To the rest I say, not the Lord, that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him . . . But if the unbelieving partner desires to separate, let it be so; in such case the brother or sister is not bound. For God has called us to peace(I Corinthians 7: 12-15).
A book could be written about these verses, but this is only a devotional, so I will only make one point: Marriage does require a person to become an adult. If a marriage is to succeed and flourish, each partner has to grow and mature. Successful people are not static, staying the same throughout their lives. It is inevitable that one of the partners will make the decision to grow. When one spouse hears the call of God to become an adult, the other spouse is faced with these choices: 1) to become an adult, too, 2) to live with it, facing the possibility of becoming an adult, him/her self, or 3) to sabotage the growth by threatening to leave, or some other means of causing trouble in the family relationship. The best way to help a marriage partner is not to surrender to the trouble, but to continue on the path of growing in faith, knowledge and personal responsibility. If a spouse refuses to come along, not much else can be done to help him or her to mature and he or she will continue to live as a child in a world that desperately needs adults.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
PUNISHING YOURSELF FOR YOUR OWN SINS? (A Communion Meditation)
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:7-9).
I was randomly searching for a communion meditation thought when I found a blurb from an old issue of Psychology Today. The question was asked, "Does guilt cause people to punish themselves?" There definitely is a correlation between the emotion of guilt and cutting/self mutilation, binge eating, self-sabotage and even suicide.
Brock Bastian, a psychologist at the university of Queensland, used this test to research the question, Does guilt cause people to punish themselves? Dr. Bastian asked people if they had done something bad that made them feel guilty. He asked them to write about it. He asked each participant, if they felt guilty or not, to put their arm in ice water as long as they could stand it. Then they could pull their arm out.
This little test revealed that: 1) Those who felt guilty kept their arms in the ice water longer; 2) These same people rated the experience more painful, and 3) This experience of punishing one's self reduced the guilty person's perception of guilt.
What does this mean for communion? There is no self-punishment that can pay for our sins. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us. All the Lord requires is that sinful behavior be recognized and confessed, and it is forgiven; guilt is taken away. Do not think that because one has suffered because of his sinful behavior he is less guilty.
The Lord's Table is the family table for Christians to gather around, confessing their sins. They know that their guilt is taken away because of the ultimate gift of God in the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*The book of I John was written to Christians; non Christians were not the primary audience.
I was randomly searching for a communion meditation thought when I found a blurb from an old issue of Psychology Today. The question was asked, "Does guilt cause people to punish themselves?" There definitely is a correlation between the emotion of guilt and cutting/self mutilation, binge eating, self-sabotage and even suicide.
Brock Bastian, a psychologist at the university of Queensland, used this test to research the question, Does guilt cause people to punish themselves? Dr. Bastian asked people if they had done something bad that made them feel guilty. He asked them to write about it. He asked each participant, if they felt guilty or not, to put their arm in ice water as long as they could stand it. Then they could pull their arm out.
This little test revealed that: 1) Those who felt guilty kept their arms in the ice water longer; 2) These same people rated the experience more painful, and 3) This experience of punishing one's self reduced the guilty person's perception of guilt.
What does this mean for communion? There is no self-punishment that can pay for our sins. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us. All the Lord requires is that sinful behavior be recognized and confessed, and it is forgiven; guilt is taken away. Do not think that because one has suffered because of his sinful behavior he is less guilty.
The Lord's Table is the family table for Christians to gather around, confessing their sins. They know that their guilt is taken away because of the ultimate gift of God in the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
*The book of I John was written to Christians; non Christians were not the primary audience.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
PONYSHO
Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea (Exodus 15:18).
I went and did it. I've always wanted to have a Mustang convertible with a V8 engine and some sweet sounding pipes, and it was like the Lord wanted me to have it too. I had noticed this car before, sitting on a used car dealers lot, but I could never justify spending the money to buy a big-boy toy to play with. I was returning from Helen's parent's house in Kansas, driving home alone. Driving through Lyndon, Kansas, I noticed that the Mustang convertible was still on the lot--a definite sign from God. Still, I never would have stopped to check it out if I would have had a passenger--another sign. I still drove past the used car lot, but I had this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach that I would regret not stopping to check it out--a third sign. So, I turned around and went back. The price on the care was about $1500 less than I expected--a 4th sign? So with all these signs, who was I to say "no" to the Lord? So, I bought the car, although I do not have it at home yet.
As a final note, the lovely and gracious Helen is OK with it, but I think it tested her a little. And really, I was just teasing about all the signs from the Lord--but I think He might be OK with it too. If I can make it work I will put up a picture of a Mustang exactly like the one I bought--I hope this doesn't turn out to be just another pony show.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
I went and did it. I've always wanted to have a Mustang convertible with a V8 engine and some sweet sounding pipes, and it was like the Lord wanted me to have it too. I had noticed this car before, sitting on a used car dealers lot, but I could never justify spending the money to buy a big-boy toy to play with. I was returning from Helen's parent's house in Kansas, driving home alone. Driving through Lyndon, Kansas, I noticed that the Mustang convertible was still on the lot--a definite sign from God. Still, I never would have stopped to check it out if I would have had a passenger--another sign. I still drove past the used car lot, but I had this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach that I would regret not stopping to check it out--a third sign. So, I turned around and went back. The price on the care was about $1500 less than I expected--a 4th sign? So with all these signs, who was I to say "no" to the Lord? So, I bought the car, although I do not have it at home yet.
As a final note, the lovely and gracious Helen is OK with it, but I think it tested her a little. And really, I was just teasing about all the signs from the Lord--but I think He might be OK with it too. If I can make it work I will put up a picture of a Mustang exactly like the one I bought--I hope this doesn't turn out to be just another pony show.
Our Father's Blessings,
Friday, May 11, 2012
IN SORROW, CHRISTIANS HAVE HOPE
But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again . . . (I Thessalonians 4:13-14a).
The lovely and gracious Helen's dad passed away this morning. Charles Huff's death is a great loss to the Tom Steele family. Of course, Helen's dad had a great deal to do with Helen being the kind of woman I would want to be my wife and the mother of our children. That fact alone made him an important man to me. He was a very important grandfather role model and mentor to our children. His influence was an important dynamic in the formation and function of our family; we will grieve his loss for quite sometime.
What I want each reader to understand is that in our family we believe that we have not seen the last of Charles Huff! If one has ever touched a corpse, to possess a hope that the dead person will ever be seen alive again is quite audacious, to say the least. Yet, based on the history of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is exactly what we believe. Death is only sleep when Jesus Christ is around. The Christian does not have to say, "Goodbye" to Charles, only, "So long, see you later."
Our Father's Love,
Tom
The lovely and gracious Helen's dad passed away this morning. Charles Huff's death is a great loss to the Tom Steele family. Of course, Helen's dad had a great deal to do with Helen being the kind of woman I would want to be my wife and the mother of our children. That fact alone made him an important man to me. He was a very important grandfather role model and mentor to our children. His influence was an important dynamic in the formation and function of our family; we will grieve his loss for quite sometime.
What I want each reader to understand is that in our family we believe that we have not seen the last of Charles Huff! If one has ever touched a corpse, to possess a hope that the dead person will ever be seen alive again is quite audacious, to say the least. Yet, based on the history of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is exactly what we believe. Death is only sleep when Jesus Christ is around. The Christian does not have to say, "Goodbye" to Charles, only, "So long, see you later."
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Monday, April 30, 2012
NEED A TOUCH?
When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." and immediately his leprosy was cleansed (Matthew 8:1-3).
This is only one of several times when Jesus touched the one whom he was healing. We know from the Biblical record that touching was not essential to the healing process. At Jesus' word, one could be healed even if he was not present, so it is easy to assume that physical touching was not necessary for physical healing. So why did Jesus touch the leper when he healed him?
According to the law of Moses, a leper was to identify himself as a leper so that non lepers could keep their distance. Leprosy was a communicable disease, so, as a result, a leper had to be quarantined from the healthy population. This man with leprosy had probably not experienced very much compassionate human touching in his life and perhaps that is why Jesus included touching in the healing process.
I have never considered myself as a "touchy, feely" guy, and yet when Helen's (my lovely and gracious wife) and my schedules become extremely busy and there is not much touching time, I find myself becoming irritable for no apparent reason. Touching is communication. Proper touching is validation, saying, "You are important to me," or "I love you."
Christians are called to be like their master. We should not be afraid to give a hug, a handshake or a pat on the back as we witness about the love of God and His Son, Jesus the Christ in our lives. Do you need a touch?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
This is only one of several times when Jesus touched the one whom he was healing. We know from the Biblical record that touching was not essential to the healing process. At Jesus' word, one could be healed even if he was not present, so it is easy to assume that physical touching was not necessary for physical healing. So why did Jesus touch the leper when he healed him?
According to the law of Moses, a leper was to identify himself as a leper so that non lepers could keep their distance. Leprosy was a communicable disease, so, as a result, a leper had to be quarantined from the healthy population. This man with leprosy had probably not experienced very much compassionate human touching in his life and perhaps that is why Jesus included touching in the healing process.
I have never considered myself as a "touchy, feely" guy, and yet when Helen's (my lovely and gracious wife) and my schedules become extremely busy and there is not much touching time, I find myself becoming irritable for no apparent reason. Touching is communication. Proper touching is validation, saying, "You are important to me," or "I love you."
Christians are called to be like their master. We should not be afraid to give a hug, a handshake or a pat on the back as we witness about the love of God and His Son, Jesus the Christ in our lives. Do you need a touch?
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Thursday, April 19, 2012
BE CAREFUL OF GENERICS
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I will reject you . . . (Hosea 4:6).
I always like to have a Scripture text with the blurbs that I write. In this case it might be a little lame, but still, if we do not know something that is very important, we can really suffer because we did not know!
This morning I was reading and article written by a child psychiatrist, Glen Havens, about child mental health and medications. It was a very informative article, but one of the things that stood out to me was this: By Federal Drug Administration regulation, Generic compounds only have to be 70% as effective as the name brand to hit the market. There can be significant variability in therapeutic benefit. I assume that this applies to all generic medications and not just psychotropics. So, make sure you ask questions, and ask them again, and read labels so that you know what is the best decision to make in choosing between name brands and generics.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
I always like to have a Scripture text with the blurbs that I write. In this case it might be a little lame, but still, if we do not know something that is very important, we can really suffer because we did not know!
This morning I was reading and article written by a child psychiatrist, Glen Havens, about child mental health and medications. It was a very informative article, but one of the things that stood out to me was this: By Federal Drug Administration regulation, Generic compounds only have to be 70% as effective as the name brand to hit the market. There can be significant variability in therapeutic benefit. I assume that this applies to all generic medications and not just psychotropics. So, make sure you ask questions, and ask them again, and read labels so that you know what is the best decision to make in choosing between name brands and generics.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Monday, April 16, 2012
CHRISTIANS GIVING TO THE LORD WHAT HE DOESN'T ASK FOR AND NOT GIVING TO HIM WHAT HE DOES ASK
For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is broken for you. Do this in reremembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes (I Corinthians 11:23-26).
As much as Helen and I enjoyed our trip to Kansas on Easter weekend, we left disappointed even though we were blessed by our visit. The reason we were disappointed was the fact that we did not receive communion. I thought it would be a certainty that communion would be offered in the Abbyville Community Church, but it was not. They did do some special things for Easter, and there was a gospel message, but there was no communion.
Services were over in Abbyville early enough so that we could go to another church where friends of our worship. They were having a rousing testimony time, but there was no communion. It is interesting to me that we are willing to give to the Lord what He hasn't ask for, and we do not give to Him what He has specifically asked for. He hasn't asked us to celebrate Easter--every Lord's day is to be "Easter" to the Christian--but we do not celebrate the Lord's Supper, which He has specifically asked us to celebrate. The Lord never asked us to go and lead people to repeat the "Sinner's Prayer," but He has specifically asked us to go and baptize sinners into Jesus Christ. It is twisted theology that has led to all of this, and I do not know how the Lord is going to deal with it in judgment, but we need to ask ourselves once in a while, "Am I giving to God something He has not asked for in place of something that He has asked?"
Celebrating communion is a Good Friday through Easter message like no other, and certainly, a testimony like no other. Without communion we left Abbyville a little empty.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
As much as Helen and I enjoyed our trip to Kansas on Easter weekend, we left disappointed even though we were blessed by our visit. The reason we were disappointed was the fact that we did not receive communion. I thought it would be a certainty that communion would be offered in the Abbyville Community Church, but it was not. They did do some special things for Easter, and there was a gospel message, but there was no communion.
Services were over in Abbyville early enough so that we could go to another church where friends of our worship. They were having a rousing testimony time, but there was no communion. It is interesting to me that we are willing to give to the Lord what He hasn't ask for, and we do not give to Him what He has specifically asked for. He hasn't asked us to celebrate Easter--every Lord's day is to be "Easter" to the Christian--but we do not celebrate the Lord's Supper, which He has specifically asked us to celebrate. The Lord never asked us to go and lead people to repeat the "Sinner's Prayer," but He has specifically asked us to go and baptize sinners into Jesus Christ. It is twisted theology that has led to all of this, and I do not know how the Lord is going to deal with it in judgment, but we need to ask ourselves once in a while, "Am I giving to God something He has not asked for in place of something that He has asked?"
Celebrating communion is a Good Friday through Easter message like no other, and certainly, a testimony like no other. Without communion we left Abbyville a little empty.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Thursday, April 12, 2012
MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (I Corinthians 10:13).
Human beings are more alike than they are different. Granted, there are almost infinite variations from person to person. It has been said that there are no two snowflakes that are alike, so it is that there are no two people exactly alike. Still, human beings are more alike than they are different. That is why those who work in health care can devise treatment protocols that can bring therapy and healing to the human body.
In the areas of mental health and spiritual health it is no less true, we are more alike than we are different. One of the dynamics of counseling with which the counselor almost always has to deal is the thinking on the part of the one being counseled is, "My case is different. You might have helped others, but my situation is so different, you will never be able to help me." But, the truth is, there is a sameness to our problems; they can be remedied if one is willing to accept the therapy.
We are people of flesh who live in the world. Satan attacks us through the desires and needs of the flesh: food, sex, social relationships being some of the strongest avenues of attack. Satan also attacks us through the philosophies of the world: pleasure, power, beauty and wealth being the most salient avenues. Because we are more alike than different, we are all vulnerable to satan's attacks on us through one, or more, means of attack.
The way of escape begins before the attacks come. Being close to God or Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, is the best way to thwart Satan's schemes from the very beginning. In any case, trust this: God will not allow you to be tempted beyond which you are able to stand. Stand firm, you will make it! And never forget I John 1:9.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Human beings are more alike than they are different. Granted, there are almost infinite variations from person to person. It has been said that there are no two snowflakes that are alike, so it is that there are no two people exactly alike. Still, human beings are more alike than they are different. That is why those who work in health care can devise treatment protocols that can bring therapy and healing to the human body.
In the areas of mental health and spiritual health it is no less true, we are more alike than we are different. One of the dynamics of counseling with which the counselor almost always has to deal is the thinking on the part of the one being counseled is, "My case is different. You might have helped others, but my situation is so different, you will never be able to help me." But, the truth is, there is a sameness to our problems; they can be remedied if one is willing to accept the therapy.
We are people of flesh who live in the world. Satan attacks us through the desires and needs of the flesh: food, sex, social relationships being some of the strongest avenues of attack. Satan also attacks us through the philosophies of the world: pleasure, power, beauty and wealth being the most salient avenues. Because we are more alike than different, we are all vulnerable to satan's attacks on us through one, or more, means of attack.
The way of escape begins before the attacks come. Being close to God or Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, is the best way to thwart Satan's schemes from the very beginning. In any case, trust this: God will not allow you to be tempted beyond which you are able to stand. Stand firm, you will make it! And never forget I John 1:9.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
A THOUSAND MILE DRIVE DOWN MEMORY LANE
Thus says the Lord; "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls" ( Jeremiah 6:16).
Helen and I drove to Kansas for the Easter break. It was good to take care of business at Helen's parents and to get a clearer understanding of their life situation. Being elderly people, their children need check on them fairly frequently. We attended "Good Friday" services at the New Strawn Christian Church and renewed some old acquaintances there. We spent Saturday cleaning and organizing around Dad & Mom's house and bid them farewell.
We were up and going at 5:30 Sunday Morning, driving from Burlington, Kansas to Abbyville, Kansas, arriving in time for morning worship. Abbyville is the location of my first church when I started in the Christian ministry. Though that was about 40 years ago, we still have dear friends there, one of them celebrating her 90th birthday. She doesn't look a day over 70. We spent the day visiting with our dear brothers and sisters in Christ, but by 6:00 p.m. we needed to begin the trip home to Iowa so I could make it to an appointment with the doctor on Monday. We did a lot of driving and visiting in a short time, but it was a blessing to us.
When we commit our lives to serving the Lord and walking in His way, there will be hardship and difficulty, but looking back, the way is good.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Helen and I drove to Kansas for the Easter break. It was good to take care of business at Helen's parents and to get a clearer understanding of their life situation. Being elderly people, their children need check on them fairly frequently. We attended "Good Friday" services at the New Strawn Christian Church and renewed some old acquaintances there. We spent Saturday cleaning and organizing around Dad & Mom's house and bid them farewell.
We were up and going at 5:30 Sunday Morning, driving from Burlington, Kansas to Abbyville, Kansas, arriving in time for morning worship. Abbyville is the location of my first church when I started in the Christian ministry. Though that was about 40 years ago, we still have dear friends there, one of them celebrating her 90th birthday. She doesn't look a day over 70. We spent the day visiting with our dear brothers and sisters in Christ, but by 6:00 p.m. we needed to begin the trip home to Iowa so I could make it to an appointment with the doctor on Monday. We did a lot of driving and visiting in a short time, but it was a blessing to us.
When we commit our lives to serving the Lord and walking in His way, there will be hardship and difficulty, but looking back, the way is good.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Friday, April 06, 2012
THE DRAWING POWER OF GOD'S LOVE
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:44).
. . . "and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." He said this to show by what death he was to die (John 12:32-33).
What is traditionally called Easter is the season when attention is drawn to the historical events that are the foundation of the Christian faith, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If these events are not true, there is no faith, no hope and no love in the world. That statement may sound extreme, but it simply means that if these events are not historical there is no God. Faith is reduced to ritual. Hope is reduced to wishful thinking. Love is reduced to altruism. And, we are still in our sins.
The power that draws people to God is not some mystical irresistible tractor beam focused on a few whom God has arbitrarily chosen, but it is the power of love extended to all who will receive it. If the good news of God's love will not move the human heart to surrender to Him, nothing else will. Have a blessed Easter season.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
. . . "and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." He said this to show by what death he was to die (John 12:32-33).
What is traditionally called Easter is the season when attention is drawn to the historical events that are the foundation of the Christian faith, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. If these events are not true, there is no faith, no hope and no love in the world. That statement may sound extreme, but it simply means that if these events are not historical there is no God. Faith is reduced to ritual. Hope is reduced to wishful thinking. Love is reduced to altruism. And, we are still in our sins.
The power that draws people to God is not some mystical irresistible tractor beam focused on a few whom God has arbitrarily chosen, but it is the power of love extended to all who will receive it. If the good news of God's love will not move the human heart to surrender to Him, nothing else will. Have a blessed Easter season.
Our Father's Love,
Tom
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
BELIEFS DETERMINE ACTIONS
As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 3:27).
Josh McDowell wrote an article in Christian Counseling Today called, "What Teens Believe." He shared some of his research on the beliefs of teens who lack a basic biblical belief system. I do not vouch for the accuracy of his research except to say that it sounds reasonable to me and that is why I'm sharing it with you.
Teens who lack a biblical belief system are:
1. 36% more likely to lie to a friend;
2. 48% more likely to cheat on an examination;
3. 200% more likely to steal;
4. 200% more likely to physically hurt someone;
5. 300% more likely to use illegal drugs;
6. 600% more likely to attempt suicide.
What someone thinks and believes does have consequences!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Josh McDowell wrote an article in Christian Counseling Today called, "What Teens Believe." He shared some of his research on the beliefs of teens who lack a basic biblical belief system. I do not vouch for the accuracy of his research except to say that it sounds reasonable to me and that is why I'm sharing it with you.
Teens who lack a biblical belief system are:
1. 36% more likely to lie to a friend;
2. 48% more likely to cheat on an examination;
3. 200% more likely to steal;
4. 200% more likely to physically hurt someone;
5. 300% more likely to use illegal drugs;
6. 600% more likely to attempt suicide.
What someone thinks and believes does have consequences!
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Sunday, March 25, 2012
GOOD RELIGION
If any one thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world (James 1:26-27).
Religion that makes you feel good without being good is not any good.*
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*A barb borrowed from Sword and Staff.
Religion that makes you feel good without being good is not any good.*
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
*A barb borrowed from Sword and Staff.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I RECEIVED A NICE COMPLIMENT, OR THE GOOD ABOUT GRAY HAIR
A hoary head (gray hair) is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life (Proverbs 16:31).
Every Monday, the Hy Vee super market in our area gives senior citizens a discount on what ever they buy, a senior citizen being anyone over 55. As I was checking out this last Monday, the checker asked if I was a "senior." I replied, "yes I am," I'm 64, "but thank you for asking." The checker didn't intend to compliment me on my youthful good looks, she was just doing her job, but it certainly made me feel good, knowing that she felt like she needed to ask--it made my day.
I do not have gray hair yet. As recently as the early 20th century the average life expectancy was only about 50 years. That someone would live until their hair was gray was somewhat unusual. The best way to live to the age a gray hair was to live a clean and righteous life. Perhaps I will make it to "gray hair" and I hope you do too.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Every Monday, the Hy Vee super market in our area gives senior citizens a discount on what ever they buy, a senior citizen being anyone over 55. As I was checking out this last Monday, the checker asked if I was a "senior." I replied, "yes I am," I'm 64, "but thank you for asking." The checker didn't intend to compliment me on my youthful good looks, she was just doing her job, but it certainly made me feel good, knowing that she felt like she needed to ask--it made my day.
I do not have gray hair yet. As recently as the early 20th century the average life expectancy was only about 50 years. That someone would live until their hair was gray was somewhat unusual. The best way to live to the age a gray hair was to live a clean and righteous life. Perhaps I will make it to "gray hair" and I hope you do too.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
WHAT WAY ARE YOU GOING?
Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off an evil odor; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. A wise man's heart inclines him toward the right, but a fool's heart toward the left (Ecclesiastes 10:1-2).
The way of the Lord is on the right. The way of man veers to the left. The way of the Lord is personal responsibility for one's behavior. The way of man is for society to accept responsibility for personal irresponsible behavior. Certainly, it is a sign of a decaying society when it is demanded of the government, and church related institutions, that they pay the birth-control expenses of single women. On this earth, there is no end to foolishness.
Though the contraceptive issue is a cheap campaign ploy of the democrats in an attempt to say the Republicans have declared war on women, it does reveal the depths of depravity to which our culture is headed. How much lower can it descend? Let me think, we already kill babies in an attempt to solve our social problems, now free contraceptives. Free drugs to keep each one happy while the economy sinks into oblivion? I believe there is a strong connection of the general abandonment of personal responsibility to a sinking economy. The costs of supporting personal irresponsibility are too enormous to overcome.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
The way of the Lord is on the right. The way of man veers to the left. The way of the Lord is personal responsibility for one's behavior. The way of man is for society to accept responsibility for personal irresponsible behavior. Certainly, it is a sign of a decaying society when it is demanded of the government, and church related institutions, that they pay the birth-control expenses of single women. On this earth, there is no end to foolishness.
Though the contraceptive issue is a cheap campaign ploy of the democrats in an attempt to say the Republicans have declared war on women, it does reveal the depths of depravity to which our culture is headed. How much lower can it descend? Let me think, we already kill babies in an attempt to solve our social problems, now free contraceptives. Free drugs to keep each one happy while the economy sinks into oblivion? I believe there is a strong connection of the general abandonment of personal responsibility to a sinking economy. The costs of supporting personal irresponsibility are too enormous to overcome.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Monday, February 27, 2012
THE NECESSITY OF FORGIVENESS
And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any one; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses (Mark 11:25).
Some of the goals of marriage counseling are to improve communication, to increase understanding in each spouse, and to build conflict resolution skills. While being successful in accomplishing these goals in marriage counseling is a good thing, nevertheless, healing will never be complete unless there is forgiveness.
When Jesus taught about forgiveness, he tended to frame it in financial terms, Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" he taught us to pray. People are familiar with finance so it makes forgiveness a little more easy to understand when Jesus pictures forgiveness this way. When a debt is forgiven, the note is put through the paper shredder; there is no longer a legal basis to hold the debtor accountable for his debt. Though the debt might not be forgotten, it cannot be brought up again.
That two sinful people can be united in marriage and not hurt one another is nearly impossible and that is why forgiveness is so necessary. Most of the time the hurts are minor, sometimes they are major, but always they will be sources of anger and conflict unless they are forgiven. Forgiveness is a core value of being a Christian; to forgive is to love like God loves in Jesus Christ.
One of the hindrances to effective prayer is when forgiveness is withheld even when it is asked for. God will not hear our prayers if we are not willing to forgive the one who has hurt us.
My understanding of Christian forgiveness is that it is not unconditional; there must be a change of mind which leads the offender to ask for forgiveness. Sometimes there a pathological abusers out there who take advantage of forgiveness as a means of continuing the abuse and we must be wise in that regard. Generally, asking for forgiveness implies a desire to change. According to First John 1:9, forgiveness is conditioned on the offender recognizing that his behavior is sinful and, as a result, asks for forgiveness.
God loves each person; Jesus died on the cross for all! The sins of every person are paid for in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ--while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God stands willing to forgive anyone who recognizes their sin and embraces Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Apart from that, they stand unforgiven. Likewise, we must be so ready to forgive that forgiveness is a foregone conclusion if one asks for it.
Our Father's Blessings and Love,
Tom
Some of the goals of marriage counseling are to improve communication, to increase understanding in each spouse, and to build conflict resolution skills. While being successful in accomplishing these goals in marriage counseling is a good thing, nevertheless, healing will never be complete unless there is forgiveness.
When Jesus taught about forgiveness, he tended to frame it in financial terms, Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" he taught us to pray. People are familiar with finance so it makes forgiveness a little more easy to understand when Jesus pictures forgiveness this way. When a debt is forgiven, the note is put through the paper shredder; there is no longer a legal basis to hold the debtor accountable for his debt. Though the debt might not be forgotten, it cannot be brought up again.
That two sinful people can be united in marriage and not hurt one another is nearly impossible and that is why forgiveness is so necessary. Most of the time the hurts are minor, sometimes they are major, but always they will be sources of anger and conflict unless they are forgiven. Forgiveness is a core value of being a Christian; to forgive is to love like God loves in Jesus Christ.
One of the hindrances to effective prayer is when forgiveness is withheld even when it is asked for. God will not hear our prayers if we are not willing to forgive the one who has hurt us.
My understanding of Christian forgiveness is that it is not unconditional; there must be a change of mind which leads the offender to ask for forgiveness. Sometimes there a pathological abusers out there who take advantage of forgiveness as a means of continuing the abuse and we must be wise in that regard. Generally, asking for forgiveness implies a desire to change. According to First John 1:9, forgiveness is conditioned on the offender recognizing that his behavior is sinful and, as a result, asks for forgiveness.
God loves each person; Jesus died on the cross for all! The sins of every person are paid for in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ--while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). God stands willing to forgive anyone who recognizes their sin and embraces Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Apart from that, they stand unforgiven. Likewise, we must be so ready to forgive that forgiveness is a foregone conclusion if one asks for it.
Our Father's Blessings and Love,
Tom
Thursday, February 23, 2012
THE ACTIVITY OF SALVATION: BELIEVING IN DR. CHRIST
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give to you; for on him has God the Father set his seal. Then they said to him (Jesus), "What must we do to be doing the works of God?" Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he hath sent" (John 6: 27-29).
As I wrote in the Passivity of Salvation, salvation is something that only God can do to us--we cannot save our selves and make our selves whole! The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for our sins is the only price that can be payed. The ministry of Holy Spirit is the only power that can make us whole.
It is only a coincidence that the doctor who is the doctor in charge of treating my sickness literally has the surname, Christ. It adds a nice touch to this devotional does it not? Dr. Christ is in charge of the treatment, but if I do not believe in him, can he heal me?
I do not show or feel any signs of the disease I have. It was only by an annual physical that it was discovered. I could say, "I'm doing okay, I do not need Dr. Christ." But I have seen what this disease does to men, so I do not want to take the risk. As a result, believing in Dr. Christ, I am willing to sign the consent form for treatment, follow his instructions, show up at the hospital at the appointed times for treatment. If the treatment is successful, I will be extremely thankful to Dr. Christ, even though I will pay him very well, because I could not have healed myself! If I did not believe in Dr. Christ, I would do none of those things.
If one truly believes in Jesus Christ, all that follows is a foregone conclusion. The activity of salvation is believing in Dr. Christ.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
As I wrote in the Passivity of Salvation, salvation is something that only God can do to us--we cannot save our selves and make our selves whole! The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for our sins is the only price that can be payed. The ministry of Holy Spirit is the only power that can make us whole.
It is only a coincidence that the doctor who is the doctor in charge of treating my sickness literally has the surname, Christ. It adds a nice touch to this devotional does it not? Dr. Christ is in charge of the treatment, but if I do not believe in him, can he heal me?
I do not show or feel any signs of the disease I have. It was only by an annual physical that it was discovered. I could say, "I'm doing okay, I do not need Dr. Christ." But I have seen what this disease does to men, so I do not want to take the risk. As a result, believing in Dr. Christ, I am willing to sign the consent form for treatment, follow his instructions, show up at the hospital at the appointed times for treatment. If the treatment is successful, I will be extremely thankful to Dr. Christ, even though I will pay him very well, because I could not have healed myself! If I did not believe in Dr. Christ, I would do none of those things.
If one truly believes in Jesus Christ, all that follows is a foregone conclusion. The activity of salvation is believing in Dr. Christ.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
QUICK TRIP TO CALIFORNIA
(The Lord) who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's (Psalms 103:5).
We (Helen and I) just returned home from our annual President's Day holiday week-end trip to the great state of California to visit our grandchildren, Faith, Deacon and Parker and their wonderful parents, Rebecca and Kirk. The weather was sunny and warm, a nice break from Iowa. It was nice to see green grass and the almond trees blossoming! The honey bees were out doing their job of spreading pollen around.
The state of California is truly the state of fruits & nuts. The church my son-in-law serves is building an out door baptistry. Since baptism is by immersion there has to be enough water to immerse a person under water. The local officials couldn't decide if this would be a pond or a pool. They finally decided that it would be a pool and, as a result, the church must post a "No Life Guard on Duty" sign on the baptistry.
It is a good thing to be connected to the family. For children to be connected to the extended family gives them a source of meaning, purpose and self-esteem during their growing-years. It is a blessing to grand parents too, keeping them young. I think God intended to renew the strength of grand parents through their grand children.
The flights were uneventful this year, thank God, but those airplane seats are the most uncomfortable place to park one's "keester" since the steel tractor seat.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
We (Helen and I) just returned home from our annual President's Day holiday week-end trip to the great state of California to visit our grandchildren, Faith, Deacon and Parker and their wonderful parents, Rebecca and Kirk. The weather was sunny and warm, a nice break from Iowa. It was nice to see green grass and the almond trees blossoming! The honey bees were out doing their job of spreading pollen around.
The state of California is truly the state of fruits & nuts. The church my son-in-law serves is building an out door baptistry. Since baptism is by immersion there has to be enough water to immerse a person under water. The local officials couldn't decide if this would be a pond or a pool. They finally decided that it would be a pool and, as a result, the church must post a "No Life Guard on Duty" sign on the baptistry.
It is a good thing to be connected to the family. For children to be connected to the extended family gives them a source of meaning, purpose and self-esteem during their growing-years. It is a blessing to grand parents too, keeping them young. I think God intended to renew the strength of grand parents through their grand children.
The flights were uneventful this year, thank God, but those airplane seats are the most uncomfortable place to park one's "keester" since the steel tractor seat.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
THOUGHTS BEFORE I WENT UNDER: THE PASSIVITY OF SALVATION
And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18).
You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ . . . (I Peter 1:18,19a).
When I was on the operating table waiting to be sedated, yesterday, I was thinking about the journey of physical healing I was beginning. In purely human terms, the healing is coming from the doctor, nurses and hospital staff. They provide the facility, expertise, medication and care needed for me to get well. In my case, the doctor was doing a procedure on me that will make me well. What would I be doing? Nothing, (I had already signed the consent forms) except letting the doctor and staff work on me. Then I thought, "Isn't that how salvation is, allowing the Divine healer to do his work in my life?" What is necessary for me to do is to sign the consent forms for treatment (Christian baptism) and to let go of the futile ways of the past.
I will have more to write about this in a following post. For now, remember that Dr. God wants to heal your life if you will allow Him.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ . . . (I Peter 1:18,19a).
When I was on the operating table waiting to be sedated, yesterday, I was thinking about the journey of physical healing I was beginning. In purely human terms, the healing is coming from the doctor, nurses and hospital staff. They provide the facility, expertise, medication and care needed for me to get well. In my case, the doctor was doing a procedure on me that will make me well. What would I be doing? Nothing, (I had already signed the consent forms) except letting the doctor and staff work on me. Then I thought, "Isn't that how salvation is, allowing the Divine healer to do his work in my life?" What is necessary for me to do is to sign the consent forms for treatment (Christian baptism) and to let go of the futile ways of the past.
I will have more to write about this in a following post. For now, remember that Dr. God wants to heal your life if you will allow Him.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Saturday, February 11, 2012
AMERICAN PICKERS: A COMMUNION MEDITATION
You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ like a lamb without blemish or spot (I Peter 1:18-19).
One of the programs I enjoy watching on television is American Pickers--it's on the History Channel. The "pickers" are Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who are from Iowa, incidentally, and they travel the United States looking for junk that is really treasure. So, as they drive their van, they are looking for places that have lots of junk. Finding one, they will ask the owner if they can look through their junk. If they find some junk that is really a treasure, they will make an offer to buy that object for a certain amount of money, knowing they can re-sell that object for more money and make a profit on it.
Mike & Frank are funny to watch, but their program reminds me of one of the basic principles taught in economics 101: An item is only worth what a buyer will pay for it. Mike & Frank will not buy an object on which they cannot make a profit. If the seller wants too much money for an item, then they simply move on.
The point I want to make here is that God has established the value of every human being here by what He has paid for them. God did not cheap out here, trying to redeem us, buy our salvation, with mere gold and silver, but He bought us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, His Son. God's motive is not the profit motive; the reason God is so extravagant in the payment price is that He loves us as much as His very own Son who was sacrificed on the cross for you and me.
Our Father's Love
Tom
One of the programs I enjoy watching on television is American Pickers--it's on the History Channel. The "pickers" are Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, who are from Iowa, incidentally, and they travel the United States looking for junk that is really treasure. So, as they drive their van, they are looking for places that have lots of junk. Finding one, they will ask the owner if they can look through their junk. If they find some junk that is really a treasure, they will make an offer to buy that object for a certain amount of money, knowing they can re-sell that object for more money and make a profit on it.
Mike & Frank are funny to watch, but their program reminds me of one of the basic principles taught in economics 101: An item is only worth what a buyer will pay for it. Mike & Frank will not buy an object on which they cannot make a profit. If the seller wants too much money for an item, then they simply move on.
The point I want to make here is that God has established the value of every human being here by what He has paid for them. God did not cheap out here, trying to redeem us, buy our salvation, with mere gold and silver, but He bought us with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, His Son. God's motive is not the profit motive; the reason God is so extravagant in the payment price is that He loves us as much as His very own Son who was sacrificed on the cross for you and me.
Our Father's Love
Tom
Saturday, February 04, 2012
NARCISSISM: SELF-ESTEEM GONE TO SEED
For by the grace given to me I bid every one among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think . . . (Romans 12:3).
Whether it is an over emphasis on self-esteem, or a misunderstanding of how to deal with low self-esteem, it certainly seems like we are raising more and more narcissistic and self-centered people. Personal peace, happiness and prosperity are our chief values. We tend to be, in our culture, more "I" centered than "we" centered. Even among so-called low self-esteem people there are many times when they think, "rules are for other people, they do not apply to me." As a result, there is a lot of out-of-control behavior by low self-esteem people. Yes, low self-esteem people can be narcissistic.
What this means is that low self-esteem people are not always low self-esteem people. It just means that, more often than not, they seem to be low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is situation specific, it is not a constant. At work one may act with great confidence and competence while in her social life she might be a blushing, stumbling "wall flower." One of the tasks of the low self-esteemers is to identify the competencies they have and the beliefs they have that enable them to act in self-accepting ways, and try to strengthen them and expand them.
The opposite of low self-esteem is not self-centeredness, or narcissism, it is being comfortable with one's self and becoming what God created us to be.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Whether it is an over emphasis on self-esteem, or a misunderstanding of how to deal with low self-esteem, it certainly seems like we are raising more and more narcissistic and self-centered people. Personal peace, happiness and prosperity are our chief values. We tend to be, in our culture, more "I" centered than "we" centered. Even among so-called low self-esteem people there are many times when they think, "rules are for other people, they do not apply to me." As a result, there is a lot of out-of-control behavior by low self-esteem people. Yes, low self-esteem people can be narcissistic.
What this means is that low self-esteem people are not always low self-esteem people. It just means that, more often than not, they seem to be low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is situation specific, it is not a constant. At work one may act with great confidence and competence while in her social life she might be a blushing, stumbling "wall flower." One of the tasks of the low self-esteemers is to identify the competencies they have and the beliefs they have that enable them to act in self-accepting ways, and try to strengthen them and expand them.
The opposite of low self-esteem is not self-centeredness, or narcissism, it is being comfortable with one's self and becoming what God created us to be.
Our Father's Blessings,
Tom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
