Monday, July 31, 2006

Leaving The Nest

Well, it’s that time of the year when all around the world young people are preparing to leave the nest heading off to colleges and universities. So, I’d like to address them with some thoughts. Most of you have yet come to the realization that all the disciplines, chores and responsibilities (or the lack thereof) you have experienced so far in your young lives are about to come into play. That prepared place of rest found at the end of each day, you will now have to prepare for yourselves. Yes young fledglings, what you are about to start coming home to, you are building for yourself. And, whoever nurtured you to this point is all of a sudden going to become the smartest person you’ve ever known, because the world is immediately going to try to take advantage of you, but echoes of their training are going to help you survive. Self-discipline is now your only defense toward self-preservation. Be very weary of who you listen to, where you go and what you do, for your new found freedoms could overpower your whole life. Remember, things are not always as they seem and the world can be confusing. There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple or pine in pineapple. Quicksand works slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren’t sweet, are meat. And, a slim chance and a fat chance are the same, but a wise man and a wise guy are opposite.
The world really isn’t all that confusing. Trust your instincts, use your knowledge with a little common sense, and you’ll live a long and happy life. Look at it this way. Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? See? Life isn’t all that tough. Life is like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it. Without college even I know pie are round! Cornbread are square.
[Matthew 16:1-12] I pray for all who will soon find themselves out on their own responsible for themselves, maybe for the first time in their life. Beware! The protection and advise of home may no longer be readily available for counsel. But there are good people where you are going who want to be loving surrogates, serving in your best interest. You are about to go out into the wilderness and just as Jesus was tempted so you will be also. You will be tempted greater than ever before and I also pray you will do as Jesus did and fall back on God’s word for strength. I pray you’ve been working throughout your teen years to grow a faith of your own in a love for God and practicing a righteous lifestyle, because you’re going to need it. If your faith is weak and the temptations are strong, seek out a group of Christians to hang with. Trust me, they’re there. Leaven is about to enter your life in greater quantities than ever before. Be careful who is doing the leavening. Jesus warned His disciples about what the Pharisees and the Sadducees were teaching, which changes the mind as leaven changes dough. There are teachers who don’t think or believe as you do and they will leaven your brain with ideas and ideals that can change your mind about eternal life. Keep God’s word ever before you and the devil will flee from you. Your Father in heaven is always with you.

Best Friends

I always try to share a little of my life with you and try to show that, no matter the circumstance, with God’s love, good will shine through. Last Sunday evening was time for our monthly “care group” gatherings. We don’t have a “formal” worship, but gather in small groups in homes and one group at the annex building of the church. I led the group at the annex with song and a lesson, and other men led the group in prayer. On these nights we also engage in story-telling fellowship, trying to get to know one another a little better on a personal bases, all the while snacking on some finger foods and cookies. Well, we cleaned up, locked up and said our good-byes in the parking lot as we usually do, and headed for home. Ten minutes later I heard the news of an auto accident and the death of one I sat and talked with for the last time. All I could think of was, were my last words with her godly and encouraging? Her presence will be missed.
Fred, a High School freshman, saw a kid from his class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all his books. Fred thought to himself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on Friday? He must be a real nerd!” Fred had a big weekend planned so shrugged his shoulders and went on. Then Fred saw a bunch of kids run toward Kyle, knocking his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, landing in the grass about ten feet away. He looked up and Fred saw this terrible sadness in his eyes and his heart went out to him. Fred jogged over to Kyle who was searching for his glasses. As Fred handed Kyle his glasses he saw a tear in his eye and said, “Those guys are jerks. Don’t let them get to you.” Kyle looked at Fred and said, “Hey, thanks.” There was a big smile on his face that showed real gratitude. Fred helped Kyle with his books and discovered Kyle lived near him. They never knew each other because Kyle had attended private school until now. Well, it was the beginning of a new and wonderful friendship as they talked and got to know each other that weekend. Fred helped Kyle carry all his books back to school on Monday and introduced him to many more soon to be friends. Four years later Kyle was valedictorian of the class and Fred calmly assured Kyle he would do just fine with his speech. Kyle cleared his throat and began, “Graduation is a time to thank all those who have helped you along the way thus far. Your parents, teachers, siblings, maybe a coach, but mostly your friends.” Fred sat in total shock as he heard Kyle telling the story of the day they had met and how that very weekend he had planned on killing himself. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying all his stuff home. He looked hard at Fred and gave him a smile, “Thankfully, a friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”
[Romans 8] I’ve gained a new sense of urgency to save those who are in danger of losing their spirit to the evil powers of this world. Am I seeing into their heart? Am I asking the right questions? Am I showing compassion as Jesus would? Am I being the friend they need? When death snags someone right out from your sight, time seems of the essence concerning lost souls. Lord, make me a servant. Send the lost and hopeless. Help me to understand that yesterday is history, tomorrow is your mystery, but today is a gift to be shared for your glory. Teach me to be a friend to someone in need, every day.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Investigate "Facts"

Are you an investigator or do you just except things as they’re presented? Most of the time I try to investigate things presented to me, as fact, especially if I don’t know too much about the subject. Some “facts” are like “good deals”. If they sound pretty far fetched, they probably are. A lot of “truths” are how wild and vicious gossips get started. I receive a number of emails with little stories people think I might like to use and I really appreciate every one of them, but, every once in a while I’ll get one I feel I really need to investigate the truth in it before I stick my foot in my mouth using it. One such statement that’s been circulating since just after September 11, 2001 I have yet to find any truth to, but it seems to be widely accepted as such. Koran (9:11 ) - For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; And there was peace. There’s no such statement!! The word eagle isn’t found anywhere in the Koran! Look it up! Pipe dreams and facts don’t mix. Investigate and discover the truth.
A father and his small son were out walking one day when the lad asked how it was that electricity could travel through the wires hanging between the poles. “I don’t know” said the father. “I never knew much about electricity.” A few blocks later the boy asked about thunder and lightning. “That too has puzzled me”, came the reply. The youngster continued to inquire about many things, none of which his father could explain. Finally as they were nearing home the boy said, “Pop, I hope you didn’t mind all those questions.” “Not at all”, replied the father. “How else are you ever going to learn?”
[Acts 17] A biblical literacy survey taken, among “Christians”, in 2004 reveled some of the following facts. Fewer than half of the adults surveyed can name all four gospels. Many could not identify more than two or three of the disciples. 60% could not name even five of the Ten Commandments. 12% of adults believe Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife. 50% of graduating High School seniors thought that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife. A considerable number of respondents to the pole thought that the Sermon on the Mount was preached by Billy Graham. I supposed I knew my Bible, Reading piecemeal, hit or miss. Now a bit of John or Matthew, Now a snatch of Genesis. Certain chapters of Isaiah, Certain Psalms (the twenty-third), Twelfth of Romans, first of Proverbs; Yes I thought I knew the Word! But I found that thorough reading was a difficult thing to do, And the way was unfamiliar when I read the Bible through. You who like to play at Bible, Dip and dabble here and there, Just before you kneel, a weary, And yawn through a hurried prayer; You who treat the Crown of Writings as you treat no other book, Just a paragraph, disjointed, Just a crude, impatient look. Try a worthy procedure, Try a Broad and steady view; You will kneel in very rapture when you read the Bible through. (Amos Wells) Bible knowledge comes in only one way – READING THE BIBLE! If we are to “give an answer to every man” (1 Peter 3:15) and “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11) we must devote ourselves to reading the Bible and understanding what it teaches. It’s not just “a” book, it’s “the” book, and if we’re not reading the map, how will we know which way to go? Someone telling you their way?

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Under God

Happy Birthday America!! It sort of feels like the ‘70’s doesn’t it? I mean, here we are thirty years down the road and we’re still fighting our neighbors battles all around the globe and at home we’re still being abused by the big oil companies. If zeros were pillows, how many zeros does it take to make a “1” comfortable? Oh well, call it greed, entrepreneurship or the right to pursue happiness; materialism is, always has been and will probably always be the American way, until the well runs dry. Do you remember this math problem? A man falls into a well 100 feet deep, only injuring an ankle. Lucky for him there is a ladder to the top, but his injured ankle impedes his rapid assent to safety. It seems he would climb up two rungs of the ladder then slip back one. The problem to be solved was this. How many steps will it take to climb out of the well if the rungs are 18 inches apart? I don’t know either and don’t really care. He should have been watching where he was walking. Here’s one you might get your kids and their “new math” to help you figure out. If the price of gas climbs 20 cents a gallon every holiday weekend and drops 12 cents a gallon between holidays, how many holidays will pass before gasoline is $5 a gallon? And another thing. I’m sick and tired of hearing about how the rest of the world is paying 5-7 dollars a gallon for gas. Number one: most of the rest of the world runs on diesel fuel and Number two: Texas is bigger than most countries of the world and I need my car! Another thing. Mass transit jus ain’t gonna happen in 80% of the USA. Why? Because I don’t want to go where you’re going at the time you’re going and really don’t want to stay there as long as you intend to stay. So, I’m taking my own transportation, thank-you very much! There; I’ve exercised my right to free speech granted me in the “Bill of Rights” of the constitution of the United States of America, fully clothed and without profanity. (Pardon me, I only get to spread my “Eagles Wings” like this once a year.) Is this a great country “UNDER GOD” or what?
[Isaiah 1] As you read this chapter, see where you can fit America and the Church into the story being told. I think it will surprise you and maybe even frighten you a little. You see, it took the courage of a president to insert the phrase “Under God” into our pledge of allegiance and rightfully so does it fit. I’m thrilled to be a citizen of the greatest country ever known in history and because its foundation is built upon the truths of the living God of all creation, I’m able to sit here and express my faith in the God of the universe while resting upon His promises of centuries ago that “Under God” ones nation will be great and without God a nation will never stand on it’s own for very long. I ask you. Just how long do you honestly think God is going to put up with our nonsense? Year after year God is being pushed out of our lives and we are ever increasingly ignoring His pleads and promises. At the rate of lifestyle change we are observing today, I’m afraid our grandchildren may never enjoy the peace and comfort that comes from knowing God and living a righteous lifestyle. Remember, things got so out of hand in the early 1900’s a depression besieged a Godless lifestyle country. God didn’t do it to U.S. as punishment, we did it to ourselves. The greatest and most prosperous times in this country came during times of Godly revival. Our money says, “In God We Trust”. How many zeros will it take before you find time for trusting God?

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Give Simple Directions

It is said that one can become a naturalized Texan. I don’t know exactly how this is done as I’ve never seen anything in writing, but from what I’ve been told, not having been privileged to be Texas born, if one is accepted by the natives and one has spent more years in Texas than anywhere else, one becomes eligible to declare Texan status. This of course is not accepted by all Texans, but seems to be tolerated. Now the first lesson I learned is that the size of Texas is not in any way divulged through its road maps. I grew up with one inch equals ten miles. On a Texas road map one quarter inch equals twenty-five miles, and that’s a big map. My brother, a naturalized Californian, says Texas is the only place in the world where people don’t think twice about traveling thirty miles, one way, just to go to lunch. Verbal directions for getting around are near impossible to follow. “Just down the road a ways” could mean two counties over. And “the fourth gate on the right” may not include the two new ones added over the past year. “It’s the road right where the old school house used to be” never helped me a bit. I’m just happy to be accepted as a Texan and will continue to be as long as I don’t mention that other place too often. (You know, that state where I was born.)
Following a speech, the preacher said to the young reporter covering the event, “When you do your write-up, please don’t mention the anecdotes I used. I may want to use them in other speeches.” The newsman obliged by inserting this line: “The minister told several stories which cannot be repeated here.”
A young preacher came upon a farmer working in his field. Being a zealous soul winner, he inquired about the farmers soul. “Are you laboring in the vineyard of the Lord, my good man?” asked the preacher. “Naw, these is soybeans”, the farmer replied. “You don’t seem to understand”, said the preacher. “Are you a Christian?” “Nope. My name is Jones. You must be lookin’ for Jim Christian. He lives about a mile south of here.” The preacher tried again. “Are you lost?” “Naw! I’ve been livin’ here all my life.” “Are you prepared for the resurrection?” The farmer asked, “When’s it gonna be?” The preacher replied, “It could be today, tomorrow or the next day.” “Well”, said the farmer, “Don’t mention it to my wife. She’ll want to go all three days!”
[1 John 2: 18 – 3: 3] I have yet to meet anyone, who believes in heaven and hell, to tell me they wanted to go to hell after their death. Many have told me they fear they are going to hell when they die and don’t think there’s any way out of it. That’s the point at which a good Christian will begin to witness as to their faith in the saving grace of the living God. Do I start preaching out of the Bible? I think not. The best way I found to convince others that they too can be accepted by God as an adopted child, eligible for all the inheritances promised of God, is to tell them of how the power of God changed my life. I tell them that since I’ve been living according to the teachings of the apostles in God’s word, life has never been so good. I tell them how secure I feel, knowing that my sins have been forgiven and forgotten. Then I begin to explain how simple God’s plan of salvation is. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Know of His death, burial and resurrection. Be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Sprit for the remission of sins. Born again to live according to God’s word and looking forward to Jesus’ return.