Check out http://www.howmanyofme.com/ There are 62 Tom Steele's in the United States. One would think that just 1 of them would be famous. Oh well--we do the best with what we have and God will take care of the rest.
Grace&Peace,
The least famous Tom Steele
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
TRUE RELIGION: A SIMPLE THING
"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).
Jesus said this to the Pharisees, "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,'" (Matthew 9:13).
"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets'" (Matthew 22: 37-40).
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done without neglecting the others" (Matthew 23:23).
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (James 1:27).
I write these words because I heard news of an old Christian friend who has come to believe that the practice of observing traditional Christian holidays, Christmas and Easter, is wrong. Rather, he believes that Christians should be observing Jewish holidays and observing Sabbaths. It would seem like this kind of people would get a clue--God isn't a legalist. The same God who commanded animal sacrifice in the Old Testament was sickened by it because it was practiced by people with hard and unrepentant hearts. Likewise, I believe, in the New Testament the same God who commanded baptism and the observance of the Lord's Supper is sickened by it when it is observed by people with unrepentant hearts. It would be better that these ordinances not be observed than to be observed with unrepentant hearts!
Christ is not glorified by the legalistic practice of ordinances. Jesus is worshipped through honest submission to His will, acting kindly and rightly toward everyone, especially the helpless and the destitute, in His name.
Why is it that people will say their mantras, rosaries, keep horrendous hours of prayer, tithe even of their garden vegetables, but will not show the love of Christ in their lives? True worship is a simple thing. It consists in humble submission to Jesus Christ. It consists of showing His love to those around us in word and deed. It consists in encouraging and supporting brothers and sisters in Christ so that they remain true to Him.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Jesus said this to the Pharisees, "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,'" (Matthew 9:13).
"And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets'" (Matthew 22: 37-40).
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law, justice and mercy and faith; these you ought to have done without neglecting the others" (Matthew 23:23).
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world" (James 1:27).
I write these words because I heard news of an old Christian friend who has come to believe that the practice of observing traditional Christian holidays, Christmas and Easter, is wrong. Rather, he believes that Christians should be observing Jewish holidays and observing Sabbaths. It would seem like this kind of people would get a clue--God isn't a legalist. The same God who commanded animal sacrifice in the Old Testament was sickened by it because it was practiced by people with hard and unrepentant hearts. Likewise, I believe, in the New Testament the same God who commanded baptism and the observance of the Lord's Supper is sickened by it when it is observed by people with unrepentant hearts. It would be better that these ordinances not be observed than to be observed with unrepentant hearts!
Christ is not glorified by the legalistic practice of ordinances. Jesus is worshipped through honest submission to His will, acting kindly and rightly toward everyone, especially the helpless and the destitute, in His name.
Why is it that people will say their mantras, rosaries, keep horrendous hours of prayer, tithe even of their garden vegetables, but will not show the love of Christ in their lives? True worship is a simple thing. It consists in humble submission to Jesus Christ. It consists of showing His love to those around us in word and deed. It consists in encouraging and supporting brothers and sisters in Christ so that they remain true to Him.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Thursday, March 20, 2008
EASTER, THE SEASON OF HOPE
"But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep" (I Corinthians 15:20).
Anyone who has touched a dead body knows that "it is over!" The life is gone. To hope that it would live again is just nuts! To believe that one could ever meet that person again is crazy, yet even atheists cling to that hope that some how, in some way, the lost loved-one will be seen again.
Hope hangs in there long after optimism has given up and gone home. When life is at its darkest, hope is insane. It would be were it not for the fact that Jesus Christ has risen from the grave! His resurrection means that we will conquer life and death too! Easter is the season of hope! It is not crazy, it is audacious!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Anyone who has touched a dead body knows that "it is over!" The life is gone. To hope that it would live again is just nuts! To believe that one could ever meet that person again is crazy, yet even atheists cling to that hope that some how, in some way, the lost loved-one will be seen again.
Hope hangs in there long after optimism has given up and gone home. When life is at its darkest, hope is insane. It would be were it not for the fact that Jesus Christ has risen from the grave! His resurrection means that we will conquer life and death too! Easter is the season of hope! It is not crazy, it is audacious!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER
"Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' 'I don't know,' he replied, 'am I my brothers keeper?'" (Genesis 4:9).
"What part of 'you are your brother's keeper' do you not understand?'" the liberal replied to a conservative who challenged his assertions. Being a conservative myself, I thought the conservative "bungled" his answer. So, here is my answer to the liberal who would bring the power of the state to bear on the problems of hunger, poverty and health care.
First, liberal politicians do not care any more than anybody else about social problems, or even global warming. Their personal checkbooks and tax returns tell the true story. They build huge energy consuming houses, drive those same kind of cars, while personally contributing very little to the "little people" to help them with their problems. Conservatives give far more than liberals to charitable work.
The hallmarks of conservatism are: Traditional Values, Limited Government (personal freedom) and market economy. Jesus taught in a parable that anyone in real need is our neighbor. And he said by means of another parable that the sin of simply ignoring one in desperate need is sufficient to send a person to Hell. So what really helps those in real need the most? [Money does not solve non-money problems. Not all apparent need is real need.]
Liberalism comes in two different styles, the extreme of each being Communism, the state owns everything, and Fascism, the state simply dictates every facet of business. What is common to both forms of liberalism is state control. In either of the extremes there is no freedom; innovation comes to a halt. Even in moderate forms of liberal government, shortages and rationing become reality. Back in my early years, President Nixon used price controls on gasoline. We had constant gas shortages. People waited in line to fuel up their cars. Some found that by the time it was their turn to fill up, the gas was gone. Without price controls we have plenty of gas, but at a price. Likewise, it will be the same with government-run health care. People will wait in line for their turn and many will die while waiting (except for the politicians, of course). Granted, the current health-care system isn't what it should be, but there is plenty of health care at a price. When there is plenty, even though it might be expensive, it is available to be given away. When there is scarcity, there is nothing to give away and everybody suffers. Liberalism spreads the misery, the help that it extends to those in need is only apparent because production of essentials falls to subsistence levels. How does that help any body? Freedom is a powerful dynamic of production. If one is allowed to produce for the market, without exploiting fellow humans, there will be plenty.
In the Bible, being our brother's keeper is addressed on the level of personal responsibility. Religion that is worth anything is freely held and is the true Christian position. As Joshua said in the Old Testament, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). The choice to help someone in need must be made freely. We can say we believe in God until the cows come home, but if we do nothing to help those in need we really do not believe. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). This is when we are "our brother's keeper."
Grace&Peace
Tom
"What part of 'you are your brother's keeper' do you not understand?'" the liberal replied to a conservative who challenged his assertions. Being a conservative myself, I thought the conservative "bungled" his answer. So, here is my answer to the liberal who would bring the power of the state to bear on the problems of hunger, poverty and health care.
First, liberal politicians do not care any more than anybody else about social problems, or even global warming. Their personal checkbooks and tax returns tell the true story. They build huge energy consuming houses, drive those same kind of cars, while personally contributing very little to the "little people" to help them with their problems. Conservatives give far more than liberals to charitable work.
The hallmarks of conservatism are: Traditional Values, Limited Government (personal freedom) and market economy. Jesus taught in a parable that anyone in real need is our neighbor. And he said by means of another parable that the sin of simply ignoring one in desperate need is sufficient to send a person to Hell. So what really helps those in real need the most? [Money does not solve non-money problems. Not all apparent need is real need.]
Liberalism comes in two different styles, the extreme of each being Communism, the state owns everything, and Fascism, the state simply dictates every facet of business. What is common to both forms of liberalism is state control. In either of the extremes there is no freedom; innovation comes to a halt. Even in moderate forms of liberal government, shortages and rationing become reality. Back in my early years, President Nixon used price controls on gasoline. We had constant gas shortages. People waited in line to fuel up their cars. Some found that by the time it was their turn to fill up, the gas was gone. Without price controls we have plenty of gas, but at a price. Likewise, it will be the same with government-run health care. People will wait in line for their turn and many will die while waiting (except for the politicians, of course). Granted, the current health-care system isn't what it should be, but there is plenty of health care at a price. When there is plenty, even though it might be expensive, it is available to be given away. When there is scarcity, there is nothing to give away and everybody suffers. Liberalism spreads the misery, the help that it extends to those in need is only apparent because production of essentials falls to subsistence levels. How does that help any body? Freedom is a powerful dynamic of production. If one is allowed to produce for the market, without exploiting fellow humans, there will be plenty.
In the Bible, being our brother's keeper is addressed on the level of personal responsibility. Religion that is worth anything is freely held and is the true Christian position. As Joshua said in the Old Testament, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). The choice to help someone in need must be made freely. We can say we believe in God until the cows come home, but if we do nothing to help those in need we really do not believe. "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27). This is when we are "our brother's keeper."
Grace&Peace
Tom
Monday, March 17, 2008
AFRAID? ALONE? FEELING BLUE? THIS IS FOR YOU
A good friend, and brother-in-Christ, sent me theses Scripture verses which I felt worthy to share with my "vast" reading audience.
You say, "It's impossible." God says, "All things are possible." Luke 18:27 & Philippians 4:13.
You say, "I'm too tired." God says, "I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30.
You say, "Nobody really loves me." God says, "I love you." John 3:16 & 3:34.
You say, "I can't go on." God says, "My grace is sufficient." II Corinthians 9:8, 12:9 & Psalms 91:15.
You say, "I can't figure things out." God says, "I will direct your steps." Proverbs 3:5-6.
You say, "It's not worth it." God says, "It will be worth it." Romans 8:28.
You say, "I can't forgive myself." God says, "I forgive you." Romans 8:1 & I John 1:9.
You say, I can't manage." God says, "I will supply all your needs." Philippians 4:19.
You say, "I'm afraid." God says, "I have not given you a spirit of fear." II Timothy 1:7.
You say, "I am worried and frustrated." God says, "Cast all your care on Me." I Peter 5:7.
You say, "I am not smart enough." God says, "I will give you wisdom." I Corinthians 1:30.
You say, "I feel all alone." God says, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5.
Make sure you read all these Scripture references. Make a copy of this and put it in your Bible.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
You say, "It's impossible." God says, "All things are possible." Luke 18:27 & Philippians 4:13.
You say, "I'm too tired." God says, "I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28-30.
You say, "Nobody really loves me." God says, "I love you." John 3:16 & 3:34.
You say, "I can't go on." God says, "My grace is sufficient." II Corinthians 9:8, 12:9 & Psalms 91:15.
You say, "I can't figure things out." God says, "I will direct your steps." Proverbs 3:5-6.
You say, "It's not worth it." God says, "It will be worth it." Romans 8:28.
You say, "I can't forgive myself." God says, "I forgive you." Romans 8:1 & I John 1:9.
You say, I can't manage." God says, "I will supply all your needs." Philippians 4:19.
You say, "I'm afraid." God says, "I have not given you a spirit of fear." II Timothy 1:7.
You say, "I am worried and frustrated." God says, "Cast all your care on Me." I Peter 5:7.
You say, "I am not smart enough." God says, "I will give you wisdom." I Corinthians 1:30.
You say, "I feel all alone." God says, "I will never leave you or forsake you." Hebrews 13:5.
Make sure you read all these Scripture references. Make a copy of this and put it in your Bible.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
MORE SILLYNESS
For your entertainment, I am sharing with you this letter to the editor that was rejected by a newspaper because its genre is not appropriate for the opinion page.
Recently, I was thinking about the benefits of daylight savings time: energy conservation and greater productivity. What a payoff for simple mind-game! So I was thinking, "Is there another mind-game that would have even more benefits?" Yes there is! It is the 10-day week. Think about it. The 10-day week would increase productivity by having at least one less weekend per month. We all know that with a half billion dollar shortfall of revenue for governor Culver's budget, more productivity would be greatly appreciated.
Education would benefit from the 10-day week. Those young "skulls-full-of-mush" would have at least one less weekend to be distracted by Big Entertainment, whose excesses suck the brains and finances out of our kids. The kids would then have more time in school. Teachers would become more productive too, actually earning their extravagant salaries. Iowa might again lead the nation in education.
Most important of all, the 10-day week would advance secularism in the state. There is nothing in nature that requires a 7-day week. A 7-day week is simply a matter of the Judaic-Christian Faith being forced on the masses. Isn't there supposed to be separation of church and state? With the 10-day week there would be at least one less weekend a month for people to be indoctrinated with faith.
Iowa State found that the use of a long-discredited religious institution can advance secularism even faster than the 10-day week. Those encrusted scholars utilized the Inquisition to make the university safe from spirituality. Now even an Isaac Newton cannot get tenure at Iowa State. Though the Inquisition goes a little too far, the 10-day week will do just fine!
The biggest problem I can see with the 10-day week is what do we name the next three days?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Recently, I was thinking about the benefits of daylight savings time: energy conservation and greater productivity. What a payoff for simple mind-game! So I was thinking, "Is there another mind-game that would have even more benefits?" Yes there is! It is the 10-day week. Think about it. The 10-day week would increase productivity by having at least one less weekend per month. We all know that with a half billion dollar shortfall of revenue for governor Culver's budget, more productivity would be greatly appreciated.
Education would benefit from the 10-day week. Those young "skulls-full-of-mush" would have at least one less weekend to be distracted by Big Entertainment, whose excesses suck the brains and finances out of our kids. The kids would then have more time in school. Teachers would become more productive too, actually earning their extravagant salaries. Iowa might again lead the nation in education.
Most important of all, the 10-day week would advance secularism in the state. There is nothing in nature that requires a 7-day week. A 7-day week is simply a matter of the Judaic-Christian Faith being forced on the masses. Isn't there supposed to be separation of church and state? With the 10-day week there would be at least one less weekend a month for people to be indoctrinated with faith.
Iowa State found that the use of a long-discredited religious institution can advance secularism even faster than the 10-day week. Those encrusted scholars utilized the Inquisition to make the university safe from spirituality. Now even an Isaac Newton cannot get tenure at Iowa State. Though the Inquisition goes a little too far, the 10-day week will do just fine!
The biggest problem I can see with the 10-day week is what do we name the next three days?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Saturday, March 08, 2008
GLOBAL WARMING WATCH ADDENDUM
At the risk of over-doing the global warming thing, early this week I talked to a farmer who had just returned from Hawaii. He said that it snowed there, and that while the weather was very pleasant by mid-western standards, the natives were wearing parkas. While in Israel and Jordan, the guides all told us that they were having unusually colder weather than normal.
Here in Sutherland, IA on March 8th it is +5F with a windchill of -11F. I hope those robins are okay. But the climatologists tell us that this is what happens when you have global warming. I hate to think what it will be like here when the planet really warms up. Okay, Okay, I won't write about it again.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Here in Sutherland, IA on March 8th it is +5F with a windchill of -11F. I hope those robins are okay. But the climatologists tell us that this is what happens when you have global warming. I hate to think what it will be like here when the planet really warms up. Okay, Okay, I won't write about it again.
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Friday, March 07, 2008
GLOBAL WARMING WATCH
March 7, 2008: Temp. -9 F; Windchill, -27 F.
Global warming does this, the colder it is the worse global warming is. Those poor polar bears in the arctic are really, really suffering from a heat wave!!
Global warming does this, the colder it is the worse global warming is. Those poor polar bears in the arctic are really, really suffering from a heat wave!!
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
GOD PROVIDES FOR THE BIRDS
As is my daily custom, I stop at my mother's house to check on her well-being. We sit at the table at which I spent countless hours studying, as a boy and have coffee. The table sits next to the window. Through it I have a great view of the front yard, the lake and the hills behind it. It was while we were having coffee that about a dozen robins came flying in and landed on the lawn. It is time for the robins to come, but we still have snow on the ground and the windchill today is about 0 F and it is March 5th!
Usually the robins come during the very last days of February so they are late this year. But the winter has been colder and longer this year, which is what the climatologists say is the result of global warming. Of course, they are the same people who forecast a milder and shorter winter last fall. That is one of the reasons I am not concerned about global warming. The forecasters have a tough-time doing the 3-day weather forecast right, let alone, what the weather will be like in 3 months.
Take care of the robins, Lord, we could have a lot of winter yet!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Usually the robins come during the very last days of February so they are late this year. But the winter has been colder and longer this year, which is what the climatologists say is the result of global warming. Of course, they are the same people who forecast a milder and shorter winter last fall. That is one of the reasons I am not concerned about global warming. The forecasters have a tough-time doing the 3-day weather forecast right, let alone, what the weather will be like in 3 months.
Take care of the robins, Lord, we could have a lot of winter yet!
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Monday, March 03, 2008
THINKING ABOUT YOU, HUSKER RED
The windchill this morning was -5F. I was taking my faithful wonderdog, Obediah, on his twice daily walk. As I was walking I was thinking random thoughts, one of them being that Isaac Newton's favorite color was crimson. "Crimson-Newton, Crimson-Newton--do you suppose that is what the 'N' on the Nebraska football helmets stands for is Newton?" I thought. Then I thought, "Husker Red would really enjoy knowing this." Crimson and creme are the Nebraska colors. In Isaac Newton's later years his room decor was predominately crimson.
It's funny what a -5 windchill does to one's mind, but at least HR, I was thinking about you. (For those of you who do not know, HR is a devoted reader of Silver Bullets.)
Grace&Peace,
Tom
It's funny what a -5 windchill does to one's mind, but at least HR, I was thinking about you. (For those of you who do not know, HR is a devoted reader of Silver Bullets.)
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
