Getting It All Wrong

I get it wrong really often.

For Christmas I asked the family for a desktop speaker-thingy that I can dock an iPod classic in at work. I've wanted one ever since I became a desk-jockey. Candi delivered the goods! It sounds great and it's very simple. I was pleased and looking forward to taking it into work yesterday.

Then I went to charge the iPod. It wouldn't light up, play anything, and just made a bunch of very quiet clicks and whirls.

Driving in my truck yesterday, as I thought about the fact that I have a useless iPod Classic and an even more useless speaker, I said out loud "Ain't that a kick in the pants."

I love when God speaks to me. I never really know what he's going to say.

Today he said, "You know what's a kick in the pants? Growing up as a young woman in a country like Sierra Leone where rape is very possibly in your future, but that it is such a culturally accepted or ignored thing that your attacker will not be prosecuted and if you bring it up you will be ostrocized way before he is.

You know what's a kick in the pants? Having parents so poor that they do not have a dowry for you. Without a dowry you're not likely to be married. With no hope of marriage you'll likely have no where to turn but prostitution and a life of sex-trafficking.

You know what's a kick in the pants? Just days before the Christmas holiday, staring at presents under the tree that will never be opened by your 5-year old son because he was shot while at kindergarden by a crazed man whom you never met."

You know what's a kick in the pants? Living in a country where you and your family will be jailed or killed if your neighbor finds out that you claim Jesus as Lord.

A friend told me something yesterday (that is here poorly quoted): "There's first world problems and third world problems. And they don't compare."

America, we get it wrong really often. What are your iPod speakers today? How grieved are you that the shake machine is broken at McD's? Can we really be disappointed and grumble when we hit every red light on the way to work? Has running out of coffee creamer ruined your morning?

Shame on me. Yet again God is profound and right. What will I do to help those with a real kick in the pants?

Apples Come from Apple Trees

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:6-7 "For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."

Observation: These verses follow on the heels, and are really the conclusion of, a long list of sins that characterize men and women who claim the label Christian but who have never actually "come to the knowledge of the truth."

"The truth" is used as a term for something specific here. It represents more than an understanding and extends into an applied realization that changes how we see the world and those in it. This is a change that should be so clear and radical that it brings the guilt-driven assaults of those offended by God's existence - the truth. Paul says in vs 12 that "all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."

Application: A life of faith responding to the truth is not about gathering knowledge and will not earn me the accolades of the world. The work I do, the actions of faith, will only be received by the world so far as they don't accompany the words of the truth of man's sinfulness and desperation concerning eternal condemnation. [The world is ready to accept that we as a nation need to take actions to prevent repeats of the Newtown elementary school massacre, but they don't want to hear that the true source of the killer's actions were his sin nature because acceptance of that truth also means acceptance of the fact that each and every one of us shares in the same nature and are capable of the same atrocious acts. No, we would rather be in the position of needing to condescend to help those afflicted by such maladies (the love of God implores us that help we should) that they also may live the level of "goodness" that normal humans do.] Paul says in vs 12 that "all who desire to live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Prayer: I acknowledge my apathy and pray for more faith. Thank you for the truth, for calling and saving me. Please use me as an instrument to declare your glory to those around me.

Can It Be "Lost"?

Scripture: Hebrew 3:6 "but Christ as Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

Observation: I wonder if Paul (who I believe the writer is here based on 13:23-25) believed one could walk away from eternal life once someone believed unto salvation. Consider the multitude of verses in Hebrews that basically say the same thing - 1:1-3; 3:6; 3:7-19; 4:1; 4:11; 6:4-8; 6:11-12; 10:22-23; 10:26; 10:35-36; 10:38-39; 12:1-3; 12:14-17; and 12:25.

The context and usage of each of those verses seems to be both of warning of "falling short" of eternal life and of encouragement not to grow weary but to continue in strong faith and doing good. The problem is that Paul keeps saying that the consequence of the "falling short " is to not inherit eternal life; only once does he warn of God's chastening and discipline. The doctrinal problem lies with the fact that this letter is so different than all of Paul's others. So I honestly don't know if these are warnings about false conversions or of apostates. Maybe it's significant that this was written to Jews and not Gentiles.

Application: Realize that regardless of Paul's intent, his admonishment remains - a Christian life is defined by faith, suffering, disappointment, separation from the methods of the world and holiness of living. If the indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes zero change in our behavior the assumption should probably be that the Holy Spirit really isn't there and we have not true faith.

Prayer: Create in me a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Help me to love You with all that I am because You have proven that You love me with all that You are. You deserve nothing less than complete surrender from your children - those whom You have purchased. Amen.

I'm Just Saying

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:19 "although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief."

Observation: The mercy of God came because Paul was ignorant and unbelieving. I think that's a claim that every person in the world should make.

Application: How hard is it for me to be frank and call myself ignorant? Those are "fightin' words" in America. But if the mercy of God is poured out it is because of my former and present ignorance. Romans 3:25 says a similar thing: 'whom [Jesus] God set forth as a propitiation by His blood [what a heavy cost for my ignorance!], through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed." God has and is overlooking our offenses because of His mercy and He can do it because of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. I will choose to call me like I was/am - not as smart as I thought/think I am. As Jesus said, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." If forgiveness comes in that way, so be it.

Prayer: God, in my mind may You be true and every man a liar. I stand identified with Psalm 5:3: "that You may be found just when You speak and blameless when You judge." I love You. Amen.

SOAP: Looking Up

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-2 "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth."

Observation: "Seek those things..." seem to be reminiscent of Matthew 6:33 ("seek first the kingdom of God..."). The further context seems to point to it as well. He follows with two long lists of "the deeds of the flesh", the first of the lists almost entirely focusing on desires, longing and sins that result.

Application: Pastor Bill said frequently that he longed to be known as one who was too spiritually minded to be any earthly good. That can be taken out of context but the encouragement is there - my priority #1 should be the spiritual. My efforts will fall short of eternal meaning and purpose if I only attend to what I can engage with my body. "For the world is passing away..." I must pray. I must intercede. I must share the gospel of God - not just the material or physical blessings of a relationship with God. My prayers should be MORE about sanctification and salvation than sickness and safety.

Prayer: Please give me the mind of Christ and an eternal perspective. Make me sensitive to Your Holy Spirit to be led by Him. Set in me a steadfast heart for You so that I can "lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares" me. I love You. Amen. And please help me and all those in the room with me concentrate during my test for SMSgt today.

A Highlight

I doubt I'll garner the 2012 Dad OTY but it'll be close.

Seriously though, I thought I would mention one highlight. We decided to devote one night of the week to what the kids dubbed the Boys and Girls Bible Study. Techincally there hasn't been any Bible though there is talk of God. Really the Boys go somewhere for ice cream and the Girls go somewhere else. Since we're in Altus we eventually ended up at the same place. Then the Girls decided that wasn't cool and they went to the other place available. They'll be back, I think.

We started by picking out books that had short chapters with a focus on just discussing being Men and Women, and how stupid it is to wait until we're physically mature before trying to become mature in our thinking and character.

If you're in the market for something similar I highly recommend the Boys book - Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schultz. Mr. Schultz has had great experiences and shares those and other stories in ways that really grab a boys attention. The points ranged all over from training to be a good husband to what to dirty diapers to how to build a fence gate. Hunting, building, disappointment, sisters ... this book has it all.

The Girls book was equally great. Candi weekly spoke of how wonderful it was to hear poignant, straight-forward talk about issues that plague Womanhood in America. That one was called Beautiful Girlhood by M. Hale (revised by Karen Andreola).

I think you could find them both at www.visionforum.com.

SOAP: Building Love

Scripture: Philippians 1:9-11 "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."

Observation: This entire passage is filled with desires that Paul has for the believers: be able to approve things that are excellent (which I believe is defined in Phil. 4:7), be sincere and without offense, being filled with the fruits of righteousness (the "fruit of the Spirit" as defined in Eph. 5:9). That's a great spiritual house, but it's all built on the foundation of love (vs. 9).

Application: I think this is a strange passage for the American mind (at least mine anyway) that ususally considers love an emotion. Paul desires their love to grow, but not in affection, rather knowledge and discernment. To Paul love means having understand and applying that knowledge. I need a change in my perspective before I'll be able to make the choice to love others well. When that changes I'll be able to "be sincere" and not offend others and to be filled with the characteristics of God.

Prayer: Lord my prayer today is Paul's prayer. I pray that my love may abound more and more in knowledge and discernment and that through it that You would get more glory and praise. I love you. Amen.

SOAP: What's My Food?

Scripture: Romans 14:15-17 "Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. ... Therefore let us purpose the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another... for whatever is not from faith is sin."

Observation: The food issue was a big deal in the first century church. It is talked bout in multiple letters. Food is a big deal to us today, too! :-) This seems to be a type or example though. Paul is saddened that love has taken a backseat to preferences (hence 14:8-10). I see in Scripture that churches aren't supposed to have any categorical separations (i.e. denominations) other than geological.

Application: The question is what are my preferences? What is my "food"? Types of music for sure. I'm tired of empty pleasant sounding "worship" songs. Yet can I act in faith and allow others their desires for the sake of peace and unity? Do I have any other preferences which I have elevated above God's design for His church?

Prayer: My Creator, please work out Your promise from Romans 8:23-30 to make me like Your Son. I want Your best, not my best, for my life. Thank You for abundant mercy & grace! I love you. Amen.

SOAP: Defining Goodness

Scripture: Romans 10:3 "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God."

Observation: The context of the verse is that Israel missed the gospel and Messiah because they clung to the law. In a broader sense Israel's decision to do so is the same decision that every person makes because we share the same motivation. We establish, for the sake of our own ego, in a manner that is possible and attainable for us, having no greater goal than that which we are able to conjure from the limited and flawed storehouse of our mind, a measuring stick that we may use to proclaim that we are "good people". We may fool people in this way, but God isn't impressed - He's offended.

Application: If I want to know how to make a specialty bread I ought to go ask a baker. To actually understand and apply the definition of moral goodness, I had better ask God.

Prayer: Father, may You be right and I be found in desperate need of Your mercy, grace and love which draws me to the truth. You are God and I will praise You as God and nothing less. I will not make for myself "a carved image". I love you. Amen.

SOAP: The Reason He Died

Scripture: Romans 4:23-25 "Now it was not written for his [Moses] sake alone that it [righteousness] was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him [God] who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who [Jesus] was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised for our justification."

Observation: Romans is an amazing book (letter). Verses like these which are packed full of truth, deep as an ocean (deeper!), and 100% non-beat-around-the-bush about the theology of God litter the chapters like leaves on the autumn ground.

      [Focus on vs 25] Jesus was delivered up for our offenses. This point is argued from time to time. Some say Jesus came or an example; others say it was to defeat Satan and rescue us from his grip. This verse, among others, makes it blatant, I think. Jesus died ("was delivered up") because we're sinners. This is repeated in John 3:16 (implied by the context); Romans 5:8; Galatians 4:4,5; Ephesians 2:1-7, 14-16; Colossians 1:20-22; Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 2:24 and 1 Peter 3:18.

Application: Paul probably put it best... "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Prayer Please sanctify me and teach me what is means that "it is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me." Mold me into your instrument to tell and show those around me that You love them with a love that knows no bounds. I love you. Amen.

Two Bird with One Stone

My daughter and I were walking through Toys-R-Us the other day and came across something I think worth sharing.

Nori wanted to show me the "coolest" doll that they had. "Yawn," I though. Actually, I was impressed (yes, with a doll). This doll was clearly high quality and the price was very reasonable. Then to quote Nori, "Even the accessories are easy and fun to pretend with."

Then I noticed another box in the top corner.

"A portion of the purchase price goes to World Vision to help children world wide"

If you're buying a doll this year, you'll likely spend this much or more and like I said, they're the "coolest" doll around - according to a highly credible 12-year.

A couple blurbs from the very pink website:

"It’s an undeniable fact that girls in many countries struggle against a lack of education, medical care, decent housing, and clean water and food. But when these basic needs are met, those girls achieve amazing things for themselves and their families. Sometimes, all they need is a little help."

“The website was created to let girls realize that... , no matter how young, [they have] the power to change the world—one heart at a time, ... the website [consists] of immersive games and activities, and stories of both the dolls and real girls who will hopefully serve as an inspiration to others.”

"Right now, there are 6 Hearts For Hearts Girls dolls: Lilian (Belarus), Rahel (Ethiopia), Nahji (India), Tipi (Laos), Consuelo (Mexico), and Dell (United States). Each of them has an important story to tell about life in her country, inspired by real girls who are strong, smart, courageous, and determined to rise above challenging circumstances. When you buy a doll, Hearts For Hearts Girls donates part of the purchase price through our charitable partner, World Vision, to programs that support girls in that country."

Here's the website if you're interested:
http://www.hearts4heartsgirls.com/

And the partner website, World Vision, where you can help a child, community, or gift anything from clothes, wells, and equipment to cows, chickens, and goats:
https://www.worldvision.org