Keith and Kristyn Getty - Still My Soul

Something to prepare your heart for worship. Do we not need to be still and let the Lord minister to our souls.

A World Gone Mad

OK this one really gets my heart a pumping. Recently in France a woman was arrested for killing her newborns . It appears she murdered 8 , smothering them shortly after birth and then buried the bodies in her garden. The defense attorney is arguing she has birth denial . Sure and I'm a leprechaun with a pot of gold. I do grant that there are severe mental illness that can cause someone to do horrific things but really . One child perhaps , but 8 crates a pattern . Plus there is apparently no clear evidence of mental illness.

But my point is not  to get into the whole argument being vetted by her attorney .  As horrific as this crime is , if this woman had decided to terminate these pregnancies in a clinic , nothing would be said or done. In France abortions are available freely up to 12 weeks . After this it has to be shown that the mother would face physical distress or mental distress(whatever that is) , or the baby would be born in a condition that would challenge its viability. It must be signed by 2 doctors . However the drug RU-486 that causes a miscarriage , is widely used . So this woman who is no dummy had access to terminate these babies with the states consent.

The fact she chose not to , but took matters into her on hands makes her guilty of murder.But what changed about these little ones DNA that makes it murder only after they are out of the womb . Nothing . Society is a sick twisted , messed up reality. That a baby can be violently murdered in a womb but can't once he or she is out of the uterus and vaginal cavity ,to be blunt is, the height of world gone mad. 

What this woman did was wrong . It was murder no matter what her attorney tries to plead . But as far as I see it , there is no difference in what this woman did to those 8 little ones , to what Doctors do each and everyday in a clinic of death.  

Worth The Time

 This year has been a very slow year for good music . Be it secular or christian . Unless your into Lady Gaga . Guess what , I'm not . Surprised I can tell.

But finally a new recording has been released that has really caught my ear. It is by Matthew Smith called Watch the Rising Day . He has released a few CD's now under his own name .He was part of a group called Indelible Grace. They took old hymns and renewed them with contemporary sounding arrangements . Think of folk/rock in the vain of Springsteen, without the pop side.

With Watch the Rising Day he continues this excellent track record. Taking old forgotten hymns and rearranging them , adding some of his own lyrics when needed to either fill out the song or enhance the verses. But he never changes the meaning. In picking the songs to do , one thing that sets these songs apart from much of new christian songs out there , they are Christ centered and gospel affirming.

One of my favorite songs is The War . Talking about the real struggle we have has a believer after conversion. The lyrics are poignant and blunt . Not making light of the fact we do struggle with sin. The idea that we are at war with the flesh , the world and the Devil. But it is one of triumph , pointing to Christ as our victor .

Another tune Goodnight ,sung form the perspective of a dying saint, is a sad song in some ways. It does not diminish the fact of loss but at the same time it builds towards a triumphant crescendo . It is very moving and powerfully reminds us that death does not have the final say .It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has conquered , in Him we are secure.

I could go on, but needless to say ,this will be a CD that will be spending time in my player. It is so refreshing to hear these old unknown hymns brought back to life . Matthew Smith has done another great job .
Plus I love the picture , cool.

9 guitar picks out of 10.

Nice Evening

The heavens declare His glory

Short little post tonight. My wife and I went  to Long Beach Road, armed with my camera in hopes to get some sunset shots. However the clouds decided to play spoiler for the most part. No big deal. The weather was still awesome and God's creation was wonderful.

Plus it is always a delight and pleasure to spend time with my wife. I don't get couples who hardly spend anytime together . Its almost like they really don't want to be married. The whole idea of the covenant of marriage ,  established by God, was to be one flesh . The word of God is full of how we are to treat our spouses and to boil it down to a phrase , we are to delight in each other.

That means emotionally, spiritually and physically. I make no bones about it , I love spending time with my wife. The time we spend with each other is a blessing. Even if its just sitting in the same room .

It was a fun little date . God is good.

Looking Away

You know you have seen them. Those TV adverts featuring images you wish you could forget. But who can? children rummaging through garbage,without a family , malnourished and suffering from diseases even the poorest children in the west have long forgotten about .  But we often look away. Even though our heart breaks for them , we turn the channel and eat our supper . In reality if the heart was truly impacted , we would act.

[27] Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction......    James 1:27

True religion before God shows a deep concern for orphans and widows but more importantly , action. We need to act,to do something . Women and children are the ones who suffer the most in times of war,famine . They are marginalized in so many areas of the world. So what good is our faith if we sit silently by and do nothing. 

My wife and I have sponsored a little girl now for about 2 years. Why we did not do it years ago , I just ask for forgiveness in my slowness to respond. Since we have entered this little girls world, we have received a couple of letters , pictures and it has been a real blessing. To know we are having a real impact not only on her life but her families well being is humbling and gratifying. 

It has been said before that if Christians understood how much we have been shown grace and love through Jesus Christ , to bring about our salvation then our hearts should overflow with love . To be overflowing with love in a biblical sense is always grounded with action. 

Next time when those commercials come on TV , pay attention . Take action and change a life . It has been a wonderful feeling to know not only is the little girl we sponsor  getting fed,educated, but that the gospel is being shared as well . She has been told about Jesus and that is worth a million. 

My Love List

After yesterdays bit of a grumble ,sorry, I thought it would be good to start Monday off on a more upbeat mood . So without further ado , here is a  list of things I love. 

Drum Roll Please ................

1. God -That He created such a amazing universe and His splendor revealed in holy trinity  . I love that the Father sent the Son to die for me . I love the Son that He willingly and perfectly submitted to the will of Father to become my righteousness , I love the Holy Spirit for His work of convicting the world of sin , awakening dead sinners to the glory of salvation and breathing out the words of God through men.

2.The Cross - That old rugged cross that stands with its nail holes and blood stained wood as a message of hope . That on that tree , my Saviour died that I might be forgiven and made new . 

3.The Empty Tomb - The fact is could not contain the Lord of life , proves that His death was not in vain and in His be raised , I'm justified because of it. That my future is not to nothingness or hell , but one of worshiping God forever.

4. The Bible - Open and marvel that in your hands , your eyes are gazing on the very word of God. The one who made the stars,the moon and the earth with all its incredible creatures. He  is the is speaking , listen to it for it testifies of Jesus , the way ,the truth ,the life.

5.The Church - It was blood bought by the Lamb . It is sanctified by Jesus blood and is the place where we get a foretaste of the final days , when all the saints of God will gather round his throne and cry out , Holy,Holy,Holy is the Lord God ,Almighty . It where my brothers and sisters meet to sing,praise and hear the word proclaimed. A place where we may pray for one another,encourage one another , love one another and even, rebuke in  love, so that one might not stray . 

6. My Wife - I have been blessed to have known her for almost 26 years. In that time we have grown in our love and commitment . She has been a encourager , best friend and a hero to me for watching her battle cancer with such grace. Her boldness in the Lord  has been a marvel to see . Plus for all her struggles , she has always been a great mother and wife . Truly God has shown me grace,  when He brought me you . 

7. My Sons - Children are a blessing from God . Having watched them grow into young men,it has been a privilege and honor. They have made me laugh,cry and given me such joy . I'm extremely proud of the men they are becoming and the qualities they are showing as they  enter that next stage. 

8. My Friends -  The ones that I have now , I know that I  can be honest and open with my struggles with sin,my faults . They will hold me accountable in love . They have renewed my faith in having a friend, and I pray that I can be there for them , through whatever trials come their way as well.

9. My Bro/Sis - Blood is thicker than water. We grew up , and yes I as the oldest was an awful tease , but I will always have their backs . We have all stood by each other , both good and bad. Till the end , no matter what.

10. My Mom and Dad - What can I say about my Mom . She has been gone almost 18 years now but her impact on me remains. She was out spoken,witty,smart,wise with counsel( I know I didn't listen well) caring,full of compassion and loved her children well. We indeed had are fights but at the end of the day , her love for me was always there . My Dad , what can I say . He has a exterior of a cowboy but the heart of a lamb. His generosity,love and compassion is something I have rarely witnessed. Plus his ability to suffer with the pain his has daily , he is the toughest man I know.

11. Family - The general family , or the ones that I call family . May not see eye to eye . but let an outsider try to talk trash and we have fighting words . No question. 

12. Music - I love music . It is God's gift to the soul . I love old hymns ,new hymns (the good ones) ,classic rock,some classical ,CCM (Steven Curtis Chapman,MercyMe Third Day etc...) a little country, a little blues . Love to mess around on guitar . 

13. Movies - I love pretty much every genre except for gross out comedies , dumb horror and romantic comedies. A few of my favs are LOTR , Braveheart ,Jaws,True Grit,Tombstone,Planet of the Apes,The Road ,ET,Glory ,The Lion,The Witch and the Wardrobe. 

14. Books - I enjoy reading . I always have . Mostly Theology and history now but a few just for the adventure of reading. Nothing like a great book that gets the brain and heart going.

15. Easter - I love the message of the resurrection. The cross and the empty tomb can bring me to tears . 

and last but not least........

16. Christmas - Growing up I had so many wonderful celebrations and that was before I even understood the message of the incarnation! The smell of the tree, the lights, lit up churches, the carols. The TV specials , Christmas Carol ,Little Drummer Boy ,The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and of course , A Charlie Brown Christmas . The food , the family and the gifts . Finally the  most important thing of all that God sent the Son , humbly,lowly ,to put on flesh and be our Lamb of God . The babe born to die , The cradle to the cross , to the empty tomb. Amazing. God is great indeeD.

It began with God and ends with Him as well . Fitting is it not. 

Sometimes Its Easier Said Than Done

One of the things that I have been trying to hammer into my boys heads as they have grown into young men , get your education . Pursue the things that you really enjoy and work hard to make them a possibility for a vocation.It has had various degrees of success. My heart for them is to find their niche , work hard at it and make an excellent salary.One thing before moving on , yes I want them to know the Lord ,trusting Jesus above all things, for what profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul. Now lets move on.

I didn't fulfill my education possibilities and will  live with that regret probably the rest of my life. Yes ,I have heard every cliched encouragement hallmark card out there. But for the most part of my life , it has been fear that held me back. Strange as that sounds but its true. But at the same time we shouldn't be surprised work will not be totally satisfying .

     [18] thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;
        and you shall eat the plants of the field.
     [19] By the sweat of your face
        you shall eat bread,
    till you return to the ground,
        for out of it you were taken;
    for you are dust,
        and to dust you shall return.”
 (Genesis 3:17-19 ESV)
 
After our first parents rebelled , one of the curses was that man shall not labor harmoniously anymore. We will toil till the day we die . Before the fall labor was enjoyable activity , full of productivity and fulfillment . This curse because of sin shows that the relationship has been fractured. That we now have to toil to feed,cloth and shelter our selves .

But lets be honest as well . Even those who have found the dream job , it will still be tiresome and a burden at times.Without it ,one would starve and be homeless. So even if one has a job they love , it will still not be like the garden . Plus lets face it , as we age what we could do at 20 is not what we can do at 60 . So the fall takes its toll even on your favorite vocation.

Very few end up in the job like this. For who says , when I was a little kid I dreamed about standing in this line ,day in day out doing  the same things , or pouring coffee for very little money , or cleaning toilets and picking up garbage , well you get the picture. Very few rise up in the morning , running out to the car with a song in their heart as they go to work. Even that is a part of the curse , the result of sin and the fallen creation.

But this is even redeemed in Christ . Work is a good thing . It serves your family,your community and the world, but ultimately it is service rendered to the Lord.

    [23] Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
(Colossians 3:23-24 ESV)

In our jobs , no matter what they may be , we are to do it as unto God. He is our ultimate master . Therefore the service we do is in a real way serving Jesus Christ.Bluntly speaking ,  this is a lot easier said than done when you are working at a job that is  not fulfilling your talents or is a toil . Yes it sounds great to go , this service regardless of how mundane serves my neighbor and the Lord , but in the real world often this is a struggle to fulfill. Even if we are redeemed , the old nature still lingers and in this arena for me at least , I truly struggle.

To covet another job or talent is wrong. But who has not caught themselves doing this. In the Lord's eyes all work has value , but in this fallen world it is hard . I have really struggles in this area. When I see a few going to a vocation they enjoy , that gives them pleasure , its hard for me to not get a bit on a pity parade. Then it turns to a deep melancholy , of why did I not pursue certain things in the past. Did I not have the courage or faith? Perhaps both.

In all my years ,only one task that I did ,was a labor of love  . That is it. Every job that I have had was a chore and to be bluntly honest , I hated going to on many days. I would pray that God would give me a bigger picture , but my old nature was at war. Going forward , I can't say what I will be doing will be something that will be something my heart will be into . All I want to do is maximize my earning potential and work for myself . I have had enough of the drama of others in the workforce .

That is why I have been stressing with my boys ,the need to stay in school , pay attention  to what you love and what your strengths are. Find your niche and work hard . Yes it will be toil, and some days will be tough , but if it is something you love and pays well, it is easier to fulfill what the word instructs. You may not agree , and that is your right , but even a  Christian can struggle with working as unto the Lord in the best of jobs , let alone the ones that are the worst.

Why ?

Why do I write this blog? When I first started it was to maintain my sanity . With all that was going on in my life , I needed a outlet . Call that a form of therapy if you will but it did help. 

Now the blog has become a thing that I enjoy. Most of my thoughts are framed by my faith . I want to be honest about my likes,dislikes,my struggles with my sinful nature and ultimately , to glorify God through His Son , Jesus Christ. One of the things that has gotten me in trouble in the past has been my opinions . I admit sometimes my tongue has gotten me in trouble. I have sinned with my mouth. Something I needed to repent of.

That is something that I do not want from this blog . My hope is to write honestly , with enough of me not to be generic and at the same time never be afraid to say something that gets me going. Plus continue to throw in some fun and personal stuff , but not enough to embarrass anyone. Well except for me that is. 

So if you read this blog my hope is you will be informed and keep you reading .

PS. Yes dear , the pics will be updated .......I look much more handsome now !

Sometimes Silence is Best

Sometimes its best not to write or say anything .... that is all I'm going to say.
  
    [11] A fool gives full vent to his spirit
         but a wise man quietly holds it back.
        (Proverbs 29:11 ESV)

We Have the Power .....

Today I was reading in our local flyer paper , well its a advertisement advert more than anything but it does have some columns . Usually it just ends up in the recycle bin. In the brief column about finances I noticed it touched on the Mayan 2012 end times prophecies  and also included the Bible's prediction of the end times as well. It mentioned a little about the economic meltdown and other issues in a very general way . The writer more or less said that these warnings or events happening are wake up calls to amend our ways and take control of our destinies. That we have the power to , more or less advert the end times.

First off tying the wacky new age foolishness of the Mayans with the Bible or just ignorant of the differences in what the end prophecies point to. Second , once again we have the enthronement of man over God concerning the power to do anything. In essence what he was getting at is that it is not God who sets things , who orchestrates all history to fulfill His plan , but man has the ability to go , hey God we have it under control , go back to doing whatever you do .

However what we read in the Bible about the end times is that God will bring history to an end , and those who have repented ,turned to Jesus Christ in faith will enter into eternal rest , enjoying the triune God forever and those who have died in their sins ,the Devil and his demons , into everlasting eternal hell in
judgment.

We have been living in the last days since the Jesus ascended and has taken His place at the right hand of the Father , waiting for all things to be fulfilled when  he will come again . 

    [8] But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
(2 Peter 3:8-10 ESV)

The day has been appointed . It is fixed , nothing we can do will delay it , nor bring it closer . Yes there are signs , and there will continue to be signs but the more important question is ,are you ready to meet your maker? The one who is holy , righteous and perfect . Who hates sinners , which we all are . But now he is patience , extending grace , calling all to repent and believe on the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world .

Should we stop trying to make the world a better place , of course not . For Christians should be reflecting the love of God in this world . But we know one day Jesus is coming , not as a baby but the Lord of glory and nothing , not the government , not the UN , nothing will stop the march towards the end of days . Are you ready?

Off To A Good Start

I can still recall when our first son was born. As  good and concerned parents we wanted to make sure he got fed well and as he grew , we paid attention to every bit of food we gave him. Making sure it had nutritional value of some kind. As he grew , yes we allowed him to have some junk food but we tried to keep a balance.

It is clear what one puts into your body daily can help with energy and just feeling better. That plus a little exercise can go a long way in helping one at the very least , keep your girlish figure (hey mine is long gone) .

That is why it is so vital that when one is born again , they get out of the gate with solid spiritual food. For one of the things that will happen very quickly , after the intense feeling of a "spiritual high" , is the world ,the flesh and the Devil will wish to confound and cripple a new convert. If one is left hanging in the wind and the local church doesn't have good preaching , a solid follow up program then trouble can ensue .

If I was to give advice to a new believer it would be to read your Bible. Find a systematic plan and read he word of God. That goes without saying . Then it is important to understand the faith . To be able to understand the historic Christian faith. Solid works exist but one source is so good it would be the first book I would recommend . That is Knowing God by J.I Packer . It is readable I would say from an age of 14 . It is clear , concise and in depth enough to give any new believer a solid foundation to start with .

The next is a solid daily devotional type of magazine . For that you can get no better than Tabletalk . It is released by R.C Sproul's Ligonier Ministries. It features a topic per month,has amazing scholars ,pastors who write with a passion and heart that all can be fed. It is meat but it is well done , tender to the taste. The devotionals feature a scripture verse ,brief exposition and application . Excellent devotional.

Then a confession of faith . The 2 that come to mind for me are the London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689) and the Westminster Confession of Faith(1646). They lay out in a systematic way doctrines that are vital to grasp if one is to grow.

Last , yes I will say the word history. One needs to grasp how we got where we are. From Jewish history to the New Testament times and to today , history can give so much insight even into what heresies are around us today. Its hard to find it all in one volume but a Study Bible that offers a decent brief overview is the ESV Study Bible. That will wet ones appetite. Then if that gets you going , check out Philip Schaff.

Growing in the faith cannot happen without a solid source to grow from. Just like a baby needs solid nutrition to start their beginning , a christian begins as a babe but needs good food to grow.

    [2] Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
(1 Peter 2:2-3 ESV)

Keith & Kristyn Getty "The Power of the Cross"

Crossing The Line

There are many things I do not get. However this one really perplexes and bothers me . Why do those who have no confession of faith use the cross . You see it on  clothing , on jewelry , tattoo art . You name it , the cross is everywhere . But do they truly understand what they wearing if do not proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.

In the west , the cross is a Christian symbol .  Yes it has ancient history but since the death of Christ , it has become a symbol inherently Christian . As a Christian it is a symbol that signifies a display of the love of God , the wrath of God, the sinfulness of man and the forgiveness , reconciliation that was accomplished by Jesus Christ.

[18] For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
(1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV)

For the believer it is our hope , our redemption. It is the place that our sin was dealt with when Jesus was made to be sin who knew no sin , that we might to saved . It is a place where God showed mercy towards His elect , where divine justice was satisfied by the willing sacrifice of Son . It is a place of redemption,where sinners who repent are reconciled to God.

[19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,    [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
( Colossians 1: 19-20 ESV)

Much more could be said but a Christian can at least understand the of cross as a symbol of our sin but als the  love of God(John 3:16), where our sinfulness was dealt with.

But I will be blunt . If one does not confess Christ ,it is a symbol of execution. A place were criminals were put to death . It was a cruel and painful way to die . One was stripped  usually before crucifixion and flogged . It was a shameful way to die .It was considered so horrible and shameful in the first century that it was not spoken of in polite company.  Displaying a cross you condemn yourself , for we all are guilty of putting Jesus there. For those who do not confess Christ , the cross condemns them , it is a place where the hate against God's Son was brought to bare. In fact they are enemies of the cross. Only when we acknowledge we are guilty of putting Jesus there , that He was taking our rightful place to face the wrath of God , does the cross turn from a place of condemnation to reconciliation. Then we can sing this wonderful the hymn , When I Survey The Wondrous Cross by  Watts,and truly comprehend the depth of the cross.

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
   On which the Prince of glory died,
   My richest gain I count but loss,
   And pour contempt on all my pride.
2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
   Save in the death of Christ my God!
   All the vain things that charm me most,
   I sacrifice them to His blood.
3. See from His head, His hands, His feet,
   Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
   Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
   Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
   That were a present far too small;
   Love so amazing, so divine,
   Demands my soul, my life, my all.

 The only question is what side of the cross are you on. Kneeling in faith and repentance , thanking God for giving His Son , that we might be saved or haters of God , standing condemned before its shadow. There is no middle ground.

Ferrari Times

I have never watched a ton of TV . There are a few shows that I have followed over the years . When I pick a show , then I stick with it till its done. In fact as a man , just to let you know that I'm TV challenged , my wife controls the remote. Right babe .

One show back in the 80's that I tried never to miss , as you probably guessed , was Magnum PI . It had fast cars , great looking scenery , action and its was a guys show with a heart. More than anything what made me love this show was the camaraderie between the male leads. Magnum,TC,Rick and Higgins all had each others backs regardless . Yes they fought and sometimes they failed each other at times but they held each other accountable but showed a heart of forgiveness .

That is what made the show for me. The loyalty,the forgiveness and the guts to stand by each other till the bitter end . That is the way a true friend should be. We have all failed each other at times . That is the nature of being a sinful , broken human being. In fact unless one can forgive , one will rarely have a friend to last very long. Sure you may  have "friends" but none that go very deep .They will be shallow like a rock skimming the waters of a pond.

We should all be that fortunate to have group of friends like Magnum  . We need friends in our life that will walk with us through good times ,bad times ,failed times and successful times . May God lead us to those type of friends.


[24] A man of many companions may come to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
 (Proverbs 18:24 ESV)

Unseen but Mighty

If you are a Baptist of good standing , then you should know of Charles Haddon Spurgeon . The most famous baptist minister the world has ever known. He was born 1834 and died 1892. His influence by way of his sermons and writing still carries weight for those who  call themselves true evangelical believers .

But this is not about him. It is about his wife ,Susanna Spurgeon. A remarkable woman of faith and a true warrior for Christ. Her life was one of much suffering .After the birth of twin boys ,Thomas and Charles , she was very sick and although she would recover , the rest of her life she was often sick or unable to hear her husband preach because of her health. She still was a faithful wife in her encouragement to Charles,instructed the boys well , set up a book fund for poor pastors and by all accounts she was a very faithful  friend of others and served Jesus and the cause of the gospel mightily.

My point is that in her weakness , she was used by God . Irregardless how weak or insignificant we feel  because of health or intellect, in Christ we can be used .

May we realize that God takes the lowly, the unseen and builds a kingdom that the gates of hell will never prevail against .

[30] If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
(2 Corinthians 11:30 ESV)

[9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV)

Worshiping in the Blue

[20] Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped
(Job 1:20 ESV)

Tomorrow is the Lords day and most of us will rise , shower put on our neat cloths , then put on our shiny happy face , sing and clap our hands , nod our heads , exit the door and thank the preacher for his wonderful sermon.

When the world accuses the Church of being full of hypocrites , of putting on false a face , then what I just described is the worse offense. Admitting we are sinners and when we gather on Sunday , to sing the Lord praises ,hear His word preached and receive the Lord's supper ,  we by our gathering acknowledge we are vile,wretched sinners who need a Saviour. Yes we should be being transformed but sin will still persist till we go to be with the Lord.

But what if we were real. What if we are not having a good day , a good week, month or year. If life has thrown you into a furnace you do not know what to do , disease has afflicted you , life has turned hard . Perhaps you are struggling within with doubt,sin etc...

How would we be accepted if we acted like Job . Job had lost everything and what is his attitude, he tore his cloths,shaved his head and he worshiped . He worshiped not in a sing song , pretending its all good , but it was a worship formed in the blues. He worshiped , even amid grief and loss. There was no put on , fake smile ....he cried out to God in truth .

God does  is not want our mask , He knows our hearts . When we do not allow worship in the blues to take place , the we are truly being a hypocrite . One of the problems is modern worship music , it does not allow for a time of reflection , repentance or the blues.

So as you get up this morning if its been a tough day,week or month , do not feel wrong . Cry out to God , run to Christ and be honest . Do not be afraid of worshiping in the blues. God will meet you there.

Something Fun

Its funny how when you are a kid , certain toys stand out and you never forget them. Most times it was Christmas when the bounty would show up. Mom handled all the shopping and she was very in tune to what us kids liked. So we never got something that we went , what is this ? Nope , it was something that we would play with and enjoy .

So the first real toy that I can recall having so much fun with was Billy Blastoff. I was really interested in space , astronauts and the like . I mean I do recall the lunar landing and Neil Armstrongs famous words ," This is one small step for man , One giant leap for mankind".Perhaps I was 5 years old or maybe 6  but opening up that little toy astronaut and its moon rover,lunar module made me happy . It was so cool . It would crawl over books that became moon craters.  Then Billy would fight space monsters and go on new adventures . I was Billy , exploring the uncharted reaches of space.

There were many others as well . From G.I Joe , the classic , plus I even had the talking astronaut G.I Joe . Big Jim and his sports camper ,Six Million Dollar Man , a wild west cowboy set, Karate-Men , similar to Rock em Sock em robots (yes I has them as well) ,Spider-Man ,Battling Tops,Smash Up Derby etc.... You get the picture. My imagination created worlds and adventures without any scripted scenarios. It brings back fun memories and sometimes when I'm having a day , I reflect back to those innocent times. Truly it was a great childhood filled with many wonderful memories .

Now I know why older people look back and if you look really closely , you can see that child flicker in their eyes .

Gandalf's Speech "End"

The White Shore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivKaX_d7NRc


This scene from my most loved movie series of all time , Lord of the Rings , moves me every time I hear the exchange between Gandalf and Pippen. The forces at Minas Tirith have been routed and it seems death is at hand . Pippen is in despair , you can see the fear and the lack of hope in his eyes. But then Gandalf explains to him of the hope of life after death , the white shores and a far green country. I love the way Ian McClellan as Gandalf, conveys with his eyes and look the longing and the hope of a better ending then just death .

One of the reasons Pippen is in such despair is he didn't think his end would come like this. Or maybe its just the specter of death .

We don't know the day , nor would we want to but sometimes it comes clearer for some who have been diagnosed with a terminal disease. They have time to face that dark place.

The scene moves me so much because I can recall praying with my Mom after she was told her cancer had gone terminal. Those nights of prayer as I now reflect back on them ,where a sweet and tender blessing. I spoke of the hope in Christ , of that beautiful dawning of life beyond the grave . A place without pain,suffering. In a way I was her Gandalf reassuring her of heaven , the great white shore  . That one day we would see her again .

Those in who die in Christ are ushered into His presence . Just let it roll over for a second . We will see Jesus face to face. The pain,the struggles with sin , the brokenness of this weary world gone .

But that is only half the picture .

[The New Heaven and the New Earth]
    [21:1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
(Revelation 21:1-4 ESV)

Can we truly fathom this . The triune God , the one who has saved us , will dwell with us and we will worship Him eternally.If that does not excite you, give you peace and hope , then nothing will.

Death comes to all . It is a enemy , but it has been vanquished , it has been broken by the one who went down to the grave only to rise again that our sins might be forgiven.


“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
     [55] “O death, where is your victory?
        O death, where is your sting?”    [56] The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
(1 Corinthians 15:54-55; 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 ESV)

There is indeed a white shore and a far green country for all who are washed by the blood of the lamb . I hope to see you on that shore . Who knows when that time will be . So come to Christ , repent and believe. 

The Big Tape Recorder ......

The mouth gets more people in trouble then fist . Often times the tongue is what escalates something into a physical confrontation.    James 3:6  And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.  James points to the destructive power of this small member of the body . It is so destructive because it speaks out of the heart . It reveals the sinful rot present in ones life.

This played out again very publicly when Mel Gibson , a great actor and director but one who is in deep spiritual mess , was recorded secretly by his mistress or soon to ex-mistress , over what is becoming a dirty custody battle. Needless to say the comments made were full of hate . They were aimed to destroy and harm . Apparently he didn't know he was being taped. If he did I'm sure he would have showed much more restraint .

So as the world hurled judgments against his comments , I was reminded not only how the tongue is as James said ,"a world of unrighteousness." I was also thinking about another tape recorder . That is running 24/7 . It never runs out of batteries ,doesn't record just pieces of conversation but 100% of each and every word and thoughts.

    [36] I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, [37] for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
(Matthew 12:36-37 ESV)

God is watching . He is omniscient,meaning He is everywhere . No place can we go and His presence not be present. For the believer of course the Holy Spirit indwells , thats why it is so grievous to Him when  we sin. But even for the unbeliever, He is present. He was there when Gibson went ballistic and He is there when each one of us said things we should never have uttered. Who among us has not cringed after saying something when we should have held our tongue. We condemn ,curse , gossip,lie,boast,manipulate and tear down .

It should shake us out of our slumber. So what kind of speech are we known for . May be trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to tame our tongues. May we trust in Christ to cleanse our hearts , so it will be reflected in our speech.

    [11] Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
(1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

May our speech mirror this command .  You have hard the old saying  sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me. But that is not true . Words carry weight . They have started revolutions,sparked a reformation and to the glory of God , carry the gospel of Christ to a lost sinner . Words like Gibson's uttered not only hurt the other person but ultimately hurt him as well . They showed a troubled heart . If we show the same, there is only one place to go and that is to our knees and repent . May our cry be with  Isaiah , I'm a man with unclean lips and pray God will clean our hearts , giving us mouths of grace and righteousness that glorify Him .

The Power and Hope of the Gospel

Meant To Be

Long Before You Drew Your First Breath A Dream Was Coming True

God Wanted to Give A Gift To The World  So He Wrapped It Up In You

Every Step That You've Taken  Every Move That You Make   Is Part Of His Plan

You Were Meant To Be Touching    The Lives That You Touch   And Meant To Be Here Making This World So Much MoreThan It Would Be Without You In It

You Were Meant to Be Bringing   The Gifts That You Bring    And Singing The Songs You've Been Given To Sing

You Are Perfectly, Wonderfully,
Beautifully Meant To BeYou Were Meant To Be

This song written by Steven Curtis Chapman shows the healing power of the gospel in a life that was turned on its head . When someone goes through a tragedy like his family did , losing their little girl , it could crush . But in writing this song just a couple of years after , shows the strength of the gospel to bring light from darkness                                                                                                    

[25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, [26] and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” [27] She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” John 11:25-27

This is our hope . Jesus Christ is our redeemer,our life ,our hope and our joy even amid great distress. What a great Saviour we have.

Pragmatic Ethics Slippery Slope

What happens when one doesn't hold that human life is unique . That at the point of conception , the life that is created is 100% percent unlike any other and has eternal value  because  we bear the image of God . That God ordained life to exist , that God created all things . It was not by some random process that just happened over eons of time . A pointless event that ultimately leads to nothingness. But has dignity,value and ultimately is the result of God in His providence willing conception to occur.

If one surrenders that view and sees life  purely an event that just happens randomly then ethics and morality when dealing with a fetus(a baby) become situational. If the willful destruction of the unborn fits the need of the living so be it. If the harvesting of that babies stem cells for a cure , then so be it .

I mean cmon, they don't possess a knowledge of themselves at an early stage . Plus can't you see I have Parkinson's,MS,Diabetes,Lou Gehrig's,Cancer etc... you get the picture. We could cure me . Make me better . So why stand in the way of science because of your religious views. What is the harm ?

I have all the empathy and compassion for those suffering with many of these diseases . God knows I pray for healing both through His hand and the medically gifted He has blessed us with, but at the point it cause another's harm , a sacrifice no different than when the people used to kill babies and virgins to appease their pagan "gods' looking for a blessing , then I have to say no , loudly.

Time and time again we have seen celebrities suffering from some of the diseases I have mentioned ,pleading before congress to allow a more open use of stem cells. But what is sad, they are willing to kill in order for the hope to live.Suffering is never an easy thing , and having ones life drastically altered because of a disease is horrible . But should that give us the right to throw ethics and morality out the window.

The Nazi's began experiments on the mentally retarded and other weaklings of society to try and produce their super man . All in the name of science. Draping it in science makes it sound so right.But they argue , we won't become like them . Really. In countries where euthanasia has been legalized , many are trying to pull the reigns in because it is going well beyond what they intended . Surprise !

The type of thinking of only the  now , shapes this process. If how I live right now is all that I have , then is survival of the fittest baby . Cure me,fix me at any cost . This makes complete sense if this life is all one has. Grab it, hold on to it like Scrooge with his money purse . If one has the means , buy whatever treatments needed regardless of the ethics.

If its a organ you need , find it from some poor soul with no quality of life . If its stem cells you want , get women pregnant and  offer them money to do so , so the harvest will be bigger. Does that sound repugnant? It should but what of it . If there is no God then what the great Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky said is true ," If there is no God, everything is permitted."

But God does exist , we know He exist and one day all will have to give account. As a Christian , I know this life is not all that there is . Plus in no way does God promise a life apart from pain or suffering, because of the fall , sin has marred everything.  But I also know that although this body will decay and die , it has been bought with the blood of Christ. That all who believe in Jesus life , atoning death and resurrection , have been forgiven of sin and will one day be with Him . At the end of the age all things will be made new . No more pain,no disease ,no death, no sin and we will enjoy the Lord and His love forever.

As Paul said in Corinthians  if this life is all we have , pity us . It is full of pain and grief . No one is immune from the poorest of poor to the mighty .But God calls us to faith in Christ . He came,He suffered, He died and rose again that we might have a eternal hope. Possessing that changes everything. It changes how you suffer,how you look at life, how you see the a white shore that will one day embrace you .

The gospel changes things . If we want to protect society from skidding down a slope where abortion is the norm , where pragmatic solutions to solve diseases come with a ethical price and the old and broken became discarded as waste. Preach the truth of God . Every human being is unique . From the point of conception to death . May we embrace that truth .

Beat the Heat

Living  in the valley of NS has upsides and downsides. The one thing I really do not enjoy is the hot humid weather. I enjoy the sun but once it gets above 25 c , with a humidex and we just don't see eye to eye .

Even when I was younger I would have lots of headaches in summer . Not really migraines , but they were intense at times. So now our house is running at any given time 3 air conditioners. Yes they do cost but the comfort they bring and for my wife , who suffers from a seizure disorder triggered by this type of weather , they bring some normalcy.

Reading a piece online today that talked about how to get around using a air conditioner made me chuckle .  All the the suggestions were good , and will help keep the house cooler but in this heat , it would be marginal.Then it had to throw in the whole , do your thing for the environment. Hey I'm all for being a good steward when dealing with the earth ,but if it brings some sense of relief to those who have conditions that can be triggered due to this heat , all I can say is , crank it up .

Bottom line , I find it so annoying when people get on their soapbox about the environment . For many it is a new religion , a new fundamentalism. I love God's creation .  It is wonderful,amazing and needs to be protected and taken care of but at the same time, if having an air conditioner benefits someone from not getting migraines , seizures etc... then all I have to say to those who object , go hug a tree . I'm sure you can find one with your name on it .

Mr and Mrs Jones

You have heard the expression , keeping up with the Joneses. It really is not a new thing because in the ten commandments one of them covers the idea of coveting your neighbors property . We all at times will see someone doing well , buying bigger homes , nicer cars , great vacations etc... and we can become jealous . Granted some have down their time in school that has afforded them these things , but others toil hard , doing a honest days pay but will never see any of these things.

So what happens , credit cards and debt begins to be amassed for things . Be it a big screen TV, car or even a house that one should not have bought . Pushing the paycheck to busting. All for the illusion to make the world (people) ,you are doing great.

If we can trust reports being posted , we are becoming the most debt ridden society of all time. Now purchasing a computer or buying a nice electric guitar , taking a nice vacation are not wrong but if its aways to on credit or just to make a image , its crazy.


[15] As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.
(Ecclesiastes 5:15 ESV)

We accumulate stuff for no real purpose . As Solomon noted , from our mothers womb we came into this world with nothing, and when we enter eternity , we can take nothing with us . Money and possessions define us . Even activities . If I had a quarter for every time someone asked me what are your boys involved in , I would be a rich man. Even that can be a status symbol.

But all these things can be taken away in a heartbeat. It can come from sickness,economic downturn , floods, disasters etc...  and if they are what makes you happy or gives your life meaning , you will be crushed.It also seems within Christian circles in North America at least , our spending habits mirror those of unbelievers . but how does this line up with what Jesus said.


[19] “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
(Matthew 6:19-21 ESV)

Are we seeking God's glory in our daily lives. Are we making Jesus our treasure. Realizing that this earth and life will pass away but the good works done in Christ will have an eternal impact.  Being generous,forgiving,prayerful,sharing the gospel and enjoying Christ. If we are casting off this world and not caring who has what or gets what , then we will be content . The only treasure worth possession is the love of God found in Jesus Christ . That He calls us a son or daughter of the most high , that you know he died for your sins , that your are a new creation and in Him we have eternal life. That is the treasure worth holding for it gives back.

Being released from the rat race is liberating. Sure who doesn't love cool things and God gives us those , but they should not define us ,nor be a end in themselves.

Breaking The Law ....

The other night I decided to read and immerse myself in a fresh look at the 10 commandments. Reading some commentary concerning the application of them , I was left trembling in my boots. The law is used to do 2 things. It is used to show a unbeliever their standing before a holy God and how utterly sinful they are . Then for the believer it is should do 2 things. First it should be a delight , for the law of God is good . We should have a hunger to follow it. Secondly, it is to rebuke and bring a believer  under conviction of sin still lingering in their lives.

One thing I became very aware of , how totally dependent on  the righteousness of Christ.The law cannot save . So as I read the commandments , it was very humbling to admit how weak even as a believer I'm . As I measure myself to the law , it laid bare any thoughts that my own righteousness could save me.

The law should drive us to the cross . It is in Jesus Christ that we have been made righteous . It was his perfect life without sin , fulfilling the whole of the law , dying in my place , taking my punishment , rising again so that I may be justified .
 
The commandments point to that need of the each soul for a Savior . For no one has ever kept them . We are sinners , law breakers . So as I finished reading them and agreeing that they are good , my heart praised God that in Christ , I have kept them all because what I could not do , He has .

So the next time you want to witness to someone , don't say God loves them and has a wonderful plan for their lives . Take them to the law and so them how they actually are before a holy God . They will be no wiggle room for even if they say they haven't committed most of them , let them deal with Jesus telling the people that if you hate you killed your brother or if you have lust you have engaged in adultery of the heart (Matthew 5) .

Then and only then will the gospel make sense to them, because if they are content in their own self righteousness , the cross will make no sense at all .


(Had to have a pic of Heston ;^) )

pi

Sick Voyeurs Are We .....

Back in the days of Rome , bloodsports and feeding the Christians , prisoners to wild beast was entertainment of sorts . The audiences would love to see the blood and lust to watch the spectacle. If you will, it was the their  version of reality TV or UFC or mixed martial arts .

We are obsessed with watching others. Not just watching , we love to see them fall , to witness the self destructive life styles they lead that leads them to fall apart. Most entertainment programs are not about movies or music  but primarily they focus on the dirt , the scandal. The paparazzi are likes hounds after blood .It is a sickening sight to watch .

Christians should have no part in this world of salacious news. To gobble up this diet of gossip and glee over others sins.

    [29] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,
(Romans 1:29 ESV)


Paul lists gossip in a long list of sins that are vile before a holy God . What are we doing when we sit in front of a show that is full of half truths and misinformation .  Gossip is usually always sprinkled with enough to truth to make it palatable .Often times when all sides of a story comes to the forefront , we realize how much innuendo was in the original report.

Then the other side to this strange entanglement is almost a feeling of moral superiority in watching others fall apart. Recently a young actress who has had her share of failures was ordered to be confined to jail for a period of 90 days. Now I'm not trying to say this young women doesn't warrant this time , she did apparently breach her probation but as she wept , I wondered how many looked on with a sense of glee . Taking macabre pleasure in anothers moral failures.

[6:1] Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. [2] Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [3] For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
(Galatians 6:1-3 ESV)

Paul speaking to Christians , exhorts them be  gentle in trying to restore one caught in sin and not to have a smug attitude . The warning could be summed up by saying , there by the grace of God ,go I. But we even see this within the Church . Obviously it must be something we need to be aware of ,or God's word would not have warned us of this.

We take way too much pleasure in watching others fall. As I often watch the vultures gather , I recall how Jesus dealt with the woman caught in adultery . How he masterfully handled her accusers and then with a firm , but gentle heart forgave her and told her to go and sin no more .


May we rethink what we watch and how we react when we hear of those broken by sin . May we pray for them , hoping God in His providence brings a Christian into their  midst and proclaim the meryc and grace of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Boredom , Really ....

You have heard the saying a mind is a horrible thing to waste. But one way the waste the mind is boredom . One thing that amazes me is hearing from my sons friends that they are bored. Bored in a time when they have more gadgets , more things to do then perhaps any generation before it. Then how can they be always saying they are without anything to do ? Perhaps it has to do they have never learned to be still.

From the time they were in diapers they have been hyper stimulated. From Baby Einstein to parents enrolling them into every thing under the son , many kids have never really been free just to say lay down on the cool grass , look into the blue sky and see the clouds become shapes ,turning into tigers,elephants  or wherever your imagination can take you.

According to new research , the brain is being effected by the way we are giving kids information . Unlike in early times when information was given by direct communication and book reading was needed to learn , now so much has been broken down in bits and bytes of quick data . Much of it useless. So with this over stimulated brain , attention spans are shrinking .

Within the Church context with services being geared towards this generation . The music has be upbeat , usually fast and short with little depth , the sermon has been reduced to a sermonette , with pithy sayings rather than solid scriptural exposition. Everything is paced to try to elevate any idea of boredom. 

What will be lost if this generation continues on this pace , I think that will be the lost art of self reflection ,contemplation and the ability to just be still. We are as it has been said , amusing ourselves to death. 

The answer is to catch the bigger picture . When I sit down to open God's word , I have begun to just pause to let the reality that this book is God speaking. To look around  and see the world beyond a TV or handheld device. God's creation is amazing. Boredom is a choice one makes , it is a choice that is sad because there is much to be enjoyed if one uses your God given gift of imagination . 

If Only Your Brain Could Dump Its Cache

One thing you should always do with the computer is dump the cache or purchase a program that wipes the hard drive clean.It will help the computer run better and keep the hard drive from getting clogged up with useless bytes. It can slow it down and even cause it to crash if you happen to get spyware or adware in your hard drive.

Sometimes I wish the brain could be that way . Many times there are images in your mind that can come back to haunt you . Acting almost like a ghost image , a negative and it can get processed by your brain in a flash.

I wasn't raised in a Christian home. It  was loving and giving ,but at the same time ,as I reflect back on it , I can see much sin unrestrained . Now within the framework of the world , my family would have been conservative in general but under the scrutiny of God's word and the law , sin was present and promoted.

The biggest sin as I look back had to do with my exposure to magazines like Playboy and Penthouse . In fact  I was given my first real Playboy when I was 16. Now I will admit , it wasn't the first peek at "girlie" mags . All of my friends Dad's had a stash of some form of girl mags. I was curious , plus I loved the female form . I had no questions about my sexuality period . In fact I could tell you with all honesty I knew I enjoyed the  female form when I was only 5 . Nothing sexual but I thought some girls were cute. 

But now I wish that I could dump my cache . Recent studies indicate that porn is so hard to get out of your mind because it actually imprints a powerful reminder in your brain because of the center of the brain it stimulates . In fact the same portion of the brain that leads to addiction to drugs is the area porn effects.

The issue is not  enjoying sex between a husband and wife . We all know about the Song of Solomon but what about this , “Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”  Proverbs 5:19  God gave sex as a gift , it is not dirty or sinful . Within the marriage bed , couples can have full freedom to explore and enjoy , as long as the intoxication is with each other.  

That is the danger of porn . It embeds in the brain a extra , a image that deceives and leads you away from 

 complete focus on your spouse. If Satan wanted to undermine God's good gift of sex , then porn has been his masterpiece. It cheapens sex , turns both men and women into nothing more than animals with primitive urges that ultimately destroys God's good gift. 

So going back, I wish that I had never looked . I confess openly it is still at times a struggle . In many churches ,it cannot even be talked about . But that too is a great weapon of the enemy . We mask our struggles with sin and porn is a hard one for many to understand . 

The good news is that many are being open about their struggles with this insidious sin that corrupts . Finding hope with confession , repentance, accountability and support . Porn is not a something that is easy to stay away from in todays world. From TV , to movies , internet ,music ... sex is thrust in your face at every turn . What we must do as believers is taking whatever steps needed to  cut off any source that could lead to a fall.  As Jesus said pluck out your eye ,cut off your hand if it leads you to sin. In other words , do whatever it takes put to death the sin that entangles you.