When Principles Collide

What do you do when 2 principles collide? Chose one? How about asking yourself the "And" question. Take the two things that you want (or don't want), then ask yourself, "How can I get this and that?"

Clear as mud?

Let's take an example. This is something that we've been doing for a long time that apparently, is not very common in the parenting world. We hold the following 2 principles:

(1) Do not waste food (i.e. eat what you make or take).
(2) Parents should instill good eating habits in their children. 

Now, principle (2) can be broken down into two sub-principles:
(2a) Help your children eat healthy (i.e. eat what you put on the table).
(2b) Do not make your children eat when they are not hungry (i.e. teach them to know their body's limits, don't overeat).

So most parents encourage their children to eat food on their plate, but when the child is declared full, the rest of the food gets thrown away. They wish they didn't have to throw food away, but they don't want to force their children to eat when they are not hungry. This is the typical either/or decision making process that we all fall into. But if you ask yourself the "And" question, your brain will start finding other solutions to follow both of your principles.

How can I encourage good eating habits in my kids and not waste food?

Our solution: Left-over containers!

We make each of our children eat every part of the meal that we give them, but when they are truly full (I leave this up to every parent's good judgement), we tell them to get a left-over container for the remainder of the food on their plate, and they will need to finish this food before the next meal or during a "left-overs" meal. Sound harsh? How else can you follow and teach both principles?

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,
    for the ears of the wise seek it out. -Proverbs 18:15

Self-controlled and Alert!

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." -First Peter 5:18 

I went through this passage with the kids yesterday morning. The focus was on self-control. There had been numerous yelling outbursts from children the day before. Together we defined self-control. We came up with:

When we choose to do good instead of bad without mom or dad telling us.

I was impressed with the accuracy of this definition offered up by our children. Now, applying this truth is the hard part, but my wife tells me that our children showed marked improvement that day. That evening for supper, we practiced self-control at the kitchen table. We summed up the main expectation mom and dad have at the table is, respect. So we practiced showing mutual respect (something I read out of Crucial Conversations that day) by being self-controlled. It went well.

After supper I read Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers to the children. We were on Chapter 10: The Voice of Saruman. After reading a lengthy paragraph where J.R.R. Tolkien is describing the ill effects of Saruman's voice, I thought of a parallel to the Devil. His talk seems pleasant and wise, but it is full of lies. Tolkien describes how someone would have to be very alert in order to think for himself as Saruman is talking, otherwise, they would be overcome by his will and under his spell.

I mentioned the First Peter passage from our morning devotion, and how we need to be self-controlled and alert. Why alert? I also shared the following passage with the children, where Jesus is describing the Devil:
...for he is a liar, and the father of lies.

We talked about how God wants us to be alert, looking for things that are not right, not just going with what everyone else is doing. The Devil is constantly feeding us lies. Be alert! Be grounded in the truth of God's word. A lot of things sound good, but lead to destruction.

Then, during our Advent Day by Day devotional, we read of Jesus being tempted by the Devil for 40 days in the wilderness. I asked the children, "Can you imagine having to listen to Saruman's voice for 40 days without food?" I think it was a powerful point that God had aligned for our benefit.

Thank you Lord, for your gracious word of truth. Help us be self-controlled and alert. Amen.

A Week in the Life

I woke up today thinking about all the things I should have done. I had thoughts on blogging. I missed posting something on Thanksgiving blessings, Black Friday materialism, Cyber Monday continued materialism, and Giving Tuesday.

I also felt my smallness this morning. Lying in bed, staring at the dark ceiling. Who am I, God, that you are mindful of me? One man in one bedroom in one apartment in one apartment building in one apartment complex on one street in one city... I could picture the Google map image above our home. How many people are even right here, in the same apartment complex. Why am I not so overjoyed with the gospel that I just have to share everything that I learn at church? Probably because I'm self-conscious, thinking too much about how I look and not enough about what God has done for me.

This last week was very relaxing in a "busy doing things I like" sort of way. I took off from work the week of Thanksgiving. I decided to go deer hunting this year, so I wanted to take off from work to make sure we had enough family time during the week. I spent more time hunting than I had originally planned, but the Lord blessed us with 2 deer for our freezer (something that has not happened in a while). All day Thanksgiving was spent building relationships with hunting buddies that I haven't seen in a while. Then, I made it back in time to go Black Friday shopping with my wife and her sister. More for sister bonding time rather than finding really great deals on Christmas presents. Slept a little bit Friday morning and visited with my wife's family. Saturday was recovery day with in-home bible study/social in the evening. Later that evening, we went over to the home of  some church friends, who not only invited me to go hunting with them this year (which I did), but also helped me get a deer and processed it for me. They had a box of meat waiting for us that evening!

Sunday was great as usual. I love going to church, learning God's word along side a bunch of fellow sinners. People that are forgiven by God's grace and want to live better lives according to God's will, not so they can look better, but so they can serve their God better.

My wife and her mother attended an Advent by Candlelight service that evening, while me and her dad watched the kids (and the football game).

The week was full of blessings. Not just blessings to be thankful for, but tools to serve God. I wish we would start using the word "tools" instead of "blessings." We tend to keep blessings for ourselves, but we always use tools to accomplish something.

Now, after a week of exhilarating rejuvenation, I am remembering all the things that I had committed to before that week. I need to catch up on catechism lessons with my oldest daughter, I need to focus on Chairman duties, finish reading about 6 books, look for a house, finish getting Christmas presents, and blog...well, one down and a lifetime to go.

God, thank you for work. Help me work faithfully.

BIG Exception

So as I was driving to work, wrestling with thoughts about the ticket, one of my excuses was, “Why can’t I have an exception to the rule? It wasn’t a big deal. I deserve to have a spot to park.”

But God answered, “I’ve already given you a big exception, the biggest exception there is! Do you really want more?”

Ouch. That’s a nagging thought that prods the ungrateful redeemed sinner. So I was lead to confess my sin, I was made willing to receive the consequence of my action, and accept the Lord’s rebuke. But at the same time, and with the same conviction, I felt compelled to ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness from God surely came as soon as I confessed my sin and humbled myself before Him, but I also felt compelled to ask for earthly forgiveness.

Here's an aside: That morning, before I got the ticket, I woke up unusually early, 5:33 am. And I woke with the thought, “I need to move the car! Before 6, and then it should be fine.” But I didn’t run right out and move it. No, that would be too rash. It’s not that important. I decided to get ready for work first, and just leave for work before 6. Well, I should know by now that I can’t get out of the apartment that fast. I got to the car at 6:15, and the time on the ticket was 6:00 exactly. I could NOT believe it! I also couldn’t help, but think that God had woken me that morning, told me to move the car, and I hesitated. Foolish. 

Back to the original timeline, I’m driving to work, feeling the need to ask for forgiveness.

I call the apartment office. I know it’s closed right now, but if I didn’t do it now, it might not get done. I’ve hesitated once already this morning and that didn’t work out too well. So I leave a message asking to speak with the person in charge of parking. I work, attend a meeting, work some more, then, late morning, I get the returning phone call. It’s the property manager (not the same name that was on the ticket). I explain what happened and asked to speak with the parking person. He kind of brushed off the request and asked some more questions to clarify the situation. I told him some more background to the story, and he responded, “Yeah. We really don’t want anyone parking in those spaces at any time without a handicapped permit.”

I was silent. I had no excuse for my actions. No defensive statement. God had washed all that away. I was guilty, deserved the ticket, and I was ready to receive it.

He continued after a brief pause, “You can bring the ticket into the office, and I will write a letter to the police department and tell them to ignore the ticket request.”

What? Did I just hear him correctly?  I’m not going to get a ticket? I quickly gather my thoughts as best I can, and tell him I’ll be there sometime today to get him the ticket, and all else I can think to say is a heartfelt, “Thank you!”

Wow! Our God is good!

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”–1 John 1:9 

Would my ticket have been cancelled if I had not repented? I don’t think so. Because the Lord loves me, and if I did not repent, then He would bring the full measure of consequences on me, so that I would eventually turn towards him to be saved.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”– Hebrews 12:11

I am blessed. When we learn the true depth of our despair in our reckless sin, only then, can God show us his boundless love and mercy. To reduce our sin is to reduce Jesus’ work. How great is our God and how awesome are His ways! Humble yourselves before the Lord.

“For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.”– Psalm 149:4

Really Dad!?

So says the rebellious teenager,

“I can’t believe I would get in trouble for this. The rule is stupid! I was only parked there for six hours, and there is never any parking at the apartment complex, which has NO assigned spots. We got back late last night, and I was frustrated with all the gas stations that turn off their pumps at midnight. I have a credit card, why turn the pumps off? We had stuff to carry into the apartment, and I knew I was going to leave early in the morning…there’s never anyone parked in that handicap spot. This is ridiculous! The one time…really Dad!?”

That’s exactly what I felt like…a teenager. Perhaps teenager in faith. In reality, these thoughts and words were thought and said by a 29-year-old father of 4 young children who happened to get a rare night out with his wife to a wedding (that’s about the extent of the special event budget).

What am I supposed to learn? Why do I always have to follow someone else’s rules? Especially when they are ridiculous to me. Why do I think I’m right? Why does it feel like everyone gets a shot at me, and I just have to take it…or pay it? How do all these other people afford these houses? Is their credit maxed? Why does the government take money when I get paid, when I pay, when I invest, when I start a business, when I sleep, when I eat, when I serve, when I park, when I ride my bike, when I want to help someone out, when I hunt, when I “own” property? Why can’t I provide for my family? What’s wrong with me? Why do I always want an exception? Why do I always want a short cut? Why do I always get caught?

"The Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in" Proverbs 3:12

I got to work after a long road of wrestling with my thoughts, asking God questions, and getting back answers I didn’t like. I took the stairs to the sixth floor and as I am huffing and puffing, a coworker happened to strike up a conversation with me. Usually I just say everything is fine, but I took the opportunity to lay out my frustrations. He sympathized with me. Afterward, walking to my desk, I felt lighter. Why don’t I talk to other people more? God blesses me through other people. I don’t have to have it all together. Sometimes I can just let out what I’m dealing with, and they can see my life, and they can see that my only hope is God. That’s who I am, God’s child. Trying to grow up. Rebellious at times, but I know the heart of my Father. He is good. I know this because He has shown his boundless love to me in more ways than I can remember and in depths that I can only share with close friends.

Yes Father, I’m listening. I’m sorry. It hurts, but you’re right. Rules protect all of us. It is selfish to expect exceptions. Respect those in authority. By following, you will lead. People will be able to trust you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1Peter 5:8

It Doesn't Matter…

There is a lot of depression in American society. There is a lot of medicated diseases and disorders. There is a lot of indulgence in entertainment to drown out reality. There is a lot of drinking, drugs (prescription or not), and sex. There is a lot of hurt people hurting people, grasping at something new, something deeper, something to fix what’s broken. I’m broken. You’re broken. We’re broken. And collectively, we make up a broken society. Remember…

It doesn't matter where you live.
It doesn't matter what you do with your time.
It doesn't matter that you have poured your life into your work, and now your personal relationships are crumbling.
It doesn't matter that you’re not promoted.
It doesn't matter that your work feels unimportant, that you could be replaced, or that anyone could do your job.
It doesn't matter what you wear, how you look, how you feel.
It doesn't matter that you lost your sunglasses, lost your life savings, lost your children’s respect.
It doesn't matter that you are a decade behind the technology trends.
It doesn't matter that you've been eating the same peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for lunch almost every workday for ten years, and you still can’t get out of debt.

It doesn’t matter that you are poor, weak, or dumb.
It doesn’t matter that your car doesn’t run, your bicycle is rusted, and your toys are used.
It doesn’t matter that your gifts to others, though extravagant to you, are viewed as second-rate presents.
It doesn’t matter that you failed your test, that you’re not going to “make it.”
It doesn’t matter that your kid threw a tantrum in public, and that unsympathizing people give you an eye of judgment or even words of distain.
It doesn’t matter that you embarrass yourself.
It doesn’t matter that your words do not flow eloquently from your mouth.
It doesn’t matter that you are short, tall, fat, gangly, awkward, nervous, anxious, nauseous.
It doesn’t matter that your spouse abandoned you, that your parents abhor you, that your friends betray you.
It doesn’t matter if you are slow, handicapped, disabled, debilitated, demeaned.
It doesn’t matter that others place no value on your life, that you are a mere nuisance in their lives.

It doesn’t matter what you have done.
It doesn’t matter that you screwed-up, lost your temper, killed.
It doesn’t matter that you have abused those around you.
It doesn’t matter that you have justified stealing from work, from family, from the government.
It doesn’t matter that you have judged others to be lower than yourself, that you justify your worth by putting others down.
It doesn’t matter that you try to grab credit wherever you can, deserved or not.
It doesn't matter that you refuse to be wrong.

What do we pursue? What are we searching for? We do not feel whole, so we are searching. Searching to fill ourselves. With what? What will satisfy us? What will complete us? A spouse, obedient children, praise for our work, money, music, movies, sex, drugs, drinking, houses, cars, motorcycles, toys, relaxation, food, technology, church, doing good things, helping others, teaching, learning more, trying harder, living better…No. A thousand times, No! You will still be vastly empty, even if you had these all. Empty. How can you fill an eternal hole with temporal things? We were built for eternity. Our soul has a vast hole cleaved in it by our sin, our screw-ups, our natural bent toward laziness, selfishness, and destruction. The eternal hole can only be filled with the eternal God. 

It does matter that God loves you, values you, chose you.
It does matter that God still chooses to save you from your reckless spiral of despair, your unfulfilled groping at earthly pleasures. He chooses to love you despite what you may have done or said against him, despite where He has fallen on your priority list.
It does matter that God sent his son to wipe out your black record and your dark past.
It does matter that God promises you a home with him where you will rest from the trials of this life.
It does matter that God heals the sick, calms the anxious, restores the disgraced, picks up the fallen, honors the low, elates the depressed.
It does matter that God created all things, holds all things together, and works all things (seemingly good or bad) for the ultimate spiritual good of those who love Him.
It does matter that God creates in me a new heart in likeness to His own, able to love all people in truth.
It does matter that God is truth.

It does matter that you matter to God. You matter. You are held in God’s view as a beautiful new baby that God had to wait many years to receive, as a child that after parenting through many rebellious years finally says, “Thank you for sticking with me. I couldn’t have done it without you. You mean the world to me. I love you!” God sees you as a precious diamond of incalculable value that has been handed down many generations, that was lost, that He sought with all his effort, that was restored to Him, found and unblemished. God sees you as his only child, completely fixated on your well-being. You, His child, that can do no wrong now that you have been restored to the family through Jesus; he wants to lavish you with gifts beyond your comprehension. 

2 Corinthians 4: 6-18

Example of Faith

Sorry for the ramblings here at the beginning of this post. Consider it raw honesty. It will get somewhere, trust me...

I'm tired. I drank too much coffee today and sat through too much training. Or was it too much? What is my limit? Do I have to let this bother me? I'm I really seeing all of God's blessings in my life?

I sat down to write this post because I felt obligated. I haven't been keeping up with it like I want. I read other blogs that put mine to shame. How do they have the time? Have they gone to school for journalism?

Have you ever tried doing something when you're exhausted and find yourself hitting your head against a wall. Consider this my free writing brainstorming warming up exerciserific writing...aahh, that's better.

So I was reading (well, actually listening to) God's word today from First Samuel, and I was reminded again of what a great guy Jonathan was. His father, Saul, was recently anointed the first king over Israel, and he was next in line to the throne. Saul has just picked a fight with the kings of Philistia and now Saul's army is quaking in fear over the size of the Philistine army that has come out to fight them. To make matters worse, Saul has already disobeyed the Lord, and the prophet Samuel has announced that the kingdom will be taken away from Saul's family. 

In the midst of these depressing family circumstances and perilous national security, Jonathan provides a great example of faith in the Lord.  

Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” 

“Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 

Jonathan said, “Come on, then; we will cross over toward them and let them see us. If they say to us, ‘Wait there until we come to you,’ we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands.”

Faith is...

Action
"Come, let's go..."
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Jonathan takes action.

Waiting on the Lord
"Perhaps the Lord will..."
He does not have any selfish motivation like his father, who proved to have a personal vendeta against the Philistines. Saul wanted to prove his military superiority with or without God...and the without God is the part that killed him. Saul's low self-esteem made him want to build himself up through his own deeds. I easily fall into this trap as I seek to serve the Lord. The Devil is right their to say,"Yeah, good job! Look what YOU did. YOU are pretty good. YOU deserve heaven. YOU don't need Jesus; I think your good enough already. If you screw up, just try harder next time and it will all work out. No one needs to know you messed up. Just keep it a secret. Don't talk to God or anyone about it. You have really good intentions. Keep it up. YOU can do it!"

Trust
"Nothing can hinder the Lord..."
Need I say more? Yes! Salvation is found in no one else! Praise be to Jesus Christ, our Lord!

Strong fellowship
"I am with you heart and soul."
It is neat to see how a strong relationship with God brings about strong relationships with others. Jonathan's armor bearer had full confidence, trust, and faith in Jonathan to lead him in the Lord's path. That brings us nicely into the next characteristic of faith.

Leadership
"Come on, then..."
Seriously, come on, then! Follow me. Worship the Lord and praise his name. Tell all the nations what he has done. Through faith we follow Christ and lead others to Christ.

Intelligent
"If they say to us...that will be our sign..."
When you follow God, you look really smart. Now, I'm not saying you are really smart (I have already dis-proven this theory myself). When you trust the God that has set up all natural laws, that knows all personal thoughts, that fills the universe with His presence, that promises to work everything for your good, that has proven himself to be faithful throughout the history of the world; you, my friend, are in really good hands.

With the Lord's help, Jonathan and his armor bearer rout the entire Philistine army. Philistine soldiers are running a muck, fearful, and swinging at anyone who comes close to them, which is usually their own guys. Part of the Philistine army switches sides on purpose, fighting for Israel. Other Israelites join the chase so that the losses on the Philistine army is very great. Ironically, the only thing preventing the Philistine losses from being very, very great is the selfishness of Saul, who prevented the Israelite soldiers from eating until Saul could be declared the victor over the Philistines. Jonathan still honors his father even though he disagrees with his selfish leadership decisions, because Jonathan honors the Lord.

Jonathan was a great friend, humble at heart, and a faithful follower of God.

Lord, help me be like Jonathan!

You Complete Me

So I am reading Gary Smalley’s The DNA of Relationships. Right in the middle of his discussion on taking personal responsibility, he brings up certain lies about relationships that people believe. A popular one is “You complete me” (think Jerry Maguire here). This sounds good on the surface, especially with emotional music in the background. But this is the old compromise relationship, the old 50/50, the old miserable relationship because we expect the other person to hold up their end of the bargain. We also take it upon ourselves to let them know when we notice them slipping. This is a horrible relationship, cold, contractual; there is no room for love to flourish here. And on page 52 in Chapter three, Gary asks this question, “In your experience, do two unhappy people normally form one happy couple?” I think we all have to agree, not usually.

This sent a light bulb moment to my brain, and I immediately sent out a tweet with Gary’s question and added, “Don’t expect your spouse to complete you. Only God can do that.” 

Then, this morning I get an email from Pastor Jeske entitled “Love Your Singleness” The two sources fit well together, and I was quite impressed with the timing (sometimes God has to make things real obvious for me). So I hope you read both Gary’s book and Pastor Jeske’s Grace Moment, and understand better the power of God in our relationships.

Optimism or Realism

Aren't we all realists? It just depends on our view of reality. Some are right and some are wrong. “Optimist” and “Pessimist” are labels we usually assign to others that we are comparing to ourselves, and we use our “realism” as the measuring stick. Even if you think of yourself as a positive person, you don't go beyond your view of reality.

I've read a lot of authors who say, “Be optimistic and you will be successful!” I've found that when I try to be optimistic, I lie to myself. I seem to be trying to believe something that isn't realistic, and therefore untrue, all because I want it to be different. Sometimes this forced optimism is motivated by an improved perception of myself, sometimes motivated by a desire for success, sometimes motivated by my desire to be more Christ-like. But I find myself struggling against “reality.” I’m trying to believe a lie. I’m trying to force a more positive view of the real world. Even if I exercise my creative powers to come up with positive comments to say and compliments to give, I find my mind whispering “Yeah, but…” 

Other books have told me, “Feed the positive voice and drown out the negative voice.” Basically change your subconscious programming, but when I try to rewrite my own view of the world, I lose a little bit of myself and become someone else that I have made up in my mind. I know it’s not me, because I can analyze both people. If I set up an ideal person or image that I want to change myself into, it leads to lots of frustration. First, I’m trying to be something I know I currently am not. Second, I will never flawlessly follow my ideal image (nobody is perfect). So now I've got low self-esteem because I want success, so I try to be the ideal optimist, and I fail to either follow my ideal or I feel fake when dealing with other people. So what’s the answer? 

I want success => I try to be optimistic => I don’t believe myself => I feel fake, and falter => I motivate myself, because I want success => ???

The books say, “You've got to love the process.” Love the process? Like an abused woman staying with her abusive man? The books say, “Hold a dream close in mind.” Hold the carrot in front of the mule. Do the painful work to get what you want. Of course we don’t know what something is truly like until we get it. There may be extreme disappointment if you have sacrificed your blood, sweat, and tears for something of little lasting worth. The dream is whatever you want. It might be good, but it usually isn't. I always want laziness and selfishness. You say, “Well, of course those aren't good. You have to dream of good things.” But you would be surprised how many things fit into these categories. What’s your motive? Don’t be so sure. 

Even a motivation to be more Christ-like can be walking down the path of Pharisees. A moralistic self-righteousness appears in us, putting ourselves on a pedestal and looking down at others who don’t follow the rules like we do. The real motivation is to pat ourselves on the back and say to God, “Don’t worry, I got this whole sanctification thing. I’ll take it from here.” Foolishness.

The only real answer is to find true reality. When you find true reality you don’t have to try to be something different than who you are. You just change naturally to align yourself with reality. It doesn't make sense to oppose reality. You just find yourself running in circles.

Welcome to reality. Not my reality, true reality, revealed only through God’s word.

We are not perfect. None of us. You may have guessed this one already.

God demands perfection. We cannot enter God’s presence with even one wrong thought. We die because we are not perfect.

God sent his son to be perfection for us. Jesus suffered hell on earth so we could spend an eternity in heaven.

We believe in Jesus as our savior through faith, which is given to us by God, the Holy Spirit. We cannot approach God on our own, because of our imperfection, so God comes to us, calling each one of us to repentance. We confess that Jesus is Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. Now God says to us, “I have bought you back from death. I have set you apart. I give you my power, my knowledge, my love. You follow my will. You are my child.” Notice that He does not say, “Now you can try to follow my will. You can try to be my child if you do everything right. I can set you apart if you are good enough. You should do everything I ask you to do.” We will do it, because the work is done. We are confident in Gods’ love and mercy not because we always ask ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” but because we always ask ourselves, “What has Jesus done?” We remind ourselves daily that “It is finished.” and we are God’s children. He is our Father. We ARE different, because that is how He made us. Be free to be yourself, God’s redeemed child. We pray to God and read His word that He has given to us. This communication is the focal point of our relationship.

God constantly watches out for his children. He gives us exactly what we need. He gives us many blessings we can’t possibly count. He gives us opportunities to show love to others. He gives us suffering when we need our faith strengthened or when others need to see our strong faith. Everything is for our benefit. He promises to bless us whichever direction we chose to travel. It will all be for our good, even if it looks like a u-turn. Trust him.
That’s reality. 

Be a realist.

I am a success through Jesus => I trust God’s plan for me => I believe God works for my good => I am motivated by God’s love and mercy to be different

Natural Law

I was recently reading We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident by Oliver DeMille. The whole book is based on natural law, meaning absolute laws of nature and principle, and how these laws are applied to government. It only took until Chapter 3 for the lightning bolt to strike the connection to our church’s sermon series about great questions of faith. The particular sermon that was the lightning rod for Chapter 3 was answering the question, “How can a loving God show so much justice?” Pastor did a great job explaining this seemingly conflicting view, but often times it takes personal connection to really drive the point home. Or just different words that make the connection. Or just repetition until my slow brain can comprehend what is being said. Anyway, somewhere in the sermon, he addressed the topic of Hell, and reading about natural law made something click in a slightly different way. 

Natural law (force) is meant to protect people (self-defense). Natural law is meant to stop the bad in order to protect the good. Force should never be used to force someone to do good (nature of free will). You are free to do whatever you want as long as it is good. God binds himself to natural law. He is just, upholding the law through his power; He is loving, wanting all people to obey the law which leads to ultimate freedom.

We are required to be perfect by God’s law, but we are not forced into one path of service. God supports the good, but restrains the bad. We are not even forced to obey (which would be good); we are only told not to break the law. Sin breaks the law by hurting God and others. God’s law requires that he protect us…from ourselves. The law restrains those that break it for the protection of others (good and bad). God wants to stop the hurt, the chaos. No one does good. Christ had to obey the law as our substitute, give his righteousness to the world, but then God needs to restrain those that reject his righteousness for the sake of those that have received Christ’s righteousness. Ultimately this rejection puts a person into Hell, because God needs to protect those who have obeyed the law (through faith in Christ’s substitution).

If God wants to make all things new to alleviate suffering forever; and if we are eternal beings of body and soul (we don’t just disappear when we die); and if we are not perfect and God is perfect; and if God enabled a substitution of perfectness in his Son Jesus Christ; and if some receive this gift of undeserved righteousness, but others reject this gift of righteousness and cling to their own imperfections; and if God is just (not a liar), upholding natural laws that bind unrighteousness for the protection of the righteous; then God must separate good from bad in order to create the ultimate good environment  (the necessity of Hell).

I also made the connection to parenting. For a while I have been questioning my practice of making my children obey me. In certain circumstances it seemed like the right thing to do, and in others, it seemed wrong. The study of natural law has helped me see the difference. When I uphold the law to protect others (self-defense), the force is right and good. When I force one of my children to do something good, I have taken the law too far. The law (parenting) is meant to restrain evil, so good can flourish freely. The law was never meant to force kindness, caring, love, and generosity. These are meant to flow out of God’s Spirit who is in us. When I discipline one child for the sake of the others, I show love to all my children (and my wife). When I forgive and give our children freedom to obey God’s law on their own. They are thankful (most of the time), and try their best. We all fail, and most times when they are not thankful to follow God’s law, it means I have not displayed God’s love correctly toward them in my discipline. Love by discipline, following my Father’s lead.

There is a lot here, and kind of jumbled. Much of it can be taken much deeper. I recommend reading DeMille’s book, which I started and finished in one day because I couldn't put it down.

I also highly recommend listening to the sermon that connected natural law (justice) to God’s love:  http://vimeo.com/99354475

Or read it here: How can a loving God show so much justice.pdf

Self-esteem Booster

I am a constant screw up. God knows that. He chose me anyway. I have value, because He values me. I do not have to be ashamed of my failures, because God chose me. He loves; He forgives; He heals me. God does not change. I am not good at many things. God knows that. He chose me anyway. I am not successful. Jesus was successful. I am where God has placed me, and I am going where God leads me. And if I go the wrong way, God will make it all come together. And if I will never have worldly success, I will be content with that. I will struggle on to win the prize, to further His kingdom, to help my neighbors, to love my wife and children, to be His. Because He chose me anyway.

Murderers

I had a dream last night, but I’m not sure what exactly it was about. I do remember getting up to write down my dream, because I thought it was a great topic for my next post. I saw that it was only 2:54 am, so I decided to go back to sleep, figuring, “This was so perfect, so memorable, I will definitely remember this later. I can write it down then, and work on it later.” Foolish. God gives us impulses for a reason. He knows my memory is unreliable.

But, in His mercy, He has helped me remember the main theme…

I was in prison, surrounded by criminals, murderers. But I didn't feel fear. I felt like I also belonged there, with them.

This past Wednesday we had an issue in our house. No, that’s not any different than any other day. But this Wednesday our 4-year-old boys were telling my wife that they hated her, which was tearing her apart. She was holding it together on the outside, being loving, but still sticking with the discipline that was required at that time. She left me a voice mail asking for help. I was at work, no way to assert my dominant fatherly influence to protect my wife. I assured her that the boys didn't know what they were saying. (I was also considering monitoring more closely who they play with.) But how could I fix this?

The verse used in my daily devotion that day was Deuteronomy 11:18-19.
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

I quickly compiled the following verses and sent them to my wife so she could use them to teach the boys (and girls):

Proverbs 12:1, Proverbs 13:24, 1 John 3:15, Matthew 5:22, Psalm 34:13, Psalm 120:2-4, Proverbs 21:23, 1 John 4:7-21, Matthew 13:42, Matthew 24:51, Matthew 22:13, Luke 13:28, James 3:10

Guess what? God’s word worked!

The boys stopped verbally abusing my wife. I reviewed with the boys that night what they had learned today. The first response we got was, “Killing someone is the same as murder.“ Closely followed by, “Don’t be stupid.” Of course they remembered the passage that says the word “stupid.” Anyway, they did learn not to hate people (or even say that you do), because God created us to love all people. I guess the passage that really got me, and it was the first one that came into my head, was First John 3:15.

Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.

We are all murderers. We all do wrong, and whoever stumbles at one point, is guilty of breaking all of God’s law. God demands perfection, and we don’t have it. From my pastor to the imprisoned criminal, we all have the same problem. We are murderers.

But why am I so happy? Why did I wake up from my dream with good news to tell? Because God’s grace is HUGE! I realized in my dream that I was a murderer, but Murderer was not my label. That’s not who I am now. I am above it. I am free to leave the prison. I am declared “not guilty.” I am free. God is glad to see me. He even meets me in prison, and leads me out. He welcomes me, even celebrates me. He takes me from death row and gives me life in the name of His son, my brother, Jesus.

I look back, think back to the other prisoners. Do they know? Do they know God has forgiven them? Do they know they don’t have to pay for what they've done? Do they know that I was the same as them? Do they know that God is begging for them to come out of their self-made prisons? Do they know they don’t have to be there?

That’s why I woke up happy. That’s why I am here. To share what God has done in my life. To share the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for my sins, for your sins, for their sins. There are no exclusions. There are no requirements. There is peace.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” -Romans 10

Submission

“What a wretched man I am!”

                   – The Apostle Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus

I want to be great, but find myself struggling to hit average. I feel on top of the world, and then fall headlong , face first, in the dust. I can’t get up, paralyzed, bleeding, broken. My Father comes near to pick me up, heal my wounds, dust me off, clean me up, and send me on my way again. I walk slow at first, watching my steps. Then looking around to see if anyone saw me fall. My wife saw me. I want to prove I can make it…on my own…but that’s clearly not the case. My Father has picked me up many times. That’s reality. That’s the truth. I dishonor my Father by not sharing that truth. It hurts that I can’t accomplish vast success. What is success? Is my worldview wrong?

I keep hearing my Father whisper, “My grace is sufficient for you.”

Is this all I need? Aren’t I supposed to do something great?

“My power is made perfect in weakness.”

But I can’t do anything good!

“No one does good, not even one.”

I’m worthless?…I want to be great!

“All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall…”

What then is left for me?

“…the word of the Lord endures forever.”

Then, what can I say? What can I do?

“Proclaim what the Lord has done.”

That’s it? That’s it? What about my name? I am ashamed of the time you have had to pick me up. I look like a fool, a jerk, a coward. What about being a prophet, a martyr, a saint, a pastor, an author, a generous donor, a…

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much”

How little? Less than I have now? How can I manage on less? What do I have to give up?

“Everything”

Everything? It hurts. I don’t want to let go. I like these things, these habits, these desires. I desire so much, and accomplish so little.

“You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

No, I wouldn’t.

“You boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

Act on every good thought? Follow every rule I know? But what if it doesn’t make sense? What if the law is wrong? What if it makes me lose? Should I follow you to my destruction?

“I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you, and not to harm you.”

Can I trust you?

“Be still, and know that I am God. I am who I am. I am the same yesterday and today and forever. I am the Lord, who makes you holy. I am the Lord your God. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Almighty. I am the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. I am the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, but I have made you alive in Christ. I have saved you. I live in you by the Spirit. I am the cornerstone, your firm foundation. You can do all things through me who gives you strength. You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

Forgive me Lord. 

                                Help me overcome my unbelief! 

                                                                                          Your servant is listening.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

References:

Romans 7:24

2 Corinthians 12:9

Psalm 14:3

1 Peter 1:23

Psalm 118:17

Luke 16:10

James 4: 2-3, 16-17

Jeremiah 29:11

Psalm 46:10

Exodus and others you should find

Psalm 51:10

Revamp

So...I noticed most of my posts stem from my life in Christ and my attempt to follow his lead. Nothing else seems important enough to justify the horrendous effort of writing a post. Making time to sit down at the computer, type out my thoughts, editing, editing, and editing...I could be living my life! I've got so much to do! But I also know the value of tracking where I've been, so I press on.

However, I do think a revamp is required on this blogger journey. I need a new title and mission to better reflect my intent and purpose. I want to live my life, but also reflect on key decisions and lessons learned. I want to focus on the bigger picture, God's picture. He has worked amazing grace in my life, and He is calling me to share it as He unfolds more and more of His master plan for my life. He does this for each one of us, and I pray that you will see God's good grace in your own life.

I will try to do more writing and less stressing about the editing. I'm not the best writer, but it's not about being perfect. God knows I'm not perfect, and I think it's awesome to see what a perfect God accomplishes with imperfect people.

Well..we'll see where this goes...

Ethics Course Evaluation

I took an ethics course through a major university and I was asked to fill out a survey about the course. Below are a few of my answers.

Most liked: Making a decision based on the possible negative perceptions of external parties.

Least liked: Distinguishing the origin and place of Professional Ethics.

Improvement: Don't let atheist religion dominate the ethics discussion. It seems a blatant contradiction to assert that there is no higher authority than humankind, and then to assert that society has placed these obligations of ethical behavior upon us. If humankind is the final authority, then no other human has the right to restrain my actions, declaring some “ethical” and some “unethical.” Our society uses the benefit of the assumption of God, but denies Him credit for establishing absolute principles. If this course is to properly explore the source of Professional Ethics, God must be referenced at some point, or risk appearing very bias in your worldview.

That's all for my survey answers. I don't know if they will change anything. God makes people uncomfortable because we are naturally opposed to him. But yielding to God and His word gives us perfect freedom, which is exactly what we want in the first place.

I can't help thinking about Proverbs 9:10, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." We humans are constantly trying to see the big picture with our limited view. We learn as best we can with the time we are given, but we will never see the whole picture. I leave that up to God. I trust what He says in His word (on a good day). I still have the same natural inclination as you, to trust in myself. But by God's grace, we can be the smartest people in the world by remembering we aren't God.

2014 Life-A-Thon

Running to save lives! There is a walking option too, no training required. :) Check out my page to get event details, to learn more about WLFL , and to find out what you can do to help.

Les Misérables - Grace over Law

This past weekend I watched the movie Les Misérables (2012 version). Also known as Les Mis for short (and for people who don't quite know how to pronounce French). This musical movie is based on the book, Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo, first published in 1862. I have to admit that I have not read the book. I have been looking for shortcuts to pare down my reading list.

What struck me most was the dichotomy of Law and Grace. Inspector Javert represents the destructive power of law while ex-convict Jean Valjean represents the restorative power of grace. Not one of us can hold up under the law. Even Javert was guilty at one point of breaking the law. Where would we be if we had only the law? Condemned until death. The law antagonizes us to fight back and break the law more. We each invariably break the law in some trivial way (i.e. speeding, littering, pushing on the playground). If we are only given the cold law, we push back with our justifications of our actions. We feel we don't deserve punishment. And when we feel we don't deserve punishment, we feel compelled to make our own law in which we are judge, and we can gain some sort of retribution for the "unjust" punishment administered by The Law.

But if there is a just Judge over all people who sees all offenses to The Law, then all people are held accountable to The Law and cannot escape, even if they create a fantasy world of their own law. What can save us from this world of law? Only grace. Don't get me wrong; the broken must be fixed; the offenses must be paid for, but not by us because we cannot. We are naturally opposed to The Law, wanting to do things our own way at the expense of others. But our offenses were paid by Jesus and His hyper-grace. He covers us completely. Through His grace we empower others to live by grace. We are all in the same boat-load of trouble, and we can only make it out through the same gift of grace. There is no life with The Law, and there is no death with The Grace. Thanks be to God!

Jean Valjean is truly a story of the transformation from sinner to saint. God works through him to accomplish much good, even though he is still an imperfect man who makes unknowing mistakes. He rescues a man from being crushed to death, gives to the poor, redeems Cosette, saves Marius from death, and shows mercy to his enemy, Javert. I echo Jean Valjean's own words as he contemplates what kind of a man he will be, "Who am I? Who am I? I'm Jean Valjean!"

Grace...

Over...

Law.

To those who know my wife...

Women, listen to my wife! She is full of wisdom. Heed her words, consider carefully what she says. Her husband cherishes her and craves her. She is his delight. Oh, that you would listen! Oh, that you would test and see the straight path laid before you. Avoid the thorn bushes and snares. Avoid the pit! Do not scoff at the woman who has her husband's praise.

I wrote this a while ago after reading a lot of Psalms and Proverbs (I know, it shows). I realized, yet again, that I have a wonderful wife! I see how she handles herself and how she offers advice after careful thought to other married women. Then I see that advice trampled on. I decided to share this, because I wish you all knew how blessed our marriage has been because of this woman. She is my Proverbs 31 woman.