Jesus said, "Remove the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, "Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days."
Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" (John 11:39-40 NASV).
In my daily Bible reading I am currently reading through John's gospel. Today I was reading through the 11th chapter about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. I emphasized a portion of verse 40. The thought came to mind after reading those words, "The conventional wisdom is, 'seeing is believing.' Jesus says, ' Believe and you will see.'"
I am not sure how far to go with that but the gospels do record that Jesus could not do many miracles in His home town because of their lack of belief. Perhaps it is true that our lack of blessings are due to our lack of faith. Something to think about if we are to pray audaciously.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
KEEP HELL IN PERSPECTIVE
If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell (Matthew 5:29-30 NASV).
Hell is a serious, sobering subject, so much so that Jesus said it is worth any sacrifice to stay out of it. Still, there are those who refuse to take it seriously and use it as a common swear word in every-day language.
There are many theological positions taken on the subject of hell, and whatever position one takes will not change the reality of what actually is. Jesus said there is a hell. One has in this life the opportunity to decide his eternal destiny, there are no second chances.
Distilled to the essence, the different teachings about hell can be summed up in two doctrines. One is that disbelieving, unrepentant sinners will spend eternity in unrelenting torment, or, number two, disbelieving unrepentant sinners will be annihilated in God's consuming fire. Both punishments are eternal, but that is about all upon which the two sides can agree while each side accuses the other of false teaching and heresy.
I must reiterate, what ever position one takes will not change the reality of what is. If it is possible, I take a middle position. I know credible scholars on both sides of the subject that I trust. It seems to me, however, that those who are invested in eternal torment think that fear of punishment will bring people to salvation more so than a loving God who gave His only begotten Son for us. Though fear is a motivating factor for some, there are many more who are drawn by the love of God.
The day is coming when we will stand before the Creator of the universe and the One who loves us so much that He paid the price of our redemption. What fools we would be if we threw away the eternal hope that we have in Him for the temporary pleasures of the flesh. Earthly pleasures rather than eternity with God, our Creator, Redeemer and Friend--how stupid!
Hell will serve its purpose, do not make it more important than relationship with the One who truly loves us!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell (Matthew 5:29-30 NASV).
Hell is a serious, sobering subject, so much so that Jesus said it is worth any sacrifice to stay out of it. Still, there are those who refuse to take it seriously and use it as a common swear word in every-day language.
There are many theological positions taken on the subject of hell, and whatever position one takes will not change the reality of what actually is. Jesus said there is a hell. One has in this life the opportunity to decide his eternal destiny, there are no second chances.
Distilled to the essence, the different teachings about hell can be summed up in two doctrines. One is that disbelieving, unrepentant sinners will spend eternity in unrelenting torment, or, number two, disbelieving unrepentant sinners will be annihilated in God's consuming fire. Both punishments are eternal, but that is about all upon which the two sides can agree while each side accuses the other of false teaching and heresy.
I must reiterate, what ever position one takes will not change the reality of what is. If it is possible, I take a middle position. I know credible scholars on both sides of the subject that I trust. It seems to me, however, that those who are invested in eternal torment think that fear of punishment will bring people to salvation more so than a loving God who gave His only begotten Son for us. Though fear is a motivating factor for some, there are many more who are drawn by the love of God.
The day is coming when we will stand before the Creator of the universe and the One who loves us so much that He paid the price of our redemption. What fools we would be if we threw away the eternal hope that we have in Him for the temporary pleasures of the flesh. Earthly pleasures rather than eternity with God, our Creator, Redeemer and Friend--how stupid!
Hell will serve its purpose, do not make it more important than relationship with the One who truly loves us!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
JESUS IS GOD
God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"; and He said, "Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, "I AM has sent me to you." (Exodus 3:14 NASV).
Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." (John 8:58 NASV).
The Septuagint is a translation of the Hebrew Old Testament Scriptures into Greek. At the time of the translation, three to two hundred B. C. Greek was generally the business language of the world; many of the Jews in the dispersion were losing the Hebrew language. Seventy scholars in Alexandria were commissioned to do the translation. Because of the dating, they certainly could not be accused of being Christian. This is important to the translation and interpretation of John 8:58.
Islamists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and others cannot accept the fact that Jesus claimed Divinity. They claim that Christian translators are perpetrating a fraud. The problem for them is that the Septuagint translators translated the Hebrew into Greek in the same way that is written in the New Testament Greek Scriptures. Even though Jesus might* have spoken it in Aramaic, John, the apostle, understood it and wrote it in the same Greek as Exodus 3:14. Jesus quoted that Scripture.
Jesus is the eternal present.He did not say, "Before Abraham was, I was." Rather, the original grammar is in the present tense, "I am." Jesus quoted Exodus 3:14 as the Septuagint renders it; He did claim to be God! God has become flesh! He is our merciful High Priest! No one understands you like Jesus!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*I'm pretty sure that for the most part, Jesus did speak Aramaic. However, Jesus lived in a multi-lingual culture. Jesus was raised in a village not far from a trade route on which the caravans traveled. I'm pretty sure that he was conversant in several languages, but Greek was the business language of the world and many, many people spoke it.
Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am." (John 8:58 NASV).
The Septuagint is a translation of the Hebrew Old Testament Scriptures into Greek. At the time of the translation, three to two hundred B. C. Greek was generally the business language of the world; many of the Jews in the dispersion were losing the Hebrew language. Seventy scholars in Alexandria were commissioned to do the translation. Because of the dating, they certainly could not be accused of being Christian. This is important to the translation and interpretation of John 8:58.
Islamists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and others cannot accept the fact that Jesus claimed Divinity. They claim that Christian translators are perpetrating a fraud. The problem for them is that the Septuagint translators translated the Hebrew into Greek in the same way that is written in the New Testament Greek Scriptures. Even though Jesus might* have spoken it in Aramaic, John, the apostle, understood it and wrote it in the same Greek as Exodus 3:14. Jesus quoted that Scripture.
Jesus is the eternal present.He did not say, "Before Abraham was, I was." Rather, the original grammar is in the present tense, "I am." Jesus quoted Exodus 3:14 as the Septuagint renders it; He did claim to be God! God has become flesh! He is our merciful High Priest! No one understands you like Jesus!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*I'm pretty sure that for the most part, Jesus did speak Aramaic. However, Jesus lived in a multi-lingual culture. Jesus was raised in a village not far from a trade route on which the caravans traveled. I'm pretty sure that he was conversant in several languages, but Greek was the business language of the world and many, many people spoke it.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
AN OVER-LOOKED REASON TO BE THANKFUL
Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!" (Luke 15:8-9).
I am writing this so that we can rejoice together. Sometimes I write a "bullet" just to record a significant event in my life, that is what this is about.
This past week end, Helen & I drove three and a half hours to pick up three of our grand children, Faith, Deacon and Parker, to spend the weekend with us. It was a very busy weekend as we also had the Harvest Festival to help with at church. We had a super, great time. When it was time to take the kids home I was in a hurry and left my billfold on the self-service gas pump in Sutherland. We were two hours on the road before I realized my forgetfulness.
These days it is dangerous to leave too much of one's identity out there for just anyone to pick up. I wasn't worried about the cash--I never carry very much, but it is the credit cards and driver's license that were troubling. Still, I wasn't too worried. Sutherland is mostly a community of honest people. The man who returned the billfold to me was one of those honest people. He told me that when he saw the billfold laying there he wondered, "Is this a test? Where is the camera?" We had a good laugh about that! It is such a blessing to live in a community where people are people of integrity and can be trusted.
If you live in such a community, thank God! I certainly was saved a lot of grief by one man's honesty and, to make a long explanation short, came by that honesty because of Jesus Christ.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*Thanks, Mike K.
When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, "Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!" (Luke 15:8-9).
I am writing this so that we can rejoice together. Sometimes I write a "bullet" just to record a significant event in my life, that is what this is about.
This past week end, Helen & I drove three and a half hours to pick up three of our grand children, Faith, Deacon and Parker, to spend the weekend with us. It was a very busy weekend as we also had the Harvest Festival to help with at church. We had a super, great time. When it was time to take the kids home I was in a hurry and left my billfold on the self-service gas pump in Sutherland. We were two hours on the road before I realized my forgetfulness.
These days it is dangerous to leave too much of one's identity out there for just anyone to pick up. I wasn't worried about the cash--I never carry very much, but it is the credit cards and driver's license that were troubling. Still, I wasn't too worried. Sutherland is mostly a community of honest people. The man who returned the billfold to me was one of those honest people. He told me that when he saw the billfold laying there he wondered, "Is this a test? Where is the camera?" We had a good laugh about that! It is such a blessing to live in a community where people are people of integrity and can be trusted.
If you live in such a community, thank God! I certainly was saved a lot of grief by one man's honesty and, to make a long explanation short, came by that honesty because of Jesus Christ.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*Thanks, Mike K.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
BE A RISK TAKER
But his master answered and said to him, "You wicked, lazy servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. "Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money with interest. "Therefore take away the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents (Matthew 25:26-28).
This week Helen and I drove to Austin, Minnesota to visit son Paul's family. Though it is only a 3 hour drive, it seems that we do not get to see grandson, Micah, enough.
While we were there we had the opportunity to watch our daughter-in-law, Jenny, rehearse with her orchestra for a concert the next day. The concert was in the Austin high school auditorium. After the rehearsal I was reading the plaques hanging on the wall of the commons area outside the auditorium. These plaques were hung in honor of the distinguished alumni of Austin high school. One of them stood out to me. His full name I have forgotten*, but his advice to the students of Austin high I have not. Here it is:
"Be a risk taker. Let your failures be your education and your successes be your legacy."
When one is committed to our Lord Jesus Christ our risks always pay off, either in education or in honor. What made the servant "wicked" in the parable of the talents was that he refused to take a risk.
So, take a risk for the Lord today--you can start small.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*I will try to post his complete name--it was Timothy something, from the class of '63.
This week Helen and I drove to Austin, Minnesota to visit son Paul's family. Though it is only a 3 hour drive, it seems that we do not get to see grandson, Micah, enough.
While we were there we had the opportunity to watch our daughter-in-law, Jenny, rehearse with her orchestra for a concert the next day. The concert was in the Austin high school auditorium. After the rehearsal I was reading the plaques hanging on the wall of the commons area outside the auditorium. These plaques were hung in honor of the distinguished alumni of Austin high school. One of them stood out to me. His full name I have forgotten*, but his advice to the students of Austin high I have not. Here it is:
"Be a risk taker. Let your failures be your education and your successes be your legacy."
When one is committed to our Lord Jesus Christ our risks always pay off, either in education or in honor. What made the servant "wicked" in the parable of the talents was that he refused to take a risk.
So, take a risk for the Lord today--you can start small.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*I will try to post his complete name--it was Timothy something, from the class of '63.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
MANAGING FEAR
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love (I John 4:18).
Some people are by nature more anxious than others. The influence of genetic anxiety on our lives is major. I begin with this because it is important for a person to understand that managing his anxiety will always be important to his physical health, social, emotional and spiritual health. Anxiety does not make one a bad person. One of the reasons the Savior left Heaven to die for us was to help us deal with our anxiety.
In 1738, Charles Wesley was suffering from illness and dealing with doubts about his faith. He began to read the Bible and meditate on his reading. A sense of peace came over him. As a result of his experience he wrote the hymn, O For a Thousand Tongues. In the hymn is this verse that has helped me many times: "Jesus, the name that calms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; 'Tis music in the sinner's ears; 'Tis life and health and peace."
1 John 4:8 tells us: "God is love." That short description of God is so full of meaning, but I will only touch on one facet of it. God loves you! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have ever-lasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17). God's desire is not to punish, but to save!
Salvation is more than waiting it out to go to Heaven. Salvation begins now, trusting God to help with your fears: . . . casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Some people are by nature more anxious than others. The influence of genetic anxiety on our lives is major. I begin with this because it is important for a person to understand that managing his anxiety will always be important to his physical health, social, emotional and spiritual health. Anxiety does not make one a bad person. One of the reasons the Savior left Heaven to die for us was to help us deal with our anxiety.
In 1738, Charles Wesley was suffering from illness and dealing with doubts about his faith. He began to read the Bible and meditate on his reading. A sense of peace came over him. As a result of his experience he wrote the hymn, O For a Thousand Tongues. In the hymn is this verse that has helped me many times: "Jesus, the name that calms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; 'Tis music in the sinner's ears; 'Tis life and health and peace."
1 John 4:8 tells us: "God is love." That short description of God is so full of meaning, but I will only touch on one facet of it. God loves you! For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have ever-lasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:16-17). God's desire is not to punish, but to save!
Salvation is more than waiting it out to go to Heaven. Salvation begins now, trusting God to help with your fears: . . . casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Sunday, October 05, 2014
THE RESULT OF HALF-HEARTED WORSHIP
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be . . . .holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
These days we are watching ISIS terrorize the Middle East. They have become a formidable adversary. One thing that has interested me is that they are able to recruit young people from the West into their ranks. We wonder, "How can this be? We have given them everything, care from cradle to grave and they renounce it all to fight with the enemy. How can this be?"
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Man does not live by bread alone . . ." It is absolutely true that you can give everything to a person that is necessary to physical life and he will not be happy. For a person to find fulfillment he needs to love and be loved and he has to find something worthwhile to do! For how many years have socialists sought to meet physical needs without meeting the metaphysical needs--the needs of the human spirit? Materialism does not fulfill the needs of the whole person! A culture cannot denigrate Christianity and Christian values and then be surprised that their young would run off and collaborate with the enemy. How could it be any other way. Every person is designed to have a sense of purpose, even if that purpose is evil.
We have come to this in part because the church has not stood strong for the truth. Our worship has been half-hearted and our prayers are filled with cliche`s. It has always been true that if there is congruence between what a parents says and what he actually does, the children generally will follow. I think it is as well true in church leadership, if we truly live out what we say we believe the church will generally follow along. If we are truly people of faith, the church will follow. If we say we trust God, but act as materialists, our flock will scatter.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
These days we are watching ISIS terrorize the Middle East. They have become a formidable adversary. One thing that has interested me is that they are able to recruit young people from the West into their ranks. We wonder, "How can this be? We have given them everything, care from cradle to grave and they renounce it all to fight with the enemy. How can this be?"
Our Lord Jesus Christ said, "Man does not live by bread alone . . ." It is absolutely true that you can give everything to a person that is necessary to physical life and he will not be happy. For a person to find fulfillment he needs to love and be loved and he has to find something worthwhile to do! For how many years have socialists sought to meet physical needs without meeting the metaphysical needs--the needs of the human spirit? Materialism does not fulfill the needs of the whole person! A culture cannot denigrate Christianity and Christian values and then be surprised that their young would run off and collaborate with the enemy. How could it be any other way. Every person is designed to have a sense of purpose, even if that purpose is evil.
We have come to this in part because the church has not stood strong for the truth. Our worship has been half-hearted and our prayers are filled with cliche`s. It has always been true that if there is congruence between what a parents says and what he actually does, the children generally will follow. I think it is as well true in church leadership, if we truly live out what we say we believe the church will generally follow along. If we are truly people of faith, the church will follow. If we say we trust God, but act as materialists, our flock will scatter.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
DO IT NOW!
Behold, now is "The acceptable time," behold, now is "The day of salvation" . . . (2 Corinthians 6:2b)*
Do you know what status quo bias is? People tend to continue to what ever it is that they are doing unless there is a powerful dynamic that will make them take a new action. If we are faced with the slightest bit of effort to change and make new plans we will tend to continue in our old ways. We put off going to the doctor, getting perscriptions, or even taking them. That kind of procrastination costs the United States an estimated $100 billion a year in extra healthcare costs**
Though it is easy to put off needed changes, make the big push, make a new normal. Sometimes it is good to do nothing, but one must always assess the cost of doing nothing! The blessings of salvation in Christ are available to all right now, but many put off the decision to surrender to Jesus because it does mean a new life. Problem is that no one knows the future--tonight your soul could be required of you. Eternal punishment is too big a price for doing nothing! Are you willing to pay it?
Do it now!
Our Father's Love
Tom
*The bold emphasis is Paul's quote of Isaiah 49:8.
**Dr. David Eifrig Jr.
Do you know what status quo bias is? People tend to continue to what ever it is that they are doing unless there is a powerful dynamic that will make them take a new action. If we are faced with the slightest bit of effort to change and make new plans we will tend to continue in our old ways. We put off going to the doctor, getting perscriptions, or even taking them. That kind of procrastination costs the United States an estimated $100 billion a year in extra healthcare costs**
Though it is easy to put off needed changes, make the big push, make a new normal. Sometimes it is good to do nothing, but one must always assess the cost of doing nothing! The blessings of salvation in Christ are available to all right now, but many put off the decision to surrender to Jesus because it does mean a new life. Problem is that no one knows the future--tonight your soul could be required of you. Eternal punishment is too big a price for doing nothing! Are you willing to pay it?
Do it now!
Our Father's Love
Tom
*The bold emphasis is Paul's quote of Isaiah 49:8.
**Dr. David Eifrig Jr.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
REJECTING BAPTISM REJECTING GOD
When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God's justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30).
As I was doing my Bible reading this morning these two verses struck me. What a contrast, tax collectors and sinners, convicted by John's preaching were baptized by him, but the "finest" religious people of the day were not baptized. Luke says they rejected God's purpose by not being baptized. Those are very strong words!
I wonder, those who easily dismiss Christian baptism as being necessary for Christian conversion, are they rejecting God's purpose? We who teach bear more responsibility!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
As I was doing my Bible reading this morning these two verses struck me. What a contrast, tax collectors and sinners, convicted by John's preaching were baptized by him, but the "finest" religious people of the day were not baptized. Luke says they rejected God's purpose by not being baptized. Those are very strong words!
I wonder, those who easily dismiss Christian baptism as being necessary for Christian conversion, are they rejecting God's purpose? We who teach bear more responsibility!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, September 20, 2014
PROPITIATION: How to Deal with God's Wrath
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10).
It has been said that one of the ways of killing discussion in a small group Bible study is for some one to use big theological words like "propitiation." Problem is, "propitiation" is a Bible word that is necessary to understand and it is not a difficult word to understand if you want to understand the Bible.
The gospel is both good news and bad. The bad is this; that sin brings the wrath of God. We are all sinners who are subject to God's wrath apart from Jesus Christ. The self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross appeases the wrath of God and assures those who follow Him salvation rather than damnation. Propitiation is the offering which appeases the wrath of God. The good news is that all those who belong to Jesus have Him as the propitiation of their sin.
The day of judgement is coming. Is Christ Jesus the propitiation of your sin?
Our Father's Love;
Tom
It has been said that one of the ways of killing discussion in a small group Bible study is for some one to use big theological words like "propitiation." Problem is, "propitiation" is a Bible word that is necessary to understand and it is not a difficult word to understand if you want to understand the Bible.
The gospel is both good news and bad. The bad is this; that sin brings the wrath of God. We are all sinners who are subject to God's wrath apart from Jesus Christ. The self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross appeases the wrath of God and assures those who follow Him salvation rather than damnation. Propitiation is the offering which appeases the wrath of God. The good news is that all those who belong to Jesus have Him as the propitiation of their sin.
The day of judgement is coming. Is Christ Jesus the propitiation of your sin?
Our Father's Love;
Tom
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
SOW JOY
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy (Psalms 126:5)
I scheduled a crew to do some renovation on my swine finishing building this September. The month is rapidly going by and the crew had not come, so I decided to call the company that is doing the renovation and find out when they would be starting.
The name of the company is Sow Joy. Of course, a sow is a mother pig and is pronounced sou as in sourer. I typed Sow Joy into google for a search, and the name of the company did show up, but as well the Scripture reference Psalms 126:5 also showed up--interesting.
The English language is funny. Sow, in Psalms 126:5 is pronounced "soe" with a long O. Two words spelled the same, with different meanings and different pronunciations and show up in the same google search.
Anyways, Psalms 126:5 reminds us that even a life dedicated to the Lord is filled with heartache, but do not lose heart, there will be a harvest of JOY!
Oh, I have to say that the crew is here working even as I write this.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
I scheduled a crew to do some renovation on my swine finishing building this September. The month is rapidly going by and the crew had not come, so I decided to call the company that is doing the renovation and find out when they would be starting.
The name of the company is Sow Joy. Of course, a sow is a mother pig and is pronounced sou as in sourer. I typed Sow Joy into google for a search, and the name of the company did show up, but as well the Scripture reference Psalms 126:5 also showed up--interesting.
The English language is funny. Sow, in Psalms 126:5 is pronounced "soe" with a long O. Two words spelled the same, with different meanings and different pronunciations and show up in the same google search.
Anyways, Psalms 126:5 reminds us that even a life dedicated to the Lord is filled with heartache, but do not lose heart, there will be a harvest of JOY!
Oh, I have to say that the crew is here working even as I write this.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
WHEN LIFE SUCKS . . . watchout
Vanity of vanities, says the preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity! What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3).
Victor Frankl coined the term "existential vacuum" in an attempt to describe the meaninglessness that afflicts many today. I have written a couple of "Bullets" about EV, but yesterday I had a graphic demonstration of what too much vacuum can do. I have a 1500 gallon vacuum tank that I use to spread liquid manure and pump my own septic tank. The tank is quite old and the vacuum gage does not work so I do not know what the vacuum actually was, but as I was vacuuming the septic tank there was a sudden quietness and then a big boom. The vacuum tank imploded. It now looks like a wrinkled, empty water bottle. Immediately I thought of Victor Frankl.
The lesson is that meaninglessness in a person's life is not benign! The meaningless life does have its consequences. When life sucks, find your refuge in Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Victor Frankl coined the term "existential vacuum" in an attempt to describe the meaninglessness that afflicts many today. I have written a couple of "Bullets" about EV, but yesterday I had a graphic demonstration of what too much vacuum can do. I have a 1500 gallon vacuum tank that I use to spread liquid manure and pump my own septic tank. The tank is quite old and the vacuum gage does not work so I do not know what the vacuum actually was, but as I was vacuuming the septic tank there was a sudden quietness and then a big boom. The vacuum tank imploded. It now looks like a wrinkled, empty water bottle. Immediately I thought of Victor Frankl.
The lesson is that meaninglessness in a person's life is not benign! The meaningless life does have its consequences. When life sucks, find your refuge in Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
SELF MEDICATION IS NOT A SOLUTION
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matthew ll:28-30).
About a year ago our local phone company plowed in fiber-optic cable to all its land-line customers. Finally, this year, a three-man crew came and actually connected that cable to our houses and places of businesses. Two days ago was the day for our house. Though the performance of the phones and Internet is very good, it is not a huge "day and night" difference from the old copper wire.
I had an opportunity to carry on a conversation with one of the guys. I asked him where he was from and what he liked to do. He said that he worked hard during the week, but when the week end came, he liked to simply relax and drink. I really should have gone into my counselor mode because there were a couple of "red flags" that went up. One, that he did not want to be bothered on the weekends so he could drink; two, there were other activities he liked to do at one time, fishing and working on his car, but now he would rather relax and drink. These are classic signals that he is self-medicating anxiety and depression. He is dependent on alcohol--his problems will get worse rather than better.
The yoke of Jesus is a whole lot easier than the yoke of the world; he needs Jesus. I think I failed the guy by not talking about his faith in alcohol and not talking to him about faith in Christ. When one has faith in Christ, he doesn't have to live up to the expectations of the world, but only up to the love of Christ. Alcohol, and other psychotropics, will make your problems worse, but the yoke of Christ will bring rest and healing to your soul!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
About a year ago our local phone company plowed in fiber-optic cable to all its land-line customers. Finally, this year, a three-man crew came and actually connected that cable to our houses and places of businesses. Two days ago was the day for our house. Though the performance of the phones and Internet is very good, it is not a huge "day and night" difference from the old copper wire.
I had an opportunity to carry on a conversation with one of the guys. I asked him where he was from and what he liked to do. He said that he worked hard during the week, but when the week end came, he liked to simply relax and drink. I really should have gone into my counselor mode because there were a couple of "red flags" that went up. One, that he did not want to be bothered on the weekends so he could drink; two, there were other activities he liked to do at one time, fishing and working on his car, but now he would rather relax and drink. These are classic signals that he is self-medicating anxiety and depression. He is dependent on alcohol--his problems will get worse rather than better.
The yoke of Jesus is a whole lot easier than the yoke of the world; he needs Jesus. I think I failed the guy by not talking about his faith in alcohol and not talking to him about faith in Christ. When one has faith in Christ, he doesn't have to live up to the expectations of the world, but only up to the love of Christ. Alcohol, and other psychotropics, will make your problems worse, but the yoke of Christ will bring rest and healing to your soul!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, August 02, 2014
THOUGHTS ABOUT GRACE 4 (belief and repentance)
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (John 3:16-17).
Grace has been defined as "Unmerited favor." An acrostic definition of grace is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Certainly, God's grace is defined by His love--it is for ALL. The purpose of God's grace is more far-reaching than we can imagine; it certainly includes saving all people of all time. It is not God's desire to condemn anyone, but the truth is, there is a boundary to God's grace, belief/unbelief.
Repent, translated literally, means, "change mind." Coming to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior involves a change of mind about God, about Jesus Christ and His authority and sufficiency for salvation. When Paul spoke to the unbelieving Areopagites at Athens he said: Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).
Judgement is coming. Those who take this truth seriously will take God and His offer of grace seriously and think differently about Jesus Christ--they will follow Him. That is faith. That is repentance.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Grace has been defined as "Unmerited favor." An acrostic definition of grace is God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Certainly, God's grace is defined by His love--it is for ALL. The purpose of God's grace is more far-reaching than we can imagine; it certainly includes saving all people of all time. It is not God's desire to condemn anyone, but the truth is, there is a boundary to God's grace, belief/unbelief.
Repent, translated literally, means, "change mind." Coming to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior involves a change of mind about God, about Jesus Christ and His authority and sufficiency for salvation. When Paul spoke to the unbelieving Areopagites at Athens he said: Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31).
Judgement is coming. Those who take this truth seriously will take God and His offer of grace seriously and think differently about Jesus Christ--they will follow Him. That is faith. That is repentance.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
GRACE 3 (Grace Teaches)
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:11).
Grace is not just a theological concept, but it is a dynamic reality. Grace is not just about climate control, saving one from hell and getting one into paradise. Grace is the life-long experience of believers which grows them into the image of Christ. It has been said that there is no teaching, only learning; people who do not want to learn cannot be taught. Not all those who want safety from hell want to learn; grace is not irresistible. But, for those who truly value and treasure God's love, God's grace will train them as they live out their lives so that they will become more and more like Jesus (See 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
The purpose of grace is not to indulge sinful behavior, it is to lead people to become more and more like Jesus.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Grace is not just a theological concept, but it is a dynamic reality. Grace is not just about climate control, saving one from hell and getting one into paradise. Grace is the life-long experience of believers which grows them into the image of Christ. It has been said that there is no teaching, only learning; people who do not want to learn cannot be taught. Not all those who want safety from hell want to learn; grace is not irresistible. But, for those who truly value and treasure God's love, God's grace will train them as they live out their lives so that they will become more and more like Jesus (See 2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
The purpose of grace is not to indulge sinful behavior, it is to lead people to become more and more like Jesus.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Monday, July 28, 2014
THOUGHTS ABOUT GRACE 2
The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come . . . the king was enraged . . . Then he said to his slaves, "The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the wedding feast. Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found , both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests.
But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, "Friend, how did you come in there without wedding clothes?" And the man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, "Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen" (Be sure and read all of Matthew 22:1-14).
I believe this parable illustrates both the universe and the boundaries of God's grace. God's love extends to the farthermost star in the universe and all in this world benefit from it. The invitation to the feast is open to all, the good and the bad. It is in this way that God's grace has no limits--it extends to all.
Though the text does not say it, I have been told that it was customary for a wedding feast offered by a king in these times to include the wedding garment to each guest. It sounds reasonable because the very poor would have not been able to afford dress clothes. As well, it would have established each guest as being equal in value and importance. For the person who refused the wedding garment, he might have thought that his own garment was better than the king's garment, he might have thought himself to be more important than everyone else, but in any case it was a matter of disrespect to the king and the wedding. God offers the wedding garment, Jesus Christ, to all. Will you make the decision to wear it? Or, will you reject Him?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, and he said to him, "Friend, how did you come in there without wedding clothes?" And the man was speechless. Then the king said to the servants, "Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen" (Be sure and read all of Matthew 22:1-14).
I believe this parable illustrates both the universe and the boundaries of God's grace. God's love extends to the farthermost star in the universe and all in this world benefit from it. The invitation to the feast is open to all, the good and the bad. It is in this way that God's grace has no limits--it extends to all.
Though the text does not say it, I have been told that it was customary for a wedding feast offered by a king in these times to include the wedding garment to each guest. It sounds reasonable because the very poor would have not been able to afford dress clothes. As well, it would have established each guest as being equal in value and importance. For the person who refused the wedding garment, he might have thought that his own garment was better than the king's garment, he might have thought himself to be more important than everyone else, but in any case it was a matter of disrespect to the king and the wedding. God offers the wedding garment, Jesus Christ, to all. Will you make the decision to wear it? Or, will you reject Him?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, July 26, 2014
THOUGHTS ABOUT GRACE
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This summer the lovely and gracious Helen and I have had the privilege of hosting an intern. Daniel is a pastoral student working with the Sutherland Church of Christ, and we are enjoying having him stay with us.
One of the things we, the church, are having Daniel do is lead a Thursday evening worship service. We believe that a Thursday evening service might be helpful with evangelism and serving those who will not be available over the weekend. Daniel's theme for these Thursday evening worship services is 'The Living Room of God's Grace.'
Daniel's preaching about grace has spurred me to do some thinking about the universe and the boundaries of God's grace. First, I am going to share some thoughts from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book, The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer, was a Lutheran pastor who was hung by the Nazis because of his vocal and active opposition to them and their policies when other Christian voices were virtually silent.
Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without a cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.
Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.
Grace is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: "my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I hope these quotes from Bonhoeffer have precipitated some thinking about grace. In the days to follow I will share some of my own thinking about grace in light of Daniel and Bonhoeffer.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
This summer the lovely and gracious Helen and I have had the privilege of hosting an intern. Daniel is a pastoral student working with the Sutherland Church of Christ, and we are enjoying having him stay with us.
One of the things we, the church, are having Daniel do is lead a Thursday evening worship service. We believe that a Thursday evening service might be helpful with evangelism and serving those who will not be available over the weekend. Daniel's theme for these Thursday evening worship services is 'The Living Room of God's Grace.'
Daniel's preaching about grace has spurred me to do some thinking about the universe and the boundaries of God's grace. First, I am going to share some thoughts from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's book, The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer, was a Lutheran pastor who was hung by the Nazis because of his vocal and active opposition to them and their policies when other Christian voices were virtually silent.
Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without a cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.
Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.
Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.
Grace is costly because it compels a man to submit to the yoke of Christ and follow him; it is grace because Jesus says: "my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I hope these quotes from Bonhoeffer have precipitated some thinking about grace. In the days to follow I will share some of my own thinking about grace in light of Daniel and Bonhoeffer.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Monday, June 23, 2014
A COMMUNION THOUGHT
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:35-36).
How is God kind to ungrateful and evil men? They enjoy the benefits of the sunshine and the rain. They enjoy talents, abilities, good looks, and the privileges that seem to go with them. God allows them to take another breath even though they use all they have in unGodly ways. Most important, God shows his love for the ungrateful and evil by becoming flesh, dying on the cross for our sins and conquering the grave in his resurrection.
What makes the righteous different from the evil? Perhaps not much except they are thankful for God's blessings and sacrifice for their sins. The righteous are very aware of their sinfulness and take time to thank God for the greatest gift and celebrate the Lord's Supper. The wicked do not care and therefore will be lost for eternity.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
How is God kind to ungrateful and evil men? They enjoy the benefits of the sunshine and the rain. They enjoy talents, abilities, good looks, and the privileges that seem to go with them. God allows them to take another breath even though they use all they have in unGodly ways. Most important, God shows his love for the ungrateful and evil by becoming flesh, dying on the cross for our sins and conquering the grave in his resurrection.
What makes the righteous different from the evil? Perhaps not much except they are thankful for God's blessings and sacrifice for their sins. The righteous are very aware of their sinfulness and take time to thank God for the greatest gift and celebrate the Lord's Supper. The wicked do not care and therefore will be lost for eternity.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Sunday, June 22, 2014
DO NOT LET THE CLIMATE PHOBES RULE
Learn not the ways of nations, nor be dismayed at the signs in the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are false (Jeremiah 10:2).
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing (Proverbs 28:1).
Climate change will be one of the major themes of election year politics for the foreseeable future. The purpose of making "climate change" a political issue is to elect politicians who will be extremely sympathetic to using unConstitutional means to stop the the "global climate emergency." There are a lot of climate phobes out there who are true believers that there is a climate crisis. Yes, there are horrendous storms, as we have seen in our area recently, but, statistically, we are no more likely to experience a severe weather event now than they were 50 to 100 years ago.
The century-long trend in hurricanes is slightly down, not up, according to the national hurricane center. As for tornadoes, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration says there has been no change in severe tornado activity over the past 55 years. Regarding extreme heat and cold temperatures, NOAA's U.S. Climate Extremes Index of unusually hot or cold temperatures finds that over the last 10 years, five years have been below the historical mean and five years above the mean (Dave Bierman, Wallaces Farmer letter to the editor, June 2014).
America has always been "The land of the free and the home of the brave." This is no time to be frightened by the climatephobes, the pseudoscientists and the freedom-grabbing politicians. Certainly, we must always care for the environment, but in a way that guards the freedoms and jobs of the American people. Do not panic, the climate will be doing just fine when the Lord returns in 2060!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
The wicked flee when no one is pursuing (Proverbs 28:1).
Climate change will be one of the major themes of election year politics for the foreseeable future. The purpose of making "climate change" a political issue is to elect politicians who will be extremely sympathetic to using unConstitutional means to stop the the "global climate emergency." There are a lot of climate phobes out there who are true believers that there is a climate crisis. Yes, there are horrendous storms, as we have seen in our area recently, but, statistically, we are no more likely to experience a severe weather event now than they were 50 to 100 years ago.
The century-long trend in hurricanes is slightly down, not up, according to the national hurricane center. As for tornadoes, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration says there has been no change in severe tornado activity over the past 55 years. Regarding extreme heat and cold temperatures, NOAA's U.S. Climate Extremes Index of unusually hot or cold temperatures finds that over the last 10 years, five years have been below the historical mean and five years above the mean (Dave Bierman, Wallaces Farmer letter to the editor, June 2014).
America has always been "The land of the free and the home of the brave." This is no time to be frightened by the climatephobes, the pseudoscientists and the freedom-grabbing politicians. Certainly, we must always care for the environment, but in a way that guards the freedoms and jobs of the American people. Do not panic, the climate will be doing just fine when the Lord returns in 2060!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, June 03, 2014
KEEPING YOUR LOVER
I am my lover's and my lover is mine . . . (Song of Songs 6:3).
It is often said that the "causes" of marital conflict are disagreements over such things as children, sex, and money. If no issues surfaces in any of these areas, people would probably get along better. However, people do not have trouble getting along because of issues in these areas. These issues tend to bring out the emotional immaturity of people and it is that immaturity, not the issues, that creates the conflict (Family Evaluation, Kerr/Bowen, 188).
Change is not easy because it means changing who we are. Emotional maturity/immaturity is something we are born with--it is in our genes. Emotional maturity/immaturity is also something that is learned. One of the things I learned from ranching cattle was to select for temperament. To keep a highly reactive cow in the herd would make the whole heard reactive, so we would put wheels under the wild cow and would take her to market.
People are not animals. While I recognize that, because of genetics, it is harder for some to behave than others, I also know that God has made us as beings who can make choices and be responsible for those choices.
So what does this have to do with making marriage work? Emotional reactivity is destructive to a marriage. If there is constant anger and criticism it will be almost impossible to have a successful marriage. Your lover will not remain your lover very long if you are constantly trying to change his flaws--only he can change his flaws.
Remember these things that are true:
1. You are responsible for much of the conflict.
2. Listen. Listening is for understanding--not for emotional reactivity. With conflicted couples emotional reactions block understanding. Recognize the effect of your emotional reactions on your lover and yourself.
3. There are no perfect relationships. Be THANKFUL for the good things your lover brings into the relationship.
4. Find a new voice. Nagging, angry voices are destructive. A positive, peaceful yet assertive voice is good.
5. Acknowledge good-faith efforts of your lover to contribute to relationship success. Maybe flowers and candy do not do much for you, but at least thank him for trying.
6. Have a team spirit--it is not all about you and your feelings. What can we accomplish together better than we can do apart?
Doing these things go a long way to keeping your lover as your lover.
Our Father's love,
Tom
It is often said that the "causes" of marital conflict are disagreements over such things as children, sex, and money. If no issues surfaces in any of these areas, people would probably get along better. However, people do not have trouble getting along because of issues in these areas. These issues tend to bring out the emotional immaturity of people and it is that immaturity, not the issues, that creates the conflict (Family Evaluation, Kerr/Bowen, 188).
Change is not easy because it means changing who we are. Emotional maturity/immaturity is something we are born with--it is in our genes. Emotional maturity/immaturity is also something that is learned. One of the things I learned from ranching cattle was to select for temperament. To keep a highly reactive cow in the herd would make the whole heard reactive, so we would put wheels under the wild cow and would take her to market.
People are not animals. While I recognize that, because of genetics, it is harder for some to behave than others, I also know that God has made us as beings who can make choices and be responsible for those choices.
So what does this have to do with making marriage work? Emotional reactivity is destructive to a marriage. If there is constant anger and criticism it will be almost impossible to have a successful marriage. Your lover will not remain your lover very long if you are constantly trying to change his flaws--only he can change his flaws.
Remember these things that are true:
1. You are responsible for much of the conflict.
2. Listen. Listening is for understanding--not for emotional reactivity. With conflicted couples emotional reactions block understanding. Recognize the effect of your emotional reactions on your lover and yourself.
3. There are no perfect relationships. Be THANKFUL for the good things your lover brings into the relationship.
4. Find a new voice. Nagging, angry voices are destructive. A positive, peaceful yet assertive voice is good.
5. Acknowledge good-faith efforts of your lover to contribute to relationship success. Maybe flowers and candy do not do much for you, but at least thank him for trying.
6. Have a team spirit--it is not all about you and your feelings. What can we accomplish together better than we can do apart?
Doing these things go a long way to keeping your lover as your lover.
Our Father's love,
Tom
Saturday, May 31, 2014
THE RIGHTEOUS WILL LIVE BY FAITH
See, he is puffed up; his desires are not upright--but the righteous will live by his faith (Habakkuk 2:4).
That the righteous will live by faith is first mentioned in Habakkuk. It is God's intention for His people to trust in Him as they live out their lives on this earth. There are times in life when our faith falters and we question God as Habakkuk did in chapter 1:2-4. Life is hard. Some problems cannot be solved politically. Some problems cannot be solved financially. Some problems cannot be solved by military action. Some problems find no solution in science and medicine. But, God asks that we trust Him even when our circumstances seem to say, "God is not there and, if He is, He does not care."
Three times in the New Testament Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted: Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38-39. It is one of the foundation stones of Christian doctrine--trusting God for our life and our salvation in Jesus Christ. We live life by His Word.
I do not know how, exactly, that this fits into end-times chronology, but God has promised that there is a time coming when the wrongs will be made right and "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14). We look forward to that time!
The Faith life means this: Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
I do not know what your circumstances are today. We live in a fallen world, so most likely you have your troubles. Do not turn from Christ. "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved" (Hebrews 10:39).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
That the righteous will live by faith is first mentioned in Habakkuk. It is God's intention for His people to trust in Him as they live out their lives on this earth. There are times in life when our faith falters and we question God as Habakkuk did in chapter 1:2-4. Life is hard. Some problems cannot be solved politically. Some problems cannot be solved financially. Some problems cannot be solved by military action. Some problems find no solution in science and medicine. But, God asks that we trust Him even when our circumstances seem to say, "God is not there and, if He is, He does not care."
Three times in the New Testament Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted: Romans 1:16-17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38-39. It is one of the foundation stones of Christian doctrine--trusting God for our life and our salvation in Jesus Christ. We live life by His Word.
I do not know how, exactly, that this fits into end-times chronology, but God has promised that there is a time coming when the wrongs will be made right and "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14). We look forward to that time!
The Faith life means this: Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
I do not know what your circumstances are today. We live in a fallen world, so most likely you have your troubles. Do not turn from Christ. "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved" (Hebrews 10:39).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
AN ANGRY TALK WITH GOD
How long, O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted( Habakkuk 1:2-4 NIV).
One of the evidences that the Bible is God's word is that it tells the truth about man. Any person who has very much life experience and has given serious thought about life and God has probably asked the same questions that Habakkuk asked. It is not irreverent to ask these questions, it is a normal part of being human. When I counsel a person who is dealing with grief, I ask him, "Have you had your angry talk with God yet?" It is not a sin to have a heartfelt angry talk with God--that is one of the things this scripture, and others like it, means.
We humans are not the Creator of the universe. Our understanding is limited, so it is not a sin to have an angry talk with God from time to time, in truth, it is therapeutic if it is honest from the heart rather than just a profane tantrum. As God opened Habakkuk's eyes, He will open yours. Anger without openness to learning just makes one more angry. So, after your angry talk with God, be ready to learn from His Word.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
One of the evidences that the Bible is God's word is that it tells the truth about man. Any person who has very much life experience and has given serious thought about life and God has probably asked the same questions that Habakkuk asked. It is not irreverent to ask these questions, it is a normal part of being human. When I counsel a person who is dealing with grief, I ask him, "Have you had your angry talk with God yet?" It is not a sin to have a heartfelt angry talk with God--that is one of the things this scripture, and others like it, means.
We humans are not the Creator of the universe. Our understanding is limited, so it is not a sin to have an angry talk with God from time to time, in truth, it is therapeutic if it is honest from the heart rather than just a profane tantrum. As God opened Habakkuk's eyes, He will open yours. Anger without openness to learning just makes one more angry. So, after your angry talk with God, be ready to learn from His Word.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Monday, May 19, 2014
TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Though that phrase was often used 35 to 40 years ago, I have not heard it used by preachers and public speakers in several years. Nevertheless, the lack of use does not diminish the truth. Our time on this earth is limited, today is the day to begin making the most of it!
How can you begin making the most of the time today? Begin with prayer and Bible study. Our God is the only one who transcends time--He is the great I AM. By coming into relationship with Him we avoid the things that are the great time wasters and the great time destroyers and can focus on learning the things that truly matter, having the relationships that bring blessing, and experiencing the adventures that are genuinely meaningful. God is the only one who can make more time for us, we do not have time not to pray and not to study His word!
When one begins a new day by asking God's blessing and guidance he can trust the events of the day to God, and he can believe that the events of the day have purpose and are meant for our good. Our days may be difficult, but God will sustain us and bless us through them!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Though that phrase was often used 35 to 40 years ago, I have not heard it used by preachers and public speakers in several years. Nevertheless, the lack of use does not diminish the truth. Our time on this earth is limited, today is the day to begin making the most of it!
How can you begin making the most of the time today? Begin with prayer and Bible study. Our God is the only one who transcends time--He is the great I AM. By coming into relationship with Him we avoid the things that are the great time wasters and the great time destroyers and can focus on learning the things that truly matter, having the relationships that bring blessing, and experiencing the adventures that are genuinely meaningful. God is the only one who can make more time for us, we do not have time not to pray and not to study His word!
When one begins a new day by asking God's blessing and guidance he can trust the events of the day to God, and he can believe that the events of the day have purpose and are meant for our good. Our days may be difficult, but God will sustain us and bless us through them!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Sunday, May 04, 2014
HEAVEN'S BEST GIFT (according to Milton)
A good wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels (Proverbs 31:10).
I'm not sure if it was by Divine Providence that I found this quote, or just by happenstance, but it made me laugh.
When Milton declared that Heaven's best gift is a woman perfected, he forgot to mention what a hellish job it is perfecting one of them. (Paladin, Have Gun will Travel).
Happy Mother's Day,
Tom
I'm not sure if it was by Divine Providence that I found this quote, or just by happenstance, but it made me laugh.
When Milton declared that Heaven's best gift is a woman perfected, he forgot to mention what a hellish job it is perfecting one of them. (Paladin, Have Gun will Travel).
Happy Mother's Day,
Tom
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
FROM DAN TO BEERSHEBA (and then some)
Then all the people of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead, and the congregation assembled as one man to the Lord at Mizpah (Judges 20:1).
The phrase, from Dan to Beersheba, occurs 9 times in the Old Testament, being a general description of the area settled by the Hebrew people, Dan being the northern most and Beersheba being the southern most. It is not a precise description, but is a good general one. This description was advocated by the Brits following WW1 as a mandate for a homeland for the Jewish people. On our 2014 trip we pretty much covered that description. We could have gone further north and south, but none of us desired to.
Israel is a tiny country, being as much a county as a country, yet it is a mighty country for its size. In terms of its economy in the middle east, only Iran's might surpass it. In terms of technology, it is a world leader, advancing in computer tech, medical tech and the sciences. In terms of military might, it is thought, though no one knows for sure, that Israel could be the world's 4th leading nuclear power. Though the Palestinians resent a powerful Israel and think the Israeli's should give up more, being so tiny they could not exist otherwise.
I have wondered why the Jews in America generally support liberal lefties in American politics. Our present president's administration has not been a big supporter of Israel, to say the least. To my Jewish seatmate I asked why Jews supported Obama while his policies have imperiled Israel rather than empowering Israel. He said, "We have been imperiled for 2,500 years." The modern State of Israel was started as a socialist democracy. The Jews are comfortable with it so they support socialist government. I think the reason socialism seems to work for Israel is that there is a thin line between existence and nonexistence and everyone feels the need to contribute, while in America socialism produces a lot of people with their hands out wanting more. Israeli's practice the wisdom of John F. Kennedy much more than Americans, "Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country."
"From Dan to Beersheba" Israel is a museum. That statement is not meant to be derogatory, but rather, to be complimentary. To muse is to think deeply, to ponder or to meditate. A museum is a place that stimulates one to think, and
that is what Israel does. I cannot go there without thinking about history, examining my faith and thinking about the future--from history to hope. (Doesn't this "hanging tree" in Jaffa stimulate your thinking? Well, I had to use the picture somewhere.)
Our Father's Love,
Tom
The phrase, from Dan to Beersheba, occurs 9 times in the Old Testament, being a general description of the area settled by the Hebrew people, Dan being the northern most and Beersheba being the southern most. It is not a precise description, but is a good general one. This description was advocated by the Brits following WW1 as a mandate for a homeland for the Jewish people. On our 2014 trip we pretty much covered that description. We could have gone further north and south, but none of us desired to.
Israel is a tiny country, being as much a county as a country, yet it is a mighty country for its size. In terms of its economy in the middle east, only Iran's might surpass it. In terms of technology, it is a world leader, advancing in computer tech, medical tech and the sciences. In terms of military might, it is thought, though no one knows for sure, that Israel could be the world's 4th leading nuclear power. Though the Palestinians resent a powerful Israel and think the Israeli's should give up more, being so tiny they could not exist otherwise.
I have wondered why the Jews in America generally support liberal lefties in American politics. Our present president's administration has not been a big supporter of Israel, to say the least. To my Jewish seatmate I asked why Jews supported Obama while his policies have imperiled Israel rather than empowering Israel. He said, "We have been imperiled for 2,500 years." The modern State of Israel was started as a socialist democracy. The Jews are comfortable with it so they support socialist government. I think the reason socialism seems to work for Israel is that there is a thin line between existence and nonexistence and everyone feels the need to contribute, while in America socialism produces a lot of people with their hands out wanting more. Israeli's practice the wisdom of John F. Kennedy much more than Americans, "Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what can you do for your country."
"From Dan to Beersheba" Israel is a museum. That statement is not meant to be derogatory, but rather, to be complimentary. To muse is to think deeply, to ponder or to meditate. A museum is a place that stimulates one to think, and
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
DAY 8: WHAT A DAY! (With Wyoming and Elvis)
Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (John 14:23).
Our plane landed in Omaha at 4:00 p.m. central daylight time, Friday, March 21, 2014. Helen asked me if I was good to make the 3 hour drive home. I assured her that I was. About an hour from home, I went to sleep and our car nearly went into the ditch, but providentially, I came to my senses in time to prevent a bad accident. From our experience, the most dangerous part of a trip to Israel is the drive from the airport home.
Actually, the day began at 6:00 Thursday morning, packing because we would not return to the hotel, this was our last day in Israel. The last day was a day of remembrance of modern Israel. We left the hotel at 9, our destination being Yad Ben Zvi. Izhak Ben Zvi was the 2nd president of modern Israel. He was a very modest man in terms of his accommodations. He did not think it right for political leaders to live in plush housing, elegant clothing and prestigious treatment while the common folks experienced lack. As a result, he lived in a modest house and did not care what visiting heads-of-state thought about it. Also on display at Yad Ben Zvi were the Ezekiel tablets, thought by some to be at least as old as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The tablets are absolutely unique in that the lettering on them is relief lettering, that is it is raised lettering. No one knows for sure how the lettering was done, but the theory is that it was a kind of etching process where the letters were made with wax and acid dissolved the surrounding material. It had to have been pain-staking work!
Our next stop was the Holocaust Museum. Israeli policy is for every person that serves in the military, every public servant and politician, every foreign dignitary to visit this museum so they understand what happened, why it happened and that it could happen again if it is forgotten. No pictures were allowed to be taken in the museum, and it was the most emotional experience of the tour. After this day we were emotionally drained. When we went to lunch after the museum tour, I asked Keren if she had read "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl. I was amazed that she had not. Because of the crowding at lunch my explanation of Frankl was a stumbling, bumbling affair that did not help her--she probably thought I'd gone schizo or something (I did buy and send her the book). I was amazed that the museum did not include any of Frankl's work because he was a Jewish psychiatrist who did survive the Nazi death camps.
We next went to the Israeli national cemetery where the honored military dead are buried. They are all buried alike with little difference between various ranks of officers and soldiers because in Israel it is important for people to be treated alike. We saw the grave of Prime Minister Netenyahu's brother who was killed in the raid on Entebbe and other heroic dead. We saw the graves of Theodore Herzi, Yitzhak Rabin and Golda Meir.
Keren gave us an hour to shop and tour in a market area in Jerusalem. The markets are interesting to me because there is so much and there is so much that is perishable and it is open air. Keren told us that there is much that is simply given to the poor on Friday afternoon. It was time to say our goodbyes to Keren. We had grown close to her in 8 days, so it was sad to say goodbye. Keren, though a warm friend, knows how to maintain emotional distance. In her business, guiding as many people as she does, she would be an emotional wreck if she did not.
What are the odds? On the way to supper we saw a chevy van with a Wyoming license plate. It was the only American plate I saw in Israel and that from the least populous state in America. It made me ready to go home. We also had to make a potty stop, so we stopped at a convenience store/restaurant that had a 10 foot statue of Elvis in front and featured Elvis music inside--it's almost like Israel is our 51st state.
We had a farewell dinner in the Christian village of Abu Ghosh. It was a great, all Israeli, dinner. We ate until we were absolutely stuffed. We arrived at the airport in Tel Aviv at 9, stood in a long line to check in and were on the plane just after midnight. Two crying babies kept us awake during the most of the flight. We said goodbyes to our new tour friends--another sad time. Helen and I arrived in Omaha at 4:00 with very little sleep in 36 hours and it took a full week before we felt like we had recovered from time zone trauma. But, you know what? I'm ready to go again if we can find 20 people who want to go with me. Interested?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
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Helen, Keren and me. This picture came from one of our group's I phones. Keren was our tour guide and we could not have asked for a better one. It is interesting to me that Keren's voice and English speech patterns are very much like a friend's in eastern Europe. It was fun to listen to her talk.
Our plane landed in Omaha at 4:00 p.m. central daylight time, Friday, March 21, 2014. Helen asked me if I was good to make the 3 hour drive home. I assured her that I was. About an hour from home, I went to sleep and our car nearly went into the ditch, but providentially, I came to my senses in time to prevent a bad accident. From our experience, the most dangerous part of a trip to Israel is the drive from the airport home.
Actually, the day began at 6:00 Thursday morning, packing because we would not return to the hotel, this was our last day in Israel. The last day was a day of remembrance of modern Israel. We left the hotel at 9, our destination being Yad Ben Zvi. Izhak Ben Zvi was the 2nd president of modern Israel. He was a very modest man in terms of his accommodations. He did not think it right for political leaders to live in plush housing, elegant clothing and prestigious treatment while the common folks experienced lack. As a result, he lived in a modest house and did not care what visiting heads-of-state thought about it. Also on display at Yad Ben Zvi were the Ezekiel tablets, thought by some to be at least as old as the Dead Sea Scrolls. The tablets are absolutely unique in that the lettering on them is relief lettering, that is it is raised lettering. No one knows for sure how the lettering was done, but the theory is that it was a kind of etching process where the letters were made with wax and acid dissolved the surrounding material. It had to have been pain-staking work!
Our next stop was the Holocaust Museum. Israeli policy is for every person that serves in the military, every public servant and politician, every foreign dignitary to visit this museum so they understand what happened, why it happened and that it could happen again if it is forgotten. No pictures were allowed to be taken in the museum, and it was the most emotional experience of the tour. After this day we were emotionally drained. When we went to lunch after the museum tour, I asked Keren if she had read "Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl. I was amazed that she had not. Because of the crowding at lunch my explanation of Frankl was a stumbling, bumbling affair that did not help her--she probably thought I'd gone schizo or something (I did buy and send her the book). I was amazed that the museum did not include any of Frankl's work because he was a Jewish psychiatrist who did survive the Nazi death camps.
We next went to the Israeli national cemetery where the honored military dead are buried. They are all buried alike with little difference between various ranks of officers and soldiers because in Israel it is important for people to be treated alike. We saw the grave of Prime Minister Netenyahu's brother who was killed in the raid on Entebbe and other heroic dead. We saw the graves of Theodore Herzi, Yitzhak Rabin and Golda Meir.
Keren gave us an hour to shop and tour in a market area in Jerusalem. The markets are interesting to me because there is so much and there is so much that is perishable and it is open air. Keren told us that there is much that is simply given to the poor on Friday afternoon. It was time to say our goodbyes to Keren. We had grown close to her in 8 days, so it was sad to say goodbye. Keren, though a warm friend, knows how to maintain emotional distance. In her business, guiding as many people as she does, she would be an emotional wreck if she did not.
What are the odds? On the way to supper we saw a chevy van with a Wyoming license plate. It was the only American plate I saw in Israel and that from the least populous state in America. It made me ready to go home. We also had to make a potty stop, so we stopped at a convenience store/restaurant that had a 10 foot statue of Elvis in front and featured Elvis music inside--it's almost like Israel is our 51st state.
We had a farewell dinner in the Christian village of Abu Ghosh. It was a great, all Israeli, dinner. We ate until we were absolutely stuffed. We arrived at the airport in Tel Aviv at 9, stood in a long line to check in and were on the plane just after midnight. Two crying babies kept us awake during the most of the flight. We said goodbyes to our new tour friends--another sad time. Helen and I arrived in Omaha at 4:00 with very little sleep in 36 hours and it took a full week before we felt like we had recovered from time zone trauma. But, you know what? I'm ready to go again if we can find 20 people who want to go with me. Interested?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Helen, Keren and me. This picture came from one of our group's I phones. Keren was our tour guide and we could not have asked for a better one. It is interesting to me that Keren's voice and English speech patterns are very much like a friend's in eastern Europe. It was fun to listen to her talk.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
DAY 7: JERUSALEM
If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill. May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy (Psalms 137:5-6).
Touring the Holy Land is not easy, but it is good. One of the good things one receives from the tour is good physical conditioning--we all went home in better condition than we came, not only physically, but spiritually, and emotionally as well. This day, March 19, 2014, we spent all day on our feet, as much below ground and above it. We became very intimate with this city, learning and experiencing much of its history. If a person does not go to Jerusalem then he has not gone to the Holy Land!
We started the day at the Jaffa gate where the "tower of David" stands. It was originally built by Hezekiah some 2700 years ago, having been knocked down and rebuilt no less than 7 times since then. At the Jaffa Gate citadel we ascended to the ramparts, top of the wall, at walked up and down and over very irregular walkways to the Zion Gate. One gets a real sense of what it must have been like to defend the city from these walls that have withstood onslaughts for literally hundreds of years--there are bullet scars from 1967.
We descended the wall at the Zion Gate and walked to see David's Tomb at Mt. Zion. While there we encountered a great number of black folks from Nigeria. Keren told us the Nigerian government was paying the travel expenses for Christians to see Jerusalem and for Muslims to see another of the Islamic holy cities. David's Tomb is a traditional site, but it is next door to the upper room, site of the Last Supper and the site of the disciples being overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit. If those are actual places it makes Peter's statement in Acts 2:29: Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day, much more colorful. Peter says these words and gestures in the direction of David's tomb. But of Jesus, Peter declares: God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses to this fact (Acts 2:32). Praise the Lord!!! Jesus Christ has risen!
We walked the "Cardo" of Jerusalem, an 1800 year old shopping mall, still in use today. The Broad Wall is near the Cardo, and was the next place for us to visit. The BW is the remnant of the city fortifications dating to the eighth century b.c. built by Hezekiah. The wall is 22 feet thick.
We stopped for lunch. There were quite a lot of choices for lunch, but I kept it simple: pizza and a Coke Zero. After lunch I needed a bathroom break and it was here that we had our first experience with a unisex bathroom. Helen and I both looked straight ahead--no looking around! We have no pictures of that.
When we gathered after lunch, we walked to the City of David--the original Jerusalem. This was the Jerusalem that David captured from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-17). Some of our group walked through the wet Hezekiah water tunnel, but Helen and I walked through the dry section. Hezekiah's water tunnel is an amazing fete of engineering that no one today is quite sure how they accomplished it, but it did bring water into the city which was especially import during times of siege. Hezekiah was quite a builder and engineer. Check out 2 Kings 20:20 & 2 Chronicles 32:2-4 & 30.
At the end of Hezekiah's tunnel was the Pool of Siloam, and important place in the gospels (See the man born blind, John 9). Siloam was excavated in 2005. Since I was there in 2008, a walk way has been excavated that the pilgrims of Jesus' day would have taken from the pool of Siloam to the Temple. Back in the day it would have been an open-air walk, but now it is a long, narrow, rough, wet tunnel. It was a difficult walk for our seniors, but we imagined what it must have been like for pilgrims eagerly anticipating worship in the Temple of God.
We walked to the southern wall of the Temple Mount and walked the teaching steps of the temple where Jesus taught his disciples and the Apostles taught those first members of the infant church and preached their first sermons. We visited the holiest place of the Jewish people, The Western Wall and we were guided through the tunnels of the Western Wall, by a young man specifically trained to do this. He gave us a very good lecture on the construction and history of the Temple Mount and then asked if there were questions. I asked, not intending to cause trouble, what he thought about the different theories of the placement of the Temple on the Mount. He acted as if I had asked the stupidest question in the world. 'The only place the Temple could have been located,' he said, 'is where the Dome of the Rock now sits,' "There are no other choices!" I didn't say, though I should have, "I'm sorry, but there are some credible scholars that believe otherwise." I'm too easy.
Heim met us with the bus. We were glad to see him because we were tired, having walked about 6 miles that day.
Our Father's Love
Tom
Hezekiah's tunnel was 1700 feet long--a 3rd of a mile. Two crews worked, one from each end and they met. They didn't have time to waste, the Assyrians were coming and they needed a safe water supply.
Touring the Holy Land is not easy, but it is good. One of the good things one receives from the tour is good physical conditioning--we all went home in better condition than we came, not only physically, but spiritually, and emotionally as well. This day, March 19, 2014, we spent all day on our feet, as much below ground and above it. We became very intimate with this city, learning and experiencing much of its history. If a person does not go to Jerusalem then he has not gone to the Holy Land!
We started the day at the Jaffa gate where the "tower of David" stands. It was originally built by Hezekiah some 2700 years ago, having been knocked down and rebuilt no less than 7 times since then. At the Jaffa Gate citadel we ascended to the ramparts, top of the wall, at walked up and down and over very irregular walkways to the Zion Gate. One gets a real sense of what it must have been like to defend the city from these walls that have withstood onslaughts for literally hundreds of years--there are bullet scars from 1967.
We descended the wall at the Zion Gate and walked to see David's Tomb at Mt. Zion. While there we encountered a great number of black folks from Nigeria. Keren told us the Nigerian government was paying the travel expenses for Christians to see Jerusalem and for Muslims to see another of the Islamic holy cities. David's Tomb is a traditional site, but it is next door to the upper room, site of the Last Supper and the site of the disciples being overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit. If those are actual places it makes Peter's statement in Acts 2:29: Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day, much more colorful. Peter says these words and gestures in the direction of David's tomb. But of Jesus, Peter declares: God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses to this fact (Acts 2:32). Praise the Lord!!! Jesus Christ has risen!
We walked the "Cardo" of Jerusalem, an 1800 year old shopping mall, still in use today. The Broad Wall is near the Cardo, and was the next place for us to visit. The BW is the remnant of the city fortifications dating to the eighth century b.c. built by Hezekiah. The wall is 22 feet thick.
We stopped for lunch. There were quite a lot of choices for lunch, but I kept it simple: pizza and a Coke Zero. After lunch I needed a bathroom break and it was here that we had our first experience with a unisex bathroom. Helen and I both looked straight ahead--no looking around! We have no pictures of that.
When we gathered after lunch, we walked to the City of David--the original Jerusalem. This was the Jerusalem that David captured from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-17). Some of our group walked through the wet Hezekiah water tunnel, but Helen and I walked through the dry section. Hezekiah's water tunnel is an amazing fete of engineering that no one today is quite sure how they accomplished it, but it did bring water into the city which was especially import during times of siege. Hezekiah was quite a builder and engineer. Check out 2 Kings 20:20 & 2 Chronicles 32:2-4 & 30.
At the end of Hezekiah's tunnel was the Pool of Siloam, and important place in the gospels (See the man born blind, John 9). Siloam was excavated in 2005. Since I was there in 2008, a walk way has been excavated that the pilgrims of Jesus' day would have taken from the pool of Siloam to the Temple. Back in the day it would have been an open-air walk, but now it is a long, narrow, rough, wet tunnel. It was a difficult walk for our seniors, but we imagined what it must have been like for pilgrims eagerly anticipating worship in the Temple of God.
We walked to the southern wall of the Temple Mount and walked the teaching steps of the temple where Jesus taught his disciples and the Apostles taught those first members of the infant church and preached their first sermons. We visited the holiest place of the Jewish people, The Western Wall and we were guided through the tunnels of the Western Wall, by a young man specifically trained to do this. He gave us a very good lecture on the construction and history of the Temple Mount and then asked if there were questions. I asked, not intending to cause trouble, what he thought about the different theories of the placement of the Temple on the Mount. He acted as if I had asked the stupidest question in the world. 'The only place the Temple could have been located,' he said, 'is where the Dome of the Rock now sits,' "There are no other choices!" I didn't say, though I should have, "I'm sorry, but there are some credible scholars that believe otherwise." I'm too easy.
Heim met us with the bus. We were glad to see him because we were tired, having walked about 6 miles that day.
Our Father's Love
Tom
Monday, April 14, 2014
DAY 6: ON THE JERICHO ROAD
A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead (Luke 10:30).
On March 18th we did a road trip from Jerusalem to Masada and the Dead Sea. It makes a lengthy trip through the desert to get to those places, so there was a lot of bus riding. As we descended from Jerusalem towards Jericho, we stopped at the Church of the Good Samaritan. It would have been at about this location that the good Samaritan in Jesus' parable discovered the man who had been beaten, robbed and left half dead. The Jericho road was notoriously dangerous, being infested with crooks, robbers and the violent. In ancient times the church occupied this spot, but now only a part of the church mosaic floor exists. Actually, the Israeli government funds this site. It has now become a place where mosaic floors from other archaeological sites are restored and exhibited. The Israeli government is doing God's work, I truly believe that, and will explain it as I close out this Israel tour series.
We continued east, down the steep Jericho road from Jerusalem. About 3-4 miles from Jericho we made a right turn and headed south towards Masada and the Dead Sea. It should be noted that there is, in the 20 miles from Jericho to Jerusalem a 3300 feet difference in elevation, Jericho being 740 feet Below Sea Level. The Dead Sea is 1401 feet BSL and is 1237 feet deep.
Before we reached the DS and Masada, we made two stops: one, for Helen to ride a camel and two, to visit the ruins at Qumran. Helen looks great on a camel, or anywhere for that matter, but as a matter of history, Qumran is very important. For about 300 years, 250 B.C. to 70 A.D., the Essenes occupied Qumran. What is most important about them is the copying and preservation of Scripture--they produced the DS scrolls. Because of their work, the Old Testament is, from a historical perspective, a credible document. And we know that Daniel is what it claimed to be, inspired predictive prophecy, not history written as prophecy as some of the critics claimed.
Masada was the next stop. Masada is an amazing mountain-top fortress over-looking the DS. It was built by Herod the Great before the birth of Christ for his own personal protection. However, Jewish zealots used it to hold out against the Romans after 70 A.D., but by 73 they could hold out no longer. The Jews committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. That story is embedded in the Jewish psyche to this day. It was at Masada that we encountered the "Insight For Living" tour group. They had 18 tour buses, which translates conservatively into 720 people. In a group that large each person has to be tagged and numbered like cattle. I would never go on a celebrity tour like that. I loved our little group of 21! Keren was able to count noses. Because of the crowded conditions, Keren was able to pull us into one of the many rooms Herod built and talk to us about what we were seeing. Keren was a gem! And, we did not see Chuck.
Our final stop was at the DS for some bathing. Any Holy Land tour is deficient without floating in the DS. I enjoyed the half hour in the sea, but I wanted to share some quick facts about it: 1. There are dry-valley lakes in Antarctica that exceed the Dead Sea's 33.7% salinity. 2. Many cosmetics and fertilizers are made from the DS's minerals. 3. People come here for health treatments. Because of the minerals in the sea, the low pollen, reduced UV rays and higher atmospheric pressure, bathing and just laying out in the sun is good for what ails.
After all of this activity it was time for lunch, even though it was late afternoon. This was our evening meal, and we ate at the resort hotel dining room. After eating, it was a long, sleepy bus ride home to Jerusalem.
It was dark by the time we arrived at our hotel in Jerusalem. Some of us were hungry again, so several of us who liked to walk, walked about 10 blocks to a McDonald's. It was not kosher. Helen and I bought "Big America Juniors" to eat. They were considerably more expensive than an American equivalent, but there was also an 18% tax. I have eaten at McDonald's in Romania and Israel. Even though MD's tries to have uniformity, to me, there is a distinct national flavor to each one, but they are all good.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
The view from the top of Masada towards the Dead Sea. Notice the square? That is the place of one of the Roman encampments that circled Masada.
On March 18th we did a road trip from Jerusalem to Masada and the Dead Sea. It makes a lengthy trip through the desert to get to those places, so there was a lot of bus riding. As we descended from Jerusalem towards Jericho, we stopped at the Church of the Good Samaritan. It would have been at about this location that the good Samaritan in Jesus' parable discovered the man who had been beaten, robbed and left half dead. The Jericho road was notoriously dangerous, being infested with crooks, robbers and the violent. In ancient times the church occupied this spot, but now only a part of the church mosaic floor exists. Actually, the Israeli government funds this site. It has now become a place where mosaic floors from other archaeological sites are restored and exhibited. The Israeli government is doing God's work, I truly believe that, and will explain it as I close out this Israel tour series.
We continued east, down the steep Jericho road from Jerusalem. About 3-4 miles from Jericho we made a right turn and headed south towards Masada and the Dead Sea. It should be noted that there is, in the 20 miles from Jericho to Jerusalem a 3300 feet difference in elevation, Jericho being 740 feet Below Sea Level. The Dead Sea is 1401 feet BSL and is 1237 feet deep.
Before we reached the DS and Masada, we made two stops: one, for Helen to ride a camel and two, to visit the ruins at Qumran. Helen looks great on a camel, or anywhere for that matter, but as a matter of history, Qumran is very important. For about 300 years, 250 B.C. to 70 A.D., the Essenes occupied Qumran. What is most important about them is the copying and preservation of Scripture--they produced the DS scrolls. Because of their work, the Old Testament is, from a historical perspective, a credible document. And we know that Daniel is what it claimed to be, inspired predictive prophecy, not history written as prophecy as some of the critics claimed.
Masada was the next stop. Masada is an amazing mountain-top fortress over-looking the DS. It was built by Herod the Great before the birth of Christ for his own personal protection. However, Jewish zealots used it to hold out against the Romans after 70 A.D., but by 73 they could hold out no longer. The Jews committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. That story is embedded in the Jewish psyche to this day. It was at Masada that we encountered the "Insight For Living" tour group. They had 18 tour buses, which translates conservatively into 720 people. In a group that large each person has to be tagged and numbered like cattle. I would never go on a celebrity tour like that. I loved our little group of 21! Keren was able to count noses. Because of the crowded conditions, Keren was able to pull us into one of the many rooms Herod built and talk to us about what we were seeing. Keren was a gem! And, we did not see Chuck.
Our final stop was at the DS for some bathing. Any Holy Land tour is deficient without floating in the DS. I enjoyed the half hour in the sea, but I wanted to share some quick facts about it: 1. There are dry-valley lakes in Antarctica that exceed the Dead Sea's 33.7% salinity. 2. Many cosmetics and fertilizers are made from the DS's minerals. 3. People come here for health treatments. Because of the minerals in the sea, the low pollen, reduced UV rays and higher atmospheric pressure, bathing and just laying out in the sun is good for what ails.
After all of this activity it was time for lunch, even though it was late afternoon. This was our evening meal, and we ate at the resort hotel dining room. After eating, it was a long, sleepy bus ride home to Jerusalem.
It was dark by the time we arrived at our hotel in Jerusalem. Some of us were hungry again, so several of us who liked to walk, walked about 10 blocks to a McDonald's. It was not kosher. Helen and I bought "Big America Juniors" to eat. They were considerably more expensive than an American equivalent, but there was also an 18% tax. I have eaten at McDonald's in Romania and Israel. Even though MD's tries to have uniformity, to me, there is a distinct national flavor to each one, but they are all good.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
The view from the top of Masada towards the Dead Sea. Notice the square? That is the place of one of the Roman encampments that circled Masada.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
DAY 5: ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN JERUSALEM
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered you children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! (Matthew 23:37).
Sometimes my notes are a little sketchy about the events of a day. I never carry a note book with me during the day to record the events of the day as they happen, rather, I rely on my keen memory. In the evening I write down the events that readily come to mind, my reasoning being that the events that readily come to mind are the events that impressed me and interested me the most and they are the ones that should be recorded. For some unknown reason, day 5 is really sketchy and we covered some of the most interesting ground of the trip.
We started the day on the Mount of Olives, located across the Kidron Valley, east of Jerusalem. Jesus was sitting on Olivet when he spoke about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the last days--he had a perfect view of the Temple and the city from there (see Matthew 24). The Mount of Olives is where the Lord will return, so it seemed logical to ask one of our co-pilgrims to take our picture there with the Dome of the Rock in the background.
We descended the Mount to the Church of All Nations, which is in Gethsemane. It was in Gethsemane that Jesus spent his last free hours before his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion in prayer. Olive trees never really die. It is alleged that a couple of those very old trees in Gethsemane came from the very roots of the trees that were there in the time of Jesus. Most likely, the Romans cut all the trees out of Gethsemane in 70 a.d..
We next walked into the old city of Jerusalem and walked the Via Dolorosa, the way of sorrows, the route Jesus carried the cross from the place of trial to Golgotha, the place of crucifixion. There is more tradition than history in this route, but as old and narrow as the streets are, it gives one a strong sense of reality. The way of sorrows ends at the Church of Golgotha and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I care not for the old churches but I do care about the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. There is more history associated with these sites, than the other site that seems more plausible to me. We next walked to the Garden Tomb. To me it seems much more likely that this where the crucifixion and resurrection took place, but it does not have the weight of nearly 2,000 years of tradition on its side.
Supper time found us eating supper with a couple of Israeli soldiers, a young man and a young woman. These soldiers were called "Lone Soldiers" because they have come from abroad, without their families, to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. I hope we were good company for them. The young woman was Shara from Philadelphia. She said her service in the IDF made her appreciate history more, especially American history. She doesn't take the Fourth of July for granted any more. The young man was Philip from New York. He wanted Americans to understand that Israel is not all about military and defense, it is about culture and Americans should make an attempt to understand Israeli culture. Both these soldiers were bright, articulate and unafraid. I was glad we had the opportunity to share some time with them--I hope they were rewarded as much as we were! I would say Israel is in good hands.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Helen and I are standing on the Mount of Olives, the Dome of the Rock and old Jerusalem being in the background. This was about where Jesus was when he spoke to his disciples Matthew chapter 24. Notice, I did wear green for St. Patrick's day.
Sometimes my notes are a little sketchy about the events of a day. I never carry a note book with me during the day to record the events of the day as they happen, rather, I rely on my keen memory. In the evening I write down the events that readily come to mind, my reasoning being that the events that readily come to mind are the events that impressed me and interested me the most and they are the ones that should be recorded. For some unknown reason, day 5 is really sketchy and we covered some of the most interesting ground of the trip.
We started the day on the Mount of Olives, located across the Kidron Valley, east of Jerusalem. Jesus was sitting on Olivet when he spoke about the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple and the last days--he had a perfect view of the Temple and the city from there (see Matthew 24). The Mount of Olives is where the Lord will return, so it seemed logical to ask one of our co-pilgrims to take our picture there with the Dome of the Rock in the background.
We descended the Mount to the Church of All Nations, which is in Gethsemane. It was in Gethsemane that Jesus spent his last free hours before his betrayal, arrest and crucifixion in prayer. Olive trees never really die. It is alleged that a couple of those very old trees in Gethsemane came from the very roots of the trees that were there in the time of Jesus. Most likely, the Romans cut all the trees out of Gethsemane in 70 a.d..
We next walked into the old city of Jerusalem and walked the Via Dolorosa, the way of sorrows, the route Jesus carried the cross from the place of trial to Golgotha, the place of crucifixion. There is more tradition than history in this route, but as old and narrow as the streets are, it gives one a strong sense of reality. The way of sorrows ends at the Church of Golgotha and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. I care not for the old churches but I do care about the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. There is more history associated with these sites, than the other site that seems more plausible to me. We next walked to the Garden Tomb. To me it seems much more likely that this where the crucifixion and resurrection took place, but it does not have the weight of nearly 2,000 years of tradition on its side.
Supper time found us eating supper with a couple of Israeli soldiers, a young man and a young woman. These soldiers were called "Lone Soldiers" because they have come from abroad, without their families, to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces. I hope we were good company for them. The young woman was Shara from Philadelphia. She said her service in the IDF made her appreciate history more, especially American history. She doesn't take the Fourth of July for granted any more. The young man was Philip from New York. He wanted Americans to understand that Israel is not all about military and defense, it is about culture and Americans should make an attempt to understand Israeli culture. Both these soldiers were bright, articulate and unafraid. I was glad we had the opportunity to share some time with them--I hope they were rewarded as much as we were! I would say Israel is in good hands.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Helen and I are standing on the Mount of Olives, the Dome of the Rock and old Jerusalem being in the background. This was about where Jesus was when he spoke to his disciples Matthew chapter 24. Notice, I did wear green for St. Patrick's day.
Monday, April 07, 2014
ADDENDUM: DAY 2
This is a real picture that I took in 2008 at Caesarea. It is a picture of the aqueduct that brought water to the city. That this piece of architecture still stands so strong after more than 2,000 years is a testimony to the engineering skills and the masonry precision of that day. I do not know why our tour of Caesarea did not include this, but we had more to do than we could get done anyway (note day 2). It was kool knowing that I had seen something the others hadn't. I mentioned it to Helen, but to no one else--I didn't want to stir up dissatisfaction. Note the blue Mediterranean through the arches of the aqueduct.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
DAY 4: NEVER PASS UP AN OPPORTUNITY
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:13-15).
Helen and I were awake at six. We bathed and packed our bags and ate another delightful breakfast. Our first stop that day, Sunday, March 16, was the traditional baptismal site on the Jordan River. Two of our group were baptised that day. The Jordan is a muddy river in that location, it made me think of the leprous captain Naaman who was commanded to dip seven times in the Jordan and he protested that the rivers in Syria were much cleaner. I'm sure he was right, but it is not the cleanness, but the obedience that heals (see II Kings 5:1-19).
We spent a short time shopping, though Helen still spent a lot of money, and we were off to Beit she'an, one of the cities of the Decapolis. The Decapolis was a group of ten cities dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Greek and Roman culture. The New Testament tells us that Jesus traveled within their scope of influence. Beit She'an was the only city of the ten located west of the Jordan River. This was the city, according to Keren, where Saul and Jonathon's bodies were hung from the city walls. Beit She'an was, in Greco-Roman times, a metro area of roughly 40,000*, having all the trappings of wealth, theater, hippodromes, baths, saunas and gyms. It had all the sophistication of Roman culture but was decadent and cruel with ritual prostitution and blood sports. So it was interesting that we paused for Sunday morning worship within the ruins of Beit She'an. We sang hymns and prayed. We had a short message and celebrated the Lord's Supper there too. I wonder if Beit She'an had ever had a Christian worship service in it?
We were beginning to know our fellow travelers from Oklahoma--we couldn't have picked a better group to travel with. Most of them were seasoned, sophisticated travelers, but very humble and loving, so we did not feel like the novices that we were.
We ate lunch at Beit She'an. I ate a piece of pizza and a 20 ounce Coke Zero. I tell you this because I did not take time to use the men's room before we got back in the bus for the long drive to Jerusalem. The drive down the Jordan valley was an interesting one, but it would have been much more interesting if I would have followed my traveling policy of never passing up an opportunity to use the restroom. By the time we reached Mount Scopus for a view of the whole city in which we would be staying for the next 4 nights, I was in absolute agony. When the bus stopped and we exited the bus, I asked Haim, our driver, if there was a men's room around here, "I need one bad." He said, "It is not good to keep poisons inside; find a tree." Haim was a pragmatist in his approach to life.
Our first night in Jerusalem we slept well.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*The picture is of the theater in Beit She'an. It's a 4,000 seat theater indicating an approximate drawing population of about 40,000 people. In 2008 a Jordanian tour guide said the 3,000 seat theater at Jeresh indicated a population of about 30,000 people. Keren did not agree with that assessment saying the population was way below that.
Helen and I were awake at six. We bathed and packed our bags and ate another delightful breakfast. Our first stop that day, Sunday, March 16, was the traditional baptismal site on the Jordan River. Two of our group were baptised that day. The Jordan is a muddy river in that location, it made me think of the leprous captain Naaman who was commanded to dip seven times in the Jordan and he protested that the rivers in Syria were much cleaner. I'm sure he was right, but it is not the cleanness, but the obedience that heals (see II Kings 5:1-19).
We spent a short time shopping, though Helen still spent a lot of money, and we were off to Beit she'an, one of the cities of the Decapolis. The Decapolis was a group of ten cities dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Greek and Roman culture. The New Testament tells us that Jesus traveled within their scope of influence. Beit She'an was the only city of the ten located west of the Jordan River. This was the city, according to Keren, where Saul and Jonathon's bodies were hung from the city walls. Beit She'an was, in Greco-Roman times, a metro area of roughly 40,000*, having all the trappings of wealth, theater, hippodromes, baths, saunas and gyms. It had all the sophistication of Roman culture but was decadent and cruel with ritual prostitution and blood sports. So it was interesting that we paused for Sunday morning worship within the ruins of Beit She'an. We sang hymns and prayed. We had a short message and celebrated the Lord's Supper there too. I wonder if Beit She'an had ever had a Christian worship service in it?
We were beginning to know our fellow travelers from Oklahoma--we couldn't have picked a better group to travel with. Most of them were seasoned, sophisticated travelers, but very humble and loving, so we did not feel like the novices that we were.
We ate lunch at Beit She'an. I ate a piece of pizza and a 20 ounce Coke Zero. I tell you this because I did not take time to use the men's room before we got back in the bus for the long drive to Jerusalem. The drive down the Jordan valley was an interesting one, but it would have been much more interesting if I would have followed my traveling policy of never passing up an opportunity to use the restroom. By the time we reached Mount Scopus for a view of the whole city in which we would be staying for the next 4 nights, I was in absolute agony. When the bus stopped and we exited the bus, I asked Haim, our driver, if there was a men's room around here, "I need one bad." He said, "It is not good to keep poisons inside; find a tree." Haim was a pragmatist in his approach to life.
Our first night in Jerusalem we slept well.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*The picture is of the theater in Beit She'an. It's a 4,000 seat theater indicating an approximate drawing population of about 40,000 people. In 2008 a Jordanian tour guide said the 3,000 seat theater at Jeresh indicated a population of about 30,000 people. Keren did not agree with that assessment saying the population was way below that.
Thursday, April 03, 2014
DAY 3: GALILEE TO THE GOLAN (Peace to War).
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen, "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:18-19).
It was a peaceful night of sleep in the historic city of Tiberius that night. We awoke refreshed, and having broke fast with hearty Mediterranean fare we were on our way by 8:15 to another big day of touring. We started the day by taking a boat ride on Galilee. Most of our group thought this to be the highlight of the trip, it was still early and quiet, and not hard to imagine being with Peter, Andrew, James and John helping them to fish. Yes, Galilee is only a lake, but still plenty big enough for a person to die in a storm.
We next stopped at Kibbutz Ginosar to see a 2,000 year old fishing boat that had been excavated from the mud of Galilee. It was a fishing boat like the disciples would have used. The boat was made of 12 different kinds of wood, the reason being there was a shortage of wood. By the 19th century there was not a wooden boat to be found on Galilee (James Michener, The Source).
Our next stop was at the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5,6,7). It was a peaceful, quiet place for meditation, but it is more of a traditional place than a historical place.
Capernaum is a historical place. We know Jesus was there! Jesus spent most of his ministry in north Galilee, in a 12 mile arc on the north side of the lake. Capernaum is about in the center of that arc--it is known as the 12 miles that changed the world. At least 8 miracles were performed in Capernaum, still there were many who did not believe. To whom much is given, much is required. We saw the synagogue in which Jesus taught and Peter's mother-in-law's house.
From the shores of Galilee to Caesarea Philipi was our next trip. It was here Jesus asked the 12 to tell him who men say that he is, and then "Who do you say that I am?" Here is the temple of Pan, the gate to the underworld (Hades) which would not prevail against the Church, Jesus told his apostles.
We hadn't stopped for lunch yet, and it was about 2 p.m. so we stopped in a Druze village on the way up to Mount Bental. We had a delightful lunch of falafuls, swarmas and Coke Zero. There were armed Israeli soldiers in the restaurant too--Syria was not very far away.
Upon reaching the summit of Bental, an extinct volcano, Keren, our guide, explained to us the border with Syria and told us about the war of 1967 and the real acts of heroism that were required for Israel to survive. After hearing that I mentioned to her that I thought it was Divine providence. Keren did not respond, so I am not sure if she heard me, or, that she did not agree with my belief.* I do believe, however, that there have been so many near miraculous outcomes with the Israelis that the hand of the Divine had to be in it. We were so close to the war in Syria that we could hear it going on.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Tom and Helen on Galilee.
*Keren was a delightful guide, and, I believe, very accurate in her presentations. There were some matters in her presentation that were veried from what my previous guides told me.
It was a peaceful night of sleep in the historic city of Tiberius that night. We awoke refreshed, and having broke fast with hearty Mediterranean fare we were on our way by 8:15 to another big day of touring. We started the day by taking a boat ride on Galilee. Most of our group thought this to be the highlight of the trip, it was still early and quiet, and not hard to imagine being with Peter, Andrew, James and John helping them to fish. Yes, Galilee is only a lake, but still plenty big enough for a person to die in a storm.
We next stopped at Kibbutz Ginosar to see a 2,000 year old fishing boat that had been excavated from the mud of Galilee. It was a fishing boat like the disciples would have used. The boat was made of 12 different kinds of wood, the reason being there was a shortage of wood. By the 19th century there was not a wooden boat to be found on Galilee (James Michener, The Source).
Our next stop was at the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5,6,7). It was a peaceful, quiet place for meditation, but it is more of a traditional place than a historical place.
Capernaum is a historical place. We know Jesus was there! Jesus spent most of his ministry in north Galilee, in a 12 mile arc on the north side of the lake. Capernaum is about in the center of that arc--it is known as the 12 miles that changed the world. At least 8 miracles were performed in Capernaum, still there were many who did not believe. To whom much is given, much is required. We saw the synagogue in which Jesus taught and Peter's mother-in-law's house.
From the shores of Galilee to Caesarea Philipi was our next trip. It was here Jesus asked the 12 to tell him who men say that he is, and then "Who do you say that I am?" Here is the temple of Pan, the gate to the underworld (Hades) which would not prevail against the Church, Jesus told his apostles.
We hadn't stopped for lunch yet, and it was about 2 p.m. so we stopped in a Druze village on the way up to Mount Bental. We had a delightful lunch of falafuls, swarmas and Coke Zero. There were armed Israeli soldiers in the restaurant too--Syria was not very far away.
Upon reaching the summit of Bental, an extinct volcano, Keren, our guide, explained to us the border with Syria and told us about the war of 1967 and the real acts of heroism that were required for Israel to survive. After hearing that I mentioned to her that I thought it was Divine providence. Keren did not respond, so I am not sure if she heard me, or, that she did not agree with my belief.* I do believe, however, that there have been so many near miraculous outcomes with the Israelis that the hand of the Divine had to be in it. We were so close to the war in Syria that we could hear it going on.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Tom and Helen on Galilee.
*Keren was a delightful guide, and, I believe, very accurate in her presentations. There were some matters in her presentation that were veried from what my previous guides told me.
Friday, March 28, 2014
DAY 2: MORE TO DO THAN WE HAD TIME FOR
Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea (Acts 8:40).
Food in the hotels in which we stayed was very good, so we ate a hearty breakfast in Tel Aviv, loaded our luggage on the bus and headed north to Caesarea by 8:30.
Caesarea was a city built by Herod the great as a gift to the Roman Caesars. It was a beautiful city with all the amenities that a royal visitor or government official would expect: a 4,000 seat theater, a hippodrome, pools, baths and saunas were all there. Caesarea became the defacto capital of Herod's kingdom. The weather on the Mediterranean coast was much better than in hot old Jerusalem, and the people were not as contentious either, so government officials much preferred Caesarea to Jerusalem!
In the book of Acts there are 15 references to Caesarea. There is evidence that Philip established a church there (see Acts 21:16), Cornelius and his family became believers there and Paul was imprisoned there for 2 years as well, so Caesarea is an important place in Christian history.
Since I visited in 2008, quite a lot of restoration work had been done on the theater. We made an attempt to demonstrate the acoustics of the theater, but there were many tourists there so it did not work out so well. The theater in Jeresh, Jordan, is much superior--I was there in 2008.
Our next stop was Mt. Carmel where the prophet Elijah smote the prophets of Baal. From both Carmel and Megiddo one can view one of the most fertile valleys in the world. It is beautiful so it is hard to believe that the last battle will be fought here. Northern Israel is where most of the fertile land is and where most of the prosperity is. Could it be that partially explains why the northern tribes fell into idolatry more quickly because of too much prosperity?
Just next-door to Mt. Carmel is Meggido. This site was important to the kings of old because it was a strategic location. Meggido is a tel with 28 different layers of civilization to it. James Michener used Megiddo as a model for his novel, "The Source." "The Source" was required reading for our Hebrew History class at Nebraska Christian College. BTW, Bob and Polly Pat Michener were on the tour with us. It was interesting to converse with them about their famous cousin.
On to Nazareth, "Shootsville" (The August 23, 2008 archive, "He Shall be called a Nazarene" explains it. ) to visit the church of the Annunciation. It was there Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son as a virgin--a son who would be the Savior of the World. The church and its symbolism were impressive. In stark contrast to the church was a sign placed by the Muslims warning Christians not to worship the Trinity because only Allah is God.
Though it was on the schedule, we did not stop at Cana where it is recorded that Jesus did his first miracle of turning water into wine. It was getting late and dark so we drove on to Tiberius on Galilee to spend the night. It was a long day. Touring the Holy Land is not easy, but it is good!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
This picture is of Jerusalem, taken from the Mount of Olives. I will try to do better in picture selection.
Food in the hotels in which we stayed was very good, so we ate a hearty breakfast in Tel Aviv, loaded our luggage on the bus and headed north to Caesarea by 8:30.
Caesarea was a city built by Herod the great as a gift to the Roman Caesars. It was a beautiful city with all the amenities that a royal visitor or government official would expect: a 4,000 seat theater, a hippodrome, pools, baths and saunas were all there. Caesarea became the defacto capital of Herod's kingdom. The weather on the Mediterranean coast was much better than in hot old Jerusalem, and the people were not as contentious either, so government officials much preferred Caesarea to Jerusalem!
In the book of Acts there are 15 references to Caesarea. There is evidence that Philip established a church there (see Acts 21:16), Cornelius and his family became believers there and Paul was imprisoned there for 2 years as well, so Caesarea is an important place in Christian history.
Since I visited in 2008, quite a lot of restoration work had been done on the theater. We made an attempt to demonstrate the acoustics of the theater, but there were many tourists there so it did not work out so well. The theater in Jeresh, Jordan, is much superior--I was there in 2008.
Our next stop was Mt. Carmel where the prophet Elijah smote the prophets of Baal. From both Carmel and Megiddo one can view one of the most fertile valleys in the world. It is beautiful so it is hard to believe that the last battle will be fought here. Northern Israel is where most of the fertile land is and where most of the prosperity is. Could it be that partially explains why the northern tribes fell into idolatry more quickly because of too much prosperity?
Just next-door to Mt. Carmel is Meggido. This site was important to the kings of old because it was a strategic location. Meggido is a tel with 28 different layers of civilization to it. James Michener used Megiddo as a model for his novel, "The Source." "The Source" was required reading for our Hebrew History class at Nebraska Christian College. BTW, Bob and Polly Pat Michener were on the tour with us. It was interesting to converse with them about their famous cousin.
On to Nazareth, "Shootsville" (The August 23, 2008 archive, "He Shall be called a Nazarene" explains it. ) to visit the church of the Annunciation. It was there Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a son as a virgin--a son who would be the Savior of the World. The church and its symbolism were impressive. In stark contrast to the church was a sign placed by the Muslims warning Christians not to worship the Trinity because only Allah is God.
Though it was on the schedule, we did not stop at Cana where it is recorded that Jesus did his first miracle of turning water into wine. It was getting late and dark so we drove on to Tiberius on Galilee to spend the night. It was a long day. Touring the Holy Land is not easy, but it is good!
Our Father's Love,
Tom
This picture is of Jerusalem, taken from the Mount of Olives. I will try to do better in picture selection.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL UPDATE
If you remember the "Touched by an Angel" bullet of March 02, I said I would keep you all further updated on my mother's visitors that enter her apartment bedroom, but never leave. I could just write them off to hallucinations, but I want to keep an open mind. Mom saw one of these visitors yesterday, it was a male, the others being female. She thought it was me so she didn't say anything. I said, "Mom, if I enter your apartment I will say hello." I asked her if she saw the man leave and she said, "no."
One would think if an elderly woman saw an unidentified person entering entering her apartment that she would be afraid. My mother is not. These visitors do not inspire fear, only curiosity. I asked her again to ask the visitors to identify themselves. I have my own theory and will share it at the appropriate time, but I will keep you updated.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
One would think if an elderly woman saw an unidentified person entering entering her apartment that she would be afraid. My mother is not. These visitors do not inspire fear, only curiosity. I asked her again to ask the visitors to identify themselves. I have my own theory and will share it at the appropriate time, but I will keep you updated.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
DAY ONE: OLD JAFFA
Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea (Acts 10:5-6).
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At the airport in Tel Aviv we were introduced to our guide, a charming 40 something female who both entertained and informed us about what we were seeing. Her name was Keren. Keren has a great speaking voice making her easy to listen to Our bus driver was Heim. To me it is amazing how he could navigate the crowed narrow streets with a tour bus and never put a scratch on it. We were all very thankful for his important skill as a driver! We tourists came to love them both.
Jaffa was an old city even during the time of Jonah. When God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah left Joppa (now Jaffa) headed in the opposite direction. Archaeologists have unearthed remains dating 2,000 years before Christ, establishing it as one of the world's oldest sea ports. We saw archaeological evidence that the Egyptians were a significant part of the city's history.
Significant Biblical events happened in Jaffa other than Jonah's disobedience. Tabitha/Dorcas was raised from the dead here (Acts 9) and Peter had his vision here in which God communicated to Peter that anything that God has made pure shall not be called impure, speaking of the conversion of Cornelius and his family which was soon to follow (Acts 10).
We walked the streets of old Jaffa. The old streets are dark and narrow and turn alot--it wouldn't be hard to get lost. We met a woman who had moved there from Oklahoma, making Jaffa her home. We saw the traditional home of Simon the Tanner as well as St. Peter's church where the alter faces west, symbolizing the church's openness to the Gentiles because of Peter's vision. One of the items of interest is that there are so many cats in Jaffa. Keren said the British (Brits) brought them to deal with all the rodents.
The Mediterranean coast reminds me a lot of California. The weather was somewhat stormy that first day, the surf was up and there were surf-boarders surfing. We had a festive supper, but were very tired, and eagerly went to bed. March 12 and 13 blended together into one long day. We spent the night in the next-door city of Tel Aviv.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
This wasn't the 777 we flew in on, but it is amazing to me that we can load up 300 people and all of their stuff and fly them at 500 miles per hour across the ocean. What an age we live in! Below is Simon the tanner's front door. (A traditional site.)
Jaffa was an old city even during the time of Jonah. When God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh, Jonah left Joppa (now Jaffa) headed in the opposite direction. Archaeologists have unearthed remains dating 2,000 years before Christ, establishing it as one of the world's oldest sea ports. We saw archaeological evidence that the Egyptians were a significant part of the city's history.
Significant Biblical events happened in Jaffa other than Jonah's disobedience. Tabitha/Dorcas was raised from the dead here (Acts 9) and Peter had his vision here in which God communicated to Peter that anything that God has made pure shall not be called impure, speaking of the conversion of Cornelius and his family which was soon to follow (Acts 10).
We walked the streets of old Jaffa. The old streets are dark and narrow and turn alot--it wouldn't be hard to get lost. We met a woman who had moved there from Oklahoma, making Jaffa her home. We saw the traditional home of Simon the Tanner as well as St. Peter's church where the alter faces west, symbolizing the church's openness to the Gentiles because of Peter's vision. One of the items of interest is that there are so many cats in Jaffa. Keren said the British (Brits) brought them to deal with all the rodents.
The Mediterranean coast reminds me a lot of California. The weather was somewhat stormy that first day, the surf was up and there were surf-boarders surfing. We had a festive supper, but were very tired, and eagerly went to bed. March 12 and 13 blended together into one long day. We spent the night in the next-door city of Tel Aviv.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Monday, March 24, 2014
THE TRIP TO ISRAEL (keeping the appointment)
Do two walk together, unless they have made an appointment? (Amos 3:3).
For Helen and me, the trip to Israel began much earlier than the 12th of March, we had many chores to do and responsibilities to make arrangements for before we could leave. We left home on the evening of Tuesday, the 11th, because the flight out of Omaha was at 6 in the morning. We checked into the motel, but did not sleep well due to the anxiety of checking in on time and of the flying itself (The missing 777 out of Malaysia was a big news item).
The alarm went off at 3:30 a.m. and we were out by 4:15. We went through the checking-in process only to find out that, because of bad weather in Chicago, the flight would be delayed 2 hours. Still we made the flight to Chicago in time to catch the flight to New York. Even though we were late to New York, we were able to board El Al to Tel Aviv on time.
The 777 was packed with Jewish people going to Israel to celebrate the feast of Purim. Seated next to me was a Jewish man who struck up a conversation with me. By this time of the day I just wanted to relax my brain, but he didn't let me. So we talked of our families, our occupations, and even politics (I asked him why Jewish people support Obama even though he is anti Israel.) But then we got to religion. For me, my mind being what it was, it was like bringing a butter knife to a sword fight. My seat partner had a law degree from Georgetown University, but was a financial planner. Who am I, but a lowly Iowa farmer. So he tried to impress on me the superiority of Judaism over Christianity by saying, "A whole nation witnessed the giving of the law and they passed it on to their children. In Christianity only a few people witnessed the resurrection, and who knows if they saw anything or not?"
I wished my reply would have included this, but it did not, "Your law, witnessed by a whole nation, says a fact is established by 2 or 3 credible witnesses, and the credibility of those witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ is well established." What I did say to him was still pretty good. "Yes, a whole nation did witness the giving of the law, and they all died in the wilderness because they did not believe God." That pretty much ended our discussion. He had a lavatory stop to make and prepare for prayers at 6 a.m. on the 13th, which it was because of time-zone loss. I'm not sure why God made the appointment for us to sit together. My argument was not impressive, but perhaps God thought he needed to hear it.
We arrived at Ben Gurion airport at 4:30 p.m. and we immediately started our tour at old Jaffa. (Continued tomorrow).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
For Helen and me, the trip to Israel began much earlier than the 12th of March, we had many chores to do and responsibilities to make arrangements for before we could leave. We left home on the evening of Tuesday, the 11th, because the flight out of Omaha was at 6 in the morning. We checked into the motel, but did not sleep well due to the anxiety of checking in on time and of the flying itself (The missing 777 out of Malaysia was a big news item).
The alarm went off at 3:30 a.m. and we were out by 4:15. We went through the checking-in process only to find out that, because of bad weather in Chicago, the flight would be delayed 2 hours. Still we made the flight to Chicago in time to catch the flight to New York. Even though we were late to New York, we were able to board El Al to Tel Aviv on time.
The 777 was packed with Jewish people going to Israel to celebrate the feast of Purim. Seated next to me was a Jewish man who struck up a conversation with me. By this time of the day I just wanted to relax my brain, but he didn't let me. So we talked of our families, our occupations, and even politics (I asked him why Jewish people support Obama even though he is anti Israel.) But then we got to religion. For me, my mind being what it was, it was like bringing a butter knife to a sword fight. My seat partner had a law degree from Georgetown University, but was a financial planner. Who am I, but a lowly Iowa farmer. So he tried to impress on me the superiority of Judaism over Christianity by saying, "A whole nation witnessed the giving of the law and they passed it on to their children. In Christianity only a few people witnessed the resurrection, and who knows if they saw anything or not?"
I wished my reply would have included this, but it did not, "Your law, witnessed by a whole nation, says a fact is established by 2 or 3 credible witnesses, and the credibility of those witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus Christ is well established." What I did say to him was still pretty good. "Yes, a whole nation did witness the giving of the law, and they all died in the wilderness because they did not believe God." That pretty much ended our discussion. He had a lavatory stop to make and prepare for prayers at 6 a.m. on the 13th, which it was because of time-zone loss. I'm not sure why God made the appointment for us to sit together. My argument was not impressive, but perhaps God thought he needed to hear it.
We arrived at Ben Gurion airport at 4:30 p.m. and we immediately started our tour at old Jaffa. (Continued tomorrow).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, March 22, 2014
WE ARE HOME (for a while)
Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you" (Mark 5:19).
Helen and I are home. We departed the 12th of March, 2014, on a trip to Israel. It was the second one for me, but the first time Helen was willing to travel outside the United States. We went with a group from the South Yukon Church of Christ let by pastor Dr. Perry Greene.
It was a great trip, blessing both body and soul. Basically, our diet was Mediterranean fare, though one night some of us went to McDonald's to eat. We walked close to 5 miles each day--one of our group had a pedometer. It was not easy walking either, walking up steep stairs or down steep inclines, through narrow tunnels, both wet and dry. We all came home in better shape than we left.
I was in the Holy Land 6 years ago. There has been much excavating and discovery since that time that it was very interesting to return. One of my personal beliefs which I came to hold from my first visit, and this visit only strengthened it, is that the place of Israel in these last days is to be the developer and protector of artifacts and antiquities for all the world to see. People are coming from all over the world to see the story of the Bible told there. I'm not sure how many are being made believers in Jesus Christ, but I know that some are. If the Muslims had full control over what is now Israel, very little Biblical evidence would exist because the archeology does not tell the story of Islam.
When we arrived in Israel the CEO of the tour company met us in Tele Viv. As he shook each of our hands he said, "Welcome home." He meant, of course, that Israel is our spiritual homeland, the place where the events that paid the price of our pardon actually happened. Helen and I are now at home in Iowa--not quite Heaven yet--trying to bear witness to the truth of the Bible until we are finally home with the Lord. Over the course of the coming weeks I will try to share a few of these important things with you.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
The picture of the "Dome of Rock" is a holy place to Muslims. The most holy place to the Jewish people today is the Western Wall. It is located below and to the right of the DOTR.
Helen and I are home. We departed the 12th of March, 2014, on a trip to Israel. It was the second one for me, but the first time Helen was willing to travel outside the United States. We went with a group from the South Yukon Church of Christ let by pastor Dr. Perry Greene.
It was a great trip, blessing both body and soul. Basically, our diet was Mediterranean fare, though one night some of us went to McDonald's to eat. We walked close to 5 miles each day--one of our group had a pedometer. It was not easy walking either, walking up steep stairs or down steep inclines, through narrow tunnels, both wet and dry. We all came home in better shape than we left.
I was in the Holy Land 6 years ago. There has been much excavating and discovery since that time that it was very interesting to return. One of my personal beliefs which I came to hold from my first visit, and this visit only strengthened it, is that the place of Israel in these last days is to be the developer and protector of artifacts and antiquities for all the world to see. People are coming from all over the world to see the story of the Bible told there. I'm not sure how many are being made believers in Jesus Christ, but I know that some are. If the Muslims had full control over what is now Israel, very little Biblical evidence would exist because the archeology does not tell the story of Islam.
When we arrived in Israel the CEO of the tour company met us in Tele Viv. As he shook each of our hands he said, "Welcome home." He meant, of course, that Israel is our spiritual homeland, the place where the events that paid the price of our pardon actually happened. Helen and I are now at home in Iowa--not quite Heaven yet--trying to bear witness to the truth of the Bible until we are finally home with the Lord. Over the course of the coming weeks I will try to share a few of these important things with you.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Thursday, March 06, 2014
NO MAN'S SLAVE
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (John 8:36).
If I remember correctly, I am currently watching the mini series, Centennial, for the 13th time. It was given to me for Christmas in 1998 by the lovely and gracious Helen in video casett form. I took a couple of years off watching it because of not having a VCR player that worked.
My favorite episode of the mini series is of the cattle drive of 1868 when John Skimmerhorn and R.J. Poteet and cowboys trailed 3,000 cattle from Texas to Colorado to start the Venneford Ranch. The foreman of the cowboys was a black man named Nate Person. Nate had been a slave before the Civil War, now he was free. One of the great lines of the episode was when Nate said, "When you are a cowboy you are no man's slave." There's something about a cowboy. I've raised cattle and hogs. The hogs make the money, but nobody writes songs about farmers who raise pigs. There's some romance and freedom in being a cattleman. The cattleman is out in the open spaces making his own decisions--cattleman walk a little taller than other men.
Still, when one is a slave to Jesus Christ, he is the most free that he will ever be because he belongs to the family of God and heir to His wealth.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
If I remember correctly, I am currently watching the mini series, Centennial, for the 13th time. It was given to me for Christmas in 1998 by the lovely and gracious Helen in video casett form. I took a couple of years off watching it because of not having a VCR player that worked.
My favorite episode of the mini series is of the cattle drive of 1868 when John Skimmerhorn and R.J. Poteet and cowboys trailed 3,000 cattle from Texas to Colorado to start the Venneford Ranch. The foreman of the cowboys was a black man named Nate Person. Nate had been a slave before the Civil War, now he was free. One of the great lines of the episode was when Nate said, "When you are a cowboy you are no man's slave." There's something about a cowboy. I've raised cattle and hogs. The hogs make the money, but nobody writes songs about farmers who raise pigs. There's some romance and freedom in being a cattleman. The cattleman is out in the open spaces making his own decisions--cattleman walk a little taller than other men.
Still, when one is a slave to Jesus Christ, he is the most free that he will ever be because he belongs to the family of God and heir to His wealth.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Sunday, March 02, 2014
TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL?
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14).
My mother will be celebrating her 94th birthday the 28th of this month. One of my daily tasks is to stop and visit with her and make sure all is well with her. One day during my visit she told me that a woman enters her apartment and goes into her bed room. She waits for the woman to come back out, but she never does. I told mom that sometimes we think we see movement out of the corner of our eyes and think it is a person, but it is not. Emphatically she said, "NO!" "I see the door open and a woman comes in, but I never see her go out!"
I am not sure what to make of it. It could well be just a hallucination, but there could be more to it than that. I have told mom to let me know when it happens again. It has been over a week now and she has said nothing. I am going to ask mom about it again and ask her to talk to the woman and find out what her name is and what she is doing. I was thinking that maybe it is an angel sent to minister to my mother. I will bring up-dates as this plays out.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
My mother will be celebrating her 94th birthday the 28th of this month. One of my daily tasks is to stop and visit with her and make sure all is well with her. One day during my visit she told me that a woman enters her apartment and goes into her bed room. She waits for the woman to come back out, but she never does. I told mom that sometimes we think we see movement out of the corner of our eyes and think it is a person, but it is not. Emphatically she said, "NO!" "I see the door open and a woman comes in, but I never see her go out!"
I am not sure what to make of it. It could well be just a hallucination, but there could be more to it than that. I have told mom to let me know when it happens again. It has been over a week now and she has said nothing. I am going to ask mom about it again and ask her to talk to the woman and find out what her name is and what she is doing. I was thinking that maybe it is an angel sent to minister to my mother. I will bring up-dates as this plays out.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Thursday, February 20, 2014
ALEXANDER MCKEAG'S LOVE
. . . Love your enemies . . . If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? (Matthew 5:44, 46).
"A love that risks nothing is worth nothing" (Alexander McKeag).*
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*A favorite character of mine in James Michener's Centennial. Perhaps the mention of his name will stir up some Centennial fans. In any case, McKeag's thought about love is true.
"A love that risks nothing is worth nothing" (Alexander McKeag).*
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*A favorite character of mine in James Michener's Centennial. Perhaps the mention of his name will stir up some Centennial fans. In any case, McKeag's thought about love is true.
Monday, February 17, 2014
THAT WHICH CALLS FORTH LOVE
Finally, brothers, whatever is . . . lovely . . . think about such things (Philippians 4:8).
Last Thursday, about noon, the parking lot of the local convenience store was clogged and I was in a hurry--not a good combination. Helen and I were going to travel to my daughter's to celebrate her birthday and to watch my grandson play basketball. When I pulled into the parking place, I thought I needed to square up, so I backed up, not noticing that a young man in a 2014 Chevy Cruze had pulled in behind me. He honked the horn to warn me, but it did not register in my hurried brain. I did stop, however, but not before I scraped his new car. The young man was very angry and said some very bad things, but I did understand his feelings. It was his first new car after years of driving old "clunkers." I have had that same kind of experience. We exchanged insurance company information and the local police came and investigated the accident. Prior to our leaving the scene the young man apologized to me for his behavior. I was truly amazed. He didn't have to do that. I am pretty sure if I would have given the young man the same behavior that he gave me at the beginning there would have been no apology forth coming! I do give this young man a lot of credit!!
The Greek word is prosphile, lovely, in Philippians 4:8. In his commentary, The Daily Study Bible, William Barclay says that this word could be translated, That which calls forth love. One of the things that Christians are called to consider is, What do my thoughts, attitudes and behavior "call forth" in others? Fear and bitterness will call out the same in those around us. Criticism and rebuke can call forth resentment and anger in others. However, empathy and kindness can well call forth the best in others--I found that to be true in the convenience store parking lot that day.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Last Thursday, about noon, the parking lot of the local convenience store was clogged and I was in a hurry--not a good combination. Helen and I were going to travel to my daughter's to celebrate her birthday and to watch my grandson play basketball. When I pulled into the parking place, I thought I needed to square up, so I backed up, not noticing that a young man in a 2014 Chevy Cruze had pulled in behind me. He honked the horn to warn me, but it did not register in my hurried brain. I did stop, however, but not before I scraped his new car. The young man was very angry and said some very bad things, but I did understand his feelings. It was his first new car after years of driving old "clunkers." I have had that same kind of experience. We exchanged insurance company information and the local police came and investigated the accident. Prior to our leaving the scene the young man apologized to me for his behavior. I was truly amazed. He didn't have to do that. I am pretty sure if I would have given the young man the same behavior that he gave me at the beginning there would have been no apology forth coming! I do give this young man a lot of credit!!
The Greek word is prosphile, lovely, in Philippians 4:8. In his commentary, The Daily Study Bible, William Barclay says that this word could be translated, That which calls forth love. One of the things that Christians are called to consider is, What do my thoughts, attitudes and behavior "call forth" in others? Fear and bitterness will call out the same in those around us. Criticism and rebuke can call forth resentment and anger in others. However, empathy and kindness can well call forth the best in others--I found that to be true in the convenience store parking lot that day.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, February 08, 2014
HOW TO EVALUATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him (I John 3:14-15).
I was motivated to post this Scripture because a little congregation I am currently serving is going through some strife right now. I ask for your prayers. Our labors are in vain if our people are unconverted in their hearts and do not love.
Our Father's Love
Tom
I was motivated to post this Scripture because a little congregation I am currently serving is going through some strife right now. I ask for your prayers. Our labors are in vain if our people are unconverted in their hearts and do not love.
Our Father's Love
Tom
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
JESUS CHRIST: SOURCE OF GRACE AND PEACE
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:7).
Isn't it interesting that what God does Jesus does? God the Father and the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ are the source of grace and peace. The greeting that Paul uses to address the Christians at Rome is duplicated in nearly each of his epistles. With out Christ there is no grace--You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Galatians 5:4)(See also 2 Timothy 1:9-10). The "Bullets" I write are not comprehensive studies, but are only intended to plant seeds and be thought starters. Many, many scriptures could be added in terms of reference for Jesus being the source of grace.
Grace isn't just about justification, it also has to do with training in righteousness; it isn't just about getting to Heaven, it is about how to live on this earth. These words from Paul to Titus are instructive: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . (Titus 1:11-13 emphasis mine).
Being taught by the grace of God, being assured about life after death brings peace to the lives of those that have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who possess true faith in Jesus are committed to replicate His life in theirs--to be like Him. It is in that effort that Holy Spirit strengthens and gives peace to the believer.
In Hope,
Tom
Isn't it interesting that what God does Jesus does? God the Father and the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ are the source of grace and peace. The greeting that Paul uses to address the Christians at Rome is duplicated in nearly each of his epistles. With out Christ there is no grace--You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace (Galatians 5:4)(See also 2 Timothy 1:9-10). The "Bullets" I write are not comprehensive studies, but are only intended to plant seeds and be thought starters. Many, many scriptures could be added in terms of reference for Jesus being the source of grace.
Grace isn't just about justification, it also has to do with training in righteousness; it isn't just about getting to Heaven, it is about how to live on this earth. These words from Paul to Titus are instructive: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ . . . (Titus 1:11-13 emphasis mine).
Being taught by the grace of God, being assured about life after death brings peace to the lives of those that have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Those who possess true faith in Jesus are committed to replicate His life in theirs--to be like Him. It is in that effort that Holy Spirit strengthens and gives peace to the believer.
In Hope,
Tom
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
JESUS CHRIST: CREATOR AND SUSTAINER
I am the Lord, who has made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself (Isaiah 44:24).
. . . yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live (I Corinthians 8:6).
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:1-3).
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and things on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created for him and by him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:15-17).
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word . . . (Hebrews 1:1-3).
I have simply chosen to use Scripture to communicate the truth that Jesus Christ is the creator and the sustainer of the universe. To believe that Jesus is a created being is to believe in a Jesus who is less than he is. A faith in a false Christ is a false faith, unable to save.
In Hope,
Tom
. . . yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live (I Corinthians 8:6).
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:1-3).
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and things on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created for him and by him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:15-17).
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word . . . (Hebrews 1:1-3).
I have simply chosen to use Scripture to communicate the truth that Jesus Christ is the creator and the sustainer of the universe. To believe that Jesus is a created being is to believe in a Jesus who is less than he is. A faith in a false Christ is a false faith, unable to save.
In Hope,
Tom
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