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.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
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.
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!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
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.
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.
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.
Friday, June 1, 2007
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.
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.
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