My Journey

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

2011-12-22T22:41:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I received a new revelation as to why God hasn't taken my millionaire status more seriously. Living in a country where billions and billions get stolen and squandered, I can't help but cry out, "Give it to me!" I've heard people say, "If I won the lottery, it wouldn't change me." As noble as it sounds, THAT is the problem.

Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved. - Matthew 9:17

If one does an internet search for "life after the lottery", one will find story after story of new money being poured into old wineskins. More often than not, the story ends with the person breaking under the weight of their new wealth. They eventually lose it all and end up far worse than before.

This week was an eye-opener for me. I used to believe that I was a healthy, responsible, and Godly wineskin. But it only took a business trip, an expense account, and isolation to show me who I really was. I've heard it said that a married Christian man, 100 miles from his family, is capable of anything. I've lived it this week. With no family to rush home to, I had the opportunity to do anything I wanted. I may weigh 195lbs on the outside, but my appetite is in an entire different weight class. I dined out and ordered everything my eyes desired. Prior to this week, I had mistaken my responsible lifestyle as a sign that I had matured. I was wrong. Holding down a job, taking care of my family, and keeping my lawn manicured didn't change who I was. I was just too busy being domesticated by responsibility and accountability. Take them away and give me the opportunity, and everything could change.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. - Romans 12:2

My take away this week, is that I have to remember to constantly renew my mind. I can't just have a lifestyle of a busy watchman making sure the enemy doesn't get a foothold. My decisions have to be made by a renewed mind, not by my current situation. My wife and I used to joke with each other and say neither of us had time to cheat. We spend so much time together, it would be a logistical impossibility. But what if the logistics changed. Is my mind renewed enough to do what Joseph did when he ran from Potiphar's wife? I've had multiple women pass me a menu this week, and I went for it. I did not have a woman pass me her room key. Knowing what I know now, I'm glad I'm going home tomorrow.

Who's You're Daddy?

2011-06-29T14:40:00.005-05:00

Have you ever just wanted to handcuff God, drag him to the nearest precinct, sit Him down, and ask Him a few questions? Why is this happening to me? Where are you? I have no problem with Him being omniscient. I am relieved He is omnipresent. But what is going on with His omnipotence? You wouldn’t expect a police officer to idly watch as a bank is being robbed. You wouldn’t expect a doctor to continue eating his lunch as a patron goes into cardiac arrest. So why does it seem like God can be a lazy, late, and lost Superman whenever I nee Him the most?

I spent last week teaching my son how to ride his bike. At first, he didn’t want anything to do with it. He preferred the training wheels because it was too much work to balance himself. After his first fall, my initial reaction was to pick him up and put him back on his seat. But I knew that would only prolong the training. I decided the best thing to do was give him instructions. Michael is strong enough to pick himself up, so I knew helping him physically wasn’t necessary. What IS necessary is to help him spiritually. I can think of no better spiritual exercise, than the exercise of obedience.

Michael already has a tendency to whine and demand relief. And as my only son, I already have a tendency to use my power to give it. But is that really the best thing? In America, we’ve adopted a Chinese proverb for the importance of reproducing our values. (If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime.) I commanded Michael to get up, stop whining, and get back on the bike. On his third attempt, I let go of his shoulders, and he’s never looked back. It took discipline for me to idly stand with arms folded and tell him what to do. If felt uncomfortable because my desire was to give him temporary relief from his pain and let him continue with the training wheels. But I also knew about the future joy and freedom that he would experience once he did it. This was something Michael had to trust me with. But I had to MAKE him trust me.

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. – James 1:22

I have met many Christians who are quite familiar with the scriptures. But knowing God’s word in theory is powerless. The power of God’s word is in the application. I know a guy who has no job and has recently filed for bankruptcy. He claims he is trusting God, but in reality he’s not. God has already provided us with a book to align ourselves with His will and purpose. My friend isn’t trusting in God to come through. He is trusting in his fairy God-Mother to appear, cut up his credit cards, turn off the television, iron his clothes, re-work his resume, AND drive him around in a limousine while filling out applications. Did I mention he is unemployed by choice? Well he is. This is just one example of how we can completely ignore the fact that God is NOT interested in our temporary comfort. He is interested in conforming us into His image. The quicker we get back on the bike, the quicker we can learn the lesson. I have assembled many entertainment centers, play sets, and office furniture WITHOUT following the directions. In doing so, I’ve wasted hours of my life having to go back and start over. Sadly, I’ve done the same thing with my life, and wasted YEARS.

But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. – 1 Samuel 30:6

It may seem like God is silent, absent, or apathetic. But that is a feeling that we need to douse with the water of God’s word. He said He would never leave us or forsake us. The very hairs of our head are numbered. Nothing happens without his knowledge. We may not understand it. We may not like it. It may hurt. But it all boils down to who knows best. If He knows best, there is no reason for God to explain Himself. God had to endure 37 chapters of Job and the peanut gallery struggling to explain what was going on? When Michael fell off his bike and began to whine, I had to silence him with a raised voice. I love the fact that God did the same thing with Job. God answered THROUGH A TORNADO and said,

Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” – Job 38:

If God seems silent in your situation, open your Bible and speak to the situation.

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap one or the other. – Proverbs 18:21

If God seems still in your situation, put on your work gloves and do something about it.

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. – Ecclesiastes 9:10

If God seems stoic about your situation, get on your knees and trade your fear for His faith.

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. – Matthew 8:26

Now that I think about it, I can’t recall a time when Michael came to me with a legitimate emergency. Embarrassingly, I can recall dozens of emergencies that I’ve waved in God’s face. I’m encouraged to know that God raised his voice and set the record straight with Job. Who’s knows you better than you know yourself? Who answers to who? Get back on the bike and do exactly as He says. Those who want the temporary bowl of RELIEF to satisfy their hunger will delay REVELATION and the banquet table of God's purpose in their life.

"When you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”

Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” – John 21:18-19

I'm growing older in my relationship with God, and I can tell by the lessons. I'm sure Michael can tell as well.

Itinerary

2011-01-19T15:28:00.010-06:00

What makes the Christian life exciting also makes it terrifying - there is no itinerary. Sure, you can create your own. However, I suggest you write it in pencil and leave plenty of room in the margins – cause’ there will be changes. Having a goal, a plan, or an outline is like my wife having a perm; it may look and feel better, but it’s only temporary.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105

Oh how I wish it said, He is a system of street lights so I won’t fear what’s lurking in the bushes. I’d even settle for Him being high beams so I can see a bit further and wider. Like mapping programs, why can’t God offer a zoom out button? It can be quite frustrating when I don’t know what’s going to happen next. It’s my life and I should be able to make decisions that have my best interests at hand. Had I known my plan would draw enemy fire, I would have drawn a fallback plan. If God would clue me in, I could help Him strategize, or at least discuss a compromise.

BINGO!

And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” Luke 8:22-25

(Why didn’t you tell me there was going to be a storm that would scare me to death? I would have still sailed…honestly.)

God knows that men and rivers follow the path of least resistance. He is a candle at our feet, so we won’t stub our toe; and a torch on the path so we can stay ON it. He never promised to be a spotlight so we would know when to jump off. Here’s a principle; if Jesus doesn’t tell you what is ahead, it’s probably because you would avoid it. Remember, the only way Murdock got B. A. Baracus in the air was to wake him after the flight. If the plan called for air travel, best you leave that part out.

I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. John 16:12

God’s direction get’s us moving; but His direction, is not always His destiny. God will give us just enough information to get us to the next pit stop. What’s great about having a map is that I can SEE my route. What’s bad about having a map is that I can see OTHER routes. It is the alternate routes that God wants us to stay away from. He knows that at first sign of traffic, I’m already looking for a side street to cut through. Here’s another principle; most of our short cuts go back around the same mountain. God in His infinite wisdom has ordered our lessons perfectly. There is no skipping and coming back to it later.

If God told you that you would lose your job, would you have still given that much to charity? If God told you they would never come back, would you have let them go? If God told you she would leave, would you have still loved her? If God told you he would die young, would you have allowed yourself to fall in love? Here’s a thought; Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, but that didn’t change the picks.

The Bible says that “our ways are not His ways” and “our thoughts are not His thoughts.” As a follower of Christ, I need not worry about the future. He reserved my destination and my future is secure. It is the journey that makes this life worth living - a journey that is lit at my feet. Because getting me there is His job description; trusting Him is mine.

False Advertising

2010-07-27T11:40:00.169-05:00

Growing up, I never swore or cursed. Raised Catholic, I was all too familiar with the Ten Commandments. To me, breaking the third commandment was just as bad as breaking the sixth. Let's assume I was lucky enough to be behind you at the Wal-Mart 10 items or less lane. For me to mumble "Jesus Christ"; while you paid for your 23 groceries items with food stamps, paid for your beer with a check, and talked on your IPhone, would be no worse than beating you to death with the register.

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7

What does is it really mean to "take" God's name in vain? Interestingly, it has nothing to do with speaking, much less cursing. The word 'take' in this verse has the same meaning when describing someone who "can't take it anymore." The Hebrew word used is nasa'. The word means to lift, bear, carry, or take.

So does the third commandment forbid lifting or carrying large billboards that spell "JESUS"? The Hebrew word for 'name' is shem. In English, I would say my name (shem) is Steven. In our Western mind, my name has nothing to do with my nature. It doesn't describe me, it just identifies what I am called. If you wanted to describe me, you would be describing my character. In Hebrew, the word for 'character' is the same word, 'shem'. It carries the same meaning as used in the idiom, "make a name for oneself."

Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14

In Biblical times, a name wasn't just something on your driver's license. It was the essence of who you were. Your name was a word picture of your character. The third commandment wasn't about using God's name inappropriately. It forbade carrying the character of God in vain. The word for vain in Hebrew is the word 'shav', and it simply means fruitless, useless, or nothingness. So what does it mean to carry God's character FOR NOTHING?

Let's assume I was participating in a rescue mission tasked with bringing food and water to some folks lost in the mountains. After traveling 5 miles, they are now in my sights. Just before reaching them, I carelessly trip over my own feet and lose all of the water and food down the side of of a cliff. From everyone's perspective, I hiked 5 miles for nothing. In the end, it was fruitless and useless. My intentions were good, but my actions during the home stretch wiped it all away.

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15-16

What happens when you combine Christ-like "talk" with a secular "walk"? If I was to pour boiling hot water into a pot of ice cold water, it would cease to be either. Have you ever met a Christian whose walk didn't represent their talk; or how about their talk not lining up with their walk. One of the most important jobs of a Christian is to "protect your cargo." The Bible teaches that a Christian is the "temple" of God's spirit. We are the carriage that carries the King. We are called His vessels. We are ambassador's of Christ sent out to "carry" His "name" into the nations. How fruitless would it be to drop our cargo just as we arrived? Have you ever gotten to know a Christian only to discover they were much more appealing when you only saw them once a week?

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. Matthew 21:18:19

To understand this verse, we have to have to understand fig tree growth in first century Jerusalem. There is an important relationship between leaves and fruit on fig trees. Figs appear at the same with leaves. As Jesus approached the leafy fig tree, he had no reason NOT to believe he would find fruit. From the perspective of a "hungry" Jesus, the fruitless tree was useless. It would be like hanging a piñata for bunch of excited kids only to discover that it was empty. How cruel is that?

Remember how important names are in Jewish culture? Well the Greek city of Antioch had a name for these people telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. They decided to call them "Christians". You see, back then, they would call YOU that. Today, we assign it to ourselves. On some days, we need references.

However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord Acts 11:20-21

.......It was at Antioch that the believerswere first called Christians. Act 11:26

Move Over America

2010-05-21T15:44:00.001-05:00

America has had a great run. Until the turn of the 20th century, the Bible was the most commonly used textbook in America. Despite what our current President says, America IS the world's most Christian country. No other nation on Earth is more recognizably Christian than America. It wasn't moderate Muslims, violent Buddhist, or messianic Jews on the Mayflower. They were English Christians who wanted to separate (Separatists) from the Church of England. American was built on religious freedom, but the slab was unique to the God of the Bible. The concentration of Christian values was so great, that after 233 years, American is STILL the most recognized Christian nation in the world.

Despite being 233 years old, America has only been a superpower since WWII. After the war, the British Empire was dissolved, leaving only two superpowers left in the world, America and the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union lost the "Cold War" to the United States and dissolved itself in 1991. By 1992, America was the single most powerful nation on the Earth. America has starred or directed in every major world event, for the last 50 years. To imagine a scenario where America isn't on the world stage is not only inconceivable, but disturbing. But we wouldn't be the first empire to rise and fall. In fact, the prophet Daniel doesn't even give America a mention in his revelation of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

King Nebuchadnezzar saw a statue with a unique construction. It's head was of fine gold, chest and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, legs of iron, and it's feet were part iron and clay. Daniel then told the King that each part represented four successive world empires that were to come. Daniel starts by saying that King Nebuchadnezzar's empire was the head of gold.

You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; 38 and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all—you are this head of gold. Daniel 2: 37-38

Daniel tells King Nebuchadnezzer, that the head of gold was his kingdom, the Babylonian empire. This empire lasted 70 years as the most powerful kingdom on earth. In 536 B.C., the Babylonian empire, the "head of gold", came to an end when it fell to the Persians, the "chest and arms of silver".

But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; Daniel 2:39

The Persians fell to Alexander's Greek empire, the "belly and thighs of brass" in 336 B.C. The Greek empire lasted for over 300 years until it gave way to the Roman Empire, the "legs of iron".

And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others Daniel 2:40

Unlike the previous three, the fourth empire has no conqueror. Also, the fourth kingdom is depicted TWICE. It is first shown as being separated with two legs of iron. Just as Daniel predicted, the Roman Empire had grown so large, it was divided into two, the Western Empire at Rome, and the Eastern Empire at Constantinople. Two hundred years later, the "brittle" iron empire of Rome collapsed under its own stress.

But Wait.., There's More (in a Billy Mays voice) Daniel isn't done with the fourth kingdom. Daniel continues with the re-emergence of the same Roman kingdom. But this time, they've been given an extreme makeover.

Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. Daniel 2:41-43

Unlike the previous kingdoms, the re-emergence of the fourth kingdom BEGINS divided. The Bible predicts that the fourth kingdom rises again in the form of a ten-nation confederacy. Daniel had another vision of four great beasts; a lion with eagle's wings, a bear, a winged leopard with four heads and;

a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. Daniel 7:4-7

History identifies these beasts as the same four Kingdoms in Nebuchadnezzar's image - Babylonian, Persia, Greek, and the Roman Empire. Consider the accuracy of Daniels visions. Daniel's third beast corresponds to the third kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's image - the leopard with four heads and four wings. The wings symbolize the speed of which Alexander expanded the Greek empire. In just 13 years he had conquered a majority of the known world. The four heads symbolize the four divided kingdoms ruled by his four generals after Alexander's death. The Angel Gabriel revealed this to Daniel in explaining another vision.

Daniel has a vision where he sees a very powerful two-horned ram. Suddenly a goat with a prominent horn came from the west, crossing the earth with great speed (sound familiar). The goat tramples the ram and becomes very great, but at the height of his power his horn is broken and four horns grow in its place. Gabriel interprets the dream as follows:

The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power. Daniel 8:20-22

Let's go back to the fourth kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar's image. The fourth kingdom refers to the fourth beast in Daniel's vision. The ten toes of the image represent the ten horns of the beast. Daniel also gives a clue as to when this new kingdom will be in power.

And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Daniel 2:44

These same kings are described in Revelation and will ultimately be destroyed by the FINAL kingdom represented in the image.

You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2:34-35

And now we come full circle. Daniel prophesied four great kingdoms before the one that ultimately destroys the renewed and divided Roman empire. So we come back to the question. How can there be a powerful and prominent revised Roman empire with 10 kings if there still exists an American superpower? I believe we are in the time between the third and fourth kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar's image. The iron legged kingdom of ancient Rome is history. However, 1600 years after its fall, the new Roman empire of the EU is ready to take the reigns. But there is one problem, America still has them.

The EU isn't powerful enough to be in a position to be crushed, but thanks to America's slow descent, it will be soon. There are only TEN nations that hold full status in both the European Union and the Western European Union, and that doesn't appear to be changing. There are other states that participate, but there are only 10 kings calling the shots. The following quote suggest they don't need any more.

Following a decision taken on 14 June 2001, the Secretary-General stated during the 1352nd meeting of the Council of Western European Union on 28 June 2001 that, with regard to the period from 1 January 2002, the Member States deemed it unnecessary, in present and foreseeable circumstances, to make any formal change to the statuses of non-full members. source

America has been in the driver's seat for over 50 years. What puts us in the back? Are we still in the car? No one really knows. For now, I can't think of a more accurate description of the EU than 'partly strong, partly fragile.' It's members share everything but sovereignty. They have no constitution, no a central government, and no king. Well, not yet.

What does God need with a star-ship?

2010-04-23T11:09:00.005-05:00

Despite being one of the worst movies in the Star Trek series, The Final Frontier had a couple of good lines. Well, I can only think of one, but still, It's my favorite line. After reaching the mythical planet Sha Ka Ree, Kirk and crew meet an interesting entity who claims to be God. The entity seemed believable at first, but he made a major error in his dialogue with a skeptical Captain Kirk. The "God" asked how they managed to reach him, and Spock's brother educated him on their use of a star-ship. The "God" then demands that the star-ship be brought closer to the planet. Kirk rightly asked, "What does God need with a star-ship?" Like Kirk, one of the things that I tipped me off in relation to Islam, was the codependency of their god.

In Islam, Muslims are to help Allah's insecurity by fighting against those that don't believe in him. In Christianity, If someone doesn't accept the message, you move on. It's not YOUR message to begin with.

Koran: Fighting is obligatory for you, much as you dislike it. - Sura 2:216

Bible: If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. - Matthew 10:14

In Islam, Allah needs the help of Muslims to punish those who offend him. In Christianity, God takes out his own trash.

Koran: Make war on them until idolatry is no more and Allah's religion reigns supreme - Sura 8:39

Bible: Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. - Romans 12:19

In Islam, Allah encourages all Muslims to pick up their swords and fight for him. In Christianity, Jesus encourages all Christians to lay down their swords and pray for them.

Koran: Allah has purchased of their faithful lives and worldly goods, and in return has promised them the Garden. They will fight for His cause, kill and be killed. - Sura 9:111

Bible: You have heard the law that says, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! - Matthew 5:43-44

What separates Christianity from all other religions can be summed up in Kirk's question. In Christianity, God doesn't NEED you or your star-ship. He desires you. He loves you. There is no concept of love in Islam, only fear. In Islam, martyrdom will get you into heaven via the express lane. Allah desires that you "Slay the infidels wherever you find them". Jesus didn't come to slay the world, He came to BE slain. After being spit on, whipped, beaten, and nailed to a cross, Jesus looked up and said, "Father, forgive them." Compare that to the next time you see Muslims making death threats when their God is mocked.

My God isn't codependent, insecure, or nervous about people who don't agree with Him, but Allah seems to be a little sensitive when it comes to unbelieving mortals. When Kirk refuses to bring the star-ship closer, the entity gets visibly upset and attacks Captain Kirk. Suddenly, everyone starts doubting the entity after realizing that this "god" is helpless without them. Yup, that's pretty much how I came to the same conclusion. The god of Sha Ka Ree needs a star-ship, Mohammad needs a sword, the Wizard of Oz needs a curtain, and Jesus wants ME. I'll take the one who wants me over the one who needs me any day.

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Discerning the False

2010-04-16T14:02:00.002-05:00

I was always good at taking tests. Even if I didn't know the subject matter, I could successfully guess my way through most questions. No matter how tough the question, with a quick process of elimination, I could easily be down to two choices. It's not always about finding out which choice is right. Sometimes it's easier to just rule out the ones that are wrong.

My favorite questions are True/False statements. The single most important rule in analyzing True/False statements is every part of a true statement must be true. If any one part of the statement is false, the whole statement is false despite many other truths. You don't always have to know what is true. If you can recognize any part as being false, you can confidently mark the whole statement as false, and move on.

Often in life, we get inundated with problems that completely overwhelm us physically, mentally, and spiritually. The reason is that problems by definition force us to make decisions on how will we respond to them. Most problems don't just go away. They stand there nagging, whispering, and tapping their foot waiting for you to reveal your strategy on dealing with it. Like a crying baby needing to be fed, problems want attention, and they want to know what are you going to do about it.

You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked Proverbs 3:25

Problems don't wait until you've had 8 hours of sleep and 2 cups of coffee. Most of our problems come upon us suddenly. Suddenly, you lost a job. Suddenly, you get a letter from your kid's school, your lawyer, or the IRS. Suddenly, you have problems, and you need sudden solutions. In the heat of the moment, when the pressure is on, what will you do? What can you do? Our immediate response would be to strategize, brainstorm, or grab at anything that looks like an answer. But like the strategy for True/False statements, If any part of your solution isn't of faith, then the entire solution isn't of faith.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Any imagination, thought, or plan born out of fear, must be immediately arrested and investigated. If God never gave us fear, then anything born of our fear must NOT be from God. We may not know what the answer is, but there is a sure way to know what isn't. We make a lot of mistakes in the heat of the moment. Our survival instincts immediately kick in when our health, security, and peace is threatened. No matter how well we think we know how to fix the situation, most of the time, it does the opposite.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12

Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is to circle False, then go to bed.

Be still, and know that I am God! Psalm 46:10

Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:5

The Ambassador

2010-03-24T06:47:00.007-05:00

As I watched the House of Representatives pass the Health Care Reform Bill, I felt like I had been in a car accident. For a brief second, I couldn't breathe. First came the feeling of shock., then a sense of confusion, followed by grief. My only relief, if you can call it that, was that no one was looking at me. All eyes were up front. I wasn't IN the accident, but I sure felt it. I wasn't behind the wheel. I didn't agree with the route. I didn't even vote for the hired driver. But that offered me no protection from my seat on the bus. The emotions were as real as the damage. I wasn't in the accident, I witnessed it. Had I been involved, I would have had to concern myself with the consequences. Like being immersed in a book or movie, I forgot who I was, or more accurately, whose I was.

One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you. Luke 17:20-21

An ambassador is the highest ranking resident representative of a foreign nation. They are messengers sent to live in a foreign nation with the express purpose of communicating the interests and goals of their home country. They are ministers of the highest authority, with full power to represent their head of state. Ambassador's allow national leaders the ability to be in many places at once. If you are speaking to the ambassador of a nation, it is understood you are speaking to it's leader. It is the duty of an ambassador to speak ONLY on behalf of their home country, and not on behalf of the country they reside.

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

As an American, I couldn't help but feel the effects of the initial impact. But I am also an ambassador of Christ, a citizen of the substantial, superior, and spiritual Kingdom of God. The health care bill will have an economic and social affect on all Americans, but I'm not just an American. As an ambassador of Christ, my security is in a head of state that isn't bound by limitation, opinion polls, and economic trends. I am as passionate about politics as the next guy, but the difference is I know who is in control of my destiny. I may live in America, but I understand whom I answer to. Political activism is my responsibility as an American, but it's not my burden. It is one avenue in which I carry out my real job - being a diplomat for Christ. If Jesus didn't worry Himself with the decisions of an inferior government, why should I? The religious leaders of Jesus' day were notorious for asking Him political questions. On one occasion, they wanted to get his take on Caesar's tax increases. Jesus thought that question was so important, He responded with as much emotion had the question been about Parker Brothers' decision to increase the Luxury Tax on the Monopoly board from $75 to $100.

Jesus said, "Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a coin. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matt. 22:19-21

It is undocumented, but I believe the follow-up question was whether or not he believed Caesar should sign "Climate Change" legislation, but I can't prove it. And just in case you didn't get the insult, God provided an object lesson. On another occasion, Peter was approached by the IRS and asked if Jesus paid taxes. Surprisingly, Jesus didn't respond by opening an account with H&R Block or scrambling to find all of his gas receipts. Jesus let them know how serious he was about tax season and having to hand out more of Caesar's Monopoly money.

Jesus said, "Go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.” Matt.17:27

Compared the the Kingdom of God, our system of government rivals a board game. God's authority is superior and nothing can float out of the sewers of Washington to change it. Ambassadors may live in their host country, but they are NOT exclusive citizens of it. Ambassadors may have to participate in it's commerce, but they are NOT slaves to it. As long as you are doing the work of an ambassador, you will always have your embassy, your provision, and the power and authority of Christ himself. Jesus is alive and he is busy preparing a new place for us. When he left, who did He leave in charge of the store? That would be me.

I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. John 17:14-18

After the signing of the health care bill, I prayed for the Americans. I then cited diplomatic immunity.

Clean End of a Turd

2010-03-11T15:14:00.000-06:00

Political Correctness is a term that has been thrown around for years, but few of us know what it is. I must have heard the term a hundred times before looking up the definition. Even then, I was confused to what it meant. All I knew was that I needed it, If I was to avoid being sued, fired, or labeled racist, homophobe, or intolerant. Because there is no shortage of politically correct phrases, understanding what is expected of us is as easy as Paris Hilton...er... I mean an economically exploited sex care provider.

This is an African American neighborhood.

You cannot fly airplanes because you are visually challenged.

He is hair disadvantaged like his father.

Pat is considering gender reassignment surgery.

Where do the involuntarily undomiciled get cardboard and Sharpies?

One doesn't need to know the definition of political correctness to understand what it's all about. In it's simplest form, political correctness is a term that describes language, ideas, and behavior that seeks to minimize offenses by averaging out our differences with a thesaurus. For example, only a small percentage of our population has had a sex change. But unless you are walking around twirling your umbilical cord, we've all had some type of surgery. Before Political Correctness, the thought of having a sex change was culturally taboo. But today, It's something we're not supposed to even blink at.

Before Political Correctness, being poor was a temporary setback or an obstacle that needed to be overcome. There used to be a stigma associated with being poor that discouraged you from getting comfortable and spurred you to get back on your feet. A generation ago, If you were on welfare, you hated that you were. Thanks to Political Correctness, you can be financially disadvantaged and feel better about it. Poverty has nothing to do with finances. Political Correctness is the poison that turns your temporary situation into a permanent perspective.

The victimization of the poor IS their poverty. Proverbs 10:15

Not to be left out, illegal aliens can now plunder America guilt free. It is politically incorrect to demand that existing US laws be enforced. Consequently, It is costing U.S. tax payers over $300 billion a year in welfare, medicaid, and other government services to support illegals. Political Correctness would have you suspend that fact and believe that they are not illegal aliens, but undocumented workers. Guess how much taxes "undocumented" workers pay toward the $300 billion it cost to support them? Which begs the question, what kind of workforce COSTS you money? Don't ask bankrupt California. It's politically incorrect to investigate that crime scene.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano was quoted as saying she will no longer use the word "terrorism" because it causes people to fear terrorist. (Crazy, I know.) She will now call them "man-caused disasters." We can all sleep better knowing that aeresol cans and Jihadists are equally scary. Which is probably why airport security spends equal time certifiying my mouthwash and my passport. Political Correctness is something that we innately know to be stupid. But that doesn't stop us from choosing to go along with it.

The Apostle Paul spoke of a time when the world would choose to believe something they knew to be a lie. Eventually, they would get so good at it, they could no longer distinguish the lie between the truth. Everyone who graduated the fourth grade knows WHY the Vikings called Greenland, GREENland. It's not the settling of the science, but the searing of the mind. They have "departed" from their own conscience because it was the Politically Correct thing to do.

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by (politically correct) demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 1 Tim. 4:1 (NIV)

Texas A&M holds an annual contest for the most appropriate definition of a contemporary term. A few years back the term up for definition was 'Political Correctness'.

And the winner is: "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

God's Question

2010-02-26T13:17:00.000-06:00

God has only one question for mankind. He's been saying it for 6,000 years. Some of us have heard him say it multiple times. On the surface, the idea that an all knowing God would even ask a question sounds counterintuitive. But when one looks deeper, the answer is apparent. If God is asking us a question, it's because WE choose the answer. God may know how we choose to answer the question, but He still gives us the free will to answer it.

Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9

God's first question to mankind was "Where are you?" It is a question only we can answer. God didn't create robots pre-programmed to love him. He created free will agents with the ability to choose Him, or not. Hense, When God asked Adam, "Where are you?", He wasn't referring to his physical location. God asking the location of your body is absurd. God asking you to decide the location of your heart is the single most important question of your existence.

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

We are all born into this world as trees planted on a fence line. On one side of the fence is evil, representing our world right now. On the other side is good, representing our life in eternity. We remain on the fence line, up until the point God asks us that very important question. If we choose Christ, we are uprooted and transplanted into His righteousness. We are grafted into the vine of Christ and our identity is now in Him. If we don't choose Christ, we are transplanted to the other side and thrown into the elements. On one side is a life hid in Christ, planted in eternity, and justified. On the other is a life hid in uncertainty, hopelessness, and separation. As long as we breathe oxygen, we can choose where we want God to plant us. So where are you?

Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? You have planted them, and they have taken root and prospered. Your name is on their lips, but you are far from their hearts. But as for me, Lord, you know my heart. You see me and test my thoughts. Drag these people away like sheep to be butchered! Set them aside to be slaughtered! Jeremiah 12:1-3

The prophet's question is as valid today as it was 2,600 years ago. Why do wicked people prosper? Why does it seem like good things happen to bad people, and vice versa? The answer is obvious when considering the branches of a tree. Having your tree planted in Christ doesn't mean you won't have branches hanging over into evil. If I'm in traffic, at the Popeye's drive thru, or at the mall, you might actually see them grow faster than Jack's beanstalk. But those are my branches, that is NOT where I'm planted. As I've mentioned in previous posts, we are not what we've done. We are where we choose to be, and choose to trust.

Just like a Bible toting, bumper-sticker, lapel pin Christian can have branches sneaking over into wickedness, a sinner can have branches reaching over into charity, righteousness and good deeds? The answer to the age old question is this: God MUST redeem the good branches of the wicked in this life, because their next life is only judgement. For the Christian, we have already been judged at the cross, so our next life is only reward. We redeem the reward of our good branches, on the side of our planted hearts. We redeem the consequences of our bad branches, on the other.

When a Christian reaches into sin and unrighteousness, God prunes them. He doesn't even try to clean it up. He leaves the dead branches on the ground for all to see and read. ( Think Jimmy Swaggart, Ted Haggard, King David,etc. ) When the branches of a wicked person reach out into righteousness, God prunes them and their reward is given to them now. Why? Because their answer to the question was, "right here and I'm not moving." When God asked Adam, "Where are you?", it wasn't because He needed to know where he was. He wanted to know which side of the fence to plant him on. On one side is forgiveness and eternal life, on the other is shame and suffering. The question hasn't changed in over 6,000 years.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Falling Off The Earth

2010-02-19T11:46:00.000-06:00

As a child, one of the games I used to play with my brothers was Keep Away. Keep Away is a children's game in which two or more players pass a ball to each other, while a person in the middle attempts to steal it. Of course, Keep Away could be played with anything. I've played it with a ball, a television remote, or anything wanted by the one in the middle. For me, Keep Away was more fun if the person in the middle didn't want to play. There was an added feeling of joy and happiness when you're taller, faster, and in possession of something valuable to the poor victim.

Many years ago, I came to a major crossroads in my life. It was decision time and I didn't know which way to go. I had just graduated High School and was deciding on whether to join the military, head to college, or attend seminary. I was so scared about making the wrong decision, I spent the entire summer worried about what was going to happen next. Would I go to college? If I did, would I pick the right major? What about the military? Which branch would I choose? I didn't want to waste time, and I certainly didn't want to screw it up. It was during this time of paralyzing pressure that God spoke to me these words, "It's easier for you to fall off the Earth, than to fall out of my will.

Before hearing those words, I always thought that God's will was like a doggy treat that I only got if I deserved it. If I prayed enough, had good church attendance, read my Bible, or sat still long enough, then God would reward me. It's as if God was Jay Stewart and I was on "Let's Make a Deal". If Jay liked me, perhaps he would give me a wink or some-type of sign to tell me which curtain I should go for. No one wants to get zonked in life, and perhaps a little flirting before the show will get me something big. I spent the entire summer being on my BEST behavior. In reality, I became religious. I pictured Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit playing a game of Keep Away. If I wanted His will, I needed to work for it.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalms 23:1-3

So why do we think we need to "make" things happen, when the scripture clearly teaches that He is the shepherd, and we are just the dumb sheep? It is the shepherd, not the sheep, that know where the next pasture is. It is the shepherd that makes the herd sit down and rest. It is the shepherd that takes the herd from danger. It is the shepherd that causes them to be where they need to be. It doesn't say he only leads the sheep with the whitest wool. It doesn't say he leads them if they've been good that day and haven't caused too many problems. The Lord leads them because of one thing. Because HE is a shepherd. Shepherds don't play Keep Away. God doesn't withhold good from us. For a sheep that WANTS to remain in the herd, it would be easier to fall off the earth than fall out of the Shepherd's will.

So what about Jonah? What about the sheep that seem to fall out of their shepherd's will? What you have to understand is that Jonah was a prophet of God to Israel. You don't get to be God's prophet by being rebellious. Jonah wasn't running from God, Jonah was running from an assignment. There is a big difference between a single act of rebellion, and living a rebellious life. It was because Jonah was in God's herd that He went after him. Jonah knew exactly what he was doing. Jonah didn't accidentally take the wrong flight and end up in Tarshish. Even when we purposely flee from our Shepherd, He comes after us. Why? Because that's what shepherds do. For a Christian who is in God's hand, and WANTS to be there, there is nothing that will be able to take you out of it. Even in the heat of the moment, when you jump yourself.

I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me. John 10:28

Jonah is known by us as the guy who ran from God. But Jonah was known by God, as HIS sheep that had gone astray. Yes, you have a free will, and God will never violate that. But He does have a Ways and Means Committee that will ensure you return to the herd, one way or the other. Jonah was NOT the rebellious prophet who didn't want God. You are never who you are right NOW, and you are not who you used to be. Right now, you are His. You are not what you've done. You are NOT the rebellious child who had an abortion, had a child out of marriage, robbed a bank, or stole a car. God knew Jonah's heart and He knew that the Jonah's heart still belonged to Him.

God knows your heart, and he knows who you are, even when others don't. If you are in His family, then you are His responsibility and He will be the perfecter of your faith. Don't let the devil, your in-laws, or your friends tell you otherwise. And don't worry about tomorrow, next week, or next year. Keep your eyes on the Shepherd. The sun will rise, gravity will remain, and you can't sneak past the Shepherd. He's just too good at it what He does.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

And let us run with endurance the race God HAS SET before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

The Spotter

2010-02-05T07:48:00.000-06:00

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Eph. 6:10

Long before 38 Special released the album, strength in numbers was an idiomatic expression referring to the physical and emotional strength drawn from a group of people. The phrase implied that individually, we are nothing, but together, we are a force to be reckoned with. I have no strength, but the numbers do. Similarly, the Bible doesn't tell us to be strong. It tells us to be strong in the Lord. We have no strength, but God does. We have no power, but He does. Being strong in God has nothing to do with how well we quote scripture or the size of our authorized King James. Being strong in God is simply positioning yourself under his responsibility and his care.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor. 12:10

No one likes to appear weak. We're not even interested in being strong, just as long as others think we are. We all have a tendency to flex our own muscles. We can't help it. We buy stuff, wear nice clothes, put on make-up, be on our best behavior, and change the way we talk. All because we want to project in public, a bigger, better, and more successful image of ourselves. Most of us are like walking power-point slides. We accentuate the positives. We underline and italicize. Even our walk looks like scrolling text, as we say our name in bold. But inside we know better. Paul didn't hide his weaknesses, he displayed them.

Paul isn't indulging in masochism. He's simply realized that troubles in life have aided in the popping of his bubble, the snapping of his girdle, and the crumbling of his wall. If it's down, God can lift it up. If it's out, God can put it back. If it's dead, God can make it live again. Paul understood that God doesn't compete with his kids. He doesn't say, "Let's flip a coin. Tails, you can do it your way. Heads, you have to follow me." If you want it bad enough, God will give it to you. God will never take the microphone out of your hand. He'll let you talk your entire life, and patiently wait for you to lose your voice. Paul embraced his suffering because he noticed how quickly it caused him to pull over, get out of the driver seat, and let God drive the car. Being lost with no gas, no money, and no place to go is a clue that you should have never been driving in the first place. Need proof? Ask Jonah.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Cor. 10:13

Paul invites weakness, because it allows God to be strong. Paul also says that God doesn't test us beyond our limit. So which is it? How do we reconcile God being our strength in weakness, with the fact that he said he wouldn't tempt us pass our weakness? We have to recognize that HE is the way of escape, that allows us to bear it. The escape isn't an admission of defeat or a retreat. The escape is a part of the victory. The escape is a testament to God's faithfulness and His strength. Religion will teach you to return to battle with the latest Hillsongs album and quoting more scripture. Christianity teaches that it isn't about you, it's about Christ! Those that battle sins and habits on their own, fail miserably. Ask me how I know. Remember Joseph didn't conquer the temptation with Potiphar's wife, he RAN from it. Jesus was the only one who ever conquered sin. Flexing our muscles and standing in our own strength may seem like the Christian thing to do, but in the end, it will kill you.

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Prov. 14:12

Spotting is a crucial part in weight training. The main job of a spotter is stand next to the lifter with his or her hands under the bar. By doing this, the spotter can place MORE weight on the bar allowing the lifter to push more weight than he or she could normally do. If all we ever lifted was what we can already push, we would plateau and never go to the next level. A spotter ensures that your weight limit is always rising. God never brings us into situations where He isn't going to "spot" for us. And if God is spotting, there's NOTHING we can't lift. I've foolishly placed weights and had to call for a spot a few times. It's not a good feeling. Many choose to live their lives without God's love and protection. For them, there is no way of escape. ....unless you call for one.

For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13

The Suicide Signer

2009-12-15T10:27:00.000-06:00

Damascus is believed to be the oldest city in the world. With some archaeologist placing it's birth between 8,000 to 10,000 BC., it remains the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. It has never been abandoned or destroyed. It's longevity is nothing short of astounding, if not a miracle. But according the Bible, Damascus won't be around forever.

This message came to me concerning Damascus: "Look, the city of Damascus will disappear! It will become a heap of ruins. The towns of Aroer will be deserted. Flocks will graze in the streets and lie down undisturbed, with no one to chase them away. The fortified towns of Israels will also be destroyed, and the royal power of Damascus will end. All that remains of Syrias will share the fate of Israel's departed glory," declares the Lord of Heaven's Armies. Isaiah 17:1-3

This particular prophecy of Isaiah has yet to be fulfilled, and for good reason. Verse 14 describes Israel "waiting" in terror at night, but by dawn, it's enemies are all dead. This is the only generation where total annihilation can be accomplished within hours through the use of technology. It took the Japanese days before finally surrendering to the Allies after the nuclear bombing of it's cities. (There is no such thing as a "proportional response" when your goal is to win wars.) Isaiah predicts that Israel will erase Damascus from the globe forever, in a matter of hours. Perhaps there wont be anyone left to surrender.

In the evening Israel waits in terror, but by dawn its enemies are dead. This is the just reward of those who plunder us, a fitting end for those who destroy us. Isaiah 17:14

As a Bible prophecy junkie, I have always wondered what scenario could involve Israel and Syria in a nuclear confrontation. I got my answer this past Friday. Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi and Syrian Defense Minister Ali Mohammad Habib Mahmoud signed a mutual defense agreement. War between Israel and Iran is pretty much a far gone conclusion, but Syria was a mystery. The destruction of Damascus didn't fit any current scenarios. But there's one now.

Iran has called for the destruction of Israel and has promised to wipe Israel off the map. Israel has no choice but to draw first blood and strike at Iran's nuclear facilities. If Syria responds, (which is what they have agreed to do on Friday) Israel will have no choice but to make this 2 against 1 fight even again. And given the fact that Syria holds chemical and biological weapons, Israel will do it in one blow. Pearl Harbor pushed America to the point of creating TWO parking lots in Japan. Isaiah says Syria will push Israel to do the same thing. God help them if they just signed their lives away.

A Good Soldier

2009-11-24T12:22:00.000-06:00

A good father would defend his family against dangers that come.
A good soldier will preemptively attack the dangers before they mobilize.

A good father would take a bullet for his family.
A good soldier would give a bullet for yours.

A good father affectionately engages his family.
A good soldier harshly engages the enemy.

A good father stands up to a bully.
A good soldier lays down a bully.

A good father locks the house and tucks his family in at night.
A good soldier loads his weapon and tucks his country in at night.

A good father will cancel anything to attend his child's birth.
A good soldier may have to skip the birth to ensure his child will grow up.

A good father loves ONE woman and his loyalty is without question.
A good soldier loves ONE country and his weapon is pointed accordingly.

A good father leaves an inheritance for his children.
A good soldier leaves an inheritance for a generation.

A good father would die for his family.
A good soldier would die for yours.

Thanks to all of the good soldiers that allow us to be good fathers.

Playing Poker With God

2009-11-05T14:05:00.000-06:00

I love watching poker. Poker is a game of chance, wrapped up in probability, and deep fried in psychology. The goal of the game is to get big portions of other people's money using our single greatest asset - Our God given ability to deceive. Deception, or bluffing, is the main weapon in poker. Of course it helps to have a good hand, but great cards only provide a sort of "side arm" in the event your main weapon jams. The cards in your hand are mainly there to provide the "plot" of the story. It's still your job to tell it, and to tell it convincingly.

If you have strong cards, the plot of the story is that you have descent cards and are hoping "lady luck" blows you a kiss. If you are successful in telling your story, this will cause other players with descent or strong cards to throw their money in the "fair" fight in hopes of winning the communal pot. If you have weak cards, the plot of the story is that you have strong cards and everyone better mind their distance. I know there's a lot more to it, but you get the idea.

What makes poker so entertaining to watch is that everyone is pretending to have something they don't, or pretending to want something they already have. All of this is done to get as much as they can from the other players without actually having to reveal their own cards. Like I said, it's really fun to watch. What's not so fun to watch is when mortal man plays it with Almighty God. There are many problems with playing poker with God. First, He already knows what your holding, so your bluff won't work. Second, He's pretty boring at it. He doesn't bet or fold according to what the other players are doing. It's like He's playing by His own rules. In fact, it's more like He's not playing at all. In reality, we deal God a hand whether he's playing or not.

One of the regular and oldest poker games exists between God and the so-called "atheists". I say "so-called" because the very purpose of the match is to convince others that there really is an absence of belief. Since the Bible says there exist no such absence, the atheist has no choice but to deal God a hand and hope He plays. The bluff of the atheist is to act as though his hand contains NO proof that there is a God. The atheist begins to act in such a way to portray that he has the weaker hand. They ignore evidence, and even ignore their own conscience, just to keep the story convincing. In poker, the purpose of appearing weak is to increase the size of the pot.

Have you ever heard an atheist say, "If there's a God, then why does evil exists?" That's a topic in of itself, but the point is that the atheist weakens his hand to bait God into "sweetening" the pot, or giving into the pot as to make it more appealing to the other players. The atheist wants God to remove evil, sickness, global warming, and world hunger. Once the pot is sweetened enough to their evidentiary standards, they will gladly fold their hand without revealing their cards. At least, that's the plan. But it only works when you're opponent can be manipulated.

When God doesn't give us the cure for cancer and cool the earth, the bluffer HAS to keep bluffing. The last thing the atheist wants is to still be playing during the last phase of the poker hand, the showdown. It is in the showdown, you MUST reveal your cards. The showdown is the judgement phase of the hand. The cards don't lie. No one wants to stand before Almighty God holding the wrong cards. And for the atheist, those cards are Romans 1:20, and Romans 1:21

For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Romans 1:20-21

Everyone is born with the knowledge of God. It's better to fold early.

Another popular poker game exists between God has His own kids - the Christians. Not to be out done by the atheist, Christians are also notorious for playing down their hand so daddy can bless the pot, in Jesus' Name. Amen. You can spot these professional players from a mile away. You won't hear them talking about how great God is, or how better their life is now with Christ. You'll hear how life is unfair, God is far, or God doesn't care. You'll hear how they believe the relationship "ball" is in God's court, and that they have their doubts that God is gonna play ball. For them, life has asked some pretty hard questions and God has lots of explaining and reaching out to do. To them, God is only as good, faithful, or trustworthy as the last pot he's blessed.

One of my former complaints about God was that He wasn't co-dependent. What good is my bluff if God doesn't need me to agree with Him. Most of us are so insecure about ourselves that we will climb mountains and swim oceans to get approval and acceptance. God is so NOT insecure, you won't find Him running behind everyone shouting, "Can I rephrase that?", or "What can I do to make you love me more?" God is God whether we agree with Him or not. He is good, whether we trust Him or not. He wants our best, whether we believe Him or not. We sometimes get this whole relationship with God backwards. God died once, and for all. He hung once, and He's not doing it again. If our opinion of Him isn't already settled, then there's nothing He can do the the "pot" to change it.

Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him. Job 13:15

If our attitude towards God isn't already trust and faith, then we've missed the point. God isn't moved by need. If that were true, India would be the most blessed country on Earth. There's more poverty and need in India than any place on the planet. It's not NEED that moves God. It's faith. God does NOTHING outside faith. You can't scare, manipulate, or shake Him down. He holds the universe in His hands. The sooner we realize that we're here to serve and give Him pleasure and not the other way around, the sooner we live a blessed and purpose filled life.

In the story of the prodigal son, you'll recall that the father never went after his son. He didn't even talk him out of going. The father knew that his son could navigate back home. When we stray from God, He patiently waits. Reconciliation HAS to come from us. We have to already know that it was better to be in HIS house doing His will than outside doing our own. It makes no sense to go through life playing the weak hand. It is a hard lesson to learn that I need Him, and He doesn't need me. Whining, complaining, and acting like a victim is NOT how you show up on God's radar.

Jesus passed by His enemies. Jesus passed by those wanting to kill Him. Jesus passed by those who didn't want Him. If fact, Jesus went out of his way to OFFEND the ones who had already made up their mind. There are too many people who depend on Him for God to be nervous about our poker faces. Yet we continue to play the weak hand and pack our bags in the event God calls our bluff. Like the prodigal son, we will eventually come around....right after we play a few hands with the pigs.

The Gift of Love

2009-10-24T08:42:00.001-05:00

One of the most recognized verses in scripture is John 3:16. Even if you don't know what it says, you at least know it's there. The verse has become a part of our pop culture; showing up on signs, business cards, and even tattoos. It has been called the "Gospel in a nutshell" because it summarizes the story of God, in one verse:

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

I have a bad habit of using the wrong words to communicate. It is for this reason that my wife knows that I love her AND Popeye's Chicken. ( Isn't she special? ) Of course on most days, I love my wife more than Popeye's Chicken, but it is a perfect example of how weakened our words and ultimately, our relationships have become. Love is one of those words we casually throw around to describe how "good" something makes us feel. Because of my careless use of words, unless my wife "knows" me, she could assume that she is in the same league as fried chicken, Fridays, and Facebook. As American English speaking Christians, John 3:16 doesn't sound so potent anymore. We've watered-down words so much, that we have reduced the Gospel to forgettable and familiar cliches.

The problem with love is that everybody's saying it. Hearing that God loves me isn't that big of a deal to most of us. This is because we've heard it before, and we know how the game is played. Ask any guy why he loves his wife and you'll soon find the problem. He might say something like, "I love her because she treats me like a man", or "I love her because we make a great team" Ask a woman the same question, and you might hear; "I love him because I enjoy his company and he makes me happy."

The love we know is all about "MY" needs and "MY" best interests. We love people and things that make us happy. Therefore, We understand that others love us based on how we make them feel. We learn that as long as we are able to contribute to their well-being, they will add us to the list of people, places, and things, that they love, and who doesn't want to be on that list? Most of our relationships begin and end with US in mind. As long as there's something in it for us, we will continue to love them. Sadly, that is where we tend to lose God in the mix. We don't really have a problem with being loved by God. Our problem is that we don't understand why. I can easily make a list of why I think people love me. But God, well we just don't get it. I can treat God's love the same way I treat a hockey match on television. Because I don't understand it, I just change the channel.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. 1John 4:16-17

In Hebrew (the language of the Bible), there is no word for our definition of "love". The closest word in Hebrew is the word "Ahava", which means "I will give" or "giveness". Ahava is a state in which all I want to do is give. The reason God loves us is because He IS love. To God, Love is NOT an emotional response, it's who He is. To say that God loves us, is like saying the rain waters the ground. That's what rain does. The rain can't come and NOT give water. If there is no water, there is no rain. The rain doesn't make a choice. It doesn't pick and choose where its going to fall. It will fall on those who receive it and those who'll turn it away. It will fall on the garden, and it will fall on the concrete. God's love through Christ fell on the entire world, regardless of soil of your heart. God doesn't choose who He wants to love. There is no such concept in God, but WE do it all the time.

God's love is completely opposite of our view of love. Where we tend to analyze the relationship for "mutual" interests and benefits, Ahava says I will give regardless of what you do. There is no mutual benefit requirement for Ahava. God doesn't look down from Heaven and wait for us to do something cute so He can love us. God already loves us. God didn't create a focus group to find out what percentage of mankind would accept Him, if he came to earth and died. That's what we do. We don't like to waste our affection on folks who don't appreciate or recognize us for it. We don't waste our time, talents, and money on people who don't contribute. Those people don't DESERVE it. That's why God's love is confusing to us. Our definition of love is not even a word in the Hebrew Bible. Our definition makes us ask "why", "what's the catch", or "what's it gonna cost me?" We've been looking at love through the wrong eyes. We need to have God's perspective on love, not what our culture says. If we take the literal meaning of love, we get a better picture.

Because God is a giver, to the world He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The dictionary defines marriage as "a formal agreement between two companies or enterprises to combine operations, resources, etc.., for mutual benefit; merger." When analyzing our definition of marriage, I can't believe how America's divorce rate is as low as it is. That's astounding! Since half of all marriages end in divorce, our marriages are doing better than most businesses. Restaurants only have a 20% change of surviving two years. No one starts a marriage (or business) with the intention of failing, but when your definition requires the other entity to do their part, their are no guarantees. I have heard it said that marriage is a two way street. I have also heard it said that marriage is 50/50. It may sound good, but is it true? You wont find that definition in scripture.

In Hebrew, there is also no word for our definition of "marriage". The closest word in Hebrew is Nisuim or Nisuin, which means "to carry". In ancient Jewish weddings, the groom would "carry" the bride off to his tent to consummate the marriage. This is where we get the tradition of "carrying" our bride across the threshold. God didn't create the concept of mutual benefit, or merger. Man, culture, and tradition did. God's view of marriage was that I want to give what I have, BECAUSE YOU NEED IT!. Marriage was always the concept of I love you so much, that I can't help but want to carry you, and and I will carry you no matter how heavy you get. What would our divorce rate be if we adopted THAT concept. In reality, we already do that. We just call it "dating" or "courting". Once we tag em and bag em, its back to loving you as long as you do for me.

But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. Revelation 2:4-5

Could it be that marriages fail because love fails? During courtship, there was no such things as too much time or money. Before marriage, we had friends complaining that they never saw us anymore. Before marriage, we were borrowing money because we spent it all on our date. Before marriage, money, time, and other people's opinion didn't matter. We loved by giving. We KNEW what love was. But now we are "mature", and someone told us love was a two-way street. Someone told us that marriage was 50/50. Someone told us that we needed to tone it down because we were spoiling them. Someone told us that we needed to come to reality. They said it was just a phase. Enjoy the honeymoon, you'll come out of it.

The Bible says that we fall out of love, because we quit giving. We quit doing the things that made us fall in love, in the first place. Marriage teaches me to do my part, and expect you to do yours. It teaches us to compromise. It teaches us to meet in the middle. If I go to work, you raise the kids. If I cook the meal, you cut the grass. If I clean the house, you take out the trash. But Nisuim, teaches me to do everything. Nisuim says I'm gonna make the money, clean the house, cut the grass, and take out the trash. Nisuim says that I decide to give 100%, regardless of what you give. There is no Hebrew word for a mutual parasitic relationship. But we have one in English.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8

Rest Area

2009-10-14T11:54:00.000-05:00

A good friend of mine mentioned that my posts were becoming increasingly "preachy" and long. Because I love him so much, I'll give him a break and allow him to catch up. I admit, there was a definite theme with the last 10 or so posts, but that's where I was. That's why it's titled, "My Journey - Witness God lead, drag, and by gun point, take me into his perfect will."

Being a Christian isn't about always appreciating the scenery, or choosing the pitstops. That's what separates Christianity from all the religions of the world. All of them say do this, don't do that, or turn here, and if you're lucky you'll arrive in heaven's parking lot. Christianity is about handing over the car keys. Firstly, because there's only one person who knows how to get there. We are born clueless to our purpose and have no idea how to navigate a weekend, much less navigate into eternity. Secondly, we're too drunk with life's problems to be able to steer. Talking on a cell phone while driving is dangerous enough. Most of us go through life talking on multiple cell phones. We have a work phone, a family phone, a church phone, a sick grandmother phone, and a ADD child phone. But we start the car everyday and think we can juggle it all and STILL find out our destiny. I never know where I'll end up, but I'm at peace knowing that when I get there, I'm in HIS will, and I'm on His itinerary.

There's an old Buddhist proverb that says, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." For the past few months, that has truly been the case. It's amazing what can happen in your life, in just a short time, if you quit watching the news. I became so disillusioned with current events and politics, that I decided to stay away from it. Of course, I did feed the beast a little snack every now and then with a few evenly spaced Facebook quips. But for the most part, I've stayed away from what has become to me, a cartoon. By not dwelling on Obama, Middle East drama, and economic trauma, I made myself ready. And when I settled down, God showed up with a fresh supply of peace, tranquility, hope, and joy.

Hand over your keys, all who are too drunk, busy, and ignorant to drive, and I will let you nap in the back. You're gonna need your rest when I wake you up at the next stop. Matthew 11:28 ( New International Truck Drivers Version) (ok it's mine)

Seeker Insensitive

2009-09-28T16:05:00.001-05:00

The most recent pit stop, in "my journey" through this Christian life, involves a wound that I've carried for a long time. In fact, It was a wound that I didn't know was there until God removed it. This wound, like most, began as a verbal offense. Most offenses are the result of theft. Theft is defined as "the taking of something without consent" If I "take" an offense, and none was given, then the offense is stolen. Most people don't intend to offend us, but that doesn't stop us from taking it.

Have you ever observed someone irresponsibly lay down their wallet, keys, etc.? Have you ever taken it to teach them a lesson about taking care of their stuff? After a few minutes of anxiety, you finally give it to them, proud that you showed them a lesson. Being offended is similar. We easily justify our theft by convincing ourselves that they should have been more careful with their words. How dare they trample our feelings with their free-speech. They need to learn to pay more attention to their tone and choice of words. We take an offense and we teach them a lesson by becoming offended. We take what was not given to us, and we make it into something it else.

If that wasn't bad enough, sometimes we take it, but don't tell them. That's called teaching them a "valuable" lesson. We take it forever. We hide it, and nurse it. We never tell them that we're offended. The only way they will ever know, is if they figure it out through the many clues we leave behind at family gatherings. Sometimes we leave a big clue and tell someone else. Then we deny it later to really make them sweat it out. It's normal for us to hide what we steal. Hidden offenses thrive in cold dark conditions. If they stay too long, they grow and cause infections. That infection creates a wound that brings pain for as long as the offense is hidden. Have you ever taken an offense that ate you up inside? Did the person you take it from KNOW that you took it?

A few years ago, I stole an offense from one of the leaders of a church I was attending. It turned out to be disastrous and completely changed the course of relationships. For years I harbored resentment towards the way they did ministry and their approach to people. I became disillusioned with the seeker sensitive, purpose driven model that so many churches have adopted. Church became dull and boring. I began to wonder why so many similar churches were making members instead of disciples. The sermons, the music, the activities; all were geared toward bringing the crowd into the church doors. I was all for bringing in the crowd, but what about the core? What about the struggling, hurting, and wounded brothers and sisters, who were no longer apart of the crowd, but now spending every waking minute volunteering and working to bring them in? Who is ministering to them? Who is helping to carry their burdens?

For years, I loathed the term "seeker". I've always felt the seeking was to be done OUTSIDE the doors of the church. I thought seeking was done at schools, workplaces, and laundry mats. When did the church service become an infomercial for people who might happen to walk through the doors that Sunday? If I wanted to go to a higher level, a deeper understanding, or a closer walk with God: who would I follow? Who would be my guide?

It's interesting that the seeker movement came around the same time "formal" living rooms started showing up in house plans. Families needed a room to entertain guests who didn't live there. They needed a place to showcase their cleanliness and how perfect their house was. (Take my word for it. All the rooms look like this. ) Seeker Churches decided they needed the same thing. Over time, Sunday services became like the "formal" living room. It needed to be clean, traditional, and less homely. So if the Sunday service was the formal living room, where did the "real" living take place? Where did the family get to be themselves? Where would they get a chance to take their shoes off, and take off the masks? Well, we created cell groups for that.

We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between service, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own. – Bill Hybels

Don't be so hard on yourself Bill. You did exactly what God wanted you to do. The quickest path to peace is acceptance, and God has brought me into acceptance with seeker churches. After Moses led the Jews out of Egypt, they came to rest in the desert. God never intended that they stay in the desert. He wanted them to go through the desert and move into the promised land. But most of the Jews didn't want to go. They didn't think it was worth the fight. God brought them out of Egypt. They didn't earn it or work for it. But the promised land was something that had to be fought over. Hybels believes he should have taught the people to become 'self feeders'. That's great, but what if they don't want to be self feeders? Well God has a backup plan.

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Look, I'm going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions. Exodus 16:4

I have come to accept the reality that there will always be people who receive God's free gift of salvation, and refuse to go any further. Sadly, more people will choose to pitch their tent in the desert, than go fight the enemy. But God in His infinite love and mercy will feed them regardless of their decision to stay where they are. The Apostle Paul understood the tendency to accept Jesus and just wait for Heaven.

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don't need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. Hebrews 6:1

God and He alone, brought them out of Egypt. That made hungry wilderness Jews His responsibility. I believe God not only allows, but blesses, seeker churches because they are STILL feeding people. No longer will I look at them in contempt or in judgment. I regret past comments I've made about other churches, and I realize that ALL churches are needed. God took care of His people even though they didn't want to go any farther, and I believe He still does. There are a lot of people who need Christ. We need all the churches we can build. Because I am a self-feeder, I'll be at peace if God ever wants me to attend a seeker church again. I'll work instead of whine. I'll participate instead of put off. I'll be anything God wants me to be. Souls are at stake, friends. It's time to get the job done, and quit stealing.

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law,s I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 1 Corinthians 9 19-23

Days of Our Lives

2009-09-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

One of the interesting aspects of creation is that God took six days to create everything. The Bible doesn't say that creation took six days. It says, God took six days. There is a huge difference. Creation taking six days, implies that God underestimated the scope of work, and finally finished on the sixth day. God could have done everything in an hour, but He chose to take six days.

And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Genesis 2:2

The word 'rested' in Hebrew is "shabath". It literally means "to quit" or "to cease". God didn't quit because He ran out of nails. He didn't get tired, or realize that He had dinner plans. He chose to quit, and He knew exactly when it was going to happen. Most of us never choose when we quit. It is always the result of us running out of money, energy, or time. Most of us never to choose to rest. We work until we have to take a break. Have you ever heard someone say, "I need a vacation?" The problem is that we wait until it's needed.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today. - Thomas Jefferson

Why not Mr. Jefferson? What's the hurry? God created birds and fish on Day 5, but "put off" beasts for Day 6. God could have created everything in the first day, but He strategically created the universe in a specific order. God started and stopped for a purpose. He rested for a purpose. Even in creation, God was speaking to us.

Creation tells us that rest is more important than completion. On Day 2, God created our atmosphere. He created our sky and what we call, the ozone. But He didn't create birds until Day 5. You would think that if God had all day to create something, He would have more to show for it than just more empty space. Unlike Us, God doesn't feel the pressure to stay late after work. God didn't feel like His sky was missing something. He didn't think the sky needed birds before He could punch out and call it a day. How often do we keep going because our work just isn't done yet? We do THIS, but it needs THAT. We have a picture in our mind of what it's "supposed" to look like. We spend days, months, and years "tweaking" our life, so that one day we can enjoy it. God didn't call His sky a "work in progress", He called it GOOD.

We will never enjoy our skies today, if we can't wait for our birds tomorrow. So many times, we miss opportunities of rest, because we aren't completely satisfied with our NOW. We can't enjoy our house NOW, because the carpets need to be replaced. We can't enjoy our job NOW, because I'm not in management yet. We can't relax NOW, because we still need to unload the dishwasher. God knew birds were going to be flying in His sky, but He was completely OK with waiting a few days.

The reason that I am in debt NOW, is because I can't wait until tomorrow. The credit card allows me to get my sky AND my birds all in the same day. It allows me to "never pay cash tomorrow what I can charge today". Debt and lusting for everything now, is a major reason most will never enter into financial rest. I know people who won't get a job NOW, because the job they could get today only pays minimum wage. In their mind, it is OK to earn nothing while they "hold out" for something else. If there house was flooded, they would rather let MasterCard, the government, or their parents sustain them on their rooftop until a yacht, and nothing less, is able to rescue them.

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. Zechariah 4:10

Creation also tells us that our rest is more important than our needs. On Day 3, God created the plants, but He didn't create the Sun until Day 4. How insensitive is God that He would allow His precious plants to be without sunlight for for a whole day. Obviously He doesn't understand how photosynthesis works. Have you ever left for vacation, and forgot to make arrangements for someone to feed your pets? Have you ever felt like God left for vacation, and forgot about YOU and your circumstances? It is easy to get excited, worried, and stressed out when you feel like you are all alone, and now one knows what your going through. We believe God takes care of us, but it sure seems like He's not in as much of a hurry as we are. I learned very quickly, God is NEVER in a hurry. If I think God is taking to long, then its because I don't really trust Him like I say I do.

No matter how good it is, you will never enjoy a meal, that you call your last. Have you ever had trouble going to sleep because you knew what would be sitting in the rocking chair when you woke up? Our rest is often stolen by the cares of tomorrow. God has the benefit of knowing the end AND the beginning. We don't. We may want look at our life NOW and say darkness, coldness, or hopelessness. But from God's perspective, it's still GOOD. The Sun WILL rise in your life. Even if he hasn't created it yet.

Give your burdens to the Lord , and he will take care of you. Psalms 55:22

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6

God is in control. He wants us to rest. He wants us to trust Him. Our lives look unfinished for a reason. We're unfinished people. But that isn't a reason to get sweaty and nervous. He's on a schedule, and He's is enjoying every minute of your life. Your sky may be unfinished, but it's only Day 2 and there's a good reason. If he gave you the birds NOW, where would they build their nests? He doesn't create dry ground until Day 3.

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

Belle of the Ball

2009-09-14T14:26:00.001-05:00

One of the arguments against becoming a Christian, is that Christians are no different than the rest of the world. I disagree. They are worse. But this is just my opinion, and I call myself a Christian. That may sound harsh, but let me explain. People expect Christians to be certain way. And when they're not, it is very disappointing. Most of the time, you can find us living in the outskirts of Normalville.

You can easily spot the Cinderella Christians. They dress, act, and talk holy, but are really no different than the rest of us. They don't go to church, they go to the ball. They put on their best smile and manners, and act like they belong there. But Cinderella can't go the distance. Her disguise only lasts until noon, or 30 minutes before kickoff (whichever is sooner). For Cinderella, Christianity is not a philosphy. It is a religion, an escape, a fill-up, or a check box on an ever increasing list of things to do. Cinderella Christians are hourly and need to mind the clock. If they stay out too long, their cover will be blown to pumpkin seeds.

Cinderella wears her Christianity, but Lady Tremaine enforces the dress code. I have been turned off by many wicked Stepmothers of Jesus than I care to name. They believe themselves to be gatekeepers of all that is holy and good. They are experts in Christian living and serve us mortals as heavenly hall monitors. If you prove yourself worthy, they might even invite you over for a Christian video and show you their collection of glass slippers. The stepmothers of Christianity wear their religion on their sleeve, and are easily offended by the Cinderellas for their lack of commitment and loyalty. Nothing ticks them off more than watching Cinderella attend church AND get to go home and be casual. Cinderellas only fool other Christians, but the religious stepmothers have to fool everyone, all the time. That's not fair!

When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile Christians, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish Christians followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. Galatians 2:12-13

Peter was a "Cinderella" because he ate with non-Jews ONLY when the Jews weren't looking. When Peter was in the company of Jews, he would turn his back on the Gentiles and morph into the custodian of clean cuisine. Living a balanced life is something I have to choose moment to moment. I often jump between being Cinderella and Jesus' stepmother. It depends on who I am hanging around with. So what causes us to be like Peter? What causes us to flip flop on our beliefs to the confusion of others? What makes us want to put on our costumes one minute, or sleep in our uniforms the next? What makes Christianity so irrelevant to the outside world?

I believe the answer revolves around our understanding of what makes one a Christian. For most folk, Christianity is a religion that needs to be followed. For others, it is an experience that needs to be felt. The truth is, its a position that needs to be accepted. Salvation is not conditional, it is positional.

For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6

It is hard to believe that we are seated in heaven when we are sitting in traffic, at the laundry mat, or laid up in a hospital bed. The reason why most Christians become Cinderella or the Stepmothers in Christ is because they believe salvation is conditional. Cinderellas need to act, talk, and be a certain way so as to prove they are saved. Stepmothers think they need to maintain it every 3000 miles or else they void the warranty. THAT is when Christianity becomes a religion. Christianity was never supposed to be a religion. Religion is man's way of reconciling himself to God. Christianity is a philosophy that understands that God already reconciled man to Himself. We had nothing to do with it.

And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Romans 5:11

The Bible doesn't say we earn reconciliation. It says we receive it. But who wants something for nothing? Christians are no different than the rest of the world. One of the reasons we act weird is because we have truly received a gift, and we are having a hard time accepting that we didn't deserve it. This isn't an excuse, it's the truth. We go around propping ourselves up, exaggerating our deeds, and sometimes confusing the hell out of everyone else. We can get so crazy that no one wants to follow us into a Wal-Mart much less follow us to heaven. We can't give someone else the love of Christ if we are too busy trying to pay Him back. It is human nature to first say "What's the catch?" and then think of ways to do them favors.

Some try to earn salvation (religion), but others think they deserved it. Just like with anything free, there will always be people who believe they were entitled to it. This is a dangerous place to be as you can easily believe that some DON'T deserve it. Have you ever been around a Christian who looked down at you? Have you ever looked down at someone else, and deduced in your mind why they were "down there" in the first place? Salvation is simple. Christianity is simple. Christians and religion are not.

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3

Don't let the simplicity of salvation move you away from Christ. And if you're not a Christian, don't let the religion of others deter you from the love Christ has for you. If you found a counterfeit bill inside of a bag of money, would you throw out the entire bag? No, you would throw out the counterfeit. Don't let a bad experience, marriage, church, etc. keep you from accepting something genuine and beautiful. You can come to God NOW, and just as you are.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins Ephesians 2:1

Salvation is positional, not conditional. Most of us need to shake off our religion and return to true Christianity. Christianity is not a social club of elite Jesus groupies. No one ever found Jesus. He wasn't lost. He found us, and we were as good as dead. He took our dead spirit and reconciled us back to God. What gives us the right to pull people over and give them a sobriety test before we share the love of Jesus with them?

For us Cinderellas, stop dressing up. It hurts to much to walk around in costume looking constipated. Eventually, who you really are will come out. And the fact that you tried to hide it, will end up hurting more people. Evil Stepmothers, chill out! When Christ found you, you didn't even have a pulse. No one wants to feel intimidated, made less than, or unworthy.

You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14

The problem with being the light of the world is that we enjoy shinning it in each others eye. Oh God, heal those whom I have blinded and give me another chance to shine. I promise to tone it down a bit.

War of the Words

2009-09-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Faultier words have never been spoken. Most of us are not walking around on crutches due to someone breaking our bones. However, we have been crippled at some point, because of the words of other people. The problem with words is that a lot of us don't understand its purpose. Most of us believe words are only used to communicate. We understand verbal and written words are used to share feelings and emotions as well as transfer knowledge and facts. But communication is the secondary purpose of words. Creation is its primary purpose.

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3

God spoke the very first words of our known universe. Notice, he wasn't talking to anyone. He spoke in order to create, not communicate. Words are the seeds of creation. God didn't create light by thinking about it. He didn't meditate on it. He didn't write it down and put it under his pillow or stick it on the bathroom mirror. He spoke it. God used the spoken word as the tool of choice to create and shape this world into existence.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:3

Words not only have meaning, they have power. Words always create FIRST, and communicate second. When I give someone encouragement, I unknowingly create a feeling and emotion that translates into that person desiring to continue and exceed expectations. Even though my comment was meant to communicate praise or recognition, I ended up creating a positive and fertile environment for more fruit. The opposite happens when I give discouragement. My intention may be to communicate disapproval, but I am in danger of creating a negative environment that demotivates and causes that person to feel personal rejection.

It's not that hard a concept when you think about it. When someone receives a standing ovation or trophy, we don't expect them to stand there like their from Vulcan and acknowledge that they were just doing their job. Everyone takes it personal when they receive praise and recognition. We can't help it. So we shouldn't act surprised when people take it personally when we hit them with criticism or disapproval. We often defend ourselves by saying, "its just business." We say, "don't take it personal, here comes some constructive criticism". Constructive criticism is one of the most brainless terms in the English language. It basically means, I'm going to build up, BY TEARING DOWN! It's disingenuous, and it doesn't translate into the real world. There is no such thing as "constructive criticism" when your wife is trying on a new outfit.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21

It's interesting that God said "death" before he said "life". Perhaps it is because He already knows what we are predisposed to. I've never had to excuse myself from a family meal because someone was being too kind. I've never had to turn off the television because the news was just too good. I've never kept what God was telling me, a secret, because I knew my friends would be too supportive. When we make our pros and cons list, we don't need help on the cons side. When we want to go back to school, we have plenty of reasons why we shouldn't, and only a couple of why we should. When couples are separated, they can talk for hours about the reasons they should get a divorce, but rarely do they mention reasons why they shouldn't. We have no problems justifying why we can't do things, and we will gladly help other come to the same conclusion.

You are snared by the words of your mouth; You are taken by the words of your mouth. Proverbs 6:2

Thank God it doesn't say, you are snared by the thoughts of your mind. The Bible doesn't say that you are what you think. Most of my thoughts are not pure, honest, and good. But that doesn't mean that I am those things. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God judges our thoughts. It says that God judges our hearts. You can't control what comes into your brain, but you can control what you think and meditate on. And you can certainly control what comes out of your mouth. Your success, prosperity, and fulfillment in life hinges on what you believe about yourself. Do you believe what God says about you, or do you believe what other people say about you?

Words, like guns, are amoral. They can be used for good as well as evil. Words can build up, but they can also tear down. Words don't know motive or intent. Have you ever had to defend yourself because you said something, that you didn't mean? Most of us have had to go back and explain ourselves, because we used the wrong words. If only words knew our heart and intentions before they decided to fly off our tongues. We've all heard the expression, "think before you speak." We don't get any mulligans when we speak before thinking. The best we can do is get out the ketchup, because it makes the crow easier to swallow. You know, Microsoft Office had some annoyances, but their heart was in the right place.

Positive confession is not the same as positive thinking. Thinking positive causes you to face the right direction, but in reality, it gets you nowhere. Positive thinking is like believing in God. Most people believe in God, but wooptido, so what? Believing in God doesn't change your life, it just means you're not an idiot. Many people have said "I believe in God", but that's not the same as saying, "I agree with God". Our eternity isn't based on believing with our brain that the life we're living isn't an accident. Our eternity is based on confession. It is based on agreeing with God. Our salvation in Jesus is made manifest by us speaking God's light into our existence. It's not a head knowledge. It's a heart knowledge. We are not what we believe in our brains. We are, however, what we believe in our hearts. God existing in our brains doesn't change us, God existing in our heart does.

For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he will be. Proverbs 23:7

There exist among us, a 'war of the words'. Some words come straight from our brains and out of our mouth. Some originate from our hearts. When disciplining my son, I often have him repeat words back to me. I know that when he says them, they are not coming from his heart. My goal is to have him repeat them often enough so that they will eventually BE in his heart. Some of us have heard negative things repeated to us so often, that they are now part of who we believe ourselves to be. Some of us have been called losers so much that we believe in our hearts that we are, and we act accordingly.

The words of our hearts and the words of our mind are in constant battle. This is the same battle that causes a 80 pound woman to look into a mirror and believe she is fat. It doesn't matter that the eyes connected to her brain see bones poking through her skin. Her wounded heart is speaking louder than her brain. We are who we believe in our hearts. Whether or not our heart is telling us the truth, is irrelevant.

So how do we fight this battle? How do we know who to believe? Do we believe what our parents, friends, and teachers say about us? Do we believe "science" and our brains. Do we believe our feelings and our hearts? The answer is simple. We believe God. Everything else changes. Feelings, people, and science are always changing. We need to believe and confess something that never changes. We need to believe what He says about us. We need to confess with our mouth, what He already said.

Most of us are carrying around a lifetime of pain and guilt, created by the words of other people. The only remedy is to create a new life using the words of God. Positive thinking won't make it better, but positive confession will. If the words of other people and your own mind got you where you are today, just think about what the words of the living God will do for your life. Don't just stay positive. Don't just think positive. Speak positive! Words are not magical, they are powerful. So powerful, that heaven requires you to SPEAK them.

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Most people won't come over for dinner, unless you invite them first. Jesus is one of those people. He couldn't have made it any easier.

Only As Good As.....

2009-08-31T15:28:00.000-05:00

There's an expression in the movie business that goes, 'you're only as good as your last picture'. Some have adopted the phrase and applied it to their own experiences. Athletes have learned, you're only as good as your last game. Models know, you're only as good as your last hairstyle. Writers are only as good as their last piece, and friends are only as good as their last piece of advice.

It is a reality of life. Humans are "now" people. We live moment to moment and poll to poll. We care little about adventure and cling to whats comfortable and popular. We are a society of microwaves, drive-thru windows, and 10 items or less(even if we have 11). We want what we want, and we want it now. It makes no difference if we've been friends since the fourth grade. So what that you helped pay my rent, put gas in my car, and bailed me out of jail 3 times. It doesn't even matter that we have the same momma. How are you helping me now and what are you bringing to my table? If you don't agree, count the friends you have, that are poorer than you. Friends with jet skis, time-shares, swimming pools, and four wheelers are on back order.

I like a good chase movie. It is especially funny to watch the ones involving a boat or plane. Almost always, is there a scene where the bad guy isn't going fast enough. He immediately begins dumping cargo, and sometimes people, to lighten the load. He needs to get somewhere fast, and he doesn't care who or what gets tossed out. Everything but the gold, will be thrown into the ocean, or sky, and he won't feel bad that you left without a parachute.

Have you ever felt so heavy with life, that you "lost" a few folks along the way? Have you ever wanted something so bad, it didn't matter who you had to throw overboard to get it? We have all had times in our life where the pressure of "the moment" has made us do things we wouldn't have normally done. Some of us have relatives we haven't spoken to in YEARS because of something stupid they said at Thanksgiving dinner 12 years ago. To us, it doesn't matter that they are a good person. Maybe they apologized, maybe they didn't. We forgot about their history, or what's really true about them. We made a quick decision and it has affected the course of the relationship. We wanted us to be right, and them to be wrong so bad, that when the opportunity presented itself, it was man overboard! I've already thrown them from the boat. To circle back now, would waste too much time.

I have heard many Christians say, "I'm mad at God." When I first heard those words, I was surprised to see them in church the following Sunday. Not because I wasn't expecting them to show up, but because I wasn't expecting them to be breathing. I thought for sure, God was gonna show them who's boss. I was afraid that IF I saw them, they would be in a hospital gown eating through a straw. I quickly learned that God isn't provoked like I am, nor does he need to prove himself. God does what He does, and says what He says. And He's not gonna get embarrassed because His kids are pitching fits in the toy aisle of the Wal-Mart. God doesn't have to prove he exists. God says that all of creation know and are without excuse. Everyone believes in God, but not everyone acknowledges Him. Early on, I believed I could manipulate my father, just like Michael and Anna can manipulate their father. Much to my chagrin, God isn't co-dependent.

Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! Exodus 14:21-22

When all the Israelites had reached the other side, the Lord said to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again. Then the waters will rush back and cover the Egyptians and their chariots and charioteers.” So as the sun began to rise, Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the water rushed back into its usual place. The Egyptians tried to escape, but the Lord swept them into the sea. Then the waters returned and covered all the chariots and charioteers—the entire army of Pharaoh. Of all the Egyptians who had chased the Israelites into the sea, not a single one survived. Exodus 14:26-28

When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses. Exodus 14:31

After one month, the Israelites heard Janet Jackson on the radio, and cried out to God, What have you done for me lately?! For you Oh God, are only as good as our last steak dinner, and we can't remember when that was.

If only the Lord had killed us back in Egypt,” they moaned. “There we sat around pots filled with meat and ate all the bread we wanted. But now you have brought us into this wilderness to starve us all to death. Exodus 16:3

How quickly do we forget the greatness of God. The Israelites had just finished walking across a dry sea bed. Before their very eyes, God creates the worlds first aquarium, and then collapses it, killing the entire Egyptian army. And when they entered the wilderness, they complained that God delivered them just to make them starve in the desert.

For most of us, God is only as good as his last miracle. We are so consumed with our lack and limitation that we forgot that we were as good as dead before he found us in the first place. We never give God the benefit of the doubt. We throw Him and His kids under the bus because of stupid stuff. People have left churches because they thought the music was too loud, their name was misspelled in the bulletin, or because the Pastor didn't visit their mother in the hospital. We assume the worst, and take offenses based solely on our emotions.

Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

Could it be that our deserts are where God chooses to humble us and purge our whacked-out thinking? The Jews were willing to go BACK to making bricks and being slaves because Pharaoh fed them well. They were willing to suffer the oppression of Egypt and ignore their cuts and callouses, just so they could have the free jumbo shrimp at the casino. God took them out of Egypt, but used the wilderness to take Egypt out of them. You can never go into your promise carrying around your hopelessness. God won't allow you to enter into your new house carrying the curtains from your old. They won't match, so don't bother. You can't go into the level of abundance until you shed the level of just enough. God miraculously provided them food, but what they gathered every morning, only lasted for that day. If they tried to store it for later, it would rot. Sound familiar?

Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread. Psalms 37:25

Have you had extra money, just to see it fly away with a car or home repair? I have lived all my life in the promise of God providing for all of my needs. God has always been faithful and provided on time. But that gets old pretty quick, especially when your desire is to have extra to give or invest. Abundance is ONLY a product of the Kingdom. It was God alone that brought the Israelites out of Egypt. It was His fault they were in the desert, and they were His responsibility. God, recognizing that fact, decided to feed them everyday. They didn't have to pray and obey God to get 3 hots and a cot. God was faithful to His kids in spite of their unbelief. God made sure they were warm and fed. God made sure they had just enough to survive the day. There was nothing extra for movie tickets, barbecues, or mission trips. It was in the desert, that the "fundraiser" was born. In the desert, churches "raise" money. In the Kingdom, churches "lower" it.

For I will bring them into the land I swore to give their ancestors—a land flowing with milk and honey. There they will become prosperous, eat all the food they want, and become fat. Deuteronomy 31:20

Where the desert was full service, the promised land was self service. It was a land of abundance, but it was also a land that had to be plundered. For a long time, I sat in church and sang along with Janet Jackson - "What has God done for me lately?" I was always looking for God's next trick, miracle, or rescue. But the fact is, I was in the desert. There's no such thing as leftover mana, only enough to make the bills and only enough to get by. How did I bust out of the desert? That answer is too long for this post, but here is the first step. I stopped complaining. I stopped doubting God. I stopped feeling sorry for myself. I stopped wishing I would have majored in business after high school. I stopped thinking about what could have been. I stopped making God smaller, because I felt I deserved better. I stopped telling God what I needed, as if He didn't already know. God isn't moved by need. If that were true, India would be the most blessed country in the world. Need doesn't move God, faith does.

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Delay of Game

2009-08-24T15:39:00.000-05:00

In sports, there are some plays that seem to defy our natural eyes: a 100 yard kickoff return from the goal line, a buzzer beater from downtown, or an out of the park hit with all bases loaded. We love to see them, but we also know their rarity. Neither do we expect blowouts in every game. In fact, the really great games are the ones that have the closest margins. As the saying goes, the harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.

Being in relationship with Christ doesn't guarantee an untouched walk into the end zone. We may get them, but those are rare occurrences. Most of our plays end with us buried under a pile of sweaty enemies. Sometimes we gain a few yards, sometimes not. Satan, the opposing coach, and his host of teammates, will never allow you move the ball without a fight. That's the only play in his book. He can't affect the outcome of the game. He already knows he lost. His strategy is to keep you from advancing, and he will defend every inch. He does this mainly by deception and intimidation. He wants you off the field. He doesn't care if your on the bench, on injured reserve, or in the church stands wearing your team colors. Waving our #1 foam hand singing "Shout to the Lord" doesn't make him nervous. But strapping on your "cup" and taking the field will cause all hell to break loose.

I have never seen a linebacker fight his way into the nose bleed section just to steal some one's hotdog. Similarly, the Jews never had to fear that their enemies would come into the desert and take their abundant resources.(sarcasm) Satan isn't after your pew. He's after your potential. His desire is not that you miss church. He wants you to miss life. He wants you out of combat and out of commission. And if he can intimidate you with hi-definition pummels, sideline microphones, and pastors being carried off the field in stretchers, he'll gladly subsidize the peanuts.

I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. Romans 1:13

Have you ever planned on doing something, and it never happened? Maybe you planned on going to college. Perhaps you planned on finally cleaning out that garage or taking that vacation. You may have planned on starting your own business, getting out of debt, or losing a few pounds. We've all felt that great since of expectation and euphoria during the first week of January. But it doesn't take long before we slowly move from the field, to the bench, to the stands, and then before long, we just stay home and watch it on television.

Paul wanted to go to Rome on many occasions. It wasn't because he had a time share. He wanted to go because he wanted to minister to the church. He wasn't going because he heard Bono was touring. He was doing God's work. Have you ever wanted to do something FOR GOD, and it never happened? We're not surprised when our trip to Las Vegas is suddenly ripped from under us. But c'mon God, I was saving for a missions trip to Nicaragua to feed hungry children. You could have at least let me get the time off from work. (God seriously needs to hire a public relations team.) Traveling for God doesn't get you the extra seat in first class. It might not even get you a seat. So what prevented Paul? Was it gas prices? Was it the recession?

Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again. We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18

If Paul was a member of most churches, he would have been laughed out of the sanctuary and given the book, "A Devil Under Every Rock". God's man! God's pen, that recorded most of the New Testament, is blaming Satan for delaying his ministry. Paul wasn't prevented, because he lacked discipline or time management skills. He wasn't stopped at the border because of an expired passport. He was stopped because of an active enemy. The same enemy that wants to prevent us from being used of God. It would have been nice if Jesus sprayed me with mosquito repellent and put a garlic necklace around my neck. But that's not what happened when He found me. At the moment of salvation, I became a target. Not because of what I've done, but because of what I can do. In Christ I have unlimited potential. My destination is heaven, but my destiny is taking back ground. The game may be over for Satan, but it doesn't mean he has to like it. We'd be a fool to think he's gonna let us skip up and down the field shouting "Na-Na-Na-Boo-Boo You can't catch me".

Very few churches, teach about real spiritual enemies who fight and discourage God's kids. They'll blame Murphy's Law and assume bad luck before blaming a lying stealing devil. They'll recommend a book, before they'll agree with you in prayer. It's as if they're ignorant he exists. In the meantime, there's a battle for souls going on right under our own nose.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

It doesn't say that we sometimes fight. It doesn't even say that we mostly fight. It says we fight. Yes, there are times when we lose out because of our own lazy and defiant self. But we already know it wasn't the devil that lifted the spoon of Blue Bell to our mouth. But there was an unseen salesman over your shoulder selling it to you at the store. It was the same guy that sold you the guilt when you finished it off in 10 minutes. Who is to blame when we lose our job? Is it the economy, the unfair boss, or office politics? When we lose our marriage, do we blame everything but us, including the dog?

Satan can't keep you from heaven, but he can keep you busy at every crime scene of your life dusting for prints. He will make you crazy and suspicious of everybody and everything just to keep you in the cheap seats and as far away from God's will as he possibly can. He knows your going to heaven, but he's asking that you slip in through the back door and don't wake the neighbors. If he can keep you busy nursing offenses with your mother-in-law, he is free to steal everything in your life that isn't nailed down in Christ. Jesus gave us power over the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, but He didn't give us power over each other.

When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Paul is warning us that one of Satan's schemes is to have us too busy fighting each other to be an effective force against evil. If he can get churches, couples, and communities splitting over trivial issues, he need not be concerned with your effectiveness on the battlefield of souls. When we're too busy defending our opinions, we have no energy to advance on our real enemy. The moment we start fighting personalities instead of principalities, we have been outsmarted. We have forfeited our position on the field for box seats and a half-time show.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. 1 Peter 5:8-9

The Joshua Fast

2009-08-17T14:43:00.000-05:00

In scripture, the act of fasting is as common as prayer. To understand fasting, one must first understand food. In God's original creation, everything was made perfect. Before the fall, Adam was a vegetarian. Judaism teaches that, prior to the original sin, there was no excretion because food had nothing negative to which the body couldn't use. Rabbis teach that this convenience resumed during the days of the Exodus. Because mana "came from heaven", it was also perfect, and thus potty breaks were not necessary.

I don't know if this is true, for these teachings are from extra-Biblical sources. But it does make sense, especially when considering the layout. The camp in the wilderness was very large, more than ten miles across. A trip to the bathroom would have been painful, since Jewish scholars agree that those "trips" had to be done outside the camp.

So what is food? We understand it as "fuel" for our body. But we get a better picture by understanding what happens when we stop eating. After a few days, we start to become weak and faint. If we continue long enough without food, our sould separates from our body. We call this death. We now understand that food is what is used to connect the soul to the body. It connects our minds with our flesh, the spiritual with the natural. It is no coincidence that God describes the sacrifices as "food".

Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. Numbers 28:2

God was connected with man before the fall. God and Adam walked together. It wasn't until Adam broke that connection that the sacrifices began. Adam needed an umbilical cord back to God, or he would be forever disconnected.

But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die. Genesis 2:16-17

Here's the good news. At the moment of sin, the connection between Adam's soul and God's spirit was broken, and a new connection (knowledge) of the world was born. Animal sacrifice was God's answer to a broken chain between himself and mankind - a feeding tub if you will. This continued until the ultimate sacrifice was made by Jesus Christ. Christ connected us back to God, removing the feeding tube and making the sacrifices of NO effect.

But here's the bad news. Jesus restored our connection with God. But we are still born into a sinful world. At the moment of birth, we are connected to sin. At the moment of salvation, we are connected to God. Paul talks about these two simultaneous connections when he wrote.

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. Romans 7 21-25

The purpose of the fasting isn't to remove the connection from my body to my soul. The purpose is to "weaken" it. If we can weaken the connection, we can weaken the influence. It is during this time that the flesh begins to take a protective stance instead of a destructive stance. Paul said that when he wants to do good, his FLESH wants to do the opposite. We already understand this problem. Everyone can relate to the reference of a good angel and a bad angel on our shoulders. Fasting is a way to prevent the bad angel from showing up because he is too busy looking for a sandwich.

While the flesh is screaming bloody murder, the connection to God through our "spirit" can flow uninterrupted. It is that continuous flow from God to our spirit that grows and begins to take majority share in our hearts and minds. Only when the "current" from God is stronger than our flesh, will we be able to run and NOT grow weary. Too often we focus on the lack of food or activity, but doing that misses the point. The goal of fasting isn't just to weaken the body, but to strengthen the spirit.

When Joshua was preparing for the battle at Jericho, he ordered a fast. But this wasn't a food fast. This was a speaking fast.

Now Joshua had commanded the people, saying, “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I say to you, ‘Shout!’ Then you shall shout.” So he had the ark of the LORD circle the city, going around it once. Then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp. Joshua 6:10-11

For seven days Joshua commanded the army not to speak a word. Joshua knew that nothing kills opportunity and victory more than negativity. To march around a city with instruments that you can't play must have looked foolish. Joshua needed murmurers and complainers like he needed a bag of pork rinds. Joshua didn't want his people to be defeated because of someone complaining it was too hot and how crazy they were for allowing God to embarrass them.

Sometimes in life, we just need to disconnect. Disconnect from the TV and it's blues. Disconnect from our "friends" and their half empty negative outlook on everything. Disconnect from family who only remember the wrong choices you've made. God's vision for your life needs to be protected and nurtured. There's always someone in line to steal it.

God told me to do something as embarrassing and stupid as walking around a city. So I went on a Joshua fast and decided not to talk about it. "Throwing it out there", when God already said it, will only invite the naysayers. When God says it, no need for a second opinion. Needless to say it worked. No one could talk me out of it. They didn't know.

A farmer went out to plant his seed. As he scattered it across his field, some seed fell on a footpath, where it was stepped on (mocked), and the birds ate it (digested in negativity and fear). Luke 8:5

When God tells you to go plant, don't tell the birds. It's hard enough that you know.

It's Harvest Crime!

2009-08-10T10:44:00.000-05:00

Regardless of how strong and long Al Gore preaches global warming, God has already decided that the Earth will go through seasons and cycles. And there is nothing we can do to change it.

While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease. Gen 8:22

No one is arguing that it isn't warmer than it was 230 years ago. No one has crossed the frozen Delaware since George Washington. And the last Mexican who died of hypothermia trying to reach San Antonio, was on his way to The Alamo with Santa Anna. But It's nothing like it was during the 10th century. The Vikings didn't give Greenland THAT name to be sarcastic. The Earth has cycled through temperature variations for thousands of years. Politicians see a tax revenue and call it global warming. Humans feel warmer and call it weather. God creates "cold and heat" and calls it "good".

Just as sure as God's cycle of "hot and cold" is His cycle of cycle of "seedtime and harvest." Night is different than day, but they are related. Cold is different than heat, but both are needed to help define the other. Seedtime and harvest are related in the same way. You can't have harvest without seedtime. In fact, the definition of harvest relies on it. The dictionary defines harvest as "the result or consequence of an act, process, or event" You can't harvest corn unless it's been sown. You can't harvest grapes unless they've been planted.

There is nothing spiritual or supernatural about sowing and reaping. The Bible teaches that man sows and man reaps, but it's God who gives the increase. Jesus didn't say he would provide the mustard seed and plant it for you. He said if WE supplied the mustard seed and sowed it, we could harvest a product that would move mountains. But planting the seed and watching God increase it doesn't guarantee we'll get it.

So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up; also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. Then they would encamp against them and destroy the harvest as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. For they would come up with their livestock and their tents, coming in as numerous as locusts; both they and their camels were without number; and they would enter the land to destroy it. So Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. Judges 6:3-6

Thieves never come during planting season. They come during harvest time. Thieves don't care about seed, they want the finished product. A thief, by definition, throws away his own seed and takes the fruit of yours. Thieves will kill their own potential and wait patiently for yours to blossom. They will gladly watch Oprah and text on their cell phones as you water the ground and shoo the crows. Your seedtime will be a season of peace and you will feel close to God as He directs you to sow faith-filled seeds of blessing into your life. And then, right on schedule, they will arrive hungry, needy, and violent.

How many of us have spent hours, days, and years believing God for something and just when it was close enough to smell, it was gone forever? I know Christians who attend church every Sunday, give of their time, talents, and money, and never see a harvest. It's as if, out of nowhere, it was erased from their destiny. A pink slip, a divorce, a death, a deal gone bad, whatever it was, it had enough poison to disarm and dishearten. Wounded, we retreat, allow the enemy to plunder, and give the Christian response. "I guess it wasn't God's will." That wasn't the attitude of David's mighty men. When the entire Israelite army retreated, Shammah defended a lentil patch against an entire Philistine army. (2Samuel 23:11-12)

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. John 10:10

Because the thief takes what he wants, and destroys the leftovers, we learn to sow sparingly. Why bother planting all summer when everything is stolen? Why give, pray, and offer up mustard seeds of faith when most of the time we get nothing? This is the strategy of the thief. If the thief can steal your harvest enough times, soon you'll stop planting so much.

I recently spoke with a Christian woman who was deeply discouraged. She complained that everyone around her was taking, taking, and taking from her. She is chronically depressed, and has nothing more to give. Everything she plants in the kingdom is stolen. This has caused her to be without hope, and she has become indifferent towards her church. Satan has stolen so much of her harvest, that she believes everyday of her life is a waste of time. "Why doesn't God just take me home?"

We must recognize that things of value always attract thieves. Your marriage, romance, family, and potential are always targeted. Jesus never promised us immunity from being targeted, but he did give us power over the thief.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1John 4:4

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you James 4:7

We don't deserve what we don't pursue. God freely gave us Christ, and He will freely give us all things. But that has nothing to do with thieves. Everything God gives us is valuable, so you can expect every promise of God to be a target. If we don't prepare for it, we will be left with nothing. It does us no good to call the intercessors, listen to Hillsongs, and speak faith, if we just stand paralyzed during harvest time.

Seedtime and harvest are not automatic. We have to plow, fertilize, and plant. But the thief doesn't care about your seedtime. He's after your harvest. Trusting God is NOT walking away and believing God will harvest and serve it up to you for supper. Trusting God is walking away and believing He will bring the increase. It is during that time you walk away and put on your armor. Because you can be sure, your not the only one waiting for it.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

The Birth Canal

2009-08-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

If God is "God", then why doesn't He know everything?

"And He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." Genesis 22:12

The omnipotent, omnipresent, and the sort of omniscient God we serve, has just acknowledged that He needed to test Abraham because He didn't know if Abraham really meant business. For all you scoffers who believe the Bible is just a fairy tale, you are dismissed. I don't want to bore you with hope, redemption, and purpose. Just memorize this verse and use it against those dumb Christians when they bother you with their mythology. We'll address God's lack of infinite knowledge later, but for now, a little context.

In Genesis 17, we read God telling Abraham that his barren wife Sarah will finally bear him a son, named Isaac. God declares that He will establish an everlasting covenant through Isaac and his descendants. If we fast forward "back" to chapter 22, we can see that one of the symptoms of being God is amnesia. After promising to bless his descendants through Isaac, God tells Abraham to sacrifice Isaac on a burning alter. Man, this silly God Christians believe in is such a hoot!

Will the real God please stand up? Either you are the God who wants to bless the world through Isaac's children, or you are the God who wants to kill Isaac. Fortunately, Abraham's faith doesn't see the contradiction. The Apostle Paul doesn't either.

'It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again.' Hebrews 11:17-19

It didn't matter to Abraham that God was commanding him to go "ALL IN". Because of Genesis 17, Abraham was already holding pocket aces. Abraham was pot, ahem, 'promise' committed. But God KNEW that. God already knew Abraham was going to go through with it. I don't serve a sorta omniscient God. God didn't pretend He was at "Medieval Times", sit down with some chicken, and wait to see how it was going to turn out. God knew that Abraham was gonna cut Isaac's throat, so why waste time?

The word 'know' is the Hebrew word 'yada'. This word is a lot more than just a collection of facts. Yada is an intimate word. The best way to grasp the meaning of the word is to give you another verse that uses it.

Now Adam knew (yada) Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain. Gen 4:1

Knowledge is connecting with something so intimately, that it produces fruit. None of you would ever question the fact that my wife and I know each other. Some of you have baby sat the evidence. My history with Sarah has gone through many levels. When we were classmates, we knew each other on a certain level and that level had its own fruit. When we dated, that was another level, and that level added new fruit. When we got married and lived together, it seemed as though I jumped 50 levels. Then came the kid level. This level was so high, I sometimes needed oxygen and a tissue to wipe the blood from my nose. Some of you are even past that. You and your spouse are enjoying grand-kids and completing each other's sentences.

God's foresight, knowing that Abraham was going to walk up a mountain, gather firewood, tie his son to an altar, and plunge the knife wasn't 'yada'. What if I told you, that I would give you a million dollars if God gave me 100 million? That could be completely true. I could even sign a contract ensuring it would happen. But that doesn't change anything. Neither of us get to that level until it happens, and me saying it doesn't make you feel better. We've all heard the phrase, "It's the thought that counts", and we all know it's not true.

At the exact moment of surrender, Abraham connected to God and He knew(yada) Abraham's faith. That connection produced a ram "right before his very eyes". The ram wasn't there before. That is why James said faith without works is dead. Because faith without works produces nothing. It's not the thought that counts, it's what you do. Belief always produces action. You can't wish your way into a new level.

I can't even imagine the level Abraham was on. The level that God would ask him to sacrifice something so dear, and be so trusting to actually go through with it. Such thinking is so foreign to us. In fact, we think the complete opposite happens. It's because God knows I trust him, that I'll never have to trust him?? How many times have we told ourselves, "God knows my heart, so I'll never have to go through that!" How many times have you heard someone else say, "God knows my heart, so I think I'll be fine when I die."

Quit saying "God knows my heart." Of course he does, that's why he doesn't slap us upside the head every 2 minutes. It may be my nature to rebel against God and live like hell, but It isn't my heart. I thank God for his mercy and long suffering. He knows me more than I know myself.

You knowing the outcome of what you think you'll do has nothing to do with your graduation. He does know your heart. That is why it's test time. Abraham understood that. He knew the quicker he started the fire, the quicker God would show up with a "new level" pass.

"The tests in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the test to be more than you can stand." 1 Corinthians 10:13

God doesn't give you tests to see which ones you can pass. He gives you tests that he already knows you can pass. Taking the tests allow you to graduate and move on to bigger and deeper levels with him. God is intentional. He's not throwing you around and seeing what sticks. Paul said he thanked Christ for considering him 'trustworthy' and appointing him to serve. Do we respond with gratitude, or do we get mad because it seems like God has a trusting complex?

It took the Jews 40 years to get to the level where they entered the land. Some of them died in the desert. For them, not being in Egypt and doing what was familiar was as far as they wanted to go with God. When I complain and feel sorry for myself, I don't inherit another level. I inherit another day to get it right. Are you as far as you want to be? For me, I'm on this bus until the driver stops. Damn, I shouldn't have said that. I think I see a light, and some forceps.

Pass The Salt

2009-07-27T11:08:00.000-05:00

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it (the Earth) be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." Matthew 5:13

Salt is almost impossible to see. Unless, of course, it is piled into a bowl with other grains of salt, e.g., a church building. Salt is usually felt and tasted before it is ever seen. It is for this reason that a Christian can be judged before they have had a chance to speak. No one sees my K-Love bumper sticker until after I've annoyed them with my driving. By then it's too late. So unless you've been inside a church or tried to get a table at a Ryan's Steakhouse on Sunday afternoon, our visual effects are minimum. But being easy to see is not important.

Jesus' question is hard-hitting. My job is to flavor. So If I'm not flavorful, how shall the Earth be seasoned? Good question. Notice he didn't say, "if the Earth loses it's salt". Jesus never warned his Church about losing their salvation, but He did warn them about losing their flavor. We already know Salvation came from God to us through grace. But Salvation has nothing to do with flavor. Our saltiness is all about influence. We get to go to heaven because of what Christ did. Heaven gets to come to Earth based on how salty we are. Most of us spend too much time trying to look salty, and that's great if you want to build bigger churches, but looking the part only works inside the steeple doors.

Why is it so easy for guys like Jon Stewart and Jay Leno to mock Christians? Jesus answered it. When a Christian ceases to be salty, they become punch lines for comedians, and punching bags for lawyers. How can Christian prayer be prohibited in school, but Muslim prayer allowed in Gitmo? Because the Church isn't as salty as it used to.

I'm embarrassed to say, but most of the meanest people I've known were Christians. And I'm equally embarrassed to admit, that I am probably one of those people for someone else. When I try so hard to look salty, I forget to act like it. There isn't a bumper sticker powerful enough to make up for my lack of flavor. I heard a preacher say once.

"A lot of people died and went to hell today, and most of you don't give a damn. And most of you are more mad that I said the word 'damn' than that people died and went to hell."

And that is the crux of how Christians can be "thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." We are so good at building walls to protect our image that the world comes to one of two conclusions: Christians are full of it, and thus irrelevant, so let's make fun of them, or Christians are really genuine, and still irrelevant, so let's still make fun of them so we can feel better.

Christians, who don't walk on water, are in great demand these days. Jesus never sinned, but he hung out with sinners. We are so afraid of hypocrisy that we never leave church. And when we do interact, we go out of our way to show those damnable sinners how good we really are. I may know the words to "Who Let the Dogs Out" but at least I'm not singing it.

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” Mark 2:17

Jesus understood that being salty isn't about singing and beating the tambourine in the safety of the salt shaker. It's about being salty on the inside to the point of affecting the world around you. If people cheer when you leave the room, that's a clue. I know it's hard. Because I'm salt, I'm drawn to an open wound like a bee to a flower. But that's something God's working in me. It's not an excuse, it's the weather report. However, THIS is an excuse.

"If it weren't for Christians, I'd be a Christian".-- Mahatma Gandhi

Whatever Gandhi! Forget the salt. Pass the hashish.

Tandem Faith

2009-07-20T16:11:00.000-05:00

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

Let's look at the first part. Faith is the substance of things hoped for. The word 'substance' here is the Greek word 'hypostasis' and literally means "that which stands beneath". Translated, it literally means foundation, structure, or confidence. Notice that faith is not the same as hope. Hope is the expectation of something desired. It is a feeling, and has no structure or foundation to it. It is for this reason that anyone can hope for anything and not be required to believe or prove it will happen. One cannot have faith that they will win the lottery, one can only hope to. Unless of course, you have the power to control the lottery balls. We can have more than hope that the sun will rise tomorrow, we can have faith that it will. Because the sun has a perfect track record in that department, we have the assurance, confidence, and the foundation to believe it will. We have faith.

Faith is the evidence of things not seen. The word 'evidence' is the Greek word 'elegchos' and it means "proof" or "conviction". Some of us will get up and go to work tomorrow because we have faith we will get a paycheck. Our time sheet is the proof that we actually believe there is money to be earned. I haven't seen it yet, but I know it's coming. The fact that I woke up early, got dressed, drove to work, and stayed there eight hours is the evidence that I actually believe I'll get a paycheck. My faith is not a statement, wish, or happy thought. I have backed it with 40 hours worth of evidence that I actually believe it will happen.

So by breaking apart this verse, we can see that faith is two things. Faith is something I can possess. I can watch people jump from an airplane and possess a knowledge that parachutes are able to save. But faith is also the "proof" of an outcome not yet known. I can also jump out of the plane and produce an experience that I would have never known possible had I just stayed on the ground. There is only one way to "prove" a parachute will work. All other ways are theoretical. Where is the evidence, I actually believe it? Geronimoooooooo!

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

God already has the track record of being all powerful. Most of us don't have a problem believing God is ABLE do something significant in our lives. We are just not sure if He is WILLING. We already know God CAN heal us. (We read that part in the Bible.) Our hang up is that we're not sure if He's willing to do it for us. And because we occasionally don't believe he's willing, we occasionally don't bother seeking. Believing that parachutes can save OTHERS is easily affirmed by watching others land safely. Believing that the parachute will save ME requires some action on my part.

We have all grounded ourselves in some way because we really didn't know or believe God was gonna come through for us. Have you ever prayed for "plan A", but after praying, lay-out the steps for "plan B"? I've lost count. There were times I prayed God would provide, but used my credit card because I thought he was taking too long. I didn't pray to God. I wished upon a star, and then proceeded to check my VISA balance. Is that faith?

Remember, faith has two parts. I have already received paychecks from my employer. Those pay stubs represent the "structure" that help me leave for work everyday. I don't blindly go. When I leave, that is the evidence that I actually believe I'm gonna get another one. Because of the history with my employer, I have faith that payday is coming. It is because of my history with God, that I have faith in my future. He has never let me down. And if for whatever reason, I become unemployed, It is my faith in God that will sustain me. Companies, churches, and people will fail you, but God never will.

For the Christian, pain, loneliness, and despair are temporary feelings we get when we jump from the plane. But remember this is a tandem jump. My only job is to go limp and trust him. The more jumps I do, the more my faith builds.

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5

It is real believing faith that pleases God. And unlike hope, good thoughts, and positive thinking, faith requires belief. To please God you have to know that He is already God, and knows what to do. It is one thing to hope, pray, and wish God will provide, heal, and give you a purpose in life. But it completely different to jump like it's a done deal. Don't just expect it, let your life boldly express it.

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? James 2:14

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17

Missing Link or Missing Kink?

2009-07-15T07:57:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Rush Limbaugh quipped "What does God and Obama have in common? Neither one has a birth certificate." While the joke was funny, it is now turning belly laughs into diarrhea cramps. And if your military brass, you might want to pick up some Imodium while its still on the commissary shelf.

U.S. Army Reserve major Stefan Frederick Cook was scheduled to report for deployment to Afghanistan within days, but decided to sue the government because he believed those orders were illegal. Cook's argument is that his orders are illegal because president Obama hasn't proven his eligibility for office.

A gutsy move? Au contraire, mon frère. According to his attorney, Orly Taitz, the military has rescinded his impending deployment orders.

"We won! We won before we even arrived. It means that the military has nothing to show for Obama. It means that the military has directly responded by saying Obama is illegitimate – and they cannot fight it. Therefore, they are revoking the order!"

I have no idea if President Obama is a natural born citizen, and neither does anyone else. The birth certificate he produced on his website was meaningless, and has thus been removed. Hawaii can produce the same "short form" certificate for people born outside the state. But here is what I do know. Obama has a team of lawyers whose only job is to conceal his REAL birth certificate. Obama has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars keeping his identity a secret. If that alone doesn't bring out your inner Arsenio Hall and make you go hmmmmmm, then I don't know what will. Major Cook wanted to serve in Afghanistan, but couldn't seem to shake the "hmmm" factor.

"As an officer in the armed forces of the United States, it is my duty to gain clarification on any order we may believe illegal. With that said, if President Obama is found not to be a 'natural-born citizen,' he is not eligible to be commander-in-chief."

"Then any order coming out of the presidency or his chain of command is illegal. Should I deploy, I would essentially be following an illegal order. If I happened to be captured by the enemy in a foreign land, I would not be privy to the Geneva Convention protections."

Makes sense to me. Apparently it makes sense to the United States Military. They didn't even go to court. When you don't have an argument to stand on, why argue? Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, here we have exhibit A, Obama's original birth certificate. Hey, where did it go. Case dismissed. Cook offered a novel idea.

"You know what. It would be so simple to solve. Just produce the long-form document, certificate of live birth."

You mean the one John McCain had to produce? You mean the one I had to produce for my passport? You mean the one every natural-born U.S citizen has? Your an idea man Major Cook.

Here's a another joke for you. What do Iraq's WMDs & Obama's birth certificate have in common? Both were claimed to exist by a U.S. President, but haven't turned up yet.

Whites know better?!

2009-07-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

In Ohio, six people were attacked by a group of 50 teenage boys during a Fourth of July celebration. The Marshalls, said the crowd of teens assaulted them while watching fireworks outside a friend's home.

"My thing is,'' Marshall said, ''I didn't want this, but I was in fear for my wife, my kids and my friends. I felt I had to stay out there to protect them, because those guys were just jumping, swinging fists and everything.

''I'm lucky. They didn't break my ribs or bruise my ribs. I thank God, they concentrated on my thick head because I do have one. They were trying to take my head off my spine, basically.''

Marshall suffered a concussion and multiple bruises to his head and had to spend five nights in the hospital at Akron General Medical Center.

Before I forget, I need to mention this family was attacked by a group of all black teenagers. Why bring it up? Because the attackers wanted you to know. During the attack, the black crowd shouted "This is our world" and "This is a black world". So are police calling it a hate crime? Absolutely not, the victims were all white.

In the real world, a hate crime would occur when a perpetrator targets a victim because of his/her membership in a certain religious, racial, or sexual group. But in our alternate universe, located deep within a rabbit hole in time and space, a hate crime victim CAN'T be white. You see, a hate crime is only a crime when it is against one of our "pet" groups. Whites can only hate blacks. Breeders can only hate gays. Christians can only hate Muslims.

First of all, hate crime laws are stupid. We already have laws against assault, vandalism, murder, etc. The only reason to insert hate into existing laws is to give the government room to enforce what people THINK. We have laws to keep people from using sticks and stones to break your bones. But now we need to have laws to make sure their words don't hurt your feelings.

Secondly, hate laws are extremely offensive. If I were black, I would be outraged over the double-standard. For the Akron police department to not classify the attack as a hate crime is clearly racist. Does the Akron police department expect MORE of its white population than it's black? Is white on black crime way more serious than black on white?

Since the attackers shouted "This is a black world", perhaps the police assumed this was normal behavior. Maybe they thought no civilized "white" gang would do such a thing. And if they did, they would be charged with a hate crime because white people aren't supposed to act like that.

Come on "white" Ohio, you should know better than that.

Obama's INMADIDL Tour

2009-07-02T16:28:00.000-05:00

It took four days for Obama to respond to the Iranian election protests. And the only reason he did so was because it took that long for the Iranian government to gun down it's own citizens. Yet Obama's response was one of great restraint. He is the President of change, so his response needed to be a complete 180 from what Bush would have said.

"It is not productive, given the history of US and Iranian relations to be seen as meddling in Iranian elections,"

Our President is so engaged and focused on America's problems, he doesn't have the resources to "meddle" in the affairs of other countries. Take that George Bush! America has it's own problems right now.

The good news is that Obama has just finished fixing America and put the country on auto-pilot. Now that America is perfect, Obama has decided to undo the "change" and get back to some good ole Bush meddling. Within HOURS of the Honduran government arresting their president on criminal charges, Obama had this to say.

"I am deeply concerned by reports coming out of Honduras regarding the detention and expulsion of President Mel Zelaya. As the Organization of American States did on Friday, I call on all political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic norms, the rule of law and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. Any existing tensions and disputes must be resolved peacefully through dialogue free from any outside interference."

"President Zelaya was democratically elected, he had not yet completed his term. We believe that the coup was not legal and that President Zelaya remains the President of Honduras, the democratically elected president there."

So when another government attacks it's civilians while protesting election fraud, its their problem and not mine. But when a sovereign nation arrests their own president for breaking the law, Obama made statements faster than Jesse Jackson running to a TV camera.

Obama said that he wanted Honduras to respect democratic norms and the rule of law. What's interesting is that Mr Zelaya was arresting for BREAKING the law. Mr. Zelaya didn't like the idea that he couldn't be President forever, so he decided to have an illegal vote to amend the Constitution by himself. Unfortunately, for Mr. Zelaya, he doesn't have the authority to use white-out on the Honduran Constitution. The courts then ordered a halt to the vote and ordered the military to arrest anyone attempting to carry it out. Mr. Zelaya was arrested while leading a vote parade in the middle of the street.

The Honduran government arrested their own President for breaking the law and attempting the change the constitution on his own. Honduras has "democratic norms" for changing it's Constitution, as well as "rules and laws" to govern it.

Why was President Obama NOT on the side of the Honduran government and it's people to uphold their constitution? Why is he siding with Mr. Zelaya and demanding that Honduras overlook the fact that he tried to bulldoze himself into a dictatorship? Could it be that Obama doesn't want to be seen as a hypocrite when he himself goes after OUR constitution? And so the "Obama: I've Never Met A Dictator I Didn't Like" tour moves on. I wonder where it goes next.

GPA of Salvation

2009-06-30T12:30:00.000-05:00

I've had a few recent conversations with a friend regarding salvation and it's affect on our lives. I soon realized that we were on two completely different pages. I was talking about how salvation was challenging my life to follow Christ. He was talking about how his life was questioning his salvation when it wasn't.

The Bible says in Ephesians 2:8, that by GRACE we have been saved. So the first part of this verse nails down the origin of our salvation. Salvation came from the grace of God. We didn't do anything to deserve it. It wasn't our idea. We had absolutely nothing to do with it. To say otherwise would involve replacing the word 'grace' with 'merit.'

So now we know where salvation came from. Let's look at the other part of that verse so we can understand how it gets to us.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and THAT (faith) not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Ephesians. 2:8

The vehicle of our salvation is our faith in God, and that faith didn't come from us. The faith we had to accept Christ was a gift of God. Our acceptance of the gift of faith allowed us to RECEIVE grace.

How many of you know that your life is in no way affected by me giving you 100 acres of land on Mars? Martian real estate is meaningless, because you have no way of receiving it. When God gave the whole world Salvation, he also provided the rocket ship that would take you to there. God provided you the faith to receive him. It wasn't a preacher, a book, a song. It was God, and you did nothing but hop on for the ride. Even the urge to hop on came from him. If God would not have given you faith, Salvation would be just be another piece of land on Mars.

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

No one can come to me (believe in him) unless the Father who sent me draws him (provides the gift of faith to believe) John 6:44

We now know where and how salvation came. Do we know when it came?

Who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9

Because salvation proceeded from God, provoked by God, and preceded us, let us with confidence remove ourselves from the equation, shall we? Are we gone yet? OK, so let's move on.

If we did nothing to deserve salvation, then it would seem logical that salvation has nothing to do with being deserving. One doesn't have to fear that they have to walk the straight line of religion to maintain one's salvation. God's salvation didn't come with a maintenance plan that must be followed to prevent voiding the warranty.

I remember walking into class at the start of a school year and hear the teacher say, "Everyone has an "A", it is up to you to keep it, or lose it." That is NOT how Salvation works. God has given the whole world his son, and He has ALREADY passed the tests FOR us. Why, because without HIM, we never stood a chance of making it. Jesus secured our grade, before releasing us back into the world to change it for the better. Religion is re-taking the exam and merging YOUR score with his. Sounds foolish doesn't it? Paul thought so as well.

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Galatians 3:1-3

Friends, Jesus has taken our final exam and it was graded and stamped by God, PASSED! He then gave us the grade and declared us righteous and justified. Take the tests. Run the race. But never take the grade. Keep the one HE gave you. You will never improve on it. And don't let anyone tell you different. Get back on your feet. Get back to life. You're not disqualified. You were never qualified to begin with.

Good, Cheap, Fast

2009-06-25T16:34:00.000-05:00

Once there was a rich man who wanted to do something good for someone in his community. He spent a few days just traveling around his neighborhood and the general vicinity. During his travels, he noticed the poor living conditions of a certain carpenter who lived nearby. So the rich man went to the carpenter and hired him to build a house. "Now this isn’t just any old house you’ll be building," the rich man said to the carpenter. "I want you to build this house for a very special person. I want you to use only the finest building materials, hire the best workmen you can find, and spare no expense. I’m going to be out of town for a couple of months, and I would like to see the house finished when I return."

The carpenter saw this as a great opportunity to make some extra money. He skimped on building materials, hired winos that hung out at the local bus station to help with the work, paying them as little as he could. He covered their mistakes with paint and plaster and cut corners at every opportunity. When the rich man returned from his trip, the carpenter brought him the keys to the house and said, "I followed your instructions and built the house just as you told me to." "I’m glad you did," the rich man said. Then he handed the keys back to the carpenter saying, "The special person I wanted the house for is you. Take it … it’s yours!"

President Obama has decided that our current house of healthcare is broken, so he has asked Congress to build a new one.

"The status quo is broken. We cannot continue this way," Obama said in his weekly address. "If we do nothing, everyone's health care will be put in jeopardy."

He has told Congress that he wants a new one built by August. He wants lower costs, improved quality and coverage, and choice protection. How Congress plans to do that is a mystery of mysteries. That would be like telling a housewife that she needs to provide more hot meals to more people, and with less grocery money. If she could do that, she would already be doing it. I'll save my judgement for later, but something tells me that insuring MORE people cheaper, will cause quality to be WORSE, not better. It reminds me of a sign I saw in a computer repair shop. It read, "FAST, CHEAP, GOOD. Pick any Two" Obama told Congress he wanted all three, AND by August.

During the ABC News special, President Obama was asked whether or not he would live in the house he's building for of us. One of the questions came from Dr. Orrin Devinsky. He said that wealthy often propose health care solutions that limit options for the general public, secure in the knowledge that if they or their loved ones get sick, they will be able to afford the best care available, even if it's not provided by insurance. Dewinsky asked Obama if he would be willing to promise that he wouldn't seek extraordinary help for his family if they became sick and the public plan limited the treatment.

Basically, the President was asked, If the house your building for us starts to leak, will you get wet with the rest of us. The president refused to answer, but reassured Michelle and the kids by saying, "if it's my family, i always want them to get the very best care." A further look into the bill reveals that not everyone will have to live in this house. Here is the short list of people that will be exempt from paying for this,

The President

Congress

The Senate

Union Workers (That's right. As part of the bailout agreement, Unions can keep the healthcare they currently have through their employer.)

The President doesn't have to answer whether or not he would leave the house for a better one. He already has.

Peace for Dummies

2009-06-16T08:36:00.019-05:00

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conditionally endorsed the creation of a Palestinian state. He said Israel would be ready to accept such a state provided the Palestinians recognize Israel as the state of the Jewish people, as well as disband the terrorist force, known as Hamas.

To the normal person, this would seem like a no-brainer. But unfortunately, we're not dealing with brains when it comes to the situation in the Middle East. Mutual peace will NEVER work.

First, the Palestinians don't want peace. I know this may come as a shock to most of the Wal-Mart shoppers who believe everything you see on the television. Sure, they may say they want peace, but what kind of peace are they talking about? The Dictionary defines "peace" as follows.

1. the normal, non warring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world
2. (often initial capital letter)an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, group, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism:the Peace of Ryswick
3. the state of mutual harmony between people or groups, esp. in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.

The Palestinians want to make peace with the Jews in the same way that I want to make peace with the roaches under my refrigerator. The second and third definition requires that "Peace" be between TWO nations and those nations RECOGNIZE the other's right to existence. The first definition does not require that both nations exist. One nation can have peace by getting rid of the other. There are TWO ways to have peace with your mother-in-law. One way is for the both of you to live and let live. The second way is what the Palestinians want, and they will accept NO substitute.

I googled "Hamas Charter" and copied a portion of it below.

"Israel will exist and will continue to exist until Islam will obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it." (The Martyr, Imam Hassan al-Banna, of blessed memory).

"There is no solution for the Palestinian question except through Jihad. Initiatives, proposals and international conferences are all a waste of time and vain endeavors."

On a personal note, I created my own charter and copied a portion of it below

"Roaches, Flies, and Mosquitoes will continue to exist until Terminex, or a comparable company be contracted to obliterate it, just as it obliterated others before it."

"There is no solution for the Insect pest question except through extermination. Looking the other way, keeping the lights off, and denial are all a waste of time"

Netanyahu was quoted saying "If we have guarantees on demilitarization and if the Palestinians recognize Israel as a state of the Jewish people, then we arrive at a solution based on a demilitarized Palestinian state alongside Israel"

Palestinian and Arab leaders have expressed frustration over Netanyahu's demand that the Palestinians recognize Israel as a Jewish state, which was not included in previous Israeli-Palestinian agreements.

So the show stopper isn't that the Palestinians have to recognize that Jews have better singing voices. They don't even have to agree that Jews have better hygiene or public bathrooms. All Israel is asking that they be allowed to exist and live in their homeland without the threat of terrorism.

So there you have it folks. When Israel says they want peace, it means that they want to live peacefully WITH the Palestinians. When the Palestinians say they want peace, it means they want to live peacefully WITHOUT Jews.

To the Palestinian, a Jew is just a cockroach under their refrigerator. You don't accept the fact that their there. You deal with it. The reason why peace will never work, and is a "waste of time" according to Hamas, is real clear in Islam. Islam can't and never will accept another religion in their neighborhood. Islam is so tolerable of other religions, that they give you 3 choices: Convert, be a persecuted minority, or death. The Koran doesn't allow a fourth option.

Because the Jews refuse to convert and they own the fridge they are living under, Hamas has no choice but to terrorize them. If they terrorize them long enough, the world will get sick of the fighting and demand Israel and the Palestinians share the fridge. Once that happens, it's over. Peace will eventually come, but it will come the old-fashioned way. The way it's been done since the beginning. Some one needs to kick the other's ass. My bet is on Israel.

Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever. Jeremiah 31:35-37

NOW, you can see the root of Islam's insanity. The God of the BIBLE has staked His existence on the existence of Israel. If Israel ceases to exist, then so does the Bible along with Christianity and Judaism. For Islam, killing Israel is like cutting off the head of it's sworn enemy - The God of the Bible.

Hitler had the same plan. Ahmadinejad is shouting it whenever he can, and the Palestinians are very clear about their intentions. And the cowardly lions of the West are too afraid to BELIEVE the truth, much less speak it. How do you feel now, knowing that America is on the wrong side of this bet?

Woman, I Feel Like A Man!

2008-12-20T10:00:00.000-06:00

One of my all time favorite movies is Cinderella Man. The best scene in the movie is where James Braddock (played by Russell Crowe) overhears his daughter asking for more dinner. His wife tells her that they need to save some for the boys. Braddock then sits down and tells his family that he dreamed of eating a big juicy steak the night before, and he is stuffed. He then gives his slice of bologna to his daughter, and leaves to find work. There isn't a real man on earth who wouldn't feel moved during that scene. That scene is the essence of what it is to be male. John Eldridge said it best: every man needs "A battle to fight, a beauty to rescue, and an adventure to live."

For the last couple of weeks, I have had the honor of assuming all three. I took a second job so that I could pay off some bills, save, and buy an outdoor play set for my kids. It has been rough working 80 hours a week. But despite being tired, I've never felt more alive. I feel alive because I'm working for a reason, and a self-respecting noble one at that. I have decided that I would BE THE MAN, and not let Visa or MasterCard be it for me. I decided to be James Braddock. It was time for me to give up my bologna and sleep, and head to the battlefield. This has become one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done.

Work, in itself, is NOT fulfilling. Work is like money. It is a means to something. It can be used to FIGHT a battle, or it can be used to ESCAPE one. Men like to be where they are respected. If we receive more respect from our co-workers than our wives, we don't mind stretching out our work day. :) We can spend extra time at work, to avoid battles at home. But we can also spend more time at home, to avoid financial ones. Men who spend their time avoiding battles are not fulfilled, and any work they do is just a narcotic to lesson the real pain. The pain of NOT acting male. We are not built to run, we are built to fight.

Real men go to battle, not avoid it by making minimum monthly payments. Not all "money" problems are caused by the lack of money. It could be "male" problems caused by the lack of being male. A real man takes on the "full" responsibility of the task set before him. Real men don't "outsource" their duties. Even if my wife had a degree in finance, she would NOT be allowed to pay the bills or handle the finances. If our roles were reversed and she worked, she still would not handle the finances. It has nothing to do with control, or who has the better math skills. It's all about me needing to be accountable for the things I'm responsible for. Would a soldier reload, carry, and clean his weapon, but then let someone else fire it? Not only does it make NO sense, but it is NOT efficient and can be dangerous. By being responsible for making the money AND budgeting for expenses, I am the first one to know when I don't have enough. And that burden and stress will be on ME and not on someone else. Would James Braddock ask his wife to shift some money around and make it work? NO, James Braddock would shift his ass into gear and get to fighting. Real men wield their own weapons.

Obama's Coin

2008-11-03T09:57:00.000-06:00

From the start of his campaign, Barack Obama promised change for America. During the first few months, no one could really say what the change was. One could argue that the change he was referring to, was nothing more than skin color. But keep that to yourself. Pointing out that Barack Obama has done nothing (but write two books and vote in the Senate) could get you labeled as a racist.

It is hard for me to imagine a junior "white" senator with NO executive experience ever getting a nod for the highest executive job in the country. (Even JFK had 13 years of congressional and senatorial experience before taking office.) Barack Obama is a very intelligent, articulate, and charismatic guy. Though I don't agree with everything he SAYS, I do enjoy hearing HOW he says it. But like the poetic, captivating, and sometimes hypnotic words of the Mad Hatter, the logic can leave you wanting.

Over the past few weeks, Obama's economic plan for America has come into focus, courtesy of "Joe the Plumber". Obama's plan is not to FIX the economy, but to CHANGE it. He'll start by giving a tax rebate to 95% of Americans. The obvious problem is that only 53% of Americans pay taxes. If Best Buy installed Obama's plan, it would look like this.

Suppose you run out and buy a $1200 television set, that came with a $200 mail-in rebate. What would happen is that Best Buy would send you $100 and send the other $100 to someone else. So under Obama, the people buying TVs would pay more so that the folks NOT buying TVs would also get rebates. Sounds fair, right? Obama would basically stamp a "No Purchase Necessary" on the income tax code. So why I am NOT worried? Because Jesus said so.

The religious leaders of Jesus' day were notorious for asking Him political, and tricky questions. On one occasion, they wanted to get his take on the extremely high taxation of Caesar. When asked, Jesus responded by asking his own question.

Jesus said, "Show Me the tax money." So they brought Him a coin. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Matt. 22:19-21

It is my vote, prayer, and hope that America doesn't CHANGE into the socialist country Obama and his cronies desire. However, If Caesar wants to "redistribute" his money, Jesus said it isn't His, OR mine to argue over. A nation's currency belongs to its government. The Earth is the Lords. God didn't create the numerous monetary systems throughout its history. It is worth noting that the Jews were prohibited from using currency (gold/silver coins) to pay the the tithe. God didn't want a tithe of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, or Caesar's money. He wanted a tithe of His own creation. The Bible says that God provides all my needs, and He is the keeper and sustainer of my life. God is not bound by the economic health of America. I have faith that if Obama wants more of his money, then God will provide.

Jesus said, "Go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.” Matt.17:27

I don't think Obama will win. But IF I am wrong, we are in for some tough financial times. (Google Herbert Hoover and the Revenue Act of 1932) With that being said, It's not my money to worry about. All I can do is vote, pray, and bait my fishing pole.

Evil

2008-10-22T15:07:00.000-05:00

There is a popular “question” among atheist that goes like this; “If God is good, then why does evil exists?” I have to admit. This is a very good question, but we are not allowed to answer ALL questions.

Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation. Proverbs 26:4-5

There you have it. Clear as mud.

Have you ever had someone ask you a question, but they asked in such a way that it was clear they were looking for an argument, NOT an answer? I have taken that bait many times, and those are hours of my life I can never get back. I have flushed time (and brain cells) down the toilet dealing with people like this. Jesus knew how to deal with them. He perceived their motive, and would just offend them. I was asked this question recently. The person WAS looking an answer, so let’s take a stab.

How can a God, who contains no evil, create a world that seems to have so much of it? Even the Bible records this paradox.

There are three things that amaze me—no, four things that I don’t understand: How an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean, how a man loves a woman. Proverbs 30:18-19

Using this metaphor, the Bible asks the same question. How do you reconcile evil (snake) operating so freely in God’s created world (rock)?

To help answer this question, we have to define evil. What is evil? Did God create it? Let’s say I gave you a delicate and beautiful piece of glass. After taking it, you accidentally drop it. It is now hundreds of sharp jagged pieces. Did I create that? No, YOU did. Understanding evil requires you to understand free will.

As a child, I remember receiving a Lego set for Christmas. Immediately after opening it, my dad began building his masterpiece. After consuming all the pieces, the spaceship was complete. He was so proud of his creation, that he set it on top the television for 2 days. And for those 2 days, I was banned from playing with my Lego set. You see, though the Lego set was mine, I could not be trusted with it. I received my Lego set on Dec. 25Th. I received the freedom to play with it (destroy his ship, to create my own) on Dec. 28Th.

God created this world, and it WAS good. It was good, because He created it that way. But that all changed shortly after signing it over to us. Adam and Eve dropped it, and it hasn’t been the same since. God didn’t create evil, we did. God created a delicate, beautiful, but fragile world. And we broke it. When we try to pick up the pieces, we are in essence, doing GOOD. It is a GOOD thing to feed the hungry and give to the poor. By doing those things, we are repairing this ALREADY broken world.

Evil is an illusion in the since that, it doesn’t exist. Evil is just a word we use to describe a place where there is NO GOOD. Darkness doesn’t exist either. You can’t measure darkness. Darkness is term we use to explain the absence of light. Cold also doesn’t exist. We determine how cold it is by measuring how much HEAT is present. Cold is a word we use to explain how little heat there is. At -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit, there is absolutely NO heat. You can’t get colder than that. They call this Absolute Zero.

In Exodus 4, God gave Moses a powerful lesson about evil. God tells Moses to go into Egypt and lead His people of out of the hands of Pharaoh. Moses protested and told God that they would never believe him. God told him to immediately throw down his staff. As soon as the staff was thrown down, it became a snake. The Lord then instructs Moses to grab it by the tail. When Moses reached out and grabbed the tail, it became a staff again.

When God created the world, he created it perfect, good, and straight. It wasn’t until man dropped it, that it became broken and bent. God didn’t create evil. Evil is the result of God giving us a world and us throwing it to the ground. All it takes is someone with the courage to pick it up by the tail. We are here to fix the world. We are here to repair it. We are here to restore it. EVIL is an effect resulted by GOOD not having an affect.

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)

Why do we allow snakes to slither on rocks? Obviously, we’re afraid we might get bit.

Rock The Vote

2008-10-13T19:19:00.000-05:00

This game is called, "Who Should I Vote For?" It is very simple. I'll give you my top 3 election issues, and where I stand on each of them. Your mission, if you choose to accept, is to find a presidential candidate who fits my bill. I'm counting on you.

LIFE

I believe life begins in the womb. To be exact, I believe it begins 18-21 days after conception. This is when the heart begins to beat. And when you have a beating heart, you have blood.

For the life of the flesh is in the blood. Lev 17:11
For it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Lev 17:14

So I want a candidate who chooses life.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. Deut. 30:19

I also want a candidate who will overturn Roe v. Wade. Because most abortions are in the name of convenience, they are flat out murder.

Whoever sheds the blood of a human, by humans his blood will be shed, because in the image of God, God made humans. Gen 9:6

All scripture is inspired by God. However, the punctuations are NOT. In the original Hebrew texts, there are no punctuations. In fact, in certain passages, there are NO spaces. The punctuations were added later, because they were necessary for translation. Though the English language is conceptually rich, it is not spiritually rich.

There is an axiom in Hebrew study, that if you can punctuate a verse in scripture in more than one way, then all of those ways are valid. So if a punctuation can change the meaning, then it is accepted that all meanings are applicable and intended. This is what makes the Hebrew language spiritually rich. It allows for the coding and compression of information into a finite text.

There are two ways to punctuate Genesis 9:6, in Hebrew. And by changing the punctuation, you get the following English translation.

Whoever sheds the blood of a human inside of a human, his blood will be shed, because in the image of God, God made humans. Gen 9:6

FAMILY

I believe a family starts with a man and a woman.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Gen. 1:27

As for you, be fruitful and increase in number; multiply on the earth and increase upon it. Gen. 9:7

Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. Lev 18:22

I want a President who supports the family and will hold the public school system accountable for Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. I don't need a diversity curriculum that attempts to bring balance to my Christian parenting. If I think it's important for my kid to know why "Heather Has Two Mommies", I'll run point on that one.

FREEDOM

I believe Jesus IS the only way to God. I'm not the only one who believes it. In fact, let me quote the bigoted author myself.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

I want a President who supports free speech. I want someone who will uphold my right to quote Jesus ANYTIME I want. I have a mandate from God, and I want to do my part, without being labeled a hater.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

I support free speech, not fair speech. I want a President who opposes the "Fairness Doctrine". When you "force" fairness, you forfeit freedom. And you insult my intelligence by concluding I'm too stupid to change the radio station.

If you don't agree with the Bible, then "man up" and stand by your decision. Don't take an offense, where one wasn't given.

I know what you're thinking. There are dozens of important issues, and THESE are your top 3? Yes, they are my top 3 because I believe they are elementary. Something tells me, George Washington didn't have to go on the record for these.

Lost

2008-10-08T19:02:00.000-05:00

As a teen, I had a friend who seemed like he had it made. He could buy what he wanted, go where he wanted, and say what he wanted. He had a bigger allowance, a later curfew (if any), and cooler parents. There was no pressure to make good grades, so he was able to have more "fun" in class. Life seemed so easy for him. No expectations. No rules. No problems. It didn't take long for me to find out the secret to his success.

It was at my first sleep over, that I saw the light. If I could just get rid of my parents, I could be my own boss. Well not remove them completely, just lessen their involvement. My friend's father didn't live with him, and wasn't involved his life. His mother, whom he lived with, wasn't any different. He didn't have anyone telling him what to do, when to go to bed, and what NOT to watch on television. He was my hero. I wanted his life.

Though I've matured, I would be lying if I said I have stopped comparing my life with others. If God wasn't involved in my finances, I'd have more money to spend on me. If God wasn't involved in my time, I wouldn't be at church on Sunday morning. I would be in my underwear, drinking coffee, and reading the newspaper. If God wasn't involved in my life, I could do whatever I wanted to do, when I wanted to do it. When I was a teenager, I used to think my parent's were holding me back. And now that I'm an adult, I sometimes find myself thinking the same thing. Is God holding me back from the life others get to live?

The problem with comparing your life with others, is that you can't see everything. What you DO see is always the result of what you DON'T see. As a teen, It was easy to be distracted by the greener grass of No Rules and No Expectations. But his greener grass was the result of a broken septic tank. What seemed "greener" on the outside was a result of something broken on the inside. My friend could do anything he wanted, because he had broken relationships. The people in his life had no opinion about who he was or what he did. He had no peace and joy, and he was lonely inside.

I am comforted in the fact that I belong to somebody. Yes, I may not always be the most "fun" at some parties. But that is because I am NOT my own. I am a child of God, and He expects me to act like one. He is my father, and he knows me more than I know myself. Now that I am older, the temptation to compare myself with those "outside" of my family isn't that strong. (Even though it would be cool to have a reality TV show and find my true B.F.F.) Less than obvious, is the temptation is to compare my life to my brothers and sisters.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a story about a father and his two sons. The younger son demands his share of the inheritance, and his father gives it to him. He then packs up and leaves the country. While he is away, he spends everything he has, living the "good" life. Not long after wasting everything away, a severe famine strikes the land, and the son is left broke and busted. He takes a job feeding pigs and then realizes the error of his ways.

When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant. Luke 15:17-19

After reuniting with his son, the father decides to celebrate.

But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. Luke 15:22-24

Everyone was ready to party except for ONE person.

Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, and he asked one of the servants what was going on. ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ Luke 15:25-27

The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. His father came out and begged him, but he replied, ‘All these years I've slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ Luke 15:28-30

How easy it is, for me to spot the weakness and failures of others. What is NOT so easy is to spot the envy and covetousness in my own life. Jesus knew who His audience. He was speaking to a bunch of religious Jews. Jesus wasn't making a point of celebrating the return of the lost. He was mocking THEM for being lost and out of touch with their father. And they never left the house.

His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’ Luke 15:31-32

Comparing yourself to others will cause you to become lost in envy and covetousness. I am notorious for losing my way and veering off course. The sad thing is, it happens while I'm still in the house.

Worry

2008-09-29T19:09:00.000-05:00

In Paradox of Prayer, I opined that being a parent enhances your understanding of scripture. As a parent, I am amazed at how, even the most familiar of passages, read like brand new.

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26

One of my greatest fears is that my children be without food, shelter, or protection. Simply put, if my family needs food, then I'm already dead. As a father, I cannot comprehend any of my children worrying about such things. Michael and Anna go about their day oblivious to the labor involved with securing their food and shelter. They have no idea that a bank owns the house we live in. When I leave for work in the morning, they just know I'm "going to make nickels". They don't even know what a nickel is. For them, they are ignorant of what happens "under the hood" of life. And for them, ignorance is truly bliss.

I take my duties as a father pretty serious. If my wife and kids wanted to offend me, they need not ask me if I've put on a few pounds. Just ask if If I plan on feeding them that day. I have a good sense of humor and can take a joke, but that's one thing you don't joke about. If I knew they even worried for a second about such a thing, I would shrink into a puddle of snot.

So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:28-30

As a father, I understand the foolishness of my children worrying about their needs. It would break my heart to find out they were concerned about their future and welfare. So, I have no doubt it breaks the heart of God when I do the same thing. When I worry about the economy, gas prices, the next president, or terrorist, is it just as foolish? When I realize that God IS a father, I'm not concerned with how foolish it sounds, I'm nervous it is borderline insulting.

He is the God who provides, regardless of how well the stock market is doing. If I'm alive tomorrow, it is because He decided, not Al-Qaeda. If gas becomes $10 a gallon and God wants me to go somewhere, then He has to get creative, not me. God doesn't hope for the best, but plan for the worst. That's what I do. I am notorious for worrying FIRST, and praying LAST. If my family did this to me, I would be offended.

Goosebumps

2008-09-08T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have a playlist on my ipod called "goosebumps". On Friday, I added a new song to that list and I CAN'T stop listening to it. Not only does it give me goosebumps, but it gives my goosebumps, goosebumps. The song is called "Healer" and it written by Michael Guglielmucci. After hearing it a dozen times, I decided to go online and find the story behind this powerful song. What I found, was NOT what I was looking for.

The author of my new favorite song, had been living a lie, for the past 2 years. Guglielmucci said he had written the song after being diagnosed with "an aggressive form of cancer."

"I just went home. I knew I had to go home and needed to get alone with God. I walked into my studio at home and for some reason I sat at a piano and began to worship. I sang that song from start to finish. I was crying. I just realised that God had given me an incredible gift and I realize that song was going to be my strength."

The truth is, not only did he not have cancer, but he had never seen a doctor. He confessed that he created the fake story to cover up his addiction to pornography. He was so entrenched in this struggle, that he began to show signs of depression. Though it was impossible to hide from the symptoms, he decided to hide from the cause. And he hid for 2 years.

For a few minutes, I had no idea how to process the news. Should I still listen to the song? Should I be outraged? Should I feel betrayed? And if so, why? I admit, the LAST thing I decided to do, was pray for Michael. Because the writer failed, did the song also fail? Because the messenger made a mistake, was the message now a mistake? Since the songwriter lived a lie, was the song a lie? What was I to do with all of the emotions of joy and peace that I had experienced listening to the song. Life is full of disappointments, and for a few moments, I was disappointed.

On Sunday, my Pastor preached a great sermon on Elijah. He recalled the time Elijah was told by God to go up to the mountain. As Elijah stood on the mountain, a great wind passed and moved the rocks. But God was NOT in the wind. After the wind, an earthquake shook the mountain. But God was NOT in the earthquake. After the earthquake, a fire burned. But God was NOT in the fire. After the wind, earthquake, and fire, a still small voice came to Elijah, and God WAS in the voice. As I sat in church, I was reminded of something very important. Not everything that moves and shakes is God. The wind and earthquake precluded God, but it wasn't God. God was NOT in the song, but he was in the still small voice that spoke, challenged, and changed me after hearing the song.

There are great songs, sermons, and even blogs. But God is not in any of them. We can only hope that they POINT you to the one true God, and the one true voice. I love music. I love how it makes me feel. But if it doesn't lead me to God, then what's the point? If the experience leads me to God, then the experience did it's job. Don't put your trust in the moving, shaking, or feeling. Put your trust in the one who really DOES hold the world in His hands. The song is called "Healer", and it STILL is in my ipod.........under "goosebumps".

Kingdomland

2008-08-16T10:43:00.000-05:00

The Bible describes Heaven as the place where God dwells. It was from Heaven, that Jesus came and offered Himself as sacrifice for the whole world.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Whether you believe it, accept it, or embrace it, it happened. It is a done deal. No one can earn it. No one can pay Him back. There is no program, course, or certification you need from your Pastor, Priest, or Rabbi to get the salvation purchased by Jesus. It is a gift that needs to be accepted or rejected. There is no third choice. The thief, hanging next to Jesus, did not have time to get baptized, go to confession, knock on doors, or give any money. He simply accepted a gift, and received heaven. One minute, he was a sinner going to hell. The next minute, he was a sinner going to heaven. "

Then he (thief) said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

In the Old Testament, the Jews also received a gift of salvation. But their salvation was not from the bondage of sin. Their salvation was from the bondage of the Egyptians. The Jewish people had absolutely nothing to do with there deliverance from the hands of Pharaoh. In fact, most of them didn't even believe it could happen. Their deliverance was orchestrated by God through miracles and plagues. One minute, the Jews where making bricks. The next minute, they were packing the U-Haul. Once Pharaoh yielded, it was up to them to stay in slavery or leave town. It was God, through Moses, that brought upon the deliverance of the Jews, and it was God, through Jesus, that brought upon the deliverance of the world. After being delivered from slavery, God tells the Jews that He is taking them to a new land. A land that is plentiful. A land of no traffic, low gas prices, and a Super Wal-Mart, etc, etc. It is a land where they can live and raise their families forever. God gives them a verbal deed to the land and instructs them to go inspect their new property.

The Lord, now said to Moses, “Send out men to explore the land of Canaan, the land I am giving to the Israelites. Send one leader from each of the twelve ancestral tribes.” So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He sent out twelve men, all tribal leaders of Israel, from their camp in the wilderness of Paran. Numbers 13:1-3

When the twelve men returned from surveying the land, they gave the following report.

We entered the land you sent us to explore, and it is indeed a bountiful country—a land flowing with milk and honey. Here is the kind of fruit it produces. But the people living there are powerful, and their towns are large and fortified. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak! Numbers 13:27-28

The deliverance from Egypt was the work of God and Him alone. The whole escape was gift wrapped in a neat little package. Not only did they not have to fight their way out, God cleared a path for them. You can't get more "full service" than God parting water so you don't have to walk around. The possession of the land, however, was NOT "full service". It was "self-service". God had already promised them the land. It was theirs for the taking. But there were no takers. Even though they witnessed God perform miracles on their behalf, their unbelief allowed themselves to be intimidated by the current residents. Instead of possessing the land, they stayed in the desert for forty years.

An entire generation lived and died in the desert. Though they walked out of Egypt, they never entered into their full potential. During the forty years they wandered, God miraculously fed them and provided for their every need. Everywhere the Jews went, God hovered over them as a cloud by day, and a cloud of fire by night. Every morning, God cooked them breakfast and there was enough food to last the entire day. This went on everyday. It was routine. It was their reality.

The desert is the place between deliverance and destiny. God's intention was not to rescue them out of Egypt so that they could stay in the desert. Staying in the desert is a choice. Salvation through Christ is similar in the sense that our deliverance is FREE, but our destiny still lies in our own hands. Jesus' intention was not to rescue you from your sin, so that you could stay broke, busted, and disgusted. Remember, you go to Heaven because of what Jesus did, plus nothing. But you live in the kingdom based on your obedience and the choices you make. And living in the kingdom, is the destiny God has called each and every one of us to.

So what is the kingdom and how do I live in it?

One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you. Luke 17:20-21

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own. First a leaf blade pushes through, then the heads of wheat are formed, and finally the grain ripens. And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:26-32

The kingdom is a land of plenty. It is a land where a little seed produces a large fruit. It is a land so fertile that a farmer will be able to plant and NOTHING will be able to stop it from growing. It is a place where others can come and find rest and provision. It is a land of unlimited potential and blessing. But the kingdom does have a show-stopper.

And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it.
Matthew 11:12

The kingdom is also a land of warfare. If you want to live in the kingdom, it first has to be taken. And because this kingdom is spiritual, we know that the current residents are also spiritual. And their job is to keep you out. The Apostle Paul knew very well about this spiritual battle.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

It is said that the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. Many Christians live and die in the desert, completely ignorant of the devil and specifically what he is guarding you from, The Kingdom. The kingdom, not heaven, is what Jesus died for.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

To put it another way, your eligibility for heaven was decided by Christ. Your eligibility for the kingdom will be decided by YOU on the battlefield. If Satan can convince a Christian that their salvation is up in the air, then he knows they are no threat to kingdom living. Doubting your salvation is the equivalent to a head-shot in war. If he can make you doubt your salvation, then it's over. You will remain in the desert. Enjoy your mana. It's no mystery why Paul called it the "Helmet of Salvation".

The Bible says that many are called, but few are chosen. Many have accepted the free gift of salvation, but very few have chosen to live in the kingdom. They choose not to fight. They choose not to change. They choose not to see an enemy pulling the strings. For Satan, the game is over. He can't keep you from Heaven. That battle is lost. His only option is to keep you wounded. He wants you benched and off the battlefield. His strategy is to steal, kill, and destroy your potential, relationships, and finances. If he succeeds, then you have no light. You have no salt. You have no influence.

Kingdom life is a life where no goal is out of reach. You are the head, and not the tail. You live above, and not below. You are the victor, and not the victim. Your life doesn't fluctuate with gas prices, the economy, or Britney Spears. You don't have to be broke. You CAN go to school. You CAN be healed. You CAN be successful. In the kingdom, you control your destiny. You have the authority. You have the mandate. Go get it. Don't settle for the desert. Don't settle for your daily mana rations. Go get your destiny. Go get everything Jesus bled and died for. You can't lose.

Hope to see you there.

Lesson From The Dishwasher

2008-07-24T13:26:00.000-05:00

So I'm standing next to the kitchen sink, washing dishes. It was relaxing. It was therapeutic. It was making my hands silky smooth. My wife walks in the kitchen, rolls her eyes, and points to the dishwasher. "Why do spend the time washing dishes, when we have a dishwasher? I just think that's silly", she opined. After getting home from a stressful 10 hour day at work, I gave an answer that would make any time management expert cringe. "I'm washing the dishes for the same reason I take long showers. If there's a chore to be done, I might as well enjoy it."

I grew up washing dishes. I did it everyday. I have many great memories doing it with my brothers. I can remember washing a dish and passing it to my left. My younger brother would then rinse it and pass it to our youngest brother, who would be ready to dry and store. We had a system. However the system had nothing to do with efficiency. Like typical boys having to do chores, we're were gonna make it fun, and always dangerous. I loved filling the sink with water and lots of soap. If it was my brother's turn to wash, then he had better be careful. Hidden under the soapy veil would be an entire set of steak knives, positioned for unsuspecting hands. Often times I would boil water on the stove, just to put in the dishwater. Nothing made washing dishes more fun, than the sight of bleeding 2nd degree burns. Eventually washing the dishes was something we looked forward to. Well I did.

I completely understood where my wife was coming from when she offered the use of our dishwasher. In her mind, there were many other things that I could have been doing, had I loaded the dishwasher. Had I worked quickly, I could have moved to the next item on the list, and then the next. But do the lists ever end? What guarantee do we have that after we are done, life will let us enjoy our evening, weekend, or vacation? We only have control of now. We have no guarantee of our next year, week, day, or even hour. The truth is, we will only be as happy as we want to be RIGHT NOW. Life isn't about who can do the most, but who can enjoy it more.

There will always be folks who have more money, friends, and talents than I do. I can't change that. But I can change what I have. Is it better to have 500 myspace friends or 3 close friends that you can share your life with? Well, I confess that I don't have either. But that's a blog for another day. Will I embrace a life of quantity, or a life of quality? King Solomon answered this question in the book of Ecclesiastes.

"There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children. We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us." Ecc 5:13

"There is another serious tragedy I have seen under the sun, and it weighs heavily on humanity. God gives some people great wealth and honor and everything they could ever want, but then he doesn’t give them the chance to enjoy these things. They die, and someone else, even a stranger, ends up enjoying their wealth! This is meaningless—a sickening tragedy." Ecc 6:1

I don't remember who said it, but I will always remember this quote. "I have never prayed for an entire hour. However, I have never gone an entire hour without praying" Please give yourselves permission to enjoy every minute of your life. Make a conscience decision to start squeezing every drop of purpose out of your money, relationships, and talents. Don't forget to squeeze some fun out of it too. Even if it puts the dishwasher out of work.

A Mad Fear Party

2008-07-16T19:49:00.000-05:00

One of the fundamentals of journalism is the concept of the six Ws. OK, there's only 5, but they are Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. When I was in school, I was graded on whether or not, I answered all of these questions. It wasn't enough for me to just get 5 out of the 6. I had to get them all. And If I didn't answer them ALL, then I didn't have a complete story. That is the assumption most of us have when we listen to the news. We assume they did their homework and answered all of the questions truthfully. All we need to do is open our mouth and let mother bird feed us, and hope we don't get food poisoning.

There's a saying in the news business, if it bleeds, it leads. The media has learned that violence begets ratings, and more violence begets more ratings. In fact, the top stories usually revolve around someone dead, dying, or going to die. The goal is to not only bring you the news, but to make you a part of it. And if you're a part of it, then you'll "keep it here, because we're America's number one source for blah..blah..blah...whatever."

If the media was an economy, then its currency would be fear. And in this economy, inflation rates are at an all time high. It is a challenge to watch the news and find anything worth redeeming. I feel as if the goal is to make me as fearful as possible. It's as if America is in perpetual surgery and I'm doomed to live out the rest of my life in the waiting room. The doctor's updates seem to be more like cliffhangers. And their tone often suggests I'm the reason she was sent to the hospital, in the first place. Well sir, she's not doing so well. We're still trying to stabilize her oil prices, but it's just not dropping fast enough. Are you sure you're doing everything you can to decrease her need for foreign oil? We are also trying to control her temperature. We have a full team of experts trying to find out the cause of the fluctuation. She hasn't been near any SUVs lately, has she?

Watch out friends! There are fear vendors on every channel, newspaper, and radio station. The answers are there, but you'll just have to find them yourself. Gas is high, but it's nothing like it was in the late 70's. If you were to tell my father we are in a recession, he would laugh in your face. Yes, it is warmer than it was 230 years ago. No one has crossed the frozen Delaware since George Washington. But It's nothing like it was during the 10 century. The Vikings gave Greenland that name for a reason. And what SUV thawed out the first Ice Age? Oh, so many questions, but NO answers. Up is down, down is up, and the Mad Hatter is running for President. Like Alice, I get so tired of listening to endless riddles with NO answers. At least there's the Food Network. I like me some Food Network.

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?” -- Mad Hatter, Alice In Wonderland

"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." -- God, Isaiah 41:10

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -- Jesus, John 8:32

For God's Sake

2008-07-10T20:09:00.000-05:00

St. Bernard of Clairvaux was a monk who lived between the 11th and 12th century. In one of St. Bernard's books, "De amore Dei" (Of the love of God), he writes that loving God is to love Him without measure and gives the four degrees of this love.

The first degree of love is to love self for self's sake. Also known as the law of self-preservation, this is the basic form of love that comes equipped on every make and model child born on the planet. It is at this level that we channel our survival instincts. This basic form of love is essential for life. When one commits suicide, it is almost always because they have never progressed past this level of love. And by not moving to another level, they had nowhere to go when the circumstances of this life knocked them back a notch. This level is located in the lobby of your heart. There's nothing below this. And without this degree, life cannot exist.

The second degree of love is to love God for self's sake. This is the "You scratch my back, I scratch your back" level of love. We love ourselves so much, that we can't stand for others not to. This level gives birth to all forms of relationships. Where the first degree takes care of our survival as an individual, this level seeks survival as a species. We realize there is strength in numbers and the sense of community makes life easier for us. Our relationships tend to be shallow from the start, but we are OK with that. How many times have you given love to someone, for the sole purpose of receiving love from them? Try this exercise. Count the number of broke, needy, and hurting friends you have and compare it with the rich, stable, and healthy ones. Sure, we may know people who suck the life out of us, but we sure as hell don't go to the movies with them. Why would we? They already owe us $20.

It is in the second degree that most religions Christians call home. Because this stage is still self-serving, it is not uncommon for them to simply warm the pew, give a few bucks, and go home. Their goal may not necessarily be to seek God, but to receive answers. We want to be relevant in this universe, and we want to have purpose. In our search for these answers, we become open to all people, and all gods. This is the main reason we see NO contradiction in the various religions. All religions claim exclusivity to God. Any person claiming there are many ways to God are either ignorant, or lying as to NOT offend in hopes of keeping multiple citizenship. (think politicians) The goal is not ultimate truth, but ultimate comfort. And if your religion gives me a warm fuzzy, we'll continue to give you the nod, but don't expect more than that.

The third degree of love is to love God for His sake. It is at this level that we show our maturity. We have a deeper love for God and one another. Our own best interests are usually an afterthought. We actually enjoy loving others and are genuinely interested in them. We are less likely to choose where we're going to eat, because it's not important. The point isn't to eat. The point is to further our relationship. Marriages have matured from having someone spend THEIR life "on" me, to spending MY life "with" them.

As selfish as they are, no one gets to the third stage unless they go through the pain of the first two. At this level, you realize, it truly IS better to give than to receive. You are no longer scratching backs and trading services. You are creating happiness. It is here that we begin to loosen the grip on our wallets, schedules, and reputation. People here see past the 3 dimensional view of their world. They see people as eternal beings created in God's image.

The fourth degree of love is to love self for God's sake. These people are rare, but easy to spot. They are not always in monasteries, convents, or pulpits. You'll see them at the gym, but not posing in the mirror. You'll see them at restaurants, but not eating too much. You'll see them drinking, but never drunk. These are the ones who have reached a level that allows them to love themselves, life, and others to the fullest. They realized that if Christ died for them, they must be really important. And if Christ died for the whole world, then the whole world is just as important. These people have found the balance between heavenly minded and earthly good. For them, it's not about just breathing as long as you can, but getting the most out of every breath. They take care of themselves, not because of vanity, but because they know there body is a gift, and they are grateful. They cherish life and the Giver of life. They never judge you, because they are too busy being grateful for their own pardon. They are masters at separating the sin from the sinner. Knowing how precious their life really is, they still believe yours is slightly more valuable.

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wrong. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. - 1Corinthians 13:4-7

May all of us experience love, for God's sake.

It's Not About You

2008-07-08T20:47:00.000-05:00

I recall a story of a guy walking towards a building. As he approached the entrance, he noticed a woman behind him. He slowly opened the door and held it in place, waiting for the woman to pass. The woman stopped at the threshold, put her hands on her hips and barked, "Please don't hold the door for me just because I'm a lady. I can do it myself, Thank you very much!" The man, calmly replied, "Ma'am, I didn't hold the door open because you are a lady. I held the door open because I'm a gentleman."

As I reflected, I was reminded of how segregated my life has become. It's as if I role play depending on my location and audience. Depending on where and whom I'm with, I can be very gentle, or a jerk. I can be forgiving, or get angry very easily. I can be relational, or look extremely busy and avoid you. Believe me, my life is filled with numerous trap doors, escape pods, and excuses to remove myself from any responsibility, challenge, or conversation.

To whom it may concern: God is calling me out of this confusing mess. I am tired of playing the "Guess Who I Am Today" game. I no longer want to live under the circumstances. My wife, my children, my co-workers, and my friends need me to be ME. God created me perfect for HIS purpose. I no longer want to forfeit His purpose by allowing a person, place, or thing to keep me from it. So starting today, I serve notice to all nouns. I am going to be me regardless of who is watching. No doubt I will lose ground in some arenas, but I will also gain ground in some. At least the ground will be occupied by the real deal.

The Bible says that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is reassuring to know that there is no sin capable of making a sonic boom strong enough to knock God off His throne. When I royally screw up, He is always there with an arm to grab. God puts food on my table even though we forget to thank Him for it. God doesn't get offended like me. God's mood does NOT change with the price of oil, even though mine does. God is always on time, on point, and on deck. And it has absolutely NOTHING to do with me. It has everything to do with Him being a God who keeps his promises.

John 13 describes an event where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples. What's interesting is that Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray Him. Even though Judas decided to betray Him, Jesus washed his feet along with the others. What's even more amazing is that Jesus gave him the highest honor at the meal. Now I have to admit. This is NOT how I would have handled it. First off, I would have only sent out 11 dinner invitations. If that didn't stop him, upon washing his feet, I would accidentally on purpose broke his pinky toe. And then I would have poisoned his food. But hey, that's how I roll.

Jesus displayed remarkable grace, compassion, and genuineness in spite of having full knowledge of the circumstances. Jesus didn't give Judas the cold shoulder, not return his emails, or embarrass him. Jesus never allowed Himself to be watered down by anyone. And neither will I, so help me God. Jesus didn't offer Judas grace and mercy, because he deserved it. Jesus offered it because He is gracious and merciful.

"Ma'am, I didn't hold the door open because you are a lady. I held the door open because I'm a gentleman."

Paradox Of Prayer

2008-07-06T21:51:00.000-05:00

If you want to read the Bible, great. But if you want to read it in high definition blue-ray, then become a parent. I have studied the Bible for years, but never knew how shallow my understanding was until I had children. How can one truly understand verses about "Father God" unless you ARE a father? For years, I studied the Bible in "black and white", but it wasn't until I had children, that I saw it in color.

As a father, there is nothing good that I will withhold from my children, if it is in my power to give it. Asking for it is optional. If my child needs medicine, food, shelter, encouragement, ect., I'm on it! On the flip side, if my child wants something bad for them, it doesn't matter how much they ask. They're NOT getting it. This isn't deep. This is common sense, and elementary for any good parent.

So if God is a good father, why do we pray? If we believe that God will give us what is good, and withold what is bad, then what would be the logic behind prayer? On the surface, it seems like I'm wasting my time. I never asked this question until after I became a father. I want my child to be happy. I not only want to give him what he needs, but I want to give him what he wants.

I feel an example is needed. Let's pretend my son is sitting at the table eating his food. He looks up and asks, "Dad, may I have a brownie?" Because I'm a good father, my answer is no. I proceed to tell him that he needs to finish his dinner. After he finishes his dinner, he asks again. Because I'm a good father, my answer is now yes. What just happened. He asked twice and received two different answers. Now we're getting somewhere.

The purpose of prayer isn't to ask God to do something He is already going to do. The purpose of prayer isn't to ask God for something He isn't going to give. (You can't change God!) The purpose of prayer is to offer ourselves up to God so that we can change. It was in his asking (prayer) that my answer (will) was known to him.

Now he could have responded in two ways. He could have expressed that my answer was not to his satisfaction, (whined) Or he could have accepted my current answer and proceeded to do something about changing himself (finish his dinner). By changing himself, he would have gotten the answer he wanted to begin with. I am not a mean father, and neither is God. I don't like saying NO, and neither does God. All you good fathers know what I'm talking about. A father's joy is giving your family everything they want, not repeating "no" because you can. If I say "no" and don't explain my answer on their level, then I'm not being a good father, I'm either power-tripping or being lazy.

Now that I am a father, I pray different. No longer do I come to God with my daily Christmas list. I first come alone. I come to offer myself. And how do I offer myself? Well as funny as it sounds, I still bring my list. Again, it's in our asking that we reveal who WE are. If you really want to know someone. I mean really know. Ask them what they want. You are what you want. If you don't believe me, why is it so difficult to pray with your spouse, or with others? Prayer (bring your requests before God) is one of the most vulnerable things you can do. Have you ever prayed out loud? Have you ever listened to yourself pray? Did you sound selfish and pitiful? Let's be honest. When you pray, who is the servant and who is the master?!

Prayer is meant to be a daily, life changing event. Your requests reveal who you are, and God's answer reveal who He wants you to be. It is true that you cannot change God. The Bible says so. Because I'm a father, I understand the paradox. It's not that my mind changes, it's that my children do. When the child's attitude, maturity, motives, etc. change, so does the answer. Remember, my desire is to give them ALL that they want. There only job is to allow me to do it.

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you." John 15:7