This I Know

July 31, 1984. 

This was the day I went forward at a vacation Bible school in East Tennessee, repented of my sins  and asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.

Like most new believers, I was filled with zeal and wanted to learn all I could about the Lord.  I began reading my Bible fervently, attending every service and trying to be a good Christian.

I now know I was not properly discipled. 

I began reading my Bible from the beginning.  (That's where you start a book right?)  I breezed through Genesis and Exodus, bogged down in Leviticus and gave up in Numbers.  It took me awhile to get back on track.  I finally had a fellow believer point me to the NT where I spent a season before eventually reading the whole Bible. 

I had a huge fascination with end times theology and read everything I could get my hand on.  I loved to debate (argue) the Bible and felt I had to defend God to the death!  I even made sure to hand a Bible tract to a kid who was holding a switchblade to my throat...so that I could at least die a martyr!

Ah, youth....

Nearly 31 years since my life changing decision, I have come to learn that less is more.  I have seen the highs and lows of faith.  The good, the bad and the ugly.  The older I get, the more comfortable I am with my faith.  I no longer feel the need to debate every line of Scripture.  In fact, I don't debate at all. 

As I reflect over my relationship with the Lord, I find comfort and peace in who He is and who I am in Him.

After 31 years, this I know:

Prov. 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."  The first Scripture that really challenged me.  I tried for too long to lean on my own understanding.  Now, I know that I know nothing.  I have found that as I lean on Him, look to Him, trust in Him...He truly does direct my path.  From TN to TX, Russia to Croatia, the US to Canada, God has directed my path, my days, my life.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

Jesus, Only Jesus - I remember hearing this quoted often by a man God used to impact my life.  He often said it boiled down to just that.  I used to think he was being so cliche.  Now I know, I truly want Jesus, only Jesus!

Jesus Christ and Him Crucified - "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." This passage in 1 Cor. 2:2 has become more and more important to me. I don't care to debate how long it took God to create the Heavens and Earth.  My opinion on when Jesus is coming back is just that, my opinion. What I am determined to know is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Galatians 2:20 -  "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." The verse that changed my life.  In my darkest days, God reached out to a man contemplating his own mortality, He broke through the darkness when suicide seemed like the only way out, and He taught me who I am in Him. 

I'm not God - I am not called to judge.  I no longer see the need to point out the stick in your eye while ignoring the log in mine.  I now endeavor to speak truth in love and show the same grace and mercy that Jesus Christ has shown me.

The Two Greatest Commandments - Jesus is quoted in Matthew 22:36-40 as saying that the two greatest commandments in which are contained the whole law of God is to love the Lord with our whole heart, soul, mind and strength and to love our neighbor as we do our self!  It really is that simple.  We over complicate Christianity and Jesus boiled it down to this!

Jesus Loves Me - This I know.  I can rest in that. 

I'm Broken!

“I’m Broken.”

After sobbing for 20 minutes, these were the only words that I could say to express the way I was feeling.  Broken.  I knew it was a lie, yet it was how I was feeling at the moment.  My wife, so wonderful through my long struggle with a head injury, continued to speak affirming words and prayed with me before we ended our phone call.

The day started off innocent enough, just going through the normal motions and doing my job.  What precipitated this emotional upheaval was looking back.  It has been 2 years since my 6th and most significant concussion.  After 18 months I finally felt like I was getting back to my “normal” self.  I was finally implementing all the tools I had been learning at the Brain Injury Association and had found a medicine that relieved some of my lingering post-concussion symptoms.  I had a good month and then, bang, concussion # 7 arrived.

Discouraged, emotional, tired, frustrated and sad would be just a few of the words I would use to describe the way I felt afterwards.  I thought I was finally hitting a stride, only to stumble and falter as I continued the race of recovery.  I made the mistake in the midst of this emotional upheaval of looking back at things I had written and done last year.  Where I thought I was doing well, I realize now I was not nearly as “recovered” as I had assumed.  I more “maintained” than anything else at work.  I made mistakes, simple mistakes that I should have caught, and began beating myself up.

As I returned to work, the Lord reminded me of a prayer I prayed a few years back.  I had been studying the passage of Scripture where Jacob wrestles with the Lord. (Gen. 32:22-32) He came away with a blessing and a limp.  I prayed that the Lord would take me deeper, whatever the cost and make me more dependent on Him.  Shortly after that, I acquired concussion 6 and then 7.  I have spent the last 2 years learning to cope and accept what has happened to me.  I saw the blessings in my situation.  Sarah and I had many a conversation about how God has used these concussions to change me for the better in my walk with Him and my relationships with others.  I have become more contemplative, reflective and still, listening in ways I never have before.  I have found a heart of compassion for those suffering with head injuries and mental health issues.

In all of that I have been blessed….but until recently, I ignored the limp.  I knew it was there but I never really “grieved” over what happened.  I have suffered a loss.  I have a “limp” called an acquired brain injury.  It hit me recently that I will, barring a healing from God, never be the same again.  Yet in that grief, I also see how I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)  Despite the loss, I am still a new creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Cor. 5:17) Yes I have lost much, but I have gained so much more.  I can count all things as loss (Phil. 3:8) and look to Jesus Christ and Him crucified! (1 Cor. 2:2) I am honestly not ready to “rejoice” in my situation but I am ready to acknowledge God is still using, leading and guiding me.  Darkness may last for a night but there truly is joy in the morning.  (Psalm 30:5)

Night is ending and I see the cracks of dawn.

For now, I can rejoice in that.

Wounded By God's People

I've been wounded.  I've been hurt by God's people.  So when I heard that Anne Graham Lotz was releasing a new book with Zondervan called, Wounded by God's People, I immediately acquired a copy.

A quarter of the way through the book I was a bit bored.  Half way through the book I was planning a negative review.  Three quarters of the way through God orchestrated events in such a way that I could talk with someone who had wounded me and vice-verse.  Now that I have finished the book, I believe every person who has ever been hurt by God's people should read this book.

Anne uses the story of Hagar, found in the book of Genesis, as the Biblical underpinning for this book.  I found the links to be forced at time.  I believe she made the right choice by using the story of Hagar.  However, my issue was that she also added "thoughts" to what Hagar may have been thinking, feeling, etc.  In doing so, I became quite distracted by these "thoughts" and felt she was forcing links at times where there were none.

This happened less frequently through the book and as it did, I felt the book began to improve and Anne began to hit her stride.  She was truly digging up ground that needed to be addressed and poked holes in any justification or defense the reader might throw up.  Anne not only addresses the wounded but the wounder as well (often the same person).

I would highly recommend this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com®  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

An Act of God! - Just A Thought #54

I heard the term, Act of God, quite a bit this past week.  It was used in the media to explain hurricane damage, floods and earthquakes.  I even heard it used to describe a crane being bent in half by the wind and dangling 750 feet (228 meters) in the air.   

Two things went through my mind while watching these broadcasts.  One, I did not know so many people in the media believed in God.  Two, why does God not get recognized for all the good things He does?

I know that an “act of God” is legalese for any act which is outside human control and therefore not the responsibility of any individual or corporation.

I also know it is always defined as a bad thing, like a tornado!

God gets a bad rap!

I want to see God’s children redefine an act of God.  Let’s take this phrase and turn it on its ear because when I wake up each morning, I consider that an act of God! 

“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.” Psalm 3:5

I look out my window, see the sunshine and the rain, the snow and the stars at night, and I see an act of God.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“In his hand are the deep places of the earth, and the mountain peaks are his. The sea is his. He made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:4-5

We take the good things for granted and blame God for the bad.  God did not create the chaos we see around us.  He provided a way out.  (John 3:16)

We blame God for death, mayhem and destruction.  How often do we thank Him for our very life? 

The next time you walk outside; why not stop for a moment and thank God for His mighty act of creation. 

The Father's Love Letter

My Child,
   

You may not know me, but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications
© 1999-2011 www.FathersLoveLetter.com

Everyone Has A Story

For the past six years I have worked with the Salvation Army.  I have seen a lot over these 6 years, not all of it pretty.  I’ve learned a lot as well.

One thing I have learned is to listen for the story.   

There is a cynicism that has crept into our society where we act like everyone on the street is a substance abuser, makes the wrong choices and “has an excuse (story)” for their actions.  I have learned how far from the truth that really is.

It’s true, some of the “street” people abuse substances and make other poor choices, but many have suffered sickness, got behind on a bill or were laid off when the company downsized due to a poor economy.  Lest we forget though, ALL were created in the image of God.  (Genesis 1:27)

“Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.” Proverbs 22:2

When we walk down the street and see those in need, do we see God’s image in the person we try to ignore?  Do we see the image of God in the poor, the needy, and yes, even the substance abuser?

How often do we think about the soul of the man or woman on the street? 

I will say this, God thinks of them DAILY!  (Psalm 139)

He loved them enough to send His Son for them.  (John 3:16)

Can we not stop and hear their story? 

I mentioned that I have learned to listen to the story.  It isn’t always easy but with practice, we can look beyond the symptoms and listen to what is going on in the heart of the down-and-out person.  A cup of coffee with a stranger may place us outside of our comfort zone for a moment, but it can change a life forever.

These are my neighbors.  This is my mission field. 

Will you listen to someone’s story this week?

Leaving a Legacy

I love the story of Enoch in the Bible. Actually, I love the handful of verses about Enoch. That is really all there is. Enoch gets 7 verses in Genesis and one in Hebrews. That's it.

In Genesis those 6 verses set the stage for who Enoch is and why he was so important. In Genesis 5:21 it says Enoch became the father of the oldest living person ever, Methuselah. The next verse says he, Enoch, walked with God 300 years while having other children. Then 2 verses later it says again Enoch walked with God and was no more because God took him. What that looked like I don't know.

Later, Enoch is commended for his faith in Hebrews 11:5. The testimony there is that he "pleased God." Wow! How is that for a legacy? That says a lot. In Genesis he is recorded as walking with God and in Hebrews he is recorded as pleasing Him.

He had kids and he walked with God. When your life is over will the world be able to say, "He/She walked with God" about you? What kind of legacy are you leaving to the world around you? Will your friends and family be able to say that you walked with God?

"He was a hard worker. She was a good mother. He was a successful businessman. She was a super athlete." These are nice things but, I would rather hear he walked with God! I want the Lord to feel as if I have pleased him! To leave this world and know that that is the legacy you are leaving your children would be a powerful witness and a testimony of the LIVING God. I believe the Father would say "Well done my good and faithful servant!"

Let's strive to leave behind a legacy like Enoch! It's never to late.

Between the Psychic and the Porta-Potty - Just A Thought #41

This past week I found myself taking part in a food drive for the Salvation Army. The drive was being put on by a traveling carnival that was set up for a couple days in town. As I pulled up they showed me where to set up, which was beside the porta-potties and across from the psychic. (Insert cheesy joke here!)

Sadly, I saw a couple Christians heading into the psychic to have their palms read or tarot cards laid out for them. The lady promised 90% accuracy in foretelling your future! I found it very sad that believers would violate God's Word by willingly seeking advice from someone practicing acts that God clearly condemns.

From psychics to horoscopes it seems people have no problem consulting others for wisdom that only God can give. It's not just wisdom though, I know quite a few believers who want to see how close they can get to the line of sin while touting their "freedom" in Christ. I think if you are looking for the line, you are already on the wrong side of it.

Stop forming inappropriate relationships with unbelievers. Can right and wrong be partners? Can light have anything in common with darkness? Can Christ agree with the devil? Can a believer share life with an unbeliever? Can God's temple contain false gods? Clearly, we are the temple of the living God. As God said, "I will live and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people." The Lord says, "Get away from unbelievers. Separate yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with anything unclean. Then I will welcome you." (2 Corinthians 6:14-17)

We are called to resist the evil of this world. We are not called to compromise, to give in, to surrender to the cares of this world. We should act more like Joseph fleeing temptation. Remember, he ran from it, leaving his cloak behind in his hurry to get away. (Genesis 39:1-11) I have never found a Scripture telling us to see how close we can get to sin while still resisting. I have never seen a Scripture where God tells us to seek His wisdom from a horoscope or a psychic.

We need to actively resist temptation. Christ, living in us, has given us the ability to do that. Let's not dabble with the things of this world. God's ways are far superior to any "wisdom or good things" the world has to offer. When we follow through with what 2 Corinthians says above, then God has promised to call us His own. "The Lord Almighty says, "I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters." (2 Corinthians 6:18)

Get Out of the Boat!

My family and I are reading through the Bible in a year. While reading my Bible, I was struck again by the story of Noah. One passage in particular drew my attention.

The passage can be found in Genesis chapter 8:

In the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried from off the earth. And Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry. In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth had dried out. Then God said to Noah, "Go out from the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons' wives with you. Genesis 8:13-16

Notice how Noah took the covering off the ark and saw that the ground was dry? He could have left then. However, he waited another month, until God told him it was time to go out of the ark. Then he left.

That got me to thinking....

How often do we see something that looks good and we step right into it before waiting for God to tell us it's ok to move? Noah could have moved right out of the Ark but waited for God's prompting. I can apply that to a current situation right now in my life. I have an exciting ministry opportunity that looks like a God thing. However, as much as I want to move on it, I know I need to hear God tell me it's the right time and place. Just because the ministry (or any situation for that matter) looks good and may even seem like a "God thing", doesn't mean He wants us to step into it. He might want us to wait for the right opportunity, or send us in a whole different direction.

The key is to wait on God. Go when He says Go and not one minute before.

Another Time, Another Place

Another Time, Another Place

I love science fiction. I grew up with Star Wars, the original trilogy, and have always enjoyed a good sci-fi film. One thing that has always fascinated me is the concept of time travel, going back or forward to a different place or time in history. What would it have been like if I was born in a different era? If I had the chance to make a decision over again would I do things differently? That is the question I hear people ask all the time. What if I had dated someone else? Moved when I had the chance? Taken that job when it was available?

Really, the fascination many have with time travel is that it would give us the chance to correct mistakes. The chance to right a wrong or to take the path that now looks better in hindsight. How many times have you heard someone say, "If I only knew then what I know now"? You might have said it yourself. I know I have. Many of us live a life of regrets because we are always looking backwards.

God the Father was a forward thinker. He had a plan in place even before He created the Heavens and the Earth. Notice how, when the fall happened, as recorded in Genesis 3, He immediately spoke "prophetic" words about Christ coming! (Gen. 3:14)

How about these words spoken in Jeremiah: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:5)

Look at this longer passage from Ephesians: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:3-12)

So, God was a forward thinker. He had a plan. His plan, as set forth in Genesis, was for Christ to come at another time and another place. A perfect time and place I might add. So it was that, a little over 2000 years ago, Christ was born in a manger. He came to fulfill God's plan. He gave up the throne room of God for a season, so that He could bring us into everlasting relationship with the Father. He restored what was lost in the fall.

This holiday season, and throughout the year, don't look back with regrets. Lay down the "what ifs" and think about the "what is". God is directing your life. He has a plan for you. He knows what He is doing. Trust Him.

Blame God - It's Apparently All His Fault

While reading about the recent bus accident involving MercyMe I came across one article that postulated: Why did God allow this to happen?

I have heard that question, and variations thereof, a lot over the last few weeks.

"If God is real, why doesn't He heal me?"
"Why does God allow suffering?"
"Why would a compassionate God destroy the whole earth in a flood?"
"Why didn't He stop it?"
"Doesn't He care?"

People are quick to blame and fault God. A tornado, a hurricane, a flood are all called "Acts of God" even by people who don't believe in God! Apparently the Creator of the universe is at fault for all the ill in the world.

I guess people missed that part of Genesis where sin came into the world because of Adam and Eve.

Of course Job and his friends seemed to say and ask some of the same things. David asks those tough questions as well. David talks quite a bit about how the wicked prosper, the good suffer, etc.

We tend to judge God by our human standards of right, wrong and morality. We blame God when others are at fault. We get angry when God doesn't perform for us like a genie in a bottle. We want God to act like we would act in a situation.

NEWS FLASH: WE ARE NOT GOD!

When Job stood before God he became speechless. He humbled himself before the God of the universe. When Moses met God he was physically and visibly changed. His face shone to the point where he had to cover his face. Peter suffered foot and mouth disease when he offered to build shelters when Jesus was transfigured!

God does not have to answer to us. His ways are higher than ours and His thoughts are not our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

It's ok to ask questions. It's ok to wonder. God knows our pain. He hurts with us. However, if God doesn't move when and how we want, we need to remember He is still God! He has a plan we cannot see.

I want to encourage you, if you have doubts express them to God and then leave them at His feet. Worship Him. Love Him. Trust Him!

Are they worth anything?

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

I try to stay away from politics. Not that I believe Christians should not vote, I do, but because it can frustrate me to no end. Take this past week. I went to a local town council meeting. Now many may be wondering if I slipped a cog....what a way to spend an evening.

There may be some truth in that.

See I heard this week that the town council was going to discuss the local homeless shelter. Seeing as I work and interact with the homeless everyday, my wife and I thought we would go down and see what was up.

Who knew town council meetings could be so contentious.

From the opening statement I sat in shocked frustration as each member of the council berated, attacked, belittled and smeared the local homeless shelter. In the end it boiled down to the fact that, as it was stated clearly more than once, "We don't want THOSE people on Main Street!"

Those people are people who are homeless and/or intoxicated. Every crime in our town was pinned on THOSE people. Everything was the fault of THOSE people. The shelter was attacked for helping THOSE people.

I finally spoke up about how "those" people were human beings and worth something. My wife said basically the same thing. Our cries, as well as those of a few others, seemed to fall on deaf ears.

"but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God."
(James 3:8-9)

When I was a teen, my family was homeless for a time. It is not a good feeling. We hurt as fellow Christians blamed us and said we must have sinned against God to be suffering like this. My Dad's business folding was God's punishment. Sadly as new believers we were somewhat confused.

Words hurt.

These council members spewed forth indignant venom, belittling the vary essence of the homeless people in our town.

"But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."(1 John 3:17-18)

We were created in the image of God. We are called to love.....not just the wealthy business man, but the lowliest beggar on the street. Yes people make bad choices, yes some choose to drink, but not every homeless person is there due to drugs and alcohol and even if they were Jesus loved them enough to die for them as well. How can we treat them any less than human?

"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

It may be uncomfortable, it may even scare us a bit, but Jesus loves the downtrodden. Shouldn't we? A kind word, a pat on the back, a nod, a hearty hello, they can all go along way to giving someone basic dignity. They can also open the door for you to reach out with the Love of God in word AND deed!

So the next time you pass a homeless man or woman on the street I want to challenge you to look beyond the physical. Look with the eyes of God to a hurting world and LOVE!

Wrestling With The Word

I have been wrestling with the Word lately. As I shared the following with my family, my daughter told me not to wrestle too hard, or I may come away with a bad hip! (Gen. 32:25) Ah, the insight of youth. So, what was it that elicited that comment? In brief:

I remember growing up hearing people refer to themselves as hawks or doves when it comes to the issues of war, the death penalty, etc... I was always a bit of a hawk. Over the years I have been quite vocal in my support of the death penalty and for a "just" war.

Recently, as I have been examining the Scriptures more and more I am beginning to rethink this position. Now let me state I've never been a "warmonger" but I have not been opposed to justice being served in this life.

However this week I was confronted with numerous Scriptures that just came alive to me in a new way. First it was the Scriptures in Matthew that say, "Blessed are the meek", "Blessed are the merciful" and "Blessed are the peacemakers." (Matthew 5:5, 7, 9)

Then I read the part in Matthew 5:21-22 that talks about murder. While chewing on these passages of Scriptures I then was reminded of the women caught in the act of adultery. (John 8:3-11). This was a death penalty sentence at the time. Yet Jesus showing mercy did not condemn her. In fact He said if the accusers were without sin they should cast the first stone. They all left and Jesus told her to go and sin no more.

While my mind was being blow away by all this I realized....even a terrorist is not beyond God's redemption. Those who attack our countries and murder our friends and families are not beyond the reach of a loving Father. As much as I want to see justice done in this life I am coming to believe Jesus wants us to extend mercy more. To reflect Him.

So there you have it. I am slowly, slowly moving away from my stance as a hawk. I am starting to feel the death penalty is wrong. I am starting to reconsider the policies of war. I really am thinking.....what would Jesus do?

Bobcat Tales – Flee

Have you ever tried to bathe a bobcat? If not, I would HIGHLY recommend you not try it! See, I learned from experience that this is not a good idea. I remember one time in my teens my parents decided our pet bobcat needed a bath…in the bathtub! So my dad and I quickly gathered up the bobcat and went into the bathroom shutting the door behind us.

The bobcat went into the tub with no problem. Of course then we turned the water on and all of our best laid plans went out the window. For the bobcat it quickly turned into a fight for survival. She was having none of this bath stuff and away she went. The harder we tried to keep her in the tub the more she began tearing into our arms. As she repeatedly scratched at us, she eventually made it out of the tub and started climbing the walls.

Finally in resignation my Dad decided, wisely, that this wouldn’t work and we let her run free.

The bobcat knew how to flee when she was in perceived danger.

I wish I knew how to do the same thing.

I love the story of Joseph. In Genesis 39 we find the story of Joseph. Joseph had been abused roughly by his brothers and sold into slavery. Eventually God moved him into a position of authority. Then Potipher’s wife decided she wanted a little one on one time with Joseph. However Joseph resisted her charms. Finally one day she grabbed a hold of him and begged him to spend some alone time with her. Joseph, not unlike my bobcat, fled when he perceived the danger!

There are times in my life when I do this. I run like the wind when temptation, any temptation hits. Unfortunately, there are times where I linger and see what might develop. Bad news. Nothing ever good comes from flirting with temptation. I recognize my need to flee. Does this ever happen to you?

If so I encourage you to practice fleeing like a bobcat getting ready to be dunked, the next time a temptation to sin hits.

Just A Thought

Just A Thought #18

In The Beginning----Love!

Hanna, my 9 year old, was completing an assignment for Bible class in school. Her assignment was to pick 3 Old Testament chapters, read them and write down what she felt the Lord was showing her in that chapter. Now I have always felt God can teach us in many ways and one way God has used to teach me quite often is via my little girl. As I looked over Hanna's work I noted that the first chapter she picked was Genesis Chapter 1. I figured she would mention the creation story. I was very much surprised, however, when Hanna wrote that she felt God was showing His love in this chapter.

Now I love the Creation story but I have never looked at it in that way before. Yes I know God loves us but that He showed His love in the beginning when he created the heavens and earth was something I'd never quite looked at before. Needless to say I was excited. I started looking at Genesis 1 and all the ways God demonstrated His love for us. From creating the heavens for us to look at, to forming the mountains and seas, the whole chapter is filled with verses that show how much God loves us. I asked Hanna to explain to me, while I was writing this Thought, how she felt God showed His love for us. She said "He took so much detail because He wanted the earth to be just right for us. He gave us the perfect temperature--not too hot or cold, provided plants that were not poisonous for us to eat, gave us fresh water to drink from, animals to eat, etc."

God loves us, but I realize there are many times I don't bask in His love, reflect on it and soak it in. God used my 9 year old to remind me of His love. In light of Gen. 1; John 3:16 and other verses, I realize I need to embrace His love more. We need to experience Him daily in order to fully reflect Him daily.

Just A Thought #10

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

I found myself reflecting this past month on how truly awesome God is. With just a word from Him the universe came into being. He spoke the earth into existence. His voice created the stars. He shaped the mountains and the seas with the power of His words. (Genesis 1) This is the God whom we serve.

The Scriptures record how he provided Manna in the wilderness. At His command the sun moved backwards in the sky. He fought for the Israelites! He spoke to Moses through a burning bush. By His words Jesus raised the dead, the blind were healed and the sick restored. This is an awesome God!

So why do we limit Him? The Bible tells us He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) It seems we all limit God to what we feel He can or cannot do. We try to put Him into our own comfortable parameters so that we don't have to deal with the unknown or the uncomfortable. Who are we to say God cannot do this or that? I have heard many God-fearing believers do just that. I have done this myself at times. Oh, not intentionally for sure, but as I become comfortable in my beliefs and viewpoints I begin to, even unconsciously, believe God operates in only those ways or within my own defined parameters. For example I believe God still heals today but have not always felt He could still move the sun back in the sky. Why?

Who am I to limit God? The book of Job ends with God putting Job in his place so to speak. The last few chapters (Job 38-41) record God asking Job where He was when the foundations of the earth were created and it goes on from there. Job realized how small he really was.

God is not to be put into a box. We should not limit the Lord, who created this vast universe we live in. God is limitless. He won't contradict Himself and He never lies. He set the world in place. Are we comfortable enough with God to think outside the box?