Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing ( James 1:2-4).
My grandson, Alex, is already training for the track season. Every athlete can relate a saying or anecdote that his/her coach is fond of using. Alex told us a saying that his track coach uses: "Pain is weakness leaving the body." I think it is a good saying for athletes because it takes a lot of pain to prepare for competition.
It is also true for us who are competing for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pain helps us to become toughened for the battle as we serve Him.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Monday, December 30, 2013
Thursday, December 12, 2013
THE ECONOMICS OF CHRIST 4
I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality. As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack" (2 Corinthians 8:13-15).
The wealth of a nation, more than any other factor, is the character of its people.
The attitudes and values of a person or nation are more indicative of personal or national success than any other factor. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, his purpose was the collection of a free-will offering to aid the extremely impoverished Christian brothers and sisters in Jerusalem--he was not advocating taxation to fund a government program. But Paul was engaged in character building when he said that there must be an economic balance in the kingdom of God. He told the Corinthians to remember the example of Jesus Christ, who, though he was rich, became poor so that by his poverty they could become rich (8:8-9). Having the character of Christ is true wealth.
As servant/slaves of Christ, all of the income or wealth we create belongs to the master. He is the one who has ownership of it, but, His servants have stewardship of it, using it according to the Master's will. Is it the Master's will to economically support those who are in legitimate need? Yes. Is it the Master's will to provide economic support to those who think they are entitled to it whether they work or not? No. The Old Testament reference to which 2 Corinthians 8:15 refers is Exodus 16:18. It is about gathering manna, the food God sent the Israelites from heaven. Some were physically able to gather more than others, but to each it was just enough. Though it was free food, it still had to be gathered, and each who gathered had enough. Though the manna from heaven was a gracious gift, it still had to be gathered.
In the economy of Christ there is balance. Christians have a responsibility to each other. The Old Testament shows us that there is economic balance under the Law. How much more so should there be balance in the New Covenant economy. In my view, the church must be more involved in the lives of its people, developing Christian structures for health care and financial management because the old structures are breaking down.
The true wealth of a nation is the character of its people who freely serve from their hearts, not because of any kind of compulsion other than the love of Christ.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
The wealth of a nation, more than any other factor, is the character of its people.
The attitudes and values of a person or nation are more indicative of personal or national success than any other factor. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, his purpose was the collection of a free-will offering to aid the extremely impoverished Christian brothers and sisters in Jerusalem--he was not advocating taxation to fund a government program. But Paul was engaged in character building when he said that there must be an economic balance in the kingdom of God. He told the Corinthians to remember the example of Jesus Christ, who, though he was rich, became poor so that by his poverty they could become rich (8:8-9). Having the character of Christ is true wealth.
As servant/slaves of Christ, all of the income or wealth we create belongs to the master. He is the one who has ownership of it, but, His servants have stewardship of it, using it according to the Master's will. Is it the Master's will to economically support those who are in legitimate need? Yes. Is it the Master's will to provide economic support to those who think they are entitled to it whether they work or not? No. The Old Testament reference to which 2 Corinthians 8:15 refers is Exodus 16:18. It is about gathering manna, the food God sent the Israelites from heaven. Some were physically able to gather more than others, but to each it was just enough. Though it was free food, it still had to be gathered, and each who gathered had enough. Though the manna from heaven was a gracious gift, it still had to be gathered.
In the economy of Christ there is balance. Christians have a responsibility to each other. The Old Testament shows us that there is economic balance under the Law. How much more so should there be balance in the New Covenant economy. In my view, the church must be more involved in the lives of its people, developing Christian structures for health care and financial management because the old structures are breaking down.
The true wealth of a nation is the character of its people who freely serve from their hearts, not because of any kind of compulsion other than the love of Christ.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Sunday, December 08, 2013
THE ECONOMICS OF CHRIST 3
For even when we were with you, we gave you this command: If any one will not work, let him not eat. For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, mere busybodies, not doing any work (2 Thessalonians 3:10-11).
I was surprised to learn that verse 10 has been a favorite of marxist/socialist proponents--it even appeared in the Soviet constitution. One of the inherent problems with socialism is that there are a lot of slackers and freeloaders that contribute nothing and are a drag on the economy. In cases of old-age and disability there has to be some allowances made, otherwise everyone has to contribute equally to receive equally. It sounds good in theory, but in socialist/marxist economies some are more equal than others. Party elites and cronies make out like royalty while common folks work and are deprived. Socialism and marxism sound good in theory, but the reality is quite different.
The Bible does not endorse one form of earthly government. It may be that the church in Thessalonica, like the one in Jerusalem, formed a more socialistic relationship because the return of the Lord Jesus would be soon--it was a temporary relationship. But as in all socialistic relationships there were the lazy idlers and slackers and that is why Paul said what he said. The problem with earthly socialistic governments is that they do not follow God's word and they give to those who refuse to work while taking from honest workers and achievers. Socialistic experiments in Jerusalem and Thessalonica were voluntary, they were not forced on the members of the church.
I had always assumed that verse 10 was only used by people who favored a market economy. In a market economy people are free to work as much or as little as they want, but there is always the understanding that the one who works little will receive less than those who work more. When one experiences the natural consequences of eating less, one will, most likely will be spurred on to work more. I'm being cynical here, but they will work hard at forming a political party to get the money out of your pocketbook and into their hands.
What is true here is that able bodied people who can work must not be enabled to not work by giving to them inappropriately--it's a sin. Natural consequences are important teachers if one will be taught.
It is interesting to me that both liberals and conservatives claim verse 10.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
I was surprised to learn that verse 10 has been a favorite of marxist/socialist proponents--it even appeared in the Soviet constitution. One of the inherent problems with socialism is that there are a lot of slackers and freeloaders that contribute nothing and are a drag on the economy. In cases of old-age and disability there has to be some allowances made, otherwise everyone has to contribute equally to receive equally. It sounds good in theory, but in socialist/marxist economies some are more equal than others. Party elites and cronies make out like royalty while common folks work and are deprived. Socialism and marxism sound good in theory, but the reality is quite different.
The Bible does not endorse one form of earthly government. It may be that the church in Thessalonica, like the one in Jerusalem, formed a more socialistic relationship because the return of the Lord Jesus would be soon--it was a temporary relationship. But as in all socialistic relationships there were the lazy idlers and slackers and that is why Paul said what he said. The problem with earthly socialistic governments is that they do not follow God's word and they give to those who refuse to work while taking from honest workers and achievers. Socialistic experiments in Jerusalem and Thessalonica were voluntary, they were not forced on the members of the church.
I had always assumed that verse 10 was only used by people who favored a market economy. In a market economy people are free to work as much or as little as they want, but there is always the understanding that the one who works little will receive less than those who work more. When one experiences the natural consequences of eating less, one will, most likely will be spurred on to work more. I'm being cynical here, but they will work hard at forming a political party to get the money out of your pocketbook and into their hands.
What is true here is that able bodied people who can work must not be enabled to not work by giving to them inappropriately--it's a sin. Natural consequences are important teachers if one will be taught.
It is interesting to me that both liberals and conservatives claim verse 10.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Thursday, December 05, 2013
THE ECONOMICS OF CHRIST, part 2
Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. I can do all things in him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).
Helen and I started farming during the farm crisis of the 1980's. Many were leaving the farm, we were just beginning. When we were going over the rental agreement with my parents, the lawyer told us that we would be living on "bread and water" for quite a while, and that we did. During that time I remember reading Paul's words here and thinking, "Ya, but he didn't have a wife and three children to support." By the Lord's providence we made it through the farm crisis, though I can't say yet that I have the faith of Paul and can be content in all circumstances.
One thing to be noted here is that Paul, like Jesus, does not contend for a political/economic system to deal with the needs of people, rather, contentedness comes from putting first things first and second things will follow. Discontent comes primarily from a lack of faith that God will provide for his children the things which they need. Beyond that, discontent comes, not because there is a lack of necessities, but a lack of personal desires, vanities, as I call them.
One of the mistakes a discontented person makes is to assume that one's present situation is the last word on a person's future. It is not! The wealth of the world is God's, he owns "the cattle on a thousand hills," so in his providence he makes provision for his children in many different ways. Stop and think for a moment, "How is it that you are where you are?" What part does God have in that?
One of the foundation stones to the economics of Christ is not a certain political or economic system, though Satanic ones can certainly bring general poverty, but focusing first on Christ and his kingdom and, as a result, our existential needs will follow in abundance.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Helen and I started farming during the farm crisis of the 1980's. Many were leaving the farm, we were just beginning. When we were going over the rental agreement with my parents, the lawyer told us that we would be living on "bread and water" for quite a while, and that we did. During that time I remember reading Paul's words here and thinking, "Ya, but he didn't have a wife and three children to support." By the Lord's providence we made it through the farm crisis, though I can't say yet that I have the faith of Paul and can be content in all circumstances.
One thing to be noted here is that Paul, like Jesus, does not contend for a political/economic system to deal with the needs of people, rather, contentedness comes from putting first things first and second things will follow. Discontent comes primarily from a lack of faith that God will provide for his children the things which they need. Beyond that, discontent comes, not because there is a lack of necessities, but a lack of personal desires, vanities, as I call them.
One of the mistakes a discontented person makes is to assume that one's present situation is the last word on a person's future. It is not! The wealth of the world is God's, he owns "the cattle on a thousand hills," so in his providence he makes provision for his children in many different ways. Stop and think for a moment, "How is it that you are where you are?" What part does God have in that?
One of the foundation stones to the economics of Christ is not a certain political or economic system, though Satanic ones can certainly bring general poverty, but focusing first on Christ and his kingdom and, as a result, our existential needs will follow in abundance.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Wednesday, December 04, 2013
THE ECONOMICS OF CHRIST
One of the multitude said to him, "Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me." But he said to him, "Man, who made me judge or divider over you?" And he said to them, "Take heed and beware of all covetousness; for a man's life doesnot consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:13-15).
I have been doing some reading about economics lately. As a pastor/counselor it has motivated me to think about how Christ and Christianity fit into today's world. It is important to think about because, though the American economy maybe nearly last in the race to the bottom, it is still headed for the bottom. So what should be our concerns and our responsibility right now?
My "Silver Bullets" have never been thoroughly refined, but are, rather, thoughts that have come to me as a result of reading, study and conversation with others. There might be some gapping holes in my reasoning, but putting my thoughts into writing helps me to think things through.
In the time of his flesh Jesus was among people who were taxed to death, paying taxes to the Romans, to the "Herods", client kings of the Romans and paying the temple tax for the building and maintaining the temple. Though there were wealthy people, most were poor. If a day's labor was missed, a day's eating, if not missed, was very slim. In this kind of poverty, the teaching of Jesus did not champion a particular kind of economic system or political system, though I do believe Adam Smith's "invisible hand" connects with Christian teaching far more than socialism or marxism.
What we know about Christ and economics from this text is that Jesus was not a materialist. If we reduce life to materialism then life becomes meaningless and without value. It is important to note that the economic systems that do this are inherent killers. In the 20th century, socialist/marxist/facist governments destroyed way over one hundred million of their own people. Life consists in putting first things first and then an abundance of good second things will follow.
Until next time, read Luke 12:16-21.
Love & Prayers,
Tom
I have been doing some reading about economics lately. As a pastor/counselor it has motivated me to think about how Christ and Christianity fit into today's world. It is important to think about because, though the American economy maybe nearly last in the race to the bottom, it is still headed for the bottom. So what should be our concerns and our responsibility right now?
My "Silver Bullets" have never been thoroughly refined, but are, rather, thoughts that have come to me as a result of reading, study and conversation with others. There might be some gapping holes in my reasoning, but putting my thoughts into writing helps me to think things through.
In the time of his flesh Jesus was among people who were taxed to death, paying taxes to the Romans, to the "Herods", client kings of the Romans and paying the temple tax for the building and maintaining the temple. Though there were wealthy people, most were poor. If a day's labor was missed, a day's eating, if not missed, was very slim. In this kind of poverty, the teaching of Jesus did not champion a particular kind of economic system or political system, though I do believe Adam Smith's "invisible hand" connects with Christian teaching far more than socialism or marxism.
What we know about Christ and economics from this text is that Jesus was not a materialist. If we reduce life to materialism then life becomes meaningless and without value. It is important to note that the economic systems that do this are inherent killers. In the 20th century, socialist/marxist/facist governments destroyed way over one hundred million of their own people. Life consists in putting first things first and then an abundance of good second things will follow.
Until next time, read Luke 12:16-21.
Love & Prayers,
Tom
Thursday, November 28, 2013
THE ONE LIKE MOSES
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him (Deuteronomy 18:15).
Moses said, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you" (Acts 3:22).
I am currently reading through the book of Deuteronomy. Reading this inspired me to write this advent meditation. One of the foundation stones of Christian apologetics is the fulfillment of prophecy. It was essential for the apostles, preachers and teachers of the New Testament to show how the coming of Jesus, the Christ, fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Fourteen hundred years before Christ, Moses prophesied that God would raise up a propet like himself. In the apostle Peter's second sermon, he says that Jesus is the one like Moses. Being like Moses was one of the necessary qualifications of the Messia that people were looking for (John 1:45). There are many similarities between Jesus and Moses. The following list only contains the salient similarities:
1. They were both born under difficult circumstances in which their lives were in danger.
2. They both came out of Egypt.
3. They both enjoyed intimate communication with God (Deut. 34:10 & John 1:18).
4. Moses was the mediator between God and His people. Jesus is the great mediator between God & His own (Hebrews 4:14-16).
5. Moses delivered Israel from slavery. Jesus is the great deliverer from sin.
6. Both Moses and Jesus were miracle workers to credential their authority. Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea; Jesus calmed the storms on Galilee. Moses brought manna from heaven; Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fishes to feed the fultitudes. Moses turned the waters of Egypt to blood; Jesus turned the water to wine at a wedding feast in Cana. Truly, Jesus Christ is the only one who fulfills the prophecy of Moses. So, as both Moses and God said (Matthew 17:1-5) we must listen to Jesus.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Moses said, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brethren; to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you" (Acts 3:22).
I am currently reading through the book of Deuteronomy. Reading this inspired me to write this advent meditation. One of the foundation stones of Christian apologetics is the fulfillment of prophecy. It was essential for the apostles, preachers and teachers of the New Testament to show how the coming of Jesus, the Christ, fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Fourteen hundred years before Christ, Moses prophesied that God would raise up a propet like himself. In the apostle Peter's second sermon, he says that Jesus is the one like Moses. Being like Moses was one of the necessary qualifications of the Messia that people were looking for (John 1:45). There are many similarities between Jesus and Moses. The following list only contains the salient similarities:
1. They were both born under difficult circumstances in which their lives were in danger.
2. They both came out of Egypt.
3. They both enjoyed intimate communication with God (Deut. 34:10 & John 1:18).
4. Moses was the mediator between God and His people. Jesus is the great mediator between God & His own (Hebrews 4:14-16).
5. Moses delivered Israel from slavery. Jesus is the great deliverer from sin.
6. Both Moses and Jesus were miracle workers to credential their authority. Moses parted the waters of the Red Sea; Jesus calmed the storms on Galilee. Moses brought manna from heaven; Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fishes to feed the fultitudes. Moses turned the waters of Egypt to blood; Jesus turned the water to wine at a wedding feast in Cana. Truly, Jesus Christ is the only one who fulfills the prophecy of Moses. So, as both Moses and God said (Matthew 17:1-5) we must listen to Jesus.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, November 16, 2013
WHAT IS LIFE?
And you he made alive, when you were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2).
I came that they might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10b).
I typed into my search engine, What is life? Anticipating a lot of Christian references in answer to my question, I was shocked to find not one. There was, however, a science text written in 1944 with that question as the title as well as a hit single by George Harrison with that tital in 1971. Thus, I titled this "bullet" with that question.
A dictionary definition of life goes something like this, 'Life is the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter. Life grows, reproduces, has functional activity and continually changes until death.' All living things die while inorganic matter will never live, thus inorganic matter can never die. The Arapaho Indians had a saying, "Only the rocks live forever.*"
I. Life is a loving relationship with God (Luke 15:32). When the lost son came home he passed from death to life.
II. Life is the awareness that God knows all and He strengthens all who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:27-31).
III. God defines life differently; not as the world defines it--note Ephesians 2:1-2. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Life is Jesus Christ.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*From James Michener's Centennial
**Factoid from Forbes magazine October 12, 2013: Forty people per day are accidently deemed dead by the Feds each day.
I came that they might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10b).
I typed into my search engine, What is life? Anticipating a lot of Christian references in answer to my question, I was shocked to find not one. There was, however, a science text written in 1944 with that question as the title as well as a hit single by George Harrison with that tital in 1971. Thus, I titled this "bullet" with that question.
A dictionary definition of life goes something like this, 'Life is the condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter. Life grows, reproduces, has functional activity and continually changes until death.' All living things die while inorganic matter will never live, thus inorganic matter can never die. The Arapaho Indians had a saying, "Only the rocks live forever.*"
I. Life is a loving relationship with God (Luke 15:32). When the lost son came home he passed from death to life.
II. Life is the awareness that God knows all and He strengthens all who wait on Him (Isaiah 40:27-31).
III. God defines life differently; not as the world defines it--note Ephesians 2:1-2. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33).
Life is Jesus Christ.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*From James Michener's Centennial
**Factoid from Forbes magazine October 12, 2013: Forty people per day are accidently deemed dead by the Feds each day.
Tuesday, November 05, 2013
America Needs Farmers
Back in the early 1980's, Iowa's legendary coach, Haden Fry, wanted to support the moral of Iowa's farmers during the farm crisis so, as a result of his concern, from that time to this day, Iowa Hawkeye football helmets have sported the "ANF" decal. No land-grant university in the country did anything similar, which might say something about where their true sentiments lie.
In all the intervening years, I have not had an Iowa Hawkeye ANF t-shirt or sweat shirt. If my own family does not step up to the plate and buy me one for Christmas, I will get one for myself.
Just letting my request be known.
Tom
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
ASSUMING HOLY SPIRIT'S WORK
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).
Spiritual formation is a fashionable topic these days. It would be a mistake to think that Spiritual formation is not occuring if the church is not specifically programming for it. I have been involved in Christian ministry for nearly fifty years. One of the things I know about living the Christian life and the life of the church is that is cannot be done by our own "steam." If Holy Spirit is not in us, molding, shaping, empowering and leading us, all of our programming is simply perpetuating a social club or a service organization.
Certainly, Holy Spirit will not be present where disrespect, gossip, fighting, selfishness and immorality are present, but I do understand that we can assume Holy Spirit's active presence when a place is made for Him. Having said that, I'm going to share ten verbs from the New Testament that describe Holy Spirit' work in our lives and in the church.*
1. Holy Spirit fills us (Ephesians 5:18). 2. Holy Spirit teaches us (John 14:26).
3. Holy Spirit reminds (John 14:26). 4. Holy Spirit guides us (John 16:13).
5. Holy Spirit searches (I Corinthians 2:10-11). 6. Holy Spirit testifies to us (Romans 8:16).
7. Holy Spirit helps (Romans 8:26). 8. Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Ro. 8:26-27).
9. Holy Spirit convicts (John 16:8). 10. Holy Spirit enlightens (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*These verbs were taken from an article in the Christian Standard (Feb. 2013) by J.K. Jones
Spiritual formation is a fashionable topic these days. It would be a mistake to think that Spiritual formation is not occuring if the church is not specifically programming for it. I have been involved in Christian ministry for nearly fifty years. One of the things I know about living the Christian life and the life of the church is that is cannot be done by our own "steam." If Holy Spirit is not in us, molding, shaping, empowering and leading us, all of our programming is simply perpetuating a social club or a service organization.
Certainly, Holy Spirit will not be present where disrespect, gossip, fighting, selfishness and immorality are present, but I do understand that we can assume Holy Spirit's active presence when a place is made for Him. Having said that, I'm going to share ten verbs from the New Testament that describe Holy Spirit' work in our lives and in the church.*
1. Holy Spirit fills us (Ephesians 5:18). 2. Holy Spirit teaches us (John 14:26).
3. Holy Spirit reminds (John 14:26). 4. Holy Spirit guides us (John 16:13).
5. Holy Spirit searches (I Corinthians 2:10-11). 6. Holy Spirit testifies to us (Romans 8:16).
7. Holy Spirit helps (Romans 8:26). 8. Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Ro. 8:26-27).
9. Holy Spirit convicts (John 16:8). 10. Holy Spirit enlightens (1 Corinthians 2:14).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*These verbs were taken from an article in the Christian Standard (Feb. 2013) by J.K. Jones
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
YOUR ATTITUDE IS SHOWING
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11).
The third in a series of sermons from Philippians is about attitudes. How would you define attitude? If one is in aviation, attitude, or the position of the airplane means everything--it is the difference between flying safely or crashing. It is a little tougher to define what a human attitude is. I have read a half dozen different definitions in dictionaries and on line and each one has a little different shade of meaning. But one thing is consistent with the attitude of an airplane; it is the difference between flying safely or eventually crashing. More than any other factor, attitude determines a person's success.
Here is my definition of attitude that, I think, is true to the grammar of the scripture text and fits human experience as well: Attitude is a settled way of thinking and feeling that is reflected in a person's behavior. Attitude is not simply a result of intelectual exercise, emotion is involved as well. And, it should be mentioned that, sound thinking drives healthy emotions rather than emotion driving the thinking. If a person is primarily emotionally driven, crashing and burning is a virtual certainty.
Attitude development is a project that a Christian should work on each day, checking our thoughts and feelings so that they are consistent with the word of God. In verse 5 Paul strongly suggests that you check your attitude with Christ's. If one's attitude conforms to the attitude of Christ then: . . . the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (4:7).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:5-11).
The third in a series of sermons from Philippians is about attitudes. How would you define attitude? If one is in aviation, attitude, or the position of the airplane means everything--it is the difference between flying safely or crashing. It is a little tougher to define what a human attitude is. I have read a half dozen different definitions in dictionaries and on line and each one has a little different shade of meaning. But one thing is consistent with the attitude of an airplane; it is the difference between flying safely or eventually crashing. More than any other factor, attitude determines a person's success.
Here is my definition of attitude that, I think, is true to the grammar of the scripture text and fits human experience as well: Attitude is a settled way of thinking and feeling that is reflected in a person's behavior. Attitude is not simply a result of intelectual exercise, emotion is involved as well. And, it should be mentioned that, sound thinking drives healthy emotions rather than emotion driving the thinking. If a person is primarily emotionally driven, crashing and burning is a virtual certainty.
Attitude development is a project that a Christian should work on each day, checking our thoughts and feelings so that they are consistent with the word of God. In verse 5 Paul strongly suggests that you check your attitude with Christ's. If one's attitude conforms to the attitude of Christ then: . . . the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (4:7).
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Thursday, October 03, 2013
TEARS OF JOY
. . . always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:4-6).
I'm working on the 2nd in a series of sermons from the book of Philippians. In the first, I pointed out that the Church, and individual Christians, are out-posts of Heaven. Like the city of Philippi was an out-post of Rome, committed to Roman law, culture and defense, so the Church, and its members, are committed to Jesus Christ, his law, his culture and his defense--For our citizenship is in heaven . . . (3:20).
The 2nd in the series, I am looking at joy as the theme. How are we able to be joyful in the face of adversity? The culture of Christ is not one of "gloom and doom" in times of adversity and trials, but of optimism and joy. I will freely admit that there are times when the trials come that we are "misty optics" rather than "optimistics" as we look at life through a vale of tears. In a recent Christian Counseling Today I read an article written by Gary Oliver called, Lessons Learned from the Doorstep of Death. In it he chronicled the deaths of his dad, wife, son, sister and his own personal battle with cancer. As a result of his tribulations, Dr. Oliver shares this wisdom, I have discovered there is a big difference between surviving and thriving and know Christ did not die and rise again for us to merely survive. Just treading water is not what He meant by "becoming more than conquerors." (emphasis is mine)
In faith we draw on a resevoir of Divine grace, hope and fellowship so that we can live out our days, until His return, with joy. The Christian does not deny the pain of tribulation in his life, but, while acknowledging it, chooses to be joyful because Christ is working in us and he will keep his promises.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
I'm working on the 2nd in a series of sermons from the book of Philippians. In the first, I pointed out that the Church, and individual Christians, are out-posts of Heaven. Like the city of Philippi was an out-post of Rome, committed to Roman law, culture and defense, so the Church, and its members, are committed to Jesus Christ, his law, his culture and his defense--For our citizenship is in heaven . . . (3:20).
The 2nd in the series, I am looking at joy as the theme. How are we able to be joyful in the face of adversity? The culture of Christ is not one of "gloom and doom" in times of adversity and trials, but of optimism and joy. I will freely admit that there are times when the trials come that we are "misty optics" rather than "optimistics" as we look at life through a vale of tears. In a recent Christian Counseling Today I read an article written by Gary Oliver called, Lessons Learned from the Doorstep of Death. In it he chronicled the deaths of his dad, wife, son, sister and his own personal battle with cancer. As a result of his tribulations, Dr. Oliver shares this wisdom, I have discovered there is a big difference between surviving and thriving and know Christ did not die and rise again for us to merely survive. Just treading water is not what He meant by "becoming more than conquerors." (emphasis is mine)
In faith we draw on a resevoir of Divine grace, hope and fellowship so that we can live out our days, until His return, with joy. The Christian does not deny the pain of tribulation in his life, but, while acknowledging it, chooses to be joyful because Christ is working in us and he will keep his promises.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
CLEAN UP YOUR PLATE, IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE
And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost." So they gathered them up and fill twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten (JOHN 6:12-13).
Feedstuffs is a newspaper for agribusiness that I receive each week. In a recent issue Rod Smith wrote a column called, "Food waste astounding." He begins the column with these words and basic statistics: In a day and time when agriculture is under increasing pressure to produce 70% more food for 30% more people in 40 years, it's incredible that one-third of food production is wasted every year, yet that's the estimate from the U.N. Food & Agriculture Organization. That's a lot of waste!
Waste is part of living in a fallen world; it can never be eliminated. Nevertheless, it should be a high priority to reduce it as much as possible. In America we have been bountifully blessed, so much so that American waste as much as 40% of their food and food waste is the largest single kind of waste entering land fills. If just 25% of what is wasted in America and Europe could be reclaimed there would be enough to solve world hunger.** I might add that politicians are the biggest obstacle to solving world hunger.
Jesus did not believe in wasting food. That which was left from the multiplication of the loaves and fishes was saved to be distributed to the poor and needy. Christians must understand that it does make a difference to someone else in the world if they waste their food.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe
**food waste expert Tristram Stuart
Feedstuffs is a newspaper for agribusiness that I receive each week. In a recent issue Rod Smith wrote a column called, "Food waste astounding." He begins the column with these words and basic statistics: In a day and time when agriculture is under increasing pressure to produce 70% more food for 30% more people in 40 years, it's incredible that one-third of food production is wasted every year, yet that's the estimate from the U.N. Food & Agriculture Organization. That's a lot of waste!
Waste is part of living in a fallen world; it can never be eliminated. Nevertheless, it should be a high priority to reduce it as much as possible. In America we have been bountifully blessed, so much so that American waste as much as 40% of their food and food waste is the largest single kind of waste entering land fills. If just 25% of what is wasted in America and Europe could be reclaimed there would be enough to solve world hunger.** I might add that politicians are the biggest obstacle to solving world hunger.
Jesus did not believe in wasting food. That which was left from the multiplication of the loaves and fishes was saved to be distributed to the poor and needy. Christians must understand that it does make a difference to someone else in the world if they waste their food.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe
**food waste expert Tristram Stuart
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
A TASTE OF NEW WINE
Every man serves the good wine first; and when men have drunk freely, then the poor wine; but you have kept the good wine until now (John 2:10-11).
The United States has a long-standing tradition of temperence. We owe the Methodist circuit riding preachers a debt of gratitude. They recognized what unrestricted consumption of home-brewed alcohol was doing to children and families. They preached against it and worked for legislation against it. Thomas Welch was a Methodist minister who started making non alcoholic grape juice with which to celebrate the Lord's Supper.
Today, within the Stone-Campbell restoration movement, there are quite a number of preachers, ministers and pastors who regularly drink alcoholic beverages. The purpose of this bullet is not to consign such leaders to hell, but it is intended to remind each one of their responsibility to be an example. I have known of such drinking leaders who, when they go on paid leave to a Christian convention, will, skip the convention to celebrate their "freedom in Christ" by partying and drinking. They wouldn't be employed at my church very long. The Church must be a safe place for addicts and sinners!
In the United States, each year approximately 80,000 deaths are directly attributed to alcohol consumption. Gun violence, domestic abuse, automobile accidents all increase as alcohol consumption increases. Because of how alcohol effects the brain, one under the influence KNOWS what he is doing, he just doesn't care. There are 14 million alcohol addicts in the United States. The cost of alcohol to the U.S. economy is about $230 billion dollars each year. Is it any wonder that Solomon warned his sons, 'Do not even wish you could have some wine' (Tom Steele paraphrase of Proverbs 23:31).
I do not believe Jesus consumed wine with alcohol. I know there are scholars who will "guffaw" this and think I am ignorant, so be it. But I am willing to do a word-study with you if you like.
Experts say that the use of yeast for making alcoholic wine has been around since about 4,000 BC. That is fairly consistent with the Biblical record of Noah's wine making. Generally, from the beginning to the end, the Bible takes a dim view of alcohol consumption, but commends those who abstain. Among those are the Rechabites of Jeremiah 35 of whom God said they "shall never lack a man to stand before me" because they obeyed the command of Jonadab, their father, to not drink alcohol.
What would Jesus do?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*It's just an opinion of mine that the water Jesus turned to wine was what wine will be in the new creation.
The United States has a long-standing tradition of temperence. We owe the Methodist circuit riding preachers a debt of gratitude. They recognized what unrestricted consumption of home-brewed alcohol was doing to children and families. They preached against it and worked for legislation against it. Thomas Welch was a Methodist minister who started making non alcoholic grape juice with which to celebrate the Lord's Supper.
Today, within the Stone-Campbell restoration movement, there are quite a number of preachers, ministers and pastors who regularly drink alcoholic beverages. The purpose of this bullet is not to consign such leaders to hell, but it is intended to remind each one of their responsibility to be an example. I have known of such drinking leaders who, when they go on paid leave to a Christian convention, will, skip the convention to celebrate their "freedom in Christ" by partying and drinking. They wouldn't be employed at my church very long. The Church must be a safe place for addicts and sinners!
In the United States, each year approximately 80,000 deaths are directly attributed to alcohol consumption. Gun violence, domestic abuse, automobile accidents all increase as alcohol consumption increases. Because of how alcohol effects the brain, one under the influence KNOWS what he is doing, he just doesn't care. There are 14 million alcohol addicts in the United States. The cost of alcohol to the U.S. economy is about $230 billion dollars each year. Is it any wonder that Solomon warned his sons, 'Do not even wish you could have some wine' (Tom Steele paraphrase of Proverbs 23:31).
I do not believe Jesus consumed wine with alcohol. I know there are scholars who will "guffaw" this and think I am ignorant, so be it. But I am willing to do a word-study with you if you like.
Experts say that the use of yeast for making alcoholic wine has been around since about 4,000 BC. That is fairly consistent with the Biblical record of Noah's wine making. Generally, from the beginning to the end, the Bible takes a dim view of alcohol consumption, but commends those who abstain. Among those are the Rechabites of Jeremiah 35 of whom God said they "shall never lack a man to stand before me" because they obeyed the command of Jonadab, their father, to not drink alcohol.
What would Jesus do?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*It's just an opinion of mine that the water Jesus turned to wine was what wine will be in the new creation.
Thursday, September 05, 2013
COMMUNION: LET US USE WHAT JESUS USED
Let us, therefore, celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (I Corinthians 5:8).
Recently, I had the opportunity to teach a class of 5th and 6th graders about communion, as a result, it made me think that it is important for all to understand. A couple of points about communion that are important for Christians to understand are what the elements were that Jesus used to institute the memorial and why.
When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper he used a couple of the elements of the passover meal that he and the disciples were eating (Read Matthew 26:26-29). The bread that Jesus used was unleavened bread. Leaven, throughout the Scriptures, is symbolic of sin. The Jews were to search out all leaven in their houses and dispose of it at this time. The spread of leaven is subtle, but it always spreads. It is symbolic of sin's influence, relentless and malignant.
The contents of the "cup" that Jesus used was nonalcoholic wine, "fruit of the vine." I say this with confidence that what was used to celebrate the Passover, and what Jesus used to institute his memorial was not wine as we think of it today. Making wine with alcohol required yeast, otherwise known as leaven. The same leaven that makes the bread ferments the wine. It would not have been on the passover table.
The body that was broken for us and the blood that was shed for us was without sin. The emblems that are used in this memorial should not be that which contain the symbols of sin.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Recently, I had the opportunity to teach a class of 5th and 6th graders about communion, as a result, it made me think that it is important for all to understand. A couple of points about communion that are important for Christians to understand are what the elements were that Jesus used to institute the memorial and why.
When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper he used a couple of the elements of the passover meal that he and the disciples were eating (Read Matthew 26:26-29). The bread that Jesus used was unleavened bread. Leaven, throughout the Scriptures, is symbolic of sin. The Jews were to search out all leaven in their houses and dispose of it at this time. The spread of leaven is subtle, but it always spreads. It is symbolic of sin's influence, relentless and malignant.
The contents of the "cup" that Jesus used was nonalcoholic wine, "fruit of the vine." I say this with confidence that what was used to celebrate the Passover, and what Jesus used to institute his memorial was not wine as we think of it today. Making wine with alcohol required yeast, otherwise known as leaven. The same leaven that makes the bread ferments the wine. It would not have been on the passover table.
The body that was broken for us and the blood that was shed for us was without sin. The emblems that are used in this memorial should not be that which contain the symbols of sin.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Saturday, August 31, 2013
GOOD TO SEE AN OLD BROTHER
It is good to see a cherished brother or friend not often seen (a paraphrased proverb somewhere in the Bible).
To make this a matter of historical record, my brother Kieth made a quick visit to Iowa, visiting friends and relatives. His wife Vonda was unable to accompany him. Helen and I took him to Sutherland's finest dining establishment (The Old P.O.) for supper. It was a good good time talking memories, philosophy, theology and family systems. We hope something like this happens again.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
To make this a matter of historical record, my brother Kieth made a quick visit to Iowa, visiting friends and relatives. His wife Vonda was unable to accompany him. Helen and I took him to Sutherland's finest dining establishment (The Old P.O.) for supper. It was a good good time talking memories, philosophy, theology and family systems. We hope something like this happens again.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Saturday, August 24, 2013
THE MIDDLE EAST: THE TRUE FACE OF ISLAM
You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16).
Islam reveals its true face in the Middle East. What has followed in the wake of Islam is war, famine, pestilence and death. Egypt, at least, has had the sense to reject the Muslim Brotherhood.
When a counselor counsels, the actual behavior of the client reveals the nature of the client more than anything the client says. Likewise, the actual result of a belief system reveals its true nature. It clearly is on display in the Middle East.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*It must be added: There are apparently peaceful Muslims, but they will not speak up when atrocities happen. They will not condemn the sensless slaughter of innocents. They remain silent either because of fear or because they approve in their hearts what is going on.
Islam reveals its true face in the Middle East. What has followed in the wake of Islam is war, famine, pestilence and death. Egypt, at least, has had the sense to reject the Muslim Brotherhood.
When a counselor counsels, the actual behavior of the client reveals the nature of the client more than anything the client says. Likewise, the actual result of a belief system reveals its true nature. It clearly is on display in the Middle East.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*It must be added: There are apparently peaceful Muslims, but they will not speak up when atrocities happen. They will not condemn the sensless slaughter of innocents. They remain silent either because of fear or because they approve in their hearts what is going on.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
AN EXAMPLE TO MICAH
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6). Sunday, the 18th of August, 2013 my newest grandson was dedicated to the Lord. Grandson, Micah, is going to be a fine servant of the Lord as he grows in wisdom and stature and in favor of God and man. I am not going to absolutely guarantee outcomes, but if Micah's parents and grandparents keep their vows, Micah will have a solid foundation on which to build his life. One of the absolute essentials in successful child rearing is congruence--congruence between what a parent says he believes and how he acts. If a parent says he believes one thing and behaves in a different manner, kids will spot those inconsistencies and conclude the parent's values are not that important. Eventually, everyone differentiates from their parents, they take ownership of the values they have. A child will depart from the way he should go if parents do not live in the way they say they believe. Our Father's Blessings, Tom
Thursday, August 15, 2013
PRAYER THOUGHT: HELP ME TO SEE
. . . let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us . . . (Hebrews 12:1).
I have been reading through the book of Hebrews in my daily Bible reading. The translation of the Bible I am using is the New American Standard Version. The author strongly urges us to let go of our sins which trip us up as we live for the Lord. We know what sin is--the Bible defines them. What isn't so easily understood are the "encumberances". Encumberances are not sin, but they are, nonetheless, obstructions and burdens that hinder our service to the Lord and cloud our witness as we live our Christian lives.
Encumberances are not so easily defined. What might be an encumberance to me might not be one to you. It might be a good thing that is taking the place of a better thing. It might be placing undue importance on things that do not matter that much. I am not going to be specific beyond this unless someone would ask me. It could have to do with money and debt. It might have to do with sports or politics. It might have to do with hobbies and entertainment. It might have to do with employment or even have to do with church work.
Since this is a more personal matter to which one might be blind, it is essential to ask God to help you to see and understand the encumberances to our Christian lives.
Love & Prayers,
Tom
I have been reading through the book of Hebrews in my daily Bible reading. The translation of the Bible I am using is the New American Standard Version. The author strongly urges us to let go of our sins which trip us up as we live for the Lord. We know what sin is--the Bible defines them. What isn't so easily understood are the "encumberances". Encumberances are not sin, but they are, nonetheless, obstructions and burdens that hinder our service to the Lord and cloud our witness as we live our Christian lives.
Encumberances are not so easily defined. What might be an encumberance to me might not be one to you. It might be a good thing that is taking the place of a better thing. It might be placing undue importance on things that do not matter that much. I am not going to be specific beyond this unless someone would ask me. It could have to do with money and debt. It might have to do with sports or politics. It might have to do with hobbies and entertainment. It might have to do with employment or even have to do with church work.
Since this is a more personal matter to which one might be blind, it is essential to ask God to help you to see and understand the encumberances to our Christian lives.
Love & Prayers,
Tom
Saturday, August 10, 2013
PRAYER THOUGHTS: PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much (James 5:16).
One of the foundation stones of the reformation is, "the priesthood of all believers." It is based in I Peter 2: 9 which says, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. This was written to Christians in general, not to a specific class of clergy. The reason this is important to bring up is that it isn't just clergy who can offer up effective prayers. In the New Testament God makes no distinction between clergy and laity. Every Christian has the responsibility to pray for each other and to share the gospel with others. Granted, there are differences of spiritual gifts, but God hears the prayers of each committed Christan whether he or she is "clergy" or "laity."
I tell you all this because it is important for you to understand that your prayers prayed in faith are just as effective as any pastor, priest or pope!
Love & Prayers;
Tom
One of the foundation stones of the reformation is, "the priesthood of all believers." It is based in I Peter 2: 9 which says, But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. This was written to Christians in general, not to a specific class of clergy. The reason this is important to bring up is that it isn't just clergy who can offer up effective prayers. In the New Testament God makes no distinction between clergy and laity. Every Christian has the responsibility to pray for each other and to share the gospel with others. Granted, there are differences of spiritual gifts, but God hears the prayers of each committed Christan whether he or she is "clergy" or "laity."
I tell you all this because it is important for you to understand that your prayers prayed in faith are just as effective as any pastor, priest or pope!
Love & Prayers;
Tom
Saturday, August 03, 2013
PRAYER THOUGHTS: PRAY WITH AUDACITY
And he cried, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!" And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent; but he cried out all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Luke 18:38-39).
Because we are humans, we will make mistakes when we pray; we might ask for things that are not theologically correct. That's okay. I believe God welcomes passionate mistakeness more than luke-warm correctness.
In 1540, Martin Luther's great friend and assistant, Frederick Myconius, became sick and was expected to die within a short time. On his bed, he wrote a loving farewell note to Luther with a trembling hand. Luther received the letter and instantly sent back a reply, "I command thee in the name of God to live. I still have need of thee in the work of reforming the church. The Lord will never let me hear that thou art dead, but will permit thee to survive me. For this I am praying, this is my will and my will be done, because I seek only to glorify the name of God." One week later, Myconius recovered and died two months after the death of Luther (I found this story in a sermon by Peter Marshall--it is supposed to be historically accurate).
What audacity! Audacity is boldness and brashness. It is willing to ask for outcomes that cannot succeed unless God is in them. Have you prayed with audacity lately? Be done with praying wimpy prayers!
Love & Prayers,
Tom
Because we are humans, we will make mistakes when we pray; we might ask for things that are not theologically correct. That's okay. I believe God welcomes passionate mistakeness more than luke-warm correctness.
In 1540, Martin Luther's great friend and assistant, Frederick Myconius, became sick and was expected to die within a short time. On his bed, he wrote a loving farewell note to Luther with a trembling hand. Luther received the letter and instantly sent back a reply, "I command thee in the name of God to live. I still have need of thee in the work of reforming the church. The Lord will never let me hear that thou art dead, but will permit thee to survive me. For this I am praying, this is my will and my will be done, because I seek only to glorify the name of God." One week later, Myconius recovered and died two months after the death of Luther (I found this story in a sermon by Peter Marshall--it is supposed to be historically accurate).
What audacity! Audacity is boldness and brashness. It is willing to ask for outcomes that cannot succeed unless God is in them. Have you prayed with audacity lately? Be done with praying wimpy prayers!
Love & Prayers,
Tom
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