Forgiveness

Forgiveness has been on my mind a lot over the last few months due to events in my own life. However, in recent days the theme of forgiveness seems to have snowballed. Beverly and I have been talking a lot about it in relation to a marriage retreat we will be involved in at the end of March. Further, she is in Abilene until tomorrow for a forgiveness workshop. And then, last night as we studied David, the subject was forgivenss (or David's lack of).

Well, back to Randy Harris: In his class I attended on Tuesday, he made a remark that really struck me. I'm not quoting here, but I think this gets to the gist of his comment. He said it is the cross, and only the cross. that empowers a human being to be able to forgive. We do not tend toward forgiveness naturally. And even when we try, our attempts are pretty feeble. For a season we forgive, only for the issue to raise its head again later -- sending us back to square one.

But it's at the cross where perfect forgiveness is demonstrated for us. We would not know it except for the cross.

I want to be a forgiver for a number of reasons. For one, just because I know that I feel better when I release my grudge and forgive. But that is kind of a self-serving reason.

I want to be a forgiver because the goal of my life is to become conformed into the image of Jesus.

But foremost in my mind at this season of my life is this: I want to be a forgiver because to the extent I do not forgive, I am revealing my lack of understanding and appreciation for the cross. To the extent that I withhold forgiveness, I am announcing how poorly I have grasped the mercy of God that has been extended to me.

George Herbert put it like this: "He who cannot forgive others destroys the bridge over which he himself must pass." This statement would certainly agree with a number of things Jesus Himself said on the subject (Matthew 6: 14-15, Matthew 18: 35.)

Back Home

I was hoping to have blogged Monday and/or Tuesday, but there just wasn't a convenient time or place to be found for that in Abilene. Beverly and I were busy from early to late. But it was great! I wish I could have stayed through today, but I had to come back yesterday to give a final at Amberton last night.

The theme for the lectureship was The Gospel of John, which is right up my alley. It will be the continued theme for the fall lectureship. For those who may not be aware, ACU's lectureship is moving from its long-held (89th) date in February to a September date. So, this year -- there are two lectureships. The fall date will be September 17-20. I have been asked to teach a one-day class during that time, so I will be looking forward to it.

Just a couple of "ah-ha's" to share: I went to Randy Harris's class on Providing Spiritual Direction. It was very interesting. He gave three "not-point points," as he called them.
1. To provide spiritual direction, we must be comfortable with the mystery of God. We must give up the idea that we can change anyone. Spiritual guidance is not about "fixing" people. The power to change is in the Holy Spirit, not me.
2. To provide spiritual direction, we must 1st deal with our own "spiritual stuff." We must come to the realization that God loves us just the way we are. He could never love us more than He does right now.
3. To provide spiritual direction, we must have a contemplative prayer life. We must sit before God, and allow Him to speak to us. We must enter into God's divine pathos -- much in the same way that Hosea came to understand God's love for unfaithful Israel by his own experience with his love for his unfaithful wife.

I would love to have been able to go to all of Randy's sessions.

Another great line came from Dr. Neil Lightfoot's class on John: The Different Gospel on Monday. He said, "We sing, 'Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine.' John would say, 'Blessed assurance, I am His.'"

I left yesterday with a hunger to go deeper.

ACU Lectures

Yes, the cold front has pushed through. We have known it was coming for several days. So, knowing I would not be able to play golf today, I went out yesterday afternoon. Interesting: Yesterday morning, the wind was blowing hard from the south. I got to the golf course about 2 PM, and the wind was calm -- temperature about 83. I played 11 holes with the wind hardly moving the flags. On the 12th tee, I was waiting for the group in front of me, when I could feel it. First, a slight breeze from the north. By the time I hit my tee shot, it was gusting to about 30 mph. Within about 20 minutes, the temperature had dropped into the lower 60s. Pretty incredible.

Beverly and I will be leaving tomorrow for the ACU Lectureship. We are looking forward to our time there. Sunday is Jonathan's last one as worship leader for the Southern Hills Church, so we will be with him and Jennifer. We will be staying with Josh and Kayci. It ought to be a great few days. I will blog in from Abilene next Monday and Tuesday.

Throw another log on the fire and keep warm!

Sacred Marriage

Beverly and I are reading a book in preparation for our church's marriage retreat next month. It's entitled Sacred Marriage, by Gary Thomas. The subtitle is "What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?" Wow. That's something to think about all by itself.

Let me share a couple of quotes: "What both of us crave more than anything else is to be intimately close to the God who made us. If that relationship is right, we won't make such severe demands on our marraige, asking each other, expecting each other, to compensate for spiritual emptiness."

He continues: "We need to remind ourselves of the ridiculousness of looking for something from other humans that only God can provide . . . We want to get the largest portion of our life's fulfillment from our relationship with our spouse. That's asking too much. Yes, without a doubt there should be moments of happiness, meaning, and a general sense of fulfillment. But my wife can't be God, and I was created with a spirit that craves God. Anything less than God, and I'll feel an ache."

Imagine if we would get this right! It would take a whole lot of pressure off of our relationship with our spouse, wouldn't it? And it's really not such a new concept. Jesus said long ago, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (marital relationships included) will be added to you."

God's Judgment on America

I just began meeting with a group of men on Wednesday mornings to discuss John Eldridge's Wild at Heart. This morning we had such a good discussion. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such a great bunch of guys.

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Last night as I traveled home from Amberton, I was listening to one of the Christian radio stations. The segment was about prophecy. There was a guy on there who claims to receive messages from the angel, Gabriel. He inherited this from his grandfather. He related how his grandfather had predicted after Desert Storm that we would again have to go to war with Saddam and Iraq. He also said Israel would enter in, and that nuclear weapons would be used. He was proud that his granddad's prophecy had come true.

Well, we are at war with Iraq again, but anyone could have predicted that after we left so much unfinished business after Desert Storm. But Israel is not involved, and no nuclear weapons have been used. He said he went back and checked his granddad's notes, and he hadn't said anything about nuclear weapons. But he did say that it has been reported by some guy no one has heard of that a neutron bomb was used in the Bagdad Airport by our forces when we first went in. So, did granddad say it or not?

Anyway, he went on to blast everyone who doesn't believe his prophecies as being complacent, fat and lazy Christians. He said that time is short, and America is headed for disaster.

You know, he's right about a lot of this. But I don't believe he needed a message from Gabriel to reveal it. For Christians, time is always of the essence. This is no time for complacency. But whether Jesus comes today or in the year 5006 doesn't matter. We need to always be prepared. Scripture says no one knows the date and time of His coming. In fact, we are told not to spend time speculating, so I guess Gabriel isn't paying attention to God's advice. Scriptures advice to us is: BE READY! The Lord will come like a thief in the night.

So, will American be judged by God? I think in many ways we already are reaping the consequences of what we have sown. And people of faith need to get serious about being salt and leaven and light. We need to get serious about the Great Commission! People -- souls headed for eternity -- are dying every day without Jesus. So, let's go! There's a lot of work to do.

Happy Valentine's Day

Some would say that Valentine's Day is a silly holiday. There was a time I totally agreed. And while it still might not rank up there with Christmas and Thanksgiving, I think it's pretty special to have a day to remind people of how much they are loved, don't you? Yes, of course we need to do that every day. But we need to be thankful every day that special people in our lives were born, too. Yet we have no problem honoring them in a special way on their birthdays.

I have so many people in my life who are special, and who I love so much. Today, I wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day. But especially, I want to wish one to my girls.

To my daughter, Jenny: You have brought joy to my heart through your sincerity and innocence. I marvel at your faith. HVD (that's Happy Valentine's Day).

To my granddaughter, Malaya: You light up my life, girl! You are such a joy! I love being with you, and have thought back so many times on our "date night" of a couple of weeks ago. That will always be one of grampy's treasures. HVD.

To my daughter-in-law, Kayci: You are like a steady rock, and your passion for those things that are important to you is contagious. HVD

To my daughter-in-law, Jennifer: Your compassion for others is so obvious. I especially love watching you interact with children. HVD

And finally, to the one who defines Valentine, Beverly: Each day with you brings me closer to God. I feel like a man who won the lottery -- LUCKY! And so blessed. HVD

Warning: This Gets Sappy

Well, the concert was really good. Nicole Nordeman is incredible. And Casting Crowns' drummer is worth the money himself. I'll tell you: The lyrics to both Nicole's and Casting Crowns' songs could make for a great sermon series!

The men's breakfast was so good, too. Jerry Nicholas did the cooking, so you know that was great. But to hear our elders share the early stages of their vision for the church was incredible. I have such respect for these men. I'm excited!

Yesterday afternoon, I was channel surfing, and came across the movie, Sabrina. So, I began watching it (again.) Yes, it is a chick-flick. But it is such a great movie! Maybe it's because Harrison Ford is in it, and I can't help but so relate to his character in the movie. I bought it for Beverly several years ago, and have seen it a half dozen times. But the ending still gets to me. As he is in the taxi trying to get to his flight on the Concord -- but gets stuck in traffic. Sabrina's dad is his chauffer. He says, "You don't deserve her." Harrison Ford says, "But I need her." The dad stops the taxi and tells him to hurry -- then shouts her address to him as h takes off running for the airport. (yep, my eyes start to tear up.)

Then, when he arrives in Paris before her, and is waiting across the street. He walks across and says, "You told me I would have the time of my life in Paris. It must include you." (There I go. And I'm not even much of a cryer.)

I know I have disappointed some of you guys today. Sorry, but it's a great movie.

Tonight, the woman who completes my life and I are going out for Valentine's Day. I know, it's tomorrow night. But we both work on Tuesday nights, so we're celebrating tonight. I can't imagine life without this incredible woman! Tonight will be our 30th Valentine's Day celebration. And they just keep getting better and better.

Look out Pappadeaux's -- here we come!

Ramblin' Man

Hey, does it get any better than this? The Mavs beating Kobe and Shaq in the same week! And what's with Phil Jackson? Is it just me, or does he seem to be from another solar system?

Today it's rainy and cold here. I'm glad I snuck out yesterday afternoon and played golf. Friday is my regular day off, but I don't think I'd be out on the links today.

Tonight, Beverly and I are joining some friends and our daughter and her husband for a concert at American Airlines Center. We're going to see Casting Crowns and Nicole Nordeman. We have seen them both before, and they are really good. Should be a fun evening.

Tomorrow morning we are having a men's breakfast at the church. Our elders are wanting to hear what kind of dreams are on the hearts of our guys. I hope every guy's wife has filled their ears with ideas! I am grateful for our elders and their desire to move us to look beyond ourselves to something greater.

I'm just ramblin' today, OK. Not trying to make any theological statements or even profound ones. But have you ever wondered what the Moslem nations do for fun? They seem to just sit around looking for something to get upset with the world about. I don't think I've ever seen them smiling (I know, that is a generalization). They live by such a double standard. They can pronounce jihad against the world, call for the extermination of all Jews and death to the infidel (that's us). But someone draws some cartoons (I admit, that wasn't smart), and they get themselves worked up into a frenzy. I admit, I will probably never understand their world view. I just wish we could cold-turkey cut off all our dependence on them for oil. For one, we are indirectly funding much of their terrorist activity. And for another, they would lose their leverage with us.

Oh, well. Have a great weekend! And be careful what you draw.

The Best Prayer

I received an email from Troy Brumley yesterday. So many of the stories and poems, etc. that I receive, I have seen before. But I hadn't seen this one. I think it is worth sharing.
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The Best Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment. Due to their age, it may be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts You give us, the greatest gift is love.

It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts-- not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.

Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

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I so want to be of that mind! The Lord has a lot of work to still do on me!

Busy-ness

I truly have a strong desire to spend more time with God. I want to become more intimate with Him. So why don't I just do it? Because I am busy. Busy with good things. Busy with mundane things. Busy meeting others' expectations. Busy with my own self-imposed "got-to-get-this-done" stuff. Busy.

So, I'm reading Yancey yesterday. This guy so connects with me because his spiritual journey and mine seem so similar. He was talking about how easy it is for him to move through a whole day without stopping to spend real quality time with God -- beyond the prayer over a meal type of thing. To break out of his rut, he said he would set his watch to beep on the hour to remind him to 1. stop and reflect on what he had done with the last hour and 2. to pray.

I've decided to give it a try. I'm going to program my cell phone alarm to call me to prayer. Not out of a sense of legalistic ritual, but to break old habits and ruts.

What works for you?

The Wisdom of Proverbs

In my daily devotional readings, I have just begun Proverbs. I am struck by how relevant Solomon's words remain today. And the imagery he uses that makes concepts (like wisdom, for instance) take on physical attributes.

I have watched in pain as too many people derail their lives for fleeting moments of pleasure. Oh, how I wish we would listen to the Wise One. Here are just a few exerpts from my reading today, as Solomon says what we can expect if we seek wisdom:

"then you will understand what is right and just and fair -- every good path . . .
It will save you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
None who go to her return or attain the paths of life."

"The woman Folly is loud; she is undisciplined and without konwledge.
She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,
calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way.
'Let all who are simple come in here!' she says to those who lack judgment.
'Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!'
But little do they know that the dead are there.,
that her guests are in the depths of the grave."

"Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."

These words alone could save so much heartache! They would have even saved Solomon a lot of pain if he had just listened to his own advice.

Super Bowl?

Years ago, Duane Thomas of the Dallas Cowboys was asked what it was like to be getting ready to play in the "ultimate game." His response: "How can it be the ultimate game if they play it again next year?"

The Super Bowl has become a cultural phenomenon. Probably as many people watch it for the commercials as for the game. This year didn't deliver either one. Neither team played like a championship team, and the commercials (except for the Budweiser Clydesdale colt) weren't memorable.

I'm glad Pittsburgh won, but if I were a Seahawks fan I would be ticked. There were at least two crucial calls that went against them. Both resulted in touchdowns for the Steelers. And one took points away from the Seahawks.

Well, with that behind us -- this week ushers in the Winter Olympics. It doesn't seem as if there has been much hoopla over this. Maybe I've just missed it.

All of this is just a lead-up to THE event (No, I'm not talking about anything related to NASCAR): The Masters. I love it!

Money, Money, Money, Money

"You cannot serve God and money." That is part of my text for this week. I came across a study that I will use Sunday that says the average person spends 80% of his/her waking hours either 1. making money, 2. spending money, 3. worrying about money. That would mean that if a person is awake for 16 hours, nearly 13 of them are focused on money.

We would like to think that Jesus' words about materialism are directed toward others. Forgive me if this is too much of a generalization, but I think anyone living in America must make a conscious effort not to be materialistic. It may be the strongest pull that our culture has upon us.

Notice: Jesus didn't say, "You should not serve God and money." He didn't say, "Serving God and money will be really hard." He said, "You cannot serve God and money." Cannot! No way.

Coming back to the Sermon on the Mount has reoriented me once again to those things that are important to living in the Kingdom. It's a constant challenge. Our culture so subtly pulls us back into its kingdom expectations. But Jesus makes it crystal clear. There can be no mixed loyalties.

Just One Hole-in-One, Please

For Christmas, Beverly got me an "Amazing But True Golf Facts" calendar. Listen to this one!

"You wouldn't think another ace would be all that special to someone like Mike Hilyer of Gulf Shores, Alabama. After all, he'd had ten previous ones. But his hole in one in 2004 was special enough for Hilyer to alert the media. No, he didn't win big bucks or do anything otherwise remarkable in terms of aces. But it was the first ace on a par-3. His ten previous aces all happened on par-4s."

That makes me sick!:) I've been playing this game since I was 9 years old, and I have never had an ace. And I am a better-than-average golfer. I've sunk shots from the fairway on par-4s for eagles, but never had a hole-in-one. This guy has had 11! And 10 of them on par-4s!

So, here is the theological dilemma (I've got to make some kind of application): People view God's "providence" in many ways. What do you think is the application in my never having had a hole-in-one?
The extreme Calvinist would say that I have not had a hole-in-one because it is not God's will. When it is God's will (if indeed it ever is), He will direct my ball into the hole.
The extreme Armenian would say that God has availed me to the potential for certain talents and skills. When my talents and skills get to the point of perfection, I increase my chances for a hole-in-one.

I don't always agree with either extreme in the discussion of "providence." But on trivial things like this, I really don't think God involves Himself. Does He care who wins the Super Bowl? Or if I ever get an ace? I think He is more concerned with how we, His children, conduct ourselves in every situation -- win or lose.

As to a hole-in-one: It's got a little to do with skill, and a lot to do with luck.

Treasures In Heaven

I'm working on a difficult text today and next week from Matthew 6. They are about putting trust in money and worrying about "stuff." And I stand convicted!

I guess I am a fretter by nature. When we 1st got married, I worried about making the car payment and if we would ever have a house. The next stage was how to pay for the kids' diapers. Then it was how to pay for the kids' braces. Then it was how to pay for the kids' college. Then it was how to pay for the kids' weddings. Then it was how to pay for the grandkid's everything!

Now, I've moved into a new chapter of fretting. Now it's how will I pay for our healthcare and will I ever be able to retire.

But as I look back over my list of "frets," there is a clear pattern here. God provided! He provided for every one of them. I didn't know how we would do it at the time, but every one of them were taken care of. Not one late payment. And we haven't missed a meal, either (I know, that is obvious).

So, you would think I would learn. "You cannot serve two masters." I choose with my heart to serve the One who has been faithful to me all the way. But I will continue to battle in my head. Because my head says, "2+2=4." But somehow, God makes 2+1-1/2=4." He always provides what I can't figure out.

So, these texts will capture my attention. Part of me is really looking forward to them. But part of me isn't, because they are a direct shot at the heart of my (lack of) faith.

LATE UPDATE!!!!! I just found out that Jonathan and Jennifer are going to have a boy! Jedidiah! Due in June.

The Importance of Friends

Tomorrow night as we continue our study of David, we will be looking at the importance of friends. After Bathsheba-gate, David's life began to cave in. His son, Absalom, attempts a hostile takeover. David leaves Jerusalem in disgrace. But on his way, he is met by a number of friends who vow allegiance to him. It must have been like soothing ointment to his hurts.

It has caused me to reflect on what happened in my own life last year. There was such a feeling of loneliness. As I shared the news with my preacher friends, they disappeared as if I had leprosy or some disease that they thought they might catch. But I know, when we went to the ACU lectures last February, how good it felt to have one of my preaching mentors hardly leave my side.

And our family! My goodness! Our kids surrounded us like parents normally would their children. I have no doubt that they would shed blood for us. Their calls and letters and prayers lifted our wings. The gift they gave us last Christmas -- to take US on vacation -- was overwhelming!

Back here at home, very few from the church called. But there were exceptions, like John and Linda Francis -- who, through very special acts of kindness, helped us to heal. And our prayer group of Tommy and Jennifer Maddox, Scott and Tonia Beard and Steve and Sandy Morris prayed with us and cried with us and held us up. Really special friends.

Then it wasn't long until new friends came into our lives. Guys I haven't known long, but feel like I've known forever. As David had his mighty men, I feel the same about these guys. Jeff Jones, David Isham, Jacob Baker, Robert Isham -- just to single out a few. These guys, I have no doubt, would go the distance for me.

Then there is Beverly. Wow! Her pain was as great (if not more so) than mine. But just as always, she was my rock -- my constant encourager.

What a blessed man I am! Sometimes it takes difficult times to show us just how blessed we are. David learned that. And so have I.

When the Mind is Blank

I want so much to be disciplined enough to blog every day. It keeps me fresh and does me good. But occasionally there are days I sit down to write, and nothing is there. Today is one of them. I have sat here for quite a while waiting for something to come to me. It hasn't.

So, let's turn to sports today. That's always a topic that stirs discussion. Tiger Woods has to be the most incredible golfer in history. I grew up idolizing Arnold Palmer, and being amazed at Jack Nicklaus. But I don't think either of them struck terror into their opponents like Tiger. Looks as if he's off to another great year. I also like the way he has grown as an individual. Yesterday, he was very gracious in victory.

How about them Mavs? Do they have what it takes to win the NBA championship this year? I sure like Avery Johnson.

And finally, who wins the Super Bowl? Is anyone going with Seattle? I can't wait to see my friend's (Tommy Maddox) Super Bowl ring.

American Idol

Tonight, my granddaughter and I are going on a date. Earlier in the week, I asked her if she wanted to go out to eat or go see a movie. She called me later to inform me that she really wanted to do both. So, I imagine we will eat at Keller Pizza, and then go rent a movie from Blockbuster. Life doesn't get any better.

Beverly and I have been watching American Idol. I love Simon. She doesn't. As a preacher, it's kind of in my blood to spiritualize everything. But aren't you glad that the Godhead is not like the panel on American Idol, where you get one shot to show what you can do? By your performance, you either pass or fail. And your judges are 1. a sarcastic hyper-critic, 2. a sappy, sentimentalist, and 3. (I can't think of words to describe Randy Jackson. He's pretty cool, but not easy to peg.)

Give me the loving, forgiving grace of a God who has invested Himself in us any day!

Sorry For No Blog

It is now 11 AM my time. I have been trying to get on to write a blog all day, but have not been able to. We are getting ready to take one of our retiring secretaries out to lunch, so I will not be writing much today.

Let me just throw out a question to you that I posed to my class last night. If your family could be like any TV family, who would you choose?

If you are a reader of this blog -- I want to encourage you to join in and leave a comment at any time. It makes blogging more fun when there are people joining in the dialogue. So, let me hear from you.

End of the Spear

I've been fascinated by the story ever since I heard it told at a Steven Curtis Chapman concert a few years ago. It's the story of 5 men who became convicted back in the 50s that they needed to go to the most dangerous tribe in the world in South America (murder rate of 60%)! They wanted to share the gospel with these people.

At 1st, they thought they were making inroads, when suddenly the tribe turned against them. All 5 men were killed.

But that is just the beginning of the story. Their wives took their children and went to live among these people. One of them stayed her whole life. The rest -- over time -- returned to the States. When the woman who had stayed her whole life died, many returned for her funeral. One of them was a man, now in his 50s, who had been only a boy when they went to those people. His name is Steve Saint.

The tribe asked him to stay and work with them. Finally, he agreed. As he worked among them, he discovered who the man was who had actually killed his father so many years earller. Here's the incredible part: That man baptized Steve's kids, and is now "Grandad" to them. The tribe has been changed; they are now "God-followers."

The story is documented in a film called, "Through the Gates of Splendor." But there is a movie that is currently at the theaters that tells a secularized version of the story. It is called "End of the Spear." Beverly and I went and saw it. We enjoyed it. But it has pretty much been declawed of its power. Jesus is never mentioned as the reason the people were changed. Still, if you know the story behind the story -- it is a movie I would recommend.

The most famous of the men who were martyred is Jim Elliot. He is remembered because he wrote a journal that has been published. Perhaps his most quotable line is this: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Blessed at IHOP

Last night, Beverly and I went out to eat. We hadn't been together with a chance to just talk in a while. We chose IHOP (It's real romantic, Jenny). We hadn't been to Decatur IHOP yet, and we had a 2 for 1 coupon.

The food really was delicious. And our waitress was very good. We sat and visited, and just as our meal was about completed -- she came over. She asked us if we would mind if she told us something. We said, "Not at all." She said, "I've been watching you two. And I have pictured in my mind that when my husband and I get older, we will look like you two." She went on to tell us that they have only been married for about 5 months. She is 18. At 16, she left home and has been on her own ever since. She has been homeless at times. They live near Denton, but she really likes working at IHOP in Decatur. They both plan to enroll in college in Denton next semester.

Beverly and I were so impressed with her -- this 18 year old, confused young woman who is trying to make something of her life. Beverly talked to her about the importance of having the Lord in your marriage -- and invited her to church. She said they were looking for a church, and talked as if she would come. Beverly gave her one of her cards, and said, "If you come, I want you to sit with me."

It was just so sweet and special. Makes me want to go back to IHOP and ask for Heather. However, I don't know how well that would help me in my New Year's resolution to lose 10 pounds.

Please pray for Heather -- that the Lord will capture her heart.

Authenticity

I have a couple of pet issues right now, and I know they come through in my preaching. One is that we Christ-followers are counter-cultural people. The other is that Jesus has called us to authenticity.

Yesterday, I preached on authenticity. But more powerful than a sermon -- we also got to witness it. One of our young men came and allowed the church to see behind his masks. He confessed sin, apologized to those he has hurt -- but praised God for a 2nd chance. We prayed for him, and then the church surrounded him with love and suport.

Here's what happens when we are authentic, though. Immediately after the "Amen," another young man came to me confessing sexual sin in his life. He said that as a result of what he had witnessed, it had given him the courage to be real. I was able to give him information that, if he will follow through, can lead to his healing.

This never would happen in a church of plastic masks. It can only take place where people are real. AUTHENTICITY! It's what the community of believers needs to be about.

Maybe we ought to adopt the motto: "GET REAL!"

Some More Yancey

I had another ah-ha from Yancey yesterday that I want to share. He is talking about the Holy Spirit's work in us -- from Romans 8: 26-27. Listen.

"The Spirit announces the good news that we need not figure out exactly how to pray. We need only groan. As I read Paul's words, an image comes to mind of a mother tuning in to her child's wordless cry. I know mothers who can distinguish a cry for food from a cry for attention, an earache cry from a stomachache cry . . . It is the inarticulateness, the very helplessness, of the child that gives her comapassion such intensity."

He continues, "The Greek word applied to the Holy Spirit, Paraclete or paracletos, meant "one who stands by the side," such as an advocate or defense attorney . . . The same Greek word described a kind of cheerleader called upon when an army prepared for a decisive battle. For fearful and intimidated troops, the paracletos made audible a voice of confidence and morale building. We have access to that kind of inner voice, the voice of God himself."

Wow! That brings me such comfort.

He also addresses the Christian community's obsession with the "extraordinary" gifts of the Holy Spirit. I love this.

"We dare not devalue the 'ordinary' -- actually, most extraordinary -- work of God making himself at home in our lives." He then quotes J. I. Packer, who chides the church: "With a perversity as pathetic as it is impoverishing, we have become preoccupied today with the extraordinary, sporadic , non-universal ministries of the Spirit to the neglect of the ordinary, general ones. Thus, we show a great deal more interest in the gifts of healing and tongues -- gifts, which, as Paul pointed out, not all Christians are meant to partake anyway -- than in the Spirit's ordinary work of giving peace, joy, hope, and love, through the shedding aboad in our hearts of konwledge of the love of God."

Boy, I love that. It has been my contention for some time that the Spirit's primary purpose in our lives is to produce fruit. What is the fruit? Well, the fruit is simply a reflection of the Vine. The fruit is Jesus.

Satan's Playground

Today's blog is going to be somewhat of a downer -- but it's just kind of where I am right now. I feel like I'm on foreign turf. Like a kid who is out playing, and suddenly finds himself surrounded by thugs. Except the thugs are Satan and his henchmen.

It doesn't seem like there is ever a let-up. Just about the time we get through one crisis -- he hits us with another. Tsunami. Hurricanes. Drought. People are quick to blame God for all these things. But check out the book of Job, and you will see that Satan brought the tornado, etc.

On top of that, there is always some nutcase waiting to replace the last one. From Qadafi to Amin to Ayatollah Khomeini to Saddam Hussein to the current leader of North Korea (I can't remenber his name) -- and the list goes on and on. People who threaten the stability of the world. And if that wasn't enough, now we have a real lulu: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the leader of Iran. This guy has some serious issues. He believes the holocaust was fabricated by the Jews. He has called for the extermination of all Jews. And he is actively seeking nuclear weapon capabilities.

Interesting: Other than the North Korean guy, notice a common thread with the rest. They are all Islamic (you know, that religion that claims to be all about peace). I really wish that the US would rachet up our pursuit of alternative fuels and cut off supporting these nations by buying their oil.

So, it appears that we may be fighting a war on three fronts: Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. And we're not far from being in North Korea.

It all wears me out. I'm ready to be on home turf. I'm tired of the playground bullies. All the more reason to pray, "Lord, come quickly."

The Joy of Eating

Sunday at lunch we were talking about this guy who has come out with a book about nutrition and health. He basically says that there is a government conspiracy to hide the truth about prescription drugs and foods. He claims that people ought to live to be 150 -- and would if they followed his dietary recommendations (all-organic, etc.). I will be interested to see if he makes it to that age.

I haven't read the book, and am only going off of what I was told. I'm sure the guy has made a bundle of money, and given many people yet another reason to hate our government.

But here's the thing for me: I love to eat. Oh, I try most days to eat in moderation. In fact, I had a physical yesterday (still carrying my extra poundage from the holidays), and the doctor said I appeared to be in excellent health (thank God). I love to eat shrimp -- any way you fix it, and all-you-can-eat. I love a good steak occasionally. I love Mexican food. I love a good piece of pie. Occasionally (actually too rarely), I love to go to Marble Slab and get an ice cream cone -- sweet cream with Heath Bar.

So, I'm wondering: Who wants to live to be 150 if you can't enjoy good food? Really.

Again, I believe in the Biblical view of moderation in all things. But how do you feel about what this guy says? Would you want to live to 150 -- eating only bean sprouts and vegetable smoothies? And what food could you not do without?

Tribute to a Great Man

I grew up in Mississippi in the 1960s. I witnessed segregation at its worse. I found myself stuck in an environment steeped in ignorance (that's what prejudice is). I don't know how many times I heard white people say, "I'm not prejudice. I don't hate niggers, just as long as they stay in their place." Really? What was their place? To recognize that they weren't equal to whites?

Or, "Hey, they have their freedom. What more do they want?" How about a chance?

I wish I could say that everyone has progressed beyond such ignorant attitudes, but I still occasionally hear similar comments. And saddest of all is that I most often hear them from "Christians."

Today, America honors one of her greatest -- Martin Luther King, Jr. A man who awakened the conscience of a nation. And he did it without inflamatory rhetoric or threats of violence. Oh, I know that morally he had his failings (many whites love to point that out, as if it negates all of the good he did.) But so did FDR and JFK.

He patterned his reforms after Jesus. He was imprisoned, beaten, spit upon, mocked. His family was threatened. His house was a target of vigilantes. Finally, he was murdered. But through it all, he was even-tempered. He continually called for love for and equality to all races. His "I have a dream" speech has to rank as one of the greatest speeches ever given.

So, today America honors this man. I'm shocked that people say, "This holiday is just a token, PC holiday to appease the blacks." Huh? No, this is a day to remember a man who awakened a nation from SIN -- the sin of hating and mistreating those made in the image of God for no reason other than the color of their skin. This day is a day to remember a man who stirred the conscience of a nation to begin doing what was right. We "whites" have as much reason to be thankful to Martin Luther King, Jr. as African-Americans do.

My prayer is that the last holdouts in our nation (our churches) will "catch the dream."

Looking for the Good

My father-in-law came through his surgery great yesterday! He had to wait several hours in recovery until a room opened. As the nurse and my mother-in-law were discussing that, he was just coming out of his anesthetic. He said, "Let me just go home!"

Before he went into surgery yesterday morning, the surgeon came in and prayed over my father-in-law and the family. You think that didn't mean a lot to them?

And then last night, Beverly and her mom went to get a bite to eat. As they were leaving the restaurant, they noticed that a tire was flat. So, they went back in the restaurant to call someone to come help them. One of the waiters insisted on letting him help. The jack didn't work. He went to get his, and it wouldn't work. He went in to the restaurant and found someone who had one that would. Then, he changed the tire for them.

After he finished, Beverly offered him some money, and he refused. She continued -- finally having to force him to take it.

The reason I am telling you these stories is that we hear so much negative stuff today. We hear about how people just don't care. We hear that everyone is just in it for themselves. But if we would just stop and look around! There are so many good people -- doing so many good things! I know we live in a fallen world. But even in our fallenness -- there is beauty. And we are going to see exactly what we look for.

Today, let's train our eyes on something good!

How to View Scripture

As I'm writing this blog on Wednesday morning, Beverly's dad is in surgery in Tyler. The surgery is pretty invasive -- involving his spine. Mr. Jones is quite a character. He's 77, and excited because the surgery will make him 1-1/2 inches taller.

I began a new class at Amberton last night -- teaching the Gospel of John. I was talking about how Scripture can be understood by all. One of the students asked, "Then, why are there so many ideas as to what Scripture means? Why do the Jehovah's Witnesses believe this and the 7th-Day Adventists believe that?" What would you have said to answer him?

I told him that it's part of the fallenness of humanity. We humans tend to choose some particular view of theology -- and then everything we read filters through that particular view. For Luther, it was "faith only." So, he saw everything through that filter -- even to the point that if something didn't fit in his filter (the letter of James), he thought it should not be in the Canon. I do not think people, in general, view things differently because "everyone else doesn't love truth like I do."

So, being from a Church of Christ background -- what filters have we brought to Scripture? I know we have been criticized for seeing baptism in every verse. I personally don't know if that is true, but it could be because my filter is so engrained I can't see otherwise. I do think that we have wanted to defend acappella singing so much that our whole theology of the Old Testament and the silence of Scripture have been shaped by that filter.

Perhaps it's best to try to view Scripture through its major themes: Love, redemption, mercy, justice, grace, obedience, etc. What do you think?

Animal News

I'm not much of a pet lover. I LOVE watching and hearing animals in nature. I love going to the zoo. But I'm not big on pets. Someone once told me that you can't love people if you don't love animals. ??????? That's like saying you can't love apples if you don't love oranges. You can't love football if you don't love baseball. By the way, everything Scripture says about dogs is negative. And cats aren't even mentioned. Jesus came to save human beings, not the spotted owl. (I'm writing with tongue in cheek, OK?).

I'm not against people having pets. Just keep them in your own yard, and don't let them bark 24-7. Yet, everywhere we live, there is a neighbor around us who violates this principle. We have dogs who dig in our flower beds, and one that must get a sore throat from barking. I think he barks at every star he sees at night. But what can you do about it without coming off looking bad?

So, I listened with interest this morning to the story about a woman who found her pet cat of 13 years dead in her front yard. She decided to have a DNA analysis done ($500) to find out what killed it. She had suspicioned the neighbor's dog. And sure enough, the DNA evidence pointed there. The owner of the dog defended his dog's actions by saying it is natural for dogs to chase cats. Well, if the cat was in the man's back yard -- he might have an argument. But HIS dog in HER front yard -- killing her cat? Sorry, that just isn't right.

I'm going to start a petition drive. PFPOR. People for Pet Owner Responsibility! MOTTO: "Keep 'em in line or pay a BIG fine."

The Holy and the Common

"they do not distinguish between the holy and the common." It was an indictment brought by the Lord through Ezekiel to the city of Jerusalem (Ezekiel 22: 26).

Yesterday, Beverly and I were talking about a trend that troubles us. We, God's people, are called to be lights -- to shine into the darkness. Yet it seems that oftentimes we are trying to convince the darkness that we are not so different from them. As if we are into darkness, too.

Now don't get me wrong. WE are not the light. We simply reflect THE LIGHT. But no darkness is found in light, either. And there should be no apology for "walking in the light." There is no gospel in calling the darkness into semi-darkness. The gospel is calling people from darkness to light. Again, we are to be a counterculture (I'm kind of on a hobby here, if you haven't guessed already).

A couple of weeks ago, Malaya was singing some Christmas song. I decided to add my percussion sounds to her song. She looked at me with a look of disgust, ran to Beverly and said, "Grammy, Grampy's spitting in a godly song." Well, I had obviously never thought of it like that, especiallly since that's not what I was doing. But that imagery has stuck with me. I don't ever want to be guilty of mixing the common with the holy. There's just no "good news" in that.

Anyone Have a Muzzle?

I'm so glad I became a Christian before we had such nationally-recognized "personal representatives" of Jesus. I think if all I knew of the Christian faith (that is, my frame of reference) was what I see in Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson (and occasionally, James Dobson), I would have rejected it. These mens' agenda is to politicalize the faith -- and it makes it come off looking really bad. Interesting, Jesus never did that.

So, Pat has now received word from on high that Ariel Sharon's stroke is God's punishment for pursuing peace with the Palestinians? Pursuing peace -- that's not a God-thing anymore? As in "seek peace, and pursue it"? As in "blessed are the peacemakers"? But now, God has had a change of heart and has stricken a man down for pursuing peace?

The man is 77 years old! Is it really that abnormal for a 77 year old man to have health problems? And what is the punishment that God is meting out against Pat when he eventually dies or has a health issue? I know I could think of several:)

Being a witness for Christ today is hard enough. But these guys -- who have a public platform -- are doing us no favors. God forgive them.

UNBELIEVABLE!

It may be the most incredible game I've ever seen. Of course, it helps that my team won. I have never seen any greater performance by an athlete than displayed last night by Vince Young. The guy just wins. And he makes it look easy! I don't mean that the win came easily. But he looks like he's out for a stroll when he's running. And he never looked panicked at all -- even as they needed two scores with 4 minutes remaining.

I loved the headline in the Dallas Morning News this morning. It said, "INVINCIBLE."

It's been a long time coming. I was living in Austin the last time Texas won a national championship (8th grade, to be exact). It's great to have a Texas team on top again.

I was disappointed to hear Matt Leinart in the post-game say that they were still the better team. I have heard that he is a classy guy, but that comment wasn't. Beverly quickly reminded me that it was said in the heat of the moment, and he is probably sorry this morning that he said it. I hope so.

Talk about class, though. Mack Brown. I have had reservations about him through the years. But this year, he has stepped it up. I heard his post-game comments, as well as an interview on ESPN later. His words were full of grace and totally classy. I don't know if it's true, but I read on another blog this morning that he grew up in the Church of Christ.

Pity the Field Goal Kickers

Maybe it's just me, but does it seem like an extraordinary number of football games this year have been decided by missed field goals? It cost the Cowboys a playoff spot. And every college game seems to have several errant kicks. I was watching the Orange Bowl last night. Florida State should have won on a field goal. No, Penn State should have. No, Florida State should have. Finally, Penn State did. I feel sorry for those kickers when they show them on the sidelines after they have just missed kicks they probably make 99 out of a hundred times in practice.

Last night's game was interesting from the angle of the coaches. Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden have been head coaches for 40 years! I like them both. I'm glad Penn State won, because so many critics have said over the last couple of years that Paterno is washed up. 79 years old! And he has not hinted at retirement. I hope at 79 that I can even stand up for 5 straight hours -- much less do all he does during a game.

For a long time, I didn't care for Paterno. My 1st memories are from 1970, when he whined so much to the media because Texas was ranked #1 over his Nitanny Lions. But who knows? He may have been right. Now I admire him. He's a coach who not only makes his players better athletes -- but in general they leave Penn State as better people.

So, who wins tonight? Texas? Or USC? My heart is pulling one way, but my practical side says "Not likely." Still, go Horns!

On another note: What a sad ending to the mining story from West Virginia. Last night, the report was that 12 of the 13 miners had been found alive. This morning, I wake up to the report that 12 of the 13 are dead. What a cruel roller coaster ride for those men's families. May the Lord surround them with His presence and peace.

Clothes that Cling

I have a couple of pairs of pants. Why is one piece of clothes called a pair? If it's because pants have two legs, why don't we call a shirt a pair of shirts? But I digress. These two pairs of pants are incredible quality -- but they have terrible static cling. In fact, my legs feel like they are being shrink-wrapped when I wear these pants. They almost feel like when you're having your blood pressure checked. So today, I am planning on going to the store to get some anti-static cling spray.

One of my goals for 2006 is to surrender more to the possession of the Holy Spirit. We hear of people claiming to be possessed by evil spirits. Well, I want to be possessed by the Holy One. I am reminded that Scripture describes my baptism as a time when I was "clothed with Christ" (Galatians 3: 26). And this year, I want Him to cling to me like those pants. I want Him to take me captive -- every thought, every action, every word.

I believe that we humans have free will. I am at the point in my life, though, that I wish I could freely choose to surrender everything about myself to God. I would gladly give up my free will to become possessed. I'm talking about like in one of those sci-fi movies where someone is totally taken over by an alien. It's still their body -- but it's totally taken over by another. I want the Lord to do that with me!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It's New Year's Eve. Time for a little reflection on 2005. No doubt, this has been one of the strangest years of my life. It began in about the worst way a year could begin. My previous employers decided to give the Rosses a joyful holiday season last year by terminating me. So, my 1st sermon of the new year was a farewell. There is so much I would love to bring to light about the way things were conducted, but that is water under the bridge. The Lord has a way of taking care of things, and so it is better left with Him.

After the experience I had there, I began 2005 with serious doubts about myself, my preaching and whether I should even remain in ministry. I began considering other possibilities. Ironically, Jeff Jones (a deacon and incredible man from the Decatur Church of Christ) had asked me to come preach on the following week. So, my 1st week as an unemployed preacher found me preaching in Decatur.

I began putting out resumes and contemplating my future. There was a lot of time for that. I talked to churches in Tennessee and Colorado and all over Texas. At the time, I just did not want to consider Decatur. I was so gunshy from what had just happened to me that I wanted to make sure that the next place I served was one of integrity and love.

Finally, after several weeks of discussions and ups and downs, Beverly and I agreed to come to Decatur. As we now come to the end of this year, I am so incredibly happy for the decision we made. My reluctance has been turned to sheer excitement. We have never been a part of a more affirming, more truly loving group of Christians as make up this community of believers. And having been there for 8 months, it is safe to say that my observations are not those of someone still stoked because they are in the "honeymoon" period.

So, we look forward with great anticipation to what the Lord has in store for 2006. I had many moments in 2005 in which I wondered where He was and what He was doing. We went months being anxious about selling our house -- wondering why it was taking so long. All the while, He was putting the pieces together for things to work out in ways that we couldn't have written a better script for.

I learned a lot in 2005. About myself. About the faithfulness of my wife. About the Lord. I want to continue to learn and grow in 2006, but I sure hope the Lord choses something easier this year:).

Blessings to you all! And Happy New Year!

Holiday Wishes

Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year!

I am on vacation from December 26th through January 2nd. I will try to blog a couple of times, but will be out of town from Wednesday through Friday. Beverly and I are going to San Antonio with Josh and Kayci. They are going to go to the Alamo Bowl, and Beverly and I are just going to hang out. We're looking forward to that.

We had a wonderful Christmas! It was so nice to have everyone together at church yesterday. Well, Jenny wasn't there. She got sick on Saturday night, so she spent Christmas day in bed. But she is fine today.

Whenever my family is all together, I am again reminded of just how blessed a man I am. Thank you, God!

Happy Holidays? Merry Christmas?

Maybe it's because I'm getting older -- and hopefully wiser. Maybe it's the influence of Donald Miller and my son, Josh. I don't know. But I find myself seeing things differently today than I would have just a few years ago. One example is the current to-do over businesses' and governments' use of the greeting "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Ironically, this has come full-circle. I can remember when I was a kid, in our churches we were encouraged to say "Happy Holidays" because we "didn't believe in Christmas." Anyway, I digress.

I'd like to share a rather lengthy piece from an article written by Brian Mavis of sermoncentral.com. His words express my feelings on all of this. He says:

In the political and business sector the word "Christmas" has been dropped in favor of "Holiday." Governments have put up "Holiday Trees" in public places. Retailers wish customers "Happy Holidays" and hang banners selling "Holiday Trees." So how have some Christian leaders reacted? With lawsuits, boycotts, and petitions. Two groups, Liberty Counsel and the Alliance Defense Fund, have almost 1,600 lawyer-volunteers to fight this movement against display on public grounds of Nativity scenes and Christmas trees -- and even the greeting "Merry Christmas." And it's working. For example, Lowe's home-improvement stores took down "Holiday Trees" banners and put up "Christmas Tree" banners. And House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., ordered the "Capitol Holiday Tree" be renamed the "Capitol Christmas Tree." As Jerry Falwell told ABC News, "We've gone on the offense now. We've put them on the defense. We're kicking their butts, and they're unhappy." (Rick's comment: Sounds just like something Jesus would say.)

I think the Christian groups fighting for our civil liberties have good motives, but bad strategies. Lawsuits, boycotts, and petitions. Is this fighting the good fight? Is this what Jesus would do? Is this obeying, "If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well" (Mt. 5: 40)? Is this applying, "For though we live in this world, we do not wage war as the world does" (2 Cor. 10: 3)?

In addition, what are they fighting for? That we call a pine or fir tree a "Christmas tree'? There is nothing Christian or biblical about a Christmas tree. We are forsaking Christian principles in order to fight for man-made traditions. Go ahead and let Lowes, Walmart and Macy's sell "Holiday Trees." It's just crass commercialism anyway. It's best that Christ's name not get mixed up in that kind of capitalism. Do you think that these companies are changing back from "Holiday" to "Christmas" because they want to honor Christ? What a joke. They know it's good business.

I appreciate Brian for his thoughts. If we as Christians want to effect change in this nation, we need to turn our attention to feeding the hungry, helping the addict and showing the love of Christ. What do you think?

Vote for Least Favorite Athlete

OK, my blogging creativity level is running low this morning. So, let's talk sports. I watched the Mavericks lay down against the Lakers last night. Actually, I turned it off at the end of the 3rd quarter and went to bed. What is it with the Mavs when they play the Lakers? I bet Kobe wishes they had the Mavs on their schedule about every other game. 62 points! And he sat out the 4rd quarter!

Well, allow me to express my negative side today. There are some athletes I just don't care for (I'm carefully choosing my words here). I can't even tell you why for some of them. So, here is my current least favorites in the major sporting world:

Football: Terrell Owens and Randy Moss

Basketball: Kobe Bryant and Shaq

Baseball: Barry Bonds (Sorry, Josh) and Alex Rodriguez

Golf (I know, it's not a major sport. But it's my sport, and this is my blog): Veejay Singh and Sergio Garcia

So, cast your vote today.

That's a Wrap

Today, Beverly and I, along with our granddaughter Malaya, are going to Waco to see my brother John and some of his family. John is a minister in Florida, and so we don't get to see them very often. His wife, Dianne, is also from the Austin area, so they are going to see parents -- but we're going to meet for lunch. I look forward to that.

In our home, I am the official gift wrapper. My family accuses me of being Monk (have you seen the TV show?). It takes me forever to wrap. I would estimate that I spend 15-18 hours every Christmas just wrapping our gifts. Carefully placing every piece of tape. Cutting with care to get the seams just right. And then. And then. AND THEN -- Christmas morning comes. Paper flies! No one notices the well-placed pieces of tape. No one acknowledges how nicely the seams come together.

Then, 1-1/2 hours later -- it's over! All that work -- stuffed into garbage bags and thrown away.

Oh, well. It sure beats being the shopper. That's Beverly's gig. At least while I wrap, I can watch a ballgame, or reruns of Gunsmoke.

Providence? or Free Will?

There are several theological issues that I admit I don't understand. The more I study them, the less sure I am about them. One of those issues is God's providence vs. human's free will.

There is an old joke told about a man who steps from a curb and narrowly misses being hit by a car. "God (Providence) was looking out for him," some would say. Next day, the man steps from the curb and this time gets hit. After months of recovery, someone says, "Isn't it marvelous how God spared him?" Later, he steps from the curb again (this guy is a slow learner), is hit again. This time, he dies from the injuries. "Well, God saw fit to take him home."

While I certainly don't want to be lumped in with the deist who basically believes that God once set things into motion, but has now retired to heaven -- I also don't believe that God orchestrates every situation / event. However, I do believe that He can work in every situation -- both good and bad -- to bring something good from it (Rom. 8: 28).

Again, I don't understand this theological dilemma. But I am also comfortable in my faith journey at this point to say I don't understand. There are some things that we are not wired to be able to understand. But my Father in heaven does. And my faith is in Him -- not in theology.

What do you think?

A Great Opportunity

Today is election day in Iraq. I don't know what the future holds for the Iraqi people. However, recent reports coming from that country give us reasons for hope.

We in the States are interested in the outcome. These are people who have lived under the repressive rule of a cruel tyrant for several decades. And now, they have an opportunity to begin again. To walk in liberty. To bask in freedom. My prayer is that they do not give up on that and return to repression.

We are interested in the outcome because we played a large part in their opportunity. Our forces drove the dictator out, and have helped to provide an environment in which they can hold this election. So, we have a vested interest.

Can you see where I'm going with this one? We, too, were once victims of the repressive rule of a cruel tyrant. But Jesus came to drive out the tyrant and to give us an opportunity to begin again. To walk in liberty. To bask in freedom. Yet, many give up and return to a life of repression.

Jesus, our Deliverer, has a vested interest in the outcome of our lives. He has spilt blood to give us our opportunity for new life. And, by His Holy Spirit, we have been provided an environment in which we can be overcomers.

Let's pray for the Iraqi people. But let's also pray for all who bend our knees to Jesus, that we will choose to follow the path to freedom. Freedom from sin. Freedom from bondage. Freedom from the evil tyrant. Freedom in Jesus!

Sharing A Little Yancey

Certain authors just resonate with me better than others. Donald Miller challenges me to rethink my comfortable paradigms, and he does it in such a way that convicts me of how obviously off-base I have been. But Philip Yancey pulls me in because he seems to struggle with faith and issues the way I do. I relate so much to him. Many things he says I have thought about, but just hadn't put them into words. If I had, I guess I could be a best-selling author, too.

I have just begun reading Searching for the Invisible God. It's not a new book (2000), but I just hadn't read it before. Wow! It is loaded with stuff I really need right now.

Let me just share two WOW's with you today.

He quotes George Everett Ross:
I have served in the ministry thirty years, almost thirty-one. I have come to understand that there are two kinds of faith. One says if and the other says though. One says: "If everything goes well, if my life is prosperous, if I'm happy, if no one I love dies, if I'm successful, then I will believe in God and say my prayers and go to the church and give what I can afford." The other says though: though the cause of evil prosper, though I sweat in Gethsemane, though I must drink my cup at Calvary -- nevertheless, precisely then, I will trust the Lord who made me. So Job cries: "Though he slay me, yet will I trust Him."

Wow! I can so relate.

The second quote is one that addresses a trend in evangelical churches (us included) today:
"I asked the Lord..." "The Lord told me..." "God is whispering to me right now..." The wording implies a kind of voice-to-voice conversation that did not take place, and the fudged report has the effect of creating a spiritual caste that downgrades others' experiences.

Later he adds: "I have friends who see a demon behind every bush and an angel behind every vacant parking place, and I sometimes marvel at what their simple faith accomplishes. When there is no miracle, however, when they need something closer to long-term fidelity than short-term wonder, I note that they turn to people with a more cautious and longsuffering faith."

Yancey! You da' man!

Capital Punishment

For the last few days, there has been a lot of talk about Tookie WIlliams -- the co-founder of a violent gang known as "the Crips." No doubt, this man was involved in many murders -- four in 1979 for which he was tried and convicted.. He was given the death sentence in 1981. Since then, he has made amends. He has written a number of children's books deploring gangs and gang violence. He was even nominated for a Nobel Prize.

Many Hollywood actors had taken up his cause -- calling for a reprieve. Last night, Tookie was executed.

I have to confess: I don't know where I stand on the issue of capital punishment. I do think it is biblical, and I used to know that I was in favor of it. Maybe it has been through watching the Islamic extremists' carrying out of "justice" (I don't know for sure) -- but I am no longer as firm in my position as I once was. I, too, want justice. But perhaps life in prison with no parole is justice enough. I don't any longer buy into the idea of capital punishment being a deterent. I just don't know that there is anything statistically to support that. Especially is that true of the death penalty in its current form (lethal injection).

So, I guess right now I'm on the fence. I think both sides have some good arguments. Hollywood actors and Jesse Jackson being opposed to capital punishment might be enough to sway me to being in favor of it (just kidding, I think). I would be interested in hearing what you think.

Difficult Sermons

Here in Decatur, I am preaching through the Sermon on the Mount. It's like sitting at the feet of our King as He tells us what He expects of His subjects. The last two weeks have been difficult, as we have heard Jesus' words on sexual sin and divorce. I especially wanted to be sensitive yesterday, because historically we have been so hard on divorced people in the church. Instead of being a place of healing for the divorced, we have often been the source of even greater pain. God forgive us for that!

I'm not sure if I have ever had as much affirmation over two lessons in all my preaching life. This church is so incredible! It is a family who loves each other and cares for one another. And there is such a hunger for the Word! The last time I preached on divorce (before coming here, and I presented it in a very redemptive way), I was scolded by an elder. "Don't you care that you might hurt so-and-so's feelings?" Sure I do! So which pages of the words of Jesus do we begin tearing out? I hope that -- as a preacher -- I never hurt anyone's feelings. But don't you imagine there were people in Jesus' audience who were made uncomfortable by His words? And His words are just as forceful today. Further, as a servant of the Word, I would be dishonest to my calling to gloss over anything Jesus said.

I was especially touched by the couple who came to me last night. They had both undergone divorces over 30 years ago. In fact, they have been married to each other now for 31 years. They both thanked me for the lesson. And they encouraged me to continue to be proactive in attempting to prevent others from going through the pain of divorce. That seems to me to be a more spiritual response to Jesus' words on divorce.

Hittin' the Malls

Today, Beverly and I head out to make our donations to the U.S. economy. As the stock market seems to pay a lot of attention to consumer spending, today might be a good day to invest. I enjoy shopping with Beverly. Just hanging out with her is guaranteed to be fun.

I saw a report this morning about a 5-year old girl who feels no pain. She is the only known person in the United States with this handicap. Sounds good on the surface. But think about it. When she teethed, she bit through her gums. So, they had to have her teeth pulled. When her eye itched, she didn't know when she had scratched it enough. So, one of her eyes had to be removed due to the damage she did to it. Pain is necessary to experience life in its fullness.

Wow! Talk about implications spiritually! In fact, Paul often makes references to our sufferings being for our own good. Hmmmm. There may be a sermon in the making here.

Am I Missing Something Here?

I needed yesterday! Snowed in with my honey (I guess technically we were sleeted in.) Probably should be today, too. But I'm here at the office.

I was watching Good Morning America this morning. They are doing a series on Faith. Today they had several religious leaders who were commenting on the issue. One of them said, "When you come to the end of your life, all that matters is how you have loved others, how others have loved you, and your relationship with God -- however you define that."

I was with her up to the "however you define that." But it got me to thinking. Who defines a relationship? Try that one on your boss. "Sir, all that matters at this job is my relationship with you -- however I define that." Try it with your spouse. "Honey, all that matters is my relationship with you -- however I define that." Try it with your parents. "Mom and Dad, all that matters is my relationship with you -- however I define that." How far would that fly?

And here is our Creator. Our Judge. Our Redeemer. Our Father. And we are being told that WE can define this relationship? Am I missing something here? Doesn't He have any say?

I believe when it comes to relationship with God -- He has all the say. Because He is always the initiator.

Romans 5: 10-11 says "For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."

Thank you, God! Thank You for defining the relationship. But more than that: Thank You for even making the relationship possible.

Just Ramblin'

I'm sitting here this morning watching the weather map. It's starting to rain (freezing, by the way). I had gone by the hospital this morning, and when I left -- my windshield was frozen over. Beverly got about 10 miles down the road and turned around, as the situation continued to get worse. They're calling for sleet today and snow tonight. So, I don't know if we will be meeting at church or not.

Beverly and I went to the widow / widower's banquet last night. It was so sweet. There is much to be learned in the family of faith from those who have "been there and done that." I want to know how people used to keep warm during weather like this when all you had was a potbelly stove in the kitchen -- which was allowed to burn down at night! I wouldn't want to be the 1st one out of bed the next morning!

By the way, do you struggle with self-importance? Arrogance? I want to be a humble person. But I feel pretty good about my level of humility when I see Saddam Hussein at his trial. Wow! Talk about pompous and arrogant! (I guess you're not too humble when you compare yourself to others, right?)

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Lessons from the Dental Chair

I'm like a kid when it comes to winter weather. They are predicting a sleet / snow event for our area beginning tonight and through tomorrow. I hope I'm not disappointed. I think I enjoy it so much because it forces us to step out of our routines. People seem less frantic. And of course, the scenery is often breath-taking. So, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (but we could do without the freezing rain and sleet).

Yesterday morning, I spent a couple of hours in a dentist's chair. I don't know what it is about my teeth, but I always seem to have to spend about twice as much time as the dentist has allotted. I had a crack in one of my molars, so he was preparing it for a crown. Right now, I have a temporary one. Boy, I could try to make a spiritual application there, couldn't I? Being prepared for a crown.

But here is the application I was thinking of yesterday in that chair. I am grateful to live in a day when broken-down, diseased body parts can be repaired or replaced. I sat there wondering what someone who lived several hundred years ago would have done in my situation. No doubt, that tooth would have absessed and become a serious health problem at some point.

Then I got to thinking about my heart (spiritually). I have been praying for about a year -- more fervently than ever -- that God would examine all those hidden places in my heart. I have prayed that He, like a surgeon, would just cut out all the junk and disease. Anything that does not resemble Him I want cut out! I want to be a Jesus-clone. I want to be possessed by the Holy Spirit. Oh, how I want that! And I have so far to go. But the joy is in the journey. And that I am discovering more and more each day.

Thanks

My family has been blown away and touched at the number of people who have flowed to my daughter and provided her comfort and covered her with prayers over the last few days. What a blessing! Thank you -- each one -- so much.

Saturday, I spent about 6 hours with David,my son-in-law, hanging Christmas lights at our new house. David is such a great man with an incredible servant heart. I am really proud of my daughter's choice in a mate -- as well as a daddy for my granddaugher.

We are so loving this house! I had a fire in the fireplace yesterday (the 1st one ever at this house, although it is 4 years old). The firewood was a housewarming gift from Bob Clemans. I haven't had a real fire in a long time. I just love listening to the pop and crackle of wood burning.

Yesterday I preached from Matthew 5 -- where Jesus deals with the subject of "committing adultery in your heart." The response was absolutely incredible. I don't know if I have ever had so many positive comments from any sermon I have ever preached. Perhaps it is because this is such a huge problem, but we in the church have tried to pretend it's not. Yet, as I mentioned, statistics show 5 out of 10 men in churches in America struggle with pornography! We must talk about this! We must provide help!

From the comments on Friday's blog, I was surprised that several of you put "Little Drummer Boy" as your favorite Christmas song. I would have expected it from Jeff Jones, but not from some of the others:) I am available to provide counseling on this subject.

Christmas Carols

Christmas season is in full swing now. Everywhere you go, you here Christmas Carols (why do we call them "carols" instead of songs? Is it the alliteration thing?)

My favorite Christmas SONG is "O Holy Night." I also love "O Come All Ye Faithful." But I also like some of the lighter songs like "Let It Snow," "Winter Wonderland" and "It's Beginning to Look A lot Like Christmas."

Now for my least favorite: "Little Drummer Boy." Now remember: I AM an ex-drummer. But the whole premise for this song just grates on me (please understand: most of my comments here are tongue in cheek You'll have to figure out which ones).

So here's this little Jewish boy in the 1st century -- walking around WITH A DRUM? And these wise men come up and say, "Come, see the newborn King." Right away, I am questioning them as wise men if they are inviting a little boy WITH A DRUM to come see a newborn baby. Imagine that, ladies. You've just given birth. "You have a visitor." "Who is it?" "It's a little boy WITH A DRUM. He wants to see you."

So, this little boy WITH A DRUM says, "I don't have anything to give. How 'bout I just lay a few paradiddles (sp?) on you?" AND MARY NODS "YES"! Tell me any mother with a newborn who is going to let a little boy WITH A DRUM start jamming for her baby!

And the sound of this drum drives me up a wall. "Pa-rum-pum-pum-pum." It sounds more like a plastic garbage can that's just been hit by a car at about 40 mph.

And get this: The ox and lamb kept time. Yeah, buddy. Those two incredible examples of rhythm from the animal kingdom. "Moo-moo-moo-moo-moo" and "Baa-baa-baa-baa-baa."

If this had really happened, I think it may have been enough to cause Jesus to reconsider. Oh, well -- I guess it could have been worse. Whoever came up with the idea for this song (written in the 60's, I think. That might explain a lot) could have called it "The Little Moog Synthesizer Boy." 'Come, they told me -- woo-WOO-woo-WOO-woo."

So, what's your favorite Christmas carol (song)?

Special Prayer Request

As I sat down at my computer this morning, I was trying to decide what to write my blog about. I checked some blogs that I keep up with, and came to my daughter's. Many of you know that she and her husband have been dealing with some infertility issues for several years, and desperately want another baby. They are incredible parents, and so we have been praying as a family and friends for years that the Lord would bless them again.

Well, my daughter's most recent blog absolutely broke my heart and caused me to shed some tears. Instead of telling you all about it, I am going to ask you three favors today:
1. Go to www.kindermommy.blogspot.com and read her blog.
2. Please leave her a note of encouragement
3. Pray! Please pray! Pray that the Lord will allow them to have another baby. Let's fill the throneroom of heaven today with prayers on their behalf.

I will be so grateful. Thanks.

Hurricane Season is Over!

That's right. I heard it on the news this morning. Today is officially the final day of hurricane season, 2005. It has been a wild year. 26 named storms! One is still stirring in the Atlantic, but is not expected to make landfall. But the effects of Katrina, followed closely by Rita, will shape lives and cities for years to come. While many restaurants and hotels in New Orleans have reopened for business, I read that it will be at least a year for some of the prominent ones. Of course, many will never reopen.

Then, I saw a report yesterday morning on Good Morning America featuring Venice, Italy. The report said that Venice is sinking. It was interesting for me to learn that it was originally built in marshes. They sunk wooden pillars, and then filled in around those pillars. Those wooden pillars are many centuries old. While the main plaza used to flood a half dozen times a year, this report said that now it floods up to 100 times a year. I think they were being overly dramatic, but they said that Venice may be destined to be the next Atlantis.

I don't know why I am telling you all of this. It does seem as if our world is changing in many, many ways. Some for the good. Others not so good. But thank God this is not home! Life is good and I enjoy it so much. But it's made more enjoyable knowing that the best this world has to offer is just a preview of coming attractions.

Now that we are through hurricane season, I wouldn't mind seeing a couple of snowfalls. Nothing makes the world seem more beautiful to me (especially familiar surroundings) than when it snows. Would it be ridiculous to wish for a white Christmas -- or do we only sing about it? I've only had one in my life -- in Jackson, Mississippi of all places. What about you?

Dryer Problems

I don't know if this is true for you or not, but every time we move -- some appliance ends up not working right. Last move, it was our washing machine. This time, it's our dryer. The heating element. Oh, it works sometimes. But more often than not, it just blows cold air. It takes a load of towels three cycles to get dry. But then, it will surprise us and decide to run hot again. In a word, it is undependable -- which makes it aggrevating.

I think I tend to be that way some times. I get hot for a while. People begin putting their trust in me. Mr. Dependable. Then, just about the time they assume I'll follow through on something -- I'm blowing cold. Can you relate?

Well, with our dryer, I can always replace it with a new model. As for me, I pray that the Lord will just update my program and replace my heating element so that I'm "on fire" for Him.

Still Thinking About Heaven

Last night, I taught a class on the 2nd coming and heaven. I had so much material to present, and so little time. This morning, I'm still thinking about it.

We've all seen the warning labels on cigarettes (or are at least aware of them): "The Surgeon General has determined that cigarette smoking is hazardous to your health." But from a Biblical point of view, every piece of exercise equipment, bottle of make-up, hair-restorer and plastic surgeon's office door should carry Paul's warning found in 1 Corinthians 15: 50: "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."

This "earth-suit" is made specifically for my spirit to inhabit here on planet earth. But God has a more permanent suit in store for me. I don't know exactly what it will look like -- but it is imperishable! And I will receive it some day "in the twinkling of an eye." How cool is that going to be?

As I mentioned last night, there is so much speculation about all of this. But even the Apostle John didn't know all the answers. Still, his words bring me so much encouragement. In 1 John 3:2 he says, "what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we will see him as he is." We will be like Him! And we will see Him!

There is so much too look forward to!

Thanksgiving Wishes for You

I hope to be heading for East Texas shortly after noon today. I will be gone from bloggerland until next Monday. But I wanted to leave you with wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. As you sit around the table or room tomorrow with loved ones, count your blessings. Whew! I know I am overwhelmed with them right now.

But here is something else I want to challenge us to this week. Tell those people -- each one -- how they are a blessing to you. Think of something specific to say that will let them know how special they are to you.

And of course, remember to thank the Father -- THE Blessing-Giver. He is continually knocking my socks off with His Wow-ness.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Go Cowboys! Go UT!

Thanksgiving

Nearly two weeks ago in my blog, I mentioned that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Well, it's nearly here. I can already taste the turkey and dressing and pecan pie.

This year Beverly and I are going to spend the holiday with her parents. Jenny and David and Malaya will be there, too. Beverly's mom is one of the best cooks ever. So, I can't wait.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I could not have written the script myself and had it work out any better than it did with events in my life over the last year. I never could have dreamed of a church in which I felt more affirmed than I do in Decatur. And the way that the house situation worked out. And new friends who already feel like old friends. And still being close enough for Beverly to keep a job she absolutely loves. And my granddaughter is only 20 minutes away (as well as her parents). And another grandchild on the way! And three wonderful kids and their homerun spouses And a wife who is my best fan, best friend, and my hero. And an incredible God who has proven to me once again that He is faithful in all things. THANK YOU, FATHER!!

So, on to another related topic: What is your favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal (Dennis, foot-long chili dogs don't work here). It would be hard for me to choose. Obviously, turkey and dressing. I'm not a pumpkin pie guy. But I have to have pecan pie. My favorite pie of all is coconut cream -- but that's not very Thanksgiving.

I will tell you this: For those of you who are at the Decatur Church on Sunday -- you will be seeing more of me (get it? MORE of me?).

Old Habits

Well, I did it again. All last week, I wrestled with my text from Matthew 5 -- a murderer's heart. I preached yesterday about Jesus' application of "You shall not murder." He expanded it to include not casting aspersions on a person's mental capacity ("Raca") or moral character ("you fool"). I confessed that I am guilty of murder in the heart, calling people "jerk." I want to be broken over this!

So, as I was getting ready for work this morning, I was listening to Good Morning America. There was mention of the possibility that one of the al-Qaida leaders, Mohammed al-Zarqawi, may have been killed in a gun battle with US forces. I said, "I hope they got him!" Beverly asked, "Who are you talking about?" I said, "Oh, that jerk al-Qaida leader in Iraq." I never even caught myself.

Very kindly, Beverly said, "I thought you weren't going to say that any more." Busted!

You know what? That makes me mad. Why can't we just choose to change our behavior -- and it be done? I pray every day that the Lord will allow His Holy Spirit to totally possess me. I know we have free will. But I want to have the free will to choose to be God's "robot." I just wish it worked that way.

I'm not giving up! I will continue to put to death the murderer's heart in me.

A Lesson From Tiger Woods

I don't know how you spend leisure time in the evenings. I go through different stages. I like to watch a movie occasionally. TV just doesn't hold my interest. I told Beverly yesterday that we ought to get rid of DISH, since we probably average 30 minutes of TV time a day. I enjoy reading, if I have a good book.

For my birthday last month, Beverly got me Tiger Woods' 2006. It's a computer golf game. She has gotten it for me every year for the last 4. When I first get it, I become pretty obsessed -- as you progress from beginner to winning your tour card. After that, it becomes an occasional game here and there.

So, right now -- I'm in the obsessed stage. I'm almost to the tournament where you play 6 rounds to get your Tour card. Last night, I decided to try to make some swing adjustments, because with my mouse I tended to hit a big-time slice on occasion (at least on the advanced level of play). The adjustments I made straightened out the ball flight, but they were so uncomfortable. I mean, they seemed unnatural -- awkward. Several times, I was tempted to just give up and go back to the old way.

Then I got to thinking. Right now, I am preaching through the Sermon on the Mount -- where Jesus is describing to His kingdom subjects what life in this upside-down Kingdom should look like. And it just doesn't feel right. It's awkward. Unnatural. Uncomfortable. But like swing changes, if we keep on practicing what He says -- we will see that the results are worth the effort. And best of all, we will look more like our King.

I'm Wondering About This Evolution Thing

I have read that bears put on weight before they hibernate in the winter. Is it just me, or does the same pattern exist for humans? It seems that with the coming of spring, I have no trouble dropping about 5 pounds. Through the summer, I can maintain or even lower it some more. Then, about October -- it begins to come back. I work out as much or more -- to no avail. I don't think I eat any more (well, other than at Thanksgiving and Christmas). But we're not even there yet, and it's already coming back. Maybe it's nature's way of protecting me from the cold? Winter blubber?

Or, as my boys used to remind me: "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat -- and so are you." Those boys. They always were so funny. Jenny would never say anything like that to her dad. She just laughs when he's knee-deep in water pouring out from under the sink, or when he nearly knocks himself unconscious.

Oh, well -- with Thanksgiving a week away, any solution to the problem is just going to have to wait.

What a Headache!

Yesterday, I woke up with a headache. I know that if I feel a headache coming on, I need to take something. If I don't, it sometimes turns into a migraine. But yesterday morning, I didn't.

Well, a few of hours went by. I went home to eat lunch, and a migraine was setting in. I was about to call the office and say I would not be in for a while when something wierd happened. The day before, we had put some greenery above the cabinets. As I went to open the cabinet door, it snagged on the greenery. So, I thought, "I need to climb up there and fix that so that it doesn't snag again."

As I pulled myself up, my head hit the corner of the cabinet. Whenever I hit my head, I always say, "Ooh, that felt good." (Some people cuss. I just get sarcastic with myself.) I felt my head. There was a definite indention (nothing up there to stop it). Then, I felt a small gash. Then, the bleeding started. Of course, a head wound bleeds forever. So, about 30 minutes later, it finally stopped.

But here is the kicker: My migraine was gone! Go figure.

I know you are waiting for some theological application. I could do that, but it would probably be pretty cheesy. I just thought that it was wierd.

I am open to any application you might want to make. However, I doubt that the next time I get a migraine, I will resort to running my head into the corner of a cabinet. Well, maybe -- depending on how bad it gets.

Miscellaneous Musings

Friday and Saturday I was blessed by getting to see my boys play in a regional flag football tournament at UT Dallas. It is an all-star group representing ACU. That is so much fun! They made it to the quarterfinal game. Jonathan is a great defensive player -- dogging the quarterback like a cutting horse after a calf. He also plays offense. Josh plays quarterback, and was selected to the all-regional team. They are considering playing in the nationals which will be held this year in Pensacola, Florida. So, Beverly and I may be making a trip there after Christmas.

Last night, I picked up my precious sweetie from the airport. She was exhausted! But she had such a wonderful trip. Today she and my daughter are working like trojans in the kitchen -- getting things in order.

I am writing this on Monday afternoon. I often take Mondays off, and that is the case today. But I will not be able to blog on Tuesday morning, since I will be going to the dentist. He thinks I may have a cracked molar. Oh, boy.

Actually, I think going to the dentist is pretty cool. Few people know that when I was a young teenager -- when others are thinking of being firemen, policemen or rock stars -- I wanted to be a dentist. Actually, that was my goal until about my junior year in high school, when I discovered that I couldn't cut it in chemistry and was weak in the sciences.

Things are really shaping up at the Ross home! Those of you who live close by -- come on by! (Actually, you can come on by even if you don't live close).

The Theology of High School Football

I went to a high school football playoff game last night. Boyd vs. Eastland. Before the game, you could feel the anticipation and the energy. Our side was pretty crowded. For the 1st few minutes of the game, the cheers were strong and loud. Then, they began to diminish. Right before halftime, the enthusiasm level picked up for our side -- as we scored with only a few seconds left. The score was 20-7, and we were the 7.

Midway through the 3rd quarter, "fans" of our team began to leave. By the middle of the 4th quarter, even the guy sitting behind me who had to have lost his voice from cheering so loud got up and left. Final: 38-7.

I couldn't help, as I sat there, but to think about Jesus. After His teaching in John 6 about being the Bread of Life, we are told that many of His disciples left Him. He turned to the 12 and asked, "You aren't going to leave me, too, are you?" It's just human nature. We want to be associated with winners. And that's true in churches, too.

In fact, one of the most popular trends today in Christian circles is the idea that we are always winners. "Become a Christian, and be a winner in life!" Hmm. I wonder if the familly of the three girls in Indonesia who were walking to their Christian school and were abducted and beheaded by Muslims feel like winners in this life? I wonder if Paul felt like a winner in life as his neck was placed on the block. Did the Christians who were fed to the lions in the Roman coliseums say, "Everything is rosy since I chose to walk with Jesus"?

Christians lose battles to cancer just like the rest of the world. Christians die in car wrecks just like the heathen. Christians have spouses walk out on them, lose football games, and have toilets back up just like atheists.

So, what's the advantage? Well one obvious one is heaven. But there is another. Jesus said, "And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age." That's right. Even in the 4th quarter of our lives, when we are down 38-7 and everyone else is leaving. Look up in the stands. There He is. And He's cheering for us just as hard as He was when we were introduced in the pregame hoopla.

Enough Already!

Yes, I have reached the threshold. Six nights. That's my limit. I was doing OK until last night. But now, I revert to a whiny baby. "I want my Beverly back!"

I have heard from her several times through email and phone calls. Not much detail of the trip. She said she would tell me about that later. But she said she has 50 new "best friends" (I bet in our 29 years of marriage, she has had at least 250 best friends). How can you have 50 "best" friends at one time? Wouldn't all but one of them be "better" friends? But Beverly breaks all the rules, and that's one of the reasons I love her so much.

She did tell me that one of the missionaries' husbands (a local) had fought in the war in Croatia ( I think) for years. Many of them live in such difficulty over there. I think it is Croatia that has a 70% unemployment rate! Imagine that! We are so blessed

That reminds me: I heard a preacher on the radio last night relating an interview with someone from India. The person was asked his impression of Americans. He said, "You Americans are blessed with so much! And yet you seem so unhappy." Ouch.

Speaking of that reminds me: Thanksgiving is only two weeks from today! Stand back! I'm ready.

The Ugliness of Revenge

Ok, it's comfession time. Over the last year, I have often sat and daydreamed about how I could extract revenge for the ugliness and disgrace shown to me nearly a year ago. Fortunately, all my daydreams have remained just that. But I want to get rid of even the thoughts.

On Wednesday nights, we are studying David in our men's class. So, yesterday I was preparing my lesson. Some things David did make me wonder why he would be called "a man after God's own heart." But other things just blow me away. Like when he was on the run for his life. Saul had tried to kill him three times, and now is hunting him like an animal. David and his men are hiding in a cave, when it just so happens that Saul enters the cave to go "potty" (That's right, read it -- 1 Sam. 24). David had the perfect opportunity to extract his revenge. But he refused to harm God's anointed one. His men basically say to him, "If you won't do it -- we will!" And he doesn't even allow them to do it!

That's the attitude I want to have. Peter challenges us (1 Peter 2: 21-23): "To this you were called, because Christ suffeed for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 'He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.' When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats."

Oh, God -- take my heart captive! Possess me! I so want to be like Jesus.

It's a Good Sign

It's a step in the right direction! I mean, don't get me wrong. I don't rejoice in someone being punished. But enough is enough.

I'm talking about the Terrell Owens incident. By the way, is his 1st name pronounced "Tare-el" with the emphasis on the "el"? Or is it "Terrell" like the city in Texas? I've heard it both ways. But this guy has taken "jerk" to a new level. Cowboy fans will remember him as the guy who -- after catching a pass for a touchdown (whoop-de-do), he strutted around on the Cowboy star at Texas Stadium. He's also the guy who pulled a pen out of his sock to sign a ball after catching a TD in another game (wow!).

Take me back to the "old days." (Oh, my goodness. I'm sounding like my grandparents now) The days when -- in the 1st quarter of a game, a guy makes a tackle on 2nd and 8 and gets up -- pulls the runner up -- and goes back to the huddle. No strutting 10 yards downfield, flexing his muscles and contorting his body. Over one little meaningless tackle! Take me back to the days when a receiver scored a touchdown, high-fived his teammates, handed the ball to the referee, and went back to the sidelines.

I know, I'm a purist. And I'm not against celebrating! If a great play is made at a crucial point in a game -- YEAH! But over making a 1st down in the 1st half when the score is 7-7? Give me a break! It smacks of professional wrestling!

With the way Philly dealt with Owens, maybe there is hope for us purists yet. I bet there are people who disagree with me (like my sons, probably). Let's hear from you.