Rejected

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the spirit of adoption by who we cry out, "Abba, Father."  The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 8: 15-17 NKJV 

I know more than a few things about rejection, about feeling rejected.  From weight issues to a wounded self confidence, I've had my share of rejection.  Ultimately, this led to my shutting myself off from others.  I mean, who needs that pain, right?  It was easier for me to withdraw than it was to realize that all of these feelings simply weren't true.  I don't think there are too many of us who have never felt rejection at one time or another.  Sometimes, self confidence in ourselves is one of the most difficult things we can ever aquire.  Why is that?  To what can we attribute these feelings of inferiority?  Well, for one thing, I think we need to realize that they are just that...feelings.  As a friend of mine recently said, feelings are not based on fact.  Trust me, there's no shortage of people out there who can wound our feelings.  Are we to accept everything that they claim about us as truth?  The logical answer would be a loud NO!  However, we still fall victim to those feelings of inferiority,  I know I do.  Why is it that we accept these suggestions from people?  Trust me, it's a question I've asked myself many times over.  

As far as I know, there's nowhere in the bible that says that we're not worth anything to God.  On the contrary, God tells us time and again that he loves and cherishes us, his creation.  In fact, he loved us so much that, despite our sin nature, he sent his son to give his life for us.  Does that sound like God has no  need for us?  Yet, those voices are still out there.  And we listen to them.  So, if these suggestions are not based on fact, where do they originate from?  

Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Sound familiar?  Most christians are fully aware that satan is up to no good when it comes to Gods people.  So, would it be beyond satans reach to fill us with those voices of inferiority?  I don't think so.  I think that we can safely assume that these feelings will never come from God.  That wouldn't be showing his love and grace too well.  I've found that the some of the most confident people I've come across simply don't buy into what others are saying about them.  Well, the bible tells us that we can be like that.  Is a child of God inferior to anyone?  Romans 8:16 assures us that we are, indeed, children of God.  Not only that, but heirs with Christ as well.  What a wonderful position to be in!  I'll guarantee you Satan can't make that claim.  In fact, if ANYONE knows of rejection, it's  satan, the fallen angel cast out of Heaven.  Would anyone rather trade places with him?  I don't think so.  I'll take my place among Gods elect anyday!  A very good friend of mine has often reminded me of a sound piece of advice, when satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!  One thing is for certain, when you look in the mirror, you're seeing a child of God.

~Scott~ 

If Not You

"And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.  Then he said, 'I beg you, father, that you would send him to my fathers house, for I have five brothers, that he may tetify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.  Abraham said to him, 'they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.'  "Annd he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'  But he said to him, 'If they do  not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
Luke 16: 26-31 NKJV

Recently I posed a question to my friend Dennis that I've been pondering for awhile.  What if, by some circumstance, that person who first introduced me to the gospel of Jesus, had decided not to tell me?  Where would I be today?  Would somebody else have stepped forward to bring this message to me?  Jesus' story of the rich man and Lazarus is a good example of someone who, although having the opportunity to know Jesus, chose not to do so.  In this story  we may just get a "before and after" of what happens when someone refuses to hear Gods message.  This should be enough of a wake up call for people to want to know more about Jesus, but it isn't.  For some time, it wasn't for me.  Somehow, I don't think that God is into allowing someone to ride someones coat tails into Heaven.  For  this reason, we have Gods written word to bring us his message.
The trouble  we get into is, like Lazarus, many of us sit idly by while others around us have not heard of Jesus.  Yes, they have the bible, but apart from that, who will tell them of Jesus?  For the longest time I had the mindset that I would gladly talk with someone about Jesus...if they approached me.  Anyone see the problem with that way of thinking?  How will someone who has NEVER heard the gospel of Jesus stop someone on the street and ask them about him?  Hello Lazarus?  I believe that we were never meant to hear the gospel and keep it to ourselves, if everyone did just that, how would the wonderful news of Jesus get in the hearts of others?  Oh yeah, they have the bible to tell them!  So, it would seem that those who know Jesus are given that opportunity to share him with others.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of  the age." Amen
Matthew 28: 19-20 NKJV

All that Jesus had taught his disciples, he tasked them with sharing with the rest of the world.  These men had walked, talked and learned from Jesus, so who better to tell others of his message of salvation?  Those of us who have come to know the Lord Jesus also have that very same opportunity.  Yeah, but these were his disciples that Jesus was talking to, right?  Yes, but I also believe that Jesus is giving these instructions to all believers.  If this were not true, then why have we put so much time and energy into "Discipleship" programs in our churches?  Clearly someone, somewhere believes that Jesus was tasking all believers with telling the world about him.  So the question remains, with a entire world of people who don't know Jesus, who will stand in the gap?  What if that person who first shared Jesus with you had assumed that you would read about him in the bible?  Would you have eventually found your way to his truth?  I didn't, but maybe you're different than me.  There's no doubt that the word of Jesus needs to reach our fallen world.  If not from we who know him, then who?

~Scott~

A Man for the Ages

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."

Up until the year 1999,  Time magazine had devouted the cover of one of its magazines to the "Man of The Year" for that particular year.  The run started in n1927 with aviator Charles Lindbergh and ended in 1999 with Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos.  Along the way, men of stature such as Yuri Andropov, Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul 2 and Winston Churchill have made this illustrious list.  I guess after 1999 the people at Time Magazine decided on making the award their "person of the year."  Were worthwhile men that hard to find?  Hardly.  Personaly, I feel this list was nothing more than a way to stroke someones ego, but that's just one persons opinion.  One thing is for certain, this "Man of the Year" list would never publish the name of one man who truly deserves the honor above every person who ever won the award.  That man was Jesus of Nazareth.
Wherever he would go, Jesus would draw crowds that would be the envy of any modern celebrity.  Trouble is, Jesus was as far away from someone seeking celebrity status as the night is from the day.  No, this man Jesus had a message from God for all of us.  Everywhere Jesus went, the grace and love of God would be on full display.  He ministered, he healed, he taught but he also angered more than a few Jewish leaders of the day.  I would wager that there was not one person who had an encounter with Jesus who would ever forget him.  Even those who were caught in their own sin were shown the grace of God through Jesus.  He told a woman caught in adultry to "Go and sin no more" after shaming those who were accusing her.

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  When Jesus heard that, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need for a physician,  but those who are sick.  But go and learn what this means; 'I desire mercy and not sacrafice.'  For I did not come call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
Matthew 9: 11-13 NKJV

This was the message of Jesus.  All around him were people who were in desperate need to hear the saving message of Gods love, grace and forgiveness.  This was not the "Fire and brimstone" God that many people thought he was.  No, God had a new message for his precious creation, and this is what Jesus brought into the world.  As he made his way to the cross, Jesus prepared to suffer and give his own life so that we might live.  He never once sought glory for himself, but chose to do the will of his father.  He knew the suffering and humilation that he would face, and yet he still followed the path set before him.  Our very lives depended on him, and he gave himself up for each of us.  This didn't qualify Jesus for "Man of the Year" but a Man for the ages!

~Scott~

When Men are Needed

"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.
Ezekiel 22: 30 NKJV

Without a doubt we live in a society dominated by men.  The United States Marines have produced a saying that has personified their creed for more than a few years, "A few good men."  Are the Marines responsible for creating men in our society, are they the measure of manhood.  Granted, the men of Semper Fidelis are certainly in the catagory of being a man in our society, but I'm not so sure this is the true measure.  God certainly didn't go to the local Marine recruiter when he was searching for a man to stand in the gap for him.  So, obviously there must be something else going on there.  Whatever it is, we need more of them.
I don't think we've ever been at a point in our society where men, real men, are so desperately needed.  With a 50% divorce rate, broken homes and relationships, our nation is crying out for real men to step up and stand in the gap.  Trouble is, where are we going to find them?  To answer that question, we'd need a checklist of what makes a real man, but I think we already know that answer in our hearts.  For starters, let's look for someone who doesn't ignore their responsibilities, guards and cherishes his family, respects and defends his country and stands up and defends those who cannot defend themselves.  Sound like a good list to start with?  Now, let's take a look around us in our communities and see just how many people exhibit these qualities.  I think we'd be surprised at what we found.  Is it any wonder that even God couldn't  find one man to stand for him?
When I was growing up, men of my dads caliber were what society considered to be men.  King of his castle,  masters of their own lives, needing help from nobody and feeling free to jump from one sexual conquest to another, THIS was a man.  Something tells me that this was not what God had in mind as he searched for a man.  After all, his job is easier, for he already knows the hearts of men.  Over the years, I've come to realize that I've definately inherited a few qualities from my own dad.  However, this is by no means what has made me a man!  He may have contributed to the man his son has ultimately become, but he wasn't the only influence.
I believe that as God searched for a man to stand in the gap  that he already knew what he was looking for.  The scriptures are full of the exploits of great MEN faith in the bible.  Abraham, Moses, David, Paul and, of course, the greatest man of all, our Lord Jesus.  I believe that no greater example of a Godly man has ever been given.  Forsaken, ridiculed, betrayed and ultimately led to his death, Jesus showed the very qualities of the kind of man that we so desperately need today.  I can't remember my dad ever telling me that he was proud of me.  However, what I look forward to is my REAL father one day saying to me "Well done, good and faithful servant."

~Scott~

Strength in Adversity

Looking unto Jesus, author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself,  lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.  You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Hebrews 12: 1-4 NKJV

I would bet that there's alot in our lives that makes us worry.  From money and schedules to relationships, we carry alot of worries with us during our daily lives.  It often amazes me how much emphasis we put on our interactions with people we don't seem to like at all.  Believe me, I've known many a person who I would have loved to see justice come to in some form or another.  What's even more amazing, is that I've never once looked at my own behavior through the eyes of someone I have disagreed with.  What would I find if I did?  What type of person would be staring back at me?  I'm pretty sure I wouldn't recognize myself, and that's sad.  We've all said and done some hurtful things when we're engaging other people.  The old saying hurting people say hurtful things is often true.  In the heat of the moment, all that we've read  in the bible about how to treat others can go straight out the window!
I remember a few interactions I had with a co worker a few years back.  This man, who claimed to be a christian, was fond of  belittling those around him on a regular basis.  There was more than one occasion where I was involved in a argument with this individual who I was sure that God had directed into my life just to torment me.  It turns out that I was right, God had directed him in my direction, but not for the reasons I thought.  Seems this man was dealing with a crisis in his family, and part of his way of coping was to lash out at those around him.  He knew that I was a christian, I'd made no secret of this at work.  It took some time, but we ended up burying our differences, but not before we had more than a few conversations about why God allows difficult situations into our lives.  I'm not a counselor or a pastor, but  one thing that he may have been looking for above all is just someone to listen.  Not the sort of interaction I'd been expecting from him at all.  I had been praying for Gods justice on this person, what I got in return was God showing me someone who was hurting.
In Hebrews 12:1 we get a unique glimpse into Jesus' death on the cross at the hands of sinful men.  If we've ever been discouraged and thought that God has allowed others to mistreat us, we only need to look to Jesus to put this entire thing we call life in perspective.  As Jesus was led to the cross, he endured some of the most heineous torture that men could visit on one person.  In the end, Jesus bled, and died, for you and me!  How many of us can claim to have endured the same mistreatment and punishment from others as Jesus has?  Whatever struggles that we have faced, we haven't suffered as Jesus has.  We do well to remember that the person we may be struggling with may also be that person that God wants us to interact with on a personal level.

~Scott~

Two Voices

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.  And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand.  My fathher, who has given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my fathers hand.  I and my Father are one."
John 10: 27-29 NKJV

Who do you listen to?  We all have a few trusted family or friends that we can turn to for counsel when we need it.  I have a few christian guys who, if I needed help, would do just that.  We all need people close to us to guide us when we're troubled.  However, being able to discern just where this advice is originating from can be just as important.  It may come as a surprise to some, but scripture has more than a few places where God chose to speak personaly with his people.  Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, Moses and Abraham just to name a few.  It wasn't just the Isrealites who God chose to hear his voice, either.  There were more than a few people who were in opposition to God who also heard from him.  My point is this, if God REALLY wants to tap you on the shoulder and whisper in your ear, he's going to do just that.
I know what your thinking, sure God talked with people,  but that was in the bible and everyone knows that the bible is unreliable, right?  Well, that will be a discussion for another time.  The point here is, if God has proven that he can and will communicate with his creation if he chooses to, how will we recognize his voice?  Could it be as simple as listening to someone around us?  John 10: 27 tells us that Jesus' sheep not only hear his voice, but they follow him.  Now, I'm of the opinion that these "sheep" that Jesus is speaking of are the followers of Christ.  After all, he is described, among other things, as "The good shepherd."  I'm sure this was a pretty good illustration that Jesus used in a society where shepherding sheep was a common practice.  Is it that hard to imagine, that if God wanted to speak to us today, that he could use other people to relay that message?  Taking that one step further, could the creator of the universe use just about anything to get our attention?  This is where discernment can come in handy.  There are certainly plenty of messages out there in this world.  Which ones, if any, are from God?  Will we know his voice when he calls us?
Wait, what about that other voice out there?  Certainly, if God can choose to communicate with us, then could Gods adversary, satan, do just the same thing?  We've all heard that infamous monicker "The devil made me do it!"  I believe that the influence of satan is certainly out there among us.  After all, we are a fallen, sinful people.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Not only is satan described as our adversary, but apparently he prowls around loooking for people to devour!  The anology here, beware of this beast!  While Jesus is described as "The good shepherd", satan is refered to as a vicious, roaring lion.  Again, another good example this time by the apostle Paul.  So, how are we to know which of these voices to heed?  Well, it's not scientific, but I believe that we all have a built in moral compass that God has blessed us with.  This guide to moral stability in each of us is what has been refered to as our conscience.  Of course, whether we choose to heed what our conscience tells us is another issue altogether.  I believe that God is more than able to speak with us today, are we actively listening?

~Scott~

A Indictment on Men

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.
1 Peter 3:7 NKJV

It's a staggering statistic, yet one that is hardly surprising.  The divorce rate in these United States is somewhere around 40-50%  This should make everyone stand up and take notice, but it doesn't.  Somehow, we've come to the point where this is acceptable.  Where did we go wrong?  Has the bond of marriage somehow become a disposable commodity?  If we find we can't live with someone, we can just throw out those vows and start all over.  Excuse me for saying that I find this to be a scar on our society!  As a child of divorced parents, I know the pain that comes with growing up in a single parent household.  So, if you're someone who's thinking of divorcing your mate thinking there are no victims if you do, come talk to me.
I was talking with a friend of mine recently and the subject of the feminist movement came up in conversation.  One comment that he made got me to thinking.  Yes, the feminist movement of the 1960's was a game changer as far as society goes.  However, as men, we had it coming for a long time.  What?  Yes, that is what he said.  After our discussion, I tend to agree with him.  See, for far too many years, men had treated women as second class citizens and thought nothing of it.  The whole idea of marriage was for the man of the house to earn a living for the family while his wife served under him.  Now, that's not to say that each and every marriage relationship was like this, but a huge number were.  It just became a accepted part of society.  It's  no wonder that American women were so willing to throw off their aprons when the feminist movement took hold.  From a pure economic standpoint, a stay at home wife was a bonus for the husband.  He was free to do whatever he wanted, knowing full well that his duty bound wife was at home taking care of his business.  When my parents were divorced, my mother had to start from scratch as far as her career and employment were concerned.  Throughout their marriage, dad was totally against her working, that's just the way it was.  After their divorce, my mom was left alone to fend for herself while raising my brother and I.  Had my dad allowed my mom to develop a vocation and share the responsibility of raising the family, she might not have had such a difficult time, but that wasn't how things were done.
I've titled this a indictment on men simply because, as men, I feel that we've shirked our responsibilities as Godly husbands and fathers.  Like I said, I've seen the grass on the other side of that fence, and it's no better than the one we left behind.  What is it about sharing our marriages equally with our wives that injures our male pride so much?  That "Lord of my castle" behavior has done nothing but strain our relationships with our mates and families.  Most people look at the 50% divorce rate in our country and simply accept it as a symptom of modern society.  Most people look at the feminist movement and brush it off as an offshoot of the 1960's "Hippie movement."  I look at these events and see where we, as men, have dropped the ball.

'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let not man seperate."
Mark 10: 7-9 NKJV

I recently asked my friend Dennis how it is that he and his lovely wife Shirley have managed to stay married for so many years.  I have to admit that his answer surprised me a bit, "There was no other option."  I wish that someone had told my dad that very same thing.

~Scott~

Questionable Decisions

For I know that in me (That is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find.  For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but  the evil I will not to do,  that I practice.
Romans 7: 18-19 NKJV

There are two things we can take away from this revelation from the apostle Paul.  First, we all know the good things we should be doing, secondly, we don't do it!  Wait, this is a apostle of Jesus who is making this admission.  It seems that ol' Paul had struggles with making bad decisions as well.  What I find encouuraging about this passage is that just because we make bad decisions, we're not condemned by Jesus by  any means.  We wouldn't usually see Paul as a man of questionable decisions, but now we have his own admission.  However, before we all hit that "Aha!" moment, take a look at verse 18 of this example.  Paul states that within him, in his FLESH, that NOTHING good dwells.  Well  duh!  There are plenty of places in scripture where our flesh is described as wicked.  Obviously, Paul knew the difference between what was good and what was wrong behavior.  After all, before his conversion he had been someone pretty high up in the Jewish faith.
I'll jump out on a limb here and admit that I've made more than a few wrong decisions.  Big surprise huh?  I'm sure I've got plenty of company in that respect.  I used to beat myself up daily for those decisions and behaviors that I knew were wrong yet still engaged in.  How good of a christian could I be if I couldn't resist these temptations?  This was a daily struggle for me.  See, what I was being taught on Sunday was that if I experienced these struggles, that I was spiritualy weak and I needed to pray for Gods forgiveness daily.  There were times that I felt like I was the only one who was having these struggles.  Since God and sin go together like oil and water, how could he love me if I was having these struggles?  Somewhere, somehow, there was something wrong with me!  Yes, there was definately something wrong with me.  There was just something wrong with my way of thinking, NOT with me personaly.  See, God hadn't withdrawn the free gift he had given to me just because of my bad decisions.  The blood of Jesus that was shed for me on that cross had taken care of my sins long ago.  Yes, my sins past, present AND future are covered.  Does that sound like I God needs us to ask for his forgiveness each day?  I suggest that instead we should pray and THANK God for the selfless sacrafice of his son on our behalf.  I find it encouraging that one of the greatest defenders of the gospel in history faced the same struggles as I do.

~Scott~

Dad

And he arose and came to his father.  But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.  "And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.'  "But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.  'And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;  'For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found' And they began to be merry.
Luke 15: 20-24 NKJV

According to a recent U.S. Census survey,  43% of  children in the  United States live without a father.  Now, that's just our country, I can't speak for other nations.  My only focus and concern is for those that are fatherless in our own country, because I'm one of them.  Only those who have experienced it can attest to the pain and rejection that it causes.  What causes a man to suddenly give up and leave his child/children?  Believe me, I wish I had that answer.  Maybe, then, I'd have some answers to the pain I've gone through.  I've heard many people trivialize this issue, telling me that perhaps I should reconcile with my father, as if somehow I was at fault for what he did.  I would say that these people have never known this pain or were blind to what it was causing.  Was I to blame for my dads alchohol abuse?  Was  his infidelity my fault?  Forgive me, but I don't give too much credence to these self righteous fools.  Psychology is certainly not their strongpoint.
My dad wasn't  that much different from the men of his generation.  When it came to showing emotion and showing his love, he was sorely lacking.  See, guys just didn't do this kind of thing.  For his part, his father, my grandfather, kept his own children at bay with his temper.  The weird thing is, my grandfather was always good to the grandkids.  It was only his own children who felt his wrath.  While it doesn't  excuse my dads behavior, it does give me an insight into what he was thinking.  After all of these years,  I can understand why he left home to join the Navy when he did.
As I mentioned, there are 43% of children in America who are growing up without a father in their lives.  That's 43% of our kids who are going through the same pain I've gone through.  This is unacceptable!  I won't get into all of the lectures about taking responsibility for ones actions and being a sound leader as that may fall on more than a few deaf ears.  After all, men today don't need anyones help with how they live their lives right?  Keep telling yourselves that.
If there was one thing I learned from growing up without my dad, was that change starts with me.  I'm not responsible for the choices my dad made, but I can choose to learn from it.  I made myself a promise some years ago to NEVER be the man that that my dad was.  I think I've done a good job to avoid the pitfalls that he faced.  One thing that I have learned, is that despite growing up without my father, this DOES NOT diminish the love that my Lord Jesus has for me.  In fact, it is the love of Jesus that has lifted me up in some pretty dark times in my life.  Even though my dad walked out on me, Jesus has promised to never leave me.
One of the last memories I have of my dad was as he was driving me home after spending the weekend with him.  I remember being pretty shaken up at the thought of not knowing when I'd see my dad again.  He must have sensed this, because he asked what was wrong.  I guess I told him how much I was looking forward to our next weekend together.  Dad reached over and pulled me close to him.  I thought I knew him better.

~Scott~

Worth The Gospel?

"You have heard that it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your father in hheaven; for he makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?  Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"
Matthew 5: 43-46 NKJV

Who wouldn't you share Jesus with?  Your mean boss?  That bothersome neighbor?  The unsightly homeless guy you see every day on the way to work?  The truth is, we all have someone in our lives who we despise just enough that, if given the opportunity, would never consider sharing the good news of Jesus with.  Ask yourself this, are these people worth the gospel of Jesus?  Now, ask yourself if there are any people who you've had run ins with who feel that YOU'RE not worth that very same gospel that you share with others!  This question may open more than a few eyes, but I believe that Jesus had a very good reason for sharing this truth on the Mount of Olives that day.  See, the people of Jesus' day had the same negative interactions with others that we do today.  The bible tells us of how the crippled, homeless and poor were looked down upon by those around them.  Were these people worth the good news that Jesus was teaching?  He seemed to think so.  So much so that he spent a good deal of time ministering and healing those who society didn't  feel were worthy.  With God, there is no partiality.
Have we become so full of ourselves that we feel that WE are justified in choosing who hears the gospel of Jesus?  I seem to recall a few Pharisees in Jesus' day who felt the very same way.

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying: "The scribes and the pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.  For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on mens shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  But all their works they do to be seen by men.  they make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.  They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, Rabbi, Rabbi."
Matthew 23: 1-7 NKJV

Ouch!  Can you imagine being a pharisee in the crowd on that day?  However, Jesus showed the love of his father by offering even these Jewish leaders a chance at the salvation he was  offering.  This kind of irked the people, I guess they felt they needed some scape goats to kick around.  Sound familiar?  The truth is,  there are plenty of people out there who, for one reason or another, we may feel don't deserve hearing about Jesus.  Thankfully, that's not our decision.  If it were, there would be far fewer people among us who have heard about Jesus I'm sure.  What if that person who first told us about Jesus had deemed us unfit to hear it?  We do well to remember that God placed you on that persons heart in order that you would hear the good news of his son.  That's how God works.  Somehow, some way, people are going to hear about Jesus.  If it's not from the scripture, then it will be from those who already know him.  Are we willing to shoulder that burden of not sharing Jesus with someone who needs it?  I may be limited in my social interactions with people, but the LAST thing I want Jesus to question me about on that day is "Why didn't you share me with them when you had the chance?"  We live in a sinful world, and there are more unsaved people among us than there are followers of Jesus.  Our prayer should be for God to lead us to those who need to hear about him.  He'll give us the words to say when that time comes, that's what he does.

~Scott~

Relational

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exorting one another, and so much more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 24-25 NKJV

How outgoing are you?  How willing are you to open yourself up to others and share your experiences, to share Jesus?  As for myself, I've fallen way short of opening myself up to others.  We come up with plenty of excuses to justify not interacting with others, some can be  downright ridiculous.  What it comes down to is  opening ourselves up to other people.  However, other people can do and say hurtful things.  I only need to look at my own life to see where I've fallen short in mistreating others around me.  Now, I know in my heart that I've confessed these transgressions and that I'm forgiven, but would that be any consolation to someone I've mistreated?  In their eyes, I'm probably just another pious christian.  Unless I've spent the time to open myself up to these people, they may even put that label upon every christian they meet.  How is it that I am making disciples and advancing Gods kingdom?
Jesus made it look pretty easy didn't he?  As he walked the paths of that region of Galilee he would call out to those he chose to follow him.  Whether it was the sick or a woman caught in the sin of adultry, Jesus met people exactly where they were.   Yes, we can learn alot from how Jesus interacted with those around him, but in the end we still need to put it into practice.  So, in the end that puts that wand squarely back in our hands.  Knowing that those people around us are capable of mistreating us just as we've mistreated others can leave us in fear of opening ourselves up to others.  It did with me.  Every day of his ministry, Jesus was faced with those who challanged him, argued with him, hated him.  Is it any different for us today?  Throughout our day, we are faced with the sinful nature of those around us.  Heck, we may even be the cause of the mistreatment others give us!  Do we suck it up, bury our pride and insecurities and reach out or do we simply retreat?
There can be no question that God created us to be social creatures, not only having relationships with one another but with our creator as well.  I'm sure there's alot of people out there who live in fear of opening themselves to others.  That was me.  It takes trust to open yourself up to others, and sometimes trust is hard to come by.  One thing we can be certain of, people may let us down, but Jesus has promised to never leave us.

~Scott~

The Brotherhood

As Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27: 17 NKJV

There's something about guys getting together.  We have football, barbecues, fishing,  hunting and many other opportunities to get out and be men.  Women have tried to understand this dynamic, but I'm still not quite sure they do.  See, they say women are more emotional and relational.  Whether this is true or not, and I believe it is, we guys still posses that ability to socialize.  In fact, I'd venture to say that guys are at their best when their among their meat eating, fish slaying, football watching brethren.  This isn't to say that we're totally into relationships with other guys, but when we're among our brothers there's an awesome dynamic there.  You see this in locker rooms and military units, brotherhood.
There's been many attempts to try to tap into this dynamic in the christian community.  From Promise Keepers, Iron Sharpens Iron and Fellowship of Christian Athletes christian leaders and pastors have tried valiantly to tap into that dynamic of engaging men.  After more than a few attempts, they're still trying.  I applaud their efforts,  but what are we missing here?  There's still no dominant christian movement to engage our men. Notice that I said "Dominant" effort.  Oh, we''re still trying, but so far our efforts are few in the christian community.  I've been a part of too many mens groups that simply disintigrated over time.  Yet, we don't seem to be asking why this is happening.  Do guys want to learn about Jesus?  I'd say that there's a deep felt need of men out there to know who this Jesus is.  That being said, how are we going to reach out to them?
I believe Jesus had this figured out long before our time.  Granted, he already knew the hearts of men before he even engaged them.  Jesus didn't ask the men of his day to join a bible study or a spiritual health class, he met them exactly where they were at in life.  These men were fishermen, farmers, herdsman and even the hated Roman tax collectors.  Jesus' interest was not to bring shame on someone for not following Gods rules, but to show the fathers love and mercy to those he connected with.  So, what can we learn from Jesus?  Instead of offering up countless classes, conferences and groups we feel are designed to make men more righteous and lead them to Jesus, how about just meeting guys exactly where they're at in life?  Being "real", that's how Jesus approached people.  Why should we think people today are any different?  If guys are more comfortable in a informal setting, then let's meet them there!  My friend David made a comment this past week that rang a bell for me.  When I posed the question to him of organizing a informal barbecue instead of a organized "teaching" mens conference his response was, "You do that and you may be surprised at who shows up."  So, what's stopping us from trying this?  Stepping out of the traditional christian "box" may be what's needed to engage our men.

~Scott~

Heart Condition

"Not everyone who says to me, ''Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name, and done many wonders in your name?  And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!' 

Matthew 7: 21-23 NKJV 

One thing I've been wondering about lately as I've been participating in Mens ministry is, where is our heart?  Where is MY heart?  Matthew 7 gives a stinging indictment on those of us who, for one reason or another, are just going through the motions of their relationship with Jesus.  We can say that we are following Christ, but inwardly we can be miles away.  This entire idea of a "relationship" with Jesus is something I've only recently began to understand.  Trust me, it's not something that's come easily.  For years, we've been told that by doing good and serving others that we could punch our ticket to heaven.  This is what I was told and what I believed.  Then, in a small class led by my friend Dennis I was introduced to Ephesians 2:8-9.  

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2: 8-9 NKJV 

So, how could my good behavior get me into Gods grace?  I could be the most well behaved person in the world and STILL not come close to hearing my Lord say "Well done, good and faithful servant."  This isn't  a situation where I can earn my own way into salvation!  This would make the sacrafice of Jesus irrelevant.  In fact, if we could simply "earn" our own way into Gods kingdom, how important would Gods grace and mercy be?  Jesus has made it pretty clear that those who simply "act" the part without having a heart for God will be on the outside looking in when their time comes.  One thing I pray I NEVER hear is my Lord Jesus say to me "I never knew you!"  Thankfuly, his  grace is sufficient enough that he wishes everyone to experience a heart to heart relationship with our savior.

~Scott~ 

Being Jesus

That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they may also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  And the glory which you gave me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:  I in them, and you in me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17: 21-23 NKJV

This passage in John 17 is quite interesting in that Jesus, just before his crucifiction, retired to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and commune with his father in heaven.  Not only does Jesus pray for himself, but for his disciples AND for us.  Yes, centuries before many of us were conceived, Jesus prayed for us on that night just before he was handed over to those who would eventually kill him on a cross.  But it is what he prayed for us that should make us take notice.  "I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one."  This is one of a number of places in scripture that proclaims that Christ dwells within us.  

So, what does it mean to "Be Jesus", to have Christs spirit living within us?  For one thing, I think that we can assume that everything we experience here on earth, we share with him.  If Jesus resides in us, then he shares our very life with us.  So, the term "Being Jesus" isn't too far off.  Can Jesus relate to what we're going through?  Absolutely!  I don't think we can ask for a better advocate.  

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,  but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4: 15 NKJV

No matter what it is we're struggling with, Jesus has faced that same onslaught and remained sinless in the process.  I've struggled, I've sinned, I'm not perfect.  However, I have Jesus in me, and who wouldn't  want that?  

~Scott~ 

A Sinner Like Me

Also he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others:  "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men - extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.  And the tax collector,  standing afar off,  would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!"

Luke 18: 9-13 NKJV 

This entry has a twofold purpose.  Yes, we are all sinners born into sin,  the bible assures us of this fact.  In fact, the apostle Paul called himself "Chief" of all sinners.  This man who persecuted members of the early church surely had reason to feel guilty and ashamed for all he had done.  Yet, despite this, Paul also knew in his heart that he was justified by the cruscifiction and resurection of his lord Jesus.  Pauls interaction with Jesus on the road to Damascus that fateful day had left him a changed man.  If anyone had a right to feel ashamed in the eyes of God, it was Paul.  However, as is usualy the case, God had other plans for this man Paul.  The result was one of the greatest defenders of the gospel of the Lord in history.   Many of the books in our New Testament were letters written by this former persecutor of the church.  God works in mysterious ways indeed.  

Since we were all born into sin, we carry that weight with us from birth.  Talk about starting out on the wrong foot.  Even before we take our first breath we have that strike against us.  How can God bring us into this situation?  For a long time, I felt alot of guilt for what things that I had done.  Like that tax collector in the temple, I would stand far off and ask Gods forgiveness.  We've all been there.  Guilt and shame are a terrible burden weight to carry for anyone.  What I didn't  realize for a long time was that God had already provided for my forgiveness.  When Jesus gave his life on that cross, he died for ALL of us.  Just as God had redeemed Paul, he redeemed me as well.  Our prayer should not be "God please forgive me", He's already taken care of that.  Instead, come to God in prayer THANKING him for his mercy and forgiveness.  

~Scott~ 

Left Behind

"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone.  If he hears you, you have gained your brother.  But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.'  And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.  But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him to be to you like a heathen and a tax collector."
Matthew 15: 15-17 NKJV

It never feels good to lose a freind.  In fact, I'd equate it as one of the worst feelings one could endure.  I know that feeling too well.  There was a time in my life when, even though I was a christian, I pretty much followed my own path.  Sure, I believed in God, but as far as a relationship with him I was pretty much lost.  It's one thing to practice a relationship with Jesus, but I was just going through the motions.  I may have appeared ok on a Sunday morning, but I wasn't really there in my heart.  See, I was more than comfortable in my life outside of church where I wasn't challanged to put my trust and faith in God.  For the most part, my Sunday apprearances were just for others to see.  I believe the term for people like this is "Whitewashed Tomb."  On the outside we look fine, but inside we are empty.  For everyone who saw me, I was pretty much ok.  This all changed in 2009 when my mom was stricken with cancer.  Even though this was a tragic moment for me, I know in my heart that God meant it for a good purpose.
Despite my backsliding, I still had a few christian brothers who wouldn't give up on me, and I'm forever grateful to them for this.  Yes, they tried to get me to change, but I was pretty stubborn in my ways at the time.  Pride tends to do that to people.  Above all, I didn't want to give up the control that I had over my own life.  That whole trusting God and relationship with Jesus thing was pretty much lost on me back then.  I knew I was a christian, but as I look back, it was in name only.  Just another whitewashed tomb.  With my moms sickness, I lost that security  of her support.  My mother has always been strong in her faith, and has always been there to support and uplift me.  Now, with her sickness, I was forced to rely on God alone and not my mothers comfort.  Like I said, God may have very well used my mothers sickness to bring me to that point in my life.  For their part, those few christian brothers who walked beside me had stepped back and allowed God to do his work in me.
In talking with my friend Dennis recently, he revealed that he and my friend David had stepped back and allowed me to continue on what I felt was best for me.  Now, I don't blame these men one bit for doing what they did, in fact I'm forever grateful for the love they showed.  Where would I be had they not stepped back and allowed God to do what he does best?  Matthew 15: 15-17 tells of dealing with a sinning brother, this is what my friends were doing.  One thing about sin, it comes in many different packages, but it's all the same in the end.  I mentioned the pain of losing a freind.  Although these guys had stepped away from my life at the time, it was needed for God to do his work in me.  Today, these two are two of the most treasured friendships I have.

~Scott~

Come And See

And looking at Jesus as he walked he said, "Behold the lamb of God!"  The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.   Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following,  said to them, "What do you seek?"  They said to him, "Rabbi (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are you staying?"  He said to them, "come and see."  They came and saw where he was staying,  and remained with him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).
John 1: 36-39 NKJV

Interestingly enough, the first followers of Jesus had no idea who he was, but they followed him when invited.  We have that same opportunity today, to follow our Lord Jesus when he calls us.  The difference between those very first followers of Jesus and ourselves is that we already know who this Jesus is.  Through the written word of God, the life and teachings of Jesus have been revealed to us.  The early followers of Jesus didn't have this scripture.  The people of Jesus' time had the traditional Jewish Tanakh, which foretold of the coming savior of the Jewish people.  However, as Jesus began his ministry in Galilee, the people did not equate Jesus as the fullfilment of this prophesy.

For unto us a child is born, Unto us a son is given; And the government will be on his shoulder.  And his name will be called wonderful, counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

The Tanakh foretold of the coming Christ, the savior of Gods chosen people.  However, it seems that the prevailing thought of that day concerning all the prophets had predicted, was that the coming Messiah would be a military ruler who would deliver the Jews from their hated Roman occupiers.  It may be easy to see how one would draw this conclusion, for the scripture told that Gods people would be delivered.  It seems that people did not see this deliverance as Gods love and mercy saving them from their own sin.
It's against this backdrop that Jesus entered into Galilee to begin his ministry.  When John the Baptists two disciples asked Jesus where it was that he was staying, Jesus replied "Come and see."  The two men accepted Jesus'  invitation and followed him and stayed with him for quite some time.  With each of the men who would follow him Jesus gave the same offer, come and see.  It was not a command to follow, but an invitation.  It may have been a natural curiosity or a calling on their hearts, but they would follow where Jesus led them.  Along the way, they would learn the teachings and life of the savior.  There is no discipleship program in existance that can rival sharing life experience with Jesus as these disciples did.  They didn't study books or watch videos, that walked, ate and lived with Jesus, sharing their lives together.  It's no wonder that many of Jesus' disciples would become the worlds greatest teachers of Jesus, they had lived the experience.  When Jesus instructed his disciples in Matthew 28:19 to "Go and make disciples of all the nations" they were well equipped for the task.  When Jesus invited the disciples to join him, they accepted his offer.  This is the same invitation that Jesus gives us today...come and see.

~Scott~

The Fear Within Us

For God has not given us a spirit of fear,  but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1: 7 NKJV

All of us have fears of one kind or another, whether we want to admit them or not.  As I write this I'm anticipating yet another excellent hike with my friend Dennis in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.  These are good times for us, fellowship and nature.   Dennis has walked the trails of the Northwest for years, I'm a Minnesota transplant.  However, I love the scenery that we've enjoyed up to this point.  I love the scenery, just not the cliffside trails where walking on such terrain can bring instant death.  See, that's my fear, heights.  It's my belief that man was never meant to fly unassisted, and I hold fast to that theory!  So, what is it that makes us have a spirit of fear?  I would venture to say that alot of it has to do with the unknown, we fear what we do not know will happen.  I haven't asked Dennis as of yet what his fears are, but I can bet that he has a few.  If we look at 2nd Timothy, we can clearly see that fear is NOT sent to us from God.   So, if God does not send us a spirit of fear, is it safe to assume that satan may be responsible for our fears?  Galations 2:20 assures us that our Jesus now lives in us, which can reassure us that fear is not our natural state.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galations 2:20 NKJV

So, if Christ lives in me,  I naturaly have his spirit in me,  which is NOT a spirit of fear,  enter 2 Timothy :7.   Yet, we still have those nagging fears inside us.  However, we can rest in the knowledge that Jesus is within us, and Christ is not a spirit of fear.  Dennis had good answer for my fears as he told me "You're too good to die."  I am inclined to agree!

~Scott~

Becoming Disciples

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother,  casting a net into the sea; for they were fisherman.  Then he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."  They immediately left their nets and followed him.  Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James,  the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets.  He called them.  And immmediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.
Matthew 4: 18-22 NKJV

It's interesting, that in Matthew 4, Jesus called out to these four men and made them what many today would consider a offer of a lifetime.  Imagine being offered the opportunity to walk and learn at the feet of Jesus.  Of course, these four knew nothing of Jesus nor of the journey they were about to embark,  but we're told that they dropped everything and followed him when asked.  I imagine Zebedee, the father of James and John was a bit in awe by these happenings as well.  Verse 23 tells us just what Jesus and his new followers did after this.

And Jesus went all about Galilee, teaching in their synagogues,  preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
Matthew 4: 23 NKJV

Alot of time,  energy and money has been invested by alot of churches in order to create disciples in our modern church.  There are many so called "Discipleship Programs" out there supposedly designed to recruit others into that realm of discipleship.  However, where in scripture is there a "program" for creating disciples?  Just before Jesus began his ministry, he recruited a group of men to follow and learn from him.   From the begining, these chosen few were called Jesus' "Disciples", yet they had completed no discipleship program!  How can this be?  The Greek term "Mathetes" is generaly used to refer to any student, pupil, apprentice or a devout follower of a religious leader of a teacher of philosophy.  So, if I simply use the definition of "student" we can see that these men were students of Jesus'  teaching, which seems pretty reasonable.   These men would spend alot of their time following and being taught by Jesus, as any student of the time would.   Jesus was not only teaching these men, but equipping them to teach and lead others.  
As I mentioned, so far I have not found any reference in scripture to a discipleship "program" as we know it today.  Yet, we've spent countless dollars and hours in an effort to recruit and teach people how to share this gospel.  Obviously,  in order for the gospel of Jesus to reach those that need to hear it, it requires others to spread this wonderful news.  My friend David has spent many years reaching out and equipping men to share Christ with others.  Sure, he's been involved with church led discipleship programs, but I venture to say that he is most effective when he is fellowshipping and studying one on one with other guys.  In fact, he has made many of connections while doing bible study at his local coffee shop.  My point is this, despite all the manuals, books and videos on christian discipleship programs that are out there, I believe this one man has done more to guide men to Christ than a program could.  Could it be that a one on one individual fellowship can do more to equip a follower of Christ than a book or video?  From Jesus' own example, I'd venture to say yes.  Even without books or videos, the disciples of Jesus became the greatest teachers of the Gospel in history.  I would venture to say that if there is a discipleship "program" out there, it can be found in the teachings of Jesus and his interaction with those men called to follow him.

~Scott~

Shame

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the fatther, Jesus Christ the righteous.   And he himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
1 John 2: 1-2

I've seen a lot the shame that sin can bring.  In fact, I've experienced the shame of it many times.  What is it that seems so appealing and yet once we engage  in it leaves us so ashamed?  Sin can be very deceiving this way.  In fact, I'd venture to say that satan can be extremely deceiving.  Whatever sin we choose to engage in, lust, lying or even stealing,  I would assume that there is shame involved.   Why is it that someone engaging in pornography does this behind closed doors?  If pornography is supposedly so mainstream these days, why do most people engage in it in secret?  In fact, I've noticed the same behavior from someone about to enter a strip bar.  Just before walking in, a person will take a look around them as if to see if anyone around them is watching their behavior.  Yeah, mainstream behavior alright.
No matter how right we think we are with God, we will all eventually fall victim to sin and have to deal with guilt and shame.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23 NKJV

Yes, if there's one thing that we can all be certain of,  it's that we will all fail when it comes to sin.  Not only have I experienced the shame and guilt of sin, but I've seen my friends go  through this same hell.  A good friend of mine, someone who had a wonderful testimony of what he had endured and overcome in his life has recently fell victim to this shame game.  Did his friends ridicule him because of his transgression?  NO!  Many of us were more than ready to stand beside our friend in his time of need.  I'm sure in his mind he felt that he had fallen so far and let all  of us down.  This couldn't be farther from the truth.  The ONLY one accusing our friend was the enemy satan!  Whenever we fall short, satan is the first responder on the scene to convict us for our transgression.  1 Peter 5:8 warns us that our  adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion,  seeking someone to devour.  Peter wouldn't give this warning to the early church if he didn't feel it was important.  So, knowing this, can we see who our accuser is?  It certainly isn't God!  God knows we're going to fail, it's in our nature.  However, God had something planned from the begining to rectify our sinful condition.  Through the sacrafice of Jesus, our sins past, present and future have been washed away by Christs shed blood.  When Satan shows up to accuse us, we can be assured that Jesus has already suffered and died for whatever sin satan is accusing us.  I recall a saying my friend Chuck has told me a few times, "when satan reminds you of your past...remind him of his future!"  Of course, despite knowing his ultimate fate, our adversary will still continue to prey on Gods children.  When we sin we can rest assured that we are in good company.   Great men of scripture have sinned and fallen short, only to be redeemed by a loving and merciful creator.

~Scott~

The Ways Of The Creator

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways" says the Lord.  "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55: 8-9 NKJV

It's an age old question we've pondered in the wake of tragedy and strife.  "Why do bad things happen to good people?"  If I knew the answer to all of the ways of my creator, well I guess I just might not need his guidance any more.  In talking with my friend Dennis, who has been tasked at times in his career of counseling those affected by tragedy, I've learned it's not an easy nor an enviable job for anyone.  What do you tell a family who has just lost a young child about the goodness and mercy of God?  It's easy for us to rejoice when God provides justice upon those people who we feel "deserve it."  However, when we ourselves or someone close to us are afflicted with tragedy, we often question Gods motives.  How could a loving God allow a tragedy and heartbreak such as a death to a christian family?  Has God suddenly lost his mercy and compassion?  Well, since the bible assures us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, I'd say this isn't the case at all.  For those of us who are unwilling to give up control of our lives, admitting that God is ultimately in charge of everything that happens in this world can be a hard truth to believe.
After my mom was stricken with cancer in 2009,  I had A LOT of complaints against my Lord!  My mother was a devout christian woman, couldn't God see that?  She was, after all, his servant, so why was God  punishing her?  But, wait, was God indeed punishing my mom?  For a time, I believed he was.  I became pretty bitter towards God.  Was my anger misplaced?  As I look back now I can see that it was indeed.  So, what was Gods purpose in allowing my mothers illness?  Well, as Isaiah 55 claims, Gods ways are well above our own understanding.  We can look to Gods word to draw some bit of solace in these times.  Why did God afflict his servant Job?  Why did God allow the people of Isreal, his chosen people, to languish in Egypt for so many years?  Why did God allow Paul, one of the greatest defenders  of the faith of all time, to die in a Roman prison?  These are all questions we can only attempt to speculate on.  The truth will only be revealed to us in the fullness of time, if God so chooses.
Now, if I may toss another monkey wrench into this discussion, what if God already knew beforehand everything that he would accomplish?  We all know that our Lord God is all knowing and omniscient, so is it that far of a stretch to make the claim that he pre ordains EVERYTHING that he does?  I truly believe that everything is created by God for his purposes.  Yes, I said created, God planned this all out ahead of time.  How can we sit there and believe in our hearts that God pre ordained the coming of Christ for our salvation, yet refuse to believe that he created the tragedies in our world as well?  There's ample evidence of tragedy in the lives of people in the bible, are we immune from such things?  We can question Gods motives all we want, but in the end, everything that he has planned from the very begining will still come to pass.  One thing that we can be assured of, however, is that Gods intentions are always for our well being because he loves his children.  That never changes.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29: 11 NKJV

~Scottt~

Who We Serve

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3: 23-24 NKJV

I've been caught up in the wrong thinking more than once.   Convincing myself that things that I do are justified, even if they are ultimately wrong.  Who hasn't been in this position?  We're mistreated by others, and we can thereby justify any response we can come up with in response to it.  We're in a low paying job, so we feel justified with not giving our best effort.  The problem with this way of thinking, I've found, is that it puts us front and center while keeping God in the background.  While we may know that everything we will ever have we receive from God, we feel that we can do things better on our own.  I don't think I need to remind anyone of the dangers of our pride and why our Lord has no need for it.  This life that we live is not of our own accord, EVERYTHING that we have and see around us was created and provided for by God.  Our own salvation is one of Gods greatest gifts.  I think what this ultimately comes down to is understanding who it is that we serve.  God is the one that provided that low paying job I/we  complain about.  That obnoxious person we feel so strongly justified in rebuking?  Yes, he provided for them also.  Does it ever cross our minds that those obnoxious people that God brings into our lives are sent from him to work in our own lives?  As we labor  in what we see as a dead end job, do we consider why God has us tthere?  Gods word does well to inform us that our ways are not his ways and our thoughts are not his.  So, even though we may be in what we think is a bad situation, our Lord is working in the background.  He  never does anything out of spite, but out of love and mercy for his children.  I think the best example of this is in the near the end of the book of Job.  Job had lost all of his possesions to satans schemes, so one would think that this man would have a right to feel slighted?  Jobs three friends really didn't do too much to comfort him either.  Well, in Job 40:6 God begins his questioning of Job.  I'd  suggest that no attorney could have ever come up with such a brilliant defense.  Then again, that's why God is who he is.  One thing that this man Job did not forget, he knew in his heart who it was that he served.

~Scott~

Walking With A Friend

Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem.  And they talked together of all these things which had happened.  So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus himself drew near and went with them.  But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know him.  And he said to them, "What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?"
Luke 24: 13-17 NKJV

As the followers of the risen Lord walked on the road to Emmaus that day, they had no idea who they were talking to.  What they did know was that Jesus was dead, having been betrayed to the Jewish authorities and ultimately crucified on a cross.  In fact, these were the events they were discussing among themselves when Jesus entered the conversation.  When Jesus inquired as to their conversation, the men were astonished that this stranger was not aware of current events in Jersusalem.  They quickly filled him in on what had occured, still unaware they were talking with Jesus.  Finaly,  Jesus reveals himself to his companions.

Then their eyes were opened and they knew him; and he vanished from their sight.  And they said to one another, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?"
Luke 24: 31-32 NKJV

Was it really that difficult for these men who had spent so much time with Jesus to recognize their friend?  The scripture says that the eyes of these men were "restrained" so that they did not recognize him.  Whether it was by Gods will or their simple unbelief, their eyes remained closed to who this stranger among them was.  My point is this, how often have we been in the company of Jesus yet failed to recognize the presence of our Lord?  Galations 2:20 assures us that Christ now lives in each of us, so we don't need to look too far in order to find our Lord Jesus.  Yet, at times we're like those men on the road to Emmaus, looking for the presence of Jesus.  We are assured that Jesus is with us each and every day.  We can now spend our day walking with our friend.

~Scott~

Brand New Man

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5: 17 NKJV

Drifter,  a good friend of mine and a faithful brother, once kept a picture in his wallet that was taken of him in years past while he was living on the streets.  I remember him calling this picture "The old man."  I found it odd at the time that this man would keep in his possesion a photo to remind him of such a time in his life.  It wasn't until I grew in my understanding of my own faith that I began to understand just why he would keep such a possesion.  See, the man in Drifters picture no longer existed.  Instead of the unsaved individual in that picture,  he had exchanged  his former life for a new life in Christ.  I can't think of a better example to illustrate the scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:17 than my friends old picture.  I'm not sure if this photo of the "old man" served as a reminder to him of where he had come from, but Drifter was always the first one to thank his "Daddy" for the change that had been brought in his life.
Scripture is full of refernces to our new life in Jesus when we accept him into our lives.  Like the change that God had brought into my friends life, we also are changed when we accept Jesus.  2 Corinthians 5 talks of the New Creation that we become in Christ, with the old self passing away.  I'm guessing that means that means our old self has died once and for all with Jesus when he was crucified.  That new creation,  the brand new man, is one that is in our Lord Jesus.  No longer are we tied to this world, but to Jesus our savior.   In John 3, Jesus tells a Pharisee named Nicodemus what one must do to enter Gods kingdom.

Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
John 5:3 NKJV

For those who have accepted Jesus, we are a new creation in our Lord.

~Scott~

Jesus on Worry

"Therefore I say to you,  do not worry about your life,  what you will eat of what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?  "Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?  "Which of you by worrying can add  one cubit to his stature?"
Matthew 5: 25-27 NKJV

How many of us can read through this scripture in Matthew 5 and say to themselves "This is me!"  Worry is something none of us are immune to for sure.  There was a time in my life when I was sure that I thrived on worrying.  Whether it was worrying about finances or other of lifes conflicts, I would often worry myself sick at times.  I'm thinking that there was a VERY good reason that Jesus spoke these words in his sermon on the Mount.  Modern medical science has long known that when we worry, it cause us much physical harm.  I'm sure this was on Christs heart as well as he spoke these words.  Worry does no good to anyone.  Beyond the physical aspect of the effects of worrying lies the heart of this issue.  Do we trust God enough to relinquish that control over our lives?  Jesus gives us the example of how God provides for the simple creatures among us.  I'm sure this example was not lost on the crowd Jesus spoke to on that day.  If God is loving and gracious enough to provide for the smallest of his creation, will he not do the same for us if we let him?  I'm really not certain of this point,  but I'm sure those birds we see are not worrying about if they will be fed or not.  All they know is that there will be food there.  Granted,  I help a bit with my bird feeder, but even if I didn't God would provide for them.  I can't help but think that it's the very same way for us.  Despite all that our lives throw our way, God will provide for our basic needs.  Notice the wording of that statement,  BASIC needs.  In fact, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 that our Lord will provide for our food, drink and clothing.  How basic can you get?  Granted, there was no mention of cars, I phones, I pads or jewelry.  No, these were the very basic needs of life that Jesus was refering to.  So, instead of worrying over the basic needs of life, Jesus is telling us to trust in God to provide for us.  Now, there is a definate difference between a need and a want, and I'm not sure Jesus was refering to our wants in this passage.  We can WANT more money, a new car or a better job, but even without these, God will still provide for our basic needs.  In fact, what is our motivation for desiring better things?  In first Timothy 6 we see a warning on desiring wealth.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6: 10 NKJV

Now, I think it's fair to point out here that the apostle Paul is not saying that money is the root of evil, but the LOVE of money is the root of all kinds of evil.  In fact, the last part of this verse refers to those whose love for money has caused them to stray from their faith and encountered many sorrows in the process.  Basicly, their love and pursuit of money and financial gain had surpassed their faith and obedience in God.  To quote a current popular television commercial, "Don't be like this guy."  Although having money is not a bad thing, we should spend our time trusting in God to provide our needs than worrying if he ever will.

~Scott~

A High Price To Pay

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 NKJV

The first time I watched the Mel Gibson film "The Passion Of The Christ" I came away with a gut wrenching feeling.  I've read in scripture of the suffering that Jesus endured on his way to his crucifiction and at Cavalry hill.  However, to actually see a physical portrayal of a portion of what he endured was pretty emotional for me.  Of course, aside from the scripture, there were no eyewiness action news footage of this event.  We can understand from our own history the brutality of the Roman crucifiction.  Basically, it was a slow, agonizing death for anyone unfortunate enough to  be condemned to such treatment.  The Romans weren't known as the most humane people when it came to capital punishment.  It is against this backdrop that we can get a glimpse of the torture our Lord endured.  Of course, we also know that Jesus knew his destiny well beforehand.  Yet,  despite knowing the terrible treatment that awaited him, he obeyed his fathers will and willingly gave his own life as a sin offering for all mankind.  Of course, we all know that this "sin offering" offered up a innocent, perfect man.  Jesus was born into this world without sin, and he departed that same way.   Of course, this was the sacrafice God required for the forgiveness of our own sin.  Personaly, I don't feel that I can attach a price (in human terms) to the unselfish act that Jesus did for me.   Yet, as 1 Corinthians 6 tells us, each of us was bought at a price.  That price being the death and shed blood of Jesus.
Romans 6 tells us that the wages of sin is death,  that is the punishment each of us deserved for our sins, if not for Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death,  but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6: 23 NKJV

As 1 Corinthians 6 tell us, despite being condemned to death, Jesus paid that price for us and now resides IN US.  I would take that tradeoff any day of the week, but that's just me.  This vessel (me) that Christ purchased with his own blood is now a part of him.  He himself posseses the ownership papers.  Where we were once condemned by sin, Jesus paid that price that freed us.  A high price to pay for sure, but  one provided for by the love and mercy of God.

~Scott~

Created To Fail

But God demonnstrates his own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8 NKJV

If there was ever a radical concept to christianity, this is it.  I think most of us agree that our Lord God is the undisputed creator of all things seen and unseen.  We are assured of this in the book of Genesis.  Fine, we can agree that God created the world, universe, etc. in six days.  We also know that mankind was created in Gods very own image.   Despite being created in Gods very own image, I was born with the stain of sin.  What a way to start out!  However, 1 John 3 assures us of part of Gods perfect plan.

For is our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart,  and knows all things.
1 John 3:20 NKJV

So, even before God created me, he knew I would be born into sin!  Why even create something if you already know it is flawed?  Why not just start all over from the begining and make the perfect creation?  I know that's what I'd be thinking...if I were God.  However, as the scripture reads Gods thoughts are not our thoughts, and his ways are not our ways.   That's why people suck at trying to be God.  So, even though we were created and born into sin, God still breathed life into us.  Instead of having us live under condemnation, however, God  in his love for us provided a hope.  That hope was given to us when Jesus was crucified at Calvary.  So guess what, not only did God know beforehand that we would fail miserably, his love for us has assured us that the stain of sin would not define us.  Does that sound like a angry God to you?  Romans 5:8 assures us of Gods love in a big way.  Yes, I was born into sin, but I serve a God who loved me enough to redeem me.  There is no greater love than that.

~Scott~

If she were your daughter?

"But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already commited adultry with her in his heart."
Matther 5:28 NKJV

First I'll ask this one question, has any one of you ever gazed inapropriately at a woman?  I wouldn't be at all surprised if a good number of men, maybe women, said no to this question.   I have before, and I was lying.  I've touched before on the false intimacy that pornography produces.  We're all aware of  how accesible pornography is today.  Are we just as aware of the damages that it causes?  Oh, we don't like to talk about that, let's skip around that subject.  We'd rather engage in our fantasies without being told that there are consequenses for our actions out there.  After all, it's our life, right?  Yeah, that's what I thought too.  We're told that these behaviors are only natural.  Well, if these behaviors were as natural as, say, coughing, then why are we overwhelmed with guilt when we engage in them?  Obviously our conscience is telling us something different than what we're being told.
Just for a minute, let's make this personal.   Suppose you're walking down the street with your daughter and you come across some lad who imediately whistles his approval and  stares at your little girl!  I don't know too many fathers, or mothers, who wouldn't show this rude dude the error of his ways!  Yes, we're all too ready to jump to the defense of our precious little girl when she becomes the object of someones lewd conduct,  but we deny the effects of pornography on our lives and families!  Remember,  that girl you're staring at in that magazine, video or website is, after all, someones wife, mother or daughter.  THIS is what makes pornography so impersonal.  We don't know the girl we're staring at, we don't care to.  Our  imediate satisfaction is our only thought.
I mentioned the consequenses of engaging in pornography, and this I know all too well.  See, I've been a victim of this addiction myself.  I suppose you could call it a family tradition.   My dad, my older brother and me all fell victim to the addiction.   I've tried all of the man made "cures" from self depravation to forcing myself to think of other things.  The truth is, not  one of these cures is effective.  Consequenses, there are far too many.   From broken marriages and familes to destroyed relationships.  I suppose there are those who will read this who will convince themselves that it can't/won't/will never happen to them.  Yeah, I told myself that as well.  I was a christian, I knew God, yet I fell victim to a lie.  So, you can tell me that you can handle it, that you're not addicted...you're kidding yourself!  You're talking to someone who's been there, and failed.  My parents marriage was destroyed by my dads infidelity, which left me without my father in my life, which eventualy led to his stint in jail, which led to my brothers drug use, which eventualy led to my partaking in my fathers addicton.  Still think there are no consequenses to pornography?  Yes, each of us ultimately live with the choices we make.  Something my friend Dennis said to me recently made me think.  We know that if Christ is in us, he shares our life and experiences.  The next time we are tempted to engage in pornography,  take a minute to have that conversation with him.  Jesus, is this something you'd like us to look at?  I think I already know what his answer would be.

~Scott~

A Greater Love

"For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send his son into the world to condem the world, but that the world through him might be saved."
John 3: 16-17 NKJV

I've lost count of how many times that I've seen people waving signs with the scricpture from John 3:16 written boldly on them.  From sporting events to political rallies, this verse has become synonomous with introducing God  to those around us.  In fact, I would venture to say that it's been overused.  Granted, as believers, we are called to spread the good news of God and Jesus to those among us.  The events of this past week here in Oregon made me think of the message that we are putting out.  A shooter,  a man filled with hate, deliberately chose christians as the victims of his rampage.  Now, the persecution of those who love God is nothing new, in fact we are warned about it in scripture.  One comment I made to my friend Dennis tis week was, how could someone be filled with so much hate?  When the message of our Lord is love, why is there so much hatred?  There must be a disconnect somewhere.  In fact, Gods love is demonstrated to us in that most well known scripture in John 3:16.  God knew the state the world would become, yet out of his love and mercy he sent his son to die for us, his beloved creation.  Trust me, he could have very well vanquished us all and started all over again,  but that wouldn't show his love and grace.  No, we needed a redeemer from our sinful condition and God delivered.  
Like I said at the begining, I believe that the words of John 3:16 have been overused over the years.  What is the message of John 3:16?   For God so LOVED the world that he would send his one and only son to die for us.  This is not a God of evil intent.  This is not a God waiting on the sidelines to punish those who would do wrong.  God loves us!  THIS is the message we need to be sharing.  I won't get into the mixed messages of the church, who seem to think that by preaching about Gods anger towards unbelievers, that christians will fearfully follow God.  No good will ever come from that teaching.  No, the message is not Gods anger, but his love for all of us.  God extended his love to the young man who was so filled with hate this week, but  he either didn't  receive that news or chose to ignore it.  I know many people will criticize me for saying that God loved this man who showed so much evil intent, but to say otherwise would make the words in John 3:16 a lie.  When God says he "So loved the world" he even means those that we may find unloveable.  How great of a love is that?  I can honestly say I've never loved someone that unconditionaly.   I believe the message of John 3:16 is just as it is written, of Gods unconditional love.  There will never be any greater love than that.

~Scott~

Trust

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me."
John 14:1 NKJV

Trust is a hard thing for anyone.  I can count only a few people in my life whom I would truly put my trust in.  It's not our habit to put our complete trust in someone that we've just met.  Why is that?  Well, from my experience it's because I do not want to leave myself vulnerable to being hurt by someone I hardly even know.  It's a huge deal to open ourselves up to someone and trust they won't let us down or fail us in some way.  This is strange to me, because that's just what I've done to others myself.  How many people have I hurt who put their trust in me?  Yet, I refuse to allow that to happen to me.  That doesn't mean it hasn't, I've been hurt by others more times than I can count.  Each time I end up telling myself NEVER AGAIN!  It's a pretty lonely feeling out there on a island when you open yourself up to someone.  My first subconscious thought is usually "How long before you let me down?"  By this logic, it's a wonder we ever develop any type of relationships.
How does this relate to how we see Jesus?  Well, I think it's pretty easy to carry our human thoughts and fears over to our relationship with God.  Can we trust in someone we've never met?  How about trusting in someone we've never even seen?  See where I'm going with this?  The idea of a "relationship" with Jesus was a pretty radical step for me, at times it still is.  Proverbs 3 gives us a good example.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5 NKJV

How many times have we put this level of trust into one of our human relationships?  Yet God is asking us, as his children, to put our complete and utter trust in him.  The closest comparison I can find to this is a parent child relationship which, ironicaly, is the relationship that we share with our heavenly father.  Make no mistake, when we are talking God, we are talking about Jesus as well.  They are one in the same.  So, our relationship with God IS our direct relationship with Jesus.  So, that brings us back full circle to the very first verse in John 14.  When we believe in God, we believe in his one and only son Jesus as well.  If we put our trust in God, we do well to trust Jesus as well.  Unlike those human relationships that we have often avoided over fears of getting hurt, our God promised to never leave us or forsake us.  Poeple around us may change, but Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.

~Scott~