Dec. 30- UE 3

The Unexpected Adventure   "Being Your Own Eccentric Self"   2 Corinthians 3:12

"Being Your Own Eccentric Self" is the title of today's UE.  The authors discuss how each of us has a unique personality and individual traits.  We should not try to conform to a preconceived image of a witnesser.  Billy Graham and Billy Sunday had different preaching styles.  I imagine that Peter and John were on opposite ends of the witnessing scale.  But all these men were instrumental in the spreading of the gospel.  


While the New Testament does not spend time outlining the personalities of the disciples, there are enough recorded incidents involving the disciples that we know there was a wide range of individuals making up Christ's closest followers.  In just the same way that Jesus called the original 12 for their unique gifts and abilities, He can use our uniqueness to further His kingdom today.


If you have a sense of humor, use it.  Are you intuitive? Allow that to create your opening to witness.  ESPN your favorite cable station?  Use a BCS bowl game to open the door to a witnessing opportunity.  


Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us that were were "knit together" and "wonderfully and fearfully made" by God the Creator.  We were each made exactly as He planned.  Allow Him to use our individually to reach people for him.

P.S.   I don't think God created any of us grumpy or irritable.  Those probably are not the type traits that will endear many people to Jesus Christ.  :-)

Dec. 29- UE 2

The Unexpected Adventure   "When You Just Don't Know"   James 5:19-20

Well, true to what Strobel and Mittelberg wrote in The Unexpected Adventure (UE), if you pray and actively look for ways to engage in spiritual conversations outside of the church, those opportunities will arise.  Here is what happened yesterday.

Yesterday Kristi was to have picked up our nephew, Matt, after gymnastics lessons.  She got delayed and called me to give Matt a ride home.  Not a problem since I was going right by the gym.  While I was waiting for Matt to finish up the session, I overheard a gentleman tell a third person he was reading a book about apologetics.  That was the opening.

I listen to a lot of Christian radio and one of my favorite on-air ministers is Ravi Zacharis, a world-renowned apologist.  I was able to start a conversation with the gentleman about Ravi which led to a brief discussion of where each of us went to church.  Now, this particular person was already a church attender, and since he was reading an apologetics book, most likely a Christian.  (I know there is no guarantee.)  But two things about this "chance" encounter were exciting.

First, God was faithful in providing an opportunity for a Christian-themed conversation outside of the walls of the church or Monday night Life Group.

Second, at least part of the conversation was overhead by a third individual.  It could very well be that this third person's interest in things Christian may have been sparked.  I will never know.  But what I do know is that two Christian men who were strangers were not afraid to discuss Christianity and church in a public setting.

This was an encouraging first step for me.  I prayed for something that is definitely in God's will and, true to His word, God answered the prayer.  Below is a link to several verses that reaffirm God's prayer answers when we pray in His will.  http://www.topical-bible-studies.org/07-0007.htm

Day 2  The first day of the UE was about simply getting in the game.  Having a willingness to commit to spread God's message to others.  Day 2's focus is on four words many Christians are fearful to utter-- "I....do....not....know".  While we have a duty as a Christian to constantly increase our knowledge of Kingdom things, few of us will ever become Ravis or Hanks.  So if we ever get into a witnessing situation where there are questions of which we are unsure of the answer, "I don't know" is a more honest, open way to respond as opposed to making something up, getting angry or just shutting down.  However, don't stop at "I don't know".  Offer to research the questions and set up a time to meet in the near future and provide those answers.  The fact that the other person has those questions opens the door to future conversations.

I have one particular friend who is very well read and likes to poke fun at the Christian faith.  Nothing malicious, but just enough to be an irritant.  He prides himself on having read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Koran.  Yet he views all organized religions as superfluous.  In the past, I have allowed his challenging questions or remarks to get me agitated and walk away from the conversation.  My prayer now is that I will stay engaged in the conversation and offer to find answers to any questions that stump me.

We won't know the answer to every seeker's questions.  But we can share what Jesus has done for us and offer to be his/her Bible Answer Man (or Woman).  James 5:19-20

Input needed--Now that I am in a structured book study, I will be more regular in my blog entries, but am finding the Strobel/Mittelberg book and blog entries dominating my quiet time.  Any suggestions on how to keep the Bible and pray the center piece without losing the growth opportunities presented in the UE journey?

Dec. 28- Unexpected Adventure- UE 1

The Unexpected Adventure   "Enrolling in the Adventure"   1 Corinthians 1:8-9

Back on December 14, I wrote about the realization I had that I was exactly where God wanted me at this life stage.  The internal struggles I had been having with feelings of not doing big enough stuff for God were assuaged with this realization.  However, this weekend those should-you-be-in-the-mission-field type of feelings started to creep back in.  Once again, I was left wondering what else I should be doing for God.

Then along came yesterday's post about tithing 10% of my time as well as my income.  To that end, last night I put aside my current reading material and picked up a Christian-authored book, The Unexpected Adventure, and several dots in my life were connected.

1.  Time tithing- The UE can be an evening read to replace some t.v. and give extra time to God.
2.  Addressing the need to do more- Over the course of 41 daily readings, the UE challenges and equips believers to "live at the edge of expectation" in our Christian life.  A sentence from the back cover overview reads,  "Here's an energetic and engaging guide to everyday steps you can take to influence others for Christ."

I realized that God is indeed calling me into the mission field.  But that mission field is not Haiti, South America or the Sudan, but it is Rountree, Cooper Tennis Complex and Dillion's supermarket.  But that realization also brought with it anxiety.  If I was truly committed to influencing others for Christ, I run the risk of losing friends, being mocked, and labeled a narrow-minded bigot.  However, if I do not commit to this endeavor, the risk of displeasing and disobeying my heavenly Father has far greater implications.

Day 1 of the UE- Each day's reading has a section labeled "Action Principle".  I will summarize that section each day.  In Day 1 the authors remind us that as Christians, "we were redeemed, in part, for the purpose of reaching others for Christ.  Therefore, we'll never be complete in our experience with God until we allow him to use us to spread his message to others."  (p. 22)  I truly believe that it has been that lack of spreading His message that has created the unsettled feelings of the past several months.  Now that God has revealed that to me, I have no excuse to sit on the sidelines.  It is time to "enroll in the adventure".

Please pray that I will have the courage to share my faith when the opportunity presents itself.  My commitment must trump my cowardice.

I will also post a link to the verse that accompanies each day's reading.  1 Corinthians 1:7-9

Dec. 27- Monday Morning Wonderings

Something just hit me this morning.  From December 23-Jan. 3, I will not have any official work obligations, but will Jesus get the same number of extra hours as Springfield Public Schools?  I plan on going to school 20-30 hours this week.  Will God get 20-30 hours this week?  I have a book that lists 500 "must read" books.  These include biographies, travel logs, classic fiction, etc.  My Christmas gift Barnes and Noble gift certificates are already designated to purchase some of the 500.  However, what percentage of the B and N certificates are set aside for Christian books?  Why does the temporary so easily outstrip the eternal when it comes to our time and money?  Why does R-12 get the first fruit of my time, leaving my Lord and Savior with the leftovers?

Growing up a Southern Baptist, I grew up being taught Christians should give 10% of gross income to God.  We were also encouraged to give a offering over and above that amount.  What I don't remember being preached, taught or encouraged to do was to tithe 10% of our time.  Let's see---ten percent of 1440 minutes in a day  = 144 minutes = 2.4 hours = 2 hours 24 minutes a day.  That is quite a lofty goal, but think of how powerful the Church could become if we worked to tithe 10% of our time as well as 10% of our money.  How might one get that time in on the average work day?

144 minutes - 30 minutes of prayer and quiet time in the morning - 20 minutes of devotional reading at lunch = 94 minutes remaining for the evening.  These evening minutes could be divided into prayer, Bible study, a devotional time with your spouse, reading a Christian-themed book, visiting a shut-in or other Christian outreach ministry, attending a prayer meeting, helping out with a volunteer project at church, preparing for teaching a Sunday school lesson, etc.  


According to the A.C. Nielsen Co. the average American television is on 6 hours, 47 minutes each day.  More than enough time to give God 144 minutes and still watch American Pickers.


What is easier, write a 10% check, or give 144 minutes each day?  What would have a more powerful effect on a Christian's life a 10% check or 144 minutes each day?


Hmmm. . .

Christmas Day- 2010 Happy Birthday, Jesus!

I wonder what a birthday party for Jesus looked like when he was a boy in Nazareth.  Did he wear a funny hat?  Was there a traditional Jewish birthday song sung?  Was cake served?  I could not find much on the www that addressed this issue.  In fact, most of what I was able to find condemned birthday celebrations for Christians. Several sources recorded early birthday celebrations as pagan rituals, most certainly not the types of festivals that Jesus' family would recognize.

I have no idea where this is going.  I was just thinking this morning about Jesus birthday, and these thoughts ran through my mind.

Luke 2- Christmas Story

Obviously, I am not staying on a strict diet of Psalm as I had planned.  But on Christmas Eve day, how could I not include a thought or two on the second chapter of Luke?  It is in this chapter Luke writes about the manger birth, the angelic announcement and temple presentation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Growing up in the church, I didn't think there was anything new for me in the Luke's recounting of the Christmas story.  I have heard it read on countless Christmas Eves, heard it preached in candle-light services and sat through many sermons on the chapter.  But, as I read it today, verse 14 stuck me.  I use the NIV for my morning readings.  In verse 14 the angels say ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  It was the last part, "on whom his favor rests" is what threw me.  I had been used to the KJV which does not include "on whom his favor rests".  In the KJV, the angels are saying,  ^14"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  So, I went to a commentary web site and looked at this verse in several translations.  There seem to be more translations of Luke 2:14 that include "on whom his favor rests" when compared to those that don't include the phrase.


Not that this realization shakes the foundation of my faith, but it did get me to thinking, "What is the significance of that one five-word phrase?"   The New Living Translation and English Standard Version, both have God's favor being offered "to those with whom God is pleased."  A fairly significant difference from the KJV, which seems to be the preferred text for most midnight Christmas Eve services.


Does that mean only men "on whom God's favor rests" will receive the peace of Christ?  Perhaps, peace is to all men because God's favor rests on mankind.  I am not too sure.  I would welcome any thoughts on the issue.  


What I do know, is that when I allow my life to get to a place where it is not pleasing to God, the peace promised by the angels is not to be found.  Even though I remain God's child, disobedience, indifference and distance can easily rob me of the inner peace, calm and joy that is present when I am spending daily time alone with God and aligning my actions and thoughts to His will.

Praise to God the Father for his Christmas gift to the world- 
Jesus Christ!

Dec. 21- Christmas Present

The church services that have been and will continue to be held this Christmas season will, obviously, focus on the birth of Jesus Christ.  This is the season we celebrate the birth of our Savior.  It is a cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving.  The gift of Christ to the world is an event that makes so many other things possible for the believer.  When the alarm rudely woke me this morning, I was struck by one of those possibilities.

As I lay there trying to decide whether I should hit the snooze, I said a short good-morning prayer to God.  Then I realized just how great a gift Christ had given me by allowing me direct access to God the Father.  Prior to Christ's death on the cross, access to God the Father was only granted through the high priest.  He said prayers for the nation.  He (or the prophets in the OT) received the directives from God.  It was the high priest that went to God for the atonement of sins for the nation.  But after the birth, death and resurrection of Christ, through my position as a Christian, I have immediate, unlimited, intercessor-free access to the Creator of the Universe.  No middleman is necessary.  To be granted a personal, one-on-one audience with the great I Am, is dependent only on  the condition of my heart and my willingness to set aside the time to approach the Throne.

What a truly awesome gift that is.  Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice that made access to the Father possible.

Dec. 20- Psalm 10

Psalm 10

Psalm 10 starts off with a question that has perplexed, frustrated and even angered believers and theologians through the ages.  "Why, LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10:1  It is interesting to note, that while David uses this question to introduce the 10th Psalm, he never gets around to answering it.

(Morning clock ticking.  Will be back later this evening,  but feel free to chime in with your thoughts on David's query found in verse 1.)

Dec. 19- Psalm 9

I am a bit chagrined to note it has been 4 days since my last post.  I would like to say I have been away on a spiritual retreat in the Rockies, but alas, nothing that impressive.  Bottom line is that I have been just plain lazy about quiet time and Bible study.  And, boy, did I feel it tonight.  I was working a simple project here at home and lost my cool when the dog started whining to go outside.  Time away from God for any extended period of time is a huge mistake for me.

I am back on track and read Psalm 9.   I smiled at the introduction of this Psalm.  "For the director of music. To the tune of 'The Death of the Son.' A psalm of David."  It sounds as if David took a well-known tune of the day and wrote different lyrics to it.  I guess Weird Al Yankovic was not an original.

Is appears from verses 1-12, that David's enemies were at last vanquished by the Lord.  However, verses 13-20, find David still crying out to the Lord for victory over his enemies.  I am not contesting the translators of the Old Testament, but it would seem to me that the order of the sections should be reversed.  Regardless of their order, what does remain consistent throughout Psalm 9 is David's recognition that salvation from his enemies is only through the Lord--not through human manipulation or plans.

I am not advocating a hunker-down mentality  (unless that is God's will) and just wait for a supernatural intervention from God.  But during good times and bad, we should seek God's direction and timing before proceeding and recognize that the ultimate outcome of a situation is in God's hands.

I think this can be difficult for guys.  We are fixers.  Something is not right, we gonna make it right, by golly.  Sink leaking, don't wait for the plummer--hand me a wrench and stand back!  On countless occasions, my unwillingness to wait on God's timing, or even ask God's advice on a situation has created problems beyond measure.  If I would just remember and apply Psalm 9:10-- "Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you."--I would probably sleep better and quit wasting time trying to tell God how to do His job.


Be sure to remember that Jesus Christ, not Santa Claus, is the focus of this season.

Dec. 15- Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a song of praise and adoration.  (Once again, time runs short.  I will try to finish this entry up after work tonight.)  

I didn't get back to the blog this evening, but I did download another video to You Tube.  Go to youtube.com.  Then in the search bar, type in DM5563.  That will take you to my first two You Tube submissions.

Hope you enjoy watching them as much as I enjoyed making them.

Have a blessed rest of the week.

Dec. 14- Epiphany

Epiphany: an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure.  


Not to sound too mystical or ethereal on this cold Tuesday morning, but I do believe I had an epiphany this morning between snooze buttons two and three.


For the past several months I have had an unsettled feeling that I needed to be doing more for the Lord.  I have had several conversations with my father about this and never found a satisfactory answer to my disquietude.  Is it time for a career change?  Should I be teaching a Sunday school class?  Leading a lay ministry of some sort?  This morning I had an answer to that month's long question.  There was not finger writing on the wall or a booming voice that shook the windows, but the still small voice of the Lord spoke to me.  "David, you are exactly where I want you to be- Krisit's husband. Seth's stepfather and Rountree's principal."  There was not a call to African missions.  No admonition to sell our house, give the proceeds to the church and live in a commune.  Simply a reminder I am exactly where God would have me to be.


As I was pondering that seemingly obvious message from God, I began to ask Him, "But how can I further your kingdom in those roles?"


God used Chip Ingram to answer that question.  Between snooze buttons three and four, one line from a Chip Ingram sermon blared out from the radio before I could get it shut off- "We are to love others."  I don't know what Chip was preaching about, or how that line tied into the rest of his message, but it was the clear, succinct message I needed from God.  I can further God's kingdom wherever He chooses to place me by loving others.


I don't have to have a position at Ridgecrest or an official ministry or hours of volunteer work with the homeless.  God has called His children to be people lovers.  I am to love the lovable and the not-so-lovables and the loveless.  I am called to love others in such a tangible, consistent way that they will be drawn to the Christ in me.  My life is to be such a reflection of God's love for us, that those who are empty and hurting will allow Christ to fill that void.  I need to show that love to Kristi, Seth, students, parents, teachers, staff and colleagues.


Love is what God has called me to do and to be.  Period.  At this season in my life, I am who and where God wants me to be.  (I realize that I should strive to grow daily in my walk with Him in order to more perfectly reflect His love.)  And until He makes any change of plans clear, I will start loving more and searching less.

Dec. 13- Psalm 7

shiggaion-The word denotes a lyrical poem composed under strong mental emotion.  This is the description of Psalm 7.  David continues to cry out to the Lord for deliverance from his enemies and recognizes that God is his only hope of salvation from those bent on his destruction.


In this Psalm, David recognizes two aspects of sin.  In verses 3-4, David highlights sins that he might have committed against another person.  He accepts any punishment forthcoming if there is "guilt on my (David's) hands".


However, in verses 9-10, David touches on another aspect of sin- the condition of the heart.  David reminds us that we serve a "righteous God who probes minds and hearts."  Our God is a shield "who saves the upright in heart."  Yikes!  Does that mean it is not only wrong for me to watch adult movies, but also wrong for me to allow lustful thoughts into my mind?  I know I am supposed to treat that troublesome person with kindness, but I also need to think kindly about him/her?  I get this whole "be a good example for Christ" thing, but now my heart and mind have to be righteous also!  Only through the power of the Holy Spirit can I accomplish this.


In 1956, the Four Lads recorded a song "Standing on the Corner".  It is a catchy tune about a fella' with no girl friend, no money and nothing to do on a Saturday night.  So he is "standing on the corner, watching all the girls go by."  Part of the lyrics are "brother you can't go to jail for what you're thinking. . ."  That is certainly true when it come to our justice system, but the Supreme Judge does hold me accountable for what I am thinking.

Dec. 12- Psalm 6

Sounds like David is continuing to have a bad day, week, year.  Commentaries I read on Psalm 6 conclude that this Psalm was written as a response to sin in David's life.  Most likely it was the mess he created with Bathsheba.  (Isn't it ironic that David first saw "Bath"sheba as she was bathing on a roof top? 2 Samuel 11:2-3)

I am going to touch on four things from the 6th Psalm.

Verse 1  David does not ask the Lord not to punish him.  He realizes that his sin deserves punishment.  Scriptures in both the Old and New Testament make reference to how God disciplines those He loves.  (Hebrews 12:5-6; Deuteronomy 8:5; Proverbs 3:11-12; Revelation 3:19).  Our Heavenly Father would not be just if He allowed His children to continually, intentionally sin without consequences.  However, David makes a request that God not rebuke or discipline in wrath or anger.  If only this advice were heeded by earthly fathers.  Discipline is a necessary part of the growing process for a Christian or child, but angry discipline is most often regretted.  Although Seth is out of the house, this is a good maximum for me to follow when I mete out consequences at school.

Verse 4  Here David realizes that any reprieve from the consequences of his sin are not because he is deserving or has earned that reprieve.  Avoidance of just due is entirely a function of God's "unfailing love".  If God disciplined us to the extent we deserve, most of us were be consequenced 24/7.  Not only is the abatement of consequences an action of God's grace and mercy, but our initial salvation is also possible because of these same two attributes of God.  We will never be righteous or holy enough on our own merit.  If only I could show but a fraction of that love to those around me.

Verse 5  I find this verse a remarkable statement of David's love for God.  David continues to ask for relieve from God's discipline, but not for the reasons most of us would request that relief.  David's request for a reprieve is so that he can proclaim God's name and praise Him.  It wasn't about restoring David's good name or making things better for himself.  Even in the midst of God's discipline, David was focused on praising God.  What a goal for all Christians who are in the midst of trials and tribulation.

Finally, a fact that struck me about the Psalm as a whole.  Psalm 6 was written for the director of music.  I don't know enough about ancient Israel to know if the Psalm was prepared for public performance, or just a select crowd, but it doesn't appear to be just a private entry in David's diary.  Imagine if today's Church would take profession of sin to such a public level.  How would that change the Church if we continued the tradition of public confession of sin?  Not to a priest behind a closed door.  Not just to God in the wee hours of the morning (although confession to God must come first).  But to a larger body.  Maybe a small prayer group.  Maybe to a Sunday school class.  What about to the congregation as a whole.  Wednesday night services would become a Prayer AND Confession Meeting.  Would we think twice about sinning?  How much greater would be the healing and sense of relief?  Hmmm. . .

Hope I have not written too much today, but this particular Psalm really spoke to me.

May you have a blessed Sunday and an even better week ahead.

Dec. 11 (Psalm 3 Question)- Psalm 4

Before I get into Psalm 4, I have a question in regards to Psalm 3.  In Psalm 3:7, David asks the Lord to not just deliver him, but to also "strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked."  If a Christian is praying about internal enemies (worry, gossip, lust, etc.), that prayer seems appropriate.  But, at what point is that an acceptable prayer toward an actual person or people group?  Does the New Testament covenant rule out such a violent prayer toward an individual or group of individuals?  Hmmm. . .

While this blog has been the best thing I have every done to increase the intentionality and consistency of my Bible study, I was reminded today of a possible detrimental effect.  Psalm 4:4 instructs us to "search your hearts and be silent."  I find myself getting caught up in the mechanics of the blog (looking up videos, creating links, etc.) and before I know it, the clock tells me I have to leave for work, and I have had no "silent" with with God.  The busyness of the blog has kept me from solitude with God.

Heavenly Father, please create in me a peaceful heart, a quiet mind and a stillness of spirit that will allow me to truly hear Your still small voice.

Dec. 10- Psalm 3

It is always encouraging to spend time studying David's life either through the more narrative books of the Old Testament or by reading many of the Psalms.  For me the encouragement comes from the fact that David was a very flawed human being, but was still referred to as a "man after God's own heart".  If an adulterous murder can achieve God's own heart status, then perhaps there is still yet hope for me.

The 3rd Psalm is attributed to David and is supposed to have been written during the time when David's own son, Absalom, had taken over Jerusalem and run David out of town.  Seth and I have had our ups and downs, but I don't believe he has ever considered armed rebellion.  (At least I nope not.)

Sometimes 21st century application of a 3000 year old event can be tricky.  One has to guard against forcing scripture to mean something it was not intended to represent.  Don't hesitate to call me on any artificial interpretation of scripture as we move through the Psalms.

Psalm 3:1-6 "many rise up against me!" "many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him'" "ten of thousands assail me on every side"  What a pickle David found himself in.  Not only was his son rebelling, but much of the population of the kingdom seemed to side with Absalom.  As a Christian in America today, we have few, if any, who rise up against us.  Most certainly tens of thousands on the march against an individual would not only be the lead story on Fox, CNN and MSNBC, but not likely to happen in our lifetime.

However, I know that in my life, I have many situations and internal struggles that rise up against me and "assail me on every side".  Work struggles, worry about the economy, self-discipline in area of prayer and service to God, the use of sarcasm with loved ones, time selfishness, sacrificial giving and more.  These are the foes with which I struggle.  I think that the same God who was David's shield and answered him from His (God's) holy mountain, is the same God that will help me with worry, sarcasm, and self-discipline.  Psalm 3:8a- "From the LORD comes deliverance."  He will deliver us from external foes as well as internal ones if we will allow Him to do so.

Dec. 9- Psalm 2

Psalm 2:7- ". . .He (God) said to me 'You are my son; today I have become father.'"  The idea of a father to many people conjures up negative, often terrifying images.  Luckily I have a wonderful relationship with my father, Charles Robert.  Bob Martin exemplifies what a father should be:

Sympathetic listener- check
Willing to loan me his stuff- check
Patient with my mistakes- check
Shares his wisdom- check
Encourager- check
Available a.m. or p.m.- check
Unconditional love- check
The list could go on.

Since I am blessed with a godly father, when I think of my relationship with God as a father/son relationship, it is a comfort and encouragement to me.  Dad has limited resources, wisdom, time and strength, but my heavenly Father- no limits.  He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and promises to provide for His children.  He is all-knowing and makes that wisdom available to His sons and daughters.  He is eternity past and eternity future and all that comes between.  He is never too busy, distracted or unavailable.  Nothing will ever befall those who have believed on His name unless He allows it.

When I think of my earthly father-son relationship multiplied by limitlessness, it gives me the peace and encouragement to keep on keepin' on.  All thanks and praise to God the Father for allowing his Son, Jesus Christ, to make the ultimate sacrifice for me in order that I may enter into sonship with him.

A-rantin' I will go. A-rantin' I will go. Hi-ho, the derry-o, a-rantin' I will go.

I woke up a bit earlier than usual this morning, so I had some time to visit the News-Leader's online edition.  I came across an article about the AIDS Project of the Ozarks (APO).  The APO "seeks to meet this need (basic hygiene items) for those struggling with HIV/AIDS in 29 countries across southwest Missouri through their pantry."  (link to article)  The article highlights some of the needed items of the APO pantry.  These include such basic items as toilet paper, toothpaste and disposable razors.  Things most of use multiple times a day without so much as a second thought.  Yet, to many who suffer from HIV/AIDS, these items can be hard to afford after paying medical bills.


How sad it is that in a country as rich as America that claims to be a Christian nation, there should be any segment of our population that cannot access such basic hygiene items.  Jerry Lewis telethon for MDA, Turkey Trot to benefit the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, etc.  All these are worthwhile causes, but a bit more glamorous than taking box full of toothpaste to the APO pantry.  This Sunday I rode in the Toys for Tots motorcycle ride.  There were over 900 motorcyclists riding down Glenstone with Transformers, Teddy bears and board games that would be donated to children this Christmas.  Once again, a worthwhile cause.  But I wonder how many of us would have ridden in 34 degree weather with an eight pack of toilet paper strapped to our bikes to help out HIV/AIDS patients.  How many church members would be willing give up $5 a cup Starbucks for a month in order to purchase razors, soap and laundry detergent for someone with AIDS?  


If the Church really wants to affect change in America, we have got to reach out to those that a large segment of society would like to ignore.  Regardless of how a person contracted HIV/AIDS, they are still a human being who is loved by God and deserves the dignity of not having to choose between a doctor's visit and dental hygiene.  


For those who justify ignoring HIV patients as people receiving the just desserts for lifestyle choices, consider this. . .
Would you turn your back on the deacon who is having a triple bypass because he was 30 pounds overweight and didn't exercise?  That was a lifestyle choice.  What about the Godly neighbor lady who is suffering from emphysema because she smoked for 20 years.  You gonna' ignore her because it was a lifestyle choice?    


As Christians we must guard against getting caught up in the "why" of a person's condition, and focus on what God would have us do to minister to that person.  Perhaps stockings could be a little lighter and the gift stack a bit shorter in our homes so we can help meet the needs of those many would like to ignore.


Rant over.

Dec. 7- Four-letter Word

As an elementary school principal, I am periodically drawn aside by a younger student who asks me to bend down so he can whisper in my ear, "Billy said a bad word."  In some instances, the word really does qualify.  In other cases, it is a "bad" word in that child's home, but perhaps not one seen as bad by many others.  One day, a boy told me a classmate had said the "sh" word.  Due to the age of the students, I was really shocked.  I assured the teller I would address the infraction with the guilty party.  Just to make sure I had understood, I asked the student if indeed the classmate had used a word starting with "sh".  "Yes," replied the reporter.  "Billy said to 'shut-up'."  Not exactly the "sh" word that had come to my mind.

If I had to choose one four-letter word that I find most egregious, it would be "wait".  I want things done now, problems resolved yesterday and immediate results.  Planning is good, but doing is better.  Why wait when I can act?  Over the years, I have learned that many times waiting is not just the best option, often it is the only option.

The Bible is replete with verses admonishing Believers to wait on the Lord.  From the instructions Moses gave the Israelites in Numbers 9:7-9 to Jude 1:20-22, God's children are instructed to be patient and allow God to instruct, guide and "fix things" in accordance with His perfect timing.

However, this time of waiting should not be passive. While I wait on the Lord I need to "Trust in the LORD and do good"; Take delight in the LORD (and) commit (my) way to the LORD; Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him." Psalm 37:1-7  A season of waiting on the Lord can be a time of great spiritual growth if we will be "active waiters".

Dec. 6- Psalm 1

Today should finish Psalm 1.  Verse 1 speaks of what NOT do to.  Verse 2 addresses what we SHOULD do.  Verses 3-5 speak to what will happen as a result of verses 1 and 2.  Finally verse 6 states what God will do.

Verse 2- This verse is an encouragement to delight and meditate in scripture (the law of the Lord).  I just started reading the classic, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  I can already tell it is going to be a book I will look forward to reading each evening.  One of those books I will want to stay up past my bedtime to read just a few more pages.  Do I have that same delight and thirst for the Word of God.  Sadly enough, the answer would have to be "No."  Please pray for me that I will have develop the same longing for spending time in the Bible as I do classic fiction.


Now to the meditate part of verse 2.  If a physicist asked me to meditate on the laws of thermodynamics. I would stare blankly at that individual and answer with a polite, "Huh?"  That would be an impossibility for me because I have only a VERY surface knowledge of these laws.  The same goes for scripture, if I have not committed scripture to memory, it would be impossible for me to meditate on the "law of the Lord" unless I had a Bible or other printed material at hand.  To be able to meditate on God's word "day and night", I must commit portions of that law to my memory.  I have attached a video clip that outlines why scripture memorization is so important.

It is interesting to note that the deeper one goes into God's Word and commitment to living a life for Him, the more He requires.  But so far He has not asked anything of me He has not equipped me to complete, and the deeper the relationship, the greater the joy and peace.

Dec. 4- Just a Video

I would encourage you to darken the lights, sit back and give this video a look-see.  It really spoke to me.  Curious as to other's reactions.  (Click the four arrows in the lower right of the video to maximize it.)

May you have a blessed weekend.

December 3- Psalm 1

Today's post was to have been about Psalm 1:2-3.  Verse 1 is about not sitting, walking or standing with sinners, mockers or the wicked.  Figured I had that one covered.  I am blessed to have family and friends that, for the most part, have the same set of morals and values that I espouse.  But this morning it hit me, I do spend a lot of time sitting with "sinners".  There are times it may be as many as two hours.  Before you think I am slipping off to brothels or adult book stores, let me explain.

Twenty-five years ago, Newton N. Minow, the newly appointed chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, proclaimed much of television's programming  ''a vast wasteland.''  I would contend in the past 25 years it has gotten vaster and wastelandier.  Much of today's programming is not only empty and shallow, but espouses a world view contrary to a Christian belief system.  Too often, however, I find myself spending an hour or so in the evening wandering through this wasteland.  


I try to justify it by saying the references to adultery and promiscuity are not making me want to cheat on Kristi.  Or that the championing of casual drug use is not a temptation for me to purchase a bong.  But, is that time spent in front of the television glorifying my Lord and Savior?  Most often the answer is, "No."  


Maybe there is more work I need to do in light of Psalm 1:1 than I like to think.  Hmmm. . .


Dear Jesus, please help me to use ALL my time in a way that will glorify your name.

December 2- Psalm 1

My challenge for the next several weeks will be twofold.  Challenge 1- Not to put too much into each blog post.  Challenge 2- Straining the soup too thin.  Sometime a verse is just a verse, not an insightful, metaphorical window into the great beyond.  If I start to stray into either one of these areas, guide me back between the lines.

Today's reading was the first chapter of Psalm.  I see perhaps three day's posts in these six short verses.  (See what I mean about straining the soup too thin?)

Verse 1 is an admonition for believers to not walk, stand or sit with wicked, sinners or mockers.  This verse is fraught with possible misuse.  One of which is becoming judgmental as to who are wicked, sinners or mockers.  One of the major knocks on Christians is narrow-mindedness and judgmental attitude.  There is not enough time in this blog to discuss who falls into the W, S, M category.  But if, as a believer, you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your relationships, you will know if a particular relationship is strengthening or hurting your relationship with God.

The second and just as damaging misuse of verse 1 is using it to disassociate ourselves completely from those who are not Christians.  That is not the meaning of this verse.  We see Christ consistently spending time with the unsaved.  The caution in verse 1 is against "walking in step" with those who are not Christians.  If our closest, most important relationships are with unbelievers, we run the risk of being drawn away from our First Love.  We cannot allow ourselves to separate from the world, but must not "walk in step" with the world either.  The line is fine, and we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit to individually guide us.  That line will be different for each person and may change as a person goes through different seasons of life.

Walking in step would resemble the following video.

Too bad today's Church cannot walk in step with the same precision and exactitude as the performers in this video.

Boldly Going

Now that NT90 is complete, I am forced out of my comfort box of a planned, restrictive reading plan to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Isn't it funny how I am more comfortable following an arbitrary, man-made reading plan vs. allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my Bible study and quiet time?  ("Quiet time"- hmmm.  Wonder why I did not designate it as "prayer time".  Maybe that is because prayer is not the center piece of my morning time with God.  Interesting topic to explore at a later date.)

I am not being critical of NT90.  It has been the most intentional 90 days of Bible reading/study of my entire life.  Not only are the scriptural insights invaluable, but it has helped to established the habit of a daily time alone with God.  However, as I neared the end of the NT90, I found myself in a wee bit 'o panic because I did not have another devotional book or reading plan picked out.

Then as I was walking Roxie this morning, the Holy Spirit gave me a spiritual dope slap and reminded me that the Bible was the only devotional book I need at the current time.  So, for the foreseeable future, I will be spending my morning times in the book of Psalms.  One or two or three chapters a day and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to me through the writings of the "man after God's own heart"- King David.