bopsjourney2

Dreaming of you!!!!!

2009-10-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

When I dream of the "ideal" woman, there is only one woman in my dreams, and I married her 43 years ago today. She is a gift from God Almighty. I am truly blessed beyond measure; certainly not because I deserve such blessing, but in God's bountiful mercies He chose to provide for me the girl of my dreams. I am reminded of a verse in the Bible from the book of Proverbs that says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD" (18:22). AMEN!!!!

For those of you who might be tempted to think that all I do is sleep - it took about 6 attempts to capture the above picture of me. Try pushing a 10 second delay button on your camera and then run to a chair and pose. It's not all that easy.

Tempted as we are but without sin.

2009-09-26T00:20:00.000-07:00

In my journey through the Gospel of Mark the statements of verses 12 and 13 of chapter one caused me to hit a mental pause button. These verses declare that following His baptism, Jesus was driven "immediately" into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit, and it was in the wilderness that Jesus was tempted by Satan.

Mark's account of Jesus' temptation by Satan is brief compared to the other two synoptic Gospels. Matthew and Luke both offer us more information in their account of Jesus’ experience in the wilderness by mentioning three temptations each followed by the means in which Jesus overcame those temptations. Mark's account does not give us that information. In fact, Mark’s account is so brief that it would be easy for us to read over it and move on without allowing what he tells us to sink into our minds.

Take a moment to read again those two verses. Don’t be like me by “speed reading” over these verses and thereby miss the vast truths they contain.

When I intentionally read and reread these verses over and over again, three things began to stand out in my mind as important truths for me to consider:
(1) Jesus was "driven" out from where He was into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit;
(2) Jesus was continuously tempted by Satan during the forty days in the wilderness; and
(3) Jesus received divine assistance in the midst of His temptations.

The language of the New Testament suggests a dramatic scene that at first seems to be a paradox in my normal thoughts about God and the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit intentionally “drove, compel, or expelled by force” Jesus into the wilderness whereby He was thus tempted by Satan.

At first, that seems problematic to me because it suggests that the Holy Spirit purposefully put Jesus in harms way to be tempted by the prince of evil himself – i.e., Satan. Not just to be tempted three times but the wording of the text suggests that Jesus underwent a continuous bombardment of temptations. I think the other two synoptic Gospels mention three specific temptations which serve most likely to be a representative sample of what Jesus endured on my behalf rather than a definitive list. Satan no doubt tried every trick in the book to tempt Jesus to sin – but he failed in every attempt.

Satan’s failure was not because Jesus was incapable of sinning. I believe Jesus could have sinned but instead His resisted Satan’s temptations.

At first, that thought seemed almost to be blasphemous until I remembered the passage in Hebrews 4:14-16 about Jesus being my Great High Priest – “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The temptations that Jesus resisted in the wilderness and during His earthly ministry were real temptations otherwise He could not “sympathize” or relate to my human struggle. I personally find comfort in knowing that I have a Great High Priest who experienced the everyday temptations of life just like me. The only difference being that He did so without sinning. His ability to overcome temptations gives me hope.

We are not told by Mark the kind of divine assistants that Jesus received during this concentrated period of temptations but the text does mention the presence of “angels” who ministered to Him. Now as I reflect on the hope that Jesus’ victory over temptations is for me, I don’t believe He received any special assistance or special favors that aren’t also available to me in my daily human journey.

Again I’m reminded that His temptations were real and He could have sinned but He didn’t. Why? What made the difference? Why is it that most often I chose to yield to the temptations? How can I experience the same kind of victory over temptations like Jesus?

I will explore this more as the journey continues.

Awesome Video

2009-09-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

I encourage you to take a moment and watch this video. We live in a great county, and I love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE

Affirmation

2009-09-14T10:43:00.000-07:00

I must do better updating my blog. For those who actually check it occasionally I apologize; it would be helpful I suppose if you are a faithful reader of anyone's blogs to drop a comment from time to time to stay in touch or to acknowledge you read their blog. For me personally I would consider it an encouragement that someone out there in cyber-space took a moment of their time to read along with me.

I'm reading through the Gospel of Mark as my previous posts have mentioned. One of the things that I trying to do is learn to read through a book of the Bible in a single setting several times before trying to examine it on a verse by verse basis. You might try it; let me know if you find it helpful grasping the overall sense of the author's purpose.

Another helpful tip in study the Gospel of Mark that I'm currently working on is identifying the paragraphs throughout the whole Gospel, and writing a single sentence to describe the theme or purpose of that paragraph. Too often in the past, I practiced like many of you poor Bible Study skills by picking verses and words out without understanding their proper context and meaning in the overall purpose for the writing of the Gospel.

One of those paragraphs is Mark 1:9-11. This paragraph deals with the baptism of Jesus. It would be important to keep in mind that this baptism was not what we understand today as "Christian" or "Believer's" baptism. This was an Jewish baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v. 1:4). Jesus' participation in this baptism was not because He needed to repent or be forgiven, but His baptism was sign of identification with the need of all sinful humanity who needed to repent and be forgiven; His baptism certainly agreed with the overall purpose of His incarnation. Jesus' baptism seems to mark the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry.

What I found to be intriguing was the two fold affirmation that Jesus received. As Jesus came up out of the water (a baptism of immersion), immediately the heavens tore open and the Holy Spirit in the likeness of a dove descended upon Jesus, and the voice of God audibly spoke. Trying to grasp what it must have been like to personally witness this event as one standing on the banks of the Jordon River intrigues me, everyone present saw the dove and heard the voice, but I imagine the only person who fully understood in that moment the significance of their meaning was Jesus Himself.

I believe the Spirit's anointing and the voice of God the Father was an important moment for Jesus. It was an affirmation of His life and His purpose for coming. NOW, if the Son of God needed affirmation, how much more you and I.

We live in a culture where people are quick to tear you down with their words and actions. We all know what it's like. I was reminded in the passage of the importance of affirmation. Maybe you can relate to that as well. Join me in working on being a person who affirms someone today. I realize for some you might have to look real hard, but find something today to affirm your spouse, children or grandchildren, neighbor, and co-workers, etc. Be genuine in your affirmation.

I want to become a person who is quick to authentically affirm others. How about you?

"Immediately"

2009-08-31T17:54:00.000-07:00

As I was reading through the Gospel of Mark there was an English word that frequently appears which is translated "immediately." I mentioned this in a post a few days ago, and my question was how many times was this word used in Mark's Gospel. Now before I tell you how many times it appears, it would be important to point out that the Greek word is an adverb and it can be also be translated "at once" or "as soon as." So, this Greek adverb is used 41 times in Mark's Gospel and it is translated all three ways listed above. Most of the times it is translated with the English word "immediately;" this little adverb seems to give an overall swiftness to the life of Jesus Christ as Mark unfolds this account of His life.

I encourage you to read the Gospel through several times with me. What do you think the central theme of the Gospel is? I would be interested in your thoughts as I read again this important Gospel.

Goodbye #5

2009-08-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

For the past week I've been experiencing pain from an upper tooth, but at the moment there is NO pain. WHY? Well, last night when I left work early there was much pain after eating a bite of salad and realizing that the previously mentioned hurting tooth was now broken with what my dentist Mark Moore described as a vertical fracture to #5. There is no pain because my whole mouth is numb from the shot of happy jucie Mark gave me just before he pulled my #5 tooth which came out in three pieces. So goodbye ole #5 you have served me well over the years.

OUCH!!!

I can only imagine that in a little while when this shot wears off some pain will return.

Reading Through the Bible

2009-08-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

I don't remember the exact date when I began reading through the Bible on the cycle, but when I finished yesterday at about 4:30 a.m. two thoughts occurred to me.

First, this was fun and secondly, I need to do this more often. So today I began to read through the Bible again. At the age of 62 I've read through the Bible several times but that not enough. I not talking about "works" folks as if reading my daily Bible readings is something to check off as a good deed done. What I mean is that reading the Bible is important and must become a priority in my life because it is God's Holy Word. I want to read it again and again because I believe it really is God's Word, and I believe God speaks through His Word.

I've been listening to some biographys of some of the great saints of past. I believe it was on the story about George Muller that the speaker commented that during Muller's lifetime he read through the Bible over 200 times. I don't know if I can read through the Bible that many times in the remaining time I've got left, but I'm committed to reading my Bible more. Not so I can win at "Bible Trivia," but I want to know God. I want to understand His will for my life. I want to grow in my knowledge of Him, and share what I learn with others.

I don't know if you've read through the Bible before, but I would like to encourage you to join me in the journey. On this cycle, I decided to read through Mark's Gospel. I've not interested in breaking some record, but I want to hear and experience God in the process. I may this cycle choose to read each book of the Bible several times through before moving on to the next book. Obviously that will take more than a year. So if you have not started a reading plan, join me in reading through the Gospel of Mark. As I was reading this morning before church, I was amazed at the number of time the word "immediately" occurs in the first chapter. Check it out for yourself; I think it will amaze you as well. Tell me what your learing from God's Word.

Movie Night Second Edition

2009-08-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

The first movie night was so much fun Nanny decided to try it again. It was another huge success. I think the biggest hit for the evening was eating ice cream sandwiches. Ryan can eat one faster than the bigger kids.

It is so much fun being able to spend time with these precious grandkids. They are such a joy to be with. Put all four of them in the same room and they can get really loud.

In Whom Are You Trusting?

2009-07-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, "Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land."

The thought came to me, In whom are you (meaning me) trusting?

To which I was quick to respond, "in the LORD, of course." And those of you who are church going people would probably answer this question in the same manner just a quickly as I did. BUT, what does the preponderance of the evidence by the way I live bear witness? i.e. - When I claim by my words to trust in the LORD is that statement equivalent to the way I live daily? Ouch!!!

The tragic truth is that too much of the time the evidence of my life would bear witness that I've been trusting in myself or others instead of the LORD. Maybe you could say the same thing. WHY? Why do I say I am trusting in God but live in such a way that clearly exposes me a liar?

I believe that part of the problem is that I'm more a product of my culture than I want to admit. I live in a day and time of prosperity, comfort, and ease. I've not had to experience the extreme hardships that most of the inhabitants of my world are experiencing today. So, I have grown complacent. I don't have to depend on the LORD for my daily bread. I just go to the grocery store and use a plastic card to buy bread paid for by the funds "I" earned from "my" job. What arrogance! How easy it is to develop that kind of mindset when I take my eyes off the LORD and mistakenly place them on myself. Jeremiah was right, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick (one translation uses the word 'wicked' instead of sick); who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and test the mind."

Lord, forgive me for such arrogance and neglect. Illuminate my heart by the Spirit of Truth, and expose within me the error of my ways. I acknowledge that trusting in myself or any other person is foolishness - even worse sinful pride. Thank you, for your daily provisions. Teach me your Word that I might delight in them all the days of my life. Cleanse me from within that my life might bear witness of my trust in YOU. Amen.

I want to be like the words recorded by Jeremiah in chapter 17:7, "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."

I must daily remind myself of this truth. I can trust in myself - and screw up my life, or I can trust in the LORD who will sustain me even in difficult times because my roots are fixed in HIM. The choice is mine.

Obedience isn't Optional

2009-07-10T15:22:00.000-07:00

In my personnal devotional time today, I was reading from the prophet Jeremiah, chapter 7 - 11. As I was reading, I found myself behaving just like a typical "Monday morning quarterback" who engages in a critique of their favorite team's poor performance in Sunday's football game. All "Monday morning quarterbacks" could have done a better job that their team's existing quarterback. So, I'm reading along and found myself thinking how stupid the children of God were to behave like they did. They really made God mad with their idol worship. They had been chosen by the LORD, but they turned their backs to embrace idols made of wood and stone and to worship "gods" which were nothing. There is only ONE true God and they treated HIM shamefully. The LORD spoke to Jeremiah about them saying, "A conspiracy exists among the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my convenant that I made with their fathers. Therefore, thus says the LORD, Behold, I am bringing disaster upon them that they cannot escape. Though they cry to me, I will not listen to them."

What was their problem? How could they be so stupid?

Repeatedly God had called to them, "Obey my voice." But they refused, and Jeremiah records what appears to be their major problem saying, "Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but everyone walked in the stubbornness of his evil heart."

It would be easy to point a finger and judge them as being foolish. They had it made, but it occurred to me as I entertained those thoughts that I'm the same way. Often, I demonstrate the attitude that obedience to God is optional - I wouldn't dare use those words, but my life bears witness of the truth. But I'm learning that obedience to God is never a mistake just as my friend Ed Laymance, at Lake Arlington Baptist Church often stated.

God Speaks

2009-07-09T13:57:00.001-07:00

What does the voice of God sound like?

After the LORD had miraclously delivered the people of Israel from their Egyptian captivity, HE lead them to the mountain of God. On that mountain, God's servant Moses received the Law. When God first delivered the Ten Commandments, HE spoke them in the hearing of all the people. "And God spoke all these words, saying......" (Exodus 20:1). Every time I read the account of that awesome moment I'm amazed at the response of the people, because if I would have been there certainly I'd responded differently. Yeah, right! (Sarcasm mine.) There response is found in Exodus 20:18-19, "Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, 'You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.' "

The above picture was made by a friend of mine (Thanks James Edwards for a beautiful image.) who had taken a digital picture of a recent thunder storm in our area and edited the picture with an important Scripture reminder for us all. In the Bible God chose many different ways to speak. The fact that God still speaks today is sometimes questioned by skeptics, but I believe He still speaks. HIS primary method is through HIS Holy Word that HE has given us.

I have been reading through the Old Testament in an attempt to read the whole Bible in a single year - you ought to try it; start by committing to do it with a simple plan. Read a few chapters each day and before you know it you will find yourself reading more and more. By the way, I double dog dare you to read the whole Bible. Currently I'm in Jeremiah who was a prophet of God. I have found myself shaking my head in unbelief how the people of God, the nation of Israel, who had seen and experienced so much of God's grace and goodness, could be so foolish by forsaking the LORD. In one section the LORD of host commands Jeremiah to proclaim to HIS people, "Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes, but see not, who have ears, but hear not. Do you not fear me? declares the LORD. Do you not tremble before me?" (5:21, 22) As I read those words, I was reminded by the Holy Spirit how foolishly we today are by treating the LORD with contempt just like the children of Israel in Jeremiah's day.

It isn't that God doesn't speak today, because HE is actively speaking. The problem is that we refuse to listen, or that we don't like what HE'S saying because it doesn't suit our livestyle so we turn a deaf ear (My precious wife calls this selective hearing.). I recently saw these words posted on a church sign as I drove by a church in Arlington, "Don't confuse God's patience with HIS final position on your life." So many today mistakenly subscribe to the notion that they can reject God and HIS Word, and in some way escape any adverse consequences for their actions. God's grace and patience has mistaken been perceived by them as a stamp of approval on their actions and lifestyle.

Wake up America!!! Wake up Church!!!

The mistake the ancient nation of Israel made was to ignore God's voice - spoken not like on the mountain of God, but by HIS servants the prophets who HE specifically sent with a message. God, their loving heavenly Father, the LORD of hosts, sent messenger after messenger but the nation ignored God, they beat and even killed HIS servants because they did not like what they heard. "To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Behold, their ears are uncircumcised, they cannot listen; behold, the word of the LORD is to them and object of scorn; they take no pleasure in it. Therefore, I am full of the wrath of the LORD; I am weary of holding it in" (Jeremiah 6:10, 11).

God's final "Word" (John 1:1,2; Hebrews 1:1-4) to us has come through HIS Son Jesus Christ. Sadly many today have rejected HIM because HE does not fit the desires of their heart. There is no fear within them of the consequences of such behavior. They have mistaken bought into the lie that God will either not judge them or that HE will judge by a sliding scale or curve, but that is a lie straight from the pits of Hell.

Listen up!!! God is speaking today. If you aren't getting the message the problem is not on God's method of communication, but on your unwillingness to hear. When God's seems silent, it's usually because we have our backs turned to HIM.

Acts 4:12

2009-06-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

The name of Jesus is a powerful name. The good news for all humanity is that we can have a right relationship with holy God, but what becomes a stumbling block for many people today is that there is only one way to experience it - God's way. "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved" Acts 4:12.

His name is JESUS.

The Line Up

2009-06-12T15:30:00.001-07:00

The line up of "BOPS' KIDS" from the youngest to the oldest. They are precious gifts from God.

Group Hug

2009-06-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

This evening we had a birthday party for my wife and daughter whose birthdays are two days apart. The whole gang was present. One of the special moments of the evening was the group hug with all the grandkids. They are growing up so fast. My prayer for them is that they will have hearts that seek Jesus.

Swimming Buddies

2009-06-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ryan, age 19 months, and his big sister Aby, age 4, came over the other day to go swimming in our neighborhood pool. They are such a blessing. There cousins Taylor and Zach are equally a blessing. If I would have known how much fun grandkids were I would have had them first.

Awesome Day at 412CC

2009-05-31T19:55:00.000-07:00

It has been an awesome day. It started this morning with a mighty movement of the Holy Spirit at 412 Community Church. The presence of God was evident, and lives were touched and changed for His glory. Then if that wasn't awesome enough, this afternoon 412CC meet again out at Joe Pool Lake for a baptism and a cookout. We baptized 14 or 15 people. It was awesome. I can't wait to see what God is going to do next at 412CC.

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T16:14:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for all the brave men and women who are serving and have served our country in our nation's Armed Forces. Thanks, for a job well done. I am also grateful for the ultimate sacrifice many have made to provide and protect the freedom we enjoy in this great nation. Let us never forget the freedom we enjoy today was paid for by the lives of men and women who fought to preserve it.

"Nails in the Fence"

2009-04-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

Recently a friend sent me a story which illustrates the importance of applying this admonition from the Bible, "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20).

The story is entitled "Nails in the Fence."

"There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.... But it won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.' "

I believe there is an important lesson for each of us in this truth -- "the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Bird's Eye View

2009-04-10T02:05:00.001-07:00

I would love to spend 6 months on the space station enjoying the beauty of God's creation from a location out of this world.

Aby's 1st Fishing Adventure

2009-04-02T00:04:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my granddaughter Aby wanted "Bops" (me) to take her fishing. It was her first time to go fishing. I took my camera, and in the video you can hear her cheering on the worm to hurry up and catch her a fish. We did not catch a fish that day, but she had fun. She has much more patience than my grandson Zach.

Zach and Fishing

2009-03-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, my grandson Zach came up with this "great idea" -- "let's go fishing Bops." There were a lot of important things that I needed to do last Friday, but how could I resist the opportunity to spend some "Bops time" with Zach. Like any four year old his interest in fishing lasted only a short time before he switched to the next best thing -- throwing rocks. All those important things that I needed to be doing seemed to fade in importance watching him having fun.

The Wooden Bowl

2009-02-21T16:26:00.000-08:00

THE FOLLOWING STORY WAS SENT TO ME BY A FRIEND. I THOUGHT I WOULD PASS IT ALONG FOR TODAY'S BLOG ENTRY.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess; 'We must do something about father,' said the son. 'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband (son) and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.
Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life.'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you; but, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Johnny the Baptist

2009-02-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

Today I receive the below pictures and story. It was so cute and so I decided to let it be my post for today. It was entitled "Johnny the Baptist."

Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed him 'playing church' with their cat.

He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing & hissing and ran backto the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water. She called out, 'Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!' Johnny looked up at her and said, 'He should have thought about that before he joined my church.'

Protesting

2009-01-30T02:54:00.000-08:00

I'm not really sure what my grandson Ryan was protesting when his mother snapped this picture, but at the age of 16 months he has learned to make strange faces and unusual noises. He can make some of the most endearing faces. Sometimes I have to look away not to encourage his bahavior with my laughter. Who could resist such a sweet face?

Having a Clear Conscience

2009-01-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my wife had to appear for jury duty in Tarrant County along with what appeared to be a thousand other people. Since the weather was kind of messy, I chose to take her downtown opting to camp out in a nearby Starbucks of 7th Street. As I was driving to the Starbucks, I passed a local bar that probably is a popular spot for those "living the good life." On the bar's marquee was posted this statement, "A CLEAR CONSCIENCE IS THE FIRST SIGN OF HAVING A BAD MEMORY." For many reading that sign as they drive by or as the enter the bar's door, they might shout silently, "Amen." Because from their point of view anyone who would profess to have a clear conscience would be either a liar or someone with a really bad memory. The truth is that in my life I've done much that I'm ashamed to speak of, but I'm unashamed to confess today that I have a clear conscience - not because I've forgotten the sin which will forever be a part of my memory - but because of the grace of God. The enemy of our souls, the Devil, would love to imprison us with guilt or paralyze us with the fear but the good news of the Gospel is able to liberate us. I rejoice in the truth of Romans 8:1-6, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."
Too many have chosen to set the mind on the flesh - i.e., choosing to live in such a way that doesn't glorify God - turning their backs on the life that God desires them to experience. That's a bad trade - living for the moment instead of for the glory of God. Notice true "life and peace" comes from setting ones mind on the Spirit.

Worship Revisited

2009-01-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I asked the question -- "What is worship?" I would like to revisit that that question because too often our views of worship are limited to what is done on Sunday morning in a specific time slot, and much of that may or may not be worship. For me, worship is not for my benefit. Worship is about God. I the worshipper surrendering myself before acknowledging Him. Therefore, for me worship can be private or corporate. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I believe both private and corporate worship are essential for living out my faith.

Everything we do ought to be done to bring glory and/or honor to Christ. So the simplest tasks during my day -- getting up, going to work, spending time with my wife, taking my grandchildren for a walk, playing games with friends, watching TV, listening to music, reading a book, surfing the Internet, studying the Bible, etc. -- ought to be acts of worship as I present myself as a living sacrifice each day before God. The Apostle Paul reminds us of this truth in Romans 12:1-2 saying, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

It is also true that corporate worship is important -- i.e. - the Body of Christ coming together to focus their attention upon God. In our culture today the corporate time of worship is what receives most of our emphasis as being worship. We even call it the weekly "worship service." I don't think the day of the week nor the time is the important element, but rather, that we as the worshippers come with hearts seeking God. Every part of the corporate "worship service" ought to be done as acts of our worship -- e.g. - greeting others, welcoming guests, prayer, Scripture reading, music, listening to a sermon, taking notes, confessions, repentance, sharing testimonies, communion, baptism, giving our tithes and offerings, signing a commitment card, etc. Too often, however, music is one thing singled out as the main aspect of the "worship service." Music is an important part of the corporate "worship service," but not the most important. The most important aspect of worship is God -- His presence. The tragedy is that many churches meet last Sunday and held their elaborate "worship services" filled with music and other activities but one thing was missing -- God. Everything was done to please people and the presence of God was only a footnote to their festivities.

I would rather be with a few fellow worshippers whose hearts are seeking God, and His mighty power and presence which becomes evident by the Holy Spirit's working in lives of those present.

What is worship?

2009-01-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

I hear people all the time making comments about the “worship” of one church compared with another. Usually these comments involve a bias critique of the style or practice of what is commonly called “worship” today in one church compared with another church. These critiques whether positive or negative really reveal more about the individual’s personal preferences related to music than the genuineness of worship. For them, worship equals music. If that were true, then I’ve got a real problem—I’m not musically inclined.

So if the key component to worship is music then what hope do I have of experiencing genuine worship? Now, all you none musical types like me—don’t panic—worship is more than music. In fact, most of those who rely heavily on their music and how it makes them feel aren’t experiencing genuine worship of the living God. In fact, their music has become the “god” they worship. Most of what takes place on Sunday morning in many churches around the world is far from worship.

During his dialog with the woman at the well in John 4, Jesus reveals to her something important about worship. In verses 23 and 24, Jesus said, “The hour is coming, and now is here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

My original question still remains unanswered—“What is Worship?”

The answer to this question is very important because Jesus reveals that our heavenly Father seeks genuine worshippers.

I want to be one of those genuine worshippers. I don’t want to become like those Jesus mentions in Matthew 15:8, when he quotes a passage from the prophet Isaiah saying, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”

What does worship mean to you?

Asking BIG

2009-01-13T02:57:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed the magnitude of most of our prayers? Usually they are filled with small things that for the most part will work out anyway-- "give me....", "help me....," and "bless me," etc. Don't misunderstand me. We are commanded in Scripture to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), but most of us rarely approach the throne of grace with a profound burden and passion for something BIG -- a God size thing that your heart desires to see happen and only God can do it.

I recently was challenged by the question, "What BIG thing are you currently asking God to do?" .... in your life? .... in your family? ....in your Church?

As I reflected on that question and its application in my life, a Bible verse came to mind. In Ephesians 3:20, 21, the Apostle Paul concludes a prayer for the Church at Ephesus saying, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Could it be that we don't ask for BIG things because we don't really believe God will answer our prayer?

Or, maybe we've asked for something BIG once but when nothing seemingly happened according to our time schedule we throw up our hands in frustration never to ask again. Instead of that approach, we ought to be like the persistent widow in Jesus' parable found in Luke 18:1-8.