You did "what"?

Even the "king" of beasts looks like he is having a problem at home. And by the look on "her" face, it appears that he has an uphill battle. Those of us who have been married awhile, know how truly different men and women are; they just think differently. If you have a few moments, read the following passage from the book of Ephesians and give it a little thought.

Eph 5:22-33
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.31 "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.WEB

OK, sometimes there just has to be a "final word" that stops all discussion and this is the role of the male. However, the times that this happens in my household have decreased sharply with each passing decade because as time goes by we understand one another better. This isn't the primary focus of the passage, however; love is. If we love one another, we will TRY TO UNDERSTAND, TRY TO GET ALONG, TRY TO WORK THINGS OUT. Notice a key word here? No, its not TRY, but rather love. Christ is the example, love is the motivation, harmony is the outcome. Of course there will be problems, but I like to think of them more as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to overcome. So, the next time there is a difference of opinion, remember that marriage is more than a physical cohabitation, it is a spiritual union, with the God of all the Earth, right there, helping you, guiding you and loving you though it all. By the way, its also a good idea not to show your teeth at your spouse; you might regret it.

Billy

I went to Seffner yesterday to pick up my medications and I guess the sight of my neck collar was a little upsetting to some of my co-workers. I have had it on a week now and am getting used to it, but had forgotten about those who haven't seen me in awhile. Then I realized that I must have looked a lot like my brother-in-law Billy. He had a neck problem and could only move his head about as much as I can now, so I even though its been several decades, I can finally relate a bit more to his situation. This picture was taken the year he was killed by a drunk driver and is the last one we have of him. He wasn't super-smart, didn't have many skills and in general was just an ordinary guy. But, I will always remember him most because he personified the following verse of Scripture more than anyone else I have ever met.

Mic 6:8
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? WEB

To have only lived 21 years and to be remembered this way is quite an accomplishment. And, OH, yes, he adored my girls as well.

Optimism

I think I would like to meet the driver of the car on the left. Talk about optimism! His (or her) car seems to be in a state of disrepair, yet that doesn't seem to be a problem.... its time to pass, nonetheless. Obstacles are only obstacles if you let them be and obviously this person doesn't even know the meaning of the word. Take a look at the following list and see if you can see the reason for their boldness.

2 Sam 23:8-39
8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.9 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away.10 He arose, and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.11 After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.12 But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh worked a great victory.13 Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.14 David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.15 David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!16 The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh.17 He said, Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.18 Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.19 Wasn't he most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: however he didn't attain to the first three.20 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear.22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty men.23 He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn't attain to the first three. David set him over his guard.24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash.31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite,34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.WEB

If you guessed that God was with each one of these men... you were right! Problems, impossibilities, difficulties and all sorts of obstacles are really opportunities if God is made part of the picture. You may not have a lot to work with (like the engine in the left vehicle) but God can use it anyway. Though it might be a good idea to put a full sized tire on before attempting something really ambitious. Vroom, Vroom... time to go!

The three cookie ant

This little guy is impressive! Gram for gram he makes Mr. "I'll be back" look like a 97 pound weakling. I have no idea how it is possible for someone so small to carry something so big, but just look at him! People are like ants; we all have capabilities, some of us can naturally carry more than others. This applies not only to strength, but to responsibility and emotional stability as well. How about Spiritual matters? The Jews had rules, and more rules and rules on top of their rules to protect their rules (called a hedge around the law). Jesus came with a renewed vision of Grace and suddenly living was easier.

Matt 11:28-30
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."WEB

Why would the above verses be true? The answer is found behind the reason why we listen to God in the first place. If we follow an arbitrary rule, it is a conceptual thing, but if we do what we do based on a relationship, well, that is an entirely different matter. Have you ever noticed that if you really love someone, whatever you do for them doesn't seem to be burdensome or overbearing? Jesus came to usher in a new way to obey God... love! With love, God's ways are easy and with much love, easier still. What's next? A four cookie ant?

Unforgettable

I think its a sofa, but it could be single bed. Who does it belong to? In a word... Abby on N.C.I.S.. You know her; the Gothic analytical chemist, who is part innocent, part genius, part weirdo. And Oh, yes, fully intriguing. She is the sort of character you just can't forget; someone whose every action seems etched on your brain. For me, John the Baptist seems just like her, thoroughly unforgettable.

Matt 3:1-12
3 In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,2 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight."4 Now John himself wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.5 Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?8 Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance!9 Don't think to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.10 "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire. WEB

He didn't mince words, he spoke directly and his overall appearance would have been something you never would forget. I WOULD LISTEN WHEN HE SPOKE; HE COULD NOT BE IGNORED. I wish he was here today because America needs someone as direct as him. Repent means repent; change is needed today. Not change for the sake of change, but change with a view to reform. Today, like in the time of the Baptist, there are many, many people who are going through the motions of religion, but the heart felt substance of it is far, far from them. Instead of cash for clunkers, we need soft hearts instead of insensitive ones. Jesus will be back soon and judgment will be decisive. Listen, and remember; there will be a test.

A "little" or "big" problem?

Stonehenge is a symbol most of us recognize as relating to the afterlife. All the world over, people have to face death sometime. This week I came though a delicate neck surgery OK. But it could have just as easily NOT been OK, as the time I spent in ICU revealed. Before the surgery, the "odds" for a favorable outcome seemed good, but I have had surgery in that general area twice before, so I was forced to consider the possibility that I would not make it. Somehow, it didn't bother me because I remembered this passage from the book of Acts.

Acts 2:22-37
22 "Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,23 him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;24 whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.25 For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;27 Because you will not leave my soul in Hades, Neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.28 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.'29 "Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,31 he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.32 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.34 For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand,35 Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'36 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"WEB

For me, this passage settles the matter; Jesus has taken care of the "little problem" of death, so really its no big deal. However, I know of quite a few others for whom it will be a "big problem" and if you find yourself in this category, then perhaps you might ask yourself the question found in verse 37. Don't look to "stones", or "stars" or "good works" to solve your problems, rather look to Jesus instead. If you have a few minutes, go to Acts 2 and read the next verse (38), and you will see the answer Peter and the Apostles gave in response to this question. That answer still works today; no problem!

The double sided question

Nice picture! I really like the white of the sky reflected on the water; somehow it is very special. However, that is not why I selected it. Unlike other pictures I have seen this one shows what is beneath the surface of the water as well as the reflection viewed at its surface. People are like this picture; we may see something of their character, but normally we don't get to peer into their inward nature. Jesus could and did and its one of the things that make him very special.

Luke 5:18-26
18 Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus.
19 Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the midst before Jesus.
20 Seeing their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you."
21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"
22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?
23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you;' or to say, 'Arise and walk?'
24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."
25 Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God.
26 Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."WEB

The Pharisees were asking a good question; who IS THIS MAN? But along with their question was doubt based on their preconceptions. Still, Jesus doesn't give up on them and asks them the "which is easier?" question instead. They needed to understand who he was and what he was capable of. So, He healed the poor man by just telling him to get up. Object lesson, tactfully performed. And it made them think and that is always a good thing; so is being healed. Jesus was not a reflection of God; HE was GOD, and so had the power to do as HE wished. Humm, I wonder, what is the answer to the double sided question Jesus asked? Perhaps the answer is to be found by asking ourselves whether we are looking at the surface reflection on the water, or what is beneath it?

Speaking the truth in love

As I post today, I must make a confession; I don't like Dr. Phil. If some of you do, that's OK with me, but personally I can't stand him. Its something about his attitude that just turns me off, something I just don't care for. However, this message is a good one and probably applies to more of us that we would like to admit. I know it makes me a little nervous because I am more than a little fat. For many of us there are medical and psychological reasons why we are overweight and before too many fingers are pointed, remember that we all have things to work on. Discipleship is a many faceted gem. Most of all, attitude is important. Consider what the apostle Paul has to say in this passage from the book of Ephesians.

Eph 4:11-17
11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,WEB

The Gentiles lived a life without Christ; many of them without any discipline whatsoever. True discipleship begins in the heart and eventually affects all aspects of life, not just one part. No amount of finger pointing or brow beating will make any difference at all; not with me anyway. Sometimes saying nothing at all is best; I know that's exactly what my wife did and one day in 1971 I just decided to quit smoking and have been smoke free ever since. I encourage everyone out there to think about their life and do what is best; and OH, yes, this passage teaches that other believers will help as well. Are you listening Gary?

Lunch!

Animals know what they want, but no so people. Most people strive to get a better job, more money, more possessions, more frills and the more people have, the more they want; it never ends. What does it take for someone to realize that there is more to life than the above list? I like this video because it shows a single-mindedness which gets right down to basics. Something as basic as eating can be a real motivator. Our sleeping friend sure had a wake up call, didn't he? Jesus chose his disciples and showed them how to communicate his message. This passage in Matthew shows how.

Matt 4:18-23
18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers: Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.
19 He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers for men."
20 They immediately left their nets and followed him.
21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them.
22 They immediately left the boat and their father, and followed him.
23 Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.WEB

What a lesson in fishing for men; using the power you have to both help and teach at the same time. Hey, you don't have to hit me over the head with a baseball bat; just use the power you have and get attention... the message will do the rest.

Through the open window

Windows are funny things; they allow you to see the outside yet keep you inside. They reveal the world as it is and yet they somehow change it. Life is a lot like that, it is full of contradictions and things that beg the question "why". Elisha the prophet was about to die and just about the last thing he did involved a window. Read on for more...

2 Kings 13:14-20
14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness of which he died: and Joash the king of Israel came down to him, and wept over him, and said, My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen of it!
15 Elisha said to him, Take bow and arrows; and he took to him bow and arrows.
16 He said to the king of Israel, Put your hand on the bow; and he put his hand on it. Elisha laid his hands on the king's hands.
17 He said, Open the window eastward; and he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot; and he shot. He said, Yahweh's arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you shall strike the Syrians in Aphek, until you have consumed them.
18 He said, Take the arrows; and he took them. He said to the king of Israel, Smite on the ground; and he struck thrice, and stayed.
19 The man of God was angry with him, and said, You should have struck five or six times: then had you struck Syria until you had consumed it, whereas now you shall strike Syria but thrice.
20 Elisha died, and they buried him. WEB

It is a curious thing the way God works through men to accomplish his will. It seems like God always seems to take the long way around in the ways he does things, but ultimately the lessons he teaches are on so many levels as to make you marvel. Why the window, why the arrows, why that number of arrow strikes to the ground? I don't know, but if it was important to have one of the greatest prophets who ever lives do this... so what. One thing is for sure, God was pronouncing judgment and the arrows were a signification of the power of God over the kingdoms of the world. Perhaps the window was a portal to the wonderment of the will and ways of the almighty. Its sort of like looking out your window at a glorious sunrise and marvelling at the beauty of it; you may not understand everything, but the sight of God's workings will inspire you.