If we will only look

Several weeks ago I changed my laptop background to this picture. So, every single day I see this more than once. I noticed it has a calming effect on me; somehow my day was better and it wasn't until I came home from work this evening that I realized what it was. Peace, this picture says peace to me. It makes me reflect on my day and put things into perspective just like the Bible does. I look at the sky and the mirror of the scenery on the lake and think. No matter how bad things were during the course of my day, this simple picture reminds me that there can be peace if I will just LOOK. When I do, God gives me the encouragement I need. The apostles needed a their spirits lifted the night before Jesus was betrayed and so Jesus said these words to them:

Joh 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ESV

I learned recently that about 50% of our brain is devoted to vision. Its plain to me that God wants us to use to use our brains to see. Unfortunately, the world we see around us can be a dangerous, very difficult place in which to survive, but God wants more for us than that. He wants us to really live and enjoy life. True life means restoring a genuine fellowship with God, so Jesus did what he had to do to make this happen. Difficult, yes, but then restoring something that is broken is more difficult than making something new. So, the next time you look at one of the pictures that I post, reflect a little and go beyond the obvious; see the magnificent interaction that God wants with us... if we will only look. Who knows, you just might see something beautiful and remember the creator. For me, this means peace and I pray it will for you as well.

Way beyond speech

When someone wants to curse someone or something, they use the name of God and the word Damn and then list the desired person or thing. But wait a minute, what about the following verse from the book of Deuteronomy?

Deu 5:11 "'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. English Standard Version

A person's name represents that person; their appearance, character, and really everything about them. So, when someone curses, invoking the name of God they are taking HIM very lightly indeed. God is not to be ignored, trifled with or referred to without respect. So, this commandment goes way beyond speech because in fact it really permeates every aspect of our life. I like what Max T. Neel used to say:"God is closer than hands or feet and nearer than breathing". Because I accept that as truth, I know God is watching what I do and I need to be careful. Respect is respect, and a lack of it has consequences.

Ready to respond

When I left work today I noticed I needed some gas, so I stopped at the Circle K. A very pleasant man came up to me, informing me that there was a problem with the pumps and what I had to do about it. We had a long conversation, which ended with my suggestion that he read the book of Acts. Why, because its always a good idea to start at the beginning and that's where I consider the first century church started. After I left, it occurred to me that it was the most straightforward, plain suggestion I have given in awhile. NOT EVERYTHING IS COMPLICATED; SOME THINGS JUST ARE WHAT THEY ARE AND THAT IS THAT! Please play the video at the top and you will see what I mean. Afterwards, glance at the verses from the book of Matthew and I think you will see the connection.

Mat 19:13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people,
Mat 19:14 but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." ESV

There was a time when we were all young; when the world was new and even the simplest things fascinated us. We were open minded, ready to respond without all the social filters we develop over the years. If we want to follow Jesus, we need to be as genuine as the baby in the video and reach out to Jesus. I think he will reach out to us and when that happens just try to stop smiling, I dare you!

ps. I have been thinking about babies a lot lately as Linda and I will be grandparents to baby number eight in the next few months!!!!!!

The bright morning sunshine

This picture of a sunrise from Iceland is amazing! There is a special quality about it that awakens the senses and begs the question: What is next? I remember the first time I presented a sermon; how nervous I was and thought I would never be able to speak in public again. To my complete surprise those who critiqued what I did had very positive comments. There were however, a couple of comments that blindsided me. I didn't know gee whiz meant Jesus' whiskers and that Golly wasn't much better. It was a real eye-opener, something like the following passage from the book of Ephesians.....

Eph 5:8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
Eph 5:9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true),
Eph 5:10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Eph 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Eph 5:12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.
Eph 5:13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,
Eph 5:14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, "Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." ESV

It dawned on me that some of the language that I had taken for granted as being acceptable really wasn't and I needed to change. If anyone has ever worked the graveyard shift, you know that when you come out into the bright morning sunshine it hurts your eyes for only a little while and then you see everything with a new clarity. When the SON OF GOD wakes you up, believe me, you see sonshine indeed! Then you really ask the question: What is next?

The wake I leave behind

Some of my earliest memories are of being on my father's speedboat and watching the wake that was left behind. Life is somewhat like being on that speedboat; ever forward, with the effects of what you do left behind you. Family, the work you have done and the people who call you friend all say a great deal about you. While these are important, I think the things that really matter are those things that bring about change in the lives of others; encouragement, understanding and most of all the love that you give away will be the most important part of your life's "wake". Nothing lasts forever, but your life could have an impact on literally thousands of people. Some people live their lives as if they will never end; but all do. I like this passage from the book of Second Peter because it reminds me that someday everything I have ever done will be on display.

2Pe 3:3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.
2Pe 3:4 They will say, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation."
2Pe 3:5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God,
2Pe 3:6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished.
2Pe 3:7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
2Pe 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
2Pe 3:9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. ESV

I don't know when and I really don't understand how, but what we do here and now will be shown for what it really is. I guess that is where faith comes in, where you come to the point of asking yourself: What have I done with my life and how will I be judged for it? I know that I cannot change the past, but I can determine that from now on the wake I leave behind will be better each day! Think about your life and then do something about it; no one is promised tomorrow, we only have today. And oh, yes... watch where you are driving your boat, you might hit a reef of sin!

My hope of spring

This picture of the winter sun reminds me that it has been about five years since I have seen winter and I miss it. I miss the first couple of months at least, when the snow is still white and everything seems crisp. As February and March grow old things seem to change; it becomes harder and harder to endure the cold and the snow is either grey or blackish because of car exhaust. By the time April arrives, I can't wait for spring. However, there always was a ray of hope: The sun. Each day it rose higher in the sky and provided encouragement that warmth was on its way. This passage from the book of Revelation does something similar; read on....

Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things have passed away.

and

Rev 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God enlightened it, and the Lamb is the light of it.
Rev 21:24 And the nations of them who are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.
Rev 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut by day: for there shall be no night there.

The Webster Bible

The sun changes winter to spring and its warmth grows with each passing day. God tabernacling (dwelling) in a person changes things; the SON OF GOD makes a difference. The warmth of HIS love turns the hardness of our hearts into a springtime of Joy. And like the procession of winter to spring, life gets better and better. Some day the words from the book of Revelation will literally come to pass, but until that day, my hope of spring will always be growing because of Jesus. Feeling warm yet?

The sign that leads to hell

Whoever put this sign up is not to bright. It seems to me that no one needs to be told how to go to Hell. Why, because all you have to do is to do what you please, without regard to anybody or anything! Whatever "makes you feel good" or "You do your thing and I'll do mine" is a sure guidepost to destruction. The Bible says:

Pro 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

and

Mat 7:12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Mat 7:13 "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
Mat 7:14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

English Standard Version

General rule #1: If you rule your life, you are probably going down a wrong road.

General rule #2: If God rules your life, refer to Matthew 7:12-14

So, tonight before you go to sleep get your all purpose ruler out and measure your life. Make sure you pick the right one and don't follow the sign that leads to hell. I think General rule # 2 looks pretty good to me; how about you?

Hint: The correct ruler to choose is Jesus and not yourself.

As sweet as the Lilac

To you its probably just a Lilac, but to me it is a fond memory. I was in the third grade and my teacher was Mrs. Door. She was a very large woman by any standard, but she did something that made her memory stay with me for many, many years; she showed me kindness and went out of her way to help me. In our yard was a large Lilac bush and one day I took a few blossoms to her. She was surprised, but put them in a vase that she kept on her desk the entire week. I was in heaven because I had a schoolboy crush on her. When I think of gifts, the book of John comes to mind. Read on....

Joh 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
Joh 16:14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
Joh 16:15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

English Standard Version

God has given us a gift that keeps on giving. The Spirit guided the apostles and today the words that HE inspired to them guide us still. Think of all the good that The Word of God has done and will continue to do. My elementary teacher has undoubtedly been dead for many years, but her gift to me continues to this day. Her kindnesses were many and as sweet as the Lilac to me, but the kindness God has shown me seems overwheming to even try to take in. Today would be a good day to try to thank HIM for what he has done for me, but I don't think he accepts Lilacs, so I will just have to give myself instead. By the way, somehow Mrs. Door became my fourth grade teacher and the day I knew about that was a very good day indeed!

One beautiful boat

Crystal aquamarine water, pleasant surroundings and even a friendly sky. When I lived in Jamesburg, this was all my neighbor two doors down could talk about. Both Harold and Delores had bought a boat and planned to live on it in their retirement. When they left for their dream in the Florida keys, they were excited beyond belief. I never did know the outcome, but I wish them every happiness. What a person wishes for says a great deal about them. Read this passage from the book of Second Timothy to see what the Apostle Paul looked forward to:

2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

English Standard Version

Boats sink, Hurricanes destroy and rain can do a lot of damage. The things of this world may seem wonderful, but what about their lasting value? Paul had the right idea; think about eternity! The picture above is of one beautiful boat, but can it compare with the victors crown of righteousness awarded by God himself? Retire in style, with Jesus your captain and sail on forever, not for just a retirement that lasts a few years.

The presence of greatness

Most of us are familiar with the Eiffel tower, but probably not from this perspective. It looks gigantic and seems to reach up to heaven itself! When I first saw this my jaw dropped a little and I just stared in amazement for sometime and was almost speechless (if you can imagine that)! It made me think of an incident in the New Testament where Peter must have done the same thing. Read the following passage from the book of Matthew and see if you don't agree with me......

Mat 17:1 And after six days Jesus takes with him Peter, and James, and John his brother, and brings them up into a high mountain apart.
Mat 17:2 And he was transfigured before them. And his face shone as the sun, and his garments became white as the light;
Mat 17:3 and lo, Moses and Elias appeared to them talking with him.
Mat 17:4 And Peter answering said to Jesus, Lord, it is good we should be here. If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles: for thee one, and for Moses one, and one for Elias.
Mat 17:5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and lo, a voice out of the cloud, saying, *This* is my beloved Son, in whom I have found my delight: hear him.
Mat 17:6 And the disciples hearing it fell upon their faces, and were greatly terrified.
Mat 17:7 And Jesus coming to them touched them, and said, Rise up, and be not terrified.
Mat 17:8 And lifting up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus alone.

Darby Bible

OK, I didn't tell you everything; I am afraid of heights! So, you can imagine how I would feel even THINKING ABOUT GOING TO THE TOP OF THIS BABY! Some things just hit you and this picture stunned me. Peter was stunned too, when God politely told him to be quiet. There is a good lesson here: When in the presence of greatness be quiet and learn. You just might find out something to overcome your fears.