With all of my years of writing this blog, I don't think I've ever disparaged my little sparrows. They go about their short lifetimes flitting from place to place, chittering and chattering, without a clue that they are a source of entertainment for one little old man. I never see their nests, but I know they have young. I never know their names, but they seem to know one another. They live out their lives without worry or fear of whether they will have enough to eat, or whether they have the latest...whatever is the latest in sparrow life. Human beings seem to be the only creatures who concern themselves with the next moment in life. No matter how many movies Hollywood tries to make showing animals talking or going about their lives, they are actually reflecting us. We are amazing creatures! Apparently unique in our approach to life. We are the only creatures that seem to demonstrate the amazing capacity for love.
The kind of love I'm talking about is not affection, devotion, lust, or loyalty. These traits are commonly attributed to animals, and we see them at work every day in our pets. My wife has a dog, I don't. It's her dog, and I purposely let it imprint upon her. We've given Bea a home now for ten years, and she is a daily part of Glenda's life. Bea brings Glenda joy, and a sense of purpose that disappeared when our children became adults and moved away from home. Bea does funny things that I interpret through my human lens, but I do know one thing, she doesn't love Glenda the way that Glenda loves her. Human love is amazing!
Love is THE amazing! I'm often saddened when I see the word love misused in movies, and in music. Love gets confused with lust, infatuation, interest, and host of other character traits in our modern society. Even Christians who proclaim their belief in the embodiment of love in Christ miss the mark. Our failure to understand love isn't because we don't have examples, it's because real love demands that WE die. Real love stands above selfish concerns, and places the needs of another above ourselves. Sadly, I know I haven't arrived there, yet. No matter how hard I try, no matter what I do, I never seem to move in 'The Amazing' as I see others do. I know why, it's because of fear. The bible tells us that 'perfect love casts out fear', but I watch myself become a victim to fear every day, even when I don't want to.
Today, I see fear mongering in every aspect of our lives. Fear dominates our politics, businesses, and most of our relationships. One thing that alerts me to when love is not the main factor in someone's life is when they say; "But what about me?" The minute I hear that statement in its many variations, I cringe. They've lost sight of the amazing! The minute we begin to wonder if someone around us got more than we did, or received something we didn't, then we've embraced fear and abandoned the amazing. When we're worried that the guy next to us got a raise and we didn't, we've abandoned the amazing. Fear is the thief that robs us of the amazing.
When we are young hormonal animals, we often confuse love with lust. The amazing gets replaced with passion, and passion becomes the driving force. As the premarital counselor for our faith fellowship, I know that passion and lust are the operating factors in the choice of a spouse. As I counsel these young people I try to warn them that the passion they feel now will diminish. I warn them that they shouldn't make the ordinary normal function of reproduction the measuring stick for the amazing.
There never seems to be a consequence for throwing ourselves at one another until it produces the fruit of our lusts. For, while we are creatures capable of amazing love, we are also capable of reproducing that love in the form of children. Then we truly discover The Amazing, and many like myself, realize that we were not prepared for the amazing gift of life entrusted to us. It is from that point on, when we hold the consequences of our passions, that we realize we are looking at the amazing.
Not long ago, I had a DNA test given to me for a Christmas present. I did the test, and have had my eyes opened to the power of the amazing. I won't say how many, and I won't say how they are connected to me, but I've been contacted by a lot of people wanting to know why my DNA showed up in their list of matches. Most of the time, it is people who were given up for adoption looking for their parents. One question I ask is if the adopted person had good adoptive parents, and almost all of the time the answer is yes. I think the bigger question these people are asking is; 'Why wasn't I amazing enough to keep?' 'Why would they abandon me like that?' See what I mean by fear stealing love. It didn't matter that they were loved by complete strangers who chose to make them a part of their lives. It seems to only matter why they were rejected. No matter how I try to help them find whatever parent they are missing, I know they are looking for 'The Amazing.' They are looking for love!
Because this blog is always about the peace of God, let me say clearly that true love brings peace. I've only ever been at peace when I've been embraced in love, or giving love. That is the power of the amazing! Without love there can't be peace, because there is no fear in love. Fear never has peace, but thankfully love will truly conquer all. We just have to let it.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Saturday, March 2, 2019
The Secret to Happiness
There is a secret to being happy. It isn't free health care, free college, free lunches, free houses, or anything politicians try to tell you will make you happy. The secret to happiness isn't in money, things, or even in great power. The secret to happiness is being content. Personally, I believe if more of us subscribed to contentment, it cold help improve the lives of people everywhere. Happiness isn't found just in Christianity, although I believe it goes a long way to making a difference.
Though I profess Christ, and live for my faith, the happiness that comes from contentment isn't in Christ either. I've seen too many people live happily without a faith in Christ to make it a prerequisite for happiness. At the same time I've seen far too many Christians living lives devoid of contentment, and wracked with despair. So, why am I writing about the secret to happiness in a blog dedicated to a profession in Jesus Christ?
The answer to that question is simple; I don't want to see my brothers and sisters in Christ looking for happiness in places that will not bring them any joy.
If you use a clinical description of happiness, you will discover it is fleeting in it's duration, but so powerful in it's force, that it makes everyone of us seek to be happy for but just a moment. Happiness is such a powerful emotion we look for ways to induce it. Within this need for happiness is the root of almost all of our addictions. Our bodies betray us because the 'high' from being happy is like nothing else we experience. The need to be happy whether through artificial means, or through natural means, can lead us into the depths of despair if we aren't careful. That doesn't mean our need for happiness is completely destructive. The 'arts' are born out of happiness. Games, comedies, jokes, hobbies, and yes, even storytelling in its many varied forms are a means to happiness. Sadly, the flood of hormones that accompanies true happiness is limited in its ability to be sustained for long periods of time. The greatest sorrow is when we live our lives in search of happiness instead of yielding to the joy found in every moment. When jobs, marriages, homes, cars, and the accessories of life become the driving force for satisfaction we miss the moments within ourselves that bring true happiness. This opens the door for disappointment, sorrow, and grief, which are far more easily sustained. Somehow, in the rush for a new 'happy' high, we leave the real source of happiness behind. This is true whether we are rich or poor, Christian or non-Christian. When contentment eludes us, happiness quickly flees.
Over my lifetime I've seen great men and women of God become lost and empty vessels devoid of joy, peace or happiness. Christians can easily be fooled into believing that a ministry, study, or even a cause will bring them happiness. Ministries can push you beyond your purpose in Christ into fears of failure fueled by the minister's comparison of their life with those of more successful ministries. People who feel bible study, or the search for spiritual truth can bring happiness often fail to discover that happiness, allowing the study itself to rob them of the joy found in living in the joy of the moment. Probably the worst thief of happiness among Christians is the need to defend their faith or advance that faith into secular causes. I've seen too many good Christians become enslaved to the angrier side of their passions to the point they hate the very people God has called us to reach.
Happiness is found in being content with forgiveness, and forgiving. This is the simple power we all carry within us, but it is the springboard for more joy than you can contain. So much of what I'm seeing in the news media today is driven by a failure to forgive, and let go. Then again, I know we can become consumed by our passions to the point where happiness is driven far from us. Political, cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity are important things when it comes to aligning ourselves in tribes. Belonging to a tribe can be a great source of joy and happiness, but if we allow them to exclude us from tolerance, and contentment, they can suck the happiness out of our lives. You hear a lot these days about 'diversity' but it seems the more diverse we attempt to be as a nation, the more unhappy we become. Diversity robs us of happiness by building walls of 'difference,' and before you know it, you don't have the happiness that comes from tolerating people who are different from you. "Intersectionality" is a word you hear a lot about lately because of the 'diversity' craze. It's the moment when the goals of one 'diverse' group conflicts with the goals of another. Someday, when the dust settles from this crazy need to be unique, we'll wonder how we allowed ourselves to be so overcome with the celebration of diversity. Instead of celebrating our humanity, we become obsessed with defending our uniqueness. At one point or another 'diversity' will bring you into conflict with another diverse person. This is why I said that many Christians aren't happy. Tolerance, which is simply forgiving another person for being different from you, is rarely practiced among denominations. It's the result of hundreds of years of conditioning, and is often based on tribalism, and in that alone, the fear of losing a unique identity.
Contentment speaks of true faith. I've seen it in the lives of those in foreign countries less prosperous than the United States. I've seen happiness in children's laughter everywhere I've been. That is why I can say that happiness isn't found in things, money, or power. Happiness is found in any moment you choose to savor and enjoy. I see it in my simple enjoyment of the sparrows that are carrying on outside my front door. I don't know why it brings me so much joy to look out my storm door and watch the antics of these tiny little creatures who inhabit my front yard. All I know is that they bring a smile to my face, which is usually a clue that I'm happy. It won't last for long, I'll have to close the door because it's getting colder, and they'll have to carry on without my observing them, but they will carry on. That brings another smile to my face.
Though I profess Christ, and live for my faith, the happiness that comes from contentment isn't in Christ either. I've seen too many people live happily without a faith in Christ to make it a prerequisite for happiness. At the same time I've seen far too many Christians living lives devoid of contentment, and wracked with despair. So, why am I writing about the secret to happiness in a blog dedicated to a profession in Jesus Christ?
The answer to that question is simple; I don't want to see my brothers and sisters in Christ looking for happiness in places that will not bring them any joy.
If you use a clinical description of happiness, you will discover it is fleeting in it's duration, but so powerful in it's force, that it makes everyone of us seek to be happy for but just a moment. Happiness is such a powerful emotion we look for ways to induce it. Within this need for happiness is the root of almost all of our addictions. Our bodies betray us because the 'high' from being happy is like nothing else we experience. The need to be happy whether through artificial means, or through natural means, can lead us into the depths of despair if we aren't careful. That doesn't mean our need for happiness is completely destructive. The 'arts' are born out of happiness. Games, comedies, jokes, hobbies, and yes, even storytelling in its many varied forms are a means to happiness. Sadly, the flood of hormones that accompanies true happiness is limited in its ability to be sustained for long periods of time. The greatest sorrow is when we live our lives in search of happiness instead of yielding to the joy found in every moment. When jobs, marriages, homes, cars, and the accessories of life become the driving force for satisfaction we miss the moments within ourselves that bring true happiness. This opens the door for disappointment, sorrow, and grief, which are far more easily sustained. Somehow, in the rush for a new 'happy' high, we leave the real source of happiness behind. This is true whether we are rich or poor, Christian or non-Christian. When contentment eludes us, happiness quickly flees.
Over my lifetime I've seen great men and women of God become lost and empty vessels devoid of joy, peace or happiness. Christians can easily be fooled into believing that a ministry, study, or even a cause will bring them happiness. Ministries can push you beyond your purpose in Christ into fears of failure fueled by the minister's comparison of their life with those of more successful ministries. People who feel bible study, or the search for spiritual truth can bring happiness often fail to discover that happiness, allowing the study itself to rob them of the joy found in living in the joy of the moment. Probably the worst thief of happiness among Christians is the need to defend their faith or advance that faith into secular causes. I've seen too many good Christians become enslaved to the angrier side of their passions to the point they hate the very people God has called us to reach.
Happiness is found in being content with forgiveness, and forgiving. This is the simple power we all carry within us, but it is the springboard for more joy than you can contain. So much of what I'm seeing in the news media today is driven by a failure to forgive, and let go. Then again, I know we can become consumed by our passions to the point where happiness is driven far from us. Political, cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity are important things when it comes to aligning ourselves in tribes. Belonging to a tribe can be a great source of joy and happiness, but if we allow them to exclude us from tolerance, and contentment, they can suck the happiness out of our lives. You hear a lot these days about 'diversity' but it seems the more diverse we attempt to be as a nation, the more unhappy we become. Diversity robs us of happiness by building walls of 'difference,' and before you know it, you don't have the happiness that comes from tolerating people who are different from you. "Intersectionality" is a word you hear a lot about lately because of the 'diversity' craze. It's the moment when the goals of one 'diverse' group conflicts with the goals of another. Someday, when the dust settles from this crazy need to be unique, we'll wonder how we allowed ourselves to be so overcome with the celebration of diversity. Instead of celebrating our humanity, we become obsessed with defending our uniqueness. At one point or another 'diversity' will bring you into conflict with another diverse person. This is why I said that many Christians aren't happy. Tolerance, which is simply forgiving another person for being different from you, is rarely practiced among denominations. It's the result of hundreds of years of conditioning, and is often based on tribalism, and in that alone, the fear of losing a unique identity.
Contentment speaks of true faith. I've seen it in the lives of those in foreign countries less prosperous than the United States. I've seen happiness in children's laughter everywhere I've been. That is why I can say that happiness isn't found in things, money, or power. Happiness is found in any moment you choose to savor and enjoy. I see it in my simple enjoyment of the sparrows that are carrying on outside my front door. I don't know why it brings me so much joy to look out my storm door and watch the antics of these tiny little creatures who inhabit my front yard. All I know is that they bring a smile to my face, which is usually a clue that I'm happy. It won't last for long, I'll have to close the door because it's getting colder, and they'll have to carry on without my observing them, but they will carry on. That brings another smile to my face.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
ALIVE
There are times I say things out of habit I wish I wouldn't say. Most of my habitual speech is a product of over fifty years of being a Christian. A good portion of that speech isn't found in the bible, but grew in Christian circles because it sounded good. The other day I was talking to a friend of over 20 years when I suddenly realized how cliche I'd become. Out of habit, he asked me how I was doing. I have a small group of answers I use based upon who I'm talking to. Some of them are cute, some of them are dull, and some of them are MEANT to be spiritual.
"Praise God, I woke up alive and breathing, so I guess I'm doing good." I replied.
As soon as I said it I felt pricked in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I've said something like this for a good portion of my life. I remember hearing it for the first time as a teenager from an evangelist who said that anytime you wake up in the morning, you are blessed. So, I've wrapped it up in my own special flavoring and done many different variations on that theme. This time, I was stopped in my tracks. There was so much wrong with what I'd said. I stumbled around for a few seconds trying to figure out what I'd just done, and mostly to listen to Holy Spirit to tell me why He'd elbowed me in my spirit. It only took a few more seconds, by which time I'm sure my friend was mystified by the look of confusion on my face. My banter is usually fluid, easy, and quick. Occasionally, I'll stumble around, but never over a greeting. Suddenly I knew what I'd said glorified this life, and not the eternal life to which I place my hope.
At 64 years of age, I am at the point in my life where my parents are nearing the end of their days. Both of my wife's parents have passed on. At one time, I had over thirteen aunts and uncles, now that list is down to four. Three of my older cousins have passed this vale, and I don't know how long I have. I'm not eager to die, nor do I believe this life is dreary enough to warrant departing by my own hand. Yet, within me is the knowledge that I have a ticket to a better life, a different home, a brighter place, and a love greater than any I can ever know on this earth, and I've known love!
As Christians, I believe we can worship this life to the point that it becomes an idol. We accumulate things that won't go in our coffins, we boast of our achievements that will be forgotten the moment we pass, and our money is more often spent on comfort than the needs of others. These are the things that Christ warned us about. We weren't supposed to make this place our home.
A few years back someone I know lost their grandfather. This simple man of God would go out every morning and walk about two miles out and then head back to his rural home. This was his time of prayer. It was when he chose to talk to Jesus. One morning as he walked, and prayed, a vehicle struck him and he passed from life to life. One moment he was talking with Jesus, and the next he was with Jesus. While people were stunned by the suddenness of his death, and brokenhearted by their loss, he was celebrated for his life, and applauded into his glorious life.
Another breath is simply more time to do the work I was purposed to do. So, as my friend sat there wondering where I went in my brain, I remembered what my purpose was, and why my glib reply bugged me.
"I'm sorry for what I said." I replied. "I'm doing well, praise God, but someday, I'll be doing better."
I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad for hanging on to this life. It is our nature to survive, and for our bodies to cling to life. I begrudge no one the battle to live another day. On the other hand, moving on isn't the end. That is where the peace of God is.
Sadly this morning, my lawn is quiet. The chatter of sparrows hasn't started because the sun hasn't even turned the horizon a dark blue yet. It won't rise for another hour and I am about to go to church. I'll worship God for the life he's given me, and the eternal life I have through His Son, Jesus. If I pass this vale today, then I'll wait for all of you who are my friends. Well, maybe I won't wait. I'll just see you there.
"Praise God, I woke up alive and breathing, so I guess I'm doing good." I replied.
As soon as I said it I felt pricked in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I've said something like this for a good portion of my life. I remember hearing it for the first time as a teenager from an evangelist who said that anytime you wake up in the morning, you are blessed. So, I've wrapped it up in my own special flavoring and done many different variations on that theme. This time, I was stopped in my tracks. There was so much wrong with what I'd said. I stumbled around for a few seconds trying to figure out what I'd just done, and mostly to listen to Holy Spirit to tell me why He'd elbowed me in my spirit. It only took a few more seconds, by which time I'm sure my friend was mystified by the look of confusion on my face. My banter is usually fluid, easy, and quick. Occasionally, I'll stumble around, but never over a greeting. Suddenly I knew what I'd said glorified this life, and not the eternal life to which I place my hope.
At 64 years of age, I am at the point in my life where my parents are nearing the end of their days. Both of my wife's parents have passed on. At one time, I had over thirteen aunts and uncles, now that list is down to four. Three of my older cousins have passed this vale, and I don't know how long I have. I'm not eager to die, nor do I believe this life is dreary enough to warrant departing by my own hand. Yet, within me is the knowledge that I have a ticket to a better life, a different home, a brighter place, and a love greater than any I can ever know on this earth, and I've known love!
As Christians, I believe we can worship this life to the point that it becomes an idol. We accumulate things that won't go in our coffins, we boast of our achievements that will be forgotten the moment we pass, and our money is more often spent on comfort than the needs of others. These are the things that Christ warned us about. We weren't supposed to make this place our home.
A few years back someone I know lost their grandfather. This simple man of God would go out every morning and walk about two miles out and then head back to his rural home. This was his time of prayer. It was when he chose to talk to Jesus. One morning as he walked, and prayed, a vehicle struck him and he passed from life to life. One moment he was talking with Jesus, and the next he was with Jesus. While people were stunned by the suddenness of his death, and brokenhearted by their loss, he was celebrated for his life, and applauded into his glorious life.
Another breath is simply more time to do the work I was purposed to do. So, as my friend sat there wondering where I went in my brain, I remembered what my purpose was, and why my glib reply bugged me.
"I'm sorry for what I said." I replied. "I'm doing well, praise God, but someday, I'll be doing better."
I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad for hanging on to this life. It is our nature to survive, and for our bodies to cling to life. I begrudge no one the battle to live another day. On the other hand, moving on isn't the end. That is where the peace of God is.
Sadly this morning, my lawn is quiet. The chatter of sparrows hasn't started because the sun hasn't even turned the horizon a dark blue yet. It won't rise for another hour and I am about to go to church. I'll worship God for the life he's given me, and the eternal life I have through His Son, Jesus. If I pass this vale today, then I'll wait for all of you who are my friends. Well, maybe I won't wait. I'll just see you there.
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Light In The Darkness
Our Pastor, Eric Goff, preached a wonderful sermon the other day on light. Yep, you heard me right, light. It struck a chord with me because of my love of science, and my faith.
Light is a recurring theme in Christianity. Jesus spoke of it often, as did many of the different writers of the New Testament. In spiritual terms, light is an analogy for God. Yet, as anyone knows, light as we know it, was spoken into existence by God. He preceded light. Our existence is the direct result of life speaking into light which then illuminated the darkness. Darkness will never overcome light. It is impossible. Even the most super massive black hole is identified by visible and invisible light streaming to and out of it. Even if there was only one star in this universe, the light of that one star would shine brightly for all the universe to see. It isn't a war, and it isn't even a battle, darkness will never overcome the light. It may surround, oppress, and even suppress the light, but light will win.
While many Christians tend to look at light and dark in terms of a battle between good and evil, that isn't what God intended. This mistaken analogy is what drives people away from the truth of God's love and His plan for our lives. Darkness isn't some vast wasteland populated with the zombies of sin, anymore than the light is a bunch of hymn singing automatons repeating endless spiritual platitudes. Darkness is fear, and light is love. That is why the scripture says in 1 John 4:18 that there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out all fear..... This scripture in and by itself is what every Christian should live by. When we choose to live by fear, we walk away from love. The symptoms of fear are hate, envy, murder, and theft. I can distill all fear down to one sin, thievery.
The symptoms of love are life, peace, joy, tenderness, compassion, and most importantly, love. The power of love to light up the darkness is the power of the gospel. As Christians it is easy to forget this power exists in us as we see fear pressing in on us from all sides. Nothing made that more clear to me than what happened this last week with the Covington Catholic students at the Nation's capital. In less than a couple of months this crisis will be a vague memory as are all of the contrived political battle created by both side of the political divide. If you shine the light of love into the situation, there is no story. Yet, for many Christians this became one more example of the hatred of the left for people of faith. FEAR on the part of Christians. Can't we release our politics for just a few moments to state the obvious. A group of teenage boys went to the Capital to express their support for the lives of the unborn. It is part of their religious belief system. Being from Kentucky, I doubt seriously any of these teens knew about the perils of addressing adult concepts in the face of those who have different views. In defense of them, I believe they handled the situation much better than I would have. So what was the fear?
Could a bunch of Catholic teens in any way threaten the group of black protesters taunting them? How is a pasted on smile a smirk? How could love change the situation from one of fear into one of love?
Can anyone speak to the wisdom of a young teen boy standing stock still in the face of angry voices all around him? Will anyone admit that this young teen and his friends behaved admirably in a potentially volatile situation? I doubt it. Yet I want to scream at the top of my lungs, 'Well done!"
I don't think I've read too many articles that haven't mentioned the 'Red MAGA' hat. It was as if it was the trigger for everything that happened. How dare a young teen boy from a conservative Catholic school in Kentucky wear a MAGA hat to our Capital. Will anyone admit that even the word 'trigger' is an acknowledgment that fear is at work. Fear needs triggers. Fear is a trigger. We can choose to ignore the triggers or we can magnify them.
Yesterday, I went to visit my aunt in Oklahoma. She is in ill health, and at 80 years old, I know that her time on this earth is limited. She is a liberal, and I am conservative. Over the years we've had many fiery debates, but at the end of each one is a knowledge that crushes the fear caused by political differences. I love her with all of my heart, and she loves me just the same. The love we feel for one another doesn't remove our ideologies but it does soften the edges where we bump against one another. All through the day yesterday it would have been easy to bring up the issues that divide us, but we both laid aside our political passions to celebrate our love for one another. It is obvious from the passage of time that I will never make her a conservative, and she will never make me a liberal. Yet, we both mourned the climate of hate promoted by both sides respectively, and said as much.
Fear can't defeat love.
It would be easy to become fearful as I watch the tide of public sentiment turning against those who practice their faith. I'm not afraid of public opinion more than I am of God's opinion. I have to admit, that as a Christian, I am heartbroken by the insinuation of racism, phobias, and accusations of hate thrown at me simply because I choose to believe in Jesus Christ. I was a Christian at 10 years of age, and I do not have the power to change the foundations of my belief. I didn't write the book I believe in. The Word of God existed before me, it exists outside of my existence, and it will exist even if every Bible is burned in a huge bonfire. If someday, I am persecuted, tried, and jailed for believing in Jesus Christ, I will gladly continue to live by faith. I will also choose to live by love. I will choose to live out the light and shine it into the fear around me.
Maybe, just maybe something will happen that will unite our great nation once again. Sadly, I know enough to know that unity almost always comes at great cost.
Sadly, I can't even look to my little sparrows for hope concerning the unending struggle between light and dark. My little sparrow friends are out in the front yard pecking at the grass. I don't know what they are eating amidst the dead blades of grass on this winter's day, but every once in a while, one bully sparrow will push another one away. Then as if to accentuate the struggle, our resident cardinal suddenly scatters every bird in the yard. With a great flurry he takes whatever he swooped in for away to a tree branch. I assure you, the cardinal has a predator that scares him.
I hope and pray for the day when people no longer live in fear. I look for the day when we choose to live in peace with each other. I know how that day will come, but some people fear it.
Light is a recurring theme in Christianity. Jesus spoke of it often, as did many of the different writers of the New Testament. In spiritual terms, light is an analogy for God. Yet, as anyone knows, light as we know it, was spoken into existence by God. He preceded light. Our existence is the direct result of life speaking into light which then illuminated the darkness. Darkness will never overcome light. It is impossible. Even the most super massive black hole is identified by visible and invisible light streaming to and out of it. Even if there was only one star in this universe, the light of that one star would shine brightly for all the universe to see. It isn't a war, and it isn't even a battle, darkness will never overcome the light. It may surround, oppress, and even suppress the light, but light will win.
While many Christians tend to look at light and dark in terms of a battle between good and evil, that isn't what God intended. This mistaken analogy is what drives people away from the truth of God's love and His plan for our lives. Darkness isn't some vast wasteland populated with the zombies of sin, anymore than the light is a bunch of hymn singing automatons repeating endless spiritual platitudes. Darkness is fear, and light is love. That is why the scripture says in 1 John 4:18 that there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out all fear..... This scripture in and by itself is what every Christian should live by. When we choose to live by fear, we walk away from love. The symptoms of fear are hate, envy, murder, and theft. I can distill all fear down to one sin, thievery.
The symptoms of love are life, peace, joy, tenderness, compassion, and most importantly, love. The power of love to light up the darkness is the power of the gospel. As Christians it is easy to forget this power exists in us as we see fear pressing in on us from all sides. Nothing made that more clear to me than what happened this last week with the Covington Catholic students at the Nation's capital. In less than a couple of months this crisis will be a vague memory as are all of the contrived political battle created by both side of the political divide. If you shine the light of love into the situation, there is no story. Yet, for many Christians this became one more example of the hatred of the left for people of faith. FEAR on the part of Christians. Can't we release our politics for just a few moments to state the obvious. A group of teenage boys went to the Capital to express their support for the lives of the unborn. It is part of their religious belief system. Being from Kentucky, I doubt seriously any of these teens knew about the perils of addressing adult concepts in the face of those who have different views. In defense of them, I believe they handled the situation much better than I would have. So what was the fear?
Could a bunch of Catholic teens in any way threaten the group of black protesters taunting them? How is a pasted on smile a smirk? How could love change the situation from one of fear into one of love?
Can anyone speak to the wisdom of a young teen boy standing stock still in the face of angry voices all around him? Will anyone admit that this young teen and his friends behaved admirably in a potentially volatile situation? I doubt it. Yet I want to scream at the top of my lungs, 'Well done!"
I don't think I've read too many articles that haven't mentioned the 'Red MAGA' hat. It was as if it was the trigger for everything that happened. How dare a young teen boy from a conservative Catholic school in Kentucky wear a MAGA hat to our Capital. Will anyone admit that even the word 'trigger' is an acknowledgment that fear is at work. Fear needs triggers. Fear is a trigger. We can choose to ignore the triggers or we can magnify them.
Yesterday, I went to visit my aunt in Oklahoma. She is in ill health, and at 80 years old, I know that her time on this earth is limited. She is a liberal, and I am conservative. Over the years we've had many fiery debates, but at the end of each one is a knowledge that crushes the fear caused by political differences. I love her with all of my heart, and she loves me just the same. The love we feel for one another doesn't remove our ideologies but it does soften the edges where we bump against one another. All through the day yesterday it would have been easy to bring up the issues that divide us, but we both laid aside our political passions to celebrate our love for one another. It is obvious from the passage of time that I will never make her a conservative, and she will never make me a liberal. Yet, we both mourned the climate of hate promoted by both sides respectively, and said as much.
Fear can't defeat love.
It would be easy to become fearful as I watch the tide of public sentiment turning against those who practice their faith. I'm not afraid of public opinion more than I am of God's opinion. I have to admit, that as a Christian, I am heartbroken by the insinuation of racism, phobias, and accusations of hate thrown at me simply because I choose to believe in Jesus Christ. I was a Christian at 10 years of age, and I do not have the power to change the foundations of my belief. I didn't write the book I believe in. The Word of God existed before me, it exists outside of my existence, and it will exist even if every Bible is burned in a huge bonfire. If someday, I am persecuted, tried, and jailed for believing in Jesus Christ, I will gladly continue to live by faith. I will also choose to live by love. I will choose to live out the light and shine it into the fear around me.
Maybe, just maybe something will happen that will unite our great nation once again. Sadly, I know enough to know that unity almost always comes at great cost.
Sadly, I can't even look to my little sparrows for hope concerning the unending struggle between light and dark. My little sparrow friends are out in the front yard pecking at the grass. I don't know what they are eating amidst the dead blades of grass on this winter's day, but every once in a while, one bully sparrow will push another one away. Then as if to accentuate the struggle, our resident cardinal suddenly scatters every bird in the yard. With a great flurry he takes whatever he swooped in for away to a tree branch. I assure you, the cardinal has a predator that scares him.
I hope and pray for the day when people no longer live in fear. I look for the day when we choose to live in peace with each other. I know how that day will come, but some people fear it.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
NEW YEAR, NEW THOUGHTS
The holidays are over and I'm wondering what the new year is going to bring. I've never been big on new year resolutions because they infer knowing that we have more than today. None of us know how long we have left in this life. I'm not morbid, or fatalistic, but there are some things that are simply the truth. I don't care who you are, how rich, powerful, strong, or healthy you are, you have no promise of tomorrow. So, New Years resolutions are a waste of energy.
What is the promise of New Years day? Why is it different than any other day? I think we make a big deal about it because we as human beings like to believe there is hope for something better. I used to view my days on this earth in terms of how old I am, and how many days I think I have left. With this new year has come new thoughts.
All I have is the next heartbeat, the next breath, the next thought. Everything I've framed my life in since I can remember has been focused on 'time.' Even my relationship with Jesus Christ is focused on time. Who I am is determined by time. To wax biblical, my days on this earth are marked by my white hair, and the wrinkles upon my face, but they don't define who I am inside. Still if someone were to see me, they would say I was 'old.' For a vertically challenged person like me, looking old was all I wanted to do. There was a day when it didn't matter how old I was, I was often viewed as being younger than 18. So, being old isn't something I'm worried about. Being at peace with God, myself, and others is.
Through faith in Christ, being at peace with God came a long time ago. Through that faith in Christ I have been able to live at peace with almost everyone around me. However, being at peace with myself is something that is a recent development. Even within that peace, I've been going through a major conflict in my life that has challenged me in every aspect of my life, even in my faith. I've alluded to it over the last few posts, but it seems to have come to a place where I don't think it will turn out the way I'd hoped. Time moves on, putting it's stamp upon every millisecond, minute, hour without seeing the resolution I'd hoped for. I wanted nothing but good in this situation, but it hasn't happened. For a long time I was walking around gritting my teeth, feeling helpless, and wishing for love to rule the day. Now I know I can only hope for this minute, this instant, this moment. I can't change others around me. I can only change me.
The first time I mentioned this in my blog I said it would be something I would look back on with an assurance that God has been with me throughout the whole thing. Even then I knew I would be at peace with the situation, but I wanted to be honest with my feelings as I went 'through' it.
It is time to reveal what I felt: First and foremost is a sense of deep disappointment with people I thought I knew as well as I know myself. I didn't feel betrayed, just disappointed. It's hard to judge someone when they disappoint you, because I know I've disappointed so many people in my life. I can't even be angry, just disappointed. Almost 60 years ago, someone I love made a fateful decision that has changed my life today. Nothing can alter the consequences of that decision, but I am determined to live every moment celebrating the love those consequences has brought into my life.
The other day I was discussing this with someone who is on the other side of the consequences, and they said something very profound that I'm going to hold onto for the rest of my moments. "Fear destroys Peace." I refuse to let fear, or disappointment control my life. Love is the best thing I can do, and I am determined to let love rule my life. Why? Because I don't have enough time to do anything else, I only have the next moment.
What is the promise of New Years day? Why is it different than any other day? I think we make a big deal about it because we as human beings like to believe there is hope for something better. I used to view my days on this earth in terms of how old I am, and how many days I think I have left. With this new year has come new thoughts.
All I have is the next heartbeat, the next breath, the next thought. Everything I've framed my life in since I can remember has been focused on 'time.' Even my relationship with Jesus Christ is focused on time. Who I am is determined by time. To wax biblical, my days on this earth are marked by my white hair, and the wrinkles upon my face, but they don't define who I am inside. Still if someone were to see me, they would say I was 'old.' For a vertically challenged person like me, looking old was all I wanted to do. There was a day when it didn't matter how old I was, I was often viewed as being younger than 18. So, being old isn't something I'm worried about. Being at peace with God, myself, and others is.
Through faith in Christ, being at peace with God came a long time ago. Through that faith in Christ I have been able to live at peace with almost everyone around me. However, being at peace with myself is something that is a recent development. Even within that peace, I've been going through a major conflict in my life that has challenged me in every aspect of my life, even in my faith. I've alluded to it over the last few posts, but it seems to have come to a place where I don't think it will turn out the way I'd hoped. Time moves on, putting it's stamp upon every millisecond, minute, hour without seeing the resolution I'd hoped for. I wanted nothing but good in this situation, but it hasn't happened. For a long time I was walking around gritting my teeth, feeling helpless, and wishing for love to rule the day. Now I know I can only hope for this minute, this instant, this moment. I can't change others around me. I can only change me.
The first time I mentioned this in my blog I said it would be something I would look back on with an assurance that God has been with me throughout the whole thing. Even then I knew I would be at peace with the situation, but I wanted to be honest with my feelings as I went 'through' it.
It is time to reveal what I felt: First and foremost is a sense of deep disappointment with people I thought I knew as well as I know myself. I didn't feel betrayed, just disappointed. It's hard to judge someone when they disappoint you, because I know I've disappointed so many people in my life. I can't even be angry, just disappointed. Almost 60 years ago, someone I love made a fateful decision that has changed my life today. Nothing can alter the consequences of that decision, but I am determined to live every moment celebrating the love those consequences has brought into my life.
The other day I was discussing this with someone who is on the other side of the consequences, and they said something very profound that I'm going to hold onto for the rest of my moments. "Fear destroys Peace." I refuse to let fear, or disappointment control my life. Love is the best thing I can do, and I am determined to let love rule my life. Why? Because I don't have enough time to do anything else, I only have the next moment.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Peace On Earth
As a Christian, and more specifically an Evangelical Christian, Christmas is a special time of year. I'm also traveled enough to know it isn't special all over the world. There are places where just the mention of Christmas causes people to become angry, and even some places where it is forbidden to utter the word. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm not naive. Sadly, it seems the more our western culture becomes obsessed with political correctness, the more offensive it becomes to be express your faith in Christ. The hope of Christmas as proclaimed by the angels at our Savior's birth is far from peaceful. Peace on earth is not what the angels proclaimed. The promise of peace was given with a caveat, a condition that goes to those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God.
The modern interpretation of peace seems to be a universal idea of cessation of hostility, absence of violence, or a more Utopian ideal of harmony between everyone. This is not the promise of the Messiah, nor is it the peace offered by the angelic hosts who sang over the manger in Bethlehem. The Peace of God is a state where the Father lays aside His anger at man's rebellion. The creator of the universe offers redemption to those who wish to be united with Him. Even then, He doesn't remove our will, nor does he make us automatons programmed to do His every whim without our input. A matter of fact He values our input so much, He continues to provide us opportunities to add flavor to His plans and purposes with our own creativity. It is because He is at peace with us that we are able to live a life of peace. While this is a wonderful place to be, not everyone is going to attain that peace at the same time, and there will be struggle between even the most devoted Christians. That doesn't mean Christianity has failed, nor that God has failed. It means that hope lives. In my short 63 years upon this planet, I've seen a major growth in the understanding, and unity of the Church. There are still denominations, but they are beginning to be less divided than at any time I can remember. To me it seems as if we are seeing the 'unity of faith' Paul spoke about in Ephesians 4:13. Are we experiencing the world's definition of peace? Not by a long shot. Are we experiencing God's peace. Oh yes!
This Christmas, I have only one gift to give, and that is the hope for peace with God. Peace with God is simply relaxing and knowing that He is God. In that place, you find complete Peace.
As a closing remark, let me quote you the verse in Luke 2:14 from the New Living Translation;
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
Now let me share with you the translation from the Complete Jewish Bible; "In the highest heaven, Glory to God! And on earth, peace among people of good will!"
The birth of Jesus brought Glory to God, and peace to those who's hearts are filled with good will. Why? Because now, even though we are still diverse and different, even though we are messed up, confined to this earthly vale, we can be pleasing to God. That brings unexplainable peace.
Thank you, Lord for being born as we are born. Thank you for taking on my sins. Thank you, God, for forgiving me.
Merry Christmas to all.
The modern interpretation of peace seems to be a universal idea of cessation of hostility, absence of violence, or a more Utopian ideal of harmony between everyone. This is not the promise of the Messiah, nor is it the peace offered by the angelic hosts who sang over the manger in Bethlehem. The Peace of God is a state where the Father lays aside His anger at man's rebellion. The creator of the universe offers redemption to those who wish to be united with Him. Even then, He doesn't remove our will, nor does he make us automatons programmed to do His every whim without our input. A matter of fact He values our input so much, He continues to provide us opportunities to add flavor to His plans and purposes with our own creativity. It is because He is at peace with us that we are able to live a life of peace. While this is a wonderful place to be, not everyone is going to attain that peace at the same time, and there will be struggle between even the most devoted Christians. That doesn't mean Christianity has failed, nor that God has failed. It means that hope lives. In my short 63 years upon this planet, I've seen a major growth in the understanding, and unity of the Church. There are still denominations, but they are beginning to be less divided than at any time I can remember. To me it seems as if we are seeing the 'unity of faith' Paul spoke about in Ephesians 4:13. Are we experiencing the world's definition of peace? Not by a long shot. Are we experiencing God's peace. Oh yes!
This Christmas, I have only one gift to give, and that is the hope for peace with God. Peace with God is simply relaxing and knowing that He is God. In that place, you find complete Peace.
As a closing remark, let me quote you the verse in Luke 2:14 from the New Living Translation;
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
Now let me share with you the translation from the Complete Jewish Bible; "In the highest heaven, Glory to God! And on earth, peace among people of good will!"
The birth of Jesus brought Glory to God, and peace to those who's hearts are filled with good will. Why? Because now, even though we are still diverse and different, even though we are messed up, confined to this earthly vale, we can be pleasing to God. That brings unexplainable peace.
Thank you, Lord for being born as we are born. Thank you for taking on my sins. Thank you, God, for forgiving me.
Merry Christmas to all.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
YOU CAN BE HAPPY
On its surface, happiness seems to be elusive and difficult to maintain. Lately, in our highly charged political environment, happiness isn't just elusive, it is hiding out somewhere refusing to be found. As a handyman, I usually deal with people at a bad time in their lives. When something is broke down, needs repairing, or needs to be replaced, it is hard to be happy about it. So, it goes without saying that I am confronted with people who aren't happy, Well, at least for the moment.
Despite what people say, happiness does depend on our circumstances. I think the reason happiness is dictated by our circumstances is because we are often forced to deal with issues out of our control. Nothing affects your happiness more than feeling your life is out of your control. I'm not one of those people who believe you should paste on a smile and pretend to be happy when you aren't. As an evangelical christian, I often resent preachers who will stand in the pulpit and blast you for being down when life throws a monkey wrench at you. "have faith in God," "There is a reason for this," "just be grateful" and the thousands of other high sounding platitudes make a mockery of the biblical admonition to mourn with those who mourn, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. Grief, mourning, sorrow, and even anger are emotions that our Heavenly Father has had. His discontent with mankind even forced him to repent of His decision to make us in the first place. So, for someone to quote a bunch of goofy platitudes is insulting at best.
So, what do we do when we are confronted with tragedy, setbacks, and bad situations beyond our control? Do you just 'look on the bright side of life'? Is there something that makes the pain go away?
I know in my own life, it took a long time for me to realize what was already out of my control, and what I had a genuine reason to be bummed out about. We, here in the west, most specifically here in the USA, are blessed beyond measure. Even those who legally qualify as living in poverty are better off than 98% of the world's population. To know that you are in the top 2% in terms of wealth should go a long way to begin stepping out of the doldrums. You won't be instantly happy with that thought, but at least you will be able to put a reference point to your situation. Our worst situation would make 98% of the worlds population feel enriched. I wish everyone could be grateful for this awesome nation we live in. Gratitude is the soil in which happiness grows best. Yet, once we have something, we are rarely grateful, which tends to make us less happy.
Speaking mainly from my own personal experience, I know that there are base things that affect my happiness, but they all boil down to one thing, time. If we would allow ourselves to be honest we all know that our time is money. Every disappointing situation in life outside of grief, can be measured in time. Loss of a job, home problems, car problems, even people problems can be taken down to a measure of time. If it wasn't true, then why would we ask how long someone was married when they tell us they just got divorced. If a friend betrays you, the question will eventually be 'how long were you friends?'
At the end of our lives, when we are more aware of our impending departure, we rarely wish we had more work, or more things. We want more time.
Time still isn't the base measure for happiness. It's what you fill that time up with. Love, in all of its higher expressions (not lust) is what makes for happiness. Even then, if our love is selfish and measured on the love returned, we have missed our opportunity to be happy.
Oh, and going back to my earlier point about the highly charged political environment, it seems to me some people are happy being angry.
At least it seems that way to me.
Despite what people say, happiness does depend on our circumstances. I think the reason happiness is dictated by our circumstances is because we are often forced to deal with issues out of our control. Nothing affects your happiness more than feeling your life is out of your control. I'm not one of those people who believe you should paste on a smile and pretend to be happy when you aren't. As an evangelical christian, I often resent preachers who will stand in the pulpit and blast you for being down when life throws a monkey wrench at you. "have faith in God," "There is a reason for this," "just be grateful" and the thousands of other high sounding platitudes make a mockery of the biblical admonition to mourn with those who mourn, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. Grief, mourning, sorrow, and even anger are emotions that our Heavenly Father has had. His discontent with mankind even forced him to repent of His decision to make us in the first place. So, for someone to quote a bunch of goofy platitudes is insulting at best.
So, what do we do when we are confronted with tragedy, setbacks, and bad situations beyond our control? Do you just 'look on the bright side of life'? Is there something that makes the pain go away?
I know in my own life, it took a long time for me to realize what was already out of my control, and what I had a genuine reason to be bummed out about. We, here in the west, most specifically here in the USA, are blessed beyond measure. Even those who legally qualify as living in poverty are better off than 98% of the world's population. To know that you are in the top 2% in terms of wealth should go a long way to begin stepping out of the doldrums. You won't be instantly happy with that thought, but at least you will be able to put a reference point to your situation. Our worst situation would make 98% of the worlds population feel enriched. I wish everyone could be grateful for this awesome nation we live in. Gratitude is the soil in which happiness grows best. Yet, once we have something, we are rarely grateful, which tends to make us less happy.
Speaking mainly from my own personal experience, I know that there are base things that affect my happiness, but they all boil down to one thing, time. If we would allow ourselves to be honest we all know that our time is money. Every disappointing situation in life outside of grief, can be measured in time. Loss of a job, home problems, car problems, even people problems can be taken down to a measure of time. If it wasn't true, then why would we ask how long someone was married when they tell us they just got divorced. If a friend betrays you, the question will eventually be 'how long were you friends?'
At the end of our lives, when we are more aware of our impending departure, we rarely wish we had more work, or more things. We want more time.
Time still isn't the base measure for happiness. It's what you fill that time up with. Love, in all of its higher expressions (not lust) is what makes for happiness. Even then, if our love is selfish and measured on the love returned, we have missed our opportunity to be happy.
Oh, and going back to my earlier point about the highly charged political environment, it seems to me some people are happy being angry.
At least it seems that way to me.
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