Hear this, you who trample upon the needy, and bring the poor of the land to an end, saying, "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale, that we may make the ephah small and the shekel great, and deal deceitfully with false balances, that we may buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and sell the refuse of the wheat?" (Amos 8:4-6).
Seventeen seventy-six was a good year. Some of history's greatest literature was published that year, including, The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith. One of Smith's beliefs about economics was that there is an invisible hand that guides economics as human beings go about their everyday taskes of meeting their needs, living up to their responsibilities and fulfilling their desires. Because of the "invisible hand" the free-market economy should always be sound. For the most part, I agree with Smith; the economy will take care of itself if people are honest, compassionate and industrious. It's just that sin is the problem, entering in to corrupt the whole economic system. Nevertheless, there is an invisible hand that is relentless in bringing about the purposes of God; violations of God's economic laws are eventually met with stern punishment.
Some have suggested that the power of government can regulate the economy so that there will be no corruption in the economy. Truth is, however, that sin is in the institutions of government too so that government is corrupt. Who will police the police? Who will regulate the regulators? Who will judge the judges? There is no less corruption in government than there is in private business world. Our founders understood this well and thus provided for checks and balances and separation of powers in the Constitution.
I am blessed with a locally owned bank to provide financing for my agricultural operations. The bank is doing well in these tough economic times and my loan officer shared with me the reason why, 'A bank is only as good and successful as the people in the community.' His testimony reinforces my belief that, way more than any other factor, the wealth of a nation is the character of its people--natural resources have little to do with it. Trustworthy, compassionate and industrious people are the greatest wealth to any nation!!!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
WHAT TO KEEP & WHAT TO THROW AWAY: The Emotional/Spiritual House Cleaning
. . . but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as he is pure (I John 3:3).
This kind of housekeeping needs to be done on a regular basis just like ordinary housekeeping--like once a week. It can be the most difficult housekeeping one will ever do.
I had some business that took me to Spirit Lake, Iowa. On the return trip I made a short excursion around to where my grandfather's cottage had been located on west lake Okoboji. The cottage is gone now, being replaced by a much larger house. A flood of memories came back to me as I looked out over the lake; they were all good except for one. One of my memories of this lake is actually a dream. In the months following the deaths of my dad, my brother and my uncle, their deaths were within a few days of each other, I began to have a recurring dream of swimming out towards the middle of the lake. I was too far out to swim back, but too far away from the far shore to swim there either. I was drowning! I had that dream several times--enough times so that I talked to my seminary psychology professor friend about it. He assured me that this is a normal grief experience and went on to add: "Though we cannot get back to the familiar, happy and safe times of yesterday, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will safely take us to the far shore of Heaven." I haven't had that dream in a couple of years, but seeing the lake made me think of it.
The emotional and spiritual housecleaning that must be done is not easy; it might be that one will need the help of a counselor. However, the hope one has in Christ can help him/her to understand the relative value of all the stuff in the psychological storeroom. Our hope helps us to sort out the junk that we once treasured and let it go. It is not wrong to visit the past on occasion, but it is wrong to live there. Focus on the future because our best days are yet ahead!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
And everyone who thus hopes in Him purifies himself as he is pure (I John 3:3).
This kind of housekeeping needs to be done on a regular basis just like ordinary housekeeping--like once a week. It can be the most difficult housekeeping one will ever do.
I had some business that took me to Spirit Lake, Iowa. On the return trip I made a short excursion around to where my grandfather's cottage had been located on west lake Okoboji. The cottage is gone now, being replaced by a much larger house. A flood of memories came back to me as I looked out over the lake; they were all good except for one. One of my memories of this lake is actually a dream. In the months following the deaths of my dad, my brother and my uncle, their deaths were within a few days of each other, I began to have a recurring dream of swimming out towards the middle of the lake. I was too far out to swim back, but too far away from the far shore to swim there either. I was drowning! I had that dream several times--enough times so that I talked to my seminary psychology professor friend about it. He assured me that this is a normal grief experience and went on to add: "Though we cannot get back to the familiar, happy and safe times of yesterday, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will safely take us to the far shore of Heaven." I haven't had that dream in a couple of years, but seeing the lake made me think of it.
The emotional and spiritual housecleaning that must be done is not easy; it might be that one will need the help of a counselor. However, the hope one has in Christ can help him/her to understand the relative value of all the stuff in the psychological storeroom. Our hope helps us to sort out the junk that we once treasured and let it go. It is not wrong to visit the past on occasion, but it is wrong to live there. Focus on the future because our best days are yet ahead!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Saturday, January 23, 2010
WHAT TO KEEP & WHAT TO THROW AWAY: How to Make the Decision*
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . . . a time to keep, and a time to cast away (Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b).
One of the items Helen had sorted to be thrown away was a 1907 charcoal sketch of Abraham Lincoln with these words by Lincoln printed beneath: I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference. The picture was in poor condition, but I thought with appropriate cropping and matting it could be a great antique wall hanging again. Should it be kept or thrown away?
I use the following criteria to make the decision to keep or throw away:
1. Is it pertinent to current legal, medical, employment or business matters?
2. Is it something that has a possible immediate use? (If it hasn't been used in a year it probably will not be used in the next year.)
3. Does it give import insight into the development and disposition of the children? Important pictures, papers and records need to be kept. All love letters should be kept so that children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can understand their family. (Helen, remember the one where you said, "You are . . .?)
In this digital age much family history will be lost because letters and journals are seldom written on paper.
4. Does it have material value so that it can be sold or given away with a clear conscience? If "we could sell it on ebay," but never get around to it--throw it away!
5. Is it an important part of my spiritual journey--will it support my Christian faith? (I have three Bibles that are examples of this.)
6. Is it a collection that can be displayed or used for an intended purpose and not just be a dust collector?
7. Do I have the time and energy to make something of it within a definite period of time?
What did we decide about the Lincoln charcoal? It was burned in the "Sacred Fire," a fire ring in the back yard dedicated to the burning of memorabilia, worn-out flags, Bibles and Christian materials that are no longer serviceable. They are not common trash and deserve a dignified end.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*A revision of an earlier post.
One of the items Helen had sorted to be thrown away was a 1907 charcoal sketch of Abraham Lincoln with these words by Lincoln printed beneath: I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference. The picture was in poor condition, but I thought with appropriate cropping and matting it could be a great antique wall hanging again. Should it be kept or thrown away?
I use the following criteria to make the decision to keep or throw away:
1. Is it pertinent to current legal, medical, employment or business matters?
2. Is it something that has a possible immediate use? (If it hasn't been used in a year it probably will not be used in the next year.)
3. Does it give import insight into the development and disposition of the children? Important pictures, papers and records need to be kept. All love letters should be kept so that children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can understand their family. (Helen, remember the one where you said, "You are . . .?)
In this digital age much family history will be lost because letters and journals are seldom written on paper.
4. Does it have material value so that it can be sold or given away with a clear conscience? If "we could sell it on ebay," but never get around to it--throw it away!
5. Is it an important part of my spiritual journey--will it support my Christian faith? (I have three Bibles that are examples of this.)
6. Is it a collection that can be displayed or used for an intended purpose and not just be a dust collector?
7. Do I have the time and energy to make something of it within a definite period of time?
What did we decide about the Lincoln charcoal? It was burned in the "Sacred Fire," a fire ring in the back yard dedicated to the burning of memorabilia, worn-out flags, Bibles and Christian materials that are no longer serviceable. They are not common trash and deserve a dignified end.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*A revision of an earlier post.
Friday, January 22, 2010
WHAT TO KEEP & WHAT TO THROW AWAY*
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways (I Corinthians 13:11).
In our house Helen and I have a bedroom that served for several years as a storeroom. It was filled with memorabilia and things we "might use someday." When the holidays were approaching and the prospect of adult children and grandchildren filling the house, we needed the space for sleeping. The task of sorting through all of the things in that bedroom fell on Helen because she is an archivist and "Creative Memories" consultant. I dare not do this task as I tend to throw away too much.
How does one know how to differentiate what is to be kept and what is to be thrown away? One person's junk is another person's treasure. Throwing away a card or a paper is like throwing away a memory. Even if old cards, letters and papers are never accessed we know they are safely stored in a box somewhere for us to access should the need arise; we fear losing control of the past if we throw these things away--control issues can be as much cause of clutter as disorganization. What a wonderful asset to any family is an orderly archiving of photographs and papers. Not only can they settle disagreements and disputes, but also they can help adult children come to a better understanding of their lives. There are times in each of our lives when we need to do some emotional and spiritual house cleaning and a good family archive can be a great assistance in that task!
No matter who you are, even if you are a bachelor or bachelorette, it's time to start the archive because there are people and relatives to whom it will make a difference! Much of the past will be forever lost to succeeding generations if it is not archived in such a way that it can be found.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*This is a revision of an earlier post.
In our house Helen and I have a bedroom that served for several years as a storeroom. It was filled with memorabilia and things we "might use someday." When the holidays were approaching and the prospect of adult children and grandchildren filling the house, we needed the space for sleeping. The task of sorting through all of the things in that bedroom fell on Helen because she is an archivist and "Creative Memories" consultant. I dare not do this task as I tend to throw away too much.
How does one know how to differentiate what is to be kept and what is to be thrown away? One person's junk is another person's treasure. Throwing away a card or a paper is like throwing away a memory. Even if old cards, letters and papers are never accessed we know they are safely stored in a box somewhere for us to access should the need arise; we fear losing control of the past if we throw these things away--control issues can be as much cause of clutter as disorganization. What a wonderful asset to any family is an orderly archiving of photographs and papers. Not only can they settle disagreements and disputes, but also they can help adult children come to a better understanding of their lives. There are times in each of our lives when we need to do some emotional and spiritual house cleaning and a good family archive can be a great assistance in that task!
No matter who you are, even if you are a bachelor or bachelorette, it's time to start the archive because there are people and relatives to whom it will make a difference! Much of the past will be forever lost to succeeding generations if it is not archived in such a way that it can be found.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
*This is a revision of an earlier post.
Monday, January 18, 2010
DOES OUR SPEECH MATTER? Second Thoughts
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for edifying as fits the occasion, that it may impact grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29).
Another reason I believe the Bible is inspired by God is the ubiquitous use of profanity--almost everyone uses it. The sacred and serious words and themes of the Bible are emptied of their meaning by common use. God is the last one on a person's mind when he uses, "Oh my god!" or "Jesus Christ!" as swear words. Hell and damnation are serious truths that are emptied of their importance by thoughtless use. This is spiritual warfare. It is satan's attempt to attack the truths of God's word and diminish it credibility through profane use. Why is it that no one says, "Oh Buda!" or "Oh Mohammed," as swear words?
In an effort to be relevant and fit in with contemporary culture there is a trend among Christian workers to use "street talk." There is some precedent for this as the New Testament was written in koine Greek, not classical Greek. Sometimes in counseling, as one is actively listening, one needs to repeat the words that a client uses to demonstrate understanding. Nevertheless, one has to consider whether or not his speech is going to lift up the culture or weigh it down. I believe it is a mistake, if not a sin, to use "dirty" talk in an attempt to fit it. Indeed, one of the qualities of pure religion is to keep one's self "unstained" from the world (James 1:27). When the occasion is such that these kinds of words need to be used for a definite purpose, so be it. However, if they are the mark of everyday speech, as a Christian, it is time to clean up our act.
Can obsenity be profanity? Many of the words and expressions used in everyday conversation are sexual in origin, so much so that little thought is given the origin of these words. One could make a fairly long list of these words. Though sex is a common animal act, for human beings God has given sex a special significance; God does not intend for human beings to engage in sex casually and without commitment. Sex is holy. Using the "f" word reduces what God has intended to be holy into a barn-yard act. Isn't that profanity?
Christians must not be careless as we speak. Our words are a window to our soul and our words will lift the culture up or they will weigh it down. What are your words doing?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Another reason I believe the Bible is inspired by God is the ubiquitous use of profanity--almost everyone uses it. The sacred and serious words and themes of the Bible are emptied of their meaning by common use. God is the last one on a person's mind when he uses, "Oh my god!" or "Jesus Christ!" as swear words. Hell and damnation are serious truths that are emptied of their importance by thoughtless use. This is spiritual warfare. It is satan's attempt to attack the truths of God's word and diminish it credibility through profane use. Why is it that no one says, "Oh Buda!" or "Oh Mohammed," as swear words?
In an effort to be relevant and fit in with contemporary culture there is a trend among Christian workers to use "street talk." There is some precedent for this as the New Testament was written in koine Greek, not classical Greek. Sometimes in counseling, as one is actively listening, one needs to repeat the words that a client uses to demonstrate understanding. Nevertheless, one has to consider whether or not his speech is going to lift up the culture or weigh it down. I believe it is a mistake, if not a sin, to use "dirty" talk in an attempt to fit it. Indeed, one of the qualities of pure religion is to keep one's self "unstained" from the world (James 1:27). When the occasion is such that these kinds of words need to be used for a definite purpose, so be it. However, if they are the mark of everyday speech, as a Christian, it is time to clean up our act.
Can obsenity be profanity? Many of the words and expressions used in everyday conversation are sexual in origin, so much so that little thought is given the origin of these words. One could make a fairly long list of these words. Though sex is a common animal act, for human beings God has given sex a special significance; God does not intend for human beings to engage in sex casually and without commitment. Sex is holy. Using the "f" word reduces what God has intended to be holy into a barn-yard act. Isn't that profanity?
Christians must not be careless as we speak. Our words are a window to our soul and our words will lift the culture up or they will weigh it down. What are your words doing?
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Saturday, January 16, 2010
DOES OUR SPEECH MATTER?
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone (Colossians 4:6).
The Lone Ranger was my favorite boyhood hero. He always followed the law. In one episode LR was put in jail even though he was innocent. A friend had a key to the jail and opened the cell door for LR to escape, but LR told his friend to close the door and said, "This is not the way to justice." Another characteristic of the Lone Ranger was that he always used perfect grammar and did not use slang or colloquialisms. The writers of the Lone Ranger believed that good speech lifted people up and that poor speech made them perform less honorably.
My days as a youth worker and acting director at Midwest Christian Services, a residential treatment facility, pretty much confirmed what the Lone Ranger believed. As a Christian institution, it was a matter of course that swearing was not allowed. As a director, I was somewhat surprised to learn that the secular institutions didn't allow it either because of the negative effect it has on the culture of the institution. There is more acting out and it is much more difficult to develop positive attitudes in the residents if negative speech is allowed; negative speech breeds more negativism.
One of the easiest things we can do to have a positive impact on the world around us is to clean up our language and learn how to express ourselves in creative and positive ways without resorting to crude, rude, obscene or profane language--it will make a difference. Those who do not learn how to express themselves in positive speech are their own worst enemy because their language casts doubt on their character, their ability to lead and effectively communicate. One's chances of success or failure are enhanced by the words he uses. Our words are a window into our soul: For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34b).
Grace&Peace,
Tom
The Lone Ranger was my favorite boyhood hero. He always followed the law. In one episode LR was put in jail even though he was innocent. A friend had a key to the jail and opened the cell door for LR to escape, but LR told his friend to close the door and said, "This is not the way to justice." Another characteristic of the Lone Ranger was that he always used perfect grammar and did not use slang or colloquialisms. The writers of the Lone Ranger believed that good speech lifted people up and that poor speech made them perform less honorably.
My days as a youth worker and acting director at Midwest Christian Services, a residential treatment facility, pretty much confirmed what the Lone Ranger believed. As a Christian institution, it was a matter of course that swearing was not allowed. As a director, I was somewhat surprised to learn that the secular institutions didn't allow it either because of the negative effect it has on the culture of the institution. There is more acting out and it is much more difficult to develop positive attitudes in the residents if negative speech is allowed; negative speech breeds more negativism.
One of the easiest things we can do to have a positive impact on the world around us is to clean up our language and learn how to express ourselves in creative and positive ways without resorting to crude, rude, obscene or profane language--it will make a difference. Those who do not learn how to express themselves in positive speech are their own worst enemy because their language casts doubt on their character, their ability to lead and effectively communicate. One's chances of success or failure are enhanced by the words he uses. Our words are a window into our soul: For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34b).
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Friday, January 15, 2010
WHAT WILL HEAVEN BE LIKE? Another View
If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all men most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (I Corinthians 15:19-20).
The hope of Heaven is not simply wishful thinking; it is based on the solid foundation of the historic truth that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. Therefore the great reunion with loved ones in Christ is not an idol dream, but a promised reality. Will we recognize our loved ones in Heaven? If one studies Matthew 17:2-4 and Luke 16:19-31, it is hard to escape the conclusion that we will recognize them. Another question seems to always follow the first, "How can we be happy in Heaven knowing that a loved one isn't there?" It must be remembered that those who are not in heaven are absent because they did not believe in Jesus and they did not love him. These are a fundamental differences that will always be a source of sorrow and heart break even in Heaven. God will not allow the past to hold the happiness of Heaven hostage. When he wipes every tear from our eyes they will never cry again, understanding the perfect judgments of God. In Heaven we will be one big and happy family, being all brothers and sisters in Christ. God will be our father. There will be no marriage in Heaven (Matthew 22:30).
Of the many horrible results of going to hell, one of them is all of the unanswered questions. Perhaps one of the reasons people go to hell is because they think they have all the answers any way. This is the conclusion of those who do not believe in God. In this age of scientific research and technology we make the mistake of thinking that we have all the answers. Going to hell, one will never know the answers to the questions of history and science. For people who love to learn it will be wonderful to be in the presence of the Creator!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
The hope of Heaven is not simply wishful thinking; it is based on the solid foundation of the historic truth that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. Therefore the great reunion with loved ones in Christ is not an idol dream, but a promised reality. Will we recognize our loved ones in Heaven? If one studies Matthew 17:2-4 and Luke 16:19-31, it is hard to escape the conclusion that we will recognize them. Another question seems to always follow the first, "How can we be happy in Heaven knowing that a loved one isn't there?" It must be remembered that those who are not in heaven are absent because they did not believe in Jesus and they did not love him. These are a fundamental differences that will always be a source of sorrow and heart break even in Heaven. God will not allow the past to hold the happiness of Heaven hostage. When he wipes every tear from our eyes they will never cry again, understanding the perfect judgments of God. In Heaven we will be one big and happy family, being all brothers and sisters in Christ. God will be our father. There will be no marriage in Heaven (Matthew 22:30).
Of the many horrible results of going to hell, one of them is all of the unanswered questions. Perhaps one of the reasons people go to hell is because they think they have all the answers any way. This is the conclusion of those who do not believe in God. In this age of scientific research and technology we make the mistake of thinking that we have all the answers. Going to hell, one will never know the answers to the questions of history and science. For people who love to learn it will be wonderful to be in the presence of the Creator!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Thursday, January 14, 2010
WHAT WILL HEAVEN BE LIKE? Another Look
Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yeilding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There shall no more be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall worship him; they shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. And night shall be no more; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 22:1-5).
While many have questions about what it is we will do in Heaven, one thing of which we can be certain, our activities will reflect the nature of God! There will be no sinful or immoral activities in Heaven. Since God is love, all of the things we do will reflect love. There will be no sloth in Heaven; everyone will be working because God is a worker: But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working still, and I am working" (John 5:17). A person who enjoys his work doesn't need to retire. In Eden work was neither tiresome nor tedious until after the fall. God's work will be fulfilling and enjoyable.
Will Heaven be like an eternal church service? Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with timbrel and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory (Psalms 149:2-4). Some church service! I have an idea that those who by grace came through the old order of things will never tire of praising and thanking God!!!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
While many have questions about what it is we will do in Heaven, one thing of which we can be certain, our activities will reflect the nature of God! There will be no sinful or immoral activities in Heaven. Since God is love, all of the things we do will reflect love. There will be no sloth in Heaven; everyone will be working because God is a worker: But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working still, and I am working" (John 5:17). A person who enjoys his work doesn't need to retire. In Eden work was neither tiresome nor tedious until after the fall. God's work will be fulfilling and enjoyable.
Will Heaven be like an eternal church service? Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with timbrel and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory (Psalms 149:2-4). Some church service! I have an idea that those who by grace came through the old order of things will never tire of praising and thanking God!!!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
WHAT WILL HEAVEN BE LIKE?
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away (Revelation 21:1-5).
Though the type of literature in Revelation is nearly all apocalyptic, and thus not intended to be taken absolutely literally, nevertheless, there is a good deal that can be learned about heaven from Revelation.
One of the blessings of heaven is that residents there will be in the immediate presence of God and will enjoy it. It seems to be that this presence will be closer to God than what Adam and Eve enjoyed in Eden where God was an evening visitor (Genesis 3:8).
The earth and the heavens will be new. It should make us stop and consider, if this earth is this beautiful how beautiful will the new one be? Having been blessed to live in several states and travel to foreign countries, I know that this earth is a beautiful place; how much more so is Heaven?
All that was done in the "fall" is undone in Heaven; the old order of things has passed away. This concept is almost beyond our comprehension because all that we have ever known and experienced is within the realm of the old order of things: sickness, pain, death, tears, sorrow, sweat, toil, estrangement, crime, war and natural disasters. In relation to this the question is asked, "What will we do in Heaven?" It is a valid question because every occupation of earth is a remedy for the effects of the fall of humanity into sin. That is why we have doctors, lawyers, entertainers, police, firefighters, etc. The God who created this infinitly diverse universe will create plenty for us to do!!!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Though the type of literature in Revelation is nearly all apocalyptic, and thus not intended to be taken absolutely literally, nevertheless, there is a good deal that can be learned about heaven from Revelation.
One of the blessings of heaven is that residents there will be in the immediate presence of God and will enjoy it. It seems to be that this presence will be closer to God than what Adam and Eve enjoyed in Eden where God was an evening visitor (Genesis 3:8).
The earth and the heavens will be new. It should make us stop and consider, if this earth is this beautiful how beautiful will the new one be? Having been blessed to live in several states and travel to foreign countries, I know that this earth is a beautiful place; how much more so is Heaven?
All that was done in the "fall" is undone in Heaven; the old order of things has passed away. This concept is almost beyond our comprehension because all that we have ever known and experienced is within the realm of the old order of things: sickness, pain, death, tears, sorrow, sweat, toil, estrangement, crime, war and natural disasters. In relation to this the question is asked, "What will we do in Heaven?" It is a valid question because every occupation of earth is a remedy for the effects of the fall of humanity into sin. That is why we have doctors, lawyers, entertainers, police, firefighters, etc. The God who created this infinitly diverse universe will create plenty for us to do!!!
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Saturday, January 09, 2010
GOD HEARD THE BOY CRYING
And as she sat over against him, the child lifted up his voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the lad (Genesis 21:16b-17a).
It is said that back in the 1920's Ernest Hemmingway bet ten dollars that he could write a novel with just six words. Some have called these six words his best work: For sale: baby shoes, never worn. This is proof that a compelling story doesn't have to be long. Five words from the Bible that rival Hemmingway's six are the NIV translation of Genesis 2:17: God heard the boy crying. What powerful stories are imagined in the theater of the mind because of these few words.
Ishmael was a boy who was rejected by his father. He, along with his mother, was abandoned by his father in a desolate wilderness with less than enough to survive. They were about to die. Ishmael was an illegitimate son, born of human will rather than God's. Perhaps human history would have been much better if Ishmael were allowed to die. Ishmael and his mother had no claim on God's mercy, but in their hour of desperation, God pours out his mercy on them.
Ishmael's story is our story: remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13). No matter who we are or what we have done, God has reached out to all in Christ Jesus providing for salvation. In whatever circumstance you find yourself today, God loves you and is working to give you what is best if you cry out to him.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
It is said that back in the 1920's Ernest Hemmingway bet ten dollars that he could write a novel with just six words. Some have called these six words his best work: For sale: baby shoes, never worn. This is proof that a compelling story doesn't have to be long. Five words from the Bible that rival Hemmingway's six are the NIV translation of Genesis 2:17: God heard the boy crying. What powerful stories are imagined in the theater of the mind because of these few words.
Ishmael was a boy who was rejected by his father. He, along with his mother, was abandoned by his father in a desolate wilderness with less than enough to survive. They were about to die. Ishmael was an illegitimate son, born of human will rather than God's. Perhaps human history would have been much better if Ishmael were allowed to die. Ishmael and his mother had no claim on God's mercy, but in their hour of desperation, God pours out his mercy on them.
Ishmael's story is our story: remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13). No matter who we are or what we have done, God has reached out to all in Christ Jesus providing for salvation. In whatever circumstance you find yourself today, God loves you and is working to give you what is best if you cry out to him.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Thursday, January 07, 2010
BLUE MOON
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a sabbath. These are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).
It was double digits below zero when I parked the car in front of the church at 11:20 p.m. New Year's Eve. When I got out of the car the snow crunched under my feet. I looked up at the second full moon of the month and it actually was tinted blue due to the ice crystals in the air. I had heard earlier in the day that the last blue moon on New Year's Eve was in 1990 and the next one will not be until 2028--I was witnessing a rare event. These things only happen once every nineteen years. What will this next nineteen year cycle bring? In nineteen years I will be eighty one should I last that long and the Lord tarries.
I was the last half-hour time slot on our church's twelve-hour New Year's Eve prayer vigil. We encourage each participant to actually go to the church to pray, but with the cold and the snow it appeared that I was the only one who ventured out to pray that night. The weather made it understandable, but the half-filled-in sign up sheet did not. For a church's mission statement that includes prayer as one of the necessary dynamics of its mission, this church's leadership and members did not respond all that well on New Year's Eve. Perhaps, like the blue moon, a church that actually believes in prayer is not all that common. We pray often, but our prayers are filled with cliche`s rather than contrition. As I prayed that night I was reminded of the phrase from Isaiah 1:15 where the Lord says, even though you make many prayers, I will not listen. Isn't that frightening?
I welcome the time to pray alone in the church sanctuary from 11:30 to 12 a.m.. I expect to hear a word from the Lord, and perhaps Isaiah 1:15 was it. When the church is empty and all is quiet, there are creaks and squeaks and walking sounds that are reminders that one is not alone. I prayed about many things during that half-hour: pardon and forgiveness for personal failure, for the church and its mission, for each one of the church's leaders and their wives, the trials that our church members are facing, etc., but remembering that on this blue moon, I was there because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
It was double digits below zero when I parked the car in front of the church at 11:20 p.m. New Year's Eve. When I got out of the car the snow crunched under my feet. I looked up at the second full moon of the month and it actually was tinted blue due to the ice crystals in the air. I had heard earlier in the day that the last blue moon on New Year's Eve was in 1990 and the next one will not be until 2028--I was witnessing a rare event. These things only happen once every nineteen years. What will this next nineteen year cycle bring? In nineteen years I will be eighty one should I last that long and the Lord tarries.
I was the last half-hour time slot on our church's twelve-hour New Year's Eve prayer vigil. We encourage each participant to actually go to the church to pray, but with the cold and the snow it appeared that I was the only one who ventured out to pray that night. The weather made it understandable, but the half-filled-in sign up sheet did not. For a church's mission statement that includes prayer as one of the necessary dynamics of its mission, this church's leadership and members did not respond all that well on New Year's Eve. Perhaps, like the blue moon, a church that actually believes in prayer is not all that common. We pray often, but our prayers are filled with cliche`s rather than contrition. As I prayed that night I was reminded of the phrase from Isaiah 1:15 where the Lord says, even though you make many prayers, I will not listen. Isn't that frightening?
I welcome the time to pray alone in the church sanctuary from 11:30 to 12 a.m.. I expect to hear a word from the Lord, and perhaps Isaiah 1:15 was it. When the church is empty and all is quiet, there are creaks and squeaks and walking sounds that are reminders that one is not alone. I prayed about many things during that half-hour: pardon and forgiveness for personal failure, for the church and its mission, for each one of the church's leaders and their wives, the trials that our church members are facing, etc., but remembering that on this blue moon, I was there because of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Grace&Peace;
Tom
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
EVERY CHRISTIAN A COUNSELOR
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
Is it possible that this reference connects in some way to modern counseling? Should Christian counselors seek to shape their work and ministry after that of the Messiah? Historically, the word counselor in both Hebrew and English refers to an advisor to royalty. A second historical use refers to lawyers who are counselors at law. In the twenty first century we use the term, "counselor," to refer to many types of helpers--primarily those who work in the field of mental health and social work.
Counseling, according to the Bible, is the sharing of God's wisdom with God's people. Certainly, Jesus did it and Paul said that he did it as well: for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Is not every Christian commissioned to share the counsel of God to those around him? Matthew 28:18-20 is for every Christian as is I Peter 3:15b where Peter says: Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you. I believe that it is God's intention for every Christian to be a counselor to some degree.
The Christian has the full range of tools to use in helping another to find redemption and salvation. The counselor's personal faith, hope and love cannot be kept from expression as he/she influences the one in need. The truth of the Bible exposes the lies that lead to destruction. The metaphors and parables of Scripture help one to look at life in a different way. Baptism, The Lord's Supper, fellowship, music, meditation and the offerings help people to experience the love, grace, beauty and power of God as they grow in faith.
The tools in the Christian's "counselor toolbox" should not be used in a utilitarian way, but should be a way of life to the Christian himself. It is in this way that these become powerful interventions and dynamic influences to bring about change to those who are open to it. Did you ever think you would be a counselor?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
Is it possible that this reference connects in some way to modern counseling? Should Christian counselors seek to shape their work and ministry after that of the Messiah? Historically, the word counselor in both Hebrew and English refers to an advisor to royalty. A second historical use refers to lawyers who are counselors at law. In the twenty first century we use the term, "counselor," to refer to many types of helpers--primarily those who work in the field of mental health and social work.
Counseling, according to the Bible, is the sharing of God's wisdom with God's people. Certainly, Jesus did it and Paul said that he did it as well: for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Is not every Christian commissioned to share the counsel of God to those around him? Matthew 28:18-20 is for every Christian as is I Peter 3:15b where Peter says: Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you. I believe that it is God's intention for every Christian to be a counselor to some degree.
The Christian has the full range of tools to use in helping another to find redemption and salvation. The counselor's personal faith, hope and love cannot be kept from expression as he/she influences the one in need. The truth of the Bible exposes the lies that lead to destruction. The metaphors and parables of Scripture help one to look at life in a different way. Baptism, The Lord's Supper, fellowship, music, meditation and the offerings help people to experience the love, grace, beauty and power of God as they grow in faith.
The tools in the Christian's "counselor toolbox" should not be used in a utilitarian way, but should be a way of life to the Christian himself. It is in this way that these become powerful interventions and dynamic influences to bring about change to those who are open to it. Did you ever think you would be a counselor?
Grace&Peace,
Tom
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