Tragedy in Conneticut

December 16, 2012

Watching Sunday morning news and I am outraged. I expected the attention would turn to firearms and I was not disappointed. These politicians and news people are so blind. You want to fix the problem? Ban all public schools!!! Ban all the stupid politicians!!!! You took God out of schools!!! You replaced God with more laws and regulations and metal detectors. Criminals and the deranged do not pay attention to rules and regulations.
What we have is moral decay that is only surpassed by the Nazis and Communists.
For the love God!! Wake up America!!!!

 The Bible is the final original and final Authority to church of the state derives its authority from God. It's the Bible that gives you freedom so that you can become a master, not a slave to your desires or depravity.

God Among Us

Some of this is old and some new and some you probably already know.

Starting off with, God is so much bigger than we allow Him to be. For many of us we put God between the covers of the Bible. His words come through the prophets, through Jesus, through the Bible and through our words and actions. The words become one-dimensional and do not really tell us who God is but rather what God wants from us.

I will start with John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. Through Him all things came into being, not one thing came into being except through Him. What has come into being in him was life, life that was the light of men; and light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it. And then in Psalms 19:1-4 

The heavens declare the glory of God, the vault of heaven proclaims his handiwork;

day discourses of it to day

night to night hands on the knowledge.

No utterance at all, no speech,

no sound that anyone can hear;

yet their voice goes out through all the earth,

and their message to the ends of the world.

Think about it. God created this world so that we can experience Him. The Word has a corporate meaning. We can experience God in the beauty of nature, art, music, friendships and through love. 

When Paul was on Mars hill speaking to the philosophers, he was speaking with a voice that they understood very well because Saul/Paul was instructed to the great works of philosophers by Gamaliel who was a broad minded Rabbinical educator. Saul as a Roman Jew would most likely known the works of the great philosophers who were the basis of education. In Acts 17 starting at verse 23 … as I strolled round looking at your sacred monuments, I noticed among other things an altar inscribed: To An Unknown God. In fact, the unknown God you revere is the one I proclaim to you. 

     Since God who made the world and everything in it is himself Lord of heaven and earth, He does not make his home in shrines made by human hands. Nor is he in need of anything, that he should be served by human hands; on the contrary, it is He who gives everything ---including life and breath--to everyone. From one single principle He not only created the whole human race so that they could occupy the entire earth, but He decreed the times and limits of their habitation. An He did this so that they might seek the deity and, by feeling their way towards him succeed in finding him that we live, and move, and exist, as indeed some of your writers have said: 

     We are all his children.

Therefore, Paul is saying that God created everything that we experience so that we may know God. Our awareness must be outside ourselves. If we only think about the things we do not have and what others have that we do not have, we are going to live in a very miserable world. I heard a preacher, I think his name was Frank Peretti, who said, if you are seeking truth, don't look within yourself, you are the one who is confused. God's WORD is so big that our finite minds cannot comprehend all that is in front of us. 

I have a friend that owns a small motel in South Dakota and I would occasionally stay when on business. He was from India and he is Hindu but our talks would often stray from religion to other matters. One night we were talking about people who choose not to work and go on welfare. Manny loves this country and the opportunity it has for all even though his family could have done very well in India. The line that he spoke can go for many things, he said in an excited voice, "My friend, I get so upset with them because all they have to do is take a shovel and dig. There is gold beneath their feet." So it is with life. All we have to do is look around and the truth is everywhere.

In a different manner, God also communicates to us through pain and suffering. In life we always are asking the question, why me? Why would God want to punish me in this way. Listening to Ravi Zacharias in a message that I heard before, told of a girl that was born with a genetic disorder that did not allow her to feel pain. She had to be continually watched so that she would not seriously harm herself. If she touched a hot stove, she could not feel the sensation of pain or if she cut herself or broke a bone it could be fatal. When we feel pain, normally we find relief with some ointment, salve or go to the doctor. Likewise, when are hurting spiritually, we can turn to God. When we have bad things happen, God wants us to come to him to relieve our pain. God wants us to come closer to Jesus and if we just listen, we can experience him even in our pain.

God is all around us and if we will just be open and aware, we can experience God's presence and His love for us and the good things that He wants us to have. When I was in the army and took classes for conceal and carry, they taught with a heavy emphasis on being aware of your surroundings and the danger that might be present, being on guard. Why can't we be taught or learn to be aware of the good things that God provides for us in our every day lives? We should be thankful every day for each new beautiful experience, each new person that comes into our lives and yes, even each painful event that we might interpret as tragedy or physical pain.

God communicates to us through many ways, only if we are open to Him, Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God. Stop, be silent, what you think and have to say is not all that important. The words in piece of music or just the sounds can take you into another place. The sun silently rising in the morning can take you to God's side. Seeing an act of kindness can remind one of how life is supposed to be. Today is the day --- Rejoice. You Only Live Once. YOLO 

Evil - from God or Man

Why does God allow bad things happen to good people? I think we have all asked that question. When we get angry with God, we are establishing and strengthening our relationship with Him. Think about who in our daily earthly lives angers us most, usually our loved ones. We get angry with the ones we love. The Old Testament is a continuous narrative on His children falling away from His Love and the good that He wants for us. Because of our wickedness, our depravity, bad things happen. Think of all the evil that happened in Aesthetic countries because of man's depravity. This is why we see all the brutality in the book of Judges and in Joshua. It is because of Man's evil nature, not because God is immoral.
To lighten your day read Psalm 95 and 100 and then do it. Today is the day and now is the time. You only live once -- YOLO.

Life's Purpose and Plan

Genesis 21:1 THE LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for her as He had promised. 2 For Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time God had told him. 3 Abraham named his son whom Sarah bore to him Isaac [laughter]. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when Isaac was born. 6 And Sarah said, God has made me to laugh; all who hear will laugh with me. 7 And she said, Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children at the breast? For I have borne him a son in his old age!

Genesis 22:17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will gain possession of the gates of their enemies. All nations on earth will bless themselves by your descendants, because you have obeyed my command.

I am fairly certain that God is not going do this to me or to you. However, these verses are important because God has a plan for you and me no matter what stage of life we are. Just as God blessed Abraham and Sarah after all the agony of being without children, He will bless you for your faithfulness and for your obedience.

One of the lessons I learned about 25 years ago was that God had a plan for me. I had my own plan, however, it was not working well for me. I thought my life was at end. Somehow, God spoke to me, I decided to let God lead, and I would follow the best I could. When doors opened, I went through. There were a couple of false starts but they were a learning experience.

During this last twenty-five years, I have met so many wonderful people that have added value to my life. I have learned so much about life that I would not have had if I had kept doing what I was doing. At the time of changing the path of my life, it was a difficult time for my family. We moved to another state and nothing was certain. The last two children had to change schools, make new friends and start at a different school. My wife went through some very hard transitions in that we would not be close to her mother and helping her. My mother was not well physically and dad was doing the best he could to help her. We were three hours away so in case of emergency we could get back. Yet, it did not lessen the guilt and the loss of what was familiar.

When our lives change, we need to make adjustments, life can be seen as a journey of challenges and exploration. If you keep God in the center of your life, the map will be provided and less frightening.

Do not be afraid to be of help to someone or just be a friend. When you get up in the morning, ask God to give you opportunity to be of service to Him and live a life that Jesus would want you to live. That should be everyone’s thought the first thing in the morning when they get out of bed.

Love your neighbor and then yourself, be of good cheer. “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven; this is how they persecuted the prophets before you. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp to put it under a tub; they put it on the lamp-stand where it shines for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine in people’s sight, so that, seeing your good works, they may give praise to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:12-16)

Do not wait for someone to make your life better or to make you more cheerful. Go to others, inspire, and cheer them. In return, you will find that your life to be more than what it is.

I am sure that everyone’s mother told them at some point in their life that it is better to give than to receive. This comes from Acts 20:35 “By every means I have shown you that we must exert ourselves in this way to support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’”

The great benefit of remembering these words is that our focus goes out to others and not on ourselves. I have witnessed those who have made this a part of their lives and inspiring to others in the midst of their own pain. We had a woman in our small town that would call everyone in the phone book on their birthday. It was something I looked forward to on my birthday to hear her voice and giving me good wishes. When she died, it was a great loss to our community and I am sure that not many realized the good she did for many people. Just a small act of kindness but it made a big difference.

(Prayer) Thank you God for all your blessings in our lives. Guide us from our self-centeredness and make those around us the focus of our lives. Give peace to those who need know you and let our light be a guide to the path of Jesus. We know there are many who suffer from depression; addictions and the loss of loved ones. I ask you to be there for them. Give them hope and ease their suffering. Amen

DESIDERATA

GO PLACIDLY AMID THE NOISE & HASTE & REMEMBER WHAT PEACE THERE MAY BE IN SILENCE. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly & clearly; and listen to others, even the dull & ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain & bitter; for always there will be greater & lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interest in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are child of the universe, no less than the trees & the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

                                               

Found in Old Saint Paul’s Church, Baltimore; Dated 1692 (Max Ehrmann -Author 1927)

Bonhoeffer Quotes

Quotes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer:  "If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the opposite direction." (pg. 187)

“The world upon whom grace is thrust as a bargain will grow tired of it, and it will not only trample upon the Holy, but also will tear apart those who force it on them.” (pg. 293)

Gods Grace - Ephesians 2

 When I was between the age of six and ten, I remember going to the hardware store with my dad. There was a display of pocket screwdrivers and I wanted one which dad told me I could not have. When no one was looking, I took one and hid it in my pocket.

Later dad discovered the screwdriver and took me back to the store to return the screwdriver and apologize to the owner. This is probably my first memory of what grace was because I knew my dad loved me and wanted me to be honest. He could of chosen physical punishment but instead he chose humiliation which I never forgot.

Recently I read a book by Larry Taunton called The Grace Effect. In the book, he describes trying to adopt a girl from the Ukraine and dealing with bureaucrats left over from the Soviet era. Most of the people he deals with, have a different view of life that reflects the attitude that human life is not valued. They do not have a Christian view of how God loves each one of us.

This book gives us a glimpse of what life could be like in America without God’s grace.

I have always had a struggle dealing with grace. Over time, I have come to understand God’s grace in my life because my life is so different than what it used to be. I wonder how many believers really understand how serious it is to be under God’s grace. Many traditional or casual Christians see God’s Word as one-dimensional words on a page and cannot link the whole context of the Bible. Many Christians who believe they have God’s grace are in for a shock.

We have been taught about God’s love for over a generation and young Christians have not really been taught about a jealous God and his wrath for those who do not follow His Word. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools spurn wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

Most Christians have head knowledge in knowing what the Bible says. The problem is that it does not connect to the heart. As someone said, we are eighteen inches away from real salvation. What I must do, as a Christian is to make the connection of God’s love for me and when I disobey there will be consequences. Just like when I correct a grand child. The grand child may experience my wrath but at the same time, I am showing my love so that that child will see the errors of their ways. 

Now we come to grace. How can we possibly understand what God gives us through grace? Rahab was a prostitute and singled out by God to be saved from the annihilation of Jericho. Later we learn that from her bloodline, that Mary was a descendant of Rahab and she would be the mother of Jesus. Now that is one big gob of grace. Over time we have been lulled into the grace affect that once we accept Christ – we are saved. We become blind believing that we can see (John 9:41). We do not see how grave our commitment is.

After God saw the wickedness in man and in Genesis 6:5-7 the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. Then the Lord said, “I will wipe off from the face of the earth mankind, whom I created, together with the animals, creatures that crawl, and birds of the sky – for I regret that I made them”. However, God shows His grace by telling Noah to build an ark.

God takes grace seriously and has destroyed cities and HIS people within because they did not take His grace seriously. Fearing God’s wrath needs to be understood before understanding grace and His love for us. God’s judgment on His people is found throughout the Bible.

What must we do to receive God’s grace? We must submit to His law that found in His commandments, however, when we are under grace, the commandments should come naturally. What happens when we do not take grace seriously?

In the Old Testament, it is written what God’s wrath can look like, cities are destroyed and in Jericho, descendants of Canaan the grandson of Noah, all living things were killed. After Christ is crucified and raised, Jerusalem is destroyed within 70 years. After the Jews last stand at Masada, the Israelites are scattered until 1948. God’s grace and mercy is very serious and should not taken casually.

In Romans 3:23-25 for all who have sinned fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ.

Our government is floundering under the leadership of citizens who have been educated in a corrupt school system. You and I have put in place those that govern us. Moreover, they have attended church and Sunday school that have taught warm fuzzy touchy feel of the love of God and his grace from pastors that are more concerned about membership than teaching the fury of God’s wrath. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “The world upon whom grace is thrust as a bargain will grow tired of it, and it will not only trample upon the Holy, but also will tear apart those who force it on them.” (pg. 293)

Grace does not save one from Hell. Grace is God loving his human creation as part of a process. An artist that creates pottery may reject much of his/her work for the big art show. The artist loves his/her creations and realizes some of the creations are not good enough. 

If there are a few holes in the blanket or it is to short, and if your big toe is sticking out, you
 may think you are warm but your toe is cold and that makes you uncomfortable. Likewise, 
 being under grace may be reassuring but if one is not righteous and does not admit to it, 
 one can still go to Hell.

Admitting that we are sinful and then forgiving our self, then go to your knees and ask God for His forgiveness.

Grace is a gift from God as is His mercy and it is a process. Mercy is receiving His grace even if we do not deserve it. Grace and the wrath of God should motivate us to experience a new life without going back to our old life. Ephesians 2:5 But God, when we were dead in our sins, brought us to life with Christ – it is through grace that you have been saved – and raised us up with him and gave us a place in heaven, with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 Because it is by grace that you have been saved, THROUGH FAITH; not by anything of your own. . . .

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Grace is a three legged stool, Hope, Faith and Love.

If you want religion, go to a bookstore, there are many books on different kinds of religion. If you want a relationship with Christ, go to the Bible. Grace cannot be found in books written by authors du jour. You cannot make an omelet form rotten eggs. Fresh eggs are found in the Bible.

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Heavy Heart and it's meaning

Words have meaning and the meaning of words have origins. In Exodus 7:14, Pharaoh has a heavy heart. What does this mean? I feel the Jews were heavily influenced by the culture they were enslaved to. I have seen other ethnic cultures make adaptions to their by the influence of the world around. I find this very interesting.
The following I found searching the internet.

The Book of the Dead is full of spells and rules to help a person travel safely on his journey through the Afterlife. Above, you see the king facing his last and most important test – the weighing of the heart. On the left, he and his wife enter the area where he is to be judged.The Egyptians thought that a person’s heart showed all their good and bad deeds.Any’s heart is placed on some scales and weighed by the god Anubis (with the black jackal head) against the feather of truth. If it is lighter than the feather he will survive and continue into the next world. If it is heavier then he will be eaten by the Devourer, the monster on the right who is part-lion, part-hippopotamus and part-crocodile. Next to the Devourer stands Thoth, the god of truth (with an ibis head). He is checking that the weighing is fair.

Now we know what we are talking about when we speak of a "heavy heart".

Let God Lead Acts 16

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Observe -- Paul makes a change in plans. His plan was to enter Bithynia but for some reason was blocked from entering. Paul sees an opportunity that God provided a plan then to go to Macedonia. I saw two themes and one grand point in Acts 16.

Paul & Silas travel to Macedonia to preach. Three important contacts are made -- Lydia, slave girl possessed by demons and the jailer. We can assume that Lydia was a prominent woman in her community as a businesswoman. Lydia was a worshipper of God so she either was a Jew or had come to know God from a previous mission trip. Now Paul & Silas are noticed by the community because of the relationship and Paul and Silas stay with Lydia, after baptizing her, possibly for several days.  Paul & Silas are thrown in prison because of the slave girl.

The humility of the jailer by humbling himself by bringing the prisoners to his home and dressing their wounds. And one of the most important verses in the New Testament 16:30, "What must I do to be saved?”

Point – Be ready when God calls. The humility & hospitality of Lydia and the jailer. Main point is the jailer asking what we must do to be saved.

Question -- What happened between Barnabas and Paul to cause a split in their ministry? Where did Timothy go?

Resist – Sometimes we are not sure if God is calling us to do something.

So What – Be prepared for the unexpected. Live each day with humility and grace.

The Big Idea – Asking what I must do to be saved. Always be ready when an opportunity arises that God may have a different plan than what you desire. Then be graceful and humble in all that you do.


Let God Lead

For many years, I have wondered why God did not make His plan more obvious to me. I was reminded of the text in Joshua 6 and God has given his instructions for taking Jericho. For seven days, God told the Israelites to March around the city. There were around 600,000 men and I am sure they questioned and grumbled about why they were marching around the city and then going back to camp. Like Paul wanting to go to Bithynia and the Holy Spirit telling him to go to Macedonia, God seems to be leading us around in circles and we do not know why or where we are going. God leads even when we are going around in circles.

There were many opportunities that came my way and I usually saw the open door and walked through trusting God had a reason for the opportunity. What a learning experience it has been. I found so many friends that I would not have had had I refused the new experience. As I moved forward through time, I picked up new skills that aided me in helping others. I have worn many different hats that have equipped me for my future journey.

When my family first moved to Minnesota, I became friends with LeRoy, an older fellow that lived across the road from the building that I worked out of. We were looking for a church that felt comfortable with rural farm families. After visiting local churches, LeRoy invited my wife and I to the Bunde CRC and through the years and another change in jobs; I have been led to seek the mission that I dreamt about when I was a teenager.

People I have known seem to have a plan and pretty much stick to it. If that plan is detoured, some become stuck and never move out of their rut, I had the experience of being in a rut. Paul was not that kind of person. When there was a disagreement with Barnabas, Paul moved forward. When Paul was blocked from going to Bithynia, he did not stop and give up. God called him to Macedonia where he met some individuals that were important in his ministry.

Another important part of the text is Lydia and the jailer. We observe grace and humility given to Paul & Silas. Lydia was most likely a Jew because she believed in God but became a baptized Christian. Lydia was a prominent member of the community as a businesswomen dealing in the purple-dye trade. She took a big risk by taking in these two missionaries. We need to follow the charity of Lydia.

Another example of grace and humility is after the earthquake and the jailer is saved from his pride, then he takes Paul and Silas to his home to wash their wounds and give them a meal after the household had been converted. We need to be reminded of how Paul and Silas were shown humility and grace and how to demonstrate that in our own lives.

God sometimes is very subtle in ways that He leads us and sometimes more direct. Noah questioned God but built an ark while being humiliated by others. Jonah had to be swallowed by a great fish to get him where he needed to be. Moses did not want to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11). Joshua did not want to lead the Israelites. Paul & Silas were given obstacles but were lead by the Holy Spirit to where they needed to be.

Acts 16 gives us several messages. The key point of this text is when the jailer asks, “What must I do to be saved?” For all of Paul & Silas’ troubles of getting to where they were going, it boiled down to this fundamental question and the reply was, “Become a believer in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved”. John 10:9 Jesus says, “Anyone who enters through me will be safe; such a one will go in and out and will find pasture” In Joshua, the Canaanites knew of God but refused him. Therefore, God replaced the Canaanites with the Israelites.

The first step in a successful journey is to ask what you must do to be saved. Then we take off and follow the teachings of our Lord and Savior. If we deny what God intends for us, the consequences are serious; however, should we follow God, He rewards us. Do what God tells you even when it means nothing to us.

As we go around in circles trying to figure out what God wants us to do, have faith that there is a destination or finish line. We may not be able to see it because there is a mountain in front of us. There may be a fog so that our vision is not clear. When we are in the dark and do not know where we  are or where we are going -- remember God is standing beside you and me and He loves us.

God knows where He wants you and me. If we pray, act with grace and humility, then let Him know that we are thankful for what He has provided and give Him all the praise, we will see that victory that is store for us. Go out into the world with a joyful heart and let those that do not know Christ the blessings that He has given to you and me.

  

 

Sowing Seeds

Thinking about Mark 4:3-9 this morning. Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. Some seeds fall into rocky ground, sprout, wither and die. Some seeds fall into ground infested with weeds and are suffocated. Some seeds fall on the road and the birds eat them. However, if the seeds fell onto good ground, there was a large bounty of fruit and the harvest is good.

There is another point that some seeds have a hard shell, sometimes known as pericarp, (walnuts have a hard shell vs. peas with a soft shell ) and need more time to soak in moisture in order that the seed can germinate and grow. Some seeds need fire to open the pericarp. Other seeds just need a good seed bed. 

Our shell determines where we are in our spiritual life. If you have a hard shell, stay close to those who can add water and soften your shell. If you are in the fire and hope seems distant, get close to Jesus, He will soften the shell around your heart and bring you to life.

If we remain as seeds, we are useless. If we grow and bear spiritual fruit, then we glorify God and He will give us the nutrients we need to keep producing.

Value of Our Talents

I was reading in the Daily Guidepost for today about Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. The author told a story about Mendelssohn’s teacher finding the music being used to wrap cheese in a shop. When Bach first wrote the music it was only performed one time during Bach’s life and dismissed.

One hundred years later around 1827, Mendelssohn brought it back to become one Bach’s most known creations. I was intrigued by the story and thought how this great contribution was almost lost and being used as wrapping paper. I thought that is how most of us see our lives as just worthless wrapping paper. However, within us there is music that God hears and understands.

After doing some reading with the aid of Google, I found that the discovery of the music was much different from what was written in the Daily Guidepost. There was a family connection between Bach’s family and the Mendelssohn family and the music was handed down by a family member. Mendelssohn was a teenager when he discovered the music and changed the instrumentation to give it a more modern sound with musical instruments of the day, a hit that has lasted until this day.

The story is still intriguing because we sometimes do not see the beauty or understand the value of something until after it is gone.

If you want to view a portion of the St. Matthew Passion, either copy and past the following link or just click on it. The music is with subtitles and is tied to the Easter season.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf4UNJqv_-A

Psalm 107

Observe -- Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. There are five of these refrains. In spite of all the suffering the Jews endured, David still gave thanks to a merciful God for the present blessings.

Point – No matter where God leads us, He will bless us if we will obey His words.

Question – Why would God keep punishing and then bless them repeatedly?

Resist – I resist what I know God wants me to do so that I satisfy my own selfish desires.

So What – God does not want us to forget who is the provider.

The Big Idea – Often we deserve what we get in life. If we do not put God first in everything we do, then we reap what we sow.

ME – (Psalm 107 is a mini history of the Jews before the time of David.)

I am reminded of an old joke about the farmer who fed cattle. Every fall he went to the bank and take out a loan to lay in some feeders. After the cattle were fattened and sold, he would go to the bank and pay off the loan. After the loan was paid he would notice there was very little left for his efforts. The banker would tell him that at least he still had the manure. 

One day the banker was walking down the sidewalk and seen the farmer’s wife with a fur coat and was getting into a brand new car. He got to thinking that this was about the time the farmer should be coming in to pay off the loan. Being very concerned, he rushed to the bank and called the farmer, "Have you sold the cattle", he asked the farmer. "Why yes”, said the farmer, "how did you know"? The banker told him that he had seen the wife with a fur coat and getting into a new car.

Well", said the farmer, "I decided that this year you could have the manure". Thus, the farmer after being in bondage to the banker celebrated his labor for all those years with just manure to show for it.

The first 18 years after the army, I was farmer so I have been there, done that and bought the t-shirt. As a farmer and looking back, I see myself in the struggles of the Jews as they lamented over their past. There were times that were dark and the darkest was at the end. During those darkest of days, I left God out of my decision-making and did not really seek His guidance. It was only later in life that I could rejoice or celebrate what God had done for me.

I have developed a life philosophy that helps me understand the “WHY”: if I had not been there, I would not be here. Many of my mistakes led me to another path or journey that made me appreciate the journey. I do regret many things I have done, but without those errors, I would not be where I am today.

We tend to look at our own lives as a singular experience. When we experience set back or tragedy, we sometimes think that God is punishing us for our past transgressions, and maybe He is. Most likely God is trying to bring us closer to Him.

Reading Psalm 107 I was reminded of two stories -- King Lear and Samson. In Psalm 107 we revisit the harsh experiences that the Jews went through and how God delivered them repeatedly from their dire circumstances. While reading this, I was reminded of when I was studying Shakespeare’s tragedies, King Lear especially. In all of the tragedies, the underlying theme is how the individuals portrayed, suffer and their downfalls are the result of their own doing. However, unlike Shakespeare’s tragedies, the Jews were able to celebrate redemption because God was in their lives.

Like Samson, we all ignore God and yet God loves us. Samson was living the high life and ignoring God by choosing women who were out to destroy him. When Samson was at his lowest, blinded, and humiliated by the Philistines and Delilah, Samson called on God to strengthen him one more time, (Judges 16:28) “Lord remember me. Please God strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”  

When I first read King Lear, I wept in a come to Jesus moment. I identified myself with Lear and I knew I did not want my life end as Lear. King Lear had three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cordelia. Two of the daughters plotted to divide the kingdom between them while Cordelia who honored and loved her father most, is left with nothing. Because of unwise decisions by Lear, the daughters died and Lear is left nearly blind, his strength is gone and there is no one to redeem him of his transgressions. Before King Lear dies, he is howling like an animal, his life has been a waste, “Howl, howl, howl! O, you are men of stones. Had I your tongues and eyes I’d use them so that heaven’s vault would crack”.

How different from Samson. King Lear is a tortured soul. In his world, there is no afterlife and no resolution of his sins. Samson prayed to God for one last gift of strength and cracked Heaven’s vault to destroy those Philistines who held the Jews as slaves.

G.K. Chesterton said, “One sees great things from a valley, only small things from the peak”. God leads through the valley of despair and death (Psalm 23) so that we may see the great things He has provided for us. When we take our sins before God and ask forgiveness, He is the one who takes the past and tears it up into little pieces. When our lives are going well and we are at the peak, we must remember that God had a hand in this and need to give thanks and celebrate His blessings.

When you look at the two stories, which character would you want to be, King Lear or Samson? Samson who sought God and became a hero to his people or Lear who died without any celebration for generations to follow?

I do not know where you at in your spiritual journey or what trials you have had in your past. From my own experience, one does not really get close to God until there comes a time when one becomes totally broken in spirit. It should not be that way but for many Christians they have not experienced that broken spirit, they become traditional Christians because that was the way they were raised by their parents and what their peer group expects from them.

As we go about life’s mundane chores, we need to celebrate whether we at the peak or in the valley. We need a farmer’s optimistic view that there is hope for one more good crop and what we sow, we will reap. We need to be joyful for what the Lord has provided, give thanks for loving us and give thanks that Jesus washed away our sins. However, God did not appear to us in human form just to forgive our sins. He came to teach us how to renew our hearts and how to love.

I would like to add that this message addresses us as individuals; it also applies to the church. As Christians, we need to show the world that because we know that God loves us, we celebrate each day as joyful Christians. Because of what God has done, we are walking talking miracles. (Psalm 118:24) Rejoice and be glad and be willing to share your joy with others.

God Is In All Things

This Thing is From Me

"This thing is from me" (1 Kings 12:24).

"Life's disappointments are veiled love's appointments." --Rev. C. A. Fox

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from Me.

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, "he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye" (Zech. 2:8). You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4) Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the "enemy comes in like a flood," that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil.4:19). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, "In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God" (Deut. 1:32).

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16, 17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. "They also serve who only stand and wait." Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all--prayer.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. --Laura A. Barter Snow

"'This is from Me,' the Saviour said,
As bending low He kissed my brow,
'For One who loves you thus has led.
Just rest in Me, be patient now,
Your Father knows you have need of this,
Tho', why perchance you cannot see.
Grieve not for things you've seemed to miss.
The thing I send is best for thee.'

"Then, looking through my tears, I plead,
'Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know,
'Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread,
Each path before me here below.
And for my good this thing must be,
His grace sufficient for each test.
So still I'll sing, "Whatever be
God's way for me is always best."'"

Body & Soul

Body & Soul

After reading the essay about cremation, I really did not see any biblical reason for not doing cremation, what was discussed was more tradition and the pagan aspects of cremation. It is probably more biblically favorable for cremation -- Gen 3:19; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return; as said at internment -- Ashes to ashes and dust to dust.

First, anything coming from a funeral director is biased and suspect. Many of the laws today concerning burial of a body come from the funeral directors association and some them really make no sense.

Second, burial and disposing of the deceased has roots into prehistoric times with various rituals included. Burial and preservation of the body has been found in ancient Chinese and Inca cultures. The most well known is in the ancient Egyptian culture. Therefore, if anything, preservation of the body is more pagan than cremation.

Fear of the unknown is part of the human psyche. We have this determination to live even though the promise of a better life in the afterlife. Some years ago, a song* was written and the main point of the song was, “Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die to get there”. I think there is a collective consciousness of fear of the earth or soil. Dirt is associated with being “dirty” to be associated with being unclean. However, the earth should not be feared because it is the source of life, Adam was created from the earth and to which we return.

I have witnessed loved ones on their death bed and it is difficult to see a life end because of our own self centeredness. For the elderly, most have welcomed death because they have outlived their loved ones and it is a blessing to see them go home to their eternal peace with the Father. The young is much more difficult to deal with. The grieving process is very important to letting go of the past.

Christianity has incorporated rituals and traditions from the Jewish and other cultures, which may have been incorporated from the Egyptians while they were enslaved. Today most of the Jewish faith does not allow embalming and that burial is required within twenty-four hours.

Death of the body and the soul and spirit moving to a higher plane is very significant to the American Indian. European culture has developed its own traditions regarding the respect of the body and preserving it for the after life. Embalming was started during the Civil War as a way to preserve the body to be transported back to the family after death. Abraham Lincoln is the first president to be embalmed.

As Americans have prospered, preserving the body as we age has become like the search for the fountain of youth. Some have used cryogenic methods to preserve the body for some possible scientific break through and possibly bring the body back to life and healed.

I am not certain as to exactly what the afterlife will be; however, I do not believe that we will not be recognized in our earthly bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:44-46 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.  46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.  We will be spiritual bodies and that is what the church here on earth is to prepare us for. Preparing our spiritual bodies and not to be concerned with our earthly bodies, which is vanity.

In conclusion, the church has a bigger role in the saving of souls not how one’s body should be discarded. If tradition is a major part of the church community experience, then one should abide by that tradition if one is willful participant in that church body. If a member does not want the embalming process and desires cremation, either that person should find a different church community, or the church should respect the wishes of the departed soul. If we would think more in line of the church member as a soul rather than human flesh, then many arguments might be settled in a more Christ centered vision of the church.
rcm

* Peter Tosh a Jamaican reggae artist