Turning 32...

Playing "Grandpa" for a Christmas play, 2004.

Not sure what to think of 32. I hardly got to know 31. Come to think of it, whatever happened to 30?

Isn't it funny how time changes as time progresses? Oh, I'm sure some nuclear physicist out there would set me in my logical place over that last sentence, but many times what is true of our experience doesn't match what logic and math tells us. I know that time doesn't change. But our perception of it sure does. One day we're young and we feel that way. Sooner than we want, we feel old. Sometimes those two feelings are a matter of days apart. Sometimes hours.

One truth about life is that every person is getting older and more frail. Even someone who is 12 years old. Our bodies gradually disintegrate until they can handle time no more and they lay down for a final rest. Not so with our souls, for sure, but definitely true of our bodies. And each birthday is a reminder of that frailty. And a reminder to me that I need to be focusing more and more on the spirit and not neglecting the spirit in favor of the flesh. Saint Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians that even though our flesh may be getting weaker and weaker, our inner man -- our spirit -- is being renewed day by day through the power of God's Spirit. So while we live in ever decaying bodies, our hearts can be getting stronger and stronger if we let God's Spirit work within us to mold us and shape us into the image of the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

That's what I'm thinking on this day, when I turned 32.

Four Dollar Grace

Megan and I went to a hockey game tonight and, even though we had a wonderful time, we nearly didn't make it back home because we both made an important omission. We didn't have any cash. Not even a dime (though we did see one flipping on the bottom of an escalator). It's easy to think that in the modern society cash is gradually becoming obsolete. I mean, with credit and debit cards and all, who needs the green stuff? We did. Tonight. You see, we took the local transit train to the sports arena and should have known trouble was brewing when the ticket dispensers could not read our credit cards (nor anyone else's). A transit worker told us to go ahead and get on board and so we did.

Grace number one.

When we arrived at the train station to ride back, the ticket dispensers there didn't even take credit cards. Just cash. That's right. JUST cash. We hurried around to find an ATM and I withdrew $40 in two 20's. Thinking our cash problem was solved, we arrived back at the dispensers to find that they didn't take 20's. Our fare was $3. Both freezing in the cold wind, we were frustrated and quite unhappy! So Megan did something impusive: she asked a few people waiting for a different train if they had change for a 20. One man looked at us and said he had some ones. We walked closer with the 20 and he reached into his wallet. Four ones. And some 20's. Nothing else. Drats! Then the man did something remarkable. He GAVE us the four ones. Just gave them to us.

Grace number two.

We were the foolish ones by not taking cash along. We didn't deserve four dollars. But he gave them anyway. We put three of them in the machine. Two one-way tickets came out. I retruned the dollar to the gentleman and said, "God bless you" to him as Megan and I rushed to board the train. I never heard the man's name. But if you, sir, somehow stumble across this humble blog: "Thank you." You blessed our lives tonight and showed us the grace of God through your simple sacrifice. We are in your debt.

Celebrating Jolly Ole Saint Nick

Before there was a "Night Before Christmas" or paintings by Courier and Ives, there was Nicholas, a humble Christian man from Modern Day Turkey. Yesterday, Dec. 6, was the Feast Day of Nicholas, known in the modern day as St. Nick, but his true legend has been long lost through the centuries. You see, this man we Americans call "Santa Claus" did not want the praise we have heaped upon him. No, jolly ole St. Nick was actually a young pastor who lived in the AD 300s and did his works of mercy under the cover of secrecy and night. Here's a column I wrote a number of years ago for my newspaper after researching the legends of Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, that I hope shows you why I consider St. Nicholas to be my "patron saint" (if I'm allowed to have one!).

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December 22, 2002
The Grapevine Sun

Christmas all started with a small sack of gold.
No, really – a small sack of gold.

But before you brand this theologian a heretic, please allow me to explain.
The true “Christmas” happened when God came down to become man, being born one cool winter’s night over 2,000 years ago.

But the “Christmas” I am referring to is the secular one, which actually also has religious roots.
The sack of gold coins was either thrown through the window, or dropped down the chimney, of the home of a destitute family in Myra, Turkey, around the year 300. The culprit was a mystery.
The family was in a desperate situation. A father, a nobleman with three daughters, found his financial situation growing worse by the day. His business had failed and he and his daughters had little to live on.

And when his oldest daughter announced that she wanted to get married, the father’s heart sank because he had no money for the customary bridal dowry. One of her younger sisters than announced that she would sell herself into slavery to provide the money, but, of course, no one in town wanted to see that happen.

News of the predicament came to a concerned gentleman one day and he decided to do something about it.

Long into the night, the father heard a “thud” out in his living room. Groggy as any person would be early in the early morning hours, he looked in the room to see a small sack lying on the floor.
Upon further investigation, he found gold inside and started to panic. Who threw this in his house? And whose gold is this?

He quickly ran to the door and threw it open, looking outside for the culprit. But there was no one there. And as any one of us would do, he started rejoicing and kept the money, paying off his debts and affording his oldest daughter a nice dowry.

About a year later, his second daughter announced that she wanted to be married. But the gold was long gone and the poor father was once again broke.

He awoke one morning to find another sack of gold lying on his living room floor. The stranger had struck again! There was no note with the gold, and no one in town knew who might have done such a selfless deed.

The identity of the gold giver was safely anonymous, which was to his preference.
Some time later the youngest daughter announced her marriage wishes to her poor father, and the father suspected that another gift would soon be coming. So he set up a string-and-bells perimeter alarm to let him know if the kind stranger returned.

Late one night, the father awoke to the sound of the bells. He rushed into his living room to see another sack on the floor, and then dashed to the door to see if he could catch the benevolent bandit as he left the scene.

The father looked outside and saw a man hurrying away from the house. He ran after him and finally caught up to the man, recognizing a familiar face.

The gift-giver was Nicholas, the young archbishop of the church in Myra.
“Why did you give us the gold?” the father asked.
“Because you needed it,” Nicholas answered.
“But why didn’t you let us know who you were?” the father asked again.
“Because it’s good to give and have only God know about it,” came the reply.

Even though Nicholas begged the father not to tell anyone about his good deeds, the father couldn’t keep silent and told as many people in the town as possible. Pretty soon, Bishop Nicholas became associated with many other anonymous acts of kindness that had gone on in the town over the previous few years.

He did it all without expecting something in return. He did it out of obedience, for his Lord Jesus had said 270 years earlier, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

As the leader of the local church, he felt responsible for meeting the needs of his church members, and dedicated his wealth to doing so. According to some reports, he would at times disguise himself and secretly visit the homes of the most needy under the cloak of darkness. He delivered food, clothing and money.

And the recipients had no idea where the blessings came from. They just knew that the Lord had answered their prayers and met their needs.

After a lifetime of service, Nicholas died on Dec. 6, 342.

But his charitable ways did not end then. His way of anonymous giving was carried on by the local townsfolk, who did it all in the name of Saint Nicholas.

Eventually, the late bishop’s legend spread across Europe. Saint Nicholas became “Saint Nicklaus” in Holland and then “Sinter Klaus” in Germany. In America, it was changed once again to “Santa Claus.”

And the tradition of giving anonymous gifts has continued with the name. As this tradition continues Wednesday morning, and many of you participate in the exchanging of gifts, remember Saint Nicholas, who gave without return and found the highest joy in doing so.

Let that be your Christmas goal – to not let the gifts you receive rule your holiday attitude. Enjoy the blessings of giving.

Quotes of the Past Year

These were collected over the past year from my church's youth pastor, Brent McKinney, who has a knack for summarizing spiritual truths in catchy, bite-sized sentences. Here are a few I ran across today while clearing out some old papers on my desk.

"We need to follow the Christ who IS rather than the Christ we want." Said in response to Ephesians 4:20-24, which says: "You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

"You've got to talk about the darkness before you can talk about the light." Said in response to 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, which says, "And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

Brent McKinney, quote machine

I'm Thinking...

... that some people have no concept of safety, either for themselves or for others they are around. On Friday I saw a lady in a car behind me with a Starbucks coffee cup in one head, a cigarette in between her clenched fingers and a cell phone glued to her right ear, held by her other hand. She had no hands on the wheel. Thankfully, she was stopped on a busy road, waiting just like me for a car ahead to turn left.

... that even animals have a concept of growth and learning. Yesterday Megan and I went to the Fort Worth Zoo on another photography trip and we had a blast watching the tiger cubs and the lion cubs interact with each other. In the case of the Malaysian tigers, the mother was playing with her three cubs and appeared to be teaching them the basics of survival. She taught them how to fight, how to defend themselves, how to climb trees, how to be careful around rocky ledges, etc. It was really cool to watch.

... that the Law of Moses was like a parent raising a child. It had great value for teaching the child righteous living and restraining their independent spirit until they could control it, but once the child became an adult and left home, the laws have no more power. The child is no longer under law. Now they have freedom. And they can choose to live out the right things they learned under their parents' laws or they can run the other way. The choice is theirs.

Of Stillness & Simplicity

We live in such a fast-paced world that many times we get burned out by our life's speed. It seems that you and I are always on the run and we rarely have time to breathe. How can we possibly slow down when culture pushes us faster? What do we have to do to get ourselves a little slice of stillness & simplicity? The following is a devotional entry I wrote in March of 2007. I recently ran across it in a box of papers and wanted to share it with you. It is based on Psalm 4. I hope it blesses your life as much as it has recently blessed mine.

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"Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah. Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him. In your anger do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah." (Psalm 4:1-4)

* * * * *

It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. We seem to keep ourselves occupied with activities all day and many nights, so much so that I think we tend to lose communication with our God, who often speaks in stillness and simplicity. I think of Elijah, who ran to Mt. Sinai after his great victory on Mount Carmel scared for his life because a crazy queen wanted him dead. On that holy mountain God showed His glory first in a strong wind, then an earthquake, and then a massive fire. But God's voice was not in any of those impressive displays. No, it was in a gentle breeze that the Lord whispered to Elijah. In stillness and simplicity.

Our Lord often withdrew from the multitudes, and even from His disciples, in order to find some stillness and simplicity (see Matt 14:23; 26:36; Mark 6:46). He knew that there was a need for us to withdraw from our busyness and calm our hearts and minds. It's a lesson that we all could benefit from in this day and age.

Psalm 4 is an example of one man's plea for stillness and simplicity. King David is recorded crying out his distressed heart before the Lord, begging for an answer to his worry. He is being hounded by various tribulations, men who seek to bring him down -- deceptive men who worship another god. David's mind was worried and his heart was anything but still. As a result, he had trouble hearing the voice of God, though he knew he could hear Him if he was to still his heart. God listens to the righteous. But will He respond? David believes that God will answer him. But before he hears God, David prescribes several action steps for himself.

First, do not get angry with God, which is sin. Be mad at unrighteousness but let your anger stay there. Don't direct it anywhere else. Second, meditate quietly upon your bed. David says to meditate "in your heart." When you are troubled, pray to God just as David prayed. Finally, he says the most important thing to himself -- be still. Literally, "to rest in silence." We live in such a busy age that the last thing we need to do when distressed is distract ourselves. This only prolongs the problem. We don't need to start doing more things, getting busier and busier. We need to be still and know that He is God. We need to drop what we're doing and turn to Him in our distress. And in doing so I think we'll learn the great value of stillness and simplicity.

Be God's.

Quote of the Day

"What is your primary concern? Is it the social and political conditions in which you find yourself, or is it your relationship to God and eternity? If you are obsessed by your present conditions; if you become agitated, passionate and bitter about them, and simply condemn people on one side or the other, you are already outside the New Testament position. The Christian's one burning concern is his relationship to God and to heaven and to eternity, and because that is so he looks upon all other matters as secondary. He looks at them coolly and quietly, realizing that his first business is to be related as a Christian to all that life involves. He is different from men who are not Christians. It is only when his spirit is thus right that he can begin to consider whether as a citizen living in the world he should be trying to change or improve or maintain this or that—whatever his point of view may happen to be. But the final and the vital concern is always this, "My Master is in heaven"; whether I am servant or master, whether I am employee or employer, am I submitting myself to the Lord and living to His glory?"

—D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

God Over Governors & Governments

I've heard several Christians say in disgust and distress today, "What should we do now that Barack Obama is president-elect? What does this mean for America?" Here is a biblical reminder of what we should do, taken from Romans 13, and written when evil emperor Nero was on the throne. The truth is never easy to swallow. I know. But we are called to be men and women of truth.

1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.

5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. 7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

Just to remind you: Nero was the instrument of God, selected by Him, and the bearer of a sword of justice. This is the same Nero who used Christians as human torches to light his streets. Did he use justice wisely? Not always. But was he still established by God? Yes. Remember when Jesus was talking to Pilate before his trial? Our Lord said to the oft-cruel governor, "You would have no authority if it were not given to you from above." If Nero and Pilate could be used by God, why not Barack Obama, who may be a Christian like us?

The truth is the truth. And you and I need to be defenders of the truth. We need to stand up for truth. So pray for President-Elect Obama. Respect his position. Obey him. And honor God in the process. Even if you disagree with his policies.

Be God's!

Election Day

Well, it's election day here in the United States, and Americans are heading to the polls (unless they have already been there) to elect a new president, vice president, and various senators and representatives. Some states are electing new governors. Every four years there is a peaceful change in leadership in this nation, something that few others can claim. In most places, leadership changes at the end of a gun or when a government collapses. In some places, only a major death can bring about leadership change. Some places never seem to change...

The USA is a remarkable place for many reasons and has been blessed by God beyond measure, no doubt. Every time there is an election day, I'm always amazed at how two years of bickering and hard campaigning can end with civility and well wishes. I remember when in 2000 the White House not only changed occupants but also parties. The outgoing president and first lady did their best to help the new first couple transition into the House and the job. It still strikes me as remarkable. And no matter whether John McCain or Barack Obama win the White House, there will be another peaceful transition of power. No guns. No tanks. No genocide. No mass resignations of the ministry. Just a handshake and a smile.

We may be first of all citizens of heaven, but there is something still very remarkable about being residents of earth.

Do Not Fear

Well, another frightful Halloween is behind us and our hearts are wanton to once again turn towards Thanksgiving and the roasted turkey, canned cranberry sauce, and mystery casseroles. But for many evangelicals, the horror of Halloween will return tomorrow when the country elects a new president who is not an evengelical (or maybe not a Republican). I have been getting e-mails lately from a number of evangelical groups reminding me of the great importance of this one particular election for Christians in America because the future of our country is at stake and I, as a believer, should be worried about what would happen if Barack Obama gets elected president. There is a lot of fear in their tone, a lot of worry, a lot of anxiety.

But I wonder: Why do we fear when God has told us not to fear? Why do we cower when we should be people of courage? Should Christians be afraid of election day? Should we be worried about what would happen if the Democratic candidate wins tomorrow?

Today I turned to Psalm 46 and received an answer strong and clear. It was an answer that I have received every place I looked in the Bible. The message is simple yet complicated: Do not fear.

Here's what God's Word says about fear:

For the choir director. A Psalm of the sons of Korah, set to Alamoth. A Song.

1God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.

4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
The holy dwelling places of the Most High.
5God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;
He raised His voice, the earth melted.
7The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

8Come, behold the works of the LORD,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
9He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
10"Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
11The LORD of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.


There are 11 "verses" to this song, divided into three thoughts.

1. "God is our refuge and strength... therefore we will not fear." This is a common theme in the psalms. God is our spiritual and emotional refuge because He is a Spirit who works in the spiritual realms to bring about peace. He is also our physical refuge because He is the Caretaker-Sovereign of the universe who has the power to change the physical realm. The ability to not fear comes from the fact that there is One who exists beyond time and space yet has the desire and ability to reach down into it and act on the behalf of those He loves. Even when all hell seems to be breaking loose on earth, God is still a refuge.

2. "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God." This section deals with heaven, where the psalmists and prophets place the throne of God, with the earth as His footstool. Heaven is going nowhere, despite the hell reigning down on earth. God is still sovereign and in full command of the nations. He is WITH us (emmanuel). He is our stronghold.

3. "Come behold the works of the Lord... 'Cease (Be still) and know that I am God.'" God brings about BOTH war and peace. The armies of earth do not move without His bidding. So why should we fear? God is still in control, even if we think all hell is breaking loose on earth -- or in an election. The word for "Cease" or "Be still" is "rafa," which means "the relaxing of the body." It's when muscles cease to be tense and you become a body of jello on the couch after a long, hard day. It's that moment when you sit down after standing or walking all day and your feet are so tired they're screaming for relief. That's what it means to "Be still" and know that He is God. It's pure relief. It's the antidote to fear.

God will be exalted no matter what tomorrow may bring. And He will use the new president to push forward His agenda on earth. Even if it's "the other guy." So why should we fear? The Lord is with us. The Lord is our refuge if times get tough. Do not fear. He is the Lord.

Quotes of the Day

"It really doesn't matter who's in the great White House.
What matters is who's on the Great White Throne."
-- Stuart Bricoe, as quoted by wife Jill at Crossroads Bible Church, Oct. 23, 2008

"Someone once said, 'Discouragement is like a tired soul looking for someplace to sit down.'"
-- Jill Briscoe

Isn't that so true?

More Random Thought Offerings...

I'm wondering why...

... believers insist on replacing Israel with the United States of America. What makes America greater than Britain, which has Christianity as its official religion? What makes it better than Ethiopia, which also has Christianity as its official religion and a direct tie-in to the Bible? They say America was founded by Christians who wanted Christians to worship without government influence. This is a half-truth. America was founded by a mixture of Deists (who denied the deity of Christ), agnostics, and Christians. The author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, was not a believer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Neither were Franklin, Adams, and a few other fathers. I find it fascinating that there is no mention of Jesus in any official U.S. document of that period. Why? Because the founding fathers wanted all religions to have freedom to worship in America, including Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, and all cults related to them. How we Christians have distorted this truth in a effort to place America in a covenant with God! Only Israel was in covenant with God. Now He makes one covenant with individuals -- the covenant of grace.

... that believers close to me and unknown take exception at the previous statement and I cannot reason with them. They see the whole world in black and white while I see the Gospel in black and white. There is a lot of gray in this world. And I'll go gray trying to argue that with them! It does no good for any of us. Argue over the Gospel, not politics.

... that we believers have a bad habit of labeling things. This applies to both theology and politics. It applies to music, art and church life. We just love putting things into boxes and forcing them to stay there regardless of what anyone else says. A "liberal" is a demon, a "conservative" a saint. "Reformed" is deceptive, "grace" is pure truth. A "Catholic" is going to hell and one "born again" is truly saved. Why do we do this? I quote Saint Paul: "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Gal 3:26)." Liberals can be Christians, conservatives can be heathens, reformed theologians can be loving and "grace" theologians can be cold. What matters is not what we do on the outside -- it's what we do on the inside. Stop labeling people!

... that the inside of my car is my "safety zone," where I can fuss, yell, cry, and sing without fear of reprimand. I've had so many "upset" conversations and prayers in my car with no one present but myself and the Lord. And I'm so glad no one else is there! And I'm glad my car cannot speak. If it could, I'd be ruined!

I'm Thinking About...

...stress, and how it can affect the human body and mind. I've just come through four of the most stressful days of my working life and each day I have gone home shaking from the stress. Stress makes my hands shake and my elbows and knees ache. It's funny how busyness can affect the body. And I sit in a chair and stare at a computer screen all day! There is truth to the fact that our bodies and our minds are not separate from each other. They are intimately connected. One affects the other and vice versa.

...the heart, and how easy it is to wound. Especially if it is my own heart. You see, I have a bad habit of holding high expectations for things I plan, whether it is a romantic evening, a small group or a newsletter. And when those plans suddenly change, are canceled, or fail to live up to my expectations, my heart gets hurt. Oh, I'm sure I could try to be thick-skinned, calloused, and cold, but to do so would deny things that make me human. I have emotion. I have a heart. And it breaks. Too often, I believe, but it does break. God has replaced my heart of stone with a heart of flesh (2 Cor. 3:3; Jer 31:31-34). I will not trade it back. I just need to either lower my expectations or learn to better deal with their failure.

...the passing of time, and how my days seem shorter and emptier when the sun goes down earlier. I bought a new chainsaw yesterday -- an electric one -- but I don't have an hour of daylight to use it. Even when I come home from work a 5, I have other more important things to care for at home. By the time I get changed into work clothes, the sun is about to set and the trees are blocking whatever daylight I have left. I have work lights outside, so that I can tend my garden at night, but I feel I should refrain from using outdoor power equipment after the sun sets. I think it's a neighbor taboo. Time messes with us so badly. Makes me long for eternity and the sunrise that has no sunset.

...encouragement, and how words and e-mails don't usually encourage me nearly as much as actions. Though I must confess that I was greatly blessed by the retelling of a recent mission trip by one of my pastors. He went to Ukraine with a church missionary and encountered a church in Kiev that really blessed him. He met person after person who were kind and humble, offering service, food, and fellowship. The church across the world is amazing. Just reading about the neat people my pastor met really encouraged me as a believer.

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

If you were a Jew living two thousand years ago, there was no getting around it: Yom Kippur was the holiest, most special day of the year. It was Easter for Christians, Labor Day for workaholics, Memorial Day for Veterans. Jews were required by Law to gather at Jerusalem, if physically possible, and wait in eager anticipation for the high priest to enter the Holy of Holies and present the blood of a bull before God Almighty. The Jews would hold their breath while the priest was in the most scared chamber and pray that their offering would be accpeted by God to atone for the annual sins of the nation. There were few guarantees. God would not accept an unacceptable sacrifice by an unacceptable priest.

Yom Kippur was sacred. It was the holiest day of the year. Today, October 9, is Yom Kippur.

The devout Jews of today will cease their labor and reflect all day upon their sin. There is no more animal sacrifice, so I'm not sure how they handle atonement, but they still revere today as the most sacred day. For 1500 years, sacrifices were made on Yom Kippur to atone of the year's sin. Israel was a nation in covenant with God. And Yom Kippur paid for the sins of the nation.

But there was a problem with Yom Kippur. Read Hebrews 10:3 and following, "But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. By the will [of God] we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Every priest stands daily ministering and offering time after time the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins; but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD."

Thankfully, there was a sacrifice that was offered before God to take away not only the sins of the year, but also the sins of all eternity.

Will you join with me in saying a prayer for the Jewish people today? Will you join me in praying that they will accept the one true sacrifice that took away their sin, the atoning death of Jesus, their messiah? Will you join me in praying for their salvation?

Out of Context

I was forwarded a political-religious e-mail over the weekend from a gentleman in my church that said:

"This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced. From the looks of the polls, the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees. Do you believe we can take God at His word? His scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land."

The e-mail then quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14 as its Scriptural foundation:

"[if] My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Even though I've been accustomed to hearing this verse used during election seasons, the fact that the verse itself has been taken out of context and run through the political washing machine always bothers me. This may be the most misinterpreted verse of the Old Testament used by Christians in America today. I hear it on Christian radio and see it in Christian bookstores. Young Christians across the nation rally around this verse every time they gather at school flagpoles to pray. But what does it really mean? Who are the "My people" called by "My name"? I think it useless to point out the truth about this verse, but here are a few things to ponder:

1. Context -- The verse comes from a paragraph of dialogue delivered by God to Israel's King Solomon in a dream.

2. Grammar -- It is a conditional statement preceded by and followed by declarations. God says He will hear prayers offered at the Temple before and after verse 14. The verse itself is introduced by a clause... IF in times of famine or pestilence, verse 13 says...

3. Time -- God is speaking to Solomon at a time before Christ -- before the Church. He is having a one-on-one conversation (one-sided, I might add!) with the wise king, who has just constructed a Temple to house the manifest presence of God.

4. Interpretation -- Who is the "My people" called by "My name"? Israel. Yes, folks, it's not America. In fact, Ethiopia has a greater claim to being a theocracy than the U.S. of A. After all, Christianity is the official religion there. It is not the official religion of the U.S. Israel is the one who prayed at the Temple. Israel received famine and pestilence as a result of its sin. Israel was called upon to humble itself and turn to the Temple and pray for healing. Its land was hurt by its sin. Israel is the recipient of this conditional promise.

5. Covenants -- God has made no covenant with a nation since Sinai. The founding fathers of the USA did not make a covenant with God. Not all believed in God. Not all believed in the deity of Jesus Christ. And God certainly didn't reach down to them to speak to them in a dream and promise them things.

You see, God saves individuals now, not nations. In fact, God even spoke to and saved individuals outside of the Law in the Old Testament! 2 Chronicles 7:14 does not apply to America. It never did. It never will.

Is this election scary? Not to me. God is in control. And He loves you and He loves me no matter who is in the Oval Office. And He asks you to pray for that person and then choose to live in peace and quietness under his authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3; Rom 13:1-3). Can you accept this? I can.

Of Earthly Tents & Heavenly Homes

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Corinthians 5:1-5)

I've been thinking a lot lately about this one particular passage of Paul's as I watch my grandparents get frail and as I feel my own body get aches and pains in places and ways I never experienced before. Our bodies, as we know them, are meant for temporary living on this earth. They are tents, breaking down through time, but good for withstanding the forces of this world. We endure hardship and pain, storms and rain; we fall down and get up again, in our earthly tents of cells and bone. I long for a body that does not break down, as I look at my grandfather, struggling with cancer, and long for his body to be the same. I yearn for a body that is eternal and bulletproof, just like Paul did. And I know that I will one day receive that body. Something tells me it's gonna look an awfully lot like the one I have now, save for a number of nicks and scratches. Oh, and it will be unbreakable. God has promised. And He isn't in the habit of breaking His promises.

Squeaky Wheels & the Groaning of Time

Ain't technology grand?

Back in 2001 I bought my first computer, an Apple iMac G3 that had a grand total of 13 Gigs of memory and two -- gasp -- yes, two USB ports on it. It was totally awesome! The computer I was using before had barely enough power to run a crock pot and the new machine was so amazing in comparison that I think I did backflips for three months. However, as we all come to find out, new technology is only new from the time you slide the credit card to the time you open the box. After you first turn it on... it's practically obsolete. Each month, technology seems to best its best efforts, from computers to websites to cell phones. My cell phone was purchased in late 2005 -- brand new -- and I was told just recently that it is ancient. Yes, from new to ancient in less than three years. Just today at the church I was confronted with the fact that our auditorium's LCD projectors (which I consider to be totally cool machines) are about to depart to that final microchip destination in the sky, circuit heaven. They are corroding on the inside and their effectiveness is gradually fading away.

Much like all we see around us. Much like you and I.

Yesterday I was bemoaning the effects of time. My grandfather is 83 years young and having some concerning health problems. It seems like only yesterday that I was riding with him on his riding lawnmower, chopping down blades of grass on one of the various lots he owned. Now, he cannot even sit on his mower. His grandsons do most of his yardwork. Time has caught up to him. Just as it will to you and I. But that's our reality here on planet earth. We must live with it, even if we don't like it. Things are breaking down, not getting better. And they will get much worse. Saint Paul puts it this way in Romans 8:20-22, "the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now."

All of creation is suffering as a result of mankind's fall way back in the Garden of Eden. God put a curse upon both man and ground and things have been getting progressively worse. Paul wrote that creation groans in pain like a woman giving birth. It longs for redemption just as you and I long for redemptiion. We long for time to cease and our bodies to rest. We long for renewal of our weary bodies but we know that we will not have such on this side of the eternal line. The planet is breaking down just like I am -- just like our electronic devices are. No, not even computers and LCD projectors are immune to the curse, it seems.

But unlike they, we will be redeemed. Because Jesus paid the debt of our fallenness and became accursed for us. And through faith in Him we will have redemption of both spirit and body. Yes, our bodies will be redeemed (read 1 Corinthians 15 all the way through). Death never had final say over the body. God always did. And our bodies will be raised -- from ash, bone or dust -- and we will be made like new. To walk forever without squeaky wheels and whining joints on streets of gold.

Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Behold, the Bunny Prowleth...

Can't Get Past the Evidence...

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the rabbit prowls around like a hungry hare looking for someone's lettuce to devour."
(1 Peter 5:8, from the Gardener's Bible)

I'm Thinking...

... that many Christians have lost their way when it comes to having a biblical worldview of "God and Government." I saw a Christian talk show's newsletter recently and the host wrote, "I believe that this election represents a major fork in the road for America." It sounds exciting but it ignores the fact that God will do with America as He pleases regardless of who wins. It ignores the fact that the two leading candidates for president are both professing believers in Jesus Christ. One candidate is open about his faith and the other more reclusive. But both believe. God's candidate will win this election. He or she always does. In every election. In every nation. We have a sovereign God who sees America on the same level as Mauritania (read Isa. 40). He no longer makes covenants with nations like He did with Israel. He loves and saves individuals and chooses to work through all governments. They are subject to Him. Always have been. Always will be.

... that Derek Webb's album "Mockingbird" is pure prophetic truth. I'm not talking future-telling here nor word-for-word inspiration but instead the words of a prophet calling the church back to holiness and right thinking. It truly is a masterpiece and I hope more believers pick it up and listen. God still speaks through believers. Not like the prophets of old, but He still does it. We would be wise to listen to each other.

... that rabbits love lettuce and I've been losing sleep over the fact that I planted nine romaine lettuce seedlings in my new garden last Tuesday. I expect one or two to disappear one night soon. And I've been told fences won't stop a hungry bunny. Yikes!

Don't Remember This Alamo!

From the files of wacky "evangelists" comes this article about Tony Alamo, a 74-year-old evangelist from California who has an international ministry compound in Arkansas (Why is it that every crazy spiritual figure has a compound?). Allegations of criminal activity have followed Alamo's ministry everywhere he's gone and the latest allegations are perhaps the worst. He even spent four years in prison for tax crimes int he 1990's. Now, the federal government is investigating whether or not children were abused at Alamo's Arkansas compound. In a page from the FLDS Mormons in Texas, Utah and Arizona, the allegations concern the young sexual activity and marriage of girls at the compound. Some girls are alleged to have been married as young as 12 to men more than twice or three times their age. The article I read made me shudder because people around the world consider Alamo to be a prophet of sorts who is to be trusted and followed.

But Alamo is more than a wolf in sheep's clothing. He is a dangerous man to both believers and unbelievers. His Gospel does not include the grace of God in Christ for the believer nor the forgiveness of God towards the sinner. He heavily leans on end times preaching and a "us-verses-them" motif towards the government, the Catholic Church, and towards other religions. He sees the devil everywhere in everything. It is men like Alamo that the apostles and saints of old warned the early church to leave on the street. Don't invite them in.

And certainly don't listen to them. If you want to read the disturbing article, click HERE.

Just Thinking...

... that the stories behind Christmas traditions, whether factual or legend, are almost as fun as the traditions themselves. I was just reading a poem I wrote about jolly old Saint Nick (when he was merely a young, shy bishop) to our writer's support group and the story is just as fun today as it was when I first discovered it four years ago. How quickly we evangelicals tend to throw the baby out with the bath water...

... that our relationships with other people should mirror God's relationship with us. We should forgive, accept, show grace, encourage, look after, etc., each other the way God does for us.

... that what I just wrote is easier said than done.

... that sometimes it is more meaningful to sit and chat with someone than to try to teach them something. Who knows, maybe through the very act of conversation, you have taught them something!

... that legalism kills. So many of my friends and associates have come from a law-driven background into the message of the grace of God but they still struggle with guilt and performance. Rules are nice and they generally keep us away from harm, but they can kill our spiritual energy and prevent us from bathing in the all-sufficient grace of God. It is only by God's grace that we stand and only into His grace that we fall.

Gentlemen, Put Down Your Swords!

"But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion." (1 Timothy 1:5-6)

"Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:14-16)

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (Titus 3:9)

-----

I know of a church in which there is a great debate raging over words. These aren't words of traditional doctrine, mind you, but words of theology -- systematic theology. This church is in the midst of a self-imposed crisis, though its congregants have no idea that there is a theological controversy raging at the top. The debate is not over the Gospel message. All are in agreement over the simple message of forgiveness in Christ. The debate is not over the mission of the church, for all agree that the church exists to preach the Gospel, build up believers, and shine the light of Christ in this dark world.

The debate is over how to communicate to people that their church is vastly different from all the other churches around. It is a debate over the distinctiveness of this church's theology. And the debate is not very healthy. Pastor challenges pastor. Elder disagrees with pastor. Elder disagrees with elder. The debate concerns a system of theology that no man can completely define (and I will not attempt it here).

But within this one system of theology there are "sub-systems." Theologians argue over the commands of the apostles, the issue of confession, and the motivation for living the Christian life, among other things. And there are so many sub-systems within the main theology that arguments have even erupted inside this church between proponents of those sub-systems! There is so much hair splitting going on that the church leadership is at odds. Again, a self-imposed crisis.

It doesn't have to be that way.

What concerns me most about that church is I fear the message of the Gospel has been neglected in the midst of theological nit-picking. Paul wrote to Timothy in Ephesus that he should put an end to fruitless discussion among the overseers there. Their problem was not a theological system but the principle still applies today. It's time to refocus on spreading the message of the Gospel and lovingly building up believers in Christ. The goal of Paul's instruction was not arguments and debate over systematic theology but love with purity and a sincere faith. He said in his second letter that Timothy should charge the elders to stop wrestling over words. Paul told Titus to tell the Cretan church to avoid foolish controversies.

I believe most "sub-system" controversies are foolish controversies that usually distract churches. It is dividing the leaders of this particular church and I firmly believe their debate is hurting the whole church. Internal strife never produces growth, just as a fever is always a warning sign. Godly overseers need to refocus on the purity of the Gospel message and seek to share it with their community. The longer they wrangle over words, the more they hinder their mission. Forget about splitting hairs. Defend the Gospel. Defend your points of doctrine.

I believe Jesus would say, "Gentlemen, put down your swords and love one another!"

Quick Hits

I wanted to somehow keep the blog posts shorter than they've been recently (which was my intention when I stared TTS) so I'll periodically throw out there quick thoughts that have popped into my head during a week or two. Recently, here's what's been going through my mind...

1. I went to my local Kroger and saw the latest book by super-pastor Joel Osteen called, "Become a Better You." My first thought was, "I don't want to become a better me!" In fact, I don't want to be me at all. Not in a spiritual sense. Jesus did not say, "Accept yourself, sing about the cross and watch me." He said "DENY yourself, PICK up your cross, and FOLLOW Me." Paul would say we are not being transformed into better people. No, we are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. I want to become like Jesus, not like John.

2. Over the past two weeks my intention was to avoid watching or reading about both political conventions that took place here in the U.S. But (due to some female persuasion) I ended up sitting through the speeches of the two top Republican nominees, John McCain and Sarah Palin. Watching those speeches reminded me of how much I hate election season and convention speeches. The negativity was deep. The demonization of the other party and nominees was deep. (I'm sure it was for the other party, too). Why do we wish to cut down those we disagree with? Why do we draw such joy and satisfaction from labeling another human (and Christian) "evil" and "demonic" and "wicked"? I'll never understand this. Truly God's party is neither Republican nor Democrat.

3. I'm thinking that Derek Webb was so right when he wrote and sang: "my first allegiance is not to a flag, a country, or a man / my first allegiance is not to democracy or blood / it's to a king & a kingdom." How often do we Christians forget that the Kingdom of Heaven and its King are real and demand "our soul, our life, our all." I wish we would remember that God is not rooting for a party. He's rooting for people, like you and me.

4. I'm thinking that I haven't heard a Derek Webb song that has not challenged the church or the individual in some way. He speaks for my generation's longing for transparency in the church (and its leaders), social responsibility (feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc.), and the desire to reclaim the purity of the Gospel message, in his songs. His outspoken challenge of the church with biblical truth is a prophetic gift, in my opinion.

5. I'm thinking that relationships are way too complicated and the emotions of the human heart cannot truly be compartmentalized. There was a time in the American church when emotions were seen in a negative light and those who exercised emotion were thought of as "weak." A lie. Emotions were created by God, are used by God, and can glorify God when used properly by people. And emotions cannot be compartmentalized. They cross over to affect everything we do. And sometimes they get so complicated that they paralyze. I hate it when that happens.

6. I picked my best watermelon last week and licked my lips in anticipation of some watery goodness. The melon looked and sounded ripe (a good thump). It came off the vine easily. But when I sliced it open it was green inside with the exception of four small pink areas. I laughed. The melon reminded me of how some people can seem to be ripe and mature on the outside but are really green and undeveloped on the inside. More lessons from my garden...

Voting for Jesus

While I consider myself to be largely an evangelical, theologically, I can't help but be amazed at how many times evangelicals miss the biblical boat in their geo-social-political views. There was an article in the USA Today about how many Christians believe they have an obligation to vote in national elections like the one we're wrapped up in this summer. Some folks quoted in the article said Christians MUST vote this fall and vote only for candidates who support certain views 100-percent. Interestingly, there are some Christian groups that believe their followers should abstain from voting in all political elections. And one group of young "emergent church" believers is crossing the country to call Christians back to putting Jesus first and not politics. Fascinating.

And even though I lean towards the evangelical side on most issues, the best and most biblical quote of the whole article comes from a Catholic. The least biblical quote comes from an evengelical politician I happen to like a bunch. Lately, it seems that I've found quite a bit of truth from the Orthodox side and error from my fellow evangelicals. Maybe that's why I find the most biblical truth in the middle ground. If only we could head towards a new orthodoxy...

Anyway, click the article link to read and react.

Be God's.

Tales from the Garden: Part 2

Cucumber (Top) and Watermelon

Well... the cucumber plants are officially out of control. I planted one seedling and a bunch of seeds back in late March and now they are growing like weeds on a mission.

Just the other day I noticed that my cucumber plants (vines) had grabbed a hold of the bell pepper plant with their snaky grabbers. I was horrified. I only have one bell pepper plant and I'd like to see it produce a few peppers before it dies. But the bell pepper plant was only the tip of the iceberg. The cucumber vines had also grabbed the jalapeño plants, okra, and watermelon vines. I nearly passed out! (OK, I didn't nearly pass out but I need some drama for this post!) The cucumber vines were threatening to strangle the rest of my garden.

I had to act. And act fast.

So I started breaking the vine of its vice grip on my garden. Quickly. Gently. I didn't want to harm the cucumber vine yet I wanted to save my other plants. So I broke tentacle after tentacle until my garden was free.

A lot of Christians are like my cucumber vines -- they come to faith in Christ and grow wild. They just take off like a rocket in every direction, soaking up every bit of information they receive -- good AND bad. Sometimes in their exuberance they end up strangling other believers around them. Their intention is good. They just want to grow and serve. But they run over their brothers and sisters in the process. I've seen it happen in newer believers young and old.

So how do you deal with an overly excited brother or sister? Just like those cucumber vines, you correct them gently. Everyone needs to be sober and self-controlled. Don't hurt them. Instead, guide them. You don't want them to lose their excitement over their new life in Christ. But you also need to watch out for other believers and their spiritual lives. So correct gently. Just like I had to do with my cucumber vines.

Be God's.

Tales from the Garden: Part 1

Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. (Matthew 21:18-21)

* * *

I almost cursed my watermelon plant last month. I came close so many times. It would have been a shame, too.

You see, last March, the Sunday after Easter, I planted a variety of plants in my small garden. I planted some okra seeds, bell pepper seeds, mild jalapeño seeds, parsley seeds, and several young seedlings, including a watermelon plant. The tag that came with the watermelon plant (I only planted one) said the fruit would mature in 80 days from the date of the plant's first sprout. March 30 was the day I planted the seedling, so I naturally anticipated the watermelons would come sometime around mid June. Sounds right, right?

During June I waited eagerly for the sweet taste of melon but none appeared. There were many flowers and many leaves and the plant grew like a weed. The small seedling grew into a wild, aggressive, massive vine system that produced pretty yellow flowers. Leaves grew upon leaves and the vine took over my front yard. It is massive! But, alas, not single fruit grew. June turned into July and early July into mid July. Mid July turned into late July. But the vine grew no fruit. My heart nearly broke. Here was a vine that appeared more-than-healthy and was growing like mad. But it did not do what it was supposed to do. It did not bear fruit. There was no evidence of the fact this was, indeed, a watermelon vine.

So I seriously considered cursing it. Just like Jesus said I could in Matthew 21.

Almost... until I noticed something one day two weeks ago. The calendar had turned into August when I noticed a melon growing near the end of one of the vines. It wasn't small, like I had anticipated. No, it was the size of a tennis ball. "Where did this come from?" I asked myself. "Why now? Why not 80 days from the date of first sprouting? Do you know how much I have anticipated this day?" I asked the plant. Indeed, that melon was the first. Now I have at least six melons growing. Several are the size of water balloons and others the size of walnuts.

There are spiritual analogies embedded everywhere in my watermelon saga. The vine is like many Christians who love to sit in church and soak up information. They eat, sleep and breathe theology and appear -- on the outside -- to have it all together. But they bear no fruit. They are content to listen to exegetical preaching but not to live out what they hear in their daily lives. Indeed, they are watermelon vines with no watermelons. God is waiting for their fruit. He's waiting for their acts of kindness, grace and mercy. He's waiting for them to share the Gospel, whether in word or in deed. He's waiting for them to teach others what they have learned. Indeed, He's waiting for them to come into maturity. Maybe you're one of them. Hopefully not.

In John 15, Jesus said He would prune those branches (or vines) that did not bear fruit. They are regarded as worthless as fruit branches. Abide in Me, Jesus said, and you will bear fruit. Abiding in Christ involves living out His commands and teachings. Otherwise, you are not being a productive Christian.

Just a lesson from my watermelon vine.

Be God's!

Video Blog: An Evening at the Lake

Hiking a Path Unknown: A Lesson in Endurance

Saturday morning a friend and I walked the Northshore Trail on the shores of Grapevine Lake, my watery neighbor to the south. We had planned a cool expedition with photography, exercise, and personal fulfillment, starting with a sunrise over the lake. But what we hadn't planned was the test of endurance that was soon to follow. The hike started off in the "cool" of the Texas summer morning and we had what looked like about two miles to hike along the shoreline of the lake. Five hours later, we were still hiking. In the heat. The blazing, unyielding Texas heat.

It's funny how tests of endurance can suddenly come out of nowhere. Oh, sure, you can plan a 21-day backpacking trip that you know beforehand is going to be tough, but many of the most memorable and effective tests are unexpected trials.

We set out from Rockledge Park to the east and hiked our way towards Murrell Park, about two miles away (as the crow flies). it was all good for a while. The Texas cool was with us, the breeze coming off the water, and the photo opportunities aplenty. But our decision to park one car at the start and one at the end meant we needed to complete the hike. The hike that looked like it would never end. Up hills and down them; over boulders and under fallen trees. We even took a side-hike around the shoreline -- off the beaten path. Our goal was simple -- we wanted to finish the trail before the sun killed us!

It was hot. We were worn down. The water was running out. But we had to endure. And through a few divine blessings (like shade trees) and a water fountain, we pressed on until we finally got to her car and the air conditioning within. It was hot. It was tough. But we had to endure.

The author of Hebrews said something about endurance. He said endurance is something that becomes easier to do when your path is free from obstacles (Heb 12:1). Isn't that so true? When we were hiking today, the last things we wanted to see were fallen trees blocking the trail and long inclines. When you're hot and tired, those things are not in the slightest bit fun. Yet still, you have to endure. But isn't it so much easier when your trail is free and clear? When you have removed stumbling blocks and set your mind to moving forward, the race becomes much easier to run -- the trail much easier to hike.

Here's another slideshow, this time from our hike. Enjoy!

Creation on Display

Yesterday (Monday) I went to the Ft. Worth Botanic Garden and the Stockyards on another wonderful photographic field trip. Even though it was 100-plus degrees in North Texas, I came away from the trip with a number of pictures that show various elements of God's creation -- from animals to plants to patterns. I've posted a few in a slideshow below.

The Call to Do Nothing

"How can I kill the ones I'm supposed to love? My enemies are men like me."

Songwriter Derek Webb sings those words in the chorus to his song, "My Enemies Are Men Like Me." What Webb is saying in the song is that even though many of us enjoy watching conflicts -- real and imagined -- as they unfold on TV, what we fail to realize is that Jesus has called us to love our enemies and bless those who insult us. Our enemies are broken people just like we are, with the same problems and the same basic needs. They, like we, need a Savior.

I've been learning a lot about the Kingdom of heaven lately and one thing that I've come to understand is that the new weapons of fighting are not weapons at all -- and we are not meant for fighting. We are meant for trusting. Blessing those who curse, Paul elaborated, is the greatest insult we can give an enemy. To think... not fighting back is more powerful than a knuckle sandwich! By doing nothing in retaliation, we are actually denying our opponent the satisfaction he or she is looking for in a fight.

And when their guilt sets in... oh, man, is it ever convicting. Just a thought stirred up by a song.

I might add:

"We can point our guns at the other side
and with our mouths let insults fly;
But to turn the cheek the other direction
Is the strongest gesture of godly aggression."

All Creatures of Our God & King

I took a field trip with a friend to the Ft. Worth Zoo today, a majestic place of atmospheres, animals, and all around good fun. Seeing the varieties of creatures reminded me of the beauty of God, particularly how that beauty can be seen in creation. We entered a parrot cage where parakeets, parrots and the odd pigeon were flying around and it took my breath away. There were yellow birds and blue birds; red birds and gray birds; bigger birds and smaller birds; all flying representatives of the beauty and intimacy of the King.

Enough chatter from me. Here's a slideshow of some of the creatures we saw as captured through my lens. Enjoy!

An Upside Down World

Have you ever had one of those moments when a truth you learned as a kid ... and always kept with you ... suddenly becomes new again? What about a Bible verse you've always known but never fully understood until now?

Lately, I've been wowed by the makeup of the kingdom of heaven. You know, the first shall be last, the poor shall by rich, the meek shall overcome the proud, turning the other cheek, picking up your cross, etc. Jesus came and turned the known world upside down. He said all the wrong things and, as N.T. Wright famously wrote, He "blessed all the wrong people." He flipped their concept of righteousness and in the process revealed the true way of righteousness. The true way doesn't seem glorious. But the true way is the only way to pure glory.

Blessed are the poor in spirit...
Blessed are those who mourn...
Blessed are the merciful...
Blessed are...

As Christians living in a hostile culture, we often want to play by that culture's rules. We want to fight back when attacked. We want to boast of our accomplishments. We want to have a church building that's way bigger than the other church buildings. We're not looking at the world from an upside down perspective. We want to interact with the world right side up. But in doing so we are becoming like the world and not like our Lord. He stayed upside down and called you and I to do the same.

I know I'm not doing it as well as He'd like. So I keep on trying. How are you doing?

A Day in the Park (or Garden)

Here are a few snapshots from today's trip to the quaint little/big city of Grapevine, just across the lake from good ole Flower Mound.

Behold... A Video Blog Sequel!

Yet Another Favorite Picture

This one was taken at the Dallas Arboretum on April 5. I don't know why it appeals to me but I remember exactly what I was thinking when I saw the water fountain pictured here. "Gee, that's a pretty cool spiral. I guess I ought to take a picture." So I did. It's not the best picture I've ever taken, but not the worst, either. It just happens to be a picture I like.

Sometimes photography doesn't take great planning. All it takes is a willing heart and an opportunity. Just like the Christian life. If our hearts are willing to serve the Lord, He will provide us with opportunities to serve. A photographer prepares his or her camera, tripod/monopod, lenses, etc. in hopes that he or she will find the right picture opportunity. Sometimes it comes. Sometimes it doesn't. But the photographer is prepared nonetheless. So we should be. Identify your spiritual gifts and get them ready for service. Pray for open doors and then start looking for them. If the lens of your heart is open to the Lord, then He will provide a picture-perfect opportunity.

Of Miracles & Ministers

People flock to Lakeland, Florida, by the thousands these days. They aren't seeking the sunshine, nor the orange groves. They're seeking a miracle of God -- one provided by the hand of pastor Todd Bentley of Fresh Fire Ministries, a charismatic outreach located in the central Florida city.

Bentley is not from Florida, though his followers could care less. Many fly in from around the world to receive a miracle from God through healing, touting Bentley as a man who "is very close with the Lord." Bentley himself is no saint, having come to the ministry after spending a number of years behind prison and far from Christ. But the people don't care about his past. They need a miracle and Bentley supposedly delivers them.

Revival services draw thousands. Bentley's ministry staff grows by the week. As does his popularity. But he doesn't claim to provide miracles, only to give his followers the faith they need to be healed. He says this because in today's modern age, most miracles are easy to disprove. And phoneys are easy to uncover.

So they hide. Just like Bentley.

You see, Bentley claims the authority of Jesus in his miracles yet he does not follow the pattern of Jesus when he lays hands on the sick and screams at demons in his microphone. He ignores the methods of Jesus and the teachings of Jesus. Yet he claims Christ's authority over sickness and pain. Bentley backtracks and covers for his "miracles" when pressed to prove them. On an ABC News Nightline report tonight, Bentley was asked for the names of people he had healed so that they could be contacted. After some stalling, Bentley said his staff would provide ABC with a packet of persons. They failed to come through in a timely manner. ABC did finally get some information directly from the staff but important details were blacked out, such as addresses, doctor names, and other verifiable facts. And a disclaimer was issued by Bentley that basically said all miracles are not guaranteed to be full and final.

Partial miracles? Just like Jesus? Hidden miracles? Just like Jesus?

I'm amazed at what passes for "faith healing" these days. Todd Bentley, and the even more famous Benny Hinn, can wave their arms and shout into any microphone while sending people to the floor in emotional overload but no one gets fully healed on the spot. When Jesus healed folks, He did it in full. And Bentley can black out verifiable facts all he wants but Jesus did every miracle in plain sight. The participants went walking around as two-legged billboards for the reality of Christ's authority over sickness and pain. The Pharisees even wanted to kill Lazarus because he was walking proof that Jesus raises the dead! Peter and John healed a man in the Temple in Acts 3. Paul healed many along his way.

I do believe there is healing in this world and I do believe miracles happen every hour. I've heard that most happen on the front-line mission field, like in India, Africa, and SE Asia. They come through the hands and hearts of those who have committed their lives to sharing the Gospel in the authority of Jesus Christ. They live in poverty (not Bentley's 100 grand) and combat dark spirits and cold hearts in distant places. The power of Christ protects them and the Spirit of God goes before them.

But Bentley? Partial healing at best, if even that. It takes one walking in the pattern of Jesus to exercise the authority of Jesus.

Singular Thoughts

If only I was Catholic...

I just got done talking to my little sister Heather about the frustrations of being a single Christian. Both of us are single adults in some form of ministry -- her a missionary to college athletes and me a former pastor and current member of my church's staff. Both of us have dreams about doing things for God in future ministry. But both of us also know that the mindset of the evangelical church of America is against us.

In the evangelical church, marriage is expected for ministers -- whether ministry directors, pastors, or missionaries. Remaining single late in young life is not respected. "When are you going to meet a nice young lady?" I'm asked repeatedly. "I can't believe you've lasted this long without getting married," others say.

What's wrong with being single? Why the rush to marriage? What's wrong with God's timing?

Heather has seen how her singleness has led people to treat her as less of a missionary. People may say, "Good for you. Another nice young lady wants to do something good for God," but they don't open their pocketbooks to help her. She needs financial support just as much as a missionary family of four in Poland. She may not need as much money but she still needs her daily bread. Interestingly, I have actually heard of this happening to other single missionaries through the years.

I have come to the sad conclusion that in the evangelical church singleness is a scarlet letter. Married ministers just don't understand the dilemma of the single Christian. We want to devote our lives to serving God and His church fully but we are barred from participating in the leadership of the Body of Christ. We can serve with our bodies until we are worn out mentally, emotionally and spiritually, but we cannot be considered serious spiritual leaders or wise old mentors. I guess wisdom only comes trough marriage. I'm happy to serve with my hands but I also want the dignity of being heard and taken seriously.

Sadly, I've found that many married pastors barely remember being single, if at all. I worked under one 60-something pastor who married later in life (ripe old 28!) and could have easily put himself in my place as a 28-year-old single. I sought his counsel but he couldn't even remember how he felt at 25, 26, 27, 28... He couldn't relate though he once was in my shoes. Marriage erased his single memory. Perhaps even sadder, I have yet to meet a pastor that accurately knows what it is like to be a single believer in the 21st Century. They all think they know. But they just don't get it.

Here is the basic dilemma that hurts me the most as a single man, ordained into the pastoral ministry three years ago this Thursday. In the evangelical church, there is this unspoken expectation that ministers are to be married men. How many single senior pastors have you heard of? I'm not talking divorced or widowed. I mean never married. Indeed, when it comes to selecting criteria for a pastoral search, "single" gets quickly thrown into the trash heap. It hurts me deeply. I am willing to minister for Christ wherever and however He wants. But to barr me from being a church leader because of my marital status? Scarlet letter.

It doesn't seem to matter that Jesus and Paul were single men. Nope. Spiritual leaders must be married.

But in the Orthodox church, the single man and single woman are celebrated and lifted up. They are sometimes called "Father" or "Mother" and looked to for guidance and spiritual counsel. Fascinatingly, in the Catholic Church spiritual leaders are expected NOT to marry. You cannot be a married priest unless you came into the priesthood as a married man.

While I do not agree that spiritual leaders should NOT marry, I believe Scripture is more on the side of the Orthodox faith than the evangelical faith. Marriage is mentioned only a handful of times in the New Testament, though we all agree that purity and faithfulness in marriage is most sacred. But singleness is also mentioned in the New Testament and each time it is mentioned it is in a positive, God-honoring light. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7 that single believers were blessed because they could devote themselves and their attention fully to the Lord and doing His work. I would expect a pastor or missionary to behave this way. But a married person cannot do so for his or her attention is divided between family and God. Jesus said in Matthew 19 that some were given the gift of singleness so that they may glorify God.

Orthodox faiths get it. Evangelicals do not. I must confess that, as a single man seeking ministry, I would run headfirst towards the faith that accepts me if not for the 99 doctrinal things with which I disagree.

This kills me. It discourages me. No wonder the young single demographic is missing from modern evangelical churches.

I have much more to say but the hour is late. Build up the single believers around you. Don't pressure them to get married. And don't hold them back from ministering for the Lord when you know you shouldn't.