Month: February 2018

I try to keep my writings positive and encouraging, so this blog post is hard for me to write and may be hard for you to read, but ignoring the enemy’s activity around us won’t make it go away. Over the last 50 years, I have witnessed our society slide down that proverbial slippery slope away from God and our founding documents. It became clear in 1973, when Roe v Wade opened the door for tens of millions of innocent babies to be slaughtered in the name of “choice” or “women’s health”. Biblical values and Constitutional freedoms of speech and worship have been constantly under attack ever since.

The results of this societal slide are truly stranger than fiction. Some ridiculous new words are being added to our vocabulary that bewilders me.  I investigated a story that New York City’s Commission on Human Rights has enacted an ordinance requiring landlords, employers, public accommodations (all business serving the public), coworkers, etc. to use the appropriate name or “gender designation” that a person chooses or face a fine up to $250,000. That had to be a hoax, right?  No, it not only is true, it represents an even greater attack on Christian and family values.

Here are just a few excerpts from that ordinance with my comments in parenthesis.  “Employers and covered entities are entitled to enforce a dress code, or require specific grooming or appearance standards; however it must be done without imposing restrictions or requirements specific to gender or sex.  It will not be a defense that an employer or covered entity is catering to the preferences of their customers or clients.” (Doesn’t the commission realize that catering to the preferences of customers or clients is what keeps them in business?)  “Definitions:  Cisgender: an adjective denoting or relating to a person whose self-identity conforms with the gender that corresponds to their biological sex.” (This is the only line in the entire law to which I can relate, but I still have no intention of ever using that weird word to describe myself.)  “Gender Identity:  one’s internal deeply-held sense of one’s gender, which may be the same or different from one’s sex assigned at birth.  One’s gender identity may be male, female, neither or both. Everyone has a gender identity.” (Psychoanalysis has sure come a long way since Sigmund Freud.)  “Gender: an individual’s actual or perceived sex, gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior or expression whether or not that gender identity, self-image, appearance, behavior or expression is different from that traditionally associated with the sex assigned at birth.” (These aren’t definitions; they are redefinitions just the way marriage has been redefined.)  I didn’t quote the part of the law that allows any person to participate in single-sex activities and use the single sex bathroom, dressing room or shower of their choice based on their “gender identity”.  I don’t recommend reading the entire law if you have a low gag threshold.

Anyone who lived through the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s, as I did, should be outraged that this law creates a new “protected class” based on personal feelings and preferences then compares that class to a racial minority.  There is simply no rational comparison.

None of this has any scriptural basis of course.  Genesis 5:2 reads, He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them “human.”  Jesus affirms that verse in Matthew 19:4 and Mark 10:6.

Sexual confusion is real, but it is not biological in nature according to genetic science.  It is a mental or psychological condition created by the enemy and perpetrated by some psychotherapists and other nonbelievers whose agenda is to label Christians and God’s word as bigoted, insensitive and out of touch.  Of course they are the ones completely out of touch with God and His creation.

Several school districts have already proposed gender identity classes beginning in the eighth grade through high school to help students explore their male and female tendencies and help them find their specific place on the scale of sexual identity.  That will greatly increase sexual confusion in our vulnerable young people.

It is more important than ever that our young people are rooted in God’s word and confident in the identity God has given them.  I pray that we as Christian believers stand strong against this perversion, without condemning those who are its victims.  God loves them and wants to draw them to Himself, clearing their minds, setting them free and giving them peace as only belief in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit can do.

When I was a young Christian, my pastor would often say,  “Let go and let God.” It was a catchy phrase that sounded like good advice, but in my daily life I have found it much easier to say than to do. Too often I would pray, “Lord, how will I ever be able to do this?” When I should have prayed, “Lord, I can’t wait to see how you do this!”

I have used the analogy before that the Christian life is like an automobile. We want to be in the driver’s seat with our hands firmly on the wheel making all of the decisions, while the Holy Spirit sits in the back seat dozing because we do not ask for His help. Then we become distracted by a tempting billboard or how someone else is driving. We take our eyes off of the road just long enough to wind up in a ditch. It is only then that we ask God through His Holy Spirit to take the wheel and get us out of trouble. Then as soon as our life is back on the straight and narrow, we say, “I can take it from here,” and it starts all over again.

You can see that same pattern when you read in Exodus about the Israelites’ trip out of Egypt and through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Every time they got into trouble God took control and brought them through it in miraculous ways, but then they took control again and got into even more trouble.

God sent His son to break that endless cycle of sin and repentance. Jesus taught us how to live; trusting God the Father with everything. He died on the cross in our place and then rose from the dead to provide eternal life for all who believe in Him. God even sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us and keep us on the road He prepared for us. So why do we still struggle to do it all ourselves? Do we underestimate that power within us? Perhaps we have forgotten what He has already brought us through. Ephesians 3:20 tells us, “Now to the God who can do so many awe-inspiring things, immeasurable things, things greater than we ever could ask or imagine, through the power at work in us.”

All we have to do is learn to let go of that steering wheel and let God take control to get us safely to our destination where we will dwell in His presence forever.

As spring approaches, many ministries are announcing their Holy Land tours. They all claim it is the trip of a lifetime. I hope you don’t mind if I share some memories of my trip.

I was stationed on the Greek island of Crete, in 1964, when our chaplain announced the annual Holy Land tour.  The cost was reasonable because we were already so close. I talked two of my Christian buddies into going and we were the only Protestants in a group led by the Catholic chaplain. The group also included some military dependents.

We made connections in Athens, boarding a plane bound for Beirut, Lebanon.  The cab ride from the airport to the hotel in Beirut was like being a passenger in the Indianapolis 500.  We spent one night in Beirut and we were able to tour that beautiful city before it was virtually destroyed by war.

The next three nights we spent in a hotel in old Jerusalem.  The ancient city was controlled by Arabs at that time, but things were relatively calm and they welcomed us and our money with open arms.  Of course the Catholic chaplain took us to the Stations of the Cross on the Via Delarosa and all of the shrines built on the traditional sites of Jesus’ birth, crucifixion and resurrection.  We also saw the ruins of Jericho and swam (floated) in the Dead Sea. I made the mistake of shaving that morning and my face burned like it was on fire from the salt.

It was all very interesting, but kind of like visiting a series of museums.  I was reminded of some Bible verses as we went along, but it wasn’t until the three of us found the Garden Tomb on our free afternoon that I fully realized where I was. I shared the thrill of the empty tomb like Mary Magdalene, Peter and John.  I connected with Jesus more deeply than I ever had before.  It was not yet a major tourist attraction. As a matter of fact, we were the only ones there and we didn’t want to leave. It was after sunset when we finally walked back to the hotel.

The final leg of our journey was a day and night in Cairo, Egypt, which included a camel ride to the Sphinx and a pyramid.  Cairo was very peaceful and tourist friendly back then, but the three of us managed to stir up some trouble.  We had spent all of our money on souvenirs in Jerusalem, so we were just window shopping when the merchants started haggling and lowering prices.  Each time we said we had no money they thought we were being tough negotiators, but when they reached their final price and we still refused they became angry.  I’m sure we heard several Egyptian curses as we quickly retreated to the hotel.

I took three rolls of color slides (108) on that trip.  Those slides of Beirut, Jerusalem and Cairo which included me in the Dead Sea and riding a camel with the Sphinx in the background were destroyed recently when my basement flooded, but I still have those precious memories in  my mind and my heart after all of these years.  It really was the trip of a lifetime.

 

I try to write about things that are clearly stated in scripture and proven in everyday life. If I wrote about things I don’t understand, it would produce as many volumes as my 50-year-old set of Encyclopedia Britannica. Most of those mysteries begin with “Why?” There is one that makes all of the others seem trivial.

The news this week has been filled with the horrible mass shooting at a high school in south Florida. Why do such bad things happen to good people? That question has been raised throughout recorded history, so I have a lot of company when I say, “I don’t know why.” The sudden death of people going about their daily routine seems to defy explanation. Whether it is a fatal automobile collision caused by another driver or the senseless taking of human life in an act of premeditated murder, we ask ourselves, “Why are some lives ended too soon?”

Jesus addressed the topics of mass murders and fatal accidents in Luke 13. Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee while they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than any other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all, and you will perish too if you don’t repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish too.” Jesus does not tell us why massacres and tragic accidents happen, but he reminds us that death can come to anyone at any time in any manner, so it is critical that we repent and follow Him while there is still time.

The disciples assumed bad things happen to people because of sin. In the 9^th chapter of John, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth. His disciples ask, “Rabbi, why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” Jesus told them, “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins. This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” Then he healed him. Hundreds of years earlier, Joseph told his brothers, who sold him into slavery, that even though they meant it for evil, God used it for good. Is it possible that there is a purpose to it all?

Sin and evil played a major role in the Florida shooting, but it isn’t found in the victims. Two of the seventeen who died in that school were teachers who sacrificed themselves to save the lives of many students. Purpose can certainly be found in their heroic deaths. I also see purpose for those who survived; even those who were critically wounded. But what about the teenagers who were killed? The purpose for their tragic deaths at the hands of a deranged young man filled with evil and hate still eludes me.

One of my wife’s favorite songs was “Farther Along.” The last verse and chorus of that song has special meaning for me. “When death has come and taken our loved one leaving our home so lonely and drear, then do we wonder how others prosper living so evil year after year? Farther along we’ll know all about it. Farther along we’ll understand why. Cheer up my brother, live in the sunshine. We’ll understand it all by and by.” Someday I will have the answers to all of my questions, but for now, I trust God and His eternal purpose in my life and in yours.

I have two arthritic knees that are bone on bone so I’m not nearly as active as I used to be. My doctor is always telling me I need more exercise. He evidently doesn’t take into consideration the cardio workout I go through every time I stand up, struggle into my winter coat and walk my dog a short distance every five hours or get in and out of the car when I need to drive somewhere. Physical exercise is important for good health at any age, but spiritual exercise is also very important for a healthy Christian life.

Reading and studying God’s word, praying and worshiping are all great “warm up” exercises; preparation to get us ready to tackle the heavier lifting. The real spiritual workouts come as we interact with and serve others. Jesus teaches us to put His workout plan to use in service to “the least of these,” because it is in that way that we can serve Him directly. (See Matthew 25:34-46)

I recently saw a quote by Leo Buscaglia, “The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises.” I identify with that quote because those are exercises that I can do and that I try to do every day.

I sometimes find renewed spiritual energy while observing the awesomeness of every part of God’s creation around me; from the wonders of our universe to the precise orbit, atmosphere and makeup of our planet that allows life to exist. My observation or interaction with various life forms, including my two dogs, also stirs my spirit. But what give me the most strenuous spiritual exercise are my interactions and relationships with people.

Even casual encounters build spiritual strength. There is a young woman who works the drive up window of a fast food restaurant I frequent for breakfast. We don’t even know each other’s name (I call her “sunshine”), but our pleasant encounters began when I commented that her smile brightens my day and that smile suddenly became even wider and brighter. Now every time she sees me that smile automatically lights up her face as she sincerely asks how I’m doing. Sometimes she even sees me coming and repeats my order over the speaker before I can say a word. (Yes, I am that predictable.)

Deeper and more lasting relationships increase and intensify our spiritual reps. My wife and I participated in a multitude of spiritual workout sessions together. Now that I’m on my own a circle of very close friends provide me with the encouragement and spiritual incentive I need.

Every time we lift someone’s spirit and, if possible, lift their burden a little as well, our spiritual muscles gain strength. I don’t keep track of the number of visitors to my blog or who you are because if the numbers are high I might be tempted by pride and if they are low I might become discouraged. I’m just thankful that you are reading this now and I hope that my writings have lifted your spirit and given you encouragement to become more active physically and spiritually.

Nicodemus was a Jewish leader, a Pharisee, who came to Jesus at night to learn more about him and his teachings. Jesus told him, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) When it was clear Nicodemus did not know what he meant, Jesus continued, “I assure you that no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can only produce human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8) Like Nicodemus, most people have a problem understanding how a person can experience new birth.

I have been a “born again Christian” for almost 64 years and I still don’t fully understand how it happens, but I know it is real and that it took place the moment I repented of my sins and accepted the fact that Jesus paid the price for my sins by taking my place on the cross. (John 3:16) At that moment the Holy Spirit came into my life and assured my spirit that I was a newly born child of God – born of His Spirit.

Unbelievers deride “born again Christians” as some kind of religious zealots or brainwashed members of some cult. No one can begin to understand until they experience it for themselves. So how can we show them it is real and has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with a personal relationship with God? There is one outward sign that marks every new born Christian. It is a spiritual birthmark for all to see. John describes it in his Gospel and especially in his letters. It is love! Love of God! Love of other believers! Love of neighbors (non-believers)! Even love of our enemies! John makes it clear that if we lack that kind of love, God’s Spirit does not dwell in us for God is love.

The New Testament lists seven indications that we are born of the Spirit. They are referred to as “fruit” of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and faithfulness. (Galatians 5:22) But the first and most prominent mark of our new birth is love. I pray that people who observe our words and actions will witness the supernatural love of God and desire that birth mark on their own lives even though none of us fully understands it. I am so thankful that it is child-like faith and not superior intellect that God looks for in his children.

 

“People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.  If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.”

This message is found on the wall of Mother Teresa’s Home for Children in Calcutta, India. It is based on The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith, but Mother Teresa added her personal, spiritual application to it.  As a result, it has become widely associated with her.  I relate to that message and it has made a deep impression on me.  One reason is that I see the fingerprints of the Holy Spirit on it.  Her heart was filled to overflowing with love and selfless service for the poor.  As a result, Mother Teresa was carried beyond church doctrine into a very personal relationship with God.  She knew from experience that whatever we do for the least of these, we are doing for God.

There is an even more personal reason it has meaning for me.  As a young man I prayed for the gift of sharing love and encouragement with those around me.  In answer to that prayer, the Holy Spirit began prompting me to be aware of the spiritual application in almost everything I see, hear, read and feel.  His promptings have been the basis for each of my blog posts and most of my posts and comments on Face Book.  When a reader is encouraged and blessed by something I write it isn’t because of my talent or ability, but because of His prompting in response to their need.

I can picture Mother Teresa reading Dr. Keith’s Paradoxical Commandments in the light of her own experiences and then adding to them the reason why we should do all of those things – not just for mankind or our own gratification, but for God’s glory.  When I think about her spiritual fruit, I can’t help but believe Mother Teresa was a saint long before the Catholic Church recognized it.

 

One of my earliest childhood memories is when I was taught to use those magic words – “thank you” and “please”. In my blog post titled “Gratitude” I have written about the importance of expressing thanks and experiencing gratitude. Asking properly is equally important.

Saying please isn’t just the polite thing to do. It changes an order into a request. “Pass the butter,” is an order – “Please pass the butter,” is a request. During our 50 years of marriage, my wife and I used the word “please” quite often. We wanted to ask each other for help, not order each other around. It may sound like a subtle difference but it made our relationship closer and it will improve any relationship including our relationship with God.

We are obviously not in a position to order God to do anything. We must ask Him but, like Solomon. we should ask wisely. “That night God appeared to Solomon and said, ‘What do you want? Ask and I will give it to you.’” (2 Chronicles 1:7)  God was pleased when Solomon asked for wisdom to lead and rule his people justly. Because he did not ask for wealth or long life for himself, God gave him wisdom and those things as well. When we think of others first it will always bring blessings to us personally too.

Jesus told his disciples (and us) how to ask God for everything. “At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name and you will receive and you will have abundant joy. I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the father. Then you will ask in my name. I’m not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.” (John 16:23-27) What a privilege we have to come directly to God in the name of Jesus. God knows our needs and the desires of our heart, but He wants us to come to Him with our requests. We sometimes miss great blessings from God simply because we do not ask.

If you haven’t been using those magic words as much as you should, try using them more in all of your relationships, “Pretty please with sugar on top.”