I’ve been working really hard this year on getting out of California. But all my efforts have produced zero fruit. This week I think I resigned myself to the fact that God isn’t ready for me to leave LA just yet. Patty and I are making plans to better use the space we have in the mean time. It just doesn’t seem financially sound to move somewhere else in LA.
So how much longer will I be a Californian? Only God knows.
A lot has happened this year. This seems to be the year of illness and injury for my family. A whole winter with a sinus infection, Dental problems for both me and my wife, Darrien breaks his arm, Caleb ~ well Caleb is just a walking bruise. And of course the most imminent, my eldest sister is dying of Cancer. I think this is part of the reason God is keeping me here. I’m the only sibling close enough to help.
Most of the time we don’t think about our mortality. But watching my sister slowly and painfully die of cancer has certainly revived my sense of how fragile we are. I would not have believed the carnage cancer can produce had I not seen it first hand. At a recent gathering my Father said “No one deserves to die like that!” I’ve since thought about that statement. How do we ‘deserve’ to die?
This is quite the theological question. The answer is quite simple. We ‘deserve’ eternal death and hell. We deserve a torment far worse than cancer. We deserve the full wrath of God himself for eternity. Fire and brimstone, gnashing of teeth, everlasting torment and misery. We are all “Prone to Wander from God”. We have all sinned and rejected God. We all stand with the Apostle Paul in saying “O Wretched man that I am, who will save me from this body of death”.
By the grace of God we don’t have to suffer that fate. My sister is not Christian. I pray that God sustains her in this world long enough to save her soul. Because if he doesn’t this little bout with cancer will be a walk in the park compared to the wrath of God.
I have shared the gospel with her. I have tried to be a good Christian example (and I did a damned poor job of it). I have prayed. I know now that she is in God’s hands. His will be done. I just pray His will is to bestow His saving grace on a sinner (my sister).
As for me, I know God can take me any time. This could be my last hour on earth. I thank God for the knowledge of the gospel and for blessing me with the gracious gift of Faith In his only begotten Son. I pray that when God decides it is my time to face death, he does so quickly. I don’t have the pretense that I don’t ‘deserve’ a disease like cancer. I just hope God is merciful and takes me quickly.
“May the Grace of our Lord be with you, now and always may you stay blameless till He comes”
For it is by Grace we are saved through Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord, not of our own doing. We contribute nothing to our salvation, lest we boast, but all Glory to God who shows Mercy to his chosen.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday, June 06, 2010
May God's Grace be with you!
Death is something we will all face someday. Most of us don’t think about it often. Three years ago my step-mother died. In less than three months my eldest sister will also have died. She has cancer.
Today we met at her house to watch her and her husband renew their wedding vows. It was both incredibly joyous and extremely sad. To see the love they have for each other and the pain of the knowledge of how little time they have left together, it was hard to see.
3 of her children were there. One chose to stay away. It was sad and disappointing. We gathered as a family, some of us having not seen each other for many many moons. There was laughing and dancing and kids playing and drinking.
Most of it was light hearted and joyous. But the white elephant of death was always there. Tears were shed.
I chose to broach the forbidden subject of God. I’m always nervous when trying to talk about God with members of my family. They don’t receive him well. I put together a collection of sermons by a good pastor. Something she could listen to in her condition without having to read or search. Something that just spells out the Gospel accurately and engagingly.
I took her husband aside, for I wanted his blessing. I didn’t know how to begin. But I started talking and soon we were engaged in Godly conversation. It was more then well received but welcomed. I was amazed at seeing God working before my eyes. I expected to offend and ended up leaving both of us speechless.
We both presented the gift to my sister and she received it well. Cracking jokes and laying insults as only she can.
And now I pray that she will come to understand what I know. That Death is just the doorway to God, and that by his grace, if you have been given faith in the Sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, then that is a glorious union.
“May the grace of our Lord be with you, now and always may you stay blameless till he comes.” I used to think being blameless before God meant living the perfect “good” life. Now I know that being blameless before God is simply being clothed in the righteousness of Christ who died for us. I know there is nothing I can bring to God that I have done that attributes to my Salvation.
It is that knowledge that allows me to say “Oh death, where is thy sting”. May God bless my sister with his grace to have faith in our Lord.
Today we met at her house to watch her and her husband renew their wedding vows. It was both incredibly joyous and extremely sad. To see the love they have for each other and the pain of the knowledge of how little time they have left together, it was hard to see.
3 of her children were there. One chose to stay away. It was sad and disappointing. We gathered as a family, some of us having not seen each other for many many moons. There was laughing and dancing and kids playing and drinking.
Most of it was light hearted and joyous. But the white elephant of death was always there. Tears were shed.
I chose to broach the forbidden subject of God. I’m always nervous when trying to talk about God with members of my family. They don’t receive him well. I put together a collection of sermons by a good pastor. Something she could listen to in her condition without having to read or search. Something that just spells out the Gospel accurately and engagingly.
I took her husband aside, for I wanted his blessing. I didn’t know how to begin. But I started talking and soon we were engaged in Godly conversation. It was more then well received but welcomed. I was amazed at seeing God working before my eyes. I expected to offend and ended up leaving both of us speechless.
We both presented the gift to my sister and she received it well. Cracking jokes and laying insults as only she can.
And now I pray that she will come to understand what I know. That Death is just the doorway to God, and that by his grace, if you have been given faith in the Sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, then that is a glorious union.
“May the grace of our Lord be with you, now and always may you stay blameless till he comes.” I used to think being blameless before God meant living the perfect “good” life. Now I know that being blameless before God is simply being clothed in the righteousness of Christ who died for us. I know there is nothing I can bring to God that I have done that attributes to my Salvation.
It is that knowledge that allows me to say “Oh death, where is thy sting”. May God bless my sister with his grace to have faith in our Lord.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
I met a man from Uruguay
Yesterday I had the privilege of enjoying a lunch with a stranger from Uruguay. He was a self taught PLC technician. He came to American in 2002 when his country was in turmoil. He barely spoke English.
He enrolled in an English as a second language class. Apparently Elderly Americans often volunteer to help at these classes. He met an old white couple who taught him finance and credit. They taught him to never buy anything on credit you can't pay for in cash, and then pay your credit down immediately. This includes a home.
With home prices in LA $400,000+ he thought this impossible. He has been in America for 7 years. He speaks perfect English. He is self employed. He has watched his Uruguayan friends buy homes, cars, stuff on credit. He said they made fun of him for not buying new stuff (his car is 8 years old and running strong). Then he told me he watched all of them lose their 'stuff' as their own personal credit bubbles burst. He still hasn't bought a home, but he is saving. He intends to do what most of us would think impossible. To buy a home in cash.
He has stuck to the advice of the wise old couple. He works hard and proves his worth to his customers. His customers are loyal because of it. He lives within his means, only buying what he can afford. He has built great credit, yet has zero debt. What he has he owns.
This is the 'American Dream'. This man is succeeding where so many of us born in America have failed.
Hard work, thrifty living and perseverance brings true wealth. This is the lessen we should be teaching our children. I'm glad the wise old couple volunteered their time and set this man on the right path. He came with nothing, he overcame the barrier of language, and he is thriving because he put forth the hard work and sacrifice to succeed.
One last note. He warned me "Don't ever mistake Wassabi for Guacamole" Apparently he had never seen either before he came here. He is truly wise.
He enrolled in an English as a second language class. Apparently Elderly Americans often volunteer to help at these classes. He met an old white couple who taught him finance and credit. They taught him to never buy anything on credit you can't pay for in cash, and then pay your credit down immediately. This includes a home.
With home prices in LA $400,000+ he thought this impossible. He has been in America for 7 years. He speaks perfect English. He is self employed. He has watched his Uruguayan friends buy homes, cars, stuff on credit. He said they made fun of him for not buying new stuff (his car is 8 years old and running strong). Then he told me he watched all of them lose their 'stuff' as their own personal credit bubbles burst. He still hasn't bought a home, but he is saving. He intends to do what most of us would think impossible. To buy a home in cash.
He has stuck to the advice of the wise old couple. He works hard and proves his worth to his customers. His customers are loyal because of it. He lives within his means, only buying what he can afford. He has built great credit, yet has zero debt. What he has he owns.
This is the 'American Dream'. This man is succeeding where so many of us born in America have failed.
Hard work, thrifty living and perseverance brings true wealth. This is the lessen we should be teaching our children. I'm glad the wise old couple volunteered their time and set this man on the right path. He came with nothing, he overcame the barrier of language, and he is thriving because he put forth the hard work and sacrifice to succeed.
One last note. He warned me "Don't ever mistake Wassabi for Guacamole" Apparently he had never seen either before he came here. He is truly wise.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Love and Marriage... Love and Marriage... Go together like a horse and carriage..
As I approach my five year wedding anniversary, I'm thinking about what it means. I've decided to do a review of what God says about marriage and love.
When speaking of marriage, Jesus said,"What God has joined together, let not man separate" He goes on to say divorce was allowed because of the hardness of man's heart. So even thought Moses allowed divorce for Adultery or Abandonment, Jesus seems to be saying it is God who joins two people as husband and wife and we shouldn't break apart what God has joined for any reason. When you marry you make a vow before God. You promise God you will be with this person till you die.
That's a hard pill to swallow. So even those whose spouse has cheated on them should acknowledge that it is God who gave them their husband or wife. God chose that person for them. And God knew that person would cheat on you. But if our faith is in God, then we trust that God works all things out for good. How can the pain of a cheating spouse and the damage it does to a relationship be good? Well, if the lesson God wants you to learn is forgiveness, there is no greater challenge than forgiving and adulterous spouse. But it can be done.
Hopefully God never puts me or my wife in that position. But it helps to know whatever trials come into my marriage, it is God who chose this woman to be my wife and these trials to be my trials. And if I am to forgive even adultery, than certainly I am to forgive any lesser offense.
Just remember, there is a reason you vow to God. Because there comes a time in every marriage when the last person you want to be around is your spouse. Your vow is what keeps you together. Your vow is what carries you through.
"Love God, Love your neighbor" Your spouse IS your neighbor. Your closest neighbor. God says, if you love me, keep My commandments. Love is an action.
Paul lists the attribute of love
PATIENT: till death do us part. The whole of your human existence. Till you die. Patience is definitely needed. When you fight with a friend or someone you are dating you can always just go your own way. When you fight with your spouse, there is no where to go. Patience is a virtue much needed in marriage
KIND: If you love your spouse you shower them with kindness. When you are tired, when you are grumpy, when your patience is waning, when you you want to be angry.... you are to be Kind to your spouse
UNSELFISH: Marriage should be a give-give relationship. You give 100% and your spouse gives 100%. Not possible you say. I would agree, but that should be the goal. Give without the expectation of receiving. Be gracious in all you receive. When you let selfish expectations creep into marriage, your spouse is doomed to fail at meeting your selfish desires.
TRUTHFUL: many think it OK to lie as not to hurt your spouse. But if you love someone you are truthful. In marriage you learn the worst things about your spouse. You get to know the depths of their wretched ways. You learn things which others may never know about your spouse. That requires honesty. It requires vulnerability. It requires openness. There is no such thing as a small lie. And any lie has the potential to cause far greater damage than good.
HOPEFUL: Love is hopeful? I think this means that with Love comes blessings. It's not a wish (I hope I.... ), but it's assurance. Love gives you an assurance. It gives your spouse assurance.
ENDURES ALL THING: I'll refer back to the case of adultery. If you truly love your spouse you will endure their sin against God and forgive them. You will endure whatever it takes to move forward and heal. This is a daunting aspect of love. It helps to remember as King David declared," it is against you alone, Lord, that I have sinned." Whatever we do to our spouse, what we don't do is "sin against them". We may hurt them. We may make them feel rejected, unloved, ect. But when we sin it is against God alone that we sin. God chooses to forgive us our sin, our rejection of his law, his word, his command. If God whose ways are far above our ways can forgive his creation, we as his creation should be able to forgive each other, especially the person we have vow before God to Love.
NOT ENVIOUS: The grass is always greener on the other side. How easy is it to want what someone else has. To covet. It easy to look at your spouse and see something in them you want for your self. "Why do you get this, and I get that". "We need to be FAIR". To truly love your spouse, you are happy for the gifts God has given them. You share in their joy. "Misery loves company" is not a motto for marriage
NOT PROUD: The common phrase is "holier than thou". There is nothing wrong with acknowledging and appreciating the gifts God gives you. But you are not loving your spouse if you lord it over them or make them feel inferior.
NOT RUDE: this one is tricky. Rude can be subjective. "That's just the way I am" doesn't cut it. We already know what we consider rude, but what does your spouse consider rude. It most likely is not the same thing. I am learning this lesson the hard way.
NOT PROVOKED TO ANGER: Now there is such a thing as a righteous anger. Jesus overturned the tables in the temple in anger. But rarely do you find righteous anger in marriage. Usually anger in marriage is because we lack patience, we are rude, proud, envious, unkind, selfish, etc. I am know for pushing peoples buttons. I am often amazed at my wife's ability not to be provoked by me. Don't be easily provoked, but more importantly, don't provoke.
So, do you feel like you love your spouse OR are you loving your spouse with your actions. LOVE is an action. You may not FEEL love or in love, but you are commanded to Love. We are to Love our enemies. Sometimes your spouse feels like your enemy. LOVE THEM. Don't let your feelings get in the way of your LOVE. Love requires you to give UNCONDITIONALLY. It asks you give and expect nothing in return. It asks you to endure even when there is no hope of reprieve.
This is what you commit to when you marry. God has chosen for me a beautiful woman. She is not without flaws. Our differences certainly put me through the refining fire. I'm sure this stubborn Irishman has tested her as well. May God continue to bless us and mold us and help make us ONE.
When speaking of marriage, Jesus said,"What God has joined together, let not man separate" He goes on to say divorce was allowed because of the hardness of man's heart. So even thought Moses allowed divorce for Adultery or Abandonment, Jesus seems to be saying it is God who joins two people as husband and wife and we shouldn't break apart what God has joined for any reason. When you marry you make a vow before God. You promise God you will be with this person till you die.
That's a hard pill to swallow. So even those whose spouse has cheated on them should acknowledge that it is God who gave them their husband or wife. God chose that person for them. And God knew that person would cheat on you. But if our faith is in God, then we trust that God works all things out for good. How can the pain of a cheating spouse and the damage it does to a relationship be good? Well, if the lesson God wants you to learn is forgiveness, there is no greater challenge than forgiving and adulterous spouse. But it can be done.
Hopefully God never puts me or my wife in that position. But it helps to know whatever trials come into my marriage, it is God who chose this woman to be my wife and these trials to be my trials. And if I am to forgive even adultery, than certainly I am to forgive any lesser offense.
Just remember, there is a reason you vow to God. Because there comes a time in every marriage when the last person you want to be around is your spouse. Your vow is what keeps you together. Your vow is what carries you through.
"Love God, Love your neighbor" Your spouse IS your neighbor. Your closest neighbor. God says, if you love me, keep My commandments. Love is an action.
Paul lists the attribute of love
PATIENT: till death do us part. The whole of your human existence. Till you die. Patience is definitely needed. When you fight with a friend or someone you are dating you can always just go your own way. When you fight with your spouse, there is no where to go. Patience is a virtue much needed in marriage
KIND: If you love your spouse you shower them with kindness. When you are tired, when you are grumpy, when your patience is waning, when you you want to be angry.... you are to be Kind to your spouse
UNSELFISH: Marriage should be a give-give relationship. You give 100% and your spouse gives 100%. Not possible you say. I would agree, but that should be the goal. Give without the expectation of receiving. Be gracious in all you receive. When you let selfish expectations creep into marriage, your spouse is doomed to fail at meeting your selfish desires.
TRUTHFUL: many think it OK to lie as not to hurt your spouse. But if you love someone you are truthful. In marriage you learn the worst things about your spouse. You get to know the depths of their wretched ways. You learn things which others may never know about your spouse. That requires honesty. It requires vulnerability. It requires openness. There is no such thing as a small lie. And any lie has the potential to cause far greater damage than good.
HOPEFUL: Love is hopeful? I think this means that with Love comes blessings. It's not a wish (I hope I.... ), but it's assurance. Love gives you an assurance. It gives your spouse assurance.
ENDURES ALL THING: I'll refer back to the case of adultery. If you truly love your spouse you will endure their sin against God and forgive them. You will endure whatever it takes to move forward and heal. This is a daunting aspect of love. It helps to remember as King David declared," it is against you alone, Lord, that I have sinned." Whatever we do to our spouse, what we don't do is "sin against them". We may hurt them. We may make them feel rejected, unloved, ect. But when we sin it is against God alone that we sin. God chooses to forgive us our sin, our rejection of his law, his word, his command. If God whose ways are far above our ways can forgive his creation, we as his creation should be able to forgive each other, especially the person we have vow before God to Love.
NOT ENVIOUS: The grass is always greener on the other side. How easy is it to want what someone else has. To covet. It easy to look at your spouse and see something in them you want for your self. "Why do you get this, and I get that". "We need to be FAIR". To truly love your spouse, you are happy for the gifts God has given them. You share in their joy. "Misery loves company" is not a motto for marriage
NOT PROUD: The common phrase is "holier than thou". There is nothing wrong with acknowledging and appreciating the gifts God gives you. But you are not loving your spouse if you lord it over them or make them feel inferior.
NOT RUDE: this one is tricky. Rude can be subjective. "That's just the way I am" doesn't cut it. We already know what we consider rude, but what does your spouse consider rude. It most likely is not the same thing. I am learning this lesson the hard way.
NOT PROVOKED TO ANGER: Now there is such a thing as a righteous anger. Jesus overturned the tables in the temple in anger. But rarely do you find righteous anger in marriage. Usually anger in marriage is because we lack patience, we are rude, proud, envious, unkind, selfish, etc. I am know for pushing peoples buttons. I am often amazed at my wife's ability not to be provoked by me. Don't be easily provoked, but more importantly, don't provoke.
So, do you feel like you love your spouse OR are you loving your spouse with your actions. LOVE is an action. You may not FEEL love or in love, but you are commanded to Love. We are to Love our enemies. Sometimes your spouse feels like your enemy. LOVE THEM. Don't let your feelings get in the way of your LOVE. Love requires you to give UNCONDITIONALLY. It asks you give and expect nothing in return. It asks you to endure even when there is no hope of reprieve.
This is what you commit to when you marry. God has chosen for me a beautiful woman. She is not without flaws. Our differences certainly put me through the refining fire. I'm sure this stubborn Irishman has tested her as well. May God continue to bless us and mold us and help make us ONE.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Crooks of America
It seems there is a scam around every corner. I've been getting allot of phone calls lately about "making money at home". Don't get me wrong, I'd love a business where I don't have to leave my home. I could move anywhere I wanted then. But they all try to sell the same spiel. Just give us $200 and we'll get you started. It's your own business. What business can you start for $200?
OK, now first the whole "this is your own business". What a bunch of hogwash. If it is a legitimate business at all, they are only seeking you to be a "contractor" because they don't have to pay workman's comp, health care, unemployment, ect. So even though you are a 'private contractor" you are still working to line someone else's pockets.
I'll be damned if I'm gonna pay a dime to line anyone else's pockets. You want me to work for you, than pay me to work for you. But don't try to sell me the "it's your business" crap.
Second round of Scam Artist
We are looking to move to a bigger home. We want to stay in the neighborhood where we are. We find a place on craigslist, walk a few blocks over and check it out. It's $1300/month. Two days later the same house is listed on craigslist for $1600/month. I contact the person. They tell me they are in London (new job) and are just looking for someone to take care of their home. Then they send me this phony application (my 10 year old could have done a better job).
Next day they send me an e'mail saying the person who has the key to show the house has come down ill and is in the hospital. My wife finds the same house on craigslist again for $2100/month, this time by a management agency. I called them up and they told me they are aware of the fraud and trying to catch the perp.
That night I post up a wanted add for a 3 bedroom in Whittier on craigslist. I really am looking. Today I get an e'mail. Different scam artist: his story
I'm living in Australia and really am just looking for someone to watch and take care of my home.. bla bla bla.. Unoriginal bastard.
So, the quest continues as I siphon through the crooks of America.
OK, now first the whole "this is your own business". What a bunch of hogwash. If it is a legitimate business at all, they are only seeking you to be a "contractor" because they don't have to pay workman's comp, health care, unemployment, ect. So even though you are a 'private contractor" you are still working to line someone else's pockets.
I'll be damned if I'm gonna pay a dime to line anyone else's pockets. You want me to work for you, than pay me to work for you. But don't try to sell me the "it's your business" crap.
Second round of Scam Artist
We are looking to move to a bigger home. We want to stay in the neighborhood where we are. We find a place on craigslist, walk a few blocks over and check it out. It's $1300/month. Two days later the same house is listed on craigslist for $1600/month. I contact the person. They tell me they are in London (new job) and are just looking for someone to take care of their home. Then they send me this phony application (my 10 year old could have done a better job).
Next day they send me an e'mail saying the person who has the key to show the house has come down ill and is in the hospital. My wife finds the same house on craigslist again for $2100/month, this time by a management agency. I called them up and they told me they are aware of the fraud and trying to catch the perp.
That night I post up a wanted add for a 3 bedroom in Whittier on craigslist. I really am looking. Today I get an e'mail. Different scam artist: his story
I'm living in Australia and really am just looking for someone to watch and take care of my home.. bla bla bla.. Unoriginal bastard.
So, the quest continues as I siphon through the crooks of America.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Ten Commandments
Today our Pastor finished preaching on the “Ten Commandments”. As we’ve gone through this series I’ve my own failures to follow God’s Law. The first four commandments all pertain to Loving God. No other Gods, Taking God’s name in vain, Graven images of God and heaven and the Lords Sabbath. I certainly fail in all of these.
But it is the Loving One Another portion of God’s law that my failure truly becomes apparent to me.
COMMANDMENT 5
Honor Your Father and Your Mother ~ this law pertains to the proper relationship between parents and children and really extends to all authorities God has placed in our lives. I recently had an argument with my stepmother regarding my relationship with my Father. The truth is I don’t honor my parents. I barely speak to either of them. Yet I expect my children to honor me.
My disdain for authority has gotten me in hot water on many occasions. How do I teach my children a lesson I never learned myself? Hmmm. How do I begin to honor my parents? Why can I talk to my elders, my friends, my siblings, and complete strangers, but when faced with my parents I am silent?
God says we should honor our parents (authorities). He doesn’t say we should honor them if they are Christian or if they are good parents. We are to honor them, Period. They are entitled to honor by the fact that God has chosen them to be your parent.
COMMANDMENT 6
You Shall Not Murder ~ Most of us will say, “I’ve never killed anyone”. But this command goes much deeper than that. It deals with unjust anger. It deals with malicious intent of the heart. I have felt rage, anger, disdain, and contempt for my fellow man. I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misery.
I have been angry at my wife, my children, my siblings and my parents. These are those I am supposed to Love.
COMMANDMENT 7
You shall not commit adultery ~ Once again, most of us will say “I’ve never cheated on my spouse”. But Jesus said, if you lust in your heart, you are guilty. So, all of you men out there who have looked at a woman, who you weren’t married to, lustfully, please raise your hand. Now, I’m a man and I know how men think. But women are a mystery. I’m certain women look lustfully at men. I just don’t know how often or what would temp a women. In short, we are guilty.
COMMANDMENT 8
You shall not steal ~ This is really about honesty. Honesty in business, honesty in relationships, honesty in all transactions.
It is also about being a good steward of what God gives you. The earth and all that is in it belongs to God. We are to care for the things he gives us. Negligence in caring for our property is a violation of this law.
There is the obvious taking of another's property.
COMMANDMENT 9
Bearing a false witness ~ during the time of the judges if you testified falsely against your neighbor, then you were given the punishment you wanted him to receive. So if I accuse a man of murder falsely in hopes of his execution, I would be executed instead. How many of you would be willing to risk your own life or property to falsely accuse someone else?
But this is more than just courtroom drama. It is also about honesty. Not slandering your neighbor. Not gossiping (even the truth can be used as slander). God is very concerned that we deal fairly with one another.
COMMANDMENT 10
Thou shalt not covet ~ In short if we are not content with God’s providence in our lives. Our husbands, our wives, our children, our job, our home, our food, our resources, our burdens, than we covet more than God has chosen to give us. This doesn’t mean we don’t strive to better our lives. But it means we appreciate what we have. In want or wealth, it should be God’s grace that sustains us and keeps us satisfied.
I think it can be said that this is the commandment that leads us to break the rest.
I am grateful that it is by God’s grace I am saved and not by my obedience to God’s law. I’m a thankful that God has given me Faith in Jesus alone for redemption from my violation of his Law. It is God’s law that reminds me what a wretched sinner I am and how desperately I am in need of a savior. Thank God for being a Gracious God, for sending his Son to take my curse upon himself and pay the price for the sins I commit. Thank God I don’t have to count own “goodness” to save me.
But it is the Loving One Another portion of God’s law that my failure truly becomes apparent to me.
COMMANDMENT 5
Honor Your Father and Your Mother ~ this law pertains to the proper relationship between parents and children and really extends to all authorities God has placed in our lives. I recently had an argument with my stepmother regarding my relationship with my Father. The truth is I don’t honor my parents. I barely speak to either of them. Yet I expect my children to honor me.
My disdain for authority has gotten me in hot water on many occasions. How do I teach my children a lesson I never learned myself? Hmmm. How do I begin to honor my parents? Why can I talk to my elders, my friends, my siblings, and complete strangers, but when faced with my parents I am silent?
God says we should honor our parents (authorities). He doesn’t say we should honor them if they are Christian or if they are good parents. We are to honor them, Period. They are entitled to honor by the fact that God has chosen them to be your parent.
COMMANDMENT 6
You Shall Not Murder ~ Most of us will say, “I’ve never killed anyone”. But this command goes much deeper than that. It deals with unjust anger. It deals with malicious intent of the heart. I have felt rage, anger, disdain, and contempt for my fellow man. I have rejoiced at my enemy’s misery.
I have been angry at my wife, my children, my siblings and my parents. These are those I am supposed to Love.
COMMANDMENT 7
You shall not commit adultery ~ Once again, most of us will say “I’ve never cheated on my spouse”. But Jesus said, if you lust in your heart, you are guilty. So, all of you men out there who have looked at a woman, who you weren’t married to, lustfully, please raise your hand. Now, I’m a man and I know how men think. But women are a mystery. I’m certain women look lustfully at men. I just don’t know how often or what would temp a women. In short, we are guilty.
COMMANDMENT 8
You shall not steal ~ This is really about honesty. Honesty in business, honesty in relationships, honesty in all transactions.
It is also about being a good steward of what God gives you. The earth and all that is in it belongs to God. We are to care for the things he gives us. Negligence in caring for our property is a violation of this law.
There is the obvious taking of another's property.
COMMANDMENT 9
Bearing a false witness ~ during the time of the judges if you testified falsely against your neighbor, then you were given the punishment you wanted him to receive. So if I accuse a man of murder falsely in hopes of his execution, I would be executed instead. How many of you would be willing to risk your own life or property to falsely accuse someone else?
But this is more than just courtroom drama. It is also about honesty. Not slandering your neighbor. Not gossiping (even the truth can be used as slander). God is very concerned that we deal fairly with one another.
COMMANDMENT 10
Thou shalt not covet ~ In short if we are not content with God’s providence in our lives. Our husbands, our wives, our children, our job, our home, our food, our resources, our burdens, than we covet more than God has chosen to give us. This doesn’t mean we don’t strive to better our lives. But it means we appreciate what we have. In want or wealth, it should be God’s grace that sustains us and keeps us satisfied.
I think it can be said that this is the commandment that leads us to break the rest.
I am grateful that it is by God’s grace I am saved and not by my obedience to God’s law. I’m a thankful that God has given me Faith in Jesus alone for redemption from my violation of his Law. It is God’s law that reminds me what a wretched sinner I am and how desperately I am in need of a savior. Thank God for being a Gracious God, for sending his Son to take my curse upon himself and pay the price for the sins I commit. Thank God I don’t have to count own “goodness” to save me.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Who has had the biggets impact on mankind? One Solitary Life
Look through the annals of history and you will find many great and or powerful figures. Alexander the great, Gandhi, Muhammad, Columbus, Washington, Martin Luther, Napoleon, Constantine, Nero, Ramses, Moses, Noah, and so forth. The list goes on and on. Each of them has had a significant impact in the lives of those they came in contact with and for future generations.
But I have to agree with Reynold Price from Time Magazine when he writes "It would require much exotic calculation... to deny that the single most powerful figure-not merely in these two millenniums, but in all human history- has been Jesus of Nazareth"
Even our calendar is based upon his birth. His life and death continue to impact generation after generation. Wars have been fought in his name. The Power of his name is claimed by millions to heal, to save, to bring life, to bring joy. 167 years after Rome crucified him they worshiped him as a nation. The worlds most popular religions embrace him as an educator and teacher and some as God.
This one man, whatever you think of him, has influenced your life. You may love him, hate him, not believe in him, worship him as God, or just not care about him. But you can't escape his continuing influence in the world of man.
What did Jesus do that was so great? James Francis summarized his life.
"Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office.
He never owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He had no credentials but Himself.
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves.
His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying -- and that was His coat. When He was dead, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as that One Solitary Life. "
But I have to agree with Reynold Price from Time Magazine when he writes "It would require much exotic calculation... to deny that the single most powerful figure-not merely in these two millenniums, but in all human history- has been Jesus of Nazareth"
Even our calendar is based upon his birth. His life and death continue to impact generation after generation. Wars have been fought in his name. The Power of his name is claimed by millions to heal, to save, to bring life, to bring joy. 167 years after Rome crucified him they worshiped him as a nation. The worlds most popular religions embrace him as an educator and teacher and some as God.
This one man, whatever you think of him, has influenced your life. You may love him, hate him, not believe in him, worship him as God, or just not care about him. But you can't escape his continuing influence in the world of man.
What did Jesus do that was so great? James Francis summarized his life.
"Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another obscure village. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office.
He never owned a home. He never set foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He had no credentials but Himself.
While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. His friends ran away. One of them denied Him. He was turned over to His enemies. He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed upon a cross between two thieves.
His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying -- and that was His coat. When He was dead, He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the centerpiece of the human race and the leader of progress. I am far within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as that One Solitary Life. "
Monday, December 14, 2009
Merry Christmas...... and stuff...
Christmas is almost here. But I seem to be missing that "Holiday Spirit". We decided to refrain from buying anyone but the kids gifts. We have no room for a tree, so we bought a Rosemary bush (thanks to the Seniors for that idea). I like it, but everyone else thinks it's too small.
But beyond that, I haven't got into the Christmas music. We've no place to hang stockings this year. I haven't gone shopping for anything yet. I haven't even gone out to look at lights yet.
Why? I think I'm a bit put off by the commercialization of it all. Denny's had up "Merry Christmas" signs in mid November. You here all about Santa Clause and Frosty and Rudolph and Charlie Brown's Christmas (though they do read the Christmas Story). Trees and decorations galore.
Or I get funny looks when I tell people I don't lie to my kids about Santa Clause. I guess I'm just tired of everyone celebrating "Christmas" but not Christ.
There is a reason for Christmas. We get so wrapped up in Christmas that we forget about Christ. We forget to celebrate God. We forget this is about the birth of the Savior of the world. That little fact has become an afterthought. "Oh yeah, and that Christ fellow. What did he do again?"
Well Merry Christmas to you all. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Now and always may he keep you blameless till he comes again.
But beyond that, I haven't got into the Christmas music. We've no place to hang stockings this year. I haven't gone shopping for anything yet. I haven't even gone out to look at lights yet.
Why? I think I'm a bit put off by the commercialization of it all. Denny's had up "Merry Christmas" signs in mid November. You here all about Santa Clause and Frosty and Rudolph and Charlie Brown's Christmas (though they do read the Christmas Story). Trees and decorations galore.
Or I get funny looks when I tell people I don't lie to my kids about Santa Clause. I guess I'm just tired of everyone celebrating "Christmas" but not Christ.
There is a reason for Christmas. We get so wrapped up in Christmas that we forget about Christ. We forget to celebrate God. We forget this is about the birth of the Savior of the world. That little fact has become an afterthought. "Oh yeah, and that Christ fellow. What did he do again?"
Well Merry Christmas to you all. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Now and always may he keep you blameless till he comes again.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
19 children... oh my....!
The Duggard's have just brought into this world a 19th child. This phenomenon has inspired news, reality shows, and gawking. Many are amazed, some are horrified. "It's not right to bring that many children under one roof" "it irresponsible" "how can they afford it".
In a world where condoms, chemical suppression and sometimes murder of unborn, and medical doctors deliberately killing of the unborn, I guess surprise at a family who adheres to God's command of "be fruitful and multiply" should be expected. It has become 'wrong' to have a big family.
Now I am a father of three. I tell you, they are a handful. Discipline and order are seemingly unattainable states in my house. I can't fathom trying to maintain the order with 6 times as many. Yet I myself came from a family of 7 kids. We had our issues, but the food was still cooked, the house was still cleaned and we all had beds to sleep in.
My grandfather was one of seventeen. No one was knocking at his parents door in amazement. This was "normal". Families had children. Sometimes the children died. Sometimes the mother died. Sometimes hardships were faced. Not enough food, large families under one small roof, ect. Hardships that today would be considered "abuse" brought families together. Struggles brought self-reliance and family reliance. Life happened and no one was amazed.
God says Children are a Blessing. That blessing doesn't stop at one or two, but continues on even if you have 21 or 22. God gives praise to a family "whose quiver is full". I've read God's Word numerous times in my life. Never have I seen anywhere God saying "you shouldn't have any more children". In fact quite the opposite. Numerous stories of women bearing children in "old age".
Children are a blessing no matter the age of the parent. Many children bring many blessings. Yes, there is hardship, yes raising children is a difficult task, yes it requires large sacrifice on the part of the parents. I will admit to days I'd like to throw the whole lot of my kids out the window. But God's plan is perfect. The blessing I will receive throughout my life because my children far out weigh the immediate concerns of hardship and frustration.
Thank God, He has blessed me with a family. May I do well for the quiver of Children He has given me. And never look upon those who choose to obey God's command as "strange" or "irresponsible", but blessed by God. For every child is a gift from God to you the parent.
In a world where condoms, chemical suppression and sometimes murder of unborn, and medical doctors deliberately killing of the unborn, I guess surprise at a family who adheres to God's command of "be fruitful and multiply" should be expected. It has become 'wrong' to have a big family.
Now I am a father of three. I tell you, they are a handful. Discipline and order are seemingly unattainable states in my house. I can't fathom trying to maintain the order with 6 times as many. Yet I myself came from a family of 7 kids. We had our issues, but the food was still cooked, the house was still cleaned and we all had beds to sleep in.
My grandfather was one of seventeen. No one was knocking at his parents door in amazement. This was "normal". Families had children. Sometimes the children died. Sometimes the mother died. Sometimes hardships were faced. Not enough food, large families under one small roof, ect. Hardships that today would be considered "abuse" brought families together. Struggles brought self-reliance and family reliance. Life happened and no one was amazed.
God says Children are a Blessing. That blessing doesn't stop at one or two, but continues on even if you have 21 or 22. God gives praise to a family "whose quiver is full". I've read God's Word numerous times in my life. Never have I seen anywhere God saying "you shouldn't have any more children". In fact quite the opposite. Numerous stories of women bearing children in "old age".
Children are a blessing no matter the age of the parent. Many children bring many blessings. Yes, there is hardship, yes raising children is a difficult task, yes it requires large sacrifice on the part of the parents. I will admit to days I'd like to throw the whole lot of my kids out the window. But God's plan is perfect. The blessing I will receive throughout my life because my children far out weigh the immediate concerns of hardship and frustration.
Thank God, He has blessed me with a family. May I do well for the quiver of Children He has given me. And never look upon those who choose to obey God's command as "strange" or "irresponsible", but blessed by God. For every child is a gift from God to you the parent.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Selective writers block
Nothing to write. Why is it I am overwhelmed with thoughts I feel like sharing throughout the day, but when I get home and finally sit down to do some sharing, I draw a blank? That's been happening alot lately. Annoying.
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