(A column I wrote to parents of teenagers from my archive of past newsletters.)
At a high school a few days ago, the kids and I talked about the statement “Begin with the end in mind.” At first they just looked at me puzzled. I held up a picture of a person sitting in the midst of pieces of a jigsaw puzzle holding the puzzle box. “Where do you start in putting together a jigsaw puzzle?” I asked.
Several said in unison, “I look at the box cover.” “Why?” I queried. Their answer was, “Because it shows what the finished puzzle should look like.”
Slowly, it began to sink in—we need to put the pieces of our life together in such a way that the finished product as closely as possible matches our “vision” or the picture we want in the end. If we force the pieces together in haphazard fashion, the end product would be goofy at best.
I encouraged the students to visualize what they wanted their life to look like in 10 years--a mental picture of their desired future. Then, with that vision in mind, we began to isolate the pieces needed to make up that picture. As puzzlers know, you start with the corners. They are the foundation and in life they are like character, beliefs, values, or priorities. Next comes the outside pieces. The outside pieces are the framework for their life—hopefully honesty, integrity, ethics, respect for others, etc. The inside pieces would be the various sections of their desired picture. A big section might be a career with one piece the education required, one the desired location or work environment, one any experience needed, etc. Other sections of the puzzle might be what kind of family, where to live, which hobbies and entertainment, and anything that is a part of the end picture.
Each individual piece is important to complete that section of the puzzle; and, as they brainstormed, some of the pieces needed for the picture could be identified. Just like the jigsaw puzzle, each piece would need to be turned this way and that, and each would need to be tried here and there, often without success until the piece just suddenly fit. With patience and perseverance, the picture would start to emerge.
What is the end picture you would like to achieve in your life? What are the individual pieces that would make up that picture? Remember, “Begin with the end in mind.” Practice incorporating those individual pieces into your family life. Maybe, you can start this summer. Put some of the best puzzle pieces of family fun and traditions into the picture and build upon it in the months or years you have left with your teen.
I can assure you, life’s puzzle takes much more patience and perseverance than a puzzle from a box. Trust me on this one—my picture’s not perfect, but it’s getting rather pretty.
Looking back over this column, I realize that’s what God did. He had the end in mind when He began with creation. That’s why Jesus could go to the cross. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 He began with the end (salvation for you and me) in mind.
I need more pieces!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Circles
In the movie Lion King, there is a song called the Circle of Life, and the lyrics are by one of my all time favorite lyricists, Tim Rice. I find him to be a wonderful writer who has an extraordinary ability to put into modern vernacular, words for the thoughts of whatever time or circumstance he is writing about. I think he is terrific!
I have thought about the Circle of Life concept often as I observe my grandchildren, particularly my grandson. He is in so many ways the “spitting image” of his father at that age. It’s not just his appearance which is a close match, but it is his facial expressions, his temperament, and his personality. It was a little more controlled in his father because he had two older sisters who would not allow him to be king.
Today I watched another example in our four-year-old granddaughter busy about her daily life. She looks much like her mother at that age; but even more, she has so many of the same facial expressions, temperament, and personality. She, too, has an older sister as her mother did and plays the younger victim with a great deal of fervor. Her antics of the day were wearing thin on her mother who questioned me about what she was doing wrong. “The same things I did wrong obviously,” was my answer. It was déjà vu all over again. LOL
In a larger sense, generation one often criticizes generation two for appearance, music volume, work ethic, manners, picking up toys or clothes, sharing/caring, and lack of respect among other things. Then, generation two grows up, has a family, becomes responsible for generation three; and, in turn, sees generation three much as generation one saw generation two. Circle of Life, I suppose.
God has stressed the importance of teaching the next generation about Him and His ways. Failure to do that was rampant in the Old Testament—Isaac, Eli, Samuel, King David, and King Solomon to mention a few. Moses directed,
I hope we take seriously the warning about teaching and training the next generation. They are the future. If their preparation for life comes from television, internet, video games, or their peers rather than the church and a solid foundation at home, generation three will not be a pretty sight. Hopefully, they will meet Jesus along the way and will be the generation in which the glory of the Lord will cover the earth.
I have thought about the Circle of Life concept often as I observe my grandchildren, particularly my grandson. He is in so many ways the “spitting image” of his father at that age. It’s not just his appearance which is a close match, but it is his facial expressions, his temperament, and his personality. It was a little more controlled in his father because he had two older sisters who would not allow him to be king.
Today I watched another example in our four-year-old granddaughter busy about her daily life. She looks much like her mother at that age; but even more, she has so many of the same facial expressions, temperament, and personality. She, too, has an older sister as her mother did and plays the younger victim with a great deal of fervor. Her antics of the day were wearing thin on her mother who questioned me about what she was doing wrong. “The same things I did wrong obviously,” was my answer. It was déjà vu all over again. LOL
In a larger sense, generation one often criticizes generation two for appearance, music volume, work ethic, manners, picking up toys or clothes, sharing/caring, and lack of respect among other things. Then, generation two grows up, has a family, becomes responsible for generation three; and, in turn, sees generation three much as generation one saw generation two. Circle of Life, I suppose.
God has stressed the importance of teaching the next generation about Him and His ways. Failure to do that was rampant in the Old Testament—Isaac, Eli, Samuel, King David, and King Solomon to mention a few. Moses directed,
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.“
I hope we take seriously the warning about teaching and training the next generation. They are the future. If their preparation for life comes from television, internet, video games, or their peers rather than the church and a solid foundation at home, generation three will not be a pretty sight. Hopefully, they will meet Jesus along the way and will be the generation in which the glory of the Lord will cover the earth.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Don't Go
Today we studied 1 Samuel 4. One part of the story jumped right off the page at me; it was about the wife of Phinehas, one of the two sons of Eli the high priest and the judge of Israel.
Earlier we had read that Eli’s two sons “were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.” And “They were treating the LORD's offering with contempt” and “they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.”
Don’t you think this fellow was a peach of a husband? Can you imagine being married to this ostensibly religious pillar of the church? As I thought about her, I would have expected her to be cynical of the things of the Lord and bitter toward God, her husband, and even her father-in-law Eli. How difficult it must have been to live daily with such unfaithfulness and still remain faithful in her devotion to God.
Yet, her dying concerns were first for the ark of God, and then for Eli the priest of God, and for her husband.
We live in days of egocentrism, narcissism, self-love, and looking out for #1; so it is unusual to see someone seek first the kingdom of God. I see her as a role model for each of us as we see Christian leaders, pillars of the church, or pseudo religious mates disappoint us and fail to live up to our expectations.
To get past the poor-me’s and weep passionately over God’s glory is something we should aspire to. The church is not made up of perfect people but redeemed sinners, and as Paul said “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” I join Paul to sing “I’m just a sinner saved by grace.”
The people in the church will most assuredly fall short of perfection. They may disappoint. They will probably disillusion. They can certainly dishearten. Nevertheless, we can look past the human shortcomings like Mrs. Phinehas did and honor God above all, and we have a resource she did not have, “We have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.”
May we never experience the sense of “Ichabod.”
Earlier we had read that Eli’s two sons “were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.” And “They were treating the LORD's offering with contempt” and “they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.”
Don’t you think this fellow was a peach of a husband? Can you imagine being married to this ostensibly religious pillar of the church? As I thought about her, I would have expected her to be cynical of the things of the Lord and bitter toward God, her husband, and even her father-in-law Eli. How difficult it must have been to live daily with such unfaithfulness and still remain faithful in her devotion to God.
Yet, her dying concerns were first for the ark of God, and then for Eli the priest of God, and for her husband.
“As she was dying, the women attending her said, "Don't despair; you have given birth to a son." But she did not respond or pay any attention. She named the boy Ichabod, meaning "The glory has departed from Israel"-because of the capture of the ark of God and the deaths of her father-in-law and her husband. She said, "The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured."
We live in days of egocentrism, narcissism, self-love, and looking out for #1; so it is unusual to see someone seek first the kingdom of God. I see her as a role model for each of us as we see Christian leaders, pillars of the church, or pseudo religious mates disappoint us and fail to live up to our expectations.
To get past the poor-me’s and weep passionately over God’s glory is something we should aspire to. The church is not made up of perfect people but redeemed sinners, and as Paul said “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” I join Paul to sing “I’m just a sinner saved by grace.”
The people in the church will most assuredly fall short of perfection. They may disappoint. They will probably disillusion. They can certainly dishearten. Nevertheless, we can look past the human shortcomings like Mrs. Phinehas did and honor God above all, and we have a resource she did not have, “We have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.”
May we never experience the sense of “Ichabod.”
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Grandma Dear
Today I am going to a baby shower. I’ve been to many such before, but this one causes me to stop, remember, and smile because it’s for my baby's baby. This means I have to admit my youngest is actually a grownup and admit that I am old. I’ve suspected that for a while now, but I didn’t see it coming.
I was young for a long time.(That could be a clue.) When it was time to be middle aged, I didn’t want to use those words. They sounded so, well, so someone else. It’s like refusing to admit you are over 29 until you hit the mid 40’s and then don’t want to admit you’re over 39. It continues on up the number scale.
It’s not like this is my first grandchild—I already have 3 of the most beautiful, brilliant, talented, etc. grandkids that were ever born. I am confident that the two coming later this year, one in summer and one in fall, will join the ranks of the most beautiful, the most… You get the picture. It’s funny how parents think their kids are somewhat special, while grandparents go completely overboard and are totally captivated by their offspring’s offspring.
The bible mentions a mother bear and her cubs, Proverbs 17:12 “Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.” That image is pretty vivid; but even more, you can picture a grandmother as one being like that bear on steroids. “Do not even think about touching my grandchildren!”
Back to remembering my last baby’s birth—the two of us almost didn’t survive. He had managed to get his head into the wrong position and was stuck; it became apparent the baby could not be born naturally. Following an emergency C-section, he and I both had some scary challenges. I was and still am so thankful for dear friends who prayed us through those times. Nevertheless, he was a darling baby and has grown into a darling young man, even though he is a bit quirky or should I say unique. No, quirky is better and everyone loves him like that.
Our family, God’s family, the world, and particularly I have been exceedingly blessed by all of our babies and grandbabies; it will unquestionably be true of the two new ones. I can’t wait to meet them!
I was young for a long time.(That could be a clue.) When it was time to be middle aged, I didn’t want to use those words. They sounded so, well, so someone else. It’s like refusing to admit you are over 29 until you hit the mid 40’s and then don’t want to admit you’re over 39. It continues on up the number scale.
It’s not like this is my first grandchild—I already have 3 of the most beautiful, brilliant, talented, etc. grandkids that were ever born. I am confident that the two coming later this year, one in summer and one in fall, will join the ranks of the most beautiful, the most… You get the picture. It’s funny how parents think their kids are somewhat special, while grandparents go completely overboard and are totally captivated by their offspring’s offspring.
The bible mentions a mother bear and her cubs, Proverbs 17:12 “Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.” That image is pretty vivid; but even more, you can picture a grandmother as one being like that bear on steroids. “Do not even think about touching my grandchildren!”
Back to remembering my last baby’s birth—the two of us almost didn’t survive. He had managed to get his head into the wrong position and was stuck; it became apparent the baby could not be born naturally. Following an emergency C-section, he and I both had some scary challenges. I was and still am so thankful for dear friends who prayed us through those times. Nevertheless, he was a darling baby and has grown into a darling young man, even though he is a bit quirky or should I say unique. No, quirky is better and everyone loves him like that.
Our family, God’s family, the world, and particularly I have been exceedingly blessed by all of our babies and grandbabies; it will unquestionably be true of the two new ones. I can’t wait to meet them!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Yawn, zzzzz
We made it! A very long day with nice kids on a good trip. Also, good news from the farm that bean planting has started. May the Lord hold the rain for a bit, then send it when needed! Amen
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Trailblazer
Sometimes minor inconveniences turn out to be major blessings. Early this morning, we experienced that very thing. My daughter was to drive a group of little whippersnappers to the zoo an hour and a half away. She has a vehicle that’s plenty roomy to do that as do I. (more about that later) Her little girls had spent the night with us, and she came early to get them before picking up the other youngsters.
As she turned the key to leave our house, her vehicle wouldn’t start. There had been no sign of impending trouble, no indication that the battery no longer had power for the vehicle. A quick change of plans with moving car seats over to my vehicle was accomplished and off they went. How we praised the Lord for the timing. Today is going to be a dangerously hot day, and for her vehicle, full of little people, to have problems far from home and help would have been difficult and even perilous.
Psalm 31:15 states that “My times are in your hands.” As I think of that today, I’m taken to a Chris Tomlin song,
This young song writer/singer often says in his music exactly what I feel in my heart.
All that being said, I hope the zoo-goers have a safe and fun time, and I rejoice that the provision for help was made before it was even needed.
Now, a word about those roomy vehicles which hold six passengers plus the driver. We are told that in order to “save the planet” we should only drive tiny little economy cars. Do these people use car seats, especially multiple car seats? Does it take less gas to drive 2 or 3 “green” cars to the same destination as one larger car? Do those important people who preach this drive a family around, or do they go in planes and limos?
I do think we should be excellent stewards of the provisions we are given; but in my mind, man did not create the planet and man cannot save it. Man may be able destroy it with his nuclear capabilities and his short temper; but even then, not without God’s permission. That could happen—see Joel 2:30 and 2 Peter 3:7.
Nevertheless, our times are in the hands of a good God; and our spiritual batteries can run down occasionally and can without warning produce no power. I would say they are more like cell phone batteries than car batteries. We need to charge them regularly with praying, praising, scripture reading, and fellowshipping and use them regularly with loving, helping, and reaching out to others. You have to love a full battery with lots of power!
By the way, wave if you see me in my SUV.
As she turned the key to leave our house, her vehicle wouldn’t start. There had been no sign of impending trouble, no indication that the battery no longer had power for the vehicle. A quick change of plans with moving car seats over to my vehicle was accomplished and off they went. How we praised the Lord for the timing. Today is going to be a dangerously hot day, and for her vehicle, full of little people, to have problems far from home and help would have been difficult and even perilous.
Psalm 31:15 states that “My times are in your hands.” As I think of that today, I’m taken to a Chris Tomlin song,
How can I keep from singing Your praise;
How can I ever say enough;
How amazing is Your love.
How can I keep from shouting Your name;
I know I am loved by the King,
And it makes my heart want to sing.
This young song writer/singer often says in his music exactly what I feel in my heart.
All that being said, I hope the zoo-goers have a safe and fun time, and I rejoice that the provision for help was made before it was even needed.
Now, a word about those roomy vehicles which hold six passengers plus the driver. We are told that in order to “save the planet” we should only drive tiny little economy cars. Do these people use car seats, especially multiple car seats? Does it take less gas to drive 2 or 3 “green” cars to the same destination as one larger car? Do those important people who preach this drive a family around, or do they go in planes and limos?
I do think we should be excellent stewards of the provisions we are given; but in my mind, man did not create the planet and man cannot save it. Man may be able destroy it with his nuclear capabilities and his short temper; but even then, not without God’s permission. That could happen—see Joel 2:30 and 2 Peter 3:7.
Nevertheless, our times are in the hands of a good God; and our spiritual batteries can run down occasionally and can without warning produce no power. I would say they are more like cell phone batteries than car batteries. We need to charge them regularly with praying, praising, scripture reading, and fellowshipping and use them regularly with loving, helping, and reaching out to others. You have to love a full battery with lots of power!
By the way, wave if you see me in my SUV.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A Positive Chaos
Today I am borrowing from a letter I wrote to parents for a newsletter at the office since this is what was on my mind:
I heard a father lamenting the other day that his teen daughter had no time off this summer. He described her dilemma trying to fulfill all of her commitments. She was playing softball several evenings a week and hoped to make the all-star team. Her basketball team had camp and was playing in several summer tournaments. She also was on the volleyball team which had camp and was playing in a tournament. In addition to juggling these, she wanted to go to church camp with her friends for she had only a few years left before ageing out of it. Her long time 4-H club had projects due, and she had invested several years in that. (I’m surprised she wasn’t on the swim team and/or dance team.)
When the family wanted to plan a week’s vacation, the crowded calendar brought some understandable disputes over which of the activities could and could not be missed. Well, angers flared, voices raised, and then the icy silence. What’s a girl or a family to do?
If I had all the answers, I would write a family help book and make myself lots of $$. I don’t because I believe it will be a little bit different for each person and each family. My own family was in that position in years past. We poured over our four teenage kids’ schedules as well as our own to try to find a week or at least a few days when we could get away from the rat race and just rest and recuperate.
I am glad to say most years we were able to thread the needle of activities and get away if only for a long weekend. However, there were a few times, when it didn’t happen. Those of us who could, did; but, one or two who felt they could not go, stayed home. Their absence was strangely noticeable, and I still remember a letdown feeling. As you know, years pass quickly and we were soon pouring over next year’s schedules to get our time reserved on the calendar early. That worked for us. If something came up later during the summer, we could declare, “Sorry, we already have a prior engagement.” Nevertheless, it was a frustrating time for us as I imagine it is for you if you are in that position this summer. Looking back, I realize that there were problems out there much greater than crowded schedules.
There were kids with nothing worthwhile to do. Instead of tournaments, band practice, 4-H, church camp, or ballgames to play, some were wasting their time—some sitting in front of a TV or worse; some were getting deeply involved with risky behavior and harmful activities.
If I had it all to do over again, I would do the same thing as before—encourage my kids to sign up, be active, compete, practice, and save me a few days for a family outing. I would suggest to you, if you have one who is sitting too much, promote an activity, even if it’s cooking, mowing, or weed-eating. However, do spend some quality time making good memories.
If your teen is one that is crazy busy, let me encourage you to get your lawn chair, make some tea for your thermos, find an extra large umbrella (for sun or rain), grab a “spirit towel” (for cheering and wiping sweat), and go enjoy the activities. Visit with the other dads and moms who are struggling with the same issues, encourage one another, and know that it will pass by much too quickly. :-)
Until next time,
I heard a father lamenting the other day that his teen daughter had no time off this summer. He described her dilemma trying to fulfill all of her commitments. She was playing softball several evenings a week and hoped to make the all-star team. Her basketball team had camp and was playing in several summer tournaments. She also was on the volleyball team which had camp and was playing in a tournament. In addition to juggling these, she wanted to go to church camp with her friends for she had only a few years left before ageing out of it. Her long time 4-H club had projects due, and she had invested several years in that. (I’m surprised she wasn’t on the swim team and/or dance team.)
When the family wanted to plan a week’s vacation, the crowded calendar brought some understandable disputes over which of the activities could and could not be missed. Well, angers flared, voices raised, and then the icy silence. What’s a girl or a family to do?
If I had all the answers, I would write a family help book and make myself lots of $$. I don’t because I believe it will be a little bit different for each person and each family. My own family was in that position in years past. We poured over our four teenage kids’ schedules as well as our own to try to find a week or at least a few days when we could get away from the rat race and just rest and recuperate.
I am glad to say most years we were able to thread the needle of activities and get away if only for a long weekend. However, there were a few times, when it didn’t happen. Those of us who could, did; but, one or two who felt they could not go, stayed home. Their absence was strangely noticeable, and I still remember a letdown feeling. As you know, years pass quickly and we were soon pouring over next year’s schedules to get our time reserved on the calendar early. That worked for us. If something came up later during the summer, we could declare, “Sorry, we already have a prior engagement.” Nevertheless, it was a frustrating time for us as I imagine it is for you if you are in that position this summer. Looking back, I realize that there were problems out there much greater than crowded schedules.
There were kids with nothing worthwhile to do. Instead of tournaments, band practice, 4-H, church camp, or ballgames to play, some were wasting their time—some sitting in front of a TV or worse; some were getting deeply involved with risky behavior and harmful activities.
If I had it all to do over again, I would do the same thing as before—encourage my kids to sign up, be active, compete, practice, and save me a few days for a family outing. I would suggest to you, if you have one who is sitting too much, promote an activity, even if it’s cooking, mowing, or weed-eating. However, do spend some quality time making good memories.
If your teen is one that is crazy busy, let me encourage you to get your lawn chair, make some tea for your thermos, find an extra large umbrella (for sun or rain), grab a “spirit towel” (for cheering and wiping sweat), and go enjoy the activities. Visit with the other dads and moms who are struggling with the same issues, encourage one another, and know that it will pass by much too quickly. :-)
Until next time,
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Trust Me (Not)
I cannot claim to be a prophet because when I try to predict how something will go, I am often completely mistaken. I have a silly example from years past. In 1969, we were fans of a TV show. One evening a new show replaced it, a goofy variety show with bales of straw and hayseed characters. We were stunned! I prophesied loudly with certainty that it “could not last!” The show was HeeHaw and it went off the air 28 years later. It proved me wrong, but I do remember some lines like “I searched the world over, and I thought I'd found true love, Then you met another, and PFFT! You was gone!” and “You’ll never hear one of us repeating gossip, so you’d better be sure and listen close the first time.”
In the years since, several of my opinions have proven to be incorrect. A person can be educated, experienced, confident, and sincere in matters and still be sincerely wrong. One more example: I was driving yesterday evening with my young grandson and we both saw a large puffy gray cloud in the west. There were little white clouds around it as well as blue sky. He asked if it was going to rain. “No,” I said confidently (or hopefully), “that’s not a rain cloud.” We drove on, had a nice dinner, drove home, and went inside to watch TV. Across the bottom of the screen came the warning of severe storms with rain. I don’t think my grandson is old enough to compare that with my earlier response.
The storms did come, however, and the winds blew and the rains hit the already soaked fields. I’m so sorry for my farmer and the others that have some tough decisions to make. But even more, I’m so sorry for those who were hurt or had damage from the storm. I read in Isaiah 32 how a King would be “a shelter from high winds, provide safe cover in stormy weather.” I love the picture that paints in my mind. I would prefer that Jesus stand up like he did in the boat to say “Peace, be still” and the storms cease immediately, but He often saves us through the storm rather than from the storm. There may have been many times that my human mind has missed the mark, but the Word of God stands forever true.
At the end of the chapter I read, “My people will live in a peaceful neighborhood—in safe houses, in quiet gardens… But you will enjoy a blessed life, planting well-watered fields and gardens…”
I have to agree, the fields and gardens right now are well watered!
In the years since, several of my opinions have proven to be incorrect. A person can be educated, experienced, confident, and sincere in matters and still be sincerely wrong. One more example: I was driving yesterday evening with my young grandson and we both saw a large puffy gray cloud in the west. There were little white clouds around it as well as blue sky. He asked if it was going to rain. “No,” I said confidently (or hopefully), “that’s not a rain cloud.” We drove on, had a nice dinner, drove home, and went inside to watch TV. Across the bottom of the screen came the warning of severe storms with rain. I don’t think my grandson is old enough to compare that with my earlier response.
The storms did come, however, and the winds blew and the rains hit the already soaked fields. I’m so sorry for my farmer and the others that have some tough decisions to make. But even more, I’m so sorry for those who were hurt or had damage from the storm. I read in Isaiah 32 how a King would be “a shelter from high winds, provide safe cover in stormy weather.” I love the picture that paints in my mind. I would prefer that Jesus stand up like he did in the boat to say “Peace, be still” and the storms cease immediately, but He often saves us through the storm rather than from the storm. There may have been many times that my human mind has missed the mark, but the Word of God stands forever true.
At the end of the chapter I read, “My people will live in a peaceful neighborhood—in safe houses, in quiet gardens… But you will enjoy a blessed life, planting well-watered fields and gardens…”
I have to agree, the fields and gardens right now are well watered!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Surprise
I saw in myself today something I have known all along—I‘m not into surprises. Oh, I love good news so if you have some, be sure to share it with me. That kind of bombshell I can handle. But, as a rule, I like to know how things are going to turn out. That way, I can do the right thing, make wise choices, and not worry. I mentioned a week or so ago that I’m not a person who likes taking risks—you know, staying on the sidewalk etc.
Apparently, I’m not alone. That’s why there are fortune tellers, horoscopes, psychics, magic 8 balls, fortune cookies, and almanacs. If we knew which horse was going to win, we could make big bucks at the racetrack. The same is true with sports, the stock market, and lottery numbers. But, God didn’t like it when King Saul went looking in wrong places.
I almost always go to the back of a book to learn the ending before I get far into it; and, if it ends badly, I put the book away. If it ends well, I read the whole book. I even enjoy watching movies more the second or third time, because then I know if someone is lurking in the shadows or if rats are going to jump on Harrison Ford. I can go to the other room, change the channel, close my eyes, or fast forward. But I find that the scenes don’t bother me nearly as much if I know in the end, it’s going to turn out all right.
Life today is a little like an Indiana Jones movie, full of drama and potential perils. This is not a time to sit back and coast on planet earth. Christian values are being abandoned. Area farmers as well as many others have no idea what the future holds. Johnny Cash sang a song “if the good Lord’s willing and the creeks don’t rise…” Today, the creeks are rising; budgets are cut; businesses are being closed; gas prices are again rising; tax increases are on the horizon to pay for government spending; health care for seniors may soon be non-existent as productive value may replace human life value. (That’s only an immediate concern if you are as old as I am).
What’s a person to do? Read the back of the book to see how it’s going to end! If your team wins, then the score at the half time or at the third quarter doesn’t matter. You know that I have already checked out the back of the book. These are a few things I found:
It has a great ending. Go ahead and read the whole book.
Apparently, I’m not alone. That’s why there are fortune tellers, horoscopes, psychics, magic 8 balls, fortune cookies, and almanacs. If we knew which horse was going to win, we could make big bucks at the racetrack. The same is true with sports, the stock market, and lottery numbers. But, God didn’t like it when King Saul went looking in wrong places.
I almost always go to the back of a book to learn the ending before I get far into it; and, if it ends badly, I put the book away. If it ends well, I read the whole book. I even enjoy watching movies more the second or third time, because then I know if someone is lurking in the shadows or if rats are going to jump on Harrison Ford. I can go to the other room, change the channel, close my eyes, or fast forward. But I find that the scenes don’t bother me nearly as much if I know in the end, it’s going to turn out all right.
Life today is a little like an Indiana Jones movie, full of drama and potential perils. This is not a time to sit back and coast on planet earth. Christian values are being abandoned. Area farmers as well as many others have no idea what the future holds. Johnny Cash sang a song “if the good Lord’s willing and the creeks don’t rise…” Today, the creeks are rising; budgets are cut; businesses are being closed; gas prices are again rising; tax increases are on the horizon to pay for government spending; health care for seniors may soon be non-existent as productive value may replace human life value. (That’s only an immediate concern if you are as old as I am).
What’s a person to do? Read the back of the book to see how it’s going to end! If your team wins, then the score at the half time or at the third quarter doesn’t matter. You know that I have already checked out the back of the book. These are a few things I found:
Jesus is coming soon!
Worship God!
Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.
Jesus will give to everyone according to what he has done.
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen
It has a great ending. Go ahead and read the whole book.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bump, Set, Spike
Some years ago because of a series of strange circumstances, I found myself “coaching” high school volleyball. My qualifications consisted of having sat on the bleachers at games the year before and holding a teacher’s certificate. I knew little about the sport, but thought I could surely chaperone or write stats down. Those two years provided me much opportunity for learning.
First, I learned that there was a right way to do about everything and it was almost never the easy way. The first skill learned was to pass the ball softly and accurately to a teammate. That required holding the hands in a special way and “bumping” it with the side of both clasped hands (fairly painful and awkward until mastered). We practiced it over and over and over and over, and decreed a “no complaining” policy.
Then came learning to serve. Again, we practiced serving over and over and, you get the idea. A couple of the players learned to “set” the ball at the net. While the setter got little glory for scoring points, I learned she was the pivotal person on whose shoulders much of the game rested. Then, I learned the word “kill” which meant to hit the ball down hard on the other side of the net rendering the opponent helpless. (There was a cool sound that a good kill made much like the crack of a homerun ball.)
There were other skills like hitting one's knees or diving to the floor to “dig” a served ball, and there was helping each other by calling out for a ball. When practice time was over and it was game time, the quality of skills learned through pain, hard work, and repetition plus the resolve to play together as a team determined the outcome.
I have come to realize that living on planet earth is indeed a training ground. It is not a playground where lives will always be easy and fun. We must be prepared to face our opponent which “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Our training here closely resembles that volleyball camp.
Life lessons learned:
1) Skills are learned at training camp, not when the game is on the line.
2) There’s a right way to do about everything, and it is rarely the easy way.
3) The one in charge sees the big picture and knows the skills and preparation that is needed.
4) Sometimes the job gets little recognition; that doesn’t mean it isn’t critically important.
5) There’s a time to pass softly to your teammate and a time to hit hard at your opponent. (Don’t mix those up.)
6) Sometimes you need to be on your knees or on your face to do what’s needed.
7) There is no room for complaining of pain, boredom, or unfairness; it is counterproductive.
8) In the heat of battle, you will perform at the level of your practice.
9) We need to talk to each other. Life is a team sport and success doesn’t come from a lone ranger.
Although that time of my life was years ago, the lessons learned are still most relevant in this training ground for eternity.
I wish I was a little bit taller…
First, I learned that there was a right way to do about everything and it was almost never the easy way. The first skill learned was to pass the ball softly and accurately to a teammate. That required holding the hands in a special way and “bumping” it with the side of both clasped hands (fairly painful and awkward until mastered). We practiced it over and over and over and over, and decreed a “no complaining” policy.
Then came learning to serve. Again, we practiced serving over and over and, you get the idea. A couple of the players learned to “set” the ball at the net. While the setter got little glory for scoring points, I learned she was the pivotal person on whose shoulders much of the game rested. Then, I learned the word “kill” which meant to hit the ball down hard on the other side of the net rendering the opponent helpless. (There was a cool sound that a good kill made much like the crack of a homerun ball.)
There were other skills like hitting one's knees or diving to the floor to “dig” a served ball, and there was helping each other by calling out for a ball. When practice time was over and it was game time, the quality of skills learned through pain, hard work, and repetition plus the resolve to play together as a team determined the outcome.
I have come to realize that living on planet earth is indeed a training ground. It is not a playground where lives will always be easy and fun. We must be prepared to face our opponent which “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Our training here closely resembles that volleyball camp.
Life lessons learned:
1) Skills are learned at training camp, not when the game is on the line.
2) There’s a right way to do about everything, and it is rarely the easy way.
3) The one in charge sees the big picture and knows the skills and preparation that is needed.
4) Sometimes the job gets little recognition; that doesn’t mean it isn’t critically important.
5) There’s a time to pass softly to your teammate and a time to hit hard at your opponent. (Don’t mix those up.)
6) Sometimes you need to be on your knees or on your face to do what’s needed.
7) There is no room for complaining of pain, boredom, or unfairness; it is counterproductive.
8) In the heat of battle, you will perform at the level of your practice.
9) We need to talk to each other. Life is a team sport and success doesn’t come from a lone ranger.
Although that time of my life was years ago, the lessons learned are still most relevant in this training ground for eternity.
I wish I was a little bit taller…
Monday, June 15, 2009
Lunch with Jesus?
Today I saw and heard a conversation. If you notice, I said I “saw” and “heard” but later discovered that was not accurate. As the scene played back a few times on my internal recorder, I questioned my quick appraisal and realized I had not seen or heard what took place at all. But, I decided to think more about it later.
Coincidentally, a short time later while driving to lunch, I was vaguely listening to a teacher on the radio who read, “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” I looked around to see if Jesus was sitting beside me. That was too close—almost uncanny. I swallowed hard and decided to pay very close attention to that radio. The lesson was from Mark 8 and described the disciples’ failure to “get it” when Jesus spoke.
Obviously, I suffer from the same failure. Many emotions that I exhibit are the result of not seeing or hearing clearly but rather wandering around in my mind. Sometimes it’s the “what if” game and fear or sadness or anger result, not from a reality, but the possibility of a reality. Sometimes, it is a pity party because, well, because I might be a bit self-absorbed. Sometimes it is irritation because others fail to recognize my corner on the market of wisdom. (I can’t believe I wrote that.)
Mark 8 also contains the story about Jesus putting his hands a second time on a blind man for his sight. The first time, the man could see, but not clearly. “Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” It would appear that although studying the scriptures for several years permits me some insight, I need a fresh touch to see clearly.
Coincidentally, a short time later while driving to lunch, I was vaguely listening to a teacher on the radio who read, “Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?” I looked around to see if Jesus was sitting beside me. That was too close—almost uncanny. I swallowed hard and decided to pay very close attention to that radio. The lesson was from Mark 8 and described the disciples’ failure to “get it” when Jesus spoke.
Obviously, I suffer from the same failure. Many emotions that I exhibit are the result of not seeing or hearing clearly but rather wandering around in my mind. Sometimes it’s the “what if” game and fear or sadness or anger result, not from a reality, but the possibility of a reality. Sometimes, it is a pity party because, well, because I might be a bit self-absorbed. Sometimes it is irritation because others fail to recognize my corner on the market of wisdom. (I can’t believe I wrote that.)
Mark 8 also contains the story about Jesus putting his hands a second time on a blind man for his sight. The first time, the man could see, but not clearly. “Once more Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” It would appear that although studying the scriptures for several years permits me some insight, I need a fresh touch to see clearly.
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna’ be a bright, bright
Sun-Shiny day. (Johnny Nash-1972)
Sunday, June 14, 2009
In the Garden
Communication is an extraordinary concept. On the flip side, absence of communication must be devastating. I’m reminded of a story about POW’s kept in solitary confinement and how they developed a language of tapping letters on a shared wall of a cell. A survivor told, many years later, that when a new prisoner was brought to the camp, teaching him the code was job #1. The survivor told how the prisoners kept abreast of the happenings of the camp, what the enemy soldiers were doing, and the status of the war. He told also that after beatings, they would be encouraged by one another; and because they had information about the camp outside, they could not be persuaded to believe the lies of their interrogators.
We should take a few minutes and appreciate communication—both oral and written. The bible, in chronological order would begin with John 1:1 “In the beginning was the WORD.” That comes even before creation, but we go on to learn, “The WORD became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Mind-boggling! Jesus is the WORD.
Four times in Revelation, Jesus proclaims, “I am alpha and omega, the first and last, the beginning and the end.” Beginning and end of what? History? Sure! God’s plan? Absolutely! Life? Positively! But what is alpha and omega? They are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Some translations even say A to Z. What are letters for? To make words. Not only is Jesus the WORD, he is the letters, the parts that make up our very ability to speak or write. How preposterous for man to then use words to deny Him!
God is, from the beginning, a communicator and he created us to be communicators. (Men, communicators—hmmmmm. I wonder if Adam was the prototype and then God improved the design with Eve. Just kidding!)
Why did God want a special creature who communicated? Well, He came by in the evening to go for walk and chat in the garden. That’s a glorious picture, to be that close to God. Yet, that is His invitation—to come to the throne of grace and, as the old gospel song says, “Let us have a little talk with Jesus.” It would seem prayer is a natural response to such an invitation—not just a couple of minutes in the car or in the shower, but a real chat.
“And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
We should take a few minutes and appreciate communication—both oral and written. The bible, in chronological order would begin with John 1:1 “In the beginning was the WORD.” That comes even before creation, but we go on to learn, “The WORD became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Mind-boggling! Jesus is the WORD.
Four times in Revelation, Jesus proclaims, “I am alpha and omega, the first and last, the beginning and the end.” Beginning and end of what? History? Sure! God’s plan? Absolutely! Life? Positively! But what is alpha and omega? They are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Some translations even say A to Z. What are letters for? To make words. Not only is Jesus the WORD, he is the letters, the parts that make up our very ability to speak or write. How preposterous for man to then use words to deny Him!
God is, from the beginning, a communicator and he created us to be communicators. (Men, communicators—hmmmmm. I wonder if Adam was the prototype and then God improved the design with Eve. Just kidding!)
Why did God want a special creature who communicated? Well, He came by in the evening to go for walk and chat in the garden. That’s a glorious picture, to be that close to God. Yet, that is His invitation—to come to the throne of grace and, as the old gospel song says, “Let us have a little talk with Jesus.” It would seem prayer is a natural response to such an invitation—not just a couple of minutes in the car or in the shower, but a real chat.
“And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”
Saturday, June 13, 2009
A Bowl of Life
One of the favorite things in my memory was the time every year when many people came to our tiny town for the chowder. A “chowder” is not a term understood unless you have lived in our 30 square mile area of the world, but for those who have, a chowder is a household expression. Chowder is a cross between a thick, finely chopped vegetable soup and stew cooked outdoors over an open fire in huge pots for many hours and stirred constantly (by men only in my town).
People came for miles to eat a bowl of this wonderful soup. (I might mention those not raised on chowder are not as much a fan as I am) Every town around had their chowder day, and the competition as the best was always on. The large lawn was full of picnic tables or makeshift tables of boards and sawhorses. The menu also included sandwiches and dessert, but chowder was the main attraction.
The Chowder was the major fund-raiser for our church, but it was so much more. The community came together for days to make needed preparations. Some peeled, some chopped, some cooked, and some made huge vats of homemade vanilla or pineapple ice cream. Us young ones were servers, which meant we cleaned the tables after people finished eating and often got seconds for the diners. There were never any tips for servers or financial gain for any of the workers, but that never crossed anyone’s mind.
It was a chance to be part of something much bigger than ourselves and a chance to give of ourselves. I learned valuable lessons watching and doing in those formative years. I learned to move quickly to help someone if they needed it. I learned that “what’s in it for me?” was not a consideration to be entertained. I learned to serve and do the tasks that received no notice or praise. I learned that the “person in charge” meant the person who had the most responsibility, worked the hardest, and did whatever no one else wanted to.
I hope young people today are blessed to have a similar training. It’s a compelling life lesson learning to be a part, to be a contributor, and to be accepted. Nehemiah 3 is a powerful chapter that tells that God knew by name those who worked and specifically what they did. He also recorded non-workers as it says “except for their nobles, who wouldn't work with their master and refused to get their hands dirty with such work.” I note that he did not choose to remember their names.
Our chowder died some years ago. The older saints went to heaven, the middle ones got older, and the young ones moved away. However, several chowders are still active in the area, and I love to go to have a bowl and remember.
People came for miles to eat a bowl of this wonderful soup. (I might mention those not raised on chowder are not as much a fan as I am) Every town around had their chowder day, and the competition as the best was always on. The large lawn was full of picnic tables or makeshift tables of boards and sawhorses. The menu also included sandwiches and dessert, but chowder was the main attraction.
The Chowder was the major fund-raiser for our church, but it was so much more. The community came together for days to make needed preparations. Some peeled, some chopped, some cooked, and some made huge vats of homemade vanilla or pineapple ice cream. Us young ones were servers, which meant we cleaned the tables after people finished eating and often got seconds for the diners. There were never any tips for servers or financial gain for any of the workers, but that never crossed anyone’s mind.
It was a chance to be part of something much bigger than ourselves and a chance to give of ourselves. I learned valuable lessons watching and doing in those formative years. I learned to move quickly to help someone if they needed it. I learned that “what’s in it for me?” was not a consideration to be entertained. I learned to serve and do the tasks that received no notice or praise. I learned that the “person in charge” meant the person who had the most responsibility, worked the hardest, and did whatever no one else wanted to.
I hope young people today are blessed to have a similar training. It’s a compelling life lesson learning to be a part, to be a contributor, and to be accepted. Nehemiah 3 is a powerful chapter that tells that God knew by name those who worked and specifically what they did. He also recorded non-workers as it says “except for their nobles, who wouldn't work with their master and refused to get their hands dirty with such work.” I note that he did not choose to remember their names.
Our chowder died some years ago. The older saints went to heaven, the middle ones got older, and the young ones moved away. However, several chowders are still active in the area, and I love to go to have a bowl and remember.
Friday, June 12, 2009
You’ll Never Know if you Never Try
We are about to embark on a new business journey. Outside of betting on our farm’s planting activities, I am not a gambler by nature. Oh, I would like to win the lottery or the big prize in a raffle, but I don’t want to put what I have at risk. I don’t want to take a chance of losing my stuff. It’s a little like what is yours is mine, and what is ours is mine, but what is mine is mine. (That sounds like the philosophy of a toddler.)
Nevertheless, we are embarking. There are so many unknowns. If it had been left up to me, because of the unknowns the new world would never have been discovered or explored. There certainly would not have been airplanes flying, let alone any space exploration. There would not be usable electricity because I would not have allowed Ben Franklin to play with that kite in the thunderstorm. If dependant upon my backing, Henry Ford would not have been able to market the Model T.
I think about the lyrics of a song Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol sang, “I never stray too far from the sidewalk…I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt.” I, too, like to play it safe (whatever safe is). What if Noah played it safe? Well, we could stop right there. The world would have ended. What if Moses, David, or Daniel played it safe? And especially, what if Jesus had played it safe? There would be no salvation—no access to eternal life.
It would seem that I walk more in the shoes of Joshua. God had to tell him over and over, four times in the first chapter, “Be strong and courageous.” I think I will give that a try as we move forward—strong and courageous.
I’ll tell you about the journey when we actually start walking.
Nevertheless, we are embarking. There are so many unknowns. If it had been left up to me, because of the unknowns the new world would never have been discovered or explored. There certainly would not have been airplanes flying, let alone any space exploration. There would not be usable electricity because I would not have allowed Ben Franklin to play with that kite in the thunderstorm. If dependant upon my backing, Henry Ford would not have been able to market the Model T.
I think about the lyrics of a song Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol sang, “I never stray too far from the sidewalk…I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt.” I, too, like to play it safe (whatever safe is). What if Noah played it safe? Well, we could stop right there. The world would have ended. What if Moses, David, or Daniel played it safe? And especially, what if Jesus had played it safe? There would be no salvation—no access to eternal life.
It would seem that I walk more in the shoes of Joshua. God had to tell him over and over, four times in the first chapter, “Be strong and courageous.” I think I will give that a try as we move forward—strong and courageous.
I’ll tell you about the journey when we actually start walking.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Pre-ponder-ance?
God created man (and woman) with the unique ability to think, plan, and ponder. Remember His words that He made man in His image? While there are creatures which instinctively store food, or bury their eggs to hide them, or build nests up high, no other species makes lists or writes books. The ability to think, speak, develop language, write it down, then have it read and understood is unique to humankind. God himself did all those things, and then He turned and gave us those abilities.
Unfortunately, God-given abilities while sometimes used for good may often be misused by unbelieving humans. For example, the printing press has been a tremendous invention for me and for the world because it allowed each of us to have a personal copy of the bible and other wonderful books. On the other hand, the printing press has provided for much evil to be distributed—pornography, occult works, false theories, and hate messages to name a few.
Likewise, given this extraordinary ability to think and ponder, man has come up with both inspired as well as goofy ideas. Some have been proven, some disproven, and some are so abstract that it is difficult to know if there is truth in them. We have millions of books in thousands of libraries expressing one theory or another. I generally don’t pay much attention to abstract theories because they often do not line up with scripture or because they are too deep for my shallow comfort level of thinking.
I said all that to say that I came across a theory about “bio-rhythms” which claims that one's life is affected by rhythmic biological cycles. I noted in my reading that it was called “speculative,” a term I can agree with; and so I am speculating. It does seem like there are seasons when things go well in my life and seasons when not; but both appear random rather than by definite times, or weeks, or months.
There is one exception. I notice that this time of year, I find myself particularly sad which the biorhythm theory would call “circannual” or a cycle that recurs every year. I’m pretty sure my issue has to do with a post I made 10 days ago—my own memorial day and the burial of my infant son in early June years ago. I’m very grateful for the scripture that teaches that “we do not want you to…grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14
I’ve been around this block enough to know that the sadness will soon go back to its little resting place in my heart, and my attitude and outlook will brighten up. I will remember the meaning of my name and I will say (to paraphrase Psalm 12) God is my strength and song and with joy I will draw water from the wells of salvation.
I think I will now ponder quantum physics—NOT!
Unfortunately, God-given abilities while sometimes used for good may often be misused by unbelieving humans. For example, the printing press has been a tremendous invention for me and for the world because it allowed each of us to have a personal copy of the bible and other wonderful books. On the other hand, the printing press has provided for much evil to be distributed—pornography, occult works, false theories, and hate messages to name a few.
Likewise, given this extraordinary ability to think and ponder, man has come up with both inspired as well as goofy ideas. Some have been proven, some disproven, and some are so abstract that it is difficult to know if there is truth in them. We have millions of books in thousands of libraries expressing one theory or another. I generally don’t pay much attention to abstract theories because they often do not line up with scripture or because they are too deep for my shallow comfort level of thinking.
I said all that to say that I came across a theory about “bio-rhythms” which claims that one's life is affected by rhythmic biological cycles. I noted in my reading that it was called “speculative,” a term I can agree with; and so I am speculating. It does seem like there are seasons when things go well in my life and seasons when not; but both appear random rather than by definite times, or weeks, or months.
There is one exception. I notice that this time of year, I find myself particularly sad which the biorhythm theory would call “circannual” or a cycle that recurs every year. I’m pretty sure my issue has to do with a post I made 10 days ago—my own memorial day and the burial of my infant son in early June years ago. I’m very grateful for the scripture that teaches that “we do not want you to…grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14
I’ve been around this block enough to know that the sadness will soon go back to its little resting place in my heart, and my attitude and outlook will brighten up. I will remember the meaning of my name and I will say (to paraphrase Psalm 12) God is my strength and song and with joy I will draw water from the wells of salvation.
I think I will now ponder quantum physics—NOT!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Builder's Square
My farmer is also a carpenter/contractor in the off-season. He is very good (imho) and takes great care in producing a high-quality product. I know little about construction; but I know if it looks good and am aware of the importance of all segments of the building being square—plumb and level.
I have come to understand the term “plumb line,” to mean that which is the standard of vertical alignment for the whole building. The necessity for a plumb line has been known and followed for thousands of years in construction. For most of those years, a plumb line consisted of a weight hanging on a string so that the string or line was perfectly vertical. The weight kept it that way because of gravity. You might say a plumb line was available from the foundation of the earth.
As I think about it, Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, would have been acutely familiar with a plumb line. He would have understood not only the physical but also the spiritual application of the term. He would have known that in Amos it says:
I find that intriguing. What was the plumb line God set among his people? Well, certainly the scripture is an unchanging standard of alignment; however, the Word became flesh. So actually, (stay with me here) Jesus himself is God’s plumb line that was set among the people. He was from the beginning. “He was chosen before the creation of the world.” I Peter 1:20 Jesus is still the visible standard of alignment for the house God is building. “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” I Peter 2:5
We are to be aligned with him, not leaning this way or that. That’s the standard to identify false teachers or false doctrine. That’s the standard for us to know how to live our daily lives. Are we aligned with the plumb line?
I have heard that it’s hip to be square.
I have come to understand the term “plumb line,” to mean that which is the standard of vertical alignment for the whole building. The necessity for a plumb line has been known and followed for thousands of years in construction. For most of those years, a plumb line consisted of a weight hanging on a string so that the string or line was perfectly vertical. The weight kept it that way because of gravity. You might say a plumb line was available from the foundation of the earth.
As I think about it, Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, would have been acutely familiar with a plumb line. He would have understood not only the physical but also the spiritual application of the term. He would have known that in Amos it says:
“This is what he showed me: The Lord was standing by a wall that had been built true to plumb, with a plumb line in his hand. And the LORD asked me, "What do you see, Amos?" "A plumb line," I replied. Then the Lord said, "Look, I am setting a plumb line among my people. . .” Amos 7:7-8
I find that intriguing. What was the plumb line God set among his people? Well, certainly the scripture is an unchanging standard of alignment; however, the Word became flesh. So actually, (stay with me here) Jesus himself is God’s plumb line that was set among the people. He was from the beginning. “He was chosen before the creation of the world.” I Peter 1:20 Jesus is still the visible standard of alignment for the house God is building. “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” I Peter 2:5
We are to be aligned with him, not leaning this way or that. That’s the standard to identify false teachers or false doctrine. That’s the standard for us to know how to live our daily lives. Are we aligned with the plumb line?
I have heard that it’s hip to be square.
Monday, June 8, 2009
The Printkey
There is an icon at the bottom right of my computer taskbar that I have used for years. It is a tiny little hand pushing a button with a thin red line at the wrist. It’s an icon for a program called the Printkey. I have known for a long time that if I click on that icon, I can print whatever is on my computer screen.
As I said, I have used it for years, especially when working on my office budget online or saving information for grant writing. It was so helpful because I did not have to write down the information to have a copy. I was vaguely aware that it had other bells and whistles, but my knowledge was limited to clicking the “Print” button. I could get along without any more. I was okay.
A short time ago, a good friend who is very computer savvy, mentioned that I could use the “Rectangle” button on the Printkey window to select only the info that I needed rather than the whole page. That has revolutionized my computer work. I just didn’t know. Not only that, I didn’t know (or didn’t care) that I didn’t know. I was slightly aware there were more possibilities (those bells and whistles) but I didn’t bother to learn how they could change my computer life.
It reminds me of our spiritual condition. We go along with our daily lives doing okay. We are vaguely aware there is more that we could know and more that we could do, but we are okay. We can get along without more, whatever more is.
Or can we? Can we fulfill God’s purpose for our life if we never bother to learn more about Him and more about what He wants? Can we learn enough in a few minutes on Sunday morning to be knowledgeable?
Hosea said “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
Those are extreme words—lack of knowledge leads to destruction. I thought we would merely be uninformed or maybe dumb, but destroyed is a different matter. I can get along without knowing what the Printkey can do, but according to scripture, I can’t get along without knowing God’s word.
As I said, I have used it for years, especially when working on my office budget online or saving information for grant writing. It was so helpful because I did not have to write down the information to have a copy. I was vaguely aware that it had other bells and whistles, but my knowledge was limited to clicking the “Print” button. I could get along without any more. I was okay.
A short time ago, a good friend who is very computer savvy, mentioned that I could use the “Rectangle” button on the Printkey window to select only the info that I needed rather than the whole page. That has revolutionized my computer work. I just didn’t know. Not only that, I didn’t know (or didn’t care) that I didn’t know. I was slightly aware there were more possibilities (those bells and whistles) but I didn’t bother to learn how they could change my computer life.
It reminds me of our spiritual condition. We go along with our daily lives doing okay. We are vaguely aware there is more that we could know and more that we could do, but we are okay. We can get along without more, whatever more is.
Or can we? Can we fulfill God’s purpose for our life if we never bother to learn more about Him and more about what He wants? Can we learn enough in a few minutes on Sunday morning to be knowledgeable?
Hosea said “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
Those are extreme words—lack of knowledge leads to destruction. I thought we would merely be uninformed or maybe dumb, but destroyed is a different matter. I can get along without knowing what the Printkey can do, but according to scripture, I can’t get along without knowing God’s word.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Oh, Samson
We built our home about three decades ago. The Lord opened up a very nice space on the edge of town. It has a small woods with a creek, and was as close as the country boy was going to get me to country living. There were some homes behind us across the woods, but no other houses close by. The street was not finished, and a culvert had to be installed just to get to us. I was only opposed to country living because farmers are gone so often and such long hours. With three small children, I didn’t want to be far from needed help or from the activities I knew they would grow into. It seemed to be the best of both worlds, edge of town with fields for a view and yet close to activities. We were almost in the country with plenty of room for kids to play.
As is often the case, our plans rarely resemble reality. As years passed, the town grew up around us. The fields were subdivided and many houses were built. A huge new school was constructed down the way, and new streets were created. We found ourselves not even close to the edge of town.
We did still have our creek and woods, and it is, 30 years later, still a nice place to live with lots of space for grandchildren to play. Over those many years, we have had quite a bit of wildlife to watch out our back door. There are squirrels, birds, an occasional deer, and sad to say more than a few skunks. We even had a chipmunk come near the house last week.
However, this year we saw a fox, which we first thought was cute. Then we noticed a reduction in the number of squirrels and heard the neighbors tell that the fox was dining on our wildlife. We learned foxes are unbelievably quick and can catch small animals easily. Even people with small dogs began to worry. This must be the reason people say “sly as a fox” for they are devious, crafty, and stealthy. The fox became our enemy.
Upon further investigation, we learned our fox was not alone—there were many foxes in town and had become a serious nuisance. We are not like the old West when settlers could get their shotgun out and shoot the varmints threatening their chickens. We live in too crowded a neighborhood for that.
I now have a new appreciation for Samson’s abilities in the bible. I read about his great strength, but he must have been quicker than a fox. He caught 300 foxes and used them to destroy enemy crops. Three hundred is a lot of chasing those pesky varmints.
I think even Jesus didn’t like foxes so much. Just then some Pharisees came up and said, "Run for your life! Herod's on the hunt. He's out to kill you!" Jesus said, "Tell that fox that I've no time for him right now. Today and tomorrow I'm busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick; the third day I'm wrapping things up. Luke 13:31-32
Oh, Samson, can you come here a minute?
As is often the case, our plans rarely resemble reality. As years passed, the town grew up around us. The fields were subdivided and many houses were built. A huge new school was constructed down the way, and new streets were created. We found ourselves not even close to the edge of town.
We did still have our creek and woods, and it is, 30 years later, still a nice place to live with lots of space for grandchildren to play. Over those many years, we have had quite a bit of wildlife to watch out our back door. There are squirrels, birds, an occasional deer, and sad to say more than a few skunks. We even had a chipmunk come near the house last week.
However, this year we saw a fox, which we first thought was cute. Then we noticed a reduction in the number of squirrels and heard the neighbors tell that the fox was dining on our wildlife. We learned foxes are unbelievably quick and can catch small animals easily. Even people with small dogs began to worry. This must be the reason people say “sly as a fox” for they are devious, crafty, and stealthy. The fox became our enemy.
Upon further investigation, we learned our fox was not alone—there were many foxes in town and had become a serious nuisance. We are not like the old West when settlers could get their shotgun out and shoot the varmints threatening their chickens. We live in too crowded a neighborhood for that.
I now have a new appreciation for Samson’s abilities in the bible. I read about his great strength, but he must have been quicker than a fox. He caught 300 foxes and used them to destroy enemy crops. Three hundred is a lot of chasing those pesky varmints.
I think even Jesus didn’t like foxes so much. Just then some Pharisees came up and said, "Run for your life! Herod's on the hunt. He's out to kill you!" Jesus said, "Tell that fox that I've no time for him right now. Today and tomorrow I'm busy clearing out the demons and healing the sick; the third day I'm wrapping things up. Luke 13:31-32
Oh, Samson, can you come here a minute?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Hold On to the Light
Tomorrow the Rock Group is studying I Samuel. I find it both sobering and encouraging. Israel entered the Promised Land with great hope. They had begun living zealously for God; but as time passed, they became comfortable and their zeal faded. Judges describes the process of becoming preoccupied with their own interests and abandoning God in pursuit of their own pleasure. (Does that sound exactly like our nation?)
But even though unseen, God was working. We meet Hannah who had no child which to her meant no hope for the future. She was in tears, despair, grief, and shame. She was ridiculed and scorned. In Revelation, we see that a woman sometimes represents a nation or a people. Hanna was a picture of a nation without hope. Israel saw their God as archaic, but the people were unaware that they were in such a pitiful state (as is the case today).
Hannah looks like the last person who could change her nation’s destiny, and yet she does. In despair, she intercedes to God for a future greater than the reality of the present. Like Hannah, they were in trouble. But unlike her, they produced their own trouble. They had abandoned God for their own attractions. I don’t know if they had legislated Him out of their schools and government, but in compromise to surrounding religions, they had relegated God to the back room of the tabernacle. (Listen to our nightly news)
Hannah went to the tabernacle at Shiloh, the only place she knew to look for God; and while the others were out celebrating, she sought the face of God. Even though Eli the priest could not hear her words, they are recorded word for word in the scripture. Obviously, God heard her. And, even though she was ridiculed and accused by Eli (the church leader), her faith was grounded in God, not man.
Now, about Eli. He was old, virtually blind, and had failed completely as the moral leader of his home and his nation. Eli’s blindness was not limited to his eyes. His spiritual blindness far exceeded the physical. While he was quick to harshly correct Hannah for her supposed sins, he obviously did not correct his sons who were following him as priests. Scripture says they were worthless and had no regard for the Lord. They were in the ministry for the money, position, and perks that went with the office. (Hmmmmmmm)
A baby boy was born, and Hannah promised to dedicate her son, the light of her life, to the Lord. Wouldn’t it have been easy to go back on that promise? But, this was a woman whose faith changed history. I have to point out the fuzzy picture of Jesus in this baby, a miracle baby sent specifically by the hand of God. True to her promise, as soon as Samuel was old enough, she took him to the tabernacle at Shiloh and placed him in Eli’s care for the service of God. Eli! How could she be sure he wouldn’t turn out like Eli’s sons? How could she let go? Great faith?
Eli, his sons, and the nation were walking in darkness because they had allowed God’s sovereignty to grow dim. God is light and in Him is no darkness 1 John 1:5 Israel had walked away from the light. But in the midst of the darkness, there was a glimmer of hope. Scripture says, “The lamp of God had not yet gone out.”
My post is getting too long, so I’ll tell some more later. I find such comfort in that while great darkness is over our land, God’s lamp has not yet gone out. May our eyes be healed and may God’s light shine on our dark world 2009
But even though unseen, God was working. We meet Hannah who had no child which to her meant no hope for the future. She was in tears, despair, grief, and shame. She was ridiculed and scorned. In Revelation, we see that a woman sometimes represents a nation or a people. Hanna was a picture of a nation without hope. Israel saw their God as archaic, but the people were unaware that they were in such a pitiful state (as is the case today).
Hannah looks like the last person who could change her nation’s destiny, and yet she does. In despair, she intercedes to God for a future greater than the reality of the present. Like Hannah, they were in trouble. But unlike her, they produced their own trouble. They had abandoned God for their own attractions. I don’t know if they had legislated Him out of their schools and government, but in compromise to surrounding religions, they had relegated God to the back room of the tabernacle. (Listen to our nightly news)
Hannah went to the tabernacle at Shiloh, the only place she knew to look for God; and while the others were out celebrating, she sought the face of God. Even though Eli the priest could not hear her words, they are recorded word for word in the scripture. Obviously, God heard her. And, even though she was ridiculed and accused by Eli (the church leader), her faith was grounded in God, not man.
Now, about Eli. He was old, virtually blind, and had failed completely as the moral leader of his home and his nation. Eli’s blindness was not limited to his eyes. His spiritual blindness far exceeded the physical. While he was quick to harshly correct Hannah for her supposed sins, he obviously did not correct his sons who were following him as priests. Scripture says they were worthless and had no regard for the Lord. They were in the ministry for the money, position, and perks that went with the office. (Hmmmmmmm)
A baby boy was born, and Hannah promised to dedicate her son, the light of her life, to the Lord. Wouldn’t it have been easy to go back on that promise? But, this was a woman whose faith changed history. I have to point out the fuzzy picture of Jesus in this baby, a miracle baby sent specifically by the hand of God. True to her promise, as soon as Samuel was old enough, she took him to the tabernacle at Shiloh and placed him in Eli’s care for the service of God. Eli! How could she be sure he wouldn’t turn out like Eli’s sons? How could she let go? Great faith?
Eli, his sons, and the nation were walking in darkness because they had allowed God’s sovereignty to grow dim. God is light and in Him is no darkness 1 John 1:5 Israel had walked away from the light. But in the midst of the darkness, there was a glimmer of hope. Scripture says, “The lamp of God had not yet gone out.”
My post is getting too long, so I’ll tell some more later. I find such comfort in that while great darkness is over our land, God’s lamp has not yet gone out. May our eyes be healed and may God’s light shine on our dark world 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
Be Careful Little Tongues What You Say
I’m now ready to think and write again. At work, we have spent the last two days at a day camp with a gazillion junior high kids. That’s an interesting age. They have immeasurable energy and an unlimited supply of words that need to be said, particularly when the leaders request that they be listening instead. The pre-teens often think that their ideas are superior to anyone else, and are more interested in looking like they belong to one group or another than in doing what they actually are supposed to do.
With one or two exceptions, however, our group was basically wonderful—cooperative, polite, respectful, and nice to each other. You may have no idea how big a deal the display of those attributes is in a group of that size at that age. The traits become especially evident considering the kids do not know each other at the beginning of the camp. Some are outgoing; some are extremely shy. Some relate well to those around them; some wish they would not have come. To see the formers interact with and draw the latters into a group is a beautiful thing, and causes those of us in charge to smile and to take note of the ones being especially kind.
How pleased God must feel when his kids treat each other well. Jesus said “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 I imagine that He, too, takes special notice of the ones who follow that command.
Also, I appreciate it when the kids do what Peter said, “Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm.” I’m surprised that it was Peter who wrote those things in scripture. In his early years, that was not Peter’s manner of doing things; but as he “grew up,” he learned to be more like his friend Jesus. Unfortunately, many of us who are old enough to know better, act worse than junior high kids. Too often we are not agreeable, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, or humble, let alone that sharp-tongued sarcasm thing.
It’s almost funny that spiritually we go through a similar growth process as kids do physically and emotionally. I have been known to display toddler characteristics shouting “mine” or “Gimmie that” here and there. I’ve even seen myself take on the traits of a spiritual two-year-old, stomping my foot and yelling “No” and “My way!” I am sad to say that I also exhibit some of those qualities the pre-teens have (although not the one of unlimited energy.) It occurs to me that I am often talking when I should be listening to the Father, that I often think that my ideas are superior to others around, and that I may be more interested in looking like I belong to the church than actually meeting God’s standards for His church.
Recognizing these things and having seen a visual aid up close and personal, I might know what to strive toward next. I guess I could work on that sharp-tongue sarcasm thing.
With one or two exceptions, however, our group was basically wonderful—cooperative, polite, respectful, and nice to each other. You may have no idea how big a deal the display of those attributes is in a group of that size at that age. The traits become especially evident considering the kids do not know each other at the beginning of the camp. Some are outgoing; some are extremely shy. Some relate well to those around them; some wish they would not have come. To see the formers interact with and draw the latters into a group is a beautiful thing, and causes those of us in charge to smile and to take note of the ones being especially kind.
How pleased God must feel when his kids treat each other well. Jesus said “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." John 13:34 I imagine that He, too, takes special notice of the ones who follow that command.
Also, I appreciate it when the kids do what Peter said, “Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm.” I’m surprised that it was Peter who wrote those things in scripture. In his early years, that was not Peter’s manner of doing things; but as he “grew up,” he learned to be more like his friend Jesus. Unfortunately, many of us who are old enough to know better, act worse than junior high kids. Too often we are not agreeable, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, or humble, let alone that sharp-tongued sarcasm thing.
It’s almost funny that spiritually we go through a similar growth process as kids do physically and emotionally. I have been known to display toddler characteristics shouting “mine” or “Gimmie that” here and there. I’ve even seen myself take on the traits of a spiritual two-year-old, stomping my foot and yelling “No” and “My way!” I am sad to say that I also exhibit some of those qualities the pre-teens have (although not the one of unlimited energy.) It occurs to me that I am often talking when I should be listening to the Father, that I often think that my ideas are superior to others around, and that I may be more interested in looking like I belong to the church than actually meeting God’s standards for His church.
Recognizing these things and having seen a visual aid up close and personal, I might know what to strive toward next. I guess I could work on that sharp-tongue sarcasm thing.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
ZZZZZZZZZZZ
Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Today was a big day at the office—physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. I’ll write tomorrow or the next day, after I rest. (Yawn)
Today was a big day at the office—physically, mentally, and emotionally draining. I’ll write tomorrow or the next day, after I rest. (Yawn)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Self, Be Encouraged!
I sat down to write today and realized I have nothing to say. Well, I always have something to say, but nothing noteworthy. It was Tuesday. It rained again. Our corn all drowned. Softball is probably canceled. Tomorrow is a challenging day at work. This was not a bad day; I’m just sighing.
Wait! Now I know what to write—Habakkuk 3:17-19
And while I’m at it, here’s the Message’s take on verses 17-19 (For congregational use, with a full orchestra.)
Join me in a cartwheel of joy—woo hoo!
Wait! Now I know what to write—Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.Too many time I forget to have what someone called an “attitude” of “gratitude.” I am grateful for the many good things of today. Speaking of Habakkuk, I love this chapter in the modern language “Message.”
(Verses 1-7) A prayer of the prophet Habakkuk, with orchestra:
God, I've heard what our ancestors say about you,
And I'm stopped in my tracks, down on my knees.
Do among us what you did among them.
Work among us as you worked among them.
And as you bring judgment, as you surely must, remember mercy.
God's on his way again, retracing the old salvation route,
Coming up from the south . . .
Skies are blazing with his splendor, his praises sounding through the earth,
His cloud-brightness like dawn, exploding, spreading, forked-lightning shooting from his hand—
What power hidden in that fist!
And while I’m at it, here’s the Message’s take on verses 17-19 (For congregational use, with a full orchestra.)
Though the cherry trees don't blossom and the strawberries don't ripen,I love the line about cartwheels, although I’m going to take that metaphorically for the time being. But, isn’t that a great concept? Although life may be full of little miseries (family humor), considering the splendor of God in verses 1 through 7, we can still feel like king of the mountain.
Though the apples are worm-eaten and the wheat fields stunted,
Though the sheep pens are sheepless and the cattle barns empty,
I'm singing joyful praise to God. I'm turning cartwheels of joy to my Savior God.
Counting on God's Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer.
I feel like I'm king of the mountain!
Join me in a cartwheel of joy—woo hoo!
Monday, June 1, 2009
H O M E S
Today I heard several bits of news, some good, some not so good. I like the former and dislike the latter. People often say, “I have some good news and some bad news; which do you want first?” Then the listener usually says, tell me the bad news first so we can end on a good note.
In college marketing classes, I was taught the sandwich method of giving information—give some good news, give whatever bad news, then give some more good news. The not-so-good was sandwiched between the good. Then, the customer would see that there was more good than bad and not be too unhappy. There is some merit to that logic.
But today there was a verse in Psalms that I needed. When I found it, I read the whole short chapter. WOW! For good news, read Psalm 112.
1 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
10 The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
At the bottom of the page it says “This psalm is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.” I learned, further, that acrostics occur in Lamentations and several of the Psalms. I was really astonished to learn from Wikipedia that “The first Hebrew letter of each consecutive Hebrew name from Adam to the father of Abraham appears to form an acrostic that when translated in English reads: I WILL FORGIVE MY ENEMIES, HAVING COMPASSION, FORGIVING THOSE MADE FROM DUST A SECOND TIME.” (I love learning seemingly extraneous information.)
I said all that to say two things: 1) the bible is an amazing book; and 2) the first part of verse 7 is what I was looking for. I sincerely want that!
In college marketing classes, I was taught the sandwich method of giving information—give some good news, give whatever bad news, then give some more good news. The not-so-good was sandwiched between the good. Then, the customer would see that there was more good than bad and not be too unhappy. There is some merit to that logic.
But today there was a verse in Psalms that I needed. When I found it, I read the whole short chapter. WOW! For good news, read Psalm 112.
1 Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
2 His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
5 Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.
7 He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
8 His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
9 He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
10 The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
At the bottom of the page it says “This psalm is an acrostic poem, the lines of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.” I learned, further, that acrostics occur in Lamentations and several of the Psalms. I was really astonished to learn from Wikipedia that “The first Hebrew letter of each consecutive Hebrew name from Adam to the father of Abraham appears to form an acrostic that when translated in English reads: I WILL FORGIVE MY ENEMIES, HAVING COMPASSION, FORGIVING THOSE MADE FROM DUST A SECOND TIME.” (I love learning seemingly extraneous information.)
I said all that to say two things: 1) the bible is an amazing book; and 2) the first part of verse 7 is what I was looking for. I sincerely want that!
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