Imperfectly Perfect

As my computer resumed from a faulty reboot, the screen revealed the last website I visited: “Imperfectly Perfect.” a blog I happened upon. Its title is a good way to describe many Christians.

I was thinking today of the clay on the potter’s wheel (found many times in Isaiah and Jeremiah). If you’ve been around Christianity very long you will have heard that analogy. God’s working on a pot with a lump of clay and flaws are found, so God starts over. He molds it into what He wishes, and who are we (the clay) to question it?

I had a thought though; what if the clay was baked? Either in the sun or in an oven, what would the potter (God) do then? Mind you, this is a thought, not scripture. What would or could He do? I suppose He could pulverize it. Yet, suppose the potter broke it. Now what use is it? What could come of the ornate pieces scattered on the ground? I know this is a bunch of conjecture, but are these pieces useful? Perhaps these pieces are useless by themselves; however, several broken vessels together can make up a beautiful mosaic: the body of Christ. Our imperfections are overruled in Christ’s forgiveness at the cross; we are imperfectly perfect.

Our Broken And Fallen Parts

I peer in my soul and what do I see?

Do I see the heart of Jesus?

Or, is it just leftovers of me?

What do you see in me, but to your greater consequence, what’s seen in you?

Together we see in greater intensity, separate, we loose some clarity.

You see in me, that which I do not see.

I see in you, what you do not see.

Our world was made for each other; our world was made to see.

We see the others broken and fallen parts, but there is still one with greater vision.

The greater one being God’s Spirit, the greatest judge.

Invite Him to look and judge, that which no man sees.

For will judge the heart and in still voice tug at thee.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;

 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 139:23-24 NKJV

We're The Watchman

I'm hung-up on the watchman on the wall in Ezekiel 33. This reminded comes to me year after year, and several times over and over. In general I think it's call of action in spread the gospel. But are we the watchmen as the whole body Christ reaching every area or the world. 

Read this Chapter:

33 The Lord spoke his word to me, saying: ² “Human, speak to your people and say to them: ‘Suppose I bring a war against a land. The people of the land may choose one of their men and make him their watchman. ³ When he sees the enemy coming to attack the land, he will blow the trumpet and warn the people.⁴ If they hear the sound of the trumpet but do nothing, the enemy will come and kill them. They will be responsible for their own deaths. ⁵ They heard the sound of the trumpet but didn't do anything. So they are to blame for their own deaths. If they had done something, they would have saved their own lives. ⁶ But if the watchman sees the enemy coming to attack and does not blow the trumpet, the people will not be warned. Then if the enemy comes and kills any of them, they have died because of their own sin. But I will punish the watchman for their deaths.’

⁷ “You, human, are the one I have made a watchman for Israel. If you hear a word from my mouth, you must warn them for me. ⁸ Suppose I say to the wicked: ‘Wicked people, you will surely die,’ but you don’t speak to warn the wicked to stop doing evil. Then they will die because they were sinners, but I will punish you for their deaths. ⁹ But if you warn the wicked to stop doing evil and they do not stop, they will die because they were sinners. But you have saved your life.

¹⁰ “So you, human, say to Israel: ‘You have said: Surely our law-breaking and sins are hurting us. They will kill us. What can we do so we will live?’ ¹¹ Say to them: ‘The Lord God says: As surely as I live, I do not want any who are wicked to die. I want them to stop doing evil and live. Stop! Stop your wicked ways! You don’t want to die, do you, people of Israel?’

¹² “Human, say to your people: ‘The goodness of those who do right will not save them when they sin. The evil of wicked people will not cause them to be punished if they stop doing it. If good people sin, they will not be able to live by the good they did earlier.’ ¹³ If I tell good people, ‘You will surely live,’ they might think they have done enough good and then do evil. Then none of the good things they did will be remembered. They will die because of the evil they have done. ¹⁴ Or, if I say to the wicked people, ‘You will surely die,’ they may stop sinning and do what is right and honest. ¹⁵ For example, they may return what somebody gave them as a promise to repay a loan, or pay back what they stole. If they live by the rules that give life and do not sin, then they will surely live, and they will not die. ¹⁶ They will not be punished for any of their sins. They now do what is right and fair, so they will surely live.

¹⁷ “Your people say: ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ But it is their own ways that are not fair. ¹⁸ When the good people stop doing good and do evil, they will die for their evil. ¹⁹ But when the wicked stop doing evil and do what is right and fair, they will live. ²⁰ You still say: ‘The way of the Lord is not fair.’ Israel, I will judge all of you by your own ways.”

The Fall of Jerusalem Explained

²¹ It was in the twelfth year of our captivity, on the fifth day of the tenth month. A person who had escaped from Jerusalem came to me and said, “Jerusalem has been captured.” ²² Now I had felt the power of the Lord on me the evening before. He had made me able to talk again before this person came to me. I could speak; I was not without speech anymore.

²³ Then the Lord spoke his word to me, saying: ²⁴ “Human, people who live in the ruins in the land of Israel are saying: ‘Abraham was only one person, yet he was given the land as his own. Surely the land has been given to us, who are many, as our very own.’ ²⁵ So say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: You eat meat with the blood still in it, you ask your idols for help, and you murder people. Should you then have the land as your very own? ²⁶ You depend on your sword and do terrible things which I hate. Each of you has sexual relations with his neighbor’s wife. So should you have the land?’

²⁷ “Say to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: As surely as I live, those who are among the city ruins in Israel will be killed in war. I will cause those who live in the country to be eaten by wild animals. People hiding in the strongholds and caves will die of disease. ²⁸ I will make the land an empty desert. The people’s pride in the land’s power will end. The mountains of Israel will become empty so that no one will pass through them. ²⁹ They will know that I am the Lord when I make the land an empty desert because of the things they have done that I hate.’

³⁰ “But as for you, human, your people are talking about you by the walls and in the doorways of houses. They say to each other: ‘Come now, and hear the message from the Lord.’ ³¹ So they come to you in crowds as if they were really ready to listen. They sit in front of you as if they were my people and hear your words, but they will not obey them. With their mouths they tell me they love me, but their hearts desire their selfish profits. ³² To your people you are nothing more than a singer who sings love songs and has a beautiful voice and plays a musical instrument well. They hear your words, but they will not obey them.

³³ “When this comes true, and it surely will happen, then the people will know that a prophet has been among them.”

Ezekiel 33:1-33 NCV

In my opinion, just as Ezekiel was called to watch over Jerusalem's' people, we/I are called to watch over the world, or our part of it as least. Christ body has commission, a duty and an authority to preach the "Gospel." 

Check out and read the great commission accounts in Matt., and Mark. Doing this not an optional. Yet, doing this without being baptized in the Holy Spirit is futility. So ask for a fresh filling today and everyday. Then pray to the Lord of the harvest for more help.

  

Gold, Diamonds, and Platinun

Gold! I've found gold! The funny thing was, it way lying right on the ground. The gold I’m talking about is worth more than diamonds, gold, or platinum. It’s the nuggets of truth right on the pages of scripture. Of course there are deeps truths and confusing things in scripture, especially in the prophecies. But, there are enough usable everyday truths lying right on the surface to bless and challenge us for a lifetime. Here is one: God looking for a man to stand in the gap for their brothers. I mention this verse because it’s in a hard sometimes confusing section of Ezekiel, and it’s was freshly in our thoughts from my last post. So let’s go mining!

Proverbs has gold everywhere! If you don’t know this or do this, here is a simple plan to let Proverbs water your soul. There are 31 chapters, read one everyday for the rest of you life. I have one with my cereal most everyday! It’s easier than it sounds and habit forming. Proverbs teach principles for everyday life especial in our relationships with people and God. But, these are not emphatic laws like the Ten Commandments. These are generalizational   truths. They are patterns, like the ones we find in science; they are the common outcomes to situations in life. These help us know what is pleasing to God in all relationship, and there circumstances. This is the pure wisdom God gave Solomon.

Today’s Proverbs are from chapter 28, obviously. And there are nuggets everywhere. I’ll leave you with one and it’s multifaceted like cut diamonds, and it’s sharp.

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
    but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
    but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.”

Proverbs 28:13-14 NIV

Gifts

*Sometimes we mourn what we have lost or have never had, all to the detriment of what we do have.*


Give God thanks for His gifts, especially in lonely moments.

Gordon

T'is The Season

Rarely do we see if the world is affected by our existence. But we exist, not by choice, but by the will of God. So let our existence magnify our Creator, the one true God. Though one, He expresses Himself in three persons. That alone does not compute in our magnificent, but small brains. Glory to the God beyond human comprehension! A perfect God willing to connect with imperfect people! How do we connect with God? We do it through Christ, His Son. Remember why we celebrate Christmas this year, it’s not just for commercial ventures.

Cloud of Witnesses

Distractions! Why am I so distracted! Rabbit trails abound and temptations all around. Is it tricks of our enemy? Are distant memories making query? No! The reasons don’t matter. It’s all just flattery, vanity, or the plowing of indignities. No! None of these thoughts matter. Why? Why! What?  What steers you away? What makes you want to play? Play around with a thought, and it’ll hit you when the line is taut. Is the enemy fishing or is it your line out? We lay traps for our soul; though a bird in the wild avoids the obvious trap, but we walk right in. We’re the exception, right? We get away with it, right?

Can we play with sin, though only deep within? It’s only a seed, then a sapling, and then a mighty oak; perhaps it’s gone too far? What will the result be? Look down the road and see. The years will wrap ‘round your soul. Our choices pull inside; they wrap our lives and then intertwine. What strangles me may strengthen you. But, refuse to act and then you lose.

We must daily die to self. But what does that mean? Do I avoid a treat, maybe something sweet? Or, do I ignore all “self” impulse and do diligence to discipline and refuse all “fun”? Do I pluck out my eyes and cut off my hands? I’m not implying a tolerance of sin, but rather a different approach than striving within. I’d rather just walk in the Spirit and avoid all this mess. I’ll team up with Jesus. He’ll be my lead and then He’ll help me pick up my cross. His yoke is easy? Right? ! Yes, there’s a battle raging on, but we know our victor and He’s already won. And soon we’ll join Him! We can almost see the finish line. We can almost see our King! A great cloud of witnesses is cheering us on. My grandparents are in the crowd. My Pastor’s are screaming loud! Our homecomings soon, it may be morning, night, or noon.

 “We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. ² Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. ³ Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.”  Hebrews 12:1-3 NCV

Stepping Into The Jordan

I’m in debate a with myself; social media doesn't satisfy my soul. For several years I have been stuck. I’m circling around the desert at breakneck speed and I seem to keep missing the off ramp. Though all Christians seem to have some sort of a desert experience, some don’t know if they want to escape. God is providing the food and making provisions miraculously last! The presence of the living God is all of the provision we need. (Sorry, if you don’t remember the stories Exodus and Joshua, none of this will make much sense). Because, sure there, in desert, we see a few thousand swallowed by the earth and few thousand destroyed by vipers. But overall it’s all the desert’s good right? Whether on this side or that side of the Jordan (RIVER) what does it matter? Some don’t think it matters, but it does.

If one side of the Jordan is obedience to Christ and the other is disobedience, where would you want to be? God cannot bless sin, but He can forgive it.

I guess stepping out into unfamiliar territory is scary! Think back to being a child; think of the boogie man, dark-man, and ghost’s. Think back to just being afraid of the dark. Some fears we have are rational, some are not. But, my daughter at 17 is still afraid to go outside in the dark alone. It doesn’t matter if the fear is rational or not, we just have them. Then imagine stepping into a flood-level Jordan River. Yet as we take that step, God parts the water and dries the ground! What is Jordan? I know mine, it is absolute trust. Absolute trust in a living God to do what is best for me. It’s trust, to know that He won’t give me more than I can handle.

The problem is, He knows what we can handle, but we don’t. I heard Dr James Dobson once say “if little boys don’t think they can win, they don’t want to play the game.” What if the game is life? What is winning? Is it having a million friends or a million dollars? Is it having all the cool toys or the latest electronic gadget? Or, is winning having the perfect relationship, wife, job, or career? What is winning? What is success in life? I know of course. Forgive me if you think I’m arrogant, ignorant, or unqualified to make such a statement. But, it’s not rocket science, computer programming, heart surgery, or anything so complicated. Winning is to knowing the God who made us. Winning is to know Jesus. Winning is stepping into the Jordan and trusting the One who stops the water. Winning is listening to the One who told you to step into the water. So win!

So back to my opening sentence, my opening debate is whether to withdraw from all social media. Google plus is great for good pictures of God’s Creation of places I’ll probably never get to see. It’s good for getting huge circles of people that only have Google plus in common. It’s good for giving you a few seconds of access into a stranger’s life as the newest post goes by. It’s good for being back in a high school “type” setting and finding out what or who’s is popular and what or who’s not; though it changes much faster. It’s good or bad for our ego, our pride; and, I never liked high school or similar setting’s that much anyway. After going to four of them in two different states by two different coasts, I didn't give it a chance. I was too shy, I didn't have a chance. Forgive me for ranting.

Then there is Facebook. Facebook is totally different, though similar at the same time. There one can have contact with friends and acquaintances they never see. I suppose this is perhaps better than my use of Google+. But, with Facebook it seems that we offer only the better side of ourselves; the side we want others to see. It’s picture perfect, not everyday life. It’s our edited “face,” with which we can be selective. We have to save face. REAL life is being hidden, or conveniently overlooked. Perhaps talking is too hard (even on the Internet), or we just want to avoid certain things; we don’t want people to know we are sinners too. We don’t want people to know that most of the body of Christ struggles and needs His hands and feet to help it.

Back to my dilemma, I’m undecided as to whether to simply quite all social media, including this blog. Because I’m uncertain as to whether or not it simply feeds “pride,” within me. I only signed up for Google plus and Facebook to “share” this blog, though I've used it for more and enjoyed it. I suppose if it is shared for another’s enjoyment or growth, it’s a positive thing. Promoting it, I have a difficulty with. If this is self-promotion it is self defeating, it’s simply selfishness. If we are to deny ourselves and pick up our cross and bear it, then makes sense to self-promote. I would rather walk with Jesus alone than with millions of friends or followers. He satisfies my soul. Yet, if this shares Jesus and gives glory to God, it is worthwhile.

Tetelestai

I oft step over the line.

The demarcation of Christ is blurred.

My sight wanes, my eyes off Jesus, I’m faint.

Why do I look down, instead of looking up?

When I look up, the cross is empty.

Christ’s work’s done, Tetelestai!

Josephs’ grave’s empty!

Jesus rose! His work’s done.

Belief, is it definable?

Is it logical?

Is it understandable?

Is it?

Jesus razed sin.

He placed our away sin, “As far as the East is from the West.” 
If you believe.

My Son and I

What’s in a story that grabs your attention and won’t let it go? Is it drama, action, intrigue, or someone else’s rebellion? Perhaps it’s comedy, romance, or war? Who knows why we as people are such an interesting bunch, but we are. My son is one of those interesting people with a story. He’s one of those prodigal son stories minus the inheritance up front.

As my son grew up, he wanted nothing more than to move from the grade school era into the junior high bunch. He wanted out of childhood, why, I don’t know? He was a fun kid that always wanted to hang with big kids. At church he wanted a way into the “youth group.” He was already going to most of their activities, though they weren’t many. Why? My wife and I were the volunteer youth-leader/ pastors. So, he just got to ride along and have fun.

Wednesday’s kid’s group was “too childish” for him, or so he thought. And, he wanted to move up! Well, eventually he did, and then rebellion set in. I don’t know why I didn’t see the early signs and seeds. I don’t know why we went down a road so filled with pot holes that you couldn’t go around them; you had to go through them. Why really doesn’t matter.  For our Fathers hand guides the path of His children and His word is the light for that path (Ps 119 all of it!).

I’m distracted now, so I’ll get back to my son in a minute or so. Read all of Psalm 119 in one sitting and it’ll ware you out its long! But, if you do, pray along the way, and meditate on the words; of you do you can see things you never would. Especially think on how David closes out this huge Psalm. David over and over again tells us how beneficial God’s word is and how he (David) has set God’s word in His heart that He might not sin against God. But then David goes back and forth; why, because he does sin against God, even though God’s word is there urging him not to sin. Ultimately, David just cries out for mercy. Read the “Taw” ending verses of this acrostic Psalm. After all David’s praises of the merits of the laws and commands of God, he ends with this:

“I have strayed like a lost sheep.
    Seek your servant,
    for I have not forgotten your commands.”

   Psalm 119:176 NIV

Though knowing the goodness of God’s love and God’s commands, David, “strayed like a lost sheep.” Well, my son did too. I could tell plenty of my own story and its wayward moments, but this is not about me.  But, I will say this. What I did in small, he did in large. I was passively rebellious, he was direct. That’s enough to set the picture.

At twelve my sweet little boy rocked my world by stealing our van and running off with an older girl! As extreme as this event was, it was the beginning of sorrows. How could this happen! How could I have been so blind!

Was I too busy with work, study preparations, and activities that I just missed it? Yes, but I didn’t know it. Why? I had just had my first major back surgery, was going to school full-time, and working. My work consisted of being a group-home councilor for troubled teens and operating a vending machine business. This was not to mention our time involved with the church youth kids and oh yeah, being a parent. It seemed I let that one slip through the cracks. Add to that an ever increasing usage of opiates to keep up with an ever growing pain helped set a stage for disaster.

Well, I created Frankenstein and didn’t know it. Combined together my son and I wore our family apart. Yet, by the grace of God, it survives and will one day one again thrive.

Simple right? Everyone has one of these stories right? I’m finding out more and more some do and some don’t. Some problems we create in this life, others we’re born into.  Time would escape me to go into all the tragic episodes that resulted from my son’s prodigal experience. I made huge mistakes that drove my son that away and didn’t even know it. And, it was not for a lack of understanding God’s word and trying to live out God’s word. Some might say, well it was hidden sin, or something like that. Well, I’m sure I sinned plenty and repented plenty. I provoked my son severely and lead him to discouragement, something fathers are warned not to do. But this was after he was heading down the wrong road, not before it.

Before all these mistakes, I made a fatal one. We, my wife and children and I took in a foster child. Yeah, we though we were doing right. We prayed, at least I did. We asked our pastors. We even took our time. Our family took in an older teen that ended up without a family--even a foster one--by chance or was it chance? I don’t know any of that, but I know James says tells us true and undefiled religion takes care of orphans and widows, in their time of need.

But the problem was that the child was older than ours. He had more baggage than ours, at least at that point. And the teen had too much influence over our child and I didn’t realize it. It took hind sight to reveal that. But, regardless soon events spiraled out of control and my prodigal, God’s prodigal was wallowing in a pig pen. Details don’t matter save one. Like the prodigal of Jesus story, he came back! Yes to our family and more importantly, to the family of God. He became my brother in Christ, not just my son.

He came to mind tonight because his birthday’s coming again!

“I can have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.”  3 John 1:4 NLV


I may write a part 2 about my son and his transformation. It's publication here will need his approval. I cut to the end too soon.

It will be a while.

God Recycles

I wrestle with words as my furry friend lies on my chest. Rusty wants a walk, rather expects one and is waiting. As my precious daughter’s finger picking her guitar and softly singing a beautiful melody this gives way to a peaceful silence, and then she plays again. My daughter’s been gifted more than she can know. It’s not that she just sings and plays well. It is that as she sings the sweet Holy Spirit comes and ministers to me.

It’s as when David played before Saul and the demons left but for a while. I have no demons per say.  (And Jesus doesn't share space with demons; CHISTIANS cannot be demon possessed, just oppressed). Demons can be like pesky mosquitoes or fleas on a dog. They are a nuisance! Sometimes condemnation tries to creep it ugly head into my thoughts. Yes, I know there is NO condemnation in Christ (Romans 8) and I know I have to take these thoughts captive, like all rogue thoughts.  And, I do or at least most the time.

Interruptions plagues the work God has set before us, but the funny thing is, God recycles. I mean He uses the things Satan meant to harm us and God brings forth a rose, something sweet and pleasing. Our Father takes the evils of this world to produce the loving saints of God, His children. Joseph recognized this well in Genesis 45. “What you meant for evil, God meant for good” (my condensed paraphrase). Joseph recognized it was God that sent him into that debacle of rejection, slavery, and prison. His attitude could have been in anger to God, but it wasn't.

God preserved Joseph, but more that, through him and his with willingness to go through all this hard stuff, God used Joseph to birth the nation of Israel. Israel came with his small clan to Egypt to avoid famine and left a few million strong with Egypt’s wealth and God’s guiding hand.

I heard a radio preacher telling a story of a lady who only brought God her big problems. The preacher replied to her, “Madam all your problems are small ones to God.”  There is nothing too big or too little to bring to our Lord. Bring it all!

The Random Thought

"… but I know what is going through your mind." Ezekiel 11:5 b NIV

Do you ever think about this? God know what were going to say before the words leave our tongues, as David expressed (Ps 139). But He knows what’s going though our minds as the verse above expresses. It’s hard to imagine a being, our God, which knows the intimate thoughts of every person on the planet, all at once! This is scary, our minds drift everywhere! A brother and friend of mine, tells me he kills everybody as he’s driving.  The killing is only in his thoughts, of course; but its murder in his heart. Our heart in one sense is our mind but much more than that, it’s our soul. And, God strolls right though the garden of our mind, looking for fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5). Does He see any in yours?

Of course I’m asking myself that too. I know me, not as well as God does, but more than anybody else does. My heart is a dark cave with the match of the Holy Spirit lit in the middle. I pray He sets the fire ablaze the fill the crevasses of my soul. The whole cave needs the light of His Spirit. The thought that go through my mind I can’t mention. I suppose everyone has diverse thoughts of all kinds. Random thought through the stream of our minds is like my Google + account. It’s a bunch of strangers posting every few seconds. Some of the pictures of God’s creation they post are amazing. Other things you have the mute the post or delete the sender. Our thoughts are random of all sorts, and some of us have short attention spans, so these thought pass at light speed it seems. But, as I’ve posted before, we have weapons to do battle in our hearts and minds. WE take captive take captive these wild rogue thoughts. Use prayer as a weapon. But know your SWORD well and keep it sharp and use it in prayer. Hone your edges with regular use of God’s word.

Oh and do this, it’s what God said would happen in the future life of Israel

God after dispersing Israel all around the world, they would return to Israel---that’s happening before our eyes***fulfilled prophecy! But they are to do the next things too, “… remove all its vile images and detestable idols.”

Use your imagination and your mind. What at are the vile images in your life? What are your idols? Throw them out, be like some of the believers in Acts, burn them, have a bon fire!

Our Father will do a work in us and take away our divided hearts and take our stone hearts! His heart will be our heart. Ultimately, having His heart is having Jesus fill every area of our hearts. It’s being in His presence all the time, its heaven!

" ¹⁸ “They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols. ¹⁹ I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh."

Ezekiel 11:18-19 NIV

Love Atheist Too

I've been talking to a group who doesn't believe in our God. This is what I shared with them, pray for them if you wish. God love them too!


Marx famous saying is true, "Religion is the opiate of the masses." Attempts to reach God are religion. Christianity is God reaching down to a messed up person like me and offering eternal life to those who believe that Jesus died for their sins. Christianity is a restored relationship with the Creator of life itself. 

Yes, Christianity is simple. And yes people mess everything up and I do too. Society’s failure is just that, our failure as human beings to love our neighbor. Love tells truth to people, though most lie including me sometimes. It's not that Christians always go around doing what they believe as an ideal either. But it is the goal of being like "Christ," that is what Christian means. But practically Christians never get to the point of doing the loving thing always. But this is the difference between Christianity and every world religion. When we sin, and we do regularly, as we ask our Father in heaven to forgive our sins, He does. This is because He doesn't look our imperfection, He see's His Son Jesus in our place.

I know it may sound like gibberish or foolishness, but the simplicity is with Jesus dying in our place for our sins; and that is Christianity. If Christ didn't rise from the dead, Christians are the people most to be pitied. If it didn't happen we might as well eat, drink, be merry and take advantage of any and everyone to get what we want. If this present chaotic world was all that there was, I would just end it all, because there would be no purpose in life except the survival of the fittest and I'm a broken old man past all the rat race. But I choose the hope of the resurrection of the dead in Christ. 

Our souls are eternal; we'll live on in heaven or hell for eternity. Our choices in this life set our destination.

Justice or Mercy

Precious gifts surround me, but nothing is as great as the salvation within. I looked out across the vast night sky and the stars shouted the glory of God tonight. Who could make such wonder? Random change would never have a chance, our God did this, He spoke and creation leaped forth from nothing. We cannot really even imagine nothingness. In our empties moments, our lowest moments we have breath in our lungs, we have life. While the stars sing His glory in the night sky, they are not our Fathers’ favorite creation, we are: humanity. Who could make life from nothing? Only our God created life from nothing.  Who could blow into a mound of dirt and have a living soul emerge? We are the apple of our Father’s eye.

If we were left with only a creation story we would wonder what went wrong. But most of the bible is the redemption's story. It the story of how God would bring humanity, in its brokenness, into a right relationship with its maker. Jesus did the work of redemption at the pinnacle of time. He fixed the basic problem that caused the curse on creation. He fixed the sin problem. He died and bore our sin, and rose to life again three days later. Then a while later He left this earth, He didn't die again, He rose into heaven.

So you might ask, “If Jesus fixed the sin curse on creation, why’s it still messed up.” Well you might say were in a holding pattern. We are in the time when we the gentiles (anyone who is not a Jew) have a chance to believe Jesus died for our sins and be included in the family of God. If Jesus after rising from the dead simply cleaned up the earth, most of it would die because they would reject Him. But, now some 2000 years later technology is such that the whole world knows about Jesus.

There is a surpassing greatness in knowing Christ; it surpasses all that we know. Soon Jesus will come back to set everything straight in the world. But, now we are in a time to receive His mercy. The future holds His justice.

What do you want justice or mercy?

Spilt Milk

I’m awake and alive? Sometimes my soul falls off its rails and falls through the cracks. It seems to have slept and woke up in tingles—picks and needles. It’s half numb, but becoming more alive. 

Have I played a Rip Van Winkle?

Still foggy, but more awake, I see the children’s childhoods have all but gone. Now they are now young adults, bright, sharp, and ready to tackle the world ahead. Most important, they are in the faith that has kept them and me. In that, there is no greater joy! Even through a decade of haze, my Lord kept my children, His children. Perhaps my comatose state could have been avoided? I think not, the injury was too severe; but, could I have managed it better? Perhaps?  Spilt milk and Humpty Dumpty’s lays shattered on a wet floor. Rather than picking up the pieces, I ended up back on the Potters wheel, once again being shaped and molded. I feel the pressure of His hand and feel the filter of His word as He washes and shapes me. The worlds mold didn't fit, so to it I will not conform. David sang this: “He picked me up out of the miry clay.” Yes, believers fall in the pit too, but Solomon wrote it well:

^“15 Do not lurk like a thief near the house of the righteous,
    do not plunder their dwelling place;
¹⁶ for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
    but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.”

Proverbs 24:15-16 NIV

Through Christ we are made righteous, and we do rise again. Jesus started the work in us and He will finish it! 

The Common Experience

 Social overload! Well maybe that's a little exaggerated, but I’m not used to reading and writing on comments and such. But, overall community is a good thing. Through our communal experiences we interconnect. Sometimes it’s with old friends and family. Sometimes it’s with strangers on the other side of the globe. It’s been strange lately; I've found myself scrolling through a myriad of blogs. They are from all around the world. What’s interesting? Most of the pages are usually the same, from countries around the blogosphere. People write about what they are into. Whether it is academics, family, hobbies, politics, religion, or tech stuff from just about any country, they are all the same. Our human family has the same interest all around our globe.

No matter what you are into, someone else is too. Solomon put it well over 3000 years ago, “there is nothing new under the sun,” Sure technology changes the way we do life, but at its core people are the same. We love family and friends that love us. We hate what is different and distasteful in our eyes. But underneath all of this in our innermost being, our soul, we have a sense of a leftover remnant gifted to our first parents. That is the breath of God that made us a living souls that will live on forever.

The internet is making our globe small and smaller connecting people from all walks of life in all shapes, colors, and sizes. This “Net” is an equalizer of sorts, everyone has a voice. How we use it is up to us. If we use it for fighting and dissension, our voice is of no value and serves only to divide. If our words do divide us, may they be along lines of absolute truth. But, please dialogue, especially when you disagree.

Like everyone else on the web, I have a hobby horse. Though it is not a hobby, it is a relationship with my best friend, Jesus. I’m sure I've lost some at the mere mention of Jesus. Religion and rules, just seen so restrictive in our day, or do they? If the rules were all there were, I would fail, as would you. But, if the one who breathed life into you wanted to know you, and for you to know Him, wouldn't you want to? Not to mention, the rules are there for our protection and that of our neighbor.

So, I guess you could say is this about me. I want to know Jesus, the creator of heaven and earth and I want you to know Him too. There is good news in Jesus; He came to earth to pay a ransom price on our heads. He came to earth to give us eternal life. Believing He did it, died in our place and confessing your sin (agreeing with God you broke the rules chiseled on your conscience) allow us access into a relationship that finally fulfils. It also brings eternal life and helps us avoid damnation of a hell made for the devil.

Choose Life!

  

The Fool

I’ve decided to become more social. I even broke my privacy and opened up to Facebook—hopefully to share this blog, but connecting with friend and family that I never see would be a good thing. Me, I’m a pretty anti-social person. Not because I don’t like people or enjoy their company, but my nerves are shot. Noise and noisy situations just don’t agree with me. It’s like somebody’s turned up my sensitivity meter way up and I’m in overload. It’s like listening in at church or a concert and the PA system’s feeding back and everything’s out of control. So, I mostly keep a low profile. But, as I read the bible over and over, cover to cover I feel God’s Spirit purifying my mind. He is giving me back my mind. And with it, I realize too much of the time I’ve played the fool. Or have I? Well, at least some of the time.

A fool is well described in Proverbs. A fool is not a person with out knowledge or instruction. The fool knows. He knows what is right, and does wrong. A fool knows there is a God, yet denies His existence—sounds like today’s college professor’s. A fool is one who does the same wrong thing over and over, even though he knows the right way. A fool lay’s a trap for his own soul and walks right in it. A fool is one who is drawn to the immoral woman whose path leads to hell.

Well perhaps I was too quick to judge myself; I’ve just made plenty of bad decisions in life. Perhaps the fool’s role is misunderstood in modern society. Perhaps being a fool is more serious than we think. Perhaps that is why Jesus said if you call somebody a fool, you are in danger of hell fire.

Just maybe Proverbs goes into such detail about this type of person because we are all prone to foolish behavior. We are often just part-time fools.

“Knowledge begins with respect for the Lord, but fools hate wisdom and discipline.

"You fools, how long will you be foolish? How long will you make fun of wisdom and hate knowledge?

Fools will die because they refuse to listen; they will be destroyed because they do not care. He will die because he does not control himself, and he will be held captive by his foolishness.

The wise do what they are told, but a talkative fool will be ruined.

A foolish person enjoys doing wrong, but a person with understanding enjoys doing what is wise.

Fools think they are doing right, but the wise listen to advice.

Fools quickly show that they are upset, but the wise ignore insults.”

These are a few one liners from Proverbs, New Century Version. You can find them is you look. I left out the reference points on purpose. Dig into the word and route out foolish behavior. 

Green Pastures

It would be easier to look in the file of things I’ve written than to write something new at times. But, something fresh is more nourishment for the soul. A couple years ago my church had a video conference on inductive bible study. Inductive bible study is the simplest, most productive way to glean scriptures truth. It uses who, what, where, when, and why as an approach to let scripture speak for itself. Anyway, I’m off on a tangent. During the series one of the speakers points have stuck with me to this day. When a pastor, teacher, writer, or even just a friend conveys God’s word there is dry stale brown old feed or there is rich fresh green pastures. The stale brown feed is feed from God’s word, but it is yesterday’s word. It is the things God did in the past. They are true and enriching and always useful, but it’s stale. The fresh green pastures of God’s word are what He is speaking into your life fresh and new. Sure these words are from 2000 to 4000 plus years old. But, just read the book and see if it doesn’t talk to you. It will.

^“1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³     he refreshes my soul.”

Psalm 23:1-3

Green pastures are waiting, refreshment for the soul is waiting. Our God spoke 800,000 plus words in His bestseller. He’s waiting to talk to you, just open the book. The bible comforts, convicts, encourages, and guides me every time I open it. It reminds me where I’m going, how to get there and how to act along the way.

^“12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” 

Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV

What is God doing in your life today? Yesterday’s gone.

God's Mind

Poke around somebody’s mind and you will find out what makes them tick. You’ll find out what moves them and pleases them. You’ll find out what their will is. I guess that’s the cool thing about God. We don’t have to guess what He wants or expects of us as His children. Perhaps we may still have a problem choosing what to do in life; however, we can know how to Do Life Right. (This is shameless; I actually put in a hyper link to my own stuff). We might not know who to marry, but we know who is excluded in our choice. We might not where to live, but we can know God places people is certain places at certain times, just so they can desire Him (Acts 17). Anyway, I guess the point of this is that we might not know where to go or what to do, but we can know how to act as we go, wherever it may be. We can know what pleases God as to how we treat people, do business, spend money, and even deal with the government. We can know the mind of God, well, for everything. In fact, this present world is scheduled for destruction, but His word will never pass away. I’ll just leave you with a verse to chew on.

 Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know him. Jesus called us by his glory and goodness.

2 Peter 1:3 NCV

He has, “given us everything we need to live and serve God.” He is telling us how live by the book. One more thing, if you doubt that the bible gives you all these things, think about John 1. The “Word,” the “Logos.” became flesh and dwelt among us. God lived out His word in Christ. To emulate Jesus, we have to, need to know what to do in any situation. Knowing God’s word will get you there.