Fighting For Life
I jumped on to a moving train once. Back when I was a street cop, we were attempting to apprehend some men illegally “riding the rails”. My subject was standing on the coupling between two boxcars. I ran alongside, grabbed the step, swung up, grabbed his wrist and hung on till the train came to a stop. Writing this article will be harder.
A few years ago I got myself into a fight for life. While it was supposed to have some risks, I did not expect to have ALL of them thrown at me. A guy in our church was dying of a congenital liver disease through no fault of his own. He was a candidate for transplant, but had yet to find a cadaveric donor, so was looking for a living donor. His condition was deteriorating and the doctors needed to perform the transplant soon or the operation would be too risky to attempt. I became the donor. My recipient went on to recover and has beaten records for survival for transplant surgery. I was a worst-case scenario. My six to eight weeks for expected recovery ended up being a little over four months. I got to return to ICU. After an initial stay in the hospital, I went home only to return for several more weeks. Thankfully, I did recover and except for scars and memories have left all that behind.
I am currently dealing with an ailment that is a mystery. Doctors have not been able to tell us what it is but have told us a lot of things it is not, or may not be. It is not related to the liver surgery. Dozens and dozens of blood tests have come back negative for various types and forms of infections, deficiencies, or malformations. Scans have looked for shapes, movements, and displacements from head to toe. I have been told that there are diseases that are elusive and may require repeated testing over time, or much more invasive testing to detect. Even if the culprit is found, there may not be a course of action to take. I may have a condition for which there is no cure, only some relief of symptoms.
I write this to say I have and am fighting for LIFE. Not a tooth and nail struggle daily right now, but I honor the notion itself. I have joined those who call themselves the “Right to Life” movement. I strongly support the rights of the unborn, who cannot speak for themselves. But they are not why this article is being written. I wrestle over youth who end their own lives.
Don’t misunderstand me. I have felt the desire to quit. I have put together plans to exit. There have been times where the promised spirit world seemed like a much better option than the physical world with its sweat, failure, hatred, distrust, and no options. Even the Apostle Paul wrote, “(NIV) If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: 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.”(Philippians 1:22-24) In a less sanctified moment he mentions being “pressed out of measure, even despairing of life” (suicidal).
I hope you will hear that I am NOT saying the kids who take their lives have “no reason to do so”. I am troubled that they in fact have reason to. What is going on that someone so soon is being “pressed out of measure”? I hope it is a matter of perception that can be cleared in the minds of ones who are yet considering the option of suicide. I have to believe that God is not pushing people to quit early. I am confident that Satan does want to inflict pain, and suicide does inflict pain on the family and friends of the victim. People are the image of God, and since Satan cannot successfully attack God directly, then he goes after the “image” in any way he can.
If I can be allowed a venture into possibility, it is to compare the last moments before a suicide to an avalanche. Up until near the end things may have been perceived as in control. A person can have a few things out of place, break a few rules, then suddenly too much is gone to go back (that is the false perception, but the person is unable to escape their own perception). Situations happen that are beyond a persons control and life appears to have no viable options, everything is just too painful to consider. The trouble for those of us who want to help is we can’t see the swirling storm inside of another person’s mind and soul. Often the person who is hurting will even try to hide the evidence.
There are as many causes to end a life, as there are lives. There is no magic pill or formula to bring happiness to a darkened soul. Jesus is the only Light in this world. Without Him, hope is lost. With Him, hope can begin. He is the sure and steadfast solid promise of the future. In this present world He will never leave us but we are going to face battles of unknown levels of ferocity. When we don’t seek company of people who are also pursuing hope or avoid signs of “avalanche territory” trouble is sure to follow.
There is great trouble in life. Jesus told His disciples “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves”. If you have ever seen what a wolf can do to a sheep, then it should be no surprise when a sheep might choose to end its own suffering. Pretending the violence does not exist or the level does not exist will only aggravate the pain of those who suffer. This is a world at war and the war exists on many terms.
The body can be kept alive but why do so if the spirit fails? Proverbs 18:14,
“A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” I want to find a way to tell these kids that there is a reason to live beyond it wrong to kill yourself. While there is no single answer, those of us who call ourselves Christian must practice what we preach. It will mean spending less time on our careers, our cars, our makeup, just generally on us. We won’t make as much money, look as fancy or have as much status, but how much value will the life a person return if you invest in them?
This is a conscious choice to devote less energy to stuff and more to people. Unless deliberate action is taken, opportunity will be lost. The clock keeps on ticking whether we like it or not. Mark 13:20,22 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them…For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible.” Deception is not reserved for some far off time period. Even now we can be lead to believe that “I’ve got more important things to do”. Who is dying because we are too busy.
Join me in praying, “Lord, help me let go of ONE thing today, to help ONE more person”. We have to start somewhere.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Can You Obey God?
Can you obey God?
It sounds like an easy question. Can you obey God? Our first response should be, “Yes!” It is a question that deserves an honest inquiry. Given the ability of our human mind to rationalize our own point of view, it should come as no surprise that to some degree we are all evading the truth.
In 1 John 4:20, it says, ‘If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.’ (KJV)
I propose that the same principle applies to obedience. Let me rephrase 1John 4:20 to illustrate. ‘If anyone says, I obey God,” yet disobeys his father, he is a liar. For anyone who does not obey his father, whom he has seen, cannot obey God, whom he has not seen.’ (JPW)
I say that because of Romans 13:1,2,”Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (KJV) Parents, husbands, love, and governments are examples of those authorities.
When children rebel against their parent’s rules, they are also fighting against God’s plan. We have heard that instruction and it is true, whether the rule has merit the child understands or not. So long as the child is in opposition to the parent, he is also in opposition to God, therefore not able to obey God. Psalm 66:18,“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
Now how about the wife who does not obey the husband? But what if she truly loves God and just wants to serve HIM? Can’t she just leave the disreputable husband out of the formula? The problem is, God does not. Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,”(KJV) including the husband that you have. Obedience to God requires obedience to His authorities.
All men have to serve authorities. Scripture never gives an age of release to no longer honor parents, but he does have a time for a man to make his own household. A man in his own house still must also honor governments, Again Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”(KJV) If the Trilateral Commission, Rockefellers, Bilderbergs, and other secret groups are actually running America instead of our constitution, then they are a power ordained of God. The Bible does not give a caveat for “legal or illegal”. If a power rises by means of the gun, money, or by the pen, it is still power. Our response to it is still a matter of obeying God because no power can rise without His permission. If you can’t live under its rule, then move! or go to war to remove it from power. Civil disobedience is still disobedience, and 1 Samuel 15:23, “…rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (KJV)
If we cannot obey those who God puts in our path, how can we in any honesty believe we can submit to the one who put them there? Was He a fool to make the arrangements? Did He blindly put people in random places, and order events to occur without reason?
Dare I suggest our wisdom is greater than God’s, so we then are able to find a better way of dealing with the order of life? We think the chain of command/hierarchy is an outdated concept and our modern thought has exceeded God’s ability and vision. Be sure to tell Him that when you stand before the Throne.
Obedience is not a selective discipline. We are not offered which portions of Scripture we want to follow. The commandments are not “best 8 out of 10”. Walking with God is a package deal. He is well aware that we are unable to keep up. Our weakness says that we cannot keep the whole Law. TRUE. But that is not justification to dismiss any aspect of obedience.
Philippians 3:13-15, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” (KJV)
If I claim to obey God, then I must show it by my deliberate ACTION toward other people, in view of people. Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Even as Jesus said, “Not my will but thine be done”, can you say that to someone here on earth whom God has placed in authority over you? If not, then don’t try to fake it before Jesus.
It sounds like an easy question. Can you obey God? Our first response should be, “Yes!” It is a question that deserves an honest inquiry. Given the ability of our human mind to rationalize our own point of view, it should come as no surprise that to some degree we are all evading the truth.
In 1 John 4:20, it says, ‘If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.’ (KJV)
I propose that the same principle applies to obedience. Let me rephrase 1John 4:20 to illustrate. ‘If anyone says, I obey God,” yet disobeys his father, he is a liar. For anyone who does not obey his father, whom he has seen, cannot obey God, whom he has not seen.’ (JPW)
I say that because of Romans 13:1,2,”Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (KJV) Parents, husbands, love, and governments are examples of those authorities.
When children rebel against their parent’s rules, they are also fighting against God’s plan. We have heard that instruction and it is true, whether the rule has merit the child understands or not. So long as the child is in opposition to the parent, he is also in opposition to God, therefore not able to obey God. Psalm 66:18,“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:”
Now how about the wife who does not obey the husband? But what if she truly loves God and just wants to serve HIM? Can’t she just leave the disreputable husband out of the formula? The problem is, God does not. Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose,”(KJV) including the husband that you have. Obedience to God requires obedience to His authorities.
All men have to serve authorities. Scripture never gives an age of release to no longer honor parents, but he does have a time for a man to make his own household. A man in his own house still must also honor governments, Again Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”(KJV) If the Trilateral Commission, Rockefellers, Bilderbergs, and other secret groups are actually running America instead of our constitution, then they are a power ordained of God. The Bible does not give a caveat for “legal or illegal”. If a power rises by means of the gun, money, or by the pen, it is still power. Our response to it is still a matter of obeying God because no power can rise without His permission. If you can’t live under its rule, then move! or go to war to remove it from power. Civil disobedience is still disobedience, and 1 Samuel 15:23, “…rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” (KJV)
If we cannot obey those who God puts in our path, how can we in any honesty believe we can submit to the one who put them there? Was He a fool to make the arrangements? Did He blindly put people in random places, and order events to occur without reason?
Dare I suggest our wisdom is greater than God’s, so we then are able to find a better way of dealing with the order of life? We think the chain of command/hierarchy is an outdated concept and our modern thought has exceeded God’s ability and vision. Be sure to tell Him that when you stand before the Throne.
Obedience is not a selective discipline. We are not offered which portions of Scripture we want to follow. The commandments are not “best 8 out of 10”. Walking with God is a package deal. He is well aware that we are unable to keep up. Our weakness says that we cannot keep the whole Law. TRUE. But that is not justification to dismiss any aspect of obedience.
Philippians 3:13-15, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.” (KJV)
If I claim to obey God, then I must show it by my deliberate ACTION toward other people, in view of people. Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Even as Jesus said, “Not my will but thine be done”, can you say that to someone here on earth whom God has placed in authority over you? If not, then don’t try to fake it before Jesus.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Waste of energy, waste of time.
For the sake of argument, envision a freight train with four 9000 hp locomotives. It is pulling a hundred or so cars of nearly 90 ton each of coal. This train is traveling at nearly 90 mph. Now imagine stepping in front of that train and trying to stop it with your bare hands. I have heard a well-supported rumor that such a vehicle needs 6 miles or more to come to a stop. Should the engineer see you a half mile down the track prior to contact, his best and greatest intentions will not save you. The coroner will have a very large area to investigate, plus have a considerably difficult time recovering your body. Coming up against that much force is really a waste of energy and time for a human body to try and stop a train.
Have you ever seen one of those movie shots where the camera pans back, starting at ground level traveling into outer space? First you are looking at a person on the ground, then an aerial view of a city, then a state, then North America, then the Earth, then the solar system, the Milky Way, and the scene grows into a broad expanse of unrecognizable stars. All that still can fit into God’s hand, gripped by His fingers and tossed like the dice in the hand of some gambler. And we grant Him permission to do what He wants.
Early in the earthly life of Jesus, Joseph and Mary bring Him into the Temple to Dedicate the firstborn male child unto Jehovah-God as required by the Law. Let me get this straight. Two humans are bringing the Godchild they have been entrusted with, and promising to commit the life of that child to the Eternal. They bring the Lord to the LORD and promise to make Him subject to HIM. Am I missing something here? If there was going to be a break down in commitment, the child is not the weakest link.
In our human mind we think that to do something there must be a rational accomplishment attached or it is a waste of energy and time. If we are going to commit to love someone there better be a return on that investment. Ever hear the phrase “waste of skin”? How about “not worth the dynamite to blow them up”? Those kinds of assessments might well be applied to any and all of mankind. Actually the Bible sort of did already, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Like an arrow that hit the dirt before it ever got near the target. Does it matter if we fell short to the left of the target or to the right?
The fool who stepped in front of the freight train we can puzzle over. That is so unbelievable. Sit down and do the math. The laws of physics are not in your favor to even try to run along side and grab on to hitch a ride, much less try to interrupt the movement of that much mass. Looking at paragraph two above, how much farther into foolishness is the one who stands before the throne of El-Elohim, (same God, just OT Hebrew name), puts up his hand and tries to stop HIM. 6 miles is not enough to stop God, 6 galaxies would not be a bump in the road (1Kings 8:27). Remember He spoke and the worlds stood fast. On the other hand, should He choose, He could stop on a dime (or even smaller) for purposes of His mercy, which is new every morning (aren’t you glad).
What are you letting God do?
That is not funny
Have you given God permission to use part of your week? Is He allowed to get some of your stuff? Can He interrupt your schedule? Our lives have so many things that are going on that “have” to get done. Some of us are doing our best to work Jesus in but things are really hectic. He has to be patient. After a few more things get settled we will be a little freer with our time and money, then we can do God some good, Okay?
Actually, be afraid that He might take it ALL away to make you free now!
Are you letting God waste His Word in your own language, a printed copy in your possession sitting unused on the shelf? Are you letting God waste His preacher’s breath, sending words into the air, your heart unchanged? God is righteous and we remain the rebellious seed of Adam. Of our number, a few will find the narrow way but it will take diligent effort on their part. God does not roll out the red carpet for anyone. If they want into the Kingdom, they must knock, and they better make themselves heard. Matthew 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.“
In the Book of Revelations we read of a triumphal Jesus sitting on a white horse, with a sword coming out of His mouth laying waste to innumerable armies. Does that sound like a freight train? He can full well come through any time, anywhere, in the form of hurricanes, earthquakes, famine, or economic crash (there is a longer potential list, we don’t have time). Good times and bad times are not the point. While on this earth we have but a short while to reflect the love, justice, and mind of Christ. The circumstances are just that, circumstances, and they are just cardboard sets of the play we are acting in. The real question comes down to the attitude of your heart.
We cannot attempt to weigh the purpose. How can we possibly see all that is connected to our actions? Even if we could, does God even put all the details out to be seen? For that matter, when is the choice of taking the mission based on whether we agree that the task is a needful thing? We are here to obey, not to vote. Obedience that meets my approval is not obedience, but is agreement.
God is my Master, not my partner. He chooses to be our Father, Friend, Comforter, and Savior. We were brought in, so then rejoice in the receiving, but forget not to whom belong the power and the glory.
Have you ever seen one of those movie shots where the camera pans back, starting at ground level traveling into outer space? First you are looking at a person on the ground, then an aerial view of a city, then a state, then North America, then the Earth, then the solar system, the Milky Way, and the scene grows into a broad expanse of unrecognizable stars. All that still can fit into God’s hand, gripped by His fingers and tossed like the dice in the hand of some gambler. And we grant Him permission to do what He wants.
Early in the earthly life of Jesus, Joseph and Mary bring Him into the Temple to Dedicate the firstborn male child unto Jehovah-God as required by the Law. Let me get this straight. Two humans are bringing the Godchild they have been entrusted with, and promising to commit the life of that child to the Eternal. They bring the Lord to the LORD and promise to make Him subject to HIM. Am I missing something here? If there was going to be a break down in commitment, the child is not the weakest link.
In our human mind we think that to do something there must be a rational accomplishment attached or it is a waste of energy and time. If we are going to commit to love someone there better be a return on that investment. Ever hear the phrase “waste of skin”? How about “not worth the dynamite to blow them up”? Those kinds of assessments might well be applied to any and all of mankind. Actually the Bible sort of did already, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Like an arrow that hit the dirt before it ever got near the target. Does it matter if we fell short to the left of the target or to the right?
The fool who stepped in front of the freight train we can puzzle over. That is so unbelievable. Sit down and do the math. The laws of physics are not in your favor to even try to run along side and grab on to hitch a ride, much less try to interrupt the movement of that much mass. Looking at paragraph two above, how much farther into foolishness is the one who stands before the throne of El-Elohim, (same God, just OT Hebrew name), puts up his hand and tries to stop HIM. 6 miles is not enough to stop God, 6 galaxies would not be a bump in the road (1Kings 8:27). Remember He spoke and the worlds stood fast. On the other hand, should He choose, He could stop on a dime (or even smaller) for purposes of His mercy, which is new every morning (aren’t you glad).
What are you letting God do?
That is not funny
Have you given God permission to use part of your week? Is He allowed to get some of your stuff? Can He interrupt your schedule? Our lives have so many things that are going on that “have” to get done. Some of us are doing our best to work Jesus in but things are really hectic. He has to be patient. After a few more things get settled we will be a little freer with our time and money, then we can do God some good, Okay?
Actually, be afraid that He might take it ALL away to make you free now!
Are you letting God waste His Word in your own language, a printed copy in your possession sitting unused on the shelf? Are you letting God waste His preacher’s breath, sending words into the air, your heart unchanged? God is righteous and we remain the rebellious seed of Adam. Of our number, a few will find the narrow way but it will take diligent effort on their part. God does not roll out the red carpet for anyone. If they want into the Kingdom, they must knock, and they better make themselves heard. Matthew 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.“
In the Book of Revelations we read of a triumphal Jesus sitting on a white horse, with a sword coming out of His mouth laying waste to innumerable armies. Does that sound like a freight train? He can full well come through any time, anywhere, in the form of hurricanes, earthquakes, famine, or economic crash (there is a longer potential list, we don’t have time). Good times and bad times are not the point. While on this earth we have but a short while to reflect the love, justice, and mind of Christ. The circumstances are just that, circumstances, and they are just cardboard sets of the play we are acting in. The real question comes down to the attitude of your heart.
We cannot attempt to weigh the purpose. How can we possibly see all that is connected to our actions? Even if we could, does God even put all the details out to be seen? For that matter, when is the choice of taking the mission based on whether we agree that the task is a needful thing? We are here to obey, not to vote. Obedience that meets my approval is not obedience, but is agreement.
God is my Master, not my partner. He chooses to be our Father, Friend, Comforter, and Savior. We were brought in, so then rejoice in the receiving, but forget not to whom belong the power and the glory.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
My dog, my metaphor
A lot of
people have pets. I've had family with snakes and lizards for housemates. A
friend from High School had a tarantula. Some have cats for some reason. I grew
up with dogs. Dogs come in many different colors and sizes. One breed, the Neapolitan
Mastiff, can get as big as 160lbs. That animal does not bark, "it should
whinny and wear a saddle". Dog owners love their companions. Some love a
distinct breed paying thousands of dollars for a registered animal. Others are
attached to the sickest looking, ugly mutt in deplorable condition.
My dog
Major has bad breath. Not his most notable characteristic, nor certainly not
his most noble. He has stood up to intruders, even some that were not invited
friends and relatives. He is a hound, and boy can he bay, but as they say,
“this dog can’t hunt”.
Major has arthritis, but still likes to dig. He currently is laying on some papers and books I left on the floor next to my desk (bad habits on both our parts). I could go on, about some of the rude behaviors he has, but lets face it, he is a dog. Dog lovers and cat lovers agree that dogs have no social graces. Dogs pick the most inappropriate times to love you, getting fur on clean church or work clothes. They love to interrupt conversations, and get hungry in the middle of a really good movie.
BUT HE IS MY DOG AND I LOVE HIM!
The neighbor has a dog. It is the most irritating creature on the planet. It has no social graces, barks incessantly without purpose. It has only three legs, one eye, and one ear. It is constantly digging and has no respect for other people’s property. It is a dirty, mangy animal with big wads of fir falling out.
The difference is I love Major. I redeemed him from the shelter some years ago. I picked him out of the puppies. They were all cute, and all wagged their tails. I just picked him. While it could be said the home protection dogs provide is valuable, there has been no other return on the vet bills, dog food and aggravation that canines consume/generate. No other return, other than the love.
In John 1 the Bible says that, "He came unto His own but His own received Him not. But to as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the children of God. Even to them that believe on His name." God set His love on us, not because we looked good, not because we are smart, not because we were reliable, or a host of other things we cherish in dogs. God grants us membership in the family if we "receive" him. The thief on the cross just believed Jesus to be "something".
Major has arthritis, but still likes to dig. He currently is laying on some papers and books I left on the floor next to my desk (bad habits on both our parts). I could go on, about some of the rude behaviors he has, but lets face it, he is a dog. Dog lovers and cat lovers agree that dogs have no social graces. Dogs pick the most inappropriate times to love you, getting fur on clean church or work clothes. They love to interrupt conversations, and get hungry in the middle of a really good movie.
BUT HE IS MY DOG AND I LOVE HIM!
The neighbor has a dog. It is the most irritating creature on the planet. It has no social graces, barks incessantly without purpose. It has only three legs, one eye, and one ear. It is constantly digging and has no respect for other people’s property. It is a dirty, mangy animal with big wads of fir falling out.
The difference is I love Major. I redeemed him from the shelter some years ago. I picked him out of the puppies. They were all cute, and all wagged their tails. I just picked him. While it could be said the home protection dogs provide is valuable, there has been no other return on the vet bills, dog food and aggravation that canines consume/generate. No other return, other than the love.
In John 1 the Bible says that, "He came unto His own but His own received Him not. But to as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the children of God. Even to them that believe on His name." God set His love on us, not because we looked good, not because we are smart, not because we were reliable, or a host of other things we cherish in dogs. God grants us membership in the family if we "receive" him. The thief on the cross just believed Jesus to be "something".
How do you
measure Love? We have abandoned the dogs outside in the rain or snow while we
were gone on a trip that lasted sixteen hours which was more than we planned.
They still loved us and accepted us, no apologies required when we got home.
They are always happy to see us. Leave for fifteen minutes and they will
welcome you back. I believe George Carlin wrote something about that.
God redeemed us for us to Love Him. What could we give of any value beyond that; He made EVERYTHING. When at the Pound or shelter, we look at puppies and pick the one that wags it's tail. If it actually tries to injure us it looses appeal as a loving partner. I hear some choose the vicious for purposes other than love. For the believer, it is as if we "wagged our tail". Even in that the Bible says, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10. We are chosen for love when there is no apparent reason. Our lack of qualities did not get us noticed, nor will they get us rejected. John 6:37, "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
How are we different from the “dog” next door? We are redeemed and being trained. Remember the movie Homeward Bound where Shadow, Chance and Sassy (dog, dog, and cat) get lost, and have to find way home. Anyway in a classic line the young pup is misbehaving and the old dog says, “Does a rolled up newspaper mean anything to you?”
Major is an old dog. He knows the house rules. He knows he can get away with some things if no one is looking. I still catch him with his nose in a waste can on occasion. God finds me where I should not be on occasion.
Major and I appreciate what a “rolled up newspaper means”, but we are still loved.
God redeemed us for us to Love Him. What could we give of any value beyond that; He made EVERYTHING. When at the Pound or shelter, we look at puppies and pick the one that wags it's tail. If it actually tries to injure us it looses appeal as a loving partner. I hear some choose the vicious for purposes other than love. For the believer, it is as if we "wagged our tail". Even in that the Bible says, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10. We are chosen for love when there is no apparent reason. Our lack of qualities did not get us noticed, nor will they get us rejected. John 6:37, "All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."
How are we different from the “dog” next door? We are redeemed and being trained. Remember the movie Homeward Bound where Shadow, Chance and Sassy (dog, dog, and cat) get lost, and have to find way home. Anyway in a classic line the young pup is misbehaving and the old dog says, “Does a rolled up newspaper mean anything to you?”
Major is an old dog. He knows the house rules. He knows he can get away with some things if no one is looking. I still catch him with his nose in a waste can on occasion. God finds me where I should not be on occasion.
Major and I appreciate what a “rolled up newspaper means”, but we are still loved.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Difference between left and right side of boat
Question: What is the difference between the left and right side of a boat?
Answer: Enough fish to sink your commercial fishing vessel.
After Jesus Resurrection, the Disciples were renewed in hope but still in disarray. John and Peter decide to go fishing “to clear their heads” (I don’t know, just my imagination), but they are out all night with their buddies. It is not DEADLIEST CATCH and in fact it is emptiest catch. Nada, zip, zilch, zero, goose egg, and bump kiss is floating in the tank of the hold when the morning begins to break on the horizon, and a dark stranger calls out with a weird request.
“Toss the net over the other side.”
There is a quick round of smirks and hushed laughter. These are weather hardened men who have, 1) been up all night, 2) been working up a sweat, 3) likely gotten very hungry, 4) no patience for armchair quarterbacks, 5) have had their share of outside opinions and right now could serve up a very hot and tasty zinger that could melt the Devil’s socks off.
Before anyone makes the aforementioned snide remark, the net gets tossed as suggested. That 6-8’ of difference is the kind of thing the Captains of the Maverick and Time Bandit would sell their souls for. More fish than what the boat could carry.
How often have we found ourselves doing what we know to do, with out success? God says, “trust me, and toss the net over the other side”. ? ? ? But Lord, There is no difference between the water on this side of the boat and that side. It is the same lake. We did not move the boat. The net did not get bigger. Lord, “What if we make a bigger net? Or yank it out faster, or leave it in longer, or use a rocket launching system, or make a giant kite to fly it out, and drop it far from the boat? Could we use the Internet and electronic imaging systems to track the moving of the schools?
“Toss the net over the other side”.
This is not about technical skill. Ecclesiastes 9:11, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.” God has a plan of action that is in fact a puzzle that He has designed to foil the pride of man. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are".
God asks the impossible, but simple. See what can’t be seen. Do it ‘cause He said so. Any more questions?
Answer: Enough fish to sink your commercial fishing vessel.
After Jesus Resurrection, the Disciples were renewed in hope but still in disarray. John and Peter decide to go fishing “to clear their heads” (I don’t know, just my imagination), but they are out all night with their buddies. It is not DEADLIEST CATCH and in fact it is emptiest catch. Nada, zip, zilch, zero, goose egg, and bump kiss is floating in the tank of the hold when the morning begins to break on the horizon, and a dark stranger calls out with a weird request.
“Toss the net over the other side.”
There is a quick round of smirks and hushed laughter. These are weather hardened men who have, 1) been up all night, 2) been working up a sweat, 3) likely gotten very hungry, 4) no patience for armchair quarterbacks, 5) have had their share of outside opinions and right now could serve up a very hot and tasty zinger that could melt the Devil’s socks off.
Before anyone makes the aforementioned snide remark, the net gets tossed as suggested. That 6-8’ of difference is the kind of thing the Captains of the Maverick and Time Bandit would sell their souls for. More fish than what the boat could carry.
How often have we found ourselves doing what we know to do, with out success? God says, “trust me, and toss the net over the other side”. ? ? ? But Lord, There is no difference between the water on this side of the boat and that side. It is the same lake. We did not move the boat. The net did not get bigger. Lord, “What if we make a bigger net? Or yank it out faster, or leave it in longer, or use a rocket launching system, or make a giant kite to fly it out, and drop it far from the boat? Could we use the Internet and electronic imaging systems to track the moving of the schools?
“Toss the net over the other side”.
This is not about technical skill. Ecclesiastes 9:11, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all.” God has a plan of action that is in fact a puzzle that He has designed to foil the pride of man. 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are".
God asks the impossible, but simple. See what can’t be seen. Do it ‘cause He said so. Any more questions?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Rescue Team: On Stand-By
Gentlemen, eyes front! I need your attention. No cloudy minds, no blinking eyes, no premature or late discharge of weapons. Ladies, you are NOT out of this mission. I will have no soldier in battle with unloaded weapons, or unsure defenses, (remember the armor of God, each piece put on with prayer). This is a call to duty. The lives of kidnap victims are at stake. Know your part. Take your position. Do not fail the team.
In taking note of 2 Timothy 3:6, “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,” I see the operative verbs to be on the part of the kidnappers.
While the silly women bear responsibility for their lusts, they are TAKEN captive. Where are the protectors who should have guarded the houses? In my opinion (for what it is worth) this is the logical conclusion of women’s liberation. The movement pushed for the fairer sex to have its own definition of success, its own achievements, its own rules, its own power base, and its own joys/toys at whatever cost.
What is a logical conclusion you ask? In Buffalo, New York the Niagara River is smooth and slow moving. If you launched a rowboat or canoe it would seem harmless enough. At that point few would notice or say anything. A few miles down river there is a cable stretched across the water at a rather rude height, with a rude and opinionated message. It does not care how you feel, what you believe, or allow you to discuss the topic. I read the sign (from shore) and I forget the actual words but in effect it says, “GET OUT!” The logical conclusion of riding the Niagara River is to go over the falls. When you reach the awareness of the danger, ability to self extricate may no longer be an option.
Our weapons of war (2 Corinth. 10:4) are not for the removing of appendages, but for removing bondages. The sharpness of our sword, to divide joints and marrow, can remove a person from entrapment. Keep in mind that if you jump into homeboy’s ride, stab his $5000.00 Sony XPLOD, and say, “You are free my brother, from the bondage of Rap music”, know that he is likely to whip out his strap an’ put a cap in yo’ ***(put a gun in your face and a bullet in your brain). Conviction and freedom are the work of the Holy Spirit. (Personally I have had the temptation to explode some XPLOD’s myself, even if it is not Christian.)
So let’s go back to the kidnap victims. Where are the fathers or husbands who should be protecting the silly women? Well, the silly part is that the women refused to obey and be under their man’s protection. Granted men have as often failed to take post, but those of us in the church who have eyes to see and ears to hear, are the watchers/rescuers called to pull the rebellious women or lazy men from the fire, if they will hear our Gospel (Jude 1:23).
Christians, you have your mission. Keep yourselves untarnished from the world (James 1:27). Keep eyes peeled for enemy tricks (2 Corinth. 2:11). Sight your target, get in, get out, we are not strong enough to hang out in enemy strongholds, save your ammo, the Big One is coming (1 Corinth. 10:12, Rev. 16:16). Treat the victims gently, they need healing but it takes time (Isaiah 40:11). Know that no soldier of the cross will be left behind (Hebrews 13:5)
In taking note of 2 Timothy 3:6, “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,” I see the operative verbs to be on the part of the kidnappers.
While the silly women bear responsibility for their lusts, they are TAKEN captive. Where are the protectors who should have guarded the houses? In my opinion (for what it is worth) this is the logical conclusion of women’s liberation. The movement pushed for the fairer sex to have its own definition of success, its own achievements, its own rules, its own power base, and its own joys/toys at whatever cost.
What is a logical conclusion you ask? In Buffalo, New York the Niagara River is smooth and slow moving. If you launched a rowboat or canoe it would seem harmless enough. At that point few would notice or say anything. A few miles down river there is a cable stretched across the water at a rather rude height, with a rude and opinionated message. It does not care how you feel, what you believe, or allow you to discuss the topic. I read the sign (from shore) and I forget the actual words but in effect it says, “GET OUT!” The logical conclusion of riding the Niagara River is to go over the falls. When you reach the awareness of the danger, ability to self extricate may no longer be an option.
Our weapons of war (2 Corinth. 10:4) are not for the removing of appendages, but for removing bondages. The sharpness of our sword, to divide joints and marrow, can remove a person from entrapment. Keep in mind that if you jump into homeboy’s ride, stab his $5000.00 Sony XPLOD, and say, “You are free my brother, from the bondage of Rap music”, know that he is likely to whip out his strap an’ put a cap in yo’ ***(put a gun in your face and a bullet in your brain). Conviction and freedom are the work of the Holy Spirit. (Personally I have had the temptation to explode some XPLOD’s myself, even if it is not Christian.)
So let’s go back to the kidnap victims. Where are the fathers or husbands who should be protecting the silly women? Well, the silly part is that the women refused to obey and be under their man’s protection. Granted men have as often failed to take post, but those of us in the church who have eyes to see and ears to hear, are the watchers/rescuers called to pull the rebellious women or lazy men from the fire, if they will hear our Gospel (Jude 1:23).
Christians, you have your mission. Keep yourselves untarnished from the world (James 1:27). Keep eyes peeled for enemy tricks (2 Corinth. 2:11). Sight your target, get in, get out, we are not strong enough to hang out in enemy strongholds, save your ammo, the Big One is coming (1 Corinth. 10:12, Rev. 16:16). Treat the victims gently, they need healing but it takes time (Isaiah 40:11). Know that no soldier of the cross will be left behind (Hebrews 13:5)
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The New President and VP
We appear to have elected Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the Presidency (there still is the formality of the Electoral College, but in reality it is a done deal). I do not mourn or fear the placing of these two men per se.
Barack and his wife are a family that represent family values. As an American I cherish the right to defend his right to worship God (by what ever definition Barack has) and I will take up arms to protect that right. I pray he will uphold his constitutional obligation to do the same.
Individuals with opinions that I oppose are spread far and wide throughout the Offices of America. What burdens me is that their agendas co-incide with ballot measures throughout the state and local voting. The People at large have spoken in majority to say:
1.Assisted suicide is becoming welcomed, not a crime.
2.Abortion is not only legal and paid for by tax dollars, it can happen after live birth.
3.Same sex marriage is to become normal.
4.Soldiers are to police social-agendas, and hate-crimes, but not fight wars.
5.Wealth belongs to everyone, without regard to contribution.
6.Crime is a state of mind. If you were insane or the state doesn't mind, it wasn't a crime.
God used Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt to burn Israel to the ground, mass murder it's people, and carry off huge numbers to captivity when they forgot Him. When they remembered and repented, He allowed them to return to the burned rubble and rebuild. Israel had promises of a Nation and a People. America has no such promises.
If America chooses to ignore Jehovah, cast His name off our buildings, money and laws, if we decide to turn our collective backs on what He has done and how He brought us here...
The concern is much more than two men in the White House.
Barack and his wife are a family that represent family values. As an American I cherish the right to defend his right to worship God (by what ever definition Barack has) and I will take up arms to protect that right. I pray he will uphold his constitutional obligation to do the same.
Individuals with opinions that I oppose are spread far and wide throughout the Offices of America. What burdens me is that their agendas co-incide with ballot measures throughout the state and local voting. The People at large have spoken in majority to say:
1.Assisted suicide is becoming welcomed, not a crime.
2.Abortion is not only legal and paid for by tax dollars, it can happen after live birth.
3.Same sex marriage is to become normal.
4.Soldiers are to police social-agendas, and hate-crimes, but not fight wars.
5.Wealth belongs to everyone, without regard to contribution.
6.Crime is a state of mind. If you were insane or the state doesn't mind, it wasn't a crime.
God used Babylon, Assyria, and Egypt to burn Israel to the ground, mass murder it's people, and carry off huge numbers to captivity when they forgot Him. When they remembered and repented, He allowed them to return to the burned rubble and rebuild. Israel had promises of a Nation and a People. America has no such promises.
If America chooses to ignore Jehovah, cast His name off our buildings, money and laws, if we decide to turn our collective backs on what He has done and how He brought us here...
The concern is much more than two men in the White House.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)