And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. -Hebrews 11:39

All these ....Abel, Abraham, Enoch, Noah. & Sarah. Through Abel, though he died, he still speaks. Enoch didn't even make it as far as experiencing his own death. The Lord "took him up"! Noah built a boat ..based on events that hadn't even come to pass, but built it anyway, in obedience to God; knowing people thought he was crazy, or a drunk. Abraham was obedient to go to a land where he was to receive an "inheritence", not knowing exactly where he was to go ...and lived in tents, without foundations. This would be considered poor management skills today. Sarah conceived in old age ...even after initial doubts.

All these ....having not seen what God promised were obedient. Some were even obedient ...knowing they would not see God's promise fulfilled in their own lifetimes. I've heard it stated this way, in modern vernacular.. "If God never did another thing for me, I would have already received more than I deserve." If God dropped me like a hot potato today, if my health failed, if I lost all material posessions, and if there were no reason to believe I would see greener pastures, in this lifetime... would I be willing to "take one for the team?" Would I not only "know" that God owes me nothing ..but would I be willing to live out the remainder of my earthly life in that reality?

"Faith" ...truly is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Without assurance and conviction faith must surely be foolishness.

The Big Picture ...whether we like it or not

Maybe you think "spiritual warfare" is some hoakie statement... created by a bunch of so-called Jesus-followers... to explain away the evils in the world. Who created those evils? Who allows those evils? What part do you and I play in those evils? Maybe you've entertained, or submitted to, the thought that a Creator God would be willing to create us only to allow our lives to be difficult merely for the sake of "difficulty". Maybe God became angry, had a fit, and just wanted you and I to feel the hurt He felt when His creation wouldn't do what He wanted it to. I could imagine "me" acting / re-acting in this way. Or you may take it to yet another extreme ...and conclude that it is all randomness.

I can only believe in 2 possibilities....

a. A complete and utter randomness created you and I ...with all our good and our bad. This requires more faith, admiteddly, than I can conjur.

b. Or, there is nothing at all random about our existence. Rather, you and I were intentionally created, by a Creator God, whom I won't even pretend to fully understand, but will also not be so arrogant to beleive that I am the only one to rationalize Him into some category that no one else has thought of. This God "loves". This God is "love" ...and despite what you may think about His supposed cruelty, He loved you and I enough to jump through a thousand hoops, to invent the wheel upon which you and I may be redeemed / purchased / paid for the cruelty "we" have done. Let's not excuse ourselves from the equation.

Either God is Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. You're going to have to make that decision for yourself. Likewise, you will have to live with the results of that decision ..yourself. No one can do it, or live it, for you. And what wars for your attention is far more than a distraction or a derailment. "It" is intentional about drawing you as far away from the truth as you can possibly get ...so that you can no longer "see" the truth.

You'll surrender ...one way or the other. There is no middle ground. Someday, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord! And at the end of the day... I am no different than you in this journey, nor are you different than I. It doesn't take a lot of imagination for you to understand me when I say... I truly love you. I've been in darkness. I am no longer in the darkness. I do not want you to be in darkness ...because I love you. But far, far more than any ability I have to love you ...God loves you; enough to pawn off His Son for you. I can't do that. If I wanted to... I can't do that. My sacrifice, for you, would buy nothing. His sacrifice, for you, bought everything. This is the truth ...in love.


The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus......

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Slaves and Masters

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. -Ephesians 6:1-20

Vicious Cycles - The Sins of Our Fathers

Parenting is "hard". I heard that growing up ...but, obviously, had no appreciation for the truth of it. I've done a lot of stuff in my nearly 40 years, and many of those things (jobs, decisions, etc.) were certanly difficult ...but do not hold a candle to the job, the duty, the passion, the art ....of parenting. Our children are an investment in the future ...our own future for certain. They are not a commodity we can sell to a buyer. They, literally, carry on the family business.

I don't want to make parenting sound joy-less. It is not, and if you are a parent I don't even need to quantify or explain that. But you can nod your head in agreement ....that it is the most difficult of God-ordained duties. To that ...guess to whom my frustrations are often directed toward? Yup, to that very more-than-a-commodity in which I have so much invested, in which I am so passionate about. Like any inventor who has birthed a creation ..it consumes you, it becomes you.

But this invention, our children, have a free-will of their very own don't they? And praise God, by the way! Despite my frustration when they don't do what I want ...I surely don't want my children to merely be a literal mirror image of me. I want them to grow, I want them to struggle and know the joy of overcoming, I want them to live life to its fullest.

I would wager that my dad wanted the exact same things for me. Probably still does ...even with me at middle age and him an older man. I recall a lot of my own father's frustration being directed at me. I know, now, so much of it wasn't due to me or anything I had necessarily done. But I know his own circumstances in life must have often made him feel helpless to steer me as he saw fit, and I undoubtedly made directing "me" a difficult venture. All water under the bridge ..or is it?

I love the old song.. "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" (Simon & Garfunkel for those old enough to remember). I can see my life as a bridge over troubled waters in many ways. Sometimes I fall back into the waters .but always seem to find myself reflecting from atop that bridge ...recollecting what went on, how I might have prevented it, what I could have done differently, and ultimately settling on just accepting that "life has happened" and I just have to move forward (read Ecclesiastes in the Bible).

This morning I was reading in the Old Testament book of 2 Samuel. "David" ....a boy turned King, apparently by God's design and will, was considered a man after God's own heart. Wow!! What a title. Forget the Pulitzer Prize or any other accolade. If I could be thought of, much less labelled, as a man after God's own heart ...that'll do it for me!! Stick a fork in me ...I'm done! No further affirmation or confirmaton needed. But I began thinking about David's own heart. As you read the story of this anointed's life ....he was a murderer, an adulterer. I read a commentary that even labelled David as an "ineffective father"! Ouch! 2 Samuel 1 talks about him killing this young Amalekite man ..for claiming to have killed King Saul (David's predecessor). David mourned!! Tore his clothes, as was apparently the custom of mourning in their day and culture. Scripture implies that this young Amalekite man was lying ....likely, to gain favor in the kingdom. 1 Samuel's report indicates that Saul killed himself; a matter of nobility, rather than accepting defeat during battle. Whatever the facts ...it would appear that David, as coldly, killed this man ...for "killing God's annointed". This wouldn't be the last time. A love for the Lord, yet a struggle with lust, and anger in his own life. David's sons had their own troubles. Read about "Amnon" in 2 Samuel 13. There was incest in their household. Yet in all his life ...David chased after God's own heart.

Are the sins of our fathers still passed on to us? Do we become that which we hate? I have found, in myself, traits of my own father ...many of the good, but certainly some of the less desirable. I've learned a lot about his own childhood as I have grown. It, too, was "hard" ..harder than what I have known. Hmmm.. it would almost appear he has shielded me from the things he endured ...things he struggled with in his own father, whom he loved dearly. I did too ...but I only knew him as "Grandpa" ..and the best one in the world. Funny ...that is precisely how my children see my dad ...my middle son especially. He has hung the moon, and does no wrong.

Life truly can be a vicious cycle ...a chain of events seemingly out of our control. No excuses though. We are our own unique person, and have our own will. And much of that cycle of life is "good". I'm gonna' be careful about becoming that which I hate ...but I'll also be careful about altogether hating that which I have become. My dad loved / loves me ..without question, and wanted / wants the best in the world for me ..just as I do my own children. Life... it's just gonna' come with some baggage. We'll pilfer through the baggage and take what we can use ..and the stuff we won't use ....we'll let it lay there. And our children will do the same.

To God ...Be the Glory

As my kids grow (they are 16, 13, and 8 ..respectively), I am constantly amazed at how unique, and how alike, each of them are. My oldest loves music. Eats, breathes, and sleeps music. He loves to read, and to challenge his own thinking about things in the world, and eternity beyond. My middle son also loves music, and is becoming a very good drummer. But the middle one is also very mechanically inclined. He loves getting his hands dirty, and working on things. He has broken down, and repaired, more bicycles than I wish to count. Unlike my oder son ...it isn't so much that he wants to know "how" it works, but just knows that it "needs" to work and that it is up to him to make it work. Both are desireable traits. My youngest son I have yet to really peg. Maybe it's because he is still young, but I believe I see characteristics of both of his older brothers. This is logical enough I suppose.

I've learned something about myself, through them, over the years. Well.. I've learned lots of things through them, but inparticular... I have learned that I have a very difficult time letting them fail. This wasn't really an epiphny; just a realization, which I began noticing early on. A normal parental action / re-action I guess ...but this really becomes problemmatic as they get older; as "problems" are not only inherent in life, but are very beneficial to daily living. For example ..problems inherently teach us how to act and re-act. Problems teach us how to process and organize thoughts (i.e. we have to begin to calculate how to "fix" the problem ...or if we "can" fix the problem).

I am fearful, at times, of seeing either of my three sons fail. Yet I know that, in failure, they learn important life lessons. Sure, there are limits. When I am able to convince myself to allow a failure (assuming I even actually know when a failure is occuring) ...I can only take so much. But problems, even those leading to failures, teach profoundly important spiritual lessons as well. When things don't go our way ...we ultimately must learn that things aren't always meant to go our way. When we feel pain ...we appreciate the joy of feeling good. Hopefully, all of these things lead to being thankful to the Creator of all good things; who is also the "allower" of many bad things. This is a struggle. History tells the story of two sisters who felt this ...as all human beings have, or will.

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."
-John 11:1-4

Jesus' final statement strikes me! Did Jesus not heal Lazarus simply forthe sake of "healing"? Many times, in Scripture, He did just that. I believe He desired that Lazarus be healed, and feel better, even in this instance. But this was not the entirety of His purpose. It was for God's glory, so that Jesus, Himself, may be glorified through it!

This is what we would call a "win-win scenario"! Every time Christ, and the Father, get the glory ...you and I, ultimately, receive the "benefit". Glorify God for "who" He is ...not for what He does. Understand that He is the Creator ...and we are the created. When something good happens in our lives ...give glory to Him, as that good thing is, ultimately, "from" Him. When bad times come, and they will, give God glory for those bad times, even leading to death. Even in doing this ....you and I reap the ultimate "benefit" ....according to His riches in glory. It would seem, to me, that an all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful God ...can gain no more or less by His creation giving Him glory. But it would appear, according to His own actions, that He receives great joy in brining joy to His creation. Albeit ...that "joy", many times, comes through much physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. Lean on Him. Stay the course. Be in it for the long haul. He will give you joy in your life now, and in eternity to come. If you and I are bothered with being created in the first place ...that, and all we do, is to be for His glory ...and you and I receive the benefit; not as a by-product ...but as personally intended by the Father of all creation.

Good Times, Bad Times...

Why do bad things happen to good people? It's an age old question. Who are "good" people anyway? For that matter ..what are "bad things"? Forgive me ....I do not intend to play with words ..and I can most definitely give some examples of bad things, and unfortunately of bad people as well. But as a follower of Christ (and frankly... only since being that) I am challenged to re-think good and / or bad circumstances. Scripture says that... my "righteousness is as filthy rags" ...before a holy, and just God. So the bad news is.... my "good" really isn't that good. But is my "bad" really that bad? My circumstances, I mean. I don't even need anyone to tell me that my intentions aren't always what they should be, that sometimes my motives are wrong. Try, as I may, to treat everyone fairly and justly ....I'm still a sin-natured being. So what does God do with all this ...our good, our bad, our ugly?

I love to hear those stories ....of people who have lost limbs, or use of them. Surely they ask.... "what have I done to deserve this?" In many instances, these folks push themselves to devour life. In many instances ....these people take life less for granted, and savour each moment as though it were their last. This is "good". They've found growth, and motivation in, otherwise, unfortunate circumstances. Jesus once brought great clarity to a moment like this.

As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. -John 9:1-7

Scriptures also say that "all" have sinned ..and have fallen short of God's glorious standard. A friend of mine has a very good quote posted on his own Facebook profile. It says... "Never make excuses - Your friends don't need them, and your enemies won't believe them anyway". This is true. I like this. You and I, at the end of the day, must take responsibility ...for that which we are responsible. We can exercise our integrity, and save dignity, if we just do that at the beginning of the day. Take that a step further. Often the bad circumstances in our lives are not at any fault of our own. Yet ....we must live with them. We must endure them. You and I have a choice as to how we will do that. If difficulties, I mean real difficulties, haven't yet confronted you in life ....well, hang around. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news ...but life truly is hard quite often. We can wallow in that reality ....or we can wring reality's neck ....take lemons, and make lemonade! Or even better ...we can call on the God who created us, who very definitely "allowed" the circumstances in our lives ...and we can seek Him for whatever it is He desires we learn from it. He has promised ...I'll never leave, nor foresake you. He knows the plans He has for you, and me; plans for a hope and a future ....to prosper ..not to harm us.

Our eternal Father knows, better than we, our temporary circumstances. And He desires that you and I know our eternal circumstance ...with Him. It is not His will that any should perish.

"The Jesus Approach"

As Believers / Christians / Christ-followers ...we have tried, I suppose as long as we have been, to determine how to approach people with the good news (gospel) of Jesus Christ. It is a worthy endeavor. If we need to "ex" a committee or two, in our respective fellowships, to focus more energy on being relevant to the culture around us ...then there is no higher calling; short of our own worship, exaltation, and acknowleding Christ as Lord.

To that end (..the culture around us..) it is worth saying out loud. It is ill-productive, bordering on arrogant, to think there is a one-size fits all approach to telling people about Jesus. Christ, Himself, was systematic as He approached people. He truly met people where they were; and through us, desires to continue to meet people where they are. Christ was "bold", but not always "brash". Likewise, our lack of pointed-ness does not necessarily indicate a lack of boldness. Then again, there are times that a "tough-love" approach is appropriate. The Holy Spirit, indwelling Believers, is our guide.

The woman at the wel, as told ofl in John 4 is a wonderful example. Jesus didn't beat around the bush, but He did "identify" with this woman's need. Not only her "needs", but as well ...her belief. Jesus calculated various aspects of this woman; her culture, her belief, her own sin (keep reading), etc. You and I don't have the luxury of omniscience, or all-knowing-ness. We may have to be a little more "intentional" in our approach. Regardless... we need to model the "Jesus approach" to telling His good news. A few things noteworthy of this "chance" meeting with the woman at the well....

Jesus ministered to people... as He went - He was simply "passing through Samaria. Many times, it is appropriate to be deliberate. But we need not close our eyes to the people, the circumstances, around us. Keep your eyes, and ears, open to people's needs.

Jesus' approach to people was... relevant and timely -I'm sure Jesus was genuintely thirsty when He came to this well. The text even indicates that He was wearied from His journey. But He took advantage of His own imperfect circumstance (being thirsty and weary) to reveal who He is to this woman.

Jesus was sensitive to people... and their culture -Jesus utilized some "shock value" when he asked the "Samaritan" woman to give Him a drink. He knew that "she" knew ...a true Jew would not, typically, ask for anything from a Samaritan. A cultural faux pas to say the least. No doubt, this caught the woman's full attention.

Jesus was sensitive to people... and their beliefs -This was "Jacob's well"; the earthly father of her people. The well, and its provisoin, was highly regarded.

Jesus was crystal clear as to... people's "real" need -As much as she thought she regarded the well, its provision, its provider ...Jesus was sensitive to her "real need" ...without being incensitive to her earthly need.

Jesus was bold as He ...confronted sin -Bold ...but not "brash". This woman knew her own sin. No need in harping on the obvious ...but equally as important to point it out. This elevated her perception of "this man" to that of at least being a prophet. Jesus "built trust".

Jesus could have simply indicated that He is the way, the truth, and the life... ...but He recognized the need to build trust with the woman. He realized the profoundness of relating to her culture, her belief, and her own needs. It has been said that people do not care how much you know ..until they know how much you care. We should strive for the compassion, and the passion, of Jesus. The result of winning the trust of the Samaritan woman was that... "many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony."

Winning people to Christ is not a notch we mark on a self-righteous belt. Many of us are planters, some are harvesters. The Lord says, Himself, in following passages that fields are white for harvest. The laborers truly are "few". Whether your personal role is that of seed-planter or harvester... it is of the utmost importance that we be intentional, sensitive, comprehensive, compassionate, passionate, and loving ..with a right motivation.. to the world we endeavor to reach with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Shock to the System!

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. -Psalm 1:1-2

It is difficult to remain "focused" in today's world. Walk into any grocery store and there are at least a dozen different brands and / or varieties of any item you might purchase. Turn on the television and there are 3 or 4 flavors of ESPN, and most any other channel nowadays. Springsteen said it right... "57 Channels ..and nothin' on.. He should update that value.

True, too, in the spiritual realm... there is a "religion" or belief system out there for you; whatever you're feeling, or whatever need you may have ...there is almost bound to be a nearly custom-fit religious practice. If not, someone may start one to meet your need. Heck ..start your own!

In God's economy... there is only one "system". His system. We are free to make up our own, or join something someone else has made up ..but at the end of the day (..or end of the age) only 1 system remains.

A good friend is preaching at our church during revival week. Preaching from Genesis 1 ...he spoke of "God's system" ....and due to the fact that you and I are created in His image (..we are the only creation in His image, by the way..) we are, by proxy and default, systematic creatures. I brush my teeth before I get in the shower each morning. I've got my reasons... my system.

We need to choose, this day, whom you or I will serve. Christ said ..."you're either for me, or against me. While God's love, specifically through His Son, is liberal (..the good use of the word..) His system, His plan for coming to Him ....is beyond conservative. It is rigid ....signed, sealed, and delivered ...not changing yesterday, today, or forever!

"His" plan, "His" system ....is for His glory ...and our benefit. That is the "key" to being "Christian". You and I must decrease, and He must increase! Follow Him because of "who" He is ...and your system will simply change to align with "His". In turn ...this will give you peace. You won't need your old system any longer.