Nov 2011
Pride of Ownership
Wednesday, November 30 2011
I grew up just north of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania. As a boy we spent many Sundays driving through Amish country. I loved the farms and the Distelfink Hex signs on the barns. What I loved best were the horses. Since the Amish didn’t drive cars one could tell how much pride they took in their horses. I never saw an ill-cared-for horse. Those were the days when most of the cars we saw were made in Detroit and model years were very distinctive. As we drove we would call out the make and year of cars coming toward us to see who got it first. Just as we would shine the chrome on our 57 Chevy those horses were groomed to perfection. There was a pride of ownership.
I grew up in a religious culture that pretty much labeled pride as sin. Lucifer’s pride led to the first sin. “Pride goeth before destruction.” Proverbs 16:18. Yet I feel that someone needs to speak up for pride. A man needs to feel proud of his family and his wife and his children. I often tell my sons how very proud I am of them. A person without personal pride often neglects grooming and often fails to achieve all that they can be. A student who is proud of their grades will apply themselves and seek to do well to maintain that good GPA. A congregation that isn’t proud of their church allows the paint to peel and weeds to take over the lawn. I don’t think we want to live in a country that didn’t make us feel proud.
The word “pride” like all words needs a careful definition. It can mean having a proper sense of value and it can also mean being haughty and thinking we are better than others. Like most things balance and perspective are so important.
Witnessing??
Tuesday, November 29 2011
The city put a wooden sawhorse-like barricade over an indentation in our street with a yellow light that flashes at night. The problem for the past three weeks is that the sawhorse-like barricade is lying on its side in the grass by the side of the street. The light flashes but you have to be almost standing over it to see it. It’s almost the light Jesus referred to in the Sermon on the Mount. That one you could stand over and not see.
The application here is overly obvious. We have heard it all our lives. “We have to get out there and witness.” The problem is “What do we mean by witnessing?” When I was small that meant standing on a street corner handling out pamphlets and then watching people toss them as they continued on their way. It meant being different by not eating certain foods when invited to someone’s home. That one always missed me as to how that made other people want to know our Jesus.
Some have told us witnessing is being the nicest, kindest, most honest person in our workplace, neighborhood or school. The fruit of that is people thinking you are the nicest, kindest, most honest person they have ever known. But does it make them want to know our Jesus? At some point it seems that we have to steer a conversation to a religious theme. But that is as dangerous as being a liberal in a group of conservatives. So how do we let our light shine? How do we witness? I have been to seminars trying to tell me how to do it but I have never been overly satisfied with the presentation. We all can’t be Billy Graham. So how?
The application here is overly obvious. We have heard it all our lives. “We have to get out there and witness.” The problem is “What do we mean by witnessing?” When I was small that meant standing on a street corner handling out pamphlets and then watching people toss them as they continued on their way. It meant being different by not eating certain foods when invited to someone’s home. That one always missed me as to how that made other people want to know our Jesus.
Some have told us witnessing is being the nicest, kindest, most honest person in our workplace, neighborhood or school. The fruit of that is people thinking you are the nicest, kindest, most honest person they have ever known. But does it make them want to know our Jesus? At some point it seems that we have to steer a conversation to a religious theme. But that is as dangerous as being a liberal in a group of conservatives. So how do we let our light shine? How do we witness? I have been to seminars trying to tell me how to do it but I have never been overly satisfied with the presentation. We all can’t be Billy Graham. So how?
Maturing Minds Want To Know
Monday, November 28 2011
There are over 1.5 million geocaches and 5 million geocachers in the world. Just in case you might not be familiar with it, it is basically a game where people hide things for other people to find. Geographic coordinates are posted on a website and off you go for an adventure that can be as simple as finding a small container in a hole in a tree or as difficult as rappelling halfway down a cliff to find a plastic box in a crevice. It runs the gambit of being fun for families or challenging for thrill seekers.
Late this afternoon we found one that required three attempts. What was frustrating was the directions even told us it was beside a log and yet time and again we walked around and felt the very log with our hands to no avail. Finally my wife dragged a stick along the ground and suddenly heard a metallic clunk from under a bed of pine needles. There it was. Time and again my fingers had been a half inch away and I never perceived its presence.
There is a book that I continually read over and over. It is entitled The Desire of Ages, a biography of Jesus. The reason I keep reading it is because each time I discover something my mind previously missed. Suddenly something is there my brain failed to register in earlier readings. It has a lot to do with life and experience. Many things cannot be perceived if one isn’t yet ready. Our minds are like that. An artist can go to a museum and see a hundred things the rest of us don’t register. We aren’t ready. Reading Paul’s letters is like that. Treasure after treasure keeps appearing. There is no end to the maturing mind.
Late this afternoon we found one that required three attempts. What was frustrating was the directions even told us it was beside a log and yet time and again we walked around and felt the very log with our hands to no avail. Finally my wife dragged a stick along the ground and suddenly heard a metallic clunk from under a bed of pine needles. There it was. Time and again my fingers had been a half inch away and I never perceived its presence.
There is a book that I continually read over and over. It is entitled The Desire of Ages, a biography of Jesus. The reason I keep reading it is because each time I discover something my mind previously missed. Suddenly something is there my brain failed to register in earlier readings. It has a lot to do with life and experience. Many things cannot be perceived if one isn’t yet ready. Our minds are like that. An artist can go to a museum and see a hundred things the rest of us don’t register. We aren’t ready. Reading Paul’s letters is like that. Treasure after treasure keeps appearing. There is no end to the maturing mind.
Being Rich
Friday, November 25 2011
When we were little heaven was all about things. Mansions, streets of gold, tame lions and tigers were the big thing. As Paul says in I Corinthians 13 when I was a child I thought as a child. But now that I am a man all those things seem very unnecessary. Heaven is about family. Heaven is about having one’s loved ones safe and having eternity to grow, intellectually, spiritually and creatively. If I were given that I would be happy in a one room wooden shack with just one dog as my only animal. Actually I could do without the dog but it would be a nice touch.
Being rich is having enough. The cup running over really isn’t necessary. The widow’s barrel that never went empty was being rich. The little boy’s basket of bread and fish was being rich. The widow of Nain getting her son back was being rich. Even though Martha and Mary lived in the rich little town of Bethany I’m sure that didn’t matter when Lazarus died. Then Jesus came.
Recently there has been a plethora of articles questioning the value of a college education. If you are talking about the availability of job opportunities and the student loan debt, the value of a college education is questionable. If one talks about exposure to ideas, great literature, a greater understanding of history, a vaster comprehension of human development, a broader grasp of the sciences and more discernment of human behavior then the question really is mute.
For Christians being rich is being forgiven, having an assurance of being once again with loved ones who are waiting for the resurrection and knowing that our future has no end because we are loved by the One who made it all.
Being rich is having enough. The cup running over really isn’t necessary. The widow’s barrel that never went empty was being rich. The little boy’s basket of bread and fish was being rich. The widow of Nain getting her son back was being rich. Even though Martha and Mary lived in the rich little town of Bethany I’m sure that didn’t matter when Lazarus died. Then Jesus came.
Recently there has been a plethora of articles questioning the value of a college education. If you are talking about the availability of job opportunities and the student loan debt, the value of a college education is questionable. If one talks about exposure to ideas, great literature, a greater understanding of history, a vaster comprehension of human development, a broader grasp of the sciences and more discernment of human behavior then the question really is mute.
For Christians being rich is being forgiven, having an assurance of being once again with loved ones who are waiting for the resurrection and knowing that our future has no end because we are loved by the One who made it all.
How Sweet It Is
Wednesday, November 23 2011
As my dog and I were finishing our evening walk and approached our home I suddenly became aware that I could smell our house about three houses away. Lest I leave you with the wrong idea that we live in a pig sty allow me to explain. Yesterday after over a week of work, a crew of house painters finished painting all the outside wood on the house. Not only did the gallons of oil based paint beautifully cover the eaves, window frames and doors they also filled the atmosphere with their particular fragrance. I like the smell and hope my neighbors don’t mind until it dissipates.
This is a good week for smells. Lots of kitchens will be emanating wondrous aromas throughout homes as we get ready for Thursday’s feasts. Stores are anticipating Black Friday and making sure we are greeted at the door with vanilla or cinnamon or lilac scents. Smelling good things puts us in a good mood, and hopefully for the merchants, opens our wallets.
I have always imaged that Eden was filled with the fragrances of flowers and heaven will likewise be so scented. When I go to church I often smell lots of aftershave lotions and perfumes. That’s good because it compensates for the garlic lovers in our midst.
People have always loved to smell nice things. When the Magi came to visit Jesus in Bethlehem they brought some very nice smelling gifts. One of the best scents that God loves is described in II Corinthians 2:15. “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved . . .” As Jackie Gleason used to say, “How sweet it is!”
This is a good week for smells. Lots of kitchens will be emanating wondrous aromas throughout homes as we get ready for Thursday’s feasts. Stores are anticipating Black Friday and making sure we are greeted at the door with vanilla or cinnamon or lilac scents. Smelling good things puts us in a good mood, and hopefully for the merchants, opens our wallets.
I have always imaged that Eden was filled with the fragrances of flowers and heaven will likewise be so scented. When I go to church I often smell lots of aftershave lotions and perfumes. That’s good because it compensates for the garlic lovers in our midst.
People have always loved to smell nice things. When the Magi came to visit Jesus in Bethlehem they brought some very nice smelling gifts. One of the best scents that God loves is described in II Corinthians 2:15. “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved . . .” As Jackie Gleason used to say, “How sweet it is!”
Duh
Tuesday, November 22 2011
My sister, who lived with us for many years, moved to California to be close to her children. We have been forwarding her mail as we wait for others to get her new address. Last week we forwarded to her a letter from Dreyfus. When she received and opened it, the letter inside was an acknowledgment that they had her new address. After I got over the “duh” moment I realized the logic. They were checking to make sure someone had not, for fraudulent reasons, changed her address without her knowing.
So many times in life we jump to conclusions about the stupidity of what someone has done. Usually it is because we don’t know the logic behind the action. Because we have limited knowledge about what led up to a behavior we, thinking we are so intelligent, conclude the other person was stupid. Only when we learn all the factors involved do we understand what the person did was the right thing to do.
When Jesus found his disciples on shore after a night of fishless fishing and he told them to cast their net over the side of the boat, I’m sure some of them must have thought, “That’s stupid. We fished all night and got nothing.” Peter actually objected but finally did what he was told. The Bible says, “When they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them.”
Even when we don’t understand what God asks us to do, the smart thing would be to do it. He would never ask us to do something stupid. We just don’t understand all that is involved.
So many times in life we jump to conclusions about the stupidity of what someone has done. Usually it is because we don’t know the logic behind the action. Because we have limited knowledge about what led up to a behavior we, thinking we are so intelligent, conclude the other person was stupid. Only when we learn all the factors involved do we understand what the person did was the right thing to do.
When Jesus found his disciples on shore after a night of fishless fishing and he told them to cast their net over the side of the boat, I’m sure some of them must have thought, “That’s stupid. We fished all night and got nothing.” Peter actually objected but finally did what he was told. The Bible says, “When they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them.”
Even when we don’t understand what God asks us to do, the smart thing would be to do it. He would never ask us to do something stupid. We just don’t understand all that is involved.
Blocking the Door
Monday, November 21 2011
This evening as my son and family were leaving the baggage area at Logan airport they were blocked at the door by a man on his cell phone. Apparently he wasn’t coordinated enough to walk and talk at the same time. Neither did he seem to be aware that others needed to get by. Meanwhile we along with others waiting in cars were being urged along by some very intimating state patrolmen.
Unfortunately sometimes we have people blocking the door to our churches. I have seen well-meaning but poorly acting older people chase our teens away. They are made to feel unwelcome because of their dress or jewelry or makeup. Sometimes they are actually verbally assaulted that they are not representative of Christ by looking the way they look. But really now, when one stops to think about it, what real harm occurs to anyone because someone is experimenting and has purple hair? They will grow up and not look like that for the rest of their lives. Well, perhaps I should take that back. I have seen older ladies with purplish hair.
Our churches should be places where anyone is welcome. If a kid shows up with an arrow through his head and enough fake gold chains around his neck that he looks like Mr. T., who does that harm? Better that they are with us in church than home watching television or playing video games. Sometimes we excuse our behavior by saying we are holding up the standards. What standard? What about the standard of unconditional love. What about the real sins of us older people? I mean the vile ones we carry inside – the ones Jesus cares about.
Unfortunately sometimes we have people blocking the door to our churches. I have seen well-meaning but poorly acting older people chase our teens away. They are made to feel unwelcome because of their dress or jewelry or makeup. Sometimes they are actually verbally assaulted that they are not representative of Christ by looking the way they look. But really now, when one stops to think about it, what real harm occurs to anyone because someone is experimenting and has purple hair? They will grow up and not look like that for the rest of their lives. Well, perhaps I should take that back. I have seen older ladies with purplish hair.
Our churches should be places where anyone is welcome. If a kid shows up with an arrow through his head and enough fake gold chains around his neck that he looks like Mr. T., who does that harm? Better that they are with us in church than home watching television or playing video games. Sometimes we excuse our behavior by saying we are holding up the standards. What standard? What about the standard of unconditional love. What about the real sins of us older people? I mean the vile ones we carry inside – the ones Jesus cares about.
Gouged
Friday, November 18 2011
I bought a new pair of shoes yesterday and put them on this morning for the first time. They were as perfect as only something new can be. As I started down the stairs my dog promptly stepped on one with her 80 pounds and one of her nails gouged into that fine finish. I think I had them on less than five minutes. Alas. It also seems that way when I buy a new car. That first ding seems to occur in the first few days and months go by before the second one appears.
Can we even begin to imagine God’s reaction to Adam and Eve’s disobedience? Eden was perfect. Genesis one finishes with God critiquing His own work. He said, “That’s very good.” We have no idea how many millenniums of thought and planning went into this magnificent planet. It was here that He prepared a perfect home for a perfect couple made in His image. Angels must have been overwhelmed with the artistic design and scientific balance for life. Surely there were tears shed all over heaven when the news spread regarding the now flawed paradise. This was not a gouge mark. This was not a ding. This was destruction. Death had come to Earth.
God Himself would offer that first sacrifice as He explained to them what it represented. As graphic as that was I doubt if they really got it. No one really got it until that night in another garden. Jesus clung to earth begging His Father for another way and if there was no other way to give Him the strength to do it. He did it. Now we know. But do we? Surely we would be more motivated if we really understood.
Can we even begin to imagine God’s reaction to Adam and Eve’s disobedience? Eden was perfect. Genesis one finishes with God critiquing His own work. He said, “That’s very good.” We have no idea how many millenniums of thought and planning went into this magnificent planet. It was here that He prepared a perfect home for a perfect couple made in His image. Angels must have been overwhelmed with the artistic design and scientific balance for life. Surely there were tears shed all over heaven when the news spread regarding the now flawed paradise. This was not a gouge mark. This was not a ding. This was destruction. Death had come to Earth.
God Himself would offer that first sacrifice as He explained to them what it represented. As graphic as that was I doubt if they really got it. No one really got it until that night in another garden. Jesus clung to earth begging His Father for another way and if there was no other way to give Him the strength to do it. He did it. Now we know. But do we? Surely we would be more motivated if we really understood.
Striking the Right Note
Thursday, November 17 2011
My exquisite art teacher reminded me this morning of something so true and very important. When you strike middle C or any other key on a piano all of the other strings on the piano harp vibrate with it. It literally sets the tone. It’s just like people. When we strike a tone others around us respond in kind. A few months ago someone entered my office to complain about the hostile environment. I had to admit my surprise. What hostile environment? I was surprised but not puzzled. All I had to do was look at the person’s face and demeanor to know they were telling the truth. As they moved about striking a tone others around responded in kind. Primarily we are responsible for what happens around us. I say primarily because never is something like this always true. There can be another strong person in the room who is spoiling it for all others. That’s why one of the most important questions to ask before hiring someone is “What was it like where you worked prior to this?”
Many years ago I had a similar conversation and that person said, “It’s like this everywhere I go. What’s the matter with people?” I do believe the key word there is “everywhere”. Who is the one person present everywhere she went?
Jesus certainly put out the right vibes. The crowds couldn’t stay away from Him. “The people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and out went them, and came together unto him.” Mark 6. We have within our power and even more so can have divine power to strike the right note, the positive note to make life better for all around us.
Many years ago I had a similar conversation and that person said, “It’s like this everywhere I go. What’s the matter with people?” I do believe the key word there is “everywhere”. Who is the one person present everywhere she went?
Jesus certainly put out the right vibes. The crowds couldn’t stay away from Him. “The people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and out went them, and came together unto him.” Mark 6. We have within our power and even more so can have divine power to strike the right note, the positive note to make life better for all around us.
An Old Globe
Wednesday, November 16 2011
One of the treasures I have from my father is an old globe he had in his classroom. It maps wonderfully exotic places like Siam, Rhodesia, Palestine, Gold Coast and Keijo. Holding a globe and turning it this way and that causes one to wonder about the way things are. I can untip the axis and do away with the seasons. There would be perpetual sunshine on the poles making it a very interesting place to live with the sun never rising high in the sky. I can turn the axis at a 90 degree angle and have the sun come up in the north and go down in the south or vice versa depending on which direction I spin it. Continents look very unfamiliar when oriented differently. North America becomes almost unrecognizable when turned on its side and has no state lines.
Perhaps the second most important text in Scripture is “In the beginning God.” We can be filled with a host of questions about rocks, continental drift and the ring of fire but as long as Genesis 1:1 is we have no fear for the future. Asteroids can go whizzing past us at 26,000 miles an hour and we know God is still there and all will ultimately be well.
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visits him?” Psalm 8. And the answer is we are the sons and daughters of this Most High God who but breathes and worlds come into existence. How grand for us. We are so blessed.
Perhaps the second most important text in Scripture is “In the beginning God.” We can be filled with a host of questions about rocks, continental drift and the ring of fire but as long as Genesis 1:1 is we have no fear for the future. Asteroids can go whizzing past us at 26,000 miles an hour and we know God is still there and all will ultimately be well.
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visits him?” Psalm 8. And the answer is we are the sons and daughters of this Most High God who but breathes and worlds come into existence. How grand for us. We are so blessed.
He Prayed for You
Tuesday, November 15 2011
There are stone walls littered through the forests of Massachusetts. Decades ago people actually tried to farm in places that only grow rocks. Each spring before trying to plow they derocked and built these old fences just to put the rocks somewhere useful. There are still a few stone foundations now covered with vines and oak and maple trees growing where there was once a room. Sometimes I sit and listen. If I really concentrate my mind supplies the voices of family. It’s interesting what one can hear in the silence of the forest. Mixed in with the breeze one can hear the “teacher, teacher” of ovenbirds and the laughter and tears of those who struggled here.
We live in a noisy world. It is difficult not to hear an airplane or a chainsaw intruding on what should be our chance to hear silence. It is a treat to find a moment when we can hear the rush of blood through our ears. Even now as I write the computer is softly serenading me with Beethoven. Have we so filled our lives with sound that we have become addicted and find silence uncomfortable?
In Luke 6:12 we read the following about Jesus. “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” He had no iPhone to create a musical background. It was the silence of a Palestinian night that surrounded Him. How I have often wondered how He filled those hours. Did He pray out loud and break the silence or was it an internal meditation with the Father? Some night in the silence He prayed for you.
We live in a noisy world. It is difficult not to hear an airplane or a chainsaw intruding on what should be our chance to hear silence. It is a treat to find a moment when we can hear the rush of blood through our ears. Even now as I write the computer is softly serenading me with Beethoven. Have we so filled our lives with sound that we have become addicted and find silence uncomfortable?
In Luke 6:12 we read the following about Jesus. “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” He had no iPhone to create a musical background. It was the silence of a Palestinian night that surrounded Him. How I have often wondered how He filled those hours. Did He pray out loud and break the silence or was it an internal meditation with the Father? Some night in the silence He prayed for you.
Human Trash?
Saturday, November 12 2011
There is a story in today’s news about a man who after accidently throwing away his wife’s ring went to the city dump and crawled through tons of trash and filth to find it. He found it. My first inclination was to equate this with God sending Jesus to paw through the filth of sin on planet Earth looking for diamonds. Obviously my ego saw myself as one of the diamonds. Sorry about that. I cannot help the self-love. It is endemic to our species. However, on second thought I realized how wrong I was. This is not a good illustration because it assumes the masses of humanity are trash. Not so. Each child, each person is, flawed though we may be, a product of God’s creative love. There is no such thing as human trash. As much as Jerry Springer and Maury Povich seem to find the worst of humanity to display on television, those people are but victims of ignorance and of our voyeurism. We look at them and gloat that we are not so vulgar. See Luke 18:9.
Then there are those horrific moments when we are overwhelmed by our unworthiness and think we are the human trash. That is such a depressing experience. Lucifer delights in those moments. He thinks we will just give up and not take what Jesus’ offers. Do not despair. Even though your community makes you feel ostracized Jesus never does. Even though decades can pass and people still look at you as a pariah, Jesus never does. You are the object of His redemptive love because He formed you in His image. I know it is difficult for us to believe but Jesus still loves His old friend Lucifer.
Then there are those horrific moments when we are overwhelmed by our unworthiness and think we are the human trash. That is such a depressing experience. Lucifer delights in those moments. He thinks we will just give up and not take what Jesus’ offers. Do not despair. Even though your community makes you feel ostracized Jesus never does. Even though decades can pass and people still look at you as a pariah, Jesus never does. You are the object of His redemptive love because He formed you in His image. I know it is difficult for us to believe but Jesus still loves His old friend Lucifer.
Paul's Illustration in Romans 7
Friday, November 11 2011
It must have been a real struggle for Paul to explain to people who loved and revered the law that the law could not save them. In Romans 7 he tries by using an illustration of marriage. He says when one is married they are bound for life to their spouse. But when the spouse dies they are free to marry anew. Via the body of Christ we died to the law. We are then free to remarry. Our new spouse is the one who was raised from the dead. We have been released from the law so we can bear fruit by the Spirit. No longer are we obligated to keep the law in an attempt to be saved but now in a new relationship of love we bear good works because we want to and not because we have to. It is a brilliant and beautiful illustration. Once understood our walk with God becomes a joy instead of a fearful march that we might have strayed and unknowingly become lost.
Often I hear people pray that God will reveal to them what they need to do so they do not ignorantly come up short on judgment day. Paul would have us be free from this tyranny. Now we can pray that God will reveal to us what we should be doing for the joy that comes from doing it. This is not some subtle esoteric difference. This is the difference between living with the joy of salvation as opposed to living with a sword dangling over our heads being held by a thread.
Is the law bad or evil? Horrors no. Paul tells us the law educates us as to the nature of sin. But as good as the law is, it is weak. It cannot save us. Only Jesus can do that.
Often I hear people pray that God will reveal to them what they need to do so they do not ignorantly come up short on judgment day. Paul would have us be free from this tyranny. Now we can pray that God will reveal to us what we should be doing for the joy that comes from doing it. This is not some subtle esoteric difference. This is the difference between living with the joy of salvation as opposed to living with a sword dangling over our heads being held by a thread.
Is the law bad or evil? Horrors no. Paul tells us the law educates us as to the nature of sin. But as good as the law is, it is weak. It cannot save us. Only Jesus can do that.
Thirty-Five Teams of Two
Thursday, November 10 2011
Usually we have a mental picture of Jesus and twelve men moving about Palestine. Then we come to Luke 10 that speaks of Jesus sending out thirty-five teams of two. These seventy were disciples that moved with Him. Add to that the women that cooked for them, etc. and we have a very large group. These seventy were given power to do mighty things and when they returned they were filled with stories of healings and great miracles. I am jealous. Surely everyone who has ever been a pastor has been jealous to do such wonders for our God. Their work had been so successful Jesus declared that in their work He saw Satan being cast down. They must have been high and rightfully so.
Then Jesus said something that put it all in perspective, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
For reasons that God understands we do not now go about touching the eyes of the blind and having them see. How I do wish we could. But as grand as we think that would be there is something more wonderful. There is something that should bring us to “Hallelujah” and “Thank you, Jesus.” Our names are written in the Book of Life.
Lucifer is a fallen angel. He could restore sight to the blind but his name is not in the Book of Life. I could only think of something grander and that would be if we sacrificed our place that others could have that privilege. The irony of that thought is the impossibility of it. For should we be so selfless to step aside for another, we would be so much like Jesus He would be sure our name was there.
Then Jesus said something that put it all in perspective, “Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.”
For reasons that God understands we do not now go about touching the eyes of the blind and having them see. How I do wish we could. But as grand as we think that would be there is something more wonderful. There is something that should bring us to “Hallelujah” and “Thank you, Jesus.” Our names are written in the Book of Life.
Lucifer is a fallen angel. He could restore sight to the blind but his name is not in the Book of Life. I could only think of something grander and that would be if we sacrificed our place that others could have that privilege. The irony of that thought is the impossibility of it. For should we be so selfless to step aside for another, we would be so much like Jesus He would be sure our name was there.
Our Legacy
Wednesday, November 09 2011
A lifeless visitor from space just passed between our world and our moon. We can be thankful that it missed us by 210,000 miles. A direct hit would have been devastating. It would not have been the first time we have been hit. One of the more obvious hits was in New Mexico and the crater is very impressive. Years ago we stopped for a closer look and walked to the edge. While doing so my wife looked down and there was a very well formed arrowhead. We could hardly believe what we saw. How long had it been lying there? What ancient warrior or hunter had passed that way and left his treasure on the ground to be found hundreds (?) of years later.
I’m sure all of us have wondered what we will leave behind. What will be our legacy to our families, our communities, and our world? Some people leave books, some leave poetry, some leave children and grandchildren, some leave students, some leave family businesses. Whatever it may be I think we all want to be sure what we leave will be positive and make the world a better place. When I say “all” I am thinking of the mentally healthy among us, for there are those who for reasons unexplainable want to leave destruction and pain.
This past week the world’s population topped seven billion. It is difficult to conceive that God has seven billion different tasks that need to be accomplished. Yet that is but a small number for an infinite God who does have a positive task for everyone. See Ephesians 2. Most of us will not know until heaven exactly what it was, but that’s okay. Just so when we do find out we will have the joy of having been successful.
I’m sure all of us have wondered what we will leave behind. What will be our legacy to our families, our communities, and our world? Some people leave books, some leave poetry, some leave children and grandchildren, some leave students, some leave family businesses. Whatever it may be I think we all want to be sure what we leave will be positive and make the world a better place. When I say “all” I am thinking of the mentally healthy among us, for there are those who for reasons unexplainable want to leave destruction and pain.
This past week the world’s population topped seven billion. It is difficult to conceive that God has seven billion different tasks that need to be accomplished. Yet that is but a small number for an infinite God who does have a positive task for everyone. See Ephesians 2. Most of us will not know until heaven exactly what it was, but that’s okay. Just so when we do find out we will have the joy of having been successful.
Reaping the Whirlwind
Tuesday, November 08 2011
Hosea said it. “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.” Hosea 8:7. I first heard that as a small boy but of course could not then comprehend the depth. Now I get. I should have connected it with Nahum 1:3, “The Lord is slow to anger and great in power: he will not leave the guilty unpunished. His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet.” How often we want to blame God for what has occurred but the real truth is we are but reaping. God’s punishment isn’t active. It is passive. Ever so painfully He sits back and let’s nature take its course.
He would like to intervene every time. His love is endless. But should He do so mankind would never learn. We would continue in our reckless ways believing there was always a bale out. The results would be sin continuing on forever. The only reason God hates sin is its results. He is not offended that we do not obey Him. He is hurt that we do not obey because all He ever asks is for us to stop harming ourselves and others. I cannot sit here in the evening drinking an arsenic laced drink and expect Him to negate its effects. He will forgive me but will allow the arsenic to do its work.
And so it is that the whirlwind blows its horrors upon us. Does this mean we are lost? Not if we genuinely repent. That door is open. But why should we desire to bring suffering upon ourselves thinking at some later date we will repent? Not only is that risky. It’s stupid. Hosea and Nahum were excellent meteorologists.
He would like to intervene every time. His love is endless. But should He do so mankind would never learn. We would continue in our reckless ways believing there was always a bale out. The results would be sin continuing on forever. The only reason God hates sin is its results. He is not offended that we do not obey Him. He is hurt that we do not obey because all He ever asks is for us to stop harming ourselves and others. I cannot sit here in the evening drinking an arsenic laced drink and expect Him to negate its effects. He will forgive me but will allow the arsenic to do its work.
And so it is that the whirlwind blows its horrors upon us. Does this mean we are lost? Not if we genuinely repent. That door is open. But why should we desire to bring suffering upon ourselves thinking at some later date we will repent? Not only is that risky. It’s stupid. Hosea and Nahum were excellent meteorologists.
Our Bad Dog
Monday, November 07 2011
She really is a good dog. She is very protective and jealous if anyone gives me too much attention. She is totally housebroken and very dependable. That’s what makes her action so despicable. We have house guests, who of course, are the source of much attention and conversation. This evening, after she had been outside to care for her needs, she obviously had enough of my talking to our company. She walked over and about two feet away from me she squatted on the rug. It was a despicable act of “Hey, look at me.” She was definitely tired of sharing. Getting attention for being a bad dog was better than not getting enough attention.
Children do similar things. Teachers see it all the time. Little kids often misbehave as to not be ignored. So I got to wondering if sometimes we adults act poorly because we want God’s attention. Actually, we always have it but sometimes we think He doesn’t care. I know we are often angry at Him because we don’t get all the things we pray for. When we have a very sick loved one we ask, we beg, we plead, we implore God to make them better and it doesn’t happen. Sometimes we actually lose them and our anger spills out with contempt that God would allow something so horrible. It is on such occasions we should be honest with Him and tell Him exactly how we feel. He appreciates our honesty much better than should we lie to Him and tell Him how great we think He is. As difficult as it is for us to understand, the truth is He always has our best interest at heart and does the best thing even though we just don’t get it. We have His attention. We really do.
Children do similar things. Teachers see it all the time. Little kids often misbehave as to not be ignored. So I got to wondering if sometimes we adults act poorly because we want God’s attention. Actually, we always have it but sometimes we think He doesn’t care. I know we are often angry at Him because we don’t get all the things we pray for. When we have a very sick loved one we ask, we beg, we plead, we implore God to make them better and it doesn’t happen. Sometimes we actually lose them and our anger spills out with contempt that God would allow something so horrible. It is on such occasions we should be honest with Him and tell Him exactly how we feel. He appreciates our honesty much better than should we lie to Him and tell Him how great we think He is. As difficult as it is for us to understand, the truth is He always has our best interest at heart and does the best thing even though we just don’t get it. We have His attention. We really do.
Thaddaeus
Wednesday, November 02 2011
His name was Judas. (In John) He was one of the twelve disciples. He was not the Judas who betrayed Jesus to the High Priest. He actually had three names. He also was Thaddaeus (In Mark) and also Lebbaeus. (In Matthew) He has one line in Scripture. It was during the last supper on Thursday night before the cross. Jesus said, “He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
Here comes his one line. “Judas said unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself unto us, and not unto the world?”
And here is Jesus’ answer. “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
We know this Judas (Thaddaeus, Lebbaeus) was a member of a political action group dedicated to the overthrow of Roman rule in Palestine. He loved Jesus. He knew what Jesus could do and wanted to know why Jesus didn’t use all His power to go after the Romans. Jesus had bigger plans. Jesus was going after Satan’s rule in all the world. And this is Jesus’ formula for victory. Love Him. Keep His words and the Father and Son will abide in that person and that person will manifest the glory of God to the world. That’s us. This is our task. This is our time. This is God’s plan for us. Love Jesus and keep His words and be amazed at what God can and will do with us. Satan trembles before such a man or woman.
Here comes his one line. “Judas said unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself unto us, and not unto the world?”
And here is Jesus’ answer. “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”
We know this Judas (Thaddaeus, Lebbaeus) was a member of a political action group dedicated to the overthrow of Roman rule in Palestine. He loved Jesus. He knew what Jesus could do and wanted to know why Jesus didn’t use all His power to go after the Romans. Jesus had bigger plans. Jesus was going after Satan’s rule in all the world. And this is Jesus’ formula for victory. Love Him. Keep His words and the Father and Son will abide in that person and that person will manifest the glory of God to the world. That’s us. This is our task. This is our time. This is God’s plan for us. Love Jesus and keep His words and be amazed at what God can and will do with us. Satan trembles before such a man or woman.
The Milk-Bone Cookie Jar
Tuesday, November 01 2011
I have a Milk-Bone cookie jar on my desk. I keep it stocked with what must be the greatest tasting treats in the world because I will come into the room and find my lab sitting there staring at the jar. She is a good girl and has never violated the “No” command. I wish I could have said the same for me when I was small. One of the great things about being an adult is being able to raid the cookie jar anytime I want. As I settle in at my computer with her Milk-Bone jar within my reach I see a small stream of salvia starting to drip from the side of her beautiful face. I should so desire to spend time in God’s Word.
The psalmist puts me to shame and at the same time thrills me with such verses as “The entrance of thy words gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.” “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” And “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding.” Psalm 119
Should we want, desire, long for, crave, yearn for, pine for a deeper understanding of Scripture I wonder what our lives would become. Ephesians 2 speaks of God’s plans for us. Had we prepared more, studied more, learned more, what might He have been able to accomplish with us. Each time I give my dog a treat I should eat a verse.
The psalmist puts me to shame and at the same time thrills me with such verses as “The entrance of thy words gives light; it gives understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.” “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” And “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding.” Psalm 119
Should we want, desire, long for, crave, yearn for, pine for a deeper understanding of Scripture I wonder what our lives would become. Ephesians 2 speaks of God’s plans for us. Had we prepared more, studied more, learned more, what might He have been able to accomplish with us. Each time I give my dog a treat I should eat a verse.