The smile on your face

Happiness brings you up, and the converse is true as well. Face it, we are social "animals"; we need other people. I meet new people all the time and I can tell you from personal experience that a smile goes a long way towards establishing a friendship. This is easy to see in everyday life, but what about the Bible? Luke 15 tells the tale of a son who had gone astray and a father who was overjoyed at his return:

Luk 15:11 And he said, "There was a man who had two sons.
Luk 15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them.
Luk 15:13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.
Luk 15:14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.
Luk 15:15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.
Luk 15:16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
Luk 15:17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!
Luk 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.
Luk 15:19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' Luk 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luk 15:21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
Luk 15:22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
Luk 15:23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.
Luk 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate. ESV

Do you think anyone smiled? Was there happiness there? Why? Aren't religious people supposed to be stuffed shirts? Whoever started that idea probably has never known the happiness that only God can bring into life. Make no mistake, this parable is about the religiously wayward returning to God. Do you think God smiles; I do, because HE is happy with all those who turn from sinful lives to ones that please HIM. And that not only affects God, but you as well. So, tomorrow, smile and watch the effect the smile on your face will have on others; who knows, they might just see God smiling through you.

The best gift ever

What did YOU get for Valentine's day; flowers, candy, or maybe a nice card? How about a nice big juicy heart of beef? Now, I know its weird and all that, but for me a nice big piece of meat would go great with a baked potato. But, for Valentine's day? Why not? Love can be expressed in all sorts of ways because people are different the world over. Read this passage from Romans for a slightly different spin about love:

Rom 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Rom 5:3 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,
Rom 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Rom 5:5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Rom 5:6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
Rom 5:7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die--
Rom 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

English Standard Version

Today is February 21st and by now the candy has been gobbled up, the flowers wilted and the card, well, who knows where it is. Genuine love is something that stays with you for a lifetime, something that withstands the test of time. I can't think of anything longer than eternal life, can you? So, I guess that makes God's gift of Jesus the best gift ever because it keeps on giving forever. Now, as far as Valentine's day 2010 goes, if one of my children should happen to read this.... GET ME THE STEAK and please don't forget the A-1, please!

Just wrong!

I remember what I was doing when I saw this and you probably do as well. It was almost beyond belief to see this happen and it was so upsetting to so many people around me that the company I was working for offered counseling to all those who felt they needed it. How could anyone do such a thing? I think we can gain some insight from this passage from the book of Matthew:

Mat 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
Mat 4:2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Mat 4:3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."
Mat 4:4 But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Mat 4:5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
Mat 4:6 and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"
Mat 4:7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Mat 4:9 And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
Mat 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"

English Standard Version

We are religiously according to what standard of authority we are willing to submit to. Christians follow the Bible and that is to be our standard. Think about it; if God is really God, then there must be one truth and only one, just as there is only one true God. There are those who say you can do anything you want in regards to religious matters, but I think they are just wrong. Wrong because there really is only one God to worship; anything else is the Satanic. Remember what Jesus said in verse ten? Think I am wrong, well, look at the picture once again and ask yourself what standard the people who did this evil act were following?

What a face!

What a face! I look at her and she says "go away" as surely as I am breathing. I actually like what she does with her eyes, but her tongue; WOW, what a tongue! I can only imagine what she might say? However large a tongue might be, its the words that people say that hurt! Words like dum-dum, RETARD, fat-boy, lazy, good for nothing and the like. Its not JUST the words, its HOW they are said, with stretched out syllables and emphasis that reveal hate that comes straight from the heart. I like how James puts it in chapter three:

Jas 3:2 For we all stumble in many ways. If any one does not stumble in word, this one is a mature man, able also to bridle the whole body.
Jas 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the mouths of the horses, for them to obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Jas 3:4 Behold, the ships also, being so great, and being driven by violent winds, they are directed by a very small rudder, where the impulse of the one steering purposes.
Jas 3:5 So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how little a fire kindles how large a forest!
Jas 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, the world of iniquity. So the tongue is set among our members, spotting all the body, and inflaming the course of nature, and being inflamed by Hell.
Jas 3:7 For every species of beasts, both indeed of birds, of creeping things, and of sea animals, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human species;
Jas 3:8 but no one of men is able to tame the tongue; it is an unrestrainable evil, full of death-dealing poison.
Jas 3:9 By this we bless God and the Father; and by this we curse men having come into being according to the image of God. Gen. 1:26
Jas 3:10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, it is not fitting for these things to be so. LITV

Strong words indeed! Try to remember them the next time you want to say something less than flattering; who knows, you just might save someone a very bad memory. Words can be good, however! I once asked my wife why she married me: She said" Well, its not because of your nose, because its so big you could land a plane on it; its not for money, because you only have to open your wallet to see how broke you are; its not for your family because we both know how much both our families hate one another". Why, then OH, why did you do it, I said? Her reply has echoed throughout the years and has given me great joy: "I married you because you KEPT ON TELLING ME THAT YOU LOVED ME, OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN; Finally, I believed you!! Success! forty years and counting!

My cup runs over

You just had a nice meal and raised your glass for a toast and then... wham, it all goes so very wrong. Things like this really do happen in life: The washer breaks, the car has a flat tire even though its raining, one of the kids puts a crayon in the pocket of your favorite shirt and the list goes on and on and on. However, even though we have problems from time to time, by and large things go OK. Its even better when you know that God is with you, helping you day by day. Read the words of the first Psalm and see if it doesn't sound good to you.

Psa 23:1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
Psa 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Psa 23:3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.
Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

World English Bible

The world is tough out there right now and it may be even more challenging in the years ahead. Its nice to know God is watching out for me, helping and guiding all the way. Although, my cup running over does not necessarily refer to a broken mug, it still sounds like a good life; so live with enthusiasm: every day above ground is a good day, even the bad ones (because there is hope that tomorrow may be better).

looking up

Beautiful, isn't it? Quite rare because light has to be at just the right angle to form this fire rainbow. Some day I hope to see such a beautiful thing in the heavens with my own eyes. That is something to look forward to, indeed. The Psalmist was looking forward to seeing God and one can only imagine what that would be like. Its interesting to me that he asks for just one thing. Read the verse and I think you will begin to see a depth in it that is not obvious at first glance.

Psa 27:4 One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.

I can only imagine what it will be like to be in God's presence, to consider his form and speak with him. What would he say, how would I comphrend it and how would I respond? Good questions, all. I honestly don't know the answers, but I think it would be better than any fire rainbow that I may ever see. One thing is for sure, the best way to start begins by looking up; at least you are headed in the right direction. Oh yes, you have to look and keep on looking; that's what the "one" in the verse is all about.

OK, Here's the plan

The Three Little Pigs Three Little Pigs went out to dinner one night. The waiter came and took their drink order. 'I would like a Sprite,' said the first little piggy.'I would like a Coke,' said the second little piggy.
'I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' said the third little piggy. The drinks were brought out and the waiter took their orders for dinner. 'I want a nice big steak,' said the first piggy. 'I would like the salad plate,' said the second piggy.
'I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' said the third little piggy. The meals were brought out and a while later the waiter approached the table and asked if the piggies would like any dessert. 'I want a banana split,' said the first piggy. 'I want a cheesecake,' said the second piggy.
'I want beer, lots and lots of beer,' exclaimed the third little piggy. 'Pardon me for asking,' said the waiter to the third little piggy,' But why have you only ordered beer all evening?' You're gonna LOVE me for this.... The third piggy says - 'Well, somebody has to go 'Wee, wee, wee, all the way home!

I know, I know, its simple. But there is something interesting here if you think about it; the pigs obviously had gotten together and made a plan before they went out to dinner. God has made a plan too, read about it from the book of the book of Ephesians:

Eph 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles--
Eph 3:2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,
Eph 3:3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.
Eph 3:4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
Eph 3:5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
Eph 3:6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
Eph 3:7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
Eph 3:8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
Eph 3:9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
Eph 3:10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
Eph 3:11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

English Standard Version

Simple, people other than Jews have a way to God and that is through Jesus. No, it doesn't have to be complicated to be good and simple doesn't mean stupid. What it does mean is that all we have to do is to follow the plan and the man Jesus and that's that! True genius is making the complex simple while retaining its depth of meaning! Well, it would have to be that way if I were to understand it.

Thanks to Kathi Hall for sending me the story and to Steve Dixon for doing the drawing!

In the jaws of death

Crazy, absolutely certifiable! Who in their right mind would do such a thing? Obviously, this person would, but why? Life is short and as you grow older the times seems to just fly by, so why would someone be so cavalier about their life. I think actions like this are based on the presumption that one can do whatever they want, whenever they want; their life is their own and they can do with it as they please! Perhaps a reflection on this verse from the book of Psalms would be in order here:

Ps 19:13
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. ESV

Life is precious and we should have a little respect for what has been given to us. While seeing someone in the jaws of death is easy, how about allowing "little sins" into our life? Little sins become big ones and lead to disaster. Help us all to heed the prayer found in the book of Psalms and desire to be blameless and innocent. Besides, the critter in the picture doesn't really need another meal, does he?

Please change me

This sign could be anywhere; not just on a United Methodist Church. So, its not about this PARTICULAR DENOMINATION, but the concept of church in general. I am sure those who put the sign up meant well, but face it, there sometimes is a lot of infighting with those who claim to follow Christ. Consider the following passage from the book of First Corinthians for example:

1Co 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1Co 1:11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.
1Co 1:12 What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
1Co 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
1Co 1:15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.
1Co 1:16 (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)
1Co 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
1Co 1:18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."
1Co 1:20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
1Co 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.
1Co 1:22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,
1Co 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
1Co 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ESV

The next time there is a problem in the church, think of this congregation. They had far more problems than any congregation I have ever seen, anywhere. Division, pride, sin of all sorts and yet God and the Apostle Paul still loved them; so much so that two books of the New Testament are devoted to them. Now the good news; they listened and changed their ways. They needed to refocus on Christ and stop sinning; if they can do it, I think just about anyone can. As far as this sign goes; "Please change me", today if possible!

a heart in the sky

Flowers, candy, greeting cards with fancy poems and those fancy plush toys that gyrate and sing rock and roll are the stuff of valentine's day. The flowers make you wheeze, the candy adds just a couple more unwanted pounds and after reading that wonderful poem the love of your life sounds just a little on the slow side. Oh, yes and that singing plush toy just sang the song your old flame use to sing to you. Wonderful, just wonderful! In case you are wondering, I REALLY DO LIKE ALL THOSE THINGS! However, sometimes no matter what you do, face it, you are headed for the doghouse. Accept it and move on to the next day, already! But, wait, what is all the fuss about anyway? So, for those destined for the doghouse in a couple of days, reflect on the following verses from the book of proverbs:

Pro 31:10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Pro 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Pro 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Pro 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
Pro 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
Pro 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.
Pro 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Pro 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
Pro 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Pro 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Pro 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Pro 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
Pro 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Pro 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.
Pro 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Pro 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Pro 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Pro 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Pro 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Pro 31:29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
Pro 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Pro 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

English Standard Version

Talk about an impossible standard! Reminds me of that old commerical on TV where the woman talks about bringing home the bacon and frying it up in a fan. There you go, superwoman! Ha, there is no such person. Face it, we all have our faults; no one, even YOUR loved one is perfect. But, I think I am safe in saying she probably loves you and remember YOU AREN'T PERFECT EITHER! So, if you just happen to look up and see a heart in the sky, don't obsess about it, rather let it remind you that there is love out there and if God has blessed you with love you have everything you really need. But, if you say or do the wrong thing on Saturday, well, even a dog house can be nice if its properly decorated.