Just A Thought

Living The Golden Rule

2010-02-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

We have all been saddened by the massive destruction and loss of life recently experienced by Haitians. Such tragedies remind us that our life is but a vapor and that life is our most precious gift. Amidst the devastation, however, we are often heartened by all the goodness that comes from those who make an effort to help. I am thankful that our government has been so generous to people in need throughout the world. I am also encouraged when I see Christians take such an active role in ministering to those who are in dire straits. One newscaster reported that 90% of the non-governmental agencies currently working in Haiti are faith-based.

Jesus taught that Christians were supposed to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, and that they were supposed to treat others as they would like to be treated. (See Matthew 5-7) I, for one, am thankful for the many unsung heroes who have done just that – they poured their lives out for others and left the world a better place. Untold numbers of people have been helped through Christian charities and local churches. Many of the world’s most recognized hospitals, relief organizations, orphanages and colleges were founded by Christians. If we could measure the vast amounts of time and money dedicated to these causes, the numbers would be staggering.

Obviously, not everyone who calls themselves a Christian is going to act like one, but I have often been encouraged and humbled as I have witnessed believers extend great grace to others by:
· paying for buildings so others could have a place to worship
· providing rides for those who have no transportation
· paying for young people to go to summer camp or a conference
· helping strangers move or clean up after a fire or flood
· volunteering to teach timeless principles to others
· spending time and energy to help others through difficult times
· donating valuable skills to aid people in crises

Being a true Christian is a challenging assignment. Like in any other worthy endeavor, only the diligent and whole-hearted make the journey. I am thankful for the many Christians whose diligence has blessed my life. So many of them remind me of the following description of Christians that was written sometime during the second century: “They live in their own countries, but only as nonresidents; they participate in everything as citizens, and endure everything as foreigners. Every foreign country is their fatherland, and every fatherland is foreign. They marry like everyone else, and have children, but they do not expose their offspring. They share their food but not their wives. They are in the flesh, but they do not live according to the flesh. They live on earth, but their citizenship is in heaven. They obey the established laws; indeed in their private lives they transcend the laws.” (The Epistle to Diognetus, “The Distinctiveness of Christians”)

Without a doubt there are many non-Christians who have done wonderful things and been helpful in times of disaster. But, as a Christian, I would like to thank my fellow believers for being leaders in this area of practical living. You put your money where your mouth is; you lived the golden rule – that’s how it should be.

No Philosophy is an Island

2010-01-29T12:06:00.002-05:00

In 1624, while explaining the interconnectedness of individuals, John Donne made this now-famous statement: “No man is an Island.” Agreed. The same could be said for philosophies. No philosophy is an island. This is true of both individual and group philosophies.
For example, if our society were to decide that stealing was no longer wrong, the implications would be endless. The very definition of property would have to change. People would have to re-think the way they did everything, since it would not be wrong for someone to take your car while you were in the store shopping, or your child while they were at school. Many criminals would need to be released. Companies could no longer charge for their goods. Our economy would collapse. In other words, there would be no way to change a major philosophy like that without catastrophic ramifications.
Unfortunately, many in our world have adopted a major philosophy, and, not surprisingly, the shift in thinking has altered our world in many unpleasant ways. Some people may be shocked to discover the far-reaching consequences due to the adoption of what seemed to be just an academic or scientific theory. Many people, in their rush to be open-minded, may have failed to see the dog that was attached to the tail. I am referring to the theory of evolution, which has been directly connected to the religion of humanism and to other issues such as abortion, euthanasia, racism, white supremacy, and even reincarnation.
Evolution is a philosophy that was made popular by people like Charles Darwin. The idea was not original to him, rather, he set out to find proof for a philosophy that had been in his family for years. Some of his writings indicate that his passion was intensified by personal tragedies which caused him to seek reasons to believe in something other than a Creator. The problem is that you can’t dispense with the concept of a Creator without enormous fallout. If there is no Creator, then life is not sacred. If the fittest survive, then why not try to be the fittest? People like Hitler took up this concept and set out to create a master race by destroying others. Others launched organizations that have been responsible for more “legal” deaths than any of history’s most bloody dictators – their victims have been the unborn.
In my opinion, and in the opinion of many politically-weak scientists, we have all recently observed what happens when politicians take selective facts and fashion a theory according to their desires. We may soon see the practical ramifications of that behavior. According to many scientists, this will be the second major hijacking of science in history – first evolution and now global warming. Both are politically-charged and both are about controlling the masses and their money.
I would love to see a return to non-political science. There is something encouraging and solid about good science; the kind of science that explores the world and accepts its beauty and complexity for what it is; the kind of science that declares only what can be proven empirically. Because theories built on selective data can devastate economies and cultures – no philosophy is an island.

Nearly Right Is Not Always Good Enough

2010-01-22T12:56:00.000-05:00

It was a gruesome story which I mention here only because it is so relevant to my point. A co-worker, who was not yet eighteen, shared the account with me in more detail than I will share it with you. It took place on a hunting trip in Montana. He and his buddy were squatting next to their vehicle, waiting anxiously for wild game to pass their way. Two fellow-hunters were standing on the opposite side of the vehicle, facing the same direction, with their rifles resting on the vehicle. Suddenly a deer appeared. Several of them shot at the same moment. Unfortunately my co-worker’s buddy had, instinctively, stood up in order get a better shot. His impulsive action put his head in the line of fire. Needless to say, at that range he died instantaneously. Ironically, he stood to become the victor and became the victim. For him, the only difference between a long life and a premature death was that he stood up.
The clear point of that true story is that doing something “nearly right” can be lethal. Small differences can have big consequences. Consider the following comparisons, noting the result of one small difference:
· Accepting an invitation to: come and dine OR come and die
· A paratrooper jumping from a plane and: pulling a shoulder strap OR a rip chord
· Eating a cone (yummy) OR eating a con (cannibalism)
· Traveling on a highway southbound in the southbound lanes OR northbound in the southbound lanes
· Slamming your foot down to avoid an accident: on the brake OR on the accelerator

In each case, nearly right could be lethal.

Obviously we can’t live our lives scared of messing up, but neither can we afford to be less than honest about the things that matter most. This reasonable rationale is what motivates us to show potential drivers movies about what happens when people are reckless or careless with their vehicle. That is also why we make laws against DWI and DWP (driving while phoning). There are some life and death situations that do not tolerate nearly right.

I propose that if heaven and hell are real, we had better find out which road leads where. If God is real, we had better know how He wants things done. We can’t settle for the philosophy that best suits our fancy. “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” (II Timothy 4: 3-5)

Here are a few things that some of us might only get nearly right -- which could have eternal consequences:
· Loving God BUT defining who God is according to our own preferences
· Attending church BUT out of ritual instead of relationship
· Praying BUT in fear rather than in faith
· Talking about holiness BUT not living holy
· Believing in salvation BUT not the kind of salvation taught by the original Christians
· Believing in the Holy Spirit BUT not as God’s power that lives within you

Nearly right could be spiritually lethal. While God is not expecting us to be perfect, he does expect sincerity of the heart and whole-hearted obedience to the Bible. If we get that right, God’s grace will cover the rest.

Welcome to a Fresh New Year

2009-12-31T17:44:00.002-05:00

God has given us a fresh new year. What will you do with it? Like a blank canvas, 2010 has great potential. I pray that you have enough faith and courage to, with God’s help, create a good and positive masterpiece this year.
Being able to look at the new year as an opportunity rather than a frightening or depressing challenge can sometimes be dependent on an accurate understanding of how God and His universe works. When God made the world and everything in it, he said it was good. (see Genesis 1-3) God is good and He wants you to have an abundant life. (see John 10:10) Yet, when life becomes difficult or someone causes us, or someone we love, great pain, we are tempted to lose faith and blame God for all that has gone wrong. Many people have asked the trite question, “If God is so good, then why is there so much evil in the world?” I’d like to propose a different perspective for you to consider.
At a recent Spanish Ministries conference in Southern CT, one of the speakers made an interesting comment. He said, “God didn’t make the Devil.” A statement like that might elicit any number of responses such as the one that immediately came to my mind: “If God made everything, then He would have had to make the Devil.” But as the speaker continued, he clearly proved that, according to the Bible, God didn’t make the Devil. God made an angel named Lucifer. Lucifer was a beautiful and powerful being who had a free will. Because of pride and stubbornness he chose to rebel against God and do things his own way. The end result was war in heaven. Lucifer and one third of the angels who chose to join him were expelled from heaven, and are, to this day, waging war against God and those who love Him. In short, God gave Lucifer a great opportunity and he blew it. God did not blow it, the Devil did.

In order for us to have faith, hope and optimism, we need to see things from the proper perspective. God made angels and people with potential for good. There are many wonderful things that angles and people make happen. The world has a great deal of good in it. But in order to allow angels and mankind to have free will, God had to take chances. He did not want to force love, joy and peace. God takes chances when he gives life and mankind gets to choose the outcome. Evil is the result of people refusing to take advantage of the good opportunities God is giving. When we live life according to God’s rules good things happen. If everyone in the world would choose to live God’s way, most things that make life uncomfortable would be rectified.
While I am not naïve enough to think that everyone will choose right, I am determined to choose right for myself. My right choices will not right all the wrongs in the world, but they will make a difference in my little spot. I plan to make the most of 2010, and I hope you do the same. Happy New Year!

Why Would Anyone Oppose Christmas?

2009-12-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

One song refers to Christmas as “the most wonderful time of the year.” When families are functional and neighbors remember to treat others like Jesus taught them, it is a wonderful time of the year. It is during this season that many people give extra to charities, send cards to people they rarely connect with, throw parties, give gifts, and extend their love toward those in need. It is a time for joyous music, playful decorations, family gatherings and favorite dinners. Who would have a problem with that?
It seems that Christmas was opposed from the very beginning. Before Jesus was born, his parents were called on to live a life of inconvenience, poverty and scorn. The heavy hand of Rome and it’s call for taxes are the reason Jesus was born in a stable rather than in a comfortable home. When King Herod heard of Jesus’ birth he actually slaughtered many babies in an effort to kill the Christ child. Do you see a pattern? It seems like Jesus’ enemy, Satan, used everyone and everything he could to stop the incarnation (God coming in flesh). Satan opposed Jesus birth, because he knew his kingdom of evil would eventually be destroyed.
Satan used greedy politicians, proud religious leaders, intellectuals, and many other disgruntled people to oppose Christ. That is still the way it works. For some people it is not enough that they don’t believe in Jesus; they don’t want anyone else to believe in Jesus either. It is not enough that they don’t celebrate and decorate for Christmas; they want to ban it from schools and the market place.
Perhaps we should note what has happened to our schools, our town squares and our marketplaces. The more we oppose Christ, the more violent and disagreeable our society becomes. When children can sings songs praising men, but not songs praising God, we should be alarmed. That is not a good force influencing our policies.

But, such is life. Jesus did not moan and complain; He went about healing people and doing good. We should do the same. Jesus is a household name because his love conquered his enemies. Christmas is joyous because a poor carpenter, some lowly shepherds and some uncouth fishermen responded to Christ and let him change their lives.
Evil opposition to Christmas is simply proof that it is a fabulous holy-day that needs to be valued and protected. Those who oppose Christmas are of the same spirit as those who opposed Christ and hung Him on a cross. Their human pride and unwillingness to admit there is a creator who runs the universe ignites vicious out-lashings against a very wonderful time of the year. We who value Christmas and its true meaning must reassure ourselves with the same understanding concerning these “opposers” that Jesus had: “They know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Thankfully, there are millions of believers who will make sure that Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, no matter who opposes it!

I Can’t Explain It

2009-12-04T12:37:00.001-05:00

Wouldn’t it be great to have all the answers - or, at least, to have more answers than questions? Alas, many of life’s biggest questions remain unsolved: Where did God come from? What will the earth be like 1000 years from now? Why can’t we all just get along? Why do bad things happen? Why would God care about me?

Often believers are peppered with questions about their faith and about their God. Since God is infinitely bigger, smarter, wiser and more powerful than we are, it stands to reason that there are many answers that will remain beyond our grasp. Our small minds can explore His fathomless greatness, but we will never be able make sense of it all. In many ways, this is a comfort, and proof that there is somebody bigger than you and I who is running this universe. Yet, unanswered questions remain a roadblock to many would-be believers.

I heard a suggestion for those who struggle with questions about God and how He forgives sins, changes lives and does miracles. The advice was given by Gloria Gaither who wrote the following Lyrics:

“Don't ask me to explain to you how one could start again or hardened hearts could soften like a child. Don't ask me how to reason out the mysteries of life or how to face it's problems with a smile. Go ask the man who's found a way to take a rose to stay when all communications were destroyed. Go ask the child who's walking now who once was crippled and then somehow her useless legs were made to jump for joy. Go ask the one who's burned out mind has been restored - I think you'll find the questions not as important as before.

Don't ask me if He's good or bad I only know the guilt I had is gone and I can't tell you any more. Don't ask me how to prove to you why I know God is there or how I know that He would care for you. And don't ask me why someone so great would chose to walk with me and trade my broken life for one that's new. Go ask the child whose got a dad to love away the hurt he had before this man called Jesus touched their lives. Go ask the one whose fears have fled whose; churning heart was quieted when someone whispered peace to all her strive. Go ask the man to tell you more - whose life was just a raging war in spite of self until the savior came.

I don't pretend to be so wise, I only know He touched my eyes and nothing else will ever be the same. I don't pretend to be so wise, I only know He touched my eyes and nothing else will ever be the same, and nothing else will ever be the same.” (“Go Ask”)

Gloria’s point is well-taken. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Sometimes we can’t explain it, but we know it works. We’ve proven it. It’s like my watch. I couldn’t begin to technically explain to you how it functions, but I know it works.

Christians are not expected to be lawyers who defend God and His principles. Christians are witnesses, who have encountered God, and they are living proof that He changes lives. We can’t always explain it, but neither can non-believers. Go figure.

10 Million Thanks

2009-11-20T15:55:00.001-05:00

One of the purest holidays of the year is upon us. Thanksgiving remains unique in that it may be one of the least exploited of the major holidays Americans celebrate - don’t tell the retailers. What a blessing it is for those of us who can still corral the family and enjoy the bounty and relationships God has granted us. How refreshing it can be to sit around and talk about the things for which we are thankful.

If you’re like me, it may have been a while since you have recounted your blessings. This Thanksgiving may be an opportune time to reflect on the many gifts God has given to you. What are some of the things you are most thankful for? How many wonderful things are you taking for grant it? Allow me to highlight just one of those gifts.

I am grateful for many things, not the least of which is my ability to see. Our eyes are an incredible gift. No doubt, those who deal with the severe inconveniences of blindness or partial blindness would admonish the rest of us to savor all that our eyes can take in. Consider how vastly different the world would seem if you were blind. Better yet, imagine how drastically different the planet would be if no human being or animal could see! Without the gift of eyes, almost nothing would be the same.

Our eyes are not a mistake or a random organization of cells; they are astonishingly complex organs. “10 million photo receptor cells. That’s what the light sensitive retina of our eye contains… And what do these cells do? Capturing the light patterns formed by the lens and converting them into complex electrical signals.. which are then sent to an area of the brain, where they are transformed into the phenomenon that is vision... For the human eye to function properly, 40 fundamental components need to be simultaneously present and working properly in tandem. It is an organ with irreducible complexity.” (www.sonaandjacob.com/reason.pdf)

Our eyes are stunning gifts from our Creator. They are not organs that accidently mutated over millions of years. Even Charles Darwin admitted, “To suppose the eye… could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree!” (The Origin of Species by Natural Selection 1859, p217) The eye stands as an icon of creation and a great testament to the existence of an Intelligent Designer to whom I am eternally indebted.

Perhaps you would join me in a prayer of thanksgiving: “Ten million thanks, God, for our eyes through which we visually feast on your awesome universe. At every turn we are struck by your incredible inventiveness. There are many of us who are still thankful for all You have made. Your brilliance is on display and we are the grateful beneficiaries.”

How Do You Do It?

2009-11-05T15:54:00.001-05:00

She fiddled with the disposable container from which she had just eaten her soup. The break room soda machine whirred behind her. Then, with a burst of courage, she blurted out the question that had been eating at her for months: “How do you do it, Sarah? Your husband left you with two kids, your car barely runs, and your job hardly pays you anything, yet you manage to stay so upbeat and peaceful. With things so difficult and our economy getting worse by the day, how can you stay so calm and happy?”

Sarah had answered this question many times since God had changed her by giving her the power and courage to face life. “Cindy,” she responded, “I can be at peace, first of all, because the Bible predicted that the world would one day be this way. St Paul wrote his protégé, Timothy, a letter and said, ‘in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.’ (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT) So I’m not surprised or freaking out that people are doing what they are doing. We’re living in those ‘difficult times.’”

“You can say that again!” agreed Cindy. “But what good does it do to know that?”

“Well,” explained Sarah, “if the Bible was right about that, it was probably right about other things too. The Bible says a lot of hopeful things for those who believe and obey God. For example it tells believers how to get the power to live a successful life. An upbeat and peaceful life takes more than just knowledge or faith; it takes a courage and inspiration that comes from God.”

Cindy paused for a few seconds as a co-worker passed by their table and then ventured, “How did God give you that kind of courage? When I knew you in high school you certainly didn’t have that kind of courage.”

“Well, it may seem a little strange to you, but God filled me with His Spirit. He empowered me!”

“That does sound a little spooky. Is that in the Bible? Does it say ‘power’?” asked Cindy.

“Sure,” explained Sarah, “Just before Jesus ascended into heaven He promised his followers: ‘you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere’ (Acts 1:8). Then 10 days later, ‘on the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place….and everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. (Acts 2:1-4)’ After that Jesus’ followers were changed from timid to courageous. They turned the world upside down.”

Cindy wrinkled her forehead and queried, “Does that kind of thing still happen today?”

Just then the buzzer sounded, summoning them back to work. As they parted company Sarah explained, “That’s what I’m telling you. It’s happened to me and a lot of other people. It’s the kind of experience that will change your life. I can’t explain it, but I can tell you it works. I’m living proof. That’s how I can stay upbeat and at peace. Bye”

“See ya.” Cindy was intrigued. She promised herself she would look into it.

Glimpses of Heaven

2009-10-27T11:41:00.001-04:00

We had begun our decent and the beautiful New England coastline came into view. Our approach was from the West so our pilot took us out over the Atlantic just North of Boston so we could circle that great metropolis and land at Logan International airport from the East. It was a great view. There, neatly laid out beneath us, was a city of millions of people scurrying through streets and real estate worth billions of dollars. We could see the Charles River, Zakim Bridge, parks, museums, restaurants and many other inviting places. But I was still wedged between two people, strapped in a seat that I was more than ready to vacate. Boston was there, but we were not. The place existed and so did we, but we only saw it from a distance. It would be another twenty minutes before we could experience it in full. For now I would have to be satisfied with just a glimpse.

There’s another, even more inviting place, that I’ve been privileged to glimpse. A real place that has been prepared for me; a place without pain or tears. It has been called the New Jerusalem and the Celestial City. Most of us just call it Heaven. Heaven exists, we’re just not there yet. You, too, can catch glimpses of heaven if you know what to look for. I will mention four such glimpses.

1. Prayer is a little taste of heaven because it is conversation with God, the creator of earth and heaven. You can talk to Him like a friend. Many times you can even sense His presence and His response to what you say. Your times with Him can be a little reminder that it won’t be long until you get to talk to Him face to face!
2. Fellowship with other believers is another appetizer of that place where believers will live forever with others who want to do things God’s way. Here on earth our fellowship is imperfect, but there we will enjoy one another and those who have gone before us in ways we’ve never experienced.
3. Healing is also a glimpse of heaven because it demonstrates that God is able to fix things that are broken even if that means defying natural laws – after all, he makes the laws of the universe. I’ve witnessed God healing people of cancer, making a limb grow, and causing blind eyes to see. I am even aware of verifiable accounts of people being brought back to life. These all remind us that this life is just the antechamber to heaven.
4. The most powerful glimpse of heaven, however, comes when someone is filled with the Holy Spirit like the disciples and Jesus’ mother were on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) If this happens to you, you will never forget it. It is accompanied by God’s sweet presence and a heavenly language. His Spirit in you is evidenced by love joy and peace. The Bible refers to it as “Christ in us, the hope of Glory.” (see Col 1:27)

I’ve caught a glimpse and I can’t wait. The hope of heaven is a great source of strength for believers. St Paul put it like this: “…we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us-bodies that will never be sick again and will never die. (Romans 8:23-24 TLB) “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” (1 Corinthians 15:19) Pay attention, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse today.

Getting Rid of Pesky Laws

2009-10-20T13:19:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time a creative thinker had the opportunity to address some very influential people at a ground-breaking summit. He delivered a stirring speech in which he described a glorious life; a world in which people could be gravity-free. This innovative and brilliant speaker went on to explain how a flubber-like material could be made into a belt which could be strapped around one’s waist allowing them to easily push off the ground and sail for thousands of feet without touching the ground. He postulated that with such a device one could walk off 4th-floor balconies and gently drift to the ground. The concept was fascinating. Just imagine being free of gravity’s pesky rule. The orator waxed eloquent declaring that, with his discovery mankind would forever be unshackled.

When the speech was finished, one slightly-built man rose to challenge the speaker’s theory. The speaker, shocked at the man’s audacity, said he would prove his claim. He then reached in his bag, withdrew his very own anti-gravity belt prototype, strapped it on, and began jumping around the room. Although no one could be sure, some people thought he was jumping higher that they had seen anyone jump before. He assured them that the results would improve with coming models. After the demonstration, an open-minded and eager crowd swarmed his display table and anti-gravity belts sold like pancakes.

As you can imagine, soon every newscast was predicting the coming of a new gravity-free age as a result of this ingenious invention. Magazines ran cover stories, celebrities became spokespersons and politicians took note. A myriad of new manufacturing companies appeared, making belts in all shapes, colors and sizes.

Grant it, a few skeptics were saying, “Wait a minute, everyone is saying the law of gravity no longer applies but the belts don’t really seem to be working. Children are jumping off balconies and falling to their death. There should be laws against this device.” But politicians and activist judges so loved the concept that they made laws declaring that schools disperse these devices and teach school children how to use them. Major universities began offering degrees in anti-gravity studies. Not to be left out, the President of the United States declared gravity a thing of the past; no longer would any laws having to do with weight or gravity-related issues be in effect.

Unfortunately the death toll of anti-gravity belt users began to rise. “We’ve got to do something!” cried the victims’ families. In response to such an outcry, several leading nations formed an anti-gravity alliance declaring that gravity would no longer be tolerated. It was decided that every country in the world should be required to issue anti-gravity belts to its citizens. A few concerned citizens rose up in protest pointing out that people wearing the belts continued to plunge to their deaths, and that there was no empirical evidence that the belts worked. Politically-correct proponents were aghast that anyone would be so hateful, so they arranged for a world summit where the inventor was given the Nobel peace prize. Every ruler of every nation signed a statement declaring that the law of gravity would no longer be tolerated. It was a grand affair: attendees arrived in limousines and sported high-priced outfits. There were cameras and important people everywhere. Bands played at extravagant balls. Everyone agreed that the world was now a better place. There was world unity like never before – finally something that everyone could agree on.

People learned to deal with the continued tragedies of their loved ones who died from falls. It had become obvious that gravity was an outdated, ultra-conservative idea and that it certainly couldn’t still be killing people. The world was now enlightened and set free from such bondage.

Moral: It doesn’t matter how many people agree that something is right or wrong, there are some immutable Sovereign laws that will go on working anyway – no matter how tight we shut our eyes.

Evidence of Sudden Global Cooling

2009-10-07T13:55:00.001-04:00

A fierce debate rages concerning global warming. Is it really happening? Does mankind impact the global temperature? Should we spend trillions of dollars in an attempt to lower the earth’s temperature by a fraction of a degree? The scientific community is divided. Politicians seem to have ulterior motives as they make their case. There is little consensus. But one thing almost all scientists and politicians do agree on is this: there have been, in years gone by, periods of global cooling. Almost no one disagrees that at one point a great deal of the earth was under ice. Some even believe in multiple ice ages.

In April of this year, yet another bit of ice age evidence was uncovered in Siberia. A perfectly formed baby wooly mammoth was found preserved in ice. Like adult mammoths that have been previously discovered, this mammoth still had food in his stomach. These discoveries have intrigued and baffled scientists for several reasons:
1. There are estimated to be millions of mammoth remains in that area, yet there are none today.
2. Siberia’s climate is not suited to mammoths. Therefore, that portion of the world must have been much warmer when these mammoths were alive.
3. In order for some of these animals to have been so perfectly preserved, they would have had to been frozen quickly -- there would have had to have been sudden global cooling.

This mystery can be very easily explained. This evidence, along with a great deal of other physical evidence, points to the fact that at some point in history the earth experienced a catastrophic world-wide flood -- the same kind of flood as is described in Genesis 6-8. The scientific model I am referring to shows how the earth may have at one time been surrounded by a water canopy which caused its atmosphere to be much like that of a terrarium. Such an atmosphere would have allowed for humans to live longer, for dinosaurs to have lived well, and for huge amounts of vegetation to have been produced and later buried and converted into coal and oil. The theory explains how the water canopy could have collapsed, causing a flood and a drastic change in global temperature, especially at the poles. Thus animals who lived in warm climates were suddenly trapped in ice blocks near the arctic circle.

The truth is (although it is politically incorrect for our school teachers to say so) a world-wide flood explains many world mysteries, such as:
· Mammoths in the Arctic
· The sudden disappearance of dinosaurs
· Human and dinosaur footprints side by side
· Petrified forests
· Sea fossils nearly everywhere in the world, including mountain ranges
· Man-made items in coal deposits
· Layers of sediment and fossils exposed in the walls of the Grand canyon
· Historical records of mankind living to very old ages
· World-wide flood stories from people groups all over the world
· Why ancient civilizations began near Mt Ararat

One article could not begin to explain or explore all the above, but an honest researcher will discover that there are mountains of physical evidence which corroborate the story told in scripture about a world-wide deluge. It’s refreshing science built on hard evidence. You may have heard it called Creation Science. If you are interested, the following two websites are a great place to start your expedition:
· www.icr.org
· www.answersingenesis.org

It’s really quite amazing to find out that evidence of the flood is everywhere. In other words, good scientists are uncovering irrefutable evidence that the stories recorded in the Bible are not myths, rather, they are actual events. Incredible, huh? The Bible contains the best explanation for fully preserved mammoths in Siberia. But, then again, it only makes sense that God would have the real scoop.

How Could These Animals Evolve?

2009-09-11T11:37:00.001-04:00

Evolution, in the sense I will be using the word, means, “Change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species.” (The American Heritage Dictionary)

The idea is that, given millions of years, one species might actually morph into another species. The typical examples cited usually point out how one color of moths died out and another lived due to their inability to be seen by their predators and “the fittest survived”. Strangely, the only verifiable examples of change turn out to be micro evolution, not macro evolution. In other words, there are no good examples of species evolving into another species as the theory demands. The truth be told, the theory of evolution has less historical and observable evidence than Christianity. But, for argument’s sake, let’s suppose we accept this theory -- by faith. Still, the logistics of how some species could have come about through slow incremental change is befuddling. Here are three, common-sense examples:

A normal bird trying to peck a hole it a tree like the woodpecker does would kill themselves from the impact. Then, even if they succeeded in making a hole, their tongue would not be long enough to retrieve the insects. Therefore, the first birds to attempt this adaptation would die of concussions or starvation rather than thrive and reproduce birds with stronger beaks and longer tongues.

Animals like the elephant would have also had a very difficult time evolving. Since they use their trunk for eating, bathing, and getting food, how would they have survived before their species had fully-developed trunks?

The giraffe would also have an impossible evolutionary journey. Because of their long necks their body has to strategically alter their blood flow whenever they raise and lower their head to eat or drink. Without this special feature they would pass out. The first long-necked transitional creature would have had to evolve the long neck and special blood flow mechanism at the same time – by mutation, or accident. Not likely.

Thousands of accomplished scientists agree that many of these questions cannot be answered using the evolutionary model which is forced on most school children today. Keep in mind that no human being has ever witness any cross-species evolutionary transformation, even between similar species, and, considering that God’s creations are so diverse and unique the odds that any of them evolved are astronomical. How ironic that some of the most educated people on earth have been bamboozled by diabolical constructs which have very little verifiable science to back them up. Why would they embrace such illogical and far-fetched theories? Why would scientists make such huge mental leaps? In answer to those questions I think I would agree with St. Paul who argued that people make such things up in an effort to deny a sovereign creator. This is how he said it:
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.” (Romans 1:20-24 NLT)
Permit me to close with a note of thanks to our Creator who put his undeniable signature on his world. It is he who is responsible for the diversity and creativity that abounds on this planet. I applaud his handiwork and bow to His authority. He is the only explanation that is necessary.

Christians Need Not Tuck Their Heads

2009-08-28T16:22:00.000-04:00

Occasionally someone will make a comment about how Christians believe some strange things. They seem surprised that someone would pray out loud, get dunked in water, or raise their hands in praise to God. But, let’s be honest, there’s some really weird stuff out there that is so far-fetched it makes everything Christians do look tame. We live in a world where people are choosing to do whatever is right in their own eyes. As a result, our world culture is quick to embrace some very bizarre ideas and behaviors, and then intimidate anyone who stands firm in their faith in Christ.

But I will not be ashamed of the Gospel. I believe in one God who made all things. I believe Jesus was born of a virgin and died that I could have everlasting life. I believe a person can be born again of the water and the Spirit. I believe God fills us with His Spirit and that is evidenced by speaking in other tongues. I believe in healing, holiness and the gifts of the Spirit. I believe in angels, Heaven and Hell. I believe Jesus is coming soon. And all of the above are convictions that have been proven and tested for centuries. I can point to evidence and case studies. I am not basing my beliefs on a guru, an organization, or an ordinary book. So, I have no reason to be ashamed.

My religion does not require suicide, infanticide or murder. It does not mandate self-abuse, celibacy, solitary confinement, drug abuse, mind control, payment for sins, animal worship, incantations, guru worship, or any other degrading form of bondage.

The worship and music that takes place in our churches does not incite cop killing, body cutting, illicit activities or riots. It does not promote promiscuity, sensuality, or behaviors that include experiences beyond my control. When I have sung or played my spirit is encouraged, my soul is at rest and I have a better attitude about life and my fellow man. I am not ashamed to worship the King of Kings in praise and worship.

I am not ashamed of a Gospel and code of ethics that teaches me to respect myself and others; it offers me eternal life and a loving God. I am not ashamed of a Good Book that teaches me not to steal, abuse women, dress lewdly, kill or cheat on my wife. I am not ashamed of a “Great Commission” that teaches me to be a good Samaritan, to seek and save the lost, to heal the sick and to set at liberty those who are bound. I have no reason to tuck my head or offer apologies.

Christianity has been neither perfect, nor pure, but those who have operated by biblical principles have established many of the great schools, hospitals and institutions of mercy that exist. They have established governments that give their citizens dignity and freedom. They have written great books and moving compositions, done great and inspirational works of art, and established businesses based on mutual respect and ethical business practices. I am not ashamed of the many things that have been done in response to the Good News of Christ and His prescribed way of life. I am not ashamed to be called one of His.

Mark 8:38 says, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” I do not feel superior to other people, but I certainly am not ashamed to be a Christian, are you?

That Looks Good! I’d Like to Try Some of That!

2009-08-15T11:52:00.001-04:00

I smelled it before I saw it. My entire being responded instinctively and dramatically. Seconds later I heard a cacophony of chattering adults, giggling teens and screaming toddlers. Then, as I approached the bustling, expansive chamber, neon lights leapt out at me. Beautiful pictures beckoned to me. People holding small plates appeared out of small cubby holes and stalked me, with smiles plastered on their face. But it was those tantalizing aromas that had first come for me that did me in. My well-trained olfactory nerves identified fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, pizza slices heavy-laden with cheese and pepperoni, sizzling Japanese steak, and calorie-rich French fries. I was a goner. They had me. I couldn’t help myself.

Have you ever tried to slip by a food court in the mall when you haven’t eaten all day? Did the smells, sights and sounds conspire to lure you to their vendors? Did you intend to pass safely by, but instead said, “That looks good! I’d like to try some of that!”? If so, then you know the power of a good product on display.

I recently witnessed a similar encounter, but in a much more important dimension of life. In this case it wasn’t simply a matter of a few hunger pains satisfied by a couple helpings of junk food; this was a matter of deep spiritual hunger and an introduction to the power of an eternal God who offers an eternal solution. I was sitting in the living room of a woman who attends our church. We were enjoying what we call an Hour of Prayer and Care Group. She had invited her friend to be a part of our meeting. During a time of sharing the friend began revealing something like the following: “I’ve been watching you. I saw the way your life changed when you told us you were born again. At first I thought you were crazy when you talked about speaking in tongues, but I watched your life and you’re not weird. I’m jealous. I want what you’ve got!”

That’s how it’s supposed to work. Christians who have a genuine infilling of God’s Spirit will have experienced a dramatic and wonderful change in lifestyle. Their everyday lives will be influenced by an increase of God’s love, joy and peace. Soon, spiritually sensitive people will recognize God’s distinct, positive influence and want the same for their life.

Being filled with God’s Spirit is a concept that is not always well understood, but the Bible places great emphasis on this subject. For example, Romans 8:9 says, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” There are many other scripture passages that describe the Spirit-filled experiences of Jesus’ disciples and other first century Christians. (see in Acts 2, 8 ,10 & 19) You might want to look into it if you’ve never experienced it. It will change your life. Before long others will be saying, “That Looks Good! I’d Like to Try Some of That!”

50 Benefits of Faith and Church Involvement

2009-08-05T17:00:00.001-04:00

Being a Christian sometimes gets a bad rap. Some have even considered a faith-based life to be restricting. Maybe they were never exposed to the real thing, because Spirit-filled living is, in fact, liberating and fulfilling. To illustrate, I have listed, below 50 benefits to being a Bible-believing, Spirit-filled, church-attending Christian.

Emotional benefits as a result of Jesus’ love and forgiveness:
1. Dignity
2. High self esteem
3. Guilt-free living
4. Self expression through singing, testifying
5. Ultimate stress relief through prayer
6. A healthy world view
7. Compassion
8. Comfort from a heavenly Father
9. Counsel from the King of kings
10. Freedom to forgive others

Mental benefits because Jesus gives peace of mind and because our minds are being continually fed and challenged:
11. Higher level thinking (study, lecture, making sense of life)
12. The equivalent of a Bachelors Degree for every 8 or 10 years of faithful church attendance
13. Added benefits of helping others learn (for those who teach)
14. A time-proven understanding of the universe

Physical benefits since Jesus is our great physician:
15. Healing
16. Power over harmful habits
17. Healthy eating
18. A good night’s sleep

Social benefits because Jesus is our friend and teaches us to love others:
19. Good friends
20. Clean fellowship
21. Freedom from chemicals addictions, envy, malice…
22. Healthy relationships with strangers
23. Healthy relationships with friends.
24. Healthy attitudes of cooperation and unity
25. A sense of accomplishment
26. Accountability
27. Great concerts, rallies, seminars, and other meetings
28. Values that hold families together
29. Clear sense of one’s role and identity
30. Mutual respect
31. True romance
32. A mutually-satisfying marriage
33. Sound counseling
34. Parenting tips, helps and assistance
35. Child care, development and instruction

Financial benefits to those who commit their finances to God:
36. Provision (when he is Lord of our all, He watches over it and provides)
37. Constant challenges to be generous and selfless
38. Direction and advice on managing our money

Spiritual benefits:
39. Right priorities
40. Good morals
41. Godly values
42. The power to fight depression, addiction, hatred, bitterness, selfishness, pride…
43. Power to move mountains
44. Exciting encounters with God
45. Personal revelations and insights

Eternal benefits:
46. Forgiveness that lasts forever
47. Abundant Life both now and forever
48. The promise that in heaven He will wipe away every tear
49. Reassurance that we will live forever with loved ones and others who believe
50. The promise that we will reign with Jesus Christ in His kingdom

In a nutshell, this is how Jesus said it: My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. ( John 10:27-28)

Have you felt like you have no moorings lately? Have you noticed that your Christianity was not whole hearted? Have you found yourself longing for a more meaningful way of life? Have you ever asked Him to be Lord? It is more than saying you are sorry; it is accepting His way of living. The benefits are incredible!

The fact that Jesus loved you and died for you should be reason enough, all by itself, but now you have 50 more reasons to be a Bible-believing, Spirit-filled, church-attending Christian.

Would You Answer This Personal Ad?

2009-07-18T12:05:00.001-04:00

If you were a single young man looking for a bride, would you pursue the personal ad below?

"Lonely woman seeks hard-working, devoted and wealthy young man who will wait on her hand and foot, doing his best make life comfortable and enjoyable for her.

Appearance: Potentially attractive but unwilling to let prospective husband influence what she wears or how she appears. Chronic over-eater who enjoys a variety of unhealthy habits which will likely cause major diseases and premature death. Prefers dirty clothes, unkempt hair and minimum use of soap, deodorant, lotions and perfumes.

Talents and Goals: Very talented, but not willing to develop them due to the energy required. Looking forward to a lifestyle that includes late mornings, no domestic responsibilities, parties, extravagant vacations, and a beautiful home and car. Will expect husband to be a faithful provider, encourager, and admirer who can be understanding should extra-marital affairs be necessary to satisfy extensive needs for love and attention. Not interested in the troublesome ordeals associated with children. Ultimate goal is to be comfortable and in charge of all aspects of personal and family life.

Current situation: Recently abandoned by 23rd boyfriend. Unemployed. No educational or vocational experience. In immediate need of a place to live. Have no assets or energy to bring to the relationship.

If you are lucky enough to be reading this ad and are willing to commit your life to my happiness, please call on a Wednesday between 3 and 3:30 to schedule an appointment at a time and place which is convenient for me. "

My guess that most single young men would not even consider responding to that ad. It drips with selfishness, laziness and immaturity. An individual who would post such an ad would surely be destined for disastrous relationships.

Ironically, when I reflect on some of the prayers I have prayed, I realize that they may have sounded very much like that ad. In essence, I have sometimes appealed to the King of kings with requests and demands for my own pleasure. Crazy, huh? Maybe I mistook prayer for a way to demand my happiness. Why would God be attracted to someone who thought only of their well-being? I’ve got to stop praying those kinds of prayers.

The truth is that it is easy to let the spirit of our age influence the most important relationship in our lives. The Bible predicts a time period like ours that is marked by greed and selfishness: “… in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT)

However, the Bible also predicts: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit…” (Acts 2:17-18 KJV)

I want to be in the latter category – full of God’s Spirit rather than full of myself. I want my prayers to consider God’s preferences and desires. I want to pray attractive prayers – the kind God would want to answer.

Land of the Free?

2009-07-03T18:05:00.001-04:00

It’s almost July 4th again. It will be time to light sparklers, barbecue hamburgers and watch fabulous fireworks displays. It is truly an American holiday. Our favorite patriotic songs declare America to be a bastion of freedom. Using lyrics such as “sweet land of liberty and land of the free,” Americans have boasted that their country celebrated the individuals’ God-given “right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Freedom and America have almost become synonymous.

But, historically, there always seems to be someone who wants to take freedom away. This robbery is usually carried out through war or through legislation. So, while governments can be a great protection to their people, they also tend to be the greatest threat to that liberty. That is what was so alarming about a story that surfaced recently in California, causing many citizens to take notice. According to a the San Diego News, “ A local pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a San Diego County official, who then threatened them with escalating fines if they continued to hold Bible studies in their home…” (http://www.10news.com/news/19562217/detail.html)

Where have our liberties gone?! Do Americans want so much government control that they are required to get a permit in order to have a birthday party, a Memorial Day cookout, a Tupperware party, or a wedding reception in their own home? Do we want some bureaucrat telling us if we can pray at home, or have some friends over to discuss a political matter? Are we still the land of the free?

In my opinion, America has enjoyed being one of the most prosperous nations in the world because we honored God and the liberties he intends all men to enjoy. To abandon freedom and embrace a system in which the government takes care of everything and, therefore, controls everything will ruin more than a good holiday, it will ruin a great country.

Even casual students of history will quickly recognize that bureaucracy and unjust courts are the trademark of nations who have lost their moorings. As the saying goes, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” If a nation does not stand for justice and liberty, it will soon be nothing more than a group of people who are dominated by a ruling class.

God felt strongly about the need for good morals and true justice. On many occasions He told his people that he would rather that they didn’t even come to church and pretend to be religious if they were not going to live right. Here’s one example of God expressing his opinion on the matter:

"I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! “ (Amos 5:21-24NIV)

A free nation is made up of people... people who must take justice and righteousness into consideration when they vote… people who must pray for their leaders… people who must seek God’s face and turn from wrong behavior. That is what gave America her good start. That is where a nation gets true liberty. It’s almost July 4th again, let’s celebrate it heartily with cookouts, fireworks and lives filled with righteousness and justice.

When Your Life Falls Apart

2009-06-26T14:37:00.001-04:00

We listen intently to a true story many of us had already heard on several other occasions. Every time he tells it I am moved and left wondering what it would have been like to know this man in his other life. He tells of a time when he was a “party animal”, so bound by alcohol and drugs that his life was dysfunctional. Finally everything seemed to fall apart. In a single day he was taken to Harrington hospital twice by the same paramedics. First he was retrieved from a gutter downtown and then sent home to sober up. A few hours later, still under the influence, he was run over by a car. The entire audience relives his frustration and pain as he tells us about some of the worst days of his life.

Today this same man is one of the most functional and likeable men you’ll ever meet. Now he is a faithful husband, a great employee, licensed minister and an elder of our church. It is hard to imagine him being the person he talks about. It begs the question, “How does a life that is falling apart turn out so great?”

That question is answered very shortly as he continues his tale. On the day his life fell apart he prayed a simple, desperate prayer asking God (if He really existed) to show him a better way. Within days of that request he was assigned to be trained at work by a man who turned out to be a Spirit-filled Christian. During the next few weeks he got a crash course in what it means to believe in and commit your life to Christ. Shortly thereafter he attended a service where he was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in another language just as the disciples were on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2) Then came several years in which God used his church to help him rebuild his life on a better foundation. God let him hit bottom so he would look up.

His story of a new, better life is not common enough, but neither is it rare. Our assembly is filled with people who came to life-changing crises in their lives -- crises that forced them to consider their weakness and their need for a Savior. Situations that seemed so hopeless and sad became turning points – opportunities to start over. Perhaps that explains why those same people are so anxious to help others find their way to a better life. They are not trying to force their morals and values on others, they are just eager to help them discover the principles that helped remodel their own lives. Many of them used to be very skeptical of Christianity, but then they tried it and found that it works!

Unfortunately, many of us are like the reckless teenager who has to barely survive a terrible car accident before becoming a responsible driver. A word to the wise: The sooner you seek God and His better way of living, the less likely it is that you will have to hit bottom. But if you do, there’s still hope -- I have a bunch of church friends who are living proof of that.

Atta Batta Swing!

2009-06-19T16:01:00.000-04:00

Life can be brutal at times. It’s like baseball. You’re up to bat, half the world is expecting you to save the day and the rest is hoping you won’t. You feel a lump in your throat, a knot in your stomach and the sun is in your eyes. Your team is behind, the bases are loaded, the pitcher is intimidating and all you can think of is the times you struck out. The ball comes fast and it’s hard to know whether or not you should take a swing. Everybody’s got advice. What’s a person to do?

For some of you, there’s another, happier element to the baseball scenario, because you had the privilege of having a dad in the stands when you stepped up to the plate. Someone to cheer you on. Someone who believed in you. Someone who would spend time with you, helping you improve that curve ball. If that has been your experience, then you know why we set aside a special day just for dads. A few words from dad can go a long way toward giving us courage.

Being a great baseball player requires such courage; the kind of courage exhibited by Hank Aaron, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 2002. When he was 39, Aaron hit 30 home runs in 392 at-bats. This gave him a total of 713 home runs in his career. Between seasons, Aaron received death threats and hate mail from people who didn’t want a black man to break Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs. But on April 8, 1974, in spite of cold and drizzle in Atlanta, Aaron hit career home run 715 in the 4th inning. Several years later, on July 20, 1976, Hank Aaron hit his 755th and final home run. I don’t know who was cheering Hank on, but somehow he found the strength to persevere.

Life is a challenge for all of us. Whether it is people’s voices in your head, less than encouraging past experiences, or legitimate challenges, life can be brutal. What a difference it makes when there is a dad in the stands to urge us onward. I would like to thank all the fathers who have given us courage. Thank you for showing us how to be responsible and loving. Thank you for speaking into our lives even though you may be a man of few words. Thank you for cheering us on even though you knew we were not perfect. Thank you for being there to offset everyone in the stands who is chanting “atta batta, swing.”

Bravely taking one’s place in life takes great courage. Jesus modeled this. He stepped up to the plate and touched the lives of others in His world. He taught, loved and healed. There were always detractors and naysayers, even when he did his greatest miracles. Satan, himself, was Jesus’ ultimate detractor. But the man, Christ Jesus, had the encouragement of His Father to urge Him onward. If you don’t have the encouraging voice of a human father in your life -- not to worry. You, too, have a Heavenly Father. If you will run into His arms, He has words of comfort and encouragement for you. At your toughest moments, when everyone is shouting “atta batta, swing,” you’ll find him in the stands applauding your every effort.

Almost A Criminal

2009-06-12T16:42:00.000-04:00

Did I ever tell you about the time I almost became a criminal? I was a mere teenager with my whole life ahead of me when I foolishly conspired with my second cousin to commit arson. Ok, that might be a bit over-stated. We weren’t really trying to burn anything down, but we were lucky that we didn’t start a prairie fire.

It was probably mid-summer. My cohort and I were traversing our uncle’s 300 acre farm in Pompey’s Pillar, Montana. We were walking up a dirt road toward the farm junkyard. The road was nothing more than two tire tracks with a strip of tall, brown, dry grass between them. One of us, I honestly don’t remember who, had acquired some matches. Since we were now out of sight of the house, we decided to play with fire.

I remember striking a match tossing it into the grass, then immediately stomping on it. It was a lot of fun, but it should have been a tip-off that we were toying with stupidity several matches later when I stomped on a match and the flames billowed out around my sneakers demanding that I stomp a second and third time. Unfortunately, some of us are slow learners. We continued our experiment with combustibles. Another match… another stomp… a little breeze… and soon the fire spread faster than our feet could dance.

After an initial panic we had the presence of mind to run ten or fifteen feet downwind and tear out a portion of the grass that was in the middle of the road. Then, as the flames approached we threw handfuls of dirt at the inferno until the flames finally died out. When the episode was over we stood shaking, staring at 20 or more feet of charred grass. It began to dawn on us that if we had been tossing matches to the side of the road rather than in the center patch of grass, we might have started a fire which would have likely burned several acres before being extinguished. We would have been responsible for damage we didn’t intend to cause. That would have been criminal.

I often wonder how many times we play with fire, never thinking about the far-reaching ramifications. We don’t pause to consider how a little flirtation could leave a child fatherless, how a few beers and a drive could end innocent lives, or how a few dollars stolen from the till could result in a criminal record. The thrill that accompanies a struck match, or an instant flame is too tempting. No one is looking, we reason, so why not engage in inappropriate behavior or cheat a little? It’s only a little match that can be easily stomped out. “Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” (James 3:5)

I don’t know if anyone ever noticed that twenty feet of charred road. Thankfully, my foolishness taught me a lesson. I learned that rules, boundaries and prudence are my friends. I learned that dry grass burns fast and the caution “don’t play with fire,” was issued with my well-being in mind. In years to come I would learn many similar lessons, only about different kinds of fire. Somebody was looking out for a couple of young boys on the high plains of Montana back in the 70s. Had we been engaging in such foolishness just a few feet to one side, the runaway fire might have made me a criminal.

Living Life God’s Way

2009-06-04T10:15:00.002-04:00

Amidst all the best-kept-secrets in the world is “the biggie” -- a well-known secret that is obscured by a popular culture that is afraid of personal responsibility and by a few basic misconceptions regarding the definition of a real Christian. The secret: being a Bible believing Christian (that doesn’t cuss, drink, steal or cheat on his spouse) is truly one of the most enjoyable and rewarding lifestyles available. Living life God’s way is not a chore, it is simply following the manufacturer’s manual to enjoy maximum performance.
Years ago a well known preacher once challenged his audience to live life God’s way. Then he articulated the difference in a self-centered life and a God-directed life. As you read his philosophy below, ask yourself how much you agree with his line of reasoning.

“Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?
It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” (Galatians 5:18-23 The Message).

This preacher, St. Paul, became one of the world’s greatest missionaries. He wrote most of the letters that now make up the New Testament. If you had trouble agreeing with the quotation above, then your world view is not a Biblical world view. If your world view is not Biblical, then you have not chosen to live your life God’s way.

The good news is that it is never too late to start living life God’s way. If you should choose to embark on this journey you will find that it is much like the life advertised by the Peace Corps: “It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.” Living right is hard work and requires much discipline, but the results are very wholesome and gratifying. Establishing habits such as attending a Bible-believing church can be a challenge, but your whole family will benefit in ways too numerous to mention. Life was a great idea that God came up with; He knows how it works best. Living life contrary to God’s plan is as frustrating as riding a motorcycle but refusing to put gas in it.

If life doesn’t seem to be unfolding quite the way you expected… if your world view isn’t working….. if you are a “Christian” but are not Spirit-led… I challenge you to take a month of your life and give God’s way a shot. Read Galatians 5:18-23 every day, try to live it out, and see if it doesn’t make a big difference in your life.

Kind Words or Hate Speech?

2009-05-26T10:04:00.001-04:00

I was crying profusely. My favorite uncle had just punished me for what I thought was such a minor infraction. I was not crying due to physical pain, because he had been gentle, but firm. I was crying because he had dared to correct me. My infraction: watching him weld without wearing my welder’s helmet. Was he hateful to be so stern with his young nephew? Considering that prolonged activity of that sort would have allowed ultraviolet radiation to cause damage to my eyes, I think not. I would not have detected the damage until hours later, and a repeated injury of this sort might have resulted in cataracts. Teaching me to take care of my eyes was one of the kindest things my uncle could do for me.

I am alarmed about a social trend which defines the hateful as kind and the kind as hateful. Parents are discouraged from giving their children loving direction. A humanistic cultural revolution is preaching tolerance while extinguishing time-proven morals and values through legislative, judicial and executive manipulation. Whenever someone with common sense speaks up concerning an issue they are reprimanded with accusations that they are engaging in “hate speech” -- as if it is hateful to tell the truth. This is a recipe for societal collapse.

The Bible warns: “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) If we’re not careful people who should know better will react as I did when I was a pre-teen peeking at my uncle’s welding arc; we will think of kindness as being hateful. The truth is that it is sometimes more hateful to not point out the dangers of certain activities. The kindest thing we can do is to hold fast to long-held morals and values, in spite of the politically correct rhetoric that deems such expressions of love as hateful.

Allow me to clarify with a few examples of what I would consider to be kind words and what I would consider to be hate speech:

Kind words:
1. Don’t stick things into electrical sockets.
2. Don’t play in traffic or play with guns.
3. Killing babies is wrong.
4. There are house rules you must obey.
5. It’s always wrong to cheat on your spouse.
6. Not all roads lead to heaven.
7. Be the man God made you to be.
8. Unlike in the movies, you are responsible for your actions.
9. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
10. Life on earth is just the entryway to a much longer and better life, for those who choose eternal life in Christ.

Real hate speech:
1. Whatever feels good, do it.
2. Believing in absolutes is bigotry.
3. Whatever you do, take care of #1.
4. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do.
5. God doesn’t care how you behave.
6. There is no such thing as evil.
7. Whatever makes sense to you is what is moral.
8. We accidently evolved from lower forms of life.
9. There is safe sex outside of marriage.
10. When you die you cease to exist.

As a former school teacher, I can assure you that children left to their own judgment do not instinctively create a safe and healthy learning environment. Our children need kind words. I have also lived long enough to have some of my former students thank me for the kind words of discipline which I spoke into their lives decades ago. Parents, teachers, students, bosses, policy makers, city council members, ministers….thank you for your kind words. Thank you for risking your politically correct status and speaking the truth in love.

Would Our Government Fund Slavery?

2009-05-20T14:04:00.001-04:00

Amid the clamor of those groping for government handouts are a couple of unexpected petitioners. “…adult-entertainment moguls Larry Flynt and Joe Francis said Wednesday that they are asking Washington for a $5 billion federal bailout, claiming that the porn business is suffering from the soft economy….The request, Francis said, was being made in a letter to Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass, and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. The $5 billion figure, he said, reflects the decline in U.S. adult-entertainment- industry revenue from $18 billion three years ago. (Kevin Modesti of the LA Daily News, Thursday, January 08, 2009)

Surely they jest! How could such an inhumane industry even be considered for government assistance? Pornography is a type of modern-day slavery; it enslaves the viewed and the viewers. Just as prospective masters used to look at the teeth, the muscle tone, and the attractiveness of the humans they traded, modern consumers browse magazines, movies and the internet looking at body parts and lewd behavior they can purchase. Those who pose are literally selling their bodies and those who watch often find that their minds and emotions become addicted (enslaved) to it.

Admittedly, some of these sex objects are in the business of their own free will. However, many are doing it because of their desperate financial straits and some (especially children and teens) are doing it because they have no choice. Wouldn’t it be rather hypocritical for America to celebrate its decency and sensitivity to civil rights and then financially underwrite pornography?

Pornography is one of the largest industries of our day. Morally speaking it is just as despicable as the slum Lords, sweat shop owners and slave traders of yesteryear. This industry is dumping more toxic waste into the streams of society than all the factories in the world are dumping into our physical waterways. If the industry is waning, we would do well to let it fail. After all, self-respecting society doesn’t encourage its citizens to parade their nakedness and gawk at the nakedness of others.

Women should be especially offended by this business. Many readers will agree with Raymond Woodward who wrote: Women who have failed to condemn pornography have “unwittingly aided the most heinous assault against the female gender ever devised in the pits of hell…It is a virus that kills intimacy, dignity, reality, and spirituality. It snuffs out the soul of everyone it touches, because it reduces humanity to a commodity to be used…Gary Brooks, a psychologist who studies pornography at A&M university, has demonstrated that even “soft-core” pornography has a very negative effect on men because ‘it’s voyeurism—it teaches men to view women as objects rather than to be in relationships with women as human beings.’” (The Pentecostal Herald)

I Thessalonians 4:3 and I Corinthians 6:18 advise us to “flee fornication” (sex outside of biblical marriage), not because it is a forbidden joy, but because it is slavery. If you are bound by pornography it might be an encouragement to know that many people have been set free. The key is to get to know God intimately. Let Him give you a life of dignity and self-respect by means of His unconditional love.

On September 22, 1862 President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation which freed slaves in Confederate states. We celebrate that legislation, and we should. But, it is high time for emancipation from the slavery of pornography. Men, treat your wives, daughters and girlfriends with respect and dignity. Women, do the same for the men in your life. Emancipate your mind. Emancipate children and young people who are selling their bodies and souls. Don’t buy the stuff and ask your government not to underwrite those who do. That is all it would take to bankrupt this whole system of slavery.

Mounting Proof Against Evolution

2009-05-11T18:16:00.000-04:00

Our society is the best observable evidence that the theory of evolution doesn’t hold true. Crime is up, divorce is up, faith in God is down, greed and sloth are increasing. Few people will disagree that, in their lifetimes, our society has degenerated. We are in desperate need of a fresh infusion of goodness.

According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the concept of entropy, over time all systems tend to become more disorderly and break down. Organisms and systems don’t naturally evolve from bad to good or from lower forms of life to higher forms of life. In the case of social and moral systems, entropy has been proven again and again. Our society in no exception, and most honest citizens are recognizing that things are getting worse. Our nation was formed based on faith in the Christian God, freedom, honesty and family. Those values are not only disappearing, they are being openly and officially opposed.

Consider the evidence. Alcoholism, drug abuse and extra marital affairs used to be private matters, but now they are the central factors in most high profile deaths, arrests and trials. The best paid people in our society used to be those in the helping, protecting or building professions, but now entertainers, money brokers and sports figures are best paid and even demand exorbitant salaries. As demonstrated by popular entertainment, our treatment of one another has grown less civil and even vicious… almost animalistic at times. We are never more like lower forms of animal life than when we mate in public, pay to see people bash one another, and publically flaunt selfishness and greed. One need not look any further than movies and daytime television to see that these behaviors are becoming “normal”.

If evolution holds true and is still working, mankind would be becoming less like animals, the world would be getting less polluted and every endangered species would simply adapt and save itself. If the creation is true and still working, when things get bad God, the source of life and every good thing, can fix it. Mankind naturally gets worse until God is allowed to step in and provides the strength to change. Of course, if we choose to refuse His help by not applying his principles to our nation, our family, or our personal lives, things will get worse and worse.

But, enough of the diagnosis. There is a huge silver lining to this dark cloud. Mankind was created with the capacity for love, decency, creativity, kindness, humility…. and when a person or a society finds itself bankrupt of these virtues, they can turn to God and be renewed. The Bible says it like this: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) An infusion of goodness is possible. Revival can still happen. God provides the power; we provide the desire.

In fact, if we choose to live God’s way, we have the privilege of being the best observable evidence that there is a Creator. Think of it: cultural deterioration proves that time alone does not make things better but that things naturally go downhill, but one changed life becomes proof that God’s is powerful and creative. The end result is that both good and evil are proving that all good things come from God.

Are Christians Paranoid?

2009-04-24T10:51:00.002-04:00

As a child I had the great privilege of sitting in church and listening to knowledgeable speakers from all over the world give rousing speeches on what was going to happen in the future, as predicted by the Bible. I heard about: a one-world government, a one-world religion that was tolerant of everything but Christianity, a one-world currency, and a coming financial system that would require everyone to be “marked” in order to by or sell. The latter prediction went something like this: One of these days the whole world will be led by a man who will be able to control everyone by refusing to let them do business without being a part of the world system of government.” This teaching was based on Scripture passages such as the one below:

“He required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name. Wisdom is needed here. Let the one with understanding solve the meaning of the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man. His number is 666.” (Revelation 13:16-18 NLT)

Many people dismissed the above theories as paranoia. It was all so Orwellian. I remember the scorn and skepticism encountered by those like my parents who dared believe such “nonsense”. Skeptics would query, “How in the world could a single government be able to keep track of every single person on the planet, and how would they get countries like Russia to get on board?” Others wondered, “If we can’t even get Pentecostals and Lutherans to agree on things, how would it be possible to get Hindus, Muslims and Christian to agree on anything?”

Today, however, the once-predicted developments are almost universally accepted as inevitable. U.S. presidents talk about a “New World Order”, or being a “citizen of the world.” At every turn one can see the world predicted in scripture coming into view. Below are three prime examples.

In a matter of months, Americans have watched the stock market crash and the U.S. government take unprecedented steps toward ownership of major companies and banks. The whole world is in financial turmoil, causing some to call for a world bank that controls all funds. There is also serious talk of a one-world currency. (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25173126-12377,00.html)
Recently, in Hartford CT, an anti-family group spearheaded a legal attack against the Catholic Church. They recommended that the state dictate who controls the spending of charitable contributions; in other words, they recommended a state-controlled religion. That is as ridiculous as giving congress the right to spend funds raised by the Lion’s Club or Toastmasters, but waters are brazenly being tested.
Recent technological developments such as cell phones, bank cards, retinal scanners, implantable microchips, etc. have paved the way for a cashless society and greater government control. I recently talked to a parent from Woodstock CT who told me grade-school children now use their fingerprint to pay for hot lunches.

It turns out those “crazy preachers” weren’t paranoid - they were spot on! A world system is unfolding just as they predicted. That scares some folks, but maybe there is a bright side to all of this. If the Bible has been proven true in these matters, then we can be confident in the rest of its message. The same Bible that predicted a one-world government predicted that many people would become believers during this period of time. True believers have no need to be paranoid, because they are living by the Book that keeps getting proved right -- a Book that tells of God’s great love. And “perfect love casteth out fear:” (1 John 4:18 KJV)