Ever since Carl Mannich and Helene Lowenheim mixed it in Germany in 1920, Hydrocodone (or its various names) has been taking away the pain for people all over the world. Most people who take Hydrocodone, though, are in the US of A. Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK have all banned its medical use. Why would that be?
Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain killer.
Do you have pain?'
Think twice or thrice before filling the script so easily given by the doctor for hydrocodone.
This post may get many hits and comments and people may say bad things about this post and blog because hydrocodone is one of many drugs (by no means the only drug - oxycodone, methadone, suboxone, tramadol, and even benadryl) that are abused.
I am not a doctor.
I am not a pharmacutical representative.
I am not a drug dealer.
I try to help people with addictions.
Many people with drug addictions started by using a prescription that their doctor gave them called hydrocodone.
I am the watchman of Ezekiel. You may think that I am crazy, but I do not want your blood to be on my head. Hydrocodone is a tool of Satan to take everything away from you.
If you are getting defensive as you read this, let me ask this question, "What did people do for pain before pain killers?" What good had hydrocodone really brought to this world? What heartache and suffering has hydrocodone brought to this world.
This blog post was written for one single person.
You who are wondering if you should take it for the pain.
No!!!!! Don't take it!!!!!!!
Please please please please please don't.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.
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There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
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There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
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There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.There is no pill that can take the pain away.
There is no pill that can take the pain away.
Jesus wants to be with you in your pain.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Two questions for the Christian family regarding the Syrian refugee crisis.
Question #1: Should the United States allow refugees to come into the country?
This is a political question, in that it involves political leaders, elected officials, answering the question. The governor of Indiana, Mike Pence, among others, have said, NO!, at least for now. President Obama has answered Yes, and there is a political battle blowing up especially on facebook, with people stating both sides as their view. I believe that this is a very easy question for the Christian family to answer. Should our answer be based on fear, the fear of terrorists coming and killing us? Without even going further into our refugee based nation, the quote,
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
This is a political question, in that it involves political leaders, elected officials, answering the question. The governor of Indiana, Mike Pence, among others, have said, NO!, at least for now. President Obama has answered Yes, and there is a political battle blowing up especially on facebook, with people stating both sides as their view. I believe that this is a very easy question for the Christian family to answer. Should our answer be based on fear, the fear of terrorists coming and killing us? Without even going further into our refugee based nation, the quote,
"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Without even going into the fact that Western White men were the terrorists who killed Native Americans and enslaved Africans based on fear. . . Without even going into the fear based idea of keeping people out which Donald Trump and George Zimmerman seem to agree so wholeheartedly on.. ..
Should our answer be based on fear? Should our answer not be based on compassion? Compassion that if we do nothing we will be killing them, compassion that we would reach out in Christian love, even if that involves risk, even if that involves being misunderstood, even if that involves being hated, even if that involves death. Should we not love, even to the point of death? Why else are we here? Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? That is the American Family, not the Christian family.
But this answer is easy for another reason. It is easy because I may see the refugee at the mall, but not in my bathroom. Inviting someone into my country demands almost nothing for the Christian family. It is easy to post on facebook and say that we will allow, or should allow refugees into our country.
Now for the harder question.
Question #2: Should we allow a specific refugee or family of refugees into our home?
This is a personal question. In a way though, the answer of yes or no are also based on either fear or love. If I base my answer on fear I will never let a stranger in, for what if he kills me and rapes my children? What if he beheads my whole family? Many such questions are asked, and I will not say that nothing of the sort will happen, but I will continue my refrain, "Should our answer be based on fear?" Do I really let a Syrian refugee family into my home? Share our kitchen, our bathroom, our couch, our lives to the point that love is actually shown? If love is the basis of my answer to this question I may do some crazy things. The main objection that I see to this YES answer of mine is that why don't we let American homeless people into our homes. While this is a very serious question, one also has to think through the roots of that person being homeless. I have seen in my own personal life many homeless people being homeless because of alcohol or drug addiction, mental illness, or relational conflict. I work at a homeless shelter specifically for such individuals. The main root of the homelessness of the Syrian refugees is being in a War-torn land. They are homeless, in huge numbers, due to war. There is not a shelter large enough. This is a specific crisis that demands a specific answer. Many will read this and want to post something about fear. If you base your response on fear you only prove my point. Some, maybe a very few, will want to welcome Syrian refugees into your homes. Some have already done it. If the Christian family bases its answer to Question #2 on love, maybe we can show Christ to the people of Syria.
Question #2: Should we allow a specific refugee or family of refugees into our home?
This is a personal question. In a way though, the answer of yes or no are also based on either fear or love. If I base my answer on fear I will never let a stranger in, for what if he kills me and rapes my children? What if he beheads my whole family? Many such questions are asked, and I will not say that nothing of the sort will happen, but I will continue my refrain, "Should our answer be based on fear?" Do I really let a Syrian refugee family into my home? Share our kitchen, our bathroom, our couch, our lives to the point that love is actually shown? If love is the basis of my answer to this question I may do some crazy things. The main objection that I see to this YES answer of mine is that why don't we let American homeless people into our homes. While this is a very serious question, one also has to think through the roots of that person being homeless. I have seen in my own personal life many homeless people being homeless because of alcohol or drug addiction, mental illness, or relational conflict. I work at a homeless shelter specifically for such individuals. The main root of the homelessness of the Syrian refugees is being in a War-torn land. They are homeless, in huge numbers, due to war. There is not a shelter large enough. This is a specific crisis that demands a specific answer. Many will read this and want to post something about fear. If you base your response on fear you only prove my point. Some, maybe a very few, will want to welcome Syrian refugees into your homes. Some have already done it. If the Christian family bases its answer to Question #2 on love, maybe we can show Christ to the people of Syria.
Friday, November 13, 2015
New Lyrics to T. Swift's Wildest Dreams
One Christian Family idea I have is to make up new words to songs. I do this a lot. Maybe I will do this with other songs. Being a Taylor Swift fan in her younger years, I find that she is leaving reality in the song, "Wildest Dreams," in which, in my opinion she wants to have sexual intercourse with a man for one night.
God made sexual intercourse as a wonderful gift for humankind, so that one man and one woman can enjoy this gift in the committed relationship of Christian marriage. Today sexual intercourse is seen by many as something to enjoy in any relationship. This also seems to be the message of Taylor Swift's song. This is nothing new to pop music. But for the Christian families who have adolescent children, and for the parents, it is good to be reminded of the deception of the song by writing new lyrics. Many of the lyrics I will keep the same, but add an element of truth to them so that the song is not a shroud of lies. If you want to find the real lyrics to Wildest Dreams, I am guessing you can find them on the internet much easier than this blog.
"Wildest Dreams"
God made sexual intercourse as a wonderful gift for humankind, so that one man and one woman can enjoy this gift in the committed relationship of Christian marriage. Today sexual intercourse is seen by many as something to enjoy in any relationship. This also seems to be the message of Taylor Swift's song. This is nothing new to pop music. But for the Christian families who have adolescent children, and for the parents, it is good to be reminded of the deception of the song by writing new lyrics. Many of the lyrics I will keep the same, but add an element of truth to them so that the song is not a shroud of lies. If you want to find the real lyrics to Wildest Dreams, I am guessing you can find them on the internet much easier than this blog.
"Wildest Dreams"
He said, "Let's get out of this town,
Drive out of the city, away from accountability."
I thought heaven can't see me now.
He won't last forever, but this is gonna take away my virginity
He's so tall and has a handsome face
He's so bad but he manipulates so well
I can see the end as it begins
My one condition is
Say you'll remember me standing in STD,
Staring at the HIV babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again
Even if it's just in your venereal disease, ah-ha, venereal disease, ah-ha.
I said, "No one has to know what we do, "
Except that I just put it in a song, my facebook page just blew
a hidden camera in the background,
Nothing lasts forever but this is on snapchat now
He's so tall and has a handsome face
He's so bad but he manipulates so well
And when we've had our very last kiss
My last request it is
Say you'll remember me seeing your wife rip her wedding dress,
Seeing your kids on Prozac, babe
in diapers and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again
Even if it's just to wreck your home, ah-ha, wreck your home, ah-ha.
You see me in hindsight
Worshipping me all night
Burning you down
Someday when you leave me
I bet my idol shrine
Follows you around
I'll see her in hindsight
Worshipping her all night
Burning me down
Someday when you leave me
I bet her idol shrine
Follows me around
Say you'll remember me with my ever fading dress,
Staring at my sunset, babe
pale lips and cold cheeks
Say you'll see me again
Even if it's just pretend
You won't remember me standing in any dress,
Staring at your sunset, babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Will turn to dust again
Even if it's just in your (just pretend, just pretend) funeral stone, ah-ha, in your funeral stone, ah-ha
(Even if it's just in your wildest dreams) ah-ha, in your funeral stone, ah-ha.
Drive out of the city, away from accountability."
I thought heaven can't see me now.
He won't last forever, but this is gonna take away my virginity
He's so tall and has a handsome face
He's so bad but he manipulates so well
I can see the end as it begins
My one condition is
Say you'll remember me standing in STD,
Staring at the HIV babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again
Even if it's just in your venereal disease, ah-ha, venereal disease, ah-ha.
I said, "No one has to know what we do, "
Except that I just put it in a song, my facebook page just blew
a hidden camera in the background,
Nothing lasts forever but this is on snapchat now
He's so tall and has a handsome face
He's so bad but he manipulates so well
And when we've had our very last kiss
My last request it is
Say you'll remember me seeing your wife rip her wedding dress,
Seeing your kids on Prozac, babe
in diapers and rosy cheeks
Say you'll see me again
Even if it's just to wreck your home, ah-ha, wreck your home, ah-ha.
You see me in hindsight
Worshipping me all night
Burning you down
Someday when you leave me
I bet my idol shrine
Follows you around
I'll see her in hindsight
Worshipping her all night
Burning me down
Someday when you leave me
I bet her idol shrine
Follows me around
Say you'll remember me with my ever fading dress,
Staring at my sunset, babe
pale lips and cold cheeks
Say you'll see me again
Even if it's just pretend
You won't remember me standing in any dress,
Staring at your sunset, babe
Red lips and rosy cheeks
Will turn to dust again
Even if it's just in your (just pretend, just pretend) funeral stone, ah-ha, in your funeral stone, ah-ha
(Even if it's just in your wildest dreams) ah-ha, in your funeral stone, ah-ha.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?
http://www.fox.com/are-you-smarter-than-a-fifth-grader
Are you smarter than a fifth grader?
is a show on fox that makes some of us nervous.
What if I am not smarter than a fifth grader?
What if I am smarter than a fifth grader? Will I then have to be smarter than a freshman? A Ph.D.?
James 3:13 asks a similar question, "Who is wise and understanding among you?"
James, who wrote to the twelve tribes (James 1:1), may have picked this question up from Deuteronomy 1:13 where Moses says, "Choose wise and understanding men. . . . as your heads."
Imagine in your church or your community or even your extended family or friends picking the wise ones to be the leaders? Who would you choose? Would you want to be picked? Would you pick a fifth grader?
It is one thing to be picked as wise and another thing to prove that I am wise. James loves for us to prove things, and so he writes further in 3:13, "By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."
Those men picked by the Israelites as their leaders did not seem to lead them very wisely in the next forty years of wandering. Can I lead any better than they did? What is my proof?
For James the proof is "the meekness of wisdom," and to understand that we need to look a a leader who was also a fifth grader. No one knows for certain how old Solomon was when he became king, but some say he was 12 years old. Even though most fifth graders are 10-11 years old as fifth graders, where I come from plenty of kids were 12. Some people say Solomon could not have been 12 when he became king because he had a child a year before he became king, but again, where I come from some babies are born to some young kids, and looking at the family Solomon was brought up in, it is easy for me to imagine he had a child at a young age. So play my game with me assuming that Solomon was a fifth grader when he became king.
In 1 Kings 3:5 God says to Solomon, "Ask what I shall give you."
Solomon's reply in the Danny Smith Paraphrase in 1 Kings 3;6-9 goes like this:
"You loved my dad, David. You put me on His throne, even though I am just a fifth grader. I can't even unlock the door or put the toilet seat where it should go. I don't know what I am doing. Give me wisdom because I do not have any and you, God, have all wisdom. Without Your wisdom, I am likely to lead this people of Yours off a cliff."
The meekness of wisdom is Solomon saying, "I have no wisdom. God has all wisdom."
Personalize that by inserting your name for I: "_______ has no wisdom. God has all wisdom."
Contrast the meekness of wisdom with the jealousy of wisdom, and jealousy and selfish ambition was something Solomon saw in his family growing up. If you want something take it. If someone is in your way, get rid of them.
James 3:14-16 "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
James speaks of a wisdom that is from above, hinting that it is from God, and also a wisdom that is from the earth, from us, from demons, or in contrast, from below. The wisdom from below is in competition mode: "Who can I beat? (Maybe a fifth grader.) The wisdom from above knows that the One Who is above has blown out the competition, and that the game is over! The only wise God has all wisdom. The wisdom from above is described in very humble and meek terms in James 3:17 "pure. . . peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy" and the list goes on. No need to be in competition when the only Supplier of wisdom is giving it out free to those who ask.
Solomon, the fifth grader, would tell us that the first step to getting wisdom is realizing you don't have any. The second step to getting wisdom is asking the One who has it. When I recognized that I was not worthy to sit in any seat, God placed me in the seat, the throne, over His own people.
When we realize that we shouldn't even be allowed to sit in any seat, God puts us in the best seat in the house. When I was a fifth grader, I was getting an F in citizenship. My dad came to school, and wow was I in trouble. I was kicked off the basketball team, and I had to wake up early in the morning to run with my dad before school. But for one week I was an angel at school and raised my grade to a D-. My dad decoded to do something for me that I did not expect. He worked at a University and had dealings with a law office in Indianapolis. He talked with them and they gave him tickets to a game in Market Square Arena to watch the Indiana Pacers play the Chicago Bulls. This was 1987. The main poster on my wall was #23 sticking his tongue out. My dad walked me toward my seat and I couldn't believe it. We were just a few rows back from Michael Jordan himself. I saw his sweat. I had a great view for his breakaway dunks. I knew that I did not deserve that seat. I knew that I had done nothing to sit there, but that my dad just loved to bless me, and to sit together in amazing places.
Our Father in Heaven, Scripture says in Ephesians 2:6, "seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Our Father has seated us in heaven. We did not climb there. We did not fly there. He just loves to lift us up to be with Him.
We do not deserve to sit with Him, to know Him, to have our eyes opened, to learn of His Wisdom, to have His wisdom poured on us so that we know what path to take, know what word to say, know what pitfalls to avoid.
How do we get this wisdom? Step 1. We realize we need it. Step 2. We realize that only God has it. (Danny has no wisdom. God has all wisdom). Step 3. We ask for it. Pray. Step 4. Recognize that God's wisdom can be found in the pages of the Bible. Read the Bible. Read it again and again. Make it become a part of my bloodstream, not to be the smartest Bible person, but because I recognize that I need it to survive. That it is truly my food.
Am I smarter than a fifth grader? Not the fifth grader of Luke 2:46-47 who while his parents were looking for him, he was sitting among the teachers, teachers who probably thought they were wise, and they were amazed and both his questions and his answers. What a turning of the tables! It's the fifth grade Jesus Christ who teaches the teachers, shows wisdom to the wise. No, I am not smarter than fifth grader Jesus. In fact, I have searched all over the place to find someone greater, and I have found that no one can match that fifth grader. If you truly want wisdom, ask the fifth grader Jesus. If you would never ask a fifth grader anything, truly you will never receive the free gifts of wisdom, love, understanding, grace, forgiveness that He alone can give.
Are you smarter than a fifth grader?
is a show on fox that makes some of us nervous.
What if I am not smarter than a fifth grader?
What if I am smarter than a fifth grader? Will I then have to be smarter than a freshman? A Ph.D.?
James 3:13 asks a similar question, "Who is wise and understanding among you?"
James, who wrote to the twelve tribes (James 1:1), may have picked this question up from Deuteronomy 1:13 where Moses says, "Choose wise and understanding men. . . . as your heads."
Imagine in your church or your community or even your extended family or friends picking the wise ones to be the leaders? Who would you choose? Would you want to be picked? Would you pick a fifth grader?
It is one thing to be picked as wise and another thing to prove that I am wise. James loves for us to prove things, and so he writes further in 3:13, "By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."
Those men picked by the Israelites as their leaders did not seem to lead them very wisely in the next forty years of wandering. Can I lead any better than they did? What is my proof?
For James the proof is "the meekness of wisdom," and to understand that we need to look a a leader who was also a fifth grader. No one knows for certain how old Solomon was when he became king, but some say he was 12 years old. Even though most fifth graders are 10-11 years old as fifth graders, where I come from plenty of kids were 12. Some people say Solomon could not have been 12 when he became king because he had a child a year before he became king, but again, where I come from some babies are born to some young kids, and looking at the family Solomon was brought up in, it is easy for me to imagine he had a child at a young age. So play my game with me assuming that Solomon was a fifth grader when he became king.
In 1 Kings 3:5 God says to Solomon, "Ask what I shall give you."
Solomon's reply in the Danny Smith Paraphrase in 1 Kings 3;6-9 goes like this:
"You loved my dad, David. You put me on His throne, even though I am just a fifth grader. I can't even unlock the door or put the toilet seat where it should go. I don't know what I am doing. Give me wisdom because I do not have any and you, God, have all wisdom. Without Your wisdom, I am likely to lead this people of Yours off a cliff."
The meekness of wisdom is Solomon saying, "I have no wisdom. God has all wisdom."
Personalize that by inserting your name for I: "_______ has no wisdom. God has all wisdom."
Contrast the meekness of wisdom with the jealousy of wisdom, and jealousy and selfish ambition was something Solomon saw in his family growing up. If you want something take it. If someone is in your way, get rid of them.
James 3:14-16 "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
James speaks of a wisdom that is from above, hinting that it is from God, and also a wisdom that is from the earth, from us, from demons, or in contrast, from below. The wisdom from below is in competition mode: "Who can I beat? (Maybe a fifth grader.) The wisdom from above knows that the One Who is above has blown out the competition, and that the game is over! The only wise God has all wisdom. The wisdom from above is described in very humble and meek terms in James 3:17 "pure. . . peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy" and the list goes on. No need to be in competition when the only Supplier of wisdom is giving it out free to those who ask.
Solomon, the fifth grader, would tell us that the first step to getting wisdom is realizing you don't have any. The second step to getting wisdom is asking the One who has it. When I recognized that I was not worthy to sit in any seat, God placed me in the seat, the throne, over His own people.
When we realize that we shouldn't even be allowed to sit in any seat, God puts us in the best seat in the house. When I was a fifth grader, I was getting an F in citizenship. My dad came to school, and wow was I in trouble. I was kicked off the basketball team, and I had to wake up early in the morning to run with my dad before school. But for one week I was an angel at school and raised my grade to a D-. My dad decoded to do something for me that I did not expect. He worked at a University and had dealings with a law office in Indianapolis. He talked with them and they gave him tickets to a game in Market Square Arena to watch the Indiana Pacers play the Chicago Bulls. This was 1987. The main poster on my wall was #23 sticking his tongue out. My dad walked me toward my seat and I couldn't believe it. We were just a few rows back from Michael Jordan himself. I saw his sweat. I had a great view for his breakaway dunks. I knew that I did not deserve that seat. I knew that I had done nothing to sit there, but that my dad just loved to bless me, and to sit together in amazing places.
Our Father in Heaven, Scripture says in Ephesians 2:6, "seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Our Father has seated us in heaven. We did not climb there. We did not fly there. He just loves to lift us up to be with Him.
We do not deserve to sit with Him, to know Him, to have our eyes opened, to learn of His Wisdom, to have His wisdom poured on us so that we know what path to take, know what word to say, know what pitfalls to avoid.
How do we get this wisdom? Step 1. We realize we need it. Step 2. We realize that only God has it. (Danny has no wisdom. God has all wisdom). Step 3. We ask for it. Pray. Step 4. Recognize that God's wisdom can be found in the pages of the Bible. Read the Bible. Read it again and again. Make it become a part of my bloodstream, not to be the smartest Bible person, but because I recognize that I need it to survive. That it is truly my food.
Am I smarter than a fifth grader? Not the fifth grader of Luke 2:46-47 who while his parents were looking for him, he was sitting among the teachers, teachers who probably thought they were wise, and they were amazed and both his questions and his answers. What a turning of the tables! It's the fifth grade Jesus Christ who teaches the teachers, shows wisdom to the wise. No, I am not smarter than fifth grader Jesus. In fact, I have searched all over the place to find someone greater, and I have found that no one can match that fifth grader. If you truly want wisdom, ask the fifth grader Jesus. If you would never ask a fifth grader anything, truly you will never receive the free gifts of wisdom, love, understanding, grace, forgiveness that He alone can give.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Finishing The Race
"I have finished the race." 2 Timothy 4:7
When I read Ezekiel 18 and hear God say, "When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it" (Ezekiel 18:26), it makes me think of how important it is to finish the race set out before us. In races from 5Ks to marathons people quit in the middle. I do not want to quit in the middle. I want to continue to run for Jesus Christ. I want to FINISH.
For those of us who understand how hard a marathon can be we also understand how hard living for Jesus can be, and that different decades, like different mile markers, bring different challenges. The challenges of my teenage years are different than the challenges of parenting teenagers and I will face new and unknown challenges that those older than me have faced.
In our culture youth is over-emphasized to the point of being told I look old is a putdown (in other cultures this is not a putdown). In a marathon, the last part, although the hardest, is often the most important and the most memorable.
Here is the idea: Look at your life as a marathon so that you can plot your age and know what mile marker you are at. If you take 26.2 times 4 you get 104.8. Most people do not live that long, and yet some live longer. For those who do not live that long, they either hit the wall or they were taken up in a chariot of fire. For those who live longer, the race director thought it best to make the marathon a little longer than 26.2.
At 38, I am at mile 9.5. Wow! I am just getting started and a lot of running is left. I must continue to stay focused and learn new things along the way. I may feel good now, but a day may come when I do not feel this way. 10 miles down the road (40 years) I may be tired. Will I finish the race?
18 years old 4.5 miles
21 years old 5.222 miles
30 years old 7.5 miles
40 years old 10 miles
50 years old 12.5miles
52 years 4 months 24 days 13.1 miles
60 years old 15 miles
70 years old 17.5 miles
80 years old 20 miles
90 years old 22.5 miles
100 years old 25 miles
104 years 9 months 18 days 26.2 miles (If you are still alive keep going!!!!!)
When I read Ezekiel 18 and hear God say, "When a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice, he shall die for it" (Ezekiel 18:26), it makes me think of how important it is to finish the race set out before us. In races from 5Ks to marathons people quit in the middle. I do not want to quit in the middle. I want to continue to run for Jesus Christ. I want to FINISH.
For those of us who understand how hard a marathon can be we also understand how hard living for Jesus can be, and that different decades, like different mile markers, bring different challenges. The challenges of my teenage years are different than the challenges of parenting teenagers and I will face new and unknown challenges that those older than me have faced.
In our culture youth is over-emphasized to the point of being told I look old is a putdown (in other cultures this is not a putdown). In a marathon, the last part, although the hardest, is often the most important and the most memorable.
Here is the idea: Look at your life as a marathon so that you can plot your age and know what mile marker you are at. If you take 26.2 times 4 you get 104.8. Most people do not live that long, and yet some live longer. For those who do not live that long, they either hit the wall or they were taken up in a chariot of fire. For those who live longer, the race director thought it best to make the marathon a little longer than 26.2.
At 38, I am at mile 9.5. Wow! I am just getting started and a lot of running is left. I must continue to stay focused and learn new things along the way. I may feel good now, but a day may come when I do not feel this way. 10 miles down the road (40 years) I may be tired. Will I finish the race?
18 years old 4.5 miles
21 years old 5.222 miles
30 years old 7.5 miles
40 years old 10 miles
50 years old 12.5miles
52 years 4 months 24 days 13.1 miles
60 years old 15 miles
70 years old 17.5 miles
80 years old 20 miles
90 years old 22.5 miles
100 years old 25 miles
104 years 9 months 18 days 26.2 miles (If you are still alive keep going!!!!!)
Monday, September 21, 2015
Family Sports
When I was a kid, my family would play family football or family basketball. What that meant was often my dad and I against my brother and my mom. I never played football for a school or peewee team, but I played with my family.
I coach soccer even though I know nothing about it. I coach 6-10 year olds and help them work together. It is fun. But it is more fun when I text my brother and his family and my family, and possibly others, play soccer as a family.
Here are some reasons to do this.
1. Instead of dividing up the Christian family into this person to ballet and this kid to karate and this kid to volleyball and this kid to soccer, the whole family plays together. Sports can be a time of family unity instead of family division.
2. It is cheaper than paying for the a. gas to go to all the games. b. entrance fees to all the games. c. registration fees for all of the sports.
3. You get to play, which is something that will help you in being a healthy person. Your body is a temple.
4. Your child sees sports more as a fun activity and less like the be all end all.
5. The "award" your child gets for playing is called "fun." What more reward do they need?
6. The family that plays together stays together.
7. The research says that family sports and exercise are very good. See below:
http://www.commonhealth.virginia.gov/documents/hf/AllTogetherNow.pdf
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1061376/the-benefits-of-exercising-as-a-family
http://familyfitness.about.com/od/motivation/a/bonding.htm
I coach soccer even though I know nothing about it. I coach 6-10 year olds and help them work together. It is fun. But it is more fun when I text my brother and his family and my family, and possibly others, play soccer as a family.
Here are some reasons to do this.
1. Instead of dividing up the Christian family into this person to ballet and this kid to karate and this kid to volleyball and this kid to soccer, the whole family plays together. Sports can be a time of family unity instead of family division.
2. It is cheaper than paying for the a. gas to go to all the games. b. entrance fees to all the games. c. registration fees for all of the sports.
3. You get to play, which is something that will help you in being a healthy person. Your body is a temple.
4. Your child sees sports more as a fun activity and less like the be all end all.
5. The "award" your child gets for playing is called "fun." What more reward do they need?
6. The family that plays together stays together.
7. The research says that family sports and exercise are very good. See below:
http://www.commonhealth.virginia.gov/documents/hf/AllTogetherNow.pdf
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1061376/the-benefits-of-exercising-as-a-family
http://familyfitness.about.com/od/motivation/a/bonding.htm
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
What Color is Your Parachute? A Quality Job Hunting Approach
For each Christian family one thing that is needed is a job. The traditional approach to get a job is to make a resume, to go through an agency, or look in the ads (whether that be in the newspaper or places like indeed.com or monster,com).
Richard Bolles presents a different approach which has been updated as many times as years I have lived. Richard Bolles story began as he was fired from his job as a minister in the Episcopalian church. He shares that story here.
Richard Bolles presents a different approach which has been updated as many times as years I have lived. Richard Bolles story began as he was fired from his job as a minister in the Episcopalian church. He shares that story here.
My story with What Color is Your Parachute? is that when I graduated from college a Christian businessman whom I respected told me to read it. I read it and it helped me 1. figure out what job I really wanted. 2. get that job.
you can find out more information about his philosophy and his book from this website:
http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/for-job-hunters
I have also been using this approach in helping men who have addictions get a job. This approach is not a "sit back and wait" approach, but rather must be applied by the job hunter doing serious work. But if you 1. Do not know what you want to do. 2. Do not know how to get a job doing that, then this book is for you.
I almost guarantee that you do not have to buy this book, as it would be at a public library, but if you want to buy it, you could buy it here, this is the 2016 edition, if you are reading this later and Richard Bolles is still alive, then get the newest edition.
If you are soon to be a college graduate and need help in finding a job like I did, one idea is to read this book.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Top Ten Snakes of the Bible
When we lived in Kenya our two year old son would always play near a large rock and dig with his shovel. Little did we know that underneath that large rock was a pit viper, a snake that can sense body heat. Our friend Rioba killed that pit viper and we learned that snakes are smart, deadly, and best dead.
The Bible is full of snakes, similar to Kenya, many of them poisonous as well. I compiled a top ten list of snakes in the Bible. If you disagree that is fine, because I may disagree with myself as well.
10. Nahash the Ammonite. (1 Samuel 11) Nahash mean snake and wow was he a snake.
9. The Disciple of Jesus. (Matthew 10) They were to be wise as serpents.
8. The Pharisees (Matthew 23) "You brood of vipers" said Jesus.
7. The Lying Tongue (Psalm 58) We all are liars, with a snake in our mouth
6. Paul's Viper (Acts 28) Paul gets bit and lives.
5. The wilderness snakes (Numbers 21) The poisonous snakes sent by God to kill His people
4. Moses' snake (Exodus 4 and 7) Moses rod turns to snake then back to rod.
3. The Leviathan (Isaiah 27) The serpentine sea monster God defeated.
2. THE Snake (Genesis 3 and Revelation 12 and 20) Our enemy who decieves us, lies to us, but who is finally defeated by Jesus Christ.
1. The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21, 2 Kings 18, John 3) When the #5 Snakes were killing God's people He also rejected their prayer to take them away. Instead he instructed Moses to lift a bronze snake, symbol of their enemy and destruction, on a pole and whoever looked upon it will live. Later it had to be smashed because people worshiped it. But then much later Jesus spoke of that snake, and used the picture of the snake on a pole as a picture of Himself on a cross. The symbol of death (capital punishment through crucifixion) being the way to life. Jesus taking on the evil and wickedness of the world in order to heal all who look to Him. That is why the number one snake in the Bible is not Satan, the Devil, but is Christ, the one who became the snake on a pole so that we would be healed from the poisonous bite of every other snake, even THE Snake.
The Bible is full of snakes, similar to Kenya, many of them poisonous as well. I compiled a top ten list of snakes in the Bible. If you disagree that is fine, because I may disagree with myself as well.
10. Nahash the Ammonite. (1 Samuel 11) Nahash mean snake and wow was he a snake.
9. The Disciple of Jesus. (Matthew 10) They were to be wise as serpents.
8. The Pharisees (Matthew 23) "You brood of vipers" said Jesus.
7. The Lying Tongue (Psalm 58) We all are liars, with a snake in our mouth
6. Paul's Viper (Acts 28) Paul gets bit and lives.
5. The wilderness snakes (Numbers 21) The poisonous snakes sent by God to kill His people
4. Moses' snake (Exodus 4 and 7) Moses rod turns to snake then back to rod.
3. The Leviathan (Isaiah 27) The serpentine sea monster God defeated.
2. THE Snake (Genesis 3 and Revelation 12 and 20) Our enemy who decieves us, lies to us, but who is finally defeated by Jesus Christ.
1. The Bronze Serpent (Numbers 21, 2 Kings 18, John 3) When the #5 Snakes were killing God's people He also rejected their prayer to take them away. Instead he instructed Moses to lift a bronze snake, symbol of their enemy and destruction, on a pole and whoever looked upon it will live. Later it had to be smashed because people worshiped it. But then much later Jesus spoke of that snake, and used the picture of the snake on a pole as a picture of Himself on a cross. The symbol of death (capital punishment through crucifixion) being the way to life. Jesus taking on the evil and wickedness of the world in order to heal all who look to Him. That is why the number one snake in the Bible is not Satan, the Devil, but is Christ, the one who became the snake on a pole so that we would be healed from the poisonous bite of every other snake, even THE Snake.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Christian Music #10 A New Song
Psalms often says, "Sing a new song to the Lord," inspiring Chris Tomlin, Kirk Franklin, Fanny Crosby, and many others to write new music and for many of us to sing new music.
What song will I sing today? Do I have a song in my heart to the Lord? Will He put a song in my heart? Often, although not always, this happens.
One idea is to just start singing to God, making up the words and music as you go.
So here I go, singing a new song now. . .
Jesus Christ, you are my only hope, you are all I ever want, you are my life, you are the Word shut up in my bones, Oh, how you love me so much more than I could ever love you back, you love me and have always loved me and will always love me. Today I sing this song to you, you are the King of this day, I do not need to fear anything, guns or mental illness or war or elections or sickness or death, you are stronger than everything.
To you, the reader, that song probably is not on your top ten list, but it was a good exercise in practice for me, knowing that One Day, all our songs will be new as we will see Him face to face and sing to Him anew.
What song will I sing today? Do I have a song in my heart to the Lord? Will He put a song in my heart? Often, although not always, this happens.
One idea is to just start singing to God, making up the words and music as you go.
So here I go, singing a new song now. . .
Jesus Christ, you are my only hope, you are all I ever want, you are my life, you are the Word shut up in my bones, Oh, how you love me so much more than I could ever love you back, you love me and have always loved me and will always love me. Today I sing this song to you, you are the King of this day, I do not need to fear anything, guns or mental illness or war or elections or sickness or death, you are stronger than everything.
To you, the reader, that song probably is not on your top ten list, but it was a good exercise in practice for me, knowing that One Day, all our songs will be new as we will see Him face to face and sing to Him anew.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Christian Music #9 Urban Light Community Church
The best CD I have ever listened to, and I have listened to a lot of CDs, is Urban Light Community Church's CD, To God and To Each Other.
Am I biased? Absolutely! I have found that there is nothing like having a connection to the music, to know the people who are singing it. That's why I liked Garth Brooks so much, he made me feel like the music meant something and that he was very personable. From my friend who met Garth Brooks I hear that he is very personable, wanted to know more about my friend that talk about himself.
My wife is one of the soloists on the album. Am I biased? Yes!
There is nothing like your own church's music. I hope you feel the same way.
Listen to my friend Destiny sing and tell me I am not blessed to be a part of Urban Light Community Church!
Am I biased? Absolutely! I have found that there is nothing like having a connection to the music, to know the people who are singing it. That's why I liked Garth Brooks so much, he made me feel like the music meant something and that he was very personable. From my friend who met Garth Brooks I hear that he is very personable, wanted to know more about my friend that talk about himself.
My wife is one of the soloists on the album. Am I biased? Yes!
There is nothing like your own church's music. I hope you feel the same way.
Listen to my friend Destiny sing and tell me I am not blessed to be a part of Urban Light Community Church!
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Christian Music #8 Out of the mouths of babes
When my daughter was 4 or 5, my wife and I went to pray for her before bed, and as we did she began singing a song to Jesus. Both of us must have been in the mood to humor her, so we thought we would let her sing a little song. So we sat there and listened to her sing. I cannot take you there, but I can go there myself in my mind. After a few minutes I was thinking, how long is this going to go on? She kept singing, making up her of words and notes to sing to her Savior.
After a while she was not the only one caught up in worshiping Jesus. As this went on for ten to twenty minutes, we began to realize that this was one of those moments when we were in the presence of the Almighty God. It is one of the most special times of my life.
With kids, often times we want them to be quiet or go play in the other room. But that night I learned from my daughter something as she ushered us into the presence of God.
Idea: Learn something from a child about the worship of God, whether it be in their rambunctiousness or their silliness or their sweetness.
After a while she was not the only one caught up in worshiping Jesus. As this went on for ten to twenty minutes, we began to realize that this was one of those moments when we were in the presence of the Almighty God. It is one of the most special times of my life.
With kids, often times we want them to be quiet or go play in the other room. But that night I learned from my daughter something as she ushered us into the presence of God.
Idea: Learn something from a child about the worship of God, whether it be in their rambunctiousness or their silliness or their sweetness.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Christian Music #7 Learning to Sing
I am the father of four children and many times found myself with a fussy child trying to calm them. My babies, like most babies, did not want me to just sit there with them in my lap. So sometimes I would stand up and sing to Jesus while I was holding them.
It is hard for me to know, even as I write this, what a big deal that is. Holding my child and singing,
"in moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus,
in moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Him,
singing I love you Lord, singing I love you Lord, singing I love you, Lord I love you."
Without really knowing it I was teaching my babies to worship God, the same way I was teaching them how to lose their temper, and many bad things that I did, I was also teaching them to worship Jesus.
My mother would no doubt have done the same thing when I was a little baby. Many of the first words I learned were from my mom praising Jesus while holding me. I was blessed to learn from her.
Question 1: Who have you learned to worship Jesus from? Who taught you? Maybe it was not a family member, but who was it?
Question 2: Who is learning to worship Jesus from you?
Idea: Think about those who are watching you, and how you can help them in learning how to sing to Him.
It is hard for me to know, even as I write this, what a big deal that is. Holding my child and singing,
"in moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Jesus,
in moments like these, I sing out a song, I sing out a love song to Him,
singing I love you Lord, singing I love you Lord, singing I love you, Lord I love you."
Without really knowing it I was teaching my babies to worship God, the same way I was teaching them how to lose their temper, and many bad things that I did, I was also teaching them to worship Jesus.
My mother would no doubt have done the same thing when I was a little baby. Many of the first words I learned were from my mom praising Jesus while holding me. I was blessed to learn from her.
Question 1: Who have you learned to worship Jesus from? Who taught you? Maybe it was not a family member, but who was it?
Question 2: Who is learning to worship Jesus from you?
Idea: Think about those who are watching you, and how you can help them in learning how to sing to Him.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Christian Music #6 Psalm 88
The Psalms are the music book of the church. This has been the case for a long time, and for longer than I will be alive. Much of the best of Christian Music is reflecting the Psalms in our lives. One of my favorite Psalms is a very sad one, like a country song Psalm. Psalm 88 began to mean something to me when my mom died in a car accident. In Psalm 88, our spiritual ancestor Heman pours out his soul unedited before the Lord.
Read it for yourself. . .
Psalm 88:1 A SONG. A PSALM OF THE SONS OF KORAH. TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO MAHALATH LEANNOTH. A MASKIL OF HEMAN THE EZRAHITE.
O LORD, God of my salvation;
I cry out day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
3 For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
I am a man who has no strength,
5 like one set loose among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more,
for they are cut off from your hand.
6 You have put me in the depths of the pit,
in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah
8 You have caused my companions to shun me;
you have made me a horror to them.
I am shut in so that I cannot escape;
9 my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O LORD;
I spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you work wonders for the dead?
Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah
11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,
or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Are your wonders known in the darkness,
or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But I, O LORD, cry to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me?
15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
your dreadful assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long;
they close in on me together.
18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
my companions have become darkness.
A friend of mine from summer camp has become a great Christian Musician. He sings a song based on Psalm 88 that I got from someone for Christmas. This would be a great Christmas present to someone on your list who is into music. "Last Chance" by Jeremy Casella
The Psalms are the music the Church has been singing, what Psalm will you sing today?
Read it for yourself. . .
Psalm 88:1 A SONG. A PSALM OF THE SONS OF KORAH. TO THE CHOIRMASTER: ACCORDING TO MAHALATH LEANNOTH. A MASKIL OF HEMAN THE EZRAHITE.
O LORD, God of my salvation;
I cry out day and night before you.
2 Let my prayer come before you;
incline your ear to my cry!
3 For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.
4 I am counted among those who go down to the pit;
I am a man who has no strength,
5 like one set loose among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom you remember no more,
for they are cut off from your hand.
6 You have put me in the depths of the pit,
in the regions dark and deep.
7 Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah
8 You have caused my companions to shun me;
you have made me a horror to them.
I am shut in so that I cannot escape;
9 my eye grows dim through sorrow.
Every day I call upon you, O LORD;
I spread out my hands to you.
10 Do you work wonders for the dead?
Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah
11 Is your steadfast love declared in the grave,
or your faithfulness in Abaddon?
12 Are your wonders known in the darkness,
or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13 But I, O LORD, cry to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
14 O LORD, why do you cast my soul away?
Why do you hide your face from me?
15 Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
16 Your wrath has swept over me;
your dreadful assaults destroy me.
17 They surround me like a flood all day long;
they close in on me together.
18 You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
my companions have become darkness.
A friend of mine from summer camp has become a great Christian Musician. He sings a song based on Psalm 88 that I got from someone for Christmas. This would be a great Christmas present to someone on your list who is into music. "Last Chance" by Jeremy Casella
The Psalms are the music the Church has been singing, what Psalm will you sing today?
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Christian Music #5 Multilingual Worship
I was on top of a church in Chicago with brothers and sisters from the Dominican Republic who were teaching me to worship Jesus in a language that was not my mother tongue. "Christo es la respuesta para el mundo hoy, sobre el no hay nada, El es nuetro Rey."
Jesus has always been big, but multilingual worship has helped me to recognize that Jesus Christ is bigger than my hometown or my country. Jesus is bigger than America. This may seem like a simple lesson. But for me, and I suspect for others, this is an important lesson.
In Acts 2 Luke the author chose to write it all in Greek, but the words of worship to God were multilingual. When the Holy Spirit came down, worship was in more than one language. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.
I went to Israel and Greece and heard the worship of God in a language I did not understand. I went to Kenya and heard, "Yesu ni wangu wauzima wamilele, wauzima, wamilele, wauzima wamilele."
I went further into Kenya and was heard in the mountains, "Mwathani agosho." I went south in Nyanza province in Kenya and heard many songs and "Eenookoe agongwe!" began to mean something to me.
In praising God in English, the tongue I learned from my mother, I feel as an adult worshipping Jesus Christ. In praising God in Spanish, Swahili, igiKuria, Kikiuyu, and other languages foreign to me have taught me to praise God like a child, being taught by others how to praise God.
If we shy away from the falling and tripping and stumbling of praising the Father in other tongues, could it be that we are too "adult" to become like a little child and enter into the kingdom of heaven. Or in the tripping and stumbling of worshiping the Father in other languages, and we falling into the lap of the Father who cuddles us like a child, for we are His children, and He is our Father.
Jesus has always been big, but multilingual worship has helped me to recognize that Jesus Christ is bigger than my hometown or my country. Jesus is bigger than America. This may seem like a simple lesson. But for me, and I suspect for others, this is an important lesson.
In Acts 2 Luke the author chose to write it all in Greek, but the words of worship to God were multilingual. When the Holy Spirit came down, worship was in more than one language. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.
I went to Israel and Greece and heard the worship of God in a language I did not understand. I went to Kenya and heard, "Yesu ni wangu wauzima wamilele, wauzima, wamilele, wauzima wamilele."
I went further into Kenya and was heard in the mountains, "Mwathani agosho." I went south in Nyanza province in Kenya and heard many songs and "Eenookoe agongwe!" began to mean something to me.
In praising God in English, the tongue I learned from my mother, I feel as an adult worshipping Jesus Christ. In praising God in Spanish, Swahili, igiKuria, Kikiuyu, and other languages foreign to me have taught me to praise God like a child, being taught by others how to praise God.
If we shy away from the falling and tripping and stumbling of praising the Father in other tongues, could it be that we are too "adult" to become like a little child and enter into the kingdom of heaven. Or in the tripping and stumbling of worshiping the Father in other languages, and we falling into the lap of the Father who cuddles us like a child, for we are His children, and He is our Father.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Christian Music #4 Taylor Worship
Continuing my posts on Christian Music, one of the other influential things for me was Taylor Chapel, and worshipping at Taylor University, where I went to college. Taylor Chapels introduced me to Keith Green, and to worshipping God as young adults.
Worshipping together in groups, whether big or small, has been a great help in walking with Jesus and the others who follow Him. There is something about worshipping Jesus Christ together.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Christian Music #3 Summer's Best Two Weeks
Continuing my posts on Christian Music I was heavily influenced by Summer Camp Music. The Summer camp I went to was called Summer's Best Two Weeks. We sand songs to Jesus. We sang YMCA while washing the tables. We cheered. This is when Christian Music came alive to me and that I found something out that many have not. Partying with drugs will only go so far. Partying with Jesus Christ (without drugs) has no limit.
Even though no campers are here, I still remember Kent when I was a camper. Takes me back....
Monday, July 6, 2015
Christian Music #2 Rich Mullins
Continuing my ten posts on Christian Music, I was influenced early in my Christian life with Rich Mullins, a man from Richmond, IN near where I live. Although it is hard, I will list my top ten favorite Rich Mullins songs.
1. Hard to get
this song was honest about struggles in death that I needed and still need. Honesty in worship is so needed if we are to reflect our song book, the book of Psalms.
2. My one thing
3. Land of my Sojourn
4. Sometimes by step
I sand this while climbing Mt. Kenya.
5. We are not as strong as we think we are.
6. Creed
this is the apostles creed. so good.
7. Hold Me Jesus (Sorry this should have been #2 or 3)
8. Ready for the storm
(my brother, Josh Hawkins and I think Lori Beadie sand this in Gerig Hall at TU)
9. Peace
10. While the nations rage
1. Hard to get
2. My one thing
3. Land of my Sojourn
4. Sometimes by step
I sand this while climbing Mt. Kenya.
5. We are not as strong as we think we are.
6. Creed
7. Hold Me Jesus (Sorry this should have been #2 or 3)
8. Ready for the storm
(my brother, Josh Hawkins and I think Lori Beadie sand this in Gerig Hall at TU)
9. Peace
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Christian Music #1 Evie
My first exposure to Christian Music was when I was in my mother's womb listening to her sing praise songs to Jesus. Praising Jesus has always been a part of my life. I am going to share in the next ten posts Christian Music that has been influential in my life to lead me to Jesus.
My mom played Evie records in our house growing up, and our favorite was "I may be 4 foot eleven but I'm going to heaven, and that makes me feel ten feet tall."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quPBRwFsljU
My mom played Evie records in our house growing up, and our favorite was "I may be 4 foot eleven but I'm going to heaven, and that makes me feel ten feet tall."
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
The faith of Judas
At the end of John 6 many disciples walk away from Jesus because of his hard teaching that they could not accept. Jesus knew the ones who did not believe.
The twelve did not turn away but stayed and believed that Jesus was the Holy One of God.
One group did not believe and walked away.
One group believed and did not walk away.
One group had unbelief.
One group had belief.
Their belief shaped their behavior.
What about Judas? What kind of belief did he have?
Judas was known to Jesus as the one who would betray him, as also Jesus knew those who did not believe. So it seems that Judas is in the lot with those who did not believe.
On the other hand, Judas was one of the Twelve, who did not walk away, so it would appear that Judas was with those who believe. What group was Judas in? I believe that Jesus hints at this when he calls Judas a devil.
The devil is a liar, and the father of lies.
Judas had devilish belief.
Judas was a liar.
Judas pretended to go on with belief in Jesus, even though instead of following Jesus he intended to lead Jesus into a trap.
How am I like the many who walked away?
How am I like the twelve who believed and stayed with Jesus, having no plan B?
How am I like Judas, clinging to my own agenda, and pretending like it is following Christ, when I am only using Christ for my own purposes?
Lord, search my heart, and if there is any devilish belief, strip it out of me at whatever cost.
Please, Lord search our hearts, and help us to have true belief.
The twelve did not turn away but stayed and believed that Jesus was the Holy One of God.
One group did not believe and walked away.
One group believed and did not walk away.
One group had unbelief.
One group had belief.
Their belief shaped their behavior.
What about Judas? What kind of belief did he have?
Judas was known to Jesus as the one who would betray him, as also Jesus knew those who did not believe. So it seems that Judas is in the lot with those who did not believe.
On the other hand, Judas was one of the Twelve, who did not walk away, so it would appear that Judas was with those who believe. What group was Judas in? I believe that Jesus hints at this when he calls Judas a devil.
The devil is a liar, and the father of lies.
Judas had devilish belief.
Judas was a liar.
Judas pretended to go on with belief in Jesus, even though instead of following Jesus he intended to lead Jesus into a trap.
How am I like the many who walked away?
How am I like the twelve who believed and stayed with Jesus, having no plan B?
How am I like Judas, clinging to my own agenda, and pretending like it is following Christ, when I am only using Christ for my own purposes?
Lord, search my heart, and if there is any devilish belief, strip it out of me at whatever cost.
Please, Lord search our hearts, and help us to have true belief.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Carefrontation
When I was in college at a Christian University, someone introduced me to the idea of care-frontation. Confrontation sounds so bad right? It often can go bad, especially when I am confronting my kids. I am also a soccer coach and I coach the blue team. Often I have to yell these two words from the sidelines of a game, "SAME TEAM!" I feel like someone should yell these two words to me when I am yelling at my kids.
Let me discuss three main aspects of how confrontation usually goes normally with my children. After something triggers my anger I decide what the main goal is, and 1. the main goal is for me to win the arguement. After the main goal is established, I go about accomplish it by 2. the strategy of fight or flight (mostly fight), by using my voice as a weapon. 3. I see myself as my ally, and the kids are my enemies.
Funny how this confrontation style, the one that comes naturally to me, is not very effective. It usually creates a war in which win or lose I always feel horrid about later. Is there any hope for confrontation, or should we not confront?
That is where Paul in Galatians 6:1 helps us in describing what I think is where people must have found the idea of carefrontation.
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Essentially Paul was crying, "SAME TEAM!"
1. The goal is not for me to win but for the team to win. Restore him to what? - to the team.
2. The way toward restoration is not fight or flight, but in a spirit of gentleness. If I come calmly, the other person will not as easily perceive me as the enemy.
3. The enemy is myself. There is no I in team. Not only could I fall prey to the very sin the other person was caught in, but I could be caught in the more destructive sin of self-righteousness and pride.
How can you do this in your life?
Decide who God is leading you to confront.
1. See the goal as a team win not an individual win (same team).
2. Approach not as an enemy, but as a friend (same team).
3. Watch yourself, especially lifting yourself above the other (same team).
Let me discuss three main aspects of how confrontation usually goes normally with my children. After something triggers my anger I decide what the main goal is, and 1. the main goal is for me to win the arguement. After the main goal is established, I go about accomplish it by 2. the strategy of fight or flight (mostly fight), by using my voice as a weapon. 3. I see myself as my ally, and the kids are my enemies.
Funny how this confrontation style, the one that comes naturally to me, is not very effective. It usually creates a war in which win or lose I always feel horrid about later. Is there any hope for confrontation, or should we not confront?
That is where Paul in Galatians 6:1 helps us in describing what I think is where people must have found the idea of carefrontation.
"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."
Essentially Paul was crying, "SAME TEAM!"
1. The goal is not for me to win but for the team to win. Restore him to what? - to the team.
2. The way toward restoration is not fight or flight, but in a spirit of gentleness. If I come calmly, the other person will not as easily perceive me as the enemy.
3. The enemy is myself. There is no I in team. Not only could I fall prey to the very sin the other person was caught in, but I could be caught in the more destructive sin of self-righteousness and pride.
How can you do this in your life?
Decide who God is leading you to confront.
1. See the goal as a team win not an individual win (same team).
2. Approach not as an enemy, but as a friend (same team).
3. Watch yourself, especially lifting yourself above the other (same team).
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