Reflections at the End of Another Year

The short story is this — time is running out for all of us.

I think the main reason why THE END of the year bothers me is that I realize more and more that THE END of everything is coming sooner now. We are a day closer to eternity than we were yesterday. And as I write these few words, I am mindful that tomorrow may not come for everyone. This is a sobering reality.

THE END of the year should not only be a time of looking forward. Our youngest daughter seems super-excited about 2015 and she's begun writing the number everywhere. Me? It takes me a few months to get used to the change — which is probably the point (she's young and therefore excited about the possibilities which lie ahead; and I'm old and therefore dreading the possibilities which lie ahead).

THE END of the year should also be a time of looking back and, hopefully, learning from past failings … our own, of course, but of others' too. True wisdom is not merely learning from one's own mistakes and sins, but seeing what others did wrong and learning from those things.

In all seriousness, we need to remember life is short. So be kind and rewind (a nod to yesteryear's VHS cassettes) … or maybe don't rewind: in other words, don't dwell on past successes or failures.

2015 — It's really just a number. TODAY is the day we need to think a lot about: How can we help someone today? Could we forgive more? Love more? Smile more?

Tiring of the Word "Allegedly"

I was just reading a report of a man who killed a woman by running over her a couple times. The word "allegedly" appeared too many times, and was used "wrongly." :)

Honestly, if witnesses watched it actually happen when it actually happened, then there is nothing about what they witnessed that is "alleged." They witnessed an actual event. Interpretations may vary, but one cannot dismiss what they witnessed by the word "alleged," as if they may or may not have witnessed it.

What is alleged is the man's motivation for what they witnessed: he may or may not have done this intentionally or unintentionally. But to report that "Two witnesses allegedly saw this occur" is insulting. … allegedly.

Jesus Is Not a Burger King

And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."      —Revelation 19:11-16

Most people know the name Jesus Christ. Most probably don't realize that the term "Christ" was interpreted by the Jews (Luke 23:2) to mean "King." When Pontius Pilate directly asked Jesus if He were a king, Jesus did not deny the claim (John 18:33-37). 

Westerners don't know much about kings. We read our history books, and wonder how anyone could be loyal to death to one person. We're acclimated to the concepts of temporary influence and rule—our American presidents can only serve 2 terms, or 8 years; and we've only had one exception.

A lot of people who quickly identify themselves as "Christians" actually offer service based mostly upon their own ideas of submission. We read or hear what Jesus commands, but we'd rather put our own spin on these things.

For example, marriage: We know the divine rules (one man and one woman for life), but we'd rather bend the rule to our own views. This is willful sin. God said, "And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery" (Matthew 19:9). How many books have been written to say that this is not what He really meant?

In Mark's gospel account, we read: "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery" (Mark 10:11-12). It's simple, until we deceive ourselves into thinking it's not. 

There are other issues: worship services! A lot of people will claim to follow Jesus, but absolutely refuse—for whatever excuses offered—to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). And how dare anyone put a subjective spin on Hebrews 10:24-27?

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

If we have the attitude that Jesus is King, then we will unreservedly and without hesitation follow His commands (John 14:15, 23-24; 15:14). But when we know His will, and simply brush it off because we esteem Him like any other man suggesting what we're to do, then we are woefully deceived and in danger of eternal damnation. 

I know many scoff at God's eternal rule. But one day He will come in perfect judgment. Wouldn't we rather err on the side of loyalty and mindful obedience to the King of kings? Why are we so willful? 

Jesus is not a symbol of prosperity! He's not a joker! He's not a hippie! He's not a gimmick! He is King of kings, and Lord of lords!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.      —Isaiah 9:6-7

Observations While Growing A Beard

I used to grow a beard annually. There was really no occasion for it, I just used the cooler temps as an excuse not to shave.

Now, of course, there's No Shave November—a method of raising awareness (and money) for men's cancer. I didn't begin the No Shaving until November 5th for reasons irrelevant to this post.

So here I'm on Day 13. And it's already been interesting:

1. People who do not like beards are not afraid to tell you. And it's almost like it's a moral problem for you to be growing a beard (especially if they haven't seen your face covered in hair). Funny thing: I did not choose to grow a beard to offend; it's my hair growing on my face.
2. People who like beards tell you you're not growing it fast enough. As if there were some control over that anyway. (And, yes, I realize there's this thing called testosterone, but one is not truly less of a man because his beard doesn't pop out in three days full and bushy. I prefer not having thick hair on my back and knuckles, bro.)
3. God created MEN to grow beards. (Yes, there are exceptions, but oh my please shut up). So, when someone tells me they don't really like it, I have occasionally replied with this point that God designed men to grow beards and I'm doing what God designed me to do as a man. The replies are stunning because to some, they consider beards ungodly. And I'm not kidding.
4. Jesus may have had a beard. Yes, I went there. Actually, I'm pretty convinced He did: "I gave my back to those who strike, and my cheeks to those who pull out the beard; I hid not my face from disgrace and spitting" (Isaiah 50:6). And please, I'm not making this a religious issue, but maybe I should (Matthew 7:1–2).

Veterans Day: An Emotional Day

Yesterday was Veterans Day. I have been privileged to know many who have served in our country’s various armed forces. My maternal grandfather and my dad were sailors. I spent time on Parris Island and near Camp Lejeune working among Marines, and to this day I find myself standing straighter whenever I come across a sailor or Marine — retired or active duty.

I am thankful our country finally seems to be on board in supporting our country’s servicemen. Most of those with whom I am familiar are humble and don’t seek notoriety at all, but I am glad they receive it, even if it may be once annually.

Last night we went to a hockey game. Many of the pregame activities focused on Veterans Day stories. I realize the older I have become that the more freely emotional I have become: I sat there through pregame with hot tears streaming down my cheeks.

For years I have had a hard time getting through our National Anthem or Eternal Father (Navy Hymn) without tears welling up, but last night was much more emotional.

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer” (2 Timothy 2:3–4).

Yesterday served as a reminder of those who have served, and those who continue to serve, our great country. We should use opportunities like these to call to mind those who faithfully served the Lord. Most without due recognition because, quite honestly, that is the nature of a servant (Mark 10:44–45).

"Out With Doubt?!" You Better Check That Attitude

“Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted” (Matthew 28:16-17).

What?! Some of the 11 doubted? I think today we’d toss the doubters out on their ears!

At Corinth (really no surprise there) some did not believe in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12). Paul does not simply ignore this as he spends a lot of time defending the reality of the resurrection, but he doesn’t withdraw from them either. Today preachers would vilify this church on Facebook. (It takes too much time, effort, and love to talk to people face-to-face.)

I mention these things because doubt is normal, and it may be that we sometimes doubt and feel that if we let anyone know about our doubts that we’d be criticized. The truth is we would probably be criticized, but that’s other people’s problem as they struggle with their own insecurities.

The apostle John said this:

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. (1 John 3:18-20)

 “God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”

When we doubt — notice that I said WHEN and not IF — we should trust that God is longsuffering and that his longsuffering is our salvation (2 Peter 3:15). And so, with doubt should hopefully come a desire for a greater comfort: not necessarily more knowledge, but more love, mercy, and faith.

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!" And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, 'Come at once and recline at table'? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luke 17:5-10)

Two Funerals In Two Days

It's the way it all happened. One passed away on a Thursday morning, the other on the following Monday morning. But their funeral services were scheduled back-to-back. Two funerals in two days.

It's atypical wisdom suggesting that going to a funeral is a good thing—despite the prefix of the word "funeral" is "fun" (and it's really not a prefix at all).

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of laughter. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools (Ecclesiastes 7:1-5 MKJV).

Life is short. The two who recently passed away and whose funerals were so close together were 85 and 92, respectively. If I knew today that I would live to be 85, that would give me 39 years from this point on. I might want more. Isn't it funny that older people often say things like: "Time flies!"

Hardly anyone needs to have this fact of life's brevity pointed out, but sometimes the reminder is very helpful. And so we should strive to remember this and live by being helpful to others, kind, merciful, loving, and compassionate.

It's easy enough to accept that everyone is going to die, but it's a mighty big step in understanding to get to the point that "I" am going to die. It's going to happen—as Bertrand Russell put it, "There's an amazing statistic among men: one out of every one dies." It really doesn't take someone as SMRT (think Homer Simpson) as Russell to inform us of this truth.

Funerals remind me of the general statement: "Live in such a way that, when you die, and the preacher preaches nice things about you, no one's going to wonder if it was really you."

And in this we shall know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him, that if our heart accuses us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not accuse us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He gave us commandment. And he who keeps His commandment dwells in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit which He gave to us. (1 John 3:19-24 MKJV)

What Color Is God?

I know how racism can be ended! I realize not everyone is going to believe me; and that's all right with me. You don't have to believe me for it to be true—you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).

I'll get to the answer in a moment … for now, though, I want to briefly address the truth about racism that many people ignore—IT IS TAUGHT AND LEARNED.

I've watched babies and toddlers of all kinds of races and backgrounds interact, and they don't act racist because they're not! They just see someone else with whom to engage and play with. So at some point racism is TAUGHT and LEARNED.

Unity across races can be achieved when we perceive that we're all the same. From the Bible's perspective we are united in that we have ALL been created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). We're also the same as we age because "ALL have sinned" coming short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Therefore, each one of us needs help—"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6 NASB).

Take my white skin off and you'll see bones, muscle, and blood. How stupid many of us are to judge someone because their skin is different! Talk about judging a book by its cover! Jesus taught, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24).

And by the way, when Paul wrote those words, he was addressing a group of people divided over race too—Jews and Gentiles (Romans 1:16-17; 2:10). There's actually an interesting passage in John 4:9 that tells us "Jews have no dealings with Samaritans"—which was shocking because in that specific context Jesus is talking to a Samaritan woman by the well. The word "dealings" is from the Greek word sugchraomai which means to use together. The point was that Jews didn't drink from the same well as Samaritans, and yet here was Jesus asking for water from a well from which Samaritans drank.

We can learn a lot from Jesus. And we should! Actually, Jesus is the answer to racism.

Years ago I was in Atlanta on the Metro heading to the airport. A group of young men boarded wearing t-shirts declaring that Jesus Was A Black Man. I laughed, of course, and they growled at me. I told them the truth—Jesus was not black, and He was not white either. He was a Jew. Nothing much else was said.

Racism is probably not going to disappear—certainly not by legislation—because people are teaching and learning it. Racism is sin! And each one of us must decide what we are going to do to contribute to racism's demise.

Robin Williams! Why?

I can't imagine being Robin Williams moments before he acted upon his broken choice to kill himself. The moments leading up to his irreversible action were calculated — i.e., he had to consider how he would do this, gathering whatever was necessary to his fulfilling his desire to end his life, and he had to consider when he would do this. Just today it was revealed that he had recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. If this is true, then it wouldn't be too much of a stretch to see how this recent diagnosis might have adversely affected him.

There was something wrong with Robin Williams. I don't believe anyone in their right mind dwells on suicide, and then comes to a healthy decision to actually commit suicide. And, yes, there is an extreme selfishness in suicide as one is consumed with self to the degree that they seek to kill self!

"One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment" (Proverbs 18:1 HCSB) Rarely, if ever, have I made the best life decisions when I isolated myself from everyone else (literally or figuratively).

I believe many people at one time in their lives or another come to a point where they briefly think about not existing anymore, but to dwell on the logistics of how and when to murder oneself is not normal and it's certainly not healthy (literally). Suicide is overwhelmingly sad and horrible.

I can imagine being Robin Williams's family as they try to figure out why, because I have literally been there wondering why when a loved one has made this awfully permanent choice. To this day, I wonder why. And, to this day, the wondering is not easy.

One thing that has blown me away about Robin Williams's suicide is how people have reacted and overreacted. I literally tire of reading Facebook debates that are so stupid. Or worse, Twitter debates which are limited to a series of asinine hash tags. Rather than read someone's thoughts about it, we would rather overreact with our own brand of vitriol — and since it's our brand, we defend it vociferously while anyone who tries to thoughtfully reply is just an idiot because they don't see it "my way."

As a preacher I am sometimes asked about suicide. I never like talking about it … ever.

The Bible does not address the topic.

Let that sink in, please. … The Bible does not address the topic of suicide … ever.

However, there are three (technically, four) examples that come to my mind — Samson, King Saul, King Saul's armor-bearer, and Judas Iscariot.

1. Then Samson called to the LORD and said, "O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes." And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. And Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines." Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he had killed during his life. (Judges 16:28-30 ESV)
2. The battle pressed hard against Saul, and the archers found him, and he was wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and mistreat me." But his armor-bearer would not, for he feared greatly. Therefore Saul took his own sword and fell upon it. And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell upon his sword and died. (1 Chronicles 10:3-5 ESV)
3. Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." They said, "What is that to us? See to it yourself." And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. (Matthew 27:3-5 ESV)

There are no clearly drawn moral lessons from these isolated examples. Samson is listed in Hebrews 11 as an example of the kind of faith God is seeking in His followers. But nothing is said about how Samson died, just how he lived. And with both King Saul and Judas Iscariot there is an infamy attached to their deaths because of how they lived.

Which leads me to this — reading Facebook and Twitter "disgustions" about Robin Williams' eternal state (i.e., that he is now in hell) because of his suicide — saddens, horrifies, and angers me immensely. I don't know that I can say such things with a Bible in my hand and in my heart. 

It may be Robin Williams will be punished (his eternal fate is sealed now), but I don't believe he will be because of suicide. 

The biblical reality is that we will all die and we will all be fairly and righteously judged (Hebrews 9:27-28). It matters how we live!

What Bible Translation Should We Use?

It used to be that there was really only one English Bible translation to find—the eminent King James Version. Oddly, the revered date of 1611 is not at all what people have in their personal libraries, cars, or smartphones. There were many revisions of this version (and truthfully the KJV is itself a revision, but hardly anyone cares to know this and many believe it irreverent to say such things—here’s an example of some of the foolishness http://chick.com/reading/books/158/158_05.asp).

Honestly, that was good and bad. Good because there wasn’t a lot of confusion in Bible study—e.g., “That’s not what my Bible says!” Bad because it didn’t seem to encourage a lot of original language study.

The main problem I seem to have always had when it comes to the KJV is the archaic nature of the English itself. I don’t enjoy listening to it at all: it sounds weird to me; and I find myself asking, “What did he say?” I also don’t enjoy Shakespearean plays in their original tongue either—e.g., many years ago my wife and I went to a Shakespearean play performed live in Montgomery, Alabama. It was cool watching it live, but I understood hardly anything about the plot because I couldn’t understand what the actors were saying. Essentially it is almost like a foreign language to me.

I often think of a time years ago when I had the opportunity to study the gospel with a teenage girl. Her difficulty in Bible reading was that she didn’t understand the KJV. I bought her a NKJV and it helped her immensely.

I’ve been asked numerous times as a preacher what Bible translation a person should use. I’ve come to this answer: The one you’ll read.

No science here; no obfuscation. Just read the one you’ll read.

Personally, I use a lot of different Bible translations. I preach a lot from the English Standard Version. I also publicly use the NKJV and NASB. When I’m really getting into a word study, I use the Greek. The cool thing is that there are computer programs that put a lot of this information in an easy to use format. Online there’s http://BibleHub.com and http://BibleGateway.com. With BibleHub you can type in the verse and it provides you with a dozen or so English translations.

The point is to enjoy learning. Sometimes we’ve heard the word of God stated too familiarly. And using a different English translation might help keep us attentive. 

Simplicity Is Not Simple

KISS is an acronym for "Keep It Simple Stupid."

Why is it easier to obfuscate?

I guess a big part of the problem is that we want to seem fancy—I'm reminded of a Spongebob episode where he and Patrick are trying to impress Sandy the Squirrel; at one point as Patrick is teaching Spongebob about being fancy, he screams: "Remember! Pinky out!"

The Lord kept things simple (John 14:15; 15:14). Too often we want to make salvation a lot tougher than it is.

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3-7).

Sometimes Ignorance Truly Is Bliss

Today I was having a good day, but then I took a moment to look at the headlines. Good day ruined.

Honestly, the news bothers me. And yet I find myself drawn to either watch or read it daily. Why? Hardly anything good comes from knowing all the evil and injustices that are being perpetrated across the entire globe.

On vacation I began my day differently than when at home—rather than reading the news, immediately after checking the weather—I didn't. I mean I didn't check the weather or the news at all to begin my vacationing days. I didn't plan on this course of action: I just did it. And after a few days of this I became aware of what I was doing differently … and I realized how happy I was not to read the "Daily Evil Report."

I'm not saying there's nothing good at all in the news; but, the reality is that there's hardly anything good. I am reminded what the Holy Spirit urges us to do: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

Meditation isn't the easiest thing to do. Some would probably think meditation is taking a nap. But it's not, of course. Meditation means we're quietly sitting and thinking. But it's not misdirected or wandering—it's focused, and therefore, it's challenging.

If we will make the time and effort to dwell on good things (specifically, godly things) then we will benefit from it immensely:

• peace of mind
• happiness
• joy
• peace
• love

We need to get the picture. "I have more insight than all my teachers, For Thy testimonies are my meditation" (Psalms 119:99).

You Can't Get Caught Doing the Wrong Thing If You're Not Doing the Wrong Thing

Oh the humiliation!

It hasn't happened in quite a long time: I got pulled over for speeding. I didn't argue at all because I was speeding. I was actually pretty frustrated with myself because I wasn't paying a lick of attention. I was going with the flow of traffic.

My initial thought was that this gentleman might need help as he was waving me over, until I saw he was in uniform (this was a motorcycle cop).

I know some would argue with the deputy that others were speeding, or that others were going faster (all true), but the reality is that getting caught is like fishing: all the fish aren't gonna get caught, but they might catch you. And the thing is: you can't get caught doing the wrong thing if you're not doing the wrong thing.

The good news for me is that I got off with a warning. And of course I'm thankful for that. No explanations were provided: I just sped off left.

We love it when others are merciful to us, but are we happy enough to extend mercy to others? "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).

Style Over Substance

We’re all guilty of it — looking at the surface of things without considering the substance. For example, I like fonts: all kinds of fonts. And if you like fonts, too, then you know that style means a lot; except when you begin actually reading what’s been written with those beautiful and stylish fonts!

God says he doesn’t see the way people see (1 Sam 16:7). He said this to Samuel when Samuel was commanded to anoint King Saul’s replacement. Samuel sees the oldest of Jesse’s sons and thinks to himself, “This is the next king!” But that’s when God says no …

Jesus tells us not to judge by appearances, but judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). I was reminded of the Lord’s statement when this week a convicted felon’s arrest picture became viral on the arresting police station’s Facebook page (30,000+ likes for this dude’s photo). I know some people were trying to be funny about it all, but this is another symptom of our society’s sickness — we’d rather set a man free who looks nice (and that is subjective: he scared me and I believe that if most people saw or spoke to him “on the street,” they’d run away) than let justice be served.

I have also read of preachers criticized for a lack of style over substance (e.g., the apostle Paul by the Corinthians — see 1 Cor 2:4 and 2 Cor 10:10). It's obviously not a modern problem since the same apostle forewarned Timothy that there would be those who would prefer having their ears tickled (2 Tim 4:3-4).

Where else are we more about style than substance? Motorcycles. I really shouldn’t even begin on this subject (it’s one of my favorites). I ride a 2013 Star 950T, and I sometimes get people asking about the bags — e.g., “Are they aftermarket?” Nope, they actually came with the bike and not only look good, but are huge and lockable. And then sometimes the portentous question comes: “Is it a Harley?” Nope, it’s a Star … a what? I love it and that’s all I really care about. I actually came across a man while I was refueling who concluded for me, “If it’s not a Harley then who cares?” Style over substance … and reliability … and cost … and, actually, style!

Let’s care enough to look past the surface. I often heard growing up that you can’t (or shouldn’t) judge a book by its cover. But we do anyway, don’t we? Why do we do it? Sometimes it’s simply because of laziness. And laziness breeds apathy. 

Vanity Sizing

I learned a new term today: "vanity sizing."

You may already know what it is, but as a guy, I didn't. Basically, I was looking online for motorcycle riding pants—something tougher than jeans because jeans don't really protect too well from road rash. One of the mesh pants I was considering mentioned that the sizing was not vanity sizing … and so I wondered: "What in the world is this?"

Vanity sizing makes you feel smaller than you really are. So, those jeans you might now fit in that are size X, may actually be size Y (where X is 36 and Y is 38 … as an example: no, you're not fat). 

This blew my mind. (You're right, it doesn't take much.)

I figured there was "truth" in those sizing labels. It's a simple expectation. But this whole thing about "vanity sizing" makes me wonder what else in this wide world may not be what it's saying it is.

I'm Not Ready!

I’ve been intending to sit down and collect my thoughts about my oldest daughter’s high school graduation. It’s been a bit busier than usual because of all the preparations being made for the event. Translation: my wife has been busy and I have been sitting around complaining about everything. But as with all things in life, “the time has come.”

The funny thing to me is that with all the family that came in, someone would have thought a wedding was about to happen! Thankfully, not yet … although that is another milestone in life that everyone but me will thrill over.

I’m more sentimental than I want to admit. Deep within me I am not accepting the changes well — and it’s probably not all that deep within (I’m actually more or less the kind of person who wears his heart on his sleeve).

The thing is: I’m having a tough time accepting the inevitabilities of life. I do remember when I was graduating high school and how desperate I felt to get out and do my own thing. I’m not sure how my parents felt, but I’m sure it’s a lot like how I’m feeling now.

The bottom line? I am not prepared!

The Great Equalizer

… We will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

—[ Romans 14:10-12 ]—

Life presents everyone with the same end: all who are born will die. And the Scriptures teach that we all have only one life to live and then comes the judgment of our souls (Hebrews 9:27-28).

“Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:25-29).

Recently while in traffic, I was considering how it is that between lights there are all sorts of different drivers: there are those who drive as if they’re racing everyone else; there are those who are taking their time; and there are those who are stuck between those two types of drivers simply trying to survive the mayhem. The thing is, those drivers who act as if Pines Boulevard is a NASCAR straightaway and those who are simply going along all meet up at the next light! The traffic lights serve as equalizers.

Death is an equalizer. As Solomon observed: “If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth, and if a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie” (Ecclesiastes 11:3). It doesn’t matter whether we are rich or poor (or middle class), smart or dumb—all die, and all will meet the Lord in judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

“… We make it our aim to please [God]. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. …” (2 Corinthians 5:9-11).

“For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:9-12).

As followers we know God’s word. We know the truth, and therefore, we should live it and share it, speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means we say what needs to be said for the moment (Colossians 4:5-6). As to this passage—Colossians 4:5-6—Albert Barnes stated it quite eloquently: “Be imbued with the spirit of piety, that you may not utter any thing that would be rash and foolish, but be prepared to answer anyone who may question you about your religion in a way that will show that you understand its nature, and that will tend to edification.”

Again, death is an equalizer; but simultaneously, it will serve as a point of distinction between the good and the evil—not as men judge, but as God judges (Matthew 25:31-33; Hebrews 10:31; 12:28-29). And God’s judgment is fair, just, and true (John 8:16; Romans 11:22).

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:56-58).

Death equalizes; judgment is for eternity …

Written For Our Instruction

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)

There is so much comfort and power in God’s word, that we do ourselves an extreme disservice by not making the time and effort to read and study it (2 Timothy 2:15). “The sum of Thy word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting” (Psalms 119:160). As Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

THROUGH ENDURANCE

The word “endurance” used here in the ESV is from the Greek word hupomonē which is also translated patience, perseverance, or steadfastness. I believe the statement here is about our own endurance: in other words, that we are to be steadfast. 

“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven …” (Col. 1:21-23).

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

Satan wants us to give up. Whether he tempts us to quit from difficulties in life outside the fellowship of our brethren, or from our brethren, Satan doesn’t care: he simply wants us to fail. But our failure will mean our eternal and deserved damnation (Rom. 6:23).

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God, and did not respect man. “And there was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ “And for a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, lest by continually coming she wear me out.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now shall not God bring about justice for His elect, who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

“Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7-8).

THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES

God—by means of His word provided to mankind by means of the Holy Spirit moving men (2 Pet. 1:21; 1 Cor. 2:9-16; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)—speaks to us now. “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” (1 Cor. 10:11).

When Jesus was being tempted by the devil (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) He defended Himself by quoting the word of God! We need to do this ourselves, but we can’t do so successfully if we choose not to read it at all. “And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4; see 2:12-14). We must read to know, and know to do. We do not accidentally serve the Lord; it is deliberate action He seeks from us (Heb. 11:1, 6; Eph. 5:7-11).

"Keep Seeking"

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, 

keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated 

at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, 

not on the things that are on earth. 

(Colossians 3:1–2)

God’s grace toward all mankind is unconditional: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11; cf. 2 Pet. 3:9). But God’s mercy in final judgment is conditional: “Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off” (Rom. 11:22; cf. Gal. 5:4; Rev. 2:5). In other words, not everyone who simply wants to go to heaven is going to be rewarded an eternity in heaven (Matt. 5:10–12).

Paul made this point very clear: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:9–11).

The remedy to sin is God’s grace (Eph. 2:4–10). And we do not respond to His gift of grace and thereby merit salvation. “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’ ” (Lk. 17:10). “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5–7).

The difficulty of our own salvation is not so much at the beginning of the process; it is in the middle in which we are to eagerly continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior (cf. 1 Pet. 2:2). The fuller admonition from the apostle is: “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand [that some distort the Scriptures to their own destruction], be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:17–18).

Too often we put ourselves on spiritual cruise control, and believe we’re okay with mediocre service to King of kings. We choose not to sing with zeal; we pray half-heartedly (whether publicly or privately); our giving is limited (whether money or time); the Lord’s Supper is all about “been there and done that” … In other words, we do those things we know “we have to,” but our heart is not in it the way it should. “You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: ‘ This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’ ” (Matt. 15:7–9).

• The Lord is with us when we worship (Matt. 18:20). What does He see from our worship?
• What does our worship mean on Sunday morning when we’ve chosen to live like the world all week long?
• Have we made time to study at all during the week?

Sometimes we may wonder about the generation of those following us—often they do what they have learned from us! Why is it that we expect our children and grandchildren to “get it” when we don’t? We might well be stuck with the elementary principles when we should be zealously growing. “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12–14).

I believe many who expect heaven will be surprised in the final judgment because they did not keep seeking.

The Bruising of Jesus' Heel

Messianic prophecy didn't take long to develop in the Bible. The first reference to God's work through Jesus comes pretty early in the text of Genesis: After Satan's deception of Eve, and Adam's consequent sin, God said to Satan — "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15)

"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." (Hebrews 2:14-15)

God is not trying to save our bodies! He created these "tents" from the "dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." (Genesis 2:7; 2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:7)

"… when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him." (1 Peter 3:20-22)

The brutality of crucifixion is attested throughout history. I don't think anyone today would find crucifixion an acceptable form of execution. That Jesus was crucified was necessary:

• "And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. …" (Deuteronomy 21:22-23)
• Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us — for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree" (Galatians 3:13)

The apostles do not hide the fact that Jesus was hanged on a tree (Acts 5:30; 13:29; 1 Peter 2:24). Again, it was needful for Him to die in this manner; not just that He died in some way, but in this specific way so that He would become the curse for us, and remove the curse from us.

How incomprehensible it must have been to Satan when Jesus, by the glory of the Father (Romans 6:4), was raised from the dead!

It is no wonder, then, that we must DIE to sin, be BURIED, so that we too might walk in NEWNESS of LIFE (Romans 6:1-7).

And here's a simple outline from the Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul:

• FAITH (Romans 4)
• GRACE (Romans 5)
• BAPTISM (Romans 6)

Faith and baptism are connected by grace (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:3-7). 

The Most Difficult Thing To Do

One of the most difficult things to do in life, at least for me, is to ask for help. Why? Because asking for help clearly indicates I need help.

The issue is vulnerability, I guess. No one really wants to be vulnerable because this manifests weakness, and weakness is the worst.

Here's a reality: we are all in need. Sure, most of us—and, yes, the male species is a bit more obtuse about this—don't want to admit it, but we are in need. "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment" (Proverbs 18:1).

Realizing that we need help, we also need to realize who to go to for help. This depends on what it is we're in need of. And I would believe that if we can't go to friends for help, then they're not much of a friend—whether or not they can help is not necessarily the issue; it's more that we can go to them and at least find a place to be heard.

It should be that if a friend comes to us asking for our help, that if we can, we should. And we should not feel that it's an obligation being fulfilled, but a friendship maturing. (How good we would feel for helping, and how good our friend would feel for being helped, knowing they can count on you.)


But it's not just about helping friends—"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:9-10).


We live in a time when we're basically cynical of others' motives. I wish I knew exactly what to offer to fix this cynicism. We (and I mean "I") definitely need the heart of the servant Jesus and not be so quick to condemn (Luke 6:37), but much quicker to help.


Do we lose anything by helping others? Even if we "get taken," do we lose? Maybe we're afraid to lose money or time or effort … But do we really lose when we help someone, anyone?


"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6).

The Real Story of Noah

I vacillate in deciding whether or not to see the movie. When we see previews to movies we quickly assess whether we will not see it at all, rent it, or go see it as soon as Tuesday comes (Tuesday is the cheapest day of the week for the family to see a movie here in South Florida).

This post will be short.

My point is: read the Bible's narrative of Noah—it's far more exciting, positive (mankind actually does have a good purpose in the mind of God, 1Thessalonians 5:9-11, and is not the blight on the created earth that the movie apparently portrays).

You can find Noah's story in Genesis 5 – 9. And Hebrews 11:6-7; 1Peter 3:20-22; 2Peter 2:5.

Origins Matter

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”

—Hebrews 11:3—

There’s been a lot of media attention given to recent announcements in the general scientific community over “proof” of the Big Bang Theory’s reality (i.e., that everything began from matter and not from God).

The Bible clearly claims God’s creative power over everything:

• “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
• “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6).
• “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (John 1:1–4).

Obviously the above three passages do not comprise all of what the Bible says in addressing the reality of God’s creative power in speaking everything into existence. Too often we overlook the foundational principle of origins is—Where did we come from? Why are we here?—are both questions which everyone at some point is going to seek to know the answers; and those answers shape our understanding of nearly everything else.

The creative power of God is exactly what the apostle Paul began with when preaching about Jesus and the resurrection to people who knew nothing about the Bible (see Acts 17:18–31, specifically v 24).

Actually, these people believed in gods—as evidenced by all the idols they made—but Paul begins with them at the beginning! Again, the questions concerning mankind’s existence, and the beginning of all things—whether from matter which has always existed or God who has always existed—is foundational to everything else.

When I was public education I remember the gradual shift of the unacceptability and eventual disregard for God in the lab. I remember arguing (as much as any high school student could with a high school evolutionary professor) about the beginning of all things. Usually, I would end what I was trying to say with what the Bible said. To some degree, that has always been a problem to some: because they don’t care what the Bible says about anything at all (unless, of course, they’re quoting Matthew 7:1). He would come back to me about what science says. The problem is that the facts of scientific discovery never contradict the word of God! Now theories (such as the so-called Big Bang) do contradict God’s word; but again, the facts never have, and I truly expect that they never will.

The issue is not as much about origins as it is about authority: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1). But why does the fool say this? Is it because of facts presented? Or rather, because of an attitude that will not submit to God’s will and way? “The Atheist is the fool pre-eminently, and a fool universally. He would not deny God if he were not a fool by nature, and having denied God it is no marvel that he becomes a fool in practice” (Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David).

If there is no God, then there’s no Bible, and there’s no authority for anything about what we can and cannot be or do or think—in other words, there is no basis for any thought or act to be considered moral or immoral. Everything is morally neutral. And so you live and let live: tolerate everything. (Yes, this is ultimately all tied together.)

I realize some who call themselves Christians want to hold to God’s existence and simultaneously deny God’s creative power: which absolutely denies God’s full and real nature (Isaiah 45:5–12; Matthew 6:24). Remember, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. … By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. … But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6).

Faith begins with “In the beginning God …”

Keeping Our Lives Free From the Love of Money

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5–6)

We live in a different time in which economic competition is no longer limited to our neighbors, but has expanded to the great unknown of those we watch on television. We no longer keep up with the proverbial Joneses; rather, we try to keep up with advertisers’ ideas of what will make us happy and fulfilled. And the key, of course, has to do with purchasing what they are selling!

But it’s not just advertising which may cause us to want more. Reality TV sometimes is all about more: I enjoy watching Velocity Channel, and they have different shows about rare and iconic cars. One show was about a gentleman who wanted to buy a vintage Aston Martin race car from the 1960s. The car was so rare that it had a purchase price over three million dollars! He bought the car, but not before dickering over $20,000. To settle it, the two men played a game of ping pong!

On DIY TV (Do-it-yourself) they have reality shows all about people upgrading their bathrooms or kitchens; and sometimes the prices for their upgrades go into the $100,000 range. It is stunning how much people are willing to spend to be happy and fulfilled … in a bathroom. Time to turn off the TV because the more we watch the more we are tempted to think their way.

It’s easier to be critical when we don’t have as much to spend on upgrading our homes, but we may very well be trapped by the same spirit of greed. The apostle Paul warns us, as he warned Timothy,

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness (1 Timothy 6:6–11).

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money [So why do we sometimes try?]. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? … But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:24–25, 33–34).

In what we call the model prayer, Jesus taught us to have a “daily bread” attitude: “Give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). This is an easier attitude to adopt when we don’t have much and therefore depend more on God for necessities (Psalm 37:25); but when our attitude is tied to things, we won’t depend on God the way we should (Hebrews 13:5–6).

We all have wants: and to be clear wants are desires for different (i.e., new to us) or brand new things. The problem is not having wants, but having those wants become what we think about all the time. “For by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved” (2 Peter 2:19).

Contentment is the key. And contentment is learned—“Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity … I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11–13). The more we allow the Lord to be in our lives, the less we will depend on things to fulfill us. The opposite is also true: the less we allow the Lord to be in our lives, the more we will depend on things to make us happy (the void will be filled by something). We all have needs, but we shouldn’t allow wants to rule our thoughts and motivations.

The Ides of March

Today marks my paternal grandparents' wedding anniversary. If they were alive, they would be celebrating; but now the date serves to mark a clear memory for me: what marriage is supposed to be.

My grandparents were not perfect people, but they were sincerely trying to be good: to one another, and to everyone else -- they were very well known and recognized for the generous hospitality through the years.

I remember times here and there when my grandfather would kinda punch me in the arm and ask me to "Look at that: the most beautiful woman in the world!" Since my grandmother's hearing wasn't the best (she would never ever have acknowledged that) I am more certain he was trying to impress me more than her. As I married, I'd argue with him over that point of who was the most beautiful woman in the world.

I cherish the memory of my grandparents because that's all I have now (except when I'm around Dad: he seems to conjure them in things he says and does).

They loved each other dearly, and I truly hope to be married to Cindy as long as they were married … and just as in love.

Self-Control

Homosexuality is not modern. It’s been around for a very long time. Some suggest that it is because of homosexuality that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns. “Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the Lord” (Genesis 13:13).

And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, [God] has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day—just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire (Jude 6-7)

I know this is a volatile subject, but the only reason it is (in my opinion) is because people want to do what they want to do—and they don’t want to be told they’re wrong in wanting what they want.

·         Fat people don’t like hearing that they need to diet and exercise!

·         Lazy people don’t like hearing that they need to get off their butts and work!

·         Gossips don’t like hearing that they need to shut up!

·         Heterosexual fornicators don’t want to be told how they’re hurting people emotionally and that they need to stop “screwing around”—people continue living sexually unrestrained lives and will insist abortion is a right and don’t want to be told that murdering babies is horrific!

·         Adulterers don’t like hearing that they need to stop tearing up families and can’t marry the one they committed adultery with, thus legitimizing their behavior.

Yes, addictions are real, but too often people want to do what they know they shouldn’t because: THEY WANT TO DO IT!!!!!

Like Jeremiah’s day, the people didn’t know how to blush (Jeremiah 6:15; 8:12). This is one proof that people generally haven’t changed. In the book of Judges the conclusion is offered a few times that because there was no king, people did want they wanted no matter if it were well-pleasing to the Lord or not (Judges 17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). Their behavior made them happy, and that’s all that was needed.

The bottom line? We don’t like being told anything—which means we loathe authority. We’d rather go along the highways of life texting and drinking and speeding … and we’ll let anyone “have it” who’d actually try to stop us.

And … we don’t like self-control. We’d rather do what it is we want to do.

And THIS is the issue with regard to homosexuality. Immature thinkers don’t want to be told that they can’t do something: so they’re going to fight and scream until you leave them alone. And, yes, THIS is also the issue with regard to liars and gossips; baby murderers and whores.

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth.
Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes.
But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

Ecclesiastes 11:9

I Will Live To Be 115

They say only the good die young. I am inclined to agree; therefore, I will live to be 115.

We met at camp. We were fourteen (born in the same year, but he was actually six months older, his 46th birthday would have been Sunday, February 9th). Looking back on it I don’t know how our friendship really began; it seems to have simply always been. We hit it off very quickly and were not merely fast friends, we were best friends.

Now this doesn’t mean we always got along; like brothers we sometimes fought, but unlike brothers we always forgave. I can honestly say this is one thing I have missed so much about him: quick and complete forgiveness. It’s not that nothing was remembered, it just wasn’t remembered well. I have enjoyed other friendships in life (I truly consider my wife of nearly 22 years my actual best friend ever). But it is important—at least I think it’s important—for a man to have another man as his best friend. And I miss that.

I know when he died a part of me (deep within) died too. I can’t explain it with words, I explain it best with the tears that flow freely from me eyes when I hear a song that reminds me of him, or just some silly something happens. There have only been a couple times when I literally tried calling him, realizing as I dialed that he could not answer.

I know he’d laugh at me for being such a slobbering dummy, but I would like to think he’d miss me if our places were reversed.

It’s not like we talked all the time; as friends we didn’t need to (we sometimes would go a couple months without one word being exchanged). But whenever we finally came around to calling or writing or talking face-to-face, we picked up where we left off. And he was always there for me, as I tried to be there for him.

It’s been a little more than four years, but sometimes it feels a lot longer, and sometimes it feels like it happened just yesterday: reminders of him are everywhere if I choose to stop and look. Pictures in my office, an original drawing, Diet Dew.

We don’t get over the tragic losses, we just try to get through them.

I am thankful he is a part of my life; yes, I miss him dearly; and yes, I gauge other friendships by the one he and I enjoyed. There is always the hope another unique relationship will present itself. And I imagine at times that—if and when we see one another again in heaven—he will ask me what took so long. And we will pick up right where we left off.

Truth Set Right

Sometimes I’ve heard people speak about Jesus that he turned the truth upside down. But quite honestly I think “truth” was already upside down, and Jesus came and turned it aright (Jn 8.32; 14.6), showing everyone what truth was all about; except most could not handle the truth (most of us prefer a version much more palatable to our own tastes). He “fixed” the broken truths people had come to know and accept.

For example, in what we call the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed the Pharisees’ and scribes’ traditions against what God had commanded — “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5.20).

In Matthew 5.21-48 Jesus speaks against their self-righteousness by addressing about different things the people had come to learn and accept that were not entirely true. Murder is wrong, but being angry without cause is the root to murder and is equally wrong. Adultery is wrong, but lusting after someone with the intent to commit sexual immorality is equally wrong. Yes, we are to love our neighbors, but we’re also to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect and love our enemies (Rom 5.6-8). And if we are honest with ourselves then we’d admit how difficult that really is.

The heart is the heart of the matter (Mk 7.21-23). “For with the heart a person believes” (Rom 10.10). 

Divine Coercion

The following is copyrighted material. It is written by Philip Yancey and I recently came across it in his book Grace Notes: Daily Readings With A Fellow Pilgrim (2009). The article is from the entry for February 7 (it’s an annual reader). After reading it I considered putting his thoughts into my own words, but I would rather share what he wrote because it is both thought-provoking and well-written. Quite honestly, I wouldn’t do well with it.

Sometimes I believe we are professionals first who happen to be Christians rather than Christians first who happen to be professionals. Along that line of thought I would recommend a book written by John Piper entitled Brothers, We Are Not Professionals.

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Sometimes I wonder how Jesus would have fared in this day of mass media and high-tech ministry. I can’t picture him worrying about the details of running a large organization. I can’t see him letting some makeup artist improve his looks before a TV appearance. And I have a hard time imagining the fund-raising letters Jesus might write.

Investigative reporters on television like to do exposés of evangelists who claim powers of supernatural healing with little evidence to back them up. In direct contrast, Jesus, who had manifest supernatural powers, tended to down-play them. Seven times in Mark’s gospel he told a healed person, “Tell no one!” When crowds pressed around him, he fled to solitude, or rowed across a lake.

We sometimes use the term “savior complex” to describe an unhealthy syndrome of obsession over solving others’ problems. Ironically, the true Savior seemed remarkably free from such a complex. He had no compulsion to convert the entire world in his lifetime or to cure people who were not ready to be cured.

I never sense Jesus twisting a person’s arms. Rather, he stated the consequences of a choice, then threw the decision back to the other party. For example, he once answered a wealthy man’s question with uncompromising words, then let him walk away. Mark pointedly adds this comment about the man who rejected Jesus’ advice, “Jesus looked at him and loved him.”

In short, Jesus showed an incredible respect for human freedom. Those of us in ministry need the kind of “Savior complex” that Jesus demonstrated. As Elton Trueblood has observed, the major symbols of invitation that Jesus used had a severe, even offensive quality: the yoke of burden, the cup of suffering, the towel of servanthood. “Take up your cross and follow me,” he said, in the least manipulative invitation that has ever been given.

Encouraging One Another

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, 

but encouraging one another, 

and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

Hebrews 10:24–25

No one has ever been honestly encouraged — by word or deed — and actually not liked it. We thrive on encouragement.

We all remember the man named Joseph whom the apostles called Barnabas which means son of encouragement (Acts 4:36). This is one of the highest compliments we find in the New Testament given to anyone. He must have been an extremely good encourager: not the back-slapping, car salesman type of encourager, but genuinely interested in others to provide for them what they needed.

When there was much discouragement from Jewish Christians in their trying to require of Gentile Christians circumcision, the apostles wrote a letter that “when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement” (Acts 15:31). The apostles didn’t threaten, they encouraged.

Now this doesn’t mean they never said anything that was not encouraging: consider Paul rebuking Peter to his face (Gal 2:11–18); and again, Paul dealing with the magician Elymas who was actively contradicting Paul’s preaching before the proconsul Sergius Paulus as the apostle, “filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ‘You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?’” (Acts 13:9–10).

IN WORD

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver” (Prov 25:11). As children we’ve all heard the stupid song, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” And we all know how false these words are because words can cut us all the way through. A friend of mine who served in the Army in World War II said he was amazed to watch his hardened foxhole buddies endure combat become blubbery babies the moment they would read a letter from home. Words have that power!

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col 4:5–6).

Words serve as the windows into our soul (Luke 6:44–45). So, if we choose bitter language we’re revealing the bitterness in our souls. And if we speak that way, then how do we expect others who are not Christians to be interested at all in what we say we’re all about? The attitude sometimes conveyed is: “Oh, how I love Jesus, but I hate everybody else!” It’s the “little” things we call “words” that reveal so much (Matt 12:34–37).

As Paul put it, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph 4:31–32). Or as the Hebrews writer put it: “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (12:15).

IN DEED

What can we do to ease someone’s burden? Paul wrote, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal 6:1–2). Again, “small” deeds may do so much for others: writing a note, providing a small gift, attending worship, and being courteous (1 Pet 3:8 NKJV).

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). To a degree, encouragement is what service is all about—as we strive to help others, helping ourselves, make the journey to heaven (Eph 4:11–16).

Commentaries

Sometimes we don't rely on a simple reading of the biblical text -- maybe because we don't trust we can understand on our own (consider the Ethiopian in Acts 8:30-31). We read a little from the word of God and then run off to a commentary to tell us what is said. 

Recent studies in Hebrews and the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) have caused me to pause from running over to my office bookshelf (it's about two steps from my office chair) to see what is being said. 

I think sometimes I'm looking for an "accomplice" to tell me what I'm already thinking (!)

Worry Has Me Worried

I worry too much, and that, quite frankly, has me worried.

Yes, it's funny to say something like that, but in all seriousness, worry sometimes consumes me. I would defend myself by suggesting I have good reason to worry -- actually, I have five good reasons: my wife, and four daughters. And if I want to increase me worry quotient (WQ) I'd add our three cats. And this is just under our own roof -- not including our parents, siblings (and their families), etc., etc.

There are times when I play in the theater of my mind the strangest stories that directly affect my mood and general state of mind -- and they're all about bad things happening to my family.

The thing is, I can't control other people (I actually have a hard time controlling myself). The reason I mention this is to say that years ago I was going through a pretty rough clip; a friend of mine took my fishing to trap me into talking! Actually, it was therapeutic because this is the kind of thing he does professionally (not the fishing).

While out on the water we talked about a lot of things -- really, I talked about a lot of things and he asked questions to prompt me along the way. At one point he kindly, but frankly, said: "Jamey, there's so little we control. If you think about it, we're four feet from death at every car that comes by us on a two-lane road." Yep, that didn't help me either!

The long and short of it all is this: Looking back over the last 10 years I would not have chosen the specific path we've taken along life's road -- what I thought were "detours" were not: a detour is temporary, and some of the routes taken have had a much more permanent view. But you know what? Looking back over the last 10 years I would not change much of anything because of how all those things worked together (Romans 8:28-30).

It's not really accurate to say there are no guarantees in life; there are -- we are guaranteed days of happiness and and days of sadness. Both, of course, come to an end: and that's what makes up our lives. And then, one day, we will die. As Bertrand Russell put it so smartly, "There's an amazing statistic among men, that one out of every one dies."

Yes, death bothers me; and yes, I worry about it because of unknowns. But I like the story of the doctor on a visit who brought along his dog. Checking on the patient, he left the dog outside. The patient was suffering from cancer and expressed concern about what's "on the other side." Eventually, the dog interrupted the discussion because he was incessantly scratching at the door trying to get to his master, the doctor. And this is the point the doctor made: he didn't know exactly what was "on the other side," but he did know his Master was there waiting!