It's 19 degrees outside today. That is not good if it's setting the tenor of winter. The dogs water dish was frozen over and the wind had a sharp bite in it. We will have to see how the day goes. In the meantime let's ponder us. We are a complex creation. Some will love the cold and others will go to Arizona until the cold passes. I choose to stay inside and warm. It's my selfish decision of the day. That's just the way life is sometime. I've done my "time" in winters growing up on a large farm in North Dakota. Because I have done the time, I can speak about it. Life's lessons equip us to make decisions and opinions on issues that we have personally experienced. You may have raised monkeys and thus have an opinion on what it takes to raise monkeys. Opinions are not revered by everyone. We have the choice to take different stands. To some, today, is just the prelude to an Indian Summer. To which I say, "Fat chance!"
And so it goes. Taking stands on issues and life. Some issues are open for everyone to take a stand. Like, do you like peas and why? But, many make their determination before learning the difference between home grown and store purchased. If you have never had fresh from the garden peas in the pod; you are missing the best part of peas. This might be true for squash and spinach as well. We can only project from where WE are. If you don't communicate you may have spent years unknowingly serving peas when they hate them. So that's why you leave them on your plate! There is nothing wrong with letting others know what you like and don't like. I don't like or believe in global warming. But you can determine differently for yourself. Step outside my home in swim trunks and see how warm you feel.
There is a difference between opinion and bias. In my opinion I think the greatest candy bar is a large (2 pieced) Snickers. It, amazingly, has several of the food groups represented and they can be considered health food. No way! Yes way! Just don't tell my doctor. Conditioning has a lot to do with opinion and bias. I once went to the emergency room when I had cut myself. As a joke I talked the doctor into writing me a permanent prescription for one strawberry milkshake a day. I still have that script! Sometimes my opinions and biases are stretched accept something outside where I am. This results in my opinion and bias being shifted to include the new data. For instance, there have been times when I have been somewhere remote and discovered my gas tank was empty. I would begin to pray for Jesus to help me get to the next gas station. Promises were made and eventually broken. You have done this as well. It may not be the same example but it's been a subject in everyones life.
Life isn't contained in a tank full of gas, a strawberry milkshake (well...), or a serving of peas. These are opinions and biases we carry with us. When things change we are expected to change as well. When these changes touch our lives and/or our faith we begin to get heated up and defensive. Just what is it that you believe and advocate for that is rock solid? When all is said and done, what will be the final stand you take? What would you be willing to die for? When God was faced with this very question he chose to sacrifice his son, Jesus. Non-negotiable in my life. Jesus is Lord. And yes, I'm biased as well. The more people attempt to take away or change this part of my life, the bigger the resistance. The bigger the resistance on my part, the number of people standing with me goes down. So, at last we come to the end. Did I become willing to die for you? Not in a savior role. But would I lay down my life for my brother? Or would my wishy washy opinion and bias betray the weakness in my life?
Peas are good.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Boogers don't cause cancer.
There are all kinds of truth reported that we believe or at least honestly take an interest in. For instance, "boogers don't cause cancer." So, what do they cause? They cause uncomfortable and maybe even sick reactions. People will long remember the one who eats boogers but forget that most of us went through a time in life where we were the guilty ones. There are others as well. An example would be, "you cannot swim for an hour after eating. Really!? Don't step on a crack. Nope, that doesn't work either. So many phrases we use are simply selling points that people are trying to earn so they can be elevated while others put down.
This morning I read the account of Peter's denial of Jesus from Matthew. The whole account needs to be seen from a time focus. This took place at night. It would have been dark with the businesses closed long ago. There was a female serving men and there was a fire burning. Jesus was being brought to those who wanted him dead. He had predicted (prophesied) that Peter would betray him 3 times before the cock crowed. Those who have raised chickens know there can only be one rooster to a bunch of chickens. The rest of the roosters are dinner. The area is dark and quiet. The chickens are asleep as are the people. The exception are those around the fire. After Peter had denied Jesus for the 3rd time; the rooster crowed. Can you imagine how loud that was? We are all guilty of denying Christ.
There are so many fabrics of life woven together in order that we read the story AND understand the implications. So often we are so preoccupied with what happened versus why it happened. Jesus did not do anything contrary to God's will. Did he pick his nose? See, you wanted to know that others too had negative habits too. It's a distraction the enemy has designed to keep us from seeing Jesus in the action, words, and interactions. And so we do that work ourselves when we do not see people as Jesus sees people. There are times when I have denied Jesus. So, why haven't I been struck with lightening? Why am I spared God's condemnation for the wrongs I have chosen? Because God loves US and not what sin we commit.
There is one more event that exemplifies a repulsive event in our world. When Jesus was arrested, tried, and then killed, it was the most cruel and disgusting thing that could be done to a person. He was stripped of his clothes, whipped to the point of being unrecognizable. His blood covered the place were this had taken place. Hi was given a crown of thorns. The thorns were most likely 2-3 inches long. They were driven into his skull. He was stabbed with a spear in the side until the water and the blood flowed. Maybe this is what disgusts us. Maybe we are more disgusted that he did nothing to stop this killing. We are a people who are all about fairness with others and grace for ourselves. Peter had thought of himself. John was there with Jesus during the whole process. John could have been like the others and fled. But he joined in with Jesus' pain and suffering. That is what makes John an incredible author.
Suddenly picking your boogers isn't such a huge issue. Neither is not washing your hands or any of a number of disgusting (our definition) events that transpire everyday. What's important is Jesus needing us to be at the Cross with him. We need to acknowledge that Jesus actions were those which he wanted us to remember. Why? Because Jesus was the story in human form. He, and only he, could save a lost people. NOTHING else matters. Nothing. We've run away from God, denied God and took place in Jesus' death and resurrections. You aren't going t surprise God with your thoughts and actions. He just wants us. Our whole being radiating Jesus to a world that does not know what really is disgusting.
This morning I read the account of Peter's denial of Jesus from Matthew. The whole account needs to be seen from a time focus. This took place at night. It would have been dark with the businesses closed long ago. There was a female serving men and there was a fire burning. Jesus was being brought to those who wanted him dead. He had predicted (prophesied) that Peter would betray him 3 times before the cock crowed. Those who have raised chickens know there can only be one rooster to a bunch of chickens. The rest of the roosters are dinner. The area is dark and quiet. The chickens are asleep as are the people. The exception are those around the fire. After Peter had denied Jesus for the 3rd time; the rooster crowed. Can you imagine how loud that was? We are all guilty of denying Christ.
There are so many fabrics of life woven together in order that we read the story AND understand the implications. So often we are so preoccupied with what happened versus why it happened. Jesus did not do anything contrary to God's will. Did he pick his nose? See, you wanted to know that others too had negative habits too. It's a distraction the enemy has designed to keep us from seeing Jesus in the action, words, and interactions. And so we do that work ourselves when we do not see people as Jesus sees people. There are times when I have denied Jesus. So, why haven't I been struck with lightening? Why am I spared God's condemnation for the wrongs I have chosen? Because God loves US and not what sin we commit.
There is one more event that exemplifies a repulsive event in our world. When Jesus was arrested, tried, and then killed, it was the most cruel and disgusting thing that could be done to a person. He was stripped of his clothes, whipped to the point of being unrecognizable. His blood covered the place were this had taken place. Hi was given a crown of thorns. The thorns were most likely 2-3 inches long. They were driven into his skull. He was stabbed with a spear in the side until the water and the blood flowed. Maybe this is what disgusts us. Maybe we are more disgusted that he did nothing to stop this killing. We are a people who are all about fairness with others and grace for ourselves. Peter had thought of himself. John was there with Jesus during the whole process. John could have been like the others and fled. But he joined in with Jesus' pain and suffering. That is what makes John an incredible author.
Suddenly picking your boogers isn't such a huge issue. Neither is not washing your hands or any of a number of disgusting (our definition) events that transpire everyday. What's important is Jesus needing us to be at the Cross with him. We need to acknowledge that Jesus actions were those which he wanted us to remember. Why? Because Jesus was the story in human form. He, and only he, could save a lost people. NOTHING else matters. Nothing. We've run away from God, denied God and took place in Jesus' death and resurrections. You aren't going t surprise God with your thoughts and actions. He just wants us. Our whole being radiating Jesus to a world that does not know what really is disgusting.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Henry's obsession.
Henry is my blue heeler 12 year old dog that has an obsession that knows no boundaries. Henry love to chase the visible and invisible animals from his area of control. Last night that happened at 2:37 AM. Then again at 4:00 AM. So started my day. Henry has sat at the bottom of the trunk of a tree for long segments of time and looked up. The only problem was there were no animals in the tree. I watched for some time before I discovered the source of his attention. The maple tree had it's seeds going off the tree and helicoptering slowly to the ground. He sat there for a long time I imagine trying to figure out if they were friend or foe!
Henry can go from zero to eighty miles an hours in seconds. He is unable to be amongst people without his tail wagging continually. This habit is second only to food and treats. In human ways, e would be ADHD. For those of you with ADHD (myself included) the picture is all to familiar. Henry is also of the frame of mind that he is a lap dog. He's 45 pounds! He does love to sit with anyone on the couch. You would be compelled by him to like him and to do his biding. With all of this going on in his life we wouldn't change a thing. Well, maybe the hours he was barking at the invisible strange sound.
When it comes to behaviors it is often said that owners and their pets compliment each other. Their looks and actions mimic the owner who is most connected to them. Henry is so opposite me that you would be left thinking he has been adopted. Despite our training and successes in that area, we still have disobedience. No matter that we feed him, provide shelter for him and protect him, his only response to us is thankfulness. So, love us he does. It's been said if you wanted to find out who loved you more, your wife or your dog you should put them both in the trunk of a car for 2 hours and then let them out. See who is happy to see you!
As I look at my life and give credit where credit is due, Henry gives way more than he takes. But that's his chosen task. Unlike cats who are psychopaths, dogs are happy givers for the most part. Both of our dogs, Henry and Buddy, are security in our world. They love us and we love them. So, you might be thinking, what's this to do with Christian walk. Everything. In the 3rd paragraph I basically outlined how God sees us and does for us. We are supposed to be thankful, appreciative, happy, and successful in all areas of our life. God provides us ALL of our needs and many of our wants without so much as a complaint. Yet, we act like we are deprived children throwing temper tantrums on the floor. Well, maybe only on the inside.
God sees the intent and the focus of our hearts. We are unable to hide anything from God. He sees us as transparent much like we see Henry and Buddy. The difference is God wants us to be more like him. Our habits living with God are shown to the world. If we aren't living for God, our lives of selfishness are also visible. Jesus talked about carrying for the vine. We are that vine whether we produce or not. However, God is the gardener who prunes the vine cutting away the dead or diseased. As a friend of mine once said, "If you don't feel close to God, guess who moved."
Today, try to live life for God in every way you can. Remember that God tells us he will never put on us what we cannot bear. He also said that he will never leave nor forsake you. Getting back to God, when we walk away, is one step. Ask for grace and choose that which is right. He's waiting for you and I. Nothing more and nothing less.
Henry can go from zero to eighty miles an hours in seconds. He is unable to be amongst people without his tail wagging continually. This habit is second only to food and treats. In human ways, e would be ADHD. For those of you with ADHD (myself included) the picture is all to familiar. Henry is also of the frame of mind that he is a lap dog. He's 45 pounds! He does love to sit with anyone on the couch. You would be compelled by him to like him and to do his biding. With all of this going on in his life we wouldn't change a thing. Well, maybe the hours he was barking at the invisible strange sound.
When it comes to behaviors it is often said that owners and their pets compliment each other. Their looks and actions mimic the owner who is most connected to them. Henry is so opposite me that you would be left thinking he has been adopted. Despite our training and successes in that area, we still have disobedience. No matter that we feed him, provide shelter for him and protect him, his only response to us is thankfulness. So, love us he does. It's been said if you wanted to find out who loved you more, your wife or your dog you should put them both in the trunk of a car for 2 hours and then let them out. See who is happy to see you!
As I look at my life and give credit where credit is due, Henry gives way more than he takes. But that's his chosen task. Unlike cats who are psychopaths, dogs are happy givers for the most part. Both of our dogs, Henry and Buddy, are security in our world. They love us and we love them. So, you might be thinking, what's this to do with Christian walk. Everything. In the 3rd paragraph I basically outlined how God sees us and does for us. We are supposed to be thankful, appreciative, happy, and successful in all areas of our life. God provides us ALL of our needs and many of our wants without so much as a complaint. Yet, we act like we are deprived children throwing temper tantrums on the floor. Well, maybe only on the inside.
God sees the intent and the focus of our hearts. We are unable to hide anything from God. He sees us as transparent much like we see Henry and Buddy. The difference is God wants us to be more like him. Our habits living with God are shown to the world. If we aren't living for God, our lives of selfishness are also visible. Jesus talked about carrying for the vine. We are that vine whether we produce or not. However, God is the gardener who prunes the vine cutting away the dead or diseased. As a friend of mine once said, "If you don't feel close to God, guess who moved."
Today, try to live life for God in every way you can. Remember that God tells us he will never put on us what we cannot bear. He also said that he will never leave nor forsake you. Getting back to God, when we walk away, is one step. Ask for grace and choose that which is right. He's waiting for you and I. Nothing more and nothing less.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Anxious, overwhelmed and frustrated beyond words.
I've just described about half of the population of our country. If you asked me to go back even 20 years I wouldn't have said the same thing. Along with education, we have had many experiences that bring us to that point of anxiety, overwhelmed and frustrated. These three crowd our thought and keep us from experiencing peace, love, and joy. It's not necessary to have a college degree in order to say with authority that we can have peace love and joy. All we need to do is open any newspaper, listen to the news and hear the complaints of our friends, family and kids. There are wars, rumors of war and feuding across the globe.
Yet, the end is not near.
Where is the peace, love and joy? Whatever happened to "hope"? They are still there. However, our denial and lack of faith often overwhelms us. Most of us suffer from the malady of burned out. We know what is good, right and positive in our hearts but our conscience doesn't register as first line of defense. Not only is there a real physical war out there but there is an internal war as well. Fear overshadows peace. Depression is such a mountain in our mind that we are temporarily unable to see anything but overwhelming feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Where there were once the ability to love, suspicion and lack of belief moves love to the edge of our mind. It's there that we cannot see love like we cannot see a planet in space.
And yet, the end is not near.
I was discussing the end of time before Jesus returns with a believer. After explaining how the scenario had to morph into something worse to them, they exclaimed: "Then why are we trying to make the world a better place? If this keeps Jesus from coming back why do we do this?" Very valid questions. I'm glad the questions were asked. Seeking answers to questions is the first evidence of caring. Many Christians don't care enough about what is going on spiritually to do anything much less think about the future. Yes, we know that Jesus is coming back and will take us home. Yes, there are many prophecies that need to be fulfilled. Yes, we need to acknowledge the enemy seems to be having a hay day with the world.
Still, the end is not near.
I'm usually a happy camper and perhaps you are also. When people around us are positive, we tend to be positive. When people around us are negative, we tend to be positive. That is until we are worn down and anxiety, overwhelmed and frustrated we give in and we too become negative. It's in this context that we come to conflict over whether I am part or wholly the problem. How much people expect you or I to "fix" is determined by who people think we are. If we have a history like negativity and unbelief certain people will flock to us for insight or just to recharge heir negativity. If we have a history of being positive, people will either want us to comfort them or be the object of their angst. The world will become the authority and choices will be removed from our hands. Nothing could go wrong. Right?
And so, the end is still not near.
Putting off today that which we should have accomplished today keeps us from having the insight to see that we are getting through stuff in spite of our focus. Jesus said "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in the Father, also believe in me." Not bad advice. When our location is being bombed by the enemy and there are casualties all around us; we are asked to be loving, have hope and positivity. Yes. We are. Perhaps your life will be the only positive one that someone without hope sees today. Maybe you and I are the chosen ones bringing hope to our world because we care. Maybe the end of time is not an issue because we know Jesus. Just for chuckles we can laugh at all that is going on because nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus who died so we don't need to feel anxious, overwhelmed and frustrated beyond words.
Thus, we know the end can come at anytime for each of us or all of us collectively. We should be about the business of the Lord to those within our sphere of influence. Then we need to let go and let God be the author and finisher of not only our faith but the faith of others as well. When it's time for us to go home or for the Lord to take all of us home, we will no longer care when the end comes. For we already know how the Book ends.
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
Yet, the end is not near.
Where is the peace, love and joy? Whatever happened to "hope"? They are still there. However, our denial and lack of faith often overwhelms us. Most of us suffer from the malady of burned out. We know what is good, right and positive in our hearts but our conscience doesn't register as first line of defense. Not only is there a real physical war out there but there is an internal war as well. Fear overshadows peace. Depression is such a mountain in our mind that we are temporarily unable to see anything but overwhelming feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. Where there were once the ability to love, suspicion and lack of belief moves love to the edge of our mind. It's there that we cannot see love like we cannot see a planet in space.
And yet, the end is not near.
I was discussing the end of time before Jesus returns with a believer. After explaining how the scenario had to morph into something worse to them, they exclaimed: "Then why are we trying to make the world a better place? If this keeps Jesus from coming back why do we do this?" Very valid questions. I'm glad the questions were asked. Seeking answers to questions is the first evidence of caring. Many Christians don't care enough about what is going on spiritually to do anything much less think about the future. Yes, we know that Jesus is coming back and will take us home. Yes, there are many prophecies that need to be fulfilled. Yes, we need to acknowledge the enemy seems to be having a hay day with the world.
Still, the end is not near.
I'm usually a happy camper and perhaps you are also. When people around us are positive, we tend to be positive. When people around us are negative, we tend to be positive. That is until we are worn down and anxiety, overwhelmed and frustrated we give in and we too become negative. It's in this context that we come to conflict over whether I am part or wholly the problem. How much people expect you or I to "fix" is determined by who people think we are. If we have a history like negativity and unbelief certain people will flock to us for insight or just to recharge heir negativity. If we have a history of being positive, people will either want us to comfort them or be the object of their angst. The world will become the authority and choices will be removed from our hands. Nothing could go wrong. Right?
And so, the end is still not near.
Putting off today that which we should have accomplished today keeps us from having the insight to see that we are getting through stuff in spite of our focus. Jesus said "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in the Father, also believe in me." Not bad advice. When our location is being bombed by the enemy and there are casualties all around us; we are asked to be loving, have hope and positivity. Yes. We are. Perhaps your life will be the only positive one that someone without hope sees today. Maybe you and I are the chosen ones bringing hope to our world because we care. Maybe the end of time is not an issue because we know Jesus. Just for chuckles we can laugh at all that is going on because nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus who died so we don't need to feel anxious, overwhelmed and frustrated beyond words.
Thus, we know the end can come at anytime for each of us or all of us collectively. We should be about the business of the Lord to those within our sphere of influence. Then we need to let go and let God be the author and finisher of not only our faith but the faith of others as well. When it's time for us to go home or for the Lord to take all of us home, we will no longer care when the end comes. For we already know how the Book ends.
Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Sing but know what and why you sing.
With the Christmas holidays rapidly coming upon us, what music says becomes more and more important for Christian and non-Christian alike. The 12 Days of Christmas was written as a means to have the Bible message for those who were imprisoned. Didn't know that? Neither did I until a few years ago when I was reading about Christmas carols. There are so many messages we get from music that sometimes it's very difficult to separate out Christian from non-Christian. With artists putting secular songs mixed with religious the secular ones take on more meaning for Christians while the Christian songs tend to keep the non-Christian away. Our frame of mind is just one factor directing our likes and dislikes.
I once heard a young pastor speak a sermon directed towards young men and boys in a juvenile detention facility. He began by singing the opening lines to Santa Claus is coming to tow. He stopped at "so be good for goodness sake." He followed with "I hate that song. I've had enough of others watching and punishing me for wrongs I've done." "I know when you've been bad or good." If I was one of those young men I would find the song offensive. There are so many times that we unfortunately caught in tradition and won't change. Take, for example the day reserved from the invasion and imprisonment by the Nazis that came to be known as "Crystal Night." What would you think could be the problem with "Silent Night"? There are lots of other songs we can pick on but suffice it to say the carols we sing are not very descriptive of what the world is really about.
Quite a number of years ago I was conducting a church service and was leading the church in singing. After the sermon my family told me: "Don't sing dad." "Please don't sing." When the tape was played back I knew why they said that. I have a hearing loss and thus don't necessarily get "on key" all the time. To add insult to injury I had a microphone that picked up me but not the piano. It was very painful to hear and admit they were right. We have carolers who are made up of people in the neighborhood. They go through the streets and sing at the houses of their neighbors with whom they haven't spoken to the last year. You understand that some of the messages from the song come across as an insult. Anyone can sing a song but few can actually live what they sing.
When I was in high school I sang in choir. I mainly took choir so that I wouldn't have to deal with homework and tests. It was through the years that I learned how much I liked music. With the first choir director I learned the basics but in the middle of that we were expected to memorize a couple of songs in German. Yes, that's correct. We had a large population that spoke German. It just seemed wrong somehow to be singing in German when we didn't speak the language. Singing words that we don't know the intended meaning of is mere reciting a memorized line. We are depressed and medicated for the previous year and then we sing; "Joy to the World." You can understand the hypocrisy in what we sing versus what we feel.
Perhaps we could do better by being real. Singing what we really feel. Singing what will help and not hinder our healing. It's our choice really. Choose well.
I once heard a young pastor speak a sermon directed towards young men and boys in a juvenile detention facility. He began by singing the opening lines to Santa Claus is coming to tow. He stopped at "so be good for goodness sake." He followed with "I hate that song. I've had enough of others watching and punishing me for wrongs I've done." "I know when you've been bad or good." If I was one of those young men I would find the song offensive. There are so many times that we unfortunately caught in tradition and won't change. Take, for example the day reserved from the invasion and imprisonment by the Nazis that came to be known as "Crystal Night." What would you think could be the problem with "Silent Night"? There are lots of other songs we can pick on but suffice it to say the carols we sing are not very descriptive of what the world is really about.
Quite a number of years ago I was conducting a church service and was leading the church in singing. After the sermon my family told me: "Don't sing dad." "Please don't sing." When the tape was played back I knew why they said that. I have a hearing loss and thus don't necessarily get "on key" all the time. To add insult to injury I had a microphone that picked up me but not the piano. It was very painful to hear and admit they were right. We have carolers who are made up of people in the neighborhood. They go through the streets and sing at the houses of their neighbors with whom they haven't spoken to the last year. You understand that some of the messages from the song come across as an insult. Anyone can sing a song but few can actually live what they sing.
When I was in high school I sang in choir. I mainly took choir so that I wouldn't have to deal with homework and tests. It was through the years that I learned how much I liked music. With the first choir director I learned the basics but in the middle of that we were expected to memorize a couple of songs in German. Yes, that's correct. We had a large population that spoke German. It just seemed wrong somehow to be singing in German when we didn't speak the language. Singing words that we don't know the intended meaning of is mere reciting a memorized line. We are depressed and medicated for the previous year and then we sing; "Joy to the World." You can understand the hypocrisy in what we sing versus what we feel.
Perhaps we could do better by being real. Singing what we really feel. Singing what will help and not hinder our healing. It's our choice really. Choose well.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
As a matter of fact, I...
I do own the whole street, sidewalk, parking lot, or whatever else comes to your mind. Our need to have ownership of anything brings up the need within us to do just that. We, of course, know that this world is not based on absolutes. For instance, when we put something other than death in the equation, we just set up ourselves and others who are depending on us. More than one person has been in trouble for using n absolute word like always, never and you can identify your absolute word absolutely! There are some statements that are absolute which violate this rule. There are some who would take issue with this but, they would be wrong. For instance, "All have sinned." "God loves you." "He will never leave you nor forsake you." Even "There will be rain in Washington." comes under the absolute rule.
But, in our day to day living we use absolute words and phrases quite often. I can be pretty sure when I hear one of these phrases that the speaker didn't mean their statement to be absolute. The every day statements corner us in our world. "I can do that job by Monday," "You have to give me some time off." "I never break the law." "I will always love you." You get the drift. Using absolutes in this manner is understood to be anything but literal in definition. So, why don't we use appropriate statements in our daily life. Knowing that a statement is not true and won't be true decays our integrity. Yeah, right, you will jump the Grand Canyon on your motorcycle. Doubt follows and of course the more impossible the task, the greater he disappointment.
When we search the Bible regarding this topic, there are lots of stories where absolutes are given. There are also examples of times when absolutes were sought. God is. That's an absolute statement. Even God was or will be end up in the list marked absolute statements. When mankind seek and believe any absolute statement regarding God, they raise the standard and lower the error rate. In the Old Testament prophets were judged by whether or not their prophecy came true or not. If a prophecy did come true, the prophet was given the due respect. If the prophecy did not turn out to be true, they were killed. Now there is an absolute result. If you prophecy instead of God prophesying, the error rate was much higher.
This is what makes Jesus' life, death and resurrection so important. When Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose from the dad he verified over 600 prophecies from the Old Testament. Those actions backed some religious authorities into a corner where there was no longer a defense for what they did or did not do. For the humble and respected, Jesus was, is and will always be Lord. The belief of the former was merely a legalistic sham meant to keep anyone from rocking the boat. The latter one there was increasing faith and reliance on God instead of mankind. It all comes down to our choice to have God living in and through us or whether we are the god of our own world. What is it for you, your circle of friends and family?
God is absolutely sure that he loves his creating including mankind. God is absolutely positive that our sins are forgiven when we ask for them to be forgiven. There is no question (well maybe some) that God continues to do the unbelievable both in small and large ways. I am absolutely sure that my Lord will meet me in heaven. I am absolutely sure that there is a room for me that Jesus has been working on for some 2000 years. I am absolutely convinced, even when I cannot see it, that God always desires the best for me. When we wrestle with these issues, we need someway to measure whether the absolute is true or not. For years I kept a prayer book where I put the prayer requests on the day or hour when I asked God to answer them. When they were answered I put that in the list with the date they were answered. What a wonderful tool to see that God is absolutely desiring to love and care for me and others. Perhaps Christ will become your savior today. He will always love you.
But, in our day to day living we use absolute words and phrases quite often. I can be pretty sure when I hear one of these phrases that the speaker didn't mean their statement to be absolute. The every day statements corner us in our world. "I can do that job by Monday," "You have to give me some time off." "I never break the law." "I will always love you." You get the drift. Using absolutes in this manner is understood to be anything but literal in definition. So, why don't we use appropriate statements in our daily life. Knowing that a statement is not true and won't be true decays our integrity. Yeah, right, you will jump the Grand Canyon on your motorcycle. Doubt follows and of course the more impossible the task, the greater he disappointment.
When we search the Bible regarding this topic, there are lots of stories where absolutes are given. There are also examples of times when absolutes were sought. God is. That's an absolute statement. Even God was or will be end up in the list marked absolute statements. When mankind seek and believe any absolute statement regarding God, they raise the standard and lower the error rate. In the Old Testament prophets were judged by whether or not their prophecy came true or not. If a prophecy did come true, the prophet was given the due respect. If the prophecy did not turn out to be true, they were killed. Now there is an absolute result. If you prophecy instead of God prophesying, the error rate was much higher.
This is what makes Jesus' life, death and resurrection so important. When Jesus was born, lived, died, and rose from the dad he verified over 600 prophecies from the Old Testament. Those actions backed some religious authorities into a corner where there was no longer a defense for what they did or did not do. For the humble and respected, Jesus was, is and will always be Lord. The belief of the former was merely a legalistic sham meant to keep anyone from rocking the boat. The latter one there was increasing faith and reliance on God instead of mankind. It all comes down to our choice to have God living in and through us or whether we are the god of our own world. What is it for you, your circle of friends and family?
God is absolutely sure that he loves his creating including mankind. God is absolutely positive that our sins are forgiven when we ask for them to be forgiven. There is no question (well maybe some) that God continues to do the unbelievable both in small and large ways. I am absolutely sure that my Lord will meet me in heaven. I am absolutely sure that there is a room for me that Jesus has been working on for some 2000 years. I am absolutely convinced, even when I cannot see it, that God always desires the best for me. When we wrestle with these issues, we need someway to measure whether the absolute is true or not. For years I kept a prayer book where I put the prayer requests on the day or hour when I asked God to answer them. When they were answered I put that in the list with the date they were answered. What a wonderful tool to see that God is absolutely desiring to love and care for me and others. Perhaps Christ will become your savior today. He will always love you.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Why do I do it?!
Paul tells us this very statement. He said that he did the things he shouldn't do and didn't do that which he should do. This is the same guy who wrote 3/4 of the New Testament. This is the same guy who had the equivalent of a Doctors in Theology degree. Now, tell me, am I like him? Yep. That's the short answer. The long answer is boring and leads to the same conclusion. So, let's pretend that we are perfect. No, that doesn't work either. Here he was sitting on his camel out on a mission to kill Christians (hmmm...going on today too) when he is blinded by God and verbally confronted. Okay, God would have had my attention too. Paul has this conversion, is forgiven and then goes on sabbatical for 3 years. Not a bad job.
Let's cut to the chase shall we. All sin is selfishness and all obedience is unselfishness. I know that we can justify and rationalize our actions, non-actions and choices. That's the easy part. We've been doing that ever since the incident in the garden about the fruit eaten. It's never about the fruit on the tree or even the garden. It's been about our choosing to be obedient to God. There is a setup by which we are duped into thinking that God will somehow be okay if we do this or that once. We think since lightening hasn't struck that our behaviors are alright in the eyes of God. We get to a point where we choose to sin.
After preaching a sermon one Sunday long ago, I overheard an elderly attendee say that she didn't like the sermon because I had preached like she was a sinner. I'm so sorry. How could I be so hard hearted? People really do want to hear what they want to hear. Sometimes we listen to God speak to us and all we can do is think about how that is what so and so hear. I actually had a chance to hear this spoken rather directly. One of a bunch of church elders said that he felt that in this particular problem we (the church) would need to disobey God's direction. Still no lightening! You could feel the Holy Spirit leave and slam the door.
Choices that I have made in my personal life fall on two sides of the same sword. First were the personal choices where no one was sinned against except God. That should have been enough to bring me to my senses. The second personal choice affected those around me. Whether that was to/about an individual or a group of individuals. Speaking of swords... I was once enlightened about a means to enter into heaven. This world and heaven were separated by a deep fiery chasm. Across it's expanse was a long sword. In order to get into heaven you would need to traverse the sword. The problem was in the decision making. As you began your walk you life would be played out before you. If you hadn't accepted Jesus as your Savior the sword which was once flat, would turn on edge by which no man or woman was able to stay on. They would fall into the fire of hell for all of eternity.
So, why do I do it still? It's all selfishness. Choosing to sin is selfishness. Choosing to sin says, "I am the god of my world." Really?! How did that work for you? The edge of that sword gave me cuts on the bottom of my feet. It's been said that we address issues in our lives only when doing the action causes us to admit that we are sick. We have developed a level of tolerance that says we can sin this far and no more. Dulled senses help teach this to our kids as well. They do watch and hear what we adults do and say. What's it going to take for me to give over those areas of my life that are steeped in sin? What's it going to take for you to do the same?
Let's cut to the chase shall we. All sin is selfishness and all obedience is unselfishness. I know that we can justify and rationalize our actions, non-actions and choices. That's the easy part. We've been doing that ever since the incident in the garden about the fruit eaten. It's never about the fruit on the tree or even the garden. It's been about our choosing to be obedient to God. There is a setup by which we are duped into thinking that God will somehow be okay if we do this or that once. We think since lightening hasn't struck that our behaviors are alright in the eyes of God. We get to a point where we choose to sin.
After preaching a sermon one Sunday long ago, I overheard an elderly attendee say that she didn't like the sermon because I had preached like she was a sinner. I'm so sorry. How could I be so hard hearted? People really do want to hear what they want to hear. Sometimes we listen to God speak to us and all we can do is think about how that is what so and so hear. I actually had a chance to hear this spoken rather directly. One of a bunch of church elders said that he felt that in this particular problem we (the church) would need to disobey God's direction. Still no lightening! You could feel the Holy Spirit leave and slam the door.
Choices that I have made in my personal life fall on two sides of the same sword. First were the personal choices where no one was sinned against except God. That should have been enough to bring me to my senses. The second personal choice affected those around me. Whether that was to/about an individual or a group of individuals. Speaking of swords... I was once enlightened about a means to enter into heaven. This world and heaven were separated by a deep fiery chasm. Across it's expanse was a long sword. In order to get into heaven you would need to traverse the sword. The problem was in the decision making. As you began your walk you life would be played out before you. If you hadn't accepted Jesus as your Savior the sword which was once flat, would turn on edge by which no man or woman was able to stay on. They would fall into the fire of hell for all of eternity.
So, why do I do it still? It's all selfishness. Choosing to sin is selfishness. Choosing to sin says, "I am the god of my world." Really?! How did that work for you? The edge of that sword gave me cuts on the bottom of my feet. It's been said that we address issues in our lives only when doing the action causes us to admit that we are sick. We have developed a level of tolerance that says we can sin this far and no more. Dulled senses help teach this to our kids as well. They do watch and hear what we adults do and say. What's it going to take for me to give over those areas of my life that are steeped in sin? What's it going to take for you to do the same?
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