growth. No resting on laurels allowed. Prepare for tomorrow.
"I 'yams whats I ams"
Thursday, February 02 2012
Our brains are most amazing memory organs. From the moment we are born, daily it stores billions of bits of data. The challenge of those first years is for our brains to sort the enormous intake. Little by little as the years go by it gets very good at categorizing stimuli. Soon it begins to form the story of a life. That’s why there can never be another like you because even a twin with the same DNA will experience different stimuli thus forming a unique person all its own. Decades later when we try to remember our childhood experiences we will unconsciously select the memories that harmonize with the self we have become. That is why it is most interesting to listen carefully to the stories people tell of their youth and childhood. It tells us much about who they now think they are. Events that cannot be synchronized are not discarded they are just not remembered even though they are there.
Other than God’s miracle of mitosis over which we had no control we are self made. There is no one to blame other than the person we see in the mirror. No amount of resurrecting repressed memories can excuse who we are and what we do. When we come to God for grace, forgiveness and salvation there is no room for excuses. There is no blaming moms, dads or uncles. The joy is we don’t have to blame anyone. God isn’t looking for shared responsibility. He is looking for a contrite heart and an openness to begin anew. He is looking for a heart that cries out Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
And the answer is (no drum roll needed) “Jesus Christ, our Lord.” Verse 25.
Other than God’s miracle of mitosis over which we had no control we are self made. There is no one to blame other than the person we see in the mirror. No amount of resurrecting repressed memories can excuse who we are and what we do. When we come to God for grace, forgiveness and salvation there is no room for excuses. There is no blaming moms, dads or uncles. The joy is we don’t have to blame anyone. God isn’t looking for shared responsibility. He is looking for a contrite heart and an openness to begin anew. He is looking for a heart that cries out Romans 7:24, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”
And the answer is (no drum roll needed) “Jesus Christ, our Lord.” Verse 25.
"Them"
Wednesday, February 01 2012
The English language abounds in four letter words. Some are not so nice but there are others that are wonderful like “glad,” “hope” and “love.” There is one that increasingly bothers me more and more. It is “them.” “Them” as in “those people.” I guess it is not so bad when we want to say something nice about “them” but it seems more times than not it is not that way.
“Them” are not “us.” “Them” are “those guys” who are not quite as good as we are. “Them” usually have sinister motives and are not quite as “human” as we are. “Them” are outsiders who can only be trusted if watched carefully.
Paul grew up in a “them/us” culture. He has much to say about this human disease. “. . . He (Jesus) came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household . . .” Ephesians 2:17-19 In Colossians 3:10-11 he wrote, “. . . (we) have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Who are the “them” in our lives and what can we do to make them “us.” Could it be the change needed is not in “them” but in “us?” Jesus fed two crowds. The one was Jewish and the other was gentile. They both got the same meal.
“Them” are not “us.” “Them” are “those guys” who are not quite as good as we are. “Them” usually have sinister motives and are not quite as “human” as we are. “Them” are outsiders who can only be trusted if watched carefully.
Paul grew up in a “them/us” culture. He has much to say about this human disease. “. . . He (Jesus) came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household . . .” Ephesians 2:17-19 In Colossians 3:10-11 he wrote, “. . . (we) have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Who are the “them” in our lives and what can we do to make them “us.” Could it be the change needed is not in “them” but in “us?” Jesus fed two crowds. The one was Jewish and the other was gentile. They both got the same meal.