jyoungwerth's Xanga

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:49:28 GMT

BEING A CHAMPION

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” --- 1 Corinthians 9:24

I’ve spent this past spring, summer and fall participating in local races --- runs, triathlons and duathlons --- By my count, twelve in all. I run, bike and swim to win, but in all reality, I have little or no chance to win my Age Division, let alone the race. Probably my strongest finish by far was in the Lake Country (Oconomowoc, WI) half marathon, where I finished 119^th out of 839 total runners and 20^th out of 46 in my age group.

Many of the events are put on by Midwest Sports Events, a fine organization that puts on first-class races, making it fun for all participants from the elite to the novice. They have something called the “five-star” series, which includes all of their multi-sport races. It caught my attention only because if one takes part in five of the races, they receive entry into the sixth race for free. As I chalked up participation, and mediocre finishes, in event after event, I decided to take advantage of this. I also read, but took very little notice, about how there was a point system for those who took part in at least five events and that a champion for each division would be crowned at the end of the year.

Well, lo and behold, the year is complete and the results were all tabulated and the winner of my age group is ME! How could this happen? Did the computer go haywire and list the results in reverse? As it turns out, despite the incentive, not many in my age group did enough events to qualify and strong finishes in the last few events helped vault me past those who did. Will this make me a favorite to win any individual race next year? Probably not --- still, it’s encouraging sometimes to see hard work and effort paid off, especially in contrast to the discouragement of entering event after event and not seeing any tangible results.

The same can be said for our walk with the Lord. Some, like Billy Graham, can see their efforts on behalf of the Lord quantified at large crusades that introduce many to the hope and salvation of Jesus Christ. But there is far more who put in the same dedication to the Lord’s call, but don’t see those efforts quantified. In fact, all they seem to see are family conflicts, an unexciting workplace that barely allows ends to meet and friends shunning them for being perceived as a “Jesus freak”. The enemy swoops in on this and sows seeds of discouragement lessening those believers’ effectiveness for Christ and sometimes worse. That’s where a believer needs to step back and realize that there is only one Judge tallying up the score and as long as that believer is following the path God has laid out for him, he will be a winner in the end --- even if he feels like he’s losing every battle.

One of the great concepts I took from the CS Lewis classic “Mere Christianity” is the fact that, though they are just small glimpses, there are things in this life that give us a “picture” of eternity. We need to look at them and realize that this is a way that God speaks to us and encourages us. I believe this 5-star “victory” was just such an event. I spent the season working hard and sacrificing to take part in these events and, while I enjoyed my participation, often got discouraged by the results. I often feel the same way in my walk with God in my everyday life. God showed me His grace by giving me this victory to remind me to keep plugging away in my walk with Him so I can enjoy the real glory and joy that will go with my eternal victory with Him!

Friday, October 02, 2009

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:23:56 GMT

THE JOURNEY HAS BEGUN!

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” --- Proverbs 1:7

I remember the first time we tried to take our then one-year-old son, Caleb, into the sanctuary of our former fellowship for worship. The stares were long and every noise he made seemed to be magnified 1000 times. That’s because the fellowship, right or wrong, had an unwritten rule against babies in the sanctuary during a service. Our desire to corporately worship the Lord with our child is one of the big reasons we left that fellowship.

I only bring this up because at age five, Caleb’s now entered another phase of his life’s journey that may come under the same kind of scrutiny --- that being our decision to home school him. We need to be prepared, because the minute he misbehaves or acts uncomfortable in a social setting or the minute he stumbles over a reading that his “grade level” should be able to handle, the naysayers (probably “well intentioned” friends and relatives) will be there to swoop down and mention concerns about what he may be missing by not attending public or private school. We’ll probably even question the decision ourselves many times.

I’m confident, though, that the decision is right for Caleb and has come after much thought and prayer. In fact, as we enter the fall of what would be Caleb’s first year of school (albeit half-day Kindergarten), I’ve received strong reinforcement from the Holy Spirit to back up the wisdom of the decision.

It came in the form of a Devotional book that was actually a gift given to our other son, Joshua on his second birthday in May. As I glanced through the book, I saw that it was written to about a 3^rd to 6^th grade level and put the book aside. But, encouraged by my wife, I started reading them to Caleb each evening. He not only paid attention, but he grasped on to major concepts and themes, so much so that he would often apply them to what I was teaching on at the nursing home on Sundays. The enemy will challenge our confidence in teaching our son the ABC’s and 123’s, but if Caleb can rightly divide the word of God, I’m pretty confident the phonics and math will follow!

The next step is an adult devotional book/workbook called the “Road to Emmaus”. It’s written to what I would categorize as a 6^th to 8^th grade level, but I think we can wade our way through it and that Caleb will learn the important Biblical concepts and themes along the way. As much as homeschoolers are marketed expensive learning kits and packages, I think we’re going to stick to the basics --- God’s word and math and phonics workbooks from places like Sam’s Club. It would be nice if there was a voucher system from not using the free public school system, but since there isn’t, we need to budget our finances. I’m not judging those who are led to use them, but I think the enemy plants huge seeds of discouragement through the cost of these learning kits and such.

The other reason for homeschooling is based on the use of time and energy. I remember once sitting in the home of a family that sent their children to public school. It was about 8:00 in the evening after a day of school and activities. The mother was peppering her son with questions that sounded like psychobabble to me and the son’s answers sounded like they were just coming from memory and that they’d be forgotten (probably for the better) hours after the test was given the next day. Suddenly the answers stopped, as we all turned to see why, we saw that the boy had fallen into a deep sleep. Now bring it in to the future: Imagine I, the anointed bible teacher of the family, who has worked a long, hard day at work and come home to help with the cooking and cleaning, sitting at the table with my son, who has gone through a long day of school and activities. As much as we might be dedicated to Bible studies, how much effort will we really put into it and how soon will we decide bedtime at that point is a much better option. When trying to combat the world view perspective children get on a daily basis for eight hours at school, this should not be an option.

Once again, I will not judge anyone who chooses the option of public school. In fact, I think God equips many families to be able to choose that option so that He has some light in the otherwise dark closet known as the public school system. However, the bottom line for us is this: We want to put our boys in a position to pursue success in this world, but not at the expense of pursuing first His kingdom!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (material “necessities” that the world puts a premium on --- amplification mine) shall be added to you.” --- Matthew 6:33

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:08:15 GMT

WHAT IS LIFE

“ Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” --- Jeremiah 1:5

I recently heard some great testimony at the home fellowship I attend from a woman who shared about how she and her husband felt the call to adopt a special needs child 12 years ago. They agreed to the adoption BEFORE the child was born. Tests had determined that the child would have birth defects. As it turned out, he was born with basically half of a brain and life has not been easy for anyone involved since the birth.

The child requires constant attention and has no ability to perform any bodily function on his own. She was sharing on how the last 9 months have been particularly hard as many complications have reared themselves. However, it was far from a “woe is me” or “where is God?” talk. Instead, it centered on, what a blessing the boy has been and continues to be!

She talked about how the birth parents of the boy, especially the mother, have re-entered the boy’s life. The couple had the boy when they were both 17 and in active rebellion. The mother was a drug user and alcohol abuser, who since that time has turned around her life and given it over to the Lord, rather than to be a guilt-ridden malcontent to society.

She talked about how a smile on the boys’ face lights up a room like no light could and about how her other children had grown in so many ways as a result of their role in caring for the boy. And, though the heaviest burden in his care went to her, she had absolutely no complaints about it.

Her goal and prayer for the boy is simply for his comfort --- A perfect picture of God’s role with His children. She talked about some of the pain he has to endure, but also the joy that he shows most of the time.

The bottom line is that this is a boy, who is touching many lives in a very positive way. Though he experiences more pain and discomfort than most people endure, he has many caring and loving people attending to his every need. The outward result is a loving and joyful human life.

Then she talked about the naysayers --- the ones who say, “That’s no way to live” or ask, “what kind of life is that?” Though the Bible makes clear that all lives and people living them are precious in God’s eyes, society doesn’t seem to put much value in a life like this boy’s.

Worse, though, is the government and more particularly its proposed health plan. It says not only that a life like this has little or no value, but that it’s a HUGE liability. Health coverage would NOT be available to another couple in the same position, who receive the same call as this woman and her husband received twelve years ago. This, in conjunction with the fact that taxpayers will continue to offset the cost of abortions, will make that an “easier” choice when the next young mother is confronted with a similar situation.

This theme of certain lives being a liability extends to the elderly. In my nursing home service ministry, a message I try to hammer home on a weekly basis is that regardless of age, physical limitations or anything else, if God still has someone here on earth, He also still has a purpose for their lives. Unfortunately, certain provisions of this health plan regarding the cost of care to the elderly fly in the face of that.

Back in Old Testament days when the Israelites used to offer up burnt sacrifices to God, it was said that it was sweet aroma to Him if done in a sincere way. Unfortunately the policy that would be implemented as a result of this new health plan stinks to high heaven.

“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’” --- Matthew 25:44-45

Friday, September 11, 2009

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:00:03 GMT

SCRATCHING AN ITCH

“Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” --- John 4:13-14

I hate to be gross, but it’s the best example I can think of to illustrate the point I will try to make in this paper --- so here goes: I have a case of athlete’s foot that flares up now and then between two of my toes. While not debilitating, it causes great discomfort, especially in the summer when heat and perspiration is prevalent. That being said, there is no feeling more soothing in the world, than taking off that shoe and sticking an instrument between the toes to scratch the itch. It beats a normal back rub by a mile! So is it actually one of life’s hidden pleasures to actually contract the fungus? --- Certainly not! The relief is brief and actually leads to more scratching that really doesn’t satisfy.

For those who have never experienced this, I’ll throw out any of life’s dependencies --- smoking, drinking, overeating, etc. as falling into the same category. It gives us great pleasure when we go to it, but it ultimately leaves us unsatisfied and eventually wanting for more.

That, I believe, is what our government is doing to us right now!

Everything the government, under new President Barrack Obama, has introduced from health care reform to economic reform not only has been introduced by the government, but would be totally run by the government. Nothing has been left to the private sector --- It’s something scholars many years ago came to identify as socialism. That’s right, the same type of government that fueled the rise of everything from communist Russia to Adolph Hitler’s Germany. It is designed to make the people completely dependent on the government to fulfill all their needs. The beauty of it from the government’s standpoint is that it can create problems and then come up with the solutions (create the itch and then provide the scratch), making the people more and more dependent. If the leader is charismatic, like Lenin, Hitler and Obama, they’ll tend to get all the credit without getting much of the blame!

That’s why it’s so important that, even if it falls on deaf ears, every problem and solution is closely scrutinized by the populous. If people are simply looking for change for change sake, the opportunity for the government to take over as their sugar daddy or back scratcher is left wide open.

This whole principle is explained well in the writings of a man named Saul Alinsky --- A man who Obama learned under in his formative years:

“Any revolutionary change must be preceded by a passive, affirmative, non-challenging attitude toward change among the mass of our people. They must feel so frustrated, so defeated, so lost, so futureless in the prevailing system that they are willing to let go of the past and change the future. This acceptance is the reformation essential to any revolution.”

It’s also what God uses to draw people to Him --- or at least give them a choice. I am not going to say definitively that Obama IS the antichrist, who will usher in the last days, but, like Hitler, he is a type (see 1 John 2:18). I believe God continues to test us and see which way we lean when we are in trouble --- towards Him, which is what He seeks or towards man. We are all wired for that need, one way or the other and it’s up to us whether we choose the short-term solution or the eternal one.

The recent economic downturn in this country, in conjunction with a hotly contested election, makes it tempting to look to the government, rather than the Lord in our trouble and distress. Though they may provide us with stimulus checks, cheaper heath care or the platform for economic recovery, we need to remember where that provision ultimately comes from…and where our hope ultimately lies!

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, And rely on horses, Who trust in chariots because they are many, And in horsemen because they are very strong, But who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, Nor seek the LORD!” --- Isaiah 31:1

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:15:24 GMT

THE SPIN DOCTOR

“…For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers…” --- 2 Timothy 4:3

Even before his recent signing with the hated Minnesota Vikings, I was going to write this, but now that he has gone to the enemy camp, I’m assured of this --- Brett Favre is one of the most hated men in the City of Green Bay, Wisconsin. This despite the fact that he led the hometown Packers back to their glory days and started every game during his 16 years with the club.

His crime? --- That’s where it gets a little bit sketchy depending on who you talk to…and how it’s spun!

Here are the facts as I see it (with perhaps a bit of my own spin):

Coming off a 13-3 season and one step from the Super Bowl, the Packers and more specifically their General Manager, Ted Thompson: (1) Forced their legendary Quarterback into retirement; then (2) Ran him out of town when he had the nerve to change his mind, and (3) Proceeded to go from 13-3 to 6-10 and watched as their ex-legendary Quarterback almost led a mediocre team into the playoffs.

Despite this, 90% of the populous is completely on board with what the Packers and Thompson did and on top of that has completely vilified Favre --- An absolutely amazing accomplishment by Thompson and the Packers’ PR staff. How did they pull this off?

First, they used Favre’s continuous wavering and waffling to convince the public that it was a detriment to both the teams planning and the development of Favre’s successor, Aaron Rodgers. This argument seemed to work well despite the fact that the Packers’ record progressed from 4-12 to 8-8 to 13-3 during that period of waffling and Rodgers was, at times, brilliant when he got the chance to play last year.

Second, and this was the big one, they convinced the populous that this “feud” was Favre vs. The Packers, not Favre vs. Ted Thompson. In essence Thompson was able to hide behind the cover of one of arguably the greatest traditions in sports. Even one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is no match for the love affair the Packers enjoy with their fans in the quaint little city of Green Bay.

The Packers were able to have their cake and eat it too --- They traded in their aging veteran for a younger model and, due to the one-sided PR victory, won’t ever be second guessed for it. Once again, it begs the question --- How did they do that? Let me suggest it was a key signing they made that got little or no publicity when it happened last summer when this whole saga began --- they hired former President Bush Press Secretary, Ari Fleischer as a PR consultant. Fleischer is a classically trained “spin doctor” from the political world --- a world where people rarely get elected for what they stand for, but instead for how they look standing. I believe Fleischer helped them make all the right moves at all the right times and spun everything in the Packers’ direction through effectively selling the arguments I cited above.

So what does this have to do with the verse I have heading this paper and how do I make the spiritual connection I always try to make in these papers? Though I’m convinced beyond a doubt that God is truth and that every word in the Bible is truth, there’s a master “spin doctor” out there using his minions to convince the populous otherwise --- his name, of course, is Satan.

Take the story of Noah’s Ark, which appears early in the Book of Genesis. Satan has turned it into what most perceive (even some believers) as a mythological story and a merchandising gem for the secular world. Truth be told, the “story” (actually event) is pivotal in understanding not only the origin of the universe, but also God’s dealing with sinful man.

The effects of catastrophic events like volcanoes, hurricanes and earthquakes have shown man how much the earth can “evolve” in a very quick time. To amp that up about a million times with an event that affected the whole earth for forty days easily explains that we have a relatively young earth (about 6000 years), despite things like the Grand Canyon, fossil layers and other evidence that scientists say “prove” an earth that is millions and millions (now billions, I guess) years old. Why is this important? It’s the basis for the theory of evolution --- that man got here by random chance and that there is no intelligent design or more importantly, Creator to answer to.

For believers, the danger of seeing the events of Noah’s Ark dissolve into a children’s fairy tale, is to forget that, though God loves us and makes each and everyone of us with His own special touch, He also has, continues and ultimately will judge the world on His terms. The flood took the life of every living being except for those on the ark. If the story was really processed and understood by all in that way, do you think Mattel Toys would even touch the merchandising of it?

The spin Satan puts on it allows people to hear what they want to hear, taking non-believers and believers alike further and further from the truth. I’ve seen debates where one side argues for creation and one side for evolution. It amazing, the creationists who would and could just use the Bible and its truths to defend the truth of creationism, invariably have the scientific evidence to back it, while evolutionists use science to prove that evolution is simply a theory and then invariably get into a philosophical argument to appeal to the common sense of the worldly man. Obviously, some people are persuaded by the evidence, but ultimately only those ones who open their hearts to accepting the truth.

The bottom line is that regardless of the spin, we are only righteous before God through our belief and faith that Jesus Christ died for our sins. Apart from that, no amount of good works on our part or misconception of God’s love will get us a ticket to anywhere but to the lake of fire, better known as hell. I may not be able to convince you about the Favre saga, but I hope I have persuaded you to pursue the truth!

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” --- John 14:6

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:15:13 GMT

HIDEOUS DISEASE OR SIN?

“For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.” --- Psalm 51:3

Pictures have recently surfaced of Texas Rangers’ outfielder Josh Hamilton at a bar drinking, obviously under the influence of alcohol. No big deal, just someone taking a break from the limelight to relax and have a few --- right? Not in this case --- You see Hamilton is a recovering drug addict and his return to baseball and sobriety has been very high profile. So this was a big deal.

Hamilton has also become a Christian, who credits his monumental turnaround to the power of Jesus Christ --- so did he blow his witness?

Before I dive in, a little more background on Hamilton --- He was a “phenom”, who succumbed to the pressure and temptation of his place and became a pretty serious drug addict in the early 2000’s. Amazingly, he turned his life around enough to make a full comeback in 2008 culminated by an unreal performance at the All-Star Game Home Run derby (he hit 27 home runs in one round, doubling the old record for a round).

However, sometime during the offseason, he fell off the wagon as the secular expression goes and was caught by a camera. It took about five months for the pictures to surface, but apparently the next day Hamilton confessed and apologized to all those who supported and continue to support his comeback. Probably because of that fact, in part, the media has been very kind and understanding about the picture “scandal”. Sports talk shows have paraded out “experts” on “substance abuse”, who have talked about the difficulty of overcoming this hideous “disease”.

It’s wonderful that the media has been so understanding, but their reasoning is all wrong. They’re giving him a free pass, blaming the “disease”, rather than putting the blame squarely on Hamilton. I’ll guarantee you that Hamilton would be the first to admit that he really screwed up, jeopardizing both his career and his witness for Christ. His favorite Bible verse is James 4:7 (“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”). I’m sure that he would admit that though he has submitted his life to Christ, he, like all Christians, are still subject to the sin that can so easily snarl even the most committed Christian when they wander into a place away from the will of God. This, however, can not and should not be used as an excuse…

…nor should substance abuse.

By the way, if substance abuse is considered a disease, why isn’t smoking considered a disease? They both are expensive, addictive and harmful to the user, yet a substance abuser can use their addiction as an excuse for all forms of criminal behavior that ensues, while smokers are told they just have a nasty habit. The bottom line is that both addictions bring on behavioral patterns that keep people from being their best for Christ and their families. The Bible calls it sin and says we are all prone to it. So while I applaud Hamilton for his comeback, his walk with Christ and especially the way he has so openly given all the glory to Him, I also think it’s crucial that he recognize he screwed up and may not get another chance from the usual unforgiving wrath of the modern media.

Besides the fact that they’ve blamed the disease, I also think the media has recognized the turnaround in Hamilton’s life and admire him for it. That’s evidence of the light that his life is shining. Because of this forgiveness, he now has a chance to further glory Christ through his actions from here on out --- an opportunity that I’m sure he won’t let slip away!

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” --- Matthew 5:16

Friday, August 07, 2009

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:02:03 GMT

GARDEN OF THE GODS

“He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.” --- Mark 7:9

My wife, Jenny and I had a recent experience at a triathlon, that points out the problem with “the law” in general, but especially points out the problem when dealing with man’s law, rather than God’s.

We took part in a Triathlon in the Southern part of the state near my wife’s relatives. The race info said there would be ample parking. We got there early, just in case, and found a horrible traffic snarl. We waited about thirty minutes to get into a remote lot, only to find as we approached it that had filled up. Finally we were directed back to the park and, after a further backup caused by cars turning around, found a place in there.

By the time we gathered our gear and bikes from the car and raced over to the transition area, it was about to be closed off to all participants. We really had the worst of a traffic problem that was brought on by poor planning. If we had arrived 20 minutes earlier we would have gotten in to the remote lot and avoided the second half of the backup. Even if we had gotten there 20 minutes later, we would have been able to pull right into the park. As we entered the transition area, we realized the shortage in parking spaces was nothing compared to the shortage in bike rack space there. With the clock ticking and continuing announcements that everyone had to clear the area, we looked desperately for a spot that just wasn’t there (we found out later there was room for 900 bikes and ONLY over 800 participants --- However, areas like this if left open to participants ideas of the space they need is similar to a parking lot with unmarked spaces and no one supervising --- probably about seven cars fit in every nine spaces available). So we chose a spot on the fence inside the area at the end of a row --- the best we could do under the circumstances we thought.

Jenny settled down and had the race of her life, winning her category --- or so we thought. We saw her listed first and then quickly called her Mom and our boys to come over for the Award’s Ceremony. When she went back to take a closer look at her split times, she found herself dropped to second place with no explanation. As it turned out, she was penalized two minutes for violating a USAT (the governing body of triathlons) rule or law regarding the “racking” of a bike.

Now I must say, in retrospect, I don’t have nearly as much disdain for the rule or law as I do for the way our protest was handled. There could be an advantage gained by someone just dumping off their bike or positioning it in such a way as to make it easier to transition to and from it. However, given the circumstances (no place to rack) and position we put our bikes (at the end of a row on a fence with no chance to avoid going through the rack rows), it was obvious (to us at least), that we were seeking no advantage and in fact, were trying the best we could under the circumstances to stay within the rules.

I won’t get into all the details, but ultimately (though the cute bobble-head trophy my wife was deprived of would have been nice!) all I was looking for was someone to say something like, “Yes, it was probably a mistake to assess a penalty like this given the circumstances, but we stand by the decision which, by rule, can’t be reversed now anyway.” What we got instead from both USAT and the race organizer was, ”…if everything was the same the next time, you should and WILL be penalized again.” Like a policeman giving a ticket to someone going 26 in a 25 zone, while the bank they’re hiding in the parking lot with their speed gun at is being robbed, it’s kind of frightening to know that justice can be handed out and defended after the fact in that way.

It teaches us a lesson, though, and helps us step in the shoes, in ever so slight a way, of Jesus. This is what the Pharisees did to Him during His ministry here on earth, constantly trying to trap Him in violation of His Law. In reality, it was their law and tradition that He was in violation of --- a law and tradition they couldn’t and didn’t keep themselves. Rather than admit their mistake, though, they dug into their trenches even deeper and eventually insisted on the execution of Jesus.

Why?

Because man’s law is often used and abused to exert power and control. Jesus’ claims put all that into jeopardy. Scripture tells us that they were afraid of losing their power, position and prestige in their nation (see John 11:48). In essence, they set themselves up as gods and were using the law to “bully” Jesus and any person that might come in the way of their perceived powerful position --- Justice be damned!

Though in a much smaller way, Jenny got a little taste of that!

By the way, where did I get the clever little title of this paper? That’s the street name of USAT’s world headquarters --- appropriate to say the least!

“This evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who follow the dictates of their hearts, and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them, shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing.” --- Jeremiah 13:10

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:28:42 GMT

“THE HILL”

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” --- Philippians 4:11

I have been taking part in a program at the local YMCA called “boot camp”. It’s a “no-nonsense, get-in-shape, get-tough, learn-discipline” program that meets for an hour three days a week at 5:30 AM. While not quite the military program its name is taken from, it does a good job of mimicking some of the effects, albeit for three hours a week (vs. the 168 hours, 24/7 program of the military).

We meet at the Y, but then go to different parks around the city to do our workouts. One of the places we go to is the Lawrence University “hill”. As I like to put it, “If it was any steeper, they’d call it a wall!” Invariably, I hear little murmurs and complaints when the “coaches” (playing the role of drill sergeants) announce our weekly trip to “the hill”. I must admit, I was one of those at the beginning, but I’ve come to, if not love, at least embrace “the hill”. Why? Because it’s there and we have to do it anyway, so why not see if we’re up to the challenge. Isn’t that what we “signed up” for in the first place?

From my standpoint there’s another thing --- I’ve found that I excel on the hill! The limited movement of the legs that the steep grade demands actually protects my notoriously weak hamstrings and calves, allowing me to really go “all out”. On “the hill”, I feel the speed of my youth come back, especially in comparison to those complainers reigning in their effort for fear of a few grass stains that might come from stumbling once or twice.

We often equate what gives us satisfaction, with what we perceive as being easy or more comfortable. Is it “easier” for me on “the hill” than it is on level ground? Actually, on the contrary --- I’m probably burning far more energy and exerting my body far harder in my all-out effort. Which gets me to the point of this paper --- In reality, the easier more comfortable route is not the one that gives us the greatest satisfaction, instead it’s the challenging route where we’re able to overcome the obstacles and be victorious! I’d be the first one to admit that when I hear we’re going to City Park (which is completely flat) my flesh raises a huge cheer in my heart, because it is the more comfortable route, but in the end I have far greater satisfaction (and my body is sore, but better off) after a grueling hill workout.

It’s the same in our Christian walk! When we take up our cross and choose to follow Christ, we are not taking the comfortable way. We are “signing up” for the challenges and obstacles that God will put in our path to make us more complete in Him. It’s never easy, but here’s the rub, if we truly surrender and follow Him it will give us more satisfaction and joy in our life here and now. The reason we sometimes don’t see it that way is, of course, because of our flesh. We may see an easy non-challenging job so we can have more time for “church work”, but “the hill” that God might put us on is a job that makes it challenging to even have time for our family. We may see a warm southern climate that allows us to make the most of our family time together, but “the hill” that God might put us on is a harsh northern climate that helps us really appreciate our one week of “pool weather” per year. Like Joseph’s “pit”, David’s “Goliath/King Saul” and Paul’s “jail time”, God removes us from our comfort zones, which allows us to grow in faith and confidence in Him.

There’s a scene played out in the Book of Acts when Paul was doing mighty things in Corinth, but feared for his life and limb due to many threats. The Lord spoke to him through a vision and said, “…(Do not be afraid) no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city (Acts 18:10).” Wherever we go and whatever we do, in all walks of life, God has people there and in a position to do and serve His purposes whether it’s to be a light and witness like Paul or someone behind the scenes to protect that witness. If it was left to us and our comforts, God would have many people in cushy offices in Hawaii and not many people anyplace else.

It’s all about being content in the place where God has us. He has equipped us and placed us in a position to succeed on His behalf and ultimately bring joy and satisfaction to our own lives. As a warning, if we’re not content and murmur and complain constantly about our lot in life, we need only look in a whole section of scripture in the first few books of the Bible about a group of Israelites, who died in the wilderness never to set foot in the Promised Land. God put a big hill before them, but only a couple of the people were up to the challenge:

“Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” --- Numbers 13:30

Friday, July 10, 2009

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:15:59 GMT

THE FALL OF AIR MCNAIR

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” --- Hebrews 13:4

The recent murder/suicide that took the life of former NFL-great Quarterback Steve McNair was shocking to say the least. Listen to both individual camps and you get the picture of model citizens, who were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. The 36-year-old McNair lived a high profile life as a star player, who gave back to the community and tried to be a role model, especially to his young fans. His 20-year-old “girlfriend” was by all accounts a nice lady from a nice family.

So how did they both end up dead on a couch with five bullet holes in their bodies?

Were they bad people? Definitely not! I believe the woman was a nice person from a good family and I know Steve McNair’s work as not only a football leader, but also a community leader. The police were certainly at a loss to explain it. They waited days to make the murder/suicide ruling simply because they saw no motive. The families were certainly at a loss for words from the utter shock, but when they did speak it was with nothing but platitudes for their lost loved one.

Was it just one of those random incidents that no one can explain? The problem with that explanation is that there was one blatant thing at work here and the reason for the tragedy --- SIN. McNair was a married man with four children. The world is blind to that reason because it has been programmed to be accepting of the fact that divorce is the inevitable conclusion to most marriages and cohabitation without marriage is not only accepted, but encouraged.

The problem, of course, is that is not God’s way.

When you mess with God’s way it is called sin and though there is forgiveness for those who believe and confess their errors, there are still consequences --- even for model citizens. I believe God anoints EVERY marriage to be a picture of the relationship Jesus has with His Bride, the church. The wiring necessary to do that goes haywire when that path is departed from. The emotions and jealousy it can conjure up can even make the most sane person pull the trigger on life.

I’m not here to either judge McNair (“…let he who is without sin cast the first stone…”) or to give him a free pass, only to shed light on the consequence of sin. The comforting thing to all believers in this is that if McNair was a believer simply caught in the snare of temptation that money and fame can bring, he is with the Lord today in His eternal glory --- Not because of his exploits on the field, not because of his work in community, but only because Christ died for our sins and McNair chose to believe in that. What grace our Lord affords ALL believers!

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” --- Romans 8:1-2

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:51:14 GMT

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.” --- Romans 13:1-2

Recently, I was listening to the show, “Adventures in Odyssey” on the radio with my children. It’s a real fine series featuring spiritual messages as learned through the lives of running characters in a made-up town. This particular episode (probably from about 20 years ago) dealt with a boy whose father had died before the boy was born in the Vietnam War. Thanks to his mother, he had a real healthy memory of his father as a war hero that vicariously came out in the boy’s patriotism and eagerness to “celebrate” past wars of this country and their heroes. That is until he ran into a stick in the mud in the form of a teacher whose opposition to the war was so great that he considered those who fought in the war murderers. His mother’s reaction was typical of the error that all Christians have from time to time on this earth --- She thought she could protect her son from that hate by living in the idyllic town of Odyssey. But, as we all figure out, there’s no escaping the strong hand of our enemy while we’re here on this earth.

I bring this up, as we enter into our yearly celebration of our independence and freedom in this country, because I see the enemy building a stronghold on this subject that has only increased since this particular episode of “Adventures in Odyssey” first aired. Since Vietnam, the opposition to any and every war effort, save the short “Desert Storm” campaign, has met with stronger and stronger opposition and outrage --- A far cry from the way such campaigns as the World Wars brought this country together.

Now I’m not going to try to argue that any of these war efforts since the Vietnam War are nearly as noble as World War II, for example, because to me that argument is irrelevant. We’re a sinful nation run by sinful leaders of a sinful populous. Mistakes and ill-advised efforts have been and will continue to be forged. However, this fact must be separated from the fact that those who have received the high call of serving this country in the military during this time are every bit the hero as those who fought in every campaign this country has ever been involved in going back to the noblest of all --- Our War for Independence!

The deception the enemy has put out there on this front is so strong that now there is a growing sentiment that with our health care and economic crisis, veterans who have fought and been injured in these war efforts should be paying their own medical expenses. What an outrage!

I recently read an account by the son of a man depicted on the famous Iwo Jima Memorial of what happened to the six men depicted on the famous statue which pictured them laying an American flag on top of a hill on that island during a World War II battle. He talked about his own father and the others, who all became heroes in everyone else’s eyes, but he also talked about the tortures each of them went through as a result of their experience and sacrifice on behalf of this country’s freedom. Can you imagine what those who fought in Vietnam, who were making the same sacrifice, felt like when they got back with the same tortured memories but who were called murderers instead of heroes?

It brings to mind another who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, but was reviled by those He came to save. When Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends (John 15:13),” it squarely fits what each and every veteran of this country has done on our behalf to preserve our freedom. To me, each and everyone are both a friend and a hero --- Especially those who literally laid down their lives!