The Weather Exposes Our Vulnerability

I am often amazed by the beauty of powerful storms. Whether it be a hurricane or winter storm, the power cannot be ignored or denied.

Sometimes we forget how powerless we really are … until a storm comes barreling through.

Here in South Florida we enjoyed a beautiful day yesterday: highs in the 80s, a nice breeze coming in off the Atlantic, and lots of sun. Today, it is dark and windy and cold. A 20 degree difference from one day to another!

We need to learn how helpless we are. We need help. We are dependent and vulnerable whether we recognize these things or not.

"Who can know the intensity of your anger? Because our fear of you matches your wrath, teach us to keep account of our days so we may develop inner wisdom" (Psalms 90:11-12 ISV).

Do We Visualize God With A Smile Or A Frown?

Ecclesiastes 8:15  And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

Someone recently wrote that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”

After reading that statement, I had to read it again. I think sometimes we fail to appreciate what God has done for us in providing us so much joy. James reminds us that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17). In other words, if it is good, then it has come from God. I would advise that just because people may classify something as good doesn’t necessarily make it good — consider Isaiah 5:20 as an example where people get things turned around by calling bad things good and good things bad.

Maybe we only see God as a taskmaster commanding us nothing but to fear him and literally shake in our boots. But the word he provided to us suggests a proper balance (Romans 11:22). Yes, he is God and there is no other (Isaiah 46:9; Romans 8:12-17; 1John 4:17-19), but he is loving and desires that all be saved from deserved wrath (Romans 2:3-11; 1Timothy 2:1-4; 2Peter 3:9).

Sometimes we don't associate happiness with God; again, we may only see him as a taskmaster handing out impossible commands. 

One test for ourselves might be this — Do we visualize God with a smile or a frown?

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).