True Colors

We are at the end of Autumn in our region, a season of beauty that too quickly fades into the chilly deadness of winter. Each season has its highlights of splendor, but Autumn has a special attraction in that it displays a final burst of glory preceding a long sleep, only to awaken into the new morning of spring.

I am blessed to live in a mountainous area with so many varieties of trees, each having a leaf that turns a unique, brilliant color that blends so well with that of its neighbor. Before this seasonal show begins, the hills and mountains are carpeted with various shades of green, looking luxurious against the blue sky.

While being pleasant to the eye, the leaves are hard at work, making food for the tree. Through the process of photosynthesis the leaf gets its green color from chlorophyll. As the chlorophyll is depleted, the original colors underneath are more noticeable.

Lives are like leaves. People are initially received based upon their appearance, mannerisms and behavior. Over time, and under stress, their true colors will surface. The character reveals what the heart has hidden.
Like chlorophyll, there are times when our surface should mask what’s going on inside. The Bible says to clean yourself up, comb your hair and don’t grimace when you are fasting, because the fasting is personal between you and God. It also says that you are to consider others ahead of yourself. This means not burdening them with your problems, unless they are willing and able to listen sincerely and give good counsel.

Unlike leaves, however, most times our true colors aren’t beautiful. Stress can bring to the surface what is building up inside, be it hurt or anger, sadness or depression. Sometimes we feel proud or vindicated when we read someone a certain way, then their true colors reveal that we were right. The better way would be to love the person, even though our suspicions were justly founded. To be sure, suspicions are better left unsaid to start with.

God knows our makeup. He also knows our cover-ups. And his love for us is unchanging. His photosynthesis is the working of his Spirit. Jesus came to us in order to confirm God’s feelings for his creation, especially for those who are made in his image. God wants our true colors to be that which reflects his image, the image of a loving spirit. For this we were created.

I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly --- my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

Ecclesiastes 2:3

Life is what happens between the bookends of birth and death. Infants constantly seek attention because they are limited in ways in which to communicate their needs; they are also absorbed in the concept of focusing --- on anything.

We regard the activities of children as “playing”, when they are actually mimicking life. Everything they say or do stems from their years of observation. This gives serious consideration as to how we should behave in front of them.

The elderly spend a great amount of time reflecting on their past. They will either dwell on it, with many regrets, or smile over it, with fond memories. They also tend to give more attention to the possibility of an afterlife.

What we all seem to have difficulty with is focusing on the present. We brood over the past, due to our own mistakes, or hang onto feelings of how we were misunderstood or mistreated. On the other hand, we’re always looking ahead. To the weekend, a new job, an upcoming event, an end to a difficult task, or relief from a sickness.

We stumble through the drudgeries of the day, and in so doing, we overlook the abundant blessings that are before us. We miss opportunities to care for those around us. Sometimes the task at hand is to care for others, but we do it with resentment, because we don’t feel appreciated.

So we try to offset dull or difficult or meaningless experiences with periods of pleasure or entertainment. We look forward to them with anticipation, but often find afterward that they didn’t completely satisfy. And we are constantly seeking something better, going to the next level. This involves futile attempts at self-contentment, and can be costly.

It is acceptable to think of, and make plans for, the future. It is expected that we are to look back with fond memories, or to learn from our mistakes. But what if we were to focus on the next thing --- no matter how trivial?

Has it occurred to you how special and significant routine things are? Like tying your shoe. Or cooking from a recipe. Or mowing the grass. An Alzheimer’s patient has lost that ability. Like watching a sunrise. Or hearing birds sing. Blind or deaf people miss out on certain pleasures.

Some people only have a few days on this earth. Others have many, which, when looking back, seem like only a few. We can’t ponder and pine over wasted days gone by. Nor can we throw away today in anticipation of tomorrow. We must make the most of each day --- using all of our senses to appreciate this thing called life.

We are to also be ever conscious about those we come into contact with each day. How do they feel? What can we do for them? Do they need a listening ear, or a hug, or a piece of sound advice? Ask questions. Really listen to the answers. Ask more questions. Show that you care. Live.

A Life Lived

“In this ‘season of calm weather,’ when the past has receded so far that he can behold it as in a picture, and his share in it as the history of a man who had lived and would soon die; when he can confess his faults without the bitterness of shame, both because he is humble, and because the faults themselves have dropped from him; when his good deeds look poverty-stricken in his eyes, and he would no more claim consideration for them than expect knighthood because he is no thief; when he cares little for his reputation, but much for his character --- little for what has gone beyond his control, but endlessly much for what yet remains in his will to determine; then I think, a man may do well to write his own life.”

George MacDonald, from Wilfrid Cumbermede

How many of us ever take the time to reflect on our lives and give serious thought as to its purpose? Even those who are regular churchgoers confirm to themselves each Sunday that they are to “do God’s work,” only to slip back into the same routine throughout the week --- eat, sleep, go to the job, pay the bills, raise the kids, do the laundry, mow the grass and fill the voids with some form of entertainment (TV, movies, sports, etc.).

You might be surprised to find that doing those very things is God’s work. He made us for the purpose of living. However, while in the course of living, we will make mistakes, and we will do some good. When we fail, we are to be assured that God forgives every repentant heart, with the sole purpose of correcting the character and building up the child. When we do good, it should not be so sporadic that even we are surprised that we’ve done it, or that we need to be recognized for doing it.

The difference is not so much in what people do, but how they do it. We often fail to understand that God doesn’t want us to do religious things in order to be close to him. He wants us to do the same things, but in a very different way. What sets us apart from the so-called rat race is how we address ordinary things, how our focus is directed to a life of obedience. How do we do that?

First, we know that we get some level of personal pleasure when we accomplish something, do a job right, or just simply enjoy our relaxation. The problem is that we put ourselves in the center of these activities. I did it. I want it. I deserve it. The lasting pleasure, however, lies in the interaction with others --- seeing them succeed, overcome and be refreshed. But that is so unlike what our society teaches us.

Also, we must be ever conscious of God’s presence in all that we do. We have this crazy idea that he’s not concerned with everything that we do, that there are things that we can keep from him. He’s seen it all, sees it all, and understands completely the joys and frustrations that we encounter daily. He’s ready to heal us and fill us with his love --- even after he’s called us on the carpet for bad behavior.

Finally, we are to be fully persuaded that God is love, a consuming fire that purges all of the bad from his created ones. We are made in his image, which means that we too must love, not because we have to, but because we can do no other. We are to set no goals for straightening out our lives; we are to look no further than today, this moment, then the next, and the next, until we lose ourselves in the wondrous events that we call life. Not routine. Not just getting by. But proceeding with purpose, not building for the few paltry years that we expect to have on this earth; instead moving steadily forward in that life eternal, growing to be one with our heavenly Father, looking beyond to the greater journey, with his only son, Jesus Christ, as our guide.

Ode To $$$

If I should be quite honest here, I must put forth my reasons
For viewing money and it’s woes, it surely has it’s seasons
To buy or sell
I cannot tell
Denying would be treason

I know what having much feels like, I was an only child
Extra gifts, and food, and snacks --- my life was far from mild
My Mom, my Dad
Gave all they had
My world they had defiled

I married well --- or so I thought --- the dowry I could not measure
But little did I know back then what I had gained in treasure
My love, my life
I’d found a wife
Who is my greatest pleasure

Some times were hard, with lack of funds, we struggled some, I feel
Searching for coins in our little car was really no big deal
If you could see
Me, you’d agree
I never missed a meal

At other times the pay was good, the job was going well
Expenses offset income, though, my treasures rose and fell
To buy some pills
To pay some bills
No future I could tell

But then I came to realize that life is more than money
Although I work, the Lord provides my needed bread and honey
Not in the wild
I am his child
No matter rain or sunny

I live and play, and work for pay, but life is sweeter now
I’ve learned to give him every day, and humbly before him bow
Times can be tough
But God’s enough
My love to him I vow

The greatest gift I have received has come down from above
Through all my struggles I believe I understand his love
To live for others
My sisters and brothers
Be harmless as a dove

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
APOSTLE PAUL (Philippians 4:12)

Another Church Sign: NO ONE IS BEYOND THE REACH OF GOD’S LOVE

How true. But as I drove past that particular church, and knowing something of the doctrine of that particular denomination, I could only shake my head and say, “But they don’t really believe it.”

How could I possibly make that claim? Because their reference to “no one” is, at best, limited, and, at worst, conditional. No one applies only to those who are living in this world. Does God still love any who have rejected him? Sure, they say; God will continue to love them, up until they draw their last breath. But, what happens when they die with rejection still on their lips and unbelief still in their hearts?

The church with the loving sign would say that without Christ, all will be condemned to an eternity in Hell. Does God still love them?

In George MacDonald’s novel, Robert Falconer, the young Robert puts the same question to several that cross his path: “What if a devil were to repent, would the Lord receive him back?” Each reply to him was a total rejection of the idea, and he was given a stern admonishment not to challenge the justice of God.

But the question remains --- is the church sign correct? Does God’s love truly reach to everyone, or does his justice cause him to withdraw that love at some point in time? Is God’s love limited to this life only, or is it a universal love that moves beyond our world and draws all of his creation to himself, in the span of however long it takes to accomplish it?

What about the sins we commit? The unloving, selfish lifestyle? Can God love, does God love the one who does not believe the atonement, who does not apply the blood of Christ to their utterly sinful condition?

The church sign is 100% correct. God’s love MUST reach to everyone because God IS love; he can do no less. He loves through forgiveness. He loves through discipline. He loves no matter what is thrown in the path of redemption, be it devils or our own stubbornness.

The very essence of God is LOVE. It is hard-wired into each of us. Our free will allows us to feel our way through this life, and some, many pick up a lot of garbage along the way, making it difficult to get any real answers and being unable to see God as he really is. But he still loves us. He has the perfect plan in order to make our free will yield to his will in the end. We are his children.

It Is No Secret --- THE SECRET

A secret is something that you generally keep to yourself --- or maybe tell one or two friends or family. Rhonda Byrne's Secret, however, as told through her book, movie and website, is really no secret at all, but yet another self-help tool. The alleged quote from circus magnate, P. T. Barnum, “There's a sucker born every minute,” quickly comes to mind.

No, I didn't buy the book; I got it at the library. Nor did I pay for membership on the web site. Information from the book wasn't incentive enough to make me desire more. I read it simply for the same reason that many others would --- was it yet another twist on that age-old search for the meaning of life?

While the cover design was inviting, and the format was in small bites, making it an easy read, the content was a disappointing remake of Norman Vincent Peale's The Power of Positive Thinking, first published in 1952. In fact, you could go to any two pages in the book and get the exact content of the entire book.

Just for the record, a positive attitude is not a bad thing. It keeps you healthy, focused and determined. It also has a positive influence on those around you. But to say that all the powers of the universe are magnetically ordered to keep you healthy, wealthy and wise is pretty much out there. It means that all bad things happen to losers, and I just don't buy it.

So why did I even pick it up? Don't I already have a palatable belief structure that gives me enough answers to get me through life? Or am I still unsatisfied and continuing to search? I think that what we believe should always be open to testing, comparing and challenging. If what we hold true remains true, our faith will grow stronger. It we remain open to adjustments to what we hold to be true, we are better for it.

This is all the work of the Spirit of God. We are, and have always been, his children. He is always at work in us, though we may not always see it. But for a great many it is a secret that they have yet to discover. It lies buried under years of tradition, as well as cumbersome layers of religious dogma. The really good news is that the love of God will withstand the tests of time, will survive when all else fails and will provide much-needed answers to age old questions.

Feel free to share this secret with anyone.

Atheism --- Can You Believe It?

atheism -noun 1. the doctrine or belief that there is no God. (dictionary.com)

Did you catch that? Taking a position that there is no God is in itself a doctrine and requires belief. How cool is that! It allows for the fact that you can't be sure, so you must believe such --- just like the rest of us.

Not many people go through life without questioning their existence, as well as their mortality. A recent AARP poll noted that the older folks get, the more they begin to believe in God and the afterlife. Those who make it to their twilight years and face death's door often see it as fish-or-cut-bait time; invariably, they will go with some type of religion in order to hedge their bets.

Have we ever seen God? Not really. Some have claimed it, but their testimonies are unverifiable. Few of us have seen the burning bush or heard the voice of thunder often attributed to God. So how do we hear about him? Most heard from their parents when they were children, then were introduced to the Bible and preachers at some point in time. But all of this boils down to people who wrote the Bible and other people who interpreted it.

Scientists start with theories, then proceed to assemble facts and conduct experiments in order to test the theories in a controlled environment. Since God can't be poked and prodded, and since evidences of intelligent design fall short of locating the Designer, they must keep God at arm's length. Some Christian scientists make grand assumptions to prove God's existence, but the truth is that they must build on a premise of faith.

G. K. Chesterton said that "if there were no God, then there would be no Atheists." I believe that all human beings have deep within them the light of their creator. Cannot God operate only through the forces of nature and within our hearts? Must he conform to our requisites in order to prove his existence? God = Hope. How futile our lives would be if this is all there is --- birth, work, play, sickness, death!

Sadly, many choose to not believe in God because of the unacceptable image that is put before them. The God of the Muslim, who tells them to terrorize and destroy. The God of the Jew, who pre-selected one people, then punished them repeatedly for their disobedience. Or the God of the Christian Right, who encourages them to advance the Kingdom by force, take over governments, impose the Gospel, and convince the world that most of them will burn eternally in a fiery hell.

We are God's light. We are the true hope. God is love. We must love. Therein is proof enough. Truth and love will prevail with or without our help. Dante said, "The worst moment for the atheist is when he is really thankful and has nobody to thank."

Thank you, Lord.

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Romans 8:16

A co-worker has recently celebrated the birth of her second child. This news prompted lunch conversation about raising children, how one child is going through the "terrible two's" and another constantly makes embarrasing comments in public. A devout relative of mine has been known to remark, upon hearing of a new birth, "There's another little sinner, come into the world," with no ill intended.

I have both participated in and observed the raising of children, and I am now experiencing the joys of grandparenthood. I have learned a lot, reflecting on my shortcomings as a parent, and trying different approaches as a grandparent. As often as we regard children as special gifts, how often do we proceed to treat them as merely attachments?

In our busy lives, replete with complicated adult relationships, career challenges and abundant choices of multimedia entertainment, we tend to forget the God-given mandate of nurturing our children. Whether we realize it or not, God is always at work raising us. He runs an entire universe, and yet is always keeping an eye on us.

Children "act up" because they are needing attention. Sometimes direct attention with interaction; other times just being in the room, but letting the child know that you care about being with them. They are the primary assignment for any parent, an assignment that should be taken seriously, yet addressed with joy.

Many parents wonder why, when they continually spank them, their son or daughter goes right back to the bad behavior. Because, as painful as it is, receiving the spanking is at least a form of much-needed attention. Even abused children will fight being taken out of the home, because there is a level of security, albeit strained, that only requires their trust. How sad to not be able to see the precious life put into your hands!

When we fail as parents, we're the ones behaving badly. And God will not take us to the woodshed, but will instead use other methods (time out is his favorite) to make us into loving, obedient children. We would do well to observe and do likewise.

What To Write?

Writer's block. You sit at the keyboard, and nothing of significance comes into your mind. I've read that some of the best writers get it. But am I really a writer? I want to be. And I am writing. But I'm not published --- except for this blog --- and another one (Steve's Journey). I don't get paid for it. So why do I write?

I enjoy writing, and I have recently realized that I should have been writing years ago. I started this blog in December of 2006, and my goal at that time was to put into print the new philosophy that I'm embracing, along with drawing attention to the teachings of the Scottish theologian, George MacDonald.

I believe that this is the real good news (gospel), and that I am meant to testify to it. But it feels like I have covered just about everything in it. Further writing about it would just be a rehash of the same information. It always annoyed me when I would read non-fiction books, that start off with attention-getting information, powerful thoughts, then the other three-fourths of the book would be padded with restatements of the same thing.

Maybe I'm being too hard on myself. Or maybe I should write about other things. But Last Penny was designed with the idea that God is at work --- always at work --- in the lives of everyone that he has created. That he will not rest until all are redeemed, all are reconciled, and all have become obedient, loving children.

Beyond the message, all of the rest is just life. It's what we are meant to do --- live. Things that don't seem to be spiritual are indeed spiritual because we are to be about the work of life, and our work glorifies the Father. Anything less is spiritual weakening and requires special care. We were also put here to provide that care, to encourage one another, to show love. This too is from the Father.

Hey, look --- I'm writing!

Love and Death make us all children --- Can old age be an evil thing, which does the same?

George MacDonald

Childhood is among the most precious gifts that God has given us. It is a period of trust, a time of experiencing and exploring new things, and a sense of security without even realizing it. In Western society the children grow up too quickly. With constant exposure to television and adult drama played out in the home, children begin to imitate, to mimic adult behavior, whether it be good or bad.

Before long the child begins to desire those privileges and responsibilities that only an adult can "enjoy." Oh, to remain a child for a bit longer! One of the most amazing abilities of the human mind is to remain young and healthy while abiding in frail or broken bodies. While asleep, the crippled dream of walking, the blind dream of seeing, and the elderly dream of bygone days of youth.

Trust is a key quality in childhood. Love is not complete until trust is initiated. Death is embraced when we trust that more life follows. Jesus said in John 21:18, "when you are old ... someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." Ironically, the aged are forced to trust for their survival --- something that came naturally to them as a child.

God wants us all to be childlike without being childish. He desires to relate to us on our level, just as an adult gets down on the floor with the youngster, the difference being that God will begin to remove the spiritual toys that harm, the ugliness that separates and the pride that feeds bad behavior.

Love has no motive, but to trust, yield and embrace. Death has no hold; it is but a door that opens for us to take our first steps into the new life. Aging is the culmination of years of learning through failure, increasing in knowledge and gaining the wisdom needed to become the perfect child of a perfect Father.

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130

As true as these words are, it is easy to misunderstand the meaning. What are the words of God? Most people that you ask would quickly point you to the Bible. This collection of writings, spanning better than 3,000 years, is the accepted standard of man's relationship with his Creator.

It is not only the centerpiece for all of Christianity, it is touted as the only Word of God for most of Christendom. Like the Bible Belt comment for the Authorized King James Version ("If it was good enough for the Apostle Paul, it's good enough for me!"), we make the assumption that men have always had it, and that God directed the writing and compilation of it.

However, since Paul didn't have the King James --- he didn't even have a Bible ---and the psalmist only had the law, what could the verse above mean? It certainly could refer to a better understanding of the law, but it seems to intimate a more personal direction from the Almighty.

God speaks to us in many ways. I love the Bible. It is a wonderful representation of God's interaction with his created. It depicts both the strengths and weaknesses of the human race. It also boldy displays the dirty laundry of even God's chosen. The words found in the scriptures could well have been directed or inspired, but most certainly would have passed through human hands and be subject to various interpretations.

A friend of mine loves to walk, and he says that God speaks to him through creation --- that at times he is overwhelmed with the beauty and drama found in nature. I can understand and relate to that. I believe that God also speaks through a friend, a mate, a family pet or a baby's cry. Finally, there is the still, small voice within each of us, the connection that bears his image.

We must empty ourselves in order to receive his word. We must also eagerly seek his light in a darkened world. Isaiah 55:11 says that his word will never return to him empty, but will accomplish his purposes. We can stand on his word.

SIGN IN A MALL: I want to ice fish . . . as soon as I'm done beating cancer.

The phrase accompanies a picture of an elderly man, wearing a fur cap, holding up a fish. The purpose of the ad is to promote a local cancer center at the hospital.

I look at it and wonder if the old man is still alive. Did he beat the cancer? Or was he just a model, posing for the photo shoot, having nothing more than a few arthritic aches and pains? Patient or model, from age alone, are in the twilight years of their lives, disease being the main indicator of how many days they have left.

Cancer is from a Latin word for "crab." The Greek physicians likened the crab's appearance to a tumor with swollen veins. The astrological sign Cancer seems to also take its cue from the crab, meaning hard or tough, like the crab's shell, indicating a personality that was determined or resolute.

We usually see cancer as all bad news, a destroying of life. And life is what we're here for. Unlike other diseases that can strike quickly and hasten death, cancer can develop unseen for long periods, then proceed to kill with great suffering beforehand.

I don't totally grasp why God allows diseases. Perhaps to see how we will deal with them. But why innocent children? Maybe to see how we will accept, or handle, their suffering and possible death. Still, it seems cruel. So we're faced many times over with the age-old question: Does he exist? If he does, then why allow disease, hatred and all other forms of evil that we encounter or observe?

For myself, I can only respond with the realization that I must trust him. Millions of souls enter and leave this world every year. My life is important to me, but I'm just a drop in a very large ocean. How can one life have any significance? That's where trust and hope come in.

I will hope in a creator, because I believe (another good word) that I see his work around me. I seem to hear his voice within me. I don't have to sort out the difficulties of this world. I only have to trust. Just as a child must trust, and the parent seeks wisdom in order to provide nurturing --- the great earthly pattern of a heavenly design.

The Apostle Paul writes, "If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." (I Corinthians 15:19). We weren't created just to limp through life, or to hang on for the next one. We are to live it, day by day, moment by moment. This is God's glory. Do your work, raise your family, take a hike, love your neighbor, ice fish ...

Eternity is where life goes on when this fragile shell wears out. God has set his Spirit in the hearts of men. Listen and live.

SEEN ON A CHURCH SIGN: THE DEVIL LIKES TO FISH IN TROUBLED WATERS

I'm still pondering over how much Satan (or his minions) is directly involved in our lives. Just as I feel that the hand of God is on me most days, there are those few days that it seems that an evil force is at work. What is more obvious to me is how the current condition of my heart influences the work of good or evil in my being.

In Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13) we see the seed (gospel/good news) being spread, and various types of soil or terrain receiving it. The results are little produce, struggling plants or a thriving crop. Jesus explains later that the outcome is predicated on the condition of the ground (heart) when the seed (word) is spread.

The analogy of troubled waters is similar in that it is difficult to stir up calm waters unless there is a turbulence already at work, even if just below the surface. God and Satan both rely upon us to contribute to our own spiritual growth or death. The devil can't make me do it, and Christ reminds us that we are yoked together with him --- that is, he won't carry the load alone.

So what will I do about this struggle for my soul? I will guard my heart. I will ask for wisdom (James 1:5). I will resist Satan. And, overall, I will make every effort to love. I can do no other if I want to survive.

If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
John 14:23

What a wonderful teaching! What an amazing arrangement! We simply do what he tells us, and we have complete fellowship with the God of the universe. The teacher is Jesus. His teacher is God. We are the student-children that he has created.

As I see it, there are at least two areas of teaching that we should address. One is the instruction that we receive from the Bible. While the teachings of Christ in the Gospels are of primary importance, we must also glean spiritual truths from both the Old Testament writings, as well as the New Testament letters. Even though much of scripture is clouded by human manipulation, we can still dig out gems of truth from the human experience.

Secondly, we must listen to the voice within us --- and follow. God begins with the simple instructions, like "sweep the floor" or "give a hug." As we become more comfortable with these brief commands, he adds greater truths and broader revelations. Jesus said, "To him who has, will be given more."

As easy as it sounds, it is certainly not free from obstacles. Like our pride. Or our enemy, the Devil. We may often be swallowed in confusion, rather than clear direction. When this comes, and it will, we must do as Peter did, who wanted to walk on water, but began to sink. We must not take our eyes off of Jesus. Instead, we should reach out, and take his hand.

Listen to his voice. Do what he says. Experience the joy of obedience. Only then can we be at home with the Father.

If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:31, 32

How many who declare themselves as followers of Christ really follow him? How well do I follow him? It is not enough to merely know about him; we must know him. Even in our daily lives, when we want to get to know someone, we must spend time with them, question them and allow them to enter into our space.

Whether we choose to accept it or not, we all have a tendency to follow someone. This is because we are influenced by their words and lives. That's not necessarily a bad thing if the one being followed is an example of the truth. The Apostle Paul challenges us to imitate him because of his way of life in Christ. Jesus tells us to follow him so that we can learn about his Father and our Father.

A clear warning exists to not blindly follow someone who maintains a "truth" that is unverifiable or makes no sense. Depending on the character of the person, we may trust what they say about themselves. But we must weigh carefully what they say about heavenly matters. They may also interpret the Bible in a way that doesn't quite track with common sense. Especially beware of new "revelations."

Jesus' teaching was clear and concise. It was the perfect guidebook for living this life. When we accept and follow this truth, then we are free to share what is in our hearts. He gave his life to get this message to us. We must devote ours to pass the message on.

For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.
Matthew 16:27

I'm not so sure any more when this event will happen. It sounds like an official closing out of history, with Jesus sorting everything out and judging those of us who are still standing on That Day.

I'm less concerned about the when and where as I am about the what. What kind of reward will it be? What do I have to do to get one? What happens to me if I don't merit a reward? Why are most Christians down on works, when this certainly seems like the basis on which we get the rewards?

What I can get from the verse, however, is that he wants us to be found doing good. His Spirit (Christ/God) within us reminds us daily what is good and what we can personally do about it. This is called obedience. God doesn't want a disobedient child. Nor does he want an apathetic child. He wants an active child, who goes about doing his Father's business.

It seems to me that the active Christian life consists of three things. First, we must have an open line to God. Along with brief "Thank You's" and "Help Me's" throughout the day, we should consciously plan a quiet time to be with Him and to share whatever is laid upon our heart. If there is nothing to share, then we should just listen. His Spirit will pray for us.

Secondly, we should obey. God is constantly telling us what we should embrace and what we should avoid. We must always be aware that Pride is the greatest enemy of perfect obedience.

Overall, we must love. We are to look upon creation as He sees it. What he has made is very good, even though it is often tainted with evil. He plans the redemption of everything. We must help Him in this work. That's what obedient children do.

But he [Christ] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9

The Apostle Paul was referring to his thorn in the flesh, yet not identifying just what it was. It seemed to be some physical or mental deficiency that annoyed him. Having asked God to remove it on three occasions, he was now ready not only to accept it, but to embrace it. However, in the same passage he reports that someone (very likely himself) received a great revelation and was caught up to paradise.

Strength in weakness is a paradox in which one must be accepted in order to gain the other. The natural tendency, though, is to regard weakness as a negative. We're taught that only the strong survive, only the aggressive make it in this world, and "do unto others before they do it unto you."

To be sure, who would naturally welcome insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, as listed in verse 10? If we are truly honest, we must admit that weakness is the natural condition for insecurity, sadness, depression and a troubled spirit. So what does the verse mean?

It may very well be a dramatic antithesis for pride, which boasts of strength, accomplishments, beauty and position in life. It's less of wallowing in weakness, but rather recognizing that our focus is directed to the One who gives us strength. We must realize that all that we have can be taken away from us at any moment. We see it every day. Life itself is fleeting. My 60-year-old body can hardly keep up with my 20-year-old mind.

If we are founded in the fact that God is our strength, then we understand that any supposed weakness, by the world's standards, is used by Him to sanctify us. It is also used to draw our attention to Him and to keep our pride at bay. Our lives consist of constant reassessments of who we are and why we are here. As our relationship with our Creator grows deeper, we are less likely to dwell on the meaning of life. We simply live it. His grace is sufficient.

ANOTHER BOOK TITLE: Fasting Made Easy

Yep. There it was, in the inspirational book rack. Again, no time to thumb through it, but immediately my mind began to wonder. If it was easy, wouldn't it quickly lose its purpose? Isn't the reason for fasting that it is a concentrated time period in which we give up food to focus on something, someone --- our lives, God? Wouldn't making it easy diminish its effect, undermine its purpose?

Now, I weigh 300+ pounds, so there are many that would recommend that I begin fasting --- and soon! I believe that's called dieting, and even that makes me shudder, although I realize that addressing eating habits and exercise is in order.

Fasting is built into our lifestyle. For most of us, once in each 24-hour period we fast, after which we break the fast with a simple meal called breakfast. Many who undergo medical procedures are often required to fast, to some degree, by restraining from eating (or drinking) so many hours before the test.

The book, however, was written by a doctor, who I assume to be a professed Christian (because it was on the inspirational book rack), and who has attempted to address the Biblical directive of fasting, yet somehow taking the edge off of the unpleasantness of it. Again I ask, is fasting supposed to be easy?

I must admit, I struggle with the whole idea of religious fasting. It was a regular part of the life of the Old Testament Jew, and Jesus gave instructions to not look like we're fasting when we do, because it draws attention to ourselves. But for me it seems that going without food voluntarily would only put you in a position of focused thinking --- about the food, not God. I can understand the urge to pray if you are truly starving and without food. And I know that eating too much, or too much of a certain thing, can make you sleepy and unable to pray. I just don't see how going for many hours, with stomach growling, when you know that satisfying it is a quick fix --- how your spiritual being is heightened or enlightened.

Still, I don't recall ever actually trying it. Maybe I should. Right after dinner.

QUOTE FROM A PHYSICIST:
With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion.
Steven Weinberg

How many times have we heard unbelievers reject Christianity because there were "too many hypocrites in the church?" And the standard response has been that, regardless of the behavior of Christians, our decision determines where we spend eternity --- point and counterpoint. I've yet to hear anyone acknowledge the fact that hypocrisy is a serious issue in the church.

Rather than keeping a salvation tally sheet (13 Heaven - 42 Hell), shouldn't we who claim Christ begin to examine our own behavior 24/7? A professor friend of mine said that, over the years, many of his students would come back to class from their part-time jobs as waiters and report that "Christians" were among the worst patrons.

They would ceremoniously pray over their meals, then proceed to be demanding, arrogant, loud, abrasive, rude --- and lousy tippers!

In the parable of the sheep and goats, Jesus tells about judgement day, where the criterion was not whether your halo was on straight, but rather how you treated those around you. Not your church attendance record, your faithfulness to the choir, your passing out of tracts (witnessing?) or your prayer journal. How did you care for those you encounter every day --- family, friends, so-called friends, strangers, enemies?

Are we really who we claim to be? Hypocrisy means that we deceive others by our demeanor, when our actions speak otherwise. What truly sets us apart from the world is not our Get-Out-Of-Hell-Free card, but rather our persona of peace and compassion that emanates from a truly changed heart.

Our example is Jesus Christ, who demonstrated a genuine love for everyone, but a general distrust for the religious right, who didn't love everyone. His relationship to his heavenly Father was the pattern for our relationship with the same Father. And both of them saw the future flower bursting forth from the worst of weeds.

The Apostle James writes that true religion is "to look after orphans and widows in their distress." Accordingly, the whole of religion centers around marriage and family --- the core relationships that set us apart from the lower creation. The church has the mandate to heal person-to-person problems --- not to become part of the problem. You can't throw programs at ugliness. You must meet it, individually, with love and understanding.

I believe that good and evil will not coexist forever. Evil will certainly remain strong during my lifetime and many generations to come. But God's love is stronger. He is not willing that any shall perish, the Bible says. We must not give up on loving. We must be determined to give religion a new name. We must show the world that we are becoming like the one who taught us to love. Only then will the word hypocrisy be moved to the archaism section of the dictionary.

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Sounds too easy. And too good to be true. But I believe it with all my heart. God has given us everything we need to sustain life --- all without us asking for it. Wisdom, on the other hand, requires a genuine relationship with him.

How do you know when you lack wisdom? That's easy. Because you act stupid. The signs are all there. You make mistakes. You react badly. You say and do things that you regret. Those around you can't understand you, or don't like you. You feel depressed, or angry, or sad or afraid. It affects not only your outlook on life; it also hinders relationships.

Wisdom is more than just head smarts. More than having all the answers to all the questions. Wisdom is a process of understanding the questioner, as well as the question. Lord Tennyson said, "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."

King Solomon was offered whatever his heart desired, but he prayed for wisdom rather than wealth or power. As a result he got it all --- in abundance. His prayer was answered, but toward the end of his life it appeared that wisdom had eluded him. He compromised his faith in the One who had given him wisdom in the beginning. His life became meaningless.

So we can ask for it freely, with no strings attached. What we do with it is another matter. And it's not a one-time grand prize. We will likely have to ask for it over and over. Because our pride and selfishness will hinder its effective use. We sometimes have to exhaust other attempts at life in order to recognize the wisdom given us. "Wisdom is what's left after we've run out of personal opinions," remarks American salesman Cullen Hightower. Now, I don't have a heart toward salesmen of any kind, but that's a great reflection.

God has given us the freedom to choose. As the verse says, he's always ready to smarten us up whenever we have exhausted our own pitiful resources. His love is like that. He is the Ultimate Father. His children will eventually arise and go to him. I have wonderful daughters and grandsons. May I have the wisdom to enlarge their understanding of life and love.

Happy Fathers Day.

QUOTE FROM A NEWSPAPER (RELIGION SECTION):
William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, took to the streets of London preaching to the drunks, prostitutes and downtrodden that Jesus Christ was their only hope to escape from the grip of sin. Now, 142 years later, people still are downtrodden and in the grip of sin.

When I read this quote, another quote came to mind, that of Charles Dickens: "The more things change, the more they stay the same." Many years before and after Mr. Booth's experience Christianity has been packaged and re-packaged, only to find the harvest still ripe and the world still hungering for truth.

Billy Graham was recently honored with the opening of a grand library in his name. In his "acceptance" speech, he remarked that it's "not about the building." And it wasn't. It was about him, God's Evangelist. I must admit that among the many notable advocates of the faith, Mr. Graham stands out as the symbol of Christian purity, humility and dedication. He spent over 60 years leading people "to Christ." But the weeds seem to be thriving right along with the wheat, and the wheat is looking less genuine.

Many who are called Christian often behave in a non-Christian manner. Truly devout Chrisitans tend to be judgemental and unapproachable. Others lead lives that indicate, aside from regular church attendance, that they are really no different than their unsaved brethren. Like the bumper sticker says: Christians aren't perfect --- just forgiven.

William Booth's "good news" (gospel) also has remained unchanged over the years. It is founded on the statement that everyone deserves to die and burn forever because they have rejected God. Even those who follow "God" are rejected if they deny Christ, his son. Booth's premise that only Christ can bring folks out of the grip of sin is right on. But it is only a small part of a cumbersome formula (plan of salvation), when it really should be foremost.

God would have us be perfect. He will not give us a pass, no matter how many times we recite the Sinner's Prayer. The perfection process spans eternity and is necessary to make us good and obedient children. The perfect plan of salvation is the following of his own perfect and obedient son, Jesus. Jesus communicated the love of the Father, as well as the will of the Father. And Jesus, knowing our weaknesses and desires, accepts nothing less than our complete reconciliation with our Creator. He gave his life to that end.

QUOTE FROM A NOVEL:
My conviction is, that, near or far off, in ourselves, or in our ancestors --- say Adam and Eve, for comprehension's sake --- all our ailments have a moral cause. I think that if we were all good, disease would, in the course of generations, disappear utterly from the face of the earth.

What a remarkable concept! I had read this story several times and obviously overlooked this gem. All of Christianity is pretty much in agreement that disease and death were a result of the "fall" in the Garden of Eden. But what if Adam and Eve weren't kicked out of the garden because they had sinned, but rather because they continued to sin? And this started the pattern of sinning that they passed on to future generations.

Disease, then, is directly connected to practiced sin --- whether outward or hidden. Does that mean that a person's sickness is an indicator of personal sin? The greater the sickness, the more sin present? I don't believe that it works like that, but even the medical community has proven a strong correlation between a patient's attitude and their recovery process.

Jesus speaks of our actions being the result of what is in our hearts. In John 9, when encountering a blind man, his disciples asked him who had sinned, causing the man to be blind --- the man or his parents? Jesus replied that neither were responsible for his condition. I've always been somewhat troubled by the interpretation that the man was born blind so that many years later Jesus could heal him.

However, if I look at it more closely, I see that disease, in general, reigns, just as sin flourishes in the world. Jesus could have easily healed everyone, so why didn't he? Because the good news is that healing will come when our hearts are healed. Physician, heal yourself! (Luke 4:23)

We must stop looking for the feel-good, showmanship healing miracles that are so widely touted. The real healing is within us --- the special gift that God bestowed. When we truly become good and obedient children, sin will begin to wither and die. Evil will have no place to take root and cannot survive. Amazing!

Romans 8:38, 39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
Neither angels nor demons,
Neither the present nor the future,
Nor any powers,
Neither height nor depth,
Nor anything else in all creation,
Will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Apostle Paul seems to go to great lengths in order to assure us that God's love is greater than anything that would attempt to keep us away from him. It's a wonderful verse, and I believe it with all my heart. But most "Christians" don't.

What can separate us from God's love? Can hell? Are those that are in hell now on the outside of God's love? How can he still love them and burn them forever? Or does the verse only apply to Christians --- those who "accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior?" What about John 3:16? Does he truly love the world but with strings attached?

Or what about 2 Corinthians 5:19, where God is reconciling the world to himself in Christ? Is the Lord of the Universe not capable of meaning world when he says world?

Suppose our children were apathetic, mean, disobedient, unbearable or outright evil --- would they ever stop being our children? Never! If we stop loving them, shame on us. Would we not do anything in our power to bring them back to us of their own free will? If we can even imagine it, why can't God do it? Of course he can. He wrote the book.

John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Jesus told his disciples that they would be going through rough times. They would be tried and persecuted. Following him would cost them their lives. He also promised them a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who would guide and teach them. The Spirit would take them through the persecution, and their amazing peace would draw many to Christ.

At any point in time, somewhere throughout the world, someone is experiencing the same severe treatment and facing the same death as the disciples. But the great majority of us Christians will face nothing more than personal rejection by friends and family for our faith. Yet we struggle with having real peace.

We're burdened by judgemental behavior; we give it and receive it. We're weighted down by the cares of making a living, losing a loved one or fighting an illness. For many the only persecution they experience comes from within the church. Doctrinal challenges from all sides keep us from enjoying the peace of Christ.

While we're not likely to be nailed to a cross or tossed to the lions, we are assured the same peace that was offered to Peter, James and John. The same Spirit walks with us that accompanied them in the Promised Land. Jesus said in Matthew 6, "Each day has enough trouble of its own."

How did Jesus overcome the world? By showing us that his Father --- our Father --- cares for us deeply, has given us everything beautiful and wants us to give him the glory --- and let it show. Jesus overcame the world by showing that life does not end with death. That life is, just as God said that his name was I AM. And Jesus gave a little demonstration to prove it, by hanging around for a while following his own "death."

For this we can take heart. We have a peace that passes all understanding. And the world is watching us.

BOOK TITLE: Lord, Teach Me To Pray In 28 Days

You've seen them. The colorful designs and snappy titles on the inspirational book rack as you move through the store. The offer of blessings and help with every area of your life. Specific formulas on how to manipulate the Kingdom of Heaven to give you maximum benefit.

I like to browse, but I didn't have the time to check this one out. The title, however, set off some rapid-fire questions in my mind. Why would we put a time restriction on God? The title itself was an imperative, demanding something from the Almighty. (Perhaps adding the word "please" would have given it a touch of humility.) Do we really need a formula for praying?

I myself have struggled with the concept of prayer over the years. I was taught from childhood to recite the Lord's Prayer, found in the New Testament. As I grew I learned that you should hear prayer requests, keep a prayer list and produce a prayer journal that logs prayers, asked and answered.

I have a relative who maintains that if we are to dress and act a certain way before "kings and potentates", then why not more so before the Maker of the Universe? Now, I don't normally hang around kings and those other guys, but I'm with my heavenly Father every day. And a while back I was fairly certain that I heard him say, "Can we talk?"

He told me that because he was intimately aware of every detail of my life, then I should be more conscious of his presence as often as possible, and that, over time, I would begin to feel his presence more --- by just talking to him. This includes thinking to him.

In Deueronomy 6:7 the writer encourages us to make God's commands the centerpiece of our lives. "Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you are walking along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Despite what others may think, I don't believe he was referring to Bible memorization. Commandments are God's words. And we need a constant flow of his words into and through our lives. We must keep an open line to the Heavenly Call Center.

I started by admitting to him that I had difficulty praying. I proceeded to sharing the most intimate details of my shortcomings, my frustrations about my own life, as well as struggles in relationships with others around me. I began to realize that the conversation was flowing. That I seemed to be hearing responses, even while I was speaking (or thinking).

Let me assure you that I am no Prayer Warrior (whatever that is). But I think that I am beginning to understand this personal Creator-to-Creation bond. While he is much greater than any earthly "king or potentate", he is still my father, who loves me dearly, and wants me to desire his presence daily.

Talk to him. Tell him about your joys, your frustrations, your failures, your confusion --- even about how he does things. Ask him for what you want, and don't worry about asking for the wrong thing. Along with your request, admit to him that you don't know what you need. Don't pick a time to pray. Pray all of the time that you are conscious of his presence. Don't make a list. Don't develop a sermon or flowery prayer. Just pray.

You know that he already knows what you are going to pray (or think), and he already knows what you need (and want). So why pray? Because dialogue is crucial to your relationship with him. It will ease your troubles, encourage your walk and bring you peace.

Wings

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.
Isaiah 40:31

The babies are gone. Over a couple of days we watched, with anticipation, from our bedroom window as each fledgling house finch climbed up to the edge of the nest, shook its wings, looked around precariously, then retreated back to safety, preferring to fly another day. We saw the mother land an inch or two further each feeding time in order to coax the four young ones to venture from their secure environment. Then father and mother would land on an adjoining hanging plant, trading chirps with the next recruit, as if to say, "Come on. You can do it!" We didn't have the same patience as the parent birds, however, because we never got to see even one of them actually leave the nest. In an instant they had taken wing.

In a few short weeks, we observed the miracle of nature --- making a home, giving birth, feeding, nurturing and maturing --- a miniature panorama of life. This was a story complete with caring and interaction (One day the father bird nudged the mother along an electric wire, saying, "Get down there. They're getting too close to the nest."). It was a tale of danger. We have several neighborhood cats who circled and lay in wait for days, and we intervened to ensure that they weren't successful in their hunt. Even on launch day the ground must have looked as if it was miles below, rather than only a few feet from nest to porch.

Life lessons come in many forms, and this was one of many that present themselves to us on a daily basis. The Bible says that if God cares for the single sparrow that falls to the ground, how much more he cares for us, the ones made in his image. We start life being extremely needy. If we're not careful or obedient, we move from being needy to being greedy. We have a tendency to want to stay in the comfort and safety of the nest, expecting life to be delivered to us. But God wants us to venture forth and experience life, with all of its peril and excitement.

Later on in the day we saw above us what appeared to be sky training. The recently promoted chick would flap its wings furiously in order to stay aloft, while parent would row and glide gently across the heavens. There was much more to learn --- where to find food and water, how to avoid harm and how to prepare the next generation of birdness. All of this unfolded with apparent perfection. And we look on with wonder, then give thanks and praise to our God.

Memories Of Mother

I can always remember Mother's Day because it falls on the first Sunday following my mother's birthday of May 11. Before her death in 1991 I remembered her birthday only in relationship to Mother's Day, which, sadly, was sometimes too late. I've written in this blog about my relationship with my Dad. Now it's Mom's turn.

When my mother died, I bawled like it was the end of the world. When my father died, I only experienced a brief weeping at the news. Yet the mother-son experience was far from perfect. Perhaps the only way to explain it is that, after she's gone, you suddenly realize, "I've lost my Momma!." In spite of all of our rough periods, she was still the person (next to my wife) who stood by me, loved me unconditionally, and was proud of anything that I had accomplished.

However, her history was shrouded in mystery --- including the begetting of me. As her medical condition worsened, I was made recipient to some soul-cleansing confessions, even though some of the facts didn't quite add up after further investigation. Why do people keep so much anger, hurt or shame pent up for so many years? I assured her on more than one occasion that there was nothing she could say to me that would lessen my love for her.

Still, she was my Mom. No matter how far away I lived, she would make contact with me on a regular basis. I could call her anytime, day or night, to share good news, bad news, joys or sorrows. I miss her.

As I look back, I see that much of our relationship was surface, similar to how my Dad and I related to one another. Countless games of Canasta were the backdrop for what conversations we had. (She trounced me soundly the night before she died.) Upon further reflection, I now realize that any meaningful talk was about me or my family. That is to say, I was foolishly focused on myself, rather than getting to know who she really was and developing a true dialogue with her.

My mother had difficulty in showing love and affection. Her best effort was to provide material things for me (She worked most of her life.), and, being an only child, I was more than ready to accept that arrangement. However, deep inside I needed more. While it was not an excuse for my lack of outward love for my own children, it does provide an explanation. We have the responsibility as adults to stop the cycle --- to form a bond with children and grandchildren, a bond that will affect generations to come.

My wife and I are watching with enjoyment the activity of new birth and growth of some house finches, whose nest is located precariously in a hanging spider plant on our front porch. Both mother and father bird are actively involved in caring for the young ones. God has designed in some species of nature a pattern that we "higher creatures" should take lessons from.

Caring for one another is paramount in our existence on this spinning ball and is an intricate part of a journey that extends far beyond our fleeting breath called life. God is both father and mother, the perfect parent. He birthed us, nurtured us and prepared a place for us. He sent his firstborn to teach us about himself.

We would do well to observe the lives of those close to us, then address our own lives in relation to theirs. This experience must begin at home, if it is to ever truly work with others. Also, don't be discouraged if the results are not quite what you expect. God is constantly working in all of his children, in areas that we often do not know about. I am responsible for me.

For many years after my marriage, my mother kept a room prepared for me, I guess in case the marriage didn't work out. But both my mother and my God had to eventually kick me out of the nest, so that I might spread my wings and learn to fly.

STEVE

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

Those well-known words were uttered by one Rodney King in 1991, following horrific riots, which themselves were prompted by the acquittal of the police officers who brutally subdued him after a traffic violation. The anger of the black community was fueled by the fact that the incident was caught on videotape. Mr. King, who was awarded a large sum of money in a subsequent civil suit, proved by multiple arrests before and after the incident that he himself was unable to "get along."

Yet, the words are profound and still stand. Because it's what God wants. It's what we were created for. The concept goes beyond mere tolerance of one another.

So, why can't we get along? The reasons are wide and varied. Racial and religious tensions are probably at the top, with political disagreements close behind. The root cause is simply bad behavior, which itself is based on pride, selfishness, frustration and anger. Overcoming those negatives takes work, and many simply don't have the determination to do it. So we can add apathy and laziness to the equation.

This post is too small to address the overall unrest in the world, so let's focus on religion. History has proven that some religions are tolerant, while others amass followers and resources with the purpose of eliminating or suppressing all who oppose them. Even within modern day Christianity there are countless denominations that are founded simply on tradition or various interpretations of the Bible --- even versions or translations of it. Individual groups will split over church policy or a division in leadership.

Why can't pure, accepting love be set as the cornerstone of every doctrine? The kind of love that says separation is not an option. The kind of system that says if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who was love incarnate, then we would be amazed to see over time how close we are to coming together over individual beliefs. That we are trusting the Father of lights to secure that unity that bonds us as true brothers and sisters. It has to happen some day; why not start now?

While this may seem Utopian and unachievable on the whole, it can most surely begin with one individual. Nine years before his tragic death in 1980 John Lennon wrote and recorded a song called Imagine. Many of the lyrics prompted outrage from the Christian community (Imagine there's no heaven ... no hell beneath ... no religion too), but they reflected an honest response to many "faiths" that were failing to bind a wounded world.

Peace, reconciliation and "living as one" are most assuredly the goals of the Father of all. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Too lofty a goal? I don't think so. Give peace a chance.

STEVE

The Business of Minding

"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
I Corinthians 2:16

Viruses of all sorts can be annoying. When what seems like a short-term bacterial infection doesn't go away, it can turn out to be a virus. It's a nasty bug that hangs on forever and must finish its course until the body's natural immune system gets rid of it.

A computer virus is equally annoying. I write from recent experience. What was particularly frustrating was that I was paying for a service that provided firewalls and security devices to protect from just such an invasion. In the process of getting my computer functional again, I had to wipe my hard drive --- that is, erase all of my files and reinstall the basic operating system. If you don't have a backup of your files, then you have lost everything. I did recently back up my files, but, thankfully, most of my thoughts and scribblings are safe on the worldwide web (?).

I've read that our minds are like super-powerful computers. That we record and catalog virtually everything over the course of our lives. Every thought, printed word, spoken word, sound, image and smell. I believe it because some of the oddest rememberings from my distant past can pop into my active thinking at any time.

The good memories are a blessing to relive. The bad ones? Well, you just wish they would go away. They can consist of hurt or ugliness that you have received or witnessed, or they can be reminders of ugly things that you have said or done. I believe that our mind is the seat of our soul and is the area in which God and his enemies do battle.

Sometimes we wish that he would just wipe the hard drive of our mind and reinstall his own operating system. Many faiths teach just that. When you "accept Christ," you are changed forever. But it would be difficult to find anyone who has miraculously shed all bad memories or temptations to behave badly.

Sanctification, however, is a process in which our minds are renewed over a period of time, in order to achieve a common goal --- that we emerge as pure, lovely children of the Father. The Bible confirms that God is abounding in forgiveness, but yet lets no sin go unpunished. He's not so much concerned with what we did, but rather what we are doing, and what we are going to do. A real problem that we Christians wrestle with is that we dwell in the shame of past sins/failures that have already been forgiven!

God wants us to accept his forgiveness and move on, looking ahead to the goodness that his son, Jesus, has taught us and is willing to help us to achieve. We have also been taught that good deeds are bad because they are "works." Rubbish! The Apostle Paul told King Agrippa that his message to the people was that they were to "repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds."

Paul also gave a wonderful formula for renewing our minds, in that we should, over time, replace the bad thoughts with good ones. In Philippians 4:8 he writes, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable --- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy --- think about such things."

I'm thinking, Lord.

STEVE

Through A Glass Darkly

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
I Corinthians 13:12

My wife and I have just returned from a trip to Florida. It was not a vacation, but was more like a short-term mission trip. Our mission was to care for her 91-year-old father, who is in the final stages of Alzheimer's. We endured a week of tiring 14-hour days, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Her mother (who has congestive heart failure) and her sister --- along with others --- are attempting to care for him in the home as long as they can. It is a daunting task because he is still ambulatory, and you never know what he's going to get into. My wife accurately described him as having the characteristics of a toddler, with one exception: a real toddler can be trained.

It was truly a moving experience to see someone who was for many years a self-made man, fastidiously pious and full of pride, now reduced to a disobedient child in Depends.

This condition is far worse than standard dementia because it goes well beyond forgetting who someone is, or remembering a particular date, to the state of adversely affecting the motor skills and rote daily activity. He could perfectly tie his shoes one minute, then take a bite off of a bar of soap and eat it in the next.

I believe that God uses this condition, along with others, to bring us through this journey of life. As to why certain people have to go into this tunnel, I don't have a clue. I did observe, however, that the old characteristics of this man went into the darkness with him. Wanting to do things himself. Ready to fight you. Singing his praises of his accomplishments. These are the things that he must wrestle over with his heavenly Father even before he proceeds through the door of death.

It is surely a wake-up call to those of us who are still in our right minds. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to be obedient in the love for others that God intended for us. This disease not only has a profound impact on the patient, but on the caregivers as well. We are here for each other. Jesus said, "Whatever you have done for the least of these, you have done for me."

We left her parents' house feeling a bit helpless --- realizing that we had represented but a small drop in a very large pond. We felt empathy for those whom we had left behind to care for this man.

I must also share the experience we had in meeting a real angel. His name is Frank. He is Puerto Rican. He lives across the street from my father-in-law. A while back he offered his services because he saw the signs. Frank is experienced in working with Alzheimers patients. He's sixty-five. Every morning he comes over and cares for Louis. He shaves and bathes him meticulously. And he has a sweet spirit. He genuinely loves all of the patients he cares for, no matter how they behave to him. He arrives and leaves with a beautiful smile on his face. And this for a man who, in his right mind, wouldn't normally have given Frank the time of day.

In the New Testament James tells us that true religion is caring for widows and orphans. This disease has already made a widow of sorts of my mother-in-law. And Louis is surely feeling alone in the darkness of his own personal hell. God is truly at work in his children.
STEVE

Resting In Peace (No, Not Death)

Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
JOHN 11:28-30

If you're over forty, you have probably met (or will meet) today someone who will indicate to you that they are tired; and you will relate to them. Unfortunately, many of the people you meet will be under forty. Researchers have concluded that the source of this tiredness is either from disease, sickness, poor diet, obesity or weariness from living in an unstable world.

I've been spending some rough nights, with difficulty breathing and chest congestion, from seasonal allergies (and probably working in a doctor's office). But my spirit seems to feel quite chipper, thank you. And I think that that is the medicine (along with lots of vitamin C) that will render my condition manageable. Studies have also determined that a good attitude makes for a speedy recovery.

What about those spirits that are sick? Those mental conditions that convey sadness, misery, loneliness, anger, frustration and depression? To be sure, we all suffer from each of those from time to time, but many seem to live with them. Why do some shake them off, while others trudge along, carrying them on their backs?

I honestly don't know, but I am firmly convinced that God is not only constantly aware of them, but he is in the mix. You see, I believe that everything has a purpose. A great many Christians believe that God set things in motion and then stepped back to watch the outcome. Others think that he only intervenes on occasion, especially at the time we are to "accept Christ." Then we're left to ourselves to "work out" our salvation.

I'm convinced in my heart that he is intimately aware of (and concerned about) our daily doings as his very own dear children. We are often told to shake off our negative emotions, and sometimes that works --- only to have them sneak right back in --- or even to return with a vengeance.

That's why God has coupled us with his son, Jesus. Because Jesus has been there/done that, felt our emotions --- and still remained an obedient, peaceful and loving son. Many carry their crosses as they carry their Bibles, more as a badge of honor, with a woe-is-me attitude, when all the time Jesus assures us that the yoke is easy, the burden is light.

Now, we cannot help at times passing through the valley of despair. My wife and I have a running argument as to how much Satan is involved in the mind games. She thinks I give him way too much credit. She may be right. We definitely do not want to make him our excuse for behaving badly.

Three things jump out at me in the quoted verse. One is that we are to learn from Jesus. How? By reading what he said (the Gospels) and by listening to his Spirit (the voice inside). We must also concentrate on gentleness. In my frustrating workday, I may snap at someone without thinking. In my passion for discussing heartfelt spiritual issues, I may come across as overpowering or abrasive. In short, I must remain calm and collected as I deal with these challenges.

Finally, I must show humility. This is the most difficult because, as I have written before, if you are consciously aware that you are humble, then you are not humble. The key to this quality may also be the gentleness. It is a form of waiting on God, testing the spirits and being willing to learn and to accept your own shortcomings, with a firm determination to constantly do better.

The image of the yoke is powerful. Two beings bound together to perform a task that one could not manage alone. We know that Jesus could pull the whole load himself, but he won't do that. He will not walk off and leave us. We must step out with him in order to proceed on our journey.

What does this say? We're never alone. We always have an advocate to the Father for us. We always have a companion to share our burden. Walk with him. Work with him. It will be a wonderful experience. One that will bring joy.
STEVE

Hope For Eternity

Who doesn't want to live forever? How about people whose lives are messed up, who suffer from debilitating diseases or who have lost a life partner? Others, who have every need met, who are the picture of health and are surrounded by loving friends and family don't want life to end.

But time runs out. Or life is cut short. We must all one day face the Grim Reaper. So we shift our focus to life after life. Will there be one? Will it be better than this one? Do I have to sit on a cloud, playing a harp forever? How long is forever?

The concept of eternity has been debated for ages, from Aristotle to Augustine. Most theories involve God (or a god, or gods), existing outside of time and space as we know it. The philosophers attempt different methods of inductive reasoning and metaphysical understanding. It can become quite brain-numbing, like the following:

Time must be eternal because to refer to a time "before" time began implies that there was time before time, making the concept self-contradictory.

Huh? It makes my head hurt to read some of this stuff. I'm still amazed at how they can put me out, perform five hours of surgery, wake me up, and I have absolutely no concept of the time having passed.

Christians and scientists agree on at least one thing --- that our universe had a start. Christians say that God created it. NASA says that it exploded into being 13.7 billion years ago. (Only scientists can add a .7 to an already unbelievable number!)

We have no remembrance of anything prior to our own birth (actually later than that), and we don't have a clue as to what really happens after death. So it seems our real focus is the here and now, with a positive outlook on the hereafter. The Bible says that God has "set eternity in the hearts of men." (Eccl. 3:11).

I'm also amazed at the similarities between us humans and the animal kingdom (mammals, that is) --- with one difference. I look at my dog. He has similar body parts. Eats, drinks, sleeps, just like me. But he doesn't worry. He doesn't plot. He is always ready to greet me joyfully after five minutes, or five days. I can ascribe human emotions to him because they look similar to my own. But upon careful study, I soon learn that his "emotions" are from instinct. He doesn't hold grudges or pit me against my wife. He will sit loyally at my feet, but won't have a dialogue with me. He looks like he's thinking, but we won't be having a discussion about life. In short, his only goal is to be a dog, for this day, for this moment.

I'm beginning to realize that God wants me to be his son, for this day, for this moment. My dog was created to honor his creator by his very existence. So am I --- with one exception. I have been given a higher intelligence, one in which I can embrace or reject my creator. And my relationship to him will be bound eternally to my relationship with other humans (and how I treat my pets).

I must live for the moment, doing the things that God wants me to do, no matter how trivial they may seem to me. Like many others, I live for the weekend. Time with my wife, grown children and grandchildren. Time to unwind. I've got to change that. While those moments are precious, I must realize that every moment is precious. Appreciating life in intricate detail.

Jesus said in a prayer to his Father, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." (John 17:3) Notice, he didn't say anything about length of time. That matters not to God. When you're right with him, time becomes unnecessary.

Like the billboard says: GET RIGHT WITH GOD
STEVE

George MacDonald from "Unspoken Sermons"

I believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, my elder brother, my lord and master.

I believe that he has a right to my absolute obedience whenever I know or shall come to know his will; that to obey him is to ascend to the highest point of my being; that not to obey him would be to deny him.

I believe that he died that I might die like him --- die to any ruling power in me but the will of God --- live ready to be nailed to the cross as he was, if God wills it.

I believe that he is my Savior from myself, and from all that comes of loving myself, from all that God does not love, and would not have me love --- from all that is not worth loving; that he died that the justice, the mercy of God, might have its way with me, making me just as God is just, merciful as he is merciful, perfect as my father in heaven is perfect.

I believe and pray that he will give whatever punishment needed to set me right, or to keep me from going wrong.

I believe that he died to deliver me from all meanness, all pretending, all falseness, all unfairness, all self-pity, all cowardice, all fear, all anxiety, all forms of self-love, all trust or hope in possessions; making me joyful as a child, the child of our father in heaven, loving nothing but what is lovely, desiring nothing that I should be ashamed to let the universe of God see me desire.

I believe that God is just like Jesus, only greater yet, because Jesus said so.

I believe that God is absolutely, grandly beautiful, even as the highest soul of man counts beauty, but infinitely more beautiful than that soul's highest idea --- with the beauty that creates beauty, not merely shows it, or itself exists as beautiful.

I believe that God has always done, is always doing his best for everyone; that no one is miserable because God is forgetting them; that he is not a God to crouch before, but our father, to whom the child-heart cries with joy, "Do with me as you will."

I believe that there is nothing good for me or for anyone but God, and more and more of God, and that only through knowing Christ can we come near to him.

I believe that no one is ever condemned for any sin except one --- that he or she will not leave their sins and come out of them, and be the child of him who is their father.

I believe that justice and mercy are simply one and the same thing; without justice to the full there can be no mercy, and without mercy to the full there can be no justice; that the mercy of God is such that he will hold his children in the consuming fire of his distance until they pay the last penny, until they drop the purse of selfishness with all the trash in it, and rush home to the Father and the Son, and with the many brothers and sisters rush inside the center of his life-giving fire whose outer circles burn.

I believe that no hell will be lacking which would help the just mercy of God to redeem his children.

I believe that to those who obey, and thus open the doors of their hearts to receive the eternal gift, God gives the spirit of his son, the spirit of himself, to be in them, and lead them to the understanding of all truth; that the true disciple may thus always know what he or she ought to do, though not necessarily what another ought to do; and that same spirit of the Father and the Son will enlighten by teaching righteousness.

I believe that no teacher should strive to make others think as he thinks, but to lead them to the living Truth, to the Master himself, from whom alone they can learn anything, who will make them in themselves know what is true by the very seeing of it.

I believe that the inspiration of the Almighty alone gives understanding.

I believe that to be a disciple of Christ is the ultimate goal of being; that to persuade others to be his disciples is the ultimate goal of teaching.

Amen. I believe also.
STEVE

Lead, Follow or Get Out Of The Way

I used to think that there were two kinds of people in the world --- those who were Christian and those who were not. The Jews called anyone who weren't Jews Gentiles. Some may even classify humanity as those who have religion and those who don't.

I'm at the end of the project that I started on December 29, 2006, in which I commented on George MacDonald's "statement of faith" as it relates to my own life. The entire list of beliefs that I referenced will be collected in my next blog for preservation, since I will be removing them from the left-hand margin.

I make no apology for the fact that I have been inspired by his many teachings through his novels, sermons and poetry. He has brought into my life a refreshing approach to knowing God as who he really is, and seeing for the first time the purpose of Jesus the Christ in bringing the Good News from his heavenly Father.

What I see as the spiritual world order is quite simple. First, there is God --- one God --- no matter what name you might give him. There is also Jesus, God's son. He has always been in existence as far back as the beginning of our world --- probably even farther. God has always interacted with his creation throughout our history through prophets, signs and wonders. Even with all of that we seemed to constantly get it wrong. We particularly misunderstood his character as our father, as well as his desired relationship with us.

So he sent Jesus somewhere between B.C. and A.D our time, to teach us about his Father and to show us how to live with our brothers and sisters, and how we are to receive spiritual guidance. All of this is the good news (gospel).

Now, I realize that there are many religions in the world, many of which either don't know Christ, or, from their limited view of him, don't believe in him. No matter. If we are to leave this earthly vessel without getting it sorted out, we will have plenty of time to sort it out later. We are on a journey. The first part of our journey ends upon our death in this life. Death is but a door that we step through into a broader sensual experience --- an existence that will focus on our spiritual development, without the hindrance of physical woes.

I believe that all human creatures must go through the Son (Jesus) to reach the Father (God). The Biblical account in the Gospels reflects the earthly teaching by Jesus of heavenly things. We have enough information now to greatly enhance our journey. If we refuse to learn, or if some don't even have exposure to the truth, then Jesus will be waiting on the other side to resume (or begin) his teaching.

Here's the kicker. I could be wrong in all of this. If there is no God, then I have lived a life of joy and peace. However, I firmly believe that if there be a God, he will NOT burn me in Hell forever for getting my facts wrong. I desire to know his will --- in this life and the next. I trust in his love, rest in his care and hope for his sure guidance. He is my Father.
STEVE