For as he thinks within himself, so he is (Proverbs 23:7).
I was in the cow/calf and cattle feeding business for 25 years. In 1994 I entered the hog finishing business, so I know a few things about livestock. Last night Helen and I came home from a church social to find a couple of pigs wandering around in our back yard. I made a quick inspection of the hog building while Helen called the two brothers who own the pigs--I needed their help to get them back in the building. When they arrived they were very gentle as they moved the pigs, as a matter of fact, instead of chasing the pigs, they led the pigs into the building. Helen told me, "they made it look too easy." Being full of picnic supper, there is no way I could have done it myself, but these guys are true hogmen, working with those pigs in a fashion that was inspirational to me. However, having said all said all that, it is still cowboys that they write songs about, not hogmen.
Way back in 2006 our little church (attendance averages in the 90's) in Sutherland, Iowa stepped out in faith and built a gymnasium, classroom and kitchen addition to the church building at a cost of $300,000.00. It was the goal of the elders of our congregation (I am one of them) to pay off the facility in 5 years. This is the fifth year and we still had $70,000.00 to go. It was going to take a minor miracle to pay the balance, but it is a matter that we have been praying about for 5 years. So, last week, a man walked into our local bank that financed the project and wrote out a check for $80,000.00 to pay off the bank note. Praise the Lord!!! Rumor has it that it was a cowboy.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
FAITH AND ANXIETY
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6b-7).
Having ranched cattle for 25 years, I know there is a genetic component to anxiety. An anxious cow will give birth to an anxious calf and they are easy to spot. When a human being comes near the herd, their heads are the first ones up; they are hypervigillent. They are the first ones to run and are the ones who will attempt to jump the fence no matter how strong or high it is. Not only is there a genetic component to anxiety, there is an environmental component too. In the cow herd, the ones who tend to have more calm dispositions will tend to follow the lead of the anxious cow or calf; anxiety is contagious. In the cow-calf business, we want to "put wheels under" the anxious critters, hauling them off to the livestock auction, so that the whole herd doesn't become infected with anxiety.
Even though people are created in the image of God, these principles still apply because we are fleshy too, although we are not going to haul anyone off the livestock auction. Coping with anxiety is a responsibility given to human beings, though this is one of the most difficult responsibilities we face, especially if one is genetically disposed to be anxious, it seems as if anxiety is normal life; this can also be true for one raised in an anxious environment as well. Yet our bodies and our relationships tell the story of a life filled with stress: chronic illnesses, a string of broken relationships, addictions, sleepless nights are some of the tell-tale signs of of the role anxiety is playing in our lives.
I consider myself to be an anxious person because some of the classic symptoms of anxiety characterize my life. Nevertheless, the thing that helps me to cope with my anxiety is sound theology; it is the truth of Scripture that gives me comfort. Good Bible study, faith, prayer and meditation, in almost every case, ameliorates anxiety.
Find a group of healthy Christians with whom to fellowship--this should be a matter of prayer. There are some who are so ridged and legalistic with the Bible, and as a result, so judgemental, that they actually increase anxiety. Sound theology increases health, not anxiety or laxity. To me, it is an interesting phenomenon that people seem to follow an anxious leader, for instance, "We have to do something about global warming now or life as we know it is doomed." Sound theology says human life will be going on about normally at the Lord's sudden return. He is coming. Are you prepared to meet Him? That question might raise the anxiety level a little, but it shouldn't. The Lord has made us for Himself and if we find our rest in Jesus Christ, the Lord's return is a comforting thought.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Having ranched cattle for 25 years, I know there is a genetic component to anxiety. An anxious cow will give birth to an anxious calf and they are easy to spot. When a human being comes near the herd, their heads are the first ones up; they are hypervigillent. They are the first ones to run and are the ones who will attempt to jump the fence no matter how strong or high it is. Not only is there a genetic component to anxiety, there is an environmental component too. In the cow herd, the ones who tend to have more calm dispositions will tend to follow the lead of the anxious cow or calf; anxiety is contagious. In the cow-calf business, we want to "put wheels under" the anxious critters, hauling them off to the livestock auction, so that the whole herd doesn't become infected with anxiety.
Even though people are created in the image of God, these principles still apply because we are fleshy too, although we are not going to haul anyone off the livestock auction. Coping with anxiety is a responsibility given to human beings, though this is one of the most difficult responsibilities we face, especially if one is genetically disposed to be anxious, it seems as if anxiety is normal life; this can also be true for one raised in an anxious environment as well. Yet our bodies and our relationships tell the story of a life filled with stress: chronic illnesses, a string of broken relationships, addictions, sleepless nights are some of the tell-tale signs of of the role anxiety is playing in our lives.
I consider myself to be an anxious person because some of the classic symptoms of anxiety characterize my life. Nevertheless, the thing that helps me to cope with my anxiety is sound theology; it is the truth of Scripture that gives me comfort. Good Bible study, faith, prayer and meditation, in almost every case, ameliorates anxiety.
Find a group of healthy Christians with whom to fellowship--this should be a matter of prayer. There are some who are so ridged and legalistic with the Bible, and as a result, so judgemental, that they actually increase anxiety. Sound theology increases health, not anxiety or laxity. To me, it is an interesting phenomenon that people seem to follow an anxious leader, for instance, "We have to do something about global warming now or life as we know it is doomed." Sound theology says human life will be going on about normally at the Lord's sudden return. He is coming. Are you prepared to meet Him? That question might raise the anxiety level a little, but it shouldn't. The Lord has made us for Himself and if we find our rest in Jesus Christ, the Lord's return is a comforting thought.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, August 20, 2011
DEALING WITH PANIC
Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you (I Peter 5:7).
These days it is easy to panic. With the financial situation being what it is, many are losing their retirement savings at a time when they are old and not able to work. Unemployment is much higher than the government reports so many are in very difficult situations. I could go on and on, but my point is that many people find themselves in situations beyond their control and that is one of the factors that leads to panic. (Panic Attacks Can They Be Stopped? ; John C. Thomas, Christian Counseling Today; Vol. 16 no. 2).
Another factor that leads to panic is simply genetic disposition; it's just in the genes. Dr. Thomas, mentions it in his article. A quick internet search seems to verify it. In studies of identical twins, forty percent of the time if one twin develops panic disorder, the other will develop it in short order (about.com). Genetic disposition is a cornerstone of Dr. Murray Bowen's family evaluation, too. He believed that anxiety is genetically transmitted. There is a theory among medical researchers that an imbalance of neurotransmitters, serotonin, norepinepherine and gammaminobutyric acid, play a large role in this.
So what is one to do? It seems hopeless. 1. Read the Bible, pray, meditate, fellowship with healthy Christian people and do not neglect worship.
2. Do not allow yourself to be shamed because you have panic attacks--God still loves you. A number of pastors have called anxiety and panic sins because if one trusts the Lord enough there is no room for anxiety. What is important to remember here is that God is here in the time of panic and he still cares for us.
3. One of the strategies for dealing with panic is to embrace it. I have read from several different sources about this technique: When in the midst of an attack, actually speak to it saying, "Is this all you've got? Give me some more! Because of Jesus I can take all that you can give me!" One of the factors that give panic attacks their power is the fear of having another one. If that fear is taken away then the number of incidents will dramatically decrease.
4. As always, diet and exercise are factors too, eating and drinking nutritiously, staying fit and getting adequate rest.
5. Though this might be a bit repetitious, enjoy God, He cares for you!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
These days it is easy to panic. With the financial situation being what it is, many are losing their retirement savings at a time when they are old and not able to work. Unemployment is much higher than the government reports so many are in very difficult situations. I could go on and on, but my point is that many people find themselves in situations beyond their control and that is one of the factors that leads to panic. (Panic Attacks Can They Be Stopped? ; John C. Thomas, Christian Counseling Today; Vol. 16 no. 2).
Another factor that leads to panic is simply genetic disposition; it's just in the genes. Dr. Thomas, mentions it in his article. A quick internet search seems to verify it. In studies of identical twins, forty percent of the time if one twin develops panic disorder, the other will develop it in short order (about.com). Genetic disposition is a cornerstone of Dr. Murray Bowen's family evaluation, too. He believed that anxiety is genetically transmitted. There is a theory among medical researchers that an imbalance of neurotransmitters, serotonin, norepinepherine and gammaminobutyric acid, play a large role in this.
So what is one to do? It seems hopeless. 1. Read the Bible, pray, meditate, fellowship with healthy Christian people and do not neglect worship.
2. Do not allow yourself to be shamed because you have panic attacks--God still loves you. A number of pastors have called anxiety and panic sins because if one trusts the Lord enough there is no room for anxiety. What is important to remember here is that God is here in the time of panic and he still cares for us.
3. One of the strategies for dealing with panic is to embrace it. I have read from several different sources about this technique: When in the midst of an attack, actually speak to it saying, "Is this all you've got? Give me some more! Because of Jesus I can take all that you can give me!" One of the factors that give panic attacks their power is the fear of having another one. If that fear is taken away then the number of incidents will dramatically decrease.
4. As always, diet and exercise are factors too, eating and drinking nutritiously, staying fit and getting adequate rest.
5. Though this might be a bit repetitious, enjoy God, He cares for you!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
DIET AND MENTAL HEALTH
And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food" (Genesis 1:29).
As a young minister, suffering from a severe sinus infection, one of my elders told me that I would never be sick another day in my life if I followed his nutritional guidelines--he was a disciple of Adelle Davis. He was the one who stimulated my interest in nutrition, even though I have been sick many more days of my life, and his recommendations might have been the cause of some of them--mega doses of vitamin C.
In spite of that, I'm still interested in nutrition and do believe that it does play a role in mental health. So, when I read the title of an article in Christian Counseling Today by Michael Lyles, M.D. (Vol. 16 No. 3) called Dietary Issues and Mood Disorders, it caught my interest. Dr. Lyles makes a strong statement, with which, from my own experience, I completely agree, "It is my opinion that all treatment resistant mood disordered patients (especially with multiple medical problems) should have their vitamin D status evaluated." Vitamin D deficiency correlates with depression, seasonal affective disorder and schizophrenia. Vitamin D deficiency impairs general immune system function.
I am a regular reader of Dr. Andrew Weil. Dr. Weil has recommended 2000 units of vitamin D per day--especially during the winter months. Last winter I followed his recommendation and found a couple of chronic winter conditions, for me, to be alleviated. Sores at the corners of my mouth and seasonal affective disorder are conditions that have troubled me for years that were relieved this last winter. Was this just a placebo affect? While I have not ruled it out completely, I will have to say that I have tried many supplements over the course of my life and none of them have resulted in the kind of changes that I have experienced with increasing the role of vitamin D in my diet.
From the text: Make sure that you have a wide variety of food in your diet, learn to eat your vegetables, and generally, your nutrition will take care of itself.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
As a young minister, suffering from a severe sinus infection, one of my elders told me that I would never be sick another day in my life if I followed his nutritional guidelines--he was a disciple of Adelle Davis. He was the one who stimulated my interest in nutrition, even though I have been sick many more days of my life, and his recommendations might have been the cause of some of them--mega doses of vitamin C.
In spite of that, I'm still interested in nutrition and do believe that it does play a role in mental health. So, when I read the title of an article in Christian Counseling Today by Michael Lyles, M.D. (Vol. 16 No. 3) called Dietary Issues and Mood Disorders, it caught my interest. Dr. Lyles makes a strong statement, with which, from my own experience, I completely agree, "It is my opinion that all treatment resistant mood disordered patients (especially with multiple medical problems) should have their vitamin D status evaluated." Vitamin D deficiency correlates with depression, seasonal affective disorder and schizophrenia. Vitamin D deficiency impairs general immune system function.
I am a regular reader of Dr. Andrew Weil. Dr. Weil has recommended 2000 units of vitamin D per day--especially during the winter months. Last winter I followed his recommendation and found a couple of chronic winter conditions, for me, to be alleviated. Sores at the corners of my mouth and seasonal affective disorder are conditions that have troubled me for years that were relieved this last winter. Was this just a placebo affect? While I have not ruled it out completely, I will have to say that I have tried many supplements over the course of my life and none of them have resulted in the kind of changes that I have experienced with increasing the role of vitamin D in my diet.
From the text: Make sure that you have a wide variety of food in your diet, learn to eat your vegetables, and generally, your nutrition will take care of itself.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Saturday, August 06, 2011
THANK YOU, IOWA HAWKEYES
It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops (2 Timothy 2:6).
During the farm crisis of the 1980's, erstwhile coach, Hayden Fry recognized the real crisis that farmers were dealing with. While there was not much a coach who was building a football program could do, but he did do something. As an awareness raising program, Hayden attached ANF, America Needs Farmers, stickers to the Iowa football helmets, and they still remain. Iowa State didn't do it. Nebraska didn't do it. Ohio State didn't do it, etc., etc. The Iowa Hawkeyes are the only football team in America with the ANF sticker on the helmets. Thanks, Hawkeyes.
Victories have to be won on the field, but perhaps the good Lord could help a bounce or a call go your way this year in close games.
Blessings,
Tom
During the farm crisis of the 1980's, erstwhile coach, Hayden Fry recognized the real crisis that farmers were dealing with. While there was not much a coach who was building a football program could do, but he did do something. As an awareness raising program, Hayden attached ANF, America Needs Farmers, stickers to the Iowa football helmets, and they still remain. Iowa State didn't do it. Nebraska didn't do it. Ohio State didn't do it, etc., etc. The Iowa Hawkeyes are the only football team in America with the ANF sticker on the helmets. Thanks, Hawkeyes.
Victories have to be won on the field, but perhaps the good Lord could help a bounce or a call go your way this year in close games.
Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
MORE ON DREAMS AND VISIONS
For God speaks in in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, while they slumber on their beds . . . (Job 33:14-15).
What started this discussion on dreams and visions was a discussion with my son in which he related a story about an African student who went to Ozark Christian College because he had a dream with "Ozark" in it. He had no previous knowledge of Ozark, so he "googled" it and found Ozark Christian College. As a result of the story, I "googled" dreams that convert Muslims to Christ and found that the fourth leading cause of Muslims converting to Christianity is dreams and visions. So just for that reason dreams and visions are worthy of discussion.
Does God still speak to us in dreams and visions? With the completion of the canon of Scripture, the Bible, I would assume that the need for such dreams would become much less, but the Bible does not absolutely say these kinds of dreams and visions would end. One has to be careful in determining the origin of those dreams, however. It has always been true that there have been people who have said, "The Lord has said . . ." when the Lord has said nothing. Note Ezekiel 13:7, Have you not seen a delusive vision, and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, "says the Lord," although I have not spoken?
The measure of the Spiritual truth of any of our dreams is the Bible. It is by the word of truth that dreams and visions are measured, thus John wrote, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God . . . (I John 4:1).
While helping at 5th & 6th grade camp as a dorm dad earlier this summer, I had a dream. One of the reasons I remember it so well is that as a result of it, I fell out of bed. In the dream I was fighting another man. The man had no face so that I could identify him as a different person, so my interpretation of him is that he is me--I am fighting myself. I kicked the man I am fighting so hard that I fell out of bed. Both my Spiritual and psychological interpretation of this is that to have any real achievement in my life, I must win the battle with my flesh. I am as prone to being subject to the flesh as anyone. I am not a person with great natural ability, and so to achieve, I must take chances, push and work hard. These are things I do not like to do. I interpret the falling out of bed as part of the dream. Though I did hit the floor hard, it seemed as though all the counselors and boys were laughing at me. My interpretation of that part of the dream is that my efforts to achieve and live for the Lord are laughable to many. As my head cleared up and I noticed that everyone around me was fast asleep, it occurred to me that everyone is so busy with their own battles that they seldom notice the battles of another.
I have not had a reccurrence of this dream. If you would like to take a shot at the interpretation of my dream, you are welcome. If you would like to share your dream you are welcome to do that too. In any case, do not discount your dreams because it might be that something really important is going on.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
What started this discussion on dreams and visions was a discussion with my son in which he related a story about an African student who went to Ozark Christian College because he had a dream with "Ozark" in it. He had no previous knowledge of Ozark, so he "googled" it and found Ozark Christian College. As a result of the story, I "googled" dreams that convert Muslims to Christ and found that the fourth leading cause of Muslims converting to Christianity is dreams and visions. So just for that reason dreams and visions are worthy of discussion.
Does God still speak to us in dreams and visions? With the completion of the canon of Scripture, the Bible, I would assume that the need for such dreams would become much less, but the Bible does not absolutely say these kinds of dreams and visions would end. One has to be careful in determining the origin of those dreams, however. It has always been true that there have been people who have said, "The Lord has said . . ." when the Lord has said nothing. Note Ezekiel 13:7, Have you not seen a delusive vision, and uttered a lying divination, whenever you have said, "says the Lord," although I have not spoken?
The measure of the Spiritual truth of any of our dreams is the Bible. It is by the word of truth that dreams and visions are measured, thus John wrote, Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God . . . (I John 4:1).
While helping at 5th & 6th grade camp as a dorm dad earlier this summer, I had a dream. One of the reasons I remember it so well is that as a result of it, I fell out of bed. In the dream I was fighting another man. The man had no face so that I could identify him as a different person, so my interpretation of him is that he is me--I am fighting myself. I kicked the man I am fighting so hard that I fell out of bed. Both my Spiritual and psychological interpretation of this is that to have any real achievement in my life, I must win the battle with my flesh. I am as prone to being subject to the flesh as anyone. I am not a person with great natural ability, and so to achieve, I must take chances, push and work hard. These are things I do not like to do. I interpret the falling out of bed as part of the dream. Though I did hit the floor hard, it seemed as though all the counselors and boys were laughing at me. My interpretation of that part of the dream is that my efforts to achieve and live for the Lord are laughable to many. As my head cleared up and I noticed that everyone around me was fast asleep, it occurred to me that everyone is so busy with their own battles that they seldom notice the battles of another.
I have not had a reccurrence of this dream. If you would like to take a shot at the interpretation of my dream, you are welcome. If you would like to share your dream you are welcome to do that too. In any case, do not discount your dreams because it might be that something really important is going on.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Sunday, July 24, 2011
WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH
Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18 KJV).
Motivational speakers love to use this verse. Life isn't static. If one does not have a vision of what he or she can achieve and aspire to then one is doomed to a life of being ordinary and under achievement. When the motivational speaker talks about vision he is talking about setting lofty goals and having great aspirations because anything less is not fulfilling the purpose for which God put us on this earth for. There is a lot of truth in the motivational approach to this verse, but that is not the purpose for which it was written.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law (Proverbs 29:18 NIV).
The New International Version makes the purpose of the verse a little more clear. The vision spoken of in the King James Version is a prophetic vision--it is a word from God. If people do not get a word from the Lord, they cast off restraint, doing what ever seems right in their own eyes. In the days before all Scripture was recorded in the Bible, prophetic vision was essential for the guidance of God's people, but now that Scripture is freely available to anyone who desires, there is no need for additional revelation. After John wrote the book of Revelation on Patmos, the need for miraculous revelation through visions ended.
I'm not saying that God will not give us a vision for what is possible in our personal lives and in our churches because when the Holy Spirit is involved, things beyond all that we can ask or think can happen! However, in terms of new prophetic doctrinal revelation, Holy Spirit pronounces a curse on any who would add or subtract from the words of this book.
Father in Heaven, give me a vision of service and achievement in your kingdom. May I not be found as a lazy and slothful servant because I had no vision.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Motivational speakers love to use this verse. Life isn't static. If one does not have a vision of what he or she can achieve and aspire to then one is doomed to a life of being ordinary and under achievement. When the motivational speaker talks about vision he is talking about setting lofty goals and having great aspirations because anything less is not fulfilling the purpose for which God put us on this earth for. There is a lot of truth in the motivational approach to this verse, but that is not the purpose for which it was written.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law (Proverbs 29:18 NIV).
The New International Version makes the purpose of the verse a little more clear. The vision spoken of in the King James Version is a prophetic vision--it is a word from God. If people do not get a word from the Lord, they cast off restraint, doing what ever seems right in their own eyes. In the days before all Scripture was recorded in the Bible, prophetic vision was essential for the guidance of God's people, but now that Scripture is freely available to anyone who desires, there is no need for additional revelation. After John wrote the book of Revelation on Patmos, the need for miraculous revelation through visions ended.
I'm not saying that God will not give us a vision for what is possible in our personal lives and in our churches because when the Holy Spirit is involved, things beyond all that we can ask or think can happen! However, in terms of new prophetic doctrinal revelation, Holy Spirit pronounces a curse on any who would add or subtract from the words of this book.
Father in Heaven, give me a vision of service and achievement in your kingdom. May I not be found as a lazy and slothful servant because I had no vision.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Friday, July 22, 2011
WIFE IS GOOD
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies (Proverbs 31:10).
Helen and I finally returned home after delivering three of our grand children, Faith, Deacon and Parker home to their parents in California. If was a long drive, but we enjoy driving, and it was even more fun for half the journey with the kids along too. With Helen along, it was all very easy for me, as she did most of the work--and even some of the driving from the "back seat."
So when I saw the guy in Kearney, Nebraska with the T-shirt that was inscribed with "Wife is good," I could concur, Yes! wife is good! Now I have always said, "Life is good and it is going to get gooder," but it could also be said, "Wife is good and she is getting gooder."
There are a million things to do to catch up, but I will be back to dreams and visions soon.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Helen and I finally returned home after delivering three of our grand children, Faith, Deacon and Parker home to their parents in California. If was a long drive, but we enjoy driving, and it was even more fun for half the journey with the kids along too. With Helen along, it was all very easy for me, as she did most of the work--and even some of the driving from the "back seat."
So when I saw the guy in Kearney, Nebraska with the T-shirt that was inscribed with "Wife is good," I could concur, Yes! wife is good! Now I have always said, "Life is good and it is going to get gooder," but it could also be said, "Wife is good and she is getting gooder."
There are a million things to do to catch up, but I will be back to dreams and visions soon.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Thursday, July 07, 2011
DREAMS AND VISIONS
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams (Acts 2:17).
This is a subject that I will revisit at a later time because present family priorities take precedence over research. What has peeked my interest in the subject was hearing that many Muslims convert to Christ because of the influence of dreams and visions. Indeed, I did a quick "google" search of the factors that influence Muslims to convert to Christ and found that dreams and visions were the 4th leading dynamic which influenced Muslims to convert. Is this a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy as quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17?
Is every dream psychologically significant? Is every dream spiritually significant? These are questions I will attempt to answer when I visit this subject again in a couple of weeks.
I tend to dream a lot, though I remember very few of them. I am of the opinion that one needs to be intentional about remembering dreams and keep a note pad by the bed so that the minute one naturally awakens he is able to write it down. While I was serving as dorm dad a month ago at church camp, I had a very vivid dream of being involved in a fight with another man. When I kicked him I fell out of bed and the very next sensation I had was of laying on the cold concrete floor and it sounded like everyone was laughing at me. As my head cleared from the two-foot fall, I saw that everyone was still fast asleep. Evidently the laughing was part of the dream. My chest and shoulder are still sore as a result of that fall, though I am healing nicely. So far, I have not had a recurrence of this dream, but it was so vivid that it does seem as if it should be significant either spiritually or psychologically. We will deal with this dream, and perhaps, some others in a couple of weeks.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
This is a subject that I will revisit at a later time because present family priorities take precedence over research. What has peeked my interest in the subject was hearing that many Muslims convert to Christ because of the influence of dreams and visions. Indeed, I did a quick "google" search of the factors that influence Muslims to convert to Christ and found that dreams and visions were the 4th leading dynamic which influenced Muslims to convert. Is this a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy as quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17?
Is every dream psychologically significant? Is every dream spiritually significant? These are questions I will attempt to answer when I visit this subject again in a couple of weeks.
I tend to dream a lot, though I remember very few of them. I am of the opinion that one needs to be intentional about remembering dreams and keep a note pad by the bed so that the minute one naturally awakens he is able to write it down. While I was serving as dorm dad a month ago at church camp, I had a very vivid dream of being involved in a fight with another man. When I kicked him I fell out of bed and the very next sensation I had was of laying on the cold concrete floor and it sounded like everyone was laughing at me. As my head cleared from the two-foot fall, I saw that everyone was still fast asleep. Evidently the laughing was part of the dream. My chest and shoulder are still sore as a result of that fall, though I am healing nicely. So far, I have not had a recurrence of this dream, but it was so vivid that it does seem as if it should be significant either spiritually or psychologically. We will deal with this dream, and perhaps, some others in a couple of weeks.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Thursday, June 30, 2011
FAITH IS A SYNECDOCHE
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone (James 2:24).
What is a synecdoche? It is not a strange animal. It is not an alien from outer space. It is not a word for a bad politician, of which there seems to be many these days. A synechdoche is a figure of speech in which the part stands for the whole. I have nine hundred head of pigs in my pig barn. It would be a strange sight out of an old science fiction movie to walk into the barn and see only pig heads there. There are also plenty of loins, chops and hams too--that's what I see when I go into the barn. But it is the head that is the predominant feature of most any animal and that is why I have nine hundred head of pigs, not nine hundred loin of pigs. When a buyer buys my pigs he buys them with the full expectation that the loins, hams and chops will come along with the head.
So it is with faith. If a person truly believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the change in his/her life is a forgone conclusion. It will happen. Faith is the predominant feature of the Christian life. If a person says that he has faith, but there is no obedience and submission to the Lord, if he does not evidence a life of compassion and a desire to invest in the things of God, his faith is like one of my pigs with only a head and no body. A creature like that only happens in a bad science-fiction movie, otherwise it is dead.
Reading the context of James 2:24, one easily discovers that James is dealing with the believe-and-be-saved mentality that is so foreign to the scriptures. Texts like Acts 16:31 which say, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household" are synecdochial; the context demonstrates the synecdoche. Belief is not something that exists apart from obedience.
No one has perfect faith and thus no one has perfect trust, obedience and compassion, but one of our prayers should always be, "Lord Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief."
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
What is a synecdoche? It is not a strange animal. It is not an alien from outer space. It is not a word for a bad politician, of which there seems to be many these days. A synechdoche is a figure of speech in which the part stands for the whole. I have nine hundred head of pigs in my pig barn. It would be a strange sight out of an old science fiction movie to walk into the barn and see only pig heads there. There are also plenty of loins, chops and hams too--that's what I see when I go into the barn. But it is the head that is the predominant feature of most any animal and that is why I have nine hundred head of pigs, not nine hundred loin of pigs. When a buyer buys my pigs he buys them with the full expectation that the loins, hams and chops will come along with the head.
So it is with faith. If a person truly believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the change in his/her life is a forgone conclusion. It will happen. Faith is the predominant feature of the Christian life. If a person says that he has faith, but there is no obedience and submission to the Lord, if he does not evidence a life of compassion and a desire to invest in the things of God, his faith is like one of my pigs with only a head and no body. A creature like that only happens in a bad science-fiction movie, otherwise it is dead.
Reading the context of James 2:24, one easily discovers that James is dealing with the believe-and-be-saved mentality that is so foreign to the scriptures. Texts like Acts 16:31 which say, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household" are synecdochial; the context demonstrates the synecdoche. Belief is not something that exists apart from obedience.
No one has perfect faith and thus no one has perfect trust, obedience and compassion, but one of our prayers should always be, "Lord Jesus, I believe, help my unbelief."
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Sunday, June 26, 2011
WE ARE BACK
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
Yesterday, my son, Paul married Jenny Franklin of Austin, MN. Helen and I, our children, grandchildren and in laws spent last week staying in the Log-Cabin Inn of Rose Creek, Minnesota vacationing as well as preparing for the wedding. The cabin was made of real twelve-inch logs; it was rustic yet very enjoyable and perfect for our family. On the wall of the cabin was a hanging which said, "Life is not the number of breaths you take, but it is the number of moments that take your breath away." An author wasn't credited on the hanging, but whoever wrote it gave us an important means of evaluating our lives.
We are home now, tired and weary, but it is a weariness that is good because of all of those good moments associated with it. Those moments took our breath away--what a blessing!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Yesterday, my son, Paul married Jenny Franklin of Austin, MN. Helen and I, our children, grandchildren and in laws spent last week staying in the Log-Cabin Inn of Rose Creek, Minnesota vacationing as well as preparing for the wedding. The cabin was made of real twelve-inch logs; it was rustic yet very enjoyable and perfect for our family. On the wall of the cabin was a hanging which said, "Life is not the number of breaths you take, but it is the number of moments that take your breath away." An author wasn't credited on the hanging, but whoever wrote it gave us an important means of evaluating our lives.
We are home now, tired and weary, but it is a weariness that is good because of all of those good moments associated with it. Those moments took our breath away--what a blessing!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Thursday, June 16, 2011
PROVIDING FOR YOUR FAMILY
If any one does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever (I Timothy 5:8).
With Father's Day on Sunday, and QE2 arriving on June 30th, I thought it necessary to share some of my thinking.
From the context of the verse, it is obvious that Paul is speaking of providing necessary material things for the family. Nevertheless, spiritual provision is a necessary provision for the family because, as Jesus said, Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. If a Christian man does not provide spiritual leadership in his home then he is not truly providing for his family.
The end of Quantitative Easing 2 is when the Fed stops printing money. Because of the financial crisis in Europe and the huge amounts of deficit spending at home, no one knows what will happen when the printing presses stop on June 30th. The mood of congress is for austerity measures and with a tighter money supply it might soon become very difficult to provide for one's family. Of course the reason that the U.S. is in this mess is precisely because there are many people who feel entitled to other people's money. There are many family members who can pay for the support of their family, but want the government to do it for them. When the basic law of providing for one's own family is violated then, eventually, a whole nation can be destroyed. Look what is happening in Greece--the U.S. is almost there.
My investment advisor (I subscribe an investment newsletter that will remain nameless) shared 3 things to prepare for QE2:
1. Hold plenty of cash; up to 40% of your investments.
2. Hold gold and silver bullion.
3. Sell risky stocks.
Obviously, if one doesn't have a lot of net worth (me), those three steps do not help a lot. However, it sure wouldn't hurt to stock up on basic necessities as a precaution. Ultimately, the Lord is our provider. Christians need to be ready to take hold of the opportunities that a loving Father provides his children so that they can provide for theirs.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
With Father's Day on Sunday, and QE2 arriving on June 30th, I thought it necessary to share some of my thinking.
From the context of the verse, it is obvious that Paul is speaking of providing necessary material things for the family. Nevertheless, spiritual provision is a necessary provision for the family because, as Jesus said, Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. If a Christian man does not provide spiritual leadership in his home then he is not truly providing for his family.
The end of Quantitative Easing 2 is when the Fed stops printing money. Because of the financial crisis in Europe and the huge amounts of deficit spending at home, no one knows what will happen when the printing presses stop on June 30th. The mood of congress is for austerity measures and with a tighter money supply it might soon become very difficult to provide for one's family. Of course the reason that the U.S. is in this mess is precisely because there are many people who feel entitled to other people's money. There are many family members who can pay for the support of their family, but want the government to do it for them. When the basic law of providing for one's own family is violated then, eventually, a whole nation can be destroyed. Look what is happening in Greece--the U.S. is almost there.
My investment advisor (I subscribe an investment newsletter that will remain nameless) shared 3 things to prepare for QE2:
1. Hold plenty of cash; up to 40% of your investments.
2. Hold gold and silver bullion.
3. Sell risky stocks.
Obviously, if one doesn't have a lot of net worth (me), those three steps do not help a lot. However, it sure wouldn't hurt to stock up on basic necessities as a precaution. Ultimately, the Lord is our provider. Christians need to be ready to take hold of the opportunities that a loving Father provides his children so that they can provide for theirs.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
HOME FROM CAMP 2
And they were bringing children to him, that he might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it he was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:13-14).
The legal definition of a child in the state of Iowa is a person under the age of 18. In the culture of Jesus' time a person was well into adulthood by the time he/she reached the age of 18. Even the 11 and 12 year-olds who Helen and I worked with at camp were older than the children Jesus was speaking about in this scripture text. But 11 and 12 year-olds still have some innocence about them because there is so much of life that is still new to them.
For some of them, the trust that should characterize the relationship they have to their parents is gone because the parents have pursued their own selfish agenda rather than what is best for their children. Trust is the most important characteristic of children that make them part of the Kingdom of Heaven. The picture Jesus paints here of children is not one of total depravity, but one of innocence, love and trust. Children become sinful because of the influence of the world, the flesh and the devil.
Another characteristic of a child that makes them dear to the Lord is that they see things in black and white. They make their decisions much more easily than adults who see everything in various shades of grey. Often, adults are so nuanced that they stand for nothing.
So, working with kids at church and at camp helps one to stay young. In them I see some of the things I have lost and need to get back. Lord, give me the strength to go back next year.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
The legal definition of a child in the state of Iowa is a person under the age of 18. In the culture of Jesus' time a person was well into adulthood by the time he/she reached the age of 18. Even the 11 and 12 year-olds who Helen and I worked with at camp were older than the children Jesus was speaking about in this scripture text. But 11 and 12 year-olds still have some innocence about them because there is so much of life that is still new to them.
For some of them, the trust that should characterize the relationship they have to their parents is gone because the parents have pursued their own selfish agenda rather than what is best for their children. Trust is the most important characteristic of children that make them part of the Kingdom of Heaven. The picture Jesus paints here of children is not one of total depravity, but one of innocence, love and trust. Children become sinful because of the influence of the world, the flesh and the devil.
Another characteristic of a child that makes them dear to the Lord is that they see things in black and white. They make their decisions much more easily than adults who see everything in various shades of grey. Often, adults are so nuanced that they stand for nothing.
So, working with kids at church and at camp helps one to stay young. In them I see some of the things I have lost and need to get back. Lord, give me the strength to go back next year.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Saturday, June 11, 2011
HOME FROM CAMP
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).
Helen and I just returned from a week of being dorm parents for 5th and 6th graders at NEBOWA Christian Camp. It was a great time. The two hot days nearly did me in, and we are worn out now, but the investment in the lives of the young is worth it!!!
The children whom Jesus was talking about were probably younger than the 11 and 12 year-olds that Helen and I worked with, but there is still some of that "children" in them that Jesus was talking about. Life is new to children. As each phase of maturation is entered, it is an all new experience to them. They are creative and see life in a new way. Those who have said, "experience is the best teacher," are wrong. Sometimes experience teaches bad things, not good things. Sometimes experience hinders openness and curiosity. Part of the job description of a teacher/counselor is to help the child interpret the meaning of an experience so that he/she can grow from it, not be hindered by it. It was a privilege for me to be able to participate in that process at camp.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Helen and I just returned from a week of being dorm parents for 5th and 6th graders at NEBOWA Christian Camp. It was a great time. The two hot days nearly did me in, and we are worn out now, but the investment in the lives of the young is worth it!!!
The children whom Jesus was talking about were probably younger than the 11 and 12 year-olds that Helen and I worked with, but there is still some of that "children" in them that Jesus was talking about. Life is new to children. As each phase of maturation is entered, it is an all new experience to them. They are creative and see life in a new way. Those who have said, "experience is the best teacher," are wrong. Sometimes experience teaches bad things, not good things. Sometimes experience hinders openness and curiosity. Part of the job description of a teacher/counselor is to help the child interpret the meaning of an experience so that he/she can grow from it, not be hindered by it. It was a privilege for me to be able to participate in that process at camp.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO VALERIE?
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another take heed that you are not consumed by one another (Galatians 5:14-15).
A couple of days ago I was checking out some of my archived material (perhaps I'm my own biggest fan) when I happened on a "Bullet" that was posted March 24, 2006 called THE VALUE OF MARRIAGE TO KIDS. A lady named Valerie commented on it and for some unknown reason I did not respond to her. (It might be good to go to the archive and read it for yourself.) Here is her comment:
I agree with most of your post, but how long does one stay in marriage being ignored, taken advantage of, and serving as maid and whore?
If people are mature, educated adults, they can make a divorce "work" for kids. Of course its not the ideal situation; but putting the kids first in marriage AND divorce is imperative. remaining civil with each other after a separation is far better than ignorance and bitterness in a marriage.
Dear Valerie, if you were my client one of my first priorities would be to determine whether or not you and the children are safe in your marriage relationship. If there is abuse, addictions and on-going affairs then a spouse and children are not safe. If basic safety exists then mom and dad need to understand the dangers they are presenting to their children when they divorce. Though many children are able to deal with the divorce of their parents okay, there are many children who are not and I am not sure any children get through a divorce without being scarred--my own case work bears it out.
The argument that children fare better when mom and dad are happy living separately rather than living together in bitterness sounds logical sounds reasonable, but in fact, it is not. Because of the loss of income that is a consequence of most divorces and the loss of a place to call their own, children suffer material loss. Because of the sexualized atmosphere of their parent's new romantic interests, children are predisposed to early sexual behavior and sexual abuse. Because the new "significant others" have no investment in the lives of the children, physical and verbal abuse is much more likely. Emotional and psychological harm result from the grief of the loss of relationships as they were, and the thought, in the children's mind, that they caused the loss. No matter how much the parent's tell them that they are not the cause, the children still believe it because the parents have lied about other things. The children believe they are not loved too.
Finally, your response indicates that, though you and your husband might be educated adults, emotionally you are not acting like mature adults. Your children have the greatest stake in your marriage. It is time to grow up for the sake of the children. If, when your youngest child is 18, you still feel as you do towards your husband, then go for a divorce but your children need you and your husband to provide a stable home life for them now. From the tone of your letter, it sounds like your communication style is that the husband demands and you withdraw. You are about to extremely withdraw in divorce. Do not. Rather, learn to set boundaries and clearly communicate what you expect of him. If you do that, in 18 years you will probably enjoy being his wife.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
A couple of days ago I was checking out some of my archived material (perhaps I'm my own biggest fan) when I happened on a "Bullet" that was posted March 24, 2006 called THE VALUE OF MARRIAGE TO KIDS. A lady named Valerie commented on it and for some unknown reason I did not respond to her. (It might be good to go to the archive and read it for yourself.) Here is her comment:
I agree with most of your post, but how long does one stay in marriage being ignored, taken advantage of, and serving as maid and whore?
If people are mature, educated adults, they can make a divorce "work" for kids. Of course its not the ideal situation; but putting the kids first in marriage AND divorce is imperative. remaining civil with each other after a separation is far better than ignorance and bitterness in a marriage.
Dear Valerie, if you were my client one of my first priorities would be to determine whether or not you and the children are safe in your marriage relationship. If there is abuse, addictions and on-going affairs then a spouse and children are not safe. If basic safety exists then mom and dad need to understand the dangers they are presenting to their children when they divorce. Though many children are able to deal with the divorce of their parents okay, there are many children who are not and I am not sure any children get through a divorce without being scarred--my own case work bears it out.
The argument that children fare better when mom and dad are happy living separately rather than living together in bitterness sounds logical sounds reasonable, but in fact, it is not. Because of the loss of income that is a consequence of most divorces and the loss of a place to call their own, children suffer material loss. Because of the sexualized atmosphere of their parent's new romantic interests, children are predisposed to early sexual behavior and sexual abuse. Because the new "significant others" have no investment in the lives of the children, physical and verbal abuse is much more likely. Emotional and psychological harm result from the grief of the loss of relationships as they were, and the thought, in the children's mind, that they caused the loss. No matter how much the parent's tell them that they are not the cause, the children still believe it because the parents have lied about other things. The children believe they are not loved too.
Finally, your response indicates that, though you and your husband might be educated adults, emotionally you are not acting like mature adults. Your children have the greatest stake in your marriage. It is time to grow up for the sake of the children. If, when your youngest child is 18, you still feel as you do towards your husband, then go for a divorce but your children need you and your husband to provide a stable home life for them now. From the tone of your letter, it sounds like your communication style is that the husband demands and you withdraw. You are about to extremely withdraw in divorce. Do not. Rather, learn to set boundaries and clearly communicate what you expect of him. If you do that, in 18 years you will probably enjoy being his wife.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Sunday, May 22, 2011
COMMUNION MEDITATION INSPIRED BY HAROLD CAMPING
And as they were eating, he took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, "Take; this is my body." And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God" (Mark 14:22-25).
It was my turn on the rotation to bring the communion meditation. As I pondered what thoughts to bring it struck me that something connected with what has been on most people's mind this last week might be most meaningful. Because of the publicity given to Harold Camping's prediction of the rapture on the 21st, I thought these thoughts would be meaningful.
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is a backward look. Jesus said that the purpose of the Lord's Supper was a memorial to him (I Corinthians 11:24&25). We must never forget the reason for our hope, pardon and forgiveness!
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is an inward look. The celebration of Communion in a worthy manner includes self-examination. There cannot be any appreciation of what Jesus has done for us if there is not an honest appraisal of one's own heart. While our evil thoughts and actions might not be evident to others, God knows and we know. Any one who thinks, "I'm good enough to make it to Heaven" will likely not be there!
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is a forward look. If Harold Camping was right, we would all be celebrating the Eucharist together with the Lord Jesus right now, but we are not. How do you feel about that? I am disappointed! I would rather be raptured than to die. However, I knew that Camping was wrong the minute I heard the date and the time because Jesus said, But of the day and hour now one know, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matthew 24:36). How is it that otherwise intelligent people can be so stupid as to contradict the clear teachings of Scripture. In an effort to discourage the date-setters of his time, Isaac Newton said that the Lord will not return before 2060. Nevertheless, datesetters still abound. Celebrating the Lord's Supper does remind us to look ahead to the time when we will all celebrate it together in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a celebration that will be!!!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
It was my turn on the rotation to bring the communion meditation. As I pondered what thoughts to bring it struck me that something connected with what has been on most people's mind this last week might be most meaningful. Because of the publicity given to Harold Camping's prediction of the rapture on the 21st, I thought these thoughts would be meaningful.
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is a backward look. Jesus said that the purpose of the Lord's Supper was a memorial to him (I Corinthians 11:24&25). We must never forget the reason for our hope, pardon and forgiveness!
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is an inward look. The celebration of Communion in a worthy manner includes self-examination. There cannot be any appreciation of what Jesus has done for us if there is not an honest appraisal of one's own heart. While our evil thoughts and actions might not be evident to others, God knows and we know. Any one who thinks, "I'm good enough to make it to Heaven" will likely not be there!
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is a forward look. If Harold Camping was right, we would all be celebrating the Eucharist together with the Lord Jesus right now, but we are not. How do you feel about that? I am disappointed! I would rather be raptured than to die. However, I knew that Camping was wrong the minute I heard the date and the time because Jesus said, But of the day and hour now one know, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only (Matthew 24:36). How is it that otherwise intelligent people can be so stupid as to contradict the clear teachings of Scripture. In an effort to discourage the date-setters of his time, Isaac Newton said that the Lord will not return before 2060. Nevertheless, datesetters still abound. Celebrating the Lord's Supper does remind us to look ahead to the time when we will all celebrate it together in Heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What a celebration that will be!!!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Monday, May 16, 2011
EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
While there are much better translations of Hebrews 11:1, the King James Version provides a truth about faith that is missing in the other translations and that is the evidence of things not seen. The faith that we have in God is not a leap of faith, it is not blind faith, but it is a reasonable faith based on evidence.
God has always required faith as the basis of a relationship with Him. And without faith it is impossible to please God. Those who come to Him must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in an invisible God is a tough sell, but that faith has always distinguished Hebrews and Christians from others. Paul writes a wonderful benediction to Timothy: Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (I T. 1:17).
God has not left us without evidence of His existence and presence! The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands (Psalms 19:1). For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). There is plenty of evidence in our universe of intelligent design. Even though that evidence "slaps them in the face" many refuse to see because of the implication of what life means if there is a creator God.
God has left us with the evidence of fulfilled prophecy. The Bible is full of examples of prophecy fulfilled. Daniel's seventy-weeks prophecy comes most readily to mind in Daniel chapter 9, but there are many others. Because of Daniel's prophecy, there were many like Anna and Simeon waiting in expectancy for the promised Messiah when Jesus came (see Luke 2:21-38).
Ultimately, the evidence of things not seen is the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Christians have always said that without the resurrection there is no Christianity: and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless . . . (I Corinthians 15:17). The risen Christ was seen by more than five hundred people. They are credible witnesses because they were martyred for their witness. People do not knowingly die for a lie.
Blaise Pascal was a Christian, philosopher and mathematician. He is famous for his wager that goes something like this: If one lives his life as if God is and He isn't then he has lost nothing. If one lives his life as if God isn't and He is he has lost everything. While Pascal's wager is true, it should not be the reason for why a person is a Christian. Pascal's wager is not the basis of a relationship--faith is. We have a faith relationship with God, confident in the expectation of Heaven because of what Jesus has done for us. It is confidence in a relationship, not in a wager.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
While there are much better translations of Hebrews 11:1, the King James Version provides a truth about faith that is missing in the other translations and that is the evidence of things not seen. The faith that we have in God is not a leap of faith, it is not blind faith, but it is a reasonable faith based on evidence.
God has always required faith as the basis of a relationship with Him. And without faith it is impossible to please God. Those who come to Him must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in an invisible God is a tough sell, but that faith has always distinguished Hebrews and Christians from others. Paul writes a wonderful benediction to Timothy: Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (I T. 1:17).
God has not left us without evidence of His existence and presence! The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of his hands (Psalms 19:1). For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). There is plenty of evidence in our universe of intelligent design. Even though that evidence "slaps them in the face" many refuse to see because of the implication of what life means if there is a creator God.
God has left us with the evidence of fulfilled prophecy. The Bible is full of examples of prophecy fulfilled. Daniel's seventy-weeks prophecy comes most readily to mind in Daniel chapter 9, but there are many others. Because of Daniel's prophecy, there were many like Anna and Simeon waiting in expectancy for the promised Messiah when Jesus came (see Luke 2:21-38).
Ultimately, the evidence of things not seen is the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Christians have always said that without the resurrection there is no Christianity: and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless . . . (I Corinthians 15:17). The risen Christ was seen by more than five hundred people. They are credible witnesses because they were martyred for their witness. People do not knowingly die for a lie.
Blaise Pascal was a Christian, philosopher and mathematician. He is famous for his wager that goes something like this: If one lives his life as if God is and He isn't then he has lost nothing. If one lives his life as if God isn't and He is he has lost everything. While Pascal's wager is true, it should not be the reason for why a person is a Christian. Pascal's wager is not the basis of a relationship--faith is. We have a faith relationship with God, confident in the expectation of Heaven because of what Jesus has done for us. It is confidence in a relationship, not in a wager.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A LATE MOTHER'S-DAY THOUGHT
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).
Because of the season, I have been very busy on the farm. As a result, I have not kept up on my writing responsibilities as I should; please forgive me.
One of the thoughts I wanted to develop for Mother's Day was this: Even though Jesus taught us to address God as our Father, the complete expression of God's personality is both masculine and feminine. Both males and females are created in the image of God. Though my study on this subject is far from complete, I will share four verses that point to God's desire to nurture, and care for people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings to protect them.
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings (Psalms 61:4).
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings (Psalms 63:7).
The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge (Ruth 2:12).
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! (Matthew 23:37).
Much more can be said about this, but the point I want to emphasize it this: Those women who manifest the image of God in their lives of loving and nurturing children are mothers whether they have given birth or not.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Because of the season, I have been very busy on the farm. As a result, I have not kept up on my writing responsibilities as I should; please forgive me.
One of the thoughts I wanted to develop for Mother's Day was this: Even though Jesus taught us to address God as our Father, the complete expression of God's personality is both masculine and feminine. Both males and females are created in the image of God. Though my study on this subject is far from complete, I will share four verses that point to God's desire to nurture, and care for people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings to protect them.
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings (Psalms 61:4).
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings (Psalms 63:7).
The Lord recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given to you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge (Ruth 2:12).
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! (Matthew 23:37).
Much more can be said about this, but the point I want to emphasize it this: Those women who manifest the image of God in their lives of loving and nurturing children are mothers whether they have given birth or not.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
WALKING WITH MY GRANDSON
Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? (Amos 3:3).
Helen and I do not have many grandchildren (Only five) but the ones we do have are the best! This past weekend, Helen and I drove to Iowa City to attend grandparents day at Heritage Christian School where Alex and Samantha attend. We were able to visit the classes that Alex and Samantha attend and have a first-hand look at academics from a Christian perspective. It was well worth the time to do this!
The remainder of the weekend we just had a good time "hanging out" together. It is part of my daily routine to take a walk, so Alex volunteered to walk with his grampa. As it turned out, grampa walked with Alex more than he walked with me. Alex is just 12 years old, but he already stands 5' 10" and has long legs. He nearly walked my legs off! I have never been a fast walker, liking to think, meditate and pray as I walk. Walking with Alex, one has to concentrate on keeping up with the pace--no time for dallying! For Alex we were just walking his normal pace.
Often people cannot walk together because they have cut themselves off from each other so that even a simple walk in the park is not doable because of anger, bitterness, and false beliefs. While I was walking with Alex I was thinking how blessed I am to be able to enjoy something so simple as a daily walk with my grandson.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Helen and I do not have many grandchildren (Only five) but the ones we do have are the best! This past weekend, Helen and I drove to Iowa City to attend grandparents day at Heritage Christian School where Alex and Samantha attend. We were able to visit the classes that Alex and Samantha attend and have a first-hand look at academics from a Christian perspective. It was well worth the time to do this!
The remainder of the weekend we just had a good time "hanging out" together. It is part of my daily routine to take a walk, so Alex volunteered to walk with his grampa. As it turned out, grampa walked with Alex more than he walked with me. Alex is just 12 years old, but he already stands 5' 10" and has long legs. He nearly walked my legs off! I have never been a fast walker, liking to think, meditate and pray as I walk. Walking with Alex, one has to concentrate on keeping up with the pace--no time for dallying! For Alex we were just walking his normal pace.
Often people cannot walk together because they have cut themselves off from each other so that even a simple walk in the park is not doable because of anger, bitterness, and false beliefs. While I was walking with Alex I was thinking how blessed I am to be able to enjoy something so simple as a daily walk with my grandson.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Friday, April 22, 2011
THE BUDGET MESS
See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of the Father who is in heaven (Matthew 18:10).
As a result of the recent budget battle in Washington, I am not optimistic that we will ever balance the budget. The result of deficit spending is always inflation. Inflation is a cruel thief, stealing from the poor and the elderly, those who can least afford it. The irony is that liberal/progressive politicians, who claim to be the champions of the poor and the elderly, are the ones who are responsible for the huge deficits that are the cause of the high inflation rates staring us in the face. In spite of the rhetoric, these politicians have done as much to hurt the cause of the poor and elderly as to help them.
The reason I am so negative about our financial future is that we cannot even stop tax-payer dollars from going to support planned population control--I should say planned parenthood. Planned parenthood is the single largest abortion provider in the United States and the single largest abortion promoter in the world. PP has challenged common-sense legislation such as right-to-know laws and has backed partial birth abortion. In 2009 PP took in $149.9 million of revenue just from doing abortions which accounts for more than a third of the the $404.9 million of total PP revenue. In terms of the total US budget that is small potatoes, but life is a core value. How we, as a society, look at the value of the unborn is indicative of how we, as a society, arrive at our other values. If we refuse to protect the right to life of the unborn, the rights of every other person are expendable too. I think as we begin to know more and more of what is in ObamaCare we will understand how expendable our rights are.
Materialists view every problem as a money problem. But there are some problems that money cannot solve no matter how much is spent. The real problem is a "heart" problem that will be resolved in Jesus Christ or in judgment. The angels of the "little ones" might not prevent their abuse and deaths, but they certainly make a record of their abusers, preparing for them the hottest places in perdition.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
As a result of the recent budget battle in Washington, I am not optimistic that we will ever balance the budget. The result of deficit spending is always inflation. Inflation is a cruel thief, stealing from the poor and the elderly, those who can least afford it. The irony is that liberal/progressive politicians, who claim to be the champions of the poor and the elderly, are the ones who are responsible for the huge deficits that are the cause of the high inflation rates staring us in the face. In spite of the rhetoric, these politicians have done as much to hurt the cause of the poor and elderly as to help them.
The reason I am so negative about our financial future is that we cannot even stop tax-payer dollars from going to support planned population control--I should say planned parenthood. Planned parenthood is the single largest abortion provider in the United States and the single largest abortion promoter in the world. PP has challenged common-sense legislation such as right-to-know laws and has backed partial birth abortion. In 2009 PP took in $149.9 million of revenue just from doing abortions which accounts for more than a third of the the $404.9 million of total PP revenue. In terms of the total US budget that is small potatoes, but life is a core value. How we, as a society, look at the value of the unborn is indicative of how we, as a society, arrive at our other values. If we refuse to protect the right to life of the unborn, the rights of every other person are expendable too. I think as we begin to know more and more of what is in ObamaCare we will understand how expendable our rights are.
Materialists view every problem as a money problem. But there are some problems that money cannot solve no matter how much is spent. The real problem is a "heart" problem that will be resolved in Jesus Christ or in judgment. The angels of the "little ones" might not prevent their abuse and deaths, but they certainly make a record of their abusers, preparing for them the hottest places in perdition.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
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