“The guitar legend shares the keys to a life well lived” headlined the newspaper article.
As the article approached the conclusion, a highlighted heading proclaimed: “The difference between spirituality and religion.” Here we go; this is my kind of stuff.
The guitar legend said, “Spirituality is saying: ‘May the heaven open up and angels bless everyone with a deep awareness of his own light. Religion is saying that only Jesus got the light; you’re full of (expletive) and you are in the dark. They are the only ones that got it and you’ve gotta go through them to get it. Man. In this life the only thing that’s holy is your relationship with your heart . . .”
Can I confess? Sometimes when I become aware of my own light, it’s dull; sometimes a mere flicker.
Can I confess again? I do believe Jesus is “the only,” but you don’t go through a person to get the light. Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness . . .”
And then if my relationship with my heart is the only-holy thing; we’ve got a problem. My heart is too often not holy.
Why is it I find more alignment with what the Apostle Paul said? “For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.”
Honestly; I’m not the only one. And I’m not talking major-felony evil but all those unholy heart flaws.
I’ll never have a holy heart enough to face a Holy God. It’s my relationship with Jesus that connects me to this Holy God. While the transforming power of the Holy Spirit renews my heart, making it holy.
One more confession—my heart needs that everyday.
1/30/06
1/29/06
1/21/06
5:55 DIET PART 1
Fat.
I could grab a handful of it protruding from my stomach.
God, help me.
God will. He says, “Call to me I will answer you. I will show you mysterious things you cannot figure out on your own.” With endless get-unfat schemes available, I need help.
So God, please help me. The Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Keeping our bodies in shape is of worthy importance.
This concept popped into my head. Is this from you God? The 5:55 Diet. God, this is a great idea.
The basic concept is to set a numerical goal which doesn’t involve counting calories or endlessly hopping on the scales. I’m not counting calories and I rarely weigh myself. Instead, I set a personal goal to run a mile in five minutes and fifty-five seconds within a year.
Thinking about calories and weighing myself causes hunger stirring food thoughts and a focus on my fatness. I would rather think about crossing the finish line, lungs burning, glancing at my stop watch seeing 5:55.
My first trip to the track produced a sobering 7:54 mile.
A few weeks later I was surprised when the only other person at the track noticed my straining as I neared the half mile mark. He yelled, “Steady.” And then as I neared the finish line he yelled again, “You’re almost there.” I crossed the line at 6:47.
But bottom line, the getting-in-better-shape agenda needs to be strongly tempered. The Bible says: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Yes! That’s the true goal-- true fitness.
As we do that, can’t you almost hear Jesus? “Steady. You’re almost there.”
I could grab a handful of it protruding from my stomach.
God, help me.
God will. He says, “Call to me I will answer you. I will show you mysterious things you cannot figure out on your own.” With endless get-unfat schemes available, I need help.
So God, please help me. The Bible tells us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Keeping our bodies in shape is of worthy importance.
This concept popped into my head. Is this from you God? The 5:55 Diet. God, this is a great idea.
The basic concept is to set a numerical goal which doesn’t involve counting calories or endlessly hopping on the scales. I’m not counting calories and I rarely weigh myself. Instead, I set a personal goal to run a mile in five minutes and fifty-five seconds within a year.
Thinking about calories and weighing myself causes hunger stirring food thoughts and a focus on my fatness. I would rather think about crossing the finish line, lungs burning, glancing at my stop watch seeing 5:55.
My first trip to the track produced a sobering 7:54 mile.
A few weeks later I was surprised when the only other person at the track noticed my straining as I neared the half mile mark. He yelled, “Steady.” And then as I neared the finish line he yelled again, “You’re almost there.” I crossed the line at 6:47.
But bottom line, the getting-in-better-shape agenda needs to be strongly tempered. The Bible says: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Yes! That’s the true goal-- true fitness.
As we do that, can’t you almost hear Jesus? “Steady. You’re almost there.”
1/14/06
SURPRISE
It was no surprise that Jeannette had coffee and donuts waiting when I arrived at her house. Working for her is enjoyable. I was hoping for a no-surprises morning as I wanted to make a quick job of installing her new kitchen countertop and sink.
We rolled up the metal door of the delivery truck. Briefly looking at the countertop, the driver said “It’s cracked!”
He fumed; I headed into the house to inform Jeanette of the unpleasant surprise.
Practically running to the truck, disgusted with the countertop, Jeanette demanded that the driver open the box containing her $700 stainless steel sink.
“Look at this sink, Rick!” she said. Rubbing the sink, she informed me of its many defects. Truthfully, it seemed normal to me. I glanced at the driver; he looked at me. Optionless —we put the sink back in the box.
Surprising? Yes. Yet, this was trivial compared to the ultimate surprising event which occurred after Jesus’ death. Risen from the dead; people stared at Him in disbelief. How did Jesus respond? On three occasions, He comforted: “Peace be with you."
Home from work, I checked my email. A friend from Africa, with the unusual name of Surprise Sithole, was writing to tell me about a Pastor’s conference.
In a country where $700 is wages for months, people walked uncountable miles to attend the long anticipated time to worship God. Events turned shockingly tragic as militant anti-Christian youth beat one pastor to death.
Yet Pastor Surprise’s email overflowed with situation-overcoming joy at the realness of God in his life and church. He left the conference with the mindset of the resurrected Jesus: “Peace be with you.”
This peace, which Jesus offers, cannot be bought. Given freely to all who come to Him: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you.”
We rolled up the metal door of the delivery truck. Briefly looking at the countertop, the driver said “It’s cracked!”
He fumed; I headed into the house to inform Jeanette of the unpleasant surprise.
Practically running to the truck, disgusted with the countertop, Jeanette demanded that the driver open the box containing her $700 stainless steel sink.
“Look at this sink, Rick!” she said. Rubbing the sink, she informed me of its many defects. Truthfully, it seemed normal to me. I glanced at the driver; he looked at me. Optionless —we put the sink back in the box.
Surprising? Yes. Yet, this was trivial compared to the ultimate surprising event which occurred after Jesus’ death. Risen from the dead; people stared at Him in disbelief. How did Jesus respond? On three occasions, He comforted: “Peace be with you."
Home from work, I checked my email. A friend from Africa, with the unusual name of Surprise Sithole, was writing to tell me about a Pastor’s conference.
In a country where $700 is wages for months, people walked uncountable miles to attend the long anticipated time to worship God. Events turned shockingly tragic as militant anti-Christian youth beat one pastor to death.
Yet Pastor Surprise’s email overflowed with situation-overcoming joy at the realness of God in his life and church. He left the conference with the mindset of the resurrected Jesus: “Peace be with you.”
This peace, which Jesus offers, cannot be bought. Given freely to all who come to Him: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you.”
1/7/06
RAW GRIEF
“I have eight years of writing in a journal—everyday,” Phyllis said. “Some are pretty sad because it tells the raw moments of grief.” The journal was a present from a friend who encouraged her to express her feelings after the death of her husband of fifty years.
What thoughts course through your mind when facing the words: “Moments of raw grief”? I admit the curious side of me poked through, wondering how Phyllis, a writer for more than fifty-years, would articulate her deep feelings. Though, I knew they were too private to share.
Yet as we talked about her nearly eighty years of life, many moments of grief were shared. Polio since age 13. A meal of tainted food turned into a ten-year battle with hepatitis. She had to deal with her husband’s industrial accident which forced many life changes. And now she faces living with late stage polio.
“I’ve had a lot of struggles,” Phyllis said. “They draw you closer to God.”
And when asked her favorite Bible verse, she quoted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s no wonder she was quoting the Apostle Paul because he knew tremendous life struggles himself-- even to his eventual martyrdom.
This is how Paul leads up to that Bible verse: “I have learned to be content whatever circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . .”
Doesn’t this seem impossible? Well it is, except …
There’s the secret Paul and Phyllis have learned.
Grief? Struggles? Phyllis told her husband as he approached death: “I will talk to God everyday.” And with that she connects to her source of strength—Jesus Christ.
What thoughts course through your mind when facing the words: “Moments of raw grief”? I admit the curious side of me poked through, wondering how Phyllis, a writer for more than fifty-years, would articulate her deep feelings. Though, I knew they were too private to share.
Yet as we talked about her nearly eighty years of life, many moments of grief were shared. Polio since age 13. A meal of tainted food turned into a ten-year battle with hepatitis. She had to deal with her husband’s industrial accident which forced many life changes. And now she faces living with late stage polio.
“I’ve had a lot of struggles,” Phyllis said. “They draw you closer to God.”
And when asked her favorite Bible verse, she quoted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s no wonder she was quoting the Apostle Paul because he knew tremendous life struggles himself-- even to his eventual martyrdom.
This is how Paul leads up to that Bible verse: “I have learned to be content whatever circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . .”
Doesn’t this seem impossible? Well it is, except …
There’s the secret Paul and Phyllis have learned.
Grief? Struggles? Phyllis told her husband as he approached death: “I will talk to God everyday.” And with that she connects to her source of strength—Jesus Christ.
12/31/05
THE TEETER DOESN'T TOTTER
“They broke it,” my wife said. “Are you serious?” I said, looking at the broken teeter-totter plank. She’s great with unruly children. But even she seemed slightly frazzled by the six children she had rounded up for a church party.
Despite all the disciplining challenges, we understood clearly why we had brought the children. Our desire is that they will become our spiritual children by influencing them to become followers of Jesus. And then someday, the words of the Apostle John could become ours: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
A featured event of the evening was the bashing of a piñata. We were watching closely.
When the busting blow burst the piñata, it became a grab-shove moment. Even the church kids turned unruly. Our most challenging, Daniel, was in the middle of the fray. He’s a 190 pound twelve-year old hulk.
He quickly scooped up half a bag of candy. Then he guarded another sizable pile with his body like a hockey goalie sprawling on an inches-from-the-net puck.
To a girl, who looked tiny compared to Daniel, he said, “Here, this is for you.” A couple of church kids lunged once more as he fended them off. He then helped fill her still empty bag with candy from the guarded pile.
I’ll never know what teeter-tottered Daniel’s behavior from being the teeter-totter destroyer to being the role model for piñata etiquette.
Believe me, after that he didn’t suddenly turn saintly. But for us, it was a no-greater-joy moment.
Where will these children’s lives teeter-totter to? That’s unanswerable. But all of us are on one side or the other as we influence children in the teeter-totter between good and evil. Which side are you on?
Despite all the disciplining challenges, we understood clearly why we had brought the children. Our desire is that they will become our spiritual children by influencing them to become followers of Jesus. And then someday, the words of the Apostle John could become ours: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
A featured event of the evening was the bashing of a piñata. We were watching closely.
When the busting blow burst the piñata, it became a grab-shove moment. Even the church kids turned unruly. Our most challenging, Daniel, was in the middle of the fray. He’s a 190 pound twelve-year old hulk.
He quickly scooped up half a bag of candy. Then he guarded another sizable pile with his body like a hockey goalie sprawling on an inches-from-the-net puck.
To a girl, who looked tiny compared to Daniel, he said, “Here, this is for you.” A couple of church kids lunged once more as he fended them off. He then helped fill her still empty bag with candy from the guarded pile.
I’ll never know what teeter-tottered Daniel’s behavior from being the teeter-totter destroyer to being the role model for piñata etiquette.
Believe me, after that he didn’t suddenly turn saintly. But for us, it was a no-greater-joy moment.
Where will these children’s lives teeter-totter to? That’s unanswerable. But all of us are on one side or the other as we influence children in the teeter-totter between good and evil. Which side are you on?
12/24/05
WHO CARES IF HE DROWNS?
“Hey Rick, this is Peter,” the answering machine message said. “I just thought you would like to know that one of your sheep is drowning across the street.”
His message needed no further explanation. Your sheep—Anthony, a friend who I have attempted to guide away from alcohol’s destructive grip. Across the street—a bar. Drowning—intoxicated. Anthony and I had spoke less than four hours before, arranging a ride for him to church the next day.
I loathe alcohol.
Is all drinking of alcohol wrong—a sin? Drinking is present occasionally in the Bible in the it’s-O.K. category. More pronounced though, are the many stern biblical warnings and commands in the be-not-drunk category.
For me, I don’t drink.
I don’t drink because I constantly see it’s destruction in individuals, families, and our communities. I refuse to partner with that destruction.
Sure, I drove by that billboard. Wow, those women with the beer in their hands, aren’t they pretty? And those big smiles, they must be very happy. I saw that sign on the beer truck. “CRISP, CLEAN, REFRESHING.”
Anthony didn’t attend church. But his answering machine message said: “I’m sorry I didn’t make it to church; I was sick. Call me.” Hmm, the billboard and the sign-on-the-truck promises didn’t work—no refreshing smile for Anthony.
Also, I don’t drink because its seduction is not beyond grabbing me.
And does anyone want their life to align with this Bible verse? “Drunkenness, carousing, and the like; I warn you, just as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Listen, I’m not telling you not to drink. But could you help me gather a few sheep who might be drowning? And make sure you inherit the kingdom of God.
His message needed no further explanation. Your sheep—Anthony, a friend who I have attempted to guide away from alcohol’s destructive grip. Across the street—a bar. Drowning—intoxicated. Anthony and I had spoke less than four hours before, arranging a ride for him to church the next day.
I loathe alcohol.
Is all drinking of alcohol wrong—a sin? Drinking is present occasionally in the Bible in the it’s-O.K. category. More pronounced though, are the many stern biblical warnings and commands in the be-not-drunk category.
For me, I don’t drink.
I don’t drink because I constantly see it’s destruction in individuals, families, and our communities. I refuse to partner with that destruction.
Sure, I drove by that billboard. Wow, those women with the beer in their hands, aren’t they pretty? And those big smiles, they must be very happy. I saw that sign on the beer truck. “CRISP, CLEAN, REFRESHING.”
Anthony didn’t attend church. But his answering machine message said: “I’m sorry I didn’t make it to church; I was sick. Call me.” Hmm, the billboard and the sign-on-the-truck promises didn’t work—no refreshing smile for Anthony.
Also, I don’t drink because its seduction is not beyond grabbing me.
And does anyone want their life to align with this Bible verse? “Drunkenness, carousing, and the like; I warn you, just as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Listen, I’m not telling you not to drink. But could you help me gather a few sheep who might be drowning? And make sure you inherit the kingdom of God.
12/17/05
THE LOVE LETTER
“I really need you to do me a favor,” John said. “What do you want?” I responded to my good friend.
John hesitated for a moment; I prodded. His favor? Drive him to deliver a five-page hand written love letter. He told me his love-grown-cold woe between himself and his girlfriend Ashley. He said, “If it’s over I’m going out with a bang.” I agreed; let’s do it.
When I arrived to pick him up, John said, “I feel like a moron.” Uncharacteristically nervous and impulsive, he was apologizing, asking what to do, and thanking me in rapid succession.
What won’t a person go through to restore a love relationship?
Jesus, when He must have felt the same tug, said: “But you walked away from your first love—why? What’s going on with you, anyway?”
With similar thoughts scattering through his head, John bought three roses, then wrapped the love letter onto the stem with green ribbon. After a courage-gathering drive past Ashley’s house, John went up to the door. He shoved the delivery into the hands of an unsuspecting guest blurting, “Give this to Ashley.” John ran and jumped into the van, “Peel out, let’s go!” I laughed, but I didn’t peel out.
John pushed through his emotional obstacles to restore love.
Won’t Jesus do anything to restore a love relationship with one of us? His very nature is revealed in the verse: “God is love.”
As we drove, John started regaining his composure, until I asked, “What if she doesn’t answer.” Practically popping his seat belt loose, he replied, “She better!”
That’s one question we never have to wonder. “What if Jesus doesn’t answer?”
So stop. Don’t let your love with Jesus grow cold. Pray. Your love letter will be instantly delivered to the One who loves you.
12/10/05
IS HELL HOPE?
“I can only hope there are different levels of hell,” Steve said. “I’ve been messing up big time.”
“What are you talking about?” I said. He quoted a destruction-of-evil Bible verse from the Proverbs. Steve listens to the Proverbs on tape every morning; he was sure he was heading to hell.
You know what? Steve has messed up a lot in his life, probably more than most people. But he has a good heart. Just twenty minutes before he condemned himself to hell, he had given me ten bucks so I could pass it on to someone in need. He does this regularly. Steve attends our weekly get together to talk about God—always faithful. He brings his Bible, knows it fairly well and offers solid spiritual comments.
Steve’s a good guy.
“Steve, listen to me,” I said. “The Proverbs aren’t the Gospel.” Yes, they offer enlightening biblical wisdom. Yet, the Proverbs are not Steve’s ultimate stopper for his feared-for destination.
Skewed thinking led Steve to a mathematical formula. Steve’s mess ups minus Steve’s good-guy stuff equal hell’s least painful level.
Not, the Gospel; not the Good News of Jesus.
Jesus revealed the basic Gospel when he said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
We talked about it. Conclusion-- Steve is already a Jesus believing, sin repented, heaven bound soul. Yes, he’s got to work on some things in his life.
So do I. Isn’t that the walking with Jesus way?
After Jesus explained the basic Gospel, He continued: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Now Steve, that’s real hope.
“What are you talking about?” I said. He quoted a destruction-of-evil Bible verse from the Proverbs. Steve listens to the Proverbs on tape every morning; he was sure he was heading to hell.
You know what? Steve has messed up a lot in his life, probably more than most people. But he has a good heart. Just twenty minutes before he condemned himself to hell, he had given me ten bucks so I could pass it on to someone in need. He does this regularly. Steve attends our weekly get together to talk about God—always faithful. He brings his Bible, knows it fairly well and offers solid spiritual comments.
Steve’s a good guy.
“Steve, listen to me,” I said. “The Proverbs aren’t the Gospel.” Yes, they offer enlightening biblical wisdom. Yet, the Proverbs are not Steve’s ultimate stopper for his feared-for destination.
Skewed thinking led Steve to a mathematical formula. Steve’s mess ups minus Steve’s good-guy stuff equal hell’s least painful level.
Not, the Gospel; not the Good News of Jesus.
Jesus revealed the basic Gospel when he said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
We talked about it. Conclusion-- Steve is already a Jesus believing, sin repented, heaven bound soul. Yes, he’s got to work on some things in his life.
So do I. Isn’t that the walking with Jesus way?
After Jesus explained the basic Gospel, He continued: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
Now Steve, that’s real hope.
12/8/05
12/3/05
I'M A PROFESSIONAL BACKSLIDER
“I’m a professional backslider,” Lynn told Nancy. Even as she joked about her spurtish relationship with Jesus, she seemed interested in the Bible she was leafing through.
Nancy offered a reconnect-with-God solution. She handed her a twice folded sheet of paper imprinted with: “YOU ARE INVITED.” Lynn accepted it without hesitation, indicating she would seriously consider it.
The invitation touted “The Challenge.” Described as: “Once a week we get together to encourage each other along life’s journey. Please join us in experiencing God! Challenge meetings are designed to teach you the time tested wisdom of the Bible. The purpose is to help participants lead meaningful, productive lives.”
Held at a funky, non-religious gathering place called Harmony Garden, is this a backslider’s answer to prayer?
The Bible says: “The person who backslides in his heart will be fully repaid for his ways.”
Happens ever time from what I’ve seen. Have you ever seen a person close to God improve their life after backsliding?
The Bible graphically says: “Better not to have started out on the straight road to God than to start out and then turn back, repudiating the experience and the holy command.
They prove the point of the proverbs, ‘A dog goes back to its own vomit,’ and, ‘A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud.’”
Lynn never made it to the meeting. Someone commented: “I guess she backslid so far she couldn’t make it.”
Can a person actually backslide past Jesus’ reach? Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come
in . . .”
Here’s the picture. Jesus is gently tapping on the door of Lynn’s heart. He won’t force His way in. Yet he patiently waits, anxious to renew the relationship they once had.
11/26/05
EVEN AN ANGEL
The light faded out of the Western sky as I walked past a storefront church housed in an antique-looking theater. He seemed to materialize out of the shadows-- long gray hair, wearing a dirty-pink beach hat and large rimmed glasses.
“Do you know anything about this church?” I said. He huffed, “I don’t believe in church.” Still he was eager to launch into religious talk.
That hooked me; so I visited his apartment near the church occasionally. “What’s new Wayne?” he would greet me. “My name’s Rick.” “Oh.” I kept returning; even though his language was crude as he commented on the wrongs of the planet.
Around my tenth visit he invited me in. “Would you like a cup of coffee Rick?” While drinking microwaved, instant coffee, the usually ornery, Sherm suddenly shifted our conversation. “I’m worried.”
None of the males in his family had lived to his age—sixty-three. “So if you died, what would happen?” He assured me he was squaring away death related legal matters that week.
“No, where would you go?” He motioned his head southward-- his cemetery plot’s location. “That’s where they’ll bury me.”
“No. I’m asking about your eternal destination.”
He responded quickly: “Heaven . . . an angel told me my name’s written in the book of life.” Beyond his supposed angelic encounter at age eighteen, he offered no reason for claiming his ticket to heaven.
The Apostle Paul said: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preach to you, let him be eternally condemned.” Paul preached one Gospel-- the Good News of Jesus.
Sherm, I wish that angel had read you this scripture: “This is eternal life: knowing, understanding, and being acquainted with . . . the only true God and likewise Jesus Christ.”
“Do you know anything about this church?” I said. He huffed, “I don’t believe in church.” Still he was eager to launch into religious talk.
That hooked me; so I visited his apartment near the church occasionally. “What’s new Wayne?” he would greet me. “My name’s Rick.” “Oh.” I kept returning; even though his language was crude as he commented on the wrongs of the planet.
Around my tenth visit he invited me in. “Would you like a cup of coffee Rick?” While drinking microwaved, instant coffee, the usually ornery, Sherm suddenly shifted our conversation. “I’m worried.”
None of the males in his family had lived to his age—sixty-three. “So if you died, what would happen?” He assured me he was squaring away death related legal matters that week.
“No, where would you go?” He motioned his head southward-- his cemetery plot’s location. “That’s where they’ll bury me.”
“No. I’m asking about your eternal destination.”
He responded quickly: “Heaven . . . an angel told me my name’s written in the book of life.” Beyond his supposed angelic encounter at age eighteen, he offered no reason for claiming his ticket to heaven.
The Apostle Paul said: “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preach to you, let him be eternally condemned.” Paul preached one Gospel-- the Good News of Jesus.
Sherm, I wish that angel had read you this scripture: “This is eternal life: knowing, understanding, and being acquainted with . . . the only true God and likewise Jesus Christ.”
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