JUST DO IT

Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.  Carry no purse, no bag, no sandals; and salute no one on the road ( Luke 10:3-4).

I have been reading through Luke's gospel.  When I read these verses I thought of my dad.  The commission the Lord gave to the Seventy was basically my dad's philosophy of life.  Most of the time we do not even make an attempt because we do not have enough money, talent or ability.  We do not want to make a fool of ourselves by attempting to do the impossible.  My dad's philosophy was, "if you want to do a thing, then do it."

In the larger text of Luke 10:1-7, the Lord lists the essentials that it takes to do any job to which one is called; I believe these essentials are still needed today.

1. Faith.  The Lord called his disciples to do an impossible task.  What made the task impossible was they were instructed to take nothing with them.  They had to trust the Lord to make provision for them each moment of every day.  Christian's are not materialists, they do not see money as the solution to every problem.  Even though money is the practical necessity of everyday life on this earth, the disciples were instructed to look to the Lord to make provision for them and it is no less true today.

2. A partner, one whom can absolutely be trusted no matter what; the Lord sent them out two by two.   Being sent out as "lambs in the midst of wolves" is a stressful life.  Knowing that someone with skin on "has your back," understands the mission and is committed to the mission, relieves the stress and brings encouragement.

3.  Prayer, asking God to bless our personal labors to accomplish the mission and asking God for more laborers to join in the mission and see it through.  Everyone should be involved in a mission that will fail if God does not help, whether it is a spiritual enterprise or a business enterprise, it does not matter.

The lesson here is to not allow an apparent lack of something keep you from trying.  We have a great God who will sustain you as you labor to accomplish the mission to which you were called.  When the lovely and gracious, Helen, and I, returned to the family farm to raise our children here, we had nothing.  We did make a commitment to do any honorable work, even if it was lowly, to make that happen.  Back in the "80's" farming was not good and was certainly not easy.  My tax preparer recommended that I quit farming--I was working for almost nothing.  But with the Lord providing, and the help of a faithful wife, we did it.  Life is good--and it is getting gooder.

My advice?  If God has called you to the mission and you have these three essentials, just do it!

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

GETTING HEAVEN INTO YOU

And Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

Salvation is an intriguing subject.  As a child and young person, I had the assumption that it was all about getting to Heaven.  I've grown out of that, though getting to Heaven is the destination of salvation and I am looking forward to the time of arrival there.

 To liberals, salvation is the social gospel, making Heaven on earth through political means.  Certainly, one's relationship with Christ will change how he will view and how he will treat other people, but charity cannot be imposed through political power.  Charity in a society has to come from the heart or freedom is lost and tyranny rules.  Forced charity brings death, not life; read the history of communism in the 20th century.

I believe that salvation is primarily about getting Heaven into you, and less about you getting to Heaven.  Certainly, Heaven on earth is not a possibility except within the company of Christians.  Getting Heaven into you is the mission of Holy Spirit as he works in a life surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Sometimes it seems as if His work is agonizingly slow.  Sometimes we wonder why it seems as if there is so little change and so little production, but rest assured, getting Heaven into you is happening if you are surrendered to Jesus! 

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Our Father's Love,
Tom

SHAME: A COVER UP

So when the woman saw the fruit was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also give some to her husband, and he ate.  Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons.  And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden (Genesis 3:6-8).

Shame is a complex subject. In fact, some scholars will not even agree with my definition, which is based in Webster's dictionary definition.  Shame is a painful emotion characterized by feeling guilty, incompetent, blameworthy, indecent or worthless.  Adam and Eve felt guilty.

The manifestations of shame in a person's life are another reason that shame is a complex subject.  But, the basic manifestation of shame is covering up.  In German and in Latin, the root of the entomology of shame means, to hide or to cover.  That is an exact description of what Adam and Eve did in the attempt to deal with their shame.  Humanity has not changed much since creation; we still do bazaar things to deal with our feelings of shame.  We declare sin not to be sin, and still feel worthless.  We cover ourselves with designer clothing, all kinds of makeup, jewelery and tattoos all to show we are not worthless and to assuage our feelings of guilt.  Our narcissism and arrogance are other defense mechanisms used to mask our feelings of guilt.

I want to suggest some designer clothing that really does cover up shame: . . . for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.  For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).  Being sons of the King, we are clothed with the finest designer clothing there is because we are clothed with Jesus Christ.  Our worth and our pardon are established in the clothing of Jesus Christ because only he can cover our shame.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

CLASS WARFARE IS MARXIST JARGON

You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your neighbor's (Exodus 20:17).

One of the reasons that communism is so anti Christian is because it is founded on values that contradict the instruction of God.  Communists are materialists, meaning that man does live by bread alone; God says otherwise.  Each person is to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and, as a result, his need, for love, food, clothing, shelter and something worthwhile to do, will be met.

Marxism promotes class warfare, God promotes a classless society, meaning that all are to be treated equally under the law.  The Bible says that showing favoritism to anyone is a sin.  Bribes are evil and sinful because equal treatment under the law is denied.  Communists make the claim of having a classless society, but it is government and party officials who live like kings while the rest of the population lives in relative poverty compared to free peoples.

America has been the most classless society in world history.  This has been true because our country has been founded on a Biblical world view.  As we have traded a Christian consensus for a secular one, marxist concepts and vocabulary have crept into the national discussion.  I object to the term "class" when it is used to describe an apparent strata of society.  The middle class is not a permanent class, nor should we want it to be.  We are free people who, because of our choices and our circumstances will flourish or fail economically.  I object to the term, "masses."  To me it implies that the free people of the United States are now the government's herd of cattle, incapable of supporting themselves without the government "feed wagon" filling the public "trough." 

Marxist vocabulary destroys human dignity and quenches the human spirit.  Let us refuse to use it.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

I DIDN'T GET WHAT I DESERVED

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; and then the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up.  Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God . . . (2 Peter 3:10-11).

For the past several years I have had an unblemished driving record, meaning there have been no speeding tickets or traffic violations on any sort, and no accidents.  So, I am still amazed that, last week, I was stopped twice for speeding.  On Tuesday, I had taken my mother to the doctor, I was driving her car which I do not drive very much, and we were on our way home when a highway patrolman stopped me for going 14 miles per hour over the speed limit.  I explained to him that I had taken my 92 year old mother to the doctor and that I was driving her car, of which I was unfamiliar.  It must have touched his heart because he only gave me a warning; I was not fined.

Thursday, I had to take my minivan to the mechanic's shop for repair.  I was running a little late so I was driving a "wee bit" fast.  Another highway patrolman stopped me for going 9 miles per hour over the speed limit.  I knew he was going to stop me before he turned on his flashing lights, so I just pulled over on the shoulder of the road.  He thanked me for pulling over immediately and for being buckled in.  Then he asked for my drivers license, registration and proof of insurance.  I do not drive this vehicle very much either, so, I couldn't remember if all of my documentation was there.  After rummaging around, I not very organized, I found my registration and my insurance card that had recently expired--I had forgotten to put the new one in.  I was apologetic to the officer about the speed and the insurance.  It must have touched his heart too because he only gave me a warning for the speed and the insurance.

I told my stories to an employee of the mechanic's shop to explain why I was late.  I have known this man for many years and have not known him to be a spiritual man, so his response surprised me.  He didn't say, "I was lucky," he said, "Tom, I do not know if you are a praying man, but if you are, you ought to thank the Good Lord."  My reply to him was, "I am, and I will."  I have.

My point in telling this story is that I did not get what I deserved.  According to the laws of the state of Iowa, I deserved several hundred dollars in fines.  I didn't get them because of the graciousness of the officers.  The Bible says that Divine judgement is coming; it is certain!  The warning has been given.  It is only through faith in the Lordship and Saviorship of Jesus Christ that we will not get what we deserve.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY UNFAITHFULNESS

He who commits adultery has no sense; he who does it destroys himself.  Wounds and dishonor will he get, and his disgrace will not be wiped away (Proverbs 6:32-33).

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all" (Proverbs 31:28-29).

I recently received the news that a young wife, whom I know, walked away from her husband and children.  It set me to thinking about how many times this has happened in my ministry experience.  Though conventional wisdom gives men get the credit for being the most unfaithful to their wives and children, my ministry and counseling experience does not validate it.  I can honestly say that for every man who has abdicated his responsibilities as a husband and a father for another woman, there has been a woman who abdicated her responsibilities as a wife and a mother for another man--if not more so.

A mother's love requires character, strength and dignity.  Mother's-Day sermons have long extolled the natural love of a mother for her children, but the truth is that mothers can abandon their children as easily as men; women are just as depraved as men.  Being a good wife and mother begins with faith in God, trusting Him, that His way is good, and trusting Him for the strength and courage that her marriage and family demands.  Reading all of Proverbs 31:10-31 is a good place to begin.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*The rate of infidelity in the work place is very high, about 47% according to some sources.  The natural boundaries between men and women these days are few, so it is a matter of faith, character and prayer that keeps one faithful in the work place. 

THE SLIDE TO PERDITION

You shall not give any of your children to devote them by fire to molech, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord (Leviticus 18:21).

One of the gods specifically named by God that was not to be worshipped was molech; though it is a proper name, I refuse to capitalize it.  It was believed by the pagans of ancient times that, if a family's first-born was sacrificed to molech, the nation and the family would have peace and prosperity.  The image of molech was a hollow metal man in which a fire was built.  When the "god" was red-hot the baby would be placed on its firery arms and be burned to death, surrounded by dancing worshippers.

I'm not an Old Testament prophet, but sometimes I certainly would like to be.  God, through the prophets, pronounced judgment, justice, death, and captivity on His people because of their infidelity to Him when they worshipped molech and the other gods.  Are we any better, aborting our most innocent in the name of personal peace and prosperity? 

Not only are we killing the defenseless, but there is general corruption that is spread through every level of society.  The very rich are able to take advantage of every loop-hole and insider-trading opportunity, stealing from every tax-payer and share-holder.  The middle class values of self reliance and personal responsibility are rejected for the entitlement mentality and declining labor-force participation.  Our welfare system has incentivized people not to marry, for children to be born out of wedlock and has created a class of people whose purpose in life is to get the most from the public trough for the least.  Cases of public employee pension padding are rampant.  This kind of society cannot be sustained economically and will inevitably collapse.

The laws of God cannot be violated with impunity, over the long term, without reaping the natural consequences of our behavior.  We have worshipped the gods of pleasure, personal peace and prosperity and will reap poverty, sorrow, and perhaps, slavery.  I know these are not encouraging words, but I do believe the momentum of our slide to Perdition cannot be stopped apart from an act of God.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

THE WATCHMAN

So you, son of man, I have made a watchman for the house of Israel . . . (Ezekiel 33:7).

But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes, and takes any one of them; that man is taken in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand (33:6).

And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him (Hebrews 9:27-28).

It is certainly a Biblical principle that those who know of danger are required to warn those who are ignorant of it.  After the warning has been given, it is for each individual to decide what he will do with the warning; whether to heed it or disregard it.  If the warning is disregarded, at the very least, the blood of the warned will not be required of the watchman.

A Christian does not need to be an expert on the "end times" to know that judgement is certainly coming--it begins at our personal death.  One of the reasons the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news is that it is only through Him that we will find commendation rather than condemnation in judgement and escape eternal destruction.

One of the responsibilities of each Christian is to be a watchman.  Christians tend to talk so much of God's love that they do not speak much of God's justice.  We know, of course, that there is no love if there is no justice and justice requires judgment. 

Are you being faithful as a watchman?  When we were vacationing in Keystone, South Dakota, some Christians had placed on a billboard a verse from the prophet Amos, PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD (4:12). Many people were seeing it--I wonder how many were heeding it and making preparations.  Perhaps you could do something like the Christians of Keystone.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

SUCK IT UP!

Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:12-13).

There are times in this life when things do not go right, and one does not feel good.  When that is happening to you, just suck it up and just do it--do the right thing.  Stop whining, complaining and blaming and do the right thing.  The Hebrew Christians were being persecuted and the author of Hebrews had to remind them of their responsibility to remain faithful.  Sometimes we need to be reminded too, so suck it up!

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

HOME FROM VACATION

The apostles returned to Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.  And he said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while." For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat (Mark 6:30-31).

Every year Helen and I attempt to have a family vacation, but with busy and conflicting schedules, only son Tom and his family, wife Suzi, grandson, Alex and granddaughter, Samantha could go with us.  We rented a cabin near Terry Peak, in the Black Hills, for our "home base" during the week; the temperatures are much more mild at 7,000 feet. 

Though we have vacationed in the Black Hills of South Dakota several times, it is always inspiring to see the great stone faces. They certainly cause one to reflect on the values upon which our great country is founded.  We also visited the Black Hills of Wyoming, they are not all in South Dakota, and drove on to see the Devil's Tower.  The geological formations in the Black Hills area are inspiring too, turning one's mind to God's providence as He formed, and is forming, the earth.

Any thoughtful tourist cannot escape the unjust treatment of the Native Americans because the white man wanted their lands and the gold.  Reminders are everywhere.  That being said, I do not know how it could have been different.  When one culture invades another, there will be injustice and people will die--that is the sad verdict of history.  Greed and lawlessness always seem to overcome the rule of law--at least until the Lord returns.  As a result of being in the Black Hills, I bought a book called KILLING CUSTER, by James Welch.  It is a history of Custer's last stand, the battle of the Little Bighorn and the fate of the plains Indians.  I am about midway through the reading of the book.

It was a great vacation.  Long hikes and good conversation are good for the body and soul.  Seeing sights and visiting attractions are tough on the budget, but even the Lord thought that it is good to get away for a while.  I hope you can have a good vacation too.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

USE THE BIBLE REDEMPTIVELY, NOT LEGALISTICALLY

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.  Indeed, God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16-17).

These are some of the most well-known Scripture verses in the Bible, and arguably, could be the most profound, though the message is easily understood.  The God of the Bible is not a god who rejoices in the condemnation of anyone.  He is not a legalist looking for the tiniest infraction of the law so that someone can be condemned to eternal punishment.  Rather, God's purpose is to free us, to heal us, to pardon us, to forgive us.  This he has done through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the ministry of Holy Spirit.

If John 3:16-17 indicates why Jesus came, shouldn't it follow that this is the way Scripture should be used as we minister to people?  It is not our purpose to condemn people with Scripture, but to bring them to health and wholeness.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

TURNING ON, PLUGGING INTO, TAPPING INTO OR FLIPPING THE SWITCH TO TURN ON THE HOLY SPIRIT

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you . . . (Acts 1:8).

Now when Simon say that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the Apostles hands, he offered them money . . . (Acts 8: 18).

And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit ( II Corinthians 3:18).

This last week, the lovely and gracious Helen and I had occasion to go to the Christian bookstore in Sioux City.  While browsing the book shelves, I read a book title, "How to Tap into the Power of the Holy Spirit."  I have read that phrase and heard it by radio and TV evangelists so much that it made me want to throw up.  The book lost all credibility with me just in the title!

The Christian sensationalist preachers and teachers want you to believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is available on command.  They are the modern-day simonists who seek to profit from the Holy Spirit's power by implying that the right technique will connect you to Holy Spirit's power--turn on the right switch and Holy Spirit's power is yours.  Peter would tell them just as he told Simon, Your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for you heart is not right before God (Acts 8: 20-21).

The promise of God in his word is that when a person comes to faith in Christ and is baptized (Acts 2:38), not only would that person's sins be forgiven, but he would receive Holy Spirit as an indwelling presence.  This presence of the Spirit needs no tapping into or turning on.  It is simply a matter of relationship with God.  If we are in Christ, we can expect Holy Spirit to be working in our lives changing us to become more and more like Christ.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

IS CHURCH A SAFE PLACE?

Come to me all who labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light  (Matthew 11:28-30).

The lovely and gracious Helen and I spent last week at Christian Service camp as dorm parents to 5th and 6th grade, 11 and 12 year old, girls and boys.  It is our short-term mission that we do each year.  The boys come from all different kinds of homes, some from highly functioning Christian homes to homes where there is abuse, addictions and divorce.  So, our last night of the week, one of the boys came to me, telling me that he wished camp was not nearly over because, he said, "I feel safe here."  As we talked together, abuse at home was not indicated.  But, this set me to thinking about church being a safe place.  Providing a safe place for change is essential as people make themselves vulnerable to the life-changing power of God through Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.

God is not safe, He is dangerous, calling us to do things that we had never imagined ourselves doing.  Loving our enemies,  selling our fortunes and following Jesus, going to far-away lands to take the gospel, serving as a medical missionary, apologizing to a bitter foe, teaching 5th and 6th graders, etc.  Talk about danger and adventure!  Being a Christian is both safe and dangerous.  Are you ready for the challenge?

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

AUTUMN LIGHT

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

Summer has only just begun and yet I am already writing about autumn.  What triggered my thinking about autumn was when I was scouting my crops I was imagining what they would look like when September comes.  September and October are the most beautiful months of the year.  The maturity of the crops, the changing of colors, but to me, the quality of the sunlight changes too, the sunlight is more golden.  That has to do with the tilt of the earth towards the sun, I suppose, but it seems to me that autumn light has a quality that is not duplicated by any other season of the year.  Autumn light is the most beautiful light.

Then my thoughts turned to the seasons of life.  I am past the mid-point of my life expectancy, being officially a senior citizen, I am in the "autumn" of my life.  The light of our world is filtered through past experiences and relationships that tend to add color to that light.  The light of the seniors world can be harsh and bitter or it can be golden and peaceful, it depends on the eyes.  The eyes of faith make all the difference in how one sees the light: "The eye is the lamp of the body.  So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness.  If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness" (Matthew 6:22,23).

Through what kind of eyes are you viewing the world?  Faith in Christ, or belief in something else?  Don't miss the autumn light.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

YOU CANNOT DRAW ON RESOURCES YOU DO NOT HAVE

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be mad know to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

In the May/June issue of Psychology Today, in an interview with psychologist, David Schnarch, writer Pamela Weintraub reports:  And when you become your own person within a relationship, you leave room for someone else to do the same.  Instead of depending on a partner to help you manage your own feelings and maintain your equilibrium, you are free to be with your partner.  "You can offer your partner a hand instead of just your needs."  Schnarch goes on to emphasize, You have to learn to sooth your own discomfort, regulate your own emotions, and pursue your own goals. To stop being a drain on your partner and to handle problems on your own.

I liked the article and would recommend its reading, nevertheless, as a Bowenist*, Dr. Schnarch should understand that learning to sooth one's own discomforts is almost impossible.  I know that skills can be taught, but when stress levels increase, people will return to their old selves.  One cannot draw on resources he does not have.  That is the problem with a lot of approaches to therapy, people are asked to draw on resources they do not have.  Purpose and meaning cannot be drawn out of thin air.  Soothing one's own anxieties demands resources that one cannot generate within himself when stress becomes unbearable.

Generally, psychologists do not regard faith as being a legitimate approach to therapy, but trusting in God has helped many, many people deal with difficult marriages, anxiety, depression and addictions.  God is the source of the resources needed to sooth your own feelings and maintain your equilibrium so that you can be the kind of marriage partner who can help your spouse grow and your marriage flourish.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*I respect Dr. Bowen's work, but as an atheist, ultimately, he does leave those with a lot of undifferentiated ego mass without any real resources to deal with their problems.  Bowen does, for me, provide a good lense through which to diagnose and even to design treatment, but there has to be a resource from which strength is drawn, otherwise during periods of high stress a person will revert to his original condition.

MARRIAGE REQUIRES ONE TO BECOME AN ADULT

To the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.  If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him . . . But if the unbelieving partner desires to separate, let it be so; in such case the brother or sister is not bound.  For God has called us to peace(I Corinthians 7: 12-15).

A book could be written about these verses, but this is only a devotional, so I will only make one point: Marriage does require a person to become an adult. If a marriage is to succeed and flourish, each partner has to grow and mature.  Successful people are not static, staying the same throughout their lives.  It is inevitable that one of the partners will make the decision to grow.  When one spouse hears the call of God to become an adult, the other spouse is faced with these choices: 1) to become an adult, too, 2) to live with it, facing the possibility of becoming an adult, him/her self, or 3) to sabotage the growth by threatening to leave, or some other means of causing trouble in the family relationship.  The best way to help a marriage partner is not to surrender to the trouble, but to continue on the path of growing in faith, knowledge and personal responsibility.  If a spouse refuses to come along, not much else can be done to help him or her to mature and he or she will continue to live as a child in a world that desperately needs adults.

Our Father's Love,
Tom 

PUNISHING YOURSELF FOR YOUR OWN SINS? (A Communion Meditation)

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.  If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:7-9).

I was randomly searching for a communion meditation thought when I found a blurb from an old issue of Psychology Today.  The question was asked, "Does guilt cause people to punish themselves?"  There definitely is a correlation between the emotion of guilt and cutting/self mutilation, binge eating, self-sabotage and even suicide.

Brock Bastian, a psychologist at the university of Queensland, used this test to research the question, Does guilt cause people to punish themselves?  Dr. Bastian asked people if they had done something bad that made them feel guilty.  He asked them to write about it.  He asked each participant, if they felt guilty or not, to put their arm in ice water as long as they could stand it.  Then they could pull their arm out. 

This little test revealed that: 1) Those who felt guilty kept their arms in the ice water longer; 2) These same people rated the experience more painful, and 3) This experience of punishing one's self reduced the guilty person's perception of guilt.

What does this mean for communion?  There is no self-punishment that can pay for our sins.  Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us.  All the Lord requires is that sinful behavior be recognized and confessed, and it is forgiven; guilt is taken away.  Do not think that because one has suffered because of his sinful behavior he is less guilty.

The Lord's Table is the family table for Christians to gather around, confessing their sins.  They know that their guilt is taken away because of the ultimate gift of God in the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

*The book of I John was written to Christians; non Christians were not the primary audience.

PONYSHO

Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea (Exodus 15:18).

I went and did it.  I've always wanted to have a Mustang convertible with a V8 engine and some sweet sounding pipes, and it was like the Lord wanted me to have it too.  I had noticed this car before, sitting on a used car dealers lot, but I could never justify spending the money to buy a big-boy toy to play with.  I was returning from Helen's parent's house in Kansas, driving home alone. Driving through Lyndon, Kansas, I noticed that the Mustang convertible was still on the lot--a definite sign from God.  Still, I never would have stopped to check it out if I would have had a passenger--another sign.  I still drove past the used car lot, but I had this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach that I would regret not stopping to check it out--a third sign.  So, I turned around and went back.  The price on the care was about $1500 less than I expected--a 4th sign?  So with all these signs, who was I to say "no" to the Lord?  So, I bought the car, although I do not have it at home yet.

As a final note, the lovely and gracious Helen is OK with it, but I think it tested her a little.  And really, I was just teasing about all the signs from the Lord--but I think He might be OK with it too.  If I can make it work I will put up a picture of a Mustang exactly like the one I bought--I hope this doesn't turn out to be just another pony show.

Our Father's Blessings,

Tom

IN SORROW, CHRISTIANS HAVE HOPE

But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.  For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again . . . (I Thessalonians 4:13-14a).

The lovely and gracious Helen's dad passed away this morning.  Charles Huff's death is a great loss to the Tom Steele family.  Of course, Helen's dad had a great deal to do with Helen being the kind of woman I would want to be my wife and the mother of our children.  That fact alone made him an important man to me.  He was a very important grandfather role model and mentor to our children.  His influence was an important dynamic in the formation and function of our family; we will grieve his loss for quite sometime.

What I want each reader to understand is that in our family we believe that we have not seen the last of Charles Huff!  If one has ever touched a corpse, to possess a hope that the dead person will ever be seen alive again is quite audacious, to say the least.  Yet, based on the history of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is exactly what we believe.  Death is only sleep when Jesus Christ is around.  The Christian does not have to say, "Goodbye" to Charles, only, "So long, see you later."

Our Father's Love,
Tom

NEED A TOUCH?

When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."  And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." and immediately his leprosy was cleansed (Matthew 8:1-3).

This is only one of several times when Jesus touched the one whom he was healing.  We know from the Biblical record that touching was not essential to the healing process.  At Jesus' word, one could be healed even if he was not present, so it is easy to assume that physical touching was not necessary for physical healing.  So why did Jesus touch the leper when he healed him?

According to the law of Moses, a leper was to identify himself as a leper so that non lepers could keep their distance.  Leprosy was a communicable disease, so, as a result, a leper had to be quarantined from the healthy population.  This man with leprosy had probably not experienced very much compassionate human touching in his life and perhaps that is why Jesus included touching in the healing process.

I have never considered myself as a "touchy, feely" guy, and yet when Helen's (my lovely and gracious wife) and my schedules become extremely busy and there is not much touching time, I find myself becoming irritable for no apparent reason.  Touching is communication.  Proper touching is validation, saying, "You are important to me," or "I love you."

Christians are called to be like their master.  We should not be afraid to give a hug, a handshake or a pat on the back as we witness about the love of God and His Son, Jesus the Christ in our lives.  Do you need a touch?

Our Father's Love,
Tom

BE CAREFUL OF GENERICS

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you . . . (Hosea 4:6).

I always like to have a Scripture text with the blurbs that I write.  In this case it might be a little lame, but still, if we do not know something that is very important, we can really suffer because we did not know! 

This morning I was reading and article written by a child psychiatrist, Glen Havens, about child mental health and medications.  It was a very informative article, but one of the things that stood out to me was this: By Federal Drug Administration regulation, Generic compounds only have to be 70% as effective as the name brand to hit the market.  There can be significant variability in therapeutic benefit. I assume that this applies to all generic medications and not just psychotropics.  So, make sure you ask questions, and ask them again, and read labels so that you know what is the best decision to make in choosing between name brands and generics.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

CHRISTIANS GIVING TO THE LORD WHAT HE DOESN'T ASK FOR AND NOT GIVING TO HIM WHAT HE DOES ASK

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in reremembrance of me."  In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood.  Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes (I Corinthians 11:23-26).

As much as Helen and I enjoyed our trip to Kansas on Easter weekend, we left disappointed even though we were blessed by our visit.  The reason we were disappointed was the fact that we did not receive communion.  I thought it would be a certainty that communion would be offered in the Abbyville Community Church, but it was not.  They did do some special things for Easter, and there was a gospel message, but there was no communion.

Services were over in Abbyville early enough so that we could go to another church where friends of our worship.  They were having a rousing testimony time, but there was no communion.  It is interesting to me that we are willing to give to the Lord what He hasn't ask for, and we do not give to Him what He has specifically asked for.  He hasn't asked us to celebrate Easter--every Lord's day is to be "Easter" to the Christian--but we do not celebrate the Lord's Supper, which He has specifically asked us to celebrate.  The Lord never asked us to go and lead people to repeat the "Sinner's Prayer," but He has specifically asked us to go and baptize sinners into Jesus Christ.  It is twisted theology that has led to all of this, and I do not know how the Lord is going to deal with it in judgment, but we need to ask ourselves once in a while, "Am I giving to God something He has not asked for in place of something that He has asked?"

Celebrating communion is a Good Friday through Easter message like no other, and certainly, a testimony like no other.  Without communion we left Abbyville a little empty.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (I Corinthians 10:13).

Human beings are more alike than they are different.  Granted, there are almost infinite variations from person to person.  It has been said that there are no two snowflakes that are alike, so it is that there are no two people exactly alike.  Still, human beings are more alike than they are different.  That is why those who work in health care can devise treatment protocols that can bring therapy and healing to the human body.

In the areas of mental health and spiritual health it is no less true, we are more alike than we are different.  One of the dynamics of counseling with which the counselor almost always has to deal is the thinking on the part of the one being counseled is, "My case is different.  You might have helped others, but my situation is so different, you will never be able to help me."  But, the truth is, there is a sameness to our problems; they can be remedied if one is willing to accept the therapy.

We are people of flesh who live in the world.  Satan attacks us through the desires and needs of the flesh: food, sex, social relationships being some of the strongest avenues of attack.  Satan also attacks us through the philosophies of the world: pleasure, power, beauty and wealth being the most salient avenues.  Because we are more alike than different, we are all vulnerable to satan's attacks on us through one, or more, means of attack.

The way of escape begins before the attacks come.  Being close to God or Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, is the best way to thwart Satan's schemes from the very beginning.  In any case, trust this: God will not allow you to be tempted beyond which you are able to stand.  Stand firm, you will make it!  And never forget I John 1:9.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

A THOUSAND MILE DRIVE DOWN MEMORY LANE

Thus says the Lord; "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls" ( Jeremiah 6:16).

Helen and I drove to Kansas for the Easter break.  It was good to take care of business at Helen's parents and to get a clearer understanding of their life situation.  Being elderly people, their children need check on them fairly frequently.  We attended "Good Friday" services at the New Strawn Christian Church and renewed some old acquaintances there.  We spent Saturday cleaning and organizing around Dad & Mom's house and bid them farewell.

We were up and going at 5:30 Sunday Morning, driving from Burlington, Kansas to Abbyville, Kansas, arriving in time for morning worship.  Abbyville is the location of my first church when I started in the Christian ministry.  Though that was about 40 years ago, we still have dear friends there, one of them celebrating her 90th birthday.  She doesn't look a day over 70.  We spent the day visiting with our dear brothers and sisters in Christ, but by 6:00 p.m. we needed to begin the trip home to Iowa so I could make it to an appointment with the doctor on Monday.  We did a lot of driving and visiting in a short time, but it was a blessing to us.

When we commit our lives to serving the Lord and walking in His way, there will be hardship and difficulty, but looking back, the way is good.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

THE DRAWING POWER OF GOD'S LOVE

No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44).

. . . "and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself."  He said this to show by what death he was to die (John 12:32-33).

What is traditionally called Easter is the season when attention is drawn to the historical events that are the foundation of the Christian faith, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  If these events are not true, there is no faith, no hope and no love in the world.  That statement may sound extreme, but it simply means that if these events are not historical there is no God.  Faith is reduced to ritual. Hope is reduced to wishful thinking.  Love is reduced to altruism.  And, we are still in our sins.

The power that draws people to God is not some mystical irresistible tractor beam focused on a few whom God has arbitrarily chosen, but it is the power of love extended to all who will receive it.  If the good news of God's love will not move the human heart to surrender to Him, nothing else will.  Have a blessed Easter season.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

BELIEFS DETERMINE ACTIONS

As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 3:27).

Josh McDowell wrote an article in Christian Counseling Today called, "What Teens Believe."  He shared some of his research on the beliefs of teens who lack a basic biblical belief system.  I do not vouch for the accuracy of his research except to say that it sounds reasonable to me and that is why I'm sharing it with you.

Teens who lack a biblical belief system are:
1. 36% more likely to lie to a friend;
2. 48% more likely to cheat on an examination;
3. 200% more likely to steal;
4. 200% more likely to physically hurt someone;
5. 300% more likely to use illegal drugs;
6. 600% more likely to attempt suicide.

What someone thinks and believes does have consequences!

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

GOOD RELIGION

If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain.  Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:26-27).

Religion that makes you feel good without being good is not any good.*

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*A barb borrowed from Sword and Staff.

I RECEIVED A NICE COMPLIMENT, OR THE GOOD ABOUT GRAY HAIR

A hoary head (gray hair) is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life (Proverbs 16:31).

Every Monday, the Hy Vee super market in our area gives senior citizens a discount on what ever they buy, a senior citizen being anyone over 55.  As I was checking out this last Monday, the checker asked if I was a "senior."  I replied, "yes I am," I'm 64, "but thank you for asking."  The checker didn't intend to compliment me on my youthful good looks, she was just doing her job, but it certainly made me feel good, knowing that she felt like she needed to ask--it made my day.

I do not have gray hair yet.  As recently as the early 20th century the average life expectancy was only about 50 years.  That someone would live until their hair was gray was somewhat unusual.  The best way to live to the age a gray hair was to live a clean and righteous life.  Perhaps I will make it to "gray hair" and I hope you do too.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

WHAT WAY ARE YOU GOING?

Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off an evil odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.  A wise man's heart inclines him toward the right, but a fool's heart toward the left (Ecclesiastes 10:1-2).

The way of the Lord is on the right.  The way of man veers to the left.  The way of the Lord is personal responsibility for one's behavior.  The way of man is for society to accept responsibility for personal irresponsible behavior.  Certainly, it is a sign of a decaying society when it is demanded of the government, and church related institutions, that they pay the birth-control expenses of single women.  On this earth, there is no end to foolishness. 

Though the contraceptive issue is a cheap campaign ploy of the democrats in an attempt to say the Republicans have declared war on women, it does reveal the depths of depravity to which our culture is headed.  How much lower can it descend?  Let me think, we already kill babies in an attempt to solve our social problems, now free contraceptives.  Free drugs to keep each one happy while the economy sinks into oblivion?  I believe there is a strong connection of the general abandonment of personal responsibility to a sinking economy.  The costs of supporting personal irresponsibility are too enormous to overcome.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

THE NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS

And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25).

Some of the goals of marriage counseling are to improve communication, to increase understanding in each spouse, and to build conflict resolution skills.  While being successful in accomplishing these goals in marriage counseling is a good thing, nevertheless, healing will never be complete unless there is forgiveness.

When Jesus taught about forgiveness, he tended to frame it in financial terms, Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" he taught us to pray.  People are familiar with finance so it makes forgiveness a little more easy to understand when Jesus pictures forgiveness this way.  When a debt is forgiven, the note is put through the paper shredder; there is no longer a legal basis to hold the debtor accountable for his debt.  Though the debt might not be forgotten, it cannot be brought up again.

That two sinful people can be united in marriage and not hurt one another is nearly impossible and that is why forgiveness is so necessary.  Most of the time the hurts are minor, sometimes they are major, but always they will be sources of anger and conflict unless they are forgiven.  Forgiveness is a core value of being a Christian; to forgive is to love like God loves in Jesus Christ.

One of the hindrances to effective prayer is when forgiveness is withheld even when it is asked for.  God will not hear our prayers if we are not willing to forgive the one who has hurt us.

My understanding of Christian forgiveness is that it is not unconditional; there must be a change of mind which leads the offender to ask for forgiveness.  Sometimes there a pathological abusers out there who take advantage of forgiveness as a means of continuing the abuse and we must be wise in that regard.  Generally, asking for forgiveness implies a desire to change.  According to First John 1:9, forgiveness is conditioned on the offender recognizing that his behavior is sinful and, as a result, asks for forgiveness.

God loves each person; Jesus died on the cross for all!  The sins of every person are paid for in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ--while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  God stands willing to forgive anyone who recognizes their sin and embraces Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Apart from that, they stand unforgiven.  Likewise, we must be so ready to forgive that forgiveness is a foregone conclusion if one asks for it.

Our Father's Blessings and Love,
Tom

THE ACTIVITY OF SALVATION: BELIEVING IN DR. CHRIST

Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal.  Then they said to him (Jesus), "What must we do to be doing the works of God?"  Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he hath sent" (John 6: 27-29).

As I wrote in the Passivity of Salvation, salvation is something that only God can do to us--we cannot save our selves and make our selves whole!  The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for our sins is the only price that can be payed.  The ministry of Holy Spirit is the only power that can make us whole.

It is only a coincidence that the doctor who is the doctor in charge of treating my sickness literally has the surname, Christ.  It adds a nice touch to this devotional does it not?  Dr. Christ is in charge of the treatment, but if I do not believe in him, can he heal me? 

I do not show or feel any signs of the disease I have.  It was only by an annual physical that it was discovered.  I could say, "I'm doing okay, I do not need Dr. Christ."  But I have seen what this disease does to men, so I do not want to take the risk.  As a result, believing in Dr. Christ, I am willing to sign the consent form for treatment, follow his instructions, show up at the hospital at the appointed times for treatment.  If the treatment is successful, I will be extremely thankful to Dr. Christ, even though I will pay him very well, because I could not have healed myself!  If I did not believe in Dr. Christ, I would do none of those things.

If one truly believes in Jesus Christ, all that follows is a foregone conclusion.  The activity of salvation is believing in Dr. Christ.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

QUICK TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

(The Lord) who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalms 103:5).

We (Helen and I) just returned home from our annual President's Day holiday week-end trip to the great state of California to visit our grandchildren, Faith, Deacon and Parker and their wonderful parents, Rebecca and Kirk.  The weather was sunny and warm, a nice break from Iowa.  It was nice to see green grass and the almond trees blossoming!  The honey bees were out doing their job of spreading pollen around.

The state of California is truly the state of fruits & nuts.  The church my son-in-law serves is building an out door baptistry.  Since baptism is by immersion there has to be enough water to immerse a person under water.  The local officials couldn't decide if this would be a pond or a pool.  They finally decided that it would be a pool and, as a result, the church must post a "No Life Guard on Duty" sign on the baptistry.

It is a good thing to be connected to the family.  For children to be connected to the extended family gives them a source of meaning, purpose and self-esteem during their growing-years.  It is a blessing to grand parents too, keeping them young.  I think God intended to renew the strength of grand parents through their grand children.

The flights were uneventful this year, thank God, but those airplane seats are the most uncomfortable place to park one's "keester" since the steel tractor seat.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

THOUGHTS BEFORE I WENT UNDER: THE PASSIVITY OF SALVATION

And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).

You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ . . . (I Peter 1:18,19a).

When I was on the operating table waiting to be sedated, yesterday, I was thinking about the journey of physical healing I was beginning.  In purely human terms, the healing is coming from the doctor, nurses and hospital staff.  They provide the facility, expertise, medication and care needed for me to get well.  In my case, the doctor was doing a procedure on me that will make me well.  What would I be doing?  Nothing, (I had already signed the consent forms) except letting the doctor and staff work on me.  Then I thought, "Isn't that how salvation is, allowing the Divine healer to do his work in my life?" What is necessary for me to do is to sign the consent forms for treatment (Christian baptism) and to let go of the futile ways of the past.

I will have more to write about this in a following post.  For now, remember that Dr. God wants to heal your life if you will allow Him.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

AMERICAN PICKERS: A COMMUNION MEDITATION

You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ like a lamb without blemish or spot (I Peter 1:18-19).

One of the programs I enjoy watching on television is American Pickers--it's on the History Channel.  The "pickers" are Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who are from Iowa, incidentally, and they travel the United States looking for junk that is really treasure.  So, as they drive their van, they are looking for places that have lots of junk.  Finding one, they will ask the owner if they can look through their junk.  If they find some junk that is really a treasure, they will make an offer to buy that object for a certain amount of money, knowing they can re-sell that object for more money and make a profit on it. 

Mike & Frank are funny to watch, but their program reminds me of one of the basic principles taught in economics 101: An item is only worth what a buyer will pay for it.  Mike & Frank will not buy an object on which they cannot make a profit.  If the seller wants too much money for an item, then they simply move on. 

The point I want to make here is that God has established the value of every human being here by what He has paid for them.  God did not cheap out here, trying to redeem us, buy our salvation, with mere gold and silver, but He bought us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, His Son.  God's motive is not the profit motive; the reason God is so extravagant in the payment price is that He loves us as much as His very own Son who was sacrificed on the cross for you and me.

Our Father's Love
Tom

NARCISSISM: SELF-ESTEEM GONE TO SEED

For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think . . . (Romans 12:3).

Whether it is an over emphasis on self-esteem, or a misunderstanding of how to deal with low self-esteem, it certainly seems like we are raising more and more narcissistic and self-centered people.  Personal peace, happiness and prosperity are our chief values.  We tend to be, in our culture, more "I" centered than "we" centered.  Even among so-called low self-esteem people there are many times when they think, "rules are for other people, they do not apply to me."  As a result, there is a lot of out-of-control behavior by low self-esteem people.  Yes, low self-esteem people can be narcissistic.

What this means is that low self-esteem people are not always low self-esteem people.  It just means that, more often than not, they seem to be low self-esteem.  Low self-esteem is situation specific, it is not a constant.  At work one may act with great confidence and competence while in her social life she might be a blushing, stumbling "wall flower."  One of the tasks of the low self-esteemers is to identify the competencies they have and the beliefs they have that enable them to act in self-accepting ways, and try to strengthen them and expand them.

The opposite of low self-esteem is not self-centeredness, or narcissism, it is being comfortable with one's self and becoming what God created us to be.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

SELF-ESTEEM AND CONFIRMATION BIAS

. . . and you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free (John 8:32).

There are no truly objective researchers.  Any researcher who has set forth a hypothesis tends to favor evidence that confirms his hypothesis.  That is the definition of confirmation bias.  Not only is confirmation bias a problem for researchers, it is a problem for ordinary people too.  If a person has come to the conclusion that he or she is worthless and has little to offer in terms of beauty, talent, intellect or finance, then that person only selects evidence that supports his conclusion.  If one is told he is ugly, stupid, fat, clumsy and will not amount to anything enough, he will believe it. 

In many cases, people with low self-esteem cannot be reasoned out of it.  There's an old counselor story about a man, "John," who came to the counselor believing he was dead.  The counselor reasoned with the man for most of the session, but then he finally used this argument when he asked the client, "John, do dead men bleed?" John replied, "no."  So, the counselor gave John a needle and asked him to prick his finger.  John did as the counselor asked and blood came from his finger.  Then the counselor said, "See, John, you are alive because dead men do not bleed."  Then John said, "Well what do you know, dead men do bleed!"

In dealing with depression and low self-esteem, this phenomena of confirmation bias is not easily dealt with, but the solution is always the truth.  Dr. Chris Thurman wrote a book called, The Lies We Believe.  It would be worthwhile reading for anyone dealing with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.  Daily we are surrounded with messages about self-worth that are lies.  The antidote to that is bathing in the truth every day.  How do your beliefs and values line up with the sound teachings of the Bible?  Low self-esteem does not cause false beliefs, rather, the lies we choose to believe cause low self-esteem.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*There is an emotional component to low self-esteem that makes it so difficult to remedy.  One additional facet of treatment is to fellowship with those who live the truth--those with healthy self-esteem.

THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM: GUILT AND SHAME

Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons (Genesis 3:7).

Adam and Eve had just eaten the fruit that God had told them specifically not to eat.  Guilt is a legal term.  If one violates the law, he is guilty of it.  Shame is the feeling of worthlessness that one should have as a result of violating the law.  Adam and Eve felt the shame, and therefore, sewed fig leaves together to cover their nakedness.  Verse 8 of Genesis 3 tells us that they then tried to hide from God.  Their actions indicated their shame--shame accompanies sin.

I've often wondered if all the tattoos that men and women cover themselves with these days are attempts to cover the shame they feel.  Perhaps that is a subject for research.  Guilt and shame are not always the cause of low self-esteem, but much of the time they are.  If one is suffering from low self-esteem, it is worth taking some time to probe around in the past to see if there are some "Adam & Eve" moments of unfaithfulness and disobedience that have been covered in psychological fig leaves that need to be uncovered.

Shame is the feeling of worthlessness that results from wrong-doing, real or imagined.  Those suffering from shame must remember that the value of any object is always established by the one who purchases it.  Think about it, God has established your worth by purchasing you with the precious blood of his only Son, Jesus Christ!  Regardless of your sin, guilt and shame, your worth has been established by God (John 3:16-17).

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM: SELF-CARE

Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.  On it you shall not do any work . . . (Exodus 20:9,10).

The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath . . . (Mark 2:27).

It should be noted that Christians are no longer under the Sabbath law (Colossians 2:16-23) but there remains a principle of rhythmic rest and worship that refreshes our hearts and bodies enabling us to face life with confidence.  Christians celebrate the Lord's Day, the day of Christ's resurrection, on a weekly basis, resting from nonessential labors to fellowship with sisters and brothers in Christ, worship and reflect on the author of creation and salvation, Jesus Christ. When these most-important matters are observed, a person is blessed and refreshed.

Many people suffer from low self-esteem because they violate this principle of regular rest and worship.  It is difficult to have positive self-esteem if one is chronically tired.  Chronic weariness and pain have a role in causing depression, while rest and worship refresh the heart.  A person with materialistic values believes he, or she, only has value because of what he, or she, produces.  As a result, there is an idolatry of work, and workers drive themselves beyond limits, becoming anxious, irritable and exhausted.

The sabbath principle was made for human beings so that they can see and appreciate who they really are.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

THOUGHTS ABOUT SELF-ESTEEM

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).

I'm sharing some thoughts on self-esteem at the request of a reader and because there is a need for understanding self-esteem at this time.  My basic understanding of self-esteem is based in theology, for it is God who gives value to human beings; human beings do not have the final word on the worth of themselves.

Self-esteem may be defined as the feeling we experience as the result of self-appraisal or appraisal by others.  This appraisal is either positive of negative; if negative, we usually feel depreciated, deficient, and depressed; if positive, we usually feel elevated, enthusiastic, and exuberant.  Thus, positive self-appraisal is crucial to our well being.  Negative appraisal from others is less threatening if we can appraise ourselves positively (Bruce Parmenter, 1986).*

We are not the final authority on our own self-worth, nor is the appraisal of others the final word on our own self-worth.  The feelings and the values of the appraiser, the glasses through which they view the world, distort the truth of the value of another human being.  Do not allow the criticisms of others, or your own negative self-talk and feelings conquer the truth.  God says you are created in his image, thus your dignity, value and nobility are established!

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*Bruce Parmenter was a seminary professor of mine, and a friend.  He wrote a book called, What the Bible Says About Self-Esteem.  Many of his thoughts will be reflected in this series of self-esteem.

YOGI'S WISDOM

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going; how can we know the way?"  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me . . ." (John 14:5-6).

Yogi Berra* had a way of expressing himself that is truly unique--funny, but profound.  This saying credited to him was reproduced in a church news-letter.  It reminded me of the cited text above.  I just had to share it: If you don't know where you're going you'll end up somewhere else!  I have a feeling Jesus would laugh and would agree completely.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*When I was a boy, Yogi Berra was an all-time great catcher for the New York Yankees baseball team.  I was a Yankee fan.

METOPROLOL* FOR THE SOUL

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).

I receive a health news-letter from Dr. Andrew Weil.  In today's letter he cited a Norwegian study about the correlation between church attendance and lower blood pressure: A large new study from Norway suggests that the more time men and women spend in church, the lower their blood pressure.  Earlier research in the U.S. suggested a similar association between church attendance and blood pressure, but the Norwegian researchers didn't expect to see the same thing in their country.  In Norway only about 4% of the population attends church while in the United States about 40% of the population attends church on a weekly basis.

I do not recommend that people start attending church so that it will improve their health.  The reason people should attend church is because the gospel of Jesus Christ is true--immediate salvation or eternal punishment await.  The lower blood pressure, that results from having faith in Christ, is one of the immediate blessings of salvation.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*Metoprolol is a blood-pressure medication.

A LITTLE GOOD NEWS

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 (John 3:16 my memory version).

He who does not love remains in death.  Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer . . .(I John 3:14-15).

Any who have followed this blog know that I had a Carpenter's CD playing in my F-150 farm truck for about a week.  I gave it up.  Making a long story short, I happened upon an Ann Murray CD.  I have had that one playing in the truck for a while now, too.  I guess those old love songs make this old man a little sappy, especially when they are sung by the next silkiest, smoothest voice ever, Ann Murry.  On this CD is an interesting song called, A Little Good News.

Gospel literally means, good news.  The good news is that God has provided a means of salvation for ALL in Jesus Christ.  It is through this salvation that hearts are changed and lives are changed so that we can love our enemies and help the disadvantaged.  As hearts and lives are changed for Jesus, the world is changed.  Isn't that a little good news?

In closing, I'd like you to consider that there are approximately 1.9 billion people* on this earth who have not heard the gospel for the first time.  There are approximately 1.4 billion people who live on less than $1.25 a day.  There's a great need out there yet for a little good news.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*Statistics are from the Foster Report in the Christian Counseling Connection, a periodical of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

ADDENDUM TO CALLING MIKE LEDGEWOOD

When I look at the heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast established; what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou doest care for him? (Psalms 8:3-4).

In a universe of a billion trillion stars, not counting the planets, it seems that there should be life out there somewhere to contact.  In fact, some scientists have asked the question, "Where is everybody?" due to the high probability that there are other earth's out there where conditions are similar to ours so that life could have evolved.  Some, like Carl Sagan, have advanced the notion that the reason we have not encountered extra-terrestial aliens is because there is a "high probability that advanced civilizations destroy themselves."* That appears to be the destiny of planet earth.  From weapons biological to nuclear weapons falling into the hands of secular dictators and the moon-worshippers obsessed with death, there is the potential for us to do ourselves in and civilization erased from planet earth unless there are "interstellar policemen."

 God chose to create life in one place, on planet earth.  On this spec of dust in the universe, God chose to create man.  If life is found somewhere else, so be it, but I believe the silence in the universe is intended to show us that life cannot spontaneously come from non life.  It is only on earth that God has created us with free will to live our lives and make choices.  Materialists are desperate to find life elsewhere in the universe because the alternative is God and the notion of a God to whom we are accountable is unacceptable.  That we find ourselves in this mess on planet earth is because we have chosen to ignore our Creator and go our own way.

The "interstellar policemen" are coming, and all things will be made right.

Our Father's Warnings,
Tom

*From a column by Charles Krauthammer, Are we alone in the Universe?

CALLING MIKE LEDGEWOOD

The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and evil doers, and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.  He who has ears, let him hear (Matthew 13:41-43).

Anyone who knows who Mike Ledgewood is either actually knows a person named Mike Ledgewood or has been listening to too much of the Carpenter's music.  I am the latter.  My Ford F-150 farm truck has a dynamite sound system.  My wife left a Carpenter's CD in the counsel.  Last week it finally made it into the CD player and I have been listening to the silky-smooth voice of Karen Carpenter for about a week now--Okay, okay, I promise I will give it a rest.  It is unbelievable that it has be nearly 30 years since her passing.*

Anyway, there is a fun song on the CD that is the anthem of  world contact day called, Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft. 

If you took the time to listen you now know who Mike Ledgewood is--the guy on the phone to the DJ announcer.  I've always wondered if the name Mike Ledgewood is symbolic of something, or if it was a name plucked out of thin air.  One of the things that has always interested me about the song is the assumption that space aliens are friendly and that they are "interstellar policemen."  Is there an innate desire in human beings to have order imposed on them by extra-terrestials with super natural power?

The Bible speaks of a day when, at the Lord's command, the archangel, Michael (Mike Ledgewood?), will lead the angels in the harvest of the earth, first taking wickedness, and those who cause it, out of the earth.  These are the true "interstellar policemen."  Are you ready for contact day?

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*I have always been a Carpenter's fan.  See the Feb. 26, 2010 posting about another Carpenter's song, Goodbye to Love.

THOUGHTS ABOUT LEADERSHIP

Where there is no guidance, a people falls . . . (Proverbs 11:14).

Farm Journal television interviewed Barry Posner, author of a book called, The Truth About Leadership and I happened to watch that interview at five in the morning.  Posner shared four essential qualities for leadership a person must possess if he/she is to lead: 1) To be a leader one must be honest and possess integrity.  A lie is generally not hidden for ever; the truth comes out eventually so that a person's ability to lead is seriously compromised, if not ended.  Politicians are great illustrations of this point.

2) To be a leader one must possess vision.  Where is it that the leader wants to take those who follow?  Much of the time leader want-to-be's do not have followers because they have no clear vision of where they want to go and cannot articulate how to get there.

3) To be a leader one must be inspiring.  This is a quality of leadership that is a gift and not all people possess it to the same degree though most people possess it to some degree.  Charisma, achievement, power, position and relationships are inspirational qualities, but, it seems to me that there is an intangible quality to this quality of leadership.  Charisma might come the closest in describing it, but there are some who are recognized as leaders simply by how they carry themselves with self confidence and personal authority.

4). To be a good leader, one must be competent.  Each of us is a leader to somebody, so each of us has to make the effort to become as knowledgeable and skillful as we can be.  Good leadership does not just happen.  One has to be intentional about becoming the best leader he/she can be because there are many who are watching . . . And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit (Matthew 15:14).

5)  Dr Posner did not include this one as necessary for leadership, but the Lord did: . . . and the leader as one who serves (Luke 22:26). Leadership is about love and service.  I have almost no hope that our politicians will ever get it.  They call themselves public servants while enriching themselves in political office, acting like kings and nobles while fleecing the citizens of the United States.  Being a servant is leadership by example, teaching by behavior.

You will lead someone in 2012. Do what it takes to become the best leader you can be.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT: WHAT HEAVEN IS LIKE OR KNOWING THE ONE WHO MADE HEAVEN?

For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him (John 3:17).

Recently, I have had occasion to think about heaven more.  I've wondered why God does not tell us more of what heaven will be like--perhaps more people would desire to go there if they had a clearer picture of heaven.  We all want to go to heaven, but if the Lord is getting a bus load up today, maybe we will want to take a later bus.

I was thinking about this as I was reading the Bible this morning and decided that what is really important is not so much the destination, but who one will be with at the destination.  If one is a disciplined reader of the Bible, then one will get a clearer picture of the nature of the Creator, Redeemer, Father, Brother and Friend with whom we will spend eternity.  Anywhere will be Heaven if they are there.  Anywhere will be hell if they are not.

The Christmas story reveals the nature of our God.  I hope you spend this Christmas getting to know the One who truly loves you.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

IS TEBOW A HERO?

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38).

For my non-American readers, Tim Tebow is a professional football player, quarterback of the Denver, Broncos.  Since Tebow has been elevated to the starting quarterback, the Broncos have won six games in a row, vaulting the team to first place in the western division.  For the Tom Steele family, this has been a wonderful thing because we have been Denver fans since we lived in Colorado--about 35 years.

What has made Tebow such a subject of controversy is that he is a devout Christian and is not afraid to let others know about his faith.  He is not an "arrogant twit" about it, but seems to be the real deal; he is quite refreshing.  Actually, Tebow is not the greatest athlete in the world, but he is a great one and he seems to have this intangible quality about him that is more than leadership, it is about inspiring the players around him to play better than they are otherwise able; Larry Bird is one of the few other professional athletes who had this gift.

The criticism, mocking and shaming that have been directed towards Tebow have not seemed to affect him at all; he still stands firmly for the Lord.  Some have suggested that if real bullets were being shot at Tebow he wouldn't be so brave.  I think just the opposite, standing for the the Lord in spite of the onslaught of very public criticism indicates real courage that would be steady under fire.

What about you?  Do you have the courage to take the stand that Tebow has?

Go Tebow!  Go Broncos!

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

DID JESUS LAUGH OR DOES GOD HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR?

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27).

The short answer is yes, even though the Bible does not speak of Jesus, God become flesh, as laughing. In the New Testament Jesus wept, but it does not say, "Jesus laughed." In the Old Testament it is recorded that God laughs, but it is a laugh of derision, not a belly laugh of humor.  So how can I say that Jesus did laugh and that God does have a sense of humor?  First and foremost, human beings have a sense of humor and laugh.  I believe because human beings are created in the image of God, I infer from that truth that because humans have an innate sense of humor and laugh, then the God who created us in His image, must have a sense of humor and laugh too.  How could we survive in this sinful world without humor?  A lot of humor comes from the shared experience of the struggle of living in this world.

All of us laugh.  If we do not laugh then we are struggling with twisted theology or mental illness because clean joking and laughing are hallmarks of health.  I know that in the world of theology there are those who believe the fall of Adam caused the total depravity and that depravity completely obscures the image of God so that what is seen in the natural man is only depravity; even if a natural person does something apparently good it was from an evil motive.

I believe in original righteousness, not in original sin.  There is no question that the fall of Adam does obscure the image of God in our lives, but not completely.  God's image, original righteousness, does shine through the clouds once in a while and allows people to do noble things, to cheer each other up, and to laugh.  I wonder if when Jesus was eating with sinners or hanging around children he told a joke or two and laughed.  There are some stories in the New Testament that, I believe, cannot be properly interpreted without the humor factor.

It is interesting that hell is described as a place of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, and it is never said there is laughter there.  In contrast, it is said that in Heaven there are no tears, grief, pain or death, but it does not say laughter will be taken away!  It appears to me that Heaven will be a place where there is lots of love and laughter.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

FEELING TRAPPED?

So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchia, the king's son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes.  And there was no water in the cistern, only mire, and Jeremiah sank in the mire (Jeremiah 38:6).

I have been reading through Jeremiah.  For some unknown reason, as I read this verse, I thought about the clients who have spoken of feeling trapped in their marriages, jobs and even their lives.  It's funny how a single verse can trigger such thoughts--humm.

Sometimes being trapped is not one's own fault.  Being trapped can come through simply being faithful, as Jeremiah was a faithful prophet for God.  In those situations, one can, at the very least, have a clear conscience about the situation; it goes a long way toward helping one sleep at night!  Of course, if it is true that one is trapped because he/she was being faithful to God's word, then God will also make a way out; Jeremiah was pulled from the cistern.

Most of the time, feeling trapped and/or being trapped is of our own doing; we make the prisons that imprison us.  I am not blaming here because we all make mistakes and errors in judgement that are not intentional, but, nevertheless, form the bars of our prison cells. It should go without saying that  intentional sins have the same result.

Feeling trapped is hopeless anxiety.  It is the feeling that a situation will never change and there is nothing I can do about it; I have no resources or power to bring about change.  If one believes in the God of the Bible, he/she already has resources to deal with a hopeless situation, even one of our own making.  God is our Redeemer, paying the price for freedom from the prisons in which we find ourselves.

So the place to begin is prayer, asking God's help to see and understand.  Sometimes the prisons in which we find ourselves are not prisons at all, it is just a matter of perspective.  Reframing a situation can make all the difference in the world.  If one can meaning in imprisonment, one can find, not only the strength to persevere, but to flourish.  It can be that those in a literal prison can be the most free people, the apostle Paul being an example, because there is meaning in the imprisonment.

The prisons of addiction are the most difficult to deal with, not only because of the dysfunctional family dynamics that form much of the prison, but because of altered body chemistry and brain dysfunction.  Even with God's help, it is a tough way out.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (II Corinthians 3:17-18).

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

CHARACTER FORMATION/SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (II Corinthians 3:17-18).

The goal of character and spiritual formation is Christ-likeness.  It is foolish to think that this can be accomplished by pastors, parents, teachers, counselors, coaches and their methods alone.  Without the dynamic of Holy Spirit, it is futility to think that we can accomplish more than Pavlovian responses from those in our charge.  So, character/spiritual formation has to begin with prayer!

People are more than animals, they are also spiritual beings.  John Rosemond, in an article called, Children, Rats and Mazes, pointed out: . . . the principles that govern the behavior of a rat do not govern the behavior of a human being.  A rat is subject to the force of reward and punishment.  A human is not.  Reward a child for obedience and he is likely to turn right around and disobey the first chance he gets.  Punish a child for misbehaving and the misbehavior may get worse.  This is not because the child carries a gene that makes him impervious to "normal forms of discipline."  It is because of all the species on the planet, only human beings are capable of acting deliberately contrary to their best interests, even when they know where their best interests lie.  While I do not know the faith-perspective of Dr. Rosemond, I do know that what he has said is consistent with Biblical revelation.  I also infer from Dr. Rosemond's quote that external circumstances are not determiners of behavior, only dynamics.  It means that a person has it in his power to act completely different from what powerful family and work dynamics seem to dictate. 

The purpose of spiritual/character formation is not for the glory and convenience of the parents, pastors or life coaches, but it is for the glory of God and the good of those in whom the character of Holy Spirit is to be formed.  It is important to mention this because properly behaving children make life much easier for parents, but good behavior is not for the parent's convenience, it is for the welfare of the children in this life and the life to come.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

COMMUNION MEDITATION FOR THANKSGIVING

. . . and if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

On the Saturday night after Thanksgiving, Helen and I were driving home from Kansas after having celebrated the holiday with Helen's side of the family.  Making an effort to keep me awake and knowing I was scheduled to have the Communion meditation the next day, she asked me, "What are you planning for a Communion meditation?"  I said, "I've been thinking about Revelation 20:15," and then I quoted the scripture to her.  I can't remember the exact words Helen used, but she strongly implied that she thought I was being excessively negative.  However, I went ahead and did do the meditation based on that text.

The truth is that the most important blessing that we have for which to give thanks is the pardon and forgiveness we have because of the incarnation, crucifixtion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; that is good news!  God has warned us about the wrath to come: . . . Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come (I Thessalonians 1:10).  Consider also Romans chapter 5 verse 9: Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 

During the Thanksgiving season we often make an attempt to make a list of things for which we are thankful.  Prominent on that list should be the salvation we have in Christ Jesus because we are able to look to our own coming death with peace and hope because of him!

The wrath of God has been the subject of many theological debates, but what is undebatable is the existence of hell and that people outside the protection of Christ will find that as their destination.  Thankyou, Father, for Jesus Christ.

Our Father's Love,
Tom

CHARACTER FORMATION, NOT BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

The following is an interesting quote from a column by Dr. John Rosemond: "The term 'behavior modification' has been a distraction because it implies that the discipline of a child is all about proper behavior.  In fact, the discipline of a child is all about shaping his or her character. Proper behavior will follow of its own accord."*
I will add my own "AMEN" to this, and if I have time, follow up on it later.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

*I read this in the http://www.jewishworldreview.com

FOR THE HEAVEN OF IT

And the tongue is a fire.  The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell (James 3:6, emphasis mine).

Sometimes, listening to the tractor radio stimulates my thinking as I work.  Listening to a sports broadcast or call-in show, it is not uncommon to hear it said, "That was a helluva play," or "he's a hell of a coach."  But, if one stops to think about it, those descriptions meant to be complimentary are anything but complimentary.  Hell is a place for those with no positive self-discipline; there is only excellence in evil.  Hell is a place for the destructive.  Hell is a place for the self-centered, there are no team players in hell.  Hell is the capital city of evil, destruction and torment.  I never want it to be said about me, "He's a hell of a guy," though there have been times when that statement would have been true.  Thank you, Jesus, for making it not true!!!

Think about it.  God's people should be the toughest competitors because they can persevere.  They are tough because they are willing to do what it takes to become the best they can be.  More than anybody, God people practice teamwork, working together to bring about success for each member, not just for one's self.  God's team is not a team of individual stars, but a team made up of people who serve each other.  Heaven's team practices teamwork, hell's team is individual stars out for their own glory.

Perhaps it is because there is no single syllable word for Heaven, that Heaven has not achieved the same popularity as hell, but I really believe that the lost really enjoy spitting at God and raising hell, not Heaven.  What team are you part of: Heaven's or hell's?  Your language indicates the team you are cheering for.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

THERE IS NO TEACHING, ONLY LEARNING

This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand (Matthew 13:13).

My wife, the lovely and gracious Helen, is an educator.  She has spoken to me often of the frustrations of teaching children who are unprepared to learn and who do not want to learn.  This is not only true of children, but also of adults.  In a news letter I receive, the author spoke of his frustration with adults who would not accept new concepts of investing.  That frustration prompted him to say, "There is no teaching, only learning."  He went on to say that one must be emotionally prepared to learn before learning can take place.  An old school board member who wanted to keep teachers in their place used to say, 'No teaching has been done if the students haven't learned.'  There is enough truth in it so his premise sounds logical, but the truth is, if one refuses to learn, no teaching can make him learn; "My mind is made up, do not confuse me with the facts."

Is our culture emotionally preparing our children to learn?  If one studies the demographics of our country it will be found that parents are pursuing more self-satisfying lives rather than lives that are in the best interest of their children.  With those kinds of parents, how can children be prepared to learn?  Our problems in education are more of a crisis of culture than any lack of money.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom