Are we hearing the Questions?

There is debate as to how to reach the lost world for Christ. In truth the people of the Church must make the Gospel relevant to each listener. Consider how Jesus approached the Woman at the well, the demoniac in the tombs, the Disciples prior to and after feeding the multitudes and how about the "Religious Elite" (as opposed to Nicodemus). Times of discernment call for hearing what questions are actually being asked, before we can tell them what needs to be heard.

One source of questions I have heard has come from a band I enjoy called "Linkin Park". One song is called Breaking The Habit part of it says;

Clutching my cure, I tightly lock the door
I try to catch my breath again, I hurt much more
than anytime before, I had no options left again
I don’t want to be the one, the battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize that I'm the one confused
I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream, I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean, I don't know how I got this way
I'll never be alright, so, I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit Tonight

It is not hard to hear the lyricist's pain. Is this a cry for help that resonates with young and old (hey, I like the song, and 50 is just days away, old is a state of skate board proficiency). How many of us have figured out that we can't fight every battle, but we can't decide which? We look back at what we did, shake our heads and are puzzled at our own behavior, however we are clearheaded enough to tell anyone else how to clean up their act!

When we do find forgiveness, as hard as that is, we promise to NEVER do it AGAIN, but how long does that last?

Rather than a pointed finger, a broken heart/spirit needs an open hand, and a lift up as Jesus did for the Woman caught in adultery. After the accusers were gone, Jesus patiently waited then He said softly, "Go and sin no more," end of story. God welcomes the broken, contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). The proud, the self-righteous: whether they are religious or not, will find no mercy.

Face Time With God

In the last 20 months, part of what I deal with is called positional vertigo. What happens is, after sitting or laying down for a while, upon rising I have a lack of blood rush (?) from my brain. No warning it just happens sometimes. I can get up with no effect, I can get up and need to grab something for 3-7 seconds, or I can just pick a soft place to land. Having so much time on my face I have felt humiliated, hoping it would not happen in a public place. So far God has been gracious and held me up.

Just today it occurred to me, why haven't I used the "face" time to approach God's throne about some of the serious troubles I have seen in our world, nation, our church? If God is trying to humble me then I better listen! He seems to have gone beyond the still, small voice and moved to the 2x4 method. I don't want Him to get a bigger piece of lumber.

Saints in the Bible and in History, literally got on knees and on face in reverence to make appeals in times of need. Do we not have need?

SPEAK LORD FOR THY SERVANT HEARETH, the next step is obedience. Am I on the voice or stick level?

How about you?

Who Might Be Watching?

In my human development class there is a psychological term called "invisible audience". It is applied to adolescents who suspect they are the object of everyone's attention. It makes them anxious and tense adding to an already stressful time in life. Psychologists say it is only an illusion that passes with time and maturity.

I accepted this logic until a verse of scripture opened in a new light. From my earliest years I have been taught that people in Heaven are rejoicing with Jesus and are shielded from seeing this life due to the permeation of sin. But Hebrews 12:1 opened, as I said, in a new light. Hebrews 11 describes the hall of heroes whose faith (in spite of sin, failures, doubt, and weakness) allowed them to achieve great things for God. THEN comes 12:1, well here, read it for yourself;
Hebrews 11:32-12:1
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

We are (present tense, NOW) surrounded by Witnesses. Not just God, but the Host of the faithful. Not Angels, though they are here, but MEN and WOMEN of FAITH.

Call a meeting and have this heretic tarred and feathered and run out of the church on a rail!

Witnesses, look up the term in the dictionary, and we are surrounded, not off in some distant somewhere.

Invisible audience indeed, We are being watched! The response? Throw off everything that keeps us from the course God has chosen for us to run.

Would you stop in front of the Grandstands to check your shoestrings or brush off some dust at a track meet? NO, when the home crowd is watching we run the race till the race is over!!

Does One Person Matter?

Does one person matter? Some people say they won't vote because one vote won't matter. They stay quiet because if they say anything one voice won't matter. They stay home because being there won't help, one more person won't matter.

Getting lost in a crowd is easy to do. In the mass of six billion people we can feel very insignificant. God says He counts the hairs on our heads and even some useless bird in the tree. But in the scheme of events of man, do you and I have impact? lets look at a few individuals.

Suppose Adam had said, "No, she looks nice but I will stay single till I find a brunette".
And what if Noah said, "Funny, I don't see any rain clouds".
Moses might have run for his life the other way, yelling, "Fire!, Fire!".
David (standing over Saul's body) plead, "It was self-defense" and in so doing compromised his commitment before God.
If Solomon was so wise, why did marry more than one woman? It was because he had a Y chromosome. He was just the wisest man, not the smartest, sorry.
What if Deborah (Judges 4) had simply laughed in Barak's face?
And Esther of course might not have gathered the courage to follow her uncle’s instructions.
Elijah really should have studied Freud or Erickson to find the source of Ahab and Jezebels inner crisis.
It would have been very easy for Daniel to say, "Hey, that pork looks pretty good".
I can imagine Shadrach telling Abednego, and Meshach, "Dudes, our sandals are untied", just as the music played.
Separation of Temple and State had to be considered and discussed extensively before any politically incorrect statements be made to Herod, John the Baptist, said to himself over, and over, and over, as he paced outside the palace.

Fools or Heroes, in the history of mankind there is but one judge. The curtain is yet to fall. Who among us can say what is the next act? What will be noted as the next great heroism? WHAT OPPORTUNITY MIGHT JEHOVAH PLACE IN YOUR HAND TODAY, TO CHANGE ALL OF THE TOMORROWS

Choice of Cats

What does the word CAT mean to you? It can conjure up one of several pictures. Some will see a four legged creature that leans against your ankle, purrs softly and for the most part ignores you. Others envision a yellow machine that mashes anything in it's path, purrs loudly, and you can ignore it at your peril.

Each has it's up side and down side.
In the garden the Cat Feline, will walk through and no one will notice, it can step to the left or right and it won't matter.
In the garden the Cat D-9 will roll through and the garden is gone, FOREVER!, if it turns left or right it likely will take your house clean off the foundation.

In Luke chapter 21 the Disciples pointed out the city of Jerusalem and the beautiful stone work of the Temple and were trying to show hometown pride to Jesus. They figured a Cat feline adjustment would put Jesus (and them) in charge of Israel. Jesus reply was, see these stones? Not one will be left on top of another! A Cat D-9 adjustment!

Do we fear the Great Physicians intervention? The extreme case in Matt. 7 and Luke 6 where we have a beam in our eye. That is not a Cat D-9 event, (not a Cat feline either). In the case of the prodigal son, there was nothing beyond attitude, and we get washed by the blood/spirit. 1John 1:9 also, 'If we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us our sins and to CLEANSE us from all unrighteousness".

When He comes on the white horse with a sword, then a D-9 will be a Micro-Machine, Believers will be safely behind Him.

Big Talk, Small Faith

Ever hear the phrase "put your money where your mouth is!" Jesus said we only need faith the size of a mustard seed, even that can be a reach. I have been reminded in the last few weeks of a song by a Gospel group called Casting Crowns,

"Oh what I would do to have, The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in, Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!" "You'll never win!"

>> Chorus:
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have,
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name And he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times, I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me,
Time and time again. "Boy you'll never win!" "You'll never win!"

But the stone was just the right size,
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so big,
From on top of them lookin' down,
I will soar with the wings of eagles,
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus,
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth".


For me school has been getting out of the boat, and I hear wind and waves...but for now I am still walking.

Sir, Yes Sir!

While watching the Rick Warren interview with John McCain, McCain brought up the Marines stationed in Beirut. He said that he advised then President Reagan, that it was a strategic error. We saw the result in the car bomb that killed the hundred plus Marines.

I imagine the base commander responsible for the young men. He would have been aware of the animosity of the locals, the lack of security, and the overall risk of putting his men in such a place. In his mind there might of been objections. He might have wanted to suggest safer encampments. But when the orders came down from the Commander-in-Chief, his response had to be one thing.

"Sir, yes sir."

After the bombing, he would have been among the first to be notified. I can say with confidence that, that base commander would have been angry, hurt and frustrated that "his" men died in such a way.

I jump to the interchange between Jesus and the Father before Bethlehem. The Father tells His Son, You will be cursed, disbelieved, mocked, scourged, your hands, your feet, your side pierced and for three days we will be separated. They knew all that and still Jesus went.

The marines may or may not have died to achieve a cause, Jesus willingly with full knowledge stepped down into our world to strategically blindside the enemy with an assault from which Satan has not and never will recover.

With that our Commander-in-chief says, "Take up your cross and follow me", our response has to be, "Sir, yes sir".

Need A Bigger Rock?

NEED A BIGGER ROCK?
There was a science fiction movie (yes, I publicly confess, a Sci-fi fan). In the movie the hero was a bounty hunter, who was some how persuaded to hunt down and capture/eliminate some ugly, scary alien. In the advertisements for the film, he sees the monster for the first time and says the catch phrase, "I'M GONNA NEED A BIGGER GUN".

I flashed on the picture of David approaching Goliath. David looks down into his pouch and says, "I'm gonna need a bigger rock", NOT! For those who have never experimented with the two string and twirl type of sling, allow me to up your education.

When I was in about fourth or fifth grade I put the authentic Biblical style sling together. It was not one of those mickey-mouse sissy rubber band type, this was deadly. I know because I was winding up, it slipped and let loose too early and accidently struck the windshield of the family station wagon. We are talking mid-60's station wagon when the glass was nearly bullet proof. To make the story short, Dad was not pleased with my test fire.

My shot was sloppy. David was good. He was real good.

Once again I am reminded that God has chosen to use the foolish to confound the wise. King Saul offered his armor to David, which David declined. I wonder if Saul expected David to "get wise" as he was out in open field, and come back for the armor.

People like Moses, Gideon, Barak, Sarah and the praying fellowship (while Peter was in prison) all said "Lord we need a bigger rock," and God said, "I am your ROCK, what more do you need?".

Seeking Wise Counsel

I have taken on the challenge of reading through the book of Proverbs each month (31 chapters, 31 days). I found a re-occurring theme "in the multitude of counselors there is: 1)safety 2) plans are established". There variations but you get the point.
For all of you who saw the Rick Warren interviews (and those who didn't) there was one question that really scared me. The question, "Who are three wise people you would go to for counsel?"
Obama: "First, my grandmother,..."
McCain: "First, General Petraeus,..."

They each went on to list people of similar caliber. Is this the level of decision making we trust our future to?
Now, I have nothing against his granny, but if Mr. Obama becomes president, will he rely on the folks back on the block to decide his national and international policy? If we can put philosophy aside, (if that is at all possible). The man who has his finger on the button that can make things go BOOM!! should be much more acquainted with who might be tempted to push the button on the other side, or who in fact might have buttons.
Yes I would prefer (choice #3?) for the commander-in-Chief to be a godly man as I understand, but on the other hand Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Harrison & Co. were good presidents but had skeletons in their closets that I won't poke into. God is the righteous Judge who sets up kingdoms and tears them down, ALL WITHOUT OUR PERMISSION.
From a tactical and political point of view, if Jehovah is willing to let the USA stand much longer, I will salute a man at the top who knows and has shown what the words courage and honor stand for.

The Elway Scramble

How many of you remember when the Broncos used to win football games? Sorry game fans but I speak of the days when John Elway could call the plays and move the ball in ways that befuddled the opponents. It was called "The Elway Scramble". He could lateral, run, slide, pass, punt, kick or make something up. Light on his feet he was known to execute near miracles.

Now I am not nor ever been a football player or fan. My father in law was religious about Broncos in the playoffs. I do understand the importance of the quarterback. If he is off his game, the team can suffer. Conversely the QB can't do much if the line doesn't protect him.

As a teacher I can see myself as the quarterback. As long as I call the plays, and can scramble, I have the "game" going on. When I have to follow someone else's playbook, I struggle. In times of need (like short notice), it would be fair to call it a gift from God. Other times my pride just doesn't want to go through the work of following.

Going to school is making me aware of myself. I find that in order to work the material I must make it part of me. Kind of like when you stir sugar into your tea. Once the two are stirred you cannot dip your spoon into the glass and scoop the sugar out. For me to assimilate the subject matter from the classes I make an irreversible change to who I am. That scares a part of me.

My faith is being pulled in ways that I've not known. Pray that I can be honest with God, teachers, myself and those I seek to help. The prescription is probably as John the Baptist said in John 3:30, "He must increase, and I must decrease,"

Who is our Government Protecting?

I hope you all have noticed the news articles about the banks going bankrupt. I have some pity for various employees who will lose jobs. What I don't shed any tears for are executives who knowingly, or should have known that there were loans being made of high risk nature that should never have been made.

If you think I am narrow minded on Bible stuff, bring up politics or economics.

THESE BANKS DESERVE TO GO UNDER AND THE PILOTS AT THE HELM SHOULD FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES. There, did I say it loud enough? Instead of justice, the I.R.S. will take more out of taxpayers paychecks, in order to protect the retirement accounts of the officers and shareholders of AIG and Lehman Bros. and WaMu, so that they can sleep knowing THEIR retirement is safe.

This is the time for American citizens to move in unison, out of turn, before the ballot box (and then too!) and let your Senators and Representatives know in no uncertain terms that this is unacceptable. There have been shady moves in the past but this is in full daylight! It is not about threats. We who serve the true and living God know He works all things according to the council of His will and will hold all to accountability, but as citizens of the greatest nation on the face of this planet we have the God given right (sealed by the blood of men in uniform) and Holy obligation to stand up and be heard.

What I fear is that this body we call Congress can't come together in the course of months or years to sanction sufficient aid to our war-wounded, will find a way to finance bankers overnight, (ok, it took a week).

Success or no, SPEAK (email, phone calls, mail) as the saying goes, "All it takes for evil to prevail, is for good men to do nothing".

If you will, Pass this on, or at least think on it.

No Time to Panic, Is Time to Pray

Friends, Family, America is facing the possibility of great changes. Before we stress over what may become of our nation, of our state, of our town, of our church, of our families and of our selves, LET US PRAY.

Let us pray for our Christian brothers and Sisters in Darfur who are and have been starved and murdered. Also for the bretheren who are in Somalia, (and throughout Africa) living in contant fear of death by disease or war. Do not forget the churches in China that for centuries have met in secret, lest they be arrested or just shot in the streets. Have we not heard of the fate of "The Chosen" in Romania under Coucescou? Has that changed after his death? Then there is N. Korea and areas of Southeast Asia where pockets are controlled by drug lords. Where do I stop?

In part, this is a question of context. For those who have never known wealth, its loss will not have any effect. For comparison, if I see an injured bird, I don't miss flying myself, I don't fly (no matter how much Mountain Dew). However, since giving up driving, that for me has been a notable loss.

The Great American Meltdown may have as much fizzle as YKK.

At this time, the wise plan is to prepare for what reasonably can happen, such as the snow storm of '06 that shut down everything for nearly a week. As the Crown studies suggest "save ahead", a week or more of canned food, candles for light, easy relative cheap stuff. If you have one or can get one, set up a small generator, as electricity can go out (power lines go down).

This is not a mandate or a scramble. Don't sell your mother-in-law to get things. As the LORD allows, slow-w-w-w-ly plan ahead. GOD has NOT forgotten us, HE has a plan. Our dedicated Faith in Him will in the midst of trouble, will give the strength to endure, we may not escape, but we can endure.

What Will I be When I Grow Up?

I'm having a migraine and the meds are not yet working so hence I am not sleeping, so I am reflecting on some thoughts of the day on the computer.

In the reading of The Purpose Driven Life this week I had what I thought was a odd flash. Imagine being able to interview an unborn child nearly ready to deliver. In this fanciful tale a full conversation goes on to where you explain to the child what is about to happen next.

The muscular contractions will force him into the world of air leaving the comfort of amniotic fluid. The cord will be cut with sharp instruments. He will have to breathe air on his own, using his own muscles. There will be bright light for his eyes to adjust to. Instead of floating, his arms, legs and skeletal structure will strain till strong enough to get anywhere.

He looks at you, sticks out his tongue, and gives you a Bronx cheer. He emphatically states, "I am happy where I am, I am comfortable and there is no sense in changing. I have enough room to do what I want, plus, out there I might stub my toe, in here all I hit is mom's ribs or various organs. All that outside stuff, requires more than I am ready for. I need more time to finish up on some important projects I have already started. Get back to me in a few months or years and we can do this at a much more reasonable time." (talks a lot, doesn't he?).

The Apostle Paul wrote, "When I was a child, I thought as a child, spoke as a child, but when I became a man I put away childish things." It was not that those things were wrong or evil, he just had better things to do.

Part way into this semester we got rid of our Dish for the TV. I could get "holier-than-thou" but honestly our mornings involved errands and things needing done, then Miriam went, to work, I started school. By 10pm she is home from work, I close my books, we watch the news, some of Jay Leno, and go to bed. I have internet for school, and can get that much TV for free on the computer. It was a no-brainer, not a Ho-spirituler. We quit because we were just doing other things (and saved $$ too). Besides, after the previous year of being sicker watching too much TV, I've seen about all the reruns I care to ever see.

Because of Angel-Food and the 40-day, I have started on-going conversations with three of my neighbors. That is good but we have been here in this house nearly four years. DUDE! what took me so stinkin' long? I have faced down a hundred inmates but get butterflies and sweaty palms to walk next door.

God is still patient, merciful and workin' on me. Thank-you Jesus.

Psalm 3:5-8 I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side.
Arise, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you have struck all my enemies on the jaw;
you have broken the teeth of the wicked. From the LORD comes your deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

You Get What You Ask For

Strange, isn't it? We can read over a verse, a chapter in the Bible and think we have a grip on what it means. When it happens to you, then what was black and white has become Technicolor. I have read Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick...", many times but this morning it lit up like fireworks.

Yesterday I found myself doing a little heavy lifting, something that has been off my list for quite a while. It left me breathless as usual, but I didn't collapse afterward. I held onto hope that I may be regaining strength. People at church have commented I looked better lately, so in my mind I was thinking, "this was just temporary or the pills are resolving some issues".

Today I was able to get up, feeling normal. My spirit was continuing to rise. I started school, but then heard the clothes dryer buzz, so went to get the load of sheets and pillowcases for the guest bed. I opened the hatch and as I reached in, as if someone tripped a switch in my body...the "bottom dropped out". I didn't fall but it suddenly felt as if I had just finished the Boston Marathon. It was about all I could to lift the sheets and drop them on the bed.

I got back to my desk. Miriam had gone in to work early, so I called her. I was overwhelmed. As we talked I reminded her and myself (more for me at that point) that God has me here, I have work to do, and it is something I can do. Later praying I was reminded "Jehovah-Jireh" God will provide. Even in my absolute best Boot-Camp days MY strength was small.

I now have to laugh because I have prayed for God for less of me and more of Him, He is answering my prayer and I panic? get worried? It has come to my attention that my Faith has become strong enough for me to handle this, I should rejoice that He trusts me with this much weakness!

I have a verse on my desk that I have placed to hourly remind myself of one goal, to know HIM better. So in this rejoicing do I look forward in fear or anticipation?

Story of Two Belvederes

In last weeks news there was a time capsule opened. Inside among other things was a car, a 1957 Belvedere. The intent in 1957 was that in 2007 we would be in flying saucers by now and it would be such a novelty. It had been sealed up (so they thought) but when opened it was full of water. The expected shiny classic was not and may never see the light of day and might just go quietly to the crusher.

If compared to another belvedere from the same assembly line we might find one that had quite a less news worthy life. It may have gone to band practice, church, work and even family vacation, but nothing of any national consequence. It may have even been involved in a fender-bender. It also will have collected some rust and will go quietly to the crusher.

It made me think of the parable of the talents. The master gives out amounts to servants and one buries his portion in the ground, it comes to nothing.

Things come and go but those moments in peoples lives can have eternal impact. Sadly the vast majority of the time we have no idea the good and bad we have done. The HOPE we have in Christ includes that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD, which means God uses our screw-ups, blunders, and even omissions. Of course that was part of what Paul was addressing when he wrote
in the book of Romans, "should I sin that grace may abound?, God forbid".

We could go to one of two extremes. Do nothing fearing our efforts will just
mess things up more. We could wildly run to any and everything with no
regard to right or wrong, knowing God can forgive and clean up after us.

Neither is a good working plan.

Don't consciously allow for it but be glad and thankful the protection is there when it happens. Kind of like having car insurance and driving recklessly knowing it will be covered. How foolish we might say, yet some who call themselves christian have equally callous avoidance of wrong behavior.

If we fear "it may go wrong" so therefore don't use what we have we are just like the belvedere in the time capsule. Rotting away for nothing. Or we can risk getting beat up like a regular belvedere so that maybe someone will see God in action.

So move with caution BUT MOVE okay?

Lord, Shut my Mouth, Help me listen

Pastor David spoke on the Book of James saying we need "to be swift to hear and slow to wrath" and I find my heart in the spotlight. He pointed out we have two ears and one mouth. I was thinking to myself that the opening to the mouth is quite larger than the openings of the two ears combined. There is a Biblical proverb that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, what we spend time taking in will come out.
I get cocky and try to finish sentences of others, also known as not listening. There is a discipline I MUST work to get control of or I am of no use. One writer about communication said we don't listen but are waiting for an opportunity to interrupt. Been there and do it too often. LORD SHUT MY MOUTH.
The music group, The Eagles, have a song that parallels the Biblical proverb "Learn to be Still"(song). "Be still and KNOW that I AM GOD"(Bible). Jesus said that the children of this world are at times wiser than the children of light (us). Forgive me and pray I stay convicted long enough to be able to develop a new habit and be kind. If there be any virtue if there be any praise, think on these things

What does Your Heart Desire?

In Lev.10 and Num.3 an incident is reported where some Isrealites brought strange fire to the altar. It was the right kind of incense, at the right place, but at the wrong time. Were they reprimanded, turned away? No, God Himself consumed them with fire on site.

In the New Testament in Heb.10 says if they died under Moses law how much sorer punishment if they disregard...the blood of the covenant...insulted the spirit of grace. Jesus gave us HIS WORD and we don't care to read or follow it? INSULT HIM IF YOU DARE.

Don't forget Matt.7 where MANY shall say Lord, Lord have we not done wonderful works in thy name, and He will reply, depart for I never knew you (note: He does not contest what they did).

Faith in Jesus is a path that is on HIS terms not ours, if changes need to be made who is going to move? The question is "Where do the desires come from?".

Phil 2:13 says "It is God which worketh in you to WILL..." and Ps.19:14 "Let... the meditation of my heart of my heart be acceptable...".

The psalm in particular asks that the writers desires, (words and meditation) be acceptable, not they be changed. I think it comes down to more of the root person, but even that, we are His creation, created in His image, created unto good works. He formed us according to a plan, already shaped to fit a destined plan.

What is curious to me is Eccl 3:11 & 8:17 where it seems that God has made the heart of man an unsearchable enigma.

So then there is 1Jn 3:20,21 if our heart condemns us or not. Which reminds me of the Lords prayer which asks "to lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil", nothing about change.

I just want to say when we know our desires are wrong absolutely seek change, but it could be the desires we have may be from God. Case in point was Samson, he sought a wife of the Philistines, in contrast to the Law of Moses, (in his parents view), yet it was of God.

It is the promise of Jehovah, "If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally, and ridicules none"

I did an object lesson a few years back that started out "Jesus didn't wear pat-down gloves" referring to the latex ones I wear at work. Because of the filth and disease present among our "clients" the gloves were required when doing
a pat search of an inmate or any physical search of an area. The more disgusting the place (body or in room) the less likely to be searched so less likely to be found, so best place to hide....

Jesus, I went on to say, was not afraid to make contact with us and lived where we live, touched what we touched.... without using pat-down gloves. Yes he was God, but He was willing to risk contamination, for the price of our love.

God never has, never will turn up His nose in disgust at us, what we've done or where we have been. You see the ALPHA and OMEGA already knows the whole story inside and out. For the sake of our redemption, scripture says, "He (Jesus) is the lamb slain before the foundations of the earth". Before the universe ever was, the bill was already paid, complete cleansing already in place for the asking.

Gone to Seed

There is a old expression "gone to seed" often applied to lawns but can refer to any plant allowed to grow untended, uncared for, beyond it's normal purpose. It has been applied to people and other things at times when they appear neglected.

I thought of that term the other night at Bible study when Pastor David quoted Philipians "He is faithful who has begun a good work in you, who also will complete it..."

God is not about to let you "go to seed". Like a good farmer who plowed the field, planted, fertilized (sorry if I get the order wrong), He is not about to walk away from the investment. HIS WORD is the seed and HIS SPIRIT is living (fertilizer?) in us, there is no way HE is going to break His promise, much less be so foolish as to waste the start time and then just give up.

His seed growing up in us is according to a plan that was designed before the creation of the universe. Another aspect Jesus says that as the Good Shepherd He leaves the 99 to look for the 1 lost. Do you realize there must be a gap time between the 1 getting lost and the search being initiated?

It isn't that we have exceeded God's love, or escaped his grace but like the Prodicol Son we are allowed time to come to ourselves and realize what we had, what we lost, what we need to get back and who to get it from.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, the Father was already waiting for us to call (1JN 1:9) actively seeking us before we knew we were lost.

The point being He planted seed in us expecting a harvest, and He will get a harvest. IS. 55, says, His word will not return void but will achieve its purpose, we just don't know the extent of that purpose. With the armor of God we are to do all to stand, so stand because no matter what false images the enemy tries to blind us with, God is not done.

Nothing is Free

If you are like me your e-mail is full of offers to make all kinds of money. They promise large quantities with little or no effort on your part. Most of us realize "you get what you pay for", so delete you them.

Sometimes in regular life there are things that happen where something different happens, like getting too much change back, or an item delivered to the wrong address. It was their mistake, so it is our profit right? WRONG! Well what if we don't know who to return it to or it is too far? Still wrong.

First, in the Psalms (24:1,50:2,89:11) three times it tells us that the earth and everything in it belongs to God. Since wisdom is His, then so is intellectual property and that includes video and software.

If we take possession of something that we were not legally entitled it is theft by receiving. Lets go to Deut. 22:1-3 and Ex.23:4. In those passages it speaks of "ox, sheep...or all lost things..."and making every effort to return or safely keep with the express plan of return to rightful owner. In case you didn't know most of Case Law in western society was based out of the Bible.

God obligates us to live honestly before all men (Rom.12:17). Ask your self, WHY WOULD THEY HEAR YOUR GOSPEL IF YOU LIE ABOUT OTHER THINGS?

Think of it this way, since the extra change or mistaken package actually belongs to God, do you realize He can come back later and collect His with interest, and He DOES know where to find you! Don't think that as a Christian He will overlook it, rather it is His children that He in fact will take to the woodshed. I am just advising you to take the softer route,
PLEASE!

It is two things really. Loving God with our whole heart and our fellow man as our self. Using as our own what is not our own is not love.

Mercy on a Fool

I found a little extra mercy the other day. I had to make a trip to Pueblo and on the trip home I was in a hurry so I thought I would save time and wait till Trinidad if possible to fill up the gas tank. As I approached Walsenberg (30 miles from Trinidad) the gauge was on 1/4 which I figured was about 4 gallons. Since my Toyota 4runner gets 18mpg that would be 70 or more miles, so no problem right? Well as I passed the last exit of the afore mentioned Walsenberg I watched the needle begin to visibly drop.

For those not familiar with that stretch of I-25 there are no gas stations till the town of Aguilar, 20 miles down the road. My gas gauge has a red light that flashes when you approach empty. It was lit solid when I could see the Aguilar exit (still 3 miles away).

Now remember that at this time my condition leaves me exhausted walking in and out of Wal-Mart. I envisioned the engine coughing and dieing a half mile short, how long would that walk take? I of course did NOT have a spare gas can in the car with me. Well the short story is it continued to run all the way up to the pump. THANK YOU JESUS!

There are times when God has pity on us fools. We do when we shouldn't or don't when we should have. Kind of like "...the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered..."Rom.8:26. It is also written "HE knows our frame, HE remembers we are but dust". Ps.103:14.

God has no reason to do more for us but He does. Having given His only Son, given us this world to live in, air to breath...His abiding presence. Eternal hope is ours for the asking. What more do we NEED?

Rock Climbing With Jesus

Have you ever heard of R.E.I? Its a sports store that I know for outdoor gear including climbing equipment. It is one of my favorite places to dream. I am now sure that there will be at least one such store in the New Jerusalem.

Think about it. The New Jerusalem is described as having single pearls for gates and foundations of massive stones, the walls of gold, (a metal with probable insets). There are no mentions of stairs or elevators.

DUDE, Ya just got to try and climb it. Even if you don't make the 1600 mile summit (Dude!) it just begs the attempt. Doesn't the Bible say every perfect gift gift comes from above. With those kinds of rocks God MUST be intending us to climb it.

If He intends us to climb it, even just for sport, (okay, there might be unmentioned stairs inside) you would need the celestial R.E.I. to get the ropes, pitons, carabiners, and whatever else. Even to free climb the wall the right clothes would be needed.

Jesus promises the faithful, "Enter thou into the joy of thy
Lord", and Luke 11 says earthly fathers won't give a serpent when asked for a fish, so will our Heavenly Father present us with a radical climb and say "don't touch", I think not.

It only follows we will have an R.E.I. with an open expense account. When team climbing or belay, you have to be in verbal communication with your partner at all times. I hope to some day be asking Jesus "On belay?" and He answer, "on belay" and all I can say is "climb on".

Not Touched by God?

In Psalm 139 we are told basically there is not a single place in all the universe we could go to get away from God. If we are at peace with Him that is a good thing, if not... What has me kind of wondering is in James 4:8 it says "draw near to God and He will draw near to you". Now, how do you draw near to someone who is already everywhere? If His presence is inescapable what is the point of drawing near? I had run across Matthew 9 where a Jewish ruler asked (in Faith) for Jesus to come TOUCH his dead daughter, on the way the woman with the issue of blood said to herself (in Faith)("if only I could TOUCH Him"), she did and was healed. But in the previous chapter was the centurion who said (in Faith) "don't come to my house, just speak the word..." and the daughter was healed.
How close to the earth did God have to stand (?) when He spoke it into existence?
And for those who like puzzles, I have prayed for events that have already happened, when I was unaware of the outcome. Why not? Is God limited by time? If Jesus was the Lamb slain before the foundations of the earth were laid, then He was offered prior to the existence of mankind much less sin.
The instruction of Scripture is to put on the mind of Christ. "Drawing near" must then be parallel to thinking as He thinks, accepting things on His terms. When we pray there is one thing that I believe we can ask with full confidence that the Father desires to answer "YES".
Not more money
Not being bullet proof
Not outshouting opponents
Not to heal the flesh

It is that our Faith not fail in time of testing. In the garden Jesus said (Matthew 26:53) "Think not that I cannot now pray to my Father and He shall presently give Me MORE than twelve legion of angels?" Like Mr. T used to say, "Pity the fools" who incurred such wrath. DO NOT DOUBT. Wrath is coming. Great will be the destruction! He already torched Sodom and Gomorrah so it's not like He has to prove anything. Jehovah could speak everything out of existence as fast as He spoke it in. But He has a plan, not to worry, His children all get to go home.
I think in our minds we despair because we don't feel the TOUCH. Be of comfort, the Father has written into His WORD, Psalm 103:13,14 "Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear Him, He knows our frame He remembers that we are dust." Satan wants you to think God is far away, angry, and unable to help. In reality He is just waiting for the perfect moment then all Heaven will break loose and God will NOT help those who stand in His way. If He chooses to TOUCH you, thank Him and praise His name. If He doesn't, it is because He has more Faith in you than you realize.

Bible VS Psychology

As I am taking classes to prepare for a career in counseling, the topic of whether a Christian can Biblically use Psychology is truly burdensome for various reasons. I can't hope to answer all questions but I think that I can show it was used by Satan for evil and used by God for good.
I asked myself where is the first account of psychology demonstrated? I find it in Genesis 2. After God makes Adam He (they?) declare it is not good him to be alone. There are no threats to his physical well being, sin is not present so his spirit is not in danger, that leaves his emotional/mental state. Without putting man on the couch or smoking a cigar, Jehovah gives His analysis that Adam has issues (no sibling rivalry, no unresolved conflicts...), just needs a help-meet.

God brings the animals by, Adam names them, not that hard, except he can remember the names.
I can see it now. Adam says, "Cow, come here," animal replies, "Dude, I'm like a horse, you are so totally lame". It was a California horse.
Anyway, God brings the dog by and Adam says, "Cool, it can fetch my slippers, always glad to see me when I come home, doesn't talk much, but it can't make coffee, Lord, what else you got?".
God brought all the animals to Adam so that Adam could see that they were deficient as his partner. God could have made Eve without the animal parade but He allowed Adam to see for himself, first hand the others could not compare.
Speaking of compare, When Adam says of Eve, "bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh...", the english translation sounds like he is reading the option list on a Ford Pinto, but I'm told the Hebrew reads more like he was getting a Dodge Viper.
Genesis 3 opens with Satan taking a psychological swipe at Eve. He asks a coy question that begs her to brag about what she knows. It is not a direct enemy attack, but a sneaky indirect sideways one. God has declared all creation Good! Taking from the tree, bad. The serpent says, things are bad, taking from the tree, will make it good. It is a question of definitions (that is psychology for you).
God comes after sin has irrevocably changed everything, enters the garden, and guess what, He uses psychology. To get the picture, let me tell you what He didn't do. He did NOT kick the doors down like it was a drug-raid, grab A&E by the collar, slam them to the wall, and righteously put an accusing finger in their face. He did NOT sneak up behind them and demand an explanation. He did NOT make all the garden disappear with the snap of His finger, tapping His foot till someone fess'd up.
What He did do was ask a series of questions (that He already knew) which allowed the possibility for Adam to own up for what he did. (Much like He did for Cain a few chapters later, but prior to killing Abel).
When we sin, don't we expect the "drug-raid" response rather than the patient questioner seeking our return in love? A little voice tries to tell us (as the accuser of the brethren has done ever since the garden), the Devil wants us to believe if we confess our sins, heaven will hit us with lightening!
Now tell me, are we not told to be wise to the Satan's devices? If God carefully sculpts phrases and questions to reach the heart and mind, what then is foolishness and what is wisdom? (Such as Jesus with the woman at the well.)

In parting, when you see a snake crawling on its belly, when a woman has labor pain, when a man sweats, what does it make you think?

I may not know, but I know who does

These are strange days. Did any else see the news article in Bejing of a Chinese man who stabbed two American tourists (associated with Olympic team). He killed one, then jumped to his own death off the balcony (they were on the fifteenth floor). Does that sound like a scene from a James Bond movie to anyone but me? What kind of pain or horrific mindset would cause a person to act out on a total stranger, then yourself this way?
>
> Then in another totally unrelated story, yet a marker of our time, an Oregon woman who has terminal cancer got a letter from her insurance company. The letter said they would not cover the medication that would slow the progress of her condition, however it would pay for the drugs to give her a legal suicide. The cancer drugs were $4000.00 a month and would extend her life an expected five to six months. According to the insurance formula the rate of return was not high enough to justify the expense of the cancer drugs. The woman had not requested the suicide drugs nor did she want them.
>
>Seventeen years ago, when I first entered the field of corrections, my instructors said, "When you don't know the answer to a question, don't try to fake it, just say 'I will check with someone who knows and get back to you'". I found that to be invaluable. The inmate who asks the question probably already knows the answer and is just testing the officer to see what he/she was made of. I observed arrogant individuals (more so than me, imagine that) trying to bluster their way through a conversation that everyone in the room knew was as fake as a paper-mache' horse. Later when that same officer needed to enforce rules, surprise-surprise, nobody listened.

This past week I paused to think, with all the education in the world, I cannot make your pain go away.

If I were to graduate Magna-Cum-Laude from in my counseling degree, I won't be able to heal your wounds.

Getting in-depth research and comprehension of all related topics is not enough for me to solve your conflicts.

What I can do is show from the record of the Law-Giver, what went wrong. I can point to the True Light that illuminates the path that leads to life. I can explain the prescriptions that the Great Physician has provided to cleanse and heal. Together we can approach the Advocate who not only desires to clear your record, but has the authority to do so.

I am not able to fix you, but I know someone who can. Education will improve my skills as a mediator, but the power still comes from the One Who Spoke and the Worlds Stood Fast.

Our Poor Memories

PRAISE JESUS and THANK-YOU SO VERY MUCH. We are bad about history. God knows it. The Bible includes the phrase "This do in Rememberance of Me" likely because we would forget. I did poorly in history class in school so I won't even pretend to not rely heavily on the internet for names and dates and stuff.

It does burn me up to hear people forget significant events of the last decade, as we anticipate the upcoming election. That of course makes me think how many of the generation before me are biting their tongues over Eisenhower-Nixon era events that I am blase' about. (well not really, just for argument sake).

What is our motivation? Why are we Democrats, Republicans, Whigs, Independents, Politicians vs Statesmen?

While washing dishes, (yes Madge, I do have dishpan hands) a thought came to me that I can say with HIGH confidence. The sailors killed on the U.S.S. COLE were not expecting to get 70 virgins. They might have had some sense of duty to country, they might have hoped to use the G.I. bill to buy a house, maybe it was part of a plan to pay for college, or some combination of all of the above.

The Marines killed in the Beirut bombing, (plus Army, Navy, Air-Force in) Desert Storm, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Somalia, had reasons to be there and while these are a broad spectrum of places, they were attacked due to a commonality of thought. I salute their defense of thought and a set of ideals, bound up in a FLAG.

This world is a place of war. As much as we would like to forget it, avoid it, write slogans against it, try to teach our children to "play nice", it remains.

While on the prison ERT team I was called up, to suit up, and load up. Along with the rest of the team I sat in the off grounds ready room in riot gear, having live 00' rounds in my 870 shotgun. We all tried to talk about ANY thing other than the obvious, and we waited. It was a great collective sigh of relief when the call came to "stand down". There were other days that repeated that sequence, and there were days with lesser events that did not involve guns but did involve contact with inmates.

More to the point, if it were announced that your local law-enforcement was going to turn in their side arms in exchange for swiffer dusters, would you sleep better at night? Would you breathe easier working all night at the 7-11?

God (Gen.9, Prov.20:26, 21:1, 29:4, Rom 13) and our Constitution establish government for the protection of its people. Now, whom do we trust to keep peace and execute justice? There is a lot of heritage and history to live up to.

Ignorance can be Mercy

I was watching a video on youtube.com where an anonymous atheist was "proving" his point. His argument was that if creation had occurred then it would do so again and would be observed today. His example was a jar of spaghetti sauce, and if creation was real then we could observe the sauce become a goat. Since the sauce did not change before his camera lens then God did not exist, creation did not happen. TA-DAH!!!!!!!

I was foolish enough to reply.

In addition to saying man cannot tell God what or when to do, the concept was so bad it had to be a joke.

It wasn't.

His flame back to me caused me to suggest to God (if it was His will) that He tear this clown out of a sound sleep with some genuine HOLY TERROR. I recalled some of the Psalms David wrote, but then back-tracked when I thought of Matthew chapter 13 and Mark chapter 4 and Luke chapter 8.
Jesus says He spoke in crowds in parables so that they would NOT be liable when they would stand in judgment. There are masses Jehovah deliberately leaves ignorant allowing them lenient sentences for eternity in Hell.

I have to be thankful for the Mercy of God (who does really exist and is listening/watching/knowing), that He chose not only to reveal truth to me but also granted me repentance. Jesus said in Matt if they were given truth He would have to heal them, in Mark, He would have to forgive their sin. Some will be very much in the know and very guilty for rejection. Others knew extremely little, yet believed enough (such as the thief on the cross). “Seek and you will find, ask and it will be given to you, knock and the door will open.”

The Proper Nut for the Job

I have heard a number of messages on the Lordship of Christ. While laying awake last night, I had a thought,(strange as that may seem). In 1Peter 3 the Bible tells us that Sara(h) called Abraham Lord. I looked it up and it is the same word that is used for the Lord Jesus. That led me to wonder, that verse held Sarah up as a model, so how many modern women would be willing to wash Jesus feet with their hair and tears, and to make the jump, stay with me now, for their Lord - husband.
Please understand that I know the woman with the alabaster box was seeking forgiveness of her creator, but the humbleness she publicly demonstrated is unheard of. Now for the guys, before you expect her to kiss your feet, how closely to do you want to be examined in comparison to Christ Himself.
God built men with big shoulders, both figuratively and physically. He intended US to carry a BIG load, but the help from our helper is no less important. (Without looking too hard I find men who are sitting who should be lifting).
I thought about an illustration of the wheel on a car and the nut that holds it on, but that seems to be a bad idea. How about something called a cotter key. It is a wire or a wedge of metal that by it self could be easily bent with a pair of pliers, but when properly placed into a machine part (such as a car axle) can prevent thousands of pounds of parts from coming loose and falling off.
The point is when occupied according to design great things can happen but if used contrary to design catastrophe will follow. The order of things may seem disjointed in this world, and partly they are due to sin. Some things the Bible says are secrets that belong to God, in the Psalms it says He makes darkness His pavilion. I don't know about you but I have pitched a tent in the dark, it's not easy. There are things in life that God says are just hard and maybe He has something of a twisted sense of humor, i.e. Baalams donkey.

Went out, not Knowing Where

We are looking at the hall of Faith on Wednesday nights, of course including Abraham who went out, not knowing where he was going. God told him to go so he just did.
Miriam, Bethany and I went to Salida for the Holiday week-end hoping to see old friends, attend a graduation party, but otherwise have an uneventful trip.
Sunday, 7:50am, God had other plans. We were getting prepared for church, Miriam showered first, (Bethany was at another friends house) I was expecting my turn. I thought I heard someone call my name so I opened the bedroom door, and saw our host and the next thing I remember is looking up at the ceiling.
Lynn (wife of the couple we were staying with) later told me she noted a confused expression on my face, my arms started shaking, then I fell. Suffice to say the morning did not go as planned. Five hours spent in the E.R. got me several blood tests, eight stitches (where my head hit the bookshelf), a cervical x-ray, and an E.E.G. All came back "normal" except for one blood test which we will not know until after next Wednesday.
Now for some history, I have been having seizures that have been getting progressively worse over the last six weeks. There may have been more before that but were slight enough to not be noticed, except maybe on January 13, 2007, the last day I worked. I haven't said anything to anyone (well a few are in my confidence for prayer) but because I didn't know anything I was hesitant to say much.
I still don't know much but things obviously are getting, well obvious. I had chosen not to drive or be in a responsible position but the E.R. Dr. this weekend was the first to specifically say "no more" at least till it could be resolved.
Abraham went out, not knowing. I started school last week. Lord willing a year or so from now I will be inviting you to my graduation. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? OUR LORD KNOWS. Good enuf'.

Called to be Faithful

From 11,000 feet the view is awesome, on a mountain yes, from an airliner even more. It gave me chills and I tried to consider how God sees this world, so after our trip a thought came to me.
We were planning for the future of our church and I wondered what generation we are. In Matthew chapter 20, Jesus told of a landowner who hired workers in stages. By the hour, some early, mid and late in the day, adding to the workforce. Some had to work the heat, some only the last hour.
We have members who helped in the "early" years of our ministry. They helped pay for the first building and laid groundwork for what is active now. For some of us the building and ministries have "always" been there. Someday, Lord willing, we will have new members who will join our new church after it is built and paid for.
One generation is looking at this generation, when they worked in the "heat of the day". Will we someday see others come in at the late hour and feel envy that we worked in the heat and they got it easy?
Who knows if the Lord's return will be generations away or now?
We are called to build the LORD's Church, His people, not buildings. As He chooses we are to be FAITHFUL. What more is there?

Super Heroes? Phooey!

Earlier this week I was expecting a delivery from UPS. I was using the internet tracking page and saw that it was clocked into Trinidad at 7:45am on Tuesday. Now I have had very good experience with service so I was not going to worry. Most of the day went fine but by 4:45pm I started to worry. I have said it before, Trinidad is not the edge of the universe but we can see it from here.
What if my expensive school supplies were accidently delivered somewhere else (strange how stuff is expensive if you buy, but worthless if you try to sell). As I sat there reading some schoolwork, a thought crossed my mind from the Crown studies. EVERYTHING belongs to God. So I stopped to pray, "Lord what I have is Yours, and so is the package that hasn't arrived, the debt is Yours, take care of it ".
I got up from the kitchen table where I was doing my studying and went to the cupboard to get a glass for a drink. At that moment I looked out the window and saw the UPS truck drive up. It had literally been less than two minutes since I had prayed giving it to Him.

"Oh ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Matt 14:31
Currently, in the movies there is a popular superhero, IRONMAN. The lead character is filthy rich and makes himself a suit of armor from high-tech metal. He gets shot at but the suit only gets damaged, he himself is not injured.
I was reading in Proverbs 30 verse 5 that "(God) is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him". This is repeated in Psalm 18:30, 84:11 and 115:9-11.
It doesn't say God gives me a shield, or makes a shield or powers up a shield, or tells me where to hide.

GOD IS MY SHIELD

My shield will never lose power, there is no power that can rise against it, there is no power that can overcome it, no technology to supersede it.
Ironman, Batman, the Green Hornet, the X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, all had weaknesses. Even Superman had kryptonite.

My enemy knows that I am weak, but my SHIELD is impenetrable, no gaps, weak spots or ever need batteries. The only thing to go wrong is for me to doubt. God has promised to never leave or forsake me. Having done all to stand let us stand (Eph.6:13), If God be for us who can be against us? (Rom.8:31).

GO AHEAD, MAKE MY DAY, Thank you Lord. Superheroes? Phooey!

Don't feed the Bears

As I have continued my reading in proverbs, some verses stuck out at me (actually A LOT of them did, but a few for this topic).

Prov.27:24 For riches are not forever and doth the crown endure to every generation?

There is a good deal of talk throughout our day about what to do about rising gas prices. Many suggestions are given, yet no one, BUT GOD, really knows. Those of you who remember the Nixon and Carter years, double digit inflation, double digit interest rates, double digit unemployment, lines at gas stations with fill limits (plus I have only read about how bad it was in 1929 and following). In the Scriptures I can find other verses that speak to Jehovah setting nations up and putting them down. Our way of life, as some of us have known it, may come to a complete halt and disappear forever. This is not about panic, or speaking ill. These things are written, so "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear". Another Proverb says a wise man sees trouble coming and hides himself, but a fool passes on and is destroyed.

THE LORD is my strong tower and my hiding place. It is not a matter of if but when America goes down. Please understand, I am a proud American, I love my country, I pray GOD preserve her. But HE sets the times and seasons. It may be today, next year, a hundred years, a thousand... None-the-less I advocate deep diligent PRAYER. Times of trouble are upon us. The last few years have seen catastrophes, frequent yes, but in the range of normal strength. Imagine if THE FATHER were to open up the power gauge of his wrath one or two more notches? Are we ready to let EVERYTHING go?

The crown could depart leaving us with...? At times I get so tunnel visioned with the (wo)man I am electing I forget Prov.21:1 "The King's heart is in the hand of the LORD as the rivers of water, He turneth it whithersoever He will". If we who believe are praying and seeking God, and following His commands then a dyed in the wool, seething, vehement, anti-god, person-thing, will do what Jehovah wants. On the other hand if we are careless, apathetic, derelict, what kind of government will we have? Don't bother to answer. Politics are not so much about individual people. Yes Believers need to be involved in our nations present and future. "Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people". Lets give God His due. "BUT SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND ALL THESE THINGS WILL BE ADDED UNTO YOU".

A few years ago when I was a Drill Sergeant at Boot Camp, I was conducting a "hip pocket" class on self-reliance. I suggested the possibility of a major societal breakdown and asked the recruits what they would plan for survival. One spoke up stating that he would head up into the mountains and "live off the land". As I pursued his knowledge of hunting and wilderness living it became quickly evident that he had never been off the block, nor was there anything that I could teach him. I figured to myself, the bears need to eat too.
In 2Kings2:23-25 some youths (possibly as old as late 20's according to the commentators) ridiculed Elisha. Their statement "go up thou bald head" is supposed to reference a prophets haircut. Elisha cursed them and two SHE-bears came out to rip them up. The problem here is their disrespect for Yahweh's anointed.
David, who was anointed to be king, was unwilling to actively, directly engage Saul, because he would not raise his hand against Gods holy anointed. David was rightfully able to sit by any means on the throne, making Saul in effect, a usurper. David had full LEGAL RIGHT but consciously held back.
Jude vs.8 warns to not "speak evil of dignities", persons holding positions of authority. Like it or not the powers that be are ordained of God.

I have to admit, I am guilty of speaking curses against people in office. It is not a question of whether they deserve it. I am not the judge of all the earth. Someday, the Scriptures say, we will judge the angels, but GOD Himself will judge all, great and small and there will be no place to hide, even though they flee from His fiery face.

God has at times used warrior tribes, locusts, famine, hail and other great catastrophes to chastise His children when they don't listen. It doesn't have to be something big, if you refuse to respect His message/messenger, He might just feed a bear.

Pick Your Battles

This week I was again reminded that the battle is the LORD's. HE has won the victory. I need only believe and not doubt (which I am finding to be two things not opposites of the same thing). Not that we should cast our armor aside, nor be ignorant of satan's devices. Looking back I have been successful in turning away the fiery darts of fame and fortune, although it was not my plan at the time (Prov.30:7-9). Who am I trying to kid, I've got two 4x4's, a motorhome (so what if they are 15,15, and 30 years old), a house and land in the mountains of Colorado. I have people that I've never met, might never meet till Glory, who are praying for me. Good grief, what kind of a hand out am I looking for?
Jehovah is on my side! When Timothy (Carden,) was here, he shared a fictitious story, I don't really advocate, of standing in the middle of a golf course, in a thunder storm, holding up a 9-iron, is like unto proclaiming, Job 13:15 "Though He (Jehovah) slay me, yet will I hope in Him". Point being the more we stand up for God the more we stand out to Satan. No matter how uncomfortable a foxhole is, it feels better than stepping into the line of fire, yet we are called to stand, not hide.
With all the wars, disease, crime, and hatred ... it is because of God's Love that we are going to die. Do we really want to be stuck here? Motel 6 can leave the light on for a while, but they have NOTHING on Jesus who will light up the New Jerusalem. We won't need any pathetic little earth lights.
Let's be fools to the world, knowing that when the Heavenly award ceremony comes, HE WHO IS THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGE will greet us and promised even a cup of water given in His name will not be forgotten. I don't know if you saw in the news, there was an article this week where someone calculated that the Saudis and Iran together have enough oil reserves (at todays prices) to buy, lock-stock-and barrel the USA. All the land, houses, cars, businesses, roads, utilities, railroads, and even Park Place with hotels, could be purchased with petroleum cash. The once most powerful nation on the planet could theoretically be sold out from under us, even forcibly taken.

In the upcoming election, as in several past ones, candidates are promising a health care system where everyone gets all the care they could ever need. Is that even possible? New technology is creating machines, (expensive machines, multiplying like rabbits) that someone will have to pay for. I can tell you first hand that existing tests, even though covered by insurance, are expensive. These are well intended, but no matter how altruistic, there is still a bottom line that our kids and great-great-great-grandkids will be stuck with.

Our sin nature also leaves a legacy for now and for coming generations. Proverbs 6:26 says, by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to (bought for?) a piece of bread. "What will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt16:26). Alcohol and illicit drugs have destroyed countless millions.

Then there are legitimate battles. The other night, even with prescribed medications, sleep was elusive. For those who know that nightly battle, What would you give?, after a week, a month?, six months of intervals on/off?, after years? What would you pay to sleep?

"Every good and perfect gift comes down from above."James1:17. Put yourself (as if you were not already) in the place of the one who lacks, Love, or Joy, or Peace, or Long Suffering, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, Temperance. Can we put a finger in their face and say, "Go have Joy!" or whatever. They or we can no more "DO IT" than we can jump off a cliff and expect to fly. Fruit, such as apples or bananas ripen in due course of time, but until then poking at them or calling them names is definably a sign of mental instability.

In our struggles, God offers a way, and Satan offers a way. We then, must seek in the Bible and in Godly counsel what is the way of life and what is the way of destruction.

How much gold would we give for Love?
How much silver for patience?
How many diamonds for peace? (wait, someone did that movie already)
How many dollars for sleep? (I think all of them!)

Will we sell our soul to be happy now, or will we surrender this life and its temporary glitz to be held by the nail pierced hands?
Remember me when I get to the top of a single flight of stairs and have to stop and catch my breath, I will remember you in the battles you fight, body and/or spirit.

This is war, none among us is strong enough to strike out alone, hence the encampments known as "church". Seek the safety and renewal of the gathering. If they are not a safe place, then maybe they need a top down inspection from the Commander-in-Chief. For those of us ordained to handle the Word of God know "To whom much is given, much shall be required", Luke 12:48 and, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God", Hebrews 10:31.

In this world where everything is available to be bought and sold, our God, His gifts, and His children, are secure forever. Praise His Name.
In the "Old West" it is reputed that the gunslingers would cut a notch on their belts for every time they won a shoot-out. In modern war-fair fighter pilots would paint a symbolic character on their plane in like manner. In movies and songs there have been references to various methods of marking conquests, but most all have been negative in their nature.

What if we made a notch for giving a word of encouragement to a fellow christian? Some of us might have to turn our belts back in "as good as new". It is not like we are pulling teeth here. For example Jesus Himself spoke of the Roman Centurion, (Matt.8, Luke7) "I have not found so great Faith in ALL Israel!", that is a praise, from the BOSS no less. And what of the Canaanite Woman seeking her daughters healing, (Matt.15, Luke7), that, in Jesus own words again, she had GREAT Faith. If our Lord was not above giving positive edification (hey, I can read a dictionary too, ya’ know), what is standing in our way?

I propose a sure fire way to reach an easy goal of one a day. Find one of those spring clip type clothespins and clamp it on to your lip or ear (we wear all manner of other things dangling there anyway, so why not?). Leave it there pinching some skin until you find something nice to say to someone each day, then take it off till tomorrow. That should make the task rather simple and high on the list of things to do.

To help you along, I will provide the following starter pack. "I am so glad you got up this morning!". Don't use it twice, so move on to, "Thanks for trusting God today". That one is on Faith, but it might inspire them to actually do it, which in turn they might pray for and praise you. "Thanks for taking out the trash, the cat, the papers, the dinner, the car, the dishes, homework, reading your Bible....",(the things you should be doing?). Get creative, who knows, the blessing might even come back to you.

I remember my Dad saying so many times, "Is God a liar?", (obvious rhetoric), "then _____________", (what ever Biblical point he was making).

God has said in His Word, "Seek and Ye shall find", IS HE A LIAR?, are you looking for good things to say about someone, want to put a few notches on your belt? There is nothing to do except do it.

Like the NIKE commercial, JUST DO IT!

What is the Nature of our Warfare?

I read the news article, checked a number of sources, and it is reliably reported that a Wisconsin man on 7/25/08 shot his lawnmower because it would not start.
He is facing a possible $11,000.00 fine and up to 6.5 years in prison. Mostly because it was a sawed-off shotgun, discharged while he was drunk, and inside city limits.
What really makes me see red is that there are child molesters in this country getting 3 month sentences, with probation, after repeat offences.

What is the measure of EVIL?
I know this is not Israel, and we are not under the O.T. LAW. but in Deuteronomy chapters 19 & 22 there are rules for dealing with willful offences. The cities of refuge were to examine the case of one who caused the death of another. If it was murder (malicious intent) the guilty one was to be tossed back out, no mercy, and the avenger of blood (likely a relative of the slain) exacted justice. Deut.22:26 says same for rape.
In America we struggle with vigilantes (as in new Batman movie), we do have a system in place, where when the design is followed, it is as good as mankind has ever done. Sadly it is administrated by mankind so it can be corrupted. Nothing on this earth is perfect, but I've been in US prisons and read of others, and if I had to choose...
We had a dog that attacked Bethany when she was about 3 years old. I took it directly to the Vet, put it on the table and held it while they gave it the injection, waited until it stopped breathing.
It was "just" a dumb animal. It was still one of the hardest things I ever had to do. There was no alternative. I thank Jehovah that He didn't call me to throw the switch at the maximum-security prison. I didn't go to war either. I don't know what I could do for the returning soldiers, being right doesn't make it easier.

For the families of victims we have a duty, and a God given responsibility to speak LOUDLY for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly
nor stands in the way of sinners nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the Law of the LORD and in His law does he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree, planted by the rivers of water that brings its fruit in its season and its leaf shall not wither and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.........for the LORD knows the way of the righteous...
For over two decades the whole of Psalm one has been my fortress and solitude when the world is a blender and someone pushed the frappe' button.
Times like when the morphine drip failed at 1a.m. but nurse thought I was just being a whiner until she actually checked it at 11:30 a.m. Or the time the Dr. wanted pictures of my heart from the inside of my chest, so I got an upper GI scope and despite the anesthetic, my gag-reflex was very close to working. Times like when someone was to be home, SIX HOURS AGO!

As much as I struggle with coming out of anesthesia, it still is better than watching some one you love go in, wait, wait more, and wait for them to come out of anesthesia.
Right now school is going on. I am applying myself, the Department Chair said I was obviously working "very hard", but just not getting it. Where are my fruit in season, my leaves feel a little wilting coming on. My Faith is holding, but a little voice keeps trying to say, "Its not going to happen, the river is going to dry up". THE FATHER HAS SET THE TIMES AND THE SEASONS, I DO NOT KNOW WHEN HE HAS DETERMINED THE HARVEST, FOR ME OR FOR YOU. but I KNOW HIS PROMISE IS TRUE.

BEHOLD I COME QUICKLY AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, BLESSED IS HE WHOM THE LORD WILL FIND WATCHING WHEN HE COMES.

Here, let me throw in spaces for you to write in when you had Ps.1 hours/days/years.









(1Pet.5:7)Casting all you care on Him for He cares for you.

I know that I have not left enough space for you, some will need many pages to actually unload, it's ok, I have time. For what God has taken away He has left me time. I want to use it, we can both share in the process. Let us rejoice/sorrow together.
I was mulling over our precarious battle position, in that, our enemy is not only like a roaring lion, and is millennia ahead of us in planning, but very comfortable in the dark. We on the other hand move in the light, announce our plans, and are slow (thick?) as syrup. From a tactical point of view (and heavy on cliche's) we should be dead in the water! Then I found Isaiah 44:24b-25
"I am the Lord
who has made all things
who alone stretched out the heavens
who spread out the earth by myself
who foils the signs of false prophets
and makes fools of diviners
who overthrows the learning of the wise
and turns it into nonsense" NIV