Friends,
Well, LeBron didn't get it done...and he owes the whole world an apology. At least, that is what you would think given all of the talk by the sports talking-heads and other media. I just don't know how on earth LeBron or anyone could carry an underachieving team with an inferior coach against a veteran team like the Celtics playing like they were all in their prime. It was and is just too much pressure -- an improbable task. He is THE KING, though...he is supposed to carry the Cavaliers, the city of Cleveland, as well as the NBA. On top of this, he is supposed to erase the thoughts of Michael Jordan being the greatest basketball player of all time...all at 25 years of age. A lot of people want him to be the savior of Cleveland sports, but it is time for LeBron to remove the millstone from around his neck and move on -- he needs a fresh start in a different place. Yet, he could very well get a new coach, as someone will have to take the fall for the Cavs failures over the past three seasons...and it will probably be Mike Brown. This might be enough to entice him to stick around, but only if he gets the guy that he wants. Nevertheless, the pressure will be on him no matter where he goes...let's just hope that he is able to make it his servant instead of his master. We'll see what happens with King James and which court he will reign in the coming months...and rest assured, it will continue to be the one lingering sports story that will outgrow whether or not Brett Favre will play another year. :-)
Blessings,
Don
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Pitcher Perfect
Friends,
What a great day for a perfect game...it's Mother's Day and you have been in the news for some less than good reasons. Welcome to Oakland A's pitcher, Dallas Braden's world. Braden did, indeed, pitch only the 19th perfect game in the history of Major League Baseball. A perfect game is when a pitcher gets out all 27 batters he faces without giving up even a walk...if there is a walk, then it is just merely a no-hitter (which is downright impressive in its own right :-). When you consider the countless innings that have been racked up by pitchers for over a hundred years, "19" is some pretty elite company. The funny thing is it is the second perfect game in two years...and a question has to be raised -- what is up with the Tampa Bay Rays? They have been the victims of both perfect games the past two years...the first one being at the hands of Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox on July 23rd last year. The irony is that they have been one of the top three teams in baseball this year. Nonethless, after the final out, the usual pandemonium broke out from the dugout and on the diamond as his teammates mobbed him. It was aspecial moment for Braden and his grandmother who was there to witness the spectacular feat. Braden's mother passed away some years ago, so he was raised by his grandmother who, in a poignant moment, was able to share a big hug with her grandson after the game.
As eluded to earlier, this was not the first time that Dallas Braden has been in the news. He became Sportscenter news a few weeks ago when he erupted because Alex Rodriguez ran across the pitcher's mound on his way from third to first base in a game. Mr. Braden thought it was a breach of baseball etiquette to cross the mound during a game and called him on the table for it. (An observation and a bit of facetiousness is in order -- THE Alex Rodriguez? I can hardly believe that he would be in the center of a controversy ;-). Nonetheless, there were words exchanged and I guess both made their point, but Dallas continue to belabor the incident to the media up until the end of last week. At that point, the event was old news and the talking heads were saying -- it's time to move on. Well, I guess he did! He moved on and moved in to some elite company. Well done, Mr. Braden...it must feel better to be in the news for something much more positive.
Blessings,
Don
What a great day for a perfect game...it's Mother's Day and you have been in the news for some less than good reasons. Welcome to Oakland A's pitcher, Dallas Braden's world. Braden did, indeed, pitch only the 19th perfect game in the history of Major League Baseball. A perfect game is when a pitcher gets out all 27 batters he faces without giving up even a walk...if there is a walk, then it is just merely a no-hitter (which is downright impressive in its own right :-). When you consider the countless innings that have been racked up by pitchers for over a hundred years, "19" is some pretty elite company. The funny thing is it is the second perfect game in two years...and a question has to be raised -- what is up with the Tampa Bay Rays? They have been the victims of both perfect games the past two years...the first one being at the hands of Mark Buehrle of the Chicago White Sox on July 23rd last year. The irony is that they have been one of the top three teams in baseball this year. Nonethless, after the final out, the usual pandemonium broke out from the dugout and on the diamond as his teammates mobbed him. It was aspecial moment for Braden and his grandmother who was there to witness the spectacular feat. Braden's mother passed away some years ago, so he was raised by his grandmother who, in a poignant moment, was able to share a big hug with her grandson after the game.
As eluded to earlier, this was not the first time that Dallas Braden has been in the news. He became Sportscenter news a few weeks ago when he erupted because Alex Rodriguez ran across the pitcher's mound on his way from third to first base in a game. Mr. Braden thought it was a breach of baseball etiquette to cross the mound during a game and called him on the table for it. (An observation and a bit of facetiousness is in order -- THE Alex Rodriguez? I can hardly believe that he would be in the center of a controversy ;-). Nonetheless, there were words exchanged and I guess both made their point, but Dallas continue to belabor the incident to the media up until the end of last week. At that point, the event was old news and the talking heads were saying -- it's time to move on. Well, I guess he did! He moved on and moved in to some elite company. Well done, Mr. Braden...it must feel better to be in the news for something much more positive.
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, May 9, 2010
"Because I Have Asked Him of the Lord"
Friends,
My friend, Silas Shotwell, puts out a monthly ministry newsletter, “The Safety Net,” and in one particular issue, he talked about “happiness." He says that in a class he took called “Positive Psychology,” Professor Tal Ben-Shahar revealed the secret. He argued that true happiness comes from finding a blend of meaning and pleasure in life; he talked about the “ultimate currency” of life, which is not money or fame, but the things that provide genuine significance – relationships. In a similar way, historian, Will Durant searched for happiness in study and learning, but he, as well, discovered that knowledge alone did not bring happiness. He tried travel, but found only weariness…he tried wealth, but found worry and discord…he immersed himself in writing, but found only fatigue. One day, he noticed a woman sitting in a small car, holding a sleeping child in her arms. He watched while a man got off a train, came over and kissed the woman and the baby gently, so as not to waken him. As he saw the family drive away, Durant suddenly realized that what he had just seen was “happiness.” There is nothing much more innocent, beautiful and happy than a mother’s love for her baby…and baby for mom.
As we typically consider Jesus’ miraculous virgin birth at Christmas time…we also see some amazing births in the Old Testament, among them are Abraham and Sarah with the birth of baby Isaac. In 1 Samuel 1:10-20, we see another amazing birth. We may have heard a number of messages about Samuel, perhaps, but probably not too many about his mother. We understand that Hannah is loved by her husband, Elkanah, but…like Sarai…Hannah is barren. When she comes to realize that this is her situation, she weeps bitterly…she is severely distressed. Elkanah could understand her trouble; it is a big deal to be childless. He tries to make it up to her with his loving attention. Hannah’s experience provides some life lessons for all. First, she turns to God for help when she realizes that matters are beyond her control. We all have a tendency to want to take control of our lives…and like Hannah…we need to learn that we really have little control over anything. This is her response when she faces her struggle – faith, seeking the Lord with all her heart …a good message for all of us. She speaks in her heart…and she prays silently. Yet, her prayer is so intense that even though she is silent, her lips are still moving. Eli, the priest, misunderstands, thinking that she may be a bit inebriated, but she was truly, deeply distressed. As Eli comes to understand the situation, he sees Hannah’s heart and asks that the Lord grant her petition to have a son.
Hannah shows what it is to be a person of integrity by keeping her word to the Lord, as she makes a vow that if He would give her a son, she would dedicate his life in service to the Lord. This would mean that she would bare him, raise him until he was 12 (estimated age) and then give him to the house of God for service. This also means that she would only see him once a year after that when they came to Shiloh for the offerings. Could you do this? It would be very difficult...hard to imagine. The Lord recognizes the vow that Hannah makes, and just as He committed to Abraham that he would have the child of Promise, so He also blesses her with a son. Samuel would indeed become a great prophet and leader of God’s people, Israel. Consequently, like his mother, Samuel is also a person who would make a vow to the Lord. As did, Samson, Samuel would become a Nazirite (Nazir – consecrated) to the Lord…he would not shave his head, neither would he drink any alcohol, and he would have to avoid contact with the dead. Hannah charted the path of faithfulness in the Lord for her son, and this is a valuable lesson for any mother. Hannah learns a wonderful faith lesson, as she comes to realize that children truly are a gift from the Lord. It is reflected in the meaning of his name – “because I have asked him of the Lord.” She also sings a song of thanksgiving to the Lord (2:1-5), which is another example of her faithfulness…out of a pensive heart first came the words of a prayer, and now out of her heart comes a song of praise.
Mothers’ Parable
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. “Is the way long?” she asked. The guide said, “Yes, and the way is hard…and you will be old before you reach the end of it. But, the end will be better than the beginning.” The young mother was happy, but she could not believe that anything would be better than these years. So, she played with her children and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; the sun shone on them and life was good. The young mother cried, “Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.”
Then, the night came…and the storm; the path was dark and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them all with her blanket., and the children said, “Oh mother, we are not afraid…for you are near and no harm can come,” and the mother said, “This is better than the brightness of day, for I have taught my children courage.”
And the morning came, and they all went for a walk. There was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary…and the mother was weary…but at all times, she said to the children, “A little patience and we will be there.” So, the children climbed, and when they reached the top, they said, “We could not have done it without you, mother.” And the mother when she lay down that night, looked at the stars and said, “This is a better day than yesterday, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday, they learned courage, today they have learned strength.”
On the next day, there came strange clouds that darkened the earth…clouds of war and hate and evil…and the children groped and stumbled and the mother said, “Look up. Lift up your eyes to the Light.” The children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them and brought them beyond the darkness. That night, the mother said, “This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God!”
As the days, weeks, months and years passed by, the mother grew old, but her children were tall and strong and walked with courage. When the way was hard, they helped their mother…and when the way was rough, they lifted her and carried her. The mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey, and now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children are able to walk alone, and their children after them.” And even when the mother has gone on, the children say, “We cannot see her, but she is still with us. A mother like ours is more than a memory, she is a living presence.” From Log of the Good Ship Grace by Temple Bailey
Blessings,
Don
My friend, Silas Shotwell, puts out a monthly ministry newsletter, “The Safety Net,” and in one particular issue, he talked about “happiness." He says that in a class he took called “Positive Psychology,” Professor Tal Ben-Shahar revealed the secret. He argued that true happiness comes from finding a blend of meaning and pleasure in life; he talked about the “ultimate currency” of life, which is not money or fame, but the things that provide genuine significance – relationships. In a similar way, historian, Will Durant searched for happiness in study and learning, but he, as well, discovered that knowledge alone did not bring happiness. He tried travel, but found only weariness…he tried wealth, but found worry and discord…he immersed himself in writing, but found only fatigue. One day, he noticed a woman sitting in a small car, holding a sleeping child in her arms. He watched while a man got off a train, came over and kissed the woman and the baby gently, so as not to waken him. As he saw the family drive away, Durant suddenly realized that what he had just seen was “happiness.” There is nothing much more innocent, beautiful and happy than a mother’s love for her baby…and baby for mom.
As we typically consider Jesus’ miraculous virgin birth at Christmas time…we also see some amazing births in the Old Testament, among them are Abraham and Sarah with the birth of baby Isaac. In 1 Samuel 1:10-20, we see another amazing birth. We may have heard a number of messages about Samuel, perhaps, but probably not too many about his mother. We understand that Hannah is loved by her husband, Elkanah, but…like Sarai…Hannah is barren. When she comes to realize that this is her situation, she weeps bitterly…she is severely distressed. Elkanah could understand her trouble; it is a big deal to be childless. He tries to make it up to her with his loving attention. Hannah’s experience provides some life lessons for all. First, she turns to God for help when she realizes that matters are beyond her control. We all have a tendency to want to take control of our lives…and like Hannah…we need to learn that we really have little control over anything. This is her response when she faces her struggle – faith, seeking the Lord with all her heart …a good message for all of us. She speaks in her heart…and she prays silently. Yet, her prayer is so intense that even though she is silent, her lips are still moving. Eli, the priest, misunderstands, thinking that she may be a bit inebriated, but she was truly, deeply distressed. As Eli comes to understand the situation, he sees Hannah’s heart and asks that the Lord grant her petition to have a son.
Hannah shows what it is to be a person of integrity by keeping her word to the Lord, as she makes a vow that if He would give her a son, she would dedicate his life in service to the Lord. This would mean that she would bare him, raise him until he was 12 (estimated age) and then give him to the house of God for service. This also means that she would only see him once a year after that when they came to Shiloh for the offerings. Could you do this? It would be very difficult...hard to imagine. The Lord recognizes the vow that Hannah makes, and just as He committed to Abraham that he would have the child of Promise, so He also blesses her with a son. Samuel would indeed become a great prophet and leader of God’s people, Israel. Consequently, like his mother, Samuel is also a person who would make a vow to the Lord. As did, Samson, Samuel would become a Nazirite (Nazir – consecrated) to the Lord…he would not shave his head, neither would he drink any alcohol, and he would have to avoid contact with the dead. Hannah charted the path of faithfulness in the Lord for her son, and this is a valuable lesson for any mother. Hannah learns a wonderful faith lesson, as she comes to realize that children truly are a gift from the Lord. It is reflected in the meaning of his name – “because I have asked him of the Lord.” She also sings a song of thanksgiving to the Lord (2:1-5), which is another example of her faithfulness…out of a pensive heart first came the words of a prayer, and now out of her heart comes a song of praise.
Mothers’ Parable
The young mother set her foot on the path of life. “Is the way long?” she asked. The guide said, “Yes, and the way is hard…and you will be old before you reach the end of it. But, the end will be better than the beginning.” The young mother was happy, but she could not believe that anything would be better than these years. So, she played with her children and gathered flowers for them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams; the sun shone on them and life was good. The young mother cried, “Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.”
Then, the night came…and the storm; the path was dark and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close and covered them all with her blanket., and the children said, “Oh mother, we are not afraid…for you are near and no harm can come,” and the mother said, “This is better than the brightness of day, for I have taught my children courage.”
And the morning came, and they all went for a walk. There was a hill ahead, and the children climbed and grew weary…and the mother was weary…but at all times, she said to the children, “A little patience and we will be there.” So, the children climbed, and when they reached the top, they said, “We could not have done it without you, mother.” And the mother when she lay down that night, looked at the stars and said, “This is a better day than yesterday, for my children have learned fortitude in the face of hardness. Yesterday, they learned courage, today they have learned strength.”
On the next day, there came strange clouds that darkened the earth…clouds of war and hate and evil…and the children groped and stumbled and the mother said, “Look up. Lift up your eyes to the Light.” The children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory, and it guided them and brought them beyond the darkness. That night, the mother said, “This is the best day of all, for I have shown my children God!”
As the days, weeks, months and years passed by, the mother grew old, but her children were tall and strong and walked with courage. When the way was hard, they helped their mother…and when the way was rough, they lifted her and carried her. The mother said, “I have reached the end of my journey, and now I know that the end is better than the beginning, for my children are able to walk alone, and their children after them.” And even when the mother has gone on, the children say, “We cannot see her, but she is still with us. A mother like ours is more than a memory, she is a living presence.” From Log of the Good Ship Grace by Temple Bailey
Blessings,
Don
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Hand in Space
Friends,
This is an amazing picture of a pulsar (a highly magnetized neuton star that pulses like a lighthouse beam), which is the white light at the center and its surrounding nebula, as captured by an x-ray observatory...it looks like some sort of celestial hand reaching out for some cranberries -- interesting...
Blessings,
Don
This is an amazing picture of a pulsar (a highly magnetized neuton star that pulses like a lighthouse beam), which is the white light at the center and its surrounding nebula, as captured by an x-ray observatory...it looks like some sort of celestial hand reaching out for some cranberries -- interesting...
Blessings,
Don
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Running Out of Control
Friends,
It has been awhile since I have done a sports message...so, today I am going to attempt the usually dangerous move of combining sports with spirituality, as well as politics -- yikes! Last evening, at a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game, a young man leaped out of the stands and decided to set himself up for a Youtube spectacle. Twice, he ran completely around the outfield, disregarding calls from security police to head back into the stands. Finally, an officer chasing him got close enough to taser him. Of course there has been some public outcry about this event, but all I can say is -- the security needed to do what they had to do. Several years ago, a father and son went on to a ball field and beat up a coach for the Kansas City Royals. We have become such an enabling society that any number of matters with regard to the law and common sense have gotten completely out of control. It is time for authorities to attempt to regain some peace and dignity. In some situations, for criminal mischief and trespass, officers have had to shoot to kill...and these are very unfortunate circumstances. So, for the young man who committed this act, getting tasered is probably going to be the least of his problems. Perhaps, it will go some ways toward keeping other dingbats from disrupting baseball proceedings for the other 45, 000 or so paying customers who came to watch a game and not see it disrupted for ten minutes. I am sure that the occasional fan running around on the field is "haha" to some folks, but...we live in a different world now, where the threat of terrorism runs high. And, I am also sure that it would be difficult for any young father or mother to explain to any 10 or under child, why the officers had to act the way that they did in order to stop this lawbreaker. So, perhaps the tasering incident will send a message to any future would be trespassers that...they will think twice before behaving is such a way.
On a lighter and much more ironic note, it was amazing to see the two wild deer bust through the front doors of a sports bar near Milwaukee, Wisconsin...and when? Why...during the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks game seven of their series on Sunday. Of course, this sets up for a lot of humor. Did the deer want to get a close up view to watch their favorite team??? Had they heard of the new "fear the deer" slogan for the Bucks and just wanted to provide a living illustration of it??? The workers tried to cordon off the deer in order to keep them from doing maximum damage, and one of them actually tackles one of the deer. I am sure that he will be getting a letter from PETA. :-) This breaking and entering was surely just a random incident, and I am sure that the deer did not get cited for trespassing (as did the young man above), in fact, the deer escaped out the back into the woods. Nevertheless, the video is pretty amazing...here it is -- http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/deer-break-into-wisconsin-bar-10550453
Finally, in watching recent news reports, I am disgusted that the leaders of the good state of Arizona are being demonized by many from their own in state and others outside of their state by voting unanimously to enforce national immigration laws that are already in place...in order to slow down the number of illegal aliens that are entering the country. This is a bold and good move, as the lack of enforcement for many years is having some serious, negative ramifications, not only in Arizona, but in many other places.
We have become a nation that has swung too far on the pendulum toward enablement and entitlement. My own experiences in dealing with benevolence cases has changed over the past few years. More and more people come and do not ask, but practicially demand to be taken care of, as if it is somehow our job...as a church...to be certain that their needs are met. The attitude of some of these people is disturbing, but not altogether surprising. (Apparently, beggars CAN be choosers -- sorry, a little bit of poor humor). And instead of helping them become responsible citizens, many times, we have just contributed to their problem. And, it is going to continue to get worse, if we do not begin to reign in some matters that have become "out of control." If not, how long before many of our towns and cities are in complete anarchy, because we have allowed those entitled...not by our laws, but lack of enforcement...to take control? We, who are believers, have a spiritual responsibilty to be good stewards, not just with the resources that we have, but in relationship to people themselves. Just some thoughts.
Blessings,
Don
It has been awhile since I have done a sports message...so, today I am going to attempt the usually dangerous move of combining sports with spirituality, as well as politics -- yikes! Last evening, at a Philadelphia Phillies baseball game, a young man leaped out of the stands and decided to set himself up for a Youtube spectacle. Twice, he ran completely around the outfield, disregarding calls from security police to head back into the stands. Finally, an officer chasing him got close enough to taser him. Of course there has been some public outcry about this event, but all I can say is -- the security needed to do what they had to do. Several years ago, a father and son went on to a ball field and beat up a coach for the Kansas City Royals. We have become such an enabling society that any number of matters with regard to the law and common sense have gotten completely out of control. It is time for authorities to attempt to regain some peace and dignity. In some situations, for criminal mischief and trespass, officers have had to shoot to kill...and these are very unfortunate circumstances. So, for the young man who committed this act, getting tasered is probably going to be the least of his problems. Perhaps, it will go some ways toward keeping other dingbats from disrupting baseball proceedings for the other 45, 000 or so paying customers who came to watch a game and not see it disrupted for ten minutes. I am sure that the occasional fan running around on the field is "haha" to some folks, but...we live in a different world now, where the threat of terrorism runs high. And, I am also sure that it would be difficult for any young father or mother to explain to any 10 or under child, why the officers had to act the way that they did in order to stop this lawbreaker. So, perhaps the tasering incident will send a message to any future would be trespassers that...they will think twice before behaving is such a way.
On a lighter and much more ironic note, it was amazing to see the two wild deer bust through the front doors of a sports bar near Milwaukee, Wisconsin...and when? Why...during the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks game seven of their series on Sunday. Of course, this sets up for a lot of humor. Did the deer want to get a close up view to watch their favorite team??? Had they heard of the new "fear the deer" slogan for the Bucks and just wanted to provide a living illustration of it??? The workers tried to cordon off the deer in order to keep them from doing maximum damage, and one of them actually tackles one of the deer. I am sure that he will be getting a letter from PETA. :-) This breaking and entering was surely just a random incident, and I am sure that the deer did not get cited for trespassing (as did the young man above), in fact, the deer escaped out the back into the woods. Nevertheless, the video is pretty amazing...here it is -- http://abcnews.go.com/US/video/deer-break-into-wisconsin-bar-10550453
Finally, in watching recent news reports, I am disgusted that the leaders of the good state of Arizona are being demonized by many from their own in state and others outside of their state by voting unanimously to enforce national immigration laws that are already in place...in order to slow down the number of illegal aliens that are entering the country. This is a bold and good move, as the lack of enforcement for many years is having some serious, negative ramifications, not only in Arizona, but in many other places.
We have become a nation that has swung too far on the pendulum toward enablement and entitlement. My own experiences in dealing with benevolence cases has changed over the past few years. More and more people come and do not ask, but practicially demand to be taken care of, as if it is somehow our job...as a church...to be certain that their needs are met. The attitude of some of these people is disturbing, but not altogether surprising. (Apparently, beggars CAN be choosers -- sorry, a little bit of poor humor). And instead of helping them become responsible citizens, many times, we have just contributed to their problem. And, it is going to continue to get worse, if we do not begin to reign in some matters that have become "out of control." If not, how long before many of our towns and cities are in complete anarchy, because we have allowed those entitled...not by our laws, but lack of enforcement...to take control? We, who are believers, have a spiritual responsibilty to be good stewards, not just with the resources that we have, but in relationship to people themselves. Just some thoughts.
Blessings,
Don
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Praise God Anyway
Friends,
A famous preacher once said, “Anyone can sing during the day…it is easy to sing when we can read the notes by the light of day…but, the skillful singer is he who can sing when there is not a ray of light to read by. Songs in the night can only come from God…they are not in the power of men.” When you’re in pain, the midnight hour is not the easiest time for a sacred concert. But, God gives “songs in the night” (Psalms 42:8), “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me -- a prayer to the God of my life.” It may be easier to sing during the day, but we need to allow God to bring out the songs in us when we need them, and particularly when it is difficult.
Satan is at work in Philippi (Acts 16:16ff). There is a demonized slave girl there who has been making her masters wealthy by telling fortunes. This girl has a lot of audacity, as she has been following Paul and Silas around harassing them, saying “these men are servants of the Most High God who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” This is true of course, but…this is an example of, “it’s not what you say, but how you say it” – her words are dripping with sarcasm. After a few days of constant irritation, Paul gets tired of it so he casts out the demon that has been abusing her. Now that Paul has cast out the demon, the girl’s owners source of income is now gone. Now, we have a problem. This angers these unscrupulous fellows who have no genuine concern for this girl, only the income that she has been providing. So, these men turn on Paul and Silas and deliver them over to the city magistrates, who then convene a kangaroo court against them. It is not difficult -- these men are Jews causing trouble in a Roman colony, which is what Philippi is at this time. Paul and Silas have their robes stripped off, are beaten and then put into the city prison. Paul later recounts this among the persecution he received for the cause of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23, 25).
Paul and Silas are in this dark, dank dungeon, fastened in some kind of foot stocks, and likely bound in another way…not to mention that they are in some serious pain. And what is it that these two are doing? Well, instead of complaining, or calling down lightning from God upon their enemies, they are singing! This is not exactly the set of circumstances that most of us would choose in order to be worshipping God. Yet, we don’t always get to choose our circumstances. Paul and Silas are men of great faith and despite their discomfort and pain, their hearts are focused above! Praise is a powerful tool…it is relaxing and disarming. Can you imagine the expressions on some of the other prisoner’s faces there? Some surely are impressed…while others probably think that they are crazy.
Now, there is something greater at work here. God responds…not because He has to – but, He does…much the same as when Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego were cast into the fiery furnace. God rewards faith…He is faithful! The foundations of the prison are shaken, opening all the doors and loosening the prisoners’ bonds. They could all flee, but they all remain where they are…perhaps out of terror, perhaps out of bewilderment. Paul takes command, and no doubt, the fear of the Lord is on these prisoners, who at this time are thinking…there is something unique about these guys. Now, Paul fixes all of his attention on the jailer…the man he is truly interested in…in order to win him for Christ. Roman law is such that if a guard would lose a prisoner, he would be given the same punishment the prisoner would have received. It would seem, therefore, that some of the men this jailer has are killers, because he would rather take his own life than face public shame and execution. Paul rescues the man, “Hey, we’re all here -- don’t hurt yourself!” Paul’s saving him, physically, leads to his spiritual salvation, which is terrific!
Now, the city magistrates realize their mistake…having beaten and jailed Roman citizens, which is not a good thing…they have some serious egg on their faces – and Paul makes certain that it stays there! The magistrates want Paul and Silas to sneak away quietly, so as not to raise a ruckus, but Paul says…“Oh, no…not going to happen!” Paul insists that they escort him and Silas out of town, which surely is done…and so continues the ministry of Paul. God is a God who keeps His promises – He blesses those who seek Him and praise His name. When we walk with the Lord and faithfully praise His name throughout our lives, good things are going to take place!
Life isn’t always going to be rosy…sometimes there are thorns. But, it is all a matter of perspective – our perspective. Praising God is something that we can do no matter what the circumstances. We come together to do so here on Sundays…and we can and should do so at other times throughout the week – Monday through Saturday. We just can’t do it with a heart that is empty and a spirit that is dry. We must be filled with the Spirit – He will give us songs in our hearts, just as He did with Paul and Silas when they were jailed…perhaps, even in the night.
Blessings,
Don
A famous preacher once said, “Anyone can sing during the day…it is easy to sing when we can read the notes by the light of day…but, the skillful singer is he who can sing when there is not a ray of light to read by. Songs in the night can only come from God…they are not in the power of men.” When you’re in pain, the midnight hour is not the easiest time for a sacred concert. But, God gives “songs in the night” (Psalms 42:8), “By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me -- a prayer to the God of my life.” It may be easier to sing during the day, but we need to allow God to bring out the songs in us when we need them, and particularly when it is difficult.
Satan is at work in Philippi (Acts 16:16ff). There is a demonized slave girl there who has been making her masters wealthy by telling fortunes. This girl has a lot of audacity, as she has been following Paul and Silas around harassing them, saying “these men are servants of the Most High God who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” This is true of course, but…this is an example of, “it’s not what you say, but how you say it” – her words are dripping with sarcasm. After a few days of constant irritation, Paul gets tired of it so he casts out the demon that has been abusing her. Now that Paul has cast out the demon, the girl’s owners source of income is now gone. Now, we have a problem. This angers these unscrupulous fellows who have no genuine concern for this girl, only the income that she has been providing. So, these men turn on Paul and Silas and deliver them over to the city magistrates, who then convene a kangaroo court against them. It is not difficult -- these men are Jews causing trouble in a Roman colony, which is what Philippi is at this time. Paul and Silas have their robes stripped off, are beaten and then put into the city prison. Paul later recounts this among the persecution he received for the cause of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23, 25).
Paul and Silas are in this dark, dank dungeon, fastened in some kind of foot stocks, and likely bound in another way…not to mention that they are in some serious pain. And what is it that these two are doing? Well, instead of complaining, or calling down lightning from God upon their enemies, they are singing! This is not exactly the set of circumstances that most of us would choose in order to be worshipping God. Yet, we don’t always get to choose our circumstances. Paul and Silas are men of great faith and despite their discomfort and pain, their hearts are focused above! Praise is a powerful tool…it is relaxing and disarming. Can you imagine the expressions on some of the other prisoner’s faces there? Some surely are impressed…while others probably think that they are crazy.
Now, there is something greater at work here. God responds…not because He has to – but, He does…much the same as when Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego were cast into the fiery furnace. God rewards faith…He is faithful! The foundations of the prison are shaken, opening all the doors and loosening the prisoners’ bonds. They could all flee, but they all remain where they are…perhaps out of terror, perhaps out of bewilderment. Paul takes command, and no doubt, the fear of the Lord is on these prisoners, who at this time are thinking…there is something unique about these guys. Now, Paul fixes all of his attention on the jailer…the man he is truly interested in…in order to win him for Christ. Roman law is such that if a guard would lose a prisoner, he would be given the same punishment the prisoner would have received. It would seem, therefore, that some of the men this jailer has are killers, because he would rather take his own life than face public shame and execution. Paul rescues the man, “Hey, we’re all here -- don’t hurt yourself!” Paul’s saving him, physically, leads to his spiritual salvation, which is terrific!
Now, the city magistrates realize their mistake…having beaten and jailed Roman citizens, which is not a good thing…they have some serious egg on their faces – and Paul makes certain that it stays there! The magistrates want Paul and Silas to sneak away quietly, so as not to raise a ruckus, but Paul says…“Oh, no…not going to happen!” Paul insists that they escort him and Silas out of town, which surely is done…and so continues the ministry of Paul. God is a God who keeps His promises – He blesses those who seek Him and praise His name. When we walk with the Lord and faithfully praise His name throughout our lives, good things are going to take place!
Life isn’t always going to be rosy…sometimes there are thorns. But, it is all a matter of perspective – our perspective. Praising God is something that we can do no matter what the circumstances. We come together to do so here on Sundays…and we can and should do so at other times throughout the week – Monday through Saturday. We just can’t do it with a heart that is empty and a spirit that is dry. We must be filled with the Spirit – He will give us songs in our hearts, just as He did with Paul and Silas when they were jailed…perhaps, even in the night.
Blessings,
Don
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Healthy Teaching
Friends,
A good message from Edward Fudge's e-mail...things I have been spending some time considering lately...don't believe in coincidence, so it must be providence...
______________
A gracEmail subscriber asks, "How can we know which interpretations of Scripture are correct, seeing the many doctrinal differences among professing Christians? How can we be sure which teaching we ought to receive?"
* * *
Jesus once indicted a religious crowd with the charge: "You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned" (Matt. 23:15, The Message). The recipients of this accusation were long on religious theory but short on practice. They valued doctrine more than they did the people on whom they piled it like a load of bricks. They scrupulously observed the most insignificant practices of their religion while totally neglecting the things that mattered most. And at the end of the day, Jesus had nothing for them but warnings and woes.
Healthy teaching ("sound doctrine," KJV) is important. Not for doctrine's sake, but because it shapes and motivates a godly life. The primary goal of Christian instruction is not mental modification but a transformed character, what Paul describes as "love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5). Unrelated to that, doctrine quickly degenerates into fruitless talk and malignant behavior of all kinds: envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth" (1 Tim. 6:4-5).
How can we recognize wholesome doctrine and distinguish it from teaching that is unsound? Look at its fruit, Jesus tells us. "Every good tree bears good fruit, but the rotten tree bears bad fruit" (Matt. 7:17). Healthy teaching regularly results in lives that look more like Jesus. Even unbelievers can recognize that when they see it -- and they also can tell when they do not! It's a shame that Christians sometimes have their heads stuck so deep in doctrine that they miss seeing the obvious. Are you curious about the validity of a particular teaching? Watch how those people behave who feed on that teaching. It's not the only way to assess doctrine but it is an important start.
______________
My own two cents worth -- I believe we have "misinterpreted," of all things, the concept -- "sound doctrine." We have had a skewed understanding of what "false doctrine" really is according to the New Testament standard. We have invoked a bias and interepretation so that "false doctrine" is "anything that anyone believes or says that is different from "what I know or have been taught." Some believers consider matters of "relative insignificance" issues of "sound doctrine," when the New Testament, particularly, does not deal with minutiea on that level, whatsoever. Nearly all of the "false doctrine" mentioned in the New Testament has to do with spiritual/moral iussues related to the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ...and not whether we change our methods with regard to sharing the message, practicing the Lord's Supper or singing "off the wall" -- either with musical notation...or not (for example :-).
Healthy teaching, as it is literally rendered, is truly tied to how we live...it is about spiritual health...it is about our attitude of heart (more about whether we truly love one another, even if we should disagree concerning some of the issues). We must be willing to take a look around, without fear that we are going to somehow be "corrupted by false teaching." This is not a "healthy" place to be spiritually. As a number of preachers have said over the years -- we have got to quit majoring in minors...we need to quit confusing form with function. We can and should be able to change the form, without sacrificing the function...or the meaning, and this, in order to enhance the meaning. It should not affect our spiritual nature, except to positively enhance it...nor should it cause us to "lose faith." If so, then our faith is in the wrong place...it is directed to the wrong things. If we are focused on Jesus Christ and His will...and the leading of His Holy Spirit in our lives...we will be able to continue to grow in understanding and in relationship to what is "healthy teaching"...and living.
Blessings,
Don
A good message from Edward Fudge's e-mail...things I have been spending some time considering lately...don't believe in coincidence, so it must be providence...
______________
A gracEmail subscriber asks, "How can we know which interpretations of Scripture are correct, seeing the many doctrinal differences among professing Christians? How can we be sure which teaching we ought to receive?"
* * *
Jesus once indicted a religious crowd with the charge: "You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned" (Matt. 23:15, The Message). The recipients of this accusation were long on religious theory but short on practice. They valued doctrine more than they did the people on whom they piled it like a load of bricks. They scrupulously observed the most insignificant practices of their religion while totally neglecting the things that mattered most. And at the end of the day, Jesus had nothing for them but warnings and woes.
Healthy teaching ("sound doctrine," KJV) is important. Not for doctrine's sake, but because it shapes and motivates a godly life. The primary goal of Christian instruction is not mental modification but a transformed character, what Paul describes as "love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5). Unrelated to that, doctrine quickly degenerates into fruitless talk and malignant behavior of all kinds: envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth" (1 Tim. 6:4-5).
How can we recognize wholesome doctrine and distinguish it from teaching that is unsound? Look at its fruit, Jesus tells us. "Every good tree bears good fruit, but the rotten tree bears bad fruit" (Matt. 7:17). Healthy teaching regularly results in lives that look more like Jesus. Even unbelievers can recognize that when they see it -- and they also can tell when they do not! It's a shame that Christians sometimes have their heads stuck so deep in doctrine that they miss seeing the obvious. Are you curious about the validity of a particular teaching? Watch how those people behave who feed on that teaching. It's not the only way to assess doctrine but it is an important start.
______________
My own two cents worth -- I believe we have "misinterpreted," of all things, the concept -- "sound doctrine." We have had a skewed understanding of what "false doctrine" really is according to the New Testament standard. We have invoked a bias and interepretation so that "false doctrine" is "anything that anyone believes or says that is different from "what I know or have been taught." Some believers consider matters of "relative insignificance" issues of "sound doctrine," when the New Testament, particularly, does not deal with minutiea on that level, whatsoever. Nearly all of the "false doctrine" mentioned in the New Testament has to do with spiritual/moral iussues related to the believer's relationship with Jesus Christ...and not whether we change our methods with regard to sharing the message, practicing the Lord's Supper or singing "off the wall" -- either with musical notation...or not (for example :-).
Healthy teaching, as it is literally rendered, is truly tied to how we live...it is about spiritual health...it is about our attitude of heart (more about whether we truly love one another, even if we should disagree concerning some of the issues). We must be willing to take a look around, without fear that we are going to somehow be "corrupted by false teaching." This is not a "healthy" place to be spiritually. As a number of preachers have said over the years -- we have got to quit majoring in minors...we need to quit confusing form with function. We can and should be able to change the form, without sacrificing the function...or the meaning, and this, in order to enhance the meaning. It should not affect our spiritual nature, except to positively enhance it...nor should it cause us to "lose faith." If so, then our faith is in the wrong place...it is directed to the wrong things. If we are focused on Jesus Christ and His will...and the leading of His Holy Spirit in our lives...we will be able to continue to grow in understanding and in relationship to what is "healthy teaching"...and living.
Blessings,
Don
Monday, April 26, 2010
Looks Like A Flaming Orange...
Friends,
Here all this time, I thought our sun was yellow...doesn't appear to be any more yellow than those orange "Yellow" trucks you see here and there. The sun appears orange in the picture due to certain lenses in order to be able to view it by dimming its brightness. Of course, the sun is actually white, but distance and earth's atmosphere make the sun appear yellow to us. Nonetheless, this picture was captured by twin satellites in order to display the significantly large solar prominence or flare at the top of the picture.
Blessings, Don
Here all this time, I thought our sun was yellow...doesn't appear to be any more yellow than those orange "Yellow" trucks you see here and there. The sun appears orange in the picture due to certain lenses in order to be able to view it by dimming its brightness. Of course, the sun is actually white, but distance and earth's atmosphere make the sun appear yellow to us. Nonetheless, this picture was captured by twin satellites in order to display the significantly large solar prominence or flare at the top of the picture.
Blessings, Don
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Today a Soldier Comes Home
Friends,
A good story, as told by an anonymous individual...and I am in agreement.
Last Thursday was like any other day for me. I got up and rushed around to get ready for work. I left about sunrise and started up the road from my house. The sight before me left tears in my eyes. On every fence post, every sign, and on bushes, trees and even weeds were tied yellow bows, there were hundreds of them. A half mile down the road I turned to head for the highway that takes me to work. Again, hundreds and hundreds of yellow bows tied against anything that would support the effort. I did not know the exact circumstance of the ribbons, was it for a soldier leaving, one arriving, one deceased?
I phoned my wife and told her about the ribbons. She left for her work about two hours later and like me, she was stunned and moved. She notified the local newspapers and phoned the local TV stations after finding out a soldier was coming home from Iraq that weekend. Apparently, the local small church had all it's members out decorating the two mile drive from the highway to his house with hundreds if not thousands of ribbons.
When I arrived home Saturday and the corner of the two main roads that had the ribbons, I saw two TV trucks and they were broadcasting live shots from the roads. My wife was right in telling the TV stations, we hear enough bad news, let's celebrate some good news.
I do not know the young man who came home, but he is just a symbol of all the thousands of young men who arrive daily across the country. Thank you for your time, your sacrifice and your devotion to your country.
Blessings,
Don
A good story, as told by an anonymous individual...and I am in agreement.
Last Thursday was like any other day for me. I got up and rushed around to get ready for work. I left about sunrise and started up the road from my house. The sight before me left tears in my eyes. On every fence post, every sign, and on bushes, trees and even weeds were tied yellow bows, there were hundreds of them. A half mile down the road I turned to head for the highway that takes me to work. Again, hundreds and hundreds of yellow bows tied against anything that would support the effort. I did not know the exact circumstance of the ribbons, was it for a soldier leaving, one arriving, one deceased?
I phoned my wife and told her about the ribbons. She left for her work about two hours later and like me, she was stunned and moved. She notified the local newspapers and phoned the local TV stations after finding out a soldier was coming home from Iraq that weekend. Apparently, the local small church had all it's members out decorating the two mile drive from the highway to his house with hundreds if not thousands of ribbons.
When I arrived home Saturday and the corner of the two main roads that had the ribbons, I saw two TV trucks and they were broadcasting live shots from the roads. My wife was right in telling the TV stations, we hear enough bad news, let's celebrate some good news.
I do not know the young man who came home, but he is just a symbol of all the thousands of young men who arrive daily across the country. Thank you for your time, your sacrifice and your devotion to your country.
Blessings,
Don
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