The New Tolerance

It's amazing how things all dove-tail together at once. I got off track concerning Lamentations 2.14, then I pick up a book titled The New Tolerance. I read a few chapters, when I got this email from a friend.

GOD TOLD ME TO TELL YOU...
It shall be well with you this year. No matter how much your enemies try this year, they will not succeed. You have been destined to make it and you shall surely achieve all your goals this year. For the remaining months of the year, your problems will enter Call blocking, your enemies will have network problems and their bad wishes for you will enter into voicemail and you will only get them as missed calls. All your agonies will be diverted and victory and prosperity will be your incoming calls! Heavens have confirmed today the end of your sufferings sorrows and pains because HE that sits on the throne has remembered you. He has taken away the hardships and given you JOY. He will never let you down. I knocked at heavens door this morning, God asked me... My child!, what can I do for you? And I said, Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message... God smiled and answered... Request granted.

Its amazing, isn't it, how much this sounds like a prophecy from Jeremiah's contemporaries. "Peace, peace." Its nice to hear these things, and wonderful to believe. But dangerous.

All my problems will be gone? All my enemies will become friends? An end to sufferings, sorrow, pain, and hardship? I don't think so.

The new tolerance states that we need cannot judge, but must be tolerant and accepting of others values and beliefs. So? This means the Muslims', Buddhists', and atheists' beliefs, values, and lifestyles are all equally true and valid. Which in turn means I have no higher moral ground to stand upon in which to judge them.

Well, sure, I don't want to condemn them, but their values and lifestyles are not based on Truth. The fool has sad there is no god, but for me to point this out is "politically incorrect" and "culturally insensitive". In effect, our message has been emasculated. The Gospel is no longer good news, merely another news outlet. I can no longer say that abortion is sin, homosexuals go to hell, or that Mohammed was delusional, or sincerely deceived.

What about that sweet email? That is what we are reduced to sending each other. False and foolish seductions that don't set the captives free.

It is true that we are worried about offending our friends, so we don't speak the truth in fear of harming our friendship. Yet, it is coming to the point where we will not be allowed to speak the truth in our own blogs, or from our own pulpits. The though police will be watching and listening to correct us, much like in China.

I don't want to live in China, so, thanks for the email, but I prefer to hear the truth.

Bush w/ a Sword

"'The American people expect me to do everything in my power, under our laws and Constitution, to protect them and our civil liberties,' he said."

So, President Bush thinks he can spy on the American people? He thinks we want him to this?

Sure, I say, I've got nothing to hide. If someone spies on me, what are they going to find? I read too much, and spend too much time online. I'm a good worker, but I spend a little more than I bring in. I've got smart, beautiful kids and a good marriage. The FBI/CIA/NSA can put that in their official records.

Our government was established by God, and given power, a sword, to punish the wicked and reward the good. What have I to fear from my president if I don't cross the line? Nothing. Yet, if I take the sword out of his hand, he can no longer protect me from the evil that lies outside our borders.

And if the evil has crept into our borders, he needs to use it on our own people. Those who would turn against us are not of us anyway. They have become the enemy, and should fear him.

Beware, Bush has a sword, and he's not afraid to us it.

Diet Coke or Mountain Dew

There is a commercial I saw a few times for a new diet Coke. Coke Zero, or something like that. "Tastes just like real Coke!" the actor exulted.

Really? And he's proud of that? Ewww. There are lots of people proud of their low status, too. "Gay/Lesbian Pride" for example. How about a high tolerance for alcohol? How about 'tolerance' for just about anything?

I remember reading a verse in Proverbs about making heroes out of those who mix drinks. It was the same month Tom Cruise's movie Cocktail came out. Who were the heroes? Bartenders. What kind of sense does that make?

We have made heroes out of many people in so many professions. Why do we idolize sports figures, actors, and musicians? I have a theory.

Those we look up to are those we seek to emulate. Which is easier--the professional athlete, or the doctor? Either you're born to be 6'6" with muscles all over, or you're not. You can influence this somewhat, but not that much. How about being a doctor/nurse/etc? Go to school and learn. There are some who cannot learn, but not that many. I beleive most people, if they tried could achieve a college education (assuming they have the financial capability, which isn't always true.)

When our heroes have high standards, it is easier to pick someone else rather than try to live up to their standards. Why not become a Christian? It's too hard being Christ-like, all those "do's and don't's." Billy Graham or Brad Pitt? Whose richer? Whose holier? Which is easier?

Besides, when we fail because of genetic pre-disposition, its easy to explain our failures as not being our fault. I could never play basketball because I'm only 5'2". I didn't get the breaks to be another Michael Jordan. Its not my fault.

But God has given me everything I need to be holy. His Holy Word explains what He desires, Jesus modeled it, and the Holy Spirit gives the strength I need. What is the reason for failure? I didn't try.

Which is easier to live with? Its not my fault, because I'm short. Or it is my fault, because I failed to try.

Am I going to strive for excellence (like Mountain Dew), or settle for mediocrity (tastes just like Coke)?

'Christmas under Siege around the World'--Say What?

"While the public expression of Christmas is being debated in heated cases across the states, millions of Christians around the world and their religious freedom are literally under attack."

I'm sorry. Did I miss something here? Since when does Christmas equal Christian? Don't get me wrong. The birth of my Saviour is very important to me. I believe He is human, born of a Virgin. I believe He lived, died, and rose again. To relieve me of my debt of sin.

What I don't believe is that Christmas itself, is an integral part of being a Christian. "Keep the Sabbath." "Love the Lord your God." "Love your neighbor." "Pray." "Fast." These are all part of the Christian life. Christmas is not.

My inlaws do not celebrate Christmas, for deeply held Christian reasons. They dug through the Bible, and truly believe it is a pagan holiday that true Christians should have no part of.

My parents, on the other hand, know that its deepest roots are truly to be found in paganism, but believe that it has been redeemed, and they celebrate with joy the birth of Jesus.



My wife and I did not celebrate it for the first decade of our marriage. My first year away from home showed me how shallow my vision of it was. Without close friends and family, Christmas was empty and hollow. Nothingness wrapped in lights and tinsel and bright paper. But we pushed through, and celebrate a little now. A simple tree, a few gifts, not a lot. But more than abhorrence and derision.

Anyway, that was all beside the point, really. My point being, this article makes it sound like the 'attack' against Christmas is a form of persecution. (If you look deep enough and see Satan behind all forms of persecution, then this is true.)

But honestly, can I truly put myself in the same boat as North Korean Christians because my son can't pray at school. Or we can't put a manger on the city hall lawn? The 100 million christians in China are ecstatic they know someone who know someone who has seen a bible once. (Okay, that's a little exageration. But just a little one.)

Christmas is fun, but if you take it away, I'm still a Christian. Take away my Bible, my church, my family and my job because I'm a Christian, then I'm being persecuted. Take away my life, then I'm a martyr.

Please, for the sake our Brothers and Sisters in Chains around the world, don't confuse Christmas with Christianity.

Ghorban is a Christian martyr

“O people, remember that Ghorban is a Christian martyr who laid down his life for the sake of Christ,” she said, according to VOM.

“I now have realized how real Jesus and the Christian life was for Ghorban, that he was willing to give his life for His sake.”

This was his wife speaking. Someone called, asking to meet him at the park, to seek knowledge of Jesus. The anonymous man never showed up, and when Ghorban showed up, three men attacked him. They stabbed him in the stomach, back, and throat. "This is what happens to infidels," they said.

What do we say? Praise God. The death of his saints is precious in his eyes. I thank God for another martyr. Maybe his death will move me to be more Christ-like.

Remember Ghorban, and pray "that God will use Ghorban’s death to bring about a great revival among Turkmen people."

Indian Christians Homeless after Recent Burnings

Indian Surprisingly, eight Christians from the village have been arrested by the police and are being held in custody

.

Surprised? This happened in India. So I'm not really surprised. India is a repressive nation where this happens alot.

You know what is surprising? Hindu extremists burned 15 homes down while they were at church. When they got out of church, the Christians were beaten, and eight of them arrested.

What?! Does that make any sense? Not to me. You know what else? I bet the majority of the American Church will never hear about this incident.

That is even sadder.

Large Font

The Vikings, winners of three straight thanks to some very unlikely late rallies, were just issued a 77-page manual on proper behavior, covering everything from lewd and lascivious conduct to smoking. ''Basically everything was, 'Be smart,' '' Marcus Robinson said. ''Just be smart about everything you do, on and off the field.'' It took 77 pages for that? Must be a really big font.

Funny thing, that. The more prosperous and successful we are, the more we tend to ignore rules. It doesn't matter if you're a child, like my adorable 4-year-old girl who is so cute she can get away with a lot, or a really rich public figure, like a football player, or an ex-president.

Eventually, we all run into a wall called authority. Someone above us tries to remind us of reality. "You can't do that! You say everyone is doing it? That's because they're all following your example!"

The Vikings published a 77-page pamphlet on proper behaviour. It was boiled down to 'Be Smart.' Oh yeah, Jesus said it better. "Love God. Love your neighbor."

Talk about large font, is that big enough for you.

Chocolate pie

Thanksgiving Dinner was really good. Both of them. I brought rolls and sugar cookies to work for our potluck. Afterwards, I went to my in-laws for our family dinner. More turkey, stuffing, potatoes, green beans, and pie. I am so full right now.

This is a picture of Hope putting whipped cream on the chocolate pie. I hurt. I have eaten chocolate, cherry, and pumpkin pie, as well as my sugar cookies.

Want my sugar cookie recipe?

1 c. sugar
1 c. powdered sugar
1 c. butter or oleo
3/4 c. cooking oil
2 beaten eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
4 1/2 c. sifted flour

Cream together sugar, powdered sugar, butter, and cooking oil. Mix all ingredients together and then chill dough. Form into small balls. Place on a cookie sheet, and flatten with bottom of glass dipped in sugar. Use ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 until golden brown. (I cook mine for 8-9 minutes.)

Cool tats

My children, the rebels!

My parents gave them some tatoos, and my son just found them in the clutter of his room. So, he needed them now. And what he has, she wants too.

At least they have good taste.

"Discovered"

"They have not discovered thine iniquity." The word 'discovered,' in the King James Version, has a multitude of meanings.

We think of discovered as finding something that was hidden or lost. Finding treasure, lost keys, or true love.

But a more modern rendering of this word would be "to reveal." To make known that which was unknown.

And that was a big failing of these prophets.

We tend to think of prophecy as relating to End Time events. And surely it does, but that is a narrow view. Prophecy is much more 'forth-telling' than it is 'fore-telling.' Plainly speaking the revealed Word of God for todays people.

These prophets were sent to tell of Israel's future, but their future could have changed if they had changed their present actions and attitudes. "Stop sinning. Stop the outward obedience. Bring your hearts close to God, not just your lips. Lift up the weak, the orphans, the widows. Mercy and justice. Compassion."

This message might have saved Judah from destruction. If they had listened and obeyed. If they had truly repented.

But, as Paul says in the epistle to the Romans, "how can they hear if no one is sent." Did God send these prophets, only to have his message twisted by them? Or did they desire the power and acclaim for themselves, and proclaim themselves to be prophets?

I don't know. But, this I do know: They didn't help the people they were meant to serve.

Bad Info = Bad Choices

False & Foolish Visions--What is false? Webster's Dictionary says it is 'not comformable to fact.' It communicates what is not true. It could be intentional, with the purpose of deceiving, or unintentional, being based on flawed knowledge.

What is foolish? It means to be void of understanding or sound judgement. Void, empty. Useless, possibly dangerous.

I live in a desert. Last year we had two people come here riding dirt bikes. They didn't know the area, and rode into an open mine, or a well. I don't remember which. It was 700+ feet deep. One lived, one didn't. It was a void, an empty place in the desert. A dangerous place.

Visions, in the scriptural sense, are revelations from God. He used, and still uses them, to inform his people of his will. Sometimes of future events, direction for our lives, wisdom for handling current situations.

What happens when we receive false and foolish visions? Look at the world around us. Wars and rumours of wars. Abortion. Divorce. Freedom from religion. The list goes on.

President Bush is accused of twisting the facts to lead us into war. Earlier, the CIA was accused of twisting the data. Who knows? Personally, I don't think anyone lied to us. We got the data, and misinterpreted it. (Or waited too long to act on it.)

Bad info leads to bad choices.

Star Student

Woohoo! Ryan is student of the day. That means he gets to lead the class when they leave the room.

He was excited, and I'm excited for him.

BTW, I'm not sure what happened to the picture. I'm gonna try re-sending it, and see what happens. Maybe it'll turn out better.

Christian channel opens in Egypt

On the surface, this sounds like good news. It sounds like flame to the oil to me.

"The bishop in charge of Aghapy TV says the channel will not carry anything that could upset Muslims." But here is another statement, three paragraphs later: "Last month three people were killed when Muslims tried to storm a church in Alexandria because a play had been performed there two years earlier (emphasis added)which was deemed offensive to Islam."

From what I have seen, it won't matter. Give them a few months, a few years. Something will be misconstrued, misunderstood, or purposely twisted, to enflame mobs.

Christians will get hurt. Blood will be spilt. But we know, from history, that where the message of Christ is proclaimed, Satan brings opposition.

Why did we go to war?

I'm sick of all this. Bush mislead us? He lied to us? I think I'm missing something here.

My wife and I both remember 9/11. (Our daughter was born shortly after.) Buildings. Planes. Burning. Death. Massive homicides. Al Qaeda. "Let's go get them!" With me so far?

Where was Al Qaeda, and Osama bin Laden? In Afghanistan. That's why we invaded this little country. What did we do? We declared war on Terrorism.

Why did we invade Iraq? The war on Terror. President Saddam Hussein was allowing terrorists to train in his country, use his resources, funding, supplies, etc.

I was not, and still am not, worried about WBD. "It's not the man with 2 dozen nukes I worry about. Its the man who only wants one." Saddam hadn't threatened us. Nor was he a threat to us. It was the fanatics, terrorists, and homicide bombers who used his country as a base of operations.

How did we get so off track?

Evolution suffers Kansas setback

BBC NEWS ran an article about the Kansas state Board of Education. They voted 6-4 in favor of throwing some doubt on the "facts" of evolution.

Finally. We can't teach creationism, because we can't teach religion. (But safe sex is okay.) Creationism has been redefined as 'Intelligent Design.' Can't these people get it through their thick heads. Intelligent Design does not presuppose Deity, just someone, or a race of someones, vastly more powerful than us. Someone who could create life as an experiment.

Arthur C. Clarke dabbled with this in 2001: A Space Odessey. An alien race took an existing group (monkeys/apes) and taught them to use tools, etc. Other authors have written along this basic theme also.

Yet people are terrified that I will force my morality on them if we even suggest that evolution isn't hard fact. After reading this article, all Kansas wants to do is tell students that there are problems, and that evolution is an unproven theory. So what, it is. As far as I know, no one has yet duplicated it in a laboratory anywhere. Any other theory has to be repeated by outside people before it is widely accepted.

I read a quote on another website tonight by a Chinese scientist, I believe. In China, they can criticize Darwin, but not the government. In America, we can criticize the government, but not Darwin.

Visions

Something here seemed off to me, until I read a little blurb in one of my commentaries. Why are these "things" they saw called visions. False, misleading, vain, and foolish. Read different translations and you'll see even more descriptive terms. But they are all called visions. Why?

Because ... they really were visions. Jeremiah wasn't the only prophet God had. He tried moving through many people. A lot of them had visions. Visions of Israel's future. The time of the Messiah. Glory and riches. Leadership among the nations. The thousand year reign of the Christ.

They sort of left out all the intervening years. The years of wandering. The years of slavery. Blood, smoke, death. Romans and Nazis. Millenia of anti-semitism.

Yes, they had visions. But they twisted them for the pleasure of their hearers. God's Truth mangled in such a way as to become dangerous to the hearer.

Lam 2.14--'for you'

"The visions which your prophets have seen for you."

It sounds to me like they had a specific target audience in mind. That's not a bad thing, if the message isn't affected. You have to change the format of your message to fit the crowd you are speaking to. Children learn differently than adults. Groups of adults learn differently from other groups. Lecture vs. multimedia vs. Veggie Tales. Put it into language the audience will understand.

But don't change the message. These prophets of ancient Israel, and maybe modern America, have skewed the message of God to fit the hearers desires, not their needs. This group of prophets forgot that they were anwerable to God, not to the people.

The visions may have been authentic, but they had been filtered for the people's short term comfort.

Lamentations 2.14

The visions of your prophets
were false and worthless;
they did not expose your sin
to ward off your captivity.
The oracles they gave you
were false and misleading.


I read Lamentations a few weeks ago, and this verse stuck in my mind. The more I look at it, the more pieces I see. I hope to take the time here to break it down into individual components, and eventually rebuild it into one mosaic. I was about to say "beautiful mosaic," but I'm not sure there is anything beautiful here, unless it be the naked truth.

The first phrase is "the visions of your prophets. Yours, not God's. Ours. Mine. Not God's prophets.

Who appointed these men to be prophets, if not God? Oh, wait a minute. I seem to remember something about gathering men to tickle our ears. We want to feel good about ourselves. We are prosperous, happy, content. Doesn't the Bible say God wants to bless us?

(oh wait, maybe I'm confusing "our prophets" with the "the whole truth".)

"Raise your hand if you need help!"

I am Batman!

Isn't he just adorable. Thats my little boy. He got a mask, and I found our barber's cape, and he's all set.

Of course, since he's in school, he has to raise his hand to do anything. He wants us to follow suit.

It seems a bit unwieldly to me, but its his imagination. Who am I to wake the dreamer?

Quick Faith

"That we ought to quicken, i.e., to enliven, our faith. "

This book is broken up into a couple different sections: Conversations, and Letters. The first part appears to be a recollection of, well, conversations, that the author had with Brother Lawrence.

The first conversation lists several basic tenets of Christian life. Nourish ourselves with God. Spend time with God. Give up the world. Things like that. Basics.

Who wants basics? I want something new, something exciting! I have a closetful of movies and music I hardly listen to, and boxes of books I haven't unpacked yet. I want them, because I might watch, listen, or read them again. But I still go out and buy new things. The same with food. Forget the hot dog, I want a "Death Dog," loaded with chili, cheese, and whatever else I can fit into the bowl or onto the plate. I like the Chinese buffet, because I get a wide assortment of foods, and not the everyday steak and potatoes I'm used to eating.

Unfortunately, when we start seeking the new, the titillating, we get used to it, and need greater stimui. More food, spicier food, bigger books, longer movies, more violence and sex in our moview and videogames.

New experiences in church. New highs in our prayer life and devotional reading. Brother Lawrence said we need to give ourselves up to God, with regard to material things AND spiritual things. Seek our satisfaction only in Him. Stop amusing ourselves with trivial devotions. Remain faithful, especially in the dry times. It is here we prove our love for God, and at these times advance spiritually.

Paying it Backwards

I was reading a book, a particularly gruesome book, Journey into Darkness. A nineteen year old girl is brutally raped and murdered. A few years later, her father has a root canal, but refuses to take the painkillers afterwards. He explained that he had asked God to take his pain, that he voluntarily suffered, and subtract it from the pain his daughter had suffered. He continued to that, and may still do it for all I know.

I was sitting in church about 10 years ago, and listened to a man testify to God's grace. His daughter, or granddaughter, I don't remember which, had the flu. He also prayed. He asked God to take the flu from her and give it to him, just so she would feel better. She got better, and he got sick. Praise God! Praise God?

Unless I missed something here, God doesn't work that way. I don't remember that ever happening in the Bible. Although I do seem to remember something about air-borne diseases. If you share the household with a sick person, there are good chances that you will also get sick.

Besides, didn't the Bible say something about "by His stripes we are healed." It seems utterly ridiculous, to me, for me to take to myself a debt that has already been paid by someone else. If my children are sick, there is no reason for me to take their sicknesses when Jesus already has. Stupidity, if you ask me.

Back to the first man. Do I believe God can take my pain, apply it to someone else's situation, and relieve them by that much? Yes, He can. Does He? I don't think so. Its a nice sentiment, and it probably helps the father deal with his pain, but I don't really think it helps the victim.

If I want God to help someone, I will pray for them. What can I offer that Jesus hasn't already done? It may sound crass, but I would rather take care of myself, my health, and ask Someone much more qualified to deal with the situation.

Oooh, bad idea...

I can't help thinking this is a bad idea.

What is New Orleans known for? Mardi Gras, the last big hurrah before we enter the lent season, just before Easter. Although I've never been there, it sounds like one huge debauchery. Wine, women, and song. And lots more that probably isn't even legal.

Two Level 5 hurricanes demolish the city and put most of it underwater. Its nearly destroyed totally, thousands dead, lawlessness running rampant. It makes me think of the history of Israel. The people would turn from God, and God would punish them, and they would return, for a while.

In the book of Judges, the Israelites returned to God. Under the kings, over a period of centuries, they turned farther and farther away, with renewals becoming rarer. And finally, destruction. Israel scattered, and Judah in captivity. They return, and 400 years later crucify their own Messiah, Jesus Christ. 40 years later, Jerusalem is razed, the temple destroyed, and the nation is no more, for around 1900 years. May 1948, I believe, is when the modern nation of Israel was reborn.

America has seen what God can do. He used foreign countries to punish Israel. Could He use the forces of nature to do the same to us? Yes. Is He? I don't know.

But I think expanding the gambling industry to help restore this area of our country is a dangerous idea.

2002 Kia Sedona

Well, here it is. Our new-ish vehicle. I've been wanting a mini-van, but I didn't expect it under these circumstances.

My wife's car didn't pass its smog test, and we really need two. I go to work several hours earlier than she does, before she or the kids are even out of bed. She needs a car to take them to drop them off before she goes to work, and I need one to get them after work.

I convinced my wife to buy a bicycle for us to share instead. I'd ride it to work, then down to her job, get the car, and pick up the kids. It would have saved us ALOT of money, if I could have ridden it far enough. Alas, its been a long time since I rode. I only made it three blocks before turning around and struggling back home. That was Sunday night.

I scurried around Monday checking out the places we didn't get to over the weekend. We ended up going back to the one we looked at first on Friday evening. What a waste of time.

But, we have a mini-van. And a new bike.

Consumed

"That this view had perfectly set him loose from the world, and kindled in him such a love for GOD..." Isn't that wonderful.

Yes, its something I desire for myself, and my family. I want us to be wholly devoted to, and sacrificed to, God. I can, theoretically, spend the whole day in prayer. As I meet people at the hospital, I can say a silent prayer for their ills, or their personal/family life. Believe me, I've seen more ... um ... bad things ... than I believed possible. Yet they keep coming. And I could pray for them. Be in constant dialogue with our Father. I don't, as of yet. Its an aspect of my life I need to work on still.

Reading the Bible, memorizing, witnessing, fellowshipping with fellow saints: these are more difficult. I begin to understand Paul when he said that a soldier doesn't entangle himself with the affairs of the world. And Jesus' statement about hating your family becomes clear. At times, if I'm going to have quiet time, alone with God, I have to tell my beloved wife and darling children to just get lost and leave me alone. "God is more important than you," may be a true statement, but I just haven't brought myself to say it yet.

Brother Lawrence had an epiphany at the age of eighteen. A love and desire for God consumed him from that day on it seems. Thats wonderful for him. I don't want to sacrifice my family, but I do want them to be consumed in their own flames of devotion to God. But, I have to be on fire before they can catch on fire too.

Practice

The Practice of the Presence of God is a favorite of mine. I'm glad I found it online here. I'm hoping to read through it in the mornings and comment on it. Reading is good, but having to think deeply enough about a topic in order to talk knowledgebly about it requires true understanding.

Read slow, read deep.

WOW! Isn't my son incredible?! I know, they're simple words, but he's only in first grade. He's had three or four tests now, and hasn't missed a single word yet. 

Off of Reading

The American Spectator has an article about a man who can't read anymore. Not that he's illiterate, or blind. He's just burnt out on it for a while, which really is too bad. I know how he feels.

He stuck watching tv. A lot of sports, from baseball and football to tennis and golf. I'd have to be pretty desparate before I watched tennis or golf. Its hard navigating through the channels avoiding news and reality tv. That doesn't leave a whole lot to watch.

Not able to read. Its tough. I have a lot of books. My father-in-law hates helping us move because of all the books we have. But every once in a while, nothing sounds good. What shoud I read now? Philosophy, or fantasy? Biography or mystery? The list goes on and on and on. Read something new, or an old favorite. There just isn't enough time.

ON my desk, right now, I have a chronological bible and three daily devotional guides. But its hard to get into them. Mornings are my best times. Its quiet, I'm awake, and the kids are awake. So is my wife. All I have to do is get myself ready, but I still don't usually pick up the bible to read it. I want something that feels more exciting.

But, every time I open it back up, I enjoy reading it. No matter where I turn, its good. Maybe not thrilling adventure on every page, but its there too. Philiosophy, biography, adventure, and everything else I desire.

Its time to stop "feeling" and just do it.

My daughter just turned 4. And she is all girl. She loves clothes. She loves shoes. She loves pretty outfits, purses, ponies, Barbie, Bratz, and princesses of all shapes and sizes. Happy Birthday to her. 

The Journey of Ten-thousand miles

"Children, draw near to your Father, and He will embrace you in the arms of love! Come, ye poor, stray, wandering sheep, return to your Shepherd! Come, sinners, to your Saviour! Come, ye dull, ignorant, and illiterate, ye who think yourselves the most incapable of prayer! ye are more peculiarly called and adapted thereto. Let all without exception come, for Jesus Christ hath called all."

This dovetails in with what I remember from Watchman Nee. My current standing with God does not rely on my current actions, or lack of them. I can pray anytime.

This is important to me now because its been so long since I really prayed. I've got lots of excuses. The biggest ones being children. They throw a wrench into anyones schedule. Then there is work. Being at work at 6:30 in the morning makes it real hard to get up any earlier than I am. And going to bed earlier is just as hard.

The point being, how can I just show up? I feel like someone who stood up his date, and now needs to make up. Do I bring flowers, chocolate, both, a real expensive dinner? Or do I just give up and hope to find love with someone else? Except, with God, He is the only one out there. No more millions of fishes in the ocean.

How do I come back? With boldness, because Jesus is there. Its not my actions, attentiveness, or anything else. I represent Jesus. Jesus is always welcome.

So, I don't need to feel guilty about my laxness. I can still come into his presence.

Thank God for that.

The 65th Commandment

When you've found the best move there is, look for a better one.

I was given this list of chess "commandments" while on the high school chess team. I remember such things as "knights on the rim are grim" and no doubled pawns. Don't bring your queen out too early. Things like that.

Somebody had sribbled a 65th commandment on the bottom of the photocopied sheet I had. "Always look for a better move." You know what, it helped out.

Pastor Joe was talking about that today in church. Looking for a better way to love. I love my wife and children. How do I show them my love? Can a find a better way? Probably. God did.

Our Father put us in the Garden. Then, promised a way back to paradise. He gave us rules, laws, proverbs, examples. Finally, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, so we could see what He was like. Then sacrificed Jesus so our debts could be met, paid for in full. Jesus died for us.

Dave Roever lay at the bottom of a river in Viet Nam, dying because a phosphorus grenade blew up in his face. He remembered the verse "to die is gain." Although dying hurt, death held no fear for him. Death is only a door to new life. He was ready to embrace Eternity.

But God interceded, reminding Dave of the first part of this verse. "To live is Christ." Dying would have been the easy way out. Life was much harder. Life is much harder.

Life always is harder. Maybe that is why suicide is called the easy way out. Ask any man, and he will tell you he is willing to die for his family. Moving bus? No problem, I'll jump in front of it. Armed burglar? Just my underwear and the light switch, maybe a baseball bat.

But don't ask me to fold the clothes, or wash dishes. And certainly don't ask me to watch the kids for the evening, or get up at 4 in the morning to get a glass of water. That is just too much.

I though I only had to go the extra mile for strangers and enemies, not family. And how do I show love for them in this way?

I need to remember the 65th Commandment. Especially as it relates to my family.

The Good Course

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.

This puts me in mind of James 1.5. If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. (Yes, I know there is more to the verse, but this is the part it makes me think of.)

The first four or five chapters of Proverbs reiterate over and over the seeking of wisdom. It also talks of knowledge and understanding, and the fear of the Lord. So, what is the difference between all these things?

I'm not sure I really know, but this is my understanding of things now. Ask me in five or ten years, and you'll probably get a different answer.

Knowledge concerns facts. Like Trivial Pursuit, just knowing about everything. How tall is this thing? How much does it weigh? How fast does it go? What does the law say about something else? Laws of Thermodynamics. Scripture memorization. Quotes of famous people. Engines in vehicles. Year, make, model. Policies procedures. Information.

Understanding concerns how these different facts interrelate to one another. How does the law of thermodynamics affect the engine in my car? If something weighs so much, can I lift it to put it away? What does the Bible have to say about the law that were passed last year, or the ones in the legislature now?

Wisdom, as I understand it, is knowing what to do about a certain situation based on the facts. My car is having problems, so I should ... do this or that to remedy the situation. Okay, not a big problem. I have a relationship that needs fixing. Oh boy. Wisdom is very important here. And wisdom comes from God. I need God's direction here pointing me in the right way. What do I do? What do I say? How? When?

I like Proverbs 2.9. You will discern ... every good course. That is important for me. I tend to be a perfectionist. I also don't believe any one person has all the facts concerning any situation. So, how do you make the right decision? When I lack complete knowledge, my understanding is also faulty, and my wisdom is ...?

I hate working for bosses who tell me that everything is important and everything is a priority. So, if I have two projects to complete, and time enough for one, which one do I do? "Get them both done" isn't really an option, even if its what my manager wants.

Its good to know God gives me wisdom, and shows me which way to go.