Why do we whine when criticized by our boss, then call in a complaint on the pizza delivery guy because he accidentally mashed the lid into our pizza?
Do we ever stop to think of the consequences it might cost him?
When I delivered for Steakout, I might have looked like a college age kid in a Jeep, but I had a wife and two kids to feed. The pizza guy might be in the same position.
Would you make that complaint if you knew he'd lose his job?
It reminds me of the parable beginning in Matthew 18:21 when Peter asks about forgiveness.
The servant is forgiven of a great debt to his lord, then went to his own debtor and demanded payment. When the debtor couldn't pay the very small debt, he cast him in prison.
When his lord heard what he did, he castigated him then sent him to be tortured.
Would we risk the pizza guy's job if it put ours in jeopardy as well?
I'm not saying we should be pansies, and let people walk on us. There are things that we cannot allow to happen.
But so often we deliver our own brand of justice with no consideration for what it brings on someone who just made a mistake.
We hold back tips, call in complaints, leave bad comment cards, go on the internet and post nasty comments, and the list goes on.
Why not simply turn the other cheek?
We often think of being slapped when we hear that, but it applies elsewhere, too.
So the waitress is a little crabby and let your cup get empty. Try this: leave her a huge tip and a note saying we all have those days and you hope this helps hers get better. Her next table might owe you a great debt.
I don't believe in karma, but God does say we reap what we sow.
What will you sow today?
Justice? or Mercy?
I am thankful that God chose mercy in my life. You see, I cost him the life of his Son.
Justice would be an eternity in hell (yes, it's real).
Mercy would be forgiveness.
But God went a step farther and showed me Grace.
Grace was sending his own begotten son to Calvary to die for MY sin, and yours.
Grace brought death to Christ and sent him to the grave.
Then Grace ressurected the Saviour of mankind, giving me, and you, promise of the same ressurection if we simply believe in what you just read.
Grace makes me a joint-heir with Christ. That means I share all with the one who died due to MY sins.
That's Grace.
God gave all he had just to show me forgiveness. I only wish I would show it more often.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Family News
Tammy's Father passed away on 9/28.
He was a veteran of both WWII and Korea. He spent his life working for the railroad.
He was absent from nearly all of her childhood due mostly to his own wanderings. She was able to get in touch with him in 1998. We've been able to visit him several times since then.
Tammy led him to the Lord in 2000.
There are many half-siblings who have never met Tammy. Some might not want to because her mother was "the other woman" in their eyes. This may be Tammy's only chance to meet them.
He has already been cremated, and the memorial service is on 10/28 in northern Missouri.
Please pray that doors be opened for Tammy to start a dialogue with here siblings and possibly witness to them.
Also pray for our finances. We weren't ready for Christmas, much less for this emergency.
The easiest thing to pray for on the finances is that the next few weeks at work be above and beyond the average weeks.
We have a gas card with Shell, so we can pay off the gas later, but with no other credit cards, we will have three days of fast food, and two nights in a motel to pay for out of pocket.
So please pray that work picks up.
God is faithful. He got Tammy back in touch with her father so she could lead him to the Lord. I know he'll work through this, too.
He was a veteran of both WWII and Korea. He spent his life working for the railroad.
He was absent from nearly all of her childhood due mostly to his own wanderings. She was able to get in touch with him in 1998. We've been able to visit him several times since then.
Tammy led him to the Lord in 2000.
There are many half-siblings who have never met Tammy. Some might not want to because her mother was "the other woman" in their eyes. This may be Tammy's only chance to meet them.
He has already been cremated, and the memorial service is on 10/28 in northern Missouri.
Please pray that doors be opened for Tammy to start a dialogue with here siblings and possibly witness to them.
Also pray for our finances. We weren't ready for Christmas, much less for this emergency.
The easiest thing to pray for on the finances is that the next few weeks at work be above and beyond the average weeks.
We have a gas card with Shell, so we can pay off the gas later, but with no other credit cards, we will have three days of fast food, and two nights in a motel to pay for out of pocket.
So please pray that work picks up.
God is faithful. He got Tammy back in touch with her father so she could lead him to the Lord. I know he'll work through this, too.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
How to Win Friends and Influence People, Biblically
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
I might have written on this topic before, but I was thinking about it again recently.
Dale Carnegie listed these six ways to making friends:
Six Ways to Make People Like You
1. Become genuinely interested in other people.
2. Smile.
3. Remember that a man's Name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
4. Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
5. Talk in the terms of the other man's interest.
6. Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely.
God's version is not all that different. I know nothing about Mr Carnegie, so it isn't too much of a stretch to wonder if he was well acquainted with Galatians chapter six.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
I'm gonna allow you to make most of the comparisons. I just want to dwell on the scripture.
This passage contains too many good nuggets for an easy summary, but it's basically the "Golden Rule" expounded. As many have said, we are not an island to ourselves. Everything we do touches somebody.
I used to always be the one who had to "one-up" every story I heard. I have always lived a very simple life and when I heard the exciting stories others told, I felt I had to make my life just as interesting. I thought that by making my life sound interesting I could gain their respect and friendship. Looking back, I wonder how many friends I drove away due to my stories that were sometimes out-right lies. I had also picked up a good bit of sarcasm while I was in the Army. We always made jokes about each other.
People like using verses 7-9, but often never mention verse 10. NEVER miss a "therefore" in your Bible reading. Whenever you see a therefore or wherefore, even at the beginning of a chapter, see what it is tying together.
Why are we to do good unto all men? Because of what verses 7-9 say. I am not excluding these verses from other applications. I just think it would be sad to miss the direct usage. Dale Carnegie was onto something.
During the first week at a new job years ago a few coworkers mentioned how I resembled a former coworker of theirs. Then they began to talk about why they didn't like that person. They used the word "abrasive" to describe his sarcasm and talked about how much he liked to talk about himself. Turns out he didn't just "look" like me, he acted like me.
I learned quickly to keep my mouth shut and saw the fruits immediately. Not only did my coworkers like me, but management saw it, too. I was recommended by my foreman to be a foreman in another department ahead of a lot of people. I didn't get the position, but the recommendation taught me a lesson.
If I treated others as I wanted to be treated, they returned the favor.
Luke 6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
As my Pastor has said many times. The Bible is absolutely right on every subject it discusses. Even about human personal relations.
So what about the person who seems to not be playing by the rules? You know the one. You go out of your way to be nice to them and they are still just plain crabby. Well, first off, you should still obey Jesus. I don't see him qualifying his command by adding "only if they are nice back."
You have to go back to Galatians 6:7-9. We often use verse nine when talking about disciplining our children, and that is fine. But again, use it in context, also.
I've not perfected Mr. Carnegie's or God's plan. But using what humility I can muster has been very successful. I have found that I learn a lot listening to people. At first I may feign interest for their sake, but then I actually do become interested. I have also learned that after spending a while talking about themselves, others usually show interest in my life as well.
On a side note- I have discovered that my lack of an exciting life makes them feel even more special when they see how interested I am to hear about their more eventful lives.
I know nothing bad about Dale Carnegie other than what I had read on wikipedia. He did seem to know what he was talking about.
Look for opportunities to help others. Sometimes it is monetary, often it is not. It can be as simple as asking them how they are doing, and then stopping to listen.
Sin should be judged, but often we criticize others for not being mirror images of ourselves.
Sarcasm has its place, but use it carefully.
Remember that Jesus says that what we do to the least among us, we do unto Him.
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Now for a list of things I need... Just kidding!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Getting Old
Psalms 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
My oldest Daughter turns eighteen today.
I look at old pictures and wonder where the years went. I also wonder if I've given her the skills she will need to survive outside the doors of my house. Not just the regular things, like cleaning, cooking, raising children. But how will she follow God?
My prayer is to continue training her until I give her hand in marriage, and she becomes one with the man God has chosen for her.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
We can debate all day on the exact application of the last statement, but I see the first statement as a command.
She still has a few years left in high school. I will never regret the year we had to hold her back. It not only allowed her to catch up in school, but it adds years for us with her at home.
We already pray for her future mate to be a Godly young man, and for God to lead him to Alisha in God's time.
She will always be my little Cookie. I gave her the name the first time I saw her devouring cookie after cookie. At first I called her Cookie Monster, but later shortened it to Cookie.
My oldest Daughter turns eighteen today.
 |
| Alisha Marie Hopper 1999 |
My prayer is to continue training her until I give her hand in marriage, and she becomes one with the man God has chosen for her.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
We can debate all day on the exact application of the last statement, but I see the first statement as a command.
She still has a few years left in high school. I will never regret the year we had to hold her back. It not only allowed her to catch up in school, but it adds years for us with her at home.
We already pray for her future mate to be a Godly young man, and for God to lead him to Alisha in God's time.
She will always be my little Cookie. I gave her the name the first time I saw her devouring cookie after cookie. At first I called her Cookie Monster, but later shortened it to Cookie.
 |
| Metropolis, IL 2010 |
Friday, September 17, 2010
9/11 and my Mawmaw
Yes, I realize a blog about 9/11 is a little past due. Sue me.
9/11 was a little different for me this year. It was my grandmother's birthday, and the first one since her passing last year, two days before Christmas.
My mother mentioned how hard it is going through a year of "firsts." First Christmas without her, followed by the funeral a few days later. First Mother's Day. First birthday.
We know the next big day will be the anniversary of her passing. I will try to be there for my mother, but I don't know what to say. I barely cried at the funeral, even though my aunts and cousins were sobbing near me, or on me. I hope none of them thought I was just being callous.
You see, my Mawmaw's life said, "Saved, saved, saved!" when I dropped out of church at age 17, she lovingly shamed me for refusing to go to church with my Dad.
When her Alzheimer's got worse, I kept praying that in her mind, somewhere, she was dreaming of walking Heaven's shore with my Pawpaw. I kept hoping that behind that empty smile, she was holding hands with her Saviour, and he was saying, "I'll always be here for you, Vernell."
I know that's what she's doing now. I knew that at the funeral, while everybody else was crying. I knew she was looking down begging us not to be sad.
I don't think ill of those who were sad. As strong as we try to be, we are still human. I could have opened the floodgates of tears at any moment. I'm a crier. I'm not ashamed of that. Get me talking about what God did for me, and I tear up just thinking of His Grace. I cry often thinking how I miss my daddy. I cry watching movies so much that my kids will recognize a sad part, and start watching me for tears. And not just at sad things. I cry during the "touching" scenes where everyone is happy, but emotional.
Knowing how easy it is for me to cry, crying at her funeral would only be ordinary. I wanted to show my children that the Bible is true when it says that we don't sorrow as others.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
I purposed in my heart that I would be strong. The way I saw it, if I really believed she was with Jesus, then why would I cry? I shed very few tears that day. When my brother preached the ceremony, I got to smile a lot, remembering the strong lady I called Mawmaw.
But I finally succumbed to tears. Not later that day. Not later that week. But just a few months ago. (you can laugh at me, here) We were watching "Driving Miss Daisy" when one of the kids remarked how, at the end in the nursing home scene, she looked like Mawmaw. It didn't hit me right away, but as the scene progressed, and the Alzheimer's was more evident, I started missing my Mawmaw. I broke down, right in front of my wife and children.
Did I ruin what I had established at the funeral? I don't think so. Read the verse again. It doesn't say we are simply to have no sorrow. It says we do not sorrow as those with no hope. You see, there were those at the funeral with no hope. There were many there who will never see Mawmaw again, unless they get saved. They should be sobbing. Their feet are walking in sulfur. They are headed to a Hell beyond their own comprehension. They sorrow because even if they have a head knowledge of God, they don't have that indwelling Spirit to soothe their crying. They don't really know what to believe, and what not to believe.
I wasn't crying for my Mawmaw. I was just missing her. I think that's OK.
So, on 9/11/2010, Mawmaw's first birthday with Jesus, I spent the day driving, listening to news about 9/11, and replays of broadcasts from that day. I was worked up a little at how soon after 9/11 America gave up on the brotherhood we learned on that day. I heard relatives read the name of their loved ones who died on that day. And amongst all the ceremony and remembrances, I just simply spent the day missing my Mawmaw.
9/11/2001 changed our world. 9/11/2010 changed 9/11 for me, forever.
Mawmaw, you meant the world to me. I am the man I am today due to your Godly influence. I know where you are, and I know I will see you again. But I do miss you.
No sermon here. Just a few thoughts about my Mawmaw and her birthday.
9/11 was a little different for me this year. It was my grandmother's birthday, and the first one since her passing last year, two days before Christmas.
My mother mentioned how hard it is going through a year of "firsts." First Christmas without her, followed by the funeral a few days later. First Mother's Day. First birthday.
We know the next big day will be the anniversary of her passing. I will try to be there for my mother, but I don't know what to say. I barely cried at the funeral, even though my aunts and cousins were sobbing near me, or on me. I hope none of them thought I was just being callous.
You see, my Mawmaw's life said, "Saved, saved, saved!" when I dropped out of church at age 17, she lovingly shamed me for refusing to go to church with my Dad.
When her Alzheimer's got worse, I kept praying that in her mind, somewhere, she was dreaming of walking Heaven's shore with my Pawpaw. I kept hoping that behind that empty smile, she was holding hands with her Saviour, and he was saying, "I'll always be here for you, Vernell."
 |
| Last time I saw Mamaw, 7/11/09 |
I know that's what she's doing now. I knew that at the funeral, while everybody else was crying. I knew she was looking down begging us not to be sad.
I don't think ill of those who were sad. As strong as we try to be, we are still human. I could have opened the floodgates of tears at any moment. I'm a crier. I'm not ashamed of that. Get me talking about what God did for me, and I tear up just thinking of His Grace. I cry often thinking how I miss my daddy. I cry watching movies so much that my kids will recognize a sad part, and start watching me for tears. And not just at sad things. I cry during the "touching" scenes where everyone is happy, but emotional.
Knowing how easy it is for me to cry, crying at her funeral would only be ordinary. I wanted to show my children that the Bible is true when it says that we don't sorrow as others.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
I purposed in my heart that I would be strong. The way I saw it, if I really believed she was with Jesus, then why would I cry? I shed very few tears that day. When my brother preached the ceremony, I got to smile a lot, remembering the strong lady I called Mawmaw.
But I finally succumbed to tears. Not later that day. Not later that week. But just a few months ago. (you can laugh at me, here) We were watching "Driving Miss Daisy" when one of the kids remarked how, at the end in the nursing home scene, she looked like Mawmaw. It didn't hit me right away, but as the scene progressed, and the Alzheimer's was more evident, I started missing my Mawmaw. I broke down, right in front of my wife and children.
Did I ruin what I had established at the funeral? I don't think so. Read the verse again. It doesn't say we are simply to have no sorrow. It says we do not sorrow as those with no hope. You see, there were those at the funeral with no hope. There were many there who will never see Mawmaw again, unless they get saved. They should be sobbing. Their feet are walking in sulfur. They are headed to a Hell beyond their own comprehension. They sorrow because even if they have a head knowledge of God, they don't have that indwelling Spirit to soothe their crying. They don't really know what to believe, and what not to believe.
I wasn't crying for my Mawmaw. I was just missing her. I think that's OK.
So, on 9/11/2010, Mawmaw's first birthday with Jesus, I spent the day driving, listening to news about 9/11, and replays of broadcasts from that day. I was worked up a little at how soon after 9/11 America gave up on the brotherhood we learned on that day. I heard relatives read the name of their loved ones who died on that day. And amongst all the ceremony and remembrances, I just simply spent the day missing my Mawmaw.
9/11/2001 changed our world. 9/11/2010 changed 9/11 for me, forever.
Mawmaw, you meant the world to me. I am the man I am today due to your Godly influence. I know where you are, and I know I will see you again. But I do miss you.
 |
| She was singing Amazing Grace |
No sermon here. Just a few thoughts about my Mawmaw and her birthday.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
It Is Your Life
Deuteronomy 32:46,47
(Moses speaking to the children of Israel)
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; BECAUSE IT IS YOUR LIFE: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. (emphasis added)
We often hear that by obeying your parents, you add to your years. The Bible is very clear that this is true.
But here, we see that by commanding our children to walk in God's will, we also prolong our lives. Perhaps this is why He calls them our LIFE.
The first time I remember hearing my Pastor use this passage, the words "it is your life" jumped out at me and left a huge lump in my throat.
The very reason for my existence, at this moment, is to see that my children are cared for. My wife is my partner in this. We want what is best for our children. Not what is most desired by them, but what God knows is BEST for them.
Tiger Woods came on the scene not too many years ago. We all watched the pride in his father's eyes as he climbed the ranks doing what earlier society would not allow his father to do.
I can only imagine what his first green jacket meant to his father.
I used to be jealous of Tiger, because his Dad got to see him succeed. I wished mine could see some of my comparitively minor accomplishments. I wish he could see his grandkids, and my beautiful wife.
We watched Tiger cry when his father died and slipped off into eternity. I empathized with Tiger that day. Though I am not a golf fan, I became a Tiger fan. I feel he loved his Daddy just as much as I loved mine.
I was pleased to hear stories about his marriage to a beautiful woman, and later, the birth of his kids. I imagined him one day teaching his own son the game that brought his father so much joy.
Then came the wreck. Rumors started immediately. Women from all over the circuit came forward as his girlfriends. The media was abuzz. We watched him go to ridiculous clinics to be treated for equally ridiculous ailments.
Now they are divorced.
Now a mother is without her life partner.
Now children are without their father.
Now a father is without... His life.
If only we had a rewind button.
Again, I can empathize with Tiger. But with a twist, this time. You see part of my life is now separated from me because someone else became a greater influence in his life than I was.
I can reason some things away. I know we all have free will. But when I know my son spent a period sleeping in his truck; when I see him continually make choices that keep hurting him; when I lay in bed and wonder where he is, no amount of reasoning soothes my heart.
He is my life.
I do not even know all the mistakes I might have made. I don't know what to do different with my three remaining children. But I know that part of my life is missing.
God has shown me unbelievable grace in the past year since Ryan left home. He has brought me closer to my wife. He has taught me to cherish every moment with her. He has shown me how she enjoys just being with me, whether it be over coffee, or on a date.
God has taught me to cherish my children. He has shown me what is really important in their lives, and what is not needed. He has shown me how much they love seeing me act silly, just to see them smile and hear them laugh. Everyday I discover something new that I love about them. He has even given me opportunity to not be fearless, but show my youngest son how to face those fears and never back down.
I cannot say that I will not fail my children, again. But I am a changed man.
I pray as oft as I can for my son, Ryan. I pray for his safety. I pray for his health. I pray that he knows I still love him.
But most of all, I pray that God helps me to walk as I should, so that one day MY LIFE will come back to God.
(Moses speaking to the children of Israel)
And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; BECAUSE IT IS YOUR LIFE: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. (emphasis added)
We often hear that by obeying your parents, you add to your years. The Bible is very clear that this is true.
But here, we see that by commanding our children to walk in God's will, we also prolong our lives. Perhaps this is why He calls them our LIFE.
The first time I remember hearing my Pastor use this passage, the words "it is your life" jumped out at me and left a huge lump in my throat.
The very reason for my existence, at this moment, is to see that my children are cared for. My wife is my partner in this. We want what is best for our children. Not what is most desired by them, but what God knows is BEST for them.
Tiger Woods came on the scene not too many years ago. We all watched the pride in his father's eyes as he climbed the ranks doing what earlier society would not allow his father to do.
I can only imagine what his first green jacket meant to his father.
I used to be jealous of Tiger, because his Dad got to see him succeed. I wished mine could see some of my comparitively minor accomplishments. I wish he could see his grandkids, and my beautiful wife.
We watched Tiger cry when his father died and slipped off into eternity. I empathized with Tiger that day. Though I am not a golf fan, I became a Tiger fan. I feel he loved his Daddy just as much as I loved mine.
I was pleased to hear stories about his marriage to a beautiful woman, and later, the birth of his kids. I imagined him one day teaching his own son the game that brought his father so much joy.
Then came the wreck. Rumors started immediately. Women from all over the circuit came forward as his girlfriends. The media was abuzz. We watched him go to ridiculous clinics to be treated for equally ridiculous ailments.
Now they are divorced.
Now a mother is without her life partner.
Now children are without their father.
Now a father is without... His life.
If only we had a rewind button.
Again, I can empathize with Tiger. But with a twist, this time. You see part of my life is now separated from me because someone else became a greater influence in his life than I was.
I can reason some things away. I know we all have free will. But when I know my son spent a period sleeping in his truck; when I see him continually make choices that keep hurting him; when I lay in bed and wonder where he is, no amount of reasoning soothes my heart.
He is my life.
I do not even know all the mistakes I might have made. I don't know what to do different with my three remaining children. But I know that part of my life is missing.
God has shown me unbelievable grace in the past year since Ryan left home. He has brought me closer to my wife. He has taught me to cherish every moment with her. He has shown me how she enjoys just being with me, whether it be over coffee, or on a date.
God has taught me to cherish my children. He has shown me what is really important in their lives, and what is not needed. He has shown me how much they love seeing me act silly, just to see them smile and hear them laugh. Everyday I discover something new that I love about them. He has even given me opportunity to not be fearless, but show my youngest son how to face those fears and never back down.
I cannot say that I will not fail my children, again. But I am a changed man.
I pray as oft as I can for my son, Ryan. I pray for his safety. I pray for his health. I pray that he knows I still love him.
But most of all, I pray that God helps me to walk as I should, so that one day MY LIFE will come back to God.
Monday, April 5, 2010
He is a Soldier
We awaken to music and push the snooze for nine more minutes of rest,
…He awakens to sounds of heavy trucks moving nearby
He is a Soldier
We roll out of bed and head for the shower,
…He hasn’t showered in days
He is a Soldier
We spend ten minutes picking out the right tie,
…He only wishes he had some clean socks
He is a Soldier
We walk into the kitchen where we first see our wife today,
…He sees his loved ones only in his memory
He is a Soldier
We enjoy the toast and eggs as we sip our first cup of java,
…He stands in line for powdered eggs and wishes his coffee tasted like coffee
He is a Soldier
We complain about traffic on our daily commute,
...He will walk every where he goes today
He is a Soldier
We spend all day wondering if our co-worker will get the promotion we deserve,
…He wonders which of his buddies will die today
He is a Soldier
We rush down to the café griping about how short an hour lunch can seem,
…He waits in line again just to get a bowl of indistinguishable soup
He is a Soldier
We spend all afternoon plotting the best way to avoid traffic on our way home,
…He wonders what locale he will call home for the night
He is a Soldier
We look down our nose at the vagrant digging through trash wearing an old Army jacket,
…He is only looking for something to eat or wrap up in for the cold night ahead
He is THAT Soldier
I heard a while back that tens of thousands of veterans are homeless. Not that I hadn’t heard this before, but with Veteran’s Day coming (at the time) it hit home. My heart sank as I pondered a nation with such blessings allowing their heroes to sleep under bridges. These men served just as valiant as any other soldier, sailor, or marine. They left home and family to stand in the gap for our families. Some fought wars, some just stood in service. All deserve our respect.
I settled this a while back. I refuse to be modest about my military service because I feel it devalues what others like me have done. I left the Army Reserve for Regular Army in 1991. I signed my enlistment with the reports of the latest bombing runs in Iraq playing in the background. The LT thought that would make the enlistment more significant. Moments later I raised my hand and swore an oath to our nation. My graduating class at MP school was the first in almost a year not to go directly to Saudi Arabia.
When I left the service in 1994, family helped me get back on my feet. I lived with an aunt, then my brother till I was able to save enough money for an apartment. I worked three jobs at times and after realizing I wasn’t getting back into Law Enforcement, went to truckdriving school in 1996. Without the help of my family, I could have also ended up homeless.
It pains me to know that some of my Brothers in Arms are curling up with a bottle of cheap liquor under the Parkway as I type this very message. The reasons they are there vary. Some might even deserve to be there.
I’ve heard all the stories about those who have unsuccessfully tried to help Huntsville’s homeless.
It is easy to turn our backs on them and judge them as wanting to be there, but does compassion judge?
1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind…
I’m not announcing a new program, or surrendering to new work dealing with the homeless Vets. I’m just being the town crier. It’s 11pm and all is not well in our country.
What can we do? If you know of a way to help them, do so. Write your congressmen. We find it easy to write them when they want to raise our taxes. This is much more important than money.
They stood for us. Now, it’s our turn.
Pray that our nation begins showing more honor to its veterans.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Something for Nothing *NEW*
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
A free gift?
Everyone wants something for nothing. I am amazed at how many sensible, intelligent people fall for offers of getting something for free on the internet. Whether it be the Nigerian scam, offers for free gift cards for joining a group online, or offers of free virtual coins or whatever on facebook, people hazard their finances and computer equipment just to try and get something for free.
I wonder how many folks have had to wipeout their harddrives because of a virus they got while looking for a free lunch.
Regardless of how many times I warn friends about the danger of visiting certain sites, copying codes into their browsers, and the like, I still see them do it over and over. Then I notice they have the exact virus I tried to warn them about.
They put their faith in the most ridiculous scams, regardless of the cost.
Doesn't anyone know the old adage: If it looks too good to be true, it's probably not?
Then there's the exception to that rule: The God of the universe robed himself in human flesh, came to earth to walk as we walk, and GAVE himself as a sacrifice that we might not see death.
There is no catch.
Could it be that God made it too simple? I don't think so.
Friend, God has a plan for every person on earth.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Jesus died on the cross for all of us. If we only place our faith in his free gift, we have life eternal.
Yes, you CAN get something for nothing.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
A free gift?
Everyone wants something for nothing. I am amazed at how many sensible, intelligent people fall for offers of getting something for free on the internet. Whether it be the Nigerian scam, offers for free gift cards for joining a group online, or offers of free virtual coins or whatever on facebook, people hazard their finances and computer equipment just to try and get something for free.
I wonder how many folks have had to wipeout their harddrives because of a virus they got while looking for a free lunch.
Regardless of how many times I warn friends about the danger of visiting certain sites, copying codes into their browsers, and the like, I still see them do it over and over. Then I notice they have the exact virus I tried to warn them about.
They put their faith in the most ridiculous scams, regardless of the cost.
Doesn't anyone know the old adage: If it looks too good to be true, it's probably not?
Then there's the exception to that rule: The God of the universe robed himself in human flesh, came to earth to walk as we walk, and GAVE himself as a sacrifice that we might not see death.
There is no catch.
- We don't have to give over our bank account info
- No one asks us for our private passwords
- We don't have to harrass our friends with endless emails asking for help in a scam
- We do absolutely nothing
Could it be that God made it too simple? I don't think so.
Friend, God has a plan for every person on earth.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Jesus died on the cross for all of us. If we only place our faith in his free gift, we have life eternal.
Yes, you CAN get something for nothing.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The Finisher of Our Faith
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...
Do yourselves a favor, today. Read Hebrews 11:1-12:3
Don't just read it, though. Read it ALOUD! Make a Shakespearean production out of it. It's all pretty much in "modern" English. Not a thee or thou can be found. The only ye is in the last verse.
When you get to verse 32 start the hand gestures as a good Shakespearean actor/actress would. If that's a little weird, just imagine you are.
I have just read it, it would seem, for the first time. I love it when God just out of the blue takes a passage you have never gotten excited about and makes it electrifying. I know, I know. You are asking why I would not have already found this passage on faith exciting. Well, I cannot answer that. I've always been excited about my faith. My biggest question for the "lose your salvation," Armenian sort is how on earth can you not believe God will complete what he started.
But because faith is just that, "faith," I don't really need such an uplifting passage to soothe my soul. But that has all changed tonight. Look what all God did to fulfill his promises before our age. I don't need physical kingdoms subdued or live lion's mouths stopped. I hope I am never stoned or sawed asunder.
But in the spiritual sense he has done all those same things for us. A few he has done physically for us. His only begotten Son did give his life for us. He had no ram in the thicket because he WAS that ram.
If that don't set you afire, your wood's wet.
But none of this is why I wrote this email.
I record Extreme Makeover Home Edition on the computer to watch later on my laptop. It comes on during the Sunday Evening service. I have oft told friends my favorite part of the show. It is not seeing all the cool carpentry and flat panel tv's. It's not the awesome demolitions that occur on most shows. Although, the house they blew up with nitro was pretty amazing.
My favorite part is seeing the reactions when they move the bus and show the family their new home.
At the beginning of the show Ty promises to build the home. All through the week they get updates of the progress. But it is at that exact moment that their "faith" is made "sight."
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...
It's great to have faith, but one day we won't need faith anymore. The families on that show know of the show's reputation. They have great expectations. But the looks on their faces reveal how better sight is than faith.
Don't call me a heretic. Here on earth we walk by faith, not by sight. But some glorious morning when God calls us home, when Christ proves that he is the "finisher" of our faith, when we see him for what he is, it is SIGHT that will cause us to sing that song of the redeemed.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Just as my elder friend, Bro Carlton won't need his cane, my crippled friend, Bro Jim won't need his chair, I won't need my faith.
1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Is your wood dry, yet? Are you about to call Bro Boruff and ask him how to have a Baptacostal runnin' fit?
If I ever wanted my little muses to mean something to somebody, it is now. This Bible study has done so much for me tonight. Writing this muse was a good vent, and caused further study.
I look forward to the moment we, as heavenly saints, finally see that which is promised. It will be worth it all. Pardon me while I sing one of my favorite songs: (written by a Baptist Preacher, too)
I'm looking now across that river
to where my faith is gonna end in sight.
There's just a few more days to labor,
Then I will take, my heavenly flight
Beulah Land I'm longing for you,
and someday on thee I'll stand.
There my home shall be eternal.
Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
Bro Ralph Fiscus
"What have you done today that only a Christian would do?" -anon
Do yourselves a favor, today. Read Hebrews 11:1-12:3
Don't just read it, though. Read it ALOUD! Make a Shakespearean production out of it. It's all pretty much in "modern" English. Not a thee or thou can be found. The only ye is in the last verse.
When you get to verse 32 start the hand gestures as a good Shakespearean actor/actress would. If that's a little weird, just imagine you are.
I have just read it, it would seem, for the first time. I love it when God just out of the blue takes a passage you have never gotten excited about and makes it electrifying. I know, I know. You are asking why I would not have already found this passage on faith exciting. Well, I cannot answer that. I've always been excited about my faith. My biggest question for the "lose your salvation," Armenian sort is how on earth can you not believe God will complete what he started.
But because faith is just that, "faith," I don't really need such an uplifting passage to soothe my soul. But that has all changed tonight. Look what all God did to fulfill his promises before our age. I don't need physical kingdoms subdued or live lion's mouths stopped. I hope I am never stoned or sawed asunder.
But in the spiritual sense he has done all those same things for us. A few he has done physically for us. His only begotten Son did give his life for us. He had no ram in the thicket because he WAS that ram.
If that don't set you afire, your wood's wet.
But none of this is why I wrote this email.
I record Extreme Makeover Home Edition on the computer to watch later on my laptop. It comes on during the Sunday Evening service. I have oft told friends my favorite part of the show. It is not seeing all the cool carpentry and flat panel tv's. It's not the awesome demolitions that occur on most shows. Although, the house they blew up with nitro was pretty amazing.
My favorite part is seeing the reactions when they move the bus and show the family their new home.
At the beginning of the show Ty promises to build the home. All through the week they get updates of the progress. But it is at that exact moment that their "faith" is made "sight."
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...
It's great to have faith, but one day we won't need faith anymore. The families on that show know of the show's reputation. They have great expectations. But the looks on their faces reveal how better sight is than faith.
Don't call me a heretic. Here on earth we walk by faith, not by sight. But some glorious morning when God calls us home, when Christ proves that he is the "finisher" of our faith, when we see him for what he is, it is SIGHT that will cause us to sing that song of the redeemed.
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Just as my elder friend, Bro Carlton won't need his cane, my crippled friend, Bro Jim won't need his chair, I won't need my faith.
1 Corinthians 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Is your wood dry, yet? Are you about to call Bro Boruff and ask him how to have a Baptacostal runnin' fit?
If I ever wanted my little muses to mean something to somebody, it is now. This Bible study has done so much for me tonight. Writing this muse was a good vent, and caused further study.
I look forward to the moment we, as heavenly saints, finally see that which is promised. It will be worth it all. Pardon me while I sing one of my favorite songs: (written by a Baptist Preacher, too)
I'm looking now across that river
to where my faith is gonna end in sight.
There's just a few more days to labor,
Then I will take, my heavenly flight
Beulah Land I'm longing for you,
and someday on thee I'll stand.
There my home shall be eternal.
Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
Bro Ralph Fiscus
"What have you done today that only a Christian would do?" -anon
Cal Ripken
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
I’m not much of a sport’s fan, but I do have my favorite athletes. One of my favorite baseball players is Cal Ripken, Jr. He’s retired, but his record still stands.
You see, on Sep 6th, 1995 he went down in history for a feat that will probably never happen again. He beat Lou Gehrig's record and put his name forever in the history books. It wasn’t a record for the most hits, homers, RBI’s, or even stolen bases. He forged his name in the annals of baseball as the Iron Man. He showcased no superhuman attributes. He simply showed up ready for work and started in 2,131 games consecutively.
He characterizes it as 2,131 times that the manager deemed him fit to play. He was “chosen” each game day.
This is an affirmation that hits home and actually hurts when I think about it. Am I showing up for work on God’s field? Does Christ have reason to choose me each day to do even the smallest task for him?
Life takes many turns and often God’s will seems almost hidden from our view. I pray that I still seek, and oft find that will. For only there will I be “chosen” to hit the field.
I’m not much of a sport’s fan, but I do have my favorite athletes. One of my favorite baseball players is Cal Ripken, Jr. He’s retired, but his record still stands.
You see, on Sep 6th, 1995 he went down in history for a feat that will probably never happen again. He beat Lou Gehrig's record and put his name forever in the history books. It wasn’t a record for the most hits, homers, RBI’s, or even stolen bases. He forged his name in the annals of baseball as the Iron Man. He showcased no superhuman attributes. He simply showed up ready for work and started in 2,131 games consecutively.
He characterizes it as 2,131 times that the manager deemed him fit to play. He was “chosen” each game day.
This is an affirmation that hits home and actually hurts when I think about it. Am I showing up for work on God’s field? Does Christ have reason to choose me each day to do even the smallest task for him?
Life takes many turns and often God’s will seems almost hidden from our view. I pray that I still seek, and oft find that will. For only there will I be “chosen” to hit the field.
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