Sunday, August 31, 2008

Similar Experiences

Friends,

Don W., Jerry, Stephen, Toby...Nicodemus. What do these folks have in common with Nicodemus? Seeking Jesus. Why does the story from John 3 inspire us so? Is it the innocence? Is it the one on one...meeting Jesus? Is it that we can relate to this man in so many ways? I have always loved this story because Jesus sets Nicodemus straight. He tells him about Christian baptism -- be born of water and Spirit -- and that settles it, right? Get it right Nicodemus! I guess I have always thought that Nicodemus was somewhat clueless. What is wrong with him? Why doesn't he get it? (And this always has been easy enough to say, since I/we have had the benefit of the 2000 years since the Word became flesh :-). After all, he should at least understand the "water" aspect of baptism, since he was a teacher of the Jews, he should have been aware of mikvah -- the ritual purification washings which the Jews would undergo. Also, he should have been aware of what was taking place concerning the baptism of John. Still, he thinks that being "born again" is to re-enter the womb and go through the process all over again -- ugh! But, it is the Spirit...that is also causing him to stumble. There is not a great deal of mention of the Spirit's work in the Old Covenant...enough that Nicodemus should have been familiar with Him, but in this context? No. The Ephesian disciples (Acts 19) would also be "brought up to speed" by Paul in relationship to the connection of the Spirit to baptism. As with the Ephesians, the Spirit is an important part of the equation for Nicodemus to consider (v.8) as it relates to understanding Christian baptism.

It is likely that the wind was blowing the evening that Jesus and Nicodemus were having their conversation...it may have been an easy segue for Jesus to talk about the Spirit. It is interesting to note that the word "wind," (pneuma in the original language), is the same word used for "the Spirit," as well as "breath." In fact wind or breath are symbols of the Spirit of God elsewhere (Job 33:4, John 20:22, Acts 2:2). Like the wind, the Spirit is invisible, but powerful -- He is subtle at times, and at other times, mighty in His work. We can't fully explain or predict how the Spirit is going to work in the life of a believer...but we know that he does, be it like a breeze, or like a storm. This is precisely why so many people resist Him. Many Christians want their "faith" and "religion" to be nice and comfortable. Yet, as we see with Nicodemus, even, this is not always going to be the case. Striving to live by faith is challenging...it requires allowing God "to tip over our religious box" so that His Spirit can really begin working in our lives. Nicodemus had to know that this was going to take place, as He came to Jesus by night, so as not to upset the Sanhedrin apple cart.

The key to the whole discussion is found in v.10. Nicodemus came at night, but he is still in the dark. He has difficulty understanding "new birth" even after Jesus has fully explained it to him -- "are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?" He should know the truths from the OT Scriptures, but this "teacher" knows only the facts. One of the great struggles for Nicodemus is that he, being one of the religious leaders, would not submit to the authority of Jesus (3:11). I believe that this is why Jesus says what he does to him here. After all, why wouldn't Nicodemus think just like the other "religious Jews" -- "Rabbi we know that you have come from God...because no one could do the signs you do unless he was from God" (v.2). Always looking for signs were the Jews. So, perhaps, it is not so much that Nicodemus is "innocent" here, as much as he is "ignorant," which is a significant difference.

I am convinced that Nicodemus did not have an easier time seeing Jesus and grasping what the Lord was sharing with him, in part, because he could not let go. He would or could not let go of his human reasoning, his pre-suppositions of things that he had already been taught. In this case, he was not going to understand what Jesus was saying until he let go of what he had already known and accept Jesus at face value -- by faith. How many others did Jesus have contact with where the same general situation was evident...the Samaritan woman(?), the rich, young ruler(?), the man born blind(?), the centurion(?). And what about us? How many of us in our own day and time have to let go of what we have been taught by good, well-meaning people in order to see Jesus by faith? How many of us are willing to ask the Nicodemus questions or some similar and be taught by and about the Spirit of God? We have to be willing to lay it all on the table, as Jesus challenges Nicodemus -- all of our reasoning, pre-suppositions. This isn't easy...in fact, I have heard that it is often painful, difficult. :-) Jesus was as straightforward with Nicodemus as anyone in the Word. The facts were indeed all laid out on the table for him. Did He come to understand? Read John 7:50-53, 19:38-40 and consider. Blessings,

Don

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Alcohol...A Losing Battle

Friends,

Article after article in the newspaper of late is...about alcohol. College orientation...mainly about the effects of and dealing with alcohol. I, personally, am "alcoholled out"...and that's not because I use it -- I don't. I am disturbed by what an increasing idol it continues to be in our culture. We don't often like to talk about it, nor the fact that it so often walks hand in hand with "drugs," because this is not pc. But, whenever we are talking about and dealing with amongst the greatest of the maladies of our society...it is "alcohol and drugs." Now, this is not to say that I am going to take a (non) Biblical stance and try to declare that drinking alcohol is a "Sin" or some such thing (as some have sought to do), because I have studied it out and, in my opinion, no such statement can be made. The Word only deals with the excesses...of alcohol, sleep, food, etc. At the same time, I don't think that anyone is going to be in "dire straits" from having a little alcohol now and then. Paul indicates to Timothy that some wine would help his stomach, illnesses (1 Timothy 5:23). It has been well-attested that a little wine can have health benefits. But...like so many other things, too many folks don't know when to "apply the brakes"...knowing when enough is enough. This is especially so when it comes to young people. They don't have the experience with or understanding to realize just what alcohol can do to them or to others. Unfortunately, it often takes a tragedy -- the all too frequent drunk driving accident or alcohol poisoning that claims lives -- to stop people in their tracks for a time, but then once the shock wears off...it's back to it. And this is all against the backdrop that Six Flags is strongly considering adding alcohol at its closest site to us...as it has already done at a few other sites. Our own county is considering whether it should no longer be a dry county, but become wet (have alcohol in stores and businesses). Finally, there is legislation to consider dropping the drinking age from 21 down to 18 on college campuses. There are a lot of proponents as well as opponents for many of these above topics under consideration. We all need to consider.

In my opinion, I do not believe that a whole lot of good is going to come spiritually, societally and otherwise from continuing to loose the ties on alcohol (as well as drugs, sex) wholesale for our youth and culture. (Take a good look at the Netherlands and see what libertinism has done to their society). Even now, we have movies like "Step Brothers," "Pineapple Express," and now "The House Bunny" that continue to "increasingly" and (as they see it) "innocently" mainstream and glamorize playboy, drug use, and the like. What our culture needs is a spiritual re-awakening to see that abuses related to alcohol, drugs, fornication, pornography, R and X-rated (is there any longer a difference?) movies, gambling and the like...are a dead end street, spiritually. Hedonism is the way of the devil, and the Lord is ultimately going to bring destruction upon those who deploy, promote and participate in what it offers. Paul has the final word...."do not be filled with 'spirits' (wine, alcohol), but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18, my paraphrase). Blessings,

Don

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Olympic Tidbits

Friends,

Remember, sarcasm is just one of the many great services I offer...
It is remarkable that the U.S. is still in the lead in the overall medal count (last I checked), considering the judging in the gymnastics and diving competitions, particularly, and over the entire Olympics, in general. How many gold medals should the U.S. team have as opposed to silver or bronze...this is a good question, but it doesn't really matter, as we'll never know. I have heard of "home field advantage," but ??? -- this is ridiculous. I have never heard of the home team at a football game being spotted seven points to start, or a basketball team being given a 20-0 lead at the beginning of a game. And the worst part is that the IOC just seems to look the other way. I know, I know, the Chinese need to come out of this smelling something like a rose, but...the organization has obviously come to mean Incapable of Correction or Inconsistent on Consistency.

Being a big track and field buff, I had to feel sorry for the U.S. trackster, Lolo Jones, who had a gold medal in her grasp only to trip over the ninth of ten hurdles, lose momentum and finish 7th. One works for four years and all they have to do is get through the final...only to have it go bad. It makes a person somehow wish they could do the best two out of three (for her sake)...but, such is life. At least her teammate won, even though that doesn't ease Lolo's pain.

Whats up with the U.S. track & field team overall(?)...a lot of blown opportunities. Tyson, where did you disappear to, my friend?

Usain "Lightning" Bolt from Jamaica (what are they feeding those Jamaican kids anyway? :-) has been nearly as incredible as Michael Phelps, (only with six fewer events ;-). He not only won the men's 100 and 200 meters by a ton, he also set world records for both -- a feat not even Carl Lewis or Jesse Owens could accomplish as wondrously great as they were on the track. Unfortunately, his "showboating" has turned off a lot of people. There is the part of me that says...give him a break, he is 22, and simply showing some unbridled enthusiasm. So, even though he may be an all-time great track Olympian, hopefully he will not be known as "lightning dolt."

How can you beat Nastia Liukin (from the Metroplex...yea!) and Shawn Johnson in gymnastics? You can't...(unless you are a judge :-). They were terrific and took home a number of medals in the team and individual competitions. How could anyone not just root root root for these two, especially Shawn Johnson, the bubbly girl from Iowa. And, without the Hamm brothers, what a great story was Jonathan Horton (from Houston) stepping up to be the men's team leader and doing just a terrific job!

Finally, you go girls...gold medal in soccer. Excellent!

As for volleyball, softball, baseball, bmx, shooting, trampoline, diving, and a couple dozen other sports...maybe for another time and another place, (actually not baseball and softball...bummer). Blessings,

Don

Monday, August 18, 2008

Prayer Thoughts

Friends,

We just received word that Carol (Horne) Hughes, the mother of our friends Monte & Rosie passed away. She had been battling cancer for such a long time. She was such an amazingly strong, spiritual individual. Please keep this wonderful family in your prayers. Also, please keep our friends Brandon Scott and Devonna Lee and their families in prayer as we heard about the passing of their mother yesterday. We are all part of such a wonderful extended family of God. It is so good that we can lean on each other at these times. This was evident last evening at our prayer service. Also, for the several men who prayed for rain last night...your prayers have been answered! Blessings,

Don

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Mars Photos

Friends,

Here are some recent photos taken by the latest Mars lander...sent to me by a loved one...

Don

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Heart Sayings

Friends,

I am putting a new column in my blog on the right called "heart sayings." These are little one line sayings (generally) that I will change every few days that are good for the heart (spiritual). Just some things to consider as you go about your day. :-) Blessings,

Don

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Sweet 16!...If Only

Friends,

The female U.S. gymnasts had a great team Olympics, winning the Silver medal, but to hear a lot of people talk, you would think that they were dismal failures for not winning the gold. Ahh, such is perspective...the guys win the bronze, which was unexpected, and it was like they won the gold, but the American girls are always expected to have the gold medal, therefore it is a disappointment. I, for one, am very proud of what they accomplished. What is disappointing is that the Chinese were somehow allowed to fake some passports and pass off their 12 or 13 year old gymnasts as 16, which is the stated legal age in this competition. If these girls are sixteen, then I have some moon dust to sell you. I have seen 4th graders that looked older. :-) So, nothing escapes finding a competitive advantage, whether it be blood doping for athletes or surreptitiously hiking up some numbers. It is unfortunate, but it has always been this way. Thankfully, there are always some great stories, like Michael Phelps, that we sports lovers can hold on to that carry us through to the next big thang. Go U.S.!

Don

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

No Fear, No Regrets

Friends,

They may have won the Bronze medal, but the US men's gymnastics team were all gold to any American watching their performance last night. They gutted out routine after routine with great spirit and strength, not getting the marks they deserved...nevertheless, they simply excelled. The Chinese, with the "home field advantage" won the Gold...and deserved it, as they were spectacular for most of the evening. But, we're not talking about them. This men's team, that few gave a chance to medal because they were missing their two leaders (ex-Olympians Paul Hamm and his brother Morgan), came through with a bunch of young first time Olympians who had nothing to lose. Jonathan Horton, their inspirational leader, at one point yelled..."no fear, no regrets" -- and they had none. Excellent job guys!

Don

Monday, August 11, 2008

Swimmingly Good Stuff

Friends,

IN YOUR FACE, French swimmers! :-) Alain Bernard brashly stated to the media that their (his 4x100 team's) whole goal in coming to the Olympics was to smash Michael Phelps' American 4x100 relay team. The French were favored, of course, but "pride goes before a fall" and their smack talking came back to haunt them as Jason Lezak, the oldest male swimmer on the U.S. team, swam the race of his life in the final leg and overcame Alain "the mouth" Bernard and won it by outtouching him at the wall. Lezak was down by at least a body length on the final turn, but seemed to just float on the Frenchman's wake as he made up the distance to claim victory. The victorious picture showing the Americans "screaming" in celebration is classic. I can't wait to watch the whole event tonight at some point. And thanks to Lezak's effort, Phelps is still on board for his quest for 8 Olympic gold medals. Here's hoping that he pulls it off. Blessings,

Don

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Cool Blue Traveler

Friends,

Here is a pic of a cool (blue) comet spotted August 3rd...it's blue (and fuzzy) because of the ice and dust particles coming off of it as it travels through space -- enjoy!

Don


Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Do Us All A Favre

Friends,

Mr Commissioner...it has gone on long enough. Do us all a Favre and help the Brett Favre situation along if you would. What a mess! There is no soap opera on television that could possibly rival this. It was hilarious to listen to the ESPN Sports Center anchors joking about life being "all Favre...24/7," and to hear them bemuse the cameras being there in Milwaukee as his plane touched down with the paprazzi running around like a bunch of chickens and saying... "Air Force 1 rarely gets this much attention." It would be even funnier except that it is all so unfortunate. True, Favre did retire in the Spring, and true that most of the sports talking heads were saying..."he'll be back." A fellow does have a right to change his mind, but it appears that the Packers brass have had all of the Favre that they would like, with his threatening to retire the past couple of years only to change his mind. So, here he is...a first ballot Hall of Famer, three time league MVP, Super Bowl winner and MVP, holder of the longest consecutive games played streak, led the team to the NFC Championship last year after having one of his best statistical years...and on it goes -- and the Packers are saying, "no thanks...thanks for playing, but see ya." Now, I understand the Packers wanting and needing to move on and get on with their plans, but they could have been much nicer about the way they have been doing their business. They made a commitment to Aaron Rodgers to be their starting QB and drafted a QB (Brian Brohm) to be his backup in the second round, so Favre wasn't in their plans. (How many snaps has Rodgers taken? How many starts does he have? How many touchdowns has he thrown? Yeah.) Nevertheless, the Packers do not want to let Favre go as a free agent so that he doesn't end up with the Vikings (who are in the Packers NFC North division) and come back to haunt them at least twice next year. So, the Packers want their cake and to eat it to...as they will not let him go, but they will not allow him to be the starter. So, what happens next? Favre says he can't go back to Green Bay and be a backup, so he is now saying that he wants to be traded, with the Buccaneers and Jets being the most prominent suitors...so, who knows? It just stinks that Favre can't finish his career in a Packers uniform, but...it is a business, and even a shoe-in Hall of Famer is finding out just how much of a "business" the NFL is. Here's hoping that Favre finds a good team and that he has a couple more great years. Take care,

Don