10 December 2008
Prov 10:27-30 (NIV)
"The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing. The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. The righteous will never be uprooted, but the wicked will not remain in the land. "
This morning, my youngest son woke up with a cough. I heard him through the monitor: "*Sniff, sniff...*cough*...sniff...uuggh...*cough*..." I went in and gave him a drink of water and asked him if he needed some medicine. "Yes," was the reply.
So I gave him some medicine for "cough and sniffles."
If you have been following the news recently, you have probably shared my disgust with the immorality, godlessness and problems that has blanketed our screens and papers. From illegal actions from a "servant of the state" to citizens openly flaunting sin as a way of life to giving hordes of money to people who didn't manage it well the first time...
Our country needs medicine...but not just any medicine.
Our country needs the medicine that comes with the "fear of the Lord." And our country must SEE THE NEED for this medicine. There are people who are trying to introduce bills and laws that will lift up the name of Christ and help Believers fight the good fight, and we need to support those bills and laws that lift up Biblical principles...but let's be honest: Not only can most of us not initiate a political change on a nationwide scale, but many times this is like cramming medicine down a person's throat who doesn't even know they are sick.
But there is a way to change that. We can impact the individuals around us as we show them the fear of God in our own lives; as we love them and introduce them to a Holy God who desires a relationship with us through His Son Jesus the Christ.
Only through the Power of the Holy Spirit of Jesus can we see the change we so desperately need.
I urge you...don't lash out...don't retaliate...don't hate, speak evil, or sin.
Instead, show the fear of the Lord in your life by introducing Jesus to those around you. Quit waiting for the 'right moment' and just do what God has been prompting you to do all along!
5 August 2008
Jeremiah 23:23-24
Am I a God near at hand," says the LORD, "And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?" says the LORD; "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the LORD.
God is here among us; and we rejoice that He is! We get used to the fact that "He walks with me and He talks with me..." We should enjoy the communion as a reminder of that for which we were created. We should enjoy the fellowship as a glimpse of what we shall experience some day.
But we must never forget the awesomeness; the majesty and authority and power of the Great and Mighty Lord of Hosts. we should never forget the slime from which we were pulled and cleansed. We should never forget the grace that must cover us in order for Him to even allow us into His presence.
The moment we forget the power and might of God and the lowly place of ourself is the moment we become tempted to ignore the commands of the Father because we have "found favor."
Enjoy the Lord - YES!
Ignore His Majesty - NO!
I love fireworks. Ever since I was a kid, I loved the sparks and the explosions and the smell of gunpowder. I remember taking apart jumping jacks and black cats to make a pile of gunpowder. I would then take the fuses of the 2 or 3 dozen fireworks I had gutted, twist them together to form a 12 inch fuse. I would put one end in the mound of powder and the other I would light...then RUN!!! For an instant, that black substance turned into a white blaze of excitement.
As I grew older, I was able to purchase more and more extravagant fireworks. Periodically, one of these larger fireworks would be a dud and I would be "forced" to cut it open and dump the pile of black powder on the sidewalk to light (after all, I wouldn't want to waste it!) I was amazed however at the difficulty I would have in lighting this with a simple match. Match after match I would throw into the pile in vain. Sometimes I would resort to the fuse technique, other times I would use a sparkler.
One year ago, my family was enjoying our Independence Day celebration with our usual firework frenzy. One of our favorites are the small and medium sized Mortars (or Artillery Shells.) They shoot up into the air and explode into beautiful showers of sparks. In the middle of our celebration, one of the shells did not go off. I set it to the side and continued with the rest of our fireworks.
After Kristin and the boys had gone inside, I was cleaning up outside and ran across the unexploded shell. A smile crept onto my face. Cutting open the shell I carefully placed all of the powder into a pile on the sidewalk. Remembering the difficulty I had had with lighting the black powder, I looked around for a fuse. I couldn't find one. Then I remembered the sparklers that we had not used.
The sparkler sprang to life as I held the match to it. I walked to the pile of powder and leaned over to light it. Time Froze!!! In my mind, I had a solitary thought: "Sparklers spark!!!"
What happened next occurred in a fraction of a second. A spark hit the pile of gun powder, setting it ablaze. A blinding light engulfed my field of vision as I leaned over. A warm sensation rushed from my hand to my head. Out of instinct, I jumped back!
I could barely see because of the blinding light that was now gone. I quickly made my way inside and to the bathroom, where I began running cool water over my left hand and checking out the rest of me. A blister had already formed on my index finger.
I suffered second degree burns on my thumb and first two fingers, but had no other injuries. God answered my stupidity with mercy!!!
Here it is, one year later and my hand is without blemish of any kind. I still remember what happened and have promised to let the duds stay duds. I have found a greater caution in my activities with fireworks and a renewed sense of appreciation for the power contained in these small packages. The power to explode into great beauty, the power to blast a hole into a can, the power to injure (sometimes beyond repair.)
I makes me recall a wonderful verse about God's Word:
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
If I went back to a flippant attitude toward firework safety, people would call me a fool. People who continue to get themselves in the same messes over and over again despite major punishments are called fools. If I forget the corrections, the blessings, and the warnings from God's Word; if I live my life in denial of the changes that the Lord is wanting to perform in me to create a renewed spirit and a clean heart, then I am a fool! We must take to heart those things that God has taught us and we must take care to follow through and teach those around us.
My hand a day after the accident. .jpg) | The explosion site .jpg) |
28 June 2008
Well, it's been a long week! I was at Youth Camp all week, ministering and shooting video. Kristin and the kids were supposed to come and spend the night with me on Thursday. At 4AM on Thursday morning, Kristin called me and said that she was running a fever of 103. I told her to call some church members, take some Tylenol and I would start the hour trip home.
By the time I got home, her fever was down to 101 and she was asleep. Beth, one of our church members, was there with her. We called her doctor and set up an appointment for 1pm. The doctors appointment resulted in the doctor's response of: "I don't know what is wrong, but we're going to treat it as an infection." She gave us a prescription for antibiotics and we returned home.
Maxine (another church member) volunteered to stay with the family while I returned to the camp and attempted to finished everything and return home that evening. Because of some snags in my plan, I realized that it would be at least 1am before I finished my work and began to make my way home. Kristin said she was feeling better and suggested that I just come home the next day.
At 5am the next day, Maxine called and said that Kristin was running a fever of 105. I hurriedly threw all of my stuff into our youth minister's truck and drove home, thinking to myself how stupid I was to leave home. Thankfully, Maxine and Lendi were there to help her.
Once again, by the time I got home, her fever was down and she was resting. Bobby (Maxine's husband) went to Pampa and picked up the medicine we needed.
The fever has not returned since, and we are treating her. She is understandably exhausted. We are so very thankful for our church family and all the prayers from our family and friends. Continue to pray that she will be completely healed.
Phil 3:16 (NIV) "Only let us live up to what we have already attained."
I am sitting on the front porch of the "Amazing Grace" cabin at our associational camp. A Red Headed Woodpecker is directly in front of me, hacking away at a pine tree...just like woodpeckers do. The camp dog is sitting beside me, scratching for fleas and watching the birds...just like dogs do. I can hear a Mourning Dove calling out into the morning...just like Mourning Doves do. Pretty soon, the campers will begin to wake up and begin their day...just like children do. If I were to walk around the camp, I would likely see many animals and plants doing exactly what they should do based on what they are.
But what about Believers? Those who are saved by grace through faith. Those who testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; that He died on the cross; that God raised Him from the dead. Are they acting like what they are?
Paul simply tells the Believers: "Only let us LIVE up to what we have already attained."
Why don't we LIVE like Believers? I'm sure there are a number of things that detain us, conceal us, distract us and detract from us, but the question still remains: WHY DON'T WE LIVE LIKE BELIEVERS??
The answer is simple. It is because we do NOT do this:
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phil 3:14 (NIV)
If you really want to act like what you are, you will "press on!" You will constantly, courageously and constantly pursue the life that you have already been given: the life of the SAVED!!!
11 June 2008 "How Do You View Sin?"
Ezra 9:1-15
God had provided a remnant from the Israelites in captivity in Babylon. This remnant was to carry out God's plan and continue being the people that He had called them to be. They were to remember the law and keep it in their hearts and one their heads and discuss it and obey it. They were to remember the history and heritage. They were to serve the Lord in everything they do, remembering to remain separate and holy for His good work.
Then Ezra, the priest, received some disturbing news: the Israelite men had intermarried with pagan women. This may not seem like that big of a deal in our day and age, when people marry anyone they choose simply on the basis of likes and dislikes. It may not seem very bad, since the men were/are supposed to be the head of the household, leading their family in the right path. It may not seem disobedient, since "we are all God's children." But it was (and is) SIN!
Why is it sin? Because it goes against what the Lord has commanded us to do!
What happens next is interesting: Ezra writes: "I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled." Why? Was Ezra guilty of these sins? No. Did he lead others into these sins? No. Why then would he act this way? The better question is: Why don't we act this way? It seems like sin is so common that we become complacent in its presence. We need to be ashamed! We need to feel guilty! We need to act remorseful! We need to allow all this to lead us to repentance!
But there is something else going on here. Ezra is mourning for another reason than sinfulness in the world. He is mourning because GOD'S PEOPLE ARE SINNING!!! Be sure you understand the difference. The world is sinful, unredeemed, corrupted and lost; we shouldn't be surprised when they act like it. In contrast, Believers are cleansed, redeemed, incorruptible, and saved. We should act like it. It is against who we are when we sin. It is against whose we are when we sin. When Followers of Jesus act like the world, it should cause every other Believer to mourn.
Let us pray for those Believers who are sinning. Let us mourn for them. Let us strive to be faithful followers of Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Heb 10:19-25 (NIV)
This morning I called home from camp and Tyler answered the phone. Here was the conversation:
"Hi, Daddy."
"Hi, Tyler. What are you doing?"
"I asked Jesus into my heart!"
"Really!!? What did you say to Him"
"Rachel was crying and I was watching her and praying and I asked Jesus to cleanse me of my sins, either today or tomorrow. And He said He would today!"
This is probably one of the best phone calls I have ever had. I am so proud that Tyler has trusted the Lord!!! I hope that you will rejoice with my and pray for Him as we begin helping him understand more of what it means to live a life following Christ.
As I write this, I am looking out the window of the "Amazing Grace" cabin at Panfork Encampment (our associational camp site.) I'm here to shoot video and minister during the Special Friends Camp (a camp designed for those who have physical and mental handicaps.)
Panfork is, among other things, a very peaceful place where God talks to people. The peacefulness is truly astounding (even in the midst of our winds today: 30-40 mph sustained with up to 50 mph gusts!!) I am reminded of 1 Kings 19 when God revealed Himself to Elijah. It wasn't through the huge "powerful" things, it was through the "gentle whisper." God still speaks to us, but are we too busy and loud to hear? Do you ever get quiet and listen for God? Do you ever stop what you are doing and focus on Him?
[Below: View from the back of the cabin]
29 May 2008
This morning, our 5 year old, Tyler, woke me up and asked if he could pour the milk into his bowl of cereal. We let him do a lot of things around the house because he is a very responsible 5 year old. So, I wouldn't have minded letting him pour his milk, because we've let him do it before, but only when we are there to watch (just in case!) So I told him that he would have to wait until someone can watch him. His reply: "Well, God's here. God can watch me."
Oh, the faith of a child. What would it be like if, as grown up, mature followers of Jesus, we lived with the tangible concept that "God is here...He can watch me." If we started living like He really is beside us...I bet the world would start to realize there is something to this "Jesus Stuff" that they've been hearing about.
How about try it today?!
Deuteronomy 31:6
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you!!!"
I just read the most incredible thing in the news!!! I've got to share it with you!!! Are you ready??!!! You may want to sit down!
Okay, here it is...according to a new estimate by Space.com staff, our galaxy weighs about 1 trillion times as much as our sun!!!
You may be thinking exactly what I thought..."WHAT??!!! How would you KNOW something like that??!!!" I'm sure they can and do give a whole bunch of mumbo jumbo about how they got that...but think about this seriously: COULD ANYONE PROVE OTHERWISE???!!!! Does anyone actually know? As a matter of fact...
We had three doctor's appointments today. They were all checkups: Rachel (8 am), Timothy (1:30 pm) and Tyler (after Timothy's). All three got a great report and we praised the Lord for that, then went to China Star to celebrate! The doctor's appointments were in Amarillo, and we live an hour and a half away from Amarillo...so it pretty much takes up an entire day. During Timothy's checkup the doctor said, "you should have moved the appointment closer to Rachel's." NOW SHE TELLS US!! Sometimes, I wonder if the world speaks in code and I was absent the day they handed the code books out. It reminds me of this video by my favorite comedian Tim Hawkins:
21 May 2008
Watch the video below! Can I just say, "God, help us all...PLEASE!!!" This kind of stuff distressed me before, but now that I have a daughter...this is downright terrifying. We need to let girls know that they are beautiful no matter what the world says. We need to show them that true beauty is from within not without (I know it sounds corny, but it is true!) Skin fades, but who you are remains. Let me know what you think in the guestbook.
20 May 2008
Luke 7:36-43 (NIV) 36 Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37 When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38 and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." 40 Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 41 "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 43 Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
Oh, that Your followers, Lord, would live lives cleansed and
ready to do as you did! Amen.
1 Tim 4:1 (NIV)
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
This verse sends shivers up my spine...mostly because we can see it lived out all around us. So many people have abandoned the truth that was taught by the Lord Jesus and have started following the same foolishness that destroyed Sodom, Babal and even Jerusalem. Sure, we may not bow down before a huge idol that shines and mesmerizes. We may not devote our life to something that will be burned like chaff. We may not turn our backs on the One and True God...wait a minute!!! Maybe we do!
How many countless days do we spend devoted to something that is not eternal, something that, in a hundred years, no one will remember?
How many countless years have we spent seeking only our own desires instead of the desires of the One who knows what we need, who loves us more than we could possibly understand, who will provide our every need if we simply "seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness?"
Be truthful with yourself.
When the truth has hit you square between the eyes, that's the time to come back to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and ask for help in order to NEVER stray again.
In my office I have some interesting items which I use to illustrate different things about Christian living. Probably my favorite illustrational items are three swords. One is a ForceFX lightsaber, the next the Sword of Solomon, and the last is a pretty common looking smaller sword. The illustration goes something like this:
The lightsaber is really cool. It lights up just like the movies. I love to swing it around and do some tricks with it, but if someone where to ask me to cut a rope or box with it, I wouldn’t be able to. Why? Because it’s just a toy; it’s not real.
Then there is the Sword of Solomon. This thing is honkin’ huge. It has a gold tang with gold detailing on the blade. It’s 47 inches long and weights about 10 pounds. You could probably do some damage waving this thing around. But, with all its glory, it’s really only a display item. If you hit something hard, the blade would likely break off or chip. It’s just not made to be handled like a sword.
The last is an unassuming smaller sword. There is not much to set is apart as far as looks go, except the fact that this sword is real. The edges are razor sharp. It’s made of high carbon spring steel. If I hit something with it, it will do damage and it will be useful later on. It must be handled carefully and cared for just as carefully. It’s made to battle. It’s made to last. It is real.
There is a forth Sword in my office. It’s the Sword of the Spirit – the Bible. Many people have one of these swords, but there is a problem. Many people treat them like that toy lightsaber. They take it out and play with it, but that’s all they really use it for – fun. Some people treat their Sword like that display sword. It looks really good on their coffee table or desk, but they don’t use it in a useful way. It’s only a display item. Then there are the people who use their Sword as a true sword. They care for it, they know how to use it, and it cuts deep. These people use their Bible as a REAL Sword of the Spirit. And it shows.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
