Christians and mental illness.

     In days of old mental illness amongst Christians was seen as demonic possession or demonic oppression.  Even in the Bible we see people who were mentally ill and or possessed being treated my Jesus.  From the Old Testament there are instructions on how to deal with people that reflected an ignorance on their part that continues to today.  So, what do we do with mental illness, demonic possession or oppression and the Christian. First lets get some ground rules.  Mental issues are classified into two categories: disorders and illnesses.  The former are like depression and anger management where the problem can be treated and overcome or contained.  Mental illnesses are not curable.  Mental illnesses like Schizophrenia are often inherited (mom's side of the family most of the time.) and is not curable.  Yes, it too can be treated but it will not go away.  Wait you say, can't God heal us?  Yes, I'll get to the divine intervention in a moment.  Just like disorders and illnesses there is also demonic possession and demonic oppression.  Both are Biblical and have different presentations.  First, demonic possession is where demons inhabit the individual.  Demonic oppression is more widely distributed with Christian and non-Christian being affected.  This comes in the forms of trials and tribulations.  Demons can be exorcised from the person while in oppression we are less able to turn away the world around us. 
     I've spent my time with all the above categories beginning on the mission field with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and then as a pastor and as a therapist.  A common misconception is that we are somehow "less than" if we are afflicted with a mental illness or disorder.  Since God sees us all the same as fallen sinners able to be saved by grace; we need to do the same.  As a people of God, Christians seem to feel that certain categories of illnesses and disorders are worse than others.  That's not the way it works.  Just as sin is categorized into two distinct groups (sins that lead to death and sins that don't); we need to understand that it's vitally important to see people from God's point of view and not ours.  There have been plenty of people in and around me who would tell you that I'm crazy and just as many that would say I am not.  Out mental institutions are full of people deemed as unable to exist in mainstream humanity.  The Christian church is also full of people deemed as unable to exist in mainstream humanity.  That's what we use to justify our distancing from people who are not like us. 
     Most of you know of the slant the movie media have put out as to what demon possession and oppression are like.  It's wrong.  Sometimes it's worse and sometimes it's better.  There is an old saying that goes like this: "If you don't feel Satan's attacks then you are not doing anything for God."  Some of the most oppressed people in Christianity have been and continue to be those who are focused on bring Jesus to ALL the world.  The list of such people is extremely long and stretch back to the early church.  Not everyone is demon possessed as you may think.  Not everyone is demon oppressed as you may think.  While "The devil made me do it." was popular and continues to have some popularity, it's not true.  We have a free will and choices we can make.  When we come to Jesus and renounce the old world we lived in we put on Christ.  From that point on we cannot be possessed by demons though we can be oppressed.  The more you do for Christ the greater oppression.  Count on it.  There are those out in the populations (like the church of Satan) who are very obviously not Christian but again not all are possessed by Satan.  Rather they have chosen to be part of that life style and perpetuate the worship of Satan.  Since we are not "possessed" by Jesus and have no choice of our own; the same holds true for those who are not Christian.  Whether someone worships their TV or job or whatever hold little evidence of demonic possession but rather oppression.
     I know that I've wandered into a very risky area with this blog today.  I believe that Jesus wants this message to get out there in order for us to be better representations of Him to a very fallen world.  Jesus isn't politically correct, isn't a conformist and doesn't want us to be as well.  The Gospel is offensive to those who are perishing.  That shouldn't stop us from sharing Jesus.  That should compel the Christian TO action out of concern over those who are perishing.  There IS only one name by which mankind may be saved; Jesus.  There is no other way.  Backing off from Biblical teaching only shows that we fear man more than God.  The Bible teaches intolerance to sin.  Period.  If you and I aren't intolerant of sin in our own lives and the lives of those who call themselves Christian, then we need to question our belief and salvation.  Jesus tells us that we cannot serve two masters.  Yet that is where many Christians find themselves.  How we see people from God's perspective directs how we do ministry.  The mentally ill Christian deserves to have the same grace that the non-mentally ill Christian.  The oppressed aren't always possessed and shouldn't cause us to jump to conclusions.  The only means by which discernment can be applied is for us to surrender to the guidance of the Word of God and the input from the Holy Spirit. 

Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one.

     Maybe you do as well.  Sometimes adhering to your beliefs leaves you out in the cold alone and wanting.  There are all kinds of compromises we make on a daily basis that do not reflect the Word of God.  Sometimes it's just the little stuff.  Like, for instance, letting our "no" be "no" and our "yes" be "yes".  We add on things like: "Hell yes!"  or something similar.  Not much attention is given to our swearing but that doesn't mean it's not still swearing.  We are told in Scripture that we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak.  That should cause us some distress.  Actually we should feel convicted and ask for forgiveness for our sin.  Opps!  That's what the Bible calls it...sin.  Not many people who are Christian call our swearing sin.  Yet, that's what it is.  Our media is inundated with swearing.  Even children's shows or family friendly shows are filled with them.  Why aren't we as Christians choosing things filled with Godly principles, language, and lessons?  Maybe we are a bit to comfortable in our sin.  Don't get me wrong.  I too have this problem.  I've been better and I've been worse.  What's the key?  The key is to keep moving forward.  Keep moving upward and to be better because it's Christ who lives within us. 
     Political correctness has smothered consciences worldwide.  People have become so consumed with being "correct" and non-offensive that the stand they take isn't a stand at all.  Going along with the crowd in their sin is nothing more than agreeing with others against God.  Yet, to take the stand for God we need to understand that according to the Bible the Word of God is foolishness to those who are perishing.  We need to understand that at the end of the Beatitudes we are told that should we actually do what God wants we WILL be persecuted.  Our message, God's message, is lost on those who are consumed with perishing.  Should we stand for God we will be excluded from many circles here on earth.  No one wants to be around the righteous when they are still so happy in their sin.  I know that I have been that way when desiring to sin more than to please God.  There is a standard and it's found in the Word.  That standard may not make you popular, may not make you prosperous, may not make you famous, but that standard will carry you day to day with the will of God.  Hearing "well done thou good and faithful servant" is a lot better than being politically correct.  Don't apologize for your faith. 
     Within the Christian community an epidemic problem has been growing.  It's found in the mega churches down to the home fellowships.  That problem has been an attitude of "it's not my job." or "it's not my calling."  Maybe you haven't read the Bible.  Should you be brave enough to do so you will find that you are called and it is your job.  Whether that be cleaning the toilet or preaching from the pulpit, being a Christian is a chosen life.  This is not a union driven world.  Christianity isn't a "take care of yourself first" world.  Nor is it a passive extracurricular activity like the Lions or the Ladies of the Elks.  Being a Christian automatically makes you a member of the Body of Christ.  As members of the body of Christ we should never feel pushed, coerced, prodded, or pulled along with the will of God.  Nor should we be so concerned about our world that we have no time to think about ministry and where we are to be used.  People "disappear" in congregations.  The bigger the congregation, the easier it is to hide.  There are those who do everything (usually about 2 percent) and those who watch everything being done (about 98 percent).  Which percentage best describes your willingness to be an instrument of Christ.  No one can do everything but anyone can do something. 
     Today you and I have choices that will come up every moment of every hour.  Will we choose to be available to God regardless of our desire to do something else?  Will we choose to lay down our life and our rights so that the Kingdom of God can be furthered?  Will we choose or will we simply go on with the life we have been living?  It's all our choice.   

Slow Dance...just a reminder to all of us.

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round,
Or listened to rain
Slapping the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight,
Or gazed at the sun fading into the night?

You better slow down,
Don't dance so fast,
Time is short,
The music won't last

Do you run through each day
On the fly,
When you ask, "How are you?",
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done
Do you lie in your bed,
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You better slow down,
Don't dance so fast,
Time is short,
The music won't last

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow,
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a friendship die,
'Cause you never had time
To call and say hi?

You better slow down,
don't dance so fast,
time is short,
the music won't last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It's like an unopened gift thrown away.

Life isn't a race,
So take it slower,
Hear the music
Before your song is over

Written by David L. Weatherford

Turkey hangover blues!

     The feast was grand by even an elite standard.  Taste was "over the top" and quantity was "beyond imagination."  Company was plentiful and pleasant.  Christ was honored and thanked not only for the meal but also that for which we probably don't say "Thank you Jesus." enough.  The cooking smells went throughout the house so no matter where you sat that smell saturated your being as well as your clothing.  All in all the day was wonderful.  I hope your Thanksgiving was as well.  I say that knowing that many of you did not have this kind of Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving.  Many spent Thanksgiving in nursing homes not being visited yet another holiday by "loved ones."  There were those who dreaded the trip to, the company of and the pain from remembrances that no one could be thankful for.  The homeless, who most likely don't read this blog, ate another meal at the shelter or somewhere else that served up hot Thanksgiving dinner.  Many of the homeless were out in the elements and took whatever they could find for nourishment. 
      Yesterday morning when I awoke in warm bed the temperature outside was 21 degrees.  Chilly to say the least.  While living in Chicago (Foster and Kedzie) in the late 1980's and going to school, I had opportunity to work in a shelter working with the homeless.   Among the instructions when being oriented by staff was the factual law/rule in Chicago that NO shelter was to open it's doors  until the temperature reached 15 degrees.  Until that time everyone outside stayed outside.  Having grown up in North Dakota I knew what 15 degrees felt like. My empathy for those homeless men, women and children multiplied when I learned the truth.  Serving bologna sandwiches and juice to the men as they piled inside I saw thankful hearts and souls.  Not the kind of thankfulness I have described above.  No, this thankfulness was a desperate thankfulness.  There were only so many beds.  When they were filled those waiting outside were turned away.  Where would they go?  Maybe another shelter.  Most likely to another location on the street where they could survive another night in the cold. 
     So, today I will continue to pray for and seek to help those who are in need.  Not the Black Friday shoppers.  Not those who refuse to see the plight of their fellowman.  Jesus said, "Even as you do this to the least of these, you do it unto me."  and again, "Give to those who are in need as I give to you."  (Neither is an exact quote.)  The turkey hangover blues are connected with how blessed I am, have been and will be tomorrow.  Will I take my blessings and share through out the year?  Will I have this connection only on holidays?  What is my response?  Am I proactive or reactive?  Do I have the attitude and action every day or do the impulses only come when I feel guilty for having so much?  I don't know the answers to these questions but do know them for myself.  Being a Christian calls us to a proactive life.  It may even mean denial of self for the blessing of someone else.  Am I, like so many in the Bible able to say, "Here I am Lord.  Send me.  I will go."  I hope so every day. 
    

Happy Thanksgiving!

     It was once my habit to say, "I have much to be thankful for."  That's not exactly accurate.  "I have everything to be thankful for!" is definitely more accurate.  Over the years I have been able to see more of what is really real in my life and what is not.  "Real" goes to the head of the class.  I know it sounds confusing but hear me out.  When I was a child, I thought as a child.  My idea of what was going on was tainted by my world.  While tainting can be positive or negative, the result is the same.  Namely, my belief in what to be thankful for was more surface than today.  Thankfulness is something that exists in two world. There is worldly thankfulness where we thank our mechanic for fixing our car and the plumber for fixing a problem.  Then there is God's thankfulness where we realize as we age that everything we have in our lives is a gift of God.  I'm still having a problem with anchovies and spiders but do know that God created both for a purpose.  What I'm talking about today is thankfulness that goes beyond both what I was taught and what I believe.
     Most everyone who knows me knows that I've had in the past year a heart attack and bypass surgery.  If you every want to take a reality check, this is a surefire way to go to the base of reality and what is really real.  When you believe you are about to die what is important takes on a whole new meaning.  Having the ability to talk just one more time with your family, friends, a child, a spouse, make right with an enemy, finishing stagnant parts of your life all carry a heavy load in those moments when they are hooking you up to all those wires.  When they put in the IV and fluid begins to enter your body you realize that except for the grace of God there would be no blood flowing in your veins.  While "to be absent from the world is to be present with God, I wasn't ready for that yet.  Yes, I am ready to be with Jesus but I'm not ready as well.  When they took me to surgery and the anesthesia began to take effect a mixture of euphoria and fear traversed my mind.  Would I wake in heaven or the recovery room? 
     Real reality is intense.  The realization that except for the grace of God we cannot even take a breath is overwhelming.  The realization that except for the grace of God our loved ones could be gone in the next moment.  For some of us that is true as well.  The realization that except for the grace of God we wouldn't be able to right some of those (or all of those) wrongs we have left hanging in our closet.  I'm very thankful for the grace of God.  It sounds selfish (and I suppose it is) that I want all the grace of God all the time in all aspects of my life.  I have spent the last year learning that lesson.  Sometimes I don't act like I'm thankful.  Forgive me.  Sometimes I haven't acted gracious.  Forgive me.  Sometimes my selfishness denied someone else.  Forgive me.  It's all a matter of informed choice.  When I was a child my idea of thankfulness and Thanksgiving was more like selfishness and Thanks taking!  Today we have a chance to go to that next level of understanding the life we are living at the graciousness of God who provides for our every need.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Today is not a mistake and neither was yesterday!

     I have contact with many people and am amazed at how many times I find myself talking about what "didn't" happen as opposed to what "did" happen in my day.  I didn't get this/that done.  I didn't get time to do say this or that.  My day didn't go the way I thought/planned it would go.  He/she didn't follow through and do what they said they would do.  Do you suppose that Jesus is tired of my talking, thinking and living like this?  I think he is.  Habits are very hard to break.  Most of the time we just look at he symptoms and not the problems that keep habits intact.  For instance, we want to quit chocolate (not recommended) so we remove the items containing chocolate from our house.  We go to the store and there all around us is chocolate!  When we treat the symptoms and not the problem, we do not break the habit.  At best we put the habit on "pause" until we can't or won't resist any longer.  It's that way with how we see yesterday (our past) and today (our present) and quite possibly see tomorrow (our future) as well.  We are surrounded with a world of negativity stemming from our own discontentment with life.
     Somehow expectations form and become a driving force within us.  We expect to accomplish the items on our lists but get derailed when one item takes longer, has more problems, or just slips by the wayside and isn't done.  Since we are a driven people we look around to blame someone or something for our "failure" to do that item.  What a lie!  Yet, I see myself and others do just this day in and day out.  Leaving work with work undone, driving that car we "intended" to get fixed/cleaned/filled with gas, having that nice meal ready for your family when they are ready, and so on and so on.  Yesterday I intended to do laundry.  Didn't happen.  Why?  Because I chose to take a nap instead.  I chose to go shopping instead.  I chose to make a Craigslist deal instead.  I chose anything but doing my laundry.  It's not that it's a hard task.  Nor is it a task that really takes time away from other things needing to be done.  I just had this wall in front of me mentally and did not want to do the laundry.  So I didn't.  I didn't moan about it either though.  I still have underwear so all is good.  Guys are that way!
    Each day brings with it 24 hours and not a minute more.  Each day brings it's complications both known and unknown.  We don't know what will happen in our day.  We may have plans but what if God has other plans?  What do we do?  My plans should always be second to God's plans.  When they are not I tend to not do what God has planned.  On February 16, 2015 at 4:20 in the afternoon while on the way to the vet with my dogs, I suffered a heart attack.  I called 911 and ANY plans I had for the next few years were gone.  A week in the hospital to stabilize and then double bypass changed even more plans.  ONE moment in time changes everything.  It wasn't in my plans to have a heart attack.  The results were immense.  I became more thankful of every moment I've been given to live.  Things that matter most were less prone to be at the mercy of those that matter least.  Waking up each day is a miracle now!  Breathing is wonderful!  I don't have time to worry about what I have no control over and that habit is going away.  My habit of looking back is changed to looking forward to TODAY.  Tomorrow will take care of itself.  My day is filled with purpose even when I'm just taking a nap.  Since the heart attack my relationship with God has grown.  What he wants is more intense in me.  He doesn't care about yesterday and he has tomorrow all locked up.  Today he just wants me to be blessed.  That's not a mistake!

Well, well, well...now that's a deep subject!

     After you are done groaning please get serious and read on.  Wells are significant in the Bible.  From Genesis to Revelation wells have had both negative and positive connotations.  From the wells dug for the much needed water for animals and humans alike to the well spring of living water that is Jesus, wells have been there to provide lessons and to give life.  Life is what is common through all the references in the Bible when we look at wells.  Wells provided water to man and animal, fellowship amongst people, and unification of cause with life's challenges.  Today wells are foreign to many.  Cities don't have wells.  The hand dug wells on the farms have been replaced with one dug by machine and operated by electricity instead of wind.  Where once people had to haul water into their homes, now water flows out of taps with little thought on the part of the operator.  Many missionary organizations travel to other parts of the world to dig wells so that the people there are able to have water.  Water is what comes from the well.  In the Bible and in our dreams water signifies life. 
     Welling up inside of me are feelings that sometimes are beyond my understanding or any explanation.  The Holy Spirit welling up inside of me alerts me to where I'm to be, what I'm to think, what I'm to say and how I'm to act.  The source of the spiritual well is Jesus.  He is the living water that brings life.  Water is what destroyed mankind through the flood, the Egyptians through the sea, and the old man in me through water baptism.  It is in the washing of our souls by the water that we are clean and able to be used by Jesus.  That welling up of the Spirit within me is evidence that Jesus is living within me.  Should you not feel the welling up of the Spirit you may need to check out your well and see if it's empty or not.  Perhaps you have tapped into the well of a religion or cult that isn't Jesus.  There can be no welling up of the Spirit in those who don't have the Spirit of God within them. 
     The well in our lives isn't there just for the water it contains.  The well is a place of captivity.  Joseph was thrown into the well by his brothers.  Sold to the Egyptians and years later God reveals why Joseph's well experience was necessary to save a nation.  Daniel was thrown into the "well" of the lions den.  Though others thought he would be lunch, he didn't dwell (sorry) on that part of the picture.  His God took what was intended to be bad and created good which glorified God.  What kind of well have you been dumped into?  Were you raised in a time and place with people who didn't love you much less love God?  Was your well deep and without escape?  I've been there and felt that way.  At the time the well didn't seem to be anything remotely like positive.  Looking back I can see the hand of God taking me through the well experience so that in the end I could be "all things to all people".  I could associate with others who were still captive and my testimony was recognized as one who had been there.  The "well spring" of Jesus can be a powerful metaphor.  Think about it; you are in a well and it's dry.  No water.  Suddenly water begins to enter the well and raise you upward.  You reach the opening and are free by the well spring of water.  That's exactly what Jesus does for us! 
     When I approach the kitchen sink I see the faucet and know it's attached to water lines that are connected to the system which brings water from the well in my yard.  When I turn on the faucet water comes out.  When I do the same for the well spring of Jesus, he is manifested in my life.  Allowing the Holy Spirit to turn on the faucet when the water of life is needed for someone else demands I first be connected to Jesus.  Without the water and the blood there is no salvation for you or I.  Living water flows from the well of Jesus through those who call him Savior.  Wells are such an interesting subject.  Wouldn't you agree?

If Jesus came to your house.

If Jesus came to your house
To spend some time with you,
If He came unexpected,
I wonder what you’d do.

Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room
To such an honored guest
And all the food you’d give to Him
Would be the very best.

And you would keep assuring Him
You’re glad to have Him there–
That serving Him in your home
Is joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming,
Would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome
To your heavenly visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes
Before you let Him in
Or hide some magazines
And put the Bible where they’d been

Would you hide your worldly music
and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right
in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder – if the Saviour
spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing, the
things you always do?

Would you go right on saying, the
things you always say?
Or would life for you continue
as it does from day to day?

Would you take Jesus with you
everywhere you go?
Or would you maybe change your
plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him
meet your closest friends?
Or would you hope they stay away,
until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him
stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great
relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know,
the things that you would do,
If Jesus came in person, to spend
some time with you.

What does and doesn't REALLY matter?

     For the Christian you would think this is an easy question.  Our faith comes to mind first.  Our faith is the basis of our hope and salvation.  But, do we, in our own little worlds really believe that our faith does or doesn't matter.  I once read this statement: "If being a Christian was a crime for which you could be tried and sentenced; would there be enough evidence to convict you."  While I would hope that would be true for all Christians, I know that I along with all Christians have fallen short of being found guilty.  For instance, ask yourself if there was anything you thought, said or did that could be used against you in a court of law?  Was there any incident where you could have been immediately arrested for the crime of being a Christian?  This scenario is a clear example of our relationship with God.  Do we, by calling ourselves Christian, find ourselves in such a place that we stick out like sore thumbs?  When people examine my life in comparison to my claims I'm sure there have been plenty of times that "not guilty" would have sadly been the court decision.  It's not that I outright said that I didn't believe; because I did believe.  It's not that I even hinted that I had fallen back into old sinful behavior; though I had done so on many occasions. 
     What does and doesn't really matter in my life?  The answer is quite simple really.  God matters.  He matters so much to me that I engage life with the challenge to be better, be more, and be abandoned to God.  But does society, social circles, friends, relatives or even my home church see enough of Jesus that I would be convicted of the crime of being Christian?  Outside of God all these people or groups won't be judging me.  They only see what I want them to see.  God sees what is inside of me, my intents, my decisions, my sin.  God sees all of  me and STILL chooses me!  He has seen not only what I've done in the past, that which I am doing in the present but also everything I will do and not do until the day I die.  Living in a fallen world is not an excuse to be whom God wants me to be.  Knowing that people are deceived by all kinds of false religions doesn't give me permission to deceive and sin.  Believing that I am no worse than some nor better than others has nothing to do with how God sees me.  What matters most in my life?  I'd love to say with 100% sincerity that Jesus is what matters most.  My life definitely says that I live less than that amount for Jesus.
     My two friends, rationalization and justification, are determining factors in my Christian life.  They aren't really friend most of the time.  They hold a dual relationship with me.  They help determine what does and doesn't really matter.  As with all of humanity my "thinking" is what gets me into the most trouble.  Relying on the old man within me when I think only gets me deeper into my lack of living for Jesus.  Yet, that is exactly what Christians do.  We take that life we have given to Jesus and then through rationalization and justification (we are intelligent humans) determine that we are wiser than Jesus to run our lives.  And so we run our lives (and others lives) right into the ground.  When we come to the end of ourselves, like the prodigal son, we return to the Father who is waiting for our return.  There is much rejoicing in heaven when we return to Jesus.  What matters most in our lives?  Jesus.

Lunch with God

     There once was a little boy who wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where God lived, so he packed his suitcase with Twinkies and a six-pack of root beer, and he started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old woman. She was sitting in the park just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down next to her and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink from his root beer when he noticed that the old lady looked hungry so he offered her a Twinkie. She gratefully accepted it and smiled at him. Her smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he offered her a root beer. Once again, she smiled at him. The boy was delighted! They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a word.
     As it grew dark, the boy realized how tired he was and he got up to leave but before he had gone more than a few steps; he turned around, ran back to the old woman, and gave her a hug. She gave him her biggest smile ever. When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later his mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him, “What did you do today that made you so happy?” He replied, “I had lunch with God.” But before his mother could respond, he added, “You know what? She’s got the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen!”
     Meanwhile, the old woman, also radiant with joy, returned to her home. Her son was stunned by the look of peace on her face and he asked, “Mother, what did you do today that made you so happy?” She replied, “I ate Twinkies in the park with God.” But before her son responded, she added, “You know, he’s much younger than I expected.”
     Too often we under estimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally!

No rest for the righteous and the wicked don't need it.

     Depending on which category you choose, there is no rest.  At least not here on earth.  Finding a Christian "resting" simply means they are doing nothing for Christ and their righteousness is questionable.  Sounds kind of harsh for a Friday.  That's because it is harsh.  There is a need for us to be productive in our days.  We will be held accountable for every word, thought and deed that takes place in our lives when we are presented to the Father.  Yes, we have Jesus as an advocate and we can ask for the forgiveness of our sins that can only come from God.  Yet, we are still responsible.  There are sins of commission and sins of omission.  Paul wrestled with this stating: "Those things I should not do, I do.  Those things I know I should do, I do not do.  Wretched man that I am."  Paul was like you and me. sinners walking daily one way or another. 
     This poem means a lot to me and says better than I could ever what the ramifications of our choices are.  Enjoy!

"The Little Chap Who Follows Me!"

A careful man I want to be;
A little fellow follows me.
I do not dare to go astray
For fear he'll go the self same way.

I cannot once escape his eyes,
Whate'er he sees me do, he tries.
Like me he says he's going to be;
The little chap who follows me.

He thinks that I'm so very fine,
Believes in every word of mine.
The base in me he must not see;
The little chap who follows me.

I must remember as I go
Through summer's sun and winter's snow,
I'm building for the years to be;
The little chap who follows me.

Author: Unknown                  

In case of emergency!

     If you have a two story house with the bedrooms on the second floor, you would want to have a portable ladder (roll up) so that people in those rooms could escape out the window.  If you live in a cold area of the country with lots of miles between civilization you would want to have blankets, chocolate, and some form of heat should you become stranded in the ditch.  Living in the tornado belt of America you would want to have either your own shelter or access to shelter when the siren goes off.  When you go online to do shopping you want to do business with only those sites that have the best protection of your valuable account information.  If you are in a committed relationship, both of you should have ICE (in case of emergency) programmed into your cell phones so that police/fire/ems can call your partner if you are found unconscious.  When you are about to leave on a trip across country or just a few miles away, it's important to have your car in good working condition, spare tire with air in it, and fluid levels checked.  All of these examples are ways that we protect ourselves and those we love in the case of an emergency.  We pray that these circumstances don't come our way.  However, we are told in the Bible to be wise in our planning and decision making.  Attention to detail is important.
     I routinely receive requests for prayer for "emergencies" like sickness, injury and domestic issues.  When I receive those requests I pass them on to several different destinations that deal with these emergencies.  First there are those believers who are close to me.  God has developed a network of believers that I am in daily contact with all over the world.  When someone (like you) texts, calls, emails or tells me of an emergency, I send that to the prayer chain for emergencies.  Within minutes thousands of people have been notified and are praying.  They have also activated their emergency response team and THEY are praying.  Those also notify their ERT (emergency response team) and THEY are praying.  It doesn't stop there.  Sometimes safe housing is arranged, transportation provided, clothing and food delivered, or local connections in the community provided for additional ongoing support.  I don't go anywhere, do anything, where those intimate with me aren't already praying for me.  When this is accomplished in my life, your life, or the lives of those we love, emergencies can be taken care of or even prevented.
     "Pie in the sky!" you might be thinking.  Having been at the center of many emergencies personal to me, I know the value of being prepared in case of emergencies.  It's easy to say "be of good cheer" and another thing to actually "be of good cheer."  Preparation is the key to all of our life's problems.  I cannot remember how many times I have read through the Bible.  I cannot tell you how many times I have studied different sections or topics contained in he Bible.  What I can tell you that, with few exceptions, I have sat down and read the Bible daily since 10/1/1972.  I may not be able to tell you where the verse is exactly located when you ask me.  I may not even be able to quote the verse as it I written.  What I am able to do is know that inside of me the Word of God resides and the Holy Spirit can bring to mind Scriptures appropriate to when needed.  People don't care about how much you know until they know how much you care.  Do you care enough about yourself to prepare for your personal emergencies?  Do you care enough about your loved ones to prepare for their personal emergencies?  Do you care enough about your friends and associates to prepare for their emergencies as well?  Finally, do you care enough about your enemies to prepare for their emergencies as well?  If you don't have the Word residing within you, you are not prepared.
     Just to be clear; I am NOT perfect, have not perfected prayer or prayer chains, have not perfected my knowledge of the Bible, and fail on a daily basis.  I've bowed down to emergencies and failed to do anything just as I've entered into emergencies and done to much.  I've taken circumstances into my own hands and messed them up more than fixed them.  I am NOT perfect.  BUT...you don't need to be perfect to be the "in case of emergency" guy or gal.  All you need to do is be prepared, pray and listen to God as he shows you his most excellent way.  When we have done what we can, we leave the emergency with God, on the altar, with Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit to do their perfect will in peoples lives.  In case of emergency, call upon God.

Christian wishy washy

     CWW is a new diagnosis for those who really see Christianity as a convenient means to appear ready for God to use but have no intention of doing anything that would be seen as upsetting to their world.  Most of us have played this card at one time or another in our lives.  Missing that moment when he Holy Spirit directed us to say a word, act in kindness, confront a fellow believer, and the list goes on.  When we are caught (that's when we act like we change) we are contrite but not because we have betrayed Jesus.  We are contrite because we got caught.  Notice that I didn't use the word repentance.  Repentance is foreign to the CWW diagnosis.  There may be confession and even a pledge to do this or that in order to be more Christ like.  However, repentance means a change of being and that's more than most wish to commit to.  For the wishy washy life needs to be good without any inconvenience on themselves or those they know.  For that reason the Bible isn't applicable because it offends so  many.  They may read the Bible but have on tinted glasses so that they see only what they want to see. 
     The only thing worse than someone going to hell is the fact that you and I let them not only make that decision but let them take their family and friends with them.  What am I going to say to Jesus when we watch our friends, family and even our enemies being turned away from heaven and walking off to the lake of fire?  The CWW person is not able to handle thoughts like this so they say, "Well, I don't believe in a God who would send people to hell."  Neither do I.  The choice to go to hell is on the person.  It's their choice.  You and I had that choice.  We chose Jesus and are going to spend eternity in heaven without so many that we could have brought along...if we weren't wishy washy.  Think about it, YOU and I are the conduit to the world of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  It is YOU and I who claim to be believers to share the good news in words and actions.  The ramifications of whether we do our job or not is devastating when we think about what we have and have not done when we could have done it.  We haven't even taken a stand in our own sanctification process.  Where is the surrender?
     Just so we are very clear, I am wishy washy from time to time.  So are you.  We allow the CWW people around us to direct our lives so that we don't offend them or someone else.  Our willingness to be spontaneous to the direction of the Holy Spirit is squelched by their (and our) desire to not be offensive.  Our tolerance has taken us to a  place of ineffectiveness as never seen in the history of mankind.  We are so careful to not offend anyone that we are in a place of continually offending the very God who saved our souls.  I don't like it when I am wishy washy.  I don't like it when others are as well.  I'm not embarrassed by Jesus and shouldn't be embarrassed by my representation of him to the world around me.  What people think shouldn't even register.  What Jesus thinks should be the guiding principle of my life.  Just for today I will once again choose to put Christ first in my life and the lives of those around me.  What will you do?

"Imagine swirled peas"

     That's an old bumper sticker that I recently saw on the back of a beat up old car.  If you aren't aware, it's a play on the phrase "Imagine world peace."  There isn't much of that today and you would need to use your imagination to find the little that exists.  Swirled peas is a totally different story.  It reminds me of something served in a hospital or nursing home.  Not much to chew on and very bland in taste.  I've never known, and neither have you, world peace.  Perhaps you haven't known whirled peas either.  What we do know is that small slice of the world that we can all call our space. I remember reading a story told by a now adult refugee about his childhood.  He related how his village had been invaded and his parents told him to run.  Run he did.  He was running beside the river when he saw the bodies of his parents floating by.  He hasn't had or seen peace since then.  We know the stories of the horrible concentration camp atrocities and those who had to witness their loved ones going to the gas chamber or feeding their loved ones bodies to the furnaces.  The history of every nation and every people are somehow formed and remain scarred by the lack of anyone seeing peace as an alternative.  Whirled peas indeed.  How many would love to have a meal of whirled peas as they trek or wander the earth seeking a new home?
     Christians lives are marked by these two groups.  There are those who imagine world peace and there are those who imagine whirled peas.  The former see beyond themselves and work for a better world as Jesus wants it.  The later focus on getting their daily bread as they can't imagine the next meal much less the next day.  Why the big difference?  I'd like to say it's solely about our personal choices.  Many would agree and many would disagree again because of their choices.  The former group of people choose to see outside of themselves and see the needs of others while the latter choose to see their wants and needs above everyone else's.  History shows that those who have the imagination to see outside of themselves and their constraints are the ones who change their world and the world of others.  Whether it's bringing a meal next door or sending a meal around the world they make a difference.  But, you say, I don't have anything to give.  Can you listen?  Can you wash windows or dishes?  Can you step outside of what you want to give what someone else needs?  Keep in mind that there are also those who are "so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good." 
     Christians have fallen into the category of "learned helplessness" even as the world does.  Should we consider the first century church and their form and function; we find that we do not resemble the church at all.  We have our million dollar sanctuaries with parking attendants and security.  We have our fabulous comfortable seating and entertainment of orchestras and choirs.  We have a message that helps us feel good and finally we have the basket passed that we can drop a dollar into.  Whirled peas.  THAT world is busy caring for itself and basking in their accomplishments.  THAT world is nothing like what we see in the first century church.  THAT world is not what Jesus had in mind when he said to feed his sheep.  He didn't mean whirled peas as a continual diet causing dependence instead of independence.  Jesus called us to be a church that saw His vision of world peace.  That meant putting our lives (all of our lives) on the line for His will and not my will.  Again, we make choices day in and day out that either reflect advancing the kingdom of God or a selfish self contained world marked by self focus.  It's a choice.  It's your choice and it's my choice.  It's the choice of our leaders, followers and the innocent.  I'll imagine world peace.  Thank you!

Cold mornings, coffee and the world.

     It's cold this morning.  As they would say "back in the day": "there's frost on the pumpkin."  That simply means it's around freezing but not cold enough for a "hard freeze".  It's a signal to bring in from the garden everything that is left before a harder freeze decimates the crop of vegetables.  Of course you can always leave what's there for the deer.  They appreciate that gesture.  When I let the dogs out to go do their thing, the stars were out.  Yep, it was early!  I noticed that from my backyard they were all prominently displayed.  And the clear sky was why there is frost on the pumpkin.  Clouds keep the temperature higher whereas clear night skies tend to bring down the temperature.  Feeling the pulse of nature I went back inside and made coffee.  First things first.  I'm not necessarily a coffee prude where I HAVE to have a certain kind, fresh ground, espresso machine, and etc.  I'm more the kind of stumble getting the coffee machine going, get the cup and sit in my recliner for that first sip.  That's what people did back in the day and also do so today. 
     The world is in a bad way right now.  The increased violence of radical Islam versus the world has created a heightened security among all nations.  The not knowing of when and where they will strike next is of great concern.  But, history repeats itself.  This has been ongoing since Abraham send his wife's maid and his son into the wilderness.  This epic battle has been going on with it's root in hostility of one people against another people though they are blood relatives.  Abraham is the common father of both he Muslims and the Israelites.  The rest of us are just infidels to them.  Non-believers and outsiders.  What's so different today?  The sophistication of weapons, the increased number of warriors (we call them terrorists), and the unrelenting hatred driving the cause all have made this a more complicated world.  Ultimately this war is between the Muslims and the Israelites.  In reality this war is between mankind's idea of good and evil.  Both think the other as evil and themselves as good.  It's easier to just look at mankind being born in sin and driven by evil...all of us. 
     Second cup of coffee in place I'll change direction.  The world doesn't need to be like this.  It's a choice each and every one of us makes.  We choose to feel, believe, think and act as we do.  It's the gift God has given us in practice.  Just not what he wants us to practice.  God would have us be the reflection of his Son Jesus to the world.  We are not doing a very good job of that.  But then we never really have.  The problem is with us and not God.  It is us who choose to love something or someone other than God first.  When we first came to Jesus (assuming you have) our love and thankfulness for salvation was humbling and extremely valuable in our hearts and minds.  As time has gone on for many Christians that first love has diminished and even been replaced with self love instead.  Self love dictates that the world conform to our image whereas the first love of Christ placed us in the desire to be more like Jesus.  Why the difference of  mindset?  Because we all in one way or another want to be the god of our own world.  That's why there are wars and rumors of wars.  That's why so many signs of the return of Christ are being seen.  That's why the increased religious wars are taking place.  All because mankind wants to be god of their own world. 
     Don't give up, don't give in, and don't buy the rhetoric.  The first love you had with Jesus can still be present every day of your life.  It's all about choice of denying self and choosing Jesus.  Today I will try to be more like Jesus.  How about it?  Would you dare to do so also?

Christ living in me in spite of me.

     Ever feel this way?  You sit down with your morning coffee and wonder just what does God see in you that he would even think about using you?  We may even be able to articulate why we think or feel that way.  At least we have our coffee to sip while we contemplate.  There have been plenty of times when people around me would certainly question if Christ resides in me.  I'm a sinner.  No excuse.  I make mistakes.  No excuse.  I'm not perfect.  No excuse.  That's what the world thinks.  What does Christ think?  The Bible tells us that he has been tempted in all ways that we are tempted.  The Bible says that he knows our every thought and deed both past and future.  The Bible says that in spite of what he knew and knows that he still chooses to reside in me.  Wow!  I don't know about you but that says an awful lot about the grace extended to me.  The Creator God has chosen to reside in me in spite of me.  The Lord Jesus chooses to work his will in my life and in the lives of those who have chosen Him as their Savior.  All of this in spite of the mistake I made yesterday, the promise I forgot yesterday, the missed moment of yesterday.  Wow! 
     Why?  Why would the God of love seek to use me?  Because he can use anyone, anywhere, anytime.  There is no where in the Bible where it is promised that if you choose Jesus that you will be, need to be, or become perfect.  No where.  Not once.  To achieve that state we need to pass from this world into his presence and I'm not ready to do that.  God can use my failure just as easy as he can use my successes.  My children watch me as do others in my life.  They are wanting to see if I live out what I believe.  When I fall or fail they are there to see that part of me just as they can see when I succeed.  In the case of where I succeed, they see that I've taken and applied what I believe to that inner core of my life.  In the case where I fail, they see that I've work to do.  My response to both success and failure determines where I go from here.  It would be nice to be a success for Jesus all the time.  That's not what he asks of me or you.  He asks that we be willing.  When we are willing he can turn successes and failures into a means to glorify him.  Should we be humble and exercise humility in BOTH situations; we are telling the world that Jesus is the Lord of ALL of our life.  He can and does use both my successes and my failures to show those around me that grace extends to all.
     The world says, "He says he is a Christian and then he...."  You can fill in the blank.  Most of us have said those words ourselves.  We even justify using that statement.  What we do then in condemn and not love.  Yes, we are to approach one another and edify Christ.  That means in HIS love confronting sin and complimenting love...at the same time.  You will never, as a Christian, find Jesus condemning us.  He will correct us.  He will instruct us.  He will encourage us and he will sustain us...even when we aren't what we need to be.  Christ living in me in spite of me.  Christ living through me in spite of me.  Christ reaching the world through a fallen creature named Steve Hawley.  That's what this is all about.  It's not about me "arriving" but rather me being a train picking up strays along the way to heaven.  There is no one who has lived sinless.  Not one.  All need the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  All who call upon the name of Jesus will be saved.  Not through me.  Through Jesus.  Not with my wisdom but by his Holy Spirit.  Not by my sinning but in spite of my sinning.  This is not license to sin.  This is removing the excuse that it's not my job to reach the world for Jesus.  He works in spite of you and he works in spite of me.  When we are in right relationship he works even better.  Unlike me, Jesus never fails.  Thank you Jesus for loving ALL of me.

24 Things to always remember...and one thing to never forget

Your presence is a present to the world.
You’re unique and one of a kind.
Your life can be what you want it to be.
Take the days just one at a time.
Count your blessings, not your troubles.
You’ll make it through whatever comes along.
Within you are so many answers.
Understand, have courage, be strong.
Don’t put limits on yourself.
So many dreams are waiting to be realized.
Decisions are too important to leave to chance.
Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize.
Nothing wastes more energy than worrying.
The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets.
Don’t take things too seriously.
Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.
Remember that a little love goes a long way.
Remember that a lot . . . goes forever.
Remember that friendship is a wise investment.
Life’s treasures are people . . . together.
Realize that it’s never too late.
Do ordinary things in an extraordinary way.
Have heath and hope and happiness.
Take the time to wish upon a star.
And don’t ever forget . . .
For even a day . . .
How very special you are.

Author unknown

 

Driven by fears!

     Friday the 13th hadn't bothered me until June 13, 2009.  That Friday I went into surgery for repairs to my right shoulder.  In the process of transferring me from gurney to operating table I was dropped between the two.  The attendants grabbed the belt around my torso to prevent my hitting the floor.  In so doing (unknown to anyone) the disc between T11 and T12 was damaged.  During the surgery I was put in a "beach chair" position partially sitting up.  Five and a half hours later I was returned to recovery only to learn upon waking of an incredible sharp pain to my mid back.  Becoming more fully awake I was suddenly struck with the awareness that I was paralyzed from the waist down.  Friday the 13th hasn't made me superstitious.  Friday the 13th has been an event that traumatized me and inflicted yet another event in my listed PTSD events.  I've been able to recover most of my body function but some residual permanent damage remains.  So, when Friday the 13th comes up in any month, I remember.  That's what fears implant in you; memories. 
     There have been lots of fears over the span of my 62 years.  I was and am still extremely fearful of spiders.  Yuck!  For a season I was afraid of black cats lurking in the dark even though there were none around where I lived.  Because of physical and emotional abuse as a child my fears of others who were in authority became a permanent memory.  Being sexually abused rendered my fears of being loved appropriately (whatever that was).  There were years when I wasn't traumatized for which I am thankful.  Most of my memories no longer have fear attached.  They are still fact but not controlling of my life.  Okay, except for spiders!  When my Friday the 13th trauma comes up I sometimes still feel he fear that gripped me that day in recovery.  My perception of acceptance and approval sometimes suffer along with my perception of love and being loved.  These remain but diminish over the years.  Expectations that people will be loving, accepting and approving have been trashed by so many over so many years.  Yet, I still come into relationships expecting to be treated with respect; for people to do their best all the time, and for me to do the same.
     I don't have a fear of God.  He is God and he loves me, accepts me and approves of me just as I am.  He doesn't like it when I sin but he doesn't traumatize me in any way, shape or form.  There is a "respect" fear I have for God.  It's where I realize that I don't want to disappoint, fail or go against the God who sent his Son so that I could live without condemnation.  The "healthy" fear is good for me and those involved in my life.  Wanting to please God creates a desire to be who He has created me to be with others.  The willingness was born out of wanting to be loved and not out of the fear of going to hell.  Some may come to Christ out of that fear; I did not.  Over the years I've found myself in some areas and have other areas to discover.  Letting God show you who you are in his eyes is an even approached with fear and trembling.  Why?  Because he created me.  Because he knows me.  Because he loves me.  Because he has a plan and a purpose for me.  Mankind does not. 
     Driven by our fears immobilize us and render us unable to share Jesus.  We become so consumed by our fears that we cannot show fearlessness to the world as Jesus did.  He wants to do that through you and I.  He wants us to be free from fears and full of him.  Then the Scripture "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" can be fulfilled.  It's my choice and it's your choice. 

Whatever the circumstances, you are in the majority!

     I once heard the story of a small Russian towns population that had an underground church.  At that time Bibles were illegal as were Christian meetings of any sort.  The "church" didn't roll over and play dead even with the threat of death and imprisonment.  They met and worshipped.  What was different were the circumstances.  They had no Bible.  Not a one.  What they did have (similar to the Israelites and Jewish population today) was "oral tradition."  Each member of the assembly was charged with memorizing a portion of the Bible.  When they were present for "church" they had a complete Bible.  The chapters and verses were passed down from generation to generation.  Quite the circumstances; wouldn't you agree?  They were not and are not alone.  Churches like theirs meet all over the world today in countries where Christianity is suppressed or illegal.  Millions of people all over the world have given their lives for their faith.  The countries are littered with graves of those who have been killed for their faith.  They are a memorial to those who are the majority.  In America we don't have such a predicament.  We are free to worship, possess the Bible and read it.  We're allowed to have it on our shirts, bumper stickers, placards in our windows and published in all kinds of literature.  Yet, we don't form the majority.  Why?  Because of our circumstances. 
     We find ourselves much like the frog that has been put in a pan of cold water.  The heat is turned on and slowly the frog adjusts to the heated water until it is boiled to death.  Why no struggle?  Why not try to jump out?  Why do we just sit there and let the frog die?  Because we are not in the majority.  We are not persecuted.  I mean really; telling us that we cannot pray in school?  Who is going to stop you.  We don't need our prayer in school to be a public spectacle.  Bow your head and pray anyway.  Take your Bible to school and read it when you have lunch or a free time.  We find the energy to cry that we, as Christians, are being persecuted for our faith but really we don't have any persecution.  We are not in the majority.  We don't have circumstances that warrant our protesting.  Jesus had the circumstances and didn't protest the persecution up to and including his death.  Why do we?  NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY FROM YOU AND I WHAT IS INSIDE OF US.  No one.  If that which is within us is gone, it's because we gave it away.  Why would we want to create that circumstance in our lives?
     We've been told to not be offensive to anyone or any religion.  It's the era of where people feel they are threatened and there is a reaction.  The question is will we give up what we stand for or will we continue to believe as we do?  In the end times there will be two choices for Christians.  Stand for your faith and die or deny Christ and live.  No one will miss out on eternity.  We will either live eternally in Heaven or eternally in hell.  Those are the circumstances that determine whether we stand with the majority or not.  The Bible says that we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.  That cloud of witnesses are those who held onto their faith in Jesus and passed from here to eternity believing and not denying.  Some lived the faith their whole life while others accepted Jesus just before they drew their last breath.  Both groups and everyone in between have the same reward...Heaven.  It's easy to compromise our faith.  We do it every day.  In fact this is so common among Christians that they have taken to alter the Word of God to meet their wants and to make people feel good about NOT following the Word.  Perhaps you have been doing that?  I know I have done that for some seasons of my life.  I don't want to be found in those circumstances with that majority.  Do you?

What does silence sound like?

     There is an art piece that is famous called "The Scream".  I don't know who painted it or when.  I know that the image of that entity screaming remains a part of my memory.  Since it's an art piece, the scream is silent...at least to me.  There are lots of pictures that evoke feelings and thoughts about silence.  Quiet mountain meadows, sunrises, moon rises, children sleeping, and my garden not doing anything!  Silence sounds like nothing and yet encompasses everything.  Some people speak so loudly with their actions and words that we can't hear them above the emptiness and silence contained in what they are saying.  Silence was the last breath being exhaled by Jesus on the cross.  It was the last breath of several people who I've watched breath their last.  Silence engulfed not only them but the whole world around them.  Yet, my soul screamed silently for the loss.  As I contemplate Jesus on the cross an emptiness of feeling exhales from my body.  I know he rises on the third day.  I know the story isn't over.  I know that victory is being won.  Yet, in my grief, there is a silence that overtakes my soul and rests on me like a heavy boulder.  Silence can be very heavy.
     Some people look at silence as the absence of sound.  They are correct.  As a parent we sit back and relax as our children play.  We become acutely aware of something being amiss when there is silence.  Silence in this situation bears investigation.  Silence strikes us first in the negative of something is wrong and lastly the positive of their finally gone to sleep for that much needed nap.  Silence comes upon us in so many different ways.  We have been desensitized to the "cry" of the world by the silence of mankind.  Looking the other way we don't become involved.  Not only do we treat our world as being unable to hear; but we also are silent in our response.  We do not see and do not hear.  This leaves us as silent Christians, if there can be such a thing.  Can there?  Can we sit by and choose to not hear the silence of genocide?  Can we drive by the silence of the homeless on the street?  Can we avoid the beggar who just might be an angel that we are to attend to sent silently to see if we would do just that?  Silence can be very dangerous.
     Jeremiah was told by God to stop praying for the Israelites as they were a lost cause.  Jeremiah responded, "I cannot not pray for them!" and disobeyed God who told him to remain silent.  Where is the balance?  What are we to do as Christians?  Are we to remain silent and go as a lamb to the slaughter as Jesus did?  Are we to stand up like Sampson and push the pillars of the temple aside to make a final statement for God?  Do we sit silently braiding a whip while outside the temple knowing what we are to do?  Jesus did.  He took that whip and cleared the temple.  Within our self contained silent world do we settle for seeing but not seeing, hearing but not hearing, feeling but not feeling or being silent while the world cries out?  All that it takes for evil to triumph is for good men and women and children to do nothing.  Be silent if you will.  It won't make a sound.  At least it won't make a sound externally.  Don't silence that small still voice that urges you to stand up, do something and proclaim the truth and power of the Gospel that can save men's souls from hell. 
     Silence is really loud.

One good day at a time.

    

One Good Day

I had one good day today. It started out with a morning walk with my dogs under the starlight before dawn. It was so beautiful. Looking up I thanked God for the stars, the Earth, and my life. After the walk it was time for a warm breakfast followed by some exercises and prayer. Then I headed out to the office. The sun was out and glistened off the melting snow. The sight made me smile and since I was alone with nobody else’s ears to offend I sang along with the CD playing in my car with a loud voice and a happy heart.

My good day was just beginning, however. I helped it along by giving a cheerful greeting to everyone I met. I shared smiles and was happy to have them returned. I offered a helping hand to one friend and a pat on the back to another. Later at the store I opened the door for a lady with her arms full of packages. I bought a few boxes of pancake mix to put in the food drive collection bin. I told a tired cashier what a good job she was doing and watched her whole face light up.

When I got home I gave my daughter a hug, kissed my oldest son on the head, and laughed and played with my youngest son before doing some work on the computer. Then I answered letters trying to share a little good humor, a kind word, a bit of inspiration, and a loving thought or two with my friends around the world. Later in the evening I spent some quiet time reading a good book, petting my dogs on the head, and scratching my old grey cat under her chin. Finally I ended the day the way I started it: walking my dogs under the starlight, and thanking God for this world, my life, and the chance to live for one more good day.

Perhaps the key to having a great life is to live it one good day at a time. Perhaps the key to being happy in this world is to love all we today and let God take care of our tomorrow. May all of your today’s be good ones.

~ Joseph J. Mazzella ~

What's wrong with being right?

     I once read: "I thought I was wrong once but I was mistaken."  What is so wrong about being right?  Watching Jeopardy we see the countenance on people's faces fall as they are told the answer they gave is wrong.  Perhaps you, like me, have childhood memories where you were called on in class to answer a question and were wrong.  The snickers intimating how ignorant you were coming from others who would have answered wrongly as well.  Maybe you made a business decision based on faulty information.  Perhaps you have trusted someone who has been right but suddenly made a wrong decision.  Every one of us make wrong decisions daily.  Whether it's misjudging the distance between our vehicles on the crowded freeway or missing the timing of the elevator door and being left waiting for another.  Maybe you, again like me, mixed up baking soda and baking powder.  Needless to say there are lots of times I've been wrong.  What is missing are the times where I was right.  Maybe you feel the same way?
     Sometimes being right is unpopular.  I remember after preaching a sermon one Sunday which left one parishioner saying that she didn't like the sermon because: "He preached to us like we are sinners."  Well...we are.  The issue of being right wasn't part of the sermon.  Right living was the issue and since God authored that in his Word I'll not apologize.  We talk about she/he is the right one for me...and then find ourselves out of the relationship.  Perhaps ending the relationship wasn't even our choice.  Were we wrong or were we right?  Standing up for what is right is not popular today in pretty much every area of life.  We're not supposed to do this while we are supposed to do this all the time being asked to deny our faith in all that we do, think, or say.  Don't say "Merry Christmas" because your might offend someone.  The Bible states that God and the truth are offensive to "those who are perishing."  We are not to make people feel comfortable in their sin.  Being right is important and isn't wrong. 
     We've taken "right" and made it "wrong" in order to coddle mankind in their sin and lack of belief.  As Christians we (myself included) have compromised the message of the Word to such a degree that many churches no longer mention sin or salvation.  Fearful of falling giving pastors don't preach what may be considered offensive.  Instead of obeying the moral compass the Holy Spirit has give us, we obey the few who are offended by the Word.  Even though being "inclusive" and "tolerant" are being heralded as the new gospel the Bible still condemns both acts.  We are not to be tolerant or inclusive when it comes to disobeying God.  Jesus certainly wasn't tolerant when he went on the temple cleansing action.  He certainly didn't sit back and allow the watering down of the message and placate the religious authorities (who were wrong). 
     It's okay to be wrong if you truly are wrong.  Admitting our wrong attitude, action or words is important to our growth in Christ.  The more I read the Bible the more I realize that I've only scratched the surface of it's richness and wisdom.  More than once I have had to readjust my thinking as a new truth manifested itself.  Even though we may be right when we learn a deeper truth; the choice to stand for what is right lies before us.  Others may not see the truth or even want to hear the truth  We need to be right anyway.  Jesus didn't say we would be popular.  In fact he said we would be persecuted for what we believe.  In our world today we need to ask ourselves if we are being persecuted for being right.  Does what I think, say and do as a Christian bring about situations where others are uncomfortable with the truth?  There is NOTHING wrong with being right.  There is EVERYTHING wrong with not standing up for what is right. 
     "All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." 

Wood fire going, coffee at my side and quiet...

     Woke up this morning (a good thing) and was immediately aware that my wood burning stove (stoked last night) was burned down.  I opened the stove and there were some slightly glowing coals.  So I stoked the stove again, took my time getting my coffee and sat down in my recliner.  I have a ritual that I go through.  First I enter in my medical stats (post my open heart surgery) and all was well.  Then I read the Bible.  I'm in Leviticus and even though it's the book of the law; it's anything but boring.  Once completed I journal.  Since the journal entry is in the early morning I usually focus on yesterday.  Closing in prayer I go on to other things like toast with jam.  :)  An hour and a half later I was distracted as the stoked fire began to crackle and a blaze appeared in the window of the stove.  It was then that I received the inspiration of what to write today.  There's just something about a fire in the wood burning stove, coffee and quiet that lends the soul to express itself.  That's true whether we are writing, praying or just contemplating the world that is ours.
     Thankfulness is a common early morning theme for me.  I'm thankful that I have once again awoken to be present in this life and with those who I share love.  Several years ago (3) I had a cancer scare.  Faced with the great potential for early death life became more precious to me.  Yesterday lost a lot of it's hold on me and tomorrow wasn't taken for granted so much anymore.  Then just a few short months ago (February 16, 2015) the same wood that is burning in the stove took me to the point of a heart attack.  After a double bypass and recovery ongoing my thankfulness for waking yet again is magnified alone with the awareness of how short life can really be.  Sudden misfortune strikes in many people's lives.  Growing old is not a privilege or a right.  Growing old is an act of grace by a loving God.  I'm thankful He feels my presence here on earth is important.  Ah, the coffee!  I'm addicted but not to the caffeine.  I'm addicted to the experience.  Cold morning, crisp air, quiet place, and of course the fire.  That first cup of coffee and that first sip is like never having had one before.  Some of you are reaching for your coffee even as you read!
     Rather than seeing the fire as my tormentor by having to cut, split, stack, wait for it to cure, and then haul it into the house to burn; I see the fire as my quiet companion reflecting the fire of life that God bestows upon each of us.  There is a "future" anticipation when I bring in the wood.  There is a "future" anticipation when I stoke the fire.  There is the bursting into flame that signifies a change in the continuum.  The fire that burns within me is there as well.  My last thoughts at night and first thoughts in the morning should be about the fire the Holy Spirit has kindled within me and is fanning into flames as I surrender to his will.  The fire should not go out.  Though I've been disappointed with some of the struggles of life I have gone through, I know that (even after the fact) that God was there for me.  The fire of the Holy Spirit is my mentor, friend and salvation.
     Quiet is so important in this world where we tend to fill every quiet moment with something.  Avoiding quiet so that we don't have to listen to the internal; to God, to our soul gains us nothing but denies us everything.  There can be and is quiet in the hustle and bustle of life.  Whether we take hold of the quiet and enjoy that quiet is another thing.  Quiet is so quickly surrendered as the kids get up, the noise starts, the need to be out the door increases and the demands of life draw us away from the quiet.  Go is there through it all.  We're increasingly unaware of his presence when we are drawn away by life and he cares of this world.  Quiet is so powerful if we can only let the quiet be.
     The balance between the fire and the quiet is only amplified with the sip of coffee.  I take my coffee black.  Some put stuff into their coffee and that's okay.  That ability to bring the cup to your lips and sip the to hot coffee is denied to many.  Whether they don't have access to coffee or just choose to not drink coffee; it's their choice.  Orange juice, water or tea work just as well.  Just don't let the coffee get cold.  Stop your thinking, writing, reading often enough to finish the cup of coffee before you finish the quiet time.  The sip is a pause that allows the liquid to pass between our lips onto our tongues and flash taste through out our senses.  We can sometimes not get beyond the "sip" of God we experience in front of the fire on a quiet morning with a cup of coffee.  He wants to see us, hear us, be with us and for us to take as many "sips" of Him as we want.  I think I'll have another cup of coffee.  It's still quiet and cold outside and the fires is burning.  Thanks God for this morning.

Who you are when no one's looking.

     That statement brings fear into most everyone I know.  Not because they are such bad people or that they have done unforgivable things; but because people don't want to have their past sin brought into the light.  It's a prison of sort we put ourselves in for self-protection.  As long as no human has information about us, we can be whoever we want in the privacy of our lives.  Wrong!  With the advent of the changes in cyber world access to what we do when no one is looking is just what some people want to see.  God doesn't want us to live our lives in fear.  So who does want us to live our lives in fear?  The easy answer is the devil.  The more succinct answer is those who want to look better than us.  That's not a difficult task when I consider my past.  I've been pretty much an open book for many years...warts and all.  Some don't like my transparency while others have fled like I have the plague.  Are you noticing a pattern here?  There is a disruption of our Christian community that is fed by over zealous individuals, groups and the media.  The devil doesn't need to do anything as we are perfectly capable of doing the damage ourselves. 
     Why do we keep secrets?  Better question: Why do we do stuff that we have to keep secret?  I'm not talking about that surprise birthday party or that present you've stuffed away in the attic for a special moment.  Why do we enter into sin?  Again, the simple answer is we, Christians, feel we can get away with our sin.  After all, we have all the excuses.  "It won't hurt anyone."  "Others do it and don't seem to have a problem."  "Did God really say...?"  The list goes on and you can fill in your excuse.  James 4:17 says: "If we know what is right to do and do not do it, we sin."  That's pretty simple.  Pretty straight forward and stated in a way that we cannot dodge what is right to do.  So, when we go on our computer and cruise the pornography sites, go online dating while married, gamble the food money away, and dozens of other choices; we sin.  We think we have gotten away with it but we haven't.  God knows all that we think, do and say.  We may be able to hide our sin for "a season" but be sure that our sin will be found out.  That day has come for many as they have been exposed by those who have the ability to dig, investigate, and expose our wrong doing. 
     We are not beyond the eye of government, groups, neighbors, and our families/friends.  So, how do we live a life that is above scrutiny?  What does it take to be in such a place of integrity that we won't have to worry about yesterday?  The answer:  Live like you are forgiven.  But only if you truly are.  Romans tell us that ALL have fallen short of the glory of God.  Translation:  we are all in the same boat.  No one is better than anyone else.  Our choices as Christians should be to see Christ in each and every person.  God created us in his image.  Something of that image should be found in every Christian.  Knowing we can focus on the positive helps the integrity of the body of believers grow and be supportive.  Within that scenario being who we know we are is a safer thing to do.  God makes it clear in the Word that there are only two types of sin:  those that are forgivable and those that are not.  The unforgivable sin is knowing that Jesus died for our sins and deciding to not take up his offer of salvation.  The rest of our sins are counted as the same.  The kicker is that we have an incredible God who says when we ask for forgiveness that "he throws our sins into the sea of forgetfulness" and that he throws our sin "away from himself as far as east is to west."  Wow! 
     Here is the central part of the blog.  Should we confess our sin but return to it we are no better off than before.  Repentance and sanctification need to be an active part of the believers life.  Daily laying down our rights and living unselfish lives is not only Biblical but also healthy for the body of believers.  Notice I didn't say "church."  There are many churches out there that use our past and use our sin to keep us captive.  You know who they are.  If a church doesn't feel safe, it's generally not.  Live like you know you should.  Then when someone comes looking (even the devil) you will be found in Christ and not in the world.  The Bible encourages us to confess our sins to one another.  We should do this to get rid of the power of our secret sin.  Finally, don't have expectation that anyone, believer or not, is going to be sinless.  No one is sinless.  Love people anyway.  See Jesus in them.  Then give them the gift Jesus gave you....grace.

Remedies for a sore neck.

     It's Friday.  For most it's the end of the work week.  Others have different Friday's that they breathe a breath of air at the end of.  It's not that any particular day in and of itself is bad or horrible.  Some may be disagreeing right now so give me a bit of grace so I can explain what I'm talking about.  Friday signifies the end of the work week and the beginning of the weekend.  During the week we go about our business of getting up, getting coffee, getting into traffic, getting to work, getting through work, getting off work and getting home.  Did I miss anything?  We tire from all of it.  We tire from having to look over our shoulder to make sure that we aren't being watched by the boss.  We tire from the person who comes quietly into our cubicle and scares the crap out of us.  We tire of the repetitive work that seems to go nowhere.  We tire of the hassles our kids are having, our wives are having and our friends and relatives are having.  By the time Friday comes around we want to sink into our easy chair and zone out.  BUT the ceiling in the den needs painting.  So we get out the needed items and paint the ceiling.  That's when the sore neck really sets in.  It's not that we didn't have a sore neck from working during the week.  It's because we are able to relax and the sore neck hits us. 
     The problem with a sore neck begins a long time before we actually have the "incident" that takes us to the aspirin bottle.  We need to recognize that most sore necks (and other physical and mental maladies) are preventable.  When we prepare ourselves our chances of sore necks is greatly reduced.  Metaphorically, our sore neck is our sorry spiritual health.  When we prepare ourselves as God wants us to do, our sore neck never seems to materialize.  Life is good and we are happy.  Focus on the first cause brings about the second cause.  The first cause is having a right relationship with Jesus.  The subsequent secondary cause is that we are able to see that he is always taking care of us.  This should cause us to seek the first cause even more so that our peace of heart and mind can grow.  Focus on knowing Jesus through the Word and prayer keeps us on that track.  Now don't get me wrong; we will have trials and temptations.  How we handle them indicates whether or not we will be in need of treatment for a sore neck.  Should we bring our needs to Jesus and the body of Christ, we will be addressing the issues as they come up.  Those who don't read their Bible, don't pray or even don't know Jesus cannot sense this relief from a sore neck.  Keep yourself away from church and the picture of a sore neck is complete.
     There are people who have genuine reasons for ongoing sore necks physically that spiritually have no soreness at all.  There are people who go around looking for something to have a sore neck about and seeking same find it.  The one have peace and the other lack peace.  We determine where on the continuum between the two we reside.  For me, the wrestling is a daily process.  When I begin my day with the Word, with Jesus and with prayer; my day always goes better.  The chances of a sore neck go down significantly.  Now don't get me wrong, I can be the real pain in my neck!  I bring things upon myself and then wonder what am I doing.  Taking the time to go back to the simple formula of focus on Jesus is the only answer.  Drugs, alcohol, massages, sleep, food and other substitutes come up but rarely give us the relief we really desire.  Knowing Jesus, knowing what the Bible says and knowing we are just a prayer away from relief is the only answer.  It's still nice to have my neck rubbed, a hot shower, relax in my easy chair and turn on the boob tube for a bit from time to time.  I don't like it when my neck is sore and neither do you.  Why don't we do something positive for a change and let God take care of the sore neck problem?

Taking the test and then standing the test.

     I don't like tests...of any kind.  Period.  I never have and probably never will like tests much less love them.  Perhaps you feel the same way?  I know that being evaluated isn't one of my favorite activities.  It's understandable that we want to measure the success of our tasks.  It's even understandable to want to improve our success.  But, does it really take a test to determine the success?  Sometimes it's standing up to the test that is what is most important.  I can tell someone that I have accomplished this or that.  You can too.  However, placed in the position where our claim is put to the test is a different dilemma.  We can say we are good at this or that and usually do so during interviews, dating, and even our Christian walk.  Putting ourselves to the test, standing the test, will bring about the truth.  As we know, the truth will set us free.  We can say anything we want about ourselves, our accomplishments or even our potential.  If we cannot stand the test of time we certainly shouldn't be taking the test in the first place. 
     Tests evoke evaluations of all sorts.  Evaluations based on certain criteria that somehow has become the standard in our world.  Evaluations are used to determine our weaknesses and strengths.  Some of us have both and seem to do just fine.  Others see the evaluation of a weakness and cannot get past that trauma to see the strengths.  Still others concentrate on the strengths and ignore the rest.  Each has a part of the truth and a lot of the lie that we can do life on our own.  For the believer there is no test.  For the believer there is a need to stand the test.  The initial test was passed as we realized we have failed and brought our failure to Jesus.  Jesus took the test for us and now we only need to stand the test.  The Bible exhorts us to do just that.  Stand.  Not sit or fall down; but stand firm in the Lord.  Paul states with great power "it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives within me."  The test taker has come to reside in the believer.  We determine whether we want Christ to be our test taker and stand the test for us or not. 
     I read a book on test taking quite a few years ago.  It was quite helpful and served me well in my college days.  The biggest help came with questions that state or ask absolute answers.  Words like "always" and "never" were keys that this wasn't true or wasn't the answer.  I learned that I could write essay answers and just keep writing until something made sense and I would at least get partial credit.  Within the world of absolutes I learned that there is absolutely only one way to eternal life.  That would be Jesus.  God has so worked in my life and the lives of others (standing the test) that the absolute is applicable to Him.  He will absolutely redeem you should you take the test (give your life to Jesus).  There are no other answers or choices. This has been true from the fall of mankind in the garden.  God has continually, exhaustively and completely presented ONE way to life.  His way.  The ability of standing the test is equally important.  We can, by the Holy Spirit, stand the test.  This is something we cannot and should not do on our own.  That's part of standing the test.  Should we "stand" firm God will take care of all our needs.  Notice I didn't say "wants." 
      Every morning and evening (sometimes throughout the day) I take the test and relinquish my life once again to Jesus.  Then the rest of the time it's my desire to allow the Holy Spirit to stand the test inside of me and in my external world.  It's as simple as that.  The greater the surrender, the more at peace I am.  The greater the strength of God within me, the less of me is found in my thoughts, deeds, and words.  By the way, notice that no one is grading the test I take or how I stand the test.  That's all been done already.  Surrendering to Jesus gives me an "A" across the board.

Hornet nests for profit or pleasure!

     One day I was in my backyard (minding my own business) when a neighbor pointed out that he thought he saw a hornets nest in the tree that shared my back fence.  I went over to the tree and examined it and discovered that indeed there was a nest.  It wasn't small and just a matter of knocking it down.  This was a BIG nest about the size of a basketball.  The hornets didn't seem particularly bothered by my looking and didn't bother me.  Having the presence of mind to determine that this was outside of my ability to deal with I called a hornet removal person from Craigslist.  Alarmed that this nest had been there for some considerable time to get so big; I decided to do an examination of the rest of my trees and yard.  Thankfully there was just the one nest...right next to the pool my children been swimming in for the summer.  Weighing in all that could have gone wrong it was difficult to not panic to a slight degree.  The hornet guy arrived in a VW van.  That should have been my first clue.  Next, he took a vacuum cleaner (canister type) out of the back of the van and attached several hoses.  Carrying the equipment and dressed for safety he went to the hornets nest, set up the ladder, and climbed up with the vacuum hose.  To my surprise (I was watching from a distance) he took a device emitting smoke and began to smoke out the hornets.  As they exited he vacuumed them up into the canister.  To make sure he had all the bees he took a broom handle and began to tap the nest.  I took additional steps away from the action.  When he had finished he got down from the ladder, took his gear and went out to his VW van where he would freeze the hornets and sell them for their venom.  They would be used to keep others from going into shock or even dying. 
     What's this have to do with Christianity?  Good question.  Everything.  The Bible tells us that because of Adam and Eve and the calamity in the garden that we too are now born in sin.  Sin permeates our being.  We sometimes go on for years unaware that inside of us there is this nest of sins that have been building until a neighbor tells us about its presence.  Sometimes this happens early in life and the nest is small and other times (like me) the nest is large and even out of control.  The need for eradication of the sin in our lives is meant to render us "clean" and keep those around us safe from the disease of sin we have been carrying.  I don't know about you but there is no one on earth that I know of that can complete the operation of removing my sins.  No man or group of men exist that possess the tools and means to not only detect the sins but have the power to remove them by any means.  That's a job only a qualified entity can take care of.  Jesus, along with the Holy Spirit, team up to do just that.  Once discovered, the choice is still mine.  I can retain my sins and sinful living as long as I like.  Why?  Because I am created with free will.  The gentle (and sometimes ungentle) tapping of the nest by the Holy Spirit brings sins to the surface where they are exposed and require dealing with.  This is the process of sanctification.  No one who claims to be saved by the blood of Jesus slain for them is able to live the Christian life without sanctification. 
     The hornets were gone.  So I thought.  A couple of days later I noticed some stray hornets going in and out of the nest that was still hanging in the tree.  It appeared no one on Craigslist wanted the nest as my ad went on unanswered to give it away.  Taking things into my own hands (from a distance) I attacked the nest with a high pressure water nozzle.  The paper think layers of the nest quickly dropped away and soon the nest was gone.  The hornets, not to quickly, left the area as their home was gone.  They weren't wanted at my home and in my yard.  People were safe once again from the possibility of being stung by hornets.  The "washing" away of the nest is necessary for the removal of sin as well.  Taking down the fortress built by the enemy over the years sometimes takes years of washing to destroy.  However we want to look at this problem of sin, the eradication of the hornets and their next is very descriptive of he presence and deadliness of sin in our lives.  The sooner we take care of the problem, the sooner we are safely in the protection and love of Jesus.  Make no mistake, sin, like hornets, leads to destruction and is able to hurt those around us.  It's not a "victimless" event.