Funny how when people around the world think of Americans, they think of massive wealth, and a society where people are self centered. The thing is, they are right. Americans do have wealth, incrementally more than most nations. But the self centered issue kind of hits a sore spot. I think it's probably more of a generational thing, but I'm seeing it from several different generations.
I started watching a TV Show called 'Selfie', about a girl -Eliza Doolittle who has a huge problem, she can't see beyond herself. She is attached to her phone telling her 'friends' about herself, but can't form any meaningful or real relationships with people. She's constantly competing against "friends" we can't see, and turning away any kind of friendship with people in her office. My point is Eliza is our society today, people in love with themselves, but they can't see beyond the mirror they hold. Is it easy to unconditionally love yourself?
When I was a kid, I learned the 'Golden Rule', do unto others as you would have them do unto you. When Jesus spoke those words, I'm sure the people who heard them said... "What?" The nation of Israel was invaded by the Romans, it was every man for himself. Did this include the Romans, or just other Jews? Jesus answered "Love your Enemy as yourself". You see there is a paradox here, If you love other people deeply, without condition, you are demonstrating and expressing the love that God shows to us.
Americans are self centered, but on general, some of the most generous people in the world live in America. Though the media jabs and makes fun of us, let's put down our phones and computers and start sitting down and talking instead of texting.
I'm sure unless you've been living under a rock for the last few months, you've heard about Ebola in the news. People are scared, I mean really scared. If a person sneezes or coughs I worry about riots. Even though there are only 3 cases of Ebola in the United States, the fear of death seems real. Death is real, and it's an unavoidable statistic: 10 out of 10 people will die. But if someone sneezes on you, what are your chances of getting Ebola? Honestly, it's astronomical, literally impossible.
So why all the fear? Maybe because we've come the realization that the Government isn't perfect. They made some big mistakes. Today we find that the CDC's precautions to hospitals weren't exactly perfect, and two nurses have Ebola now. People have place a lot of faith in the United State Government to know what to do, and when they don't do it right, our faith is often shattered. The problem is, the US Government isn't perfect, they can only do what they think is right, and until it's proven, it's a lucky guess at best.
So should we fear Ebola? My answer is no! Check this out - Luke 7:4-7
4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.5 But
I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has
been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you,
fear him.6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Fear nothing except for God, because even death isn't to be feared. It's what happens after death, and the One to who has the authority to throw us into Hell. Who is that? God. Not only does He know who we are, He's numbered the hairs on our head. God is in control, total control. We don't need to fear death, we need to fear the creator of all things. Jesus who spoke these words continued:
8 “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.9 But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
The Gospel is profound, we all deserve to die and be separated from God. We currently live in a state of grace, but one day we will die and will be judged. Either we are judged on our merits, which are wicked, or we are judged on Christs finished work, which was perfect. By publicly acknowledging Christ, we are admitting we are wrong, that we need to be forgiven, that we need to turn from our wicked ways, and we need to trust in the whole work for Jesus for our salvation. Ebola can only kill the body, it's not evil, and it doesn't need to be feared.
God alone needs to be feared, and we must learn to love and honor Him above all other things.
Advent again is almost upon us, normally the season of Christmas starts
about an hour after the thanksgiving turkey has been devoured. Actually it seems like they were putting up the Christmas decorations even before Halloween. This year I have a plan - a plan to look forward as I reflect back upon Christ's Birth. Advent can be really special if we seek to make it special. I'm not going to focus on wants, but what we've already been given, and use that for His glory. As I put this plan together, I've also included links to videos of performances of the Messiah, the best music focusing on the person of Jesus Christ. Written by George Frederic Handel, this oratorio was first performed as a benefit to support a hospital in Ireland. By playing small sections of this I hope to inoculate a younger generation to the enjoyment of great music. Each video I picked is different, from different places in the world, and different styles to see the global impact that G.F. Handel made.
So please follow along with our family as we prepare for Advent.
Instructions for Advent Family Study:
1) This is a daily event that would happen before or after a meal, it will take roughly 20 minutes, which includes prayer, scripture reading, hymn singing, discussion, and watching a video (Messiah).
2) The Advent candles are a set of 3 purple candles, one rose, and one white colored candles, that are in a wreath or centerpiece to the table. Candles are progressively lit, week after week. Check out Google Shopping
3) Plan ahead, make sure you have the hymn printed out and maybe download the midi file or an actual recording. have your computer or MP3 player ready so everything goes smoothly.
4) Make sure everyone is prepared for what will happen, delegate responsibilities to the children and adults: light the candle, read, lead the hymn, or pray.
5) This is a form of liturgy, a way to organize your study and focus on the scripture, don't limit yourself to doing just the framework, I'm looking for ideas to make these lessons come to life for my family. Maybe it might be a craft project, or a new song, or an illustration.
6) Depending on your children's age and temperament, adjust.
I woke up this morning with a simple tune in my head, but a profound thought:
My hope is in the Lord
Who gave Himself for me
And paid the price
Of all my sin at Calvary.
[chorus] For me He died;
For me He lives,
And everlasting life
And light He freely gives.
No merit of my own
His anger to suppress
My only hope is found
In Jesus’ righteousness [chorus] And now for me He stands
Before the Father’s throne
He shows His wounded hands
And names me as His own.
[chorus]
His grace has planned it all
‘Tis mine but to believe
And recognize His work of love
And Christ receive.
[chorus]
Sometimes we need to be reminded that our own efforts have no bearing in our eternal life. Yes, it's not what we do or did, but what Christ did for us - For Me, He Died For Me He Lives, what a glorious promise. My striving in this world needs to be not for me, not to please God, but simply a reflection of that fact He's actually done it all, and I'm simply the tool for his Glory. Jesus paid the price of my sin at Calvary, I am debt free with God on Jesus behalf. How glorious.
A few years ago we were having problems with our car, the transmission had gone, and now other things were going bad. Our son at the time was having a lot of medical issues, and we needed a reliable vehicle. One Saturday we received a phone call from a car dealership who asked us to come down and pick up a car that someone had purchased for us... We were shocked, someone knew our need, Yes God knew our needs. When we arrived at the dealership I was expecting to get a used run-down car, but was so happy to get that, it was going to be a blessing if it ran. The sales manager sat us down in his office and told us that he had never had anything like this before, a couple had purchased a car in our name, simply given the dealership a blank check. They were to remain anonymous, but the vehicle was paid in full and ours to take. He told us that they had selected a few vehicles for us to choose from, my expectations were some old cars, but still so thankful.
As we walked out of the dealership office, the sales manager was leading us to the 'New Car' lot, not the used car lot... There must have been a mistake, I'm worthy of a used car, but not of a new car. He pointed us to the most expensive cars on the lot, A Suburban, a Tahoe and an Equinox, fully loaded with all the bells and whistles. This is a mistake, I'm not worthy of these cars, but the sales manager assured me, there was no mistake. This was a limited and low demonstration of Gods Grace.
Jesus Gave it all, he Gave his life, For Me! I should be placed under the wrath of God, my penalty is much to great. I've violated His law over and over again, without even thinking about it. How many times have I not placed Him first in my mind, how many times have I used His Name carelessly, How many times have I created idols things that I place in value over God, How many times have I not honoured Him in a time of rest. I am a child of wrath among a people of wrath, I deserve nothing.
My hope is in the Lord, He Gave Himself for Me and paid the debt of all my sin on Calvary. What a blessing it is not to pay a monthly car payment, but more than that, what a blessing it is not to pay penitence for my violations of God's law. The books have been settled, not just for now, but eternally.
So what is my response? What should I do? I don't have to do anything, it's Done! The funny thing is... I want to do anything for Him, I'll mop the bathroom at church, I'll help people in need. I'm like a homeless person who gets a life saving meal, I don't just eat, I go and tell my friends and family, I drag people in because I know they need it also, I write about it, I sing about it, I live it each and every day! I'm willing to give it all away for Him because my hope isn't on Me... My Hope is in the Lord.
Last Sunday during worship I had the pleasure of being reminded of the great hymn "Wonderful Grace of Jesus". The melody of this hymn is upbeat, but it's the message that truly tugged at my heart:
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it.
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
That's the wonderful fact of the grace of Jesus, it's greater than my sin! It's greater than the sins of the worst sinner, and His righteousness is imputed to me, my sins were then imputed to Him. This is the great exchange between me and Jesus, now my righteousness isn't mine, it's Christ's in me. I now have liberty, but my desire isn't to do sin, but to follow The One who did so much for me.
The chorus sums up the emotional response:
Wonderful the matchless grace, the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea, the rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all-sufficient for me, for even me.
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
Praise His name!
After the surprising decision by the U.S. Supreme Court yesterday, I was thinking about how Obamacare really is going to change my life. Will it cause me hardship or will it eliminate problems in my future, or cause problems with my posterity. From a humanistic side, I see a tidal wave of power given to the federal government, reducing my personal liberty and freedom. I know that those freedoms and liberties were granted to my forefathers with a specific caveat: freedom and liberty must be maintained, and when any power is handed to an entity like the federal government, it is totally lost by the individual. Now our federal government has the right to tax (or penalize) us for what they determine is a bad decision. If a person doesn't believe in insurance they could be required to pay a tax or be sent to prison. Today I see that our federal laws are cumbersome, our constitution has multitudes of interpretations, and the U.S. Supreme court is not our country's saviour, neither is the President of the United States, Nor is Congress. Our problem is far deeper, and much more spiritual than those superficial offices. We live in a society that worships at the alter of itself. The people want more hand outs, but they want to work less. They want the government to take care of all the basic 'rights' to include healthcare, food, comfort. But my hope isn't in government... It's not in me either. Insurance is not the answer, because insurance can become insolvent, so can the government. Psalm 188:8 says "It is better to take refuge in theLordthan to trust in humans.". My trust is not invested in the government, my total trust is in the person of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. God is the great healer, the provider, the master of all. He is the owner of the cattle on a thousand hills, and every living thing in the universe is under his dominion. I don't need to fear about tomorrow, because tomorrow is in His capable hands. I know my Hope is in Christ, I don't need the government to take care of my needs, because it's in providence.
2011 is almost over, it's been an eventful year, a growing year, and a challenging year. I found these questions helpful in looking forward to the next year:
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression than I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite? 2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate? 3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what I was told to me in confidence? 4. Can I be trusted? 5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits? 6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying? 7. Did the Bible live in me today? 8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day? 9. Am I enjoying prayer? 10. When did I last speak to someone else of my faith? 11. Do I pray about the money I spend? 12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time? 13. Do I disobey God in anything? 14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy.? 15. Am I defeated in any part of my life? 16. Am I jealous impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrusting? 17. How do I spend my spare time? 18. Am I proud? 19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican? 20. Is there anyone I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? I If so, what am I doing about it? 21. Do I grumble or complain constantly? 22. Is Christ real to me?
There is a cultural war brewing in America. Each year we see traditions such as nativities, Christmas tree lighting change to holiday displays and holiday lighting. The word Christmas - which comes from Christ Mass, the celebration of Christs birth seems to be offensive to those of no or little faith. The desire of change is to create a pure commercial holiday, with out Christ. How will the next battle of this war be waged?
I just finished reading an article by Rebecca Hagelin, It's worth the time, she's done a great job of laying out the battle lines -> We need Christmas now more than ever.
Over the last few weeks we've seen unrest break out in many parts of the middle east. Much of the turmoil has been simmering for years, but why all at once. Is this the tinderbox that past presidents have been so careful not to disturb? I believe that freedom is a right given by God to all mankind (if offended womankind also), but is freedom the end result of these outbreaks of unrest? If we carefully examine the founding of the United States, a majority of colonist opposed a war, but enough were willing to band together and fight for what they believed to be an absolute "That all men are created Equal, and are endowed by their Creator with Unalienable rights, that among these is Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness." These were rights that they would later give more definition in the constitution.
If the end goal of the Middle East upturn is to give them a higher view of Life, real liberty and the freedom to work, worship, and live in peace I would say it's admirable. As of today, I have not seen these statutes as a sign of what is happening, What I see is tyranny followed by more tyranny. There is no goal for a higher freedom, just a change to something new.
These are my thoughts on the matter, please comment if you wish to correct me.
The 2010 Census data is out, and Texas has a growing population, actually growing enough that it will get four more representatives, bringing the total number for the state up to 36 from 34. This means the redistricting struggle is about to happen again! Wait and see how our state representatives in Austin will consider slicing the pie. 2010 Census Data - 2010 Census
My very thoughts today are pondering on something I heard yesterday on the way home while listening to Wretched Radio. It was a quote from a pastor in South Carolina, he was talking about 'The Modern Church'. The church with great worship bands, great music, great lighting, great sound, the preacher doesn't use a pulpit. It's a worship service at any church today. I don't know of a single church that still has an organ and that's it. The question is... of course.. why? Why does our church need these tools for the theater? Could our church even exist for one Sunday without the video projector? Could we hold a service if the pastor didn't have a wireless mic? When the service is over, are we thinking about the 'Worship Experience' or are we convicted by the power of The Word?
The very fact that I'm pondering these things is making me rethink what I do. Each and every Sunday I'm thinking about the lighting, the visual, the sound... But am I thinking about the lyrics to the song, am I being convicted by the message? Is this idol worship? This is weighing quite heavy on my heart, because I love my church, I love my brothers and sisters in Christ. But if I'm worshiping something... anything other than God alone, it's idolatry. What's so different between the theater and the church? Why am I even go to church? Is it more for the entertainment value than true worship? If it's even a little bit towards the entertainment value I'm worshiping an Idol.
Advent to many of us is a time when we open the calendar with the doors and the hidden chocolate, or maybe it's the decorations, or maybe it's the shopping, the food the festivities. But, do we often get wrapped up in the festivals, and forget the true meaning. Advent is looking forward to the coming of Christ, the savior of the world, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and remembering his first entrance into the world (incarnation) and His return. Often when I think about Jesus's return I think about Jesus's parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-3. When I celebrate Christmas with the folly and festivity, am I also putting oil in my lamp? Am I prepared for His return? Am I foolish, or am I wise? Or will I simply fall in to the daze of Christmas, and not even remember the reasons for the season. Be prepared... His return is imminent.
This week I was blessed to hear an honest message from God, a constant reminder that this world is not our home. So often I want to be comfortable, I want to avoid suffering simply because I buy into this Idea God wants better for us because He loves us.. He does love us, but his plan for us is so much bigger than our comfort. God wants nothing of us, He needs nothing from us, He loves us so deeply, but this world is a dying world, it's simply a shadowland.
If we suffer, we must give Him the glory, because it's so much better on the other side.
When we have loss, we need to give Him the glory, because there is no loss on the other side.
When we have pain, we must give Him the glory, because there is no pain in Heaven.
When we see evil, we must give Him the glory, because there is no evil in Him.
When we are given much, we give Him Glory... Don't we? Maybe.. Sometimes we might recite a prayer... a speech of thanksgiving, a mumble of praise.
We live in a fallen world, and I want to live Gloriously giving all praise to my King, my Creator, my Savior, my God. It was God who saved us, who provides for us, and allows us to see this depraved and wicked world for what it is. It is also God who created perfection, though I don't think I can even comprehend a world that isn't bent to sin.
I would recommend if you have time this week, listen to this little sermon: CrossPointe
It's November and I'm already looking forward to change... some kind of change, either for the better or the worse, but change is defiantly on the horizon. With Gold prices at all time highs and the dollar dropping like a lead balloon, change is happening all around us. Will our country be struggling with a stagnant economy, or will there be no economy to speak. Tax cuts won't be an issue, because there won't be money to pay the taxes, we will be a country in poverty, debt up to our eyeballs and no means to pay.
Next year we might see China take the lead as the worlds superpower, what will that mean for the world, for human rights, for everyone? We could see increased hostilities against the United States, maybe even on our own soil. Who knows, we might even see Texas secede from the union, and California become a territory because it's so broke.
What might happen and what will happen are two different things, but what's for sure we are looking for Change.
As many of you know, I'm a historian at heart, I want to know what was the pivotal point in our history's epochs. As anyone who studies history knows, there are points, decisions, which are made that can change the course of an outcome. Though we only see the results in hindsight, the fact is there was a decision, and it had to be made. There are two types of decisions, calculated and impulse.
A calculated decision is one that was thought out, the risks were weighed, and the facts were thoroughly investigated. This type of decision doesn't take place quickly, each decision will lead to another decision, which in turn must be evaluated and dissected. The game of chess would be a perfect example of a brute exorcise in calculated decision making.
Impulse decisions, are made from a single point, a single fact, and usually these are emotional in bases. This single decision might seem small, minuscule, not leading to anything, but usually these are the chinks in the armor of a well thought out person. I'm not stating that there is a negative value to impulse decisions, because we make them every day. This is the decision of coffee over tea, or milk vs cream. The fact is both impulse decisions and calculated decisions exist each and every day.
General McCrystal's downfall wasn't far from my own each day. He made an impulse decision due to the stress of his schedule during a few weeks where air traffic was grounded in Europe. He made the decisions to talk to a person who represented the press in it's brute power, and rather than being a short few hour discussion, led to a longer period of time when more information could be disseminated... information that didn't need to be shared. I wouldn't blame General McCrystal completely, he acted honorably, he was good at his job, and was a true leader. Where General McCrystal went wrong was having control over the situation, and calculating the risk, the risk of talking to a member of the press, and allowing his staff the same privileged.
Was McCrystal wrong in his opinions, I have to say no. He had the right to have those opinions, he had the right to voice them to the correct channels, and I'm sure he did. Where General McCrystal went wrong, was he allowed a wolf into the sheep pen, knowing he was a wolf, and knowing that the sheep were sheep. An impulse decision became his downfall.
I have a lot of respect for General McCrystal, I hope to see him prosper in our great country. He is a true patriot, a true hero.
Maundy Thursday is really an interesting day, it's the day we celebrate the Last Supper, or the meeting in the upper room by Jesus and the Twelve. Maundy is the old English translation of mandatum or "A New Commandment", The statement which Jesus made "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you" as he washed the twelve disciples feet. Tonight my church will have a Maundy Thursday service, where we will celebrate the Lord's supper, and also have foot washing, a service where members of the church demonstrate servitude to the body, as Jesus demonstrated to the 12.
We must also remember that Jesus knew Judas was going to betray Him, but He chose to wash his feet. He demonstrated "Love your enemy as yourself", and as I write this I ask that of myself. How am I willing to lay it all down knowing, trusting, that God will be glorified, and that he will keep his covenant. When we reach this level of trust will our lives be transparent to others that they might see Christ living in us? I have to believe so, when you look at lives of those eleven disciples. All of them but one died at the hands of others, All of them but one preached the message of Christ resurrected. Which of the twelve am I like?
In an effort to monetize my blog I'll be talking about products and services that approach me for review and just to talk about what they do. Today Kodak Ink, for your Kodak printer, if you have one, has asked me to let you know that you can get your Kodak Printer Ink Cartridges directly from them by pressing the last link. George Eastman was the founder of Kodak over a hundred years ago. It was said his favorite letter was K, and with some degree of purchases and acquisitions of intellectual property, found Kodak was just a unique brand, which today still exists. Kodak was a great entrepreneur, who changed the way we remember things, making personal photography possible for billions of people. Think about purchasing a Kodak Photo printer for your computer, they make wonderful products and would really appreciate your sponsorship.
Each day I wake up with that feeling in the pit of my stomach, will today be the day that I get that Job I've been working so hard to find. This job market is a killer, and there really isn't very much more that anyone can do to stimulate an economy that's dwindling. I keep hearing reports on the news "The Recession is Almost Over". Almost is a key word in the story, since no one really knows when the economy will pick up. Currently I'm in 'Jack of All Trades' mode, where I do almost anything that anyone is willing and able to pay. The Census has been a windfall for us, but the job is 'intermittent' at best. With all work aside, it has really got me thinking about how blessed I am to live in a country where I have the right to work, where I can work has hard as I'm able, and as long as I'm able. No one can force me not to work, they can end my job, but it doesn't prevent me from finding a new job, or creating work for myself. People still put value in something, be it home, or family or just their God given ability, we all are blessed. I have a 825 square foot home with running water, septic, electricity, and internet. We are blessed to never go without food, and we are blessed to have wonderful friends who actually care about how we are doing? The fact is we are truly blessed.
Living on the edge, actually trusting that God will provide isn't exactly the easiest thing to do in life. When your son has a medical illness and needs medicine, but you have no money, it's hard to say that God will provide. When you look at an aspect of getting a job, but get turned down because the market is so competitive, it's hard to be positive. But why should I care.. obviously it's not where God want's me to be, it's not the place where God want's me to exist. The fact is God has me in his grip, and that's all that really matters.
