Burning Heart

Check it!

2009-07-05T00:41:00.001-05:00

Guess what? I just posted a blog that doesn't take up 3 pages and 45 minutes to read...Just thought you ought to know!

th

Thinking of Childlike Faith

2009-07-03T23:57:00.002-05:00

I, being the avid outdoorsman that I am, like to read Field and Stream magazine. Not having a subscription to this fine publication myself, and being unwilling (generally) to pay newsstand prices, I recently did what I normally do...I perpetually borrowed my dad's copy. In the latest copy I have there was an article written about outdoor survival skills. I always like to read these just for grins, and because, who knows...someday it might really be necessary to know some of those things, but I digress. So I am sitting reading this article the other afternoon, and Nathan is sitting on the couch next to me. I'm reading through the part where they have interviewed a survival skills instructor and he is discussing eating bug...in particular grasshoppers. He give the protein and iron contents (twice the iron and only .3g less protein than a spoonful of lean ground meat), discusses the methods people use to help them go down (remove the legs and head so it doesn't stick in your throat), talks about how roasting them is essential because it kills any bacteria or parasites, and ends by saying "Once you get past the bug phobia...it's really just a little spoonful of meat...think of it that way." So, I'm sitting there and shuddering at the idea of eating grasshoppers, and decide to see what Nathan will say. So I show him the picture and ask him. It went something like this:

"Nathan, would you like to eat a grasshopper like that?"
"NO WAY!"
"What if you were lost in the wilderness and had no food?"
"I'd just look for something else to eat."
"What if you couldn't find anything else and the grasshopper was all you had?"
(At this point Nathan stops and shudders a little himself before replying)
"Then I would just pray and ask God to help me find something else to eat."

Yes, you may now take a moment to say "Aaaawhh, that's so sweet." which, by the way, is what I initially did too. ("Nathan, that's a fantastic answer! I'm glad that you would first turn to God and ask Him to help you. I know that He would because God answers our prayers doesn't He?""Yes, He does.")

Okay, so the sweet moment is now past and the meat of this blog comes to be...Nathan's answer has been haunting my thoughts for the past several days.
I am increasingly certain that children have a knowledge of who God is beyond anything adults can even imagine. I think this is exemplified even in scripture too. But here is the thing which stuck with me, what has been haunting me...my son's faith that God would provide for him.

See, Jessie and I have been diligent in trying to teach your boys (and soon our girl) about who God is, that we can trust Him, that He is faithful, that He cares for us, He died for us, He loves us, He wants a relationship with us, all the wonderful things about the Christian's walk with God. We want our kids to grow up knowing their Father, and not just a passing head knowledge of Him, and intimate, passionate knowledge, experiential, relational, and beyond anything we could ask or imagine...that kind of "words can't describe it" knowledge of God, that only comes from Him alone. So we have tried to teach them, and many times I have been surprised by them. Here is the thing that has bothered me though: I was reading this article saying to myself, "I could maybe do it...if I was really hungry enough." Nathan says, "I'd just ask God...He'll give me something to eat."
Yes, it's simplistic, yes he's just a kid, but that is the whole point...His faith hasn't been tainted by thoughts of what God can't do, or won't do...he simply believes Him to do. Nathan simply will take Him at His word and believe that God will care for him and provide for his needs.
This made me think..."What happened that I stopped thinking that way? That I stopped believing that way?" See, I have been told on more than one occasion that I have an unusual amount of faith, perhaps I do, but I find myself at times wondering if God can do such and such, or if God will answer my prayer.
What happened to my childlike belief?!
The word tells us again and again that kind of faith is key:

Matthew 18:3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Isaiah 11:6 The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.

Mark 10:14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

This last one is mentioned twice in the gospels, it is also in Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

How many of us have lost a childlike faith? Is your God only "big enough" for what you're doing now? Or is He the one who hold the universe together with His spoken word, who holds it in the palm of His hand, and for whom the very rocks will cry out in praise? How big is your God? I urge you do NOT try and make Him small, for He IS NOT. I could go on for some time about that alone, but I want to wrap this up.

My niece is three, and she recently had to go and have a scope done to check out her digestive system and see if there was something wrong. They put her out for this. Want to guess what she told my sister-in-law when she came too? "Jesus was right there with me while I was sleeping."

Nathan was three when one of my best friends died of cancer. It was a tough thing because Mark had been sick for some time, and he and his wife had been friends of mine for a long time. It was very sad for us all, and I for one, was wondering why it might have been that God didn't answer our prayers for Mark's healing. I wouldn't say it was a trying of my faith really, but I was just wondering why he wasn't healed. Jana (Mark's wife) asked us to come back to the church and eat with the family after the funeral. So, Jessie and I picked up Nathan and Noah, who had not gone to the funeral, and went back to the church. I will never forget the conversation we had on the way there though. Nathan says, "Daddy, where are we going?" "We're going to eat with Jana and Mark's family." "Is Mark going to be there?" "No, Nathan, Mark died and went to live with Jesus." (This is the part that still brings me to tears today) "Oh...he went there so Jesus can heal him?" (long pause as my eyes fill with tears) "Yes, son, that's exactly why...so Jesus can heal him."

I maintain what I said, that children have insight into who God is that we can't begin to imagine as adults. They simply believe and trust Him, it's about what He will do, not about what He won't. It's about what He can do, not what I think He can't. When will we realize this truth and start trusting Him the way He intended?

Paul said, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Guess what? I'm convinced too.

So, that being said, I am exercising my childlike faith. One desire I've had for the past couple of years is to get totally out of debt. I think this is something that God has laid on my heart in order that my family can being to be a blessing to others, something we cannot do if we are in debt, at least not in a financial manner anyway. But, believing that this is something God has laid on my heart, and Jessie's heart too, I am no longer going to look at our debt and shake my head going, "It's gonna be 30 years before we get all this paid off." (When I say out of debt, I'm including my house in that too.) So, I am believing and asking God to provide $100,000 for us before the end of the year. That will allow us to get totally out of debt, and also to have a nice sum left over that we can start using to bless others, and to provide a future for our family. I don't know how He is going to do that, but I am excited to see Him do so. I ask for you to join with us in prayer for this. I am excited to see it happen and to see God provide above and beyond all that I could ever ask or imagine.

I urge you to put to death your doubt, and exercise your childlike faith once again and wait to see God provide.

In Christ Alone,
th

Normal Christian Life

2009-05-14T00:36:00.002-05:00

What is the normal Christian Life?

I see many things in churches and hear many things taught in churches, but what does the normal Christian life look like?

I ask this because we had a healing service at church tonight, at least in part because of that; but also because of another story relayed to me, and also because it is simply something that I think about, and have talk with my wife about before.

To many people the normal Christian life looks like this: Go to church at least once a week (twice if I am really being holy), pay the tithe (probably about 10%, give or take), maybe volunteer to help with some church project, maybe pick up the Bible and thumb through it before going to bed, possibly even pray if one remembers to turn off the radio on the way to work.
To many, this is a normal Christian life. Granted I might be exaggerating somewhat, but I think if you took an honest poll, I probably wouldn't be too far off.
These Christians living this normal Christian life, also swear at the problem which just came up at work, use combative and ridiculing language (coupled with sign language) at the driver they feel cut them off today, come home and berate their children and wife for not being good enough, or for spending too much money, or not being quiet enough, all while kicking back with their beer and watching a rousing episode of Family Guy on TV.

The problem I have is that this is not the normal Christian life I read about in the Bible.

Most people seem to have taken bits and pieces and are missing other sections...Maybe they only have part from a bible smuggled into china a few pages at a time. (If that's the case let me know and I'll find you a whole one.)

So, why I write this tonight. First, let me relay the story as it was told to me.
My wife and I know a family who recently adopted a child whom they had fostered for some time. The situation this child came out of was very bad, and she is in a great family now. She also happens to be in our toddler class at church. The family is great and the little girl is great, except whenever she was first dropped off for class. Her mom has to run in, set her down and then run like a sprinter for the door, while this little one used to start a crying, tirade. You would have thought to see it that she had just lost her mother forever. Now, apparently this had happened at home as well. The dad, was training in classes at church which are basically classes to develop leaders for ministry. He had asked his mentor in the program to come out to the house and pray for their newest daughter, about these fits. His mentor agreed and then came back and told him, "I'm not coming, but here is what God said to do: You are going to pray for her. Tonight you put her to bed and wait until she is good and asleep, and make sure she is sound asleep. Then you go in anoint her with oil and pray over her. Say that you are her father and have authority over her. Then, in Jesus' name you command the spirit of rejection to leave her forever. She is going to sit straight up wide awake, and you tell that spirit to leave and never return. Then she will lay right back down and go right back to sleep." So, he did as his mentor directed. They put her to bed and waited till she was sound asleep. Then her went in, and anointed her with oil and prayed over her, that he was her father and was the authority and covering over her. Then he commanded the the spirit of rejection to leave her forever in the name of Jesus. This little girl sat up, wide awake and looked at him. He told the spirit to leave her and go into the dry places to never return. She laid back down sound asleep. Now, for the best part. She comes to church tonight, and rather than the screaming crying fit when she is dropped off for class...wait for it...wait for it...wait...for...it...she walks calmly into class and sets to playing right away. Freed forever from a spirit of rejection by a father who loves her, the Savior her father follows, and her father's willingness to take said Savior at His Word.

Reason 2: So tonight at church we held a healing service. I figured I'd go since my back is better but not perfect yet, and the fact that I LOVE seeing God move and miracles taking place. I love being a part of it. We had one lady who was deaf who took out her hearing aids and was able to hear people whispering...total miracle of deaf ears being opened. Another lady had been 10 years with sciatic nerve damage, and she had been unable to climb stairs without intense pain and something to hold on to. She was healed right there, no pain anymore in her legs, and she began walking up and down the stairs to the podium (which have no handrails) without any help.

Now you can debate the authenticity of such things if you want to. Did every person who asked for prayer get an instant healing? No. Will they all be healed? We can debate that another time. Did I get a miracle tonight? Yes and no. While I was waiting to be prayed for, I felt a burning run up and down my sciatic nerve in my left leg, which is where I have had all my pain. I could literally feel it in the nerve itself, it was centered there. I do not have as of this moment, any pain in my back or legs, and it's been 5 hours or so now. I do still have some tightness in my calf and some numbness in my foot, but I believe God has healed me, and I will see and feel a total manifestation of that healing in the days ahead. Why wasn't it instant? I don't know, but it doesn't matter, I believe God and will trust Him to do what He said He would do.

So here's the quandary I'm in. Why do we not see this every day? Every church service? Have you looked at the book of Acts in your Bible? What about in Acts 5 when the people were putting the sick in the streets so that Peter's shadow might fall upon them, "and they were healed every one"?
Or how about what goes on in Matthew 10: "These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions...As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons."
Remember in Matthew 11 before John the Baptist was killed? "When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor."
Or again in Mark 16: "He[Jesus] said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. ...And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.' ...Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it(emphasis added)."

I read over and over again that if we believe, then we should be seeing signs and wonders following us as we go. So, why don't we? I don't find anything in the Bible to support a cessationist view (the view that the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as tongues, prophecy and healing, etc. ceased being practiced early on in Church history.) For one thing, I've seen too much and been used too often in the gifts myself to not believe they are alive and well today. So, why does they church not see this all the time? Why are services like this one tonight the exception and not the norm?

I think it is because we have too often accepted that the normal Christian life is what I first mentioned above. Go to church, pay tithe, maybe pray, occasionally open a Bible (after dusting it off), etc. Whatever happened to living as strangers and pilgrims on this earth...living with sacrifice and commitment, tears and fasting, and touching a lost world with our lifestyle and commitment?

I want more than the accepted norm for my Christian life.

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out; no longer good for anything, except to be trampled by men.
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."

God's a little like Jimmy Buffet, looking for his lost shaker of salt...Looking for us.
II Chronicles 16:9a, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him."
I want to be found by Him. I want to chase after Him, and take hold of Him and dance.
Even now let it begin again, I want to do what my father said I would do. Holy Spirit come, lead us, empower us, teach us, but most of all, just use us. Let the privilege be ours of coming alongside of You oh God and joining in what You are doing.

I'm disappointed

2009-05-10T00:06:00.002-05:00

I am disappointed. Yes it is about the alcohol vote. I was praying that it would not pass. But God also many times gave men over to their sins. He gave Isreal a king when they wanted one, even though they were never supposed to have one. That's just a quick off the top of my head example.

The reason for my disappointment though is even more than the propositions passing. Okay, so alcohol will be around. It already was. I don't want it at the grocery store. Let alone all the increase in crime and alcohol related crimes that the city and county WILL now see. I think it is wrong that a semi-govermental entity (Chamber of Commerce) forced this issue. But, they have the right to be greedy: We do live in America after all. I do think however, that a person under the legal drinking age should not have been allowed to vote for alcohol sales, perhaps I can get that amendment brought up to a senator or congressman.

What really disappoints men though it the vast number of Christians who supported this move. Does the Bible say "Do not drink"? No, it does not. Did Jesus drink wine? It is mentioned, although many biblical scholars say that the wine mentioned in scripture is not the same as what you buy at the liqour store...or I guess now the grocery store. This does include the wine Jesus made at the wedding. But that is another issue all together.
I am disappointed that in this day and age, the church in the "Bible Belt" refused to take a stand for morality. And the thing that saddens and disappoints me even more is that there will probably be people, even Christians, who will read this and say "What a non-issue!" "He must just be 'religious'!" "This guy is off his rocker. I be he drinks! What a hippocrite!"
Well, yes I do on occation drink. I am also over 21, and legally able to do so. I have never been drunk, or buzzed, and do not ever want to be. My occation for a drink tends to be maybe once or twice a year...if that.
I am dissapointed to read of the pastors and senior pastors who actually supported this measure. I'm sorry, but what happened to living a life "above reproach"? Yes, there are major issues the church needs to address, and many other social issues which are probably more important that alcohol. I must ask though, "Where do you draw the line at taking a stand?"

This simply shows me that what they found in 2000 had only become worse in the state of the church. In 2000, they found that less then half of SENIOR pastors in this nation held a Biblical worldview. And we see the results coming out in elections like this one today.

I fear that soon, unless something major in the church changes, you will see the church turn more and more into the world and to what the world offers. We already see churches the refuse to condemn homosexuality; churches in favor of legalizing drugs; churches who discuss the best way to weather the recession as the main sermon on sundays.
Where do we draw the line?

I have to say, "tolerance" will mean the death of Christianity in America. Christianity is not and cannot be a tolerant religion. We miss it when we are intolerant without the love of Christ (which is far too often the norm), but Christianity cannot be tolerant. I do not ever, anywhere in the Bible, see a tolerant gospel from God. Jesus did not live a tolerant life. Chrisitans are to follow His example, and that does mean we are to be intolerant of sin, but still show God's love. Easy to say but tough to do in practice, perhaps, but nonetheless, the example we are given.

I fear that we are seeing the death of the American church, or maybe we are just seeing echoes of something that died a long time ago...that is for God to decide, but the church in the country needs CPR desperately (that's Christ Perpetuated Revival). I pray that we can see a new generation rise up who are willing to stand for God regardless of the cost.
I fear that "dark and difficult times lie ahead", that "soon we must all choose between whet is right...and what is easy."

I pray that God will spare us in His mercy and we might see a true revival...it will be welcomed...at least by me and my house.

th

Obession

2009-04-02T02:20:00.002-05:00

I've been reading a book by Ted Dekker, Obsessed. If you have not read anything by Ted Dekker, I'd advise picking up one of his books. He is a christian author, and writes an outstanding book, although I'm not entirely sure he's completely sane. Just read some of his books and you'll see what I mean. I jest though. One thing I've come across in his books is that he has a tendency to slip in dynamic life-changing theological ideas in a sentence or two, and then not really expound too much on them. He'd rather just let it penetrate the reader's mind and fester I think. Case in point, I came across on of these little snippets in the book Obsessed the other day. The character was recalling a sermon he'd heard on the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matt. 13:44) It's a short one, some people recall, other's don't know it. it's basically like so: [Jesus said,] "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field." The statement that hit me is as follows though. "He seemed to be saying that man's passion for God ought to look more like desperation rather than reason."

Profound huh? Think about it though. How many times do we let our passion for God look like reason? Let's have a nice calm reasonable worship service. Let's let the Holy Spirit lead us as long as He leads us in a reasonable manner and doesn't ask anything too strange.

I think that I am...no, scratch that, I AM tired of reasonable worship. I want my passion for God to be an obsession, a desperation, for Him. I want to actually be able to truthfully say as the psalmist did in Psalm 42: "As the dear thirsts for the water falls, so my soul longs for you oh God."

I want to be a desperate man, a man obsessed with Him, and with leading others to Him. My wife and parents and I had a discussion the other night about Spiritual warfare. I got a bit loud, as I can when talking about something important to me; and it went something like this, "What are you worried about? God has not given us a spirit of fear, and we are battling a defeated enemy who has no weapons! Why would we NOT engage in spiritual warfare?!"

I want to see what God can do through a desperate man. or woman, or family. Police officers will tell you that a desperate person is one of the most dangerous you can deal with. They have nothing to lose. You don't know what they will do next, or what move they might make. They are not rational, they do not abide by reason, and they do not make reasonable decisions. I want to be a desperate Christian.

I want to see what God can do with a desperate person, and through a desperate person. Do you want to see blind eyes opened? Do you want to see deaf ears hear? Do you want to see the dead raised to life? The demons cast out, the enemy defeated, and the land claimed for the Lord? I say we need some desperate people!

I think I might be beginning to have a glimpse of what Paul was saying in Phillippians when he said, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ..."
You know Paul's back story, he was the next top dog in training for the Pharisiees. He studied under the top guys, went to the best schools, and knew it all by heart. He lived out what he believed to a tee. None could match his obsession with the law. And then, in a moment, he sees God, has a face to face encounter basically, and he says, "Everything I did is rubbish!" "I only want Jesus!" He was a desperate man. I want to be too. And I want to teach others to be as well.

Tell me what you think, and please keep me in your prayers for my back, that it will continue to get better, it is not 100% yet. Stiffness in leg and range of motion are my main problems at the moment.

I leave you with this.

"He seemed to be saying that man's passion for God needs to look more like desperation than reason."

th

St. Patrick's Day...a day late

2009-03-18T01:01:00.004-05:00

I was asked yesterday, on Saint Patrick's Day why it was a holiday. I decided to post a quick blog about it, even though it is now over. It allows me to refresh my memory about who he was (Yes, there was a St. Patrick), and also about how it came to be a holiday, so without further ado...

Not a lot of solid details are actually known about St. Patrick. Patrick may have been born in Dunbarton, Scotland, or Cumberland, England, but many scholars place his birthplace in northern Wales, c.390 AD. He called himself both a Roman and a Briton, which leads to some of the debate as to his birthplace. At 16, he and a large number of his father’s slaves and vassals were captured by Irish raiders and sold as slaves in Ireland. Forced to work as a shepherd, he suffered greatly from hunger and cold. After six years, Patrick escaped, probably to France, and later returned to Britain at the age of 22. His captivity had meant spiritual conversion. He may have studied at Lerins, off the French coast; he spent years at Auxerre, France, and was consecrated bishop at the age of 43. After entering the Church, he had a dream vision in which it seemed “all the children of Ireland from their mothers’ wombs were stretching out their hands” to him. He understood the vision to be a call to do mission work in pagan Ireland. His great desire was to proclaim the Good News to the Irish. Despite opposition from those who felt his education had been defective, he was sent to carry out the task. He went to the west and north, where the faith had never been preached, obtained the protection of local kings and made numerous converts; however, little is known about the places where he worked and no link can be made between Patrick and any particular church.
By the eighth century he had come to be revered as the patron saint of Ireland. The Irish monastery system evolved after the time of Patrick and the Irish church did not develop the diocesan model that Patrick and the other early missionaries had tried to establish.
Upon returning to Ireland Saint Patrick went under the Gaelic second name of Daorbae (meaning - He was enslaved) so, he was known as Patricius Daorbae, during his Irish ministry.

As one of the earliest Christian missionaries traveling abroad to spread the Christian faith, Saint Patrick is important because he serves as a testament to the overall missionary legacy of the Church. His example afforded later Christian missionaries the opportunity to assess the best methods to employ when confronting pagan groups abroad. Perhaps the most significant aspect of Saint Patrick’s missionary efforts in Ireland was that he transcended the boundary between Church hierarchy and prominent Church Fathers in terms of the viability of missionary pursuits. Saint Patrick proved that any Christian could live out the Scriptural commandment to spread the word of God while “exalting and confessing his wonders before all the nations that are under the heavens.” Patrick’s example would inspire later missionaries to undertake great missions to evangelize abroad in later years.
Because of the island’s pagan background, Patrick was emphatic in encouraging widows to remain chaste and young women to consecrate their virginity to Christ. He continually urged his people to greater holiness in Christ.
It is certain that Saint Patrick openly preached the gospel message while among the Picts and Irish peoples, but that method does not alone account for conversions to Christianity. In terms of numbers, Patrick himself suggested that he baptized and converted “many thousands,” to the faith. It is true that Patrick had some success converting the sons and daughters of Irish Kings to Christianity, but actual figures of the numbers of converts among the entirety of the Irish population remain unknown.
One way for Saint Patrick to ensure success for evangelizing opportunities while among the Irish was to live in solidarity with those whom he was trying to convert. Approaching the Irish as an equal while showing no pretense of superiority allowed the Irish to become more receptive of Christian teachings. In fact, Patrick himself avowed in his Confession that he “sold this nobility of his,” to enhance the commonality between himself and his Irish audience.
Although he may not have been as well versed in the teachings of the Church as other missionaries, Saint Patrick did understand the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Yet, Saint Patrick seemed to be haunted by his lack of education, and claimed that evangelizing among the Irish “revealed his lack of learning,” according to his own Confession. Limited education would prove to be an obstacle for Patrick, and considering that every word he spoke had to be translated into a foreign tongue, communicating with the pagans in Ireland became a daunting task.
A complete lack of adequate translators hindered Saint Patrick’s attempts to explain the Gospel message and herald his message of the dogma of Jesus Christ. In fact, later Christian missionaries aware of the challenges faced by Patrick would ensure that a sufficient knowledge of foreign languages was known before embarking on missions abroad. Jesuit missionaries in later years would pay particular attention to the details of languages while traveling in Asia and North America.
Saint Patrick was able to preach and lead significantly by example, so when Bishops in Europe accused Patrick of various unknown charges, his reputation inevitably suffered among the Picts and Irish people. He suffered much opposition from pagan druids, and was criticized in both England and Ireland for the way he conducted his mission.
In a relatively short time however, the island had experienced deeply the Christian spirit, and was prepared to send out missionaries whose efforts were greatly responsible for Christianizing Europe.
Patrick was a man of action, he had a rocklike belief in his vocation, in the cause he had espoused.
One of the few certainly authentic writings is his Confession, above all an act of homage to God for having called Patrick, unworthy sinner, to the apostolate.

St. Patrick is said to be buried at Down Cathedral in Downpatrick, County Down, alongside St. Brigid and St. Columba, although this has never been proven. The Battle for the Body of St. Patrick demonstrates the importance of both him as a spiritual leader, and of his body as an object of veneration, in early Christian Ireland.
March 17, popularly known as St. Patrick's Day, is believed to be his death date, c.460AD, and is the date celebrated as his feast day. (I mentioned to those asking me that I believed St. Patrick was martyred and burned at the stake, which upon review, I can find no record of. So, I apologize for the error on my part. It appears he died of natural causes.)
An interesting note: On March 17, 1776, the day that British forces under General Sir William Howe evacuated Boston during the American Revolutionary War, the password of the day at General George Washington's Continental Army encampment was "Saint Patrick". The date is observed as Evacuation Day, an official holiday in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, USA.

For most of Christianity's first thousand years, canonizations were done on the diocesan or regional level. Relatively soon after the death of people considered to be very holy people, the local Church affirmed that they could be liturgically celebrated as saints. As a result, St. Patrick has never been formally canonized by a Pope; nevertheless, various Christian churches declare that he is a Saint in Heaven. He is still widely venerated in Ireland and elsewhere today.

Ironically, St. Patrick is not associated with the color green. He was actually generally pictured in blue raiment up until about the 20th century. In fact there is an actual colour, "St. Patrick's Blue" which is the background for the Irish Presidential Standard (i.e. the flag of the President of Ireland) and the Coat of arms of Ireland. It also appears in the part of the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom representing Northern Ireland. So how come all the green on St. Patrick's day? The change to Ireland's association with green rather than blue probably began around the 1750's. Green, the colour most widely associated with Ireland, with Irish people, and with St. Patrick's Day in modern times, most likely gained its prominence through the phrase "the wearing of the green" meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing. At many times in Irish history, to do so was seen as a sign of Irish nationalism or loyalty to the Roman Catholic faith. So how did St. Patrick become associated with it? Probably from what legend records of him. Pious legend credits Patrick with teaching the Irish converts about the concept of the Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a 3-leaved clover, using it to highlight the Christian belief of the Holy Trinity - 'three divine persons in the one God' - as opposed to the Arian belief that was popular in Patrick's time.
Legend also credits Patrick with banishing snakes from the island, though all evidence suggests that post-glacial Ireland never had snakes; one suggestion is that snakes referred to the serpent symbolism of the Druids of that time and place, as shown for instance on coins minted in Gaul, or that it could have referred to beliefs such as Pelagianism, symbolized as “serpents”.

So, there you have it, a short synopsis of St. Patrick, and how this holiday came to be. Although, I do wonder about something. Why is it that a holiday for a saint of notable influence, consists primarily of the consumption of copious amounts of green alcoholic beverages? Just an observation...

Just a Thought

2009-03-16T03:06:00.002-05:00

So, it's been over a month again since my last post, and I wanted to write something quick. I do intend to continue on with teaching on why Jesus came to die, but, as those tend to be rather lengthy posts, which I think many people may not even be reading, I will not post one tonight, as it is very late, I am going to go to bed, and I'm wanting to end this ginormous run-on sentence.

Pant, Pant, Pant...needed to pause for a breath of air.

So, I was thinking the other day, about the things we speak. I don't really know why, I was just kind of pondering. I have long tried to be careful about the words coming out of my mouth, especially in public. I know you would be hard pressed to find someone who could testify to having ever heard me utter a foul word, even after a smash-your-thumb-with-a-hammer style incident. I say this not to toot my own horn, but just as a matter of fact, and as background to what I say next. I have tried to live by what the Bible says in Ephesians 4, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." It is sage advice and from the Bible, and so I've never really understood people you cuss, especially Christians. Again, I say this not to cause shame, but just as a statement that I don't get it. What is the purpose of foul language anyway? I had someone tell me once that "Well, sometimes a situation just needs a cuss word." Maybe for him it does, but I still don't get it. My wife will also lovingly point out though that I am not ever out of control, and tend to be a very logical person, rather than an emotionally passionate one, perhaps that has something to do with it.

Anyway, what I was pondering about though is all the other things I do say. While I do not "cuss" I do say things like "Holy Crap", "What a Moron", (and my fav from Napoleon Dynamite) "Idiot". So, are these just as bad? "Let me 'splain...No, is too much. Let me sum up." See, in addition to the afore mentioned passage in Ephesians, the bible also has several other thing to say about our words. Some that came to mind as I was pondering this I will mention.

First, and this one is probably a very important one, since it is mentioned not once, but twice in the Gospels. First in Matt 12:34b, and then again in Luke 6:45b. "For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. " that's the NIV the KJV actually says "the abundance of the heart". Same idea different words. The point is, do I really like the idea of the abundance and overflow of my heart to be "Holy Crap"? Or perhaps that is what is there...wow that could be a sermon in and of itself..."The Holy Crap of Our Hearts"...I'll have to think more on that one. But away from the irrelevant tangent...Am I speaking the abundance of my heart when I say things like that? Perhaps I am and if that is the case, then perhaps I need to reevaluate the contents therein of my heart. For you see the Bible also says this regarding our words in Matt 12:36-37, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Wow, do I really want to have to answer for EVERY careless word I've spoken, that sounds like a kickin' party, count me...as far from that as possible! But the Bible says that we will give an account for them, but it also says that by our words we will be acquitted and condemned. Now keep in mind this is at the final judgement, so, I do not fear this knowing that by my words, confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Saviour of my life, the sacrifice for my sins, raised from the dead, I do not fear condemnation, but it still I think will not be a pleasant experience. Do you recall ever having to answer for something you did that you knew was wrong, recall what it felt like inside? The hot flush, the fear of "what is my punishment?", or "I'm so busted.", the guilt, perhaps the shame. I'm thinking it will be something like that. Maybe I'm just an optimist though, it could be much worse.

The point to all this is, we speak so many things without even thinking about what we are saying. The Bible obviously says that our words will be called into account against us one day, and we will answer for them. So, that being the case, what am I speaking? I want to speak the love, the grace, the mercy of God. I want to speak of what He did for me, the things He sacrificed for me, ever thought about what it would mean to do as the song says "I could sing of you love forever?" I'm not saying go stand in the streets singing 24/7/365, but think about it. If we as Christians were actually authentic in our walk, and actually let this life God gives us permeate us, and overflow us, and we "sing of His Love, Forever," what would this world become? Jesus said that we would be persecuted, and that people would hate us because of Him. No problem, we are already seeing that come to pass, but the church was never meant to be a place we come to insulate ourselves from the world, and I fear that it is becoming more so everyday. The church was designed to be a place that the sick come, the broken, the hurting, the dregs and wash of society. Notice where Jesus spent most of his time? Not in the temple, but rather in the marketplace among the (O scandalous) sinners. The sick need a doctor, not the well. It grieves my heart to see people come out with the "God hates Gays" "Hookers go to Hell" etc. signs and then they say, "We are from First Holiness Tabernacle of the Grace of the Great God and Blessed Sacrament Church. And God hates these people" (One caveat here...if you really are a member of First Holiness Tabernacle of the Grace of the Great God and Blessed Sacrament Church, then please forgive me, it was a name pulled out of thin air) God doesn't hate those people, He loves them; He loves them so much the He died for them; so much that "He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER, believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life". Yes, God despises sin, and yes He says that homosexuality is a sin, and prostitution is a sin, but he also says lust is a sin, and greed, and lying. What about coveting? You see to God, sin is simply sin, it separates us from Him. He cannot have anything to do with it. Which is why Christ "became sin for us" so that the curse of it would be done away with, and we can have the relationship with God that He intended for us to have. Sin only has levels in our mind. "I'm not as bad as that "idiot" who thinks he was born gay." No, I only covet my neighbor's things. "I'm not as bad as that "moron" robbed that bank" No, I only spewed expletives at the waiter because he dropped a cup of water on the table and some got on me. See my point? It reminds me of a story I once read. Check it out in Luke 18: "To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." " See, so often we think we're good, when really it is the latter attitude we should take. John Bradford was a prebendary (administrator of a cathedral) of St. Paul's in the 1550's. He was an english reformer, and later became a martyr. He was burned at the stake in 1555. He summed all this up best with a statement he made as he watched a group of criminals being led away to execution. "There, but by the Grace of God, go I." Sin is sin, only people create degrees of sin, in God's eyes, I am as much a sinner as the prostitute, the homosexual, the thief, the rapist, this list could go on. So, I want to watch what I am speaking, and see that my words are speaking out the abundance of my heart. More correctly, I want to see that the abundance of my heart is in line with God's word and His desires and love, then if it is I don't have to worry about what I speak, for if I fill my heart up with God's Words, then that will come out of my mouth.

Let me know what you think, please feel free to comment of pass along to anyone you want. Peace to you, and God's favor too:

In Christ Alone,
th

Jesus Died to Take God's Wrath for us

2009-02-05T23:20:00.003-06:00

Reason number 1: Jesus died to take the wrath of God
God is both just and loving. He is holy. We take these things for granted as believers. But since God is Holy, He can have nothing to do with sin. Romans tells us that, "the wages of sin is death." We also know that we are all guilty, see Romans 3:23. We all have sinned, and sin is not a small thing, because it is against God Himself, and God is not a small God. You see, the seriousness of the insult rises with the status of the one insulted. Which crime are the police going to work harder on: Joe Smith's house was robbed, or the White House was robbed? A bigger penalty for insulting your neighbor or for insulting the Queen of England? See what I mean? Failure to follow God is not a trivial thing - it is treason to the Creator of ALL THINGS. Ask God if He's got a MySpace Page; He'll say, "The whole universe, is MY Space." To not uphold His penalty for sin (death(Rom. 6:23; Eze. 18:4)) would be unjust, and since God is infinitely just, He cannot do this. He requires His Holy wrath to be poured out against it. A Holy curse hangs over sin. But God is also Love...Infinite, unfathomable, unplumbable, indescribable...Love. Not this empty emotion we humans describe as love, but the actual living embodyment of LOVE. He was not content to let His wrath be the end of humanity, He is not content to let the curse hang over mankind. He does not stop at showing His wrath, no matter how justifed and Holy it is. Therefore, He sends His own Son to take the wrath being poured out, and to bear the curse. Christ literally "became a curse for us." (Gal. 3:13) and in so doing, removed us from the curse when we place our faith in Him. C.S. Lewis wrote about this in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Edmund was a traitor, and the old Magic in Narnia said that blood was required to be paid for a traitor's crimes. If it was not satisfied, the world itself would split apart and be destroyed by fire. (By the way, if you've never read The Chronicles of Narnia I highly recommend it.) Now, of course, this is a grand literary exposition for what God does with us, but the idea is the same. To not punish sin would be for God to deny His very character, who He is. Death is required. Blood is required. The curse must be met and fulfilled. The wrath must be poured out. But Christ came and took it in our place. The "propitiation" for our sins (Rom. 3:25). The removal of God's wrath by provision of a substitue. God provided the substitute in His own Son. You see, as the propitiation - the substituite - Christ does not simply cancel God's wrath and judgement; no you see, the price must be paid. Christ instead, takes the full, world shattering force of God's wrath upon Himself. Remember Christ's cry upon the cross (Echoed from Psalms): "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?!" "My God, My God, Why have You forsaken me?!" Imagine, total separation from God Himself, when you have lived in perfect communion with Him your whole life. God's wrath was poured out, His Holy anger fulfilled, the curse met, Jesus took the wrath upon Himself, and diverted it from us to Himself. God's wrath was spent, not withdrawn. Let us never trivialize the justice, the holiness, or the love of God. "This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:9-10.

th

Continuing on

2009-02-05T01:19:00.002-06:00

So, last post I mentioned in closing why did Jesus come to die for us. Of course the easy pat answer in this is "To save us from our sins." Which is of course correct. however, there is so much more in His coming than simply salvation. Why did Jesus die? Perhaps let's start this discussion farther back even. "Who killed Jesus?" The Sunday school answer you would normally get to that one is, "Me, I did." or "Man's sins" or "All Humanity", and while in theory those are correct, in reality the right answer is that God Himself was the principle player in Jesus's death. Now I can hear it, "wait a minute...God, killed Jesus?" Well...Yes, God killed Jesus. you see Jesus came with the purpose to die. Isaiah says that "It was the will of God to crush Him..." in speaking of Jesus. Romans says "God presented Him as a sacrifice..." So you see, the Bible even says God was the key player here. Remember Joseph speaking to his brothers. "You intended it for evil, but God meant it for good..." So, if we take that God is the author of good and not of evil, as the Bible says He is...What was the "good" in the death of His son? What is not the cause of Jesus' death, but the core purpose, the meaning behind it? Human's had all kinds of reasons for wanting Jesus dead, but only the Holy God can design His death to be for the good. I read in a writing from John Piper that, "The controversy about which humans killed Jesus is marginal. He chose to die. His heavenly Father ordained it. He embraced it." So, what did God achieve for us sinners in the death of His Son? I will look at some of the purposes in upcoming blogs, let me know what you think, do you agree with me, or not, why, etc., etc., etc. Anyway I think it will be interesting if nothing else. What was the purpose? Not the cause of His death, but the purposes behind it.

I will be borrowing some from the book "Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die". It is a good read, but anyway, I'm getting tired now, and need to go to bed. I pray God bless you all and care for you too. Peace of Christ to you, and Peace out yo'!

th

A Most Amazing Creature

2009-02-01T02:21:00.003-06:00

The Skunk is a most amazing little creature. Did you know that they are one of the most adaptable animals on the planet? They will eat almost anything, are incredibly intelligent and resourceful, and while nearly blind, have extremely developed senses of smell and hearing. Did you know that rattlesnakes, upon detecting a skunk nearby will go silent? In a head-to-head, the skunk will probably win. They are one of the only animals that will eat a stink beetle, they will roll it in the dirt until it is out of its own stink juice, then eat it. They will go into the stinkiest of places - a bat cave - and eat small ones which fall from the roof. They will stand up to most predators including dogs, cougars, coyotes, and the leading killer of skunks, cars. In fact the Great Horned Owl is actually one of the best predators of the skunk, because it has a limited sense of smell. They will not just up and spray someone, they usually spray only when they are out of options. They only have about 4 tablespoons of the stink at best. They can fire the spray out in a directed stream or a fine atomized mist. Tomato juice is not the fix-all for the spray either it is only a temporary fix. A better solution is: 3% HO (Hydrogen Peroxide) - 1/4c baking soda - 3 tablespoons detergent mixed fresh only. Rinse in your yard. Skunks and cats usually will get along fairly well. They do not all carry rabies, in fact the last reported case of someone getting rabies from a skunk was in 1981, despite them being the #2 animal on the list for carriers (They tend to wander off and die alone - usually from ticks - if they get it). They are very independent, and much like a cat will not ususally do what you say if you were to get one as a pet. I've always thought that it might be interesting to have a pet skunk, but my menagerie will have to wait a while to expand in that direction.
The point of all this is I've been thinking that we are similar to the skunk. Intelligent, resourceful, curious, headstrong, and all the while carrying a big stink. We are as they are -nearly blind - we see only darkly says the Bible. You see, we live and learn and grow, and think and discover, and we see only darkly, we stink, and the thing of it is, we are reveling in our stink, like the skunk. The skunk knows that it has a stink, and it is not afraid of its stink. It will use it. We are doing the same thing. How often do we find ourselves reveling in our sin, flamboyantly showcasing it for all to see? Sometimes we do this without knowing it, but more and more often we find people doing this intentionally. You see, God made us, like the skunk, a most amazing creature. We are fearfully and wonderfully made says the Word. Known before we were made, knitted together the Bible says, have you ever kitted? It's not easy, and it takes a direct involvement by the one doing the knitting. God made us and yet we take this priceless work of art He made, and go roll it in the mud, the raw sweage of the world, and make it stink. But the marvelous thing of it isHe has made a way to get rid of the stink. You see, people get convicted of their sin, and try to fix it. Regardless of what people may say, sin IS only pleasing for a season. Eventually, you want more, because you were MADE for more. We try to fix our stink by going to church more, or praying more, or doing more for other people, etc. We hear of good works, that, "I hope they count in the end." Or of people giving up everything they have to join a compound and group that has "the" answer. The trouble with this is that just like Tomato Juice and skunk spray, it's only a temporary fix. Only God has the ultimate solution to our stink. He's got a better formula, that doesn't just cover up the stink, it actually removes it. His son, Jesus, died for us. His sacrifce and His alone can make us clean. So, why did Jesus come? Well, stay tuned, I will post several reasons for His sacrifce in the days ahead. Tune in next time, same bat-time, same bat-channel. 'Till next time, In Christ Alone,
th

Just some thoughts

2008-12-21T11:40:00.002-06:00

Sooo...I didn't win the lottery. Oh, well, I guess the next time it gets up around 200Million or so I'll try again, because anything less than that really isn't worth winning anyway, I mean who could live on only a measly 8 million or so? Although, if there are any multimillionaires out there who want to give me a measly 8 million or so, I'll gladly make the stretch and accept your generous gift to me and my family.

So, thinking onward, I want more and more to get out of retail work altogether. I enjoy what I am doing, and am in a good job with a good company, but my desire and longing is not for retail. There is just so much in retail that is all about things..."how can we maximize sales?", "how can we make better margins?", "how can we build our business?", etc. it mainly boils down to how can we get more money for the company? Money, while it would be nice to have in large amounts, is not the main goal of my life (in spite of previous posts). My life's desire is to know God intimately and to teach others to do the same. Am I there? I think it safe to say that by any stretch for the imagination the answer is a resounding "NO" but it is still my desire, and being in retail I am having a hard time accomplishing either my own goal of knowing God more intimately, and also my further goal of teaching others to do so. So, I find my self more and more wanting to get out of retail altogether. I really want to be in ministry and fulfilling the calling that God has on my life.

That being said, I was reading about a new book for youth ministry the other day. Those of you who do know me know that I have a passion for youth ministry, and for those of you who do not know me, well, I have a passion for youth ministry. The book was written by Steve Wright and it is called ApParent Priviledge. This book is a follow up to Steve Wright's book reThink which challenges pastors and student ministers to rethink the approach to youth ministry. This book is critical in that it deals with the parental aspect of youth ministry. I truly believe that in order for a youth ministry to really live and grow, you need the support of parents, not just as volunteers and leaders, but as home bases reinforcing the things you talk about at church. So many youth I have seen that are shallow in their faith because their parents have never taken time to talk to them about it. It is one thing to see that from a family that is unchurched or unsaved, but quite another to see that from a family whose heads (mom & dad) are plugged into the main church. It's like the parents have simply left the kids to float and "find their own way" as it were. This is just not right. Now I have also seen kids whose parents take and active role in developing their kids' walk with God and have seen what kind of exceptional results occur in such and instance. So, anyway, In his new book ApParent Priviledge Steve Wright conducted a study across the country involving hundreds of teenagers. They were asked to fill in the blank in the following phrase "I wish my parents _______". So, here are the top responses (keep in mind these come from teenagers):

would take my Christianity seriously.
would pray with me every night.
would start family devotions.
read the Bible with me more.
helped me understand the Bible.
would stay faithful to each other and God.
would spend time together.
would relate problems in life to Christian stories.
would read the Bible with me more and pray with me more.
did more things with the family.
would stay the same forever.

Surprising? I think it should not be so surprising. God created us for growth and created the family as a way to care for us as we grow. We need families and we need to foster our kids to grow in God. Look at their top responses, these teens are literally begging for their parents to take and active role in their growth as a Christian. They want authenticity in the professed faith their parents say they have, and they want their parents to be the spiritual leaders that God designed them to be. So, as I said, I want to be able to help families grow in their collective walks and help kids and teens become all that they are created to be in Christ. Too often the church (and by extension parents) think of youth as "future" church members, rather than the active members they are in the Body of Christ.

So anyway, I was just thinking today about how much I would like to be in the calling that God has designed me for and out of retail. As I said, God has blessed me with a good job in a good company, and is providing for us and meeting our needs. Just join with me in prayer that He would open doors into ministry that would allow me and Jessie to move into what our calling is so that we can see that fulfilled. thanks all and I'll TTYL,

In Christ Alone,

Thomas

Quick Post

2008-12-11T23:24:00.003-06:00

It has offcially been a month now since I last posted, so I thought that I might post something before I went to bed.

I had some thoughts after Thanksgiving that I really wanted ot put out there and possibly still will at some point, but not at the moment, as I am very tired. Been up since 5:30 am, it's now 11:30 pm, I'm going to turn in soon. But, I just wanted everyone to know that as of Friday night at whatever time they draw the Lotto, I will be a multi-millionaire. I've squared it with God, He's cool with the idea, I can live with it too. Okay...maybe He didn't tell me in one of those "audible voice from Heaven" moments, but I think He's on my side on this one...or I'm at least speaking in faith...that sounds good.

Jes and I have talked several times about how we would use money like that for God's glory. We would of course tithe on it first. So, 10% of appx. $124M (the roughly 60% cash value of the $207M Mega-Millions Jackpot) is about $1.25M. Then we'd get us and our families completely out of debt, and plan for the future for the children. So, lets just say another $2M just to make totally sure everyone is set up good from now on. That leaves us a in the neighborhood of $121M. Can you imagine the impact that $121M could have for the Kingdom of God? How many missionaries could be supported by that, how many churches built, how many Bibles is that into China and Turkey and the like? How many needs could be met with no need for repayment or kickbacks, just something to say, "There is a God in Heaven who loves you, knows your needs and wants to provide for them all. As this physical need is met through His blessings, let me tell you about His plan to provide for your greatest need of all...". We would just be looking for ways to meet needs and transform lives. This is truely one of my heart desires, and Jessie's too, that out of the abundant blessing of God on us we could pour out on others. Not so that we can get any reviews or praise, but because God calls us to meet needs. I'd actually much rather be able to go the Pastor and say..., "God has given us blessings so that we can pour out into others. As you hear of needs, let us know and we'll get you funding for them through the church so noone knows who did it."
People say, "You wouldn't use any of it for yourself? Yeah, right." I respond, "I never said I wouldn't use it on myself. In fact I readily admit that yes, I want to be able to stay home and raise my children without any worry of bills or working ever again. Yes, I'd probably build a dream home and probably buy a nice new car. Yes, I might buy a few things here and there, but most of all, my passion is to see needs being met, and God's Kingdom growing, and being able to be used as a part of that."
We desire to be able to do that. SO, pray and agree with us that when they draw the Mega-Millions Jackpot, there will only be one winner of the Grand Prize Jackpot. The winner is: Thomas & Jessie Head of Lubbock, Texas.
People have told me before that playing the Lottery is a sin, because it supports crime and such things. I respond that God said He would pour the wealth of the wicked into the hands of the righteous. We are not perfect by any means, but we are the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. So agree with us in prayer. I speak in faith that it is already done, and plan to post praises to God once it comes to pass.

Thanks all and talk to you later.

In Christ Alone,
th

TOTALLY FEAKIN' AWESOME!

2008-11-11T01:30:00.002-06:00

You gotta see this. I discovered it while browsing around seeing if there were any new youth pastor positions open in my area. Not much luck there (although I didn't look too long as it is VERY late) but I did discover this TOTALLY FREAKIN' AWESOME video. It combines two of my favorite things star wars and music. This guy does a Star Wars Montage sung totally acapella to various John Williams movie theme songs. Totally talented, and freakin' sweet. Check it out, you'll be impressed with his own 4 part harmony (he sings all 4 parts himself) if nothing else:

In Christ Alone,
th

A Few Thoughts...Maybe more

2008-11-07T01:25:00.002-06:00

So, my wife comes in and tells me Wednesday evening after I got home from work, "You are Mr. Popular for your post about Nathan. You should go check out your comments." She tells me this, I think mainly because she loves me, and knows that I keep hoping to be able to use my blog, at least in part, as a tool to reach and minister to people. I'd told her several times that I was upset because it seemed no one was reading what I was writing, but anyway, that's not really the issue. So, she comes in and tells me about how several people have responded, and reading made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like maybe I will see this become a place that does actually carry a message that people might actually come to hear. So One of the comments got me thinking though. It came from a person that I don't even know which I think is fantastic, since my vision is to have a place for people to come and interact. and maybe I can teach some too, but this is all rehashed from other previous postings. So, megan k. asked, "Do you think God allowed this to get us (Christians) more on fire to 'go into all the world.' To do what we are supposed to do and quit letting 'somebody else' do our 'job'?" Concerning the outcome of the election. And this really got me thinking.

See, the thing is, i have long said that the things we see going on in our nation are a result of the church not doing its "job", I still believe that the church is what God wants to move through, but we have become so bogged down in "church" that we are not accomplishing anything. Case in point: I came home from work and my wife told me about Dr. Phil's show on tv. I'm not a huge fan, nor am I a naysayer about Dr. Phil, I think on the whole he gives at least fairly sound advice and I love it when he asks, "And how's that werkin' out fer ya?" Just makes me laugh. "Ya cain't make an omlette without buyin' the bacon." "If ya put yer chickins in a basket yer gonna get eggs." Anyway, I could go on...and probably should. See the thing about his show this day was that he was discussing cults...and more specifically their influence on people and their "brainwashing" methods. This reminded me again of megan's question. The reason it did is that Jessie told me about this man on the show who had moved his family across the country in order to join a cult in Abilene, Texas... The House of Yahweh was the name of it. The man went on to talk about the leader and how he indoctrinated people into the cult and how he began to talk about multiple wives, and started pursuing this man's daughters, which was when he left with his family, a sound move from what I'd say. But Jessie made this point that made me think again about megan's question: "How sad that the church is not doing what it should if a man with a Harvard education would move his family across the nation in order to join a cult." See the guy moved his family because "He was searching for a place to belong."

And it made me think...Jes is right...what a poor indictment on the church. Here is a man who is looking...searching...in his own words..."For someplace to belong" and instead of finding the church with arms outstretched, loving him and his family with everything in them...he finds a cult to belong to and be a part of. A move that could potentially have cost him and his family in many ways.

So yes, megan, I think that perhaps God did allow this to move us as Christians. I pray daily that He spare our nation from judgement and persecution, but at the same time I know that we as the Body of Christ must start doing something more.

See too often we are more concerned about doing "for" God. I want to tithe for God. I want to worship for God. I want to help at the fall festival for God. We've fallen into a works based gospel without even realizing it. I must do these things "for God". God needs me, becomes the mentality. And here is where I perhaps blow some people's theology completely...God doesn't need you. He doesn't need me. See God is in need of nothing...He is TOTALLY self-sufficient. He doesn't need angels, or prayers, or worship, or anything. See God "needs" nothing, remember Isaiah 55:11? My word will not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please. His very word is sufficient to accomplish what He wants. He needs nothing.

Now that we all feel lowly and in need of groveling, let's examine a fabulous truth though. We are given the untenable position of privilege to work alongside Him in what He wants to accomplish. Think about it for a moment this is the God of the universe, who holds all of creation in the palm of His hand. Not one single sparrow falls to the ground that He doesn't notice, He numbers the hairs on our heads, and He says..."Please come with Me...and BE A PART." Does He need us, no...but He does WANT us. What is the purpose of the body of Christ? We are to be Him in the world. Recall quickly Matthew 5:13-14 - You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Do you know what the most played song in the world is? Jimmy Buffet's "Margaritaville". Played in more places everyday than any other song. For those of you who don't know the song (I assure you it is not a Christian one) the chorus goes: "Wastin away again in margaritaville - Searching for my lost shaker of salt - Some people claim that theres a woman to blame - But I know its nobodys fault"
See the thing is I tend to think that just like the person in the song, the world is looking for the lost shaker of salt. Where are we? Is it government's job to take care of the poor? The Bible tends to say it is the church's job. Is it the school's job to teach morality? (How's that werkin' out fer ya?) The Bible tends to say it is actually the parent's job, but gives the moral guidelines to follow. We could go one for a while but the gist is this: We were told to be the salt and the light and to go into the world and we have forsaken that task as a whole. It is much easier to walk past the bum on the street corner or to throw a few coins his way instead of giving him the life he needs. It's much easier to go to church and tithe on Sunday than to lead a life "worthy of the calling you have received (Eph.4:1)" during the week. Here in lies the problem, we try to soothe our consciences regarding how we live by substituting what we do...and it ain't werkin' out to great fer us.
See God sits out there holding the whole of creation in His mighty hand and He looks in and sees our solar system. He looks in a little closer and sees Earth. He looks a little closer and sees Lubbock,Texas (feel free to substitute your city and state of residence). and He sees this little guy standing with fist upraised toward heaven screaming out to Him, "God, I KNOW what I am DOING!" and God say, "You've got to be kidding Me...right?" We see know through a glass DARKLY the Bible says. We don't have a clue...and we forget that the ultimate privilege awaits us if we will just listen and follow Him. It's not about what we do or don't do, it is about following Him, seeking first His kingdom, His righteousness...and everything else will fall into line. Be part of doing that is being WHAT HE CALLED US TO BE!

So quick final thoughts as I wrap up. 1st, megan I do think it is possible God allowed this to move the church out from where she sits now. 2nd, the thought that, sch might be the case frightens me, and here is why: Have you ever compared Acts 1:8 to Acts 8:1? Here's what they say:

Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

So, Jesus says, you will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses (they were also told to go be witnesses in Matthew remember) So, rather than going out, they huddle up.

Enter stage right...ACTS 8:1 - "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria."

See God will accomplish His word one way or the other. The prospect frightens me somewhat. I don't want to see us persecuted, but then I think "everyday we already do." It just could get worse is all. But thankfully, we serve a God who has promised never to forsake us, and a God who does answer prayer. So, my exhortation continues: Pray for our nation, pray for our leaders, pray for our world, and we should also pray for ourselves, that we would follow as we were intended to do so.

The way I see it we as Christians have a choice. We can choose to fall on the Rock of Christ Jesus and be broken...or have the Rock fall on us and crush us. We get broken either way, one way just seems a little better path to tread. "So God, Please break our hearts with what breaks Yours, let us see with Your eyes, and hear with Your ears, and speak with Your words, all the while showing Your LOVE...Who YOU ARE. Thank you Jesus, in Your Holy Name we humbly pray, in faith in expectation of receiving, knowing You are already there at the end of the road. Amen"

th
(Please feel free to comment and share)

Disappointment...and a glimmer of hope

2008-11-04T23:23:00.003-06:00

So this evening I get home from work to see the very disappointing results of the election. I fear that the church helped to give this election to the liberals by listening to the media and by not taking a stand for what the Bible says is right and wrong. I fear the nation has been deceived in the worst way possible, and that it started with the church. I fear that we may be facing the judgement of God by giving control of the nation decidedly to the left wing liberal democrats who we seem to have forgotten were instrumental in pushing God out of school, allowing abortions to continue, condoning homosexuality, building a welfare state...this list could go on.

I was sitting with Nathan and since he is homeschooling, I decided that this would be a good point to teach him a little more about government and how our nation works. I asked him if he knew what had happened tonight? He told me no. So I asked him if he remembered going and helping me vote about a week ago...of course he did. So I asked him if he knew who we voted for, and he replied John McCain...because he is a man who loves God. I told him that yes we voted for McCain, because his views were closer to what we believe. (I do not know if John McCain loves God or not, but I am glad that Nathan thinks that is the most important criteria for voting.) I explained that tonight, all the people who wanted to vote, and who did not do it early, went and voted. I also explained that John McCain did not win. I asked him if he knew who else was running for president and he thought for a moment and said "Barak Obama". I told him that Barak Obama was elected as president and that John McCain lost. I told him that I was a little upset about this because we really wanted John McCain to win. So, he says, "Yeah, I'm kinda sad too." So, rather than delve into all the political issues, I told him that we don't believe the same way that Barak Obama does about some things. So I tell him, "Do you know what the Bible says though?" He of course says, "What?" "The Bible says that even though we do not believe the same way about things that Obama does, we are to pray for him to follow God, and to be wise and a good leader." So Nathan says, "Ohhh." We talk a little more about how elections work and that in January Obama will take over as president from President Bush. That right now he is President-elect Obama. So he runs and gets Duck for President for me to read to him. In the midst of all this of course I am watching the media coverage of the election.

I am silently seething that the media is such a liberal entity that they WERE NOT going to let a republican be elected again. I see faces the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Jesse Jackson, and others that I am angry about seeing, knowing that they swayed the vote, just like the rest of the media. I am sitting also seeing the democrats take over a good majority in both houses of congress, and I am sitting there thinking to myself, "What the HE** is wrong with these people that they would actually vote these people into office. They are going to destroy this nation. We only thought it was bad before..." You get the general idea. I'm a little ticked off, and more than a little concerned. While I'm thinking all these things, and seeing total fools partying in the streets thinking that they've done something great, when most of them probably didn't even vote, but the people elected are going to work to make it easier for them to do nothing and get paid for it, or to openly sin and it be "legal"... Barak Obama comes out on stage to proclaim victory. I put down the book I was reading to Nathan and tell him that I want to hear Obama's speech. So he sits quietly, until Obama actually gets to the podium to speak.

Now enter my humbling glimmer of hope...

Nathan looks up at me in all of his 5 year old glory and says, "Daddy, let's pray for him right now." (My seething abates momentarily) "Okay" I said, "You can pray for him." So my precious son that I want to protect from the evil, vile democrats bows his head and prays for this man who I have just been thinking is going to ruin our nation with his evil band of supervillian liberals. "Dear Jesus, Please help Barak Obama to listen and follow You. Thank You Jesus, Amen."

I sit rocking him dumbfounded. I kiss him goodnight and tell him to go on to bed and sit in the chair...dumbfounded...on the verge of tears. My little boy retaught me the lesson I just had taught him not 10 minutes before.

Point of the story is, the Bible says to pray for our leaders that they are set in authority by God. Does that mean "God" elected Barak Obama? Yes...and no...It does mean that we as believers are called to pray for him, and all the leaders of our nation...not just the republicans. Do I think everything is okay in our country? No, things are very bad. Do I think that the people put into office tonight are going to turn this nation to God again? I'd not lay stakes on it. But I do think...no, I know, that as a child of God, my job is to pray for my nation and leaders elected tonight. I need to pray for their wisdom, their guidance, their hearts, their vision for the country, etc. I need to pray that God save our nation and spare us from judgement. I need to pray that He raise His people up to stand and say that there is a right and there is a wrong. Did the church follow God's voice in this election? My mind wants to scream, "NO! If they had we'd have McCain in office" My heart says that it's not the issue. God is still in control...guess what? He still holds the universe in the palm of His hand. He is still sovereign, and omnipotent, and can still do anything. We are to be obedient...so church...pray. It is a time to do so as never before, it has become more vitally important to do so than ever before, not because we've elected the democrats to power (strangely enough turns out democrats are allowed to follow God too...how they reconcile some of the party's platforms to following God...but I digress), it is important because of the times in which we live. Sin is allowed to run rampant in our country and world. We are actually voting in parts of this country to "decriminalize" prostitution? I fear all kinds of things in the future, taxes, war, terrorists, further inroads to becoming a socialist nation, more religious freedoms removed, more persecution of Christians, more killing of children, more condoning sin and sinful lifestyles...I could go on for a while, but those same things were going on even with the republicans in power. Sin is sin regardless of who is in power. So pray church, pray people of God, for our leaders and our nation and our hearts. Short aside inserted here: There have been two social heralds to the fall of every great nation throughout history. Throughout history in every great nation that has fallen there are two social issues accepted by that society which prelude it's fall. Anyone hazard a guess what they are? 1. Acceptance of homosexuality 2. Killing of children. So pray people of God, as we have never prayed before, that we may remember our first love and return to God alone as our light and salvation.

My glimmer of hope is:
If my 5 year old son can pray for the man elected knowing that he was not who we wanted or who we agree with, maybe there is hope for this nation yet. If he is one of the upcoming generation, and can lead me to tears and asking God to break my heart and make it more like His, then maybe...just maybe...a child's sincere prayer can help lead us all.

"Dear Jesus, Please help our nation, our leaders, and all of us to listen and follow You. Thank You Jesus, Amen."

An interesting Read about Obama

2008-10-26T03:07:00.000-05:00

If you care about this country, and about your children, then you need to care about this election! This is copied from truthorfiction.org and it is a FACT and well worth the read.
Huntley Brown is a popular Christian music artist and he told truthorfiction.com that he wrote this email to some friends who were inquiring if he was going to vote for Senator Barack Obama.
Brown said that he wasn't asked if he was going to support the GOP candidate, John McCain, and that this email was primarily directed at his opinion of the Democratic candidate. He also told us that he has problems with both candidates but the differences he has with Senator McCain pale in comparisons with the ones he has with Senator Obama.
Brown did not write this email to influence public opinion nor did he expect his response to be forwarded to others which resulted in wide distribution of his opinion on the super information highway. No matter the outcome of this election, Brown told us, that as a Christian, he could be counted to support the President in prayer every day.

Why I Can't Vote For Obama By Huntley Brown
Dear Friends,A few months ago I was asked for my perspective on Obama, I sent out an e-mail with a few points. With the election just around the corner I decided to complete my perspective. Those of you on my e-list have seen some of this before but its worth repeating..
First I must say who ever wins the election will have my prayer support. Obama needs to be commended for his accomplishments but I need to explain why I will not be voting for him.
Many of my friends process their identity through their blackness.
I process my identity through Christ. Being a Christian (a Christ follower) means he leads I follow. I can't dictate the terms he does because he is the leader.
I can't vote black because I am black I have to vote Christian because that's who I am. Christian first black second. Neither should anyone from the other ethnic groups vote because of ethnicity. 200 years from now I wont be asked if I was black or white. I will be asked if I know Jesus and accepted him as Lord and savior.
In an election there are many issues to consider but when a society gets abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem-cell research, human cloning to name a few wrong economic concerns will soon not matter.
We need to follow Martin Luther King's words don't judge someone by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I don't know Obama so all I can go off is his voting record.
His voting record earned him the title of the most liberal senator in the US Senate in 2007.
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Obama: Most Liberal Senator in 2007 (01/31/2008)
To beat Ted Kennedy and Hilary Clinton as the most liberal senator, takes some doing. Obama accomplished this feat in 2 short years. I wonder what would happen to America if he had four years to work with.
There is a reason planned parenthood gives him a 100 % ratings.There is a reason the homosexual community supports him.There is a reason Ahmadinejad, Chavez, Castro, Hamas etc loves him. There is a reason he said he would nominate liberal judges to the supreme court. There is a reason he voted against the infanticide bill. There is a reason he voted No on the constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. There is a reason he voted no on partial birth abortion.There is a reason he voted no on confirming Justices Roberts and Alito. These two judges are conservatives and they have since overturned partial birth abortion. The same practice Obama wanted to continue.
Lets take a look at the practice he wanted to continue.
The 5 Step Partial Birth Abortion procedure A. Guided by ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the baby's leg with forceps. (Remember this is a live baby)B. The baby's leg is pulled out into the birth canal.C. The abortionist delivers the baby's entire body, except for the head.D. The abortionist jams scissors into the baby's skull. The scissors are then opened to enlarge the hole.E. The scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted. The child's brains are sucked out, causing the skull to collapse. The dead baby is then removed. God help him.
There is a reason Obama opposed the parent notification law.
Think about this you can't give a kid an aspirin without parental notification but that same kid can have an abortion without parental notification. This is insane.
There is a reason he went to Jeremiah Wright's church for 20 years.
Obama tells us he has good judgement but he sat under Jeremiah Wright teaching for 20 years. Now he is condemning Wrights sermons. I wonder why now?
Obama said Jeremiah Wright led him to the Lord and discipled him. A disciple is one in training. Jesus told us in Matthew 28 v 19 - 20 Go and make disciples of all nations. This means reproduce yourself. Teach people to think like you, walk like you, talk like you believe what you believe etc. The question I have is what did Jeremiah Wright teach him?
Would you support a White President who went to a church which has tenants that said they have a
1. Commitment to the White Community 2. Commitment to the White Family3. Adherence to the White Work Ethic 4. Pledge to make the fruits of all developing and acquired skills available to the White Community . 5. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting White Institutions 6. Pledge allegiance to all White leadership who espouse and embrace the White Value System 7. Personal commitment to embracement of the White Value System." Would you support a President who went to a church like that?
Just change the word from white to black and you have the tennants of Obamas former church. If President Bush was a member of a church like this, he would be called a racist. Jessie Jackson and Al Sharpton would have been marching outside.
This kind of church is a racist church. Obama did not wake up after 20 years and just discovered he went to a racist church. The church can't be about race. Jesus did not come for any particular race. He came for the whole world.
A church can't have a value system based on race. The churches value system has to be based on biblical mandate. It does not matter if its a white church or a black church its still wrong. Anyone from either race that attends a church like this would never get my vote.
Obama's former Pastor Jeremiah Wright is a disciple of liberal theologian James Cone, author of the 1970 book A Black Theology of Liberation. Cone once wrote: "Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him.
Cone is the man Obama's mentor looks up to. Does Obama believe this?
So what does all this mean for the nation?
In the past when the Lord brought someone with the beliefs of Obama to lead a nation it meant one thing judgement.
Read 1 Samuel 8. When Israel asked for a king.First God says 1 Samuel 8 v 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."
Then God says 1 Samuel 8 v 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day." 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king."
Here is what we know for sure
God is not schizophrenic
He would not tell one person to vote for Obama and one to vote for McCain. As the scripture says a city divided against itself cannot stand, so obviously many people are not hearing from God.
Maybe I am the one not hearing but I know God does not change and Obama contradicts many things I read in scripture so I doubt it.
For all my friends who are voting for Obama can you really look God in the face and say Father based on your word, I am voting for Obama even though I know he will continue the genocidal practice of partial birth abortion.
He might have to nominate three or four supreme court justices, and I am sure he will be nominating liberal judges who will be making laws that are against you.
I also know he will continue to push for homosexual rights, even though you destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for this.I know I can look the other way because of the economy.
I could not see Jesus agreeing with many of Obama's positions. Finally I have two questions for all my liberal friends.
Since we know someone's value system has to be placed on the nation,
1 Whose value system should be placed on the nation.
2 Who should determine that this is the right value system for the nation?
Blessings, Huntley Brown

An Online Experiment

2008-10-22T22:13:00.005-05:00

So, one of the reasons that I wanted to start this blogging business is that I have been saying for a while that I would like to teach a few things about theology, doctrine, the Christian faith, and items such as that. I have found many people in the church who do not know anything about Church history, Apologetics (defense of the faith), Theology, Doctrines, Denominational Backgrounds or even the basics of Christian Discipline and learning. So, as an experiment, I am going to begin posting lessons about these things on my blog here. My hope is that This will be a place that people can come and grow in their own walk and ministry; and that I might play some small part in doing that.

I do not want this to become a "school" but rather a place where people can come get some basic education about what a Christian belief system or worldview looks like. Too many believers cannot explain the biblical doctrines of the nature of God, or the person of Christ, or even many times the means of salvation. Fewer believers still could easily and rationally defend their belief in the existence of God, or the deity of Christ, or Christ's resurrection, or the accuracy of scripture, yet these are things the Bible tells us we should be able to do. "Why is this?" I asked myself, and then I answered myself, "Perhaps, it is simply that people don't have a place to learn these things." "I hope that is the case rather than people not caring to know them." I replied. And so I begin to think perhaps I will try this online and see how it goes. Please pass around the word, and feel free to ask any questions that you may have, just leave a comment for me on the posts, I'll read them and reply as quickly as possible.

So, where to begin...?

Perhaps we begin at the beginning. Tonight's discussion will focus on Salvation...The Second Birth...Redemption...Being Born Again...or any other "Christianese" word you want to use. The problems is that non-Christians don't speak "Christianese" So, let's describe what we mean.

First a quick bible story lesson: According to scripture, God created man (Adam) and placed him sinless into paradise. Adam did not have a hard job. It was simply to walk around. The plants watered themselves, the animals did not fight, he just had to walk around. So, God made for Adam - Eve, his helper. And thus we have the first marriage union. God gave them one rule - Don't eat of the tree in the middle of the garden. Simple enough, walk around...be fruitful and multiply...eat anything you want except for the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. Easy right? Now Eve listens to the serpent, eats of the fruit, gives some to Adam, who also eats of it, and both realize they are naked and hide from God. Sin has entered creation by man's choice. Mankind is now cut off from a Holy God who cannot even look upon sin. God in His infinite mercy casts mankind out of the garden of Eden after giving him clothes of animal skins to wear and pronouncing curses upon the land, punishments upon man and woman, etc. This is where the Bible begins and is know as the fall of man. All creation now sits under the curse of sin and will until Christ comes to establish His eternal kingdom and sin is forever abolished. So a Holy God is now separated from His creation which He longs to be with. (Just as an aside God cast man out of the garden to protect him, not to punish him - Read Genesis 3:22 - It was an act to allow for mankind's redemption, not a punishment) How to remedy this? Fortunately God has an answer.

I will not delve now into all the "Theories of Imputation" on Original Sin here, but rather save that for another lesson, but I will quickly explain what it means. The Theories of Imputation are the different ideas for how Adam's sin is passed on to all of mankind. Suffice it to say here that the Bible teaches a couple of certainties regarding man's sin:

1. Everyone, every man, woman, child, is guilty of sin...No exceptions - Romans 3:23

2. The wages of sin is death - Romans 6:23

So let's say that I hired you to work for me for $100 for 1 hour. At the end of the hour you want your wage, right? The wage of your sin is death...complete and total death separate from God. You will be paid it. So what do you do? Salvation as defined is: 1. The act of saving from harm or loss. 2. the state of being thus saved. 3. a means of being thus saved. 4. Biblical: the deliverance from the power and penalty of sin. 5. Personal: God's rescue of sinners.

God made a way for us to not get what we deserve. Christ died in our place to pay the penalty for sin. We can be accepted and forgiven if we repent and place our faith in Christ.

So what is sin exactly? Most theologians would define it as such: any lack of conformity to God's moral law. You see this makes it much more difficult. Some would say sin is breaking any known law. But the more traditional definition includes not just actions, but also a state of being. It includes involuntary sins and sins of ignorance, not just things you know are wrong.
So, man's present condition is one in which we have no footing to stand before a Holy and Just God. We are in trouble.

Jesus comes to the earth, born of a virgin, and leading a sinless life. All we have to do the receive salvation is believe on Him and in His sacrifice for our sins. We confess we are sinners and without hope without Him, ask Him to forgive our sins, and ask Him to be the Lord of our life. Simple huh? Okay, so what happens when I do this? This is where people usually get lost and bogged down. What next? So I explain.

There are three terms used to describe what is happening to you when you take this step of faith, believe on Jesus and ask Him to save you from your sins. The terms are: Justification, Regeneration, & Sanctification.

So what does that mean?

Justification is a declaration of spiritual acquittal. Here's the thing: many people today either think they 1. can or 2. must earn their salvation by what they do. What you do is irrelevant in God's economy though. You cannot EARN anything with God. The Bible teaches that the righteousness of man is "as filthy rags" before God. So our best effort is meaningless. See, the issue is, God's judgement is based on one thing alone, Himself. We either have to be perfect just as He is, or we're out. He'd give you the tie goes to the runner, but you and I CANNOT match His perfection. So the first time you sinned (Violated the law) you are out, there are no 3 strikes, you're out, first time, no second chances. But, when we accept Jesus Christ as savior and trust Him to save us, this amazing miracle takes place. We are justified before God. When a judges in a criminal case acquits a person, they are free to go. No punishment or penalty will be dealt to that person - regardless of the person's actual guilt or not. A sinner who repents is justified based on Christ's work, not his or her own efforts. See, Christ's death for our sins is a substitutionary death, meaning He died in our place taking the punishment upon Himself. Think of it as if your child or BFF had committed some horrible deed, and just as they are told they will serve life in prison, you step up and serve the life sentence in their place. Think similar to Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay in A Tale of Two Cities. Being sinless and perfect Himself, He was able to pay the price for others since He did not have to pay ti Himself. He took our place on the cross. and in the second we trust Him and ask Him for salvation, He Justifies us... JUST as IF I had never sinned. He wipes it out. It is gone, remembered no more according to the Bible. This is the miracle work of Justification. But wait...it only gets better.

Regeneration is the new life given to a believer in Christ. This is accomplished through the Holy Spirit. Does accepting the gift of Salvation make a person not sin anymore? Of course not, we still live in a fallen world and still suffer the effects of sin's curse upon all of creation. However, since you have been indwelled by the Spirit of God, you are now empowered to live free from sin. It is referred to as being "made alive in Christ" the "New man" the "new nature", or even the "New or second birth". Because you have asked Christ into your heart, as Lord and as savior, His Spirit comes in and marks you as His. This justifies you, and equips you to walk and live a righteous life. This leads us to the third word...

Sanctification. This is the process through which you are changed into the image and likeness of Christ. It is becoming what you were declared when you were Justified. Seen when you are Justified - at the moment of salvation - God declares you sinless and a perfect reflection of His Son Jesus. Through Sanctification you actually flesh that out. Remember I said that accepting the gift of salvation doesn't make you not sin? You still have a choice to sin or not, but now your sins are forgiven and washed away. While you are sanctified you are being changed to reflect the image of Christ. Sanctification is the changing of the human bent towards sin. I once was told a story about a guy telling an evangelist he couldn't be saved. "Why not" the evangelist asked him. "Because then I'd have to give up cussing, and drinking and smoking and drugs and partying, and those things." "No you don't." was the reply. "God will forgive you of your sins right where you are." So the partying, drinking, smoking, cussing sinner decided to accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. A short time later the evangelist is out and again sees this man who has been converted. The man tells the evangelist "You lied to me!" "How?" came the reply. "You said I didn't have to give up those things I was doing in order to be saved." "You didn't have to give them up to be saved." the evangelist said. "But i don't enjoy doing them anymore!" was the convert's reply. "Of course you don't, you're being made new." was the response. This is what happens in Sanctification. God will accept you right where you are and forgive your sins (Justification), he will restore a right relationship ad put His life anew in your heart and soul (Regeneration) and He will equip you to live on the outside the change He instantly worked on the inside (Sanctification). It is becoming like Christ through the leading of the Holy Spirit, obedience to the will of God. You will begin to see the fruit of the spirit bloom forth in your life. It is amazing to see and experience.

So, quick recap: 1. Man is sinful 2. God made a way to save man from sin 3. Jesus Christ died as a sinless man in order to pay the price for all mankind 4. Christ's effective work is appropriated for us by personal faith. upon accepting Christ He Justifies, Regenerates, and Sanctifies Us.

The scriptural definition of faith includes agreeing that Jesus is Lord, that He died for our sins in our place, and that He rose again. There is more involved than simply intellect though. saving faith includes a commitment to Christ, evidenced by a change in behavior. This change in behavior is made possible by the indwelling Holy Spirit of God and the believer's choice to by obedient to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

That's a good quick reference on Salvation. there are some good scriptures to review for followup:
1. What is man's condition?
Genesis 3:16-24, Psalm 143:2, John 3:3-5, Romans 3:10-12, 19, 23, Romans 5:12, 1 John 1:8
2.How can man be righteous before God?
Isaiah 53:4-6, Mark 10:45, Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 John 3:5, John 3:16
3. If Jesus paid for my sins what do I have to do?
John 3:14-18, Acts 16:29-31, Romans 3:28, Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16, 20 & 3:11
4. What happens when I put my faith in Christ?
John 3:1-8, Romans 8:9-11, Galatians 5:22-26
5. What does God want my to do now?
Romans 6:15-18 & 8:12-17 & 12:1-8, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4-6 especially 4:22-24

So what if you want to place your faith in Christ right now? Simple...just ask. There is no secret formula for placing your faith in Jesus Christ and accepting His sacrifice, just ask Him to save you is all it takes. Here's a simple prayer if you are needing help:

"Lord Jesus, I confess (agree with You) that I am a sinner. I cannot save myself from sin, but I believe that you came as the final sacrifice for sin. I believe that you are the only begotten Son of God and that you died in my place and rose again from the grave. I ask you now to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me of all the unrighteousness of them according to your word. (1 John 1:9) I ask you to come and live in my heart and to be the Lord and Savior of my life, and to make me a new creation. I thank you Jesus for all of these things, and for the help of your spirit which enables me to walk in your ways. In Jesus name I pray, Amen."

If you did just pray that prayer and ask Jesus Christ to come into you life, you are a new creation in Christ...share it with someone! you've just experienced the greatest miracle of all, and have great things in store ahead of you!

Please feel free to pass this along, and to let others know, or to comment as you see fit to me. thanks you all and I will see you again soon for more teaching.

th

Preparation for naught

2008-10-22T02:38:00.003-05:00

We returned home with no wild pig. and no deer. But wil hearts held high for we saw many traces of them! and come rifle season...they will be on my table!

We had a wonderful time however as a family, and teaching the boys about the outdoors and the cycle of life is fantastic.

BTW...walking sticks in the throes of passion...cannot be touched because they are "angry" just in case YOUR 5 year old and 3 year old ask why they can't hold those two. So for the rest of the after noon the boys talked about the "angry" walking stick that their mama said they could not touch. It was rather funny, and rather intelligent of mama to quickly develop such a plausible...and effective...deterrent. The walking sticks thanked her by climbing onto her shirt and causing her to scream later in the day. Also rather entertaining, we had a good laugh about it.

Our only "kills" for the day were about 50 or so wasps that had decided my blind would be a good spot to hang out. I caused them to reevaluate the position they took on that issue, and they saw it my way...while dying on the ground from my 22FT JET SPRAY OF RAID!!!

"I don't like bees OKAY...They are like flying death monkeys." And it applies to wasps too. So I spent the rest of the afternoon teaching Nathan about trapeziods and measurement conversions, while he was assisting me in creating cover patches for the ends of the blind to help keep OUT the flying death monkeys. Although I will be more than gracious enough to kill them again should they forget that their party stance on nesting in my deer blind has changed.

Speaking of party lines and stances...Early voting began today...get out and vote. I'm personally voting for Sarah...and that guy she's running with. (JK) McCain will be getting my vote since Mike Huckabee didn't make the final roster cut. If nothing else at least McCain has voted to uphold the bans on Partial birth abortion (how can we even think to say that is legal...the baby is partially BORN when you kill it - boggles the mind - how that is not murder in the first degree but I digress), and is against using Federal Tax Dollars to fund such atrocities. The opposition cannot say the same, and in fact co-authored bills to try & overturn the ban. I cannot believe someone with no regard for the sancity of human life is ready to the the leader of our nation responsible for the LIVES of the American citizens. Just something to think about.

I discovered a most fabulous drink today...Monster Energy Drink (yes I know it is not new) but in Chai Tea flavor...simply fabulous, and this endorsement comes from someone who doesn't like energy drinks. NEway, it was very good, and what I will look for the next time I might want to drink an energy drink...which is rare...they are very hard on your body.

But my Monster Chai Tea has worn off now and I must go to bed, for I am tired. So in conclusion... No deer, just wasps...great day of teaching...go vote (for McCain/Palin)...and Monster Energy Chai Tea has great taste and is less filling...great taste...less filling...GREAT TASTE...LESS FILLING...the debate still rages today.

Good night one and all and have a pleasant tomorrow.

In Christ Alone,
th

Preparations

2008-10-21T00:44:00.002-05:00

We prepare tonight to embark on a great adventure. Tomorrow in the morning (I guess actually today) we will be pursuing the elusive wild pig. And if all goes well, maybe a deer to take by bow. Wish us well as great adventurers, and may we return having slain our quarry.

Jes asked Nathan tonight since we had decided to go hunting in the morning if he wanted to go. He said "Sure." She asked him if he wanted to shoot a pig. He said "No. I just want to shoot birds." So Jes asked him why not a pig. His reply, "Um...Daddy would have a hard time bringing it home." We shall see I suppose then how difficult it is. Jessie still doesn't believe that I am going to load it into the back of our van after field dressing, be it either pig or deer. (The latter would be my preference - so we shall find out how good a shot I am with a bow.) Wish us well and I'll let you know how it goes.
In Christ Alone,
th

In A Rut

2008-10-20T01:08:00.002-05:00

Have you ever felt like you are stuck in a rut? I have found myself thinking this way a lot recently. Like I've been stuck and I can't get out and no matter how much I am digging and such to gain traction, I simply find that I am making a bigger hole to be in. I find that I am not the husband I want to be, not nearly loving and caring and attentive anough to my wife. I find I am not the father I want to be spending enough time with my boys and teaching them to be men of God. I find that I am not the leader I should be, teaching and instructing people in growing with God. So I take a step back and look at what I am doing and find that ...guess what I am not the Disciple of Christ that I want to be either.

Our church has started a new initiative or the next three months (Oct, Nov, Dec) about being a "Real" Christian. Now normally I would have a lot of issues with this, and I do take some issue to the idea that I am not a real Christian, or that it is possible to be more "real" a Christian than I am, but I find that when I evaluate where my life and walk really is...I'm not being as real as I want to be when it comes to being a Christian. I can recall in the not so distant past spending long times with God praying that He would grow me more into His image, that I could walk closer with Him and follow Him more ernestly. He was the desire of my heart and the longing of my heartbeat. I made not a move without talking to Him about it, and my passion was to know Him. Now...I find my self a little...bland, weak, puny, when it comes to walking with God. I am not talking about wallowing in a life of sin and backsliding..not the issue...more so something worse. I find apathy, and indifference. If I take a true look at myself...I would possibly even use the words of Matt 23:27 - "You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones" Jesus was talking to the Pharisees in this passage dare I say that I am acting like one of them?

The point of this is a few things: 1. I want to return to my first love. Oh God, may my heart again be yours above all else. I want to see the gifts you've given me used for your glory. Not wasted and squandered like buried talents. I think that it is easy to let "stuff" get in the way of our walk with God. Work, life, family, money, time, health, etc. all these things are easy to look at and it is easy to start to allow them to become our focus. I want my focus to be Christ. I seem to remember somewhere someone saying that if we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...everything else will fall into line (I paraphrse). I want to seek Him first.
2. I want to encourage others to do the same. I don't know that I have many followers to this blog yet, but I am hoping to start posting regularly and if what I have to say blesses you, challenges you, enrages you, offends you or does anything else to you please feel free to pass it on and to comment on what I have to say. I look forward to this hopefully becoming more than simply my thoughts and ramblings. I digress though...Think with me for a momentwhat would happen if we as believers truely committed to walking as followers of Christ? as "real" Christians? Have you ever read the book "In His Steps"? If not I suggest it. Remember the WWJD craze a few years ago? "WWJD - What Would Jesus Do?" I still find WWJD items in my house and in stores from time to time (I refused to buy anything WWJD myself when it was commercialized) but anyway, the WWJD came from the book "In His Steps" a fantastic book about a pastor to challenges his church to ask themselves "What Would Jesus Do?" before making ANY decision...and the results of the experiment. But what if we really lived out our faith? God took 11 men of no account and no popularity and no renown, and changed the world with them. He still uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. What if we truely lived like we actually believed what we say we believe? Can you imagine the consequences? I haved tried very hard to teach my boys that all their actions have consequences...sometimes good if you make a wise choice...sometimes bad...if you make a poor choice...but there is always a result to your choices. My wife and I after praying made a choice to step back from helping with our youth at church after we had been doing it for several years. As you may or may not know I have a desire and calling for youth ministry...which has not yet been fulfilled, so you can imagine, this was a difficult desicion to make for us. It seemed like sacrificing a dream to follow where God would lead us. I have several times recently been reminded of what God told Abram "Go...to the land I will show you" I can see Abram asking God..."But where is this land...how do we get there...what is it like...can I provide for my family there...is there water...are there nice neighbors?"...and on and on. But God just told him to go. Gave him no details just..."Go" Abram's responsibility was to be obedient. So we gave this up, and it has had consequences..but I won't go into all of those here. The point is...What if we truly follow Him? What could happen if we sold out to God in EVERYTHING? Jesus did "Only what the Father told Him". And then He tells us we will do greater things still. Remember in Luke 4 when Jesus was in the temple? Read it through but especially verses 18 & 19 - that is our inheritance as children of God. I want to be doing this things and seeing miracles in the mundane on a daily basis. Can you imagine seeing a funeral at a graveside and walking up behind them and laying hands on the casket and raising the dead to life at God's prompting? I can. What about at God's prompting going into a deserted park at 3 in the morning because there was someone there you needed to talk to...and in your obedience you stop an armed robbery from taking place and witness to a lost individual? I've live it. Or simply having a friend who has a hurt shoulder, and saying "Sit down we are going to pray for you." and seeing them healed without any pain immediatly? Been there and done that. The point is...I want to do those things again, and I want to see others doing them...since it is what God has called us to do...be salt and light. Do it. (I have to being a Star Wars addict) "Do, or do not...there is no try" It holds true though. Either do it or don't but I'm tired of doing it halfway and "trying", I think it safe to say God is tired of it too (Rev. 3:16).
3. I want people to hold me accountable. By posting this, I put my desires out there and challenge people to hold me up if they see me slipping. We are the body of Christ, we must lift each other up, but we must also do this in love. It is easy to point out someone failing and falling, but it is quite another altogether to help someone out. A brother and sister will help each other out. I point out things to my brother, and make fun of him...but I would never seek to offend or wound him intentionally. He is my brother. The same goes for my sister. I love them, and want the best for them. So we must challenge each other, but we must lay aside the slander and gossip and infighting. Christ said people will know us by our love. I remember reading several years ago about a celebrity who had chosen to be a muslim after researching several of the world's religions. When asked why his response was "Well, I would have become a Christian...but I know too many." A scathing review which we have done little to improve as the body of Christ, but we can make the choice to change and need to do so now.

I close this rather lengthy blog by simply saying this: I want more. My wife and friends will tell you I know a lot of things about God and religion. I could teach many college & seminary theology classes easily. But the point is I don't want to know ABOUT God...I want to KNOW God. I subtle but VERY distinctive difference. I want to do more than just believe. Even teh demons believe..I want more. I'll let you know how it goes.
th

My First Post On My Own Blog!

2008-10-12T23:52:00.003-05:00

My wife seems to enjoys this and so I thought maybe I'd give it a try and use this as a forum for growth and sharing. Maybe I can even write a sermon or two...Anyway, I'll post more is the future...Soon in the future.