10 Strategies for Making the Most of Every Day

Photo by Marissa Grootes on Unsplash

We start each day with hope. At least I do and most positive people I know do the same. There is an occasional "dreaded" day, but it is the exception and is usually combated by positive self-talk and prayer. The rule is that we begin our mornings expecting to exploit our effectiveness and embrace our opportunities. Our "to-do" lists are full and our hearts are ready to meet our challenges until something happens. We don't finish our first task in the time we have allotted. We are now behind.

Then there is another glitch  and another and another and, so it goes.

We begin to lose hope and heart.

How do we make the most of our days?

Here are some suggestions.

Since the sound of my thinking is sometimes "mmmmmmmm," I will use "m"s to gather my thoughts.

Marginalize

Build margins into your life and into your calendar. Don't overcrowd your day. We just don't allow enough space for the unexpected and serendipitous  interruptions of  "aha moments." into our time. Allow space in your planner and in your life to wander, wonder, and discover.

Maximize

Accomplish more than one task at a time. Consolidate trips. Listen to books in your car. Think efficiency in your planning. Take work to the coffee shop. Focus on the moment you are experiencing so that you accomplish more in less time. Prepare to use 5-15 minute slots effectively by having some basic tools ready to use and with you. Learn to use time wisely.

Minimize

Be ruthless in eliminating the time and task demands that will not advance your mission, purpose and goals. Set a specific amount of time for tiny and minimally consequential tasks each day. Do what must be done first first. Then, when the time is over, move on and take the list back up tomorrow.

Manage

Take charge of your own schedule. Politely excuse yourself from many good things that are not centered on where you are currently going in accordance with your mission. Give your time to people, but do so with wisdom and set appropriate boundaries. Invest your life where it will bear fruit. Your time is the only space in which you can live your life. Manage it.

Mature

You won't get this all at once. Grow a little in it every day. Keep a journal of what you are learning. Keep track of what is effective and ineffective and learn from yourself.

Minister

It is a word that means "serve." PLAN to serve people some every day. Build service into your schedule. Organize your time so that you have time to do things for others that will not benefit you in any predictable or tangible way.

Master

Master some skills that you will use frequently. Some things you do well take less time because you have eliminated your learning curve. Also, discover who or what masters you so that you will always have a compass to help you decide the direction you will take each day and all your days.

Move

Movement in life is essential. Apply grace as you proceed through the day and move things around in your schedule. Life takes unexpected turns. Have a planner with enough space to scratch through some things and insert new ideas and plans.

Muster

Gather other people to assist you in the days you cannot accomplish at all or accomplish alone. Delegate where that is in your power and enlist when your only power is influence. In order to do this, you'll need to cultivate good relationships daily. People are willing to help friends. So make friends.

Meet and Meditate

Start every day with a meeting. If you meet with God, which I recommend, prioritize that meeting. Prioritize it; don't categorize it or compartmentalize it. Let it envelope everything else in your life. If you are not there in your practice or belief, at least meet with yourself. Focus first on "being" issues, but bring your calendar to the meeting. Sometime, before it is done, go over it with God, your Higher Power, or yourself. Do it devotionally and openly and don't rush the time.

One could go on all day, but then one might start wasting time. What are your strategies?

The Empty Bench Somewhere

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. – Micah 4:4

There is an empty bench under a tree somewhere with your name on it. It is waiting for you to stop running so hard and sit for a while.

Samuel Walter Foss wrote,

“Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.”

You can sit and greet people as they pass by. You can watch the children playing. You can read a book. You can behold the beauty of the world. You can watch life go by.

You can meet God.

God invites you to a life beyond the rat race, a place of safety and solace, a moment of quiet and grace.

Can you imagine a park with no benches?

Can you imagine a life with no quiet moments?

Can you imagine a world without any hope of peace and fulfillment?

God could not and so He made a promise through Micah of an age to come when people would sit in the open, secure, studying war no more, and drinking from the fountain of grace.

Every promise of the future has it glimpses, hints, and previews in this life. In Christ we come to find rest. We take His yoke and find it easy. We sit with Him in Heavenly places. We take a break and behold Him.

Risk and Loss

Fair Use

The board game, RISK, affords a great evening of fun, strategy, and entertainment You play and take risks, but the risks are not real. Ife is different.

There are always two roads to life. Similar to a binary system that drives a computer, we are constantly coming to one crossroads or another. The roads and choices have many expressions and characteristics, but I want to focus today on one dimension of choice: Playing it safe or risking everything.

Most people agree that “stupid risks,” those made in a stupor of pleasure seeking irrationality, are worthless and possibly evil. That is because they have no meaning, purpose, or long-term advantage.

Risking what is not yours to risk is likewise beyond any redemptive purpose. There is no honor is taking three drinks, getting in a car without buckling one’s seat belt, and driving 110 miles per hour down the road against oncoming traffic.

That is a risk, but not a worthy one.

There are no monuments to men who caused multiple fatalities in 100 car pile-ups because they were brave enough to take a risk. 

When Jesus says that we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him, He is calling us to live sacrificially, redemptively, and adventurously for a purpose. 

That is why He so strongly utters these words in Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV):

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?"

We can gain life by offering it a a living sacrifice for a greater cause, but we always lose life by clinging to it at the cost of all else of value.

William Barclay said, “The man who plays for safety loses life.”

There was a very
cautious man

Who never laughed or
played,’

He never risked, he
never tried.

He never sang or prayed.

And when he one day
passed away,

His insurance was
denied.

For since he never
really lived

They claimed he
never died.

- William Barclay (attributed)

Advent - Day 4 - The Feast of St. Andrew with Psalm 19

 

 

Matthew 4:18-22

As he walked 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. And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fish for people." Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Since Andrew was the first person to bring someone else to Jesus, you might say, based upon the following words of Paul, that he had beautiful feet.

 

'Do you and I have beautiful feet?

 

We confess with our lips, Jesus as Lord. We back that with heart belief. That justifies us and saves us by God's merciful grace. and we are never, ever, ashamed.

 

So we tell; we share; we invite; we testify.  In word and in deed, we bring the good news of  Jesus to all who will see and hear.

 

Romans 10:8b-18 

But what does it say? "The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. 

 

The scripture says, "No one who believes in him will be put to shame."

 

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

 

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" 

 

But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" 

 

So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. 

 

But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have; for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."

 

First in nature; next in that word, spoken by God in Torah, through the prophets, and through the Incarnation. the Word goes forth. It is near us. It is very real. We have been been invited as Andrew invited Simon and as Moses invited the congregation in the wilderness/

Deuteronomy 30:11-14

Surely, this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too hard for you, nor is it too far away. It is not in heaven, that you should say, "Who will go up to heaven for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?"

 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, "Who will cross to the other side of the sea for us, and get it for us so that we may hear it and observe it?" 

No, the word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.

 

Psalm 19

The Voice That Has Gone Forth!

 

Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Nature is God’s troubadour announcing His glory to humanity. The activity of God in creation is true to His character and there is much to be known of Him through observation, meditation, and contemplation prompted by an appreciation of all that He has made.  The old adage that we must stop and smell the roses is an appropriate reminder to look for examples of the glory of God in the work of His hands. Open your eyes and heart today to His voice in all that is around you.

Psalm 19:2 - Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

One of the characteristics of God’s disclosure of Himself in nature is the consistency of the message. One of the characteristics of human beings as receptors of His message is our inattention and inconsistency in seeking Him through all He has offered us. Make up your mind to seek God today in the smallest things and He will show Himself clearly. There is much to be gained by reading the handiwork of God.

Psalm 19:3 – There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

God’s truth, as disclosed in the cosmos, is universal. It is not given in isolation or exclusion. It provides a common language for humanity to talk about God and explore His ways. It provides a meeting place and point of contact for seeking His deeper and more specific revelation through His Word and through His Son. Prayerfully be on the lookout today for opportunities to seek God more deeply with others to whom He has spoken through His handiwork in creation.

Psalm 19:4 - Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

Even in creation, God is busy about the work of evangelism. His purposes are inclusive and magnanimous. He makes provision for every necessity and extends His reach to every man, woman, boy, and girl. He pavilions the sun to shine on all humanity. He sends forth His Word of life to every corner of the earth. If we are to join Him in His own work, we will adopt His priorities and mission.

Psalm 19:5 - …which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

The sun, sheltered against the backdrop of the cosmos, does not remain cloistered in its pavilion of safety. It emanates; it extends, it goes forth with purpose and clarity to fulfill its mission and run its appointed course. God made it to do so and to be so and He has made us to be a people of extended purpose and profound significance. As part of His creation, our voices are available for His voice to reveal Himself through us and in us.

Psalm 19:6 - It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

Consider the orderliness of God’s creative work in the cosmos. The rotations of the planets, moons, and stars proceed with a sense of direction that is consequential and graceful. Out of seeming chaos emerges an order that is indisputable. The changing relationship of the earth and the sun for example, forms a pattern by which we set our calendars and our clocks and order our lives. The heat of our private star brings light and life and through it, God speaks. How is your life radiating God’s warmth today in its appointed rounds?

Psalm 19:7 - The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

Having noted the general way God shows Himself to every person, we bring His very specific and personal self-disclosure into focus. Though present in creation in all of its truth, the written and spoken Word of God speaks with a clarity and grace that cannot be ignored. It marshals the forces of language to revive the soul and make wise the simple. In His Word, God describes and defines what He has made and why and shows us how to come into proper relationship with Himself and His creation.

Psalm 19:8 - The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

When things are right, they do not constrain but liberate us. Truthful precepts do not introduce legalistic bondage to our lives, but exuberant joy because they inform us who we are and how we relate to God and His truth. When God commands us, the lights go on, we no longer stumble in ambiguous darkness. Seek God’s truth in His Word today and expect radiant joy and you apply those truths to your life guided by the Holy Spirit.

Psalm 19:9 - The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

There is fear and there is fear. Fear can be irrationally muddled and deathly or pure and lifegiving. Fear of God is not a cowering dread or a fleeing terror as much as an awesome recognition that He is Other and in His holy brilliance, we are consumed but for His merciful grace. And that kind of fear never wears off. At the same time, what God orders can be counted as sure and certain and absolutely right. Bank on God today and turn from anything that views with Him for attention with extreme prejudice.

Psalm 19:10 - They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.

Again, the psalmist is describing God’s ordinances, His disclosure of Himself through His revelation of covenant expectations. When God makes demands upon our lives, they are indications of His own holiness, and they are precious, sweet, and nurturing. They are signets of His love and call to us. He sets standards for us that are high because His esteem for us is high. We cannot attain to them in our strength, but He intends to come live them out Himself, in us and through us. This psalm is, after all, about God showing Himself.

Psalm 19:11 - By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

There are two functions of God’s ordinances toward us that are equally valuable and precious. One is to warn us. God’s warnings are not the results of His desire to “get us” or trap us in untenable situations. He deeply desires that we will avoid the pitfalls that He sees ahead of us in our sinful pursuits. The second is similar. The rewards of keeping God’s commands are intertwined with the deeds themselves. Obedience is self-rewarding because it draws us into a closer and more intimate love relationship with God.

Psalm 19:12 - Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.

Search as you will, and you will find no place of error with God. There is no basis for correction in anything He has done or said. He is simply always, infallibly, right and all that He does is in plain view even though His purposes may at times be hidden. To the contrary, we of human seed work our sinful deeds under the cover of darkness. Like Adam, We hide our faults and ourselves. Our healing comes when we come into the light and acknowledge our need of mercy, hiding nothing from God. Begin today to be set free.

Psalm 19:13 – Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

The problem with willful sin is that it takes on a life of its own and comes to think of itself as the ruler of our lives. They begin to dominate us addictively. Willfulness then obliterates our free will, and we need divine deliverance. I am not certain what the great transgression might be but I suspect it is that place of no return where we stop praying the prayer of this verse and seeking the help of the only One who can keep us from sin, blameless, and innocent.

Psalm 19:14 - May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Without a doubt, this is one of the great prayers of the scriptures. In its words, if we mean them and allow our spirits to pray them, is all the power and grace needed to face any day. Words and meditations lead our deeds. The centering point for our lives is the pleasure of God.  When we get to the place where this is the deepest, most delightfully resounding prayer of our hearts, we will find that God is our Rock and Redeemer. As fearfully holy and demanding as He may be, His presence is mercy, grace, and love to us.

 

Isaiah 54:1-10

Shout for joy, O barren one who has borne no children;
    burst into song and shout,
    you who have not been in labor!
For the children of the desolate woman will be more
    than the children of the one who is married, says the Lord.
Enlarge the site of your tent,
    and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out;
do not hold back; lengthen your cords
    and strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left,
    and your descendants will possess nations
    and will settle desolate towns.

Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed;
    do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace,
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
    and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more.
For your Maker is your husband;
    the Lord of hosts is his name;
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
    the God of the whole earth he is called.
For the Lord has called you
    like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit,
like the wife of a man’s youth when she is cast off,
    says your God.
For a brief moment I abandoned you,
    but with great compassion I will gather you.
In overflowing wrath for a moment
    I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,
    says the Lord, your Redeemer.

This is like the days of Noah to me:
    Just as I swore that the waters of Noah
    would never again go over the earth,
so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you
    and will not rebuke you.
For the mountains may depart
    and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
    and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

 

 

Get on the Entrepreneurial Horse

Photo by Philippe Oursel on Unsplash

Starting a new entrepreneurial venture, a business, a social enterprise, a non-profit, or a congregation requires developing new skills. We acquire them in the time-honored manner, the way we might climb on a horse or a bicycle for the first time.

It is frightening; it is intimidating; it is full of uncertainty.

But it can be done. People do it every day.

Everything that now is, once was not.

How to Ride a Horse

Back in 2007, I  found a great article on the net by C Cunning, simple, readable, and accurate on how to ride a horse.

Why would I search for such a thing?

I was just going over some of my business affiliations in my databases yesterday and it occurred to me that I had way too many. I need to narrow the field and concentrate on a few things during the limited amount of time I allow myself away from ministry, family, and writing to dabble in business.

You can't ride too many horses in a day.

The last real horse I tried to get on buckled under my weight. I knew then that it really mattered which horse I chose to ride.

A good horse can take you to success, but you must pick the right horse for you and ride it well. There are some excellent horses (business opportunities) out there for average people, but not all of them are right for you. I enjoy evaluating many of them, but I can only do a few of them well.

What is yours? In order to answer that question, you need to develop an understanding of your own passions, strengths, and interests as well as the resources you bring to the table.

If there is any interest in this subject, I will keep writing about it for the next few days.

Know this: There is a horse out there with your name on it and you can learn to ride it well. You may need to look around the stable a bit, but you will find the right opportunity. You can do it.

How to Ride a Horse - A REAL Horse

The writer, [email protected] laid it all out. 

The authors says, "you never know when you might find a time when you are for one reason or another on the back of a horse."

That is so right. no matter what our intentions might be starting out, we might find ourselves in a place or on a mode of transportation that cannot be accounted for by our own manipulative efforts.

He/She says we need to take seven things into account: proper attire, proper position, basic control, actually riding, stopping, and getting off.

I don't know what attire you might need in your business, ministry, or other project, but you need to know. Then you need to secure it and wear it. that includes actual clothing and accessories and the ethereal clothing of proper attitude, demeanor, and vocabulary. Read what needs to be read. Listen to what is being taught. Wrap yourself in the attire of good preparation.

Always be preparing for whatever is next.

Job 29:14 says,

"I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban."

Whatever it takes, put it on.

Getting on the right way is vital because first impressions with horses and people tend to last. Horses will buck us and so will people. The advice to try not to kick the horse is quite transferable. Good starts are more valuable than many, many restarts.

It is vital for the horse rider to acquire the proper position of the horse and it is equally vital for the business rider to position himself/herself as well within the organization, with colleagues, and with his or her support system. With horses, there are varying positions based upon riding style and the shape of the saddle. However, all require making necessary adjustments to equipment and with regard to our own bodies. So it is in business and projects. Adjustments are always necessary.

Basic control is an area of horse pedagogy that is affluent with rules. Most of these revolve around the issues of respect and communication. The rider must respect the horse not just as a vehicle, but as a living sentient being with feelings and inclinations. The rider must also establish effective give and take communication avenues and skills. How is that different than working with people in an organization. Power "trips" don't work very well with horses or with people.

There are three general movements in actually riding the horse: walk, trot, and canter.

Walks are east for riders. With the proper posture and, at times, help, anyone can ride a walking horse. It is a good place to start and a wonderful place to spend most of our times.

Trots are more difficult. A trotting horse is impressive to watch with its two foot rough gait, but it is tough to ride. It is good for a show, but not the most comfortable for sustained activity.

Make of these what you like. Most of our business life is spent walking, being "found faithful," and moving forward a little bit at a time. Slow progress is the surest and often, the most satisfying, but there will be times of canter as well, interspersed by showy moments of trotting on stage to receive recognition and give thanks.

The canter is a time of increased speed The gait is rhythmic and the speed can be frightening and intimidating. It is a time of faith in the horse and in the process. Experienced rides and coaches teach us techniques for just riding with it and letting the horse carry us.

There will be all of these moments in your ventures and you need to learn how to ride them.

There will be times when you stop and you need to do these well and with class. The getting off is, according to the author, pretty much just the opposite of getting on. It just needs to be done well and with respect for the horse.

Whatever horse  you choose, you need to learn and practice the skills specific to the horse and the riding style. You can do it.

About That Horse

So, you are trying to narrow your options with regard to a business opportunity  or project and you are exploring various vehicles (horses) that will enable you to accomplish your goals.

Sometimes you can ride a horse with a limp and still get to where you are going.

For instance, a couple of years ago, I announced an acronym for the word "optimist" and just discovered, after publishing it, that I had spelled "optimive" instead. Now, as far as I know, there is no such word, but I still got the point across -  unless no one was paying attention.

There is no perfect anything in this world or this life. Only God is perfect.

I chose the better of two options to fix the error. One was to invent a new word, which I seriously considered. The other was to change the words in the acronym to comply with the time-honored spelling and yet maintain the meaning of the lesson.

I chose the latter.

So, we are not looking for a perfect program or a flawless horse to ride. We are just looking for the one that is right for us at this time. I think I can spell H-O-R-S-E, but check me and let me know if I mess up.

My online friends have known for decades, that when it comes to speelink und tuping i sumtimes meke errers.

H - HEART

I have lots of H words that fit. You want a Healthy horse (company, program) which you will know by examining its History and by the Helpfulness of the people answering your questions. All of those "h"s will help you discover the HEART of the organization. You want to affiliate with a group whose heart is good and one that you can put your heart and soul into. Listen to your heart and examine the heart of the company for compatibility.

O - OPPORTUNE moment.

Is this the right time in your life for this affiliation and the right time in history for success with this organization. What does the market tell you? What are the futurists saying? look carefully for timing issues.

R - RIDE-ABILITY

Can this horse be ridden? That depends on the strength of the horse and the skill of the rider. If the rider has no skill, are there good trainers available? Is this something you can do or be helped to do? What strengths lie in you that can be developed to do this sort of business or ministry? You are much more than you have already become, but you must play to your basic strengths which will often be somewhat communicative with your interests, passions, and desires.

S - STABILITY

Is this company currently financially stable? What is the state of its finances, indebtedness, and financial accountability? Are there mountains of lawsuits piled up against it? Is it complying with the law? Are its leaders people of integrity? Are its corporate values clear and congruent with its behavior and your own values? Is it producing some real verifiable success stories? Are a significant (not necessarily the majority) number of recruits sticking with the program and consistently building growth?

E - I want to do two here: EXPERIENCE and EXPENSE

First, is there are coming together of your own experiences, the experience of people in the mentoring support team, and the upper level leadership of the organization so that there is a foundation upon which you can build. One can make up for the other, but not all can be weak and there needs to be some significant experience at the top.

Second, what does it cost to get in and really get going? Ask about hidden costs, ongoing investments, and the cost of tools and training as well as the costs for initial sign-up and monthly product purchases. Have all this information ahead of time. Credible sponsors will tell you. There is no success without some investment.

Don't shy away from that, but count the cost and consider if this is an expense you can afford by stretching yourself, making some sacrifices, and being very careful.

Do not become immersed in unsecured debt (with a few exceptions) to get started and do not choke out your success because you have not planned to make the necessary investments.

These are things you consider up front.

If you and the horse both qualify, saddle up and get started.

-------------------------------------------------------

Proverb for today:

"... pay attention and gain understanding." (Proverbs 4:1b)

 

 

Advent - Day 3 - God of Covenants

City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.

God's Covenant for the Earth

 

Isaiah 1:21-31 NRSV

 

See how the faithful city has become a prostitute! She once was full of justice; righteousness used to dwell in her— but now murderers!

Your silver has become dross, your choice wine is diluted with water.

 

Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.

 

Therefore the Lord, the LORD Almighty, the Mighty One of Israel, declares: “Ah! I will vent my wrath on my foes and avenge myself on my enemies.

 

I will turn my hand against you; I will thoroughly purge away your dross and remove all your impurities.

 

I will restore your leaders as in days of old, your rulers as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness, the Faithful City.”

 

Zion will be delivered with justice, her penitent ones with righteousness.

 

But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the LORD will perish.

 

“You will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks in which you have delighted; you will be disgraced because of the gardens that you have chosen.

 

You will be like an oak with fading leaves, like a garden without water.

 

The mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no one to quench the fire.

 

Genesis 9:1-17 NRSV

God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you shall rest on every animal of the earth and on every bird of the air, on everything that creeps on the ground and on all the fish of the sea; into your hand they are delivered. Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you, and just as I gave you the green plants, I give you everything. Only, you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. For your own lifeblood I will surely require a reckoning: from every animal I will require it and from human beings, each one for the blood of another, I will require a reckoning for human life.

Whoever sheds the blood of a human,
by a human shall that person’s blood be shed,
for in his own image
God made humans.

“And you, be fruitful and multiply, abound on the earth and have dominion over it.”

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Hebrews 11:32-40 NRSV

And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death; they were sawn in two; they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains and in caves and holes in the ground.

Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

---------------------------------------------------------------

And One More Word

People who overcome great obstacles make great heroes. We stand back observing their lives and find hope that we can also overcome. People who seemingly live without problems offer us little encouragement. In our ignorance of their true struggles, we chalk up their successes to luck, privilege, or fate.

The heroes of faith were people who faced tragedy, distress, doubts, and even disaster. Staring death in the face, the heroes of the Old Testament harbored a hope that God’s anointed would some day rise on the scene of human history as the champion of all who would follow Him to victory.

Faith, according to Hebrews 11:1 is substantive and evidential in and of itself.

Does that suggest that faith in anything proves the thing?

Yes and no.

Yes, faith, because of divine and universal principles set in motion from the time when God first created wisdom, dictates laws of belief and reality. No, because some things are real and other things are not. Truth is not relative, but it is dynamic.

There are realities that can be changed by our beliefs. Mountains can be moved. Circumstances can bend. Choices made in faith between a positive or negative outlook on the moment can change the meaning of the moment. Faith can change the individual who is doing the "faithing." Often that is enough to change the truth of the moment itself.

On the other hand, there are eternal truths and realities outside of our influence that simply are what they are and cannot be manipulated by our beliefs about them. God and His Word are constants in the universe and not even the universe and universal principles can alter them.

In the case of God and His Revelation, the only valid faith response is to conform, by faith to faith in Him and His will. It is unchanging and persistent and greater than our own realities or beliefs about them.

You may call it limits without limitations - the kind of freedom I give my 18 month old grandson when I define parameters within which he can wander at will and in which he feels absolute liberty to explore, express himself, and grow while enjoying, often without his own ability to understand, the safety of my watchful eye and protective gaze.

If he transgresses the limits into the realm of unknown dangers, I am there. As he grows older and more accountable for himself, he will venture forth into areas where I do not guide him. He will hit some walls and consequences which are real. Love compels me to let him grow and discover these for himself.

Even now, I must be willing to let him fall down on occasion. when he does, the ground below him does not move.

Grounding is real whether we believe in it or not.

The faith that the author of Hebrews addresses is faith founded on foundational fundamentals and in the person of Jesus Christ. With Him are infinite possibilities but also, unbending truths. "Faithing" is what we do when we embrace the reality of God's sovereignty and filter everything we believe through faith in Him. It becomes the substance of all that we embrace and the evidence of all we proclaim in spite of all other indicators to the contrary.

Ask me how I am. I am great. It doesn't matter how I feel in the moment. By faith I know, it is well with my soul.

Go move a mountain!

Choosing Our Side of History - Frank Pais

Frank País was a Cuban revolutionary and committed Christian.

He might have become president instead of Castro. Both wanted to end the evil dictatorship that existed in Cuba in the 50s, propped up by American Mafia money and some U.S. government support.

Pais, if he had lived, would have helped write a different sort of story for Cuba where oppression and repression would not have flourished. But the bad money would still have had to go and there would have still been some unhappy people in places of power in the U.S. and in Cuba. People's hearts and politics follow their money.

Things would have been different for both countries if Pais and people like him had lived and prevailed - better more just.

Many times our support and influence has landed on the wrong side of history. We have bolstered powers that oppressed the poor and helped to create radicals like Castro when there were men like Pais who were available (who, yes, did collaborate with Castro - in Castro's better days - remember , he was just a freedom fighter at first and the greatest evil was the Bautista regime) .

Should we have backed him?

Probably not.

But we certainly should not have backed and profited by Bautista either.

Our history of conquest there goes back long before the Cuban Revolution and far away from that island and around the world. We tend to reap what we help to sow.

We do wish the Cuban people well and pray for them as they chart a new course in a new generation. May they prosper and enjoy ever-increasing freedom to speak, worship, and forge their own destinies.

They are smart, creative, and resilient people and may they be strong enough to resist the forces and influences of all who may seek to exploit them. May we learn from the past.

God bless Cuba and the Cuban people.

 

 

Make Waves

 

Photo by Laura Barry on Unsplash

“Don’t make waves.”

You have heard that advice. You have heeded it. perhaps you have given it. Perhaps it is the top of your list of survival techniques. There is only one problem with it.

It is bad advice.

With currents come waves … or perhaps currents are made of waves. Either way, they are necessary for change and change is necessary for growth.

No. Not all change is good, but no change is almost always bad.

We need waves to move us around, shift the sand under our feet, and to make life interesting.

Waves are indicators of influence and influence is at the heart of leadership.

The world is changing with or without our consent. Our resistance is futile and naïve. We can only go against the flow of negativity by creating currents of positivity. We can only resist evil influences by making waves of our own. Holding our ground is impossible in a liquid environment. We just can’t be lazy and expect to have a positive influence in the world.

Jesus described life in the Spirit as like having living water flow from us — fresh, moving, and refreshing.

Living water never accumulates in stagnant pools.

You must change if you are going to be an agent of change.

The first six verses of Proverbs 1 are populated with gerunds: attaining, understanding acquiring, doing, giving, learning, and discerning.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge …” — Proverbs 1:7

That which begins, continues. It flows. It makes waves. Knowledge is dynamic. It shakes things up, loosens faulty foundations, and stirs the pot of human experience. It also provides an exciting ride for those who are willing to go wherever it leads.

Here is your acronym for making waves that create new currents of thinking and bring positive change to the world through your business or ministry:

W = We.

 Make “we waves” because “me waves” are only about my interests, desires, and opinions. A “we-focus” acknowledges that everything a person thinks, does, and contributes affects other people. It embraces a team approach to life and business. It considers the needs and dreams of others and appeals to them in order to build a strong wave of agreement and energy. Selfish motives only create ripples; waves swell when we are “in it” together. Build a team and speak to the masses.

A = Affect. 

There are numerous definitions of this word, but I choose the one that means having an emotional impact. Humans are logical beings, but not entirely. We are not a race of Vulcans. We are emotional. We lead with our hearts and follow our hearts. If you are going to make positive waves in the ocean of humanity, you must speak from your heart to the hearts of people.

V = Values.

 People value what they value. We have social values that we share and personal values that tend to vary, but we all value something. Many of our core values are commendable. It is in the area of our attitudes where we falter. It is when we forget, neglect, or disconnect from our core values that our behaviors become unpredictable, destructive, and unproductive. The person or movement that makes big waves will appeal to the core values of the masses and of individuals. You will create positive change through a positive influence when you make the connection between what people believe and cherish and what you are saying.

E = Exercise. 

We say it many ways, but it requires an exercise of will and energy to create waves of change and influence the thinking and behaviors of people. You must actually do something. Get out of bed, out of your chair, out of your house, and out of your comfort zone(s) and exercise your influence. Talk to people, write, speak in public, do visible deeds, invest your resources, and act in faith. Do something! Take risks. Go out on a limb. Struggle. Exercise. Your level of activity will reflect your commitment and determine your success — but make sure you are acting strategically, intelligently, and with focus.

S — Stick-to-it-iveness. 

It is not a real word but it is a very real concept denoting perseverance, determination, and commitment. Making waves that produce positive change in the climate of business, ministry, and the culture may not be an overnight phenomenon. It most likely will not be. In fact, the price of change and influence is often frustration, weariness, resistance, opposition, criticism, and long hours of hard unrewarding work. It is the cumulative efforts of you, your team, and the unseen work of the Spirit who motivates and empowers you that produces results over time. Your job is to stick with it and not give up.

Making waves makes people uncomfortable and makes you the object of potential ridicule, but it is the price of change and it is a major factor in the road to success in leadership and progress. Waves move things around and refresh the environment. Sometimes we catch a wave and sometimes we make a wave.

If someone says to you, “Don’t make waves,” smile and keep on making them.

God Remembers - Advent Devotions, Day 2

Photo by Lucas Dial on Unsplash

 

Psalm 124

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side
    —let Israel now say—
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
    when our enemies attacked us,
then they would have swallowed us up alive,
    when their anger was kindled against us;
then the flood would have swept us away;
    the torrent would have gone over us;
then over us would have gone
    the raging waters.

Blessed be the Lord,
    who has not given us
    as prey to their teeth.
We have escaped like a bird
    from the snare of the hunters;
the snare is broken,
    and we have escaped.

Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

Genesis 8:1-19

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

 

But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and all the domestic animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided; the fountains of the deep and the windows of the heavens were closed, the rain from the heavens was restrained, and the waters gradually receded from the earth. At the end of one hundred fifty days the waters had abated, and in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. The waters continued to abate until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains appeared.

 

At the end of forty days Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made and sent out the raven, and it went to and fro until the waters were dried up from the earth. Then he sent out the dove from him to see if the waters had subsided from the face of the ground, but the dove found no place to set its foot, and it returned to him to the ark, for the waters were still on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took it and brought it into the ark with him. He waited another seven days, and again he sent out the dove from the ark, and the dove came back to him in the evening, and there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf; so Noah knew that the waters had subsided from the earth. Then he waited another seven days and sent out the dove, and it did not return to him any more.

 

In the six hundred first year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth, and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked and saw that the face of the ground was drying. In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry. Then God said to Noah, “Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. Bring out with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh—birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth—so that they may abound on the earth and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” So Noah went out with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. And every animal, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out of the ark by families.

Romans 6:1-11

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

 

What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may increase? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it? Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, so we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all, but the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Thankful Joy! Advent Devotional #1

Devotion for the First Sunday of Advent

Photo by Ava Tyler on Unsplash

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only…Therefore
be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. -Matthew 24:3, 44

As is a long-time tradition, the first Sunday of Advent points us to the Second Coming of Christ.

It presupposes that we understand a basic truth. He came once to show us the Father, announce the Kingdom, make the way of salvation, and commission his servants to spread the good news of God’s ultimate triumph.

He would come again to usher in that Kingdom in power and glory once and for all.

That is why we sing a Second Coming hymn in anticipate of Christmas.

Joy to the world,
The Lord has come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare him room
And Heaven and nature sing.
He rules the world
With truth and grace
And makes the nations proves
The glories of his righteousness
And wonders of his love.
-Isaac Watts

When know, roughly, when he came the first time.

We have no idea when he will come again.

What we know is that it is always just around the corner and Advent reminds us to always be standing on tiptoes, ready, joyfully expectant, diligently faithful, and always full of wonder like a child at Christmas.

That is because the very best Christmas is yet to come.

And for that, we can be thankful in advance.

Joy to the world, the Savior reigns
Let men their songs employ.
While fields and floods,
Rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy.

 

 

On Being Awake

 

AWAKE

 

Being awake is more than a condition, it is command for real living.

So, I am musing over it "acronymically."

A=ATTENTION

I've heard this as a command as you have. It usually sounds like a short "a" with a dramatic "TEN," followed by a profound "HUT!" It means, "Come to a state of attention mentally, spiritually, and physically." Only then do we begin to awaken.

W=WATCH

Sometimes awakening just means watching for what is next. We awaken with a sense of wonder and "not knowing" about the day. This morning, I woke up and spent some time in a morning "watch" as I considered the day, prayed, and meditated.

A=ADJUSTMENTS

We begin to adjust our thinking, schedules, and even muscles (translation - STRETCH) as we prepare to be awake for a day of opportunity and productivity.

K=KNOWLEDGE

We need it. We need more of it. We need to gather it, assimilate it, and use it. If we are truly awake, we will be growing in knowledge. If we grow in knowledge, it will help to keep us awake. It is a cycle.

E=ENERGIZED

Do it. Drink your green tea; read your bible; pray; listen to some news; pray some more (The news will do that for you); eat a healthy breakfast; exercise; keep praying; work on your to-do list; pray some more (Do you see a pattern here?). Get energized for the day and then, start spending it.

Wake Up!

Wake Up

 

Worship Slides

The First Sunday of Advent

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First Sunday of Advent: Living in Expectation

 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:36

We knew she was coming sometime, just not when. We knew that every day brought the visit closer, but we were not certain exactly what day. We cleaned the house once, twice, and then again. Finally, we just got in the habit of keeping it clean. We’d stare out the window and watch, waiting for our great aunt to arrive with gifts and hugs. We were children. Our parents understood the calendar better than we could. We only knew seasons and it was the right season for a visit.

Don’t be dismayed that God keeps some things secret. He knows better than to entrust us with every detail of His plans. There are some things we simply could not understand if we were told in plain language. He tells us what is necessary and withholds what would breed complacency and contempt for His ways. Not knowing the details of His second coming means that we can live in constant expectancy of His appearing. We wait of tiptoe. We lift our hearts in wonder. Waiting for His redemption gives us a clue as to the spirit of messianic expectation that must of gripped the hearts of the faithful who waited patiently for His first coming.

Shepherds and wise men all eagerly sought word of salvation. While others despaired and resigned themselves to business as usual, there were always those who kept hope alive in their hearts. Our job in our generation is to eagerly seek Him in everything.

Jesus has come and Jesus is coming. Both statements stir the heart and ignite the imagination. Hope, born in the hearts of children, inspires hope in those who are tired of waiting. The call comes rolling down through the centuries. Live in constant expectation and you will never  be disappointed

 

The first video below has some sound issues. I am still learning.

 

 

 

Stuck in a Carollian Wonderland

The Moral of the Story

 

"'Tut, tut child,'" said the Duchess. 'Everythings got a moral if only you can find it.'" Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Everything.

We are not all stuck in a Carollian Wonderland.

Or are we?

We are all observers of the stories of others as they intersect with and pass by our own.

There are thousands of stories within our reach and somehow, one big story comprised of layers and strands of weaving themes.

History.

And everything has a moral ...

... if you can find it.

Today, as I live, part of and outside of the hectic hubbub of harried, hurried masses, I am looking for the moral of the story.

I want to hear the music and sing along.

I am searching for the meaning, anchored to the greater meaning that anchors me, I want to hear the Message.

I do not believe that the Author and Composer orchestrates every event; He invites us to participate as co-authors in that process. However, I do believe He orchestrates the symphony of meaning that emerges from the dissonance of our bleating attempts to find the right notes and join the rhythmic pulse of the ensemble.

He makes it beautiful and weaves it into the eternal story that we might find the moral of the most mundane.

If I can find it!

I shall consult my composer/conductor who, like every conductor for whom I have ever sung, keeps reminding me not to keep my nose buried in the score with these words, often shouted ...

"LOOK AT ME!"

Photo by Austrian National Library on Unsplash

The Positive Power of HUNGER

Photo by Jordan Whitfield on Unsplash

What Is the The Positive Power of HUNGER

I was a little taken back as I sat in the training session for aspiring vacuum cleaner salesmen and heard the trainer say, "I hope you are all in serious debt or financial trouble. If you are, you will be successful."

I didn't like what he said at the time, but I came to understand that he was right.

The wise teacher of the proverbs tells us:

“A worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on” -Proverbs 16:26 NASB

This can be known through careful observation and is as true today as it was in Solomon's time.

You have to be hungry. At the very least, you must possess an appetite for more. If you are satisfied, you will stay where you are. If you are complacent, you will not exert extraordinary effort in any direction. If you are resigned to your circumstance or to the world as it is, you will not do much to change either.

Even Jesus said that those were blessed who hungered and thirsted for things to be right (ie... righteousness).

What does the hunger that works for us and drives us on look like? Let us break it down.

H - HATE

Hunger involves hate, not in the sense of vitriolic preoccupation with a destructive emotion toward other people. but the broader definition of detesting something to the point of turning away from it. You must be willing to make a clean break with your addiction to an undesirable condition in order to embrace something better. Some people are addicted to their self identities as poor failures and hopeless "losers." It takes something as dramatic as hating those designations to break free of them. Like Scarlet O'Hara you declare that you will never be hungry again. - except for the next goal.

U - URGE

We have used this word before to point to something inside that goes beyond rejecting the old to the idea of being drawn toward something in a powerful and compelling way. When you are deeply hungry for food, that hunger urges you on. You move in the direction of your goal. It drags you out of bed and out of the house. The urge is powerful and is empowered by the faith and hope that what you long for is possible with God's help and with your commitment.

N - NOTICE

When you are hungry for your goal, you start noticing things around you that you have previously ignored, things that remind you where you are going, examples of what you desire.You notice other people on the same path. You notice books, articles, and information designed to equip you in the fulfillment of your dreams. You notice open doors and opportunities. You notice people in a new way.

G - GRASP

Having identified a goal for which you hunger, you are always grasping in that direction. You hold what is in your grasp and reach for what is beyond it. You also grasp concepts you never would have paid any attention to before because understanding them is a means to your desired end. You make grasping a tool in your belt for reaching that to which you aspire.

E- EXHAUSTION

You stop at nothing less than the exhaustion of every effort in the service of your goal. if you haven't tried everything, you are not done. If you have not tried some things several times and several ways, you are not finished. If you have any energy left, you use it. of course you pace yourself, get adequate rest, and care for your body and soul in the process, but you DO NOT QUIT until all options are exhausted and even when they seem to be, you look for more.

R - RESILIENCE

When you fall, get up. When you fail, try again. When you falter in your faith, renew it and never let entertain discouragement for any longer than it takes to be encouraged by positive people, scripture, prayer, and your own commitment to keep on keeping on. Successful people are resilient in their hunger. They are often the folks that stayed in the game just a little bit longer than everyone else, tried a few more tricks, and refused to quit. They are knocked down, insulted, wounded, and wearied, but they have elastic in the back ends of their trousers so that that they bounce when knocked on their posteriors. Be that kind of person and your hungry appetite will drive you to success.

To your success!

-----------------------------

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Coaching/Mentoring : Schedule time with me
For coaching and mentoring, the first consultation is complimentary.

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I was a little taken back as I sat in the training session for aspiring vacuum cleaner salesmen and heard the trainer say, "I hope you are all in serious debt or financial trouble. If you are, you will be successful."

I didn't like what he said at the time, but I came to understand that he was right.

The wise teacher of the proverbs tells us:

“A worker's appetite works for him, for his hunger urges him on” -Proverbs 16:26 NASB

This can be known through careful observation and is as true today as it was in Solomon's time.

You have to be hungry. At the very least, you must possess an appetite for more. If you are satisfied, you will stay where you are. If you are complacent, you will not exert extraordinary effort in any direction. If you are resigned to your circumstance or to the world as it is, you will not do much to change either.

Even Jesus said that those were blessed who hungered and thirsted for things to be right (ie... righteousness).

What does the hunger that works for us and drives us on look like? Let us break it down.

H - HATE

Hunger involves hate, not in the sense of vitriolic preoccupation with a destructive emotion toward other people. but the broader definition of detesting something to the point of turning away from it. You must be willing to make a clean break with your addiction to an undesirable condition in order to embrace something better. Some people are addicted to their self identities as poor failures and hopeless "losers." It takes something as dramatic as hating those designations to break free of them. Like Scarlet O'Hara you declare that you will never be hungry again. - except for the next goal.

U - URGE

We have used this word before to point to something inside that goes beyond rejecting the old to the idea of being drawn toward something in a powerful and compelling way. When you are deeply hungry for food, that hunger urges you on. You move in the direction of your goal. It drags you out of bed and out of the house. The urge is powerful and is empowered by the faith and hope that what you long for is possible with God's help and with your commitment.

N - NOTICE

When you are hungry for your goal, you start noticing things around you that you have previously ignored, things that remind you where you are going, examples of what you desire.You notice other people on the same path. You notice books, articles, and information designed to equip you in the fulfillment of your dreams. You notice open doors and opportunities. You notice people in a new way.

G - GRASP

Having identified a goal for which you hunger, you are always grasping in that direction. You hold what is in your grasp and reach for what is beyond it. You also grasp concepts you never would have paid any attention to before because understanding them is a means to your desired end. You make grasping a tool in your belt for reaching that to which you aspire.

E- EXHAUSTION

You stop at nothing less than the exhaustion of every effort in the service of your goal. if you haven't tried everything, you are not done. If you have not tried some things several times and several ways, you are not finished. If you have any energy left, you use it. of course you pace yourself, get adequate rest, and care for your body and soul in the process, but you DO NOT QUIT until all options are exhausted and even when they seem to be, you look for more.

R - RESILIENCE

When you fall, get up. When you fail, try again. When you falter in your faith, renew it and never let entertain discouragement for any longer than it takes to be encouraged by positive people, scripture, prayer, and your own commitment to keep on keeping on. Successful people are resilient in their hunger. They are often the folks that stayed in the game just a little bit longer than everyone else, tried a few more tricks, and refused to quit. They are knocked down, insulted, wounded, and wearied, but they have elastic in the back ends of their trousers so that that they bounce when knocked on their posteriors. Be that kind of person and your hungry appetite will drive you to success.

To your success!

I Have All the Answers - Well, Three of Them - In Case Anyone Is Asking

Q & A

I made a number of friends on a platform called AnswerBag some years ago. People would post deep or shallow questions and other people could answer them. It was that simple. One day, I decided to blog a day’s worth of my Q&A. 

Three of them made the cut:

What is the glue that sticks together a broken heart?

It is the glue of experience and compassion, of giving and receiving love. It is the glue of loving when love is not returned, of laughter, tears, and time. It is the glue of renewed purpose and passion for life itself. it is the glue of a dream and a mission. It is the grace of God and the friendship of good people. The glue that heals is a composite of all these things, but it is strong and flexible.

You have been offered the opportunity to “build” an ideal president of the United States as a composite of the best characteristics of all the candidates in the field. What will you take from each to construct your model president?

Keep in mind that this was 2007 and I actually wrote the question and answered it myself. These were some of the candidates and former presidents at the time.

• The charisma, freshness and good looks of Obama
• The crusty credibility of Fred Thompson
• The good common sense of Joe Biden
• Wesley Clark’s understanding of the military
• Mitt Romney’s business talents and understanding
• The feisty courage of McCain
• Howard Dean’s outbursts — I liked that about him
• The independence of Ron Paul
• John Edwards’ accent, likability, and wife
• Dodd’s intellect
• Brownback’s views on a couple of issues, especially pro-life
• Giuliani’s administrative skills
• Gore’s environmentalism
• Ralph Nader’s irrational perseverance and tenacity, with a touch of sarcasm and sassiness
• Jerry Brown (who has neither chance nor interest) because he is not impressed by power
• Clinton’s campaign strategy and political savvy
• Huckabee’s integrity
• Mike Bloomberg's ability to make and manage money
• Gilmore’s home state — The Mother of Presidents has been a little barren.
• Kucinich for peace and freedom
• Reagan’s humor and compassion (something from the past)
• Carter’s understanding of world affairs and appreciation of the complexity of foreign policy (also from the past)
• George Bush’s aborted dream of utilizing faith based institutions to partner with communities for community development
• George H.W. Bush’s gracious spirit
• Bill Clinton’s speaking ability
• LBJ’s bear hug and humor
• Nixon’s diplomatic abilities
• Truman’s honesty and no-nonsense approach
• Kennedy’s ability to assemble the best people for his team

What is left?

Vulnerability — the ability to admit that you have changed your mind when presented with better facts and that is OK, that you have made some mistakes, that your record is not spotless, that you are human, that you may be wrong, that you have been wrong, that you can laugh at yourself, and that some special interest groups are really making fools of themselves even though you respect their humanity and right to petition their government.

Also missing quite often — respect for the opinions of others and a deep distrust of partisan politics.

Put all of that together with great leadership abilities and the ability to win an election and shazam! You’ve got a great president.

Remember, however, that most great presidents were rather unlikely candidates.

What lame excuse would you use to get out of jail?

Having sat through many court hearings as an observer, it has become my conviction that no excuse works. The best one seems to be, “I did it; I was wrong; How can i make this right?

If that doesn’t work, try these:

The house was on fire when I arrived. I set another fire as a backfire in the hopes of saving the house.

The tree was moving toward my car at a rapid rate of speed.

Your honor, I was drunk, I had no idea I was behind the wheel of the car. if I had known, I would have never driven down the street.

What?!?! I have $100,000 in my account? Where did it come from? Is it mine? Can I spend it?

It wasn’t me. It was my evil clone. You’d better catch him before he does some real damages. He has all my fantasies and none of my self-control. I can help if you will release me.

Your honor, I am an agent of the FBCIAI, an organization so top-secret that I cannot tell or even know what the initials stand for. I am on a vital mission for our government and the President has requested that you release me. The survival of humanity is at stake.

I am not as think as you drunk I am.

Reflection and Refraction

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.– II Corinthians 3:18

 

Refraction is a process that takes place when light changes mediums, passing through a less dense medium to a denser medium and through that medium; often back into a less dense sphere with awe inspiring results. As the light is bent, brilliant colors often present themselves to the eye and turn our sight toward God.

 

While this may not be the best scientific explanation of what takes place in the natural realm, it illustrates some elements of the spiritual refraction of God’s light as it passes through mediums of His choosing to change us into authentic representations of His image.

 

That is what we were always intended to be from the time we were made in the image of God. We were created to be reflectors, refractors, and beholders of His glory.

 

As the rays of the sun pass through the stained glass of our church windows, they are bent and shaped and exploded into glorious colors, invading those houses with kaleidoscopes of beauty. They point our hearts and minds toward the God of the rainbow. They thrust us to our knees in worship. They draw forth our exclamations of praise and inspire us toward the transformation of the Spirit.

 

As glorious as the light of the sun may be, it is a dim reflection of the glory of God in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. He is the true light come to illuminate the world.

 

 

 

We Can't Say It Enough! Rejoice

Photo by Yael Hofnung on Unsplash

 

Again I Say, “Rejoice!”

Philippians 4:4:  Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

You can’t say this enough – so Paul says it many times, “Rejoice!”

It is the natural response to joy and joy is the natural progression of grace in our lives. It is giddy, chuckle joy, the kind that giggles and sings and sets the heart to rhythm

It is gratitude and evangelism and worship wrapped up in one all encompassing emotion of inner gladness. It is command and promise in one admonition. It is Christmas and Easter and New Year’s Day mingled with the Fourth of July and St. Valentine’s Day exploding exponentially into a chorus of praise to God.

It is perpetual. Rejoice in the Lord, ALWAYS! That means whatever the passing emotion of the moment, no matter how deep the despair or bitter the defeat, no matter how lonely one may be, disheartened, disappointed, or discouraged, rejoice! Whatever the circumstances of one’s life, the great motivation for rejoicing is a joy so deep and enduring that it surpasses all sorrow.

It’s not about “fake it till you make it,” although there may be a way of understanding that advice that can be helpful. Nor is it about any sort of superficial gladness. It is about connecting to something real, permanent, and spiritually authentic that never changes,

It is Christ in you the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

It is Christ’s peace, presence, and power.

It is faith. It is hope. It is abiding love and sovereign grace.

It is God’s joy. Therefore, we rejoice in the Lord and all other reasons for rejoicing are passing fancies.

Such a simple verse! Such a crucial reminder! Follow God’s Word at this point and it will change your attitudes, your moods, and your outlook on everything. Develop it as a skill (It doesn’t happen over night) and you will begin to see the difference it makes in your life.

Famous for Moderation

Philippians 4:5:  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Many of us have longed for fame and fortune. Few of us have considered that having already been made infinitely wealthy through our adoption in Jesus Christ, we might become famous for our moderation.

We are connected to the greatest power in the universe and yet, are called to be gentle.

We are heirs to all the riches of the cosmos; yet, we are called to moderate our appetites.

We are privileged beyond comprehension; yet we are encouraged to restrain ourselves in the exercise of our prerogatives.

The Lord wants for His people to be known as gentle folks, moderate in all things, able to speak softly and quietly trust Him for our provision. We are not reborn as bulls in china closets. We have as our example, Jesus, to whom the children came without intimidation or fear.

As  he often does when admonishing us, our Brother Paul gives us a reason for moderation. It is simply this: the Lord is at hand. He is near.

To you that may mean His second coming and you would be correct. To another it may mean His imminent presence through His Holy Spirit and that would also be correct. He is near and that is a sobering thought as well as a cause for rejoicing.

The time is short for men and women to see Jesus through our lives. It always has been and always will be. Life is a flicker in time. Someday we will understand how true that is of all history.

As we redeem the time for the sake of our witness in the world, let the word of our gentle moderation be spread and let the peoples exclaim, “Behold what God can do. If He can work such grace into their lives, what can He do in mine?”

Peace that Keeps

Philippians 4:6-7:  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

On July 4, 1776, a company of farmers, merchants, scholars, and business men gathered to ratify and sign a document to which they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.

Most of these men paid a heavy cost for that signature. They were not crippled by undo caution or timid in the petition that they brought before the King of England.

In the realm of the Spirit, we have also been called to affix or signatures upon an invisible document of faith with visible repercussions. In it, we declare our absolute loyalty to Jesus Christ. We lay everything on the line without the constraints of care or caution, without reservation or regret, without whining or complaint.

We come in complete trust rejoicing, thanking, and bringing our petitions before God. And we find in God, not an insecure despot lashing out at us, but a loving Father whose greatest desire is that we come to Him.

As we come, He gives us His peace and that peace becomes the security of our lives standing guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

In 1776, there was great conflict in store for the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In our day of declaration, we may also find conflict ahead, but in the midst, we are surrounded by the peace of God that is completely beyond our comprehension.

Let us boldly declare our liberty and surrender our hearts to the One who sets us free indeed.

THINK

Philippians 4:8: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

There is way too much “stinking thinking” in the world. What we sow in our thinking, we reap in our behavior and lifestyles and ultimately in the fruit of our lives. If we want to change our lives, we have to follow a trail that leads back to our attitudes. We have to change the way we think and what we spend our time thinking about.

Read these verses slowly. Let them be a template against which you test your thoughts. Allow them to help you determine to conform your thoughts to the higher standards of a Christian mindset.

Ask yourself: Is this thought true? Is it honest or am I kidding myself? Is it just or am I plotting something in my mind that is wrong by God and by my neighbor? Is it pure or is it polluted? Is it lovely or is it ugly? Is it a thought I would want others to read on my face or is it of ill repute? Am I thinking the best of my neighbor or have I engaged in gossip in my own mind? Am I thinking virtue or am I dwelling on something less worthy and noble? Are my thoughts leading me to praise God or to wallow in self pity and disgust?

Try to remember this teaching with an acronym; THINK:

• T- Test every thought against the standard of Philippians 4:8.
• H- Hold yourself to that standard against all odds.
• I – Integrate God-centered thinking into every area of your life.
• N- Negate the negative whenever it emerges.
• K – Keep praising God with your thoughts, words, and deeds.

If you will practice positive, God-centered thinking, focused on His goodness and beauty daily for an extended period of time, you will begin to see positive results in your life. Embrace the mind of Christ as your way of thinking and repent of all else.

Find a Mentor and Pay Attention

Philippians 4:9:  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

You need a mentor. You most likely need several. Certainly in your walk with Christ, you need some models to follow. Some are around us, living and breathing. Others have gone on and left only their reputations and writings behind. We can learn from both kinds of mentors.

Paul boldly encourages the believers to learn from Him by watching his life. What kind of integrity of word and deed does that require? Would you be willing to let folks follow you around and observe your life knowing that they would do what you do, respond as you respond, and believe what you profess with your actions? Would you be wiling to take that kind of responsibility for the fragile lives of young believers?

Paul was willing. He was willing knowing that he was not a finished product. But he was willing to let his life be an open book, frailties and all. He was willing to let people see how God dealt with him and how well he did at forgetting the things that were past and pressing on the mark.

He was willing to be observed. Are you?

The application is two-fold here. First, we are called to live transparent lives before God and men. It is the stewardship of our influence that can mold hearts and encourage the downtrodden.

Second, we are to be humble enough to learn from our elders. We are commanded gently to benefit from the generosity of their example and to learn the finer points of discipleship by observing their lives.

Christianity is a movement of duplication. We are to replicate ourselves in the lives of others and thus, perpetuate the movement down through the generations. At some point, our influence ceases to be ours. We lose control of it through death or infirmity. Yet it continues. It lives on and multiplies beyond even the memory of our names.

That is the genius of God’s plan.

 

Excerpted from my book, "The Confidence Factor."  

What Is In a Day?

 

What is in a day?

Follow the hot links to learn more on Wikipedia.

On this day in 534 BC – Thespis of Icaria becomes the first recorded actor to portray a character on stage.

He was a singer of dithyrambs.

The dithyramb (Ancient Greek: διθύραμβος, dithyrambos) was an ancient Greek hymn sung and danced in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine and fertility.

Actors are still referred to as "thespians."

In High School, I was inducted into the Thespian Society, but never got my card. John Witt, my teacher back then and a real thespian made sure I received a beautiful certificate a few years ago.

Can you sing a dithyramb and post it?

1st picture - Thespis' wagon, relief of the Giotto's Belltower in Florence, Italy, Nino Pisano, 1334–1336

2nd picture - Attic relief (4th century BCE) depicting an aulos player and his family standing before Dionysos and a female consort, with theatrical masks displayed above.

On this day in  1248 – Conquest of Seville by Christian troops under King Ferdinand III of Castile. .  Later, much later, someone named Rossini thought that a barber from Seville would make a great theme for an opera.

On this day in 1499 – Pretender to the throne Perkin Warbeck is hanged for reportedly attempting to escape from the Tower of London. He had invaded England in 1497, claiming to be the lost son of King Edward IV of England.

The moral of this story is to be yourself. If you are going to stick your neck out for something, let it be more authentic than a rope.

Then, for the next 300 years or so:

• 1733 – The start of the 1733 slave insurrection on St. John in what was then the Danish West Indies.
• 1808 – French and Poles defeat the Spanish at Battle of Tudela.
• 1863 – American Civil War: Battle of Chattanooga begins: Union forces led by General Ulysses S. Grant reinforce troops at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and counter-attack Confederate troops.
• 1867 – The Manchester Martyrs are hanged in Manchester, England, for killing a police officer while freeing two Irish Republican Brotherhood members from custody.
• 1876 – Corrupt Tammany Hall leader William Magear Tweed (better known as Boss Tweed) is delivered to authorities in New York City after being captured in Spain.
• 1890 – King William III of the Netherlands dies without a male heir and a special law is passed to allow his daughter Princess Wilhelmina to succeed him.

On this day in 1644 – John Milton, who invented some of our extra-biblical concepts of hell in his better-known extended poem, "Paradise Lost (a subversive political parody)" publishes "Areopagitica," a pamphlet decrying censorship. We are all richer because censorship never fully silenced him.

"Books are not absolutely dead things, but do contain a potency of life in them to be as active as that soul was whose progeny they are; nay, they do preserve as in a vial the purest efficacy and extraction of that living intellect that bred them. I know they are as lively, and as vigorously productive, as those fabulous dragon's teeth; and being sown up and down, may chance to spring up armed men. And yet, on the other hand, unless wariness be used, as good almost kill a man as kill a good book. Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, God's image; but he who destroys a good book, kills reason itself, kills the image of God, as it were in the eye. Many a man lives a burden to the earth; but a good book is the precious life-blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life. 'Tis true, no age can restore a life, whereof perhaps there is no great loss; and revolutions of ages do not oft recover the loss of a rejected truth, for the want of which whole nations fare the worse."

"It is not possible for man to sever the wheat from the tares, the good fish from the other fry; that must be the Angels' ministry at the end of mortal things. Yet if all cannot be of one mind — as who looks they should be? — this doubtless is more wholesome, more prudent, and more Christian, that many be tolerated, rather than all compelled."

On November 23, 1924 – Edwin Hubble's discovery, that the Andromeda "nebula" is actually another island galaxy far outside our own Milky Way, is first published in The New York Times.

There was plenty that went on in the 2oth Century and the 21st has been pretty busy!

Birthdays include:

1887 – Boris Karloff, English actor (d. 1969). His birth name was William Henry Pratt, but that was not frightening enough for Frankenstein's Monster. Beginning in 1940, Karloff dressed as Father Christmas every Christmas to hand out presents to physically disabled children in a Baltimore hospital. 

To show that there are many sides to people's lives, Karloff had his own weekly children's radio show on WNEW, New York, in 1950. He played children's music and told stories and riddles. Although the program was meant for children, Karloff attracted many adult listeners as well.

I was just thinking about days and realized that this is one. We are living in one. And, if that is not enough, we have been in this position around the sun a number of times before and have called this day, "today."

So, what do we do with it?

We honor it.

We give thanks for it.

We  seize it!

Download Seize the Day Audio by Tom

 

What We Lost

On this day, 59 years ago, we lost 3 significant men.

Two were Englishmen; one was Irish-American.

All three were best-selling writers. In fact, though he was President, one had prepared to be a journalist and anticipated returning to that career some day.

Aldous Huxley, the writer and philosopher, C.S. Lewis, the Don and author, and John F. Kennedy, author of "Profiles in Courage" and American President.

All were under 70. Huxley was 69; Lewis was 64; Kennedy was 46.

All were serious thinkers.

All shaped our thinking whether or not we are aware of it.

All left behind, a body of work.

This day never passes by my memory without a solemn pause and reflection.

We all lost something that day.

"Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God." - Aeschylus

 

Costly Wisdom

Wisdom through the Awful Grace of God.

 

What it Takes

Divest

Invest

Follow

Nearer

Titanic Sinking, engraving by Willy Stöwer.

Waves sweeping,
Ship sinking,
Footholds giving way,
Still the music plays.
Resistance tempers strings,
Prompts the resonating vibrations.
Art without pain,
Music without suffering,
Oxymoronic monotonic
Silence.
Titanic dangers surround the emerging sound
Of sweet assurance ...
Nearer, my God, to Thee.

I would hurry to find a shelter for myself from the raging wind and tempest. - Psalm 55:8

But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!” - Luke 8:23-25

 

The Open Arms of Reconciliation

 

 

Jeremiah 23:1-6

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

 

Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord.

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’

 

 

Psalm 46

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.

God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Come, behold the works of the Lord;
see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
‘Be still, and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth.’
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

--------------------------------------------------

The first of these videos is the introduction.

After attempting to do a share, I refer the listener to the second.

 

Luke 23:33-43

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

Colossians 1:11-20

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.

New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicised Edition, copyright © 1989, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The Gettysburg Address

Bliss Copy

This copy was supplied to Colonel Alexander Bliss, stepson of historian George Bancroft, by President Lincoln at Bliss' request.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

---

Nicolay Copy

John G. Nicolay was President Lincoln's personal secretary. This is considered the "first draft" of the speech. Lincoln gave it to Nicolay, who went to Gettysburg with Lincoln and witnessed the speech. The Library of Congress owns this manuscript.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle field of that war. We come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who died here, that the nation might live. This we may, in all propriety do.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate we can not consecrate we can not hallow, this ground The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have hallowed it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here; while it can never forget what they did here.

It is rather for us, the living, we here be dedicated to the great task remaining before us that, from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

---

Hay Copy

This is thought to be the second draft, given by President Lincoln to John Hay, a White House assistant who  accompanied Lincoln to Gettysburg. The Hay copy, which includes Lincoln's handwritten changes, also is owned by the Library of Congress.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met here on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of it, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But in a larger sense, we can not dedicate we can not consecrate we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but can never forget what they did here.

It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they have, thus far, so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain; that this nation shall have a new birth of freedom; and that this government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

---

Everett Copy

Edward Everett was the chief speaker at the Gettysburg cemetery dedication. He is remembered, not for his over 2 hour speech, but for these words in a letter to the President:  "I should be glad, if I could flatter myself that I came as near to the central idea of the occasion, in two hours, as you did in two minutes."  This was given to Everett by Lincoln and can be found at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives, that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here, have, thus far, so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

---

Bancroft Copy

George Bancroft asked President Lincoln for a copy to use as a fundraiser for soldiers.  The Bancroft copy is now owned by Cornell University.

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives, that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate we can not hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Source for all versions: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler and others.

A Sermon on Lettuce

Doing the right thing because it is the right thing when the outcome is risky and the process is inefficient should not cause us to question whether or not the right thing is the right thing.

It is right because it is right.

If it goes wrong, so be it.

We learn to do the right thing better rather than switching to wrong thing because we have better odds of success.

Safety and success are not the measures of right.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not fall -Psalm 16:8 

Here Is a Sermon 

 

How do we live with “The Day” Approaching?

Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25

 

Let us make a salad out of Three Heads of LET-US (10:19-25)

Let us APPROACH (10:22)

This is our life of Prayer, Intercession, and Intimacy with God.

• • You can. The door is open (10:11-15).
  • You may because you are invited into covenant (10:16-18)
  • You must because you need it and the world needs you.

Let us HOLD FAST (10:23)

This is our stand! This is our witness and our open confession of faith.

• • Stand for hope.
  • Bear witness to the world.
  • Act in love and goodness (10:24).

Let us CONSIDER HOW TO PROVOKE (10:24-25)

This is fellowship and encouragement as we encourage love and good deeds in our brothers and sisters. Our response to Christ’s coming, whenever it might be is to encourage one another.

• • P – It is POSITIVE (Not a negative threat, but a positive affirmation).
  • R – It is REDEMPTIVE (We are forgiven people).
  • O – It is OPPORTINISTIC (“Consider how to … ). κατανοῶμεν
  • V – It is VISIONARY (“… as you see the Day approaching …)
  • O – It is about ONE ANOTHER – We cannot do this alone. παρακαλοῦντες
  • K – It is KENETIC – forces producing motion or change. παροξυσμὸν is stirring up
  • E – ENCOURAGE - παρακαλοῦντες - Encouraging one another.

 

A Sermon on Lettuce

Doing the right thing because it is the right thing when the outcome is risky and the process is inefficient should not cause us to question whether or not the right thing is the right thing.

It is right because it is right.

If it goes wrong, so be it.

We learn to do the right thing better rather than switching to wrong thing because we have better odds of success.

Safety and success are not the measures of right.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand I shall not fall -Psalm 16:8 

Here Is a Sermon 

 

How do we live with “The Day” Approaching?

Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25

 

Let us make a salad out of Three Heads of LET-US (10:19-25)

Let us APPROACH (10:22)

This is our life of Prayer, Intercession, and Intimacy with God.

• • You can. The door is open (10:11-15).
  • You may because you are invited into covenant (10:16-18)
  • You must because you need it and the world needs you.

Let us HOLD FAST (10:23)

This is our stand! This is our witness and our open confession of faith.

• • Stand for hope.
  • Bear witness to the world.
  • Act in love and goodness (10:24).

Let us CONSIDER HOW TO PROVOKE (10:24-25)

This is fellowship and encouragement as we encourage love and good deeds in our brothers and sisters. Our response to Christ’s coming, whenever it might be is to encourage one another.

• • P – It is POSITIVE (Not a negative threat, but a positive affirmation).
  • R – It is REDEMPTIVE (We are forgiven people).
  • O – It is OPPORTINISTIC (“Consider how to … ). κατανοῶμεν
  • V – It is VISIONARY (“… as you see the Day approaching …)
  • O – It is about ONE ANOTHER – We cannot do this alone. παρακαλοῦντες
  • K – It is KENETIC – forces producing motion or change. παροξυσμὸν is stirring up
  • E – ENCOURAGE - παρακαλοῦντες - Encouraging one another.

 

Move

 

If you need to move a mountain, you will have to make a decision to do so. Then, you will need much prayer, a little faith, and action upon your faith and prayer. The mountain will not move until you move.

 

No one is going to come along with you until you start moving.

No one is going to see it, get it, or understand it until you live it and demonstrate it.

Do not wait for a vote of your peers or critics to start living a life of faith, compassion, or obedience to God.

If you are going to follow Jesus, it will be a counter cultural move.

 

Do not expect applause or ease.

Do expect to be called names -- it does not matter which ones.

You may be called a "liberal" by some or a "fundy" by others.

Forget it and move on. Some will call you fascist and others, a communist.

Neither will be true and it still does not matter.

 

They do not get it. They cannot get it. They have never seen it.

 

It is a different paradigm.

 

You are neither liberal nor conservative and you are, at the same time, both.

Let them scratch their heads in utter confusion over you.

 

You are like the wind that blows here and there, said Jesus, moved by the Spirit.

Let the Spirit move you and hear the word, "Move!"

 

No one is going to come along with you until you start moving ...

 

But ...

Once you start moving ...

Some will.

They are just people ...

They need to see it to get it.

Don't judge them... just do what you were called to do ...

 

Follow Jesus.

 

"And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.”

 

And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”

 

And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

 

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”"

(Matthew 17:14-20 ESV)

 

Enough with the hand wringing.

Enough with the despair.

Enough waiting for someone else to have enough faith ...

Enough to change the world ...

Enough ...

Enough waiting on Republicans or Democrats or Independents.

Enough waiting on public opinion.

Enough complaining and waiting and procrastinating as governments do ...

What they do best ...

And worst ...

Wait and do nothing ...

Or worse ...

Enough passive hope and more active hoping.

Enough finger-pointing, shouting down, name-calling ...

Enough!

 

Today, the little faith we have is what we bring to our active cry.

 

That little faith says the impossible and ...

Activates the impossible.

 

"Move, mountain of hate!"

"Move, mountain of fear!"

"Move, mountain of injustice!"

"Move, mountain of oppressive sin!"

"Move, mountain of terror, intimidation, bigotry, and torment."

"Move, mountain of convulsing hopelessness."

"Move!"

 

Our faith is small, but ..

What faith we have, we bring to this mountain and cry, "Move!"

Do something bold today.

 

 

Let Us Pray

Lord of this morning,
Light of this day,
Master of the darkness that daily dies,
God of night and light and all that is,
I come ...

Empty handed, I come.
I bring to the morning and the day, nothing,
Nothing,
Nothing, but me ...myself .... my self,
Undone, unfettered, unconditionally empty.
I come.

Our Father ....
My loved one's Father .... Ours ...
Father of my dearest friends and most adamant enemies if I have any ....
Ours ... Father of the nations scattered,
Father of the stranger ...
Ours ....

Hallowed be Thy Name.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God Almighty. Thy name is Holy.
Thy Name ... vast, uncontainable, unfathomable, yet ...
Revealed to us as "I Am."
You ARE ... Hallowed be THY NAME.

Thy Kingdom ... Thy rule .... Thy dominating, liberating, rejuvenating Kingdom of Love, of Life, of Wonder ...

COME!

I come. Thy Kingdom Come ...
Come to this house, to this body, to my church, my city, my nation ...
My world.
WE come, OUR Father ...
Send forth Thy Kingdom in us and through us.
Thy Will, which we know in part, in tiny part, Thy will, perfect and all-knowing will of grace and power, of holiness and kindness,
Thy will be DONE!!!

DONE!!!!
DONE!!!

Start here and now with me, Oh God.
Straighten up my calendar. Schedule my appointments.

Prepare my words.

Master my thoughts.

Guide me in Thy paths.

Thy will be done.
On earth ... on the ground upon which we walk as in Heaven.

Heaven! "Eye hath not seen, nor ear hear, neither hath it entered into the heart of man ..." what You have prepared for us who love you.
Heaven! Your will! Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!

Give us, this day, our daily bread ....
As You have every day of our lives.
Thank you!

And you will again! Thank You!
I trust you. I don't know how you are going to do it ...
And I am not sure when, but You always provide.
Thank you.

And You are OUR Father, so,

So, Dear God ...
Daily bread of healing for my friends who are sick ...
I name them before You...
For those in prison....
In distress....
On the streets ....
Struggling with decisions ...
Burdened with depression ....
Tortured for their faith ...
On battlefields ...
On mission fields .....
Just far afield ....
And those waiting for a word of encouragement ... maybe from me ...
And those waiting to hear the good news of repentance possible in Your Kingdom of turn-rounds ...
And those ...
Lost in a wilderness of ambiguity.
You are our provider.
You provide for Your work and for Your people.
Thank You.

And lead us not into temptation ....
Not that you would ...
It is a jungle out there and there are many snares.
We need You to handle some of those for us and the rest ...
In us and through us.
People are tripping up all the time, discrediting Your name and work.
I could, God forbid, be one of those.
I am weak and susceptible to temptation.
Deliver me for Thy Names' sake.

Give us strength and deliver us from evil.

I will not be preoccupied with such. You are my deliverance.
I will not fear for You, Oh Lord are able to ....
Deliver us from evil.

And again I ask ... lead me away from those snares that have snare us in the past ...
Lead us away in the future You have prepared for us ...
And handle any evil that may threaten me.

Thine is the kingdom! It is not mine ...
Except that Your Son has invited me to participate.
Thine is the Power ...
And You have shared much of that with me!
Thank You! I praise Your Name!

Thine is the Glory!!!!
Glory!!!! Glory!!!! Glory !!!!
And this part amazes me Lord of Amazing things ....
FOREVER .... and ever ... and ever .....

Amen!

And I pray in the Name of the One who taught me to pray this way ...
And teaches me daily ...
And today ...
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

 

 

 

Move

 

If you need to move a mountain, you will have to make a decision to do so. Then, you will need much prayer, a little faith, and action upon your faith and prayer. The mountain will not move until you move.

 

No one is going to come along with you until you start moving.

No one is going to see it, get it, or understand it until you live it and demonstrate it.

Do not wait for a vote of your peers or critics to start living a life of faith, compassion, or obedience to God.

If you are going to follow Jesus, it will be a counter cultural move.

 

Do not expect applause or ease.

Do expect to be called names -- it does not matter which ones.

You may be called a "liberal" by some or a "fundy" by others.

Forget it and move on. Some will call you fascist and others, a communist.

Neither will be true and it still does not matter.

 

They do not get it. They cannot get it. They have never seen it.

 

It is a different paradigm.

 

You are neither liberal nor conservative and you are, at the same time, both.

Let them scratch their heads in utter confusion over you.

 

You are like the wind that blows here and there, said Jesus, moved by the Spirit.

Let the Spirit move you and hear the word, "Move!"

 

No one is going to come along with you until you start moving ...

 

But ...

Once you start moving ...

Some will.

They are just people ...

They need to see it to get it.

Don't judge them... just do what you were called to do ...

 

Follow Jesus.

 

"And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.”

 

And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.”

 

And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?”

 

He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”"

(Matthew 17:14-20 ESV)

 

Enough with the hand wringing.

Enough with the despair.

Enough waiting for someone else to have enough faith ...

Enough to change the world ...

Enough ...

Enough waiting on Republicans or Democrats or Independents.

Enough waiting on public opinion.

Enough complaining and waiting and procrastinating as governments do ...

What they do best ...

And worst ...

Wait and do nothing ...

Or worse ...

Enough passive hope and more active hoping.

Enough finger-pointing, shouting down, name-calling ...

Enough!

 

Today, the little faith we have is what we bring to our active cry.

 

That little faith says the impossible and ...

Activates the impossible.

 

"Move, mountain of hate!"

"Move, mountain of fear!"

"Move, mountain of injustice!"

"Move, mountain of oppressive sin!"

"Move, mountain of terror, intimidation, bigotry, and torment."

"Move, mountain of convulsing hopelessness."

"Move!"

 

Our faith is small, but ..

What faith we have, we bring to this mountain and cry, "Move!"

Do something bold today.

 

 

Let Us Pray

Lord of this morning,
Light of this day,
Master of the darkness that daily dies,
God of night and light and all that is,
I come ...

Empty handed, I come.
I bring to the morning and the day, nothing,
Nothing,
Nothing, but me ...myself .... my self,
Undone, unfettered, unconditionally empty.
I come.

Our Father ....
My loved one's Father .... Ours ...
Father of my dearest friends and most adamant enemies if I have any ....
Ours ... Father of the nations scattered,
Father of the stranger ...
Ours ....

Hallowed be Thy Name.
Holy, holy, holy, Lord, God Almighty. Thy name is Holy.
Thy Name ... vast, uncontainable, unfathomable, yet ...
Revealed to us as "I Am."
You ARE ... Hallowed be THY NAME.

Thy Kingdom ... Thy rule .... Thy dominating, liberating, rejuvenating Kingdom of Love, of Life, of Wonder ...

COME!

I come. Thy Kingdom Come ...
Come to this house, to this body, to my church, my city, my nation ...
My world.
WE come, OUR Father ...
Send forth Thy Kingdom in us and through us.
Thy Will, which we know in part, in tiny part, Thy will, perfect and all-knowing will of grace and power, of holiness and kindness,
Thy will be DONE!!!

DONE!!!!
DONE!!!

Start here and now with me, Oh God.
Straighten up my calendar. Schedule my appointments.

Prepare my words.

Master my thoughts.

Guide me in Thy paths.

Thy will be done.
On earth ... on the ground upon which we walk as in Heaven.

Heaven! "Eye hath not seen, nor ear hear, neither hath it entered into the heart of man ..." what You have prepared for us who love you.
Heaven! Your will! Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!

Give us, this day, our daily bread ....
As You have every day of our lives.
Thank you!

And you will again! Thank You!
I trust you. I don't know how you are going to do it ...
And I am not sure when, but You always provide.
Thank you.

And You are OUR Father, so,

So, Dear God ...
Daily bread of healing for my friends who are sick ...
I name them before You...
For those in prison....
In distress....
On the streets ....
Struggling with decisions ...
Burdened with depression ....
Tortured for their faith ...
On battlefields ...
On mission fields .....
Just far afield ....
And those waiting for a word of encouragement ... maybe from me ...
And those waiting to hear the good news of repentance possible in Your Kingdom of turn-rounds ...
And those ...
Lost in a wilderness of ambiguity.
You are our provider.
You provide for Your work and for Your people.
Thank You.

And lead us not into temptation ....
Not that you would ...
It is a jungle out there and there are many snares.
We need You to handle some of those for us and the rest ...
In us and through us.
People are tripping up all the time, discrediting Your name and work.
I could, God forbid, be one of those.
I am weak and susceptible to temptation.
Deliver me for Thy Names' sake.

Give us strength and deliver us from evil.

I will not be preoccupied with such. You are my deliverance.
I will not fear for You, Oh Lord are able to ....
Deliver us from evil.

And again I ask ... lead me away from those snares that have snare us in the past ...
Lead us away in the future You have prepared for us ...
And handle any evil that may threaten me.

Thine is the kingdom! It is not mine ...
Except that Your Son has invited me to participate.
Thine is the Power ...
And You have shared much of that with me!
Thank You! I praise Your Name!

Thine is the Glory!!!!
Glory!!!! Glory!!!! Glory !!!!
And this part amazes me Lord of Amazing things ....
FOREVER .... and ever ... and ever .....

Amen!

And I pray in the Name of the One who taught me to pray this way ...
And teaches me daily ...
And today ...
In Jesus' Name.
Amen.

 

 

 

Don't Dumb-Down God

 

Here's a thought from an old man and it really needs to be developed. But I think it's going somewhere. We have two tendencies. One is the dangerous tendency to overcomplicate the prophetic message of God, the God who speaks to us, the God who has something to say about our daily lives. The God revealed in Jesus, in my faith, the tradition and commitment, the God who calls us, the God who loves us, the God who redeems us, the God who speaks to us, the God who comforts us, the God who forgives us and grants us grace and mercy, the God who has created us.

There is so much about that and so much about the message of Jesus that is very, very simple. And to overcomplicate that message in our daily lives or to ignore the earthiness of it. And the reality of it is to do a grave injustice and injustice to the message, to the everyday message of Jesus.

And in the prophetic and Torah tradition. The other extreme is to dumb down God. To think that by understanding the simplicity of God's message to us, that we've really grasped, grasped who God is and what God is and all of God, the things of God, the depths of God, the depths of God's creative power to rob God of the,  metaphor that points to a greater reality and a greater truth to refuse to stand in reverence and awe, which is what we mean by the fear of God.

We are overwhelmed with the unknowingness and “unknowableness” of God that we cannot fully comprehend God. We can't fully explain God.  I hope you understand what I am struggling to say. We walk a line between the need for simplicity as it applies to the word to us daily and the awe-inspiring reverence of an largely unknowable God who we can know because of God's own initiative and grace and trying to put things in terms that we can understand and in images that we can grasp.

That is the line we walk. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you. The Lord lift up his, countenance upon you and be gracious under you and give you peace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

God Watching

 

NASA

 

People say "God is watching" as if it were a reality from which to recoil in utter dread, as if it were a threat.

 

I do not recoil. I take it as a promise.

 

I am ever aware that God is watching my every success, failure, strength, and flaw. It causes pauses of reverential fear, but it is of the sort that brings weight and glory to every moment, even the moments of frivolity and folly that come so often.

 

Grace. Mercy. Peace.

 

These are the comforts and joys of His knowing gaze, watchful eye, and guiding hand. He sees and breathes purpose into my scattered days.

 

I am known. I am loved.

 

Like the experience of Peter before and after his major failure and denial, Jesus knows all things about me and He knows, even better than I do, that I love Him.

 

We are bundles of contradictions, but thank God He is watching.

 

And when I feel utterly unworthy to feed sheep, I remember that.

 

Just a Little Faith

Photo by Joshua Lanzarini on Unsplash

Why are you telling me this?

Luke 17:1-10
Jesus said to his disciples, "Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive."

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"

The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"

Just a Little Faith

Photo by Joshua Lanzarini on Unsplash

Why are you telling me this?

Luke 17:1-10
Jesus said to his disciples, "Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble. Be on your guard! If another disciple sins, you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive. And if the same person sins against you seven times a day, and turns back to you seven times and says, 'I repent,' you must forgive."

The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"

The Lord replied, "If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. "Who among you would say to your slave who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field, 'Come here at once and take your place at the table'? Would you not rather say to him, 'Prepare supper for me, put on your apron and serve me while I eat and drink; later you may eat and drink'? Do you thank the slave for doing what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do, say, 'We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!'"

Fire Out of Hand

Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! - James 3:5

There is a negative fire that the tongue can ignite. It is the destructive fire of gossip, malice, slander, and discord.

Keep plenty of water on hand when there is much talk. There is likely to be an inferno arising. Satan will fan the flames and itchy ears will provide the fuel. Before long, lives will be left to ruin and churches will be turned to ashes in the name of speech that might even masquerade itself as prayer requests, concerns, and opinions.

Watch your speech. You may not be able to tame your tongue, but you can give it to God. You can ask Him to catch you before you go too far and to season your words with grace, mercy, and love. You can practice the art of complimenting, edifying, and uplifting in your words. If you are always speaking words of truth in love, you’ll have no time for gossip and negative whispering.

Be more critical of yourself than you are of others. Seek accountability. Ask someone to help you “catch yourself.” Put a rubber band on your arm and snap it every time you are tempted to say something that would not be pleasing to God or nurturing to His people.

Ask yourself, “Does this really need to be said and, if it does, would it be better spoken to God?”

If someone wants to gossip, criticize others, or speak ill of God’s servants in your presence, graciously change the subject. If they persist, say something like, “Call me after you have prayed and spoken to John (or Sally) directly about this. If you still feel this way, we can go to him (or her) together. Until then, I think it is best that we not discuss this.

Stop the fire before it starts.

Yet, I Will Rejoice!

Photo by Gilly Stewart on Unsplash

 

The prophet trembles.

 

The news is not good.

 

The prophetic word he is charged to deliver is not pleasant.

 

He is the deliverer of a message of doom and destruction. Devastation awaits the people and he is among them.

 

Still, he finds reason for hope and a place to stand in faith.

 

"Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the God of my salvation." - excerpted from Habakkuk 3:1-18

 

 

Coping with Hope

This morning's message on how we live with hope in difficult times.

 

Glitches

 

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

Little Billy Clutz was so excited. His birthday brought more gifts than he could have ever requested. One caught his imagination more than any other. He had seen in advertised everywhere. It was a brand new, shiny red “thingamawidget.” It could do just about everything and with it, he would be an A-1 invincible kid. He tore open the package and inserted the batteries and – nothing happened. Dad, Grandpa, Aunt Myrtle the engineer, and several cousins read and re-read the instructions, fiddled, cogitated, and scratched their heads all afternoon., Frustration simmered. The congregated Clutzes were unanimous in their disdain for this toy.

“Whoever designed such a ridiculous piece of junk?!?”

“I did.” It was Cousin Henry who had just walked in. “My company made these based on my design. Here … did you turn this switch as it says in Step One of the instructions.”

BAM! The “thingamawidget” was now widgetting around the red-faced members of the Clutz family.

We are beset with two extremes. One is to take God’s gifts for granted and never think of the grace with which they are bestowed and gratefully cherish them. Another is equally insidious. That is not to read and follow God’s instructions on how His gifts are to be received and used.

For those who have grown dependent upon computers, glitches are never welcome. We store our notes, our records, and our very memories on magnetic disks counting on systems and machines to perform predictably whenever we need to retrieve our priceless information or do some task that we no longer know how to do any other way. There is no human power or technology that is infallible. God is unchanging and we can count on Him.  

Trust God.

God is our most cherished treasure.

God is the giver who designs the perfect gifts for us and can instruct us best on their use.

"There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in."

~Leonard Cohen

 

What Was I Thinking? A Hodge Podge

Thoughts from November 10 Through Recent Years

If they meant something then, maybe they will prompt a thought now. Some are words and some are images.

"I very rarely think in words at all. A thought comes, and I may try to express it in words afterwards." -Albert Einstein

What we do with our thoughts, ideas, and insights is entirely up to us.

We can think them, express them, ponder them, and act on them. We can also let them die. We could always put them aside an d come back to them.

It is a matter of choice and discretion.

Remember: Things can happen very quickly.

I have been there!

Now, while you will still be you years later, you will also be much more.

Here is the rest that was truncated:

I wonder what I would tell this kid if I met him in some time-warped, celestial vestibule during a meet and greet.

 

Could I tell him anything?

 

Or should I just play dumb and let him figure it out as best he could ... which ...

I suppose he did.

 

Would you actually try to tell your younger self anything if you had the chance?

I just thrw that one in.

Were you an early adopter?

Are you generally an early adopter?

What difference has that made for you?

Pause to remember.

 

Here is the untruncated version:

Born this day in 1779 – Anne-Marie Javouhey, French nun, founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny.

 

As a teen, she helped to hide and care for a number of priests persecuted by the French Revolution.

 

She founded the Institute of Saint Joseph of Cluny.

 

She opened missionary work in Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leon, the Reunion Islands, and Guiana.

 

She founded a leper colony, participated in the emancipation of slaves, developed agricultural communities, survived a plot to kill her, and created schools for children.

 

Big ideas make a difference, but lived lived, day by day, are what really count. Like this one:

I have tried many idea and many have failed.

Yet, some have succeeded!

What if I had never tried anything?

I actually preached on this scripture Sunday.

 

 

Learn from every experience.

Take pictures and take action!

What are your take-aways today?

 

 

I Am Found

And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost… - Luke 15:6

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost… - Luke 15:9

 … Let us eat and be merry. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. - Luke 15:23b-24

 “We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus Saves! Spread the tidings all around. Jesus saves! Jesus saves!”

So that grand hymn of faith calls us to “give the winds a mighty voice.”

How sweet the sound? Oh yes. The lost has been found. It is the sound of laughter and merriment. It is the sound of praise. It is the sound that rings through the streets of Heaven and even the angels sing. It is the sound that warms the heart of God. It is the sound that ought to flow from our voices daily and throughout the day, the song of gratitude, of joy, and of love.

Whereas I was lost, I am now found. I am no longer lost, no longer hopeless, no longer guilty, alienated, or dispossessed. I am no longer unworthy, no longer useless, no longer an orphan. God no longer sees me as a sinner, but as a son. I have a hope. I have a future. As He did with Jeremiah of old, He knows the plans He has for me.

I am found.

Do you know the joy of being found? Or have you forgotten. The truth can be seen in your attitudes toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, whether you are patient and forgiving or irritable and judgmental? The truth is revealed in your attitudes toward the lost. Are you charitable and seeking or critical and aloof? The truth is seen in your attitudes toward new believers. Do you rejoice or rebuff? Do you step aside and move over or do you guard your established territory? Do you join the celebration, feasting with the friends of the father or do you stand afar off as the son who feels he never left home?

You will never be at home as long as you cling to the notion that you never left. You will never experience the full joy of redemption if you forget that you were lost in slavery to sin when grace found you. You will be unmoved at the singing of Amazing Grace if you forget that the wretch saved was you and the lost one who returned was also you. You have been found!

Rejoice!

 

Welcome Today and Tomorrow

Tomorrow and today are fresh new days.

Everything is new.

Opportunities are going to come our way that we have not yet imagined.

Hope will be reinforced.

Life will be enhanced.

Blessings will be spoken. Admonitions will be given and received with grace and mercy culminating in reconciled relationships with God and man. Grace will flow from our lives and be received with humility and gratitude.

Love will saturate all our words and deeds, molding our motives, fashioning our responses, filtering our perceptions.

Everything about today is released from the power of yesterday and any destructive influence of the past.

We are free. We have been set free. Our pain will be turned to gain as we embrace that pain as a teacher.

The God of all comfort shall comfort our souls. The wonder of new life will inspire us.

We shall meet our challenges with courage and our criticisms with a desire to learn, but assurance of who we are in Christ and a knowledge that whatever our failings and flaws, we are beloved.

We shall walk in the light of purpose and the confidence of a guiding hand upon our shoulders.

We shall quickly confess our sins and gratefully accept the forgiveness that is freely given.

We shall seek justice for the oppressed and extend the hand of mercy and healing to the broken, the hurting, and the lonely .

We shall live as people of God this new day and celebrate the joy of the Lord.

Rejoice!

And may it be so, amen and amen, in the name of Jesus, by the power of the Spirit and through the outreached hand of our Abba, our Father. Amen.

 

 

 

When Babylon Falls

Here is an angel, a messenger of God, speaking truth to power - power that you are either attracted to or that you resist --- or both.

What is your Babylon? What is that seat of power that attracts those who also want power and hope to get it through association, conspiracy, and sinister collaboration that oppresses the weak and the righteous? We are attracted to that bright, beautiful, lively, ostentatious "city of influence," its sensual pleasures and its facade of wealth, luxury, and illegitimate power.

It intoxicates and it draws in those who are inclined to be drawn.

And lest we lift our own heads in pride, something in it is inclined to draw something in us and it can intoxicate us as well --- for a season or for a lifetime --- our choice if we remain conscious enough to make choices.

For Babylon is fallen. It is an eternal reality in Heaven where all is accomplished already.

Every false god and every pretender to every throne has eventually been vanquished and neutralized. It has been; it shall be. Ultimate rectification is reality, but in the meantime, the dance is repeated throughout history.

The only history that immediately matters for us is the one we are living, the choices we are making, the alignments we are activating, and the loyalties we are forming.

It is an angel, a messenger by definition, that has the authority to put power in check and glory gathers around the sound of his mighty voice.

That says that it is truth that brings powers to their knees. It is the voice of truth, the message of God that humbles the proud and pronounces judgment upon oppressors.

Let that be an encouragement to all of you who daily, and without apparent reward, consistently and faithfully, speak truth to power.

"After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was made bright with his glory. And he called out with a mighty voice,

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
She has become a dwelling place for demons,
a haunt for every unclean spirit,
a haunt for every unclean bird,
a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.
For all nations have drunk
the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality,
and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her,
and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”"

(Revelation 18:1-3 ESV)

More on this ... because at the end of the list is the real "cargo" of unscrupulous commerce in a marriage of convenience with illegitimate and oppressive power. It is the slavery of human souls.

"And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls." - Revelation 18:11-13

This subversive circular is calling out power for its tracking of humanity. The test of authenticity, legitimacy, and righteousness in any system of commerce and government with all their entanglements may well be --- Does it profit from the enslavement of human souls?

If it does, and that includes the enticements of systems of addiction, then red flags go up everywhere. This one is "Babylon" and it is going down.

There Is no Desecration in Liberation

 

Speaking a word of liberation and healing is not desecrating, but celebrating Sabbath in its truest meaning. A woman who had labored under a crippling curse for years, was set free by the embodied gospel of grace in Luke 13.

- The good news puts people ahead of rituals.

- The good news infuriates those who use religion to build up their own power at the expense of people.

 

- The good news does not contradict the meaning behind the forms, but breaths new life into them.

 

- The good news causes the broken to stand up straight.

 

- The good news exposes hypocrisy.

 

- The good news shames the opponents of Jesus but causes rejoicing among the people.

 

Luke 13:10-17 NIV

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

 

Art

 Saint John the Baptist ​Orthodox Christian Church, Little Falls, NJ USA.

 

 

Kingdom Come

Photo by Willian B. on Unsplash

"Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."

Come tomorrow ...

Come tomorrow, what if Christians in our nation would make some resolutions like those I humbly and tentatively suggest below?

I can only speak to and for Christians on this matter. People of other faiths and ideologies often have similar ethics, but I am a follower of Jesus and these resolutions flow from my understanding of His directives to His followers.

We shall love, respect, and pray for our leaders whoever they are. We shall obey our laws.

If there is a law that we, in good conscience cannot obey (not just that we don't like it), we shall peacefully and respectfully resist and accept the consequences quietly and humbly.

We shall continue to love our neighbors and let our voices be heard for peace, justice, and a righteous, compassionate society beginning at the local level.

We shall work across the lines of ideology to support common causes and be willing to be distinct and different without disrespecting those with whom we differ.

We shall assume sincere motives in hearts of our opponents as a basis for reasoning with them and cooperating with them whenever possible.

We shall practice our freedom of speech, religion, and every other freedom with the assumption that those freedoms are protected, without fear, and without intimidation. We shall not expect the endorsement of civil authorities or special protections or considerations beyond that which is common to all -- even those who have other beliefs and practices.

If our freedoms of speech and religion are indeed threatened, we shall continue to exercise them no matter what the consequences.

We shall care for and advocate for those who have no voice, for the oppressed, the poor, the broken, and the outcasts.

We shall work for peace on earth and understanding among nations. We know that there shall continue to be wars and rumors of wars in the continuation of human history, but we shall do what we have been commanded to do and work for peace in our time.

We shall be friendly and winsome.

We shall guard our own personal morality and be honest in business, politics, and human relations. We shall seek to set an example of sexual purity, integrity, and fidelity. We shall conduct ourselves in our families and churches in such a way as not to discredit the Kingdom of God.

We will guard our words, temper our speech, practice the Sermon on the Mount, love God, love our neighbor, and pray for people in power as a witness to the words we speak.

We shall continue to confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior and the guide of our lives.

We shall believe in God and in the words of Jesus that He would be with us always as we follow Him and call others to follow and ...

We shall follow, making disciples as we go, teaching them to do what He taught us to to remembering that the essence of what He taught us to do was to love.

We shall continue to pray, "Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven," believing that if the King has invited us to pray that way, He has a plan to answer our prayer.

 

The Wrong Bus?

 

You checked the schedule.

You double-checked.

You checked and double-checked the number on the bus.

You confirmed with the driver.

You sat down and the person sitting next to you said,

"You are on the wrong bus."

 

But they do not know where you are going.

They are just thinking they know.

 

How seriously are you going to take them?

Why would you let them disgruntle you for a second?

 

They will either see they were wrong ... or not ...

when you reach your intended destination.

 

"For my enemies speak concerning me;

those who watch for my life consult together

and say, “God has forsaken him;

pursue and seize him,

for there is none to deliver him.”"

- Psalm 71:10-11 ESV

God of the Living

 

 

Time changed overnight.

Did you adjust your clocks?

Actually, it was not time that changed, but our timing, our tracking of chonos time.

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

Another time matters more - KAIROS time.

 

Our God is the God of the living.

God is the Master of the eternal now and the infinite moment.

God's time is measured in unmeasurable kairos time in the midst of chronos time.

Life matters. Now matters.

Moments matter.

The God who dwells among us in temples not made with hands is ever-present and always relevant.

Excuses, distractions, and apprehensions aside, God is now.

 

 

 

Haggai 1:15-2:9

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

On the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month.

In the second year of King Darius, in the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying: “Speak now to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, and say: Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Is it not in your sight as nothing? Yet now take courage, O Zerubbabel, says the Lord; take courage, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord; work, for I am with you, says the Lord of hosts, according to the promise that I made you when you came out of Egypt. 

My spirit abides among you; do not fear. For thus says the Lord of hosts: 

Once again, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land, and I will shake all the nations, so that the treasure of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with splendor, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of hosts. The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts, and in this place I will give prosperity, says the Lord of hosts.”

Job 19:23-27,  New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

“O that my words were written down!

    O that they were inscribed in a book!

O that with an iron pen and with lead

    they were engraved on a rock forever!

For I know that my vindicator lives

    and that in the end he will stand upon the earth;

and after my skin has been destroyed,

    then in my flesh I shall see God,

whom I shall see on my side,

    and my eyes shall behold, and not another.

    My heart faints within me!

 Psalm 145:1-5

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Praise. Of David.

I will extol you, my God and King,

    and bless your name forever and ever.

Every day I will bless you

    and praise your name forever and ever.

Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;

    his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall extol your works to another

    and shall declare your mighty acts.

They will recount the glorious splendor of your majesty,

    and on your wondrous works I will meditate.

 

Psalm 145:17-21

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Lord is just in all his ways

    and kind in all his doings.

The Lord is near to all who call on him,

    to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desire of all who fear him;

    he also hears their cry and saves them.

The Lord watches over all who love him,

    but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,

    and all flesh will bless his holy name forever and ever.

 

 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:1-5

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

 

As to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way, for that day will not come unless the rebellion comes first and the lawless one is revealed, the one destined for destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, declaring himself to be God. Do you not remember that I told you these things when I was still with you?

 

 

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

 

 

But we must always give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and through belief in the truth. For this purpose he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.

 

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

 

 

Luke 20:27-38

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

 

 

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question: “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married a woman and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.”

 

Jesus said to them, “Those who belong to this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy of a place in that age and in the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage. Indeed, they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels and are children of God, being children of the resurrection. And the fact that the dead are raised Moses himself showed, in the story about the bush, where he speaks of the Lord as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Now he is God not of the dead but of the living, for to him all of them are alive.”