It is the day before Christmas and all through the house, the kids and I are scurrying to clean it all up in lue of the guests that soon will be here, as momma runs errands and takes care of last minute grocery items......
Ah, the modern day "Night before Christmas" story......
Yesterday, I spend a bit more time in Chapel than I usually do. Now, I am a talkative person when the passion is ignited and the passion was definately ignited yesterday in service. That well laid sermon, which was going to include the components of the story "To the heart of the matter", didn't get told, instead I found myself bringing in all the various distractions that the Christmas holiday brings; bills, toys, shopping, wrapping, anticipation, and the rest.....tying it up in a bow, and focusing on the knot...that which holds it all together.
The birth of the Christ child.
The beginning of Redemption......
A pivotal moment in the history of mankind......
And it's felt by the secular crowd, the liberal crowd, the conservative crowd, and everyone......down to that person in the remotest, unapproachable tract of land on the planet.......something happened to alter the course of all humanity.
And I wake up to my devotional today and it's about being washed in the blood, that one thing that cleanses us of our sinful sorrow and brings us into a redeemed state before our Father......
"They are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst." Revelations 7:15-16
This is where it begins......and tonight we gather throughout the world together; family, friends, fellow believers, and secular fellows.......in the spirit of harmony and peace.
And over us all is the tent of the Most High........enabling all who would partake the redemptive washing of the blood.....and honoring the Son, who began on a Christmas night.......His restoration of us all....
May your Christmas be full of joy and peace, as you reflect upon that babe in swaddling clothes, in a hay filled manger.......
that redeems us all.
Monday, December 24
Friday, December 21
TODAY'S CLEAN LAUGH
*Top Ten Gift Comments*
What do you say when you get a gift you *Really Don't Like*.
10. "Well, well, well, now, there's a gift!"
9. "No, with all the hostile takeovers this year, I missed the big Ronco/K-Tel/Ginsu merger. Would you just look at that! What will they think of next?!"
8. "Hey, as long as I don't have to feed it, or clean up after it, or put batteries in it, I'm happy!"
7. "No, really, I didn't know that there was a Chia Pet tie! Oh, wow! It's a clip-on too!"
6. "You know, I always wanted one of these! Jog my memory -- what's it called again?"
5. "You know what? -- I'm going to find a special place to put this!"
4. "Boy, you don't see craftsmanship like that every day!"
3. "And it's such an interesting color too!"
2. "You say that was the last one? Am I ever glad that you snapped that baby up!"
And the number one thing to say about the Christmas gifts you didn't like is: "You shouldn't have! I mean it -- you really shouldn't have!"
*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh
What do you say when you get a gift you *Really Don't Like*.
10. "Well, well, well, now, there's a gift!"
9. "No, with all the hostile takeovers this year, I missed the big Ronco/K-Tel/Ginsu merger. Would you just look at that! What will they think of next?!"
8. "Hey, as long as I don't have to feed it, or clean up after it, or put batteries in it, I'm happy!"
7. "No, really, I didn't know that there was a Chia Pet tie! Oh, wow! It's a clip-on too!"
6. "You know, I always wanted one of these! Jog my memory -- what's it called again?"
5. "You know what? -- I'm going to find a special place to put this!"
4. "Boy, you don't see craftsmanship like that every day!"
3. "And it's such an interesting color too!"
2. "You say that was the last one? Am I ever glad that you snapped that baby up!"
And the number one thing to say about the Christmas gifts you didn't like is: "You shouldn't have! I mean it -- you really shouldn't have!"
*Thanks to Pastor Tim for this joke!*
http://www.cybersalt.org/cleanlaugh
Turning tides........
'But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7 (ESV)
There is a moment in every battle.....where the tide turns on way or the other. No matter the weaponry used, sticks and stones or tanks and planes, this perception happens each time........
In the fight, Christian warriors have those moments of realization where the tide has turned....sometimes for, sometimes against...
But always with God's hand upon the turning.......
I had a dream last night that I was standing amidst the field of battle; bloodied and bruised, tired and exhausted,and I felt that turning...the tide of the battle against the enemy and his minions turning...against me and my brothers in arms....
Like William Wallace, Leonius, and countless other leaders in the midst of battles both physical and spiritual, I turned to my Savior in answer to His question.....
"Will you follow me, dear friend, despite the odds? Will you stand, my brother, against the tide? Will you die for me as I have died for you?"
In the struggles of just living, there are many more things that we are called to under the banner of the Most High to do in service to the Kingdom. For some, its evangelism. Others, it's teaching. Some are called to reach out in love and understanding to counsel those who are lost. And some are called to fight in political circles for the values we all share.
And we grow weary in the battle…..tired of the constant defense that comes with the armor we wear, that is emblazoned with the symbol of the King of All Kings….Lord of Lords, and Almighty God.
Maybe this isn't the appropriate verse for this thought…but it caught my eye as I skimmed my email…….take courage!
Isn't that what every leader from Roman times up to the Iraqi war has cried out to the troops that are facing that turning tide of the battle? And haven't the warriors responded to the cry????
Take courage. Stand firm.
HonorBound had this to say in regards to this verse:
Determination is based on the fact that your work and effort is going to pay off in the end. You will never know how close you come to victory if you quit. Keep praying and working for the Lord and He will make His presence known in your life. You may not feel strong and you may not feel courageous, but do not go by your feelings. Keep your mind on the reward, not the enemy. God is bigger than your problem, and stronger than your enemy.
Oh, the answer I gave Jesus as we stood there, watching the tide seem to turn to the enemy's favor???
I'll stand.
Picking up the sword point from the ground and hefting the shield upon my arm, I shouted to the Heavens.....
I'll stand for my God....
Will you?
Here's some interesting things from American Family Association......
2007 in Review: Attacks on Faith, Family and Freedom
by Jennifer Mesko, managing editor
'The game is on again in 2008, and our side had better show up.'
As 2007 draws to a close, California's Pacific Justice Institute has identified some of the worst instances of hostility toward faith, family and freedom.
"Values voters contained a lot of this nonsense by turning out strongly in 2004, but they went to sleep in 2006, and the moral-values agenda suffered. The game is on again in 2008, and our side had better show up."
The Top Ten offenses:
10. Red Cross refuses donations of Bibles to California fire victims.
9. California Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, with no children of her own, introduces legislation to ban spanking. She says she got the idea from a law professor at the University of San Francisco, who pointed to European bans on spanking.
8. U.S. Supreme Court refuses to review the city of Oakland's removal of an employee flier because the term "natural family" was deemed "homophobic."
7. More than 100 students suspended in Sacramento-area schools for wearing T-shirts that quote a Bible verse.
6. Public high schools in California have Cross-Dressing Day as part of School Spirit week.
5. School attempts to censor God out of private yearbook ad. To wish their son well upon his graduation, his parents submitted an ad that included the phrase "may God bless your life."
4. Yolo County Clerk (California) issues "Certificate of Inequality" to gay and lesbian couples on Valentine's Day. The certificate says, "I issue this Certificate of Inequality to you because your choice of marriage partner displeases some people whose displeasure is, apparently, more important than principles of equality." The certificate concludes with, "May the God of your choice bless you."
3. Sacramento Public Library Authority Board refuses to ban Internet access to pornography. Viewing of this state-subsidized access to pornography is in areas where children are present.
2. Federal hate-crimes bill (HR 1592), which could criminalize speech by clergy. In a mischievous attempt to have it signed into law, the bill was later inserted into a massive, unrelated Defense appropriations bill.
1. California governor signs SB 777, which allows public school children to arbitrarily choose whether they should be treated as a boy or a girl.
"While many of the dubious 'winners' come from California, they are representative of incidents across the country," said Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus Action. "There seems to be no end of stories of parental rights, religious freedoms, and freedom of speech and association being sacrificed at the altar of liberal political correctness.
"Christians should especially take note of the importance of taking part in the political process. We say we want to influence the culture for Christ and raise up our children in the fear of the Lord, and our Constitution guarantees us the rights to do so. But those rights are only as secure as our willingness to resist attempts to take them away, whether they come from the halls of Congress, our state legislatures or our schools."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Pacific Justice Institute Web site.
(NOTE: Referral to Web sites not produced by Focus on the Family [or myself] is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)
There is a moment in every battle.....where the tide turns on way or the other. No matter the weaponry used, sticks and stones or tanks and planes, this perception happens each time........
In the fight, Christian warriors have those moments of realization where the tide has turned....sometimes for, sometimes against...
But always with God's hand upon the turning.......
I had a dream last night that I was standing amidst the field of battle; bloodied and bruised, tired and exhausted,and I felt that turning...the tide of the battle against the enemy and his minions turning...against me and my brothers in arms....
Like William Wallace, Leonius, and countless other leaders in the midst of battles both physical and spiritual, I turned to my Savior in answer to His question.....
"Will you follow me, dear friend, despite the odds? Will you stand, my brother, against the tide? Will you die for me as I have died for you?"
In the struggles of just living, there are many more things that we are called to under the banner of the Most High to do in service to the Kingdom. For some, its evangelism. Others, it's teaching. Some are called to reach out in love and understanding to counsel those who are lost. And some are called to fight in political circles for the values we all share.
And we grow weary in the battle…..tired of the constant defense that comes with the armor we wear, that is emblazoned with the symbol of the King of All Kings….Lord of Lords, and Almighty God.
Maybe this isn't the appropriate verse for this thought…but it caught my eye as I skimmed my email…….take courage!
Isn't that what every leader from Roman times up to the Iraqi war has cried out to the troops that are facing that turning tide of the battle? And haven't the warriors responded to the cry????
Take courage. Stand firm.
HonorBound had this to say in regards to this verse:
Determination is based on the fact that your work and effort is going to pay off in the end. You will never know how close you come to victory if you quit. Keep praying and working for the Lord and He will make His presence known in your life. You may not feel strong and you may not feel courageous, but do not go by your feelings. Keep your mind on the reward, not the enemy. God is bigger than your problem, and stronger than your enemy.
Oh, the answer I gave Jesus as we stood there, watching the tide seem to turn to the enemy's favor???
I'll stand.
Picking up the sword point from the ground and hefting the shield upon my arm, I shouted to the Heavens.....
I'll stand for my God....
Will you?
Here's some interesting things from American Family Association......
2007 in Review: Attacks on Faith, Family and Freedom
by Jennifer Mesko, managing editor
'The game is on again in 2008, and our side had better show up.'
As 2007 draws to a close, California's Pacific Justice Institute has identified some of the worst instances of hostility toward faith, family and freedom.
"Values voters contained a lot of this nonsense by turning out strongly in 2004, but they went to sleep in 2006, and the moral-values agenda suffered. The game is on again in 2008, and our side had better show up."
The Top Ten offenses:
10. Red Cross refuses donations of Bibles to California fire victims.
9. California Assemblywoman Sally Lieber, with no children of her own, introduces legislation to ban spanking. She says she got the idea from a law professor at the University of San Francisco, who pointed to European bans on spanking.
8. U.S. Supreme Court refuses to review the city of Oakland's removal of an employee flier because the term "natural family" was deemed "homophobic."
7. More than 100 students suspended in Sacramento-area schools for wearing T-shirts that quote a Bible verse.
6. Public high schools in California have Cross-Dressing Day as part of School Spirit week.
5. School attempts to censor God out of private yearbook ad. To wish their son well upon his graduation, his parents submitted an ad that included the phrase "may God bless your life."
4. Yolo County Clerk (California) issues "Certificate of Inequality" to gay and lesbian couples on Valentine's Day. The certificate says, "I issue this Certificate of Inequality to you because your choice of marriage partner displeases some people whose displeasure is, apparently, more important than principles of equality." The certificate concludes with, "May the God of your choice bless you."
3. Sacramento Public Library Authority Board refuses to ban Internet access to pornography. Viewing of this state-subsidized access to pornography is in areas where children are present.
2. Federal hate-crimes bill (HR 1592), which could criminalize speech by clergy. In a mischievous attempt to have it signed into law, the bill was later inserted into a massive, unrelated Defense appropriations bill.
1. California governor signs SB 777, which allows public school children to arbitrarily choose whether they should be treated as a boy or a girl.
"While many of the dubious 'winners' come from California, they are representative of incidents across the country," said Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst for Focus Action. "There seems to be no end of stories of parental rights, religious freedoms, and freedom of speech and association being sacrificed at the altar of liberal political correctness.
"Christians should especially take note of the importance of taking part in the political process. We say we want to influence the culture for Christ and raise up our children in the fear of the Lord, and our Constitution guarantees us the rights to do so. But those rights are only as secure as our willingness to resist attempts to take them away, whether they come from the halls of Congress, our state legislatures or our schools."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the Pacific Justice Institute Web site.
(NOTE: Referral to Web sites not produced by Focus on the Family [or myself] is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the sites' content.)
Thursday, December 20
Worthy Ministries.....A devotional
Who is truly your enemy?
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
A story is told of Peter Miller, a plain Baptist preacher of Pennsylvania, in the days of the Revolutionary War. Near his church, lived a man who maligned the pastor to the last degree. The man became involved in treason and was arrested and sentenced to be hanged. The preacher started out on foot and walked the entire way to Philadelphia roughly seventy miles away to plead for the man’s life. George Washington heard his plea, but he said, “No, your plea for your friend cannot be granted.” “My friend!” said the preacher. “He is the worst enemy I have.” What!” said Washington, “you have walked nearly seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant the pardon.”
Like this precious pastor, although we don’t go out looking for enemies, we somehow seem to acquire them just by doing the work of the Lord! Many of you know how many times we've been attacked by hackers since we moved to Israel. These people probably spend weeks -- not hours, not days -- but weeks or even more trying to figure out passcodes and configurations in order to destroy our sites and all the work of the Lord going on there! It can be extremely upsetting to see someone steal away years of your hard work like that. You just want to know who?! and why?! and what did I do to deserve this?!
I'm sure many of you are experiencing your share of enemy assaults too and can relate to what I'm saying! But how should we react to these assailants? Should we curse them and hunt them down to get our revenge? This pastor had every earthly right to be satisfed with this man's sentence. After all, this man probably destroyed his reputation -- perhaps even his entire ministry! But this wise pastor saw right through the man. He realized that the offense committed did not originate with the man who slandered him. This man was merely a pawn in the hands of a cruel and crafty adversary, satan himself. Clearly, it's our ultimate enemy, satan, who is out to slander us, to steal from us, hurt us, lie, kill and destroy us and he'll use any means possible to do it.
In the same way, we must realize who is truly our enemy and come against him the best way we can -- determine to press forward for God's Kingdom even more than before!
When we strive to do the work of the Lord, we will undoubtedly gain some enemies! But we must ambush our archenemy who is manipulating these people and situations! How? By praying more! Learning the word more! Sharing the Gospel more! Forgiving more! Becoming wiser and stronger in the Lord! Becoming more like Jesus! Press forward toward the Kingdom of God today -- your great reward will be with Him!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Rivka, Elianna & Baby Obi
Romans 12:21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
A story is told of Peter Miller, a plain Baptist preacher of Pennsylvania, in the days of the Revolutionary War. Near his church, lived a man who maligned the pastor to the last degree. The man became involved in treason and was arrested and sentenced to be hanged. The preacher started out on foot and walked the entire way to Philadelphia roughly seventy miles away to plead for the man’s life. George Washington heard his plea, but he said, “No, your plea for your friend cannot be granted.” “My friend!” said the preacher. “He is the worst enemy I have.” What!” said Washington, “you have walked nearly seventy miles to save the life of an enemy? That puts the matter in a different light. I will grant the pardon.”
Like this precious pastor, although we don’t go out looking for enemies, we somehow seem to acquire them just by doing the work of the Lord! Many of you know how many times we've been attacked by hackers since we moved to Israel. These people probably spend weeks -- not hours, not days -- but weeks or even more trying to figure out passcodes and configurations in order to destroy our sites and all the work of the Lord going on there! It can be extremely upsetting to see someone steal away years of your hard work like that. You just want to know who?! and why?! and what did I do to deserve this?!
I'm sure many of you are experiencing your share of enemy assaults too and can relate to what I'm saying! But how should we react to these assailants? Should we curse them and hunt them down to get our revenge? This pastor had every earthly right to be satisfed with this man's sentence. After all, this man probably destroyed his reputation -- perhaps even his entire ministry! But this wise pastor saw right through the man. He realized that the offense committed did not originate with the man who slandered him. This man was merely a pawn in the hands of a cruel and crafty adversary, satan himself. Clearly, it's our ultimate enemy, satan, who is out to slander us, to steal from us, hurt us, lie, kill and destroy us and he'll use any means possible to do it.
In the same way, we must realize who is truly our enemy and come against him the best way we can -- determine to press forward for God's Kingdom even more than before!
When we strive to do the work of the Lord, we will undoubtedly gain some enemies! But we must ambush our archenemy who is manipulating these people and situations! How? By praying more! Learning the word more! Sharing the Gospel more! Forgiving more! Becoming wiser and stronger in the Lord! Becoming more like Jesus! Press forward toward the Kingdom of God today -- your great reward will be with Him!
Your family in the Lord with much agape love,
George, Rivka, Elianna & Baby Obi
Hey Jude....don't be afraid....
"I felt I had to write to you and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints." Jude 3b (NIV)
No matter if you believe that this missive, this letter, was written by Jude, the disciple; or by Jude, half-brother to Jesus; the words spoken here in this short book of the Bible has one purpose and one purpose only, beyond the desires of the writer, as he states clearly in verse 3, "I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share….but"
But it was important to Jude that the Christians of the time and conversely, the modern body of Christ, heed the warnings echoed thorough Paul's and Peter's writings….false teachers. The wolves amongst the lambs. Today, as it was in the early church, there are many teachers and purveyors of the faith that are communicating smooth sounding and pleasant worded missives to the faithful and the flock is being led astray. I have been called intolerant, because I will not go beyond the line drawn in the sand by Jesus Himself, that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and NONE shall come to the Father but through Him. So be it.
Some things are relative to the person, place, or thing…… I prefer a Ford Mustang (current incarnation 2008) Shelby….I love Michigan Wolverines (even with Carr's departure)…..I like the color blue…….I prefer the poetic writings of one Sara Elizabeth Hutson over Keats or other better known poets. They are all relative to me; personalized if you will to my individuality and style. There are those, GASP, who love Michigan State…..or even Ohio State….. We can get into a debate over the qualities of our choices, but in the end it is our own choice. It doesn't make a difference what I believe, relatively speaking……
But the TRUTH is different. It cannot be adjusted to my own personal views or preferences. It cannot be changed to suit the circumstances….it is absolute. Beyond human preferences, fixed and sure……and therein lies my problem with movements and 'lightweight' theology. Truth has to be expressed fully or it fails to be fixed and sure….it needs to be stated with loving absolute authority, based on undeniable realization that cannot be affected by human standards and cultural shifts.
To state it clearly, when someone expresses to us "I prefer to think of Jesus as just a good guy, who gave us a better understanding of love," we cannot just shake hands and say…."That's okay, I prefer to think of Him as the Son of God." Now, standing for the truth doesn't mean that, as Christians at least, we come out with our gloves on and go for that mythical sweet spot…..to drop our opponent in one swing. This seems to be where most Christians get in trouble, by being hostile or even shouting at those who would believe falsehoods and lies. Instead, our reply to such untrue statements should be resounding in their absoluteness, "I'm really sorry to hear that, but you see…..the Bible, the inerrant Word of God, says that Jesus is the God the Son and it is your very future that depends on whether or not you accept that claim as truth." Sounds intolerant, doesn't it….in the age of emergent inabsolutes…..where pluralistic theories dot the landscape and man once again tries to seize control of creation to become god themselves.
Jude tells us how we should state the truth to those who would live in darkness or distorted, weak light……"Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear----hating even the clothing stained with corrupted flesh." While we should 'love the sinner and hate the sin', becoming too closely identified with the sinner that we become drawn into the sin. Yeah, I can hear the cries of 'hypocrisy' and 'foul', but listen…..it isn't that we should fear reaching out to those in darkness, that is not the fear I speak of……but we should be fearfully aware of our own vulnerability to sin. After all, we continue to live in a fallen world, in sin prone bodies, and should be aware of our humanity.
We should show that we care, beyond the simplistic acts of casual acquaintance, and encourage, help, through love and mercy, to bring the lost out of the sinful state they reside. Never should we condemn, as the Pharisees once tried to the harlot, but we should all come from a position that we've all fallen short of the glory of God and need Christ's blood to be redeemed.
In absolute truth……
No matter if you believe that this missive, this letter, was written by Jude, the disciple; or by Jude, half-brother to Jesus; the words spoken here in this short book of the Bible has one purpose and one purpose only, beyond the desires of the writer, as he states clearly in verse 3, "I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share….but"
But it was important to Jude that the Christians of the time and conversely, the modern body of Christ, heed the warnings echoed thorough Paul's and Peter's writings….false teachers. The wolves amongst the lambs. Today, as it was in the early church, there are many teachers and purveyors of the faith that are communicating smooth sounding and pleasant worded missives to the faithful and the flock is being led astray. I have been called intolerant, because I will not go beyond the line drawn in the sand by Jesus Himself, that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and NONE shall come to the Father but through Him. So be it.
Some things are relative to the person, place, or thing…… I prefer a Ford Mustang (current incarnation 2008) Shelby….I love Michigan Wolverines (even with Carr's departure)…..I like the color blue…….I prefer the poetic writings of one Sara Elizabeth Hutson over Keats or other better known poets. They are all relative to me; personalized if you will to my individuality and style. There are those, GASP, who love Michigan State…..or even Ohio State….. We can get into a debate over the qualities of our choices, but in the end it is our own choice. It doesn't make a difference what I believe, relatively speaking……
But the TRUTH is different. It cannot be adjusted to my own personal views or preferences. It cannot be changed to suit the circumstances….it is absolute. Beyond human preferences, fixed and sure……and therein lies my problem with movements and 'lightweight' theology. Truth has to be expressed fully or it fails to be fixed and sure….it needs to be stated with loving absolute authority, based on undeniable realization that cannot be affected by human standards and cultural shifts.
To state it clearly, when someone expresses to us "I prefer to think of Jesus as just a good guy, who gave us a better understanding of love," we cannot just shake hands and say…."That's okay, I prefer to think of Him as the Son of God." Now, standing for the truth doesn't mean that, as Christians at least, we come out with our gloves on and go for that mythical sweet spot…..to drop our opponent in one swing. This seems to be where most Christians get in trouble, by being hostile or even shouting at those who would believe falsehoods and lies. Instead, our reply to such untrue statements should be resounding in their absoluteness, "I'm really sorry to hear that, but you see…..the Bible, the inerrant Word of God, says that Jesus is the God the Son and it is your very future that depends on whether or not you accept that claim as truth." Sounds intolerant, doesn't it….in the age of emergent inabsolutes…..where pluralistic theories dot the landscape and man once again tries to seize control of creation to become god themselves.
Jude tells us how we should state the truth to those who would live in darkness or distorted, weak light……"Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear----hating even the clothing stained with corrupted flesh." While we should 'love the sinner and hate the sin', becoming too closely identified with the sinner that we become drawn into the sin. Yeah, I can hear the cries of 'hypocrisy' and 'foul', but listen…..it isn't that we should fear reaching out to those in darkness, that is not the fear I speak of……but we should be fearfully aware of our own vulnerability to sin. After all, we continue to live in a fallen world, in sin prone bodies, and should be aware of our humanity.
We should show that we care, beyond the simplistic acts of casual acquaintance, and encourage, help, through love and mercy, to bring the lost out of the sinful state they reside. Never should we condemn, as the Pharisees once tried to the harlot, but we should all come from a position that we've all fallen short of the glory of God and need Christ's blood to be redeemed.
In absolute truth……
Wednesday, December 19
Raging storms, peaceful heart
Isaiah 26:3 (AMP) "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."
It is the tendency of every human being to seek that one place where they can find some peace from the raging storms that come across the landscape of their lives. Usually, this involves a withdrawal from society, friends, family, and living itself. It isn't often visible on the outside, this withdrawal but takes place within our hearts and our minds. We disconnect so that the painful winds of the raging storm don't hurt us.
Apathy. When we walk past that homeless person on the street corner, whispering 'can't help' or 'get a job' as we cast our eyes down to the sidewalk in shame. That family at church that is having distress in finances or addictions, that we poo-poo with insincere sincerity speaking of the will of God and the unknown treasures that lie in the suffering beyond our capability to understand....and we walk away, feeling justified in our 'loving', to get into our expensive cars and head to our 2,000 square foot homes. We frown at those who aren't dressed in the latest Armandi suit or 'casual wear' and look with scorn upon the parents who scream at their children in the stores. We are the most uninvolved busybodies in the world.
If we look to the example of Christ, we can see how this Old Testament verse applied in His ministry, and should apply to the church today.....
Contentment. Jesus, from what the Bible shows us, was aware at least at the age of seven that His mission was different from anyone else in the world. He spoke of it to his parents, questioning their concern at his disappearance--pointing to the fact that they knew where He was, in His Father's house. He spent the three years of His earthly ministry teaching the Twelve, with full knowledge that the end was to be violent and painful, that He would be abandoned by His closest disciples, and forced to carry the very tool of His death to the place where they would kill Him.
Paul spoke of being content 'in all circumstances.' There was nothing, Paul felt, that could justify his discontentment in this world, if God was really and fully in charge. And full of concern, care, grace, and mercy for His children. No matter the pain or suffering Paul endured, and he endured shipwrecks, prision, beatings, and other persecutions......he kept focused on the end of the 'race.' The prize of eternal life.
I once knew this contentment, that Isaiah spoke of as a promise and Paul spoke of as a blessing. Through the raging storms of the declining financial well-being of my family, I was content to trust in God to provide for us in our needs. He did. I kept my eyes focused on Him and we endured through the loss of the house, the failing mechanics of the cars, the 'midnight rescues' of financial tight spots. Through two years of devastating heartache and worry, God listened to the cries of His child and gave enough to endure. Enough to survive. Just enough. And I was content.
When I had committed to God, I gave it fully, leaning upon His promise and praying in confident hope for His grace and mercy, joy and peace. Fully focused upon the face of my Father. At peace in the raging storm.
Any sailor will tell you that the ONE thing you don't want to do in a hurricane, other than not be in a hurricane, is to panic. Panic leads to mistakes and mistakes out at sea in the midst of highly agitated sea will kill you. Slow, decisive action always will serve you better in the chaotic situation of the stormy seas.
When you panic, time speeds up and your mind races beyond the moment where your attention needs to be.....and the outcome isn't good. Because you begin to anticipate the situation that is never truly formed and mistake a good choice for a bad and visa versa. And soon, too soon, you are knee high in the ocean and holding on to a sinking mast.
Time. It takes time to recover from panicked reactions that set you back in your journey through this world. To recover that which you freely gave away in the desperation of the moment where the enemy had you convinced that God had given up on you.
The sea will still climb and your ship will continue to sink, even as you bring your focus back onto the task at hand, to prevent the sinking of the boat.
So it is with our spiritual journey with God. When we panic, when we swerve away from the Father's purpose for us, we start to sink into the raging sea like Peter once did in Galilee. But if we focus upon the eyes of our Father, we can know no discontentment because He will "keep [us] in perfect and constant peace" so we can begin the work of returning our boat to a state of bouyancy. And return to the task of 'fishing for men'.
Where are your eyes this Christmas season? Upon the Father or upon the price tag that the world tells you is the payment for contentment?
There is a wonderful, ideal place where we can abide in the storms of this life, where fear, worry, and discontentment have no hold and that is in our Father's arms.
I'll met you there.
Let's find that perfect peace the Lord intends for His children!
It is the tendency of every human being to seek that one place where they can find some peace from the raging storms that come across the landscape of their lives. Usually, this involves a withdrawal from society, friends, family, and living itself. It isn't often visible on the outside, this withdrawal but takes place within our hearts and our minds. We disconnect so that the painful winds of the raging storm don't hurt us.
Apathy. When we walk past that homeless person on the street corner, whispering 'can't help' or 'get a job' as we cast our eyes down to the sidewalk in shame. That family at church that is having distress in finances or addictions, that we poo-poo with insincere sincerity speaking of the will of God and the unknown treasures that lie in the suffering beyond our capability to understand....and we walk away, feeling justified in our 'loving', to get into our expensive cars and head to our 2,000 square foot homes. We frown at those who aren't dressed in the latest Armandi suit or 'casual wear' and look with scorn upon the parents who scream at their children in the stores. We are the most uninvolved busybodies in the world.
If we look to the example of Christ, we can see how this Old Testament verse applied in His ministry, and should apply to the church today.....
Contentment. Jesus, from what the Bible shows us, was aware at least at the age of seven that His mission was different from anyone else in the world. He spoke of it to his parents, questioning their concern at his disappearance--pointing to the fact that they knew where He was, in His Father's house. He spent the three years of His earthly ministry teaching the Twelve, with full knowledge that the end was to be violent and painful, that He would be abandoned by His closest disciples, and forced to carry the very tool of His death to the place where they would kill Him.
Paul spoke of being content 'in all circumstances.' There was nothing, Paul felt, that could justify his discontentment in this world, if God was really and fully in charge. And full of concern, care, grace, and mercy for His children. No matter the pain or suffering Paul endured, and he endured shipwrecks, prision, beatings, and other persecutions......he kept focused on the end of the 'race.' The prize of eternal life.
I once knew this contentment, that Isaiah spoke of as a promise and Paul spoke of as a blessing. Through the raging storms of the declining financial well-being of my family, I was content to trust in God to provide for us in our needs. He did. I kept my eyes focused on Him and we endured through the loss of the house, the failing mechanics of the cars, the 'midnight rescues' of financial tight spots. Through two years of devastating heartache and worry, God listened to the cries of His child and gave enough to endure. Enough to survive. Just enough. And I was content.
When I had committed to God, I gave it fully, leaning upon His promise and praying in confident hope for His grace and mercy, joy and peace. Fully focused upon the face of my Father. At peace in the raging storm.
Any sailor will tell you that the ONE thing you don't want to do in a hurricane, other than not be in a hurricane, is to panic. Panic leads to mistakes and mistakes out at sea in the midst of highly agitated sea will kill you. Slow, decisive action always will serve you better in the chaotic situation of the stormy seas.
When you panic, time speeds up and your mind races beyond the moment where your attention needs to be.....and the outcome isn't good. Because you begin to anticipate the situation that is never truly formed and mistake a good choice for a bad and visa versa. And soon, too soon, you are knee high in the ocean and holding on to a sinking mast.
Time. It takes time to recover from panicked reactions that set you back in your journey through this world. To recover that which you freely gave away in the desperation of the moment where the enemy had you convinced that God had given up on you.
The sea will still climb and your ship will continue to sink, even as you bring your focus back onto the task at hand, to prevent the sinking of the boat.
So it is with our spiritual journey with God. When we panic, when we swerve away from the Father's purpose for us, we start to sink into the raging sea like Peter once did in Galilee. But if we focus upon the eyes of our Father, we can know no discontentment because He will "keep [us] in perfect and constant peace" so we can begin the work of returning our boat to a state of bouyancy. And return to the task of 'fishing for men'.
Where are your eyes this Christmas season? Upon the Father or upon the price tag that the world tells you is the payment for contentment?
There is a wonderful, ideal place where we can abide in the storms of this life, where fear, worry, and discontentment have no hold and that is in our Father's arms.
I'll met you there.
Let's find that perfect peace the Lord intends for His children!
Getting to the heart of the matter......
This is only my second Christmas, standing in front of the congregation with the heavy responsibility to proclaim the 'reason for the season', and make it fresh and new. Most of my congregation has memories of centuries of celebrations and have heard the story of the baby Jesus' birth over and over again that they can repeat it in their sleep literally word for word.
No pressure, though.
So I thought, with the various attacks coming against Christianity this season with "Happy Holidays" being expressed in the stores, "Holiday Trees" adorning the isles, and the Salvation Army's traditional bell ringing being rejected by retailers outside store fronts, that I would dig beyond the typical Christmas story and look at why we celebrate the way we do…….
First, we have to look at the source of the season……
"There's nothing the Jesus of the Gospels either said or did that cannot be shown to have originated thousands of years before, in Egyptian Mystery and other sacred liturgies." Tom Harpur states in his book, The Pagan Christ. Nestled in this dubious beginnings brought up in the past arguing about the celebration of Christ's birth, we find the very story of Christmas, the virgin birth, allegedly of Mithras, an infant god born of a virgin in a cave on December 25th. Even without the supposed match between Christ and Mithras; traveling teacher, 12 followers, buried in a cave and rose after three days, we find alot of questions that were raised regarding the validity of Christmas. Mithras was known by many names, defined by the cultures this god played a part in; Osiris, Dionysus, Attis, and Adonis to name a few.
Attis, the Asia Minor rendition of Mithras, is an older myth than the Christian faith, but it seems that the first resurrection addition to his story is well beyond 160 A.D. Adonis' story is found around 100 years after Christianity, and Osiris doesn't have a resurrection aspect to his story at all, He is given status in the nether world only. And Mithraism, the religion that followed the story under the Mithras figure, can only be dated to the 2nd century, by an inscription of Mithraic styling found upon a statue of a prefect under Emperor Trajan.
So, we've briefly shown the rumor of copying prior religions is false and if you look at the common theories out the today, it is not the 'mythical borrowing' of the story of Christ that is under dispute anymore , but the origins of the celebration of Christmas itself.
If you can't attack the foundation, set fire to the structure.........
Easter was the 'holiday' that was prevalent in the early church. After all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the separation from any of the religious theories of the time. He did rise again, and ascend to Heaven…..it is this that brought converts daily.
The celebration of Christmas originally was celebrated on January 6th, and still is by the Eastern Orthodox Church, where it is called the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. It was this date, thirteen days after the 25th of December that it was believed the three Kings discovered Christ in the manger.
For the Roman Orthodox church, commonly referred to today as the Roman Catholic Church, the date of December 25th was added in 350 A.D. by the Bishop of Rome, Pope Julius I, to observe the declaration made in 137 A.D. to have a solemn feast to celebrate Christ's birth. Some traditions have the actual celebration of Christ's birth extending beyond that date by a few years marking the year 98 A.D. as the beginning of it all.
And it is that beginning that is under fire most often today.
According to the History channel, that stalwart of liberalism, the institution of Christmas wasn't celebrated until the aforementioned 4th century, when it was decided to combat the paganistic ways of the secular community by aligning the celebration of the Messiah's birth with the celebration of pagan deities. Labeled the feast of the Nativity, it spread to Europe by the sixth century and Scandinavia by the eight century all the way from its Roman beginnings.
It is commonly thought that the declaration made by the Bishop of Rome setting the date in December was to combat the pagan rituals of Saturnalia--Saturn, the god of agriculture, or Juvenilia--a celebration honoring the children of Rome, and quite possibly the celebration of Mithra's birth, one of the most sacred days in some Roman's lives. The period chosen was celebrated by most Europeans as the end of the winter's worst and the beginning of longer days and extended hours of sunlight after the darker and shorter days of winter. This was the time where meat was in abundance since most Europeans slaughtered their cattle for winter food (and to not have to feed the livestock). Also, the beer and wine were perfectly fermented by December's end, ready for drinking. Several cultures had traditions already in place for the winter solace, where light and birth were celebrated after the long, dark, and cruel winters. Whatever the true reason behind the declaration of Pope Julius I (the Bishop of Rome), most will point to the fact that Christmas celebrated at this time, the winter solace, had the effect of adopting and absorbing pagan rituals of the time into the fledgling Christian movement, making it popular to adopt the idea of Christmas throughout the world.
And it worked, apparently, because by the Middle Ages the celebration of Christ's birth had replaced nearly all the pagan religious observations. But even then, Christmas wasn't a 'holy' day in the terms of its celebration; believers attended church and then continued the celebration in a manner reminiscent of Mardi Gras, in a drunken, carnival type atmosphere through communities far and wide. The poor would approach the rich and demand food and drink, and the nobility of the times would repay any real or imagined 'debt' to society by entertaining those poor unfortunates. But, in 1645, the Puritans declared Christmas part of the decadence of European culture and cancelled it, pointing to the fact that the real date of Jesus' birth wasn't proclaimed in any biblical accounts. It was only until Charles II was restored to the throne that Christmas returned to European shores.
Due to the fact that the Pilgrims were even more orthodox in their beliefs than the Puritans under Oliver Cromwell, Christmas wasn't widely celebrated in the New World until it was given status as a federal holiday on June 26th, 1870. In fact, from 1659 until 1681, it was illegal to celebrate the Christmas holiday in the city of Boston, with a fine of five schillings if caught. By contrast, Captain John Smith spoke of the Christmas holiday being enjoyed by the settlement of Jamestown without incident. True to their Puritan origins, most Americans didn't celebrate the holiday. Even Congress met on the 25th day of December 1789, the first Christmas holiday celebrated under the new Constitution of the young country known as the United States of America.
It is claimed by most secular scholars that best-selling author Washington Irving, in 1819, was responsible for the embracing of Christmas by most Americans. In a time of class conflicts and turmoil in the economy, where unemployment was high and gang rioting occurred during this winter celebration, Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent. which recounted the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house where the squire invited peasants into the home for the holiday. In contrast with the riotous crowds that were common enough to force New York to create the first police force, Irving showed the two classes joining together effortlessly in a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday that ignored wealth or social status, where 'ancient customs' were enjoyed and celebrated.
It was Charles Dicken's celebrated holiday tale, A Christmas Carol that sealed the holiday within the hearts of the members of the Victorian society, showing the benefits of a celebration of charitable works and good will towards others. This embracing of the holiday apparent reflected the family dynamic where parents were trying to be more emotionally sensitive to their children and less disciplined. Such a holiday would provide the means to lavish attention and gift-giving upon the children without cries of spoiling them.
And, as American culture embraced this holiday as part of the national identity, the great melting pot assimilated the cultural icons of its immigrants to create something truly unique to the United States. With traditions of illuminating our homes coming from Scandinavian immigrants, the Yule Log from Nordic traditions, evergreen trees decorated to be Christmas trees brought by German immigrants, and
Poinsettias from Mexico, our Christmas traditions have been woven from the very fabric of our diverse culture into a tapestry of joyful celebration.
But like the wrapping paper used to cover the gifts that we give one another during this holiday, the traditions that adorn the households of Christian Americans and Secular Americans alike are just that; coverings of the true gift, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Even that event, at the heart of this Christmas holiday, has come under division in the modern age.
To understand the different views, you have to understand the two sides; conservatives and liberals. Yes, even in the Christian family, this division exists and it divides this holiday as much as it divides the faith.
Conservative Christians believe that the Bible is inerrant or free of errors and, despite the fact it was written by several different people on several continents over several years, it is inspired by God and therefore not of man but God. Liberal Christians believe that the Scriptures were written by fallible authors who developed the gradual theological beliefs that created the Christian movement. It is these two widely divergent approaches to the Christmas story that has created the society that has spawned the debate surrounding this family holiday.
Looking into the stories of the birth of Christ, centerpoint to the Christmas story, found in Matthew 1:1 to 2:12 and Luke 1:5 to 2:20, we jump into the pool of debate surrounding the imagery of the baby Jesus. For Conservative Christians, these stories are how it all happened 2,000 plus years ago in the town of Bethlehem……
But we are faced with several problems, according to the liberal brethren amongst the Body of Christ, such as the virgin birth. Both Matthew and Luke mention it, but it seems to be missing out of the accounts of John, Mark, and any of Paul's letters. Assumption of modern society is that the 'dirt', those things that are unusual or strange, make the headlines and the stories of Mark, John, and Paul would be those early headlines…..but the details of a virgin birth seem to be missing. It is possible that they just didn't feel it needed repeating but the omission is unexplained.
Jesus' genealogy seems to only have 42 generations from Adam to Jesus in Matthew, and this is explained as only the majors were mentioned, with the minors skipped over. This seems to be a logical assumption, at least to conservatives, since Matthew was writing to the Jewish people and was highlighting Jesus' royal line. Of course, right on top of this debated point, we have the two different genealogies where Jesus is descendant of Solomon in Matthew and descendent of Nathan in Luke. This is easily explained in the different focuses of the genealogies, as Matthew was referring to Joseph's line and Luke to Mary's, both of who were of royalty.
Of course, there are historical differences that are highlighted in the stories of the Christ child's birth, such as Herod and Quirinius being referred to as governor at the time, the male only census that would've precluded Mary's journeying with Joseph, and the Christmas Star.
With the liberal mindset, of course, the story of the virgin birth of the Messiah becomes something more of myth and fantasy than what church tradition has believed. This is what has given birth to the movements of the emergent church, the Universalist movement, and the so-called Christian Left. The liberal Christian believes that the document, the as-yet undiscovered "Q", was written around 50 A.D. (or what is being rapidly replaced by C.E. for Common Era) and through reconstruction by theologians of its text, there is no discovery of a unique birth of the Christ child, as no mythical virginal birth had yet had time to be developed.
The writings of Paul and Mark are pointed out next in support of the christmas stories of Matthew and Luke being mythical in a majority of its context. Paul mentions the birth of Christ in his letters, Galatians 4:4 "But when the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law" and Romans 1:3, "...Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh." As you can see by the verses shown, Paul thought nothing special happened in the birth of the Messiah. Mark, written by an unknown author around 70 AD, mentions nothing of a special birth and surely would've mentioned it as this is considered the first gospel account written.
And there are more points that liberal Christians point out in regards to the Christmas story, from Matthew's gospel with genealogy errors to the virgin birth being nothing more than an attempt to make a mistranslated prophecy work so that Jesus would appear to be a great hero or even a god, and thus fit into the Mediterranean religions of the time.
All the points made here and those I haven't touched on have their detractors and supporters. These, according to both camps, are central to the story and thus the faith. The Christmas story sets the stage for the rest of the Christian story, of redemption and salvation.
But if you even remove the debated points in the Christmas story, we are left with the fact that "Jeshua (Hebrew for Jesus) was born to Mary and Joseph in Nazareth in the fall circa 4 BC." (or BCE if you subscribe to the new secular adaptation of before Common Era).
And, if you remove all the debate surrounding the Christmas season, you are still left with the biggest holiday celebrated in the world. Although it is largely secularized and commercialized from its simplistic beginnings, the exchanging of gifts on Christmas Day is still the main element of this holiday that crosses theological, secular, and religious lines.
Caroling concerts, Christmas trees, office parties, Catholic Midnight Mass, and a variety of television programs hosting varying stories in the traditions of this holiday show that regardless of the reason, there is one fact that remains for the season.......
It is a celebration of the Light, whether secular or Christian, celebrated with family and friends throughout the world.
Just a note: I am a conservative evangelical follower of Christ, believing that the Bible is inerrant and protected by God regardless of the human hands that wrote His words. I believe in the prophectic birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, who came to earth as man, yet still God, to save mankind from the punishment of sin, which is death. To me, regardless of what your doctrinal beliefs are, this is absolute: That Jesus Christ died upon the Cross and after three days rose again, resurrected in the body crucified. That Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and none shall come to the Father God except through His sacrifice.
That is the reason I celebrate the virgin birth of Jesus on Christmas, because that is where the journey of restoration of mankind began.....in a manger, lined with straw, and crowded by stable animals by Mary and Joseph, the earthly parents of our King, Messiah, and Lord.
I also put up a Christmas Tree in the living room to gather around with friends and family in a house lit by lights and decorations that blaze in the night. Traditions that help me and my family focus on the reason behind the celebration, which is far beyond the mere giving of gifts to those we love and cherish.
Barrrrrumphabumbum........
Barrrrumphabumbum.........
No pressure, though.
So I thought, with the various attacks coming against Christianity this season with "Happy Holidays" being expressed in the stores, "Holiday Trees" adorning the isles, and the Salvation Army's traditional bell ringing being rejected by retailers outside store fronts, that I would dig beyond the typical Christmas story and look at why we celebrate the way we do…….
First, we have to look at the source of the season……
"There's nothing the Jesus of the Gospels either said or did that cannot be shown to have originated thousands of years before, in Egyptian Mystery and other sacred liturgies." Tom Harpur states in his book, The Pagan Christ. Nestled in this dubious beginnings brought up in the past arguing about the celebration of Christ's birth, we find the very story of Christmas, the virgin birth, allegedly of Mithras, an infant god born of a virgin in a cave on December 25th. Even without the supposed match between Christ and Mithras; traveling teacher, 12 followers, buried in a cave and rose after three days, we find alot of questions that were raised regarding the validity of Christmas. Mithras was known by many names, defined by the cultures this god played a part in; Osiris, Dionysus, Attis, and Adonis to name a few.
Attis, the Asia Minor rendition of Mithras, is an older myth than the Christian faith, but it seems that the first resurrection addition to his story is well beyond 160 A.D. Adonis' story is found around 100 years after Christianity, and Osiris doesn't have a resurrection aspect to his story at all, He is given status in the nether world only. And Mithraism, the religion that followed the story under the Mithras figure, can only be dated to the 2nd century, by an inscription of Mithraic styling found upon a statue of a prefect under Emperor Trajan.
So, we've briefly shown the rumor of copying prior religions is false and if you look at the common theories out the today, it is not the 'mythical borrowing' of the story of Christ that is under dispute anymore , but the origins of the celebration of Christmas itself.
If you can't attack the foundation, set fire to the structure.........
Easter was the 'holiday' that was prevalent in the early church. After all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the separation from any of the religious theories of the time. He did rise again, and ascend to Heaven…..it is this that brought converts daily.
The celebration of Christmas originally was celebrated on January 6th, and still is by the Eastern Orthodox Church, where it is called the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. It was this date, thirteen days after the 25th of December that it was believed the three Kings discovered Christ in the manger.
For the Roman Orthodox church, commonly referred to today as the Roman Catholic Church, the date of December 25th was added in 350 A.D. by the Bishop of Rome, Pope Julius I, to observe the declaration made in 137 A.D. to have a solemn feast to celebrate Christ's birth. Some traditions have the actual celebration of Christ's birth extending beyond that date by a few years marking the year 98 A.D. as the beginning of it all.
And it is that beginning that is under fire most often today.
According to the History channel, that stalwart of liberalism, the institution of Christmas wasn't celebrated until the aforementioned 4th century, when it was decided to combat the paganistic ways of the secular community by aligning the celebration of the Messiah's birth with the celebration of pagan deities. Labeled the feast of the Nativity, it spread to Europe by the sixth century and Scandinavia by the eight century all the way from its Roman beginnings.
It is commonly thought that the declaration made by the Bishop of Rome setting the date in December was to combat the pagan rituals of Saturnalia--Saturn, the god of agriculture, or Juvenilia--a celebration honoring the children of Rome, and quite possibly the celebration of Mithra's birth, one of the most sacred days in some Roman's lives. The period chosen was celebrated by most Europeans as the end of the winter's worst and the beginning of longer days and extended hours of sunlight after the darker and shorter days of winter. This was the time where meat was in abundance since most Europeans slaughtered their cattle for winter food (and to not have to feed the livestock). Also, the beer and wine were perfectly fermented by December's end, ready for drinking. Several cultures had traditions already in place for the winter solace, where light and birth were celebrated after the long, dark, and cruel winters. Whatever the true reason behind the declaration of Pope Julius I (the Bishop of Rome), most will point to the fact that Christmas celebrated at this time, the winter solace, had the effect of adopting and absorbing pagan rituals of the time into the fledgling Christian movement, making it popular to adopt the idea of Christmas throughout the world.
And it worked, apparently, because by the Middle Ages the celebration of Christ's birth had replaced nearly all the pagan religious observations. But even then, Christmas wasn't a 'holy' day in the terms of its celebration; believers attended church and then continued the celebration in a manner reminiscent of Mardi Gras, in a drunken, carnival type atmosphere through communities far and wide. The poor would approach the rich and demand food and drink, and the nobility of the times would repay any real or imagined 'debt' to society by entertaining those poor unfortunates. But, in 1645, the Puritans declared Christmas part of the decadence of European culture and cancelled it, pointing to the fact that the real date of Jesus' birth wasn't proclaimed in any biblical accounts. It was only until Charles II was restored to the throne that Christmas returned to European shores.
Due to the fact that the Pilgrims were even more orthodox in their beliefs than the Puritans under Oliver Cromwell, Christmas wasn't widely celebrated in the New World until it was given status as a federal holiday on June 26th, 1870. In fact, from 1659 until 1681, it was illegal to celebrate the Christmas holiday in the city of Boston, with a fine of five schillings if caught. By contrast, Captain John Smith spoke of the Christmas holiday being enjoyed by the settlement of Jamestown without incident. True to their Puritan origins, most Americans didn't celebrate the holiday. Even Congress met on the 25th day of December 1789, the first Christmas holiday celebrated under the new Constitution of the young country known as the United States of America.
It is claimed by most secular scholars that best-selling author Washington Irving, in 1819, was responsible for the embracing of Christmas by most Americans. In a time of class conflicts and turmoil in the economy, where unemployment was high and gang rioting occurred during this winter celebration, Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent. which recounted the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house where the squire invited peasants into the home for the holiday. In contrast with the riotous crowds that were common enough to force New York to create the first police force, Irving showed the two classes joining together effortlessly in a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday that ignored wealth or social status, where 'ancient customs' were enjoyed and celebrated.
It was Charles Dicken's celebrated holiday tale, A Christmas Carol that sealed the holiday within the hearts of the members of the Victorian society, showing the benefits of a celebration of charitable works and good will towards others. This embracing of the holiday apparent reflected the family dynamic where parents were trying to be more emotionally sensitive to their children and less disciplined. Such a holiday would provide the means to lavish attention and gift-giving upon the children without cries of spoiling them.
And, as American culture embraced this holiday as part of the national identity, the great melting pot assimilated the cultural icons of its immigrants to create something truly unique to the United States. With traditions of illuminating our homes coming from Scandinavian immigrants, the Yule Log from Nordic traditions, evergreen trees decorated to be Christmas trees brought by German immigrants, and
Poinsettias from Mexico, our Christmas traditions have been woven from the very fabric of our diverse culture into a tapestry of joyful celebration.
But like the wrapping paper used to cover the gifts that we give one another during this holiday, the traditions that adorn the households of Christian Americans and Secular Americans alike are just that; coverings of the true gift, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Even that event, at the heart of this Christmas holiday, has come under division in the modern age.
To understand the different views, you have to understand the two sides; conservatives and liberals. Yes, even in the Christian family, this division exists and it divides this holiday as much as it divides the faith.
Conservative Christians believe that the Bible is inerrant or free of errors and, despite the fact it was written by several different people on several continents over several years, it is inspired by God and therefore not of man but God. Liberal Christians believe that the Scriptures were written by fallible authors who developed the gradual theological beliefs that created the Christian movement. It is these two widely divergent approaches to the Christmas story that has created the society that has spawned the debate surrounding this family holiday.
Looking into the stories of the birth of Christ, centerpoint to the Christmas story, found in Matthew 1:1 to 2:12 and Luke 1:5 to 2:20, we jump into the pool of debate surrounding the imagery of the baby Jesus. For Conservative Christians, these stories are how it all happened 2,000 plus years ago in the town of Bethlehem……
But we are faced with several problems, according to the liberal brethren amongst the Body of Christ, such as the virgin birth. Both Matthew and Luke mention it, but it seems to be missing out of the accounts of John, Mark, and any of Paul's letters. Assumption of modern society is that the 'dirt', those things that are unusual or strange, make the headlines and the stories of Mark, John, and Paul would be those early headlines…..but the details of a virgin birth seem to be missing. It is possible that they just didn't feel it needed repeating but the omission is unexplained.
Jesus' genealogy seems to only have 42 generations from Adam to Jesus in Matthew, and this is explained as only the majors were mentioned, with the minors skipped over. This seems to be a logical assumption, at least to conservatives, since Matthew was writing to the Jewish people and was highlighting Jesus' royal line. Of course, right on top of this debated point, we have the two different genealogies where Jesus is descendant of Solomon in Matthew and descendent of Nathan in Luke. This is easily explained in the different focuses of the genealogies, as Matthew was referring to Joseph's line and Luke to Mary's, both of who were of royalty.
Of course, there are historical differences that are highlighted in the stories of the Christ child's birth, such as Herod and Quirinius being referred to as governor at the time, the male only census that would've precluded Mary's journeying with Joseph, and the Christmas Star.
With the liberal mindset, of course, the story of the virgin birth of the Messiah becomes something more of myth and fantasy than what church tradition has believed. This is what has given birth to the movements of the emergent church, the Universalist movement, and the so-called Christian Left. The liberal Christian believes that the document, the as-yet undiscovered "Q", was written around 50 A.D. (or what is being rapidly replaced by C.E. for Common Era) and through reconstruction by theologians of its text, there is no discovery of a unique birth of the Christ child, as no mythical virginal birth had yet had time to be developed.
The writings of Paul and Mark are pointed out next in support of the christmas stories of Matthew and Luke being mythical in a majority of its context. Paul mentions the birth of Christ in his letters, Galatians 4:4 "But when the time had fully come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law" and Romans 1:3, "...Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh." As you can see by the verses shown, Paul thought nothing special happened in the birth of the Messiah. Mark, written by an unknown author around 70 AD, mentions nothing of a special birth and surely would've mentioned it as this is considered the first gospel account written.
And there are more points that liberal Christians point out in regards to the Christmas story, from Matthew's gospel with genealogy errors to the virgin birth being nothing more than an attempt to make a mistranslated prophecy work so that Jesus would appear to be a great hero or even a god, and thus fit into the Mediterranean religions of the time.
All the points made here and those I haven't touched on have their detractors and supporters. These, according to both camps, are central to the story and thus the faith. The Christmas story sets the stage for the rest of the Christian story, of redemption and salvation.
But if you even remove the debated points in the Christmas story, we are left with the fact that "Jeshua (Hebrew for Jesus) was born to Mary and Joseph in Nazareth in the fall circa 4 BC." (or BCE if you subscribe to the new secular adaptation of before Common Era).
And, if you remove all the debate surrounding the Christmas season, you are still left with the biggest holiday celebrated in the world. Although it is largely secularized and commercialized from its simplistic beginnings, the exchanging of gifts on Christmas Day is still the main element of this holiday that crosses theological, secular, and religious lines.
Caroling concerts, Christmas trees, office parties, Catholic Midnight Mass, and a variety of television programs hosting varying stories in the traditions of this holiday show that regardless of the reason, there is one fact that remains for the season.......
It is a celebration of the Light, whether secular or Christian, celebrated with family and friends throughout the world.
Just a note: I am a conservative evangelical follower of Christ, believing that the Bible is inerrant and protected by God regardless of the human hands that wrote His words. I believe in the prophectic birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ, who came to earth as man, yet still God, to save mankind from the punishment of sin, which is death. To me, regardless of what your doctrinal beliefs are, this is absolute: That Jesus Christ died upon the Cross and after three days rose again, resurrected in the body crucified. That Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and none shall come to the Father God except through His sacrifice.
That is the reason I celebrate the virgin birth of Jesus on Christmas, because that is where the journey of restoration of mankind began.....in a manger, lined with straw, and crowded by stable animals by Mary and Joseph, the earthly parents of our King, Messiah, and Lord.
I also put up a Christmas Tree in the living room to gather around with friends and family in a house lit by lights and decorations that blaze in the night. Traditions that help me and my family focus on the reason behind the celebration, which is far beyond the mere giving of gifts to those we love and cherish.
Barrrrrumphabumbum........
Barrrrumphabumbum.........
Monday, December 17
I am my father's son..
"I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was imprisoned in the earth, whose gates lock shut forever. But You, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death." Jonah 2:6
It seems that life has buried me lately, with all the struggles that I've faced and those still renewing themselves each morning. Sometimes I wonder if the boulders that seem to come down from the mountaintop are directly targeted at me or if I'm just in the wrong place, wrong time.
I can feel Jonah's despair in the first part of this verse....."the very roots" of the deepest of places, with tons and tons of earth covering him. At least that is what the weight of this world's expectations feel to me, a weight that cannot be overcome. The past isn't just the past, it seems, but something that is wrapped around my shoulders like a chain, binding me to the realization of who I was. As if I was imprisioned in the earth and someone has thrown away the keys. Deliberately. With forethought.
My grandmother's passage from the trials and tribulations of this world into the blessed rest of the Father's arms exposed the ire of a side of the family that I've not had much to do with. The obit of my grandmother is modified, by me, to reflect what should've been said with any agenda aside. The items in [ ] are mine. I had heard, for the first time in a long time, the echoes of my father's shame in the halls of the home of one of the 'favored' neices, my cousin.
To be fair, these two cousins were the ones who stood and took care of my grandmother in her elder years, after grandfather had passed away in 1984. They did all of the things with her that she enjoyed and cherished. So I have no issue with the words used to describe them. It is the absense of what they didn't say about my family that has me and my sibling disturbed. All for a father's sinful past............... Every family seems to have that 'dark' side, the part of the family that seems seldom brought up or mentioned, blackened by the action of one that forever dooms the ones to follow.
A past that I claim, even if I don't want to, through the voice and inflections, mannerisms and verbage that is my father's legacy to me. A past I repeated even as I declared I wouldn't be like the man who's likeness I bore. A past that brings into sharp relief that old adage, "The sins of the father are visited upon the son."
Something that seems to bear resemblance to the modern Church and its ability to 'eat its own wounded', as those who are critical of Christianity oft state. Something from my personal history that has bled over into my spiritual journey, it seems.
But, that connection to my father is not all bad. Some of my association to this man is good; stout of heart, strong of spirit, and determined. Things that have stood me in good stead in the dark times of my life's story.
It is also tied into my fondest memory of my grandmother, that connected three generations of men in the Hutson family, and of which I am the last with this distinction.
I had just graduated Aprenticeship training class at Great Lakes Training Center in Chicago, Illinois and came home on leave before reporting to my first duty station in Keyport, Washington. In those days, I was better at staying in contact with grandmother, even thought it was often hard....everytime I called, I would have to identify myself as Jim, Ron's son, because she would mistake my voice as my father's. But, I've already mentioned that........
It had to be early April or May, for I had to wear my dress whites (not my fondest uniform--loved the blues), and it was this I was wearing as I went to visit my grandmother at her home on W. Lewiston in Ferndale, Michigan. I had just come from 'duty' at the recruiter station and came walking up the drive unannounced.....something that I didn't do too often with grandmother.
When I got to the front door, it seemed to take a bit more time than usual for her to answer the door and I was starting to get alarmed when it finally opened. My grandmother stood there, peeking behind the door on the chain, with eyes slightly wider than usual.....something I didn't notice at the time but remember vividly in my rememberance.......and her sweet voice, with a bit of relief in it (again that I didn't realize at the time), saying "Oh, it's you. I thought for a second there it was someone else....."
When I pressed her about it over the typical coffee that I drank whenever I came over as she drank her tea, she told me something that would hold no meaning then...but came back in bright relief as the years passed............
"At first, when you were near the street, I thought you were Lawrence (my grandfather) because you know he was in the Navy and I oft saw him in dress whites....but I remembered that the hat was different (I was wearing the modern Dixie cap instead of the flat cap of WWII era). As you strode up the walkway to the front door, I thought it was Ronald (my father) because he walked so much like you did, so proud and straight, as if the walker was eager to get on to the business at hand.... But then, when I opened the door, I realized it was you. You look so much like your father."
I heard those words again from both of my cousins, one as I walked into the room where my grandmother's body lay in waiting. She told me, with what seemed the same expression my grandmother used to wear, that I looked like Ron. The other, speaking to me prior to my departure from the luncheon, said that I sounded like my father.
In polite company, the past (dark and evil) is never brought up to those unfortunates that are stained with its markings. I wonder if it was brought up in the comfort of 'those in the know', with whispered conotations and sharp rebukes. This resemblance to a man lost to the ravages of time, who I can only hope and pray to the Father above proclaimed the salvation gift that erased the sins away and enabled redemption. For him, this man called my father, time is past. But his legacy lives within me. In voice, physical resemblance, and in parenting habits I fight to overcome.
I smiled, that smile I notice upon the face of the body....a smile of secret knowledge that isn't so secret.....of being in the 'know'. I smiled at my cousins and told them that I appreciated the sentiment and agreed, "I am my father's son. Both of them."
To their perplexed looks, I elaborated "My earthly father and My Heavenly Father."
As I strode away from the home of my cousin, I felt myself walk a bit prouder and with a touch of honor, as if that white uniform of my military service were once again worn upon the body of an older, wiser, and mature person. I walked proud, thinking in my mind that I was indeed the son of Ronald Lawrence Hutson, who once wore the same uniform I did and his father did. Yes, I bore the stain of sin that my father also wore once, because we all bear the sin of Adam upon these bodies. I am my father's son.
But I also am the son of the Most High, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, Creator of everything and I wear the uniform garment of my Heavenly Father, washed clean by the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth upon a midnight clear as a child in swaddling clothing to provide redemption through his blood. I hope that when people look at me, they can see my Father's face in mine.
For I find honor and pride in the words expressed by others that I bear the voice and the mannerisms of my Heavenly Father.........
And I can feel the joy of salvation in this verse......" But You, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death."
By hanging upon a Cross for my sins...........coming to the earth as a babe....
For that, I know I can do the purpose to which my Father has caused me to be called......for His glory, honor, and grace.......
So that all that see me will see not my face, but the face of the One who calls me....................
Son.
In service to the King,
Jim
It seems that life has buried me lately, with all the struggles that I've faced and those still renewing themselves each morning. Sometimes I wonder if the boulders that seem to come down from the mountaintop are directly targeted at me or if I'm just in the wrong place, wrong time.
I can feel Jonah's despair in the first part of this verse....."the very roots" of the deepest of places, with tons and tons of earth covering him. At least that is what the weight of this world's expectations feel to me, a weight that cannot be overcome. The past isn't just the past, it seems, but something that is wrapped around my shoulders like a chain, binding me to the realization of who I was. As if I was imprisioned in the earth and someone has thrown away the keys. Deliberately. With forethought.
My grandmother's passage from the trials and tribulations of this world into the blessed rest of the Father's arms exposed the ire of a side of the family that I've not had much to do with. The obit of my grandmother is modified, by me, to reflect what should've been said with any agenda aside. The items in [ ] are mine. I had heard, for the first time in a long time, the echoes of my father's shame in the halls of the home of one of the 'favored' neices, my cousin.
To be fair, these two cousins were the ones who stood and took care of my grandmother in her elder years, after grandfather had passed away in 1984. They did all of the things with her that she enjoyed and cherished. So I have no issue with the words used to describe them. It is the absense of what they didn't say about my family that has me and my sibling disturbed. All for a father's sinful past............... Every family seems to have that 'dark' side, the part of the family that seems seldom brought up or mentioned, blackened by the action of one that forever dooms the ones to follow.
A past that I claim, even if I don't want to, through the voice and inflections, mannerisms and verbage that is my father's legacy to me. A past I repeated even as I declared I wouldn't be like the man who's likeness I bore. A past that brings into sharp relief that old adage, "The sins of the father are visited upon the son."
Something that seems to bear resemblance to the modern Church and its ability to 'eat its own wounded', as those who are critical of Christianity oft state. Something from my personal history that has bled over into my spiritual journey, it seems.
But, that connection to my father is not all bad. Some of my association to this man is good; stout of heart, strong of spirit, and determined. Things that have stood me in good stead in the dark times of my life's story.
It is also tied into my fondest memory of my grandmother, that connected three generations of men in the Hutson family, and of which I am the last with this distinction.
I had just graduated Aprenticeship training class at Great Lakes Training Center in Chicago, Illinois and came home on leave before reporting to my first duty station in Keyport, Washington. In those days, I was better at staying in contact with grandmother, even thought it was often hard....everytime I called, I would have to identify myself as Jim, Ron's son, because she would mistake my voice as my father's. But, I've already mentioned that........
It had to be early April or May, for I had to wear my dress whites (not my fondest uniform--loved the blues), and it was this I was wearing as I went to visit my grandmother at her home on W. Lewiston in Ferndale, Michigan. I had just come from 'duty' at the recruiter station and came walking up the drive unannounced.....something that I didn't do too often with grandmother.
When I got to the front door, it seemed to take a bit more time than usual for her to answer the door and I was starting to get alarmed when it finally opened. My grandmother stood there, peeking behind the door on the chain, with eyes slightly wider than usual.....something I didn't notice at the time but remember vividly in my rememberance.......and her sweet voice, with a bit of relief in it (again that I didn't realize at the time), saying "Oh, it's you. I thought for a second there it was someone else....."
When I pressed her about it over the typical coffee that I drank whenever I came over as she drank her tea, she told me something that would hold no meaning then...but came back in bright relief as the years passed............
"At first, when you were near the street, I thought you were Lawrence (my grandfather) because you know he was in the Navy and I oft saw him in dress whites....but I remembered that the hat was different (I was wearing the modern Dixie cap instead of the flat cap of WWII era). As you strode up the walkway to the front door, I thought it was Ronald (my father) because he walked so much like you did, so proud and straight, as if the walker was eager to get on to the business at hand.... But then, when I opened the door, I realized it was you. You look so much like your father."
I heard those words again from both of my cousins, one as I walked into the room where my grandmother's body lay in waiting. She told me, with what seemed the same expression my grandmother used to wear, that I looked like Ron. The other, speaking to me prior to my departure from the luncheon, said that I sounded like my father.
In polite company, the past (dark and evil) is never brought up to those unfortunates that are stained with its markings. I wonder if it was brought up in the comfort of 'those in the know', with whispered conotations and sharp rebukes. This resemblance to a man lost to the ravages of time, who I can only hope and pray to the Father above proclaimed the salvation gift that erased the sins away and enabled redemption. For him, this man called my father, time is past. But his legacy lives within me. In voice, physical resemblance, and in parenting habits I fight to overcome.
I smiled, that smile I notice upon the face of the body....a smile of secret knowledge that isn't so secret.....of being in the 'know'. I smiled at my cousins and told them that I appreciated the sentiment and agreed, "I am my father's son. Both of them."
To their perplexed looks, I elaborated "My earthly father and My Heavenly Father."
As I strode away from the home of my cousin, I felt myself walk a bit prouder and with a touch of honor, as if that white uniform of my military service were once again worn upon the body of an older, wiser, and mature person. I walked proud, thinking in my mind that I was indeed the son of Ronald Lawrence Hutson, who once wore the same uniform I did and his father did. Yes, I bore the stain of sin that my father also wore once, because we all bear the sin of Adam upon these bodies. I am my father's son.
But I also am the son of the Most High, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, Creator of everything and I wear the uniform garment of my Heavenly Father, washed clean by the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth upon a midnight clear as a child in swaddling clothing to provide redemption through his blood. I hope that when people look at me, they can see my Father's face in mine.
For I find honor and pride in the words expressed by others that I bear the voice and the mannerisms of my Heavenly Father.........
And I can feel the joy of salvation in this verse......" But You, O LORD my God, snatched me from the jaws of death."
By hanging upon a Cross for my sins...........coming to the earth as a babe....
For that, I know I can do the purpose to which my Father has caused me to be called......for His glory, honor, and grace.......
So that all that see me will see not my face, but the face of the One who calls me....................
Son.
In service to the King,
Jim
Some jokes.......
HOW TO START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it "Hillary Rodham Clinton
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you. "Do you really want to get rid of Hillary Rodham Clinton?
6. Firmly Click "Yes."
7. Feel better.
WISDOM - FROM THE MILITARY
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'If the enemy is in range, so are you.' - Infantry Journal
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
'It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed.' - U.S. Air Force Manual
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.' - General MacArthur
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
'You, you, and you ... Panic. The rest of you, come with me.' - U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'Tracers work both ways.' - U.S. Army Ordnance
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
'Five second fuses only last three seconds.' - Infantry Journal
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Any ship can be a minesweeper. Once.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do.' - Unknown Marine Recruit
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'If you see a bomb technician running, follow him.' - USAF Ammo Troop
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death, I Shall Fear No Evil. For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing.' - At the entrance to the old SR-71 operating base Kadena, Japan
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3.' - Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough power left to get you to the scene of the crash.'
--- ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
'Without ammunition, the USAF would be just another expensive flying club.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Never trade luck for skill.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Airspeed, altitude and brains. Two are always needed to successfully complete the flight.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you.' - Attributed to Max Stanley (Northrop test pilot)
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peacetime.' - Sign over squadron ops desk at Davis-Monthan AFB , AZ, 1970
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
'You know that your landing gear is up and locked when it takes full power to taxi to the terminal.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives,the rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks 'What happened?'. The pilot's reply: 'I don't know, I just got
here myself!' - Attributed to Ray Crandell (Lockheed test pilot)
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it "Hillary Rodham Clinton
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you. "Do you really want to get rid of Hillary Rodham Clinton?
6. Firmly Click "Yes."
7. Feel better.
WISDOM - FROM THE MILITARY
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'If the enemy is in range, so are you.' - Infantry Journal
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
'It is generally inadvisable to eject directly over the area you just bombed.' - U.S. Air Force Manual
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons.' - General MacArthur
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
'You, you, and you ... Panic. The rest of you, come with me.' - U.S. Marine Corp Gunnery Sgt.
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'Tracers work both ways.' - U.S. Army Ordnance
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -----
'Five second fuses only last three seconds.' - Infantry Journal
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Any ship can be a minesweeper. Once.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ------
'Never tell the Platoon Sergeant you have nothing to do.' - Unknown Marine Recruit
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'If you see a bomb technician running, follow him.' - USAF Ammo Troop
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Though I Fly Through the Valley of Death, I Shall Fear No Evil. For I am at 80,000 Feet and Climbing.' - At the entrance to the old SR-71 operating base Kadena, Japan
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'You've never been lost until you've been lost at Mach 3.' - Paul F. Crickmore (test pilot)
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'The only time you have too much fuel is when you're on fire.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'When one engine fails on a twin-engine airplane you always have enough power left to get you to the scene of the crash.'
--- ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
'Without ammunition, the USAF would be just another expensive flying club.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Never trade luck for skill.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'Airspeed, altitude and brains. Two are always needed to successfully complete the flight.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'The Piper Cub is the safest airplane in the world; it can just barely kill you.' - Attributed to Max Stanley (Northrop test pilot)
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -------
'There is no reason to fly through a thunderstorm in peacetime.' - Sign over squadron ops desk at Davis-Monthan AFB , AZ, 1970
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
'You know that your landing gear is up and locked when it takes full power to taxi to the terminal.'
------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -
As the test pilot climbs out of the experimental aircraft, having torn off the wings and tail in the crash landing, the crash truck arrives,the rescuer sees a bloodied pilot and asks 'What happened?'. The pilot's reply: 'I don't know, I just got
here myself!' - Attributed to Ray Crandell (Lockheed test pilot)
Some of those FORWARD emails.....
This is so neat. I had never heard this before. This is beautiful - and it is surely worth making the 5 finger prayer a part of our lives.
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointi ng finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our na t ion and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night; you cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
THIS IS ONE OF THE NICEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL USES OF THE ALPHABET THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DID. HAVE A GOOD DAY! Whoever came up with this one must have had some divine guidance, I was impressed!
A-lthough things are not perfect
B-ecause of trial or pain
C-ontinue in thanksgiving
D-o not begin to blame
E-ven when the times are hard
F-ierce winds are bound to blow
G-od is forever able
H-old on to what you know
I-magine life without His love
J-oy would cease to be
K-eep thanking Him for all the things
L-ove imparts to thee
M-ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N-o weapon that is known
O-n earth can yield the power
P-raise can do alone
Q-uit looking at the future
R-edeem the time at hand
S-tart every day with worship
T-o "thank" is a command
U-ntil we see Him coming
V-ictorious in the sky
W-e'll run the race with gratitude
X-alting God most high
Y-es, there'll be good times & yes some will be bad, but...
Z-ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
I AM Too blessed to be stressed!"
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.
With thanks to Phyllis Page
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointi ng finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our na t ion and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night; you cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.
THIS IS ONE OF THE NICEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL USES OF THE ALPHABET THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I DID. HAVE A GOOD DAY! Whoever came up with this one must have had some divine guidance, I was impressed!
A-lthough things are not perfect
B-ecause of trial or pain
C-ontinue in thanksgiving
D-o not begin to blame
E-ven when the times are hard
F-ierce winds are bound to blow
G-od is forever able
H-old on to what you know
I-magine life without His love
J-oy would cease to be
K-eep thanking Him for all the things
L-ove imparts to thee
M-ove out of "Camp Complaining"
N-o weapon that is known
O-n earth can yield the power
P-raise can do alone
Q-uit looking at the future
R-edeem the time at hand
S-tart every day with worship
T-o "thank" is a command
U-ntil we see Him coming
V-ictorious in the sky
W-e'll run the race with gratitude
X-alting God most high
Y-es, there'll be good times & yes some will be bad, but...
Z-ion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
I AM Too blessed to be stressed!"
The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.
Love and peace be with you forever, Amen.
With thanks to Phyllis Page
Feeder church or body church????
1 Corinthians 12:12(AMP) "For just as the body is a unity and yet has many parts, and all the parts, though many, form [only] one body, so it is with Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)."
A friend and I met over the weekend and God solidified His plans for me to depart the current home church I haven't really been attending lately to reach out into a direction that He would have me go. Whether it becomes something more than simply a lateral movement into another church of deeper depth or not, well, that is in God's hands. As it always has been.
But, in talking about departures, my friend made mention that leaving one church for another doesn't change the fact that we are still in the same family. And this verse came up in the course of my devotions today, via Worthy News. The Body of Christ, such a strong and yet, misused, phrase. Many pastors, ministers, or priests will use this generic term specifically, to refer to their congregations and their denominations, rather than referring to the entire body, regardless that proscribe to the declaration that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Light……
Unfortunately, this tunnel vision seems to affect more than just the leadership's ownership of the congregation….and the buildings in which they meet. It becomes more focused, and less clear, in the circles surrounding the leaders, those Senior, Lead, Founding, etc… Pastors/Ministers/Priests. There, the people who surround the Pastorship are too often "YES" people….either afraid to express their God-given talents in ways that are contrary to the Pastorship or simply of one mind and in tune with the Pastorship's vision….a deadly combination in any circumstance. Such 'teams' become known by the lead characteristic, i.e. the Pastorship, and thus difuse their effectiveness in the body of Christ. You know, like the "A" team (which consists of Athletes and Artists) which creates a church that is dynamic in its delivery of the Gospel, but weak in the message contained……
It's like someone gathering all the 'hand' personalities and talents and expecting some to preform as feet….. It's like someone expecting a bunch of toes to function as a head…. And so on….
Such configurations ultimately lead to implosion, as various like members rebel against the role they've been forced to play and seek greater enjoyment in the role they were meant to perform. And the Mega church, known for its phenom growth, becomes nothing more than a feeder church, where the parts of the body realize their true roles, and leave to fulfill them in a body that is unified.
Where, as George from Worthy Ministries says so succinctly, "Each member of the body is important and can minister to the other members of the body."
And the feeder church becomes something less than what it was, as one piece that is taken from the body becomes obvious, because the effectiveness of the mission has been compromised and weakened. Like the guppy tanks at your local pet store, they don't become anything other than guppies, no matter their size.
As George says, "Just as when one piece is missing from a puzzle, its absence is very obvious and damages the picture, so also is the whole weakened when we are absent from the body of Messiah"
Are you in a feeder church or a body church?
A friend and I met over the weekend and God solidified His plans for me to depart the current home church I haven't really been attending lately to reach out into a direction that He would have me go. Whether it becomes something more than simply a lateral movement into another church of deeper depth or not, well, that is in God's hands. As it always has been.
But, in talking about departures, my friend made mention that leaving one church for another doesn't change the fact that we are still in the same family. And this verse came up in the course of my devotions today, via Worthy News. The Body of Christ, such a strong and yet, misused, phrase. Many pastors, ministers, or priests will use this generic term specifically, to refer to their congregations and their denominations, rather than referring to the entire body, regardless that proscribe to the declaration that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Light……
Unfortunately, this tunnel vision seems to affect more than just the leadership's ownership of the congregation….and the buildings in which they meet. It becomes more focused, and less clear, in the circles surrounding the leaders, those Senior, Lead, Founding, etc… Pastors/Ministers/Priests. There, the people who surround the Pastorship are too often "YES" people….either afraid to express their God-given talents in ways that are contrary to the Pastorship or simply of one mind and in tune with the Pastorship's vision….a deadly combination in any circumstance. Such 'teams' become known by the lead characteristic, i.e. the Pastorship, and thus difuse their effectiveness in the body of Christ. You know, like the "A" team (which consists of Athletes and Artists) which creates a church that is dynamic in its delivery of the Gospel, but weak in the message contained……
It's like someone gathering all the 'hand' personalities and talents and expecting some to preform as feet….. It's like someone expecting a bunch of toes to function as a head…. And so on….
Such configurations ultimately lead to implosion, as various like members rebel against the role they've been forced to play and seek greater enjoyment in the role they were meant to perform. And the Mega church, known for its phenom growth, becomes nothing more than a feeder church, where the parts of the body realize their true roles, and leave to fulfill them in a body that is unified.
Where, as George from Worthy Ministries says so succinctly, "Each member of the body is important and can minister to the other members of the body."
And the feeder church becomes something less than what it was, as one piece that is taken from the body becomes obvious, because the effectiveness of the mission has been compromised and weakened. Like the guppy tanks at your local pet store, they don't become anything other than guppies, no matter their size.
As George says, "Just as when one piece is missing from a puzzle, its absence is very obvious and damages the picture, so also is the whole weakened when we are absent from the body of Messiah"
Are you in a feeder church or a body church?
Saturday, December 15
Saturday musings.....
It is not often that I get to sit down on a Saturday and muse.....the kids have their activities to go to (particularly a Christmas play practice)and my wife works during the day at the pantry....
There's clothes to wash, house to clean, things....things....alot of things that keep this family of five going. Not alot of time for musing. But today I had that chance, and......I just can't seem to solidify my thoughts for writing.
Warren's signing of the 'evangelical' reply to the 138 immans calling for celebration and communication of our COMMON god, disturbs me as his perchance to invite Obama and Clinton to his church in a 'non-puplit' speech on AIDS, to which neither politician has a degree that would make them an expert on such topics. Warren is a growing movement in the church to emergent values, to attract those millenials to the church coffers, and the seats, to keep those heavyweighted tithers happy with high numbers. Even with Hybel's admission that the church model is all wrong that he's been using for 30 years and has replicated throughout the world, there is nothing different going on at Willowcreek, with his controversial invites to those liberal, evangelical left high profile people.
Instead of reversing the trend in the church, where 3 out of 5 were dropping out of church in their teen to early adult years, our leadership has only confused the abiity to see such drops. I would dare to say that the trend appears to have reversed.....until the first trial or tribulation comes....and then it gets worse, with 2 out of 5 dropping their faith at the door as they leave the emergent flash and dance churches with mega memberships.
Joel Osteen calls himself a pastor, yet you hear nothing of the absolutes in which he supposedly supports, like many other pastors, in the quiet halls of their church bulidings. You nolonger hear, "Oh, the pastor called us to task about this or that but showed us how we are called to address the situation biblically", instead you hear, "The music was kicking and the band was awesome.....the pastor told us God love us.......its' the same each Sunday! You gotta come!"
A dear friend of mine and I had breakfast, and that was the topic of our discussion....the church. How it has focused too much on the numbers and not the message. A message given only on one view is not the gospel message....God is LOVE, and that love is formed by righteousness, mercy, wrath, and disipline........
Ah,well, it's Saturday and I'm musing........ Just thought I'd show you what goes on in my mind on the weekend.....
And all this ferrying the kids to practice, adjusting schedules with the wife, and generally being a family...
A family where God is soveriegn and Lord, large and in charge, as my kids say.
There's clothes to wash, house to clean, things....things....alot of things that keep this family of five going. Not alot of time for musing. But today I had that chance, and......I just can't seem to solidify my thoughts for writing.
Warren's signing of the 'evangelical' reply to the 138 immans calling for celebration and communication of our COMMON god, disturbs me as his perchance to invite Obama and Clinton to his church in a 'non-puplit' speech on AIDS, to which neither politician has a degree that would make them an expert on such topics. Warren is a growing movement in the church to emergent values, to attract those millenials to the church coffers, and the seats, to keep those heavyweighted tithers happy with high numbers. Even with Hybel's admission that the church model is all wrong that he's been using for 30 years and has replicated throughout the world, there is nothing different going on at Willowcreek, with his controversial invites to those liberal, evangelical left high profile people.
Instead of reversing the trend in the church, where 3 out of 5 were dropping out of church in their teen to early adult years, our leadership has only confused the abiity to see such drops. I would dare to say that the trend appears to have reversed.....until the first trial or tribulation comes....and then it gets worse, with 2 out of 5 dropping their faith at the door as they leave the emergent flash and dance churches with mega memberships.
Joel Osteen calls himself a pastor, yet you hear nothing of the absolutes in which he supposedly supports, like many other pastors, in the quiet halls of their church bulidings. You nolonger hear, "Oh, the pastor called us to task about this or that but showed us how we are called to address the situation biblically", instead you hear, "The music was kicking and the band was awesome.....the pastor told us God love us.......its' the same each Sunday! You gotta come!"
A dear friend of mine and I had breakfast, and that was the topic of our discussion....the church. How it has focused too much on the numbers and not the message. A message given only on one view is not the gospel message....God is LOVE, and that love is formed by righteousness, mercy, wrath, and disipline........
Ah,well, it's Saturday and I'm musing........ Just thought I'd show you what goes on in my mind on the weekend.....
And all this ferrying the kids to practice, adjusting schedules with the wife, and generally being a family...
A family where God is soveriegn and Lord, large and in charge, as my kids say.
Friday, December 14
The passing of an Age.....
My paternal grandmother passed away on the 8th of December and I attended the funeral ceremony yesterday. I will post a wonderfully written letter by my oldest brother that captures some of the essense of Vo Hutson, and a poem I wanted to read that captures some more.........
My grandmother was the last surviving member of the class of 1929 from her High School......truly a passing of the age.....
HUTSON VOLA M
December 12, 2007
Age 96, died December 8, 2007, in Howell, MI, of complications of advanced age. Beloved wife of the late Lawrence. Dear daughter of the late Fred and Hattie Lounsbery. Devoted sister of the late Audrey Richards. Dear step-mother of the late [beloved] son Ronald Hutson (Mary) and dearest late daughter-in-law Barbara (Roy) Morton.
A Howell native, she was the last surviving member of the High School class of 1929. Vola graduated from Western Michigan University in 1936 with a B.A. Degree in Education. She taught school in Hazel Park for 36 years. She had lived in Ferndale, and the past six years at Independence Village of Brighton.
Her passions were many, especially keeping in touch with old and dear friends throughout her life, geneology, scrapbooking, caligraphy, her adored cat and doll collection.
Survivors include her loving and devoted nieces, Rosemary (Dr. Wm.) Earl and Rainy (Dick) Kirchhoff, great-nieces Krista Jewett, Lucinda Samples and great-nephew Brent Earl.
Also, four [treasured] granddaughters; Lori Morton, Melody Benedict, Joy Shumate and Robin Boucha, and [loved] grandsons; Larry, Stacy and Jim Hutson.
Visitation Thursday, December 13 at 11:30 a.m. until services at 1:30 p.m. at MacDonald's Funeral Home, Howell. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospice.
Please visit family's online guestbook at www.macdonaldsfuneralhome.com
My grandmother was the last surviving member of the class of 1929 from her High School......truly a passing of the age.....
HUTSON VOLA M
December 12, 2007
Age 96, died December 8, 2007, in Howell, MI, of complications of advanced age. Beloved wife of the late Lawrence. Dear daughter of the late Fred and Hattie Lounsbery. Devoted sister of the late Audrey Richards. Dear step-mother of the late [beloved] son Ronald Hutson (Mary) and dearest late daughter-in-law Barbara (Roy) Morton.
A Howell native, she was the last surviving member of the High School class of 1929. Vola graduated from Western Michigan University in 1936 with a B.A. Degree in Education. She taught school in Hazel Park for 36 years. She had lived in Ferndale, and the past six years at Independence Village of Brighton.
Her passions were many, especially keeping in touch with old and dear friends throughout her life, geneology, scrapbooking, caligraphy, her adored cat and doll collection.
Survivors include her loving and devoted nieces, Rosemary (Dr. Wm.) Earl and Rainy (Dick) Kirchhoff, great-nieces Krista Jewett, Lucinda Samples and great-nephew Brent Earl.
Also, four [treasured] granddaughters; Lori Morton, Melody Benedict, Joy Shumate and Robin Boucha, and [loved] grandsons; Larry, Stacy and Jim Hutson.
Visitation Thursday, December 13 at 11:30 a.m. until services at 1:30 p.m. at MacDonald's Funeral Home, Howell. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph Mercy Livingston Hospice.
Please visit family's online guestbook at www.macdonaldsfuneralhome.com
Wednesday, December 12
When you feel like John the Baptist.....a voice crying out in the wilderness.....
He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. Titus 1:9 (NIV)
We face alot in this world today and can easily be led astray, amazing though it may seem in a world so technologically informative.....but true. Because we have lost the desire to be accountable for our instruction. It is far easier to just sit in the comfy seats in the sanctuary and let the man (or woman) on the stage do the hard work. And, gee, if it sounds good...well, then it must be.
Peter faced this problem in the beginning church that was entrusted to his care by Jesus. Peter, the man who denied the Savior three times and was redeemed by the Risen Savior an equal number, warned of this danger that faced the community of believers back then and has journeyed with the church throughout the ages.
Nowadays, though, it isn't the fact the message is getting distorted but that the message isn't fully given. And many of the churches; i.e. the emergent movement, the universalist movement, and others, are pointing to the numbers to justify their approach. But as Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek, admitted recently....he was wrong. By taking responsibility out of the congregations hand, and allowing them to simply sit on their hands, the church has become its worst enemy. We have created a community of "I want" instead of "God wants".
"Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute" 2 Peter 2:2(NIV)
Philosophy meeting Christ's truth which has created the Osteens, Warrens, and other 'feel good' theologians that sit upon our pulpits in the church today, where the pursuit of happiness is very much a part of the American Christian culture. And we face the divisional differences that Peter and the beginning church faced, of 'christian cults' with their own doctrines and lifestyles that are slightly 'antagonistic' to God.....in our eyes.
Who better to know how to reach the lost than us? We seek to attract adherents to our faith by giving lectures on how to live, solve one's problems, and find meaning in this life. These teachers are often marked by arrogance, which is confused with righteousness, and teachings that reach to man's human desires and not pointing them toward Godly ones.
We have become a community of 'creatures of instinct' that Peter reflects upon in his second letter:
.......They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. 2 Peter 2:12(NIV)
Following the herd of culture is the best way to fall off a cliff because you aren't looking. And realizing that the teaching you've received sitting in the pew of Sunday worship isn't (at best) the full story or (at worse) is totally wrong isn't an excuse when it comes to the white throne.
Instead of relying on big assemblies to gain personal knowledge of the Word, we should seek general direction from the Sunday services and dig deeper in our relational time with God or even in small groups of accountable believers.
Discuss the sermon beyond Sunday and dig for the factual knowledge that has been imparted. Expose that which is biblically untrue and hold the teacher accountable, but realize that they are students too.
Too much reliance has been placed upon the pastors today to teach, instruct, and exhort us in our religious walk of faith. It's time we took some weight from their shoulders and bore our own responsibilities.
JMT,
Jim
We face alot in this world today and can easily be led astray, amazing though it may seem in a world so technologically informative.....but true. Because we have lost the desire to be accountable for our instruction. It is far easier to just sit in the comfy seats in the sanctuary and let the man (or woman) on the stage do the hard work. And, gee, if it sounds good...well, then it must be.
Peter faced this problem in the beginning church that was entrusted to his care by Jesus. Peter, the man who denied the Savior three times and was redeemed by the Risen Savior an equal number, warned of this danger that faced the community of believers back then and has journeyed with the church throughout the ages.
Nowadays, though, it isn't the fact the message is getting distorted but that the message isn't fully given. And many of the churches; i.e. the emergent movement, the universalist movement, and others, are pointing to the numbers to justify their approach. But as Bill Hybels, Pastor of Willow Creek, admitted recently....he was wrong. By taking responsibility out of the congregations hand, and allowing them to simply sit on their hands, the church has become its worst enemy. We have created a community of "I want" instead of "God wants".
"Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute" 2 Peter 2:2(NIV)
Philosophy meeting Christ's truth which has created the Osteens, Warrens, and other 'feel good' theologians that sit upon our pulpits in the church today, where the pursuit of happiness is very much a part of the American Christian culture. And we face the divisional differences that Peter and the beginning church faced, of 'christian cults' with their own doctrines and lifestyles that are slightly 'antagonistic' to God.....in our eyes.
Who better to know how to reach the lost than us? We seek to attract adherents to our faith by giving lectures on how to live, solve one's problems, and find meaning in this life. These teachers are often marked by arrogance, which is confused with righteousness, and teachings that reach to man's human desires and not pointing them toward Godly ones.
We have become a community of 'creatures of instinct' that Peter reflects upon in his second letter:
.......They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. 2 Peter 2:12(NIV)
Following the herd of culture is the best way to fall off a cliff because you aren't looking. And realizing that the teaching you've received sitting in the pew of Sunday worship isn't (at best) the full story or (at worse) is totally wrong isn't an excuse when it comes to the white throne.
Instead of relying on big assemblies to gain personal knowledge of the Word, we should seek general direction from the Sunday services and dig deeper in our relational time with God or even in small groups of accountable believers.
Discuss the sermon beyond Sunday and dig for the factual knowledge that has been imparted. Expose that which is biblically untrue and hold the teacher accountable, but realize that they are students too.
Too much reliance has been placed upon the pastors today to teach, instruct, and exhort us in our religious walk of faith. It's time we took some weight from their shoulders and bore our own responsibilities.
JMT,
Jim
Tuesday, December 11
Reflection....
My wife used to tell me that she thought I was the most handsomest guy on the planet and she'd follow that up with "But you don't realize that, do you?" Amongst alot of things I have been taught, discerned, and have been blapped on the head with over the years is that.....I am operating on someone else's ticket.....
At least, that was what I told myself, excusing myself from the responsibility of pursuing God as He has pursued me throughout the years. I oft make the remark that my life has been unlike the footprints in the sand poem and more like.....two footprints side by side and then a big hole where I have fallen. The other set of footprints stop and then you can see the evidence that I've gotten back up and the two sets continue.......Pretty much, God would let me fall, get back up, and we'd move on.....there never seemed to be a set of one footprints where I was carried.
But God spoke words of encouragement and lent a helping hand when I would try to struggle back to my feet.....He was always there, never leaving me.
Through times of sleeping under aquaducts and begging for food.....to times of struggling to pay the rent and keep food on the table, I have been blessed. Not by some gifting of everything I needed but by the gifting of needing everything I have had.
That hug from a daughter who knows how to tug the heart, to the son who wants to emulate his father.....From the gift daughter who shows care for her new siblings to a wife who struggles and is learning to struggle well.....I have been blessed.
From friends who have stood in the gap with prayer to wise counsel from wisen Elders who have walked the path before me........From men who are willing to tell me who's I am to the Father showing me who's I am.....I have been blessed.
There are moments throughout the day, when blessings are flowing and I don't see them, so distant or so seemingly insignificant they seem......but they're there. And they've brought me this far.
Christmas to me isn't so much a celebration of Christ's birth but a time for reflection of what started on the day we celebrate in December......a path of a journey that brought the world redemption.....and a man, who was God, who was willing to follow that path to His own death.....
I am thankful for this time, that I can see in the imagery of history and the reflection of the Word, a starting point to a journey beyond our comprehension....from birth to death, and on to life.........
And I am thankful for the blessings of being able to see that starting point in my own life.......from birth to death to be reborn in spiritual life, a source of my Father's joy and love....
I only pray to serve Him as well as He served us.......
At least, that was what I told myself, excusing myself from the responsibility of pursuing God as He has pursued me throughout the years. I oft make the remark that my life has been unlike the footprints in the sand poem and more like.....two footprints side by side and then a big hole where I have fallen. The other set of footprints stop and then you can see the evidence that I've gotten back up and the two sets continue.......Pretty much, God would let me fall, get back up, and we'd move on.....there never seemed to be a set of one footprints where I was carried.
But God spoke words of encouragement and lent a helping hand when I would try to struggle back to my feet.....He was always there, never leaving me.
Through times of sleeping under aquaducts and begging for food.....to times of struggling to pay the rent and keep food on the table, I have been blessed. Not by some gifting of everything I needed but by the gifting of needing everything I have had.
That hug from a daughter who knows how to tug the heart, to the son who wants to emulate his father.....From the gift daughter who shows care for her new siblings to a wife who struggles and is learning to struggle well.....I have been blessed.
From friends who have stood in the gap with prayer to wise counsel from wisen Elders who have walked the path before me........From men who are willing to tell me who's I am to the Father showing me who's I am.....I have been blessed.
There are moments throughout the day, when blessings are flowing and I don't see them, so distant or so seemingly insignificant they seem......but they're there. And they've brought me this far.
Christmas to me isn't so much a celebration of Christ's birth but a time for reflection of what started on the day we celebrate in December......a path of a journey that brought the world redemption.....and a man, who was God, who was willing to follow that path to His own death.....
I am thankful for this time, that I can see in the imagery of history and the reflection of the Word, a starting point to a journey beyond our comprehension....from birth to death, and on to life.........
And I am thankful for the blessings of being able to see that starting point in my own life.......from birth to death to be reborn in spiritual life, a source of my Father's joy and love....
I only pray to serve Him as well as He served us.......
Our future lies within our hands.....
“Our foolish pride comes from this world, and so do our selfish desires and our desire to have everything we see. None of this comes from the Father.”
(1John 2:16 CEV)
Too often today, the focus of anyone is more at the humanistic level rather than developing their spiritual dimensions and that is why the Churches grow MEGA and more impersonal in helping its members reach out into the very congregation that they serve and the community that is burdened with the traffic and other inconveniences.
We ask ourselves what is happening to our world as children grab weapons and head into schools, Malls, and Churches with nothing more than destruction on their minds. We watch in horror at the carnage that is sweeping across our American landscape and point the finger at anything but ourselves. But, we are to blame.
We have allowed our government to declare human life is invaluable, creating a big establishment to gain monetary value in the actual killing of our future. We have taught our children that they can do anything they want to do, despite the realization that they cannot do everything they want to do and then leave them to wallow in the demise of their own failures. We don’t teach them truth, but allow them to hear lies and wonder why we are attacked in the halls of our schools or our churches.
We have created a generation of millennials, who have no sense of value, of community, or of responsibility. We have created the destruction of our species, far beyond any climate change or doomsday machine.
Instead of showing a generation coming of age how to fear and love their God, we have shown them that they can think of themselves as gods. And it is that realization that they do not have the power of a god that makes the few seek out ways to obtain the power they had been promised.
“You should teach them God’s laws and show them what they must do to live right.” Exodus 18:20 CEV.
Instead of raising our children in the ways of the Creator, we have divorced ourselves from active involvement in our children’s lives and have allowed those who don’t share our faith to teach them. We have not followed Biblical standards and expect a different result that what we have gotten.
Is all lost? Are we at such odds with creation and the Creator that we might as well give in to our sinful desires and just let the world go "to h*** in a hand basket?" Should we bother with the foolish attempt to walk when we’ve shot ourselves in the foot by abandoning our children to the street?
No, we just have to return to the basics…and
“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time--whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning.” Deuteronomy 11:19 CEV
All it takes is an investment of our time to...
Teach our children well.......
(1John 2:16 CEV)
Too often today, the focus of anyone is more at the humanistic level rather than developing their spiritual dimensions and that is why the Churches grow MEGA and more impersonal in helping its members reach out into the very congregation that they serve and the community that is burdened with the traffic and other inconveniences.
We ask ourselves what is happening to our world as children grab weapons and head into schools, Malls, and Churches with nothing more than destruction on their minds. We watch in horror at the carnage that is sweeping across our American landscape and point the finger at anything but ourselves. But, we are to blame.
We have allowed our government to declare human life is invaluable, creating a big establishment to gain monetary value in the actual killing of our future. We have taught our children that they can do anything they want to do, despite the realization that they cannot do everything they want to do and then leave them to wallow in the demise of their own failures. We don’t teach them truth, but allow them to hear lies and wonder why we are attacked in the halls of our schools or our churches.
We have created a generation of millennials, who have no sense of value, of community, or of responsibility. We have created the destruction of our species, far beyond any climate change or doomsday machine.
Instead of showing a generation coming of age how to fear and love their God, we have shown them that they can think of themselves as gods. And it is that realization that they do not have the power of a god that makes the few seek out ways to obtain the power they had been promised.
“You should teach them God’s laws and show them what they must do to live right.” Exodus 18:20 CEV.
Instead of raising our children in the ways of the Creator, we have divorced ourselves from active involvement in our children’s lives and have allowed those who don’t share our faith to teach them. We have not followed Biblical standards and expect a different result that what we have gotten.
Is all lost? Are we at such odds with creation and the Creator that we might as well give in to our sinful desires and just let the world go "to h*** in a hand basket?" Should we bother with the foolish attempt to walk when we’ve shot ourselves in the foot by abandoning our children to the street?
No, we just have to return to the basics…and
“Teach them to your children. Talk about them all the time--whether you're at home or walking along the road or going to bed at night, or getting up in the morning.” Deuteronomy 11:19 CEV
All it takes is an investment of our time to...
Teach our children well.......
Monday, December 10
Prayer
I would ask those who read this blog to pray at this time for those of us who my grandmother has left behind upon her graduation from this life last Saturday. For those of us who believe, this is a sorrowful/joyful combination as we know she has gone from the things of this world to the reward promised to us all.
I would ask that you pray for comfort and peace to those who don't believe, that they would know the reason why there are smiles upon the faces of her fellow members in the Body of Christ......
She had lived a full life, almost 100 years, and has seen many things. It is her love for family and for history that I carry with me in this world.......
Thank you all.....
I would ask that you pray for comfort and peace to those who don't believe, that they would know the reason why there are smiles upon the faces of her fellow members in the Body of Christ......
She had lived a full life, almost 100 years, and has seen many things. It is her love for family and for history that I carry with me in this world.......
Thank you all.....
Living the "high" life....
"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." 1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)
Peter, the oft overlooked leader of the early Christian church (except by Catholics, who claim the Popehood throught Peter's appointment), points to Christ in this second chapter of his first letter written on the various doctrines and Christian life and duty. Christ is the model from which all else is based upon.....
Although throughout the second and third chapters of this letter, Peter talks of growth for believers, living good lives and submitting to the authorities appointed, I want to focus this time upon the twelveth verse, which seems to me to be one of the hardest things to do, which means its the simpliest.
I don't think this means, as Christians, that we are to forget our values at the polls when electing our public officials, nor the supporting of protests in regards to the decay of societial values and the persecution of Christianity....although God is indeed powerful enough to take care of Himself, He uses us to do such things. Nor do I believe this means we are to withdrawal from the world and stay in our own little isolated communities, called church, in which to point the fingers out at those who travel the darkness.
I think it means to be free, unencumbered by the despair of where the world is heading because we can strive to live good lives that are fulfilling and blessed by the Father. Think of it as a way of doing a job. If you are concerned with the outcome of the position, i.e. "being liked", "making the commission", or "getting the promotion", you are not concerned with doing it correctly or according to the standards we have emulated by Christ.
By focusing our concerns, our end goals, upon Christ and pleasing God, we become unencumbered by results and are free to live such blessed and Spirit filled lives that our pagan friends and detractors can only acknowledge that there is something that sets us apart......
In ancient Rome, even though Christians were ridiculed for separating themselves from pagan rituals honoring the Emperor and other false Gods, they were noted in the way they resisted the worldly pursuits....Not one was considered rabble-rousers or political revoluntionaries, even being noted for their community meetings in which they called upon each other to be accountable to pray for the Emperor, and obey the authority of the land.
So, instead of following the example of those who are labeled even by the Christian community as insurrectionists, we should follow the example of those early Christians, voicing our protests in a respectful manner and voting our values and morals, then holding our officials to them..
That they would know who's we are, not who we are.
Peter, the oft overlooked leader of the early Christian church (except by Catholics, who claim the Popehood throught Peter's appointment), points to Christ in this second chapter of his first letter written on the various doctrines and Christian life and duty. Christ is the model from which all else is based upon.....
Although throughout the second and third chapters of this letter, Peter talks of growth for believers, living good lives and submitting to the authorities appointed, I want to focus this time upon the twelveth verse, which seems to me to be one of the hardest things to do, which means its the simpliest.
I don't think this means, as Christians, that we are to forget our values at the polls when electing our public officials, nor the supporting of protests in regards to the decay of societial values and the persecution of Christianity....although God is indeed powerful enough to take care of Himself, He uses us to do such things. Nor do I believe this means we are to withdrawal from the world and stay in our own little isolated communities, called church, in which to point the fingers out at those who travel the darkness.
I think it means to be free, unencumbered by the despair of where the world is heading because we can strive to live good lives that are fulfilling and blessed by the Father. Think of it as a way of doing a job. If you are concerned with the outcome of the position, i.e. "being liked", "making the commission", or "getting the promotion", you are not concerned with doing it correctly or according to the standards we have emulated by Christ.
By focusing our concerns, our end goals, upon Christ and pleasing God, we become unencumbered by results and are free to live such blessed and Spirit filled lives that our pagan friends and detractors can only acknowledge that there is something that sets us apart......
In ancient Rome, even though Christians were ridiculed for separating themselves from pagan rituals honoring the Emperor and other false Gods, they were noted in the way they resisted the worldly pursuits....Not one was considered rabble-rousers or political revoluntionaries, even being noted for their community meetings in which they called upon each other to be accountable to pray for the Emperor, and obey the authority of the land.
So, instead of following the example of those who are labeled even by the Christian community as insurrectionists, we should follow the example of those early Christians, voicing our protests in a respectful manner and voting our values and morals, then holding our officials to them..
That they would know who's we are, not who we are.
Friday, December 7
Intentional things.......
"MY SON, forget not my law or teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments." Proverbs 3:1 AMP
"We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best. Those who know themselves, find their own understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will fail. Do not design any thing but what is lawful, and beg God to direct thee in every case, though it may seem quite plain." Matthew Henry…..
Okay, that's the lesson for the day. I'm done……
Seriously, how can you get any more direct than that? We know that GOD is not human by human standards, even though Jesus lived as a God-man, He was did not define Himself or His ministry by humanistic standards. We, as a church and as a society, have humanized GOD and deified ourselves. And it shows in how we related to GOD's instruction and teachings. It is not enough to read the Bible and express the "god language" that Christianity is known for, but to live….to model….and to realize true perfection is not a human thing but enabled only by GOD, through the working of the Holy Spirit…….from which all good things come.
We are all broken, battered, bruised, and bleeding. All of us, whether active children of GOD or the ones who are (as yet) blind to the belonging to which they strive……. We tend to forget, though, that we are incapable of healing ourselves through our own understanding and efforts. We cannot lean upon the broken reeds and expect to be propped up. But our natural tendencies are to rely on what we have experience in; right or wrong.
Be deliberate. Intentionally apply yourself in the direction GOD has shown you and acknowledge no distraction to the purpose. In marriage, focus intentionally on your wife. In family, your wife and children as a strand of woven chord, strengthened beyond individual strength. In relationship, that to which GOD has given it to you; be it accountability, love, wisdom, or strength. In all we do, regardless of the title over the door, be intentional in seeking GOD in it. Discern the need, pray to GOD for the wisdom, and then apply GOD to the goal.
And its easy to be intentional about applying God's Word and Laws to our lives, we simply need to control our tongues. How much damage have you done in the daily struggles by being unintentional with your words?
I haven't always been successful myself. With the best intentions, my desire to help has sometimes been destructive because of my unintentional words. That was one of the things I learned in the retreat I attended, that I have to be intentional and that requires controlling my tongue.
One of the most respected men in the Bible, James, talks about followers of Christ being intentional, through seemingly the most simplest thing, controlling our tongue.
James 3:1-6 (AMP) "NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. If we set bits in the horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna)."
Sometimes the simplest of things will alter the destiny of a world…………
I hope I have been clear today......intentionally.
"We must trust in the Lord with all our hearts, believing he is able and wise to do what is best. Those who know themselves, find their own understandings a broken reed, which, if they lean upon, will fail. Do not design any thing but what is lawful, and beg God to direct thee in every case, though it may seem quite plain." Matthew Henry…..
Okay, that's the lesson for the day. I'm done……
Seriously, how can you get any more direct than that? We know that GOD is not human by human standards, even though Jesus lived as a God-man, He was did not define Himself or His ministry by humanistic standards. We, as a church and as a society, have humanized GOD and deified ourselves. And it shows in how we related to GOD's instruction and teachings. It is not enough to read the Bible and express the "god language" that Christianity is known for, but to live….to model….and to realize true perfection is not a human thing but enabled only by GOD, through the working of the Holy Spirit…….from which all good things come.
We are all broken, battered, bruised, and bleeding. All of us, whether active children of GOD or the ones who are (as yet) blind to the belonging to which they strive……. We tend to forget, though, that we are incapable of healing ourselves through our own understanding and efforts. We cannot lean upon the broken reeds and expect to be propped up. But our natural tendencies are to rely on what we have experience in; right or wrong.
Be deliberate. Intentionally apply yourself in the direction GOD has shown you and acknowledge no distraction to the purpose. In marriage, focus intentionally on your wife. In family, your wife and children as a strand of woven chord, strengthened beyond individual strength. In relationship, that to which GOD has given it to you; be it accountability, love, wisdom, or strength. In all we do, regardless of the title over the door, be intentional in seeking GOD in it. Discern the need, pray to GOD for the wisdom, and then apply GOD to the goal.
And its easy to be intentional about applying God's Word and Laws to our lives, we simply need to control our tongues. How much damage have you done in the daily struggles by being unintentional with your words?
I haven't always been successful myself. With the best intentions, my desire to help has sometimes been destructive because of my unintentional words. That was one of the things I learned in the retreat I attended, that I have to be intentional and that requires controlling my tongue.
One of the most respected men in the Bible, James, talks about followers of Christ being intentional, through seemingly the most simplest thing, controlling our tongue.
James 3:1-6 (AMP) "NOT MANY [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard and with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature. If we set bits in the horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating and depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna)."
Sometimes the simplest of things will alter the destiny of a world…………
I hope I have been clear today......intentionally.
Thursday, December 6
Awwwwww, COME ON!!! moments.......
"We are sure that we have a clear conscience and a desire to live honorably in every way." Hebrew 13:18 (NIV)
Part of my past that I've always tried to run from, never realizing that I couldn't ever achieve this particular goal, is that I am my father's son. In physical appearance, mannerisms, and even my voice. Everything I am you can see my father within. And I think that was always why we never got along, this fact I was so much like him and so different.
I've always tried to redeem that image, and I think tried to redeem my father's apparent hatred of me at the same time. Something that this verse touched off inside my soul today. So close on the heels of the marriage retreat and the lessons learned there. I have grown beyond the man I once was, but am so far from the man I know God designed me to be.
But, I know that this verse, in the context of the entire chapter 13 of Hebrews, that this is what God is speaking to me; living with a clear conscience----- always guarding against distorting or misrepresenting the Word of God to those I've been chosen to lead, being a true spiritual brother to those to whom God has blessed me with in the family of His grace, being a good father to my children (a gift that God has blessed me with), and being a faithful steward of that most precious gift of beauty...my wife's heart. And when I stray, become less faithful or conscieous of my relationship with God......conviction and heaviness weigh my heart.
And I wind up having one of those "AWWWW COME ON!!!!!" moments. You know, those times when you feel so convicted that you have to stomp around in a circle with your arms flying up and down in the air in quick motions as you mutter "AWWWW COME ON!! I GET IT!"???? No....well then let me apologize to those motorists along I-96 who were entertained or frightened by the comical rantings of a man having a "Aww Come On" fit. Not only was it frustrating, it was COLD!!!!
Upon the releasing of my ear by the Holy Spirit (reminisent of my dear mother's technique of getting my attention), I returned to my vehicle (which I failed to mention was safely parked well back from the highway) and called my wife. In a voice that reminded me of a child grudgingly giving in to something they still didn't want to, I told her I needed to have a dialogue with her tonight and asked if she would be willing. In reply to her question, I told her (in a better voice, one of repentance) that God pointed out that I wasn't living honorably and I needed to explain to her why, so that we could resolve this issue and I could clear my conscious. That once again, I was living in my father's shadow........
The teaching was concluded on the weekend with this comment, made by the facillating couple as we wrapped ourselves in the loving instruction from the Father above by giving communion to our spouses......."Struggle well."
I have often laughed when I've heard that said, and I've heard it said through many voices in the wilderness since I've started on this journey towards God.....Struggle well........... And when I fall back upon those old, sinful habits of my old self, I lose that struggle and feel the loss.
In the beginning of Hebrews 13, the first verse proclaims....."keep on loving each other as brothers"....... We have always heard of the admonishment of love, it's repeated throughout the Bible; represented by God, by Jesus, and by the disciples that were left to continue the work begun. It's the FIRST commandment that Jesus gives and the sole driving force behind anything as Christians we are led to do. But look at the phrasing of this particular "LOVE" verse............
"Keep on......." As Christians, we don't have the 'luxury' of deenchantment or disengagement. We can't be true to the commandment of love that Jesus gives us in John 13:33-34, where He tells the disciples to love each other as Jesus loved them. Jesus, the one person in the entire world who had the RIGHT to turn away from those He was to save in disappointment and utter despair at their foolishness, had to stay engaged to demonstrate love---- to the point where He hung upon a piece of wood in utter agony and pain, cut off from all that He was and whose He was, bearing the sinful stain of a world that rejected Him----- to utter "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
When your life become something that you just don't engage in anymore, you aren't honoring this loving gift. When your spouse, tarnished from the world's abuse and battered by the events in their life, gives you a glimpse that they haven't achieved "sainthood" yet or even the lesser accolade of "soulmate", you aren't honoring God's admonishment to love your spouse as Christ loved you if you respond unkindly and unfairly------ or even when you do, if it causes them to lose their sense of love.
Yeah, I had my "AWWWW COME ON!!!!!!" moment this morning out in the coldness of a freezing world, dark and cold in its harshness........ and I realized the truth of the 18th verse of the 13th chapter of a book written far before I was even born, for that moment in time. For it was in my desire to live honorably that my conscious was atuned to the Father's admonishment that I was not being faithful to the heart entrusted to my care.
But then my Father made the sun come out............
Part of my past that I've always tried to run from, never realizing that I couldn't ever achieve this particular goal, is that I am my father's son. In physical appearance, mannerisms, and even my voice. Everything I am you can see my father within. And I think that was always why we never got along, this fact I was so much like him and so different.
I've always tried to redeem that image, and I think tried to redeem my father's apparent hatred of me at the same time. Something that this verse touched off inside my soul today. So close on the heels of the marriage retreat and the lessons learned there. I have grown beyond the man I once was, but am so far from the man I know God designed me to be.
But, I know that this verse, in the context of the entire chapter 13 of Hebrews, that this is what God is speaking to me; living with a clear conscience----- always guarding against distorting or misrepresenting the Word of God to those I've been chosen to lead, being a true spiritual brother to those to whom God has blessed me with in the family of His grace, being a good father to my children (a gift that God has blessed me with), and being a faithful steward of that most precious gift of beauty...my wife's heart. And when I stray, become less faithful or conscieous of my relationship with God......conviction and heaviness weigh my heart.
And I wind up having one of those "AWWWW COME ON!!!!!" moments. You know, those times when you feel so convicted that you have to stomp around in a circle with your arms flying up and down in the air in quick motions as you mutter "AWWWW COME ON!! I GET IT!"???? No....well then let me apologize to those motorists along I-96 who were entertained or frightened by the comical rantings of a man having a "Aww Come On" fit. Not only was it frustrating, it was COLD!!!!
Upon the releasing of my ear by the Holy Spirit (reminisent of my dear mother's technique of getting my attention), I returned to my vehicle (which I failed to mention was safely parked well back from the highway) and called my wife. In a voice that reminded me of a child grudgingly giving in to something they still didn't want to, I told her I needed to have a dialogue with her tonight and asked if she would be willing. In reply to her question, I told her (in a better voice, one of repentance) that God pointed out that I wasn't living honorably and I needed to explain to her why, so that we could resolve this issue and I could clear my conscious. That once again, I was living in my father's shadow........
The teaching was concluded on the weekend with this comment, made by the facillating couple as we wrapped ourselves in the loving instruction from the Father above by giving communion to our spouses......."Struggle well."
I have often laughed when I've heard that said, and I've heard it said through many voices in the wilderness since I've started on this journey towards God.....Struggle well........... And when I fall back upon those old, sinful habits of my old self, I lose that struggle and feel the loss.
In the beginning of Hebrews 13, the first verse proclaims....."keep on loving each other as brothers"....... We have always heard of the admonishment of love, it's repeated throughout the Bible; represented by God, by Jesus, and by the disciples that were left to continue the work begun. It's the FIRST commandment that Jesus gives and the sole driving force behind anything as Christians we are led to do. But look at the phrasing of this particular "LOVE" verse............
"Keep on......." As Christians, we don't have the 'luxury' of deenchantment or disengagement. We can't be true to the commandment of love that Jesus gives us in John 13:33-34, where He tells the disciples to love each other as Jesus loved them. Jesus, the one person in the entire world who had the RIGHT to turn away from those He was to save in disappointment and utter despair at their foolishness, had to stay engaged to demonstrate love---- to the point where He hung upon a piece of wood in utter agony and pain, cut off from all that He was and whose He was, bearing the sinful stain of a world that rejected Him----- to utter "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
When your life become something that you just don't engage in anymore, you aren't honoring this loving gift. When your spouse, tarnished from the world's abuse and battered by the events in their life, gives you a glimpse that they haven't achieved "sainthood" yet or even the lesser accolade of "soulmate", you aren't honoring God's admonishment to love your spouse as Christ loved you if you respond unkindly and unfairly------ or even when you do, if it causes them to lose their sense of love.
Yeah, I had my "AWWWW COME ON!!!!!!" moment this morning out in the coldness of a freezing world, dark and cold in its harshness........ and I realized the truth of the 18th verse of the 13th chapter of a book written far before I was even born, for that moment in time. For it was in my desire to live honorably that my conscious was atuned to the Father's admonishment that I was not being faithful to the heart entrusted to my care.
But then my Father made the sun come out............
Gold, Common sense, and Fur.
A brother of mine in the Lord who works down the row from me sent this to me. Its a bit humorous.
My husband and I had been happily
married (most of the time)
for five years
but hadn't been blessed with a baby.
I decided to do some serious
praying and promised God
that if he would give us a child,
I would be a perfect mother,
love it with all my heart
and raise it with His word
as my guide.
God answered my prayers
and blessed us with a son.
The next year God blessed us
with another son.
The following year,
He blessed us with
yet another son.
The year after that we
were blessed with a daughter.
My husband thought we'd
been blessed right into poverty.
We no w had four children,
and the oldest was only
four years old.
I learned never to ask God
for anything unless I meant it.
As a minister once told me,
'If you pray for rain,
make sure you carry an umbrella.'
I began reading a few ver ses
of the Bible to the children
each day as they lay in their cribs.
I was off to a good start.
God had entrusted me
with four children and
I didn't want to disappoint Him.
I tried to be patient the day
the children smashed
two dozen eggs on
the kitchen floor searching
for baby chicks.
I tried to be understanding...
when they started a hotel for
homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours
to catch all twenty-three frogs.
When my daughter poured
ketchup all over herself and
rolled up in a blanket to see
how it felt to be a hot dog,
I tried to see the humor
rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over
twenty-five thousand diapers,
never eating a hot meal
and never sleeping for more
than thirty minutes at a time,
I still thank God daily for my children.
While I couldn't keep my promise
to be a perfect mother -
I didn't even come close...
I did keep my promise
to raise them in the Word of God.
I knew I was missing the mark
just a little when I told
my daughter we were going
to church to worship God,
and she wanted to bring
a bar of soap along to
'wash up' Jesus, too.
Something was lost
in the translation when
I explained that
God gave us everlasting life,
and my son thought it was
generous of God to give
us his 'last wife.'
My proudest moment came
during the children's
Christmas pageant.
My daughter was playing Mary,
two of my sons were shepherds
and my youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine.
My five-year-old shepherd
had practiced his line,
'We found the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes.'
But he was nervous and said,
'The baby was wrapped
in wrinkled clothes.'
My four-year-old 'Mary' said,
'That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly.
That's dirty, rotten clothes.'
A wrestling match broke out
between Mary and the shepherd
and was stopped by an angel,
who bent her halo and lost
her left wing.
I slouched a little lower
in my seat when Mary
dropped the doll representing
Baby Jesus, and it bounced
down the aisle crying,
'Mama-mama.'
Mary grabbed the doll,
wrapped it back up
and held it tightly as
the wise men arrived.
My other son stepped forward
wearing a bathrobe
and a paper crown,
knelt at the manger
and announced,
'We are the three wise men,
and we are bringing gifts
of gold, common sense and fur.'
The congregation
dissolved into laughter,
and the pageant
got a standing ovation.
'I've never enjoyed a Christmas
program as much as t his one,'
laughed the pastor,
wiping tears from his eyes.
'For the rest of my life,
I'll never hear the
Christmas story without
thinking of
gold, common sense and fur.'
'My children are my pride
and my joy and my greatest
blessing,' I said as I dug
through my purse for an aspirin.
Jesus had no servants,
yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree,
yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines,
yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army,
yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles,
yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.
Feel honored
to serve such a Leader
who loves us.
My husband and I had been happily
married (most of the time)
for five years
but hadn't been blessed with a baby.
I decided to do some serious
praying and promised God
that if he would give us a child,
I would be a perfect mother,
love it with all my heart
and raise it with His word
as my guide.
God answered my prayers
and blessed us with a son.
The next year God blessed us
with another son.
The following year,
He blessed us with
yet another son.
The year after that we
were blessed with a daughter.
My husband thought we'd
been blessed right into poverty.
We no w had four children,
and the oldest was only
four years old.
I learned never to ask God
for anything unless I meant it.
As a minister once told me,
'If you pray for rain,
make sure you carry an umbrella.'
I began reading a few ver ses
of the Bible to the children
each day as they lay in their cribs.
I was off to a good start.
God had entrusted me
with four children and
I didn't want to disappoint Him.
I tried to be patient the day
the children smashed
two dozen eggs on
the kitchen floor searching
for baby chicks.
I tried to be understanding...
when they started a hotel for
homeless frogs in the spare bedroom, although it took me nearly two hours
to catch all twenty-three frogs.
When my daughter poured
ketchup all over herself and
rolled up in a blanket to see
how it felt to be a hot dog,
I tried to see the humor
rather than the mess.
In spite of changing over
twenty-five thousand diapers,
never eating a hot meal
and never sleeping for more
than thirty minutes at a time,
I still thank God daily for my children.
While I couldn't keep my promise
to be a perfect mother -
I didn't even come close...
I did keep my promise
to raise them in the Word of God.
I knew I was missing the mark
just a little when I told
my daughter we were going
to church to worship God,
and she wanted to bring
a bar of soap along to
'wash up' Jesus, too.
Something was lost
in the translation when
I explained that
God gave us everlasting life,
and my son thought it was
generous of God to give
us his 'last wife.'
My proudest moment came
during the children's
Christmas pageant.
My daughter was playing Mary,
two of my sons were shepherds
and my youngest son was a wise man.
This was their moment to shine.
My five-year-old shepherd
had practiced his line,
'We found the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes.'
But he was nervous and said,
'The baby was wrapped
in wrinkled clothes.'
My four-year-old 'Mary' said,
'That's not 'wrinkled clothes,' silly.
That's dirty, rotten clothes.'
A wrestling match broke out
between Mary and the shepherd
and was stopped by an angel,
who bent her halo and lost
her left wing.
I slouched a little lower
in my seat when Mary
dropped the doll representing
Baby Jesus, and it bounced
down the aisle crying,
'Mama-mama.'
Mary grabbed the doll,
wrapped it back up
and held it tightly as
the wise men arrived.
My other son stepped forward
wearing a bathrobe
and a paper crown,
knelt at the manger
and announced,
'We are the three wise men,
and we are bringing gifts
of gold, common sense and fur.'
The congregation
dissolved into laughter,
and the pageant
got a standing ovation.
'I've never enjoyed a Christmas
program as much as t his one,'
laughed the pastor,
wiping tears from his eyes.
'For the rest of my life,
I'll never hear the
Christmas story without
thinking of
gold, common sense and fur.'
'My children are my pride
and my joy and my greatest
blessing,' I said as I dug
through my purse for an aspirin.
Jesus had no servants,
yet they called Him Master.
Had no degree,
yet they called Him Teacher.
Had no medicines,
yet they called Him Healer.
Had no army,
yet kings feared Him.
He won no military battles,
yet He conquered the world.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.
Feel honored
to serve such a Leader
who loves us.
An apple isn't a tomato, even if they're both red.
"I do not speak for my Church on public matters--- and the Church does not speak for me. Whatever issue may come before me as President------ I will make my decision in accordance with these views, in accordance with what my conscience tells me to be in the national interest, and without regard to outside religious pressures or dictates. And no power or threat of punishment could cause me to decide otherwise."
The Economist wrote recently in a special report that "religion will play a big role in this century's politics." No doubt, it has galvanized voters that would have never participated in the pre-election process. Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney has faced severe criticisms from the 'evangelical conservatives' about his Mormonism and the fact that he had held office in the Church itself, a far cry from just being a subscriber to such religious ideology. Romney isn't the only one who has faced opposition to his religious tendencies in a bid for the highest office in the land, but he is the only candidate that is a member of a controversial cult.
No, he didn't make the quote above, though he most likely will reflect that in his upcoming "Faith in America" speech that will be given to the conservative audience at the George Bush Presidential Library at College Station, Texas.
The above quote was made by another Presidential hopeful, a Democrat instead of a Republican, who was being criticized by his faith that was just as controversial as Romney’s faith during his pursuit for the highest office. President John F. Kennedy (then a Senator from Massachusetts) was speaking before the Greater Houston Ministerial Association at the Rice Hotel in Texas in regards to his faith in 1960.
There are those "Christian" leaders who support Romney in his comments that his religious beliefs shouldn't be a major impediment to attaining the Republican nod for the Presidential run, much like there are those who support Giuliani for the same reasons.
Reverend Lou Sheldon, co-chair of Romney's faith and values committee, says, "Romney [is] a strong Christian who shares pro-family values with social conservatives" according to an article Romney's Mormonism Not a Big Problem, Christian Leaders Say on CNSNews.com.
Sheldon, chairman and founder of the Traditional Values Coalition, brings up the fact that there was fear over a Muslim Congressman who 'might' swear his oath upon the Koran. For some reason, the staff writer for the article, Kevin Mooney, seems to forget that this event indeed happened. It wasn’t just a ‘maybe’ event, as Sheldon would have you believe.
At his swearing in ceremony, Congressman Keith Ellison, the first democratically elected jihadi for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, placed his hand upon an eighteenth century translation (Arabic to English) purportedly to be from Thomas Jefferson's library. Detractors suggested that this shows Ellison's allegiance was made to the Quran, the holy script of the violent Islamic faith. Most of those who were offended by Ellison's act point to the fact that this shows a servitude to Islam and the Khalifate, and not the American people that elected him.
If Romney is successful in his bid to be nominated to the Republican choice for the White House, he will indeed have a lot more in common with Congressman Ellison than Kennedy, if we go beyond the rhetoric that he seems to have ‘borrowed’ from the President past.
Mooney feels that Romney betting that he can get prospective voters on his side by directing their attention away from "theological differences" between the "Mormons, Catholics, and Protestants" and embracing "shared common values" , what should be "key policy questions." At first sight, many Mormon beliefs sound like traditional Christian values, which is what Romney and leaders like Rev. Sheldon would hope you believe. But, as Sir Richard Burton noted in his visit to this ‘new cult’ in 1961 (ironic, ain’t it?), the Mormon faith is “essentially an agglomeration of Jewish mysticism, millennialism, transcendentalism, freemasonry, and Islamic practices.” Of course, the leadership of the Mormons were clear; their religion embraced all truths! The same thing can be said of the Islamic founder, Muhammad! Ellison and Romney are distant cousins in the terms of faith.
Sheldon is quoted further by Mooney in the article, "If his address emulates the faith in God and religious liberty and justice for all, with the relationship being he is accountable to God for what he says and does, then I don't think you will see Christian voters moving away from him because he is Mormon." This seems to be the common point that Romney actually has with both his republican and democrat presidential opponents in the race, the hope that ‘key social issues’ will sway the voters into his camp:
"While the so-called religious issue is necessarily and properly the chief topic here tonight, I want to emphasize from the onset that we have far more critical issues to face.....These are the real issues which should decide this campaign. And they are not religious issues--for war and hunger and ignorance and despair know no religious barriers."
A good opening for Romney’s speech, that is possible. It seems the Republicans are taking lessons from their democratic opponents who have won in the past, namely President John F. Kennedy, who faced similar problems in his run to the White House.
I wonder if Romney's oath would reflect the same disregard Ellison has for the faith of the majority of his constituents, according to recent polls. In the book Ellison claims contains "the scripture I read every day ---it is the book that inspires me", we find the views that reflect un-American values:
"And fight for the religion of GOD against all those who fight against you....And kill them wherever ye find them........They desire that ye should become infidels, as they are infidels, and that ye should be equally wicked with themselves. Therefore take not friends from among them, until they fly their country for the religion of GOD; and if they turn their back from the faith, take them, and kill them."
Of course, Romney and all of the other presidential hopefuls from both parties would have you believe:
"It is apparently necessary for me to state once again---- not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me---- but what kind of America I believe in."
Something’s never change and something’s aren’t what they seem. The Democratic Party continues to distort their own records and party lines, suckering in those who don’t look beyond the words issued forth from the mouth of those who would deceive you. Kennedy did it, distorting a little thought of phrase in a personal letter from a government figure to a congregation and claiming total understanding of the concept. And Republicans continue to think they can just ride the democratic threat long enough to overcome any conservative objection. Romney has at least picked the right cult to belong to, unlike his democratic opponent, Barrack Obama. Mormons are, according to one government regulator, “very social. They communicate with one another and trust each other very much. If someone in the church believes something’s right, he can sell it to the others.”
Romney would have you believe that his faith, Mormonism, is on par with the Christian faith and that he can represent your values well. Giuliani would have you believe that you can overlook his blatant disregard for his Catholic non-values and hold him accountable to what “he says, he does.” Hillary and Obama would have you believe that their faith, while stopping at the door of the White House, is a valuable part of their lives, and yet their congressional records show otherwise……that their faith doesn’t even reach their consciousness.
When the dust settles from the floorboards of the hall where Romney launches his attempt to reconcile the evangelical conservative base with his Mormonistic views, I think we will wind up with an exchange similar to the one that took place between Senator Kennedy and B.E. Howard, a minister of the Church of Christ.
“I would be glad to state to you that no one can direct me in the fulfillment of my duties as a public official under the United States Constitution. That I am directed to do to the people of the United States, sworn to do, to an oath to God……”
B.E. Howard’s reply is what I think a conservative evangelical follower of Christ will be left saying to Romney’s “Faith in America” speech…………..
“I understand you didn’t explain anything.”
Matt Friedeman- Guest Columnist on One News Now, wrote in his Perspectives column, The vital role of Faith in a nation, evangelicals must realize that American "seems much of the time to be decomposing in front of our eyes." But, Friedeman reminds us, "We nonetheless stand in a long line of reforming and redeeming movements that were able to 'put the toothpaste back into the tube,' so to speak."
It is time for evangelicals to stand, with a joyful and righteousness that comes from being aligned in God's purpose to defeat the evilness of inaction, resignation, and general acceptance of the decaying morality of our public officials. This is not just a liberal sin, but a collective sin of a nation, either in active pursuit of an anti-God agenda or through the inaction of holding those so engaged to a higher moral and ethical standard.
There is absolutes in our Christian faith. There are standards and accountability that exceed a humanistic expectation. It is time that we hold ourselves, our officials, and our nation to those standards. Then, and only then, can this nation repent and restore its moralistic integrity.
As Friedeman says, "A fourth Great Awakening can come, but not if we see others dismissing God and His ways and in our sadness…………
Abandon hope."
US Congressman the Honorable Thaddeus G. McCotter, R-Michigan, said recently, "No good government denies God's presence."
But no government can be 'good' if the people don't demand such standards from their elected officials. Can Romney live up to that standard is the question we should ask. Moralistically, Spiritually, and Ethically.
As we should ask of each of the contenders for the White House. And, if they can't, we need to vote for those who can.
The Economist wrote recently in a special report that "religion will play a big role in this century's politics." No doubt, it has galvanized voters that would have never participated in the pre-election process. Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney has faced severe criticisms from the 'evangelical conservatives' about his Mormonism and the fact that he had held office in the Church itself, a far cry from just being a subscriber to such religious ideology. Romney isn't the only one who has faced opposition to his religious tendencies in a bid for the highest office in the land, but he is the only candidate that is a member of a controversial cult.
No, he didn't make the quote above, though he most likely will reflect that in his upcoming "Faith in America" speech that will be given to the conservative audience at the George Bush Presidential Library at College Station, Texas.
The above quote was made by another Presidential hopeful, a Democrat instead of a Republican, who was being criticized by his faith that was just as controversial as Romney’s faith during his pursuit for the highest office. President John F. Kennedy (then a Senator from Massachusetts) was speaking before the Greater Houston Ministerial Association at the Rice Hotel in Texas in regards to his faith in 1960.
There are those "Christian" leaders who support Romney in his comments that his religious beliefs shouldn't be a major impediment to attaining the Republican nod for the Presidential run, much like there are those who support Giuliani for the same reasons.
Reverend Lou Sheldon, co-chair of Romney's faith and values committee, says, "Romney [is] a strong Christian who shares pro-family values with social conservatives" according to an article Romney's Mormonism Not a Big Problem, Christian Leaders Say on CNSNews.com.
Sheldon, chairman and founder of the Traditional Values Coalition, brings up the fact that there was fear over a Muslim Congressman who 'might' swear his oath upon the Koran. For some reason, the staff writer for the article, Kevin Mooney, seems to forget that this event indeed happened. It wasn’t just a ‘maybe’ event, as Sheldon would have you believe.
At his swearing in ceremony, Congressman Keith Ellison, the first democratically elected jihadi for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, placed his hand upon an eighteenth century translation (Arabic to English) purportedly to be from Thomas Jefferson's library. Detractors suggested that this shows Ellison's allegiance was made to the Quran, the holy script of the violent Islamic faith. Most of those who were offended by Ellison's act point to the fact that this shows a servitude to Islam and the Khalifate, and not the American people that elected him.
If Romney is successful in his bid to be nominated to the Republican choice for the White House, he will indeed have a lot more in common with Congressman Ellison than Kennedy, if we go beyond the rhetoric that he seems to have ‘borrowed’ from the President past.
Mooney feels that Romney betting that he can get prospective voters on his side by directing their attention away from "theological differences" between the "Mormons, Catholics, and Protestants" and embracing "shared common values" , what should be "key policy questions." At first sight, many Mormon beliefs sound like traditional Christian values, which is what Romney and leaders like Rev. Sheldon would hope you believe. But, as Sir Richard Burton noted in his visit to this ‘new cult’ in 1961 (ironic, ain’t it?), the Mormon faith is “essentially an agglomeration of Jewish mysticism, millennialism, transcendentalism, freemasonry, and Islamic practices.” Of course, the leadership of the Mormons were clear; their religion embraced all truths! The same thing can be said of the Islamic founder, Muhammad! Ellison and Romney are distant cousins in the terms of faith.
Sheldon is quoted further by Mooney in the article, "If his address emulates the faith in God and religious liberty and justice for all, with the relationship being he is accountable to God for what he says and does, then I don't think you will see Christian voters moving away from him because he is Mormon." This seems to be the common point that Romney actually has with both his republican and democrat presidential opponents in the race, the hope that ‘key social issues’ will sway the voters into his camp:
"While the so-called religious issue is necessarily and properly the chief topic here tonight, I want to emphasize from the onset that we have far more critical issues to face.....These are the real issues which should decide this campaign. And they are not religious issues--for war and hunger and ignorance and despair know no religious barriers."
A good opening for Romney’s speech, that is possible. It seems the Republicans are taking lessons from their democratic opponents who have won in the past, namely President John F. Kennedy, who faced similar problems in his run to the White House.
I wonder if Romney's oath would reflect the same disregard Ellison has for the faith of the majority of his constituents, according to recent polls. In the book Ellison claims contains "the scripture I read every day ---it is the book that inspires me", we find the views that reflect un-American values:
"And fight for the religion of GOD against all those who fight against you....And kill them wherever ye find them........They desire that ye should become infidels, as they are infidels, and that ye should be equally wicked with themselves. Therefore take not friends from among them, until they fly their country for the religion of GOD; and if they turn their back from the faith, take them, and kill them."
Of course, Romney and all of the other presidential hopefuls from both parties would have you believe:
"It is apparently necessary for me to state once again---- not what kind of church I believe in, for that should be important only to me---- but what kind of America I believe in."
Something’s never change and something’s aren’t what they seem. The Democratic Party continues to distort their own records and party lines, suckering in those who don’t look beyond the words issued forth from the mouth of those who would deceive you. Kennedy did it, distorting a little thought of phrase in a personal letter from a government figure to a congregation and claiming total understanding of the concept. And Republicans continue to think they can just ride the democratic threat long enough to overcome any conservative objection. Romney has at least picked the right cult to belong to, unlike his democratic opponent, Barrack Obama. Mormons are, according to one government regulator, “very social. They communicate with one another and trust each other very much. If someone in the church believes something’s right, he can sell it to the others.”
Romney would have you believe that his faith, Mormonism, is on par with the Christian faith and that he can represent your values well. Giuliani would have you believe that you can overlook his blatant disregard for his Catholic non-values and hold him accountable to what “he says, he does.” Hillary and Obama would have you believe that their faith, while stopping at the door of the White House, is a valuable part of their lives, and yet their congressional records show otherwise……that their faith doesn’t even reach their consciousness.
When the dust settles from the floorboards of the hall where Romney launches his attempt to reconcile the evangelical conservative base with his Mormonistic views, I think we will wind up with an exchange similar to the one that took place between Senator Kennedy and B.E. Howard, a minister of the Church of Christ.
“I would be glad to state to you that no one can direct me in the fulfillment of my duties as a public official under the United States Constitution. That I am directed to do to the people of the United States, sworn to do, to an oath to God……”
B.E. Howard’s reply is what I think a conservative evangelical follower of Christ will be left saying to Romney’s “Faith in America” speech…………..
“I understand you didn’t explain anything.”
Matt Friedeman- Guest Columnist on One News Now, wrote in his Perspectives column, The vital role of Faith in a nation, evangelicals must realize that American "seems much of the time to be decomposing in front of our eyes." But, Friedeman reminds us, "We nonetheless stand in a long line of reforming and redeeming movements that were able to 'put the toothpaste back into the tube,' so to speak."
It is time for evangelicals to stand, with a joyful and righteousness that comes from being aligned in God's purpose to defeat the evilness of inaction, resignation, and general acceptance of the decaying morality of our public officials. This is not just a liberal sin, but a collective sin of a nation, either in active pursuit of an anti-God agenda or through the inaction of holding those so engaged to a higher moral and ethical standard.
There is absolutes in our Christian faith. There are standards and accountability that exceed a humanistic expectation. It is time that we hold ourselves, our officials, and our nation to those standards. Then, and only then, can this nation repent and restore its moralistic integrity.
As Friedeman says, "A fourth Great Awakening can come, but not if we see others dismissing God and His ways and in our sadness…………
Abandon hope."
US Congressman the Honorable Thaddeus G. McCotter, R-Michigan, said recently, "No good government denies God's presence."
But no government can be 'good' if the people don't demand such standards from their elected officials. Can Romney live up to that standard is the question we should ask. Moralistically, Spiritually, and Ethically.
As we should ask of each of the contenders for the White House. And, if they can't, we need to vote for those who can.
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