- or - Does Hell Ever Freeze Over?
Hell must be real because it gets so much attention in most dictionaries and encyclopedias. That's like saying, "It must be true. I read it on the internet!" So is it true? Is it a place, or is it a condition? Can we experience it in this life, or could it be awaiting us after death?
One thing consistent is that it seems to originate with God. We read about it in the Bible, mostly in the New Testament. But even there we find no complete thoughts that carefully explain its origin or purpose. We have enough, though, for preachers to use to instill fear into us and compel us to "accept Jesus" as our personal Savior. Beyond that it has become a household word to identify any unpleasant condition (this job has been hell), vain threat (there will be hell to pay) or idle curse (you go to hell!).
Let's break it down. If it is a place, who owns it? God? He owns everything, right? Satan (the Devil, Lucifer)? Or does he just run it? Some teach that the Bible says he will end up there forever. If he runs it, isn't he already there? If God owns it, does he have a purpose for it? Surely he couldn't have created it as an everlasting place of torment for feeble humans who have a limited lifespan of sinning. It doesn't appear that the punishment fits the crime. Or even worse --- an everlasting place of torment for simply not making a decision for Christ. I don't know of a single person that specifically rejects Christ because they want to take the dare or because they don't like God. They are simply confused, have doubts or are turned away by the hypocrisy of those who claim Christ. For this they should burn without end?
I am more inclined to see it as a condition, simply because we are able to experience it in this life. I honestly don't know whether, or how much, it involves heat, pain or outer darkness. I feel certain, though, that it has a purpose --- a purpose only known by God. If it is a place, he intends to ultimately close it down. Perpetual infliction of pain on his children whom he has created could never bring him glory. Redemption of them would.
If it is a state of being (i.e., torment of mind), then it is a perfecting process that brings us to a point in which we cry out with Christ, "My God, why have you forsaken me?" Refinement requires an often unpleasant method in which impurities are removed, leaving only the pure. As imperfect children of a perfect heavenly Father, we must do away with that which brings us down and keeps us from his loving arms. We cannot do it alone, and he will not abandon us. He will pursue our perfection even beyond the grave. That causes hope to surge in me whenever I fail --- which is often.
God is armed with Hell, and he's not afraid to use it.
STEVE
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Going The Distance Without God
Tennessee Ernie Ford used to insert quotations between his songs on at least one of his gospel albums. One I remembered, and have often quoted, is, "If God seems far away, who do you think moved?" The premise is that God, being ever faithful, immovable, is always near us, and that if we don't feel him, then we have moved away, presumably by our lack of faith and obedience. It made a lot of sense to me. It doesn't any more.
The lack of closeness is real enough, but I truly believe that it is God who has moved away from us. Why? Because of his discipline. He will never completely abandon us, but will leave us nonetheless for as long as it takes for us to realize our need for him. As parents we have difficulty being around bad behavior. We're particularly concerned when the bad behavior is in our own children.
When children misbehave there are several ways in which parents address the problem. One is not "sparing the rod." Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who spares the rod hates his son ... " The idea is that a truly caring parent will use harsh means (paddle, hickory switch, etc.) to "break the will, but not break the spirit" of an unruly child. Another method, advocated by child psychologists, is to calmly explain the situation to the child, sort of putting the child on an adult level, in which informative conversation will bring understanding, thus rendering good behavior. Many parents also use "time out" as a means for discipline. The child is placed alone (i.e., standing in the corner), with no comforts (TV, books, music, video) in order to consider his or her bad behavior until they realize the error of their ways.
It seems that God uses some of all three. Bad things happen to us (health, circumstances) as discipline, or so that others may see how we handle adversity. Both bring glory to God. In Hebrews 12:11 we read, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful." Pain sensors are placed in our bodies to alert us to areas that are in distress. Discipline is God's way of saying, "I haven't forgotten you. I care enough about you to punish you." We don't always know the reason for the punishment, but we know the punisher. He is never unfair, always faithful and full of compassion and love.
God also uses the written word (portions of the Bible --- or other writings), the spoken word (family, friend or foe) or the still, small voice to discuss things with us. Sometimes we see it as a lecture, when he really wants it to be a dialogue. He wants us to talk through it and begin to see what he desires for us.
While the discipline and discussions are ongoing, it is the distance (time out) that has the greatest effect on us. When we don't feel his arms around us is when we feel the most miserable. The fact is that our Heavenly Father will not embrace unruly children. He will wipe away a tear, remind us that pain is but for a season --- even kiss us tenderly, briefly in the midst of turmoil --- but will again step away so that discipline may accomplish its goal.
The most severe form of discipline is when we have neither word nor strap --- only utter darkness. I'm not sure how much of that is experienced in our earthly existence. Here we have constant reminders of his presence. But I believe in a journey beyond where discipline must complete its work. Where the most stubborn of children must experience the weeping and gnashing of teeth, the intense desire for human contact (even from an enemy), the need for a breath of wind on the cheek, the hope of even a glimmer of light. That would be hell indeed.
These are heavy words, but we must be encouraged that God's great love brings forth the perfect, appropriate level and length of his discipline. There is an end to our perfecting process. A crown of glory awaits those who will give him glory. The beauty of it all is that he has given us a choice to be obedient sons and daughters, to bask in his love anytime that we so desire.
Oh, and by the way, I'm pretty sure that God doesn't count to ten. It never works.
STEVE
The lack of closeness is real enough, but I truly believe that it is God who has moved away from us. Why? Because of his discipline. He will never completely abandon us, but will leave us nonetheless for as long as it takes for us to realize our need for him. As parents we have difficulty being around bad behavior. We're particularly concerned when the bad behavior is in our own children.
When children misbehave there are several ways in which parents address the problem. One is not "sparing the rod." Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who spares the rod hates his son ... " The idea is that a truly caring parent will use harsh means (paddle, hickory switch, etc.) to "break the will, but not break the spirit" of an unruly child. Another method, advocated by child psychologists, is to calmly explain the situation to the child, sort of putting the child on an adult level, in which informative conversation will bring understanding, thus rendering good behavior. Many parents also use "time out" as a means for discipline. The child is placed alone (i.e., standing in the corner), with no comforts (TV, books, music, video) in order to consider his or her bad behavior until they realize the error of their ways.
It seems that God uses some of all three. Bad things happen to us (health, circumstances) as discipline, or so that others may see how we handle adversity. Both bring glory to God. In Hebrews 12:11 we read, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful." Pain sensors are placed in our bodies to alert us to areas that are in distress. Discipline is God's way of saying, "I haven't forgotten you. I care enough about you to punish you." We don't always know the reason for the punishment, but we know the punisher. He is never unfair, always faithful and full of compassion and love.
God also uses the written word (portions of the Bible --- or other writings), the spoken word (family, friend or foe) or the still, small voice to discuss things with us. Sometimes we see it as a lecture, when he really wants it to be a dialogue. He wants us to talk through it and begin to see what he desires for us.
While the discipline and discussions are ongoing, it is the distance (time out) that has the greatest effect on us. When we don't feel his arms around us is when we feel the most miserable. The fact is that our Heavenly Father will not embrace unruly children. He will wipe away a tear, remind us that pain is but for a season --- even kiss us tenderly, briefly in the midst of turmoil --- but will again step away so that discipline may accomplish its goal.
The most severe form of discipline is when we have neither word nor strap --- only utter darkness. I'm not sure how much of that is experienced in our earthly existence. Here we have constant reminders of his presence. But I believe in a journey beyond where discipline must complete its work. Where the most stubborn of children must experience the weeping and gnashing of teeth, the intense desire for human contact (even from an enemy), the need for a breath of wind on the cheek, the hope of even a glimmer of light. That would be hell indeed.
These are heavy words, but we must be encouraged that God's great love brings forth the perfect, appropriate level and length of his discipline. There is an end to our perfecting process. A crown of glory awaits those who will give him glory. The beauty of it all is that he has given us a choice to be obedient sons and daughters, to bask in his love anytime that we so desire.
Oh, and by the way, I'm pretty sure that God doesn't count to ten. It never works.
STEVE
Thursday, February 15, 2007
... Truth, Justice and the American Way
I was only six years old when the Man of Steel first appeared on my little black-and-white TV screen. Along with my other hero, the Lone Ranger (and one comedian, Jerry Lewis), these were the characters that I imitated on a daily basis. Two years later I was fitted for glasses, but, no problem --- the mild mannered Clark Kent (aka Superman) wore glasses too!
George Reeves balked at the role in the beginning, but went on to ride the cape of stardom for five years. However, his life was anything but super. As depicted in the recent film, Hollywoodland, starring Ben Affleck, Reeves constantly fought the ups and downs of his career, ending his life tragically with what was ruled a suicide. Struggling private detective Louis Simo, played by Adrian Brody, determinedly pursued the possibilty that George could have been murdered. However, after methodically ruling out the usual suspects, he seems to realize at the end of the film that the superhero just had nothing to live for.
Ten years later another tall, handsome actor would bring the Superman role to the big screen. Christopher Reeve (no relation) would easily depict similar character qualities of Superman, both in film, as well as in his personal life. George Reeves' life was a shamble. Christopher Reeve's life was going great, until his own tragedy struck in 1995, when he was paralyzed in an equestrian accident. In 2004 his life ended due to an infection. George Reeves partied and was manipulated by others. Christopher Reeve was generous and was a loving husband and father. Where is the justice?
True justice can never be realized until complete reconciliation is achieved. We can only experience a taste of that in this life. God does the rest in whatever time it takes for him to do it. One of the problems that we have is our shortsightedness, the inability to see how things will ultimately turn out. All we see is the end of things. Severed relationships, murders committed, divorces issued, life sentences --- and death, either at the hand of another, by our own hand or by accident or disease. God sees the reconciliation of all things --- everything made right.
For example, what if someone were to murder a member of your family? You may very well feel that justice had been rendered if the criminal were sentenced to life in prison or death, but it doesn't bring your loved one back. You may even forgive, but you'll not likely forget. Repentance on the part of the offender not only means turning from the life of crime, but involves a deep sense of remorse that desires to reverse time and fully supports the punishment he or she deserves. Full reconciliation requires a long-term, one-on-one contact between the parties needing to be reconciled. It is a slow process that merges the hearts into one spirit and puts to death finally any wrongdoing or emotional baggage.
I believe that God has designed for this unfinished business to be accomplished, even after this life, as we know it, is done. Another factor to consider is that victims, as in all lives, never really die. Having your child/parent/sibling/spouse/friend returned to you on the other side will help toward reconciliation with the perpetrator, but you will find that the burden is still before you. In order to stand before our Heavenly Father with pure hearts, we must be reconciled to those we have offended, as well as to those who have offended us. There's no other way. Perfect completeness. This is Jesus' role, given him by his father --- to continue to teach us obedience, love and reconciliation.
The Bible speaks clearly of this. In 2 Corinthians 5:18 and 19 we read, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world [emphasis mine] to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Life is a journey. The Lord urges us to begin reconciliation here and now. His word never returns to him void. It will come to completion. We are his children.
STEVE
George Reeves balked at the role in the beginning, but went on to ride the cape of stardom for five years. However, his life was anything but super. As depicted in the recent film, Hollywoodland, starring Ben Affleck, Reeves constantly fought the ups and downs of his career, ending his life tragically with what was ruled a suicide. Struggling private detective Louis Simo, played by Adrian Brody, determinedly pursued the possibilty that George could have been murdered. However, after methodically ruling out the usual suspects, he seems to realize at the end of the film that the superhero just had nothing to live for.
Ten years later another tall, handsome actor would bring the Superman role to the big screen. Christopher Reeve (no relation) would easily depict similar character qualities of Superman, both in film, as well as in his personal life. George Reeves' life was a shamble. Christopher Reeve's life was going great, until his own tragedy struck in 1995, when he was paralyzed in an equestrian accident. In 2004 his life ended due to an infection. George Reeves partied and was manipulated by others. Christopher Reeve was generous and was a loving husband and father. Where is the justice?
True justice can never be realized until complete reconciliation is achieved. We can only experience a taste of that in this life. God does the rest in whatever time it takes for him to do it. One of the problems that we have is our shortsightedness, the inability to see how things will ultimately turn out. All we see is the end of things. Severed relationships, murders committed, divorces issued, life sentences --- and death, either at the hand of another, by our own hand or by accident or disease. God sees the reconciliation of all things --- everything made right.
For example, what if someone were to murder a member of your family? You may very well feel that justice had been rendered if the criminal were sentenced to life in prison or death, but it doesn't bring your loved one back. You may even forgive, but you'll not likely forget. Repentance on the part of the offender not only means turning from the life of crime, but involves a deep sense of remorse that desires to reverse time and fully supports the punishment he or she deserves. Full reconciliation requires a long-term, one-on-one contact between the parties needing to be reconciled. It is a slow process that merges the hearts into one spirit and puts to death finally any wrongdoing or emotional baggage.
I believe that God has designed for this unfinished business to be accomplished, even after this life, as we know it, is done. Another factor to consider is that victims, as in all lives, never really die. Having your child/parent/sibling/spouse/friend returned to you on the other side will help toward reconciliation with the perpetrator, but you will find that the burden is still before you. In order to stand before our Heavenly Father with pure hearts, we must be reconciled to those we have offended, as well as to those who have offended us. There's no other way. Perfect completeness. This is Jesus' role, given him by his father --- to continue to teach us obedience, love and reconciliation.
The Bible speaks clearly of this. In 2 Corinthians 5:18 and 19 we read, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world [emphasis mine] to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Life is a journey. The Lord urges us to begin reconciliation here and now. His word never returns to him void. It will come to completion. We are his children.
STEVE
Sunday, February 11, 2007
The Man from S.I.N.
Every day of our lives we make choices. Most are routine but can have some interesting results. Should I tie my shoes? Not doing so could be painful when you try to move around. Should I wear the blue shirt or the white shirt? Disaster awaits the white shirt if you're having chili dogs for lunch. Choices increase in seriousness as you apply them to goals or responsibilities in life. They become critical in the light of how we deal with people because they then impact other lives.
We can do good, or we can do bad. We can do good just by not doing bad. The bad choices built up over our lives give us soiled independent natures (S.I.N.). Sin is bad. It causes us to move backward in our life's journey. Sin is commonly understood to be breaking God's law, but in reality it is breaking God's heart. It makes us unruly children, and unruly children are unwilling to learn.
Sin has been sensationalized, even by those who have allegedly come out of it. "Let me tell you [in detail] the bad things I was mixed up in," says the celebrity, born-again believer. Sin can have dramatic effect if it is used to embarass one who is trying to do good. It says, "I am in control. Nobody can tell me what to do. Isn't it fun to be a little naughty sometime?" In more subtle ways --- and without an audience --- it speaks to you as judgmental behavior, disguised as the voice of reason.
In the final analysis we really only have one choice. To step away from the bad, and step toward the good. Move from the darkness into the light. We may need to stand still for a moment to get our bearings, but then we must step out. We cannot remain neutral. The New Testament writer James says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
Condemnation is a strong term, used by fiery preachers to frighten us into submission. In reality God has plenty of time and an abundance of forgiveness with which to discipline and restore his wayward children. Does this mean that we can have "sinful fun" like the "decadent chocolate" ads, and do what we want because we can always "clean up our act" later? Of course not. God knows that our actions always have consequences. He's well aware that our sinful behavior is not real pleasure and, like the serpent, turns to bite us, bringing sadness, hopelessness or misery in the end.
Our eyes reveal to us where we are going. God's Spirit whispers where we should be going. Repentance is that changing of direction, the leaving of that which hinders, and following that which strengthens. Because we are his children, this process is ongoing in everyone. We don't always see it because we don't see people as he sees them. Our journey, however, will bring us to the point where we can have ears to hear, and eyes to behold the glory of his work within his creation. The completion of all things is at hand.
STEVE
We can do good, or we can do bad. We can do good just by not doing bad. The bad choices built up over our lives give us soiled independent natures (S.I.N.). Sin is bad. It causes us to move backward in our life's journey. Sin is commonly understood to be breaking God's law, but in reality it is breaking God's heart. It makes us unruly children, and unruly children are unwilling to learn.
Sin has been sensationalized, even by those who have allegedly come out of it. "Let me tell you [in detail] the bad things I was mixed up in," says the celebrity, born-again believer. Sin can have dramatic effect if it is used to embarass one who is trying to do good. It says, "I am in control. Nobody can tell me what to do. Isn't it fun to be a little naughty sometime?" In more subtle ways --- and without an audience --- it speaks to you as judgmental behavior, disguised as the voice of reason.
In the final analysis we really only have one choice. To step away from the bad, and step toward the good. Move from the darkness into the light. We may need to stand still for a moment to get our bearings, but then we must step out. We cannot remain neutral. The New Testament writer James says, "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
Condemnation is a strong term, used by fiery preachers to frighten us into submission. In reality God has plenty of time and an abundance of forgiveness with which to discipline and restore his wayward children. Does this mean that we can have "sinful fun" like the "decadent chocolate" ads, and do what we want because we can always "clean up our act" later? Of course not. God knows that our actions always have consequences. He's well aware that our sinful behavior is not real pleasure and, like the serpent, turns to bite us, bringing sadness, hopelessness or misery in the end.
Our eyes reveal to us where we are going. God's Spirit whispers where we should be going. Repentance is that changing of direction, the leaving of that which hinders, and following that which strengthens. Because we are his children, this process is ongoing in everyone. We don't always see it because we don't see people as he sees them. Our journey, however, will bring us to the point where we can have ears to hear, and eyes to behold the glory of his work within his creation. The completion of all things is at hand.
STEVE
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
I Am What I Need
Whenever Olive Oil tried to get her boyfriend, Popeye the Sailor Man, to change his ways, he would always snap back with, "Olives, I yam whut I yam!"
Regardless of who others think we are, who we think we are or who we have become, at the deepest level we really are who we are --- unique, individual children created by the Living God. At the core of our being is a pure form; it's how we began and where we will one day return to. Who we have become is very much shaped by our never-ending needs in life, whether real or imagined.
As we become adults the needs begin to define who we are --- with sometimes pretty ugly results. The drug addict needs another fix. The alcoholic needs another drink. The rapist needs a perverted control over a helpless victim. Needs are not always reflective of negative characterizations. The abused wife needs shelter and love. The elderly shut-in needs companionship and compassion. The despondent student needs direction and hope.
Needs are layered on us over time. The green ogre Shrek (in Shrek) told Donkey that "ogres are like onions with many layers." Peel back an onion, and you still have onion. Our layers, however, have more often than not changed us in nature from our beginnings, made us into an image that God didn't intend for us. As we draw closer to him we find that the unwanted layers cannot exist in his presence. We go through a process in which they are removed. Our growing heart knowledge of him is the catalyst that produces this change.
Many false prophets have come out among us, attempting to tell us who God is, but their efforts are only for the purpose of effecting control or receiving personal gain. Some aren't consciously aware that these are their motives. We must ask God for discernment around those who would reveal him to us. Some are very close to him.
Prior to around 25 A.D prophets (and some priests) were the only connection between God and man. But God saw fit to send one of his own, his son Jesus. Jesus walked, talked and acted like his father. Through the written word of his words in the Gospels and the inner working of his Spirit, we can approach the Father through the Son.
We need Jesus. He said that he was the ONLY way to the Father. As we get to know his Son, God begins to come into focus, the layers wither, and we emerge from the person we're not. We become who we really are. It will eventually happen, but how precious it would be if it would happen on earth. Let it begin today.
STEVE
Regardless of who others think we are, who we think we are or who we have become, at the deepest level we really are who we are --- unique, individual children created by the Living God. At the core of our being is a pure form; it's how we began and where we will one day return to. Who we have become is very much shaped by our never-ending needs in life, whether real or imagined.
As we become adults the needs begin to define who we are --- with sometimes pretty ugly results. The drug addict needs another fix. The alcoholic needs another drink. The rapist needs a perverted control over a helpless victim. Needs are not always reflective of negative characterizations. The abused wife needs shelter and love. The elderly shut-in needs companionship and compassion. The despondent student needs direction and hope.
Needs are layered on us over time. The green ogre Shrek (in Shrek) told Donkey that "ogres are like onions with many layers." Peel back an onion, and you still have onion. Our layers, however, have more often than not changed us in nature from our beginnings, made us into an image that God didn't intend for us. As we draw closer to him we find that the unwanted layers cannot exist in his presence. We go through a process in which they are removed. Our growing heart knowledge of him is the catalyst that produces this change.
Many false prophets have come out among us, attempting to tell us who God is, but their efforts are only for the purpose of effecting control or receiving personal gain. Some aren't consciously aware that these are their motives. We must ask God for discernment around those who would reveal him to us. Some are very close to him.
Prior to around 25 A.D prophets (and some priests) were the only connection between God and man. But God saw fit to send one of his own, his son Jesus. Jesus walked, talked and acted like his father. Through the written word of his words in the Gospels and the inner working of his Spirit, we can approach the Father through the Son.
We need Jesus. He said that he was the ONLY way to the Father. As we get to know his Son, God begins to come into focus, the layers wither, and we emerge from the person we're not. We become who we really are. It will eventually happen, but how precious it would be if it would happen on earth. Let it begin today.
STEVE
Saturday, February 3, 2007
He Sees You When You're Sleeping
No, I'm not talking about Santa Claus. I'm talking about God. Isn't it interesting, though, how we can use our imaginations (a gift from God, by the way) to justify all the remarkable things that Santa can do --- get down tight-fitting, smoke-filled chimneys; eat enough milk and cookies that would choke a horse; fly around in the sky without falling out of the sled; deliver presents to a gazillion kids in just one night; and remember in detail the wish lists AND the naughty-and-nice lists. Even Hollywood computer geeks can dazzle us with video wizardry that makes the above mentioned feats (and more) seem visually believable.
I guess that's why so many people have trouble believing that a Supreme Being can oversee and interact with all creation 24/7. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked by skeptics, "How could God possibly be everywhere at the same time, answer (or at least listen to) every prayer and change the course of history to exert his will?" I don't know why. I don't have an answer. But I don't feel the need to figure it out before I'll believe that he IS. I can only say that for myself I am constantly aware of his presence, encouraging me, challenging me --- even admonishing me. And as I obey, doing the good that he tells me to do, I find that the things he doesn't want for me are easier to resist.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:29 that even a sparrow cannot fall to the ground apart from the will of God. Another one of those things I can't explain, but I see his hand at work in EVERYTHING in our lives. All things that happen to us have a purpose. Pain, sorrow, laughter, anger, riches, poverty, disaster --- the list is endless. The problem is that we demand to know the purpose so that we can make sense of it. I suspect that someday we will know all of the purposes, but not today, maybe not even in this lifetime.
Another sad reflection in my, at least, partially failed parenting, was that whenever my children would weary me with constant questions, I would more often than not resort to a pat answer, "Because the sky is blue." Funny, I don't remember any of them actually asking WHY the sky was blue.
God doesn't give me pat answers to my questions. He asks me to wait, and just trust him, and obey. I find that whenever this becomes a pattern in my life, he tends to give me answers to the questions that I didn't ask. And while I can't often remember what was in my dreams, I have this gut feeling that he's been feeding me information while I was sleeping. He's like that, you know.
STEVE
I guess that's why so many people have trouble believing that a Supreme Being can oversee and interact with all creation 24/7. I can't tell you how many times I have been asked by skeptics, "How could God possibly be everywhere at the same time, answer (or at least listen to) every prayer and change the course of history to exert his will?" I don't know why. I don't have an answer. But I don't feel the need to figure it out before I'll believe that he IS. I can only say that for myself I am constantly aware of his presence, encouraging me, challenging me --- even admonishing me. And as I obey, doing the good that he tells me to do, I find that the things he doesn't want for me are easier to resist.
Jesus said in Matthew 10:29 that even a sparrow cannot fall to the ground apart from the will of God. Another one of those things I can't explain, but I see his hand at work in EVERYTHING in our lives. All things that happen to us have a purpose. Pain, sorrow, laughter, anger, riches, poverty, disaster --- the list is endless. The problem is that we demand to know the purpose so that we can make sense of it. I suspect that someday we will know all of the purposes, but not today, maybe not even in this lifetime.
Another sad reflection in my, at least, partially failed parenting, was that whenever my children would weary me with constant questions, I would more often than not resort to a pat answer, "Because the sky is blue." Funny, I don't remember any of them actually asking WHY the sky was blue.
God doesn't give me pat answers to my questions. He asks me to wait, and just trust him, and obey. I find that whenever this becomes a pattern in my life, he tends to give me answers to the questions that I didn't ask. And while I can't often remember what was in my dreams, I have this gut feeling that he's been feeding me information while I was sleeping. He's like that, you know.
STEVE
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