"Be Still and Know..."

I Am

2012-01-12T12:01:00.001-06:00

“I Am”

“God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ “ Exodus 3:14

This pretty much sums it up, don’t you think? All else in the universe is temporary, and some things are just theories, but, if we are to take God at His word, “He is.” He is not a figment of our imaginations or a made up deity that we use as a crutch to lean on when our lives get tough and we don’t know what to do. He’s not a genie in a bottle to make our wishes come true, or a statue or carving that we worship to get the right kind of weather or protection from harsh elements.

If nothing else exists, He does.He is the cause and the origin of all things. He is not bound by time, neither in the past nor in the future. And, with this being said, we can know that He is with us, has always been with us, and will always be with us, if we belong to Him. He will always be by our sides, as He was with Moses, seeing after our needs and guiding us in His ways. He has always loved us, from the beginning of creation, and continues to love us, even until the end of time.

He is the only reason that we exist. Maybe we should start living like it.

Changing Seasons

2011-12-15T10:17:00.000-06:00

As I look out my window, I am amazed at the difference a few weeks make in what I see. Just a few weeks ago the trees were covered with orange, yellow, red and brown leaves. Some were rust colored, and a few were even silvery gold. Now, except for the evergreen trees, the leaves have fallen and the branches stand out starkly against the blue-gray sky. Yet, when I look out my front window, I see my huge Bradford Pear with its yellow leaves still clinging to its branches, refusing to let go and let the Winter take over, still trying to hold on to the warmer months.

How many of us are like those leaves, still clinging to our past lives, to things not of Christ. When we turn our lives to Him we tend to hang on to some of the things that we knew, the things that held us at arms length from Him in the first place. We want to change, but we want to cling to some semblance of our past, not letting go, but grasping to what we know. It is so hard to let go and let the future of our spiritual lives take complete hold.

In Colossians we read, “⁵Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. ⁷You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Col. 3:5-10.

Isn’t it time that we give ourselves fully to Christ, finally shedding ourselves of the things that drag us down or tie us to this fleshly world? Isn’t it time for the leaves to fall?

Sharing in Suffering

2011-11-14T14:06:00.001-06:00

Sharing in Suffering

I was so touched, last week, with our involvement in the International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church. I know that this has touched many of your hearts, and I feel that we should not limit ourselves to just one day of prayer for Christ’s church.

Hebrews 13:3 states, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

I would like to invite each of you to check out the web site persecution.com which is the web site for “The Voice of the Martyrs”. You can see, through their work, the horrible things going on around the world to those who share our belief. This will give you an opportunity to pray for individuals who need our prayers, in a timely manner and effective manner.

Please check out this site, and join in sharing their plight. This will not only bless them, but I am sure that you also will be blessed.

Church

2011-09-15T11:46:00.000-05:00

Church

I can remember a time when I was much younger that I felt I couldworship God on my own. Church wasn’t a necessity. It was just as worshipful togo out into nature or spend time alone talking to God and adoring Him all bymyself, as it was to go into a “church” building with a lot of other folks andsing songs and listen to a sermon. Why, even I could read the Bible and get myown sermon out of it.I didn’t “need” church.

It’s hard for me to look back on those times and take myself veryseriously. All I need to do is to read Romans chapter 12 to see that God didn’tmean for me to be a church of one, and island to myself. yes, I can be a sacrificial worshipperas one person, but, how can I be a vital part of the body without the rest ofthe body? If I am the feet,wouldn’t I walk aimlessly without the head to direct me? If I am the headalone, How can I go to others to tell of the Gospel without the feet to takeme? If I am the ears and hear the word, don’t I need the rest of the body tohelp me do something with the word that I’ve heard?

Maybe we all go through times in our lives when we think that wedon’t need the church, but that isn’t necessarily the only reason that we go toworship services and spend time with other Christians. We all have a part toplay, and what if you are the feet that are needed or the hands that could beused to lift. What if your words or your presence was what was needed bysomeone that you weren’t even aware of?

God made us to need others from the very beginning. In Genesis2:18 God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” He understood our need forrelationship, especially a relationship that reflects our relationship withHim.

Romans 12 verse 10 tells us to be devoted to one another and tohonor one another above ourselves. This is what “Church” is. Let’s continue toBE a church and to BE here for one another.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-16T10:52:00.003-05:00

Happy Father’s Day

"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Ex 20:12 (NIV)

This is the 5th commandment. The first commandment with a promise. The first commandment after all of those about God Himself and before the ones about how we deal with all others. Looks to me like it’s a prety important commandment, after God and before others. Seems that our parents should play an important role in our lives, and as such, should be properly honored.

I bring this up today, Father’s Day, for obviious reasons. What have you planned, to show your father how much he means to you on this special day? Will you take him to dinner? Did you get him a present (hint: tools or gadgets) or a gift card at his favorite store? Are you taking him some place special? These are all great things to do to help in honoring our dads.

I think that what most dads would say that they want is the love of their children shown in any way they choose, every day of the year. This could mean giving them a call and letting them know what they mean to you, or asking for their help so that they know that they are still needed. A note, now and then, telling them what they mean to you, or just some special time, on a weekly basis to just talk about your life and what is going on.

Most dads just want to be included and don’t want to be forgotten. Find that special way to do this, and your dad will be truly honored.

Who We Are

2011-03-30T14:40:00.000-06:00

Who We Are

What can wash away my sin?

What can make me whole again?

For my pardon this I see,

For my cleansing this my plea.

Nothing can for sin atone,

Naught of good that I have done.

This is all my hope and peace,

This is all my righteousness,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus!!!

O! precious is the flow that makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know;

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.*

This is who we are. This is what we believe. We have no other hope, no other forgiveness. Let us be bathed in Christ’s holy blood, daily. Ldet us know that he is the righteous one who makes us clean.

*Taken from “Nothing But The Blood” by Robert Lowry

God of Comfort

2011-03-23T11:04:00.000-06:00

God Of Comfort

Remember when you were a little child, and you skinned your hand in a fall, the stinging pain of the scraped red skin? It began to burn more harshly as you cried your way home to Mom or Dad. When you reached the porch steps, your crying was greeted by a parent ready to take away your hurt. They would blow on your boo-boo and then put antiseptic on it to kill the germs, and the stinging would begin to burn like fire making it hurt even more. Then, our loving parent would always try to kiss away the pain and hurt. Next, the damaged had was bandaged and then you were held close, hugged tightly, and crooned into a subtle relaxation in your parent’s arms. Oh what a comfort to a troubled child.

It didn’t have to be a skinned hand. It could have been a hurt in any number of ways, a stubbed toe, a black eye, or even hurt feelings from a bully or a friend who used hurtful words to attack you. You always knew whom to turn to for your comfort, the one who would hold you closely throughout your ordeal.

2 Corinthians tells us “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles…” 2 Cor 1:3-4 (NIV) Isn’t it great to know that even as we get older and more mature, and our troubles seem to get bigger as we get bigger, that we have someone who will take us in His arms and hold us close. He will kiss our “boo-boos” and make them better. Of course, He too must cleanse our troubles, and sometimes this can hurt for a short period, but then He always comforts us, and makes us feel special, loved children of His own.

Whether you know it or not, God is trying to groom us to be like Him. He wants us to be comforters and help each other in times of distress or pain. The scripture in 2 Corinthians continues… “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. 2 Cor 1:4-7 (NIV)

Look around you today. Search the souls around you and see who needs to be comforted. It is amazing what a simple hug can do to lift someone up or let them know that they are loved, just as we are loved by a compassionate God. We can’t always find a cure for all of life’s hurts, but we can certainly help each other find our way through them.

Be Filled With Joy

2011-02-23T10:04:00.001-06:00

Be Filled With Joy

What makes you happy? What are the things in life that help get you to that state of mind where you feel light and unrestrained? Can you think of the times that you feel that a burden has been lifted from you?

I imagine that the attitude of someone, other than yourself, helped to lift you from your depression. Possibly they said a kind word or just smiled and encouraged you. They may have done something considerate, or most likely it was just their attitude in general that set you free from the things that were dragging you down. Isn’t it amazing how the positive outlook of others can affect our own disposition?

Now I’d like you to stop and think about how your disposition affects others. You know it does, because others affect you. Are you displaying negative or positive feelings toward others? When they see you or are around you, can they feel the embrace of Christ? Do they understand the love that we know and share because of the sacrifice that has been made for us?

I realize that it is not always easy to be positive when the world is beating you down and nothing is going your way, but I’d like you to consider, as you go about your daily life influencing others, the disciples, as they were expelled from the region of Pisidian Antioch in Acts chapter 13. They were being persecuted so they shook the dust off of their feet and left. Now, here’s the part that doesn’t make sense, verse 52 says, “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)

No wonder the early church was growing by leaps and bounds and so many wanted to be a part of it! Who wouldn’t want to be around people who could overcome such things and still have a positive outlook? Who wouldn’t want to have that kind of joy in their life? And, oh yeah, give me some of that Spirit that they were filled with. What a joy to serve such a God. What a privilege to be loved by such a Savior. And, what a blessing to be filled with such a wonderful helping Spirit.

Do we show others this joy in our lives, or do they see us being crushed by this world? I pray that what they see in us is what they saw in the disciples so many years ago.

Peace I Leave With You

2011-02-08T15:44:00.000-06:00

Peace I Leave With You

In John 14:27 Christ tells his disciples “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

What do we think of when we think of peace? Do we think of no more fighting? Do we think of weapons being laid down? Maybe we think of troubles being taken away. If you’re as old as I am, you may even think of hippies, dressed in bell bottoms, long flowing hair and flowers all around with no cares to worry them, peace symbol necklaces dangling from their necks and adorning their VW vans.

I’m not sure that any of these are descriptive of the peace that Christ was promising. In fact, in John 16:33 He told them that their peace was in Him, but that they would have trouble in this world. Their lives, from then on, proved this to be true. None of them had an easy life, and they were all persecuted and martyred for His sake. Certainly, none of them had what we would call a peaceful life. They not only saw, but were on the receiving end of hatred, torture, imprisonment and exile. If we follow the lives of His first disciples and many of those who followed them throughout the next 2000 years, at some point we come to the point of asking, “Where is the peace that He promised?”

Back a few verses before John 14:27, Christ is telling them that He is sending the Holy Spirit, who will teach them and remind them of all the things that He had told them. He is promising this peace through His Spirit and the knowledge of Him continually in their hearts. He was promising them a peace that surpasses any troubles or harm that may come their way, the realization that He can and would overcome all for them, that their suffering for Him would only end in peace with Him.

In Philippians 4:7 Paul writes, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Just as He did with His disciples, who went through many hardships and trials, we know that He also brings peace to those of us who trust in Him, in our times of trouble. Even if we don’t completely understand it.

Facing the Consequences

2011-01-26T11:45:00.000-06:00

Facing the Consequences

Have you ever noticed how hard it is to face God after we’ve sinned? We are so afraid of how He will look upon us, that we tend to shy away from Him. It’s kind of like getting caught doing something wrong when we were kids. We couldn’t seem to look our Mom or Dad in the eyes. We just knew that their disapproval of us would shame us into oblivion. I think that the same feelings hold true with our relationship with God. We’re afraid of the discipline to come, and falling into disfavor with Him. Instead of going to Him, we, instead, run away from Him to avoid His eyes and his displeasure with us.

It seems that our view of God is skewed, in that, if we read His word, He does not want us to run from Him. In Luke chapter 15, Christ tells the three “lost” parables, the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son. In each of these parables something is lost or has run away. The owner, or father desires it’s return fervently, and rejoices when it is found.

We can compare ourselves, as sinners, most with the lost son, ashamed, beaten down by circumstances (which we probably placed ourselves in), afraid to even show our face until we have no other place to go. The son finally deciding that he had no other place to turn, returned to his father, knowing that he would be chastised and disciplined for his actions. We know that feeling all too well. It’s called “facing the consequences.” That’s what makes it so hard to return to God. We KNOW that we were wrong and deserve His hatred and His anger.

Funny thing is, He shows us just how much better He is than we could even imagine. Just like the father in the story, He doesn’t give us what we deserve. The father didn’t first have a sit down meeting with his son to discuss the conditions of his return or to chastise him for all of the wrong that he had done. NO! He ran to his son and welcomed him with no conditions. He had a great celebration, because his son had seen that he was wrong and returned to him.

That is our God. His arms are open wide, just waiting to embrace us and tell us that He loves us and wants us with Him. He wants to take us in and feed us and keep us from the harm that we have allowed in our lives by turning from Him. He is our only hope in defeating the sin in our lives. We cannot, as we prove to ourselves time and again, defeat Satan on our own. Satan can only win in your life if you turn your back on the One that loves you more than anything. The more you turn from God, the more you turn toward Satan. If you will just turn your eyes to God and tell Him that , “yes, I have done wrong,” He will take you and restore you in a heartbeat. He is the only one who can defeat Satan in your life.

Should you be ashamed? Should you feel that God disapproves of the sin in your life? Should we feel unworthy? The answer is YES! Should this keep us from Him? He says, “No!” He wants you to turn to Him and to trust Him. Let Him have His way with you. Give Him the opportunity to rejoice at your return. The consequences of that are His love.

“For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate. Luke 15:24

Reshape Your Day

2011-01-14T11:38:00.003-06:00

Reshape Your Day

What was the first thing on your mind when you got up this morning? Was it a quick trip to the bathroom? Brush your teeth? COFFEE!!!? Brrrrrrr, it’s cold? We all have that first thought or first thing that we have to do when we roll out of bed each morning., and it’s usually the same each and every morning.

But, after we get going, what is on our minds? We most likely start to think about our day ahead. Maybe you have an all important meeting, or a deadline to reach. Possibly, you need to get an assignment in, or maybe you’re thinking about seeing a certain person during the day. Are you so far behind that you’re actually thinking about yesterday and how to get past it (though technically you are already past it)? Maybe you are having difficulties in your family that you are trying to deal with, or there could be something exciting going on, like a celebration or an event that has you all excited.

This world has a way of taking hold of our lives as soon as we get going, and it doesn’t want to let go of us, even after our day is over and we lay our head on our pillow to rest. Admit it, your mind is still going 90 miles per hour when you lay down at night. We have so much to think about from the moment we open our eyes until the time we try to close them again.

Try something new! First thing out of bed, or better yet, even before you roll out of bed, ask God what He has in store for you today. Ask Him to help you to focus on His needs for you, and not let this world sway you from doing that one thing that He may have planned for you today. It may be something like saying a few words to someone, or giving someone a call. You might need to say a special prayer for someone. It might be something as simple as listening to what someone has to say.

Or, He might just send you half way around the world to give His message to someone!

You will know, if you open yourself to His voice and listen to Him before the rest of the world comes crashing in on you and tries to drown out His voice. He has many plans and many souls to touch, and He wants us to be the bearers of His love. Stop, just long enough to ask Him what His plans are for YOU today. Then, don’t ignore Him. You may very well have one of those days that you will never forget.

Don’t wait for God to send someone else. Isaiah didn’t. He told God “Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8) Maybe that should be our first thoughts of the day, even before we know what is in store for us. “Here I am. Send me.” What a show of faith that would be.

He Makes All Things New

2010-12-22T14:56:00.001-06:00

He Makes All Things New

And he that sitteth on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he saith, Write: for these words are faithful and true. Rev 21:5 (ASV)

These words were spoken to John about the new heaven and the new earth that are to come. That doesn’t mean that Christ is not at work at this very moment in time, makeing things new. In fact, we are assured that when we give our lives to Him, He is faithful and gives us a new birth. We start fresh, being forgiven of our sins, and embraced by a God who was willing to die for us. He wants us to cast off the old and be clothed in new garments of rightousness.

As we start a new year this coming week, maybe it’s time to start living up to our promises to Christ. Are there things in your life that need to be put behind you so that you can more effectively serve Him? In your new life, are there things that you can be doing to strngthen this new self that you have been given? Take time, this next week, to review who(se) you are, and what in your life needs some attention and prayer, so that you will be the new person that Christ envisions, and that, when you gave yourself to Him, you hoped to become. Let’s all become the Church that Christ died for.

Silent Night

2010-12-21T16:24:00.000-06:00

Silent Night

We sing the songs, “Silent Night,” and “O, Little Town of Bethlehem” and we see in our minds a picture perfect event happening two thousand years ago. A quiet night, peaceful and solemn. No sounds except for the cries of a small child.

In reality, Christ was born in a town probably bustling with activity, since people were coming from all over for Caesar’s census. The streets were, in all likelihood, crowded with folks looking for lodging and a meal to eat, a place to lodge their donkeys, and maybe even a bar to down a few pitchers of their favorite wine. No doubt, the manger was probably full of noisy animals sheltered there for the night. The smell of dung and fur permeated the air. This does not sound like the scene it the songs.

But, this is the world that our savior came to. He came at an unlikely time, to an unlikely family in an unlikely place. The King of the universe did not come to us as He could have, heralding His glory from a throne. He came to us where we were, and are today. He comes to us in our messy, smelly lives, filled with all kinds of dung and uncomfortable situations. He meets us where we are. He saves us from what we have become, and like He was lifted up on His final day on earth, He lifts us up out of our degradation.

No, it wasn’t a peaceful night, but He did bring with Him the promise of peace and the hope of a better life with Him.

Jonah Revisited

2010-11-22T11:27:00.001-06:00

Jonah Revisited

How many times have we read the story of Jonah and thought to ourselves, “How could he just turn his back on the Ninevites, and hope that they were all destroyed by God?” Instead of giving them God’s message, that they might turn from their ways, he deliberately ran the other way, so that they would be annihilated. What a jerk!

Yet, how many people do we ignore, because they are so sinful, and we just let them go their own way, knowing that God will deal with them at some point. We are just like Jonah, running from God’s will, if we are not reaching out to even the most despicable people, and at least telling the words that God has given each of us to share, “Christ Jesus died for our (all of us) sins.” We have a commandment to go and make disciples of ALL nations, not just the folks that we think are easy to bring to Christ. Pray that God will lead you to speak His word, even to those that we fear don’t care. The Ninevites turned from their ways. Let God do His work through us, so that He might change lives.

Belly Rub

2010-11-09T09:58:00.002-06:00

Belly Rub

If you have pets, the four legged furry kind, you’ve probably noticed that the one thing that they love to do most is to roll over onto their backs and have their bellies rubbed. Even if they love playing fetch, sleeping, or rubbing against your leg as they walk by, it’s very hard for them to resist a good belly rub now and then. Many will even forgo the much loved “treat” to have someone take their hand and slowly caress their abdomen (If you rub too quickly, their leg starts to do a jig).

Many people are the same. I don’t mean that they want a literal belly rub, but most folks like to be stroked every now and then. A “thank you” or “good job,” said at the right time, can give so much pleasure, especially when it isn’t being sought. “Thinking of your” and “praying for you” also let people know that you are thinking of them, letting them know that someone really cares. “May I help?” can go very far in making someone feel better. Not saying anything, but just being there when needed is one of the most subtle, yet powerful ways to comfort someone.

If you look around you, especially at your local church congregation, you will see brothers and sisters who could probably use a “belly rub” every now and then. Most of the people you see are very involved, in one way or another in Christ's work. Just think of the pleasure or sense of fulfillment that you could give with just a few words or a card sent in earnest, or even volunteering to help in one of our many ministries if needed. Your words or your presence might be the thing that makes a difference for someone.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

A Higher Hope

2010-11-02T10:29:00.000-06:00

A Higher Hope

Daniel 1:1-21 (and the entire book of Daniel)

Daniel, along with Hananiah, Mishael and Azriah were all chosen to serve in the king’s court, after being taken captive into Babylonia. This would be a great honor, and they would be treated very well. Yet, Daniel decided to throw a wrench in the works. Against the King’s orders, he decided that they would not eat the royal food, which was against his faith. With God’s help, he and the other three prevailed, and through several trials they persevered, never giving in to the King’s wishes when those wishes opposed God, no matter how tempting or easy it may have made their lives. They were even willing to go to their deaths because of their ‘hope.’ They knew that there was a better hope in God than in the pleasures and blessings of this world.

How often do we compromise our faith to get along in this world? What aspects of our faith have we neglected or ignored, in order to feel a few moments of pleasure, or to further ourselves in our jobs or with our friends? Do we ever say to ourselves that “just a little won’t hurt,” or “I’m doing this for my family,” or even, “The experience will help me to help others”? We have a way of convincing ourselves to act in a way that is not in keeping with the faith that we have. Our hopes get tied up in this world and the people of this world. We let our flesh lead us.

What better way to love the people of this world, than to show them the love of God. If we continue to give in to our urges and the ways that surround us, how will others know that we are not of this world, but that we belong to a better place, a better ‘ONE.’ It is so easy to explain away our sins, but in the end, we, along with God, know that they are still sins. Let’s show the world a better way. Let’s be firm in our convictions and avoid those things which are not pure. Let pray that the spirit , who is in us,will fill us with the love and guidance that is needed to overcome, and let Christ shine through every moment.

2010-10-28T10:43:00.002-05:00

Whitewash

“Because they lead my people astray, saying, “Peace,” when there is no peace, and because, when a flimsy wall is built, they cover it with whitewash, therefore tell those who cover it with whitewash that it is going to fall. Rain will come in torrents, and I will send hailstones hurtling down, and violent winds will burst forth. When the wall collapses, will people not ask you, “Where is the whitewash you covered it with?” Ezekiel 13:10-12 NIV

The NLT version says that people are trying to reinforce the flimsy wall by covering it with whitewash. They are actually trying to make the shoddily built wall stand by covering it up with good looks. Does this sound familiar? Are we, today, guilty of building up lives based on earthly things, things which will not last and may fall at the first moments of trial, and not things of God?

Or, do we try to prop up our spiritual lives with acts and rituals which look good on the outside, but have little to do with building us up on the inside and in our relationship with Christ? Do we think that our clever cover-ups will fool anyone if our lives are subject to challenge or suffering?

If we are assaulted by this world that we trust, and our feeble “fences” are broken or even destroyed, where will we turn to then? Will we continue to try to hide behind the “whitewash,” and continue to attempt to deceive others into thinking our lives are perfect, or will we turn to the only One who can truly hold us up and restore us to a structure truly capable of withstanding the storms?

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”

Psalm 28:7

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2009-02-02T12:13:00.000-06:00

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2009-02-02T09:12:00.002-06:00

It's been a while...sometimes, I guess, life intervenes.

I was reading Psalm 146, and the NLT version really spoke to me about recent events. Verses 3-4 read as follows: "Don't put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When their breathing stops, they return to the earth, and in a moment all their plans come to an end."

Thinking back on the last two years of campaigning for president, I remember all of those folks who put all of their hope in one man or the other, one party or the other. I think about all of the nasty, vehement words spewed out in protest of candidates who would ruin this country, and the wonderful things and ideas that were put forward to show that only one of the candidates could be the salvation of our country (From both sides). Then, I reflect on the words of the Psalmist in chapter 146.

It seems that during every election cycle we become more focused on the men that are put forward for us to choose from, and I think that this is very important, but we often fail to remember that they are just men. No matter how good they are, their plans die with them, and someone else will come along and change them anyway. (How many times have we seen a new president come into office, and almost immediately begin signing executive orders, reversing those of his predecessor?) In Psalm 148:5-6 we hear, "Let every created thing give praise to the Lord, for he issued his command, and they came into being. He established them forever. His orders will never be revoked."

I think that it is important to be involved in the election process, and to support the candidate that best embodies our values and ideals. But, more importantly, we must not become so carried away with the men that we forget who is really in charge. Christ said it best when he spoke to Pontius Pilate, "...You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above." All power and authority is given from God. No one will ever become our leader unless God allows it.

Yes, we must vote our conscience, but we must also act in a Christ-like manner and trust that God IS in control. We need to always bring those men before the Lord in prayer, and petition for their well being and their souls. Ask Him to lead them.
His orders will never be revoked.

Impressions

2008-06-10T13:08:00.001-05:00

I was looking at one of those things the other day; I don’t know what it’s called. It has hundreds of shiny pins with rounded heads and when you place something under it and lift up, you see a reverse impression of the object. I’ve always thought that they were so neat. One can even see the lines in one’s hand if the pins are small enough and placed close enough together. It got me to thinking about things that leave impressions or are easily impressionable.

Probably the most common impressionable item would be clay. We played with it as a kid (Play Dough and Silly Putty) and we molded our first ashtrays and bowls in school. We would diligently shape the clay, leaving impressions made with our hands and then after a beautiful paint job, the teacher would bake them overnight, or for a few days, and we would receive our Mother’s or Father’s day gift to our parent and a well deserved grade. Just curious, but how many of you still have these somewhere? I know that as proud as I was of my ashtray at the time, it was misshapen and hideous. But, Mom loved it.

Just about everything leaves impressions and most things are impressionable. Have you ever seen the wind blowing in the sand on a beach and leaving little ripples? When a river runs dry and the rocks in the dry riverbed are showing, one can see the impressions on the rocks left by years of erosion from the currents of water. A long dirt footpath in the woods is the result of many feet, over time, traversing its corridor. Even sound leaves temporary impressions on our eardrums.

My point is this. What are we letting impress us? Like the children’s song goes, “Be careful little eyes what you see,” What are our eyes seeing that is making an impression on us? Whatever we let them see, does leave an impression. Are we seeing inappropriate material in the Internet or in the shows that we watch? Or, are we seeing God’s word at work in our lives through our associations with others? What are our ears hearing? What music do we listen to? Do we sit and listen to gossiping tongues? Or, are we letting God’s word and His music fill our ears and our minds with holy thoughts?

Most things leave impressions on us through all of our senses, the question is, are they the impressions that we need to be God’s people? If we are confronted with negative impressions, are we letting Christ’s blood wash away the destructive impact of these just as the waves lap up and smooth over the words that we have left written in the sand? Are we building a shield about us with His word, to defend against them in the first place?
And, just as important, what kind of impressions are we leaving behind us? And, if they are positive, are they temporary or are they like a well-worn pathway, leading the way to salvation? I hope that I am leaving a good impression on others. I pray that we all will.

Is Our House On Fire?

2008-05-15T23:23:00.003-05:00

If you saw that someone's house was ablaze and smoke was spewing out of the attic vents, wouldn't you take the time to alert the inhabitants? Wouldn't you want to save their lives? Or, say you saw a little child running out into a busy street into the midst of rushing traffic, with cars buzzing by at dizzying speeds? Wouldn't you try to rescue that child, or at least alert his parent? Of course you would.

Then why is it so hard for us to warn people of the dangers that await them if they are not following Christ? We seem to care more about their physical well-being than we do their spiritual well-being. Seriously! We jump at the chance to help someone with a physical ailment. We can't wait to be in on the rescue of people half-way around the world who are struggling from the latest natural disaster. We take time to help at soup kitchens and we donate coats and blankets to help ward off the cold for those who are homeless during the winter months. These are GOOD things. They are rightous acts. We should be serving our fellow man in these manners.

But, and this is a big but, what about the person sitting next to us in church who we know is about to fall into a big sink-hole because they are beginning to walk away from Christ. We've all seen the signs. First their attendance begins to wain and then they start to make excuses of why they can't seem to make any of the activities or get-togethers, lately. Our conversations with them become shorter, and they just seem to be lost in a world of their own. They seem more......self absorbed. Their concerns seem to be about how something or someone affects them, personally. They talk of disatisfaction and discontent with the way things are or the direction that things are going.

Sometimes we can see a catalyst that caused this misdirection in their lives. A spouse leaving, or a loved one passing away. Job loss or children moving out. Money problems, loved ones on drugs or alcohol, overworked or physical ailments or any of a number of life-changing events. It's usually something that Satan gets a hold of in their lives and then he starts to make them think that things are hopeless. He begins to sow doubt about God's ability to help us.

Other times, there is no visible catalyst (though there is a catalyst). This is usually with a person who does not like to share themselves with others and is very private. But, we still see the signs. We see their house on fire. The question is...do we warn them and try to get them out of the fiery house? Do we stop them from walking into fast moving traffic? Are we concerning ourselves so much with the physical concerns that seem to be overwhelming us and neglecting the spiritual emergencies that are overtaking us at an alarming rate? Is Satan being successful by keeping our attention focused solely on the material aspects of our existence to the detriment of our souls?

Also, when someone yells fire at US, do we try to flee the building or are we oblivious to their cries to save us? Do we get indignant with those who see the warning signs in our lives and try to steer us out of the rushing traffic, back to the safety of the sidewalk? Do we think that those things won't happen to us?

If we want people to listen to us (and we better be talking), then shouldn't we be listening too?
There are billions of people in this world who are dying. They will probably never get to see inside the gates of heaven. Do we even care? Are we even warning the few that we come in contact with about the dangers that they face? This is a much more dangerous evil than anything they will ever face on this earth. Be a hero. Save someone, today.

The Center of it All

2008-05-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed that everything we do involves God? Really! Just think about it for a second, and you’ll realize that there is nothing on this earth that does not concern our maker, intricately. By taking a small bite of food, we must realize that the food came from God; He nourished it and gave it all that it needed to nourish us. He even gave it its taste, so that it would be more attractive to us. He allowed us to obtain it and to partake of it, and it is to Him that we owe our thanks for it. He even follows it through the digestive systems of our bodies to insure that it does its task of enriching our bodies with sustenance.

When we interact with others, we are using the abilities that God has given us to communicate, which, in turn, should help us in building community, or even tearing that community down. We are either opposing God’s will or supporting it, depending on the intentions of that community.

My point is that even when we think that we are only involved in the workings of this world, at some level, we are involved in the workings of God’s will. Nothing happens on this earth, apart from God.

Matt. 10:29 – “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.”

John 15:5 – “…Apart from me you can do nothing.”

There is a simple reason for Christ’s words. They are absolutely TRUE. He created everything, and thus, everything depends on Him to exist. EVERYTHING! Every action that we execute, every mountain and sea on this earth, even every insect and weather related happening, all of these rely on the very fabric of the truth that God allows them to exist and to perform, and every action that we execute, in some way is either in accordance with or opposition to God’s will. Every word we speak, everything that we do, everything that we choose not to do, should be carefully thought out and prayed about. We should strive to know and, therefore, to do God’s desire in all that we undertake.

This can’t be stressed enough. Every aspect of our lives needs to understand and take this one equation statement into consideration. After all, it’s ALL about Him.

Joy in Suffering?

2008-05-06T14:38:00.002-05:00

Have you thanked God for your troubles today? Have you jumped for joy in your pain? Are you looking forward to the other shoe dropping?
Doesn't sound like what we should be doing, does it? Yet, that is what we are told to do.
2 Cor. 7:4 - "...in all our troubles, my joy knows no bounds."
James 1:2 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds"
In Acts, Paul and Silas Sang songs and praised God while in prison.

The list goes on, and we look at it as if that is not the kind of suffering that we are doing. Those men suffered for the name of Christ, our pains are of the everyday variety. Their problems came from the result of following Jesus and the persecution from the world around them. We stumble in our predicaments because we are trying to make a living or deal with relatives or something normal like that.
It would be so much easier to go through our struggles and anguish if it were for a higher cause. Then agains, who's to say that we aren't struggling for a higher cause?
In James chapter 1, if we continue on to verse 3, we read that the "testing of your faith develops perseverence."
If we just stop for a moment, and as we are enduring our battles we put our faith in God, we will be building up ourselves for His service. If we just look back on our lives and see all that we have been through, and how God brought us to where we are today, in spite of (or more probably bacause of) these snags in our lives. We will see that He has used them to make us, as the commercials would put it, newer and more improved!
I can think of many times when I couldn't understand why I had to go through certain things in my life. I didn't feel as if I deserved to be put through something when others were just skating along, carefree. But, through it all, I have gained patience, understanding, patience, tolerance (true tolerance), trust, patience, empathy, and love (did I mention patience?). I have also built a closer relationship with my Lord. I now know that the things that I have learned can be used to His glory.
I don't know what kind of person that I would be today, if it had not been for some of the most trying times in my life, but I do know that I am better for having faith in God to see me through my fires. Have I been scorched? Yes. But those burn marks are my battle scars to remind me where I've been and Who saw me through it all.

Have you thanked God for your troubles today?

Truth in Advertising?

2008-04-24T23:02:00.004-05:00

Okay, to start with, this is not going to be my usual blog. I heard something this evening and just had to share it. You tell me what to make of it.

A Ford ad on the Fox News Channel had this line in it:
"Ford quality is now equal to Toyota."

This little line blew me away. I watched it two separate times! What are they trying to say? Why say this at all? Who in their right mind wrote an ad like this, and who, at Ford, ok'd it?

It couldn't be a mistake, because those ads are scrutinized by focus groups and company officials, all the way to the bank. I keep going over it in my mind, and I can't, for the life of me, fathom the thinking behind this ad. Aren't these the same folks who spend all of that money each week, on American Idol, making silly commercials with the contestants? Aren't they in competition with Toyota? My wife even asked me if Toyota had bought out Ford. Even if Ford quality was inferior to Toyota's, would they purposely advertise the fact, using their own money? Duh!

Can anyone make any sense of this? I know it is not spiritual in its essence, and I know that I am fretting over something completely trivial, but I feel that the cosmos must be out of whack or something. Someone please align this with common sense!

One Year

2008-04-01T16:41:00.003-06:00

Well, it looks like I missed my one year anniversary. Sorry, but sometimes life intercedes.
I looked at my tracking number and noticed that I have also passed the 1000 mark in viewers. Of course that is since I started tracking, but I'm still excited to know that so many people would want to come and read what I have to say. I'm also thrilled that I have made a few new friends in the process and I enjoy their blogs so much.

Anyway, I was pondering the most quoted (I think) verse in the bible, John 3:16, and the fact that most all of Christendom centers on that one verse. It holds so much in it about who we are and what we hope for. It is the focus of all that is, if we are Christians.

And, like that verse, I see 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 as central to our hope. So many, today, want to pick and choose what they want to believe. They like to say that some of the bible is true, while other parts were added by those who wrote the books, though, for the life of me, I'm not sure how they could possibly differentiate; unless it is done on a personal basis, which I am sure that it is. These verses tell us that if Christ was not resurrected from the dead, then what we are trying to accomplish as Christians is futile and that we should be pitied. All of our hopes and beliefs rely on this one event in time. Everything that came before it and after it hinge on its truth.
I have only this to say. If Christ Jesus was not resurrected from the dead, if He did not ascend to heaven, then all is lost, anyway. There is nothing that is worth the struggle that we go through. This life would be meaningless. Survival of the species is not a reasonable alternative to go on. We must have some hope of a better place, a better life, and we must also have the hope of answers.
We were created! There is no doubt in my mind about that. We are not just happenstance products of some cosmic hullabaloo. We were created for a reason, and it is my hope to some day sit with my creator, to further understand this creation and the events within it.
And, it is with great sorrow, that I extend my pity to any and all who will not have that opportunity, because of their selfish need to alter the word into something that it was not meant to say. For, if He was not raised from the dead, we may as well throw the rest of His word into the trash as unbelievable. It all converges at the cross and the empty tomb.

(Just a note, to those who left comments on my last post. I am sorry that I had to delete those comments, but it was the only way that I could find, after the fact, to delete some unwanted material in the comments section. As always, thank you so much for all that you have to say. Keith)

...not mere words

2008-03-04T14:22:00.003-06:00

Deut. 32:47 in the NLT reads: These instructions are not mere words - they are your life!

This verse is referring to the commands of the covenant with God Almighty. Moses has conveyed them to the people for one last time before they cross the Jordan into the land that was promised to them. The following verse assures the Israelites of a long life in the land if they obey His words.

I think of all of the folks who say that christianity is just a bunch of rules and regulations, telling them what they can't do. Many think that these rules are to keep them from having fun, or enjoying the good life like others around them. "If God really loves us, why doesn't he want us to enjoy the pleasurable things in life?"

God's commands are not just words to keep us in control. They are not meant to deny as much as they are meant to ensure a full and pleasurable life. If one were to look at the things that supposedly bring so much pleasure on this earth, things which God has warned us against, they would see that such things usually, ultimately bring sorrow, misery and loss. God's words are a vehicle to warn us of the pitfalls which await us in this world. His rules are intended as a protection against the defilement which Satan intends for us. God knows of the true dangers behind the enticements which are presented to us, daily. He continually attempts to communicate these perils to us. These are His words.

If we obey His words, we will also receive comfort from Him. His grace and mercy will envelop us and create for us a 'safe place' from which to intereact with the world.

Christ, also, gives us commands to follow, and in some ways they are different than those received by His ancestors. Their commands promised them a long life in the land that they were about to receive. Christ's promise is eternal life with Him. And believe me, He is not a mere word. He is THE Word! And, His words are life!

JAFW (Just a few words)

2008-02-25T15:02:00.002-06:00

I was thinking, this morning, about how we, today, like everything to be compacted and short. Miniaturization! I can remember when the first 10MB hard drive came out. It was heavier than the desktop PC that it accompanied. Now, you can get 1000 times the memory on a little card the size of a postage stamp. I also remember my first mobile phone. It was a big clunky thing attached to an even bigger clunkier battery case. I always felt that it could double as a defensive weapon if I were ever to be attacked in my car. Yes, it was that heavy.

Now, our language is being miniaturized. We see it whittled down, in some instances to acronyms such as WWJD, or BFF or LOL. Companies and advertising try to use this approach to save space and money. We also hear many platitudes telling us how to live our lives, given in very succinct thoughts. "A penny saved is a penny earned," "Never say never," and many many others.

We, as a people, have come to expect everything in short bursts, and minimal verbiage. Sure, it makes it quicker to communicate, but we are losing so much from the foreshortening of our language and our thinking. One of the first things to go, when proceeding down this path, is the color in our language, the adjectives that describe more deeply the world around us and also helps to express our deepest emotions more vividly.

More importantly, and especially within the church, we are beginning to reduce The Story of life to little mini-qoutes and sayings. We are attempting to take over 3000 years of history and trim it down to a pocket-sized card of cute motto's and a few selected verses to remember. We are taking a vibrant and dramatic saga leading to the ultimate moment in all of eternity and condensing it to a few catchy phrases or proverbs to help us through life.

Every word given to us by Almighty God is important. We need to be inundated with the rich and pure flowing of His message to us. It is a love letter which expresses His love and devotion to us, as well as His will for us. If you leave something out, then you must begin to wonder if it was something important. And, I assure you, if He said it, it was important.

What we are doing is giving folks what they want. It is very possible that we are not giving them what they so desparately NEED! If we catch their ear with an appealing or popular phrase, we hope that they can understand God's will. And, that is a good thing, if, we continue the conversation with the full story. We need it all. Platitudes are great for capturing attention, but after we have their attention, they need to hear the full rich story, with all of its adjectives siezing their senses and taking them to where their maker wants them to be in His big picture.

Quasi-forgiveness?

2008-02-19T13:55:00.003-06:00

Do we truly forgive? We are commanded to forgive others as God has forgiven us, but do we? When someone wrongs us, can we really start over as if nothing has happened?

I'm afraid that this is one of the hardest concepts for us, as humans, to grasp. Sure, we say we forgive them and try to carry on with them, but, there is always that nagging in the back of our minds of how we were harmed. We become guarded against them, as if the offense could pop up at any minute, returning to rip at our tender hearts once again.

I think that it is so hard for us to forgive, more out of a necessity to protect ourselves, than from a standpoint of revenge or punishment. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of revenge and punishment in our hearts, but I think that as christians, our inability to forgive fully, lies more in our attempt to protect ourselves, our families and our churches from future outbreaks against us. We deem it possible that if it happened before, it could just be lying below the surface, ready to ambush us, just when we let our guard down, again, hurting something or someone we love.

How many times have we seen someone come forward on a Sunday morning, asking for forgiveness, and surely receiving God's mercy. Of course, if their sin is not named, our imaginations run wild wondering just what things we must watch out for with this person, lest they slip again. And, if they name their sin, we no longer have to wonder what their sin is, we just know which one to secretly condemn them for. We openly embrace them, while noting to ourselves that we should watch them, in case they trip and fall, dragging our children or friends with them.

I remind myself of the adulterous woman brought to Jesus to get him to condemn her (John 8:1-11). His words to her were"Then neither do I condmn you. Go now and leave your life of sin." I don't, for one second think that Christ ever held that sin against her again. He loved her. He had the authority to condemn her, but he didn't. He forgave her, and I know that he never looked back from there. If she showed up in the temple, you can be assured that she would have been accepted with open arms, and no reservations by him. He would have had no thought about the seediness of her life being brought into the presence of all of these godly people. He would have accepted her just as he accepted those who were closest to him. He would have loved her and welcomed her into his fellowship.

He did admonish her to 'Go now and leave your life of sin,' and then we hear of no other words to her. He must have assumed that she would go joyfully and in her elation, she would not look back, but would thrive in her new life. He didn't worry about what 'might be,' he always put his efforts into what 'is.'

How sweet it would be if we could embrace all of the forgiven, the way our savior does. The pleasure and thrill that we would give and receive, just by forgiving and trusting in God's power in all of his children, would be a gift worth having. We must always remember, He forgave us, and doesn't look back unless we give Him reason to. It is essential that we, as His church, should do the same. We, like Christ, should put our efforts into what 'is,' not what 'might be.' Nobody ever said saving the lost would be easy, just rewarding.

V-Day

2008-02-14T17:14:00.004-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you all. While trying to think of the perfect gift for this day of love, it came to me that I could never top the one given to me 2000 years ago. What a perfect gift of love!!!
I know, it wasn't until the 5th century that Valentine's day was official, but it is still the best gift I've ever had, for any day.
May our love grow to be more like His.

I'd like to take a minute to put in a word for a really good book. If you like christian fiction that gives you something to think about and plucks at your heartstrings, this is a must read. There is so much going on in this little book that will possibly give you a different slant on the way you see God and others. The book is "The Shack" by William P. Young. A very very good read.

I am including a link to the web page for this book.
http://www.theshackbook.com

Deep In The Mountain

2008-02-11T16:08:00.000-06:00

This is the title of the last blog that my friend John posted. So, I'm stealing it for this one. Thanks John. :-)

I keep going to John's blog, searching for his new posts, and each time that I go looking, I see this title over pictures of a dark underground cave. (by the way, his blog is listed to the right.) The date of this post is October 9th. That is how long it has been since John has felt like writing his thoughts for us. I'm pretty sure that John, after writing that post, has felt like he is stuck deep inside the mountain, instead of looking out at the world from the top of that mountain. I know that he can use our prayers and God's strength to see him out of his cavern.

I can't say that I know exactly how he feels, because I've never gone through the same things that he is going through. I do know that I have also been through times in my life where I felt that I was trapped inside a mountain, unable to see the light of day with the heavy darkness dragging me down and keeping me from seeing anything else. I'm sure you have all been there, and some of us, possibly more often and more recent that we care to think about or share.

That's where Satan wants us. It's very hard for us to show others the light when we are bathed in despair, doubt and gloom. We begin to loathe even ourselves, wishing that it would all just end and be done with. I think that, instead of focusing on these things, we should try to see the darkness for what it is, and use it to help others avoid or at least make it through the same circumstances in which we sometimes find ourslves. And, we should notice the light that keeps on trying to find its way in. We should make it our focal point, giving the light all of our attention, and it will, ultimately, drown out the darkness.

There is only one way out of the cave, and that is through the opening, usually the same one we entered in. let's pray for each other and help each other when we reach these depths. God is there for us, let us be there for each other. Lovingly abiding in Him to transfer that love to you...

I know that this post is a little bit different than what I usually write, but, I felt that it had some things that needed to be said.

Small Prayer - Big Answer

2008-01-23T15:52:00.000-06:00

This may not seem like much, but it is a prime example of God answering prayer.

Yesterday, I was studying on marriages and the aspects of two peole distancing themselves. I noted that one of the things that folks sometimes do is to bury themselves in Church Work. This also helps relieve their consciences, because they are not staying away from their spouse, they are SERVING the Lord.

Well, it got me to thinking. Now, Janet and I have an excellent marriage and I think that we are more in love with each other than ever before. But, you know how it is, you read something and then you start looking at your own life and wondering if...

So, lateley, Janet has been spending an inordinate amount of time preparing her lessons for her ladies class on Wednesday nights. I really don't mind, and in fact, I am amazed and in awe of her for the time and effort that she puts into it. I love when she spends time with the Lord. (I know that nothing else could make our marriage so strong.) Anyway, I was pondering this, and I prayed that God might use this to bring us even closer together. I asked that we might discuss her lessons more. In this way, not only would we be spending time together, we would be spending time in honest and deep discourse about God's word.

A funny thing happened last night. After she had spent a few hours on her lesson, She asked if I would listen to what she had and help her with it. Of course, I thought back to the little prayer that I had spoken and was thrilled to help her. When she was ready, we spent about an hour and a half, going over and fine tuning her lesson. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it gave me an even deeper appreciation for her mind and her heart.

One thing I can say, from my evening. God really blessed me. He must see something in me that I don't. I hope to continue to spend time with my lovely wife, enjoying our time in God's word.

A Future In the Past?

2008-01-07T17:40:00.000-06:00

When the angel of the Lord told Lot to take his family out of Sodom, he told them, "Do not look back."

How many times are we guilty of looking back? Our Lord has saved us and accepted us into His family. He has said, "Your sins are forgiven." He urges us to a new life in Him; a life of love and service, a life of being cared for by the maker of the universe. Things couldn't be better for us and for the outlook of our eternal lives.

But..........Satan tempts us to look back in our lives at something that gives us a 'good fuzzy feeling.' You know what I'm talking about. Something in our past that made us comfortable. It could be a person, a thing or a time. Maybe it is a one time occurance or something that we used to regularly slip into. I'm not sure what it is for you, but I know that it has happened to all of us who have taken on Christ and a new life. It's not that looking back is wrong, but when we look back to our old selves with longing, then Satan has a rope around us to pull us even further into the recesses of our past. And, that is when things start getting dangerous.

God promised us a new future, He never promised a better past. He is not going to change what has happened in our past. In fact, He wants us, just like He does, to let our past go. That is the beauty of the cross. It allows us to let go of all the bad things in our lives; we can release the burdens which were placed upon us by our sins. Our heavy hearts can look forward to a REAL future, a glorious and meaningful hope in Christ. Even when the consequences of our sins catch up to us, we are still assured of a brighter future. We are promised a helper to get us through the things that this life throws at us. It is only when we let the past drag us back, that we endanger ourselves.

The key, as spoken to Lot and his family so long ago..."Don't look back." Lot's wife did! She never made it to the future.

I am praying for all of you who visit this page. I pray that my words will never mislead, but will be a springboard to a better understanding of God's word and His will in your life. I pray that we will all spend more time in God's word and doing His will.

Hate Crime

2007-12-10T16:50:00.000-06:00

I have been listening to the news about the church killings in Colorado, and my heart goes out to the families and congregations of those who were killed and hurt. I have prayed for them, and am also praying for their understanding of the events, so that they may continue their lives as soon as possible, after they have grieved.

While listening to the news stories, I kept hearing the question, "Is this a HATE crime?" DUH!!!!
I don't know why we now find ourselves classifying everything from our coffee's to our murders.
I'm not sure that I have ever heard of a murder being caused by LOVE! (Except for Christ's love and his murder for us.) If someone murders someone, he or she has hatred in their heart for someone or themselves, and it's probably both. We don't go around randomly killing folks because we love them.

When someone kills, without reason or justification, as in self defense or defense of one's country, the crime was not caused by the Master of Love. God did not pronounce to them to purposefully take a life for personal gain.

No, it is surely more likely that the Father of lies has told them to act in such a fashion. He has probably glorified the deed in their mind, or shown them an avenue to personal gain. Many, today, think that they will be imortalized, and so it seems, when we turn on our T.V.'s and hear about another rampant shooting of innocent people in a school or mall or any other place. Yes, Satan has certainly entered the picture. We seem to see him more and more every day, as if he also wishes to be imortalized on our TV screens, nightly.

Hate crime? Yes. Aren't all murders?

Let's remember to pray for all of those affected by these killings, and to also pray for those who throw themselves upon us with their rampages of anger and evil. But, most of all, let us pray for a world that is continually finding itself deeper in the grips of a Satan who does not want to lose, but, ultimately, will. Pray that the world will finally see him for who he is, a deceiver and a hater of all that is good. Pray that God will finally put him in his place, and us in ours.

The Rush Is On

2007-11-28T15:25:00.001-06:00

I've always been told to never start with an apology. There, now that I've gotten that statement in, I can follow with an apology. I am so sorry that it has been so long. I've been snowed under with my new job and the holidays and special prayers for special people. My life seems to feel as if there is no time left in it. Everything seems to be rolling down hill, and I can't seem to slow the barrel down. WOW! I thought that I filled my plate with too much on Turkey Day, I seem to have filled it with too much, with things to get done. I make a list every day and then at the end of the day, I roll over, to the next day, all of the things that I didn't get done.

There just has to be someone or something to blame for this predicament.

I know, I'm the one that writes the blog named "Be still and know..." That is what I need to do. I need to get back to starting each day with some quiet time with God and let Him lead me to do what is most important. I need to be in continual conversation with Him so that He can guide me to the best way of doing things. I need to listen to Him, and just maybe, He might ease my load. Even if He doesn't take some of it away, I know that He will shoulder the lions share of the weight.

It's going to be a whirlwind of a Holiday season, and I need to take the advice of the Psalmist, not just write about it. It's not a platitude to be vocalized for listening ears, as much as it is a truth to be listened to and followed.

So, even though I am writing these words to myself, I hope that we can all listen to the words during this hectic time, and take time each day to "...know that He is God."

Jerry Cole's Murder

2007-10-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

I can’t seem to get this off of my mind. The news story of Jerry Cole’s murder.

If you are not familiar with this story, Jerry was from a wealthy family who lived in Germantown, a very affluent suburb of Memphis. Jerry decided that God had been good to him, so he determined that he would serve those less fortunate than he was. He talked to his pastor and became involved in several organizations serving the homeless and those suffering from the disease that we call poverty.

Jerry had been working in some of the worse neighborhoods in Memphis for several years, not only helping feed and clothe others, but sharing his faith with them, also. One night, just about a week ago, Jerry left home to deliver some food to a family struggling with an ill child and no jobs. When he left his house, his father followed him at a distance.

When Jerry reached the dark shell of a home to deliver the food, four men attacked him. One, wielding a baseball bat pummeled him while another swung a chain hard against his back and head. Within a matter of minutes he was being kicked and beat within an inch of his life. Not yet finished, one of the four pulled out a knife and began to slice into his flesh, leaving approximately 50 or more incisions of varying sizes all over his body. Then, they stood and watched as he bled to death.

You may be asking, about this time, “Where was his father?” Believe it or not, his father saw almost the entire conflict. At one time he even turned away.

Believe me…When I read this, my fatherly instinct was outraged! I kept wondering why this father didn’t do something to intervene. If he was afraid, why didn’t he at least call the police? It turns out that he did have a cell phone and could have had the area swarming with cops within minutes of a call. What kind of father stands by and lets his son be attacked like this, and does nothing. I was completely disgusted.

If you are like me, you are being barraged with all sorts of questions in your mind, and even in your heart right now. Don’t despair. This is not a real news story. But it is based on a real story.

God watched as His son was tormented and tortured to death. He even turned away from Him. He could have stopped it with one call of ten thousand angels. He didn’t. He let it happen. Are you still asking yourself “What kind of father stand by and watches his son go through this?”

A God who loves you. A God who will do ANYTHING that He can to get your attention and to save your soul. Yes, he knew the end result before the acts even transpired. That doesn’t mean that He didn’t anguish over what He was letting His son go through. It just show us the depth of His passion for those of us who are weak and unable to get to heaven on our own. He knew that we could never do it, and He want us with Him so badly, that He watched, not interfering, until the deed was done.

And we should thank Him every day of our lives, with every breath that we have. Who do you bow down to? I say that He is the ONLY God worthy of our praise and worship. We should spend more time on our knees, bowed before him in awe.

Are You A Gomer?

2007-10-10T13:40:00.000-05:00

I’ve been thinking about Gomer quite a bit, lately. No, not “Shazaam!” The other Gomer. Hosea’s wife. That story, so well, tells the story of the love affair that God had for Israel, with Israel portrayed as a prostitute, and God still loving her.

It’s so easy to see oneself in the persona of Gomer. How often have we followed our own yearnings, turning from God, or probably more accurately, ignoring Him altogether. We let the things in this world draw us away from Him, or distract us from serving Him. Our lovers are as numerous and varied as we are. They could be actual lovers, sports, electronics, pornography, money, food, or anything else, which distracts us from the Lord. All of these and any others, which get us to focus on something other than God, could be our lovers.

In Hosea, God used Gomer to compare Israel to prostitutes or unfaithful lovers. When we turn our face from God for earthly pleasures, then we become like Gomer, adulterers. And, like Gomer, we begin to believe that we are receiving pleasures and good things from our earthly ‘gods’. This only draws us further from the true God from whom all good things come. If it’s good, it came from God. If it comes from God, it’s good. All other desires mislead us into believing that we can be fulfilled without God. This is a lie. This lie will destroy you.
Hosea not only took Gomer back, he paid for her, and then he loved her.

God paid for us. He paid a steep price. And He did so because He loves us, even though, in His eyes, we are seen as adulterers. He wants us so badly; He’s willing to overlook our deceptions and transgressions. Oh, how wonderful to be loved with such compassion. We will not find such love on this earth.So, how does it feel to be a Gomer? We all are. We’ve all turned from Him. But, like Gomer, He wants us back. I’m happy to be a Gomer.

"Who is this Man?"

2007-09-17T14:55:00.000-05:00

I love this passage in Mark. It's the last verse of chapter 4. During the storm, the hardened fishermen were so frightened that they woke Jesus from a sound slumber. With just a few words, He calmed the storm. Their reaction? "Who is this man? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!"

He had been telling them, for some time now, who He was. He was the Son of God. He had been healing folks and forgiving sins, and casting out evil spirits. They had seen miracles that we wish, today, that we could witness. And they had the audacity to ask, "Who is this man?" I want to grab hold of those guys and say, "Come on, you've seen so much already. This is God in human form. The creator of the universe. Do you even have to ask?"

But, don't we do the same thing? Aren't we guilty of questioning the power of God? Sometimes we're even afraid to ask for something, in fear of being rejected, and then we might ask ourselves if the task was beyond our hopes, anyway. We don't mind asking for the small things,because if we are denied, it is just a small dissappointment. That, we can handle.

Are we intimidated by large requests of the God of the universe, or do we question whether or not He really cares or is that powerful? And when He does answer us positively, are we surprised that He came through for us? What did we expect? Maybe, sometimes, God answers us with our own expectations.

Where is our faith? We can still expect miracles from the God of all things.

The Pursuit of God

2007-08-31T16:22:00.000-05:00

I know that I’ve been absent for a while, but I’m hoping that that has now ended, and that I will be a little more regular on my postings.

We’ve all seen, and most of us have probably been a part of the following scene. A little child, while his/her parent is momentarily distracted, slips his hand from their grasp and immediately heads for the busy street (or out the front door, or looking for something to put in his mouth, or any number of things. You know the picture.) When Mom or Dad notices, they immediately search for the missing child, never hesitating, knowing full well that moments count. Spying the child, just feet from danger, they rush to the spot and quickly take up the child in their arms and to safety. Familiar? I think that most parents have been a part of this scenario way too often. We cringe with fear that our little ones will be injured, so we try to be near enough to always protect them, to pull them back from the brink.
Now, picture yourself as the child and who do you think is the parent in this picture? Who will be the one watching over you, chasing after you and pulling you away from danger? Our Father, of course. Jehovah god. Just like the earthly parent continually warns the child of dangers, so also, God continually tries to caution us of the things in this world that will hurt us. He shows us, in His word, that there are many things that can harm us and those we love. He chases us and He tugs at our hearts when we get too close to the fire, our minds whispering to us to step away from the flames. When we reach out to touch them, and possibly pull back at the last minute or just after our fingertips have been seared, He takes us in His arms and comforts us.
God chases us. He pursues us diligently. It seems that that is His major purpose, when we read His word. If you look in Genesis chapter 3, Adam and Eve have sinned. They have eaten of the forbidden fruit. Now that they are aware of good and evil, they KNOW that they have sinned are full of guilt, so they hide themselves with fig leaves, and then when they heard God, they hid among the trees.
Now would have been a good time for God to say, “Well, I can’t depend on you two. It will probably be easier for us to just start over. These humans don’t have the will to follow Me.” Continuing, he could have remarked that, “this time, I think We’ll take the tree away, and then there won’t be that temptation. Then, all they will know is what I let them know. They will follow Me.” He created everything in seven days. How hard would it have been to just start over, create a better being that would be sure to follow Him?
He didn’t. Instead, He went for a walk through the garden, searching out His creation, wanting them to love Him, knowing what they now knew. He didn’t destroy them, though, as promised, they would be punished. No, He loved them and pursued them. He clothed them. Yep, He reached down from His lofty perch and dressed them. And then, He comforted them and led them to becoming the parents of all the generations who have ever lived.
Now, Adam and Eve weren’t the only ones God pursued. Remember Jonah? He tried to run from the Lord and He couldn’t. He even boarded a sea-bound ship, attempting to leave it all behind him, but was soon thrown overboard. A big fish swallowed him. Well, it ought to be hard for God to find him in the belly of a fish. Nope! God chased him and had the fish spit him out. Then, he finally gave in and did God’s will.
God even pursued entire nations. Look at how many times the Israelites turned from Him. He knew they were in danger, so He chased them down and tried to show them His love. Ultimately, He sometimes had to let them burn their fingers to learn. Then they would turn from the evil in their lives, seeing the pain it caused, and heed His words. What would He do? He’d take them in His arms and comfort them.
God has been chasing after us all of our lives. He knows our nature. He knows what tempts us. He knows the things in this world that are dangerous. Just as the parent knows that that bottle of pills is not candy for the child, though it looks really good to the infant, God know the hurts that come with cheating and adultery. When the child sees a toy across the busy street and focuses solely on retrieving it, the parent sees the speeding cars that could smash the little child’s life away. When we see that promotion and raise in our future, God might see the shady dealings or backstabbing that it might take to get there. And, just as the parent knows that all of those advertisements on TV are to capture the minds of the child and possibly even lead them into Satan’s arms, God knows the same thing for us.
God loves us. He loves us so much that He continually, unceasingly pursues us. He doesn’t want us to get hurt. He knows, better than we ever could, the lies of the evil one. He knows the traps set for us and tries to warn us. He says, “Follow me and me alone.” This, He knows, will save us. Everything else will destroy us.
God loves us so much that He chased us all the way to Golgotha and the cross. He served His only Son up as a sacrifice, so that we could see just how much He loves us. He gave His life to protect and to warn us. He rose from the grave to show us that this world is not all there is. And He sent His Spirit to live in us, to continually warn us, to reach out and pull us from danger, and to comfort us and show that he still loves us and accepts us when we get burned, when we don’t listen to His voice.
Wow! If we could only pursue Him half as much as He does us…

The Israel Effect

2007-07-20T08:55:00.000-05:00

We've all known people, or been there ourselves, who have needs or are in dire circumstances. They turn to the church for prayer and/or support. The church prays for them. The church takes up collections for them. The church serves a certain need. Then, all is well and those who turned to the church become strong in their faith and serve others wholeheartedly, never veering from their faith.
Nice story. too often the wrong ending.
Why is it that so many, who have been blessed with the wonders of God answering prayer, shortly thereafter turn from Him and His church, back to a worldly way of life? They begin, again, after seeing firsthand the struggles and pains of living for this earth, to put their hope in jobs or sports or any number of things that last for only a short while. They become blind to the marvels that God has shown in their lives. They turn their backs on those who struggled with them through their time of turmoil, praying endlessly for God to intervene and take away the hurt in their lives.
I call this the Israel effect. It's not new, you see. The nation of Israel, who were shown many more winders than we today, continually turned its back on God. They would moan and plead for God to take away their struggles. They would beseech Him to bring them out of captivity. They would promise to follow His ways, if only He would help them, now.
Invariably, God answered, and invariably, after a period of time, they rebelled again. They would begin to depend on themselves, thinking that they were the source of their success, all the while forgetting the wonders that were perfomed for them.
If you read the Old Testament, you will see, time and time again, this cycle of rejection and acceptance. And the real surprise is that God always wanted to forgive! He wanted His people to be a part of Him. He wanted this so badly that He sacrificed His only Son. Still, most rejected Him.
Let's not be like the Israelites, using God in our struggles in life and thinking that we are responsible for our successes.
He is with us always, even to the end of the world. (read Matt. 28:20 ASV)

The Search For the Holy Grail

2007-07-10T14:35:00.000-05:00

I want to start by apologizing for being absent for so long. I have been dealing with my yearly summer allergies and this makes it hard to think and be coherent at times. I did not want to burden you with incoherent meanderings which lead nowhere, and I also didn't want to look at my computer screen for long periods of time. Thank you for your prayers as I can always use those.
Mythology tells of a search by the Knights of England searching the world over for the ‘holy grail’. It was apparently the cup or chalice that had held the blood of Christ. Now, in the twenty-first century, Dan Brown tells us that the ‘holy grail’ is the blood of Christ passed down through generations by birth. He portends that Christ did not die on the cross, but that He married Mary Magdalene and had children, who had children and so on.
Now, I want to state that I think the blood of Jesus Christ is holy. I do not think that His blood was somehow collected in a cup and saved for posterity to spend endless days searching for it. Also, if Christ did not die on the cross and rise from death, He is not holy, as the scriptures say. He would be just a man, making His seed nothing more than ours.
I do believe in the ‘holy grail’. I believe that we, Christians, are the vessels or cups that carry within us His shed blood. We are the temples of His spirit, which He sent to us to help us, and therefore the cups of His spirit.
Like most cups, we are open to someone filling us, and in this world we have the choice of the thing or person with which we will be filled. If we choose to let Satan fill us with his dreadful bile, then that is what we will be known as. On the other hand, if we let Christ fill us with His love and His Spirit, then that will make our temples clean.
Just like earthen cups, we are prone to cracks and breaks, but if we are filled with His Spirit, what leaks out of us will be to the benefit of others, and He will fix us and refill us at our request.
What’s more, we are to pour out our contents for others to drink and be filled. We are to be the vessels that carry hope to others. We are to help satisfy their thirst. We are to cover them with aromatic oils and a cleansing wash. The substance of what we hold within us is not to be sealed and kept inside. That would do no one any good. It is to be poured out like wine to feed the thirst of the masses.
So, I plead with you today, to ask God to fill us up and then to pour us out with whomever we come in contact.We have found the Grail and it is Us.

Are You Listening?

2007-06-22T13:21:00.000-05:00

I just love the commercial with the little girl and her father getting into the car to go someplace. The cute and very verbose little girl is talking up a storm to her father about all of the important things that are going on in her life, never seeming to pause for a breath as he shuts her door and circles the car to get in on his side. Even if he wanted to say something to her, he is never given the chance as she continues on and on and on.

Is this the way that we talk to our Father? We take our concerns to Him in prayer, asking for healing or certain needs in our lives; interceding for others with physical or spiritual needs; praising Him for His love and awesome deeds; asking for forgiveness and deliverance from temptations. We go on and on, and when we are finished petitioning our God, we say AMEN.

Do we ever take the time to actually listen to what He might want to say to us? Yes, I know that He talks to us through His word, and also through things that happen in our lives, but He also put His spirit within us to help us to communicate with Him. So, do we listen when He talks to us or do we think that this is our soliloquy time and not a discussion? Do we pour out our hearts and yet fail to take note of the heartsong that he is singing to us?

Maybe it’s time that we start considering prayer a dialog between two people. Possibly, after we ask God for His guidance and help, we, as His good children should stop talking and start listening.

If you’ve never tried meditative or contemplative prayer, this could be an excellent time to start. Instead of praying for specific things and focusing on what we have to say, we open ourselves up, removing everything from our minds and focus on God. Don’t try to focus on all of the aspects of God, just clear your mind, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Use one or two words or a picture in your mind to help you focus on Him. It could be ‘Lord’, ‘Father’, the ‘cross’, or anything that lets you see Him. Then repeat that phrase in your mind, while leaving your heart ready to receive God’s message. You see, He especially likes to talk to our hearts. Do this for several minutes at a time, maybe twice a day.

Though this is a very simplified explanation of this type of prayer, it should do for starting out. Using this method of prayer not only opens the door to hear God’s voice, it also helps to alleviate tension and anxiety in our day. This is our opportunity to abide in Christ as He abides in us.

Acts 17:28 For in Him we live and move and have our being…

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

And this Blog’s inspiration, Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God

Ministering Spirits

2007-06-11T09:40:00.000-05:00

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Heb. 1:14

Isn’t it wonderful to know that our Lord has seen our needs and taken the safeguard of seeing after us with His angels? When I fly, I always overcome my trepidation by envisioning two angels, one under each wing, spiriting the plane to its destination in safety. No, I’m not an angel worshipper, nor do I spend countless hours delving into the secrets of all of their purposes, but I do realize that God has use for them in our lives, and has sent them numerous times throughout history as messengers and protectors of His people.

This post isn’t really about angels, anyway. It’s really about us. Though not spirits in the same way as angels, we, as God’s chosen people, must have the spirit of ministry within us. Our joy in life should be centered on ministering to all of God’s children, and that includes those who have not yet chosen to follow Him. Can you even imagine the results if you walked into a church for the first time and were confronted with real concerns, from folks you had never met, about your well-being? You could actually perceive their well meaning in their actions and words. And, when you felt comfortable enough that you actually shared your needs, those around you did everything that they could to comfort you and see to your needs.

That is what we have been called to be. Ministering spirits of this world, to each other and to others. When Paul was writing to the Corinthians, he spoke of the generosity of the Macedonian churches. He told of how they gave even during their most severe trial. They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond, pleading for the privilege to share. But, first, they gave themselves to the Lord. This story can be found in 2 Cor. Chapter 8.

Now, I know that many of you reading this probably are the types of servants of which I am writing. You teach Sunday school (perhaps for many years), Join in the ladies bible study, show up for work days at the church building, visit those in hospitals, invite others into your home, give generously of your means and your time, and most likely, if you do all of this, have given your lives over to Christ. My question to you is, do you find joy in what you do, and does it show? Do you look for more ways to give, giving even more of your time than you thought possible? Do you look for ways to serve others, or do you wait for opportunities to come to you?

I write this post, using the word ‘you’, as I look at and examine myself. I have begun to feel guilty about the fact that I am taking the summer off. After teaching classes for the last ten years or so, and spending time every Sunday morning worrying about whether teachers are in place, or if anything else needs to be taken care of, I told myself that I was going to take a break. I will spend some time with my wife’s parents, who are getting along in years, and of course doing some hard fishing. We plan to visit around some with other congregations in the area and see what’s going on around us.

Yet, I still feel guilty. I feel like I am letting down those around me. I have tried to put folks in place to insure a decent transition. I also know that this will give others the opportunity to step up and serve in a new capacity.

Ultimately, I guess, I need to allow myself the opportunity to be ministered to. Even Paul needed others to take care of his needs at times. I think that many of us fail to see this side of ministry. We are so busy ministering that we fail to give others the joy of ministering to us. It’s kind of like the person in need that has too much pride to ask for help and let others find joy in helping them. We all know that joy.

It’s so hard to be in that situation. I think it must be a matter of pride, the same pride that compels us to hold on to the guilt of our sins, when Christ has already paid for them. We want to pay our own debt, and we can’t. That is what He was trying to tell us.

Well, I’ll swallow my pride and let myself be ministered to. I need this! I’m just not sure how long it’ll last. Hopefully long enough for me to learn something about myself and those around me.

Pray for me.

The I's Have It

2007-06-06T09:36:00.000-05:00

Sorry that it’s been so long since my last posting. I was on vacation and it just takes so long to get back into the swing of things. Well, I’m back, so you’ll just have to start putting up with my meanderings again.

The people of our times, and probably times past, are so obsessed with finding happiness. They are looking for their own personal satisfaction and well being. Some attempt to find contentment by leaving behind loved ones and friends to search for deeper meaning in their own lives. Some follow the urgings that we are bombarded with daily from the media to be the new sleeker sexier model of himself or herself, or look to find enjoyment or pleasure in different lifestyles than what they are accustomed. Many even attempt to destroy what they knew, thinking that it can only be replaced with something better.

This, and much more, can be described in one word. Selfishness. We are absorbed with ourselves in today’s society. Just about every commercial one sees on TV has to do with how to make our lives better, be it the newest lightest vacuum cleaner to make housework easier, Nutri-system diets to look better, Ab-builders for stronger nicer muscles, special scents to make us sexier and smell better, and the list goes on. Most of our friends in the workplace are always trying to get ahead or trying to find an easier way to not have to work.

Our conversations are sprinkled if not saturated with musings of, “He doesn’t understand me,” or “My life would be so much better if…” or “When do I get to live my life?” We have become an egocentric culture basing our existence on how plush we live and how others see us. Even our national face has become one of “Why help that country or peoples if it does nothing for our nation?”

Recently, I’ve learned of two couples, of whom I care deeply, have separated. In just about every case of separation and divorce in marriages, the chief cause is selfishness. Whether a spouse is looking for a different lifestyle or life partner, it goes back to ‘what is best for me.’ Some leave a marriage because of selfishness on the other person’s part, but it all still comes back to self-centeredness. We care more about our own lives than that of those we have promised to share ours with. We forget our vows to be ONE. We feel like we are missing out on something the world has to offer. We slowly and subtly fall into Satan’s traps.

I’d like to say, right here, right now, very explicitly, IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!

That’s right. Call me a great counselor. No, that won’t work, because most counselors today try to tell you that it is all about you. But, if we look to the one great counselor in all of history, I believe that I am echoing his sentiments. Christ taught us to love others and to make Him (not ourselves) the center of our lives. All of history is focused toward one point in time, and that is Christ. How can we even think that we are the center of everything? That’s what selfishness does, you know. It makes us the nucleus of all we do.

He didn’t even say that it would be easy to do the right thing. We might even suffer. We might have to do without. Folks might not like us. How can we be happy if we don’t focus on ourselves somewhat?

He didn’t promise that we could make ourselves happy. He promised that we could find joy in serving Him by serving others. Haven’t you ever wondered how the apostle Paul could find joy through all the suffering that he contended with, or how the other followers could feel elation in tribulations against themselves? Maybe it’s because they had found something greater than themselves, Someone who could show them true happiness.

For the most part, when we go searching for happiness in what the world has to offer, we come away disappointed. Some lives are even crushed with despair, as they feel that there is nothing left for them when their greener pastures turn out brown. Perhaps they are searching in the wrong place, after all. Perhaps they should search inward, looking instead into their own hearts to fill that void with love and service to the living God who promises joy in Him and only Him.

Just as in a marriage when selfishness weeds its way in and splits two partners apart, so also in our lives, when we let selfishness in, we separate ourselves from God.

1 Pet. 4:10-11
Each one should use whatever gift he has to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Peace of Mind

2007-05-25T11:59:00.000-05:00

What is your worry today? Are they laying off where you work? Is money kinda tight here, at the end of the month, and you still have a few days to go? Are you and your spouse having some difficulties? Maybe your children are giving you fits with all of their energy, knowing that their summer vacation is near.

Are you concerned for a loved one or friend who's health is declining? possibly you are anxious about how you can make it all come together, everything just seems to be going wrong... our TV's tell us of war and terrorism, starvation, abortion, rising gas prices, rampant crime and all manner of things that keep our minds in a state of apprehension.

No wonder we can't focus on the needs of the present, we ar too troubled by everything going on around us. It's almost like a madhouse with no exits. Trapped with our fears and dilemnas, there seems to be no way out. They bog us down until we are frozen and unable to cope with the matters close at hand.

Isaiah 26:3 states, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

Perhaps we're not keeping our minds on the right things. Just because we are assailed with garbage all day long doesn't mean that we have to catch it and keep it as our own. We don't have to wallow in it like pigs [I got that from something my mother used to say :-) ]. We don't have to accept the refuse of this world as if it is the way things are, and they are just getting worse. These only hinder our real purpose, by making us think that we can do something about them. We tend to accept that they are man's problems. We will never have peace if we think like this.

We must keep our minds steadfast on God. God doesn't want us to worry. He wants to show us who He is. He will care for us if we trust in Him, not man. Satan wants to take our minds off of Him by filling our minds with too much stuff. The more we worry, the less we are trusting in God. The more we trust in God, the less we worry.

It's really very simple, we just make it complicated.

In verse 4 we hear, "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."

I guess today is part of forever. Seems like a good place to start.

Have A Good Day

2007-05-16T13:57:00.001-05:00

I just read the first chapter of Max Lucado's new book, "Every Day Deserves A Chance." Looks like it is going to be a good book. My kind of book. A way to handle the days.

It reminded me of a conversation that I have quite often with folks. I don't tend to have very many bad days. When people ask about my day, I usually tell them that it was a very good day, like all of my days. They will then look at me and ask how all of my days can be good. "I've noticed that you are just about always in a good mood. How do your do it? How can your days be so good?" they ask.

I respond, "God made this day, and I'm certainly not going to be the one to complain to Him about it."

How about you? Are you having a good day? If not, it might be a good time to have a heart to heart conversation with the One who made it. He might be able to change your perspective.

Endings Are Only Beginnings

2007-05-10T14:05:00.000-05:00

Only in movies and storybooks do we ever find true endings, and lately, many of those end with cliffhangers to titillate us until the next installment is out. Life is full of endings, yet when we look at all of the endings in life, they are only the beginnings of something new.

Ballgames end, and when they are over, the team starts to look forward to the next game or the next season, whether they won or lost. Many of our friendships end, and when they do, we go on with our lives and make new friendships and relationships. Marriages end and the spouses go on to marry again or to live a life without a significant other in their lives.

Jobs and careers end. Sometimes they are terminated by the employer and sometimes by the employee. This can devastate an individual for a time, but usually, new employment is found or a new career is started, and after a while things start to look up again. There might be a move involved for this fresh start. Definitely there will be new working relationships. New friends will be made, thus enhancing one’s sphere of influence on this world. New horizons will be formed and fresh challenges to be overcome. All of the old will not be forgotten, but at least one can put enough distance between themselves and the recent past to give time for healing.

Some of you know the reasons why I am writing this at this time. John Roberts will be making a fresh start in the beautiful environs of Glenwood Springs, CO. My prayer for him and his family is that it will be a time of healing hearts. A time to reflect on the good that has been gained in the past 8 years with brothers and sisters who truly love them and know that God has wonderful things planned for them in the future. Their service and friendship will be held in our hearts, and this will not be an ending, just a longer expanse in distance from each other. We will still be close in our hearts.

My hope is that we don’t lose touch, that we pray for one another’s ministries and lives constantly, and that their lives will be enriched with the Spirit of God to increase the brotherhood of Christ in the hearts of others. I know this…Glenwood Springs will be a more blessed town for knowing them.

John, to you I say thanks. Thank you for being my brother and guiding me when I wasn't sure that I could work in the ministry. You helped me in so many ways, to grow in Christ. I know that we didn't always see eye to eye, and I know that my personality wasn't always the easiest to have around on a day to day basis, but you loved me anyway. We shared our love for Christ and our brothers, and even shed tears for some of them and for each other. You will always be in my heart and you will always be my brother.

Oh yeah, I also look forward to visiting and doing some awesome fly-fishing at some point. See, that’s something else good.

Speaking of endings with new beginnings, we will all die someday. Our lives here on this earth will end. Our new lives will begin. The question is, will they begin with eternity in the midst of our God, or will they begin with eternity in the absence of God? That is our choice.

Intimate Plans

2007-04-30T12:31:00.000-05:00

“…you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This is from Psalm 139:13. God began the relationship between Himself and us before we were ever born. He Knit us together. Now, some of you women can understand the intricacies involved in the process of knitting. There are many movements with the needle to make the finished product come out just right. If not, well, let me just say that having one arm longer than the other isn’t one of the goals when knitting a sweater. So, let’s just say that God is very meticulous when He is creating us in our mother’s womb. Everything has to be just right, just the way He wants us.
Verse 16 goes on to say, “…All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” Jeremiah says the same thing in different words. In chapter 29, verse 11 we read, “For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Not only was God thoroughly detailed in our making, He also has plans for our lives here on this earth. He has specific reasons for our being.
God Almighty, the creator of all things, the One who set the Sun and moon and all the stars in the sky, the God who put all the vegetation and all the animals on the earth and then breathed life into the very first man, made us for a reason. He made us for His reason. There is a purpose for each and every one of us. His design work for you was thoroughly exhaustive to fit His use.
Contrary to popular belief, we were not made to please ourselves, or to search for our own happiness. First, and this is so important, our well-being and happiness have already been promised. Let’s go back and read in Jeremiah. God says that part of His plans is to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. So, we don’t have to go looking for these things, they’re already in THE Plan. They have been foreordained… promised. To each and every one of us, God has thought out and put into place a future and hope, according to His will.
If you’re like me, you’ve often wondered about this plan for your life. You may ask, “What special purpose does God have for me? How do I fit into His ‘Big Picture’? How will He use me?” These are common questions that we ask ourselves, and there often doesn’t seem to be ready answers. Being more realistic, the answers may not be quite obvious to us.
You may be the next big thing in preaching and evangelizing, like Peter or Paul. You might become a great defender of the faith and of the brothers. Possibly, God has in store for you the opportunity to help and encourage others just as Barnabus did. You may be asked to go to a foreign country to help others in need and to show God’s love to them.
Or…His plan for you might be something simple like teaching His word in a bible class, seeing after a sick neighbor, taking care of your parents or just being the best parents that you can be. Your kind words to strangers to lift them up out of Satan’s quagmire could be just what He has designed for your life. Telling your story to others, so that they might see His glory and mercy is another possibility.
Each of us was helped to come to Christ by the actions and words of others. Now, we can possibly be used the same way.
It really doesn’t matter if we know what He has planned for us, only that He has! We don’t have to know what our life holds in the future, only that God is in control.
Now, I wouldn’t be honest with you if all I did was stand up here and paint a rosy picture for you. You see, God also plans for those who don’t follow Him, for those who choose to follow another path. I could give you numerous examples from the bible of God using His enemies for His purposes. There are abundant times when the Israelites were taken captive by other nations that opposed them, because they turned from God in their worship and their everyday living. God used His enemies to turn His peoples hearts back to Him.
I guess the prime example of God using, as planned, an enemy to gain His purpose would have to be Judas Iscariot. Judas betrayed Christ, just as had been told by the prophets. It was planned and Judas was the person to carry it out. God knew that Judas would hand over His son to the foe. He knew that Judas had made the decision in his own heart. It was Judas, who, feeling intense guilt, took his own life instead of turning to God for forgiveness.
Of course, Judas wasn’t the only one to betray Christ. All of the other disciples fled when He was arrested. Peter even denied Him three times. The difference between Peter and Judas was that Peter’s guilt led him to seek God and His forgiveness. He truly wanted to follow God.
God has a plan for each of us. He made us specifically for our part in His plan. It is our choice, though, whether we will side with Him or the enemy. Whatever our choice, He will use us for His purpose. Our decision affects the outcome for our souls and how we are used, whether in a positive way, or aiding the enemy, Satan.
God has a plan. Have you decided where you fit into His plan? His plan for those who believe. His plan to prosper you and for your well-being. Plans to give you a hope and a future. A future with Him. That is His desire. That is His plan.
Now, you must decide. If you decide to let Him be your only God, then you must follow through. As Jeremiah put it, you must call upon Him and pray to Him.

And…He will listen to you.

What's In A Name?

2007-04-27T13:31:00.000-05:00

Abram – father of height and Abraham – father of a multitude; Jacob – following after, supplanter and Israel – ruling with God; Saul – asked and Paul – little.

As we read the bible, we notice many of the people in it had their names changed at one time or another. The preceding were all name changes in the bible. If we look at the meanings, we understand, by the changes in their lives, why God changed their names. Abraham became the father of a multitude, Israel ruled God’s nation alongside Him, and Saul, who was a great protector of the Jewish traditions and great among his peers became nothing, scourged by those who had followed him, therefore…Paul.

Just think of the many names of Jesus Christ, Wonderful, Messiah, Counselor, Savior, Lord, and on and on and on. All having to do with His character, His mission, and His being. I’ve always been intrigued by this practice of changing a man or woman’s name in the middle of their lives. I know that some folks change their names when they go into show business. Women change their names when they get married (most of the time – last name only). Some even change their names to hide who they really are. But, how many change to describe who or what they are?

Many parents name their child a certain name because it sounds good or they want to honor someone by naming their baby after them. Some actually delve into the meaning of the name and choose one that they hope their child will become. And then there is the nickname, usually given to describe a not so desirous trait.

My thinking is this. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we changed our names at baptism? Or soon afterward, when a difference could be seen in a new Christian? I think that this could be a practice that might be beneficial in helping us to remember who we now are. Possibly a badge of honor bestowed on us by those who know our hearts.

I know, there is no biblical background for such a practice. I just think that it is interesting. Think about it. What would your new name be?

AARON: Hebrew for "shining light"
CHRISTOPHER: Greek for "Christ-bearer."
GABRIELA: From the Hebrew for "God is my strength"
MADELINE: From the Hebrew for "tower of strength."

Or any number of names to describe the new born YOU!

I’d definitely change mine.

KEITH: Irish Gaelic for "battlefield" and Old Welsh for "forest."

I just don’t know what it would be.

True Colors

2007-04-20T14:55:00.000-05:00

What are your school colors? Are they orange and white, blue and gray, crimson and orange, blue and white or some other combination? Do you represent your team well? Or, instead of sports, maybe you follow some musical artist, actor or political representative. Possibly, like some, you follow a favorite TV show or you are a voracious reader of a certain genre of books. Whatever it is, you are a fan. An ardent admirer.
It is accepted, today, even expected and encouraged, that one should have some team, person or object, which one has an abnormal fixation about. If you don't, folks think that something must be wrong with you. some take it so far as to think that others should be just as maniacal as they are. It's amazing, the lengths to which these fans go, painting their bodies in their team colors, reading the latest message boards, collecting all sorts of memorabilia and even trying to be like their favored personality.
But, if one brings the same zeal to their beliefs, they are labeled fanatics, as if it had a negative connotation, never even stopping to thing that the word fan is derived from fanatic. Let's face it, we sometimes do the same with religions other than our own. Although, we as christians, usually reserve the term fanatic when someone starts killing in the name of their religion, or a number of other hideous or negative actions.
In reality, fanatic comes from the latin word fanaticus, meaning inspired by God. Why, then, do we look at the words religious fanatic as a negative. Shouldn't we be inspired by God? Shouldn't we engage our beliefs with zeal and an excessive energy, if we truly believe? Shouldn't we wear our colors proudly? How about it? Who wants to paint themselves white for purity and red for His blood? Who tries to read everything we can about our God? Who collects memorabilia?
If it is acceptable in just about all other areas to be a fanatic, why are we so stigmatized by the term in our spiritual walk.
We should be passionate in our pursuit of God and glory in our fervor to be His followers. When we wear our colors, by the acts that we do in loving kindness to others, showing our true colors, that will be our glory. When we attempt to fill our hearts and minds with His word and all good things, we must accept the full pleasure and joy of knowing Him. And, as we collect souls with our arms outreaching, teaching and serving, we should cheer for the winning side, singing praises and joyful songs, even shouting at the top of our lungs.
Religious fanatic? You bet I am! I am fully inspired by God. We should all pursue the fervor exhibited by the first christians. We should be proud to be fanatics of something more worthwhile than what this earth has to offer.

The Things We Do

2007-04-17T16:14:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been confronted by the funny things we do as Christians? Some might think it strange that one would be dunked in water to become a Christian. Heck! You might as well put mud in your eyes or stand in a circle for 30 minutes.
Maybe someone has said that is simply ‘yucky’ that you might pretend to eat someone’s flesh and drink their blood, as is symbolized in the Lord’s Supper. Isn’t there a more effective way to remember that isn’t quite so gross? Couldn’t we just look at a picture of the Guy?
It may seem silly to some, but to those of us who realize the significance of these acts, they are quite sane and meaningful. There’s also good reason why our Lord asks these things of us. Let’s look at some history to get a better grasp of the purposes for some of our practices.
In Numbers, after the people of Israel were plagued by poisonous snakes, for their sins, Moses made a bronze snake, placed it on a pole and when the folks who had been bitten by the poisonous snakes looked at it, he lived.
All throughout the Old Testament the Hebrews sacrificed animals on altars for forgiveness of sins. They would slaughter them and in some instances sling their blood around, so that God would look well upon them.
When Naaman was sent to Elisha, in 2 Kings chapter 5, to be cleansed of his leprosy, he was told to wash himself in the Jordan 7 times. “That’s just silly,” he thought. “One can’t cure leprosy by washing in a river. It’s a disease. I’m outta here!” (My very liberal paraphrasing) After his uproar, he was convinced to go and do as he was told, and he was cured.
Now, back to our first paragraph, where I mentioned putting mud in the eye. Ha! It was done! Christ, Himself, chose to use this simple performance to cure blindness, no less.

It’s not so much the acts that we perform, as it is the faith with which we perform them. None of the things we have mentioned have any power in and of themselves. It is He who commands them that has the power to make them work. The symbolism is important for our understanding, but the potency of the remembrance and the cleansing are in the hands of Christ, our Savior. When told, by the One who created us, to jump, we don’t ask why, but how far?
Then, on faith……. we jump.

Grankdkids

2007-04-13T12:54:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help myself. I just had to post these Easter pictures of my precious grandkids, Hayley and Hunter. Hayley is 6 and Hunter is 4. These two are my reward for not killing their mother when she was a teen (Just kidding. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter).
Proverbs 17:6 states, "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children." I couldn't agree more.

Love Your Enemies?

2007-04-12T15:29:00.001-05:00

Christ told us in Matt. 5:44, Luke 6:27 and Luke 6:35 to “Love your enemies…” How are we to love our enemies, when we often times have trouble loving our friends. We even go through periods when it is tough to love a member of our families. Don’t believe me? Do you have teenagers? Mothers-in-laws? A demanding boss? A friend who always seems to say the wrong thing at the wrong time? I’m sure you get my drift.
But, love our enemies? What if we don’t have any enemies? We’ve all heard it. Whether on the news or in a movie, someone gets killed or something terrible happens to them and all the neighbors and family say, “He had no enemies. He was well liked by all. He never hurt anyone.” And we sometimes say the same thing about ourselves, “I don’t have any enemies.” Well, my comeback would have to be, “He must not have been a Christian.”
“What do you mean?” you ask. Just this, we are told over and over again that if we follow Christ, we will have enemies. Who else is going to persecute us? Who will be the ones to try to kill us because of the truth that we speak? I don’t think it is going to be your Christian brothers and sisters. Not folks you call friends. Nope! I’m pretty sure that someone who persecutes you could easily be called your ENEMY.
So, how do you love that person? He/she surely stands against everything that you believe in and hold dear to your heart. How are we supposed to show caring and comfort, compassion or understanding to someone who opposes the one God along with His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ? After all, aren’t these the actions of love?
I, sometimes, have problems showing these traits to an acquaintance or friend that does me wrong. Now, I’m told that I’m also supposed to share my deepest concerns and compassions with someone who would just as soon see me fall over dead, so that I might be silenced from sharing God’s word. How do I do this? What reason do I have, to LOVE my enemy?
Simple. Christ loved me.
Not only did He love me, He loved those who tortured and beat Him. They spit on Him and mocked Him before they hung Him on a cross in shame, to die a horrible death. And, what did He do? He loved His enemies. He asked for their forgiveness while they were still shouting sarcastic and disdainful remarks at Him. He did not want even one of them to be lost to Satan.That’s how we love our enemies. When they hurt us, we pray for them. When they mock us, we take it, and don’t retaliate. When they try to silence us, we speak the truth to them, in hopes that they may be saved. That is why we are to love, so that not even one of them will be lost.

Neo-atheism

2007-04-06T13:52:00.000-05:00

I don’t know how many of you get E.J. Dionne’s column in your editorial section of the paper, but it was really worth reading today. It was a discussion on Neo-atheism and faith. Apparently, Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins are two of the better-known neo-atheists. Their premise is that Christianity is intolerant and in the words of Harris, “I hope to show that the very ideal of religious tolerance – born of the notion that every human being should be free to believe whatever he wants about God – is one of the principal forces driving us toward the abyss. We have been slow to recognize the degree to which religious faith perpetuates man’s inhumanity to man.”

Talk about the ‘pot calling the kettle black!’ I am including a link to the column here, if you are interested to read the entire piece.

www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/05/AR2007040501790

I will give E.J. credit for his defense of Christianity, but this is just a small part of what Christians will probably be facing in the near future, if the present trends continue. As some of us have discussed in previous posts, the moral fiber of this country and the world around us is deteriorating rapidly. Not only that, but the sheer arrogance of those who would deny our God, also would love to outlaw Him.

Kinda sounds like the car telling the man that it doesn’t need him anymore, and then ultimately that the man who made it doesn’t exist. I guess the car just happened by a freak accident.

I’m not really sure where we go on this one, except to say that we have to be vigilant in defending the truth. We also need to spend time in prayer for those who would deny God. Pray that they might see the truth and believe. Pray that they might use their forum, some day, to extol the mighty power of their creator. And, pray that their deceitfulness will not affect others to turn away from God.

Psalm 111:1a “ Praise the Lord. I will extol the Lord with all my heart…”

I hope that you all have a wonderful Easter weekend, and enjoy your family and friends. Especially take time to focus on our Redeemer and His sacrifice, and know this, for sure: "He lives!"

Sound the Alarm

2007-04-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

How many times have we watched someone engulfed in his or her sin, and we didn’t do anything to dissuade them? Possibly, we didn’t know them very well. Possibly, we saw from far off. Possibly, we didn’t want to hear the repercussion of their reply. For some reason, we said nothing.
I read Neva’s posting today (Dancing in the Light), and it really got me to thinking. Where does our responsibility lie in the aggressive changes of our society? How do we, as Christians, respond to the vulgarity and oppressive acts being foisted upon the unknowing and unsuspecting populace of this country and this world? Do we sit in our churches and send out mailings to invite them in? Do we post a nice message on our sign to intrigue them? How exactly do we warn them of the dangers that lie in wait to devour their souls?
Are we even responsible to warn them?
Ezekiel 33:7-9 states, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.”
Hmmmmm. Seems to me that we only have one right choice. We will be held accountable for not warning these folks of their folly of following the standards of this world instead of following the one true God.
Now, unless you have a TV show or radio show, it’s probably going to be difficult to warn everyone, but there are ways. There are folks who represent us in our governments to whom we can write. We can put a dent in the profits of those who espouse sin as a way of life by not supporting certain products or services (but only if we let them know why we are making such decisions). There are many avenues in which we can try to warn and squelch the onslaught of sin today, but I think the one that will meet the opponent head on is the one that was given to us right before Christ ascended to heaven. “Go!”
Instead of sitting in our church buildings, waiting for visitors to come in so that we can welcome them, we must also GO out and tell them of the impending doom that awaits those that do not follow the one true God. We must do so in a loving and caring way, seeing to their needs and showing a true thoughtfulness and gentleness. But, we must also be honest. They must understand the end that awaits those who do not abide in the Lord. They must also understand the end that awaits those who do.
The time for pulling punches is past. Sin is epidemic in our society and will only get worse as it seeps into our everyday lives, deceiving us into thinking that it is something good. Folks need to know, sin kills, eternally. If there is any question as to what sin is, we have God’s word on that. Just open His scripture to see that what many are calling acceptable is sin. Things that we are told that we should tolerate, are sin.
According to the preceding verses in Ezekiel, I believe that we, as followers of Christ, are called to be watchmen. God has sent His warning and we should sound the alarm. If they fall, and we didn’t sound the alarm, we will be held accountable. If we do, and they sin anyways, their blood will be on their own head.
So GO! Warn them!

Good Mornings

2007-04-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

My daughter, Christy, like her mother, has never been a morning person. She would always sleep as late as she could, loved naps and on most days she didn’t even want to be talked to in the A.M.

I can remember waking her with my melodic voice singing, “Wake up wake up, the sun is up!” This didn’t seem to cheer her too much. I would smile and talk to her, attempting to get her to dialog with me, to no avail. She just wasn’t ready to start her day, and she definitely didn’t want me to be a part of this portion of her day.

Now, I’m sure that once she got to school, she didn’t treat her classmates with the disdain which I received. Knowing her, she was bright and cheery the moment she stepped through the doors of her school.

This is not a negative piece about my lovely daughter. It is more a reflection of me. I can’t help it. I love to start a NEW day. It’s another chance to try to make a difference and show that my life has some intrinsic good and meaning to it. I love to see people happy and I spend an inordinate amount of time and effort to get them to smile and see the good in their day.

Back to the story. I finally came up with the idea to break the silence on those drives to school each morning. I would have Christy recite Psalm 118:24. The first few time that I tried this I got a sidewise glance that said, “Leave me alone and let me wake up.” After a few times of not letting her leave the car until she had recited it, I got even braver and expressed that she needed to feel the meaning of the verse, not just quote it. After a little time, she would recite it with little urging, and ultimately she actually started to smile and feel the power in the words. It became a game of sorts, but it also let her know what was important to me.

Looking back, I often wondered if I was wrong to force this on her. That is, until recently, when speaking with her, she told me that she has started to get my two grandchildren to start their days on the ride to school, reciting this same verse. Is it possible that I was right? My hope is that Christy’s days are that much better for starting with a simple but true verse from God’s word.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Looking for Miracles?

2007-03-30T15:45:00.000-06:00

Are we looking for miracles today? Society seems to think that, because God is not feeding all the hungry of the earth, or healing all sickness or even stopping all horrendous crimes and wars, that He does not exist. They ask, “Why, if God did all of those miracles in the bible, does He not clean up this world today?”

They seem to think that god was performing daily miracles throughout about 4000 years of history. The world seems to believe that the Israelites were asking and being granted miracles on a frequent basis. “If God exists,” they inquire, “why can’t He just change the hearts of terrorists and criminals?”

Now, if these same people would spend just a little time reading the history of God’s people, they were sometimes asking the same questions of Him. All through the bible, God’s children cry out to Him for deliverance or vengeance against their enemies.

God did answer some of these requests. Often, He did so at a time of change for His people, usually a new era in His timetable. Hundreds of years could pass between them. Thus, they often struggled with the same doubts suffered by folks today.

How, then, did they deal with their own questions, when God was silent? They were instructed, just as we are today to “Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles and the judgments He pronounced.” Psalm 105:5.

For me, it’s very hard not to remember His wonders. Each time I look to the sky, whether bright sunshine, deep darkness with twinkling stars, massive thunderstorms or a peaceful pink and blue sunset, I know that this is no accident but the works of the master artist. I can gaze upon mountains, lakes, rivers, forests or any of a myriad of God’s creation and remember His wonders. The one wonder that really helps me is His creation of man. We are created in His image. I try to see God’s image in others. It’s there! At times, and with some individuals, this can be quite difficult. It is usually not the subject, but my own thoughts, that keep me from seeing Him. I just have to clear the worldly view from my vision.

Remembering his miracles and judgments, I must rely on His Word, along with my personal experiences. I may not have had any really noticeable miracles in my life, but I have definitely felt God’s presence and work within my life. There are many times that He lifted me up or helped me make decisions when I could not have managed on my own.

Oh yes, I remember. I remember and praise the Lord that can do such wonders.

The first four verses of this same chapter in Psalm 105 reads as follows:
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. Glory in His Holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.

Just a note: I am aware that every reference to God in the bible is not capitalized, and that it is not necessary to do so. I do so out of respect and awe to my Lord. I appreciate your tolerance in this respect.

Good-Bye to Mom

2007-03-29T15:13:00.000-06:00

I want to thank those who have visited my new blog, and I especially appreciate the kind comments. My hope is that you will leave enriched and hopefully, something I say might be just what you needed at the time.

My heart is going out to Jim Blasingame, Janet’s (my wife) boss. He lost his mother on Tuesday after being put in the position of making the decision to take her off of Life Support. I will continue to pray for him and his family, for I know that this will not be the end of the matter for him.

Just over a year ago, my siblings and I were faced with the same painful decision. We had not spoken to her prior to her hospitalization to determine her wishes. We didn’t want her to look at the negative side of the issues facing her. We only wanted her to be positive and work toward coming home again. When things got worse, she was in no position to make a decision, and our hope was that she would get better. Then, we would discuss the harsh realities that could face her on her next hospital visit.

Needless to say, that never happened. Her health continued to deteriorate until her systems started to shut down. We were blessed to have her in the Baptist Health System because they had something that I had never heard of, Palliative Care. A palliative care nurse met with us and explained the choices to us. This was done in a very caring and loving manner. We also had my niece, Rachel, who happens to be a nurse, explain to us the pain that Mother was going through, even though we couldn’t see it. I will always be thankful for these two, who helped at this crucial time.

The reason that I feel so much for Jim is that I know that he will be second-guessing his decision many times in the future. I have asked myself, many times, if we had the right to make that decision. It has really gotten harder to determine when someone’s life is over, with all of the advances in technology. Modern medicine can keep a human body breathing and its heart pumping almost indefinitely. What we have to ask ourselves is, “Are they really still here?” “Do they have a chance of recovery?” and “If they recover, what will their lives be like? Will they really be alive?”

The good news is that my mother did go home. I know that she was welcomed with open arms into the place that she had been waiting a long time to see.

I also know that we, ultimately, did not make the decision. If God had wanted her to stay here, He would have made her better. We are not made to be here forever. That’s why our bodies wear out. Everything in this world wears down or turns rotten. I am so glad that she is now in a place that she will never grow old or wear down or become bed-ridden again. I know that she is having a blast and would much rather be where she is, than where she was. I can’t wait to see her again, but I am reminded of what Paul said; “I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far’ but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.” Phil. 1:23-24.

He will take me when He is through with me here. Until then, my eyes look up in anticipation of the day…

One last thing. If you haven't already, make out a Living-Will. Save your family from having to make the hard choices. It is so easy to do, and hospital workers and doctors will be glad to help you.

All Inclusive

2007-03-28T10:31:00.000-06:00

I really love the rest of the verse in Psalm 46:10. It begins with "Be still, and know that I am God;", which I discussed the other day. This part is both calming and reassuring in its simplicity. But, when you continue on and finish the verse, you begin to see the power in His words, "I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (emphasis mine).

Here, we are given a foretaste of of the words in Romans 14:11, "...every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." Can you feel the power evoked in this statement? He's not saying that those who believe and follow Him are going to show their praise, He's telling us that He will be praised by all, even those who hate Him. These are the words of one who has already seen it happen, not the idle words of one trying to sway the future.

I love the song "I Can Only Imagine," and I often find myself, when singing along, putting myself in that position. How will I react? Will I fall down trembling, unable to speak for fear of the almighty God? Will I stand with upraised hands, singing praises of adoration to my loving savior? I think that it will be the latter, because I know that He is a loving Savior who gave Himself for me. No matter what my posture or actions, I know that He will be welcoming me, and thus, all of my fears will vanquish. I will certainly not fear the One who holds His hands out to me to embrace me and take me into His realm of Heaven.

As for those who do not believe, or who purposefully shun His truth, those, I can picture, falling to their knees, trembling with fear and unable to utter a single sound, until commanded to speak. They will fear Him, because they don't know Him. Isn't that the way we are? We tend to fear the unknown. We fear dark alleys and excruciating pain. We fear war and many of us fear loud thunder storms. We don't know what to expect, and so, we fear.

Those to whom God is unknown, will falter and lose their courage, that has been built up from false foundations of earthly and physical ideas. Their hope, being mostly in themselves, will be faced with the true hope of God's children, the light shining brightly on them, casting all of their dreams into shadow. What will be left to see will be nothing more than an empty vessel, holding nothing of true value. Should they fear our true and loving God? You betcha!

All of creation has the opportunity to accept God. Many choose to follow the false and deceiving spirits of this world. Those who decide otherwise, not only have a hope of Heaven, but a hope for the present time also.

The chapter ends with verse 11. "The Lord Almighty is with us; The God of Jacob is our fortress." How reassuring to know that we can lean on the One who is. He will protect us and guard us because we are His. And, it is a comfort to realize that ALL will ultimately bow down and worship the One who is worthy.

Why Be Still?

2007-03-26T13:05:00.000-06:00

My hope is that all who come here will take time out of their hectic schedules to "be still and know that He is God."
If you are going through trying times, your life seems to be turned upside down, your friends or family just don't understand you, or any number of things that confuse or hinder you from being at your best, then it's probably time to Be Still.
On the other hand, if you are taking life by the horns in a whirlwind of success, everything seems to be going your way, success seems to hang on to your coattails, and you have no worries, I can guarantee you that it is time to Be Still.
God doesn't want to just help us when things are bad, he also wants to be there for us and with us when we are being smothered by the world in its attempt to change our focus from the created, to the Creator. We often worry about the poor soul who is undergoing some great tragedy such as illness, bankruptcy, or loss of a loved one. We worry that they will blame God or leave His fellowship, which could happen.
But, when we see someone who is successful and enjoying all that life has to offer, are we concerned for them in the same way? I feel, sometimes, that Satan is even more successful in hiding God from an individual who is being overcome with the "things" this world has to offer. I think that it is even more important for this person to take the time and look for the source of all of his gain. Is it because he is attentive to the workings and desires of God, or has he been blinded by the materialistic and suffocating artifacts of a fallen world? Only when he has uncovered this source, can he know how to proceed.
This is not to take away from the needs of those grieving or hurting in some way. They, also, face the dangers of Satan snatching away their faith, but it is in our time of need, I believe, that we are more apt to hang on to that which comforts us most.
Therefore it is imperative that all of us take time throughout our days and periodically ask ourselves, about our lives, "Is god in on it?"
Is He the beginning and the end of our days? Do we let Him fill them with His presence? Only by taking the time to be with Him, can we be assured through His Spirit, that He is with us. And know this; No matter your troubles or successes, He is God! He is Creator and Ruler, Guide and Mighty Conqueror and above all, Lover and Comforter.

Please take the time to comment, if you will, and share any thoughts that you might have. Also, if you would like to share any other thoughts or needs, feel free to use this as a forum, that we might be able to lift one another up.

Scripture for today: Psalm 46