It really is His Viewpoint that counts!

Welcome to practical theology for Wednesday, April 7, 2010. I know it is very easy as I write this blog each day to see the world primarily through my own eyes (The View From Here). This is done intentionally for amusement purposes but I am aware that I can actually have a wrong or distorted view from time to time. Therefore, it’s always a struggle to broaden my perspective past the ‘me, myself, and I’ focal point that tends to dominate every person's preoccupation in our day and time. The theory says that people will always do what they perceive to be in their best interest and that’s how the human family works. The choices made, without regard to right or wrong, will turn out to be consistent with what is thought to be best for the individual. While this may be true in a generic sense, objective truth from God’s point of view calls us to a different standard in how we view the world around us.

That standard is presented in His unchangeable Word. Many today spend much of their time trying to find loopholes and gray areas in which they can maneuver to essentially do what it is they want to do. This may work in soothing a person’s conscience to some extent, but we who are called by the name of our Lord cannot get off so lightly. Over the years I’ve had opportunity to advise in a number of different situations that involved issues of ethical behavior or during times when great challenges exist. My reading is that how we react to temptations or difficulties can become the fertile soil that blossoms forth a testimony for God and His truth. All of us are better than we should be at doing some things that we shouldn't. I’ve admitted before that I am really good at getting even. This particular sin comes quite naturally to me, (no doubt handed down from generation to generation all the way back to my original parents, Adam and Eve), and while it may take me time and patience, I have a track record of being able to eventually see the offender dutifully punished. However, the question for me and for us all is what is it that God would have us to do. In my case, the answer to this question leads to a recognized need for God’s power if I am to overcome my natural sinful inclination. If left to my own devices, without God's intervention, I will most often end up doing the wrong thing.

At least I am aware of this fault and can be on the look out for it as I encounter the many issues that present themselves as opportunities to respond in this way. Our enemy is very clever and you can be sure the opportunities will be there to exploit our greatest weaknesses. When the writer of the letter to the Hebrews said we are to run our race without being encumbered with weights, it was the specific ‘sin’ that so easily entangles each person being talked about. Yeah, that’s right. You have an area you are particularly more vulnerable to than others and I do too! Knowing about it before hand allows us to do what the writer instructs, to lay it down or put it aside. When we cast off or overcome this weight, we can then run the race God has given to us in a manner that honors Him in our running. (Read all about it in Hebrews, Chapter 12.)

Knowing our weak areas and seeking God’s help before, during, and always as we seek to honor Him is the most important key to dealing with times where our faith is tested, especially in the area of our testimony and credibility before the Lord. Lately I have been reminded that while we can do little about all the circumstances and situations that come our way, we do have the standing, the resources, and the very present help in our time of need, to respond to these circumstances and situations with grace, and character, therefore, each event becomes a potential mirror that can reflect honor back to Him, instead of defeats that mar our witness and negatively reflect upon the reality of His working in our life. Okay. This is pretty heavy material so early in the morning but I actually put all of this together to let you know that my serious side is still active, and also because we all, especially yours truly, at times, need a good dose of truth to help jump start our daily walk with God. He knows already about the stuff that will challenge us, even today, and He stands ready to see us through to victory in each and every incident, for His honor and glory. Amen. … ......More later.

What food do they eat in heaven? I have at least one suggestion and no, it's not angel food cake!

Good Tuesday morning and welcome to my version of the writings of a food critic at large on this April 6, 2010. For those who read my blog you will immediately recognize one of my long term themes: FOOD. I was born into a family where food was one of the focal points of life. I have said for years that our family more or less lived to eat where others would eat to live. That's perhaps an exaggeration but it does reflect the emphasis on quality and taste that characterized our meals. My wife recently made some cornbread dressing and I could have sworn that Granny Mac had showed up to put the finishing touches on it. It is a blessing to have those memories flood in as you partake of something so delicious. My mom picked up that torch from Granny and she handed it down to my wife. I've seen people line up at the dinner on the grounds to get a spoon full of Granny Mac's dressing and she would stand there beaming in knowing that people enjoyed her labor of love. The Bible has much to say about food. The Resurrected Jesus prepared a breakfast meal of charbroiled fish on the shores of Galilee for His followers. Food is a great way to fellowship together.

I can remember in my wife's family how her dad would actually break the cornbread with his hands as a way of symbolizing our breaking bread together. I grew up in a world where Sundays were devoted to worship and family togetherness around the luncheon table. We were not wealthy but we were rich in our desire to enjoy our food and fellowship. Now you might think I am bragging here but folks used to love to be invited into our home for Sunday lunch. Why? We had the best cooks to be found anywhere in our mom and grandmother and they loved to see people eat and enjoy. Sadly, this focus on an event each week to have everyone meet and share is rare for most in our busy world today. I am blessed because my wife received the hand off before this unique trait became an endangered species. Sure, I wish I wasn't diabetic, but even now, I can, in moderation, enjoy the tastes and memories that characterized my upbringing. My wife's family didn't go into being fancy with their presentation but her mom loved variety and I learned to enjoy sitting at her table with so many choices available. Her meals reflected her spirit because she enjoyed a multitude of hobbies and interests.

I was telling one lady about my wife's dressing and she said she could just see my grandmother walking through the door as we chowed down. How good was it? Around our bunch, you usually can see the proof by how fast the container empties. I was doing my part in being all moderation and all of that but when I went back for a moderate second helping, hello? That was a lot of dressing and most of it was gone! While I knew why this had happened it was still a little shocking. My wife still carries enough of her handed down pride that she beams from the inside out when she is able to see her family enjoy the food she prepares. My idea was perhaps they could have given her a little less reason to be beaming while saving a little more dressing for me to consume in a moderate manner, of course. Some day we will experience something called the marriage supper of the Lamb as we reunite with our Savior for a banquet feast. I am left wondering if Granny Mac's dressing will be on the menu. It's certainly on mine. Have a yummy day and I'll see you over in the corner where we moderate eating folks have to sit. May God bless. Amen. .......More later.

You were actually off for three days?

Welcome back to Monday, a brand new work week, and a day to get some things accomplished on this April 5, 2010. Today is our very first granddaughter's 22nd birthday. We were able to spend the afternoon with her, her husband, and our little bundle of Madelyn Joy yesterday. We had a most wonderful time celebrating her birthday and feasting and fellowshipping with family on Resurrection Sunday. I was off three days for the weekend. I was off three days for the weekend? I wonder why I do not feel like I was off for three days for the weekend. It was a very busy blur of three days of activities associated with the death of our beloved brother in Christ, Brother Johnny, and all the big breakfast blowout our class did for all the little ones on Sunday morning. Busy, busy, but well worth the time and effort. We don't know how many we fed Sunday morning but I can assure you that place was alive! Those kids are precious and for us older ones, having the privilege of feeding them and being with them was exhilarating. Exhilarating but also draining. However, while it may have been a blur of being here and there, it was a blessed time because we were able to minister to a grieving family and we were able to show the love of Jesus on Resurrection Sunday by serving others.

I woke up this morning to no water. I tried calling the emergency number for the water district, someone answered but immediately disconnected. At any rate, you know what they say, you don't miss your water until the well runs dry. Let's hope that's not what happened but as far as I can tell it is a supply issue so hopefully we can get some response later this morning. There's always something, right? Every day. That's the way life goes, there is always something. Yesterday another Church connected friend went on life support. He is our former pastor's dad and is in very critical condition. At 87 he has had a full life but we never get fully prepared to say goodbye to those we love so dearly. My wife and I went by the hospital last night on our way home from spending the afternoon in our eldest son's home. We went by to let those standing by know that we care and that we are lifting their loved one and them up in prayer. That's how we face each uncertain day. With faith and a prayer for God's help. Some don't think they need any help. Not me. I know all too well how much I need God's help every minute of every day, therefore, we are blessed to be able to call upon Him on behalf of those who are hurting and the needs we have.

Someone asked me recently what my plans were regarding retirement. I will not say that I never think about it in terms of changing my schedule each day, but I don't really have a fix on what that word means as it relates to me personally. First of all, I am enjoying way too much the work I am involved in each day. Secondly, while I complain about burning the candle at both ends, when I think about it, it's pretty neat to have a life busy enough to deal with the candle scenario. I do know that health and a sense of well being plays a major role in this equation, therefore, for the moment I will be content to keep on keeping on with all that God has seen fit to allow me to be a part of at this time in my life. As so many discover every day, that, my friend, is subject to change, because as I love to quote from my granddad's favorite song: "I don't know about tomorrow but I know Who holds my hand." That's why we claim faith as the victory in life. May God help us to embrace the life He has given to us and somehow to reflect glory back to Him as we go about the living of it each and every day! Have a blessed week. Amen. ......More later.

Good Friday for us but one filled with agony for our Savior!

Good morning on the day called Good Friday and it is April 2, 2010. Today we think about the actual events that took place at the location called Calvary where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified between two thieves. I had a long conversation with a gentleman who had heard something about the different words spoken by our Lord while He was on The Cross. In particular, he and I discussed the meaning of "It is finished." I shared my understanding of these words in the original language in how they reflect the sealing of a legal contract. This means the price was fully paid. As a result you and I can go free because Jesus took our place and gave up Himself on our behalf. While the Gospel is exactly what the word implies, good news or glad tidings, it certainly was not a good experience that our Savior endured. Yet, we are told that He did what He did for the joy that was set before Him, while despising the shame, and that joy included fulfilling God's provision of salvation for sinners, just like you and I! (see Hebrews Chapter 12)

I am blessed to have today off. We have many activities over the next three days but I will do my best not to forget to remember what this event means. It is not just a holiday weekend. It is not just a time for families to get together and to enjoy fun activities. It is a time for us to remember. Remember the price that was paid. Remember why He had to do what He did for us. Remember His suffering. Remember His finished work. "Oh what a Savior! Oh Hallelujah His heart was broken on Calvary, His hands we nail scared: His side was driven, He gave his life blood for you and me." And, as so many sunrise services will sing about, remember His empty tomb as He resurrected from the dead in a show of victory over death, hell, and the grave. "Up from the grave He arose,With a mighty triumph o’er His foes, He arose a Victor from the dark domain,And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!"

I do wish you and yours a most wonderful celebration of the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Take time to dwell upon this, the most phenomenal event in history, all done so that you and I might have the right to be called the sons and daughters of God. May He be recognized and honored for He alone is worthy of our praise! Amen. ........More later.

He lives within my Heart!

We are well into Passion Week as we are contemplating those events that took place more than 2,000 years ago. I have been rereading the Apostle John's inspired texts, (The Gospel of John), and the story never gets old and it never loses its grip on our hearts as we observe God, the very God, in human flesh, giving Himself up on behalf of fallen humanity. It is a sobering thought on this Thursday, April 1, 2010. Just about every form of modern technology is being used to try and discredit the truth of this event. So called historical investigative documentaries run 24x7 as they attempt to challenge the truth claims represented in The Scriptures. Today is called April Fool's Day. The Bible tells us the fool has said in his heart there is no God. (Psalm 14) To deny the truth about Jesus is to deny God since He sent Him as the only offering acceptable for our sins. The critics can do what they do in whatever way they choose, but as for me, I join in singing the chorus of that great testimony song: He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

People have asked me how I know this to be true, and in one way or the other I have had to give them the answer found in that song, I know He lives because He does so in my heart and in my life. (Romans 8:16) Yesterday, we lost another great man in our local fellowship with the passing of our dear Brother Johnny. Known as the 'Candy man' because he always greeted everyone with a basket of peppermints and a smile as big as the state of Texas, Brother Johnny's simple and genuine living out of his caring spirit impacted all of us who knew him. He suffered a horrible stroke a couple of months ago and had been fighting an uphill battle since. He and his lovely wife Billie are about the finest folks anyone would ever meet. They are who they are and they are not ashamed. I sent Billie a note and told her that Brother Johnny will always be an inspirational as well as an unforgettable character in my life. He now understands the reality of what personal Resurrection is all about, (1 Corinthians 15), and we thank God for the hope we have in joining him in that same experience one day. May God bless his sweet family as they grieve this temporary separation from their beloved husband, dad, and grandfather. (The God of all comfort, 2 Corinthians 1)

When a death like this occurs in the life of folks who do not believe, The Scriptures tell us they are those who grieve but without hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13) We are not like that. Why? Because of the reality of what our dear brother experienced at the moment of death when he became absent from his body but present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) This is not some mind game or crutch. It is the certain destiny of every person who has placed their trust in Jesus as their personal Savior. We all love those wonderful words of promise found in John Chapter 14 where Jesus tells his heartbroken followers about how that He would leave them for now, but in time He would come again for them so that where He is they could also be. What a glorious promise! What words of comfort! In fact, He said these words were spoken so that our hearts would not be troubled. How do I know this is true? He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart. Amen. .......More later.

Seeing and living by the unseen during the seasons of life.

Here's the deal. It is Wednesday, March 31, 2010 and we are still scraping pollen off our cars like it is chalk dust. It's no wonder that so many people suffer from allergies at this time of year. My wife's car was clean when she left the other day but caked when she returned from Louisiana. She rinsed it off but I noticed before she got it into the garage there was already a fine spray mist of greenish yellow coating on the finish. Some of the grand kids heard me say the resin on my car came from the trees weeping. Now when they notice a fresh blob they always remind me that our pine trees are crying again. But Spring is that time of year when things begin to blossom and we change from cold to cool to warm with an expectation of hot to very hot on the horizon. It's a seasonal thing and God created it, Al Gore not withstanding, to operate the way that it does. It also is a way of marking the passage of time as we experience the seasons of life. We are not in control of where we are in the life cycle process, therefore, I don't know if I am still in autumn or early winter but I do know that time has left its markings as I make my way forward. I do know my homing instinct has become more agitated as I anticipate the day when I will finally arrive to find my dwelling place in my real home in that heavenly abode.

Life in a fallen world is mostly uphill, filled with trouble, and often painful to endure. However, the seen, the felt, and the experienced does not define my reality. It is the unseen certainties that transcends this fleeting existence and helps me to focus on God's plan and purpose. The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews, via the breathed out message of God Himself, said it this way: "¹⁾Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ²)For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. ³)By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11) No matter how many times I read these verses they still just knock me down. They speak nonsense to those who reject God but while I can not even begin to comprehend the fullness of the meaning here, these words speak peace, truth, and tranquility to my troubled mind. How can we make sense of a senseless world? How can we keep on keeping on even when confronted with troubles and trials? The only answer I have is the one given in these words from our Creator, "By faith!" That's it. That's all. That's the best I can do and it's the best any of us can do because it is God's answer to living life in a fallen world.

Those of you who know this passage know that after this profound insight at the beginning, the writer goes on to name names and give specifics about how people have lived out their lives "By faith." There are also unnamed champions of faith mentioned and then we are encouraged to emulate their example with a word picture of how they surround us with their testimony and witness. We are called on to run the race that God has given to each of us individually and that we should keep our eyes focused on our Savior as we run. Today I am thinking about those in my life that could be included in this great cloud of witnesses. My grandparents who faced horrific tragedies and overwhelming challenges, did so by living by an unseen reality of God and His sovereign grace that caused them to carry on. I think about my mom and the many earth shattering experiences in her life. I think about the God honoring glow of my baby sister's testimony as she dealt with and died from leukemia. I think about my wife's parents and their simple life lived out in their trust of God. These tell me that "By faith" I can make it, despite the difficulties, and that you can too. Regardless of your season in life, look up for your redemption draws near! Amen, Hallelujah, praise the Lord! .....More later.

I choose the mystery guest behind door number three!

Hello again friends and neighbors, welcome to another edition of "You have to be kidding!" live and in person originating from the thus far over-plumbed recesses of the thinking apparatus of yours truly on this Tuesday, March 30, 2010. I am pleased to report that my wife had a wonderful trip to visit her sister and brother. They have the closeness that folks write about but few ever really experience and while it can be a little cheesy to observe, I can assure you, it is genuine and I am so thankful they have their connections. But, as you know, she left and I was all alone. I did fulfill her volunteering me in my role as the Apostle James in a non-speaking, warm body presentation in the reenactment of the Garden of Gethsemane. It had been a long day Friday and we were at the Church property for several hours, therefore, I had little problem doing the falling asleep act while Jesus was praying. The presentation was a part of giving our teens a real taste and feel of what it was actually like in the days where Jesus gave His life as a payment for the sins of the world. It turned out to be a very rewarding experience for us all and from the response of our teens, they did get at least an inkling of the price paid by our Savior.

On Saturday I came into the office to work on my computer. It had developed a problem that needed some attention and we also were handling a huge delivery for one of our customers. Saturday afternoon I worked on finishing my lesson for Sunday and then received a call from my eldest. He said they wanted to drop by to pick up a rocking chair my wife had obtained for our granddaughter to have with our great granddaughter, our little bundle of Madelyn Joy. Guess what? They brought our little bundle of Madelyn Joy with them to fetch the rocking chair. I was later made aware that this was her first time to visit her great grandfather also known as "The Poppy". I got that name because once when our little Alex had to be in the ER I was there and they had stuck him multiple times without success and I must have given the doctor a particular stare because he said, "And, who would you be?" To this I responded, "I am The Poppy!" But, I digress. Little Maddy surprised me by coming with her grandparents. She was a little bent out of shape when she awoke to a different place but we soon had her settled down and for the next hour Poppy absorbed as much as he could. The remarkable thing is how much she is a carbon copy of her mommy and as I held her it was eerie because I could replicate doing the exact same thing with her mommy in the same house, in the same room, and it was a joy to experience our Madelyn Joy.

The unmistakable fact? You guessed it already. MiMi was gone and I was home alone. Therefore, when I talked to her later I told her that while she was away some company had come by. She asked who. I told her it really didn't matter since she wasn't here any way. I did tell her it was kind of a shame since she is so close to those who dropped by. I really had her going. She demanded to know who it was. Granny Mac used to say that curiosity killed the cat. I finally spilled the beans but realizing how this could have been disappointing to her, I used all of my skills to really pile it on. Okay, before you send letters about me being cruel, you have to know that it is all in good fun. Being a faithful reporter of the facts, I did not leave out any of the details of little Maddy's visit. I hadn't even thought about it being her first visit to our home until her MiMi mentioned it but I was willing to embrace that also as I detailed to her all of my hard work in representing the both of us in this endeavor. Enough already. Sure, she would have loved to have been there when our bundle of Madelyn Joy showed up but she also would never begrudge my time spent with her. It's all in good fun and we do enjoy laughing about stuff like this. It was so good to see her return home. She drove straight from Louisiana to the Church where we met up at the baptism. As I looked at her sitting there on the pew watching our granddaughter's baptism I put forth a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the wonderful woman He has given to me to be my wife. Hopefully when she reads that part she will overlook some of the other! Have a great day and may God add His blessings as we go on our way. Amen. .....More later.