parresia

A Path With Purpose

2006-08-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

It was no small sacrifice that my parents took me and my daughter into their home. They still had six children at home - all of them teenagers. I came with no job, my furniture in storage in Kentucky and emotionally drained from my marriage. There was only one condition outlined by my parents to my living with them. They did not want me to share my faith with my brothers and sisters.

When I converted from Catholicism to Southern Baptist, my parents were convinced that I had joined a cult. Also aware that my sister had converted after her association with me, they were adamant that I was not to share this 'cult' with my other siblings. I promised that I would not share my faith with them - however - if they asked questions, I would answer them.

In a very short time, every one of my sisters and brothers asked me about my faith. It was so surprising, I knew that this interest was the stirring of the Holy Spirit and had nothing to do with me or anything I had done. I was merely the hammer in the hand of God, and he made sure that by coming to Connecticut, I was placed directly over the nails.

Each brother and sister came into God's plan of salvation in their own time. We are not all tomato plants coming into full fruit at the same time. Some of us come into fruit early like peas and some later like squash. Our mission is to broadcast the seed. God will provide the rain and sunshine to help it germinate and grow.

"And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they had not much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched; and since they had no root they withered away. Other seeds fell upon thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear." Matthew 13:3-9 RSV

And God Sent His Angels

2006-08-05T09:11:00.000-04:00

During the 'year of return' to my marriage, the drinking and violence escalated while I watched a normal, happy life slip away from my family. I realized that my husband was a very unhappy man and that by spreading his unhappiness to others, he was trying, foolishly, to negate the grief inside of him. But, his efforts produced more grief through the ensuing shame. His promises of reform and counseling were ridiculed and my hope was nearly gone.

Leaving now was no longer just a statement, it was a decision of life or death for he told me that if I ever left again - I would die. As in any war, appeasement seldom guaranteed peace. It takes two sides to create a lasting peace, and the enemy hid behind the face of my husband where reason and delusion battled for control.

My first angel lived across the street. Janet's daughter and my daughter were best friends, and as I had previously requested, my daughter was welcomed in Janet's house whenever violence erupted in my home. After one such eruption that ended with a broken window and my husband fleeing just before the police arrived, I went to retrieve my daughter from Janet's house. As she poured a cup of coffee, she told me her story.

"From the time I could remember, my father beat my mother. We would ask her why she stayed with him, and her answer was always that at least he was not harming me and my sister.

The years passed and my sister and I grew into our teens. That is when the nighttime visits started. My sister and I would lie in our beds praying that my father would not prowl the house that night. Still, many nights filled with dread, I would hear my bedroom door open. Worse still was the relief I felt when I heard my sister's bedroom door open instead of mine.

I left home when I was sixteen, and I never went back until my mother called to say that my father had died. My only reason for attending the funeral was to make sure that he was truly dead because then, perhaps, my nightmares would end.

I know you think that you are protecting your daughter, but believe me - their violence cannot be controlled and it will not stop with you." I took her advice and started planning my escape.

My opportunity arrived when my husband was fired from yet another job. He had been the night manager at a distillery and his midnight drinking caused his dismissal when discovered by management. Feeling wrongly abused, he announced that he was taking a trip to Florida to find a new job. He would be gone three to four weeks. Meanwhile, I was to get the house on the market and start packing. It was an opportunity made in heaven.

My second set of angels were my parents. I laid out my plans to them on the phone and within a few days, my daughter was whisked away to Connecticut on a jet. Putting my seven year old daughter on the plane was the hardest thing I have ever done. Anguish gripped me until I received the phone call from my parents that she had arrived safely in Connecticut.

Now that I knew she was safe, I contacted a realtor to list the house. In a short time, we had a viable buyer and with my husband's permission, I accepted the offer. I then went to a lawyer and filed for a divorce. Giving him my power of attorney guaranteed that I would not need to be present at the closing of the house for I intended to be in Connecticut before my husband returned from Florida. I also gave my employer two weeks notice.

Then my third set of angels arrived. My sister and her husband drove from Tennessee to help me pack. Together we packed half of everything - dishes, towels, furniture, books, and appliances. The moving company picked up the packed items for storage, and the rest of the household contents I left for my husband.

During this flurry of activity, my husband called every day from Florida. Thankfully, I could discuss many of my activities with him - selling the house, packing, etc. - as this was what he had instructed me to do before he left. He was moving closer to another job as they had scheduled a second interview.

The problem arose when he asked to talk to our daughter. In the first few days, I could easily manage the lying. "She went to bed early tonight. She is over at Janet's house. She is playing outside." However, as days increased into weeks, my husband became suspicious. I colored pictures and wrote infantile letters in crayon to mail to his hotel as evidence that everything was fine, but still his anxiety increased with each phone call.

I knew when I started this flight, that he may come home before I could get away, and this was the reason I sent my daughter ahead of me to Connecticut. Still, I hoped that I would complete my escape before he returned. I knew his consequences would be deadly.

My last day of work and I was to leave that night. Unfortunately, the check from my closed pension fund was delayed one day, and I needed that money to make the trip to Connecticut. Frantically, I called our home office begging for the check. The most they could promise is that it would arrive with the morning mail. The problem was my husband was due to arrive that day as well.

One more night in that house. I propped boards against the doors in case my husband came home earlier than expected. I woke before dawn, packed the car and drove to a coffee shop close to my office to wait for their morning mail delivery. When the office opened, I quickly took the elevator and, praise God, the check was there. Another elevator ride and I cashed the check at the bank on the main floor. It was December 6th, I was twenty six years old and I was driving from Kentucky to Connecticut; alone. I later learned from Janet that my husband arrived home around ten-thirty that morning.

My plan was to make the thirteen hundred mile trip in two days with an overnight stay in Yorktown, Ohio. Because I had never driven more than an hour at a time, I would make rest stops every two hours to keep myself refreshed. The first day went smoothly. I was on the road by 10:00 a.m., so I stopped for lunch at twelve o'clock and again at two o'clock I took a rest break. I pushed through to Yorktown, arriving at five o'clock; just in time for dinner. I checked into a chain hotel and had dinner in their dining room. The problem arose while watching the local evening news. A major snowstorm was approaching from the west and should arrive in Yorktown overnight.

I called my father in Connecticut and expressed my rising panic over the approaching snowstorm. Calmly, he told me to call him in the morning after breakfast, and then together we would decide if I should continue the trip or stay in Yorktown. Still anxious, I prayed. "Please God, I pray that your angels will protect me on this trip. You know how fearful I am about driving in the snow, so please, let your angels hold back the storm until I reach my parents home."

The next day the fourth set of angels arrived. In the morning, a quick check of the parking lot showed that the snowstorm was still west of Yorktown, so I went downstairs for breakfast. After breakfast, I returned to my room and listened to the local station for weather updates while I packed. The weather man stood before a colored map showing that the storm had slowed over western Ohio, and although still moving, there was no clear ETA for Yorktown. Filled with hope in my prayer of the night before, I called my father and told him I was continuing the trip.

I drove all morning stopping at a little diner in Pennsylvania for lunch. While sipping my coffee, large flakes of snow started to fall. I quickly paid the waitress and returned to the highway with another prayer on my lips. By the time I reached a New Jersey truck stop in late afternoon, the snow was still behind me. But then, I got lost in New York. I must have missed my turn after the Tappenzee Bridge because I never did find the Hutchinson Parkway. I panicked believing that surely the approaching snowstorm would overtake me. Still, two hours later after frantic phone calls to my father and dizzying directions from gas station attendants, I finally pulled into my parents driveway greeted by a downpour of sleet.

The angels had loosed the storm just as I pulled into the driveway, and I had made it to Connecticut safely.

A Face In the Mirror

2006-07-23T10:10:00.000-04:00

Time passed, and I would like to say that my marriage improved - but it did not. I left my husband, returning to him a few weeks later to flowers and promises. Unfortunately, the promises lasted just a little longer than the flowers.

I remember one particular night - a night of fighting that ended only when I locked myself in the bathroom. I was hurting, so using the toilet as an altar, I kneeled on the ceramic tile and cried out to God. I started with a list of my pain, then a list of my anger and finally a list of petitions.

I prayed that God would save my husband and change him. I prayed that God would protect me and my daughter, and I prayed that we would all be happy again. I felt his Spirit shiver up and down my spine dispelling the heaviness and hopelessness I had felt when I first kneeled before the toilet. I transitioned from distress to calmness and then to peace. Rising from my prayer, I washed the tracks of mascara from my face. While looking at myself in the mirror, I remembered a lady from our church giving her testimony.

This woman explained to our little congregation that she was looking for another job. She had two interviews lined up, and she was concerned that she would not chose wisely. She wanted to make sure that she chose the job that pleased God, so, she asked God to give her a sign.

On one of the interviews, she arrived a little late. Running toward the elevator, she noticed the doors were starting to close, so she called out. As she kept running, the elevator doors opened again and breathless, she entered the elevator. She thanked the other passenger, a woman, for holding the elevator for her and they started their ascent.

Then the other passenger spoke, "May I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Are you a Christian?"

"Why yes! How did you know?"

"I could tell by your face." She had her sign from God.

I remember wondering while this woman recounted the story to our congregation whether anyone could read that same 'shining' on my face. Now standing in my bathroom and looking into the mirror, I said aloud to God, "I wonder whether anyone can tell that I have just been in your presence?" I then shut off the bathroom light and opened the door.

My husband was sitting on the couch watching television. I could tell by the arms folded across his chest that although he had calmed down, he was still angry. Gingerly, I sat at the other end of the couch and watched television.

Then he glanced at me. He glanced at me again and again. Finally, I asked him, "What's the matter?"

"Did you do something to your face?"

"Yes, I washed off all my make up."

"You have no make up on? Did you do anything else?"

"No. Why?"

"You look different."

"Different, how?"

"Like shining."

When he used that word, I remembered my question to God at the mirror and I smiled. God can be seen on your face.

"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tables of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God." Exodus 34:29RSV

The Marriage

2006-06-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

More time passed and my relationship with God grew in fits and spurts surrounded by long periods of repose. Our little family never returned to church, but I would pray when I remembered, and read my Bible occasionally. To me, God was like a light bulb - there when you needed some light. What I didn't know then was that he was patiently waiting. He was waiting for my committment to him.

My family, however, was not doing so well. My husband changed jobs with the changing seasons, and frequently he would spend long periods with no employment. I suspected he had been fired more than once. During these times of unemployment, he would drop our daughter off at his mother's house and disappear for the day on the pretense of looking for a job.

Bill collectors would call or the water would be turned off for past due balances. Once a sheriff, accompanied by one of our creditors, came to repossess my daughter's bedroom furniture. Each time, my husband was absent as though he knew when the creditors would call or come to the house.

We moved annually and there was a restlessness surrounding our life. He drank - mostly beer, but it was included in his daily menu. I learned not to argue with him for I perceived, correctly, that he was a firecracker just waiting for a match.

In contrast, he could also be charming; almost child-like in his abandon, and I swear he never met a stranger. He had an easy going charisma with neighbors and friends, and it was he that people sought out. Still, his dark side was impenetrable and frightening.

The Ohio Valley can become oppressively hot and humid in the summer. It is as though the westward winds just skim the top of the valley leaving the heat and moisture below undisturbed. Such was that Saturday.

I had spent the day cleaning and working in the garden. We had no air conditioning and after I had gotten my daughter down for the night, I took another cooling shower. Finishing, I could hear my husband on the phone in the other room. He quickly came down the hallway dressed in slacks and a dress shirt open at the neck.

"Are you going somewhere?" I questioned with confusion.

"I can't stand it in here. It is so hot. I am going for a drive to cool off."

He left and I had my doubts to keep me company. He did not return until the next morning. This behavior continued the next weekend and the next until I confronted him with evidence. His mistress' name was Linda.

Expecting my confrontation to end the relationship, I was summarily disappointed when he announced that he was glad I knew. Now he would not need to sneak around. We lived in the country with only one car, so he left me Linda's phone number in case there was an emergency during the night. The affair continued; now in the open. Each morning he brought the car home so I could go to work. Then when I returned home in the evening, he showered and dressed to meet Linda.

I was in shock that whole summer. I could not eat or sleep. There was no one to share my misery as my family lived miles away, and all my friends were shared with my husband. Also, I feared the result of a strong confrontation with him, so I walked through the next few weeks with indecision and heavy grief.

One night, I could not sleep. I walked the quiet house with nothing to occupy my mind. Even television could not capture my imagination, and my desire to run away was thwarted by a lack of transportation and a responsibility to my daughter sleeping in her room. I went outside on sat on the porch. It was late and even the traffic noises were silent. A light breeze blew the scent of honeysuckle to me and the stars above seemed to swim through my tears. I cried in earnest, and my release esculated. I wailed out loud for there was no one to hear me.

Emotionally exhausted, I blubbered to those stars. "Nobody loves me. I have never been loved; not really loved. I am loved only when it suits the other person. I am loved only if I am good. That is not the kind of love I want, I want to be loved 'no matter what'! I want a love that will last anything, and I want it to engulf me so I have no doubts. That would be a perfect love."

As I sat there on the porch, I realized the foolishness of that request. For someone to love me perfectly - they would need to be perfect, for only a perfect person could love perfectly. That one thought jolted the pain from me and replaced it with curiousity. Could it be that a perfect love was available?

I ran into the house for my Bible. "OK God, I challenge you. You said that you love me - prove it! I know that you are perfect, so you can love perfectly. Do you love me 'no matter what'? Would you love me if I killed someone? Would you love me no matter what I do and say? Will you love me perfectly?" I let the Bible fall open. It opened to Isaiah 62, and he spoke to me.

" For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until her vindication goes forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My delight is in her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.
Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent. You who put the LORD in remembrance, take no rest, and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it a praise in the earth. The LORD has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: "I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary."
Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to the daughter of Zion, "Behold, your salvation comes; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him." And they shall be called The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD; and you shall be called Sought out, a city not forsaken." RSV

I read the passage over and over realizing that this was a love song from God. Just as a woman takes a new name when she marries, God had given me a new name. I now belonged to him. My new name - "My delight is in her"- Hepzibah.

Sisters and Forgiveness

2006-06-20T07:17:00.000-04:00

Time passed as it sometimes does - quickly and quietly. My father's employer transferred him to Connecticut leaving me in Kentucky with my husband and daughter. My sister, Barbara, had married and moved to Chicago with her husband. A year later she gave birth to a little girl, Beth.

On one visit to Chicago, with encouragement from my husband, Barbara and her husband Walter decided to move to Kentucky. They asked if they could stay with us until Walter found a job and they could buy a home. We agreed.

What sounded like a good idea in Chicago, became a stressful situation in Kentucky. Walter and Barbara stayed with us for many months, far longer than we had anticipated. Four adults and two children living in our tiny house created stressful situations for us all, and I was building a growing ire against my sister.

Barbara did not work, so she stayed home with the two children. At the onset of our arrangement, I had visions of coming home from work to find the house cleaned, the laundry done and dinner cooking on the stove. My visions were seldom realized, and requests went unheeded. As the weeks dragged by, the anger hidden deep within me became heavier and heavier.

One night, unable to sleep, I quietly rose from my bed. The anger I harbored played in my mind like a drama with no resolution, and I needed an answer. I grabbed my Bible and there at my kitchen table, I began to pray. "Please God, please make my sister and her family leave my house. I can't take anymore."

At the time, I was reading the Bible from cover to cover, so I opened to my marker and continued reading. Suddenly, I heard someone coming down the hallway; it was Barbara. "I can't sleep." She said. "What are you reading?"

The peace I had obtained from my little prayer and reading washed away with resentment. I had sought some solitude as an ointment to my suffering, and even that was now stolen from me! "Do you want me to leave?", she asked while she sat down at the table.

"Help me!", I screamed inside my head terrified that if I opened my mouth a dark bile of words would pour forth.

Then, "Tell her how you have been feeling and apologize.", popped into my head amidst the turmoil.

"I can't tell her. What I am feeling is so ugly."

"I want you to tell her, calmly, and then apologize for feeling this way. This is not about you, it is about her."

I knew what God meant. Barbara knew that I had become a Christian and had been baptized, but we had never really discussed why I had done this. All she knew was that I had turned my back on my Catholic heritage. Whether she understood my transformation or felt that I had lost my mind; I had no idea. It was time to tell her.

So, I proceeded to tell her how I was feeling. I told her that when they first came to live with us, I was so excited to have family near me again, but the happiness quickly turned to anger and resentment. I resented not only that she could be a stay at home Mom, but that I was still expected to cook dinner and clean when I got home from work. I can still remember how humiliating and painful it was to express all my black feelings. Pain and anger flickered across her face like a strobe light. Then I asked her to forgive me.

This was not what she had expected. She was probably preparing herself for at least an argument, or perhaps she expected and request for her to leave. Instead I asked her for forgiveness. She started to cry.

We both cried. Then I shared with her what God had told me to do. The next couple of hours were spent talking about God, Jesus and the plan of salvation.

Barbara did not accept Jesus as her Savior that night, but years later in Tennessee, Barbara and her husband were baptized in a small country church. The seed that had been planted that night at my kitchen table - by God - germinated and took root.

"Another parable he put before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field;" Matthew 13:24 RSV

The Ballot Box

2006-06-12T07:31:00.001-04:00

I finally did walk down that aisle with tears streaming down my face just as others had done before me. I was not embarrassed to proclaim that "Jesus is Lord", and I was baptised a few weeks later. My husband also joined the little church by moving his membership from his parents' Baptist church.

Afterwards, we became very active in church activities. We attended Sunday night Bible Study, Wednesday night Prayer Service, I taught Sunday School to the preschoolers and Mission Friends. We socialized with our Pastor and his family, and for two years the congregation grew until there was standing room only at Sunday services.

For those who do not know, a Southern Baptist church is a democratic church. All decisions, including the appointment of deacons and board members, are voted on by the members rather than decided by the Pastor. We replaced our Board of Directors with new members, including a new Finance Director who happened to be a CFO with a prominent corporation. Trouble brewed when the new Finance Director reviewed the church budget.

Our pastor, Brother Bob, was young and still working on his Masters in Divinity degree at a local university. Although he had three children and a stay-at-home wife, the little church had enticed him with the meager salary of $5,500 a year. They also provided a parsonage, utilities and traveling expenses, but even for the early seventies in a 'border state' this salary was hardly adequate. The church supplemented his income with charity. As many of the members were farmers, they would bring the young pastor bushels of food or second hand clothing.

But, the church had changed in two years. The membership had more than doubled and the coffers were full, so the new Director of Finance doubled Brother Bob's salary for the upcoming budget year. This budget was distributed to the membership and a vote would take place in a few weeks to adopt or reject.

There was outrage. With the new budget, Brother Bob's salary would exceed most of the congregations' annual salary. Never mind that he had just completed his Master's degree in Divinity and most of the congregation had little more than a high school education; the disparity was not to be tolerated, and my husband lead the opposition.

As soon as we arrived home that Sunday, my husband was on the phone to rally others to his point of view. There were meetings at our home discussing strategies and phone calls persuading other members to join their forces. By the next Sunday, the preacher had gotten wind of the revolt and asked the Director of Finance to revise the budgeted salary to a more acceptable range. The Director of Finance refused reminding the preacher that he had little say over the budget. The church was at a stand-off.

Even I was confused. Although I agreed that Brother Bob deserved a substantial raise, the proposed amount was a princely sum compared to the median income for our surrounding area. I kept my fence-sitting quiet from my husband while I served coffee and fresh baked goodies to his constituents during their meetings in our home.

Brother Bob was worried that the discord would pull the church apart, so the from the pulpit he called on the congregation to pray for God's guidance in next week's vote. The week before the voting, I acted on Brother Bob's call to prayer. "Please God, show me how to vote."

Suddenly, I remembered Brother Bob's sermons of the last two years. He continuously warned us that our miraculous growth was a thorn in the side of Satan. We should expect a spiritual attack against the church, and he prophesied that one day our church may be torn in half if we were not spiritually vigilant. These sermons were preached long before the new Board of Directors and their new budget. How did he know?

This time I asked God with all my heart, "Show me how to vote."

As in the past, I received a one word answer - "Yes", and my heart fell.

How could I possibly vote - yes - when my husband was leading the opposition? I cajoled God, "But God, you told me to subject myself to my husband! Shouldn't I vote as he would vote?"
Every time I prayed, I received the same one word answer - "Yes". By Saturday night, I knew I would vote as God had instructed. "Anyway," I reasoned, "It is only one vote."

My husband spent that Saturday tallying up the 'No' votes by phone. According to his census the 'No's' would win by a slim margin. We both went to bed that night believing that we were doing God's will.

The voting was to take place in the sanctuary following the Sunday service. Only members of the church are allowed to vote, so when the visitors had left, the sanctuary doors were closed and we were all given pieces of paper with two boxes - simply - Yes or No. I checked Yes confident that I could follow God's lead in secret and without any discord between my husband and myself. I was wrong; the new budget passed by one vote!

I felt light-headed and a wave of nausea coursed through me. I rode home with my husband's ranting banging in my ears while my heart banged furiously in my chest. Unfortunately, I was playing hostess that afternoon as my husband had invited some of the opposing team over for what was to be a celebratory dinner.

After dinner I refused the offer of assistance to clean-up so I could have some time to myself. "Why God? Why did it have to be one vote?" No answer, but the mindless chore of washing and drying dishes helped to calm me so that by the time I was readying for dessert, I had filed the whole incident away with reasoning. "After all, who knew that I had voted yes?"

"Tell them."

"What?"

"Tell them."

"No way!"

"Tell them so they know that it was my will."

So, I told them. I explained how I prayed as Brother Bob had asked and that every time I prayed, God answered that I should vote yes. I will never forget the silence that followed. It was leaden and gray. I don't know if they stayed for dessert because I hid in the bedroom with tears in my eyes. I feared going back out there, and it was a long time before my husband came to check on me.

In the end, I left the final solution up to my husband - we would not be returning to the church. I had injured his pride.

The Engagement

2006-06-10T08:07:00.000-04:00

Four years passed. I had married and my daughter was born a short time later. To make ends meet, I worked part-time as a cashier for a regional grocery chain. It was there that I met Lana.
Lana was my antithesis. As I was serious, she was carefree; I quiet and reflective, Lana talked incessantly. Because I liked to listen and she liked to talk, we quickly became friends. I invited her to dinner on the Saturday before Easter so our children and husbands could meet.

Her husband, Sam, introduced the subject of their new church; a small, Southern Baptist church outside of Louisville with a growing congregation. Both Sam and Lana described the new pastor with excitement and affection. An invitation for Easter services followed.

I had planned to attend the Catholic church, not because I was worried about my yearly obligation - Easter services are required to maintain your Catholicism - but because I had bought my daughter and I matching Easter outfits with picture frame hats and crocheted capes. Mass would provide the perfect setting to show off our new clothes. But, I agreed to forego the Catholic services for the Baptist services, "As long as I still get to wear my new outfit".

I will never forget the experience. The first part of the service did not differ much from the Catholic Mass. There was more singing, and the songs were livelier. The collection plate was passed around and the reading from the Bible was the same - the death and resurrection of Jesus. It was when we all settled down for the sermon that it happened.

I can't say today that I remember the content of the sermon, but I will never forget the feelings that jumped into my head while I sat there. I felt as though the Preacher could see right into my soul, and that he was speaking just to me. I wanted to run away. I didn't know it then, but now I know that I was under Conviction.

Yes, God definitely had a hold of me. Unwittingly, I had invited him into my life that day in the Catholic church when I had prayed for help, and although four years had passed, he did not forget that I had opened that door. Patiently he waited for just the right time to bring me up the next rung of the ladder - to salvation.

Forty-five minutes that sermon lasted - it seemed so much longer. I wanted to flee. Then, an altar call with the final hymn, "Just As I Am". It was as though the fiery furnace had been turned up as I watched people walk to the front of the church with tears streaming down their faces - how embarrassing! The service finally over, I walked out into the sunshine and took a deep gulp of fresh air. I was never going back to that church. I had felt things there that I had never felt before and I didn't like it.

My resolve did not last; I did go back. For months I would come away from the service vowing I would never return. Then all week, I could not wait to go back. I started talking to God again. I asked him what was going on? Why was I feeling this way? No answer. Just the weekly hymn, "Just As I Am" and the altar call. My life became sandwiched between the Sunday services, and the only time I felt alive was when I was squirming in the pew. My life between the services was deadness.

One day, I spoke to God. "I know what you want me to do. You do know that my parents will have a fit about this, but I will walk down the aisle on Sunday if you will just take away these awful feelings. Now, I am in your hands. Don't let me down."

I had just said 'Yes' to God. It was going to be a long ride.

Our First Meeting

2006-06-03T08:27:00.000-04:00

I am eighteen and pregnant. I had never felt so alone and scared. I know now that many young women faced this crossroads from childhood to womanhood, but I remember feeling that I was the only one standing in this dilemma.

What was I going to do? How would I tell my parents? They will be so angry and disappointed in me, and with seven brothers and sisters, it was doubtful that they would help me financially. I was sick with worry and condemnation - my old friends.

Yes, worry and condemnation were my constant companions. The oldest child of eight and raised a Catholic, I was no stranger to worry, condemnation and penance. So, I did the only thing I knew to do at the time, I went to confession.

"Bless me Father, for I have sinned. My last confession was five months ago. I disobeyed my parents three times, I lied four times, I fought with my sister six times and I committed adultery once." Then I waited for the shadowed head behind the screen.

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen."

"Are you married?"

"No."

"Then you could not have committed adultery. You must be married to commit adultery." I am shamed further by my stupidity and horrified that now I must explain my condition.

"I am not married and I had sex with my boy friend." I could not bring myself to admit to my pregnancy. Anyway, I reasoned, being pregnant was not a sin - the sex before marriage was the sin.

"Then you did not commit adultery; you committed fornication." I groaned inside. Fornication sounded so much worse than adultery. We never discussed fornication in my catechism classes.

"Say an entire rosary and sin no more. Now say the Act of Contrition."

As I recited the Catholic Act of Contrition, I felt no relief from my guilt. I made the sign of the cross and left the confessional. Terrified, I scanned the faces standing in line for their turn at redemption to see if they had heard my shame through the wood carved doors of the confessional. Then I slinked into a far off pew to say my penance.

I did not think to bring a rosary to confession with me. I had never committed a sin so grave as to require a whole rosary as penance. In my distraught state of mind, I could not concentrate on the prayers of the rosary. Instead I looked around the great expanse of the sanctuary.

Life-sized statues of Mary, Joseph and others stood in gilded finery. The vaulted ceilings loomed high held by huge beams intricately carved. Stained glass windows depicted the historical saints of the church and at the front of the church a massive cross held our Savior over a marble dais and altar.

All of this splendor did nothing to quell my distress or guilt. I started to speak in a small whisper. "God, I know I did wrong. Please forgive me."

Then God showed up! "I will never leave you nor forsake you." I exhaled all my worry, fear and guilt.

Years of catechism and hundreds of Sunday Masses, yet, this is the first time I had ever met God. Recited prayer, rosaries, confessions; none of these things had ever touched what I was experiencing at that moment. All I did was talk to him, and he answered!

I left the church feeling renewed and hopeful. This was just our first meeting.

God's Favorite Color is Blue

2006-06-01T07:10:00.000-04:00

Each morning, I spend eighteen precious minutes driving to work on a tree lined parkway. This drive has become my pause between the flurry of getting my son and I ready for the day and the demanding pace of my workday. It is during this drive that I stop to catch my breath.

I remember driving one, clean September day and God's small voice welled up inside of me, "Look at this day. Isn't it fine?"

So I looked. The sky was cobalt blue without a cloud marring its expanse. In the foreground, huge trees bursting with the green of a full season lay across the sky. I responded, "Who would think to create green trees against that color blue?", I asked incredulously.

A single syllable was all I received. "I"

I smiled. Then, I reflected. I reflected on scientists studying God's laws of nature, and although they revered those same irrefutable laws he set at the dawn of time, they could not see him. I reflected on the water cycle; just one of these laws. I pictured dinosaurs drinking deeply from antediluvian lakes and later relieving themselves with a long, satisfying gush. The warm air and sun distills the gush, and the water evaporates into the air leaving the impurities on the soil to feed his tiniest creatures. The evaporated water travels far and returns to the earth as the rain outside my office window. And so we drink and complete the cycle. I marveled at how self-contained and arrogant the earth must appear in the cosmos; one blue planet, starkly marking its place among a myriad of red and gray planets.

Then suddenly, I knew that God's favorite color is blue.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. " John 3:16 RSV

Memorial Day

2006-05-27T23:16:00.000-04:00

Why does a soldier fight?

A soldier fights over there so we do not fight the war here.

A soldier fights for the Rabbi reading from the Torah.

A soldier fights for the woman pursuing her medical degree.

A soldier fights for the couple who just gave birth to their third child.

A soldier fights for the grocery clerk stocking the shelves.

A soldier fights for the newspaper editor writing tomorrow's opinion.

A soldier fights for the young boy with Presidential aspirations.

A soldier fights for the new patent on the next generation of broadcast technology.

A soldier fights for the rapper writing his next song.

A soldier fights for the actress who just finished her best picture.

A soldier fights for the minister conducting Sunday services.

A soldier fights for the blogger who rants against his own leaders.

And tonight, a soldier fights for me. He may die for me - am I worth his life?

I hope I am.

The Linen Suit

2006-05-22T07:21:00.000-04:00

Spring is here! I love spring when the aroma of the awakening earth runs along the wind and through the leaves on the once barren branches. Everything is fresh and clean like the smell of new mown grass.

I pack away my sweaters, boots and heavy coats and replace this amour with cottons, sandals and linens; including my linen suits.

Have you ever worn a linen suit? It hangs crisply on the hanger looking business- like and smart, but even the act of 'putting it on' produces the first crinkles of the day. As the day progresses, the car seat belt, your office chair and the movements of arms create their own impression on the suit. As the day continues, your activity is imprinted on the suit for all to see so by the time you return home, the suit is wrinkled and disheveled.

Our soul is like that linen suit. When we awaken each morning, we feel refreshed and neatly pressed; ready to take on the day. Then the day makes its impression on us with crinkles of misunderstandings, creases of anger and frustration, wrinkles of worry, and perhaps a spot or two of despair. By the time we return home, our soul is disheveled.

Unlike the linen suit, we cannot press out our soul's wrinkles with an iron. The fluff setting on our dryer will not plump us up again, nor will a dry cleaners restore our soul.

No, only God can set things right for us. A visit with God will clean the spotting, iron out the wrinkles and fluff out the fabric of our being. We are restored by our Creator - but only if we visit with him at the end of the day.

"Thou art a hiding place for me, thou preserves me from trouble; thou dost encompass me with deliverance. [Selah] I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not keep with you. Many are the pangs of the wicked; but steadfast love surrounds him who trusts in the LORD. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" Psalms 32:7-11 RSV

The Winter Harvest

2006-05-15T07:47:00.000-04:00

"After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to come. And he said to them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves." Luke 10:1-3 RSV

We have seen that the first fruits will be harvested together before the heat of the summer; lest they wither. The summer fruits are harvested as they ripen and mature. Now let us learn about the winter harvest.

The seeds of the winter harvest were planted along with the first fruits and the summer fruits, however, they have taken longer to germinate and grow. Their growth or even germination may not even appear until after the first fruits have been taken up. Though they may grow along side the summer fruits, they did not benefit from the spring rains. They must persist through the blazing summer sun and possible summer droughts.

The days become shorter with more darkness and cold nighttime winds. An early frost may sear their upper growth. They grow hard shells such as pumpkins or winter squash to withstand the cold, or they may hide underground as potatoes and parsnips. They are not as flavorsome as their spring and summer counterparts, but they have much more substance because of the hardships they have survived.

The Hebrew Harvest Feast of Sukkoth is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Sukkoth is when the final harvest is carried into the storehouse. It is also called the Feast of the Tabernacles to commemorate the huts constructed by the Israelites in the desert. These huts were temporary dwellings which could be erected, taken down and carried during their wanderings. It is also indicated that these huts were constructed in the fields during the final harvest allowing the field workers to sleep close to their fields until the harvest was complete.

"Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road. Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!' And if a son of peace is there, your peace shall rest upon him; but if not, it shall return to you. And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages; do not go from house to house. Whenever you enter a town and they receive you, eat what is set before you; heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.' But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet, we wipe off against you; nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.' I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on that day for Sodom than for that town. "Woe to you, Chora'zin! woe to you, Beth-sa'ida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it shall be more tolerable in the judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Caper'na-um, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. "He who hears you hears me, and he who rejects you rejects me, and he who rejects me rejects him who sent me." Luke 10:4-16RSV

These fruits will carry the people through the long, cold winter and witness the returning spring.

The Summer Fruits

2006-05-14T07:47:00.000-04:00

"Thus the Lord God showed me; behold a basket of summer fruit." Amos 8:1 RSV

The first harvest has been completed leaving room in the garden for the summer fruits. Those grown during this time are the most robust and abundant. They are hardier than the first fruits for they have matured in adversity. They are not harvest together as the first fruits were harvested - but they are harvested as they mature.

These fruits share smaller amounts of rain and blazing sun. They weather thunderstorms; possibly hail. They are subject to predators, insects, slugs, root rot, mildew and drought. Subsequently, they are firmer, spicier, juicier. They provide more nourishing spiritual food than the first fruits because of their adversity. Herbs, spices, cantaloupe, watermelon, tomatoes,
corn, beans - these are the summer fruits harvested throughout the long hot summer.

"Do not be afraid to serve the Chalde'ans. Dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. As for me, I will dwell at Mizpah, to stand for you before the Chalde'ans who will come to us; but as for you, gather wine and summer fruits and oil, and store them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that you have taken." Jeremiah 40:9-10 RSV

The First Fruits

2006-05-13T11:45:00.000-04:00

"As an offering of first fruits you may bring them to the LORD, but they shall not be offered on the altar for a pleasing odor. " Leviticus 2:12 RSV

God's earthly abundance is tied to seasons; there is seed time and harvest. He promised that if we plant our seed, the harvest will be a hundredfold. However, this hundredfold harvest is so bountiful that it must be harvested in divisions or the fruit may wither on the vine before all has been brought into the storehouse.

The expulsion from the Garden ushered in the winter of desolation. Despite periods of sunshine, there was very little growth, but when Jesus started his ministry the planting season began. Those seeds were germinated in the upper room on Pentecost. It is no coincidence that the Hebrew festival of Shavout (Feast of the First Fruits) was also celebrated on that very day.

The first fruits are planted in the first days of increasing sunshine. Rain is abundant and although a late frost may take out some of the crop, most of the early fruits weather the nighttime temperatures with little trouble. These fruits are usually tender such as lettuce, peas, strawberries - for they have been cultivated in the most ideal conditions. They are cherished because they are the first abundance after the long winter, and so the first harvest is completed.

"Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed." ICorinthians 15:51-52 RSV

From My Prayer Journal

2006-05-11T07:27:00.000-04:00

This morning you told me that you love me. I want you to know that I love you, too. How can I express my love to you with mere words? They are inadequate to encircle my feelings. I can only express my love through your Word - your son, Jesus.

You have been my salvation, my light on a dark path. I can shine that light on every dark corner of my life and the fear fades away. You have lifted me above confusion and around despair. I have glimpsed heaven through your joy.

What I perceive as difficult, you have made simple. What I could not accomplish alone, you have carried me through in the palm of your hand - safe and hidden.

I look forward to coming home; to seeing your face when I have shed that which separates me from you - my earthly body. Thank you is such a small phrase, but it is all that I have to give. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"And he said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel, or under a bed, and not on a stand? For there is nothing hid, except to be made manifest, nor is anything secret except to come to light . If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:21-23 RSV

How Do You Navigate the Waters of Life?

2006-05-09T07:23:00.000-04:00

We are all on a journey crossing the waters of life to a distant shore. We all start from the same place, but not all of us reach our destination in the same way - if at all. We all want to go home, but it is how we choose to get there that is the key.

There are those who want to get there as quickly as possible, under their own power, so they choose a speed boat. But, they soon find that the crossing is a bumpy, teeth grinding ride. They never reach home because a speed boat cannot hold the fuel to reach that far off destination.

There are those who favor crossing in luxury, so they choose a cabin cruiser, but a storm comes up, and their boat fights against the wind. The boat is tossed against the waves, falters and stops. They drift on the waters never reaching their destination.

Then there are those who choose a sailboat. They open their sails to the wind knowing that this; instead of man-made fuel, will propel them to distant shores. If the wind dies down, they open more sails. If the wind becomes strong, they trim the sails. The wind helps them glide above the waters instead of plowing through and when the weather is brisk, they 'head up' sailing closer to the wind. As the wind changes direction, the sailboat tacks, always adjusting to the wind.

The sailor speaks his own language: rigging, luffing, coming about, that sounds foreign to those choosing to stay on the land. Although they pass through the water without much churning, they still leave a wake and they eventually reach the new land of their visions and dreams. They have come home.

"But at midnight there was a cry, 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise replied, 'Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. " Matthew 25 6-13 RSV

Forgive But Not Forget

2006-05-08T07:34:00.000-04:00

"...but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:15 RSV

There are two idioms that I would like to address. One is 'Forgive and forget' and the other is 'I will forgive, but I will never forget'. Is there room for both in the kingdom of God?

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27 RSV

For us to have peace, we must forgive as Christ forgave. God's plan of salvation through his son, Jesus promises us that our sins are forgiven if we believe. All our past, present and future sins were laid upon the cross, and we walk with God as though there had never been a separation fostered by sin. This removes guilt. Going forward, guilt would be another sin because it is not based on God's plan of salvation. Remember, guilt should come before forgiveness; not after.

When we forgive but not forget, the veil of guilt still hangs over the other person. Also, the veil of self-righteousness hangs over ourselves. The relationship is not restored. The only change is that the power has shifted from one person to the other. We must not only forgive, but forget if the relationship is to be restored.

Also, when we do not forget, our peace has not been restored. Though we hate to admit it, there is no forgiveness without forgetting, for that remembering allows an open door to Satan for stirring up the anger all over again. We must forgive and forget.

Jesus had raised up Peter by appointing him the first leader of the his new church. Peter certainly had a bravado about him and was probably the best candidate for this job. However, when the atmosphere became charged and danger was imminent, Peter denied knowing Christ three times.

When Jesus appeared to the apostles after his death, Peter repented. He didn't tell Jesus he was sorry, but his actions spoke of sorrow and repentance. Jesus forgave him as he prophiesied at the Passover meal - but did Jesus forget?

Obviously, he did because Peter was still the first leader of the church. His sin existed no more.

God or Church?

2006-05-07T07:36:00.000-04:00

God has carried me to a unique position in my spiritual walk with him. Some thirty years ago, I walked down the aisle of a small Baptist church in Kentucky confessing my commitment to God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, his son. I remained at that church for just under two years, then my time there ended.

The next thirty years were spent alone with God. Periodically, I did 'visit' churches feeling that perhaps I should belong to a congregation, but I never found a fit. Meanwhile, God was instructing me, loving me, and preparing me spiritually through his word in the privacy of my own home.

Recently, God directed me towards a Baptist church in my town, and I reluctantly joined this church - not because I felt a connection here, but because God told me to join. Though, I would have preferred to be kept separate, he had work for me to do at this church.

My concern in joining a church was that I would once again become immersed in 'church' leaving behind God's spirit. You see, I was raised a Catholic and taught that the church was all important, all knowing, divinely appointed to be the liaison between God and myself. The church issued proclamations, demanded compliance with their institutions and interpreted God's word to their congregations based on their ideals. To this clergy, compliance with the church dogma was the road to salvation, and it should be revered.

So, did I find a difference in the Baptist church? Who can see the heart of a man, except God? But, I have noticed that the greater number of days per week spent in church service, the greater esteem bestowed. And, I am greatly saddened by this.

In both cases, the love is for the church. The church has become our focus of attention, adoration and perhaps salvation. This is not what Christ intended when he created the church.

"Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, ..." Matthew 4:5 RSV

This verse from Matthew has great significance. It shows that the temple or church of the day no longer belonged to God because it had been infiltrated by the spirit of Satan and that spirit was the same spirit that had separated Lucifer from God - pride.

When we venerate the church instead of God, we are venerating ourselves because we are the church. We have placed Jesus' Bride as our object of worship, and just like Lucifer, we have proclaimed ourselves wiser and more worthy than God.

Did we forget?

"And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom; and the earth shook, and the rocks were split;..." Matthew 27:51 RSV

God destroyed the temple - or church - when Jesus had finished his plan of salvation. No longer would our sins be forgiven through the church by sacrifice or penance, but rather through the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Salvation - God's Plan or Man's Plan?

2006-05-06T07:15:00.000-04:00

"What do you think? A man had two sons; and he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' And he answered, 'I will not'; but afterward he repented and went. And he went to the second and said the same; and he answered, 'I go, sir,' but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the harlots believed him; and even when you saw it, you did not afterward repent and believe him." Matthew 21:28-32 RSV

Many believe that penance and repentance are synonymous, however, the meaning for each are strikingly different from each other. The Greek word for repentance (Metanoia) is mentioned no less than fifty- eight times in the New Testament and means - a changing of one's heart or mind about something.

The idea of penance (from the Latin, poenitentia) did not originate until well after the apostolic age when men such as Justin and Augustine searched for some type of contrition by man to justify the sinner and restore him to the Spirit of God.

The originators of the Reformation rejected the idea of post baptism forgiveness of sins by contrition and penance. Both John the Baptist and Jesus called sinners to repentance, not to penance because the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus was the only payment necessary for the forgiveness of sin. This payment included the past, present and future sins of the believer.

Both Judas and Peter rejected Jesus prior to his crucifixion. Judas handed Jesus over to the authorities and Peter denied knowing Jesus three times after his arrest. Which was forgiven for their denial?

There is no doubt that Judas was sorry (contrition) for what he had done, and he certainly paid his penance (death). However, it was Peter who was forgiven. He turned away from his denial and became the first and strongest witness to God's plan of salvation.

The Struggle

2006-05-04T07:13:00.000-04:00

"I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and there there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." I Corinthians 1:10 RSV

Paul goes on to write about the divisions between the church at Corinth. Affiliations were declared - "I am of Paul, I am of Cephas" - and so forth. We have inherited these divisions, and by feeding our divisions, we have kept them alive to this day.

I am a Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist and the list is long. Every division believes that they are the key to the kingdom, but I tell you that if we are divided - we have lost. And, what have we lost?

We have lost a united front against Satan.
We have lost our peace.
We have lost our validity before the world of lost souls.
We have lost our wisdom.
We have lost our momentum.
We have lost our spiritual stamina.

Paul goes onto say "When I came to you, brethren, I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." I Corinthians 2:1-2 RSV.

To whom do we belong? We belong to the one who called us. In the beginning sentence of I Corinthians, Paul identifies himself as being 'called' by the will of God. He then identifies the congregation at Corinth in the same way, "To the church of God which is at Corinth to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.."

We all belong to God through his son, Jesus. This is our only claim to salvation. God made it so simple - it is only man who complicates the process of salvation.

The Warning: "For it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the cleverness of the clever, I will thwart." I Corinthians 2:19 RSV

Living In America

2006-04-28T07:28:00.000-04:00

I heard a statistic some time ago that each person has only a one in thirty chance of being born in America. When I heard this, I pondered on how my life would be different if I had been born in Brazil or Germany, Egypt or Taiwan. I would probably be a very different person today.

Jesus spoke no less than forty-nine times about servants in the Gospels. He placed such emphasis on servitude that he named himself a servant. Living in America, we have a hard time understanding the servant attitude, perhaps because there are so few role models in our middle class American lives.

Few people have true servants. Yes, some may have a maid come in once a week to vacuum and dust, or we may pay for a laundry service to wash and press our clothing. We dine out primarily for the experience of someone 'waiting' on us; this makes us feel special. However, with one exception, most of us have little experience with being the master or the servant. That one exception is Mothers.

Jesus speaks of the true servant attitude in Luke 17: 7-10 RSV:
"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 sit down at table'? Will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, and gird yourself and serve me, till I eat and drink; and afterward you shall eat and drink'? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'"

This is true of servants - this is true of Mothers, and they are in a greater company.

"But it shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43-45 RSV

Dear Lord

2006-04-25T07:53:00.000-04:00

You are my husband, father, brother, friend, teacher, advisor, counselor, employer, creator and savior. On each of these levels - and so many more - you are important to my life.

I want you to know that I love you. I love you in each of your many characters. I belong to you because you loved me enough to give me the choice.

..."To those who are called beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ; May peace, and love be multiplied to you." Jude 1:1-2 RSV

"But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God; wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And convince some, who doubt; save some, by snatching them out of the fire; on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Jude 1:20-23 RSV

I am not what you hear or see. I am not what you feel. I am the beloved of the Lord.

Ripples of Praise

2006-04-24T07:21:00.000-04:00

I attend church to restore God's Spirit in my soul. The world can be a battering ram to that Spirit creating chinks and weak spots much like the holes in Swiss cheese. The praise and worship mends those holes reminding me of what is important - God.

So what exactly is praise? Commonly, we group praise along with worship as though these two actions are one, but are they? The dictionary defines worship as "homage or service to a deity", therefore by definition, we worship God when we pay him homage - singing, praying, attending services, etc., or in service by ministering to others or evangelism.

Praise is different from worship. The definition of praise is "express warm approval or admiration". When we tell others about who God is and what he has done in our lives; this is praise.

So why would God be concerned with our praise? Is it glory that he is after? Does he need us to remind him of his great works? Is it arrogance that requires our praise? NO!

Praise is a many- pronged fork.

When we praise who God is and what he has done to unbeliever - it is evangelism.
When we recount all that God has done in our lives to fellow Christians, it strengthens their Spirit.
When we praise in the secrecy of our prayer closet - it reminds those dark spirits of the goodness of our Lord and who they have set themselves against.

But, praise is not linear - it has a ripple effect. As we speak to unbelievers our praise of God, not only are we evangelizing the unbeliever - but we are strengthening our own Spirit and reminding those dark spirits of their rebellion against the Lord of All.

Under The Magnifying Glass

2006-04-20T07:28:00.000-04:00

Never in my lifetime have I witnessed such a public scrutiny of Christians as this present age. Our current administration has placed Christianity on the front page of newspapers and newscaster's notes. However, agreeing with a quote I heard recently (forgive me, I cannot remember the author's name) "Even a good thing can cast a shadow." It reminds me of a conversation I had a few years ago with an unbelieving friend.

My friend, Paula, worked for one of the most respected cancer surgeons in the county. A mutual acquaintance, Sal, had made an appointment to see this doctor. Sal was a prominent contractor in our city. He started his company early in his marriage and in the ensuing twenty years, his company grew to the most successful contracting company in the area. Sal was kind and generous, but as his reputation grew, so did the whispers about pay-offs and unfair dealings to obtain government contracts. None of this was ever substantiated and I dismissed the criticism, but many did not.

Early in his forties, Sal was diagnosed with cancer, and after a series of surgeries and chemotherapy, his future recovery dimmed. As Paula recounted, Sal made an appointment with her employer, the well-know cancer specialist. Unfortunately, the doctor did not have good news for Sal, and he passed away a few weeks later.

As my friend Paula recounted this story to me, she chuckled that Sal must have been desperate because he carried a Bible with him on his appointment to meet her doctor. "I guess everyone finds religion when they are about to die."

I remember at that moment feeling such sadness for Sal and Paula. Sal died in his early forties, and although no one can know the heart of another, it took terminal cancer for Sal to finally seek the Kingdom of God. Perhaps there had been other forks in the road when Sal could have chosen God, but he waited until his time here was closing.

My sadness for Paula was for her future. There are no coincidences and everything God does serves multiple purposes - sometimes so many purposes - we cannot fathom who it has effected.
Paula had witnessed Sal and his Bible on purpose. It was a knock on her door, so apparently God was trying to reach her, and failing, what future event will finally reach Paula?

What would it take for you to open the door to God?

"I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture." John 10:9 RSV

Tell My People That I Love Them

2006-04-14T09:58:00.000-04:00

I sat here for a long time rolling up and down mountains of ideas without direction. Unable to formulate anything concrete - I had a V-8 moment. "Oh! I could have asked God!" Duh! So I did, and this is what he said:

"Tell my people that I love them. My people are beloved. This is not just something that I bestow upon them, but it is a command. BE LOVED!

The evil one stomps around devouring my people with his basket of lies, but his most deadly is that you are not loved by your God.

I am, therefore, I be and I bestow upon you all my being. To be: to exist, live, occur, take place, occupy, remain, continue, identify, intent, possibility, destiny, all over, all around, affect, treat and have.

On this day many years ago, I gave these things to you. I hung them on a cross so you could see them clearly. I wanted the whole world to see, and though some have rejected this vision, it still exists.

These are more than just words, they are containers of power; my love is your power. Use them.

Be
Be beckoning
Be beaming
Be beautiful
Be bearing
Be bedazzled
Be believers
Be besought
Be beneficial
Be beyond
All because you are Be- Loved.

Jesus Under Fire

2006-04-09T09:07:00.000-04:00

"but this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; yea, and on my menservants and my maidservants in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and manifest day. And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' " Acts 2:17-21 RSV

If we are indeed in the last days as many believe, then the world will witness an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. What a stumbling block that outpouring would be to Satan! For how can he effectively counteract the discerning truth of that Spirit? Yet, it appears that he is trying his best.

The Da Vinci Code purports that Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married - in total disagreement with historical Christian doctrine. Is it possible that Jesus was married? Actually, I would be surprised if Jesus, a practicing Jew, had remained single. All Jewish Rabbis are required to marry by Hebrew law. It appears that Joseph and Mary raised their son according to Jewish law evidenced by their presenting Jesus at the Temple when he was twelve years old. So it would follow that Jesus would have married according to that law as well.

So where did the idea of celibacy originate? Actually, this perversion of faith came many centuries after Jesus' death. In the early Christian church many of the church leaders were married. Peter's wife is mentioned in the Gospels. The perversion started sometime in the second century when the Council of Elvira, Spain decreed that any priest sleeping with his wife the night before he celebrated Mass would be 'defrocked'. Many other prohibitive decrees followed until in the fifth century, Pope Gregory issued an edict that all sexual desire was sinful, thereby ensuring the superiority of the clergy - who by this time were not allowed to marry - over their parishioners.

The Scriptures are clear on marriage and sexual relations. In fact, one of God's first commands to Adam and Eve was to "go forth and multiply". So I ask the reader, who would benefit most from a commandment that mankind's most devout followers of Christ could not reproduce?

This week another attack has come to plague Christians. The Gospel of Judas has been found, carbon dated and translated by scientists. Those same scientists have been quoted in the media on their translation of this new-found manuscript, and according to their translation, Judas was directed by Jesus to betray him. But, I ask you, dear reader, was this a command given by Jesus to Judas, or a prophecy (fore-knowledge) of what Judas was about to do?

In the war for souls, the enemy will attack on many fronts, but the truth will come through the discernment of the Spirit by prayer and fasting. "And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again." And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse; so that most of them said, "He is dead." But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." Mark 9: 28-29 RSV

In A Rut

2006-04-05T07:15:00.000-04:00

Much of our lives are spent repeating the same things day after day. We wake and go to work. We come home and eat dinner. Perhaps we do some chores - laundry, grocery shopping, yard work. We may even have some time for our hobbies: golfing, knitting, reading or even blogging. However, for most of us Monday through Friday has been laid out for us by necessity, so we wait anxiously for the bookends - Saturday and Sunday. The bookends allow us to break out of our rut; or so we believe.

Are your bookends really a break out, or is it just a different rut? Do you ever wonder what we are walking towards?

As physical beings, we must experience time within the natural laws. We move through time in a linear fashion with yesterday a memory we carry while the future hangs in the mist of our plans; never guaranteed. The truth is, we are all walking towards something - but what?

What rut have you chosen to take? If we must walk through this life in one rut or another - wouldn't you rather be on the rut leading to something better? Will your rut lead directly to the grave and eternal death, or will your rut lead upwards to an eternal life?

"Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:44-46 RSV

Fundamentalism

2006-03-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

Our modern dictionaries describe fundamentalism as : a strict adherence to religious tradition or belief. However, the original meaning of fundamentalism stems from the word fundamental meaning: primary, original, pertaining to the foundation. So practicing fundamentalism to foment a relationship with God is actually a blatant perversion.

"Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment men will render account for every careless word they utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:33-37 RSV

Throughout history people have sought God. Why? Why is the search for something larger than ourselves so fundamental to our lives? When my son was very small and something hurt him, or he was frustrated, he would cry, "I want to go home." This statement was confusing to me as many times when he shouted this declaration - we were at home. When I would respond that we are at home, he would look straight into my eye with exasperation and say, "Not this home; my other home". It was as though at his tender age, he could still remember the place he came from where this type of pain or frustration never plagued him. It made me sad that I could not remember that place.

Throughout history men, governments and yes, even churches have stolen that fundamental memory and craving from us by distortion. In their desire to manipulate and control others, they have robbed us of the very thing they promise to deliver - A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Abraham had a personal relationship with God and he did so without the benefit of sacraments, rituals, or prescribed prayers at prescribed times. His relationship was not based on religious holidays, holy days, laws, or the worship of saints or prophets. His relationship was based solely on one man believing in where he came from and from whom.

Jesus came to stop the perversion of this relationship. He came to set us free from the law and rituals. "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18: 1-3 RSV

Fundamentalism has less to do with the spirituality of men and more to do with the ego of one man.

A Call to Intercession

2006-03-29T07:14:00.000-05:00

Dear Father -

This morning you called me to intercession - prayer on behalf of others. Father, you know my heart and my willingness to serve you, but I do not know the needs of your people. Please lay on my heart the people and their needs so I may obey.

Show me who to lift up in prayer. Show me their pain, their dis-ease, their loss and their hope. You know each of them as well as you know me, so show me where they have laid their faith so I may join them with one voice in their petition. In Jesus' name - Amen.

"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them." Matthew 18:19-20 RSV

The Hand of God

2006-03-28T07:53:00.000-05:00

The hand of God is as protective as a soldier's and as free as a friend's.

The hand of God is as healing as a nurse's and as commanding as a mentor's.

The hand of God is as comforting as a mother's and as disciplined as a father's.

Yet -

The hand of God is as open as a child's.

Be Humble or Be Humbled

2006-03-23T07:06:00.000-05:00

"God Counts The Tears of Women"

As I was driving to work the other day, I remembered a scene from a movie I had recently watched on television. I cannot recall the name of the movie, but one scene came to me with poignant clarity.

In the scene, one male Hebrew student was reading out the scriptures to another male Hebrew student. He read, "God counts the tears of women." Then he looked up at as fellow student and asked, "What does that mean?" The other student replied, "I don't have a clue."

As I recalled that scene, I played a rerun of all I had done that morning before sitting behind the wheel of my car to drive to work. I had fed two cats and one dog. I had folded laundry, made beds, fixed breakfast for my son, packed lunches, vacuumed and cleaned the bathroom, showered and dressed. I also had spent time in prayer and studying the Word. Recalling all that I had done that morning pressed upon me and I said to God "I know what that means."

Armed with my understanding, I determined to quiz some of the men in my office to find out what they accomplished that morning before coming to work. Certain that they readied only themselves while their wives struggled with the children, I asked two male co-workers my question.

The first man - S - has a wife and four children. He described making their breakfast, packing lunches, dressing the children, and picking up the dry cleaning before he came to work.

The second man - J - was just as industrious. He dressed the children and took their dirty clothes down to the laundry, made his wife's coffee and even rubbed her back before leaving for work.

I was humbled. I have long stood in confusion between the bold Christian and the humble Christian, but that day, I remembered a favorite saying of one of my sisters. "Be humble or be humbled."

I had just eaten humble pie, and I realized that when we stand in ourselves - we should do so in humility, but when we stand in God - we can do so in boldness.

The Trinity - Three Gods or One?

2006-03-21T07:43:00.000-05:00

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Matthew 28:19 RSV

Most Christians believe in a triune God as stated in the scriptures, but many other religions-including fellow Christians - question this unity believing that the distinction of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is based on polytheism. Even I, though accepting the concept of three persons in one, had a hard time explaining how this triune was in fact worship of the one God.

Then - a genesis from Genesis. "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness;" Genesis 1:26 RSV We are created in God's image; therefore, we are a triune being, as well.

Body:
Let's begin with the most obvious - our body. We can see our body - we can touch, smell and hear it, as well. Our body is created from the elements of this world and will return to this world after our death by decomposition.

Spirit:
Deep inside of each person there exists a tiny kernel that has always belonged to God - whether you are a believer or not. It is similar to an egg kept safe in a woman's ovaries. This egg is our spirit. This egg may remain in the 'spiritual ovary' for years or decades waiting to be fertilized. Once the egg is fertilized, it moves from the ovaries to the womb where it begins to grow.

Soul:
Our soul is who we are. All our thoughts, feelings, memories, decisions, judgments, love, hate, anger, bias, humor belongs to our soul. Our very best resides in our soul - but too - our very worst resides here. This is the battle ground. Whereas our body is predestined to the earth and our spirit is predestined to God - it is in our soul where we make the decision for the other two. Our soul is our free will.

Now first let us correlate our triune being with the trinity of God, for if we were made in his image, then by definition he is composed of a body, spirit and soul. The first two are easy for obviously, Jesus represents our bodies and the Holy Spirit represents our spirit. So who represents our soul? God - the Father represents our soul.

It is the Father that loves (feelings). It is the Father that will judge us (judgment). It is the Father that mourns our sin, or corrects us, remembers David and Abraham, empathic, etc.

So we see that we also are triune beings - made in the image of God. Now the questions is how do we unite this triune being into one?

Holiness means Oneness
We know that God is Holy. As I mentioned in a previous post, the word Holy comes from the Saxon word Halig meaning made whole, healthy. So if God is Holy, then he is whole and healthy.
So how are we made whole; a triune being made into one?

The soul is the battleground - both God and Satan are fighting for our soul - it is in play and the decision of who will win our soul rests with ourselves. We decide who will rule our soul and unlike other decisions we make in our life, it is a decision of default. We can choose God - by speaking that decision through The Word, or by default, we have chosen to side with Satan.

Dependence to Dependence

2006-03-16T07:06:00.000-05:00

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them, and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. " Matthew 18:1-4

My office window at work looks out over a day care playground. At times, when I hear the the children playing with screams of delight, I turn from my computer to watch their play. Two little boys are waddling up and down the sidewalk - back and forth with no apparent destination. Another little boy is trekking furiously around and around in circles, and a group of four girls (determined by their pink and purple coats) are sitting in the bottom of a sand box in a lively exchange that I cannot hear.

Each time I watch this parade of energy and abandon, I remember what Jesus said and I know that he is referring to their joy, peace and faith. Yesterday was different. This time watching the children, I wondered why they have such joy, peace and faith while those in my office were stressed, concerned and worried. A word hit me - Dependence.

We all start our lives dependent. We don't worry how our food will come - we know if we cry - it will be provided. When we are cold - we cry. When we need to be held - we cry. When we are scared - we cry. When we are hurt - we cry, knowing and expecting someone will respond.

As we age, we are taught to become more independent - to do these things for ourselves. This is good, but with independence comes arrogance. "I can do it myself!", is a favorite tune of small children. As we lose our dependence, we forget the faith we once had that our needs will met when we cry out. We begin to place our faith in ourselves instead of our parents.

So too as we grow spiritually, we place less and less faith in our Heavenly Father and more faith in our own abilities. Relying on ourselves alone steals our joy and abandon - or courage - as these are replaced with stress, concern and worry.

There is salvation, though. It is ironic that as we mature spiritually, our bodies decline until we are once again dependent on others to supply our needs. It is as though we are once again returned to childhood where our learned independence is replaced by dependence in preparation for the meeting with our Father.

Survival Instinct

2006-03-11T07:08:00.000-05:00

Did you ever have a situation where you came away wondering how things could have gone so wrong; as though everyone was bouncing off each other - but never connecting?

This illustrates my whole week. Co-workers, friends, family - they all seemed to be bouncing around me and I could not get any connection, so today reviewing this awful week, I tried to weigh how things could have been different.

In my prayers this morning, I asked God what happened - what could I have done to change things. Well, that prayer was my first mistake, for his answer was - nothing. "Why do you believe you can affect others in such profound way; could it be pride and arrogance?"

"Aha!", I chortled. "You caught me!"

Then God gave me Matthew 12:7 "And, if you had know what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless." So I thought about all those troubling situations that plagued me this week through the lens of this scripture. It made the understanding crystal clear.

We were created with a potent survival instinct - not only for our physical well being, but also for the well being of 'self'. When others are needy, we tend to pull in our emotional storehouses to protect them for our future well being. When others are honored, we point out our own accomplishments, as well, to protect our image. When others are angry, we quickly set up our defenses in the event of an attack. We turn our backs to changes to allow us time to digest how these changes will affect us. Us, we, me, myself, I - we can always see our survival instinct rearing up.

So, how does all this pertain to Matthew 12:7? When we do something for someone else - which is it? Is it a sacrifice or a mercy? In the Old Testament, the Hebrew people made many sacrifices to God, but these sacrifices served themselves. Jesus changed the sacrificial Economy to one of Mercy.

The object of sacrifice is ourselves and our sin; the object of mercy is others. So we see that sacrifice is about our survival instinct - but - mercy is about love.

Remember, God does not give us sacrifice - he gives us mercy so we can pass this onto those around us.

Thank You

2006-03-07T07:19:00.000-05:00

Dear Father,

When I ponder our relationship, I am amazed that I have such a personal relationship with the Creator - the King of everything.

I see you sitting on top of a small hill waiting for me to walk through the garden to sit with you in silence.

When I am distressed by this exile, I see you on your throne, and you allow me to sit at your feet - close, safe - where no one can hurt me.

When I am fearful, I am sitting on your lap, rocking, and I can feel your arms encircle me while your melodious song is whispered gently in my ear.

At work you stand behind me with cheering or chiding, and at home you push me off my couch to get one more thing accomplished.

And when I lay my head on my pillow, you stay to watch me sleep - as though you loved only me.

Thank you.

Fun With Dick and Jane

2006-02-27T07:27:00.000-05:00

I have learned that when God does something, he wastes no effort on just one thing. Everything he does serves on many different levels. These levels are probably more complex than we can discern - God is, after all, infinite - so it stands to reason that his works are infinite, as well.

Take the Bible, for instance. The Bible is God's word, but is it his only word? I believe the Bible, complex as it stands, is probably just the primer on who God is. The Bible is a glimpse of God - not the whole God. The Bible is the very first reader - or a Fun with Dick and Jane book - for humankind to learn the nature of God.

If this is true, then how do we learn more about God? The answer is simple - ask! During my morning prayers, I ask God to show me everything about him. Now, I know that as a human being wrapped in a body that belongs to the world, there is no way that I will ever know everything about the character of God. I am sure God knows this as well, but I can ask - can't I?

Of course I can ask. God told us to ask for everything. However, just as a youthful son may ask to drive the car on the driveway, or a young daughter would like to bake a cake solo, God will just chuckle and say - not yet - you need to grow up a little more before you can know that. But it never hurts to ask, for God may say - "I'll let you know part of what you want revealed for now. The rest I will give you when you have matured a little more." If we do not ask, we may miss even part of his charcter and wisdom.

Let us look at Solomon - the historical epitome of wisdom:" In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, "Ask what I shall give you." And Solomon said to God, "Thou hast shown great and steadfast love to David my father, and hast made me king in his stead. O LORD God, let thy promise to David my father be now fulfilled, for thou hast made me king over a people as many as the dust of the earth. Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this thy people, that is so great?" God answered Solomon, "Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may rule my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like." 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 RSV

Check Your Compass

2006-02-25T08:06:00.000-05:00

As I was driving the other day, I noticed a car in front of me displaying a popular bumper sticker -"God is my co-pilot". I had seen this bumper sticker many times before and agreed with its premise, but this day was different. I guess I was different this day.

I remembered with amazement and wonder that I could ask God for something and he would give it. God started my car when it would not start, and he found a parking space for me when the whole lot was full. He kept the snow away when I had a trip I needed to make, and he sent me money when there were repairs needed that I could not afford. I realized that during that time in my life, I was leading God around on a leash - like a little dog.

Then I remembered as time passed, instead of asking God for 'things', I started praying over my dreams and goals. "Please God show me which way to go to achieve.....". I had set the course for my life. I planned out each day with a to-do list and asked God to help me get to the end of my list. God was indeed my co-pilot.

However, once again things changed for me. No longer do I lead God around like a puppy on leash, and my lists are flexible and even disposable. Now when I wake in the morning, I ask God , "Which way should I go today?" God is now my compass.

When Jesus said "I came to give you freedom and peace" - this is what he meant. It is so liberating to turn your every thought, action and purpose over to God's authority; not as an automaton, but as a willing participant. It was my choice to follow wherever he leads, and that choice must be made many times each day - in every situation. It is humbling to submit to God in this way, but the benefits are freedom from worry and the enusing peace.

Also, when you allow the Creator of the entire universe to direct your every step - you are guaranteed success - for he knows the outcome!

"Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." John 21:18 RSV

Religion Has Failed Man.....And God

2006-02-21T07:21:00.000-05:00

Relationship was created by God. He created man with the desire for relationships - not just with each other, but also with him.

Man created religion to facilitate the God/man relationship, however, as we have seen with splitting the atom or the combustion engine, man's inventions usually are a two-edged sword. For, religion inserts rituals between God and man, and those man-made rituals create a distance - a separation between the two. The more rituals a religion imposes on its adherents, the more that separation exists.

God wants us to be personal with him. Just talk to him - he will listen. Just listen and he will talk with you. Prayer is not a prescription of poetry. You cannot have a relationship with your spouse if your only dialogue consists of quotations from romantic movies. You must share yourself with your spouse to foster a deep personal relationship. The same is true of God.

If you are angry - let him know. If you are happy - let him know. Talk it over with him. Ask for his advice. Let him know the sunset you saw last night moved you, and thank him for creating such startling colors. Discuss current events with him. Discuss religion, politics and yes, even sex, with him.

If God knows everything already - then why are we hiding behind ritual?

Evidence of Evil

2006-02-19T09:26:00.000-05:00

Most will admit that there are two diametrically opposed forces in the world - good and evil. Some will call the good, God, and the evil, Satan. Others believe these opposing forces are ying and yang, positive and negative, light and dark or just the whole of the human condition. But, I think that all will agree that these two forces are in a struggle to wrest power and dominance over the other. For my purposes here, I will name these forces God and Satan. If Satan is indeed the enemy, and we are in an internal struggle with this enemy, then how do we fight?

Our first step is to identify the enemy; that is, where is he? If we cannot recognize the enemy, then we cannot fight him. Satan does not work against his own army. Those who are part of the world's evil already belong to him. "Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand; and if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand?" Matthew 12:25-26 RSV

Therefore, we can identify Satan by who is being attacked. For instance, the Old Testament states that the Hebrews are God's chosen people, and yet throughout history this group of people have been maligned, hated, attacked and ridiculed by nearly every nation and every other religion. If the Hebrew nation were evil - and therefore - of Satan, then how would Satan's kingdom stand? Think back to those nations and religions who persecuted God's purported people. Where were they then, where are they now and what are they still doing? This gives a macro perspective to evil, but the same yardstick can be used at a micro level. Who is being attacked?

The second standard for measuring evil is - what tools or weapons are being utilized? What are the weapons of evil and what are the weapons of good? Which side would utilize weapons of fear, terror, hatred, blame, prejudice and destruction? Conversely, which side would utilize peace, outreach, responsibility, love, kindness, construction and mercy? "You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits." Matthew 7:16-20 RSV

These two measurement provide a test of evidence of evil. It does exist and his name is Satan.

I Am A God of the Heart

2006-02-17T08:06:00.000-05:00

At the beginning of time - God created Adam and Eve, and he was a God of individuals. Sadly, after the first sin, God became a God of nations and peoples. Whole nations were lost to the Flood. A whole race was captured and enslaved by Egypt, Babylon and Persia.

Then came Jesus. He reconciled the individual to God. Once again God was a God of individuals. When we accept Jesus into our hearts, our whole being is reconciled with God regardless of your nationality, race, religion or gender. We will be judged on whether our hearts, our minds and our souls are reconciled through Jesus.

We will no longer be judged as a nation or a people, for we will be responsible only for our own actions, words and thoughts. We will become reconciled.

How do you become reconciled? You become reconciled by making a decision; using your will. Why do you think God gave each of us a will? He gave us a will so each of us will have the opportunity to decide for ourselves whether to follow in his ways or the ways of the world.

Say: Father, I am a sinner. I know that the penalty for even one sin is death, therefore, it is beyond my power to reconcile myself to you. I accept that Jesus is your Son and that he died for all my sins - past, present and future. I accept his blood sacrifice. I accept that I am forgiven through Jesus. Thank you.

"On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers.' "Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it." And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:22-29 RSV

You decide - will you be judge along with your nation, or will you be judged based on your heart?

Evangelism Starts With A Prayer

2006-02-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

If you are interested in seeing the power and results of prayer, then pray for someone's salvation. Immediately, the object of your prayer will experience strife, sorrow, anger, bitterness and resentment. These are the necessary labor pains of a new birth.

Whenever Jesus spoke to a group of people, the Bible tells us that he went away to pray alone. He prayed that the seed he just planted would take hold and create a pregnancy of the Holy Spirit. While the spirit grows the person will become uncomfortable, irritable and possibly even depressed - just as a woman who is pregnant. These emotions are a necessary part of salvation because there is now a war going on inside this person. The old -self is fighting to maintain hold over the new, developing self. The dark spirit is fighting to maintain control over the spirit of light. It is a war and the prize is the person's eternal life.

"For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work in quietness and to earn their own living. Brethren, do not be weary in well-doing. If any one refuses to obey what we say in this letter, note that man, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not look on him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother." 2Thessalonians 3:10-15 RSV

For those who are brothers and sisters in Christ, Paul is not speaking about spiritual food here.
We are all commanded to witness and give testimony to God's plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of his son, Jesus. Not only must we earn our own spiritual living by reading the Word and praying, but we must evangelize the world. Those who are not doing the work of the Lord - as commanded - should be ashamed. Time is running out.

Opening the Gates of Paradise

2006-02-05T10:53:00.000-05:00

"And I will utter my judgments against them, for all their wickedness in forsaking me; they have burned incense to other gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands." Jeremiah 1:16

According to the Word of God, how can we measure the compliance of our beliefs? The key is what do you worship? Yes, I know that many say they worship God, but we know that what is spoken and what is acted are usually two different things.

What do you honor most in your quest for a relationship with God. Do you honor what you have done or will do - or do you honor what God does? Will paradise be obtained by the work of your hand or by the hand of God?

Think about the religions of the world - which teach reward for the works of the adherents hand? "Ah, yes." you will say. "But the works of my hands are for the good of humankind. That other religion teaches that death and destruction will open the doors to paradise."

I tell you now - arrogance and self-pride are evident in both the do-gooder and the follower of destruction. The gates of paradise will not open for our hands or our mouths as these are part of our body, and we do not take our bodies into paradise.

Only God can open the gates of paradise to us. So who does God allow into paradise?
"One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:39-43 RSV

When God created us - he gave us free will. Our will is the Key to Paradise.

Clash of the Titans

2006-02-04T07:49:00.000-05:00

It is the eve of the Superbowl and once again what has been played throughout the world will be played out on the football field. Warriors will compete for the prize of being right; being the best. False chests and shoulders will replace the puffed up chests we see on the nightly news. The big head will be made larger with helmets. The disguise of manly facial hair will be replaced by those face "do-hickeys" on the the front of the helmets while the family jewels will be more evident under the guise of protection.

This testosteronic event will be mirrored in the stands with whoops and hollers and echoed in homes across this country in front of larger than life televisions. Meanwhile - as usual - most women will try to find a way to escape. We have been trying to escape for generations, and frankly I am tired of waiting.

I am tired of waiting while men try to inherit the earth by violence. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." Matthew 5:5
I am tired of the persecution of women on this earth. "Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Matthew 5:11
I am tired of men hiding the light of this world. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Matthew 5:14-15
I am tired of the aggression and murder. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' 22 But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire. Matthew 5:21-22

It was for this day, this time that Jesus came as a man and not a woman. For - can you imagine Jesus riding in a fighter jet dropping bombs? Would Jesus ride in an army tank? What would you say to a cartoon of Jesus carrying an AK-40? For that matter - would Jesus carry a football?

Weapons of Mass Construction

2006-01-30T07:06:00.000-05:00

At this writing, my heart is heavy with the images of hatred, misunderstanding, anger, bias and the violence of the world around us. It comes on in waves of desperation and tears. What can one person do to change the headlong descent to human depravity? What can stop the downhill descent of Destruction? God answered me.

First and foremost - remember who you are fighting against. "For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Ephesians 6:12 RSV The world rulers are not men - even men of power. The ruler of this world are the spiritual hosts of wickedness. God told me, "You cannot fight this present darkness with their tools; you must fight with mine."

So, what are the tools that will defeat these powers?

Prayer - our first line of defense in prayer. It is the strongest arrow in our quiver. I am not speaking of beseeching God for protection against our earthly enemies - remember we are not fighting against men; but principalities. I am saying that we should pray for their salvation. Pray that their hearts and souls will be softened to accept God into their hearts. Pray that they will choose His path. "And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?" And he said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer." Mark 9:28-29 RSV
Love - Now that we have set up a defense of prayer, we need to go on the offensive with Love. We may not ever meet or have the opportunity to speak to those who hate us, but in honor of God, Our Father, we can speak of our enemies in lovingkindness to God. Those enemies who have caused chaos and destruction in our lives and the lives of others, those enemies whose very name strike terror - yes, even those - we should set our hearts to love. If not for them, then for God. Our loving thoughts can implode the darkness with light and understanding. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48 RSV
Humility - We need to treat our enemies with humility. This is probably the hardest weapon to utilize. When we have been hurt, our first response is setting up a defense. But, as we have seen - only prayer shall be our defense - not the actions of our own hands. Remember, we are not fighting the person, but who is inside the person and in the spirit world, humility is offensive. Humility shows that we will not change our behavior based on the actions of our enemies. We will not become as them, but will remain steadfast in our Christian humility. The principalities of darkness were able to operate through this person because they already felt inferior. If we increase this inferiority by our actions, the darkness will obtain a greater stronghold. We can only dispel these feelings with edification. "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:1-11 RSV

Our victory is insured if we use the weapons that Jesus used - prayer, love and humility. These are the weapons of light - use them whenever confronted by darkness.

A Scientist of Faith

2006-01-23T08:44:00.000-05:00

My son frequently watches the evening news, and the other day he plopped down next to me on the couch and asked if I believed in Intelligent Design. "Of course I do," I replied. "Don't you?" He affirmed that he too believed in Intelligent Design, "But," he continued, "Do you believe that Intelligent Design should be taught in school?"

Our children's science classes are composed and taught based on someone's truth, and if this truth is confined to one person or a whole committee, it is still a relative truth because it does not allow for debate of other ideas. Darwin's Theory of Evolution is just that - a theory. I believe every scientist will agree that evolution has not yet been proven and still remains one theory - just as Einstein's Theory of Relatively or as the innovative String Theory.

We all have seen the borders of science expand and contract even in our own lifetimes. Just this morning it was reported that soy products, so long the little darling of health and natural food advocates, may contribute to heart problems. So, if Intelligent Design is also a theory, then why the censorship?

If those in charge of our childrens' curriculum allow equal time to the teaching of Intelligent Design, questions will arise from their students. Let's try to imagine the questions:

Does this mean there is a God?
Which God is it - Buddha, Allah or Jesus?
Who created God?
Why did he create us?
Where does God live?

As Christians, do we really want questions from our children addressed by the public schools or worse, The Board of Education? This person of 'authority' may be agnostic or an atheist; they may be a wiccan or satanist. Worse still, they may be someone of no faith whatsoever, a scientist.

On the other hand, doesn't an undying belief in Darwin's Theory also require an ounce of faith?

The Fear of Appearing Foolish

2006-01-17T06:11:00.000-05:00

"But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD." Jonah 1:3 Why did Jonah flee from the presence of the Lord?

Jonah was the son of a prophet. He had witnessed edicts coming from the Lord through his prophets to the Hebrews charging them to change their ways; to repent. When Israel repented the Lord would withhold the punishment and all would be forgiven. So Jonah knew God to be merciful and good, and this is why he fled to Tarshish.

God had charged Jonah to warn Nin'eveh that if they did not change their ways, destruction would surely come. Jonah's fear was that Nin'eveh would change their ways and subsequently, God would restrain his hand against this nation. If Nin'eveh was not destroyed, then Jonah would appear foolish.

Fear of appearing foolish to others is a sin of pride, placing more importance over self and peer esteem than the esteem of God. In the case of Jonah, he preferred Nin'eveh's destruction rather than face allegations of a false prophet if Nin'eveh was not destroyed. Remember, Jonah was the son of a prophet, so he had a legacy to protect.

As Christians, when we do not share our faith with others, we are in the sin of pride just as Jonah. We trade another's destruction (eternal damnation) for our self or peer esteem.

Will you go to Nin'eveh?

Queen Esther

2006-01-14T09:17:00.000-05:00

In the Old Testament, there is a story about a Jewish maiden who is taken out of her known world and placed in the King's palace as a possible wife. Her name is Hadassah (Hebrew) or Esther (Persian) meaning hidden.

To set the stage, the Jewish people had been conquered by the Persians and taken as captives. The King of Persia had just rid himself of his former queen for her disobedience and requested that his servants assemble the most beautiful maidens from the land, so he could choose another wife. Esther was chosen as one of these maidens. She was taken from her home where she lived with her cousin/guardian, Mordecai. Neither the servants nor the King realized that Esther was Jewish, and fearing for her safety, Mordecai admonished Esther to keep her heritage a secret.

From all the selected maidens, the King chose Esther as his new queen citing her extraordinary beauty and grace. Now enters Haman. Not only is he the King's prime minister, but he is also a trusted friend of the King. He hates the Jewish people and systematically fills the King's ear with bad reports about the captives. When Haman feels that the King is 'well-oiled', Haman suggests that the all the people of Israel be put to death so as to rid Persia of there cunning and deceit. The King consents.

Terrified for her people, Esther secretly reports to Mordecai Haman's plot and asks that all her people fast and pray for the next three days. After the fast, Queen Esther appears in the King's throne room. Courtly regulations forbid anyone appearing before the King without an invitation; even the Queen, but the King is pleased that Esther has come to him and invites her to speak.

Esther invites the King and Haman to a banquet in their honor. Pleased the King accepts. At the end of this banquet, Queen Esther invites both the King and Haman to another banquet the following day, and it is at this banquet that the Queen reveals her heritage and the manipulative plot of Haman.

The King immediately orders that Haman be put to death. Her people are given favor in Persia and live in peace and prosperity in Persia.

The two Queens, Vashti and Esther, represent the two most important women of the Bible. Vashti represents the fallen woman, Eve, and Esther represents the redemptive woman, Mary. Satan, represented by Haman is still whispering in the King's ear - Ladies. But his time is short. We shall prevail.

" And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. And another portent appeared in heaven; behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems upon his heads. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, that he might devour her child when she brought it forth; she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days." Revelation 1:1-6 RSV

The Seed

2006-01-05T06:59:00.000-05:00

The new life of spring is mirrored in the purple splendor

of the field of Cosmos, and the branches of the peach tree

bowing low with its flowering snow.

She comes to the field her eyes drawn to the violent violet,

plucking flowers to provide sweet smells and

soothing color to her dining table.

As the season passes, a cold wind fades the field,

and the evangelical wind blows the seed of the Cosmos

over rock, thorns and lake.

She shivers in need of warmth and sustenance from the cold.

The color of the peach tree captures her notice,

and she plucks its fruit for her table.

The ministering juice of the peach strengthens and sustains.

She is revived and prospers by its meaty fruit.

Then she plants the seed.

The Son of Perdition

2006-01-03T07:55:00.000-05:00

"While I was with them, I kept them in thy name, which thou hast given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled." John 17:12 RSV

Experience in God has taught me that He almost never works through just one layer. When God does something, it permeates so many layers my feeble mind cannot grasp all of His glory. So when I was led to John 17 this morning, the term "son of perdition" leapt off the page and revelation into one more layer occurred. Of course, the commentaries assign Judas as the son of perdition - and they are correct, however, Judas is the first layer of the meaning. Whatever is done here on earth is "mirrored" in the spiritual, as well.

Of all the disciples, it seemed that Judas recognized the character of Jesus most fully. Unfortunately, although Judas recognized that Jesus was probably the long-awaited Messiah, Judas misunderstood the purpose of Jesus. Placing his own needs for deliverance from the Roman occupation, Judas was anticipating a great battle and victory over mere men, when in fact, Jesus was sent here for a great battle and victory over Satan - the son of perdition.

In the shadows of time, God created the angels - all the angels - including Lucifer. Just as God has a good relationship with the angels Gabriel and Michael, God had a good relationship with Lucifer. So too, Jesus had a good relationship with Judas. As Lucifer was cognizant of God's power and majesty, Judas recognized the power and majesty of Jesus.

Now to address the betrayal. We know that Jesus will come again, and it is at his second coming that the earthly battle (mirroring the spiritual battle won at first coming) will ensue and be won. Judas was not out of Jesus' purpose when he betrayed him for Jesus is charged with fighting and earthly battle at some point. Judas was out of Jesus' timing. Of course, this is as much of a sin against God as being out of his purpose. God, knowing all, used Judas' sin against his timing to facilitate his intended purpose of salvation - the death and resurrection of his Son.

So, now to address Lucifer's rebellion. Was his rebellion a sin against God's purpose or a sin against God's timing? Did God intend to elevate Lucifer even further - in due season, or give him charge of the earth at some point in time, and if so, was Lucifer's sin one of pride or impatience? Did God intend all along to allow man and woman the discernment of good and evil and Lucifer just forced the hand of God? Or, as evil never existed prior to Lucifer's rebellion did he force the hand of God to provide this discernment to his next creation- Man?

I have no answers to these questions, but I do know that what happens in the natural world is mirrored in the spiritual world. "Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot." John 13:26 RSV It was at this point that Jesus offered Judas a way to turn away from sin. Jesus gave Judas the bread or body that had been covered by the wine or blood as a way to salvation. Had Judas taken this offer of forgiveness, he would have been forgiven. I believe that God is still waiting for Lucifer to take the dipped bread of salvation as well.

The First Shall Be Last

2005-12-29T07:01:00.000-05:00

In evangelical circles, it is well known that those groups who are "of God" are usually the most despised, maligned and mistreated by the world. Take the case of the nation of Israel. Through the ages an inexplicable hatred and prejudice of those of Jewish descent has permeated the centuries. Why are they so hated by the world? The answer is that because they are "of God".

The Christians have had their turn, as well. Starting with John the Baptist, through Jesus and into the first half of the new millennium, Christians were crucified, tortured, stoned and shunned by the world. So it would appear that if you are "of God", you are hated by the world.

Good Morning America is reporting this morning that Pope John VIII (853-855 A.D.) was actually a woman. It is reported that she actually conceived and birthed a child during her reign. Subsequently, she was stoned and dragged behind a horse until death released her from her adversaries.

If you want to talk about persecution, intolerance, unfair judgment and hatred for any one group, let us discard the Blacks, Muslims, Christians and Jews; there is another group that has suffered more than these, and her name is Woman. No other group in the history of this world has been more maligned. No other slavery has been more pervasive than a husband over his wife. No other lie has been more accepted since the beginning of the human race than the subjugation of women, and this second-class status is still prevalent today; yes even in America.

"But many that are first will be last, and the last first." Matthew 19:30 RSV

"If any one would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all." Mark 9:35 RSV

"And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last." Luke 13:30 RSV

Where Are Our Prophets?

2005-12-26T11:45:00.000-05:00

"Surely, the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets." Amos 3:7 RSV

If the Lord is still working in today's world then according to God's own word, John the Baptist could not have been the last prophet. So where are today's prophets? Where are the watchmen who warn of impending disaster? Where are those who shout from the hills, "Repent! For the day of the Lord is at hand." There are those who proclaim that they are 'baptized in the Holy Spirit' and speak in tongues ( not another language, but babbling like babies in a language that no one but the Spirit can understand). The gifts of the Holy Spirit are so much more than speaking in tongues. Where are the healers? Where are the sages? Where are the miracle workers? Where are the prophets?

"Make love your aim, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy." 1 Corinthians 14:1 RSV

Are You Afraid of Heights?

2005-12-12T07:21:00.000-05:00

The Hand of God will lift you up only when you have reached the edge of the precipice. God gave you two feet and a set of good legs. He gave you a map of your intended path. He expects that you utilize those feet and your legs to walk the plains. It is when you reach the edge of the canyon that he will lay out his hand as a bridge to the next plain. Use what God has given you and trust him to supply what you do not have to finish the race.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. " I Corinthians 9:24-25

A Personal Relationship - Parable

2005-12-11T07:18:00.000-05:00

A man and woman received two tickets to a lecture by Tom Hanks from their neighbor. The man and the woman had heard of Tom Hanks and had even seen some of his films, but they were not fans. This lecture was on Sunday afternoon, a time when the man usually watched football at home, so he was reluctant to attend the lecture, but with encouragement from his wife - they started out. The street parking around the lecture hall was full, and the man cursed as he had to pay $10 to the parking attendant of the nearest lot. Finally, they were escorted to their seats. The woman complained that the seats were too close together and the lecture hall was too warm but still, they waited for the lecture to begin.

Eventually, Tom Hanks came on the stage with little fanfare. There were no props, no other actors, just Tom Hanks speaking to the audience about his life. As the woman periodically check her watch, her husband tried to stay awake. They both wondered why they had bothered coming.

After speaking, Tom bellowed into the microphone, "Please! Turn up the house lights." immediately, the lights shone brilliantly on the audience. The man woke with a start and the woman's full attention was directed to the actor. Tom made eye contact with the woman. "Stand and come to me!" Then Tom stared at her husband. Again he said, "Stand and come to me!"

An usher came to their row of seats and accompanied them to the stage. As they stood next to Tom Hanks, he grabbed their hands. The man and woman looked at Tom with awe and confusion. Tom spoke again, "I want to be your friend. Will you take me home with you?" The man and woman searched the audience wondering why Tom had singled them out. Again Tom spoke in the low small voice you hear so many times on the screen. "All you need to do is say yes and everything I have will be yours."

The God of Universe has just asked you the same question. What is your answer?

Is Your Bread Toast?

2005-12-09T08:48:00.000-05:00

In Genesis, God charged Adam and Eve that they would toil for their bread all the days of their lives due to their disobedience.

This generational proclamation still applies to us today. Generally, if we want to eat we must toil. Not only does this toil apply to our worldly needs, but also to our spiritual needs. Receiving our salvation requires a decision from us. Maintaining a relationship with God requires prayer, worship and studying his word. Also, the Great Commission, "tell all the world The Good News", requires that we toil. However, God is good as well as just.

In Exodus we see that God does provide our daily bread without toil. When the House of Israel wandered in the desert, they were fed directly from the hand of God in the form of manna. This manna represented God's willingness to forego his proclamation to Adam out of mercy and love.
The manna was provided to the people for natural or worldly sustenance as well as spiritual sustenance.

In our Christian walk, we seldom have trouble discussing, revealing or sharing our toil and efforts in obtaining our bread. Whether worldly or spiritual, we feel an ease relating our toil and struggles. So too, we feel an ease in hearing about other peoples' testimonies about their toils for their worldly or spiritual bread. But, we do seem to have a problem revealing or receiving the worldly or spiritual manna from God's own hand.

God, supernaturally provided me with a house. The house I live in did not come from my own hands nor my own toil, yet when I relate this miracle to others, it is hard for them to accept. Spiritually, I received from God a revelation about the importance of forgiveness. I was not searching for the meaning or application of forgiveness. I was hurting and felt justified in my pain. I did not seek to forgive - I wanted justification. Instead God opened up the whole circle of forgiveness and how it works so I could heal properly.

When we share our 'manna' experiences with others, we are casting our bread upon the waters. We are showing others that although God is a just god, he is also loving and merciful. Sharing your testimony and receiving others' testimony brings God's Spirit into the world, and we sorely need His Spirit here.

"But Jesus, aware of this, said, "O men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? " Matthew 16:8 RSV

We must recognize the manna in our lives and share it with others.

A Nation Without Diversity

2005-12-08T07:21:00.000-05:00

Normally, I would not utilize this blog to tout political views, however, I believe that the political manipulation of "Politically Correct" has evolved in unbalance with God's word.

I recently was required by my employer to complete a training session on management. This training is a once a year requirement, and I thoroughly understand this requirement from a legal standpoint. However, with that said - I still found points of the training session offensive.

As a Christian, I am totally opposed to any form of hatred, discrimination and harassment, and I value diversity. On the cover, our politically correct world would seem to promote diversity, but when one looks closer we are sliding down the slope of anonymity. It requires that we not only censure our words and actions for hatred, discrimination and harassment, but also charges responsibility for how our listener receives every type of correspondence - whether verbal, written or conveyed by body language. We are made responsible for another person's feelings regardless of our intent. I find this responsibility repugnant.

Under these new guidelines, we are no longer allowed our own convictions, as they may repulse someone with another view. Our personal values cannot be stated or freely acted upon without deliberating on whether we will "offend" another person of different values. I cannot maintain my right to individualism if it threatens someone around me, and the worst compromise of all - I am responsible for how another person processes their incoming information - in a word - I am responsible for their feelings.

God created every plant, animal and human being with diversity to portray the wonder and complexity of his creative abilities. Political correctness will erase this diversity. I am responsible for my feelings. I am responsible for the way I interpret and process the input of information from the outside world. I am responsible for my conclusions based on this input, and I am responsible for my actions based on those conclusions. And so are you.

This is how we learn and grow. This is how we become intimate with our fellow man. Isn't that intimacy and growth the purpose and joy of our life?

Just Love Him and He Will Be Happy

2005-12-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

"For it is written, 'Rejoice, O barren one that dost not bear; break forth and shout, thou who are not in travail; for the desolate hath more children than she who hath a husband." Galatians 4 :27 RSV

Do you desire to be under the law or under the promise? Do you desire to be a slave or free? Abraham had two children, Ishmael, born of the slave Hagar, and Isaac, born of his wife, Sarah. These two children represent the two covenants outlined to God's people. One covenant is living in slavery under the law. The other covenant is living free under the promise of grace.

Jesus came that we may have freedom - freedom from sin and freedom from the law. Yet, we find people and institutions that are still mired in both. Not only do we bind ourselves with this dual chain, but we are quick to bind others as well.

God's bottom line is that he just wants to have a relationship with us. He wants a personal relationship with us. He does not want you to have Bob's relationship with him. He does not want you to have Jane's relationship with him. He wants you to have YOUR relationship with him.

Jesus came to break the two chains from our lives - sin and law - so we could have a free relationship with God. Although there is a progressive growing up in our relationship with God - he is well able to let us know what areas of our life need attention and what areas can be left alone for now. His main concern is that we spend time with him with our hearts open and our minds focused. Just love him and he will be happy.

Happy Holidays!

2005-12-02T06:53:00.000-05:00

The holidays - meant to be joyous - are frequently a time of stress, struggle and depression for many people. For more than a month, we are expected to spend time with our families and the phrase - "you can choose your friends, but you cannot choose your family" rings in our ears.

We kick-off the season spending time with our families on Thanksgiving. Then the entire month of December our families are ever present on our minds as we struggle to find the perfect gift for Mom, Dad and that sister or brother you never quite understood. Old wounds are once again stirred, coming to surface in the form of resentment or even all out war. Christmas looms with dread as we anticipate the careless words and hurt feelings.

God watches all of this. In some way, I believe that this "joyous season" was actually laid before us as a once a year opportunity to make peace with those created to be closest to us.

Let me share a scenario:
You have two children - a son seven years old and a daughter five. Your son is using the television to play a video game, but it is time for the Barbie Princess cartoon and your daughter wants to watch. She declares to your son that she wants to watch the cartoon and he refuses to release the TV to her. She grabs the controller out of his hand, and your son grabs it back. She turns off the television and he pulls her hair. You can hear her screams coming from the family room and you run from the kitchen. Your quick assessment determines that they are both fighting - what do you do?

You punish them both. At any point in this struggle, your son or your daughter could have come to you to mediate. Instead, they choose to handle the disagreement themselves with force and strife, and now both children are hurt and resentful.

It is the same when we argue and struggle with our families. When a disagreement arises, God expects us to come to him with the problem so he can mediate. If we choose to handle the disagreement ourselves, it will esculate into strife, hurt feelings and long remembered words. But, if we go to God with the problem, he will mediate the disagreement, averting resentment, strife and pain.

Remember, God placed you in this particular family for a reason, and I am sure it was not just for your brother's growth; but for your own as well.

The First Evangelists

2005-11-29T07:05:00.000-05:00

"And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome, bought spices so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week they went to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, 'Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?' And looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back; for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, 'Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has risen, he is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you." Mark 16:1-8

When Jesus started his ministry, he chose twelve men to disciple. Jesus spent three years living with these men; teaching them his ways. Others joined the group of followers; especially women, and therein lies the distinction. The twelve disciples were chosen by God, but these women chose God. It was their decision to follow him. So too, while the disciples cowered far away from the crucifixation and for days afterward, these women marched forward in courage once again, to anoint the body of their Teacher.

Jesus did not forget the courage and faith of these women, and he rewarded them well. It was the women who witnessed the miracle of the resurrection. The angel told the women to tell Peter that Jesus was going before them. Jesus was going before the women, and it was those bold women that the angel commanded to "Go Tell." The women became the first evangelists.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-24T08:10:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving - a day set aside to give thanks, but to whom are we giving thanks? This morning during my daily devotions, I wondered whether past societies had a time of thanksgiving as well. A quick internet search provided a plethora of information on harvest celebrations and days of thanksgiving where copious amounts of food are consumed with families and friends.

There is one realization universally shared by all. We are all aware of our mortality. Christians, Hebrews, Muslims, Pagans, Buddhists, Hindus and even Atheists share one truth about life. We all live to die. So we set aside a time of thanksgiving, but to whom?

For instance, does the Pagan thank the turkey for his life? Does the New Age believer thank those from distant planets for our existence? Does the Agnostic thank both God and the sweet potatoes? And please, on this day of Thanksgiving - who does the Atheist thank - himself? No, that cannot be right. Thanking himself would place him as the godhead and the Atheist does not believe in any God.

For me, I thank God - the one and true God; God the father of Abraham and Jesus. I thank him for my salvation. I thank God for my family, home, job, health, and all the other blessings that keep me alive, loved and productive, and if I may - I would like to thank a few people on behalf of God.

Thank you to the terrorists for reminding my people to call on me in times of trouble.
Thank you to the Atheists for keeping my name in the press as you wrangle to remove my commandments from your courthouses.
Thank you to the newspapers for the free press as you report on the efforts to remove my name from your Pledge of allegiance.
Thank you to the liberals for reminding us of our custodial obligations to the earth.
Thank you to those who have stirred the controversy about Intelligent Design. You have provided your children a glimpse into an alternative to evolution.
Thank you to the scientists for outlining the complexity of the universe, and providing a glaring discrepancy with "The Big Bang Theory".
An finally, thank you to those who created the red and blue map of the United States. You have shown us all that America is still a country that honors ME.

Proverbs

2005-11-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

Even a wise man's anger will cause him to act foolishly.

The People Catalogue

2005-11-16T07:06:00.000-05:00

"Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? " Matthew 13:55 RSV

Do you remember the fat and clumsy child on the playground at recess? Do you remember the nerd? At work is there one person who just doesn't fit in? Did you know that Einstein was classified as mentally retarded because he could not speak by the age of four? Isaac Newton was classified as an occultist because of his theories on a force that could not been seen - gravity.

We all do it. We catalogue people to store them away in the proper place in our minds. When these people jump out of the box where we have placed them, or when their actions and personalities become clear to us in a way that challenges our catalogue process, we still will not let go of our judgments. In fact we become angry because they cause us to question our paradigm. We have closed our mind to their possibilities.

This is exactly what God meant when he said "Judge not lest you be judged." When we catalogue people, we may miss their wisdom, their kindness, their playfulness, their genius or even their plan of salvation.

Quiet Desperation

2005-11-14T07:18:00.000-05:00

It seems as though many people live lives of quiet desperation. As I move from one stage to another, I am so saddened by the lack of joy in people's lives. I try to live a life of simplicity because I would rather have God than family, friends, a house or vacations. As a single mom, I work seven days a week balancing time between my employer, my children and household chores. Yet, I am happy most of the time.

Turning your life over to God is a sweet surrender. Suddenly the day to day striving is placed in the hands of someone else. And, who better to be in charge of your life but the creator of everything? It is the difference between treading water to keep from drowning and floating peacefully. It is the difference between driving like a maniac to get to work on time and a Sunday drive to check out the scenery.

When we surrender our lives to God, he immediately pushes up his sleeves and says, "OK now! You will see what I can do with your life. By choosing my will, you have released all the blessings I have held here for you. I promise that you will be dazzled! I will fill your life with peace and joy. Get ready for the ride of your life!"

"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 RSV

From My Prayer Journal

2005-11-09T07:16:00.000-05:00

Dear Father -

I am loved by the most powerful force in the universe, and when I contemplate that great force taking notice of my insignificance, I am comforted under the shelter of your hand. I pray for your people. Fill them with your greatness - lend them your boldness - gird them with your possibilities. We are not your audience, passively watching your parade of great deeds. We are your soldiers fighting the good fight against evils that we cannot see or hear in the natural. We must take the next hill - the next mountain - and the land from your enemy.

The enemy has many faces - anger, hatred, pride, fear, insolence, sloth, vanity and more that remain clothed in secrecy. These faces are painted over like a clown's face so without your discernment we a lulled into believing that they do not exist. Please Father, rain your discernment over your seedlings so they may grow strong.

I am ready. Give me my marching orders. In Jesus' name. Jerusalem

Ezekiel 21

What is God's Purpose for My Life?

2005-11-06T07:20:00.000-05:00

All Christians struggle with this question, "What is God's purpose for my life?" This is a normal process for when you realize that Jesus has given you a guarantee of eternal bliss, you want to give something back. We know that our salvation is not based on our works, therefore, we cannot earn this guarantee of eternal bliss. No, salvation is instead based on choice; a decision. However, God made us a reciprocal being ( in his image), so naturally, we ask, "What is God's purpose for my life?"

Now history has shown that God has called some to leave their homes and families to seed a new land - Abraham. He has called some to challenge the prevailing authority to free mankind - Moses. To others he asked that they fight - David, and still others to set up a kingdom in peace - Solomon. He has called prophets - Deborah, and queens - Esther. He calls many to specific duties depending on his design. But dear Christian, there is something that he calls on us all to do.

Communion
"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'" Matthew 22:36-37 RSV
We are to have communion with God. Communion means talking to him, spending silent time with him, studying his word either through the Bible of through our spiritual leaders. Get to know God. Do you know why God loves us so much? Because he knows everything about us. We should strive to know God in the same way.

Commandment
"And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39 RSV
God's direct commandment to us is to love our neighbor. We can love our neighbor by getting to know them and allowing them to know us. You cannot fill the needs of someone's until you know their hardships. Perhaps the person sitting next to you needs some exhortation - just knowing that someone cares. Perhaps they are hurting and need a kind word. Perhaps the person you see everyday has not been touched by a human being in months, and a hug will be remembered forever. We can feed, clothe and support the poor. We can give a single mother an evening to herself. There are many things we can do to foster love for our neighbor.

Commission
" But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Sama'ria and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8 RSV
Jesus commissioned us to spread his message of salvation to the world. This commission was declared over each and every Christian - that mean us. His seed lives in us, and like the good and faithful servant, we are to spread that seed to the rest of the world. Every soul we encounter has only one of two outcomes - heaven or hell. The next time you are standing in line in the grocery store, look at the person behind you; study their face. Will you see that face in heaven for eternity, or will that face spend eternity in eternal agony?

CCC - these are the purpose that God has laid out for our lives. He may never call us to any more than these three things, or he may charge us with more. But know dear Christian, that if you fulfill the three CCC's, you have completed God's purpose for your life.

A Parable

2005-11-01T07:20:00.000-05:00

"To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God;" Luke 8:9 RSV

Chicago is my home town. When I was little, our family vacations were spent at a cabin hidden deep in the forests of the upper peninsula of Michigan. This cabin had no electricity, an outhouse and the only running water came from a pump. After our long drive from Chicago, my grandparents would greet us. They usually arrived a few days before our brood to clean and ready the cabin for our arrival, or perhaps, they just wanted a few days of quiet and solitude before our noisy bunch descended on them.

Presently, my grandmother would again lay out the rules about the red pump at the kitchen sink. "Keep the handle down after using the pump. If you leave the handle up, the pump will dry up and need to be primed again." Inevitably, one of us children would forget to leave the handle down, and when the next person wanted water nothing would come forth appearing as though the well beneath the pump had gone dry. In shame and trepidation, we would call Gramma to tell her that we had dried up the pump.

My Gramma was a sharp woman. Knowing that children will often forget the rules, she kept a pot of water on the back of the stove so she could 'prime' the pump once again. "Don't worry, the well is not dry. The pump just needs to be primed.", she would say. Then she would pour the water from the pot into the top of the pump while we vigourously pumped the handle up and down. Priming the pump took some time and quite a bit of effort, but she would always get it working again.

Today as I read Luke 8:9, I was reminded of this scene. Just like the pump, God's well of the Holy Spirit never dries up; it is always there deep within us waiting to be pumped out into the world. But to access that well, we need to be kept in the 'down' position after each use. We need to be on our knees in prayer, supplication and studying the Word of God so the Spirit will flow readily when it is needed by the world. If our spiritual handle is kept in the 'up' position - beliving in our own abilities instead of God's spirit - eventually it will appear that the well has gone dry. We will need to be primed once again, perhaps missing his perfect timing for the flow of His Spirit to the world.

It Was Never About Religion

2005-10-30T11:58:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I wrote about the constraints placed on our relationship with God by organized religion. Paul said, " For you were called to freedom, brethren; "Galatians 5:13 RSV Jesus came not to bind us up, but to set us free. It is freedom that allows the abundance that Jesus promised.

The word 'religion' originated in the ancient Latin word ' religio' meaning taboo or restraint. The literal breakdown of the word is 're' which means to return and 'liagre' which means 'to bind.' So, the actual meaning of religion is to - "return to bondage."

Allow me to portray one such religion. This religion originated in Rome centuries ago and still exists today in Italy and many other areas. This religion includes the worship of a god, however, during the month of May, its main focus is the worship of the 'Mother of Heaven and Earth'. During the worship service, candles are lit on each side of the altar. The priest uses incense to perform his rituals before the statue of the Mother of Heaven and Earth. Then the Mother is crowned with a crown of gold or one made of flowers. Celibate, women initiates wear white, crescent- shaped head dresses which they then cover with white or black veils. The women kneel before the statue of the Mother chanting prescribed prayers that proclaim the glory of the Mother and beseech her for blessings. This religion may sound familiar to you - it is the religion of Diana as practiced in Ephesus during Paul's ministry there and is considered a pagan religion by the followers of Jesus.

Beware of religion. Although its organization can "bind a group of believers" in a common faith, it can also be used as an impediment to a real, personal relationship with God. Pray for discernment, for your spiritual growth is your responsibility.

" O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? " Galatians 3:1-3 RSV

It Is Personal

2005-10-26T07:08:00.000-04:00

I was recently questioned by a fellow church member on my spiritual history prior to joining our church. Specifically, she asked which church I belonged to before this one. I quietly explained that I had not belonged to any church for the past thirty years. I went on to explain that I had spent that thirty years in a personal relationship with God - just him and me. I read my Bible, I prayed daily, I read Christian books, and listened to evangelists on the television. I had been fed spiritually by God's own hand. He led me and I followed. It wasn't until a year ago that he charged me with going to church. The woman was aghast at my answer and responded that no one can have a relationship with God without a church. I disagree.

" Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If any one destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are." I Corinthians 3:16-17 RSV

When God charged me with joining this church, I went reluctantly. I had enjoyed my time alone with God - learning only from him - however, I knew I had to obey. I did not know that he had a plan for me and those 30 years had prepared me for his plan. My Father did not send me to this church for spiritual food ( although the Pastor is an inspired speaker filled with the Holy Spirit), God sent me to this church to serve. He brought me out of the wilderness to teach and share what I learned during those 30 years alone with him. All through those 30 years, I had no idea that he was preparing me for just this moment in time.

God is not in a church unless we bring his Spirit with us. We are the church and the early Christians understood that concept. Our organized religions have become as structured as our governments with regulations and laws that God never intended. There is a hierarchy in our organized religions that God does not recognize and never imposed. Jesus came to set us free from the law and the religious hierarchy. Jesus came so that each of us would have only one person standing between God and ourselves - and that one person is Jesus.

" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6 RSV

From My Prayer Journal

2005-10-25T07:54:00.000-04:00

Dear Father

Give me no knowlege without humility. Give me no discernment without mercy. Give me no visions without peace. Give me no trial without joy and please Father, give me no wisdom without love.

In Jesus' name - Jerusalem

The Birth of a Nation

2005-10-20T07:08:00.000-04:00

"Then the LORD appeared to Abram, and said, 'To your descendants I will give this land.' So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him." Genesis 12:7 RSV

Abram had left his hometown of Ur when he was seventy-five years old. He left with his wife Sari and his nephew, Lot. Abram left Ur at an age when most of us would rather sit in a rocking chair on the front porch. When Abram got to Shechem - many miles from Ur - the Lord promised Abram that his descendants would occupy the land. Abram was seventy-five years old. His wife Sari was well beyond her child-bearing years and yet, God promised Abram descendants. So what did Abram do? Did he rush back to Sari to make sure the prophecy came to pass? No, he built and altar to the Lord and prayed.

"And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples." Matthew 9:10 RSV We see in this passage that Jesus sat with the tax collectors and other sinners for a meal. We can assume that he was not just feeding their bodies, but also their souls. Jesus was witnessing to them. So what did Jesus do after he had planted the seed of salvation to those tax collectors and other sinners? He went.

Did you know that there are 53 passages in the New Testatment for the words, "Jesus went".
After every healing, every testimony, every exorcism, Jesus went. After Jesus preached to the crowds, he went. Just as Abram prayed to the Lord after the promise of descendants, Jesus retired from his testimony to pray for the seed he had just planted.

Jesus did not force feed the Word to the people. He did not stay to see if the seed took root. He planted and went on knowing that the germination of the seed was in God's hands - not man's.

Open Your Eyes

2005-10-13T07:50:00.000-04:00

And What Do You See?

"The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" Matthew 6:22 RSV

Do you remember that Jesus said that he was the light of the world? What is it that makes him the light? If we believe that Jesus is God then what was the the very first thing we learned about God? We learned that He created. With four small words, God began creation, "Let there be light." So, we see that light is a creation.

So what is darkness? "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep.." Genesis 1:2 RSV Here we see that darkness is not created - it is a void. Darkness rushes in when there is no light.

Yes Jesus is the light of the world and he wanted us to continue shining that light after he left this world. He expects us to keep it shining until he returns. This is what he meant when he said "Pray for your enemies." "If someone sues you and takes your coat, then give him your cloak as well." "If someone forces you to go one mile with them, then go with him two miles."

Every cause has an effect. Your power lies in that effect because if you change your action the world must respond to that change. If you shine a light on darkness the void is filled.

It is your choice.

The Key to the Universe

2005-10-12T07:27:00.000-04:00

I have been laid up with the flu for the past few days. I napped and watched a lot of television while recuperating. I watched a program on PBS.

This program was on the life of Einstein - E=mc2. The equation means that energy equals matter times the speed of light squared. Basically what this is saying is that energy can be turned into matter and matter can be turned into energy, but neither can be destroyed. We applaud Einstein for his theory, but did Einstein realize its real significance?

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light.'; and there was light." Genesis 1:1-3 RSV

Did you see it? Did you see the significance of Einstein's theory in the Bible passage above? God made the entire universe from his Spirit - his light. All energy and matter are made of the same properties as light. So, Einstein proved that there is life after death. If a human being is composed of both matter (body) and energy (our thoughts and emotions) then, according to Einstein's theory neither can be destroyed. When we die our bodies decay and return to the dust of earth. What then happens to our energy? Remember, it cannot be destroyed, therefore by scientific conclusion, it must exist somewhere.

Genesis goes on to state that we are made in God's image, therefore, we are also made from his light. This was his perfect plan - that we would all carry his light like a burning torch and act accordingly.

Of course, we know that this is not how the world is operating today. We have applied names to things such as darkness, cold, hate and evil. If the world was made of God's light, then these things do not exist. Let me explain.

To dispel darkness from a room, do you shut the shades on the windows; do you seal the cracks around the door? No, to dispel darkness you turn on a light. To dispel the shadows in the corners of the room, you turn on more lights and you continue to turn on lights until all the shadows in the room have been erased. So too, when you are cold do you apply ice cubes to to hands to dispel the cold? No, it is only by the application of warmth that cold is dispelled. Scientist know that darkness and cold do not really exist. They are voids. Darkness is only the absence of light and cold is only the absence of heat.

So, what about hate and evil? Will revenge ever stop the hatred of an enemy? Will an exchange of evil cancel each other? Again, hate and evil are only the absence of love and goodness. They too are voids. So how can we dispel these two forces? To dispel hate and evil, we must fill the voids with love and goodness. Try it -the next time you are aggravated by someone close to you respond with your light.

From My Devotions Today

2005-10-04T07:22:00.000-04:00

" And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Luke 23:43 RSV

Jesus is hanging on the cross. On either side of him are two thieves hanging on their respective crosses. All three will die. One thieve curses him, but the other, knowing that they are about to perish asks Jesus if he may be made part of his kingdom.

In the aftermath of any major disaster people will ask, "Why did God do this?" or Why did God allow this to happen?" Death is no respecter of your goals, your dreams, or your position at work. He comes whether you are young, old or somewhere in between. Your ideals, political beliefs and fame will not protect you from the clutches of death. Even your spiritual and religious beliefs will not protect you. We will all die - some of us will die one by one - some all together.

I have a red letter Bible ( a Bible that hi-lights the words spoken by Jesus in red), so the first thing I saw this morning when I opened my Bible were the words captioned above.

"One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!" But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Luke 23: 39-42 RSV

Which criminal will you be?

The Code Breaker

2005-09-28T07:09:00.000-04:00

"As he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand." Luke 8:9-10 RSV

Is the kingdom of God an exclusive club as the quote above suggests? In some ways, yes. We are all God's creatures by definition; he created us all. However, not all of God's creatures will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Lucifer, for instance, was created by God with the same 'free will' given to us. Lucifer used his free will to declare war on God and his family, and herein lies the secret why some will understand and others will never understand. We are at war.

Another dimension exists that we seldom perceive. In this dimension, God's angels minister to the world and individuals. In this dimension his principalities protect and defend. It is also in this dimension that battles are planned and fought. This dimension has the capacity to perceive our world, but our world seldom perceives them.

As in any natural war, there are spies. Those who would keep the 'marching orders' from the troops so as to confuse the troops creating chaos in the ranks. Therefore, these secrets may be encrypted in code, or parables, so that only those dressed in God's full armor can understand the next plan of attack. The key to this is stated in Luke 8:11" Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, that they may not believe and be saved."RSV

So, how do we hear the encrypted word? We need the Code Breaker and it's name is The Holy Spirit.

Choose Life

2005-09-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

Remember Sodom and Gomorrah? God told Abraham that he would destroy these twin cities because of their debauchery. Abraham, knowing that his nephew Lot lived in Sodom, prays that God will spare the city if God can find ten righteous men living there. God agrees and sends two of his angels to search for ten righteous men in Sodom. Sadly, there was only one righteous man in Sodom, Abraham's nephew, Lot.

So God brought Lot and his family out of Sodom, and the twin cities were destroyed by fire and brimstone. God removed his divine protection from Sodom and Gommorrah; immediately the cities were destroyed. Only three people survived that holocaust, Lot and his two daughters. As they huddled in a cave above the burning cities, they believed they were the only people left on earth. In arrogance, they believed that because Sodom had been destroyed, then the whole world ceased to exist.

Americans feel that same kind of arrogance. We believe that we are the 'center of the earth' and that everything revolves around us. Since this country's inception, we have been protected by the favor of God, but that favor has become to us a right instead of a privilege.

While Katrina and Rita rage in the South, lawyers are fighting in the North against teaching intelligent design in Dover schools. While Osama is plotting his next act of terrorism in Pakistan, our courts in the West are writing decisions to eliminate the words "under God" from our pledge. While 'gun runners' from South America are crossing our borders with WMD's our courts in the North are allowing same sex marriage.

Read the prophecies in the Bible - is America mentioned at all? America is not mentioned once in the prophecies. If you believe that the Bible is the Word of God and the prophecies are a true and accurate account of the End Times - then where is the America?

Turn away from the things of the world and pray. Pray for our country. Pray for our leaders - regardless of whether you believe in them - pray for them. Pray that God will enter Osama bin Laden and turn his heart from hatred to love. Pray for our courts and pray for our children. There is so little time to pray.

"Whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, those taken from the breast? For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little." Nay, but by men of strange lips and with an alien tongue the LORD will speak to this people, to whom he has said, "This is rest; give rest to the weary; and this is repose"; yet they would not hear. Therefore the word of the LORD will be to them precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little; that they may go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." Isaiah 28: 9-13 RSV

" As often as it passes through it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass through, by day and by night; and it will be sheer terror to understand the message. " Isaiah 28:19 RSV

" I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, " Deuteronomy 30:19 RSV

The Parable of Unforgiveness

2005-09-23T07:43:00.000-04:00

I am sure you remember the parable about the Lion and the Mouse where the Mouse bravely removes a splinter from the Lion's paw. If I may, I would like to take some literary license to create my own parable. I call it the Parable of Unforgiveness. This parable comes from years of personal experience from both perspectives.

On a cool autumn day, the Mouse and the Lion walked through the forest together. The Lion had agreed to help the Mouse gather food for the coming winter. He knew that gathering seeds for the winter food storage was always a daunting task for his little friend, so he offered his help with this year's harvest.

As they walked, they came to fork in the pathway. The left fork was known well by both the Lion and the Mouse, but the darker right fork had never been traveled by them. "Let us try the right fork." said the Mouse.

The Lion shook his head. "I don't think we should be going down a path we do not know."

"Come on! It will be fine." chirped the little Mouse. So, after some convincing, they started down the unknown path. To the delight of the Mouse, they found many seeds and nuts that had fallen from the tree canopy above. "See, I told you this would be a good idea." But, the Lion still felt uneasy about this path.

When they had gathered all that they could hold, they turned around and made their way back home. The Mouse skittered happily up the path to his little house; his winter harvesting was going well he thought, and he was grateful for the help offered by his friend. But, when he turned to thank his friend, the Lion grumbled something incomprehensible and turned towards his own den. The Mouse shrugged it off thinking perhaps that the Lion was just tired.

A week went by and the Mouse continued to fill his storehouses with seeds for the winter. Finally, he was satisfied that he had stored enough food to carry him through the dark days to come. He had finished just in time, for tomorrow was the Great Celebration when all the creatures of the forest came together to celebrate one last time before the first cold winds of winter. As the Mouse climbed into his little bed with the peace of someone who had accomplished his goal, he suddenly thought of his friend the Lion. "It's funny that I have not heard from the Lion all week. Well, I will see him tomorrow at the Great Celebration.", and with that, he fell asleep.

The next day, the little Mouse joined the merriment of the Great Celebration. Everyone was there and each neighbor had brought some of their harvest to share. The birds provided the music, the rabbits had already started the games and the squirrels danced from tree to tree. The Mouse moved easily through the crowd greeting his friends, but soon he realized that his best friend, the Lion, was not at the celebration. "Have you seen the Lion?" he asked the rabbits. They stopped their games each looking at the other in unease. "What's the matter? Where is my friend the Lion?", asked the Mouse.

Jake moved forward and with an air of reserve replied, "Lion is not feeling well and will not be attending the Great Celebration."

"What do you mean? Is he is sick?"

"You should know." replied Jake.

"But I don't know. What is wrong with him?" Without a response, Jake and the other rabbits turned their backs on the Mouse and went back to their games.

Deeply concerned, the Mouse ran to the Lions den. As the Mouse approached, he could see the Lion sitting outside his den with his paws before him. As the Mouse got closer, he was startled by the Lion's left paw. The fur was sparse and the whole paw was swollen with angry red swelling around each toe. "My goodness!" exclaimed the Mouse. "What has happened to you?"

"You should know."

"No." replied the confused Mouse. "I don't. What is wrong with your paw?" The Lion responded with a look of disdain. "Really, what has happened?"

"It was you. This is your fault. I told you we should not go down that dark path. I stepped on a thorn and it has lodged in my paw. This swollen paw is because of you!"

The Mouse pondered the Lion's paw quietly. Then with a small voice, "No, Lion. This was not my fault. You are my friend and I would never wish you to be in pain. If my decision to follow the dark path caused a thorn in your paw, you should have told me immediately for I would have gladly removed the thorn right there. It was your decision to leave me that day without a word about the thorn. Now, your paw is swollen with infection, and healing an infection is beyond my abilities. I accept responsibility for the thorn and I ask you to forgive me, but this infection is a result of your decision to keep the thorn to yourself."

Emotion coursed the Lion's face; first anger, then sorrow and fear. "Well, what can I do now? Is there no one who can heal my paw?"

"Yes, Lion. Although I cannot heal this infection, there is someone who can. He is a great physician and he can heal anyone who will believe in him. Come, I will take you to him. You will see that he will heal you."

"What is his name?"

The Mouse smiled broadly, "his name is Jesus."

Be Careful What You Ask For

2005-09-19T07:05:00.000-04:00

About twenty years ago, I suffered a collapsed lung. It was a frigid January morning, the alarm clock buzzed and as I jumped out of bed, a great weight hit the right side of my chest. I could not breathe. An hour later, I was in the hospital with a chest tube in my side and morphine coursing through my body. A week later, I went home from the hospital wondering why this had happened to me. Yes, I was a smoker, but I found out later that smoking had little to do with collapsed lungs - I had blebs, or air bubbles in my lungs; the result of a disease I still cannot pronounce. It wasn't until years latter that I knew exactly why God had allowed this to happen.

Before my collapsed lung, two of my sisters had been praying that God would help them stop smoking. My collapsed lung was the only catalyst one of those sisters needed. She quit smoking soon after my hospital stay, and has been smoke free ever since. The other sister did not stop, but continued to pray for God's help.

The message had been sent by God to both my sisters; but only one recognized the message as answered prayer. My other sister never saw the answer. She did eventually stop smoking years later, but only after she had suffered her own collapsed lung.

When we ask God for something he always answers, but we do not always perceive those answers. We continue to pray, so God answers again with more force. If we still do not perceive the answer, he tries again and again, increasing the impact. Then, just like the sister who suffered the collapsed lung before she could see, we become angry with God for the way he answered our prayer. We never realize that it was our lack of faith, our lack of spiritual perception, that prompted God to answer with increasing force.

13 "This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 With them indeed is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah which says: 'You shall indeed hear but never understand, and you shall indeed see but never perceive. 15 For this people's heart has grown dull, and their ears are heavy of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should perceive with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn for me to heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. " Matthew 13:13-16 RSV

From My Prayer Journal

2005-09-15T06:56:00.000-04:00

My Father -

You told me that I am your delight - but you, Father are my light. All my hope is wrapped up in you.

I hope to live without financial worry. I hope to live with the time to finish all that you have set before me. I hope to live in safety and health. I hope to live encompassed by your love, and I hope to share all of it with those who do not yet know you. In Jesus' name - Jerusalem.

My Jerusalem -

1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Ba'als, and burning incense to idols. 3 Yet it was I who taught E'phraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. 4 I led them with cords of compassion, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one, who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. 5 They shall return to the land of Egypt, and Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. 6 The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them in their fortresses. 7 My people are bent on turning away from me; so they are appointed to the yoke, and none shall remove it.
8 How can I give you up, O E'phraim! How can I hand you over, O Israel! How can I make you like Admah! How can I treat you like Zeboi'im! My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. 9 I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy E'phraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy. 10 They shall go after the LORD, he will roar like a lion; yea, he will roar, and his sons shall come trembling from the west; 11 they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes, says the LORD. 12 E'phraim has encompassed me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit; but Judah is still known by God, and is faithful to the Holy One." Hosea 11 RSV

The Seventh Sign

2005-09-11T08:10:00.000-04:00

This past week, I watched the movie The Seventh Sign with Demi Moore for probably the seventh time. I love Bible prophecy about the End Times. Before I go further, I am not one of those people selling everything I own and waiting on top of a mountain for Jesus to appear in the East - at least not physically. The reason I love Bible prophecy so much is that there are so many interpretations of the End Times out there, and they all claim to be based on God's revelation to John.

My favorite part of the movie is Demi's dream scenes. During the dream or vision, the Roman centurion is beating Jesus. He then turns toward Demi Moore and challenges her, "Will you die for him? Will you die for him?" This scene always sends shivers down my spine because I wonder if Hollywood realizes the significance of that question.

So, I ask you dear reader, will you die for him?

Will you die to your fear and invite a co-worker to your church?
Will you die to the comfort of your church pew and give your personal testimony to your next door neighbor?
Will you die to your full calendar to visit the sick?
Will you die to your Sunday dinner to feed someone who is hungry.
Will you let go of the size eight clothing in your closet that will never fit you again to clothe a single mother who has not had a new outfit in the past two years?
Will you give up your savings plan for that new car to purchase a car for a family that has no means of transportation?
Will you die to your pride to make peace with that person who annoys you?

I ask you again - will you die for him? He died for you.

Treasures In Heaven

2005-09-07T17:50:00.000-04:00

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. " Matthew 6:19-20 RSV

How do we lay up treasures in heaven? The news coverage of Katrina goes on with heart wrenching video and tear producing stories, but the most poignant stories are those of the children separated from their parents. Apparently, mothers and fathers chose to allow their children's rescue first, despite the possibility of being separated for days. Our children are precious to us here on earth. Children are also special to God.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 18:10-11 RSV

The evacuees left their homes, their jewels, their televisions and computers. They left great-grandmother's china, they even left behind their dogs and cats. But, they did not leave behind their sons and daughters. In fact, they valued their sons and daughters more than themselves by sending them on ahead to safety.

If our children are our most precious treasures on earth, then too, our children will be our treasures in heaven. So, how do we produce heavenly children? We produce our heavenly children by spreading the Holy Spirit. Every time we give our testimony to someone, we are planting our seed. Our actions of compassion, kindness and goodness to others fertilizes the Spirit in their soul. Our witness to God's power and love waters the seed planted within them. Our prayers for their salvation allow that seed to grow and mature until one day they cry out to God in their travail, "Oh God - I believe that Jesus is Lord and that he died for my sins."

At that moment, you have just laid up your treasure in heaven.

Original Sin?

2005-09-06T06:50:00.000-04:00

What is Original Sin? The Bible states that each of us is born with Original Sin, but what is it? Is Original Sin just the capacity to fall short of perfection, or is there more to the story?

I remember when my son was a toddler and he would fall and hurt himself or become frustrated with something he wanted to do, but couldn't, and he would cry, "I want to go home." Many times he would speak these words while we were at home and I would shake my head in bewilderment telling him, "We are home." He would look at me with his tearful face full of disdain and proclaim, "Not this home - my other home!" Eventually, I discussed this with one of my sisters and in her wisdom she told me that perhaps he remembers where he came from. He remembers being in the kingdom of God.

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands upon them. Mark 10:14-16 RSV

When small children do something wrong - climbing on stairs, jumping on the couch or touching something that may break - they have no sense that they are doing anything wrong. There is no shame; no guilt. That is, until their parents point out that what they have done is not appropriate, over and over. We call this teaching or disciplining our children; knowledge.

"And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall die." Genesis 2:16-17 RSV

Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. They now have brought something into the Garden that God never gave them. This something produced discord, separation and destroyed their peace. What they brought into the Garden was shame and guilt.

"Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. " Genesis 3:7-8 RSV

So we see that it is shame and guilt that separates us from God by stealing the peace and joy of our soul. What do we do when we feel shame and guilt? We hide from others. We blame others. We become angry at others. It is when we are filled with shame and guilt that we sin, for when we are filled with shame and guilt, we fear, and fear is the root of all evil.

The Old Testament is filled with animal and cereal sacrifices purposed to obliterate the guilt and shame. Some of these sacrifices are actually named, "Guilt offerings". When Jesus died for our sins - our guilt and shame - he freed us from these twin accusers - releasing us from guilt and shame and returning our souls to peace and joy. We now have the opportunity to repent - turn away from our actions, ask for forgiveness and be confident that we are forgiven without shame; without guilt. This is true freedom - a life free of guilt and shame can be lived in peace and joy.

" Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking some one to devour." 1Peter 5:8 RSV

Satan is our accuser. His mission is to keep us in a constant state of shame and guilt. Beware, Christ already paid for your shame and guilt. Every time you feel shame or guilt, remind Satan that Jesus paid the price - and he will flee - leaving you with peace and joy.

You Are Responsible for Your Hope

2005-09-04T10:30:00.000-04:00

As I watched the devastating effects of Katrina and the news coverage of the aftermath, I held my head in shame. I cannot recall ever feeling this ashamed of my fellow Americans as I did this past week. Before you assume the cause for my shame, let me say that it was not because the relief effort was so meager or slow in coming. Although it was both those things. It was not the total lack of communication and acceptance of responsibility between the mayors, governors and the federal government, although there was plenty of that to go around, as well. No, my shame was watching an estimated one-hundred thousand people sitting on their back sides for four whole days without lifting a finger to help themselves or their neighbors.

News coverage of earthquakes in the Middle East show victims rising up and clearing debris from those neighbors still buried. Rescue efforts are started immediately even before outside help reaches the victims. The recent tsunami produced the same news footage of help and rescue by the very victims of the disaster. Even September 11th produced pictures and stories about one victim helping another victim well before relief efforts were able to reach the injured.

Where was this fellowship, this hope, this goodness in New Orleans? Where there is no goodness; evil reigns, and it certainly reigned in New Orleans. Thousands of people in the Super-Dome, and they could not stop a few from raping? Thousands of people and there were no plastic bags that could be laid out to catch the morning dew for drinking water or buckets to catch the rain that came that second night? Was there no one to share with the woman in the wheel chair who died alone? Was there no breast for a baby to suckle?

These people had lost their hope long before the Hurricane hit. They lost their hope in themselves and in God. Let me say emphatically - No one is responsible for your Hope, but you!

"Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-za'tha, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked. Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And this was why the Jews persecuted Jesus, because he did this on the sabbath." John 5:1-16

The lame man's sin was not that he carried his pallet on the Sabbath. His sin was that he laid by the side of the pool for thirty eight years without faith; without hope. We are charged by God to have faith. Faith is a choice and if your faith is failing; stir it up just as the angel stirred up the pool of water. Faith is our choice - something that happens inside of us. Hope is a product of that Faith. Hope requires action.

The Question

2005-09-02T06:28:00.000-04:00

Science has answered many questions on life - Who, What Where and How.

There is one question that science cannot answer - Why?

Free Will

2005-08-24T07:38:00.000-04:00

For those of you out there that have children, you know that the little darlings can bring bliss or frustration. My favorite saying concerning children: "Don't you just hate it when they get little minds of their own?"

But, think of a child without free will. An infant would not cry when it was hungry. A toddler would never explore. School children would never ask questions and teens would bend to the will of those around them. Without free will, we would have no learning, no discernment, no wisdom in choosing. We would have no diversity.

God did not create free will just so we could "choose" to love him. Frankly, I believe God has much in common with earthly parents. There are probably days when he shakes his head and says to the angels, "Don't you just hate it when they get little minds of their own?"

God did not give us free will so we could choose to love him. God gave us free will because he loves us. We need free will to survive. We need free will to learn that placing you hand on the stove hurts. We need free will to steer clear of posion ivy. We need free will to eat, sleep, work and play.

God knew that free will would be a component of every decision we make. That is why he said,
"I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live, ..." Deuteronomy 31:19 RSV

The Mirror Theory

2005-08-20T06:50:00.000-04:00

My favorite pastime is learning new things. In this pursuit, I watched a Nova special on CPTV titled, "The Elegant Universe". I applaud the program as it opened the door of quantum physics to scientific plebeians like myself. The subject of the program was "String Theory", and for those who have never heard of "Strings", you can learn more about this at http://superstringtheory.com/

String theory is still in its infancy with many questions and concepts still unanswered. As I listened to Brian Greene, the scientist explaining Strings, I marveled at how scientists expect to understand God's creation without understanding God.

Brian Greene stated that although they believe that Strings exist, they have not yet proved that they exist. I thought - "Wow, faith from a scientist!" I am no scientist, nor am I an intellectual giant, but I do understand God. So, let us study God's theory. It is called "The Mirror Theory".

Mirror Theory simply stated - "Everything in the physical or spiritual world has a corresponding reflection."

For example: Expanding Universe/Black Holes, Light/Dark, Matter/Energy, Body/Soul, Good/Evil

We can use this theory to prove the existence of virtually everything.

In the physical world, we have five ways to prove that something exists. They are called our five senses. Three of these senses are based on matter - touch, smell and taste. Two of these senses are based on energy - sight (light) and sound (vibrations). We must utilize one of these senses to perceive the existence or earthly things. So, if you want to prove that a certain matter exists, then logically you would utilize the senses that are based on matter - touch, smell and taste. If you want to prove that a certain energy exists, then you would wisely choose the senses that are based on energy, sight and sound.

Let me give an example. How do you prove that God exists? I mentioned this concept in a previous blog entry - because he moves. The same holds true for Strings - if you can prove that they move, then they exist. " Then shall the trees of the wood sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. " I Chronicles 16:33 RSV How is it possible for the trees to sing? The vibrations of their strings, and if the strings move, then they exist. Logically, we cannot see the strings, but perhaps by increasing or decreasing their vibrations, we can hear them, or record their sound.

Let me give another example of changing the vibration or movement. "But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out for fear." Matthew 14:26 RSV Here we see that Jesus walked on the water.

We know that God set all the laws of earth down when he created the universe. This includes the law of gravity. When God created earth, his intent was that Adam and his descendants would have dominion over the earth, but he also knew that Satan would wrest that dominion from Adam. Therefore, when God set down the scientific laws of space and time, he made sure they could not be changed by anyone. So, how did Jesus walk on water without changing the law of gravity? He walked on water by changing the vibration of his Strings. If the vibrations on one body are faster/lighter than that of another body, then the faster/lighter body will negate the force of gravity. Newton's Second Law proves this theory, and as God fully understands all his laws, and Jesus is God incarnate; he walked on the water.

This brings us to The Mirror Theory. By increasing or decreasing the vibrations of "Strings" you are effectively holding the strings in front of the mirror to prove their existence. Just what is the reflection of a string?

Christian Maturity

2005-08-20T06:47:00.000-04:00

The earmark of Christian Maturity is when you have moved from Spiritual Masturbation to Spiritual Fertilization.

Who Is Caring for The Soul of The Earth?

2005-08-13T13:31:00.000-04:00

I recently received an email from a Christian writer on the subject of head coverings for women in the church. I know that the Bible has much to say about head coverings, or coverings of any kind. The Old Testament required men to cover their heads when in prayer. In the New Testament Paul instructs the women of the church to cover their heads when in prayer or prophesying.

The Ark of the Covenant required a covering and in the new economy, we are covered with the blood of Jesus. With all this mention of "covering", I went to God and asked him what all this meant.

God gave me I Corinthians 11: 7-12 RSV
"For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. (For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man.) That is why a woman ought to have a veil on her head, because of the angels. (Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man nor man of woman; for as woman was made from man, so man is now born of woman. "

Still confused, I asked again, "Yes, but what does it mean?" God replied with the beginning and the ending.

It started when God formed Adam. Adam was made from the dust of the earth in the image of God. Subsequently, he possessed many of God's attributes - strength, power, justice, aggression, defense, analytical thinking - basically all he would need to live on the earth. However, time passed and God noticed that something was missing - a soul. So God created woman from Adam. Adam now had a soul and this soul could love unconditionally, dispense mercy and forgiveness, nurture, create and inspire. But, God knew that Eve was not well designed for earthly survival, so he charged Adam "to keep her covered." In other words, God charged Adam to protect Eve; even from the angels.

We see that when the serpent entered the Garden, Eve was alone. Apparently, Adam had shirked his responsibility and left Eve alone. He was well-equipped to defeat the serpent; Eve was not. Adam did not guard his soul from Satan.

Now God would need to send another to guard the woman - or soul. He sent his son, Jesus. Just as Eve came from Adam, the Church came from Jesus, and as Eve was the bride of Adam, the Church is the bride of Jesus.

I mentioned that God also gave me the ending. Revelation 12:5-6 RSV

" she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days."

So we see in the beginning woman came from man, but in the end, man came from woman. The circle is complete.

Pray for Peace

2005-08-10T07:04:00.000-04:00

I often listen to the artist Jewel while driving in the car. Her songs are poetry. In one song she sings, "Plenty of people pray for peace, but if praying were enough it would have come to be." Well I do know that praying is enough; it is enough that we pray, but how are we praying?

God wants us to pray with our hearts; not our minds. God wants us to pray out of a feeling of love; not fear. So when we pray 'globally' for peace, just how heartfelt is that prayer. Is it from your heart, or is it felt somewhere outside yourself? Is it only personal to you because of fear, or is there a way to make it personal with love?

"Who stirred up one from the east whom victory meets at every step? He gives up nations before him, so that he tramples kings under foot; he makes them like dust with his sword, like driven stubble with his bow. He pursues them and passes on safely, by paths his feet have not trod." Isaiah 41:2-4 RSV

So I pray to you Lord - please save Osama bin Laden. I pray that your Holy Spirit will come into his heart with conviction changing the stone into flesh as the leaves change in the autumn. I pray that your conviction will wither his anger and fear as the winter winds wither the autumn. I pray that you will give him a new heart as fresh and supple as new spring growth. Save him, Father. I claim his soul for your kingdom. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Pray for peace with forgiveness and love. Make it personal.

The Witness

2005-08-07T11:21:00.000-04:00

It is early Saturday morning, and the doorbell rings. You sigh because you are clothed in your 'I need to get this house cleaned today' sweat pants and t-shirt. You have not yet combed your hair, brushed your teeth or put on your make up. Gingerly, you open the door and two women are standing on your porch, dressed in their Sunday best. They carry black Bibles in one hand and the latest copies of The Watchtower in the other. Do you let them in or do you refuse?

As Christians, we are instructed to witness to the world, however, even I would find ringing doorbells on a Saturday morning a daunting task. Instead, I ask God to set someone before me; someone he has chosen to hear his word.

Once God has chosen someone, I pray daily for their salvation; then I wait. Eventually, an opportunity to share my testimony will present itself. The person will ask a question, or will share some strife or pain in their life, then I will give them my testimony. I continue to pray for their salvation and share more and more about Jesus as the opportunities arise.

Witnessing, or giving testimony to unbelievers can be an intimidating experience for some, but if you ask God to 'set someone before you', he will provide all the tools and opportunity you need to complete your mission.

Love/Hate

2005-08-03T08:10:00.000-04:00

Hate is not the antithesis of Love; it is Fear that barricades the loving heart.

Oil and Water

2005-08-01T08:38:00.000-04:00

Two children were born to Abraham. The first born, Ishmael, was born to the Egyptian handmaiden, Hagar. The second child, Isaac, was born to Abraham's wife Sarah. Centuries later, the conflict between these two half brothers is still waging. Who is the first born of Abraham? Which child inherits the land promised to Abraham?

Arabs claim they are the descendants of Ishmael and as Ishmael was born first, the land belongs to them. Jews claim they are descendants of Isaac and as Isaac was born of Sarah, Abraham's wife, then the land rightfully belongs to them. Jews claim that Ishmael was born of a household servant, therefore his descendants have no right to the land of Abraham.

Centuries later, this battle is still being waged, and contrary to current belief, this fight was never about oil or what lies beneath the land. The purpose of this fight is about what lies on the land - water.

Maps of the Middle East show few sources of fresh water. On the east, there is the Euprates and the Tigris rivers running between Iraq and Iran spilling towards the Persian Gulf. To the west, we have the Nile River coursing its way through Egypt. The only other major water source in the region starts in Lebanon and carries its life giving water to the Jordan River and the Sea of Gailee in Israel.

The 1967 conflict between Israel and the surrounding Arab states had nothing to do with Zionism or a conflict over lands. This conflict started when Jordan and Syria began plans to dam the headwaters of the Jordan River. By daming the headwaters, they would stop the flow of water into the fledgling nation of Israel.

Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the highly disputed West Bank are in conflict with Israel for the control of the area's fresh water supply. With an annual rainfall comparable to Arizona, this region's most precious resource is water. As a coastal region, the West Bank does receive significanly more waterfall than the other regions mentioned above, but as the ground is comprised of porous sand, this water is quickly absorbed - moving underground to feed wells and eventually the Jordan River. Thus, both the Arabs and the Israelis covet the West Bank as a great source of fresh water.

Both the Arabs and the Jews claim Abraham as their founding father, yet, their dispute has waged for thousands of years. So how did Abraham acquire this land?

Let us read Genesis 13:5-9
" And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle. At that time the Canaanites and the Per'izzites dwelt in the land. Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left." RSV

Lot was Abraham's nephew, the son of his brother. So we see another dispute between familial members - this one over grazing land and probably available fresh water. But, notice how Abraham handles the dispute. "Let there be no strife between you and me." As we continue in Genesis, we learn of Lot's response.

" And Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw that the Jordan valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zo'ar; this was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomor'rah. So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan valley, and Lot journeyed east; thus they separated from each other. Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, while Lot dwelt among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom." Genesis 13:10-12 RSV

Lot took the whole valley, leaving Abraham with the arid land of Canaan. As we continue to the end of Genesis 13, we see that God portioned a land just for Abraham and his descendants.

" The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants for ever. I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your descendants also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you." So Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron; and there he built an altar to the LORD."

It should be noted that Lot did not hold onto his land for long. His land was destroyed along with the city of Sodom by fire.

Strife will last for centuries, but the pain of the peacemaker will sting for a short time.

Celebrities

2005-07-26T07:03:00.000-04:00

Every industry has their celebrities. We are all familiar with Hollywood, realizing that they are universal celebrities. However, there are celebrities in other industry groups as well. Martha Stewart is the housewife diva, Donald Trump makes the "Good Deal", and Jack Welch is probably the best known CEO.

There are celebrities in the Christian faith, as well. Billy Graham, the evangelist comes to mind. There are others who are theologians, teachers, self proclaimed prophets, etc. Just like the celebrities of the 'world', we tend to attach more credence to the message delivered by our Christian celebrities. I say- Beware!

Just as Martha Stewart fell from grace, and Robert Downey, Jr. turned to drugs, so our Christian celebrities must be approached with the discernment of the Spirit. Though their message may have been proved over and over for a time - each message they deliver should be determined with caution and prayer. We may know their reputation with the world, but what is their reputation with God?

Measure their message against your own relationship with God. Pray, study and take no man's message and swallow it whole. For like Ezekiel, although the message may be sweet in the mouth, it may be bitter going down.

A Distant Lord or a Loving Father?

2005-07-25T07:30:00.000-04:00

Several years ago, my father was elected the National President of a large professional association. His "swearing in" ceremony was to be held in Chicago, and his eight grown children traveled from many different cities to be with him during this important event. The ceremony lasted three days, including cocktail parties, dinners, photo sessions for publication in their national magazine and other events where my father and his family were expected to make appearances.

Friends, associates, employees and colleagues exhibited respect; even reverence to my father during those three heady days, and we were all overwhelmed, even exhausted, by the constant attention. After the events, our family would often retire to my father and mother's hotel room to decompress. There, my father would cease to be the National President; he was just my Dad. We would joke with him, play tricks on him and playfully chide him. There was no fear or awe in the room - just intimacy.

This dichotomy is also evident with our Heavenly Father, especially when you compare the differences between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Why did God have an informal intimacy with some of the biblical characters and yet, a formal, lordly relationship with others? This difference is buried in the structure of the relationship.

We are all God's creation. We all belong to him under this relationship, but we are not all his children. Even among his children, there are different relationships. Abraham's formality when speaking to God (Genesis 18:27) is in sharp contrast to the informality expressed by David (1Samuel 23:4).

God's children are those who have accepted his Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior. When we have made this decision, we are no longer just God's creations; we are now God's children. As our intimacy with God increases (by spending time with him in study and prayer), our relationship with God becomes less formal, and he becomes more intimate with us.

Good Leaven

2005-07-18T09:08:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I watched a program on The Learning Channel about "Killer Bees". Sometime in the 1950's a misguided scientist imported African bees to Brazil for the purpose of increasing the local honey production.

Bees are not indigenous to the Americas so when the first settlers wanted to import bees, they wisely chose a relatively docile species, the European honey bee. Now the more aggressive African bees have invaded the existing honey bee hives, passing on their genes to produce a new species which the scientists have named "Africanized bees". These bees have spread throughout Brazil northward into Arizona, Texas and California. When agitated, they will collectively sting at a rate of 60 stings per square inch, killing their victims within minutes. They will pursue their target for up to 1/2 mile and will not cease their attack for up to 24 hours. It is estimated that they move northward at an annual rate of 1,100 miles a year, and in the next 20 years, all of our docile honey bees will be converted to the hybrid "Africanized bees".

As I watched this program, I could not resist drawing the correlation between the progression of the "Africanized bees" and the progression of evil in our society today. When the female honey bee mates, she will mate with at least 20 drones; storing the sperm within her abdomen. She then slowly releases the sperm with each egg production over her two year lifetime. If she had the discernment to limit her mating to only those of her species, then her hive will never become Africanized, however if she mates with even one African bee, it is inevitable that her hive will become increasingly hostile.

"A little leaven leavens the whole lump." Galatians 5:9 RSV

I was cautioned to diligently monitor what is taken into my mind and soul. Once bad leaven ( evil) has been added to the flour, eradication is nearly impossible. Avoiding evil may be as simple as turning off a TV program, turning away from an irate person or quickly apologizing for hurting someone's feelings.

Adding good leaven (goodness) to the flour may be a simple as a kind word, a smile or simply listening to someone who is hurting. Good leaven can overtake the flour just a quickly as the bad leaven.

In reading the Mitford Book Series, I remembered that one of the characters daily prayed "the prayer that never fails". This prayer is always answered by God. "God, please let me be a blessing to someone today." Think of it as Good Leaven.

The Mystery of Faith

2005-07-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

"Now we all understand that the law is good, if any one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane..." 1Timothy 1:8 RSV

After accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, those who are "born again" become concerned with, "What do I do now?". This feeling stems from our sensing the Holiness (or wholeness) of God, and realizing that in comparison; we fall short. Certainly, the contrast between his light and our darkness is so stark, we become consumed with desperation. How can we ever measure up? So, in arrogance, we set about with our mental list of tasks to make ourselves holy, and in doing so, we lose our righteousness, peace and joy.

Only the Son can come before the Father in Holiness. Jesus owns his Holiness. In contrast, we must be made holy. The deception arises when Christians feel that they have the capacity to manufacture this holiness by their own hands.

Does the clay pot fill itself with water - or - does the potter, after finishing the pot, fill it with water to test for cracks? Then, if the pot leaks, who repairs the cracks?

Also, in the spring, does the apple tree lay down the compost around its own roots for the new season's growth? When the fruit appears, does the apple tree spray itself with pesticides and fungicides to prevent the spoiling of the fruit? No it is the gardener (vine dresser) who tends the garden to produce a bountiful harvest.

"Thus a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies she is discharged from the law concerning her husband." Romans 7:2 RSV We have died to our marriage of sin and unholiness when we accepted Jesus as our Savior. We have a new husband -Jesus. When we "married" Jesus, we took his name and now possess all that he owns - including his Holiness.

Jesus came to clothe us in his Holiness. We possess no holiness, but through him. Those who have not accepted Jesus live under the law and will be judged by the law, but we Christians will be judged by the Holiness of Jesus.

Believing in this simple Mystery of Faith fulfills Jesus' promise of righteousness, peace and joy. We are released from the strife of achieving our own holiness and only need to put on his robe of Holiness to stand before the Father.

Pray for Me!

2005-06-13T07:01:00.000-04:00

Last week, I called one of my sisters who had been going through a difficult time. I wanted to find out how she was doing and if she needed a sympathetic ear. She was unresponsive to my queries, and spoke only with brief, monotone answers. The call lasted less than five minutes and as I hung up the phone, I wondered if I had done anything to offend her.

As I pondered my feelings - a little rejected - a little angry - I realized that my first thought was for myself. Why was that, I wondered? Last week had been a very hectic week. My son was graduating from eighth grade with relative events nearly every night, my cat had been injured so trips to the vet were a priority, and I had classes to attend both for my employment and for my church. I was at a physical, emotional and spiritual low.

On Wednesday night, I informed my son that I needed to go to the Wednesday night service at our church. Although I was physically tired, my spiritual well demanded a healthy drink. I stood during the service singing song after song - still I was empty. I started to pray while the rest of the congregation continued to sing. "Please God - breathe on me. Please fill me with your Spirit." Nothing happened. "Come on! I need you to restore my soul." Nothing. Finally, screaming inside my head - "What's wrong?" Then God answered. "Worship me." Still, the dunce, I answered "What are you talking about?" "Stop worrying about yourself, sing the song and worship me." Now I "got" it. I said OK and as soon as I did - his Spirit rushed in. That night, I asked God to show me if I had offended my sister and what to do about it. His answer was brief and cryptic, "Call her back on Friday."

On Friday morning, I called my sister and she apologized for being "funny" during our last phone call. "That's OK." I said. "Sometimes we are in so much pain that we can't speak." She said, "Yes!" Then I thought - "I didn't know that." This is always a sign to me that God's spirit is in charge of my mouth. There are times when I am speaking to unbelievers about God or speaking with believers on a point in the Bible, and I will say something while thinking, "I didn't know that." If I didn't know it - then I know it is God.

My sister and I spoke that morning for two hours. She poured her heart out to me, but what profit did she get from that deluge? I promised to pray for her, and I did and will continue to pray, but what will she profit by my praying? Yes, I know that God will answer my prayer - but how will my praying about her problem help her relationship with God? It is about as effective as my sister visiting with my parents on my behalf. I cannot develop or maintain a relationship with my parents through my sister.

This is what God revealed to me tonight. Intercession is good - God wants us to intercede on behalf of others - but what God wants most of all is a relationship with the person who asked you to pray for them.

Since 900 A.D., the word pray has meant "to entreat or beg" - at times the English language is so inadequate when describing our relationship with God. Praying should encompass all communication with God. Perhaps we should use the word dialogue instead of prayer, because dialogue describes what God wants from us. He wants us to talk to him continually - not just with requests - but about everything! Just as we talk with our friends and family, we should speak with God the same way. The other part of dialogue is listening. We need to speak - then remain quiet and listen for God's answer. In order to foster a relationship with us, he needs to speak as well, but if we do all the talking - then we may miss his words to us - and his words may contain wisdom or an answer to a question. He may give you a word for another who has not been communicating with him on a consistent basis, or he may just want to let you know that he still loves you. I would not want to miss that.

So going back to my poor spirit last week - I had been so busy, I was not listening to God. The dialogue had broken down. Although I had spoken to him, I was so busy that I left my prayer time without giving him a chance to speak to me. I had shut him out.

The other lesson I learned from God - next time someone asks me to pray for them my answer will be, "I will pray for you, but God wants to hear from you, too."

I love you Father. Selah!

Know Your Enemy - Chapter Two

2005-06-04T17:30:00.000-04:00

When we finished Chapter One, Satan and his followers had rebelled against God. God had never intended evil to exist, and contrary to some beliefs, God never created evil. Lucifer was created in beauty and light - it was his choice not to follow good (God's will) that perpetuated the evil. Just as a vacuum is simply the absence of air, evil is the absence of good.

Believe that Satan knew the character of God - he had served God for some time. Satan had a good relationship with God before his pride clouded his perceptions, so Satan knew that God would be placed in a difficult position as a result of the rebellion. God's "Justification" part of his character would demand the extinction of the rebels, however, God's "Loving" nature would require mercy. Let us see how God satisfied both of his natures.

I believe that God offered Satan mercy "by choice". Since Satan's rebellion (the evil) came from Satan's own will, God decided to offer mercy based on Satan's own will. With this proviso, God's justification was abated - pending further decision - and God's mercy was satisfied. God still remained perfect in both his characteristics and the final decision was left to Satan - repent and receive mercy, or remain in rebellion and receive justification. It was his choice.

Know Your Enemy - Chapter One

2005-05-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

I was recently blind-sided by Satan. Using someone very close to me, I became hurt, then angry and finally enraged. As the situation escalated, I realized that this was not just a one-on-one with another person, but that Satan's handprint was manipulating the exchange. I quietly backed off, ending the exchange of venom, but my pain and anger prevented me from doing any more than that. It took weeks to get back into the Spirit. I had been duped by Satan, and right then, I asked God to show me my enemy. I wanted to be prepared at the onset of the next attack.

So, this is the first part of God's revelation to me. As he reveals more about the enemy to me, I will write them here.

The very first thing that God revealed to me was Matthew 24:36:

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only."

God has told no one about the timing of the final hour - not even his Son. When a General plans war against an enemy, one of the best weapons is the element of surprise. As the posters stated in WWII - "Loose Lips Lose Soldiers". This is war and God takes this final battle seriously - enough not to reveal his timing to anyone - not even his Son.

If God takes Satan seriously - then we should, as well.

So, let's go back to the beginning. God created the angels, including Lucifer. These spirit beings were created to have fellowship with God while serving him. God loved them. At some point, Lucifer wanted more position in God's economy. He may have had a very good relationship with God for a long period of time. He probably had been a good and faithful servant and now felt that he should be raised to a higher postion. However it came about, we do know that Satan's first sin was pride. His second sin was gossip. Satan used his influence to sway the other angels to follow him in rebellion; many followed.

Now Satan stood before God with those who had leant their support - challenging God's authority. Satan had God in a "Catch 22". Our God is a just and merciful God. This dichotomy of character required a perfect solution, for God could not allow evil to flourish and yet, he loved his creatures. God's justification called for the total destruction of Satan and the other rebels, but His love would require mercy. What would he do?

Blowing the Shofar

2005-05-23T07:06:00.000-04:00

Many years ago, I read an interesting book on the relationship between Jewish holidays and Christian events. Unfortunately, the name of the book and the author have been lost to me - so please excuse me for not giving the proper credit here.

At sundown June 12th, the Jewish holiday of Shavout will begin. This holiday is also called The Feast of the First Fruits, and although this celebration has less significance than some of the other holidays in current Jewish doctrine, I believe this day has great significance for Christians.

The origins of this Feast started in ancient tradition, and was a time of thanksgiving for God's generous provision. The Hebrews would decorate their houses with flowers and greenery, and harvest the first fruits of their fields including barley, spring wheat, vegetables, olive oil and honey. When the Shofar was blown at sundown, they would bring their first fruits into the temple as an offering to God. This was a time of thankfulness and great celebration. The festival would last for seven days

The Shofar, which you can hear by clicking on this link:
http://www.s-hamilton.k12.ia.us/antiqua/mp3/shofar.mp3, would be blown to call the people to the Temple of God. The traditional Shofar was a musical instrument constructed from a rams horn or ibex horn and blown at times of feast, fasting or battle. Hebrew tradition states that at the end of times, the Shofar will be blown at the final return of the Messiah alerting Satan that his time of judgment has come. It is said that Satan flees each time the Shofar is sounded believing that his demise is imminent, therefore, the Hebrew people would blow the Shofar when they wanted to execute their feasts, fasting or battles without the presence of Satan.

It was on Shavout that Moses received the Laws of God at Mount Sinai. The Shofar was blown before the Law was given to Moses. Satan heard the Shofar, and believing his time of judgement had come, he fled, allowing Moses to accept the Law without his evil influence. This started a new economy for God's people - the Economy of the Law.

As Christians, we share in the next economy - the Economy of Grace. This economy also started on the Hebrew holiday of Shavout. We call this day Pentecost as stated in Acts 2:

"When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly a sound (the Shofar) came from heaven like a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, distributed and resting on each one of them." RSV

These disciples were the "first fruits" of the new Economy of Grace, and just like the issuance of the Law, the Shofar was sounded so that the Holy Spirit could be dispensed in secret from Satan.

I believe the next economy will also be dispensed on Shavout. With a shout, (the Shofar) the Lord will call up the First Fruits of the harvest before the end of ages.

Spiritual Warfare

2005-05-19T07:18:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I switched on a local Christian radio station while driving to work. A song full of praise and worship filled the car, and I lifted my hands in agreement. Although I did not know the words to the song, I set my heart on praising God. Suddenly, I felt God washing my face with his hand. "What are you doing?", I asked him.

"I am preparing you for spiritual warfare. Put on my armor."

In compliance, I mentally pictured myself dressing in the armor of God. As in 1Thessalonians 5:8, I mentally dressed myself in the breastplate of faith and love. I then lifted the helmet of salvation over my head. "Why are you preparing me for battle?"

I remebered that I had a management meeting that morning, and our Corporate Relationship Guru was speaking at the meeting today. This woman is warm, soft spoken and well liked by our staff. She is frequently called upon to intercede when relationships in our office are strained and she has facilitated peace between many co-workers through NLP programming. She claims to be spiritual - but without Jesus.

Many years ago, I too was involved in NLP. As a salesperson, I frequently listened to tapes and read books offered by such names as Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar and Denis Waitely. They kept me motivated, inspired and positive - but without God. Little by little as I listened to these tapes, I relied on God less. I spent less time praying or reading my Bible and more time listening to these tapes; putting my faith in my own powers. Thankfully, one day God tapped me on shoulder and asked me to look up from what I was doing. I could see that I had become arrogant in my own abilities - I no longer needed or depended on God. I eventually discarded the NLP paraphernalia and went back to my Bible for inspiration and spiritual growth.

During our meeting yesterday, the Relationship Guru spoke to us about managing our departments. We all listented intently. Suddenly, she looked straight at me and asked "What is the difference between arrogance and self-confidence?" I knew this was the moment for which God had prepared me. I could feel the dark presence as though it were standing in front of me.

Without fear, I returned the eye contact and responded, "Arrogance is inspired by fear. Self confidence is the absence of fear and contains the humility to allow for others."

The air in the room changed, and she quickly ended our meeting. Before I could get back to my office, she had left. I remembered James 4:7 "Submit yourself therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." RSV

Be mindful that your spiritual growth comes from the word of God. Any other source may contain the dark forces that will lead you from God to your own arrogance.

Temptation

2005-05-09T07:24:00.000-04:00

"Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22:39

Before Jesus went into the Garden, he wisely charged his disciples to pray. He knew that this would be their most trying hour, for fear and self-preservation would replace their growing faith.

Jesus knew what was to come. God had lifted the cloak of safety from the little group, so that the promise (death and ressurrection) could be fullfilled. Satan needed to believe that he had the chance to destroy the Messiah - the Redeemer to fulfill the prophecy, but in removing that cloak of safety, the entire group was susceptible to temptation.

Jesus went to the Garden to pray against his own temptation. He wanted to execute his Father's plan without succumbing to slander or anger against his tormentors. He expected his disciples to do the same.

In verse 43, Jesus comes back to his disciples after praying, and is incredulous that they are sleeping. Again he charges them to pray against temptation. He knows that if he or his disciples justify themselves in the coming hours, then the justification of God will not be apparent.

It was too late - Judas came with the guards, and as predicted his disciples acted out of fear and anger instead of faith. Using a sword they cut off the ear of one of the guardsmen. Fear begets anger, and anger begets damage.

Quickly Jesus healed the guardsmen ear, just as he now heals the relationships that we damage with our sword or tongue. He shows us that it matters not who is right or who is wrong, but that we continue to love each other without succumbing to fear and anger.

Faith and fear cannot abide together, and fear is the first step into temptation.