Monday, May 31, 2010
“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” Deuteronomy 32:7
The Lord had already made known to Moses that he and many of those he was addressing with the “Song of Moses” would not see the Promised Land. He challenged those of future generations to ‘remember’ not for the sake of history, so as not to go down the same wrong paths, but rather to remember the faith of those who lead them to where they are today. And to remember the faithfulness of the God who never give up being faithful to us.
I have on my bookshelf in front of me the airman wings of Sgt. James Baker, my uncle who died October 1943 in a training flight in California. He, like all Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who’ve ever served, did so for the purpose of keeping us “free” and safe in our homeland. They sacrificed so that we would be free to worship as we please, a rarity especially in the world of today.
This is the day that we’ve set aside to honor those men and women who sacrificed their tomorrows so that we can have our today’s. I believe their example of selflessness stands to be cherished, admired and honored. And for those who did so leaning heavily on the cross of Jesus as their hope, the fulfillment of his command to put others welfare ahead of our own magnifies the honor that I have for them. “For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Faith alone
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews11:1
It seems to me that “faith” as a word gets misused a lot. It seems to get substituted for words like beliefs, works, and religion. Sometimes I cringe to hear such a powerful word being watered down.
Faith stands by itself as supreme acceptance by man of Gods undeniable sovereignty over our lives. We cannot work hard enough or be good enough to find God’s favor, only through Christ’s death and resurrection. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Some try to substitute reason, which exists to deny faith. Those who employ reason over faith are still sitting under the ‘tree’ devouring the forbidden fruit of the glory of themselves and the power of their self awareness over the one who created them. Then at the opposite end of the spectrum there is religion. “Religion exists to control faith; faith exists to keep religion in check. Religion is mans interpretation of God’s will, faith is its acceptance.” (biblestudymanuals.net)
On this Memorial Day, it seems fitting to honor those who took with them into death a faith which upheld them in life. If we think about all of the ‘faithful’ listed in Hebrews 11, we noted that all didn’t necessarily go well for them in life. “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews11:39-40; this to remind us that our final redemption is not of this world, but the next.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
It seems to me that “faith” as a word gets misused a lot. It seems to get substituted for words like beliefs, works, and religion. Sometimes I cringe to hear such a powerful word being watered down.
Faith stands by itself as supreme acceptance by man of Gods undeniable sovereignty over our lives. We cannot work hard enough or be good enough to find God’s favor, only through Christ’s death and resurrection. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Some try to substitute reason, which exists to deny faith. Those who employ reason over faith are still sitting under the ‘tree’ devouring the forbidden fruit of the glory of themselves and the power of their self awareness over the one who created them. Then at the opposite end of the spectrum there is religion. “Religion exists to control faith; faith exists to keep religion in check. Religion is mans interpretation of God’s will, faith is its acceptance.” (biblestudymanuals.net)
On this Memorial Day, it seems fitting to honor those who took with them into death a faith which upheld them in life. If we think about all of the ‘faithful’ listed in Hebrews 11, we noted that all didn’t necessarily go well for them in life. “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews11:39-40; this to remind us that our final redemption is not of this world, but the next.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Fear the Lord
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.” Psalm 33:8
I did a brief curiosity look at a show called “Fear Factor” a couple of years ago. It appeared that the whole idea of the show was to see how close the producers of the program could take the participants to experiencing cardiac arrest. Is that what people want; to be scared? Unless they’re being tempted by a lot of money, probably not. I believe most people want to trust that someone is watching out for them. That probably the only way most people could stand to watch it, trusting that the producers were watching out for the safety of the participants.
There have been several times in my life that I’ve been truly afraid. Usually it was due to some bonehead blunder of my own doing. But, but in a couple situations, circumstances far beyond my control brought calamity and potential disaster, and I did fear the consequences of what God might potentially bring into my life. I knew that he is in control and that whatever happens will be as he wills it. My real fear was that it might not be the outcome that I wanted.
Some times when we know that there is nothing more that we can do, all we can do is pray for strength and trust, with faith like David riding into battle saying, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7.
So if I see someone today who needs encouragement, I’ll try to remember that the basis of my fear of God is in his awesome power and irrevocable plan for his creation. Then I pray I’ll do my best to put “the fear of God [Trust in God]” in them, too.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
I did a brief curiosity look at a show called “Fear Factor” a couple of years ago. It appeared that the whole idea of the show was to see how close the producers of the program could take the participants to experiencing cardiac arrest. Is that what people want; to be scared? Unless they’re being tempted by a lot of money, probably not. I believe most people want to trust that someone is watching out for them. That probably the only way most people could stand to watch it, trusting that the producers were watching out for the safety of the participants.
There have been several times in my life that I’ve been truly afraid. Usually it was due to some bonehead blunder of my own doing. But, but in a couple situations, circumstances far beyond my control brought calamity and potential disaster, and I did fear the consequences of what God might potentially bring into my life. I knew that he is in control and that whatever happens will be as he wills it. My real fear was that it might not be the outcome that I wanted.
Some times when we know that there is nothing more that we can do, all we can do is pray for strength and trust, with faith like David riding into battle saying, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7.
So if I see someone today who needs encouragement, I’ll try to remember that the basis of my fear of God is in his awesome power and irrevocable plan for his creation. Then I pray I’ll do my best to put “the fear of God [Trust in God]” in them, too.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Focus
“Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:27
Yesterday’s story made me think about an interesting human trait that we all have, that is how we gravitate towards what we think about the most. I participated in a sales training seminar years ago, and I heard an illustration of this. Try it the next time you are riding your bicycle or even walking. If there is an obstruction in your path, focus on the obstruction, not the path. Be careful! In most cases unless you are using a lot of concentration to avoid the obstacle, you will go straight for it. It’s just the way we’re wired.
Paul lamented “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:19. It seems that we are surrounded by so much negativity and evil, it is hard not to focus on it, and therefor be drawn toward it. “He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” Proverbs 11:27. Whether in thought, word or deed we sometimes just can’t help ourselves if we allow ourselves to be drawn in to the evil that surrounds us in TV, movies, media, or conversations.
Job provided the best answer for me when he said, “…The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." Job 28:28. And wisdom, he says, “cannot be found in the land of the living.” Job 28:13. Wisdom can only be found in the Spirit of God, which resides in his Word. So, I’ll just keep reading my Bible, not to be shackled by rules and guilt, but as Peter instructed, “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Yesterday’s story made me think about an interesting human trait that we all have, that is how we gravitate towards what we think about the most. I participated in a sales training seminar years ago, and I heard an illustration of this. Try it the next time you are riding your bicycle or even walking. If there is an obstruction in your path, focus on the obstruction, not the path. Be careful! In most cases unless you are using a lot of concentration to avoid the obstacle, you will go straight for it. It’s just the way we’re wired.
Paul lamented “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:19. It seems that we are surrounded by so much negativity and evil, it is hard not to focus on it, and therefor be drawn toward it. “He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it.” Proverbs 11:27. Whether in thought, word or deed we sometimes just can’t help ourselves if we allow ourselves to be drawn in to the evil that surrounds us in TV, movies, media, or conversations.
Job provided the best answer for me when he said, “…The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding." Job 28:28. And wisdom, he says, “cannot be found in the land of the living.” Job 28:13. Wisdom can only be found in the Spirit of God, which resides in his Word. So, I’ll just keep reading my Bible, not to be shackled by rules and guilt, but as Peter instructed, “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Kicking the tree
“for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:20
I was about 9 years old, bicycling down the gravel driveway of my rural Madison County home, the most enjoyable childhood summer activity that I remember. Suddenly, my front tire struck a large rock in the driveway. I lost control of my bicycle and glanced off a large oak tree and was knocked to the ground. Jumping to my feet and with all the energy I had, I kicked that tree. Seems I’ve spent a lot of my life kicking trees.
According to William R Fraser, DO, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, in the US, 16 million people are treated annually in emergency rooms for hand injuries. Most are reactions to stressful situations of which an angry person is often not even aware. There is a lot of truth to what Nurse Elizabeth Kenney said, “He who angers you conquers you." Solomon said, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29:11. Ouch, that hurts!
Of course, being angry is not in and of itself bad; Jesus gave us several illustrations of “righteous anger”, demonstrating that there are right and wrong reasons to be angry as well as appropriate ways to demonstrate that anger. What I try to ask myself when I start to get angry is my anger sinful? King David said, “In your anger do not sin…” Psalm 4:4. Paul challenges us even more broadly to, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32. It’s going to take a real man to do that, I pray I’m up to the task today.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
I was about 9 years old, bicycling down the gravel driveway of my rural Madison County home, the most enjoyable childhood summer activity that I remember. Suddenly, my front tire struck a large rock in the driveway. I lost control of my bicycle and glanced off a large oak tree and was knocked to the ground. Jumping to my feet and with all the energy I had, I kicked that tree. Seems I’ve spent a lot of my life kicking trees.
According to William R Fraser, DO, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, in the US, 16 million people are treated annually in emergency rooms for hand injuries. Most are reactions to stressful situations of which an angry person is often not even aware. There is a lot of truth to what Nurse Elizabeth Kenney said, “He who angers you conquers you." Solomon said, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Proverbs 29:11. Ouch, that hurts!
Of course, being angry is not in and of itself bad; Jesus gave us several illustrations of “righteous anger”, demonstrating that there are right and wrong reasons to be angry as well as appropriate ways to demonstrate that anger. What I try to ask myself when I start to get angry is my anger sinful? King David said, “In your anger do not sin…” Psalm 4:4. Paul challenges us even more broadly to, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32. It’s going to take a real man to do that, I pray I’m up to the task today.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Monday, May 24, 2010
The right path
“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11
Boy Scouts still learn a very important subject, Orienteering. It teaches Scouts how to navigate using a map and compass. Using a compass is almost a lost art with the proliferation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, even built into watches now. My life training, whether military exercises, scout outings or family vacations, has convinced me that there will always be a need to know: Where I am? Where I’m going? And, what is the best way to get there?
Our culture addresses men’s lives with a lot emphasis on where we are (or where we aren’t) and shows us the quick and easy path to get somewhere else. There isn’t a lot of emphasis on helping guys determine where it is we really want or need to go. Robert Lewis’s, “The Great Adventure”, a part of his “Men’s Fraternity” men’s study series, helps men focus on that ‘where am I going’ question. I realized, after participating in the study, that I needed to examine that question at a much deeper level than the desired end state of my retirement fund or the contents of my ‘Will.’
Once I had a firm fix on my final goal of spending eternity with my Father in heaven, I put together a list of bench marks for my remaining years, and the focus of my direction became much clearer. The walk I take, even with Christ can get tricky too, but Jesus provided a very clear illustration, the parable of the sower, to help me understand what I’m facing. Read the account in Luke 8:4-15. Then, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Proverbs 23:19 It’s my choice, and yours guys, to choose the right path, or navigate to it.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Boy Scouts still learn a very important subject, Orienteering. It teaches Scouts how to navigate using a map and compass. Using a compass is almost a lost art with the proliferation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, even built into watches now. My life training, whether military exercises, scout outings or family vacations, has convinced me that there will always be a need to know: Where I am? Where I’m going? And, what is the best way to get there?
Our culture addresses men’s lives with a lot emphasis on where we are (or where we aren’t) and shows us the quick and easy path to get somewhere else. There isn’t a lot of emphasis on helping guys determine where it is we really want or need to go. Robert Lewis’s, “The Great Adventure”, a part of his “Men’s Fraternity” men’s study series, helps men focus on that ‘where am I going’ question. I realized, after participating in the study, that I needed to examine that question at a much deeper level than the desired end state of my retirement fund or the contents of my ‘Will.’
Once I had a firm fix on my final goal of spending eternity with my Father in heaven, I put together a list of bench marks for my remaining years, and the focus of my direction became much clearer. The walk I take, even with Christ can get tricky too, but Jesus provided a very clear illustration, the parable of the sower, to help me understand what I’m facing. Read the account in Luke 8:4-15. Then, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Proverbs 23:19 It’s my choice, and yours guys, to choose the right path, or navigate to it.
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Life worth living, life worth giving
“Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don't hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night.” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 (The Message)
Two things that I’ve noticed as I’ve grown older; first, my desire for earthly stuff has not diminished; I still have visions of owning a big boat. Secondly, my desires are much easier to set aside to satisfy the overwhelming basic needs of others. God wants goodness for my life, but he doesn’t want me focused on “things” in my life. He wants me focused on Him.
I recently read a devotional, the “Thought for the Day” on the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries Website, entitled Spoiled Child. It essentially said that I am spoiled by my possessions if I have an attitude of ungratefulness for them. It seems that the more grateful I am for the blessings in my life, the more I want to help others experience fulfillment in their lives. Jesus reminded his disciples “The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want…” Mark 14:7 He reminds us here that our real act of sacrifice is in worshiping and serving Him, and that serving the poor is something we can and should always do. Then, also as we serve the poor we serve honor Jesus’ desire for our lives to “Love one another.”
God has been very good to me in so many ways. That is not to be construed as boldness as I know at any moment I could face a “Job” reckoning. But I default to wise Solomon’s suggestion: “Be generous to the poor – you’ll never go hungry; shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses.” Proverbs 28:27 Solomon always had a way of getting right to the point didn’t he?
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Two things that I’ve noticed as I’ve grown older; first, my desire for earthly stuff has not diminished; I still have visions of owning a big boat. Secondly, my desires are much easier to set aside to satisfy the overwhelming basic needs of others. God wants goodness for my life, but he doesn’t want me focused on “things” in my life. He wants me focused on Him.
I recently read a devotional, the “Thought for the Day” on the National Coalition of Men’s Ministries Website, entitled Spoiled Child. It essentially said that I am spoiled by my possessions if I have an attitude of ungratefulness for them. It seems that the more grateful I am for the blessings in my life, the more I want to help others experience fulfillment in their lives. Jesus reminded his disciples “The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want…” Mark 14:7 He reminds us here that our real act of sacrifice is in worshiping and serving Him, and that serving the poor is something we can and should always do. Then, also as we serve the poor we serve honor Jesus’ desire for our lives to “Love one another.”
God has been very good to me in so many ways. That is not to be construed as boldness as I know at any moment I could face a “Job” reckoning. But I default to wise Solomon’s suggestion: “Be generous to the poor – you’ll never go hungry; shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses.” Proverbs 28:27 Solomon always had a way of getting right to the point didn’t he?
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Peace of mind
“Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.” Psalm 119:27
Some situations in life require action, some contemplation. There are situations where quick thinking and immediate action are crucial to saving lives or to quickly resolve problems. In these situations, success is usually a result of anticipation, training, and experience; soldiers and paramedics will agree. As some of us have experienced, ingenuity and creativity can play a big part of success as well, I call it the “MacGyver syndrome.”
During the times when immediate action isn’t required, however, consider contemplation. For me the best technique for finding solutions to stressful situations is meditation. Meditation sounds scary to some men. I was once told if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate. When I worry, I take a problem and dwell on it ad nauseam, imagining every negative aspect that caused and could result from it.
When I meditate, I take the problem and hand it to Jesus, and ask him to, “hang on to this a minute.” Then I open my bible and pick a scripture, Psalms are great; Psalm 23 is my favorite. I read or recite the verse over and over until its words settle over my mind and heart. Then I ask myself what God is saying to me with regard to my current situation. Sometimes He tells me “there’s nothing you can do about this, just let me hold on to the ‘problem’ a while longer.” Sometimes He gives me insight to deal with the situation.
Jesus wants us to live at peace with each other and especially with ourselves, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Some situations in life require action, some contemplation. There are situations where quick thinking and immediate action are crucial to saving lives or to quickly resolve problems. In these situations, success is usually a result of anticipation, training, and experience; soldiers and paramedics will agree. As some of us have experienced, ingenuity and creativity can play a big part of success as well, I call it the “MacGyver syndrome.”
During the times when immediate action isn’t required, however, consider contemplation. For me the best technique for finding solutions to stressful situations is meditation. Meditation sounds scary to some men. I was once told if you know how to worry, you know how to meditate. When I worry, I take a problem and dwell on it ad nauseam, imagining every negative aspect that caused and could result from it.
When I meditate, I take the problem and hand it to Jesus, and ask him to, “hang on to this a minute.” Then I open my bible and pick a scripture, Psalms are great; Psalm 23 is my favorite. I read or recite the verse over and over until its words settle over my mind and heart. Then I ask myself what God is saying to me with regard to my current situation. Sometimes He tells me “there’s nothing you can do about this, just let me hold on to the ‘problem’ a while longer.” Sometimes He gives me insight to deal with the situation.
Jesus wants us to live at peace with each other and especially with ourselves, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Bless you brothers, live this day in peace, in His Word.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
