Wednesday, June 30, 2010

A Most Excellent Adventure

Friends,

I am sharing more of a personal message, as we just had some wonderful experiences on our vacation break that I would like to share. The whole purpose for our vacation revolved around my parents 50th wedding anniversary on June 19th in Wenatchee, WA. Their actual anniversary was on the 17th, and we certainly celebrated accordingly by going out to a wonderful chinese dinner at our family's favorite restaurant. We knew the first week of our break was going to be busy, as we, as well as my sister, Julie (and her boyfriend, Dave) were pulling the anniversary party together virtually from the moment we arrived on Tuesday. It was so worth it! We had over 120 family and friends come and attend King's Orchard Church of Christ's fellowship hall, which was the perfect place for us to have such an event. I want to thank them for their willingness to open up their building for us. We had the opportunity to visit with long-time family friends and church friends from Wenatchee and Cashmere...it was all so very special. At separate times, we also had good visits with the Cashmere Church of Christ family, as well as friends, Jerry & Joyce and family, Nora with family and friends. (We had not seen Dan & Beth in some years...and Dan is still just as nutty as ever :-). We also very much enjoyed our visit with our friends Don & Dianna...some very quality time. Finally, we had the opportunity to spend much of one day in Leavenworth, WA...a Bavarian Village replica...nestled in the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in central WA. I can honestly say that Leavenworth is my favorite place on the planet...so relaxing and entertaining...with great attractions and great food. Still, the most important aspect of the trip is that the anniversary party was wonderful to my parents...and this alone made the trip so worth it. We are very grateful for the Lord's blessings that it all came together and went so well.

The second week of our trip took us to Grandview for some rest and relaxation with friends. We got something of a scare as we pulled into town, as we found out that our friend, Mike, was being taken to the regional hospital for possible stroke symptoms. He is still having some tests done to this day, but he does not seem to have any lingering effects from his episode...thankfully! We did enjoy our stay with Mike & Deanna and their children. We also had a nice stay with Toby & Emily and kids, as well. Everyone was so gracious to us, as they set up get togethers with our friends from that area...and we really enjoyed our visits, getting caught up with our friends. Kim & I went up to visit with our friends Pete & Susan, as Pete is struggling with his health and unable to get out much at this time. We wanted to be able to visit with him, and enjoyed our opportunity with him and Susan. I also had the special opportunity, on Sunday morning, to do a double baby dedication. Toby & Emily waited from the time their newborn came in January until we arrived, the last week in June, in order to ask me to be involved in offering up a prayer of dedication for their family...I was truly touched. Our friends Clint & Brittani had their baby just a few weeks ago and we also prayed with them, as well...a wonderful young family. It was a great blessing for our family to be a part of our good friends special occasion and worship with them. Well...that is pretty much it in a very large nutshell. I can't recall a better vacation that we have ever had...and once again, to God be the glory!

Blessings,
Don

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Winning Dramatically

Friends,

Some amazing sports events have taken place within the past 48 hours. The record tennis match at Wimbledon between American, John Isner and Frenchman, Nicolas Mahut was nothing short of incredible. It was eleven plus hours, lasting nearly twice as long as the previous longest match (which was 6+ hours). The fifth and final set was 70-68, which is about ten times what a normal set would be. I would venture to say that this is a record that will never be broken. These two young tennis players may or may not ever get to the top of their sport (Isner is currently ranked #23 at Wimbledon), but they will be immortalized as the two players who played the marathon match.

If this wasn't remarkable enough, Landon Donovan's "last minute" soccer goal for the U.S. in stoppage time was very dramatic. The Americans had several opportunities to score earlier in their final group game against Algeria, but we're never able to get the luck they needed for the ball to hit the back of the net. Thanks to Donovan, who scored in the 91st minute, the U.S. moves on to the round of 16, instead of Slovenia (who would have moved on if the the U.S. had tied or lost). Now, our national team faces Ghana next...a very quick team that will pose a challenge to our defense. I think that many soccer enthusiasts, including myself, are not concerned about our offense...as we have a lot of fire power up front...but, whether our defense will make a good stand as they did against Algeria. The U.S. has a favorable draw if they can get past Ghana...the sky is the limit!

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to the regional baseball team. The Texas Rangers have run their winning streak to eleven in a row with powerful hitting (which is not too unusual for the Rangers), as well as some solid pitching (which historically has been a challenge for the Rangers). So, we are just going to count our blessings, especially now that Nelson Cruz has returned to add to the power surge. The Rangers are solidly in control of the A.L. West, and here is hoping that they continue to play well and pull away from the rest of the teams in their division (sorry Ms).

Blessings,
Don

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Quenching Spiritual Thirst

Friends,

The trip through the Cascade Mountains is beautiful this time of year, but the best time for traveling is in March and April. This is the time of year when there is water…much water. There are dozens of waterfalls...some smaller, some larger...and it can be distracting. It is enjoyable just to pull over and take an up-close look at these beautiful blessings from the Lord…then, take your hands, cup them together and get a drink. It is pure and good. I am certain that this is the type of imagery that Jesus would want His followers to envision when He tells them in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him" (John 7:37-38). There is just something wonderful and pure about fresh, clean water…so much so, that people now bottle it up and make money on it. But, the water that Jesus comes to offer is free for those who will receive it…just as He shared with the Samaritan woman back in John 4. There, He was talking about everlasting life…and here, He speaks of the Holy Spirit, although I don’t know that there is any great distinction, because the believer who has the Spirit has everlasting life.

It is the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles…the 7th day. It was a special day where the priests would march seven times around the altar, chanting Psalms 118:25, “O Lord, do save, we beseech you; O Lord we beseech you, do send prosperity.” This would also be the last time that they would draw the water from the laver and pour it out. No doubt, just as they were pouring out the water (symbolic of the water that Moses drew from the rock), it is at this point that Jesus stands up and makes His proclamation...an invitation to thirsty sinners. In referring to the water from the rock experience from Exodus 17, Jesus is trying to give them a modern application…His Holy Spirit. Christians are not only to drink the Living Water – the life giving, sustaining qualities that the Spirit provides – but are also to be channels of this life to others. The well of water that Jesus spoke about to the Samaritan woman in chapter 4 has now become a flowing river. Just as water satisfies thirst and produces fruitfulness, so the Spirit of God satisfies the inner person and enables us to bear fruit. At the feast, the Jews were reenacting a tradition that could never satisfy the heart…Jesus offers living water and eternal satisfaction.

So, what is the result of this declaration and invitation? The people are divided – some defend Him and others want Him arrested. Who is He -- is Jesus a “good man” or “a deceiver?” (7:12)...or, is He the Christ? (7:31) If they would indeed honestly examine the evidence, they would discover that He is the Christ, the Son of God. But, they identify Jesus with Galilee (1:45-46, 7:52), when He was actually born in Bethlehem of Judea – they should have done their homework. Some of the religious leaders send temple officers out to seize Jesus and bring Him in, but they return empty-handed. One would think it would be relatively easy for them to get a hold of Him…it is interesting to note what their excuse is – “Never did a man speak the way this man speaks!” In other words, they melted! Instead of arresting Jesus, they themselves are arrested by the Word of God spoken by the Son of God.

Instead of listening to the officers or to the crowd, the Pharisees themselves continue to wrongly rationalize and willingly be blinded to the truth, ultimately, to their own demise. Ironically, “one of their own” speaks up...Nicodemus, who is one of the great characters in John’s gospel. He comes to Jesus’ defense. Nicodemus is listening to his heart after doing some significant studying and soul searching concerning Jesus; he is not afraid to stand for the truth. He is certain that the council is not giving Jesus an honest hearing. He simply wants them to consider Jesus’ words and His works, yet they reply, sarcastically, and attack Nicodemus. They cannot consider that a prophet could come out of Galilee…and yet, Jonah was a prophet from Galilee. Ironically, it is Jonah whom Jesus uses as an illustration of his own death burial and resurrection (Matthew 12:38ff). There is no recorded response or happy ending here as we would like for there to be, but if the Pharisees had been honest, many of them, like Nicodemus, could have tasted of the living water that Jesus had to offer them. So many people…so many different responses…

Jesus’ living water flows absolutely freely and purely….and yet, so many reject it. In fact, many believers do not understand Him, while others do not want to…and so, reject the Living Water of the Holy Spirit do their detriment, and perhaps to their own demise. Paul shares concerning the Holy Spirit, that He is our seal of redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14). That one day, when Jesus comes again, He will see His Holy Spirit in His people…and those who have Him will have life, while those who do not have Him will not have life (Romans 8:9). It is that important that we understand the working of God’s Spirit in our lives…and it is a growth process. But, it must be a process for growth. We need to and want to have our physical thirst quenched when we are thirsty. How much more do we need to have our spiritual and eternal thirst quenched by Jesus and be spiritually vibrant and alive through His Spirit. He is willing and able to quench any spiritual longing that we have and fill us to over-flowing. Let’s not be like the religious people of Jesus’ day and reject the Living Water, but be among those who are seeking Him and longing to be spiritually satisfied in and by Him.

Blessings,
Don

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Contemporary Trojan Horse

Friends,

I knew there was a reason I didn't want Slick Pete, the former USC head football man, to coach the Seahawks, and it just took some time for that reason to be revealed. I don't usually like to report on such matters, but this is just too much to take. I am not really surprised (perhaps, disgusted is a good word) that Pete Carroll and Reggie Bush are trying to come off as the innocent victims in the NCAA scandal involving the Trojans football team. If there was ever a case of not wanting to deal with reality, this would appear to be it. The coaches had been accused of aiding Reggie Bush and enabling him to get a home for his parents, a car for him and other monetary benefits -- illegal according to NCAA rules. The former coach and star running back are precisely why that team is now on a two year NCAA probation and reduction of scholarships. It may take years for USC to recover...and for what? Was the championship and Heisman trophy worth it? It would be interesting to hear if we could get an honest answer. I am writing, not because I am a Trojans fan...but, because it is a sad commentary about what people will do to win at all costs. This disturbs me in the same way as the steroids scandal and the Ben Roethlisberger and Tiger Woods situations. It is an unfortunate time in our society, as many of those with the money appear to want to make and live by their own rules -- they believe they have full entitlement to lie, cheat, steal...whatever it takes to get ahead. Do these folks really not believe that they would get caught? I believe that many athletes and coaches believe it is only cheating if you get caught. This has been an unwritten NASCAR rule for decades. So, the leadership of USC's footbal team thought they could pull a fast one...could slip in some illegal activity...but, as we learned in elementary school -- cheaters never win. I hope that athletes and coaches who are honest, upright citizens will take this time and these teachable moments to say to themselves and to one another -- "it's not worth it." It is so much better to have earned championships and accolades the old fashioned way, as did USC's cross-town legend John Wooden with UCLA's mens basketball team...with honesty and hard work.

Blessings,
Don

Monday, June 14, 2010

Kingdom Righteousness

Friends,

As we consider the Sermon on the Mount (and Matthew 5:21-48, particularly), we come to understand why we need Jesus’ righteousness…and can’t survive on our own. Jesus takes six important Old Testament laws and interprets them for His people in light of the new life He has come to give. He deals not simply with external actions, but with the attitudes and intents of the heart. The Pharisees would say that righteousness consists of performing certain actions…Jesus says “no,” it is a matter of the heart. So also, sin, comes from an attitude of the heart. Jesus does not say that unholy anger leads to murder, He says it is murder...of the spirit. There is a holy anger against sin (Ephesians 4:26), but the unholy anger that Jesus speaks of is an unsettled malice against others…this is sin that must be confessed. If we sin against a brother or sister, we must go and get the matter settled quickly -- forgiveness is essential! As one person has said it, "he who refuses to forgive destroys the bridge over which he himself must walk."

Jesus also affirms God’s law of purity, revealing the sanctity of sexuality and the sinfulness of the human heart. Sexuality within marriage should be and is pure, right and good, but outside of marriage, it is immorality – sin that can destroy the soul. God gave us His standard in Genesis (2:1ff)…one man and one woman for life. Divorce is not a part of God’s plan…but, it happens. Jesus deals with this more fully in Matthew 19, as well as Paul in 1 Corinthians 7. All who have experienced divorce need the love of God, as it is shared through His people. Jesus talks about “swearing” next, but He is not referring to “cursing"... it is the sin of taking oaths to affirm that what is said is true. The Pharisees used all manner of tricks in order to sidestep the truth, and taking oaths was among some of them. Jesus teaches that our conversation should be honest and our character true so that we do not need “crutches” in order to get people to believe us. Words depend on character, and oaths cannot make up for poor character…so we must let our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no.”

The original law of retaliation was a fair one; it kept people from forcing the offender to pay a greater price for an offense than was deserved. It also prevented people from taking personal revenge. Jesus says – be willing to suffer loss yourself rather than cause another to suffer…this requires both faith and love. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Law did not teach hatred for one’s enemies. Exodus 23:4-5 indicates just the opposite. So, the phrase “you have heard” would indicate that this was a concept in some Pharisaical or cultural circles. Jesus defines our enemies as those who curse us, hate us and exploit us selfishly. Since Christian love is an act of the will, and not an emotion, Jesus has the right to tell us to love our enemies – after all, He loved us while we were still enemies, and He died for us (Romans 5:10). We can do good to and pray for our enemies, which may not change them…although it is possible. But, it makes it easier for us to love them, and it takes the poison out of our attitude. Love is a mark of maturity (1 Corinthians 13)…it is God-like. God is love, and his love shining through us is a testimony to others. God expects for us to live on a much higher plane than those who are lost in the world. We live, learn and grow in Him…this is what it means to be living witnesses for Him. The following story illustrates this point.

Three years before his death, John Newton, the author of the classic song, Amazing Grace, had breakfast with a Christian brother. As was their custom, they would read the Word of God following meal time. Newton would make a few short remarks on the passage and follow it up with a prayer. That day, however, there was silence after the words of scripture – “by the grace of God, I am what I am.” Finally…after several minutes…Newton spoke, “I am not what I ought to be! How imperfect and deficient I am! I am not what I wish to be, although I abhor that which is evil and cling to that which is good. I am not what I hope to be, but soon I shall be out of mortality, and with it, all sin and imperfection. Though I am not what I ought to be, nor what I wish to be, nor yet what I hope to be, I can truly say that I am not what I once was…a slave to sin and Satan. I can heartily join with the Apostle and acknowledge…by the grace of God, I am what I am.” Then after a pause, he said…“Now, let us pray.”

A saint is -- one who is beloved by the Lord, not perfect or sinless, but blameless. As we walk with the Lord, we may make mistakes, but if we confess our sins, we are forgiven. Growth may require some pain and some struggle…turning loose of sin that can destroy us. If we are able to surrender, we will be on the path toward maturity and a beautiful life. And how we walk with the Lord profoundly impacts our relationships with others…particularly, concerning how I treat others. Jesus makes it very clear that the application (5:21-48) walks hand in hand with the doctrine (5:1-20). If we are going to be like Jesus, we are going to live differently – not according to the Law (OT), but according to Jesus’ words (NT) -- it is about grace and truth…as He lives and shares with His audience on that anonymous mountain.

Blessings,
Don

Friday, June 11, 2010

The (Soccer) World Comes to South Africa

Friends,

Every four years...it comes like clockwork. Yes, the Olympics for certain, but also the World Cup of Soccer. World Cup 2010 opens in South Africa today with teams from Mexico and South Africa squaring off. This is amazing in so many ways. I watched the movie, Invictus, the other day, concerning the 1995 South African Rugby World Cup team. The movie reveals the struggles of South Africa as they came out of apartheid 20 years ago. I already had much respect for Nelson Mandela, the newly elected president at that time...who led the charge against the segregation of blacks and whites in that country...but, to see his faith and love for his people after being incarcerated for decades -- it was inspiring. So, South Africa has traveled eons, in many respects, in just a relatively short period of time.

Now, the whole world is going to be watching the world's sport for the next few weeks...and South Africa is going to be in the spotlight. I will watch some of the games, and I hope there will be some great games as well as some upsets. Like the NCAA Basketball Tournament, this is what makes the World Cup, so exciting...it is so often unpredictable. Many are assuming that this will be Argentina's World Cup, as they are led by the "best player in the world," Lionel Messi. I think many are hoping for a repeat of a couple of decades ago, when another Argentine legend, Diego Maradona, who is now their coach, led them to the World Cup. I wouldn't put it past the Argentines to pull it off, but the Brazilians will be good, per usual, as will Spain, Italy, Portugal, England, and others. There have been a lot of injuries leading up to this event, so some of the favorites may not be as good as advertized. It would be great if the U.S. could knock off England tomorrow. It would be a great start for our guys, if it could happen. Anything can happen...it's a new year, so we'll see.

Blessings,
Don

Saturday, June 5, 2010

A Blessed Life

Friends,

Jesus sits as He proclaims the laws of His Kingdom (Matthew 5:1ff). This was the common practice of Jewish teachers: Jesus says in Matthew 23:2. "The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.” However, His sitting means something more than merely accommodating the prevailing mode of teaching of that time. Mark 1:22, from a time very early on in Christ's ministry, reads, "They were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." In Matthew this comment appears as the concluding remarks of the Sermon (7:28-29). As Jesus declares His Kingdom's laws, He speaks with an authority that transcended that of the Jewish leaders.

But, Jesus starts His message with a section of what are literally “blesseds,” or as we call them, “beatitudes.” A “beatitude” is what could be described as an inner satisfaction and sufficiency that does not depend upon outward circumstances for happiness. It is much like the fruit of the Spirit…of joy and peace. It is a description of attitudes that should characterize our lives today. If we are poor in spirit, we have a correct estimate of ourselves…it is to be humble and honest with ourselves. It is just the opposite of being “poor-spirited,” which is to have no resolve or conviction, and to be exercising a negative attitude about life. As we humble ourselves before the Lord and invite a “poor in spirit” mindset into our lives, we are willing to die to self, to mourn over sin and despise it as God does. All of these are important elements to living the righteous life. Meekness and mercy describe our opportunity to allow God to use us for His purposes…first, concerning what He does with our own spirits, and then how we share this with others. An important aspect of this…is that if we keep our hearts pure, we and others might see God at work in our lives. We are also called to be peacemakers in a troubled world…channels of God’s love and peace, which may not always be easy in a world that is frequently at odds with us. We need to be salt, light to the world. And we should expect that we will experience some persecution if we are living the Christian life as God wants for us to live.

It is necessary for each one of us to take a good look at these principles and ask – do I understand what Jesus is saying here? We need to ask God to help apply them to our lives…to shape us and form us into the people that He wants us to be. In this, we will experience the righteousness of what it is to be in Christ Jesus. The Pharisees defended the Law and sought to obey it, but Jesus comes to provide a new and different way. He says that righteousness that pleases God must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. He says things such as, “you may have heard it this way, but I am here to tell you that it is this way.” Jesus comes to teach the internal “law of love.” He could not accept the external, artificial “righteousness” of the religious leaders, because their religion had become a dead ritual. It was not a living relationship…and Jesus calls us to Himself to live in this way with Him. Jesus fulfills God’s law in every area of His life, and in His death, He bore the curse of the Law, fulfilling the old covenant and bringing in the new.

The point is that if we are living according to law, then we are going to compare ourselves to others, as the law makes us judges…often with evil intent. But, if we are living according to faith and love, then we compare ourselves to Christ…and this brings us back around to the beatitudes (to be poor in spirit, etc)…we will be humbled. As John says in 1 John 4, perfect love casts out fear, as well as pride, jealousy and other fleshly attitudes. God’s Spirit helps us to live according to the law of love, teaching us God’s Word and enabling us to do it. In all of this, we fulfill the righteousness of the Lord, seeking to live according to integrity, doing what is the right thing, even when it is difficult.

We draw inspiration and strength from the examples of people who live a dedicated Christian life...for helping our own transformation to be like Christ. In doing so, we who are in Christ offer our bodies as living sacrifices so that His will may be accomplished through us. We don’t rest on the laurels of past accomplishments, as did the Pharisees and Scribes. We are looking forward to allowing the Lord to change us and transform us to be his people today! We can’t wait for tomorrow…there are spiritual acts of worship and service that need to be taken care of. Our relationship with Jesus defines who we are and defines our priorities. When we have loved ones in the hospital or otherwise in need…this should be a priority for us. When we accept the call of our Lord and Savior, we accept His challenge for our lives to live as His people…and not for ourselves. This is a continual growth process that we must take on ourselves. This is what it means to live the Christian live…to be humble, merciful, peace-making, etc. Remember, Law will make us critical and complacent…a living relationship with our Savior will make us faithful and loving…and this is what we must become.

Blessings,
Don

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Baseball Tonight -- Misfortune and Mastery

Friends,

Well, it has been awhile since I have shared a sports message. News has been a bit slow of late -- until tonight. Two huge stories...one trumped by the other...and it is unfortunate that it did. The almost perfect game by Armando Gallaraga will go down in baseball infamy. First base umpire, Jim Joyce's blown call will be forever remembered and played on blooper highlight reels 'til the end of time. Gallaraga had pitched 8 2/3 innings and needed just one out to get a complete game (see previous post "Pitcher Perfect" for perfect game details). A ball was hit wide of first base by batter, Jason Donald, for the Cleveland Indians...Detroit first baseman, Miguel Cabrera scooped up the ball and threw it to Gallaraga, who covered first. The ball beat the runner by more than half a step, and yet, the umpire called him safe. Pandemonium soon ensued, as the Tigers manager and players came out to argue, but the call and the game had already ended. Joyce bravely owned up to the mistake, and Gallaraga was as gracoius as any individual could be in having baseball immortality ripped out of his hands. And if this blown call doesn't get instant replay into baseball, once-and-for-all, I don't know what will do it -- it needs to happen. I understand those who defend the need for "the human element," but this is also the problem! It is so important to get such calls right.

The sad aspect of this front-running story is that it trumped the second major story of the night -- the retirement of Ken Griffey Jr. It is almost fitting, as it seems like Griffey Jr. has had so much misfortune and misunderstanding in his career...it is a sad twist of fate. Griffey Jr. may be the best "unstained by steroids" player from the "steroids era" of the baseball, which spanned the 20 years from the late 80s up until a few years ago. He had a marvelous career for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds that spanned 22 years...a great example of sports longevity. The problem is that Griffey Jr was injured much of the last ten years of his career, which has caused many to wonder -- what could or would he have done if he had remained healthy? He surely would own most power records for Major League Baseball...including home runs. Yet, Griffey played the game all-out...almost recklessly...as he would put himself in positions to be injured by diving head-long for balls and running into Center Field walls. Nonetheless, I believe Griffey Jr, the man who really did save baseball in Seattle in the late 90s, will be fondly remembered by history as a legitimately honest, excellent player in an era where there may have been excellent players, but not very many who were honest. Kudos to the man who always played the game like a kid...and thus his nickname "the Kid." So long, Kid...hope you enjoy your retirement.

Blessings,
Don