Merry Christmas!

It was originally my intent to write a nice upbeat piece about the origins of the word Christmas and how it all really centers on Christ. In an effort to keep my facts straight I decided to do a little internet research. Typing the phrase “origin of word Christmas” in Google brought me some interesting and unexpected results. Not so surprising was the online dictionary definition of the word Christmas derived from the Old English words Cristes moesse, 'the mass or festival of Christ'. What caught me off guard was the list of searches I found condemning the celebration of Christmas. Even more shocking; the articles condemning Christmas were written by “fundamentalist” Christians. I guess I should not be so surprised. Unfortunately, experience has shown me Christians can, at times, be poor witnesses for Christianity. Yet I do still find myself a bit taken back in my discovery. In an ironic twist of fate, these articles relate the struggle of Christians to unite in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ Himself; the central figure of our own faith. Seemingly, in an arrogant attempt at self gratification, the history books are meticulously searched in an effort to find every bit of information linking Christmas to pagan practices. Once linked, this information is used to denounce anyone and everyone celebrating Christmas as we now know it. This criticism is then directed towards what can be inferred as “so called” Christians. The heart intent of this research and inference is an obvious effort to elevate ones self far above all other professing believers.

The diversion of these articles combined with the lack of reliable information found on the internet have left me uncertain of what the word Christmas may have meant to the Romans five hundred years ago. Frankly, at this point, I no longer care. I am only certain of what Christmas means to me right here and now. Like most, in my depravity, I will find myself distracted from the true meaning of Christmas in the hustle and bustle of the season. Yet my depravity is the specific reason Jesus was born. Despite any negative connotations of the origin of the word Christmas and any links to pagan practices and despite any objections from atheists, secularists, agnostics, or even fundamentalist Christians, I can think of no better reason to celebrate than the birth of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So there it is…Merry Christmas!

Lunch With God

Such a nice day, I decided to head to Oregon Ridge during my lunch break today. I got out of my car and it was still warm enough to leave my jacket in the trunk. Walking through the woods, the area looked much different than it had just a few weeks ago. Fallen leaves had covered the paths. Many of the trees were nearly bare allowing a better view of the woods. Reading some posted material regarding the reforesting effort, I happened to glance up the hill and noticed something I had not seen before.

The roof of a gazebo was barely visible high above the sparse patch of trees. The walk up to get a closer look was longer and steeper than I had anticipated, but I managed to get there without going into cardiac arrest. To my surprise the gazebo was actually new. I could tell by the condition of the pressure treated wood. As I sat in it on the nicely crafted bench, I admired the workmanship. It was probably not a cub scout project, perhaps an eagle scout, but most likely someone with a great deal of pride and experience. It was a well designed structure, tightly built, and even had some very nice accents along the supports and benches. I noticed it was mainly screwed together except for the floor where nails were used to secure all the floor boards with one exception. There was one screw in a floor board near the middle of the octagon. Curious? I am not even sure why or how I noticed it. I could not help but wonder if the builder had just ran out of nails, or if there was some other reason?

Anyway, back to my story. Sitting quietly, looking over the valley, I could see a line of older trees with many leaves still in place. The colors of the leaves were diverse and beautiful. It was warm, but there was a cool breeze coming gently from the direction in which I was gazing. Off in the distance I could see some houses; not condos or town houses, but mansions, or so it seemed. I could hear the traffic from Shawan Road, but from that distance it was only white noise. For a city boy who spent many nights falling asleep to that sound, it only added to the ambience.

In the midst of quiet and beauty, suddenly, there they were, my demons. Yes, I love the Lord and I am a devout follower of Jesus, but I still hear from my demons. They are there, partly because they are so persistent, but also , if I am honest, because I tend to invite them. Perhaps it is not an intentional invitation, but an invitation nonetheless. They know me well and I know them too. They are familiar, maybe even comfortable with the old man I was and maybe, just maybe there is a remnant of the old man who is still comfortable with them.

After a few moments of wrestling with my dark side and exercising my demons, I began to speak to God. I invited His presence and quieted my thoughts. Feeling the Holy Spirit wash over me through the coolness of the breeze in my face, I listened intently. I asked God to expel these demons; to not only forgive me for entertaining them, but to redeem me. Redemption was my prayer, but still, I was not sure exactly what redemption would mean or even look like. I assured God I was paying attention and I asked Him for a sign. Not a general sign, mind you, but a specific sign. I asked (as silly as it may sound) that I would see a deer in that woods as I sat there silently. This would be the confirmation, not only of God’s presence there in that gazebo, but also confirmation He had heard my prayer.

Of course, Oregon Ridge has a very large deer population, so seeing a deer would not seem so unusual. It certainly would not be considered a supernatural occurrence. Should I be foolish enough to make such a request, and expect, if I see a deer, it was God confirming He had heard my prayer? Even so, I have walked those woods many times over the past eight or ten years and never once have I seen a deer. The moment I was having with God was so awesome, I expected to look out from my seat in that gazebo and at any moment, see a deer. But it was not to be. I had a great view all around and I could hear for miles. There was the hawk flying silently overhead. I could hear a squirrel in a tree directly behind me. The leaves rustled with the breeze and perhaps there were some chipmunks scurrying around, but no deer. I sat and prayed and listened and enjoyed, but finally it was time to go. I decided my request was silly and I knew God did not have to do anything to confirm His presence. What was I thinking?

Despite not having seen any deer, I was very grateful for the time I had alone with God; satisfied with the beauty all around me and joyful to be blessed with a moment to recognize and appreciate it. I walked along the path back toward where I had parked. Gazing the path before me I thanked God for the moment, smiled as I reflected on my experience, and looked up to see a small doe frozen in the brush just beside my path. I could have literally reached out and touched her. “Praise God and Halleluiah” I whispered under my breath. We stood motionless, staring at one another intently. After a few seconds, she dipped her head to see if she could initiate any movement from me. I took a single step and she turned in a defensive posture, but to my surprise, did not run away; not even a flag. She just stood there peacefully, watching me over her shoulder as I continued down the path and disappeared from her sight.

Too Much Joy?

Is there a new trend in the realm of hip Christianity? It seems the idea of “going deep” and “seeking adversity and suffering” has become sort of the “in thing” in many Christian communities. Not to make light of these strategies, their benefits, or to discount their legitimacy, but seeking pain is not really my strong point. I often wonder if it is anyone’s. Granted, in the past many of us were inundated with the “prosperity gospel”; just accept Jesus and your life will be great; bad things only happen to you when you lack faith; and so on. This surely has not lined up with my life experience, but now it seems, we might be doing a one eighty. Perhaps this doctrine of pain and suffering could be tagged the “grieving gospel” or the “suffering gospel”? Although, for me, grieving and suffering are not usually synonymous with “good news”. Retreats of joyful meditation, fun, and fellowship are being transformed into weekend stays filled with discomfort, accountability, and intensely heart aching inner reflection. Perspective attendees brag these retreats are not be “fun”, relishing in the prospect of having a spiritually painful experience. Don’t get me wrong, I get it. It is not the philosophy I question so much as the motive. We grow through suffering and self awareness. I only wonder do we really want to? Though they often suffered and certainly did not walk around in the constant midst of rainbows and butterflies, the disciples did not go off on retreats to intentionally seek their own suffering. Did Jesus not say in Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."? Do we really need to seek suffering? Yes, Jesus knew he was going to suffer on the cross, willingly accepted it, and He looked forward to what was at the end of the suffering, but it seems pretty apparent the actual suffering part was not as appealing to Him. In fact the Lord’s prayer completely omits the word “suffering” or any notion of praying to suffer. Bottom line, I want my retreats to be fun. To be perfectly honest, I have no desire to “feel the pain”. Sure, it helps me grow. Some of my most profitable spiritual growth is the result of suffering. Even so, I shy from suffering and I surely do not pray to suffer. The desire to suffer is not in any fabric of my being. Honestly, though I recognize the benefits, my most sincere gratitude and praise are raised up to God when suffering is not an everyday part of my life. Perhaps I should want to grow and I will certainly accept any suffering that brings me closer to God, but again, if I am just being honest, what I “want” lines up better with the “prosperity gospel”.

What is Hell?

Why is our world so depraved and our culture so morally deficient? The simple answer to a very complex question is sin. Where does sin originate? Referring to Genesis, there was a time when man lived in perfect communion with God. He was constantly in the presence of God. Often, it seems, in the actual physical presence of God. There was no sin, therefore there was no pain; no suffering. Then came the temptation to live his own life; to be his own god. Man was offered the gift of knowledge in exchange for breaking his relationship with God. Of course, we all know how the story ended. If not, just take a quick gander at today’s news. This could fall under the “be careful what you ask for” category. To this day we still ask for it; we constantly fight to be in control. Again, if in doubt, check out any news outlet on any given day.

Despite our depravity God is present, but imagine our world totally void of God. Imagine no limits to evil. Imagine unlimited selfishness, striving only to gratify our lusts. Imagine no regard whatsoever for anyone or anything outside of ourselves. Imagine the scariest part of all of this is it is not so hard to imagine. All of these things are the result of a final and complete separation from God. What I have asked you to imagine is Hell. It is the end of hope. Hell has been painted and described in many horrific ways, but in reality there is nothing more horrific than a total and permanent separation from God. Even most self proclaimed atheists, seem to live by a certain set of standards. Have you ever consider their reasoning? We may seem self confident, but the fear of separation is real and ever present. I lament the passion of Christ, but in the end I am still partially compelled by the fear of what will happen to me without Him. You see even in accepting Christ, my motives are not completely pure. Where would I truly be, separated from Him?

Learning to Walk

I have a friend named Kevin Jones. Until recently, Kevin and I had worked together over the past several years. Kevin and I would occasionally have what I will call philosophical conversations. During one of these conversations Kevin said something to me I do not think I will ever forget. I have a teenage son and I was venting to Kevin about poor decisions my son had made. Kevin compared growing up to learning to walk. He said at some point in every young person’s life they decide they are going to make their own decisions. The young person may be twelve or thirteen, or perhaps sixteen, eighteen, twenty or maybe even a little older. Much like when they first learn to walk this young person has little or no prior experience in making decisions on their own. Therefore they stumble, fall, run into things, and even hurt themselves or others standing near them. Taking this concept further, I realize this often applies to our decision to follow Christ. Crossing the line of faith is a momentous occasion. It is the most important moment in anyone’s life. The new believer is often over come with emotion, sometimes to the point of fanaticism. He is anxious to hit the world and tell them all about Jesus; to get everybody saved. It is in this state of euphoria he can fail to assess his own inexperience and lack of knowledge. Because he has not yet had enough time to develop his walk with Jesus, he instead winds up projecting his own values and life experiences on others all in the name of God. This is not exclusive to the new believer. Much like walking, even after we think we have mastered it and sometimes because we are so sure have mastered it, we take our eyes off of where we are walking. In doing so we can stumble and even fall, hurting ourselves or those around us.

At Peace

Sitting on my back porch I had a revelation. For a moment I am at peace with God and at peace with who I am. Now, mind you, I am not always in such a state. In fact I rarely am. I am certainly not claiming to be a spiritual superman. Knowing who I am, the only logical conclusion is it has nothing to do with how good of a Christian I have become. It has nothing to do with the way I have overcome sin and "allowed" God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to direct me. It has nothing to do with anything I do right or, for that matter, anything I do wrong. It has nothing to do with how great my doctrine is or my knowledge of biblical matters. It has nothing to do with how many people I have lead in the prayer of salvation or how many tracts I have handed out. It has nothing to do with my high level of morality, my superior politics, or the way I reconcile the two. In the end it has nothing to do with anything I have done or anything I am yet to do. It has everything to do with what Jesus did on the cross. His greatness supersedes my need to be good and to do good, for really who is good? Only when I realize this do I know true peace. Only then am I free of guilt and condemnation. I am grateful tonight for a brief moment of clarity. His greatness is constant; it is me who is not. Thankfully, because of Him and His sacrifice I need not be. May all that I do that is considered to be good glorify the only One Who is truly good.

Bitter Sweet Goodbyes

As a Christian, I rejoice in knowing a lost loved one is spending eternity with Jesus. However, as a man, yet subject to my flesh, I am sad to know I will not see that person again this side of eternity. It is especially hard when that person is so young. Cheree Shontz, daughter of Karryn Wonders, was lost in a tragic accident last week. She was only 22. Loosing two young people in just over a month is unbelievable and a shock to our CMA chapter and our community. While still struggling with Bobby's loss I got the news about Cheree and once again the news is crushing. Knowing how much pain her family must be in and feeling the pain of that loss myself is very bitter. There is, however, a sweet part that is only possible through the blood of Christ. This sweet encounter happened for me again in a most unusual setting; Cheree's funeral. What an awesome witness Cheree's memorial was. Another young person who had given her life to Jesus and now reaps the benefit of eternal salvation. Another young person who touched so many people with the Love of Jesus. Another mom, Karryn Wonders, who showed extraordinary strength in the face of such a huge loss. I am again inspired by the witness of this young lady and the strength of her mother. What I will remember most about Cheree was her beautiful smile and warm personality, reminding me also of the way I remember Bobby Rambo. I guess it is true what the Word says about His followers: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35. I am humbled by the way Both Bobby and Cheree lived these words out in their young lives. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless their families and continue to give them the strength and peace that transcends all understanding.

Also please keep her husband Beau Shontz in your prayers. He was seriously injured and is currently in the hospital. Please pray for his healing, physicaly and emotionaly; and for his family as they struggle with both his recovery and the loss of Cheree. May all this be done in the glorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen.

Making a Difference

This is the story of what happened when my wife Jackie was confronted with the unpleasant task of holding our son and his friend accountable. I will admit, initially I might have rather handled this task myself, regarding myself as the "stronger disciplinary".

To make a long story short, my son had made some really poor choices. Although the responsibility for these decisions falls squarely on his shoulders, his mother and I agreed we were somewhat ignorant when it came to the character of his friends. These friends, while not ultimately responsible for his actions, certainly contributed to our son's poor choices. We agreed going forward we would know his friends as well as possible. It is now our practice to know their full name, address, telephone number and guardians. I know it sounds pretty simple, but somehow we overlooked it.

Our new resolutions were being tested as an “old friend” of our son dropped by the house for a visit. I know this young man or more accurately, know of him. He has a bad history. I would have probably grilled this kid intensely, possibly to the point of turning him away and done it without pity or compassion; just as happy to see him go. It is likely he would not have left my company with a sense of Christian fellowship; very much contrary to what Jackie had in store for him.

As the young man waited for my son to finish cutting the grass, Jackie made him a grilled cheese sandwich. She took it to him and sat down with him. The idea that she had made him this sandwich touched him and surprised him. She told him she would respect him and treat him like a man, but that she had to ask him some questions. The questioning preceded much like an interview. After a few moments of "what is your full name?" and "who are your parents?", he asked her why she was asking him so many questions. Her response nearly brought him to tears. She explained to him that when he leaves the house with our son, he leaves with one of the most precious gifts God has given us. She went on to tell him how we had mistakenly let him leave with people we knew too little about. She told him how dangerous we now know that to be and that when our son made bad choices it hurt us deeply because we love him so much. He was taken back by her words and told her he had never heard anyone describe their child that way. He spoke with her about poor decisions he had made and even how his parents probably hated him for some of the things he had done. My wife assured him his parents, while certainly angry, stilled loved him. She offered him the redemption of this new day and the days ahead of him, telling him he need only start changing his life a day at a time. Not only did she speak the gospel to him, but more importantly she demonstrated the gospel through the love and compassion of Jesus Christ. Matthew 10:42 says: “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." …perhaps this applies just as well to a grilled cheese sandwich?

I am humbled by my wife’s heart and by the light she radiates through Jesus Christ our Lord. In my arrogance, I wanted to puff my chest out and proclaim myself as the spiritual and disciplinary leader of our family; to lay down the law as it were. However, I have seen the true spirit of evangelism in the way Jackie handled this situation. It has made me realize I have much to learn from this beautiful woman the Lord has blessed me with.

My View on Gov. Sanford...

As you probably already know Gov. Mark Sanford has been the center of the most recent political scandal. He has admitted to having an affair and is a professed Christian. I know many men who have fallen in this way, both Christian and otherwise. I also know that I am not beyond reproach. I often struggle to stay mindful of temptation in my own life. I too, have fallen, maybe not into infidelity as such, but in other ways. Despite his recent actions, I do respect Mr. Sanford for coming out with this the way he has. I believe, while he has sinned, he has approached his sin in a biblical manner, or so it seems. While many politicians have been caught in similar situations, few have even attempted to be upfront until there was no other option available (and sometimes not even then). I keep reading in the press how they are attempting to assess his "angle" or “political strategy”. Many can not understand why has chosen such a politically hazardous course of action. Almost no one considers that the governor’s motives may actually be more selfless than selfish. Perhaps Mr. Sanford may truly be repentant; truly sorry for betraying his wife and his God. As I see it, He at least seems sincerely repentant. As a wife, Mrs. Sanford, for me, has given the world an excellent vision of the Christian world view; holding her husband accountable, while offering forgiveness and a chance at reconciliation. They both seem dedicated to saving their marriage in a time and culture that would suggest they might do otherwise. For this I commend them. I do not know if Gov. Sanford will save his political career or even his marriage and ultimately maybe neither of these is his primary motivation. Perhaps in the end, Mr. Sanford has realized by forsaking his character and his wife he has also forsaken Christ and what is a man to profit by this?

Life Lesson

I have written about, questioned, and even wrestled with the word “evangelism” for some time now. This past week brought an answer to many of my questions from an unexpected source. Unfortunately, it came at a very high cost. Bobby J. Rambo lost his life in a motorcycle accident over the Memorial Day weekend. Bobby was a member of our CMA family. Although I only spoke to him on a few occasions, I considered Bobby a friend. Judging by what I saw at his wake Wednesday night and his funeral on Thursday, I did not get to know Bobby nearly as well as I would have liked. What I did know about Bobby was he was slightly shy, but warm and generous. He was very likeable and I would have to agree with everyone who noted he had a great smile. I now know, for sure, Bobby’s great smile was merely a reflection of his heart. I had the honor of riding with Bobby and his girlfriend Hillary just a few weeks before he died. It is a memory I will cherish.

I once heard someone say you could tell the value of a person’s life by the amount of people who attended their funeral. In this case it rings true as Bobby’s life was rich and full, despite the fact he was only twenty four. We stood in the reception line for nearly two hours while hundreds of people paid their respects. The funeral director said she could not remember a time they had so many people. At the funeral we all had the pleasure of hearing Bobby’s family and friends recall his life and the positive impact he had on all of them. I was especially impressed with his circle of close friends who all got up and shared their experiences with Bobby. I have to say I am not sure how harshly Bobby’s friends might be scrutinized from a strictly legalistic point of view, but I heard Jesus, not only mentioned specifiaclly by name, but in the expression of their hearts and love for Bobby. One young man even made the comment that Bobby was the first person who ever told him about the love of Jesus. What a testimony; what a witness. The overall theme was not about Bobby grabbing a hand full of tracts and hitting the streets to preach. It was not about the way Bobby volunteered at church or had a great ministry. It was not even about religion or church at all. The main theme about Bobby’s life and legacy was the way he loved people. His friends and family all testified about his wiliness to help anyone who needed help and his ability to bring people from all backgrounds together as a group. One young man spoke about how Bobby had simply called him one day to meet him for coffee. Even though he did not consider Bobby a particularly close friend at the time, Bobby called to meet him with no other motive but to "hang out". It was obvious this simple act of kindness had quite an impact. There are many forms of evangelism, but I see now there are few as effective as a life well lived; sharing the Love of Christ within us with all those around us. Thank you Bobby.

Should We Ask God "Why"?

Very recently the CMA York Chapter lost one of its younger members to a motorcycle accident. Our community will, no doubt, feel the shock of this loss for some time to come. Somehow in the course of events I found myself embracing the boy’s father, trying, with little success, to console him just moments after he received the news that he had lost his young son in a motorcycle accident. What do you say in a situation like this? The only answer I could come up with was to say very little. I held him tight and whispered how sorry I was for him. We all were and are in shock. I had no idea when our chaplain called me that this accident was fatal. I had even considered I might wait till the next day to visit. I thank God I did not. Even on my way to the hospital I had planned on seeing the young man and speaking to him about what had happened. How quickly the night can change. My shock and sadness are only a grain of sand in the scope of all of this. His parents are, understandably beside themselves in grief and disbelief. I cannot even begin to relate with their current state of grief and sorrow. How can I? I have no idea how they must feel and, if I am perfectly honest, I have no desire to know.

In a situation such as this we all want to ask God why, but is it appropriate to question God's wisdom and purpose? Should we simply refer all of our questions to Romans 8:28? I believe the answer can be found in the scripture. Here are a few of the verses I found:

Psalm 10:1

Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

Job 7:20

If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?

Mark 15:34

And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 

Having hung on the cross, feeling abandoned and alone Jesus asks the question…”Why God?” These verses show clearly God, not only tolerates our questions, but encourages us to speak with Him in all things, even when we are asking why. So if you know someone in a time of suffering, I would encourage you to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and supportive of their questions, even when they might question God Himself. 

In my humble opinion, there are few families who have more of a reason to ask God why right now. Out of respect for the family, I have not mentioned them by name. If anyone is reading this, and you know the family, I would encourage you to just listen to them as they wrestle with their questions. Love them, pray for them, and offer them a shoulder to cry on. Ask God to show them the same patience He showed Job and David when they asked Him “why?” Be ever thankful we have a God Who has felt our pain and emptiness and while hanging on the cross even He asked “why?” And, yes, pray for this young man’s family and friends to experience God’s transcending peace in the midst of their pain in never really knowing the finite answer to the question of “why?” I pray all of this in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen and Amen.

What is Evangelism?

I wonder if everyone wrestles with this question the way I do? As a Christian I am called to the great commission in Matthew 28: “Therefore Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The king James version says “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” So how do I flesh this out? How did Jesus do it? Jesus taught, but He also served, healing the masses and consoling the lost. Is it possible for me to just “start” a healing ministry? Or would it be more feasible for me to develop a presentation, use some tracts and hit the streets, teaching and preaching? Would I be perceived as a huckster of sorts? Am I drawing people, or scaring them away? If I forego the street evangelism, maybe I can just “live out” my Christianity in silent witness hoping to “draw people to Christ” by putting on my happy face and living life in seemingly moral perfection. Does this really work? Is it even possible? Despite my best efforts, I have never had anyone come up to me and say “Wow you look so happy and live such a moral life, please tell me all about Jesus!” If, alas, silence is not the answer, maybe I should buy a bullhorn? Why shouldn’t I shout the good news from the mountain tops? At least a bullhorn attracts allot of attention, but is it too obnoxious? OK maybe I won’t shout, but it is certainly important to tell people about Jesus. I will explain the gospel logically and intellectually and fill them with my superior knowledge. Who could argue with that? But is conveying the knowledge enough? Should I talk more or listen more? After all, isn’t listening the most important part of communication? And isn’t spreading the good news all about effective communication? But is there a point where I have said too much or, worse yet, not enough? Maybe the key to effectively communicating the gospel is in building relationships? I should probably build a relationship with someone before I actually speak to him about Jesus. Or am I just using the “building a relationship” reasoning as a cop out for not wanting to speak about a subject I am ashamed to admit is awkward for me. If, after all this, I am still uncomfortable speaking, perhaps service is the answer. I will be a super generous Christian and people will find salvation through my generousity. But will people really come to Christ in exchange for a cool glass of water, a warm coat, or a piece of bread? Will my momentary generousity make them forget their thirst, the cold, or their hunger long term? Should I be concerned about methodology at all? I want to be intentional, but I also want to be effective. But why do I want to be effective? Perhaps it is not a matter of a right way or a wrong way? Couldn’t God just use my unique personality, in unique situations, to attract people in my own unique way? Why do I even want to talk to people about Jesus anyway? Should I do it just because the bible says I should? Can I earn “points” with God by adding salvation notches to my spiritual belt? Am I really concerned about the spiritual welfare of others, or am I merely saving face or trying to impress my Christian brothers and sisters with my evangelical skills? What is my “bottom line”? If I trust God and Love God, shouldn’t evangelism just come natural? Wouldn’t it just pour out of me, manifesting itself in word or deed or whatever is appropriate in any given situation? And shouldn’t my true intention be to love and honor my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? What I am sure of is God uses all things for his purpose for those who believe; His Word says so (Romans 828) and I have experienced it first hand. I have heard it said, “You must speak to God about men, before you can speak to men about God.” Perhaps I merely need to speak to God and trust God to use me according to His will and His glory. Could it really be that easy?

Carrie Prejean - JFreak of the Week

As most of you probably already know Carrie Prejean is the reigning Mrs. California and runner-up for Ms. USA. You, no doubt, also know she is the contestant who answered a question about marriage honestly, and according to her beliefs. For her response I commend her. Ms. Prejean was courageous in speaking the truth, and did so without malice. May we all learn to speak the truth in such a way.

Who Should I Trust?

In the midst of this financial crisis, there is a great deal of greed and corruption. None of us are unfamiliar with it, but this time it feels to me like it is even more “in your face”. Leaders in Corporate America seem to continuously make decisions that are blatantly unethical, bordering on criminal, without conscience and, in fact, quite boldly. Politicians posture and promise, but in the end seem to only seek their own self interests. There seems to be little accountability or recourse. It can all be very frustrating. I have personally been impacted, as have most people I know. So the question begs “Who should I trust”?

Isaiah 2:22 says:

“Stop trusting in man, who has but a breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?”

Let the reality of this statement set in for a moment. Am I trusting in men who have but breath in their nostrils? What do they know anyway? Will my constant complaining about them only serve to lend more credence to their position? It sure does make me think about who it is I am really trusting, and Who it is I really need to trust…

Just a thought...

Do I pick at the crumbs on the floor,
While the main course grows cold on my plate?

Any thoughts?...

Who I Am...

Thank you all; everyone who has viewed my blog to date. I was surprised to see that anyone at all had stopped by to view since I had only begun to set it up. Sorry I had not written anything, but my major stumbling block was what to write? I know what I wanted to write. My pride and arrogance compels me to write about me; to impress you with my character and skills. I could come up with something that would help you to see how “cool” I am, because I own a nice motorcycle (perhaps a screen name like, let’s say… “jesusbikerfreak”). When you read my list of favorites, my knowledge and diversity in music might impress upon you that I am a man of fairly good musical taste or maybe you are more impressed with my taste in movies or books. I tried to pick ones that would be kind of thoughtful and Christian-like while, at the same time, including some that would show I am still really hip. I might even try to impress upon you that I am well read, although my stats are slightly exaggerated. Perhaps, I can convince you I am a “good Christian” guy who’s only real purpose for owning a motorcycle is to serve the Lord. Should I spend some time making a case for how great of a husband and devoted father I am, even though I am often more concerned about how my wife can serve me, and making sure my son doesn’t get in the way of my “me” time? Maybe you would be impressed with my knowledge of scripture, or my conviction to ministry and short term missions? I always have a list available upon request. If given a few moments of your time I could utilize my great head knowledge of the gospel to witness to you (even if you are already a Christian) so that I can “fix” you just as I have been “fixed”. Who knows, we might even say the sinners prayer together and I can put another notch in my spiritual belt. Oh yeah and my witness would be a long and windy performance of all the “me stuff” that has brought me into my current state of “Christian maturity”. I know you are excited to hear it because I have cleverly disguised it as “God Stuff”.

But alas you see through my smoke screen; my seemingly endless ranting of self glorification in an attempt to receive the attention and recognition I so desire. The glaring truth is at my core I am broken and depraved. As Paul said "There is no one righteous, not even one;”. Last time I checked, “not even one” includes me. So what is my hope? Pretty simply stated “Jesus”. Although the knowledge of Jesus is great, it is not the knowledge alone, but the person of Jesus that is my hope. I want…no…I need to know the person of Jesus. If not for Him I remain who I am; a hopelessly lost and depraved man. Jesus humbled Himself to be born in a feeding trough, live a life as a mere man, teach and fellowship with mere men, subject Himself to beatings, physical and mental anguish at the hands of mere men, and finally by the hands of mere men; indeed even by my own hands... Jesus freely accepted death. He did all this for me, and for you. Let me not kid myself, He would not have had to do any of it if I were able to “fix myself” or even able to be “fixed” at all. Haughty Christian, get over yourself. I was not chosen for my unique resume or my special skills. I was chosen by grace and equipped through God’s mercy. God does not NEED me, but all praise to our Lord Jesus Christ…he does LOVE me.

So now what? The bible says as a follower, God has commissioned me: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;”. How shall I go and do this? Should I do it simply because God told me to? After all He is God. Should I do it out of appreciation for what He has done for me? Does this appreciation for what God has done for me naturally flow from my heart and out of my love of Jesus? Will I hand out tracks? Shall I shout damnation to the masses? Maybe I could use that clever new sales-like pitch I learned? Should I just live a “good life” and hope others will somehow be magically attracted to me? Aren’t people always walking up to me and saying “hey your different, tell me about Jesus”? Maybe I will just continue building relationships?

I love the language in Genesis 32 where it says “Jacob Wrestles with God”. I am certain I do not want to actually physically wrestle with God, but I do often feel as though I am wrestling with God’s word; wrestling with my commission and purpose. Oh yeah, and wrestling with my own sin. Paul says in Romans 7:19 “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” I can totally relate. Lord, let me stop pretending to be someone we both know I am not and start being the someone you purposed me to be. While I am spending so much time trying to convince myself and others I am a good Christian or a cool guy, I waste precious time I could be spending loving others. Yet I know it is only through loving others, that I will ever even come close to loving You the way I should…no…the way You ought to be loved.

So my brothers and sisters, if you see me on the street, you now know who I really am. I am like you. Nothing I will do will change that. I am however, renewed and transformed by the man Jesus Christ and what he has done for me. When we meet, I pray the Holy Spirit would be among us and draw us near to Him. I pray that you would not see the man I am in my flesh, but the man Christ has made me through His blood. Then and only then will you see the person of Jesus Christ. Then and only then will we share the joy of His presence and of His amazing Love.