The Man Within

11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
1 Corinthians 13: 11 - 12 NKJV

Manhood, it's something many aspire to but more than a few fail to achieve.  We often ask of ourselves, what is it that makes a man?   Perhaps it was Rudyard Kipling who attempted to answer this ages old question in his poem "If."  If the young man would heed the sage advice of Mr. Kipling then...he would be a man, my son.  Is that measure of manhood locked away in the verses of Kiplings poem?  Perhaps.  If it is, then more than a few of us have missed the mark completely.  Still, our search continues.  I find it interesting that boys the world over dream of achieving their own manhood, while women continually wonder where the real men are.  The apostle Paul reveals to us in his letter to the church in Corinth his own journey to manhood...somewhat.  For as Paul tells us, when he was a child, he spoke and understood as a child would.  However, when he finally became a man, he put away such childish things.  I get it.  It is pretty well understood that children...act and understand as children.  They are unseasoned, immature and lacking direction.  This is the natural progression into manhood, when we put away our own childish things to begin our own journey into manhood.  Some don't make that transition.  I will note here that I believe that Paul, in his own way, was attempting to illustrate his own understanding of Christ Jesus.  Indeed, as brand new christians we all too often understand as a child does, being gradually led into our own faith.  However, as our own understanding of our heavenly Father and Christ Jesus deepens, we cast aside those childish things.  We began to live and understand as adults...not children.  

If you can keep your head when all about you
   Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,  
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
    But make allowance for their doubting too;  
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
   Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
   And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;  
    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;  
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
  And treat those two impostors just the same;  
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
  Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
 And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
   And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
  And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
   To serve your turn long after they are gone,  
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
  Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,  
   Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
    If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
   With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,  
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,  
 And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
~If - Rudyard Kipling (1943)~

For the very purpose of this discussion, may I reference the very words of our heavenly Father, our creator.  For upon His consideration of our creation, God said "Let us make MAN in our image" {Genesis 1:26}.  In fact, our Lords creation account has numerous references to Adam as "Man."  Now, many will point to the fact that God was simply naming His creation.  I get it.  However, I'm of the belief that our Lord never does anything by happenstance.  With God there is nothing left to chance, for He is all in all.  Therefore, I believe that our heavenly Father was not simply calling Adam by name nor nickname as He refered to His creation as man.  No, from the begining Adam WAS a man.  So, is Adam the standard bearer for those who seek to achieve manhood?  Well.close.  For it is Christ Jesus, the second Adam, who I believe is that example of the man we should be.  It is Jesus who came to give of Himself for all.  It is Jesus who, when He faced the hatred of the Jewish authorities, chose to follow that path set before Him, not thinking of Himself but of others.  For myself, this is more of an example of manhood than anything society can offer up.  For those who worry themselves with being a man, consider that we live today as the man Christ Jesus {Galations 2:20}.  In all that we do, we do so as Jesus.  If you indeed have this realization of Christ in you...you'll be a man, my son.

~Scott~

The Christ Man

31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32Jesus answered them, “Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” 33The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.” 34Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods” ’? 35“If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36“do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37“If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38“but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”
John 10: 31 - 38 NKJV

It must have been quite the scene that day as Jesus stood in front of those Jewish authorities of the law.  In fact, those Jews were dead set on stoning Jesus, whom their own scriptures had proclaimed to them as the promised messiah.  He was the very savior of the Jewish people.  Somehow none of that seemed to matter in the moment.  These keepers of the Jewish law were hotter than fish grease at this man Jesus for having the very audacity to proclaim Himself...the Son of God!  This man, this sinful flesh, was the Son of the Most High?  Blasphemy!  It seem that these Jews had spent their entire lives studying and preaching of the coming Messiah, yet were in a moments notice so ready to deny Him whom God had sent to live among them.  Of course, this was the path to the cross that Jesus had indeed chosen for Himself.  His own prophesy had all too often fallen on deaf ears.  That the Son of Man would be delivered over to sinful men {Matthew 26:45, Luke 24:7, Mark 9:31}.  For the purpose of this writing, these Jewish leaders knew nothing of what we know today as the New Testament.  What they did know was that this man Jesus had committed the unpardonable sin of claiming to be the Son of God, and for that He needed to be stoned.

7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.
John 14: 7 - 11 NKJV

Where the Jewish authorities were chastising Jesus for His claim of being the Son of God, Jesus' own disciples were asking Him to "show us the Father."  Of course, these followers of Jesus already had a pretty good idea of whom Jesus was.  They had walked with and shared their lives with Him for some time.  In fact, Jesus had proclaimed His identity to them as well {Matthew 16:16}.  For some time now I have seen my own proclamation of living as Christ today {Galations 2:20} as being somewhat controversial in christian circles as well.  In fact, how would such a statement have gone over with those same Jewish authorities?  Somehow I think I might have been next in line behind Jesus to be stoned.  However, this does not change the fact that I indeed live each and every day as Jesus whose Spirit is in me.  Yet, I continue to get more than a few strange looks from those who claim to be christians when I relate this truth to them.  What?  Sinful man living as Jesus?  Blasphemy!  Although I know the truth of Christ Jesus in me, I'm still careful I don't run across any christians carrying rocks.

13When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 16: 13 - 17 NKJV


~Scott~

A Most Noble Death

~Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God~

6knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV

It was general George Patton who once commented that it was foolish for us to mourn those men who have died in battle.  Rather...we should thank God that such men lived.  I would agree with old blood and guts on that point.  While there is pain in the sacrafice which the gallant few have made, we do well to remember the spirit with which they lived than the agony of their death.  The pages of history are filled with the names of those who have marched willingly into battle, knowing that without the courage of those who dared, there would not be much left to fight for should they fail.  Our nation has a long history of honoring her sons and daughters  who have given of themselves in battle.  In the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetary in Arlington, Virginia, we pay our respects to those who have passed on before us in the defense of our nation.  From the civil war to the war on terror, so many of those who have given their lives for their country are assembled here.  The centerpiece of the national military cemetary is the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.  The white marble tomb is guarded twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year by Tomb Guard sentinals, volunteers from the Third U.S. infantry regiment (The Old Guard) based in Fort Myer, Virginia.  The changing of the guard at Arlington continues to be one of the most watched events each year.  Inscribed upon the tomb is a simple inscription..."Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God."

"Men, all this stuff you here about America not wanting to fight, wanting to stay out of the war, is alot of bullshit!  Americans love to fight.  All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle.  When you were kids, you all admired the champion marble shooter, the fastest runner, the big league ball players and the toughest boxers.  Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser.  Americans play to win all the time.  That's why Americans have never lost and will never lose a war.  The very thought of losing is hateful to Americans.  Battle is the most significant competition in which a man can indulge.  It brings out all that is best and it removes all that is base."
~General George Patton, 5 June, 1944~

Known but to God.  One soldier, one sacrafice known but to God.  Many have refered to those who have died in battle as having died a noble death.  Be that as it may, it is Patton himself who once said that the very object of war was not to die for ones country...but to make the other bastard die for his.  That being said, is there such thing as a noble death?  I know of just one, that which we have already partaken of.  As the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 6, "He who has died has been freed from sin."  The noble death I speak of is the death of that "Old man" which we once walked in.  We do well to remember that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God {Romans 3:23}.  This is the sin nature we were born into.  This is our old man which was crucified on that cross with Jesus...that the body of sin might be done away with.  Indeed, if we have so died with Christ, then we shall live with Him as well {Galations 2:20}.  We can now be assured that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ {Romans 8:1}.  A most noble death that our old man be put away once and for all...known but to God.

~Scott~

Finding Jesus

3Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7“saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”8And they remembered His words.
Luke 24: 3 - 8 NKJV

I was watching a show on some documentry channel the other night when I ran across something titled "The real Jesus of Nazareth."  In it, some globe trotter was traveling the holy land searching for some archeological or another to "Help" explain the existance of Christ.  Now, I'm a believer in Christ and trust in His truth which has been revealed in me, but this guy seemed to earnestly be looking for his evidence.  Honestly, my very first thought upon seeing this program was that perhaps he was looking in the wrong place.  For he wasn't leaving any stone unturned in his quest to find just where this man Jesus had gone to.  There were interviews with local historians, archeological digs and the occasional reference to scripture in the half hearted attempt to trace the tracks of the risen Son.  Now, we're talking television here, so there needed to be some semblence of drama to keep the audience roped into the show.  I get it.  However, after this self proclaimed detective claimed to truly want to discover what really happened to the man Jesus, I was done with this dog and pony show.  Only a Seattle Seahawks game could be so boring.  So we are left with the question which this man had attempted to answer.  What became of jesus and where can we find Him?  Well, my first question would be, are we looking in the right place?  Two of Jesus' closest friends thought they were.  As those two women stood at the entrance of that empty tomb so long ago, the angels reminded them of the folly of their search.  "Why do you seek the living among the dead?"  Indeed, if our efforts to find Jesus are centered on that empty grave, we'll miss seeing Him each and every time.  As those visitors to His tomb discovered that morning, "He is not here, but is risen!"

31Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32“For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33“They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”
Luke 18: 31 - 33 NKJV

If you ask me, there is indeed ample evidence of where Christ was, is and has now gone.  However, as it was for myself, this veil has not been lifted for some people.  For in His chosen time, God also revealed Christ Jesus in the apostle Paul {Galations 1: 15-16}.  Paul wasn't actively seeking to know the man Jesus.  On the contrary, the man Saul was still breathing threats against those early followers of Jesus when Christ brought him to his knees on that road to Damascus {Acts 9:5}.  See, we're not told if Saul was looking for the man Jesus, but he more than likely already knew of His crucifiction.  Had he been looking for Him, like so many others, he was looking in the wrong place.  So, where should we look for Christ?  We must begin by looking within ourselves.  For to truly understand just where Jesus is today we need to understand that truth of who He truly is.  That tomb was empty that resurection morning because He was no longer there.  As the apostle Paul tells us, Jesus today is closer to us than we might think.  If we go in search for Christ, we need only look within ourselves {Galations 2:20}.  The truth of Jesus today is that we live each and every day AS CHRIST.  We don't need to look very far to see Him.  For Jesus today is shopping, working and anything else we choose to do in our everyday lives.  We ourselves...are Jesus.

~Scott~

Old Things Which Passed Away

16Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5: 16 - 17 NKJV

I'm often amazed at how often I am swift to judge others for something they are no longer responsible for.  That is, the very behaviors which they exhibit in my presence.  Now, I know that I am not alone in this rush to judgement, but it all too often humbles me as I realize what I'm doing.  How could I not be humbled?  Wasn't I once as they are?  In 2 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul warns us against playing judge and jury with those around us.  As Paul tells us, we're to not regard ANYONE according to the flesh.  That is, we're not to regard anyone as a result of their behaviors or actions towards us.  I'm thinking that this is living in the love and grace of Christ.  That despite all that others may throw at us, our eyes are not on the person in front of us, but on Jesus.  After all, was it not Jesus Himself who gave His own life for us while we were yet sinners {Romans 5:8}?  In fact, whether it was a taxpayer, adultress or one so wicked that he considered himself the chief of all sinners, it was Jesus who refused to condemn the obviously guilty.  Make no mistake, I myself was guilty of my transgressions {Romans 3:23}.  Instead of condemning me, Jesus saved me from those things of old.  In the eyes of Jesus, those old things have passed away.  This is exactly why I am often humbled by my judgement of others.  For if Jesus had used that very same measure against me that I have shown others, I would be hopelessly lost.  Those things have passed away.  I'm thinking that this would be enough to humble even the harshest soul.  As Saul was enroute in his persecution of the early followers of Jesus, he was brought to his knees by Jesus Himself on the road to Damascus.  Think of all the persecutions which Saul visited on the early followers of Jesus.  The old things have passed away.

35‘for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36‘I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’37“Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38‘When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39‘Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’40“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Matthew 25: 35 - 40 NKJV

It's certainly no surprise to me that what was once seen as good behavior towards others we now disguise as simply charity.  Jesus didn't see it that way.  Do we see Christ in the person who insults us?  Do we see Jesus in that one who has stolen from us?  Certainly not!  Not only do we condemn their behavior...but all too often we condemn them for those things which have passed away as well.  All too often we fail to see the words of Jesus spoken in Matthew 25..."inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me."  Now, I certainly have never felt that I was cheating nor condemning Jesus with anything I've done, but perhaps I was looking at it from the wrong perscpective.  For as a result of those old things having passed away...we are now a new creation in Christ.  Therefore, we now live in our new creation...as Jesus {Galations 2:20}.  And not just ourselves, but ALL who now  have the Spirit of Christ.  Of course, I cannot tell one who now has the Spirit of Jesus simply by their appearance.  Perhaps this is why Paul warned us not to regard anyone according to the flesh.  Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

In The Moment

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over agian in a different way.  Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

~Tecumseh~ 

I don't think of dying all too much.  Probably for a damn good reason.  For what sane person would contemplate their own demise if they didn't necessarily need to?  A soldier on the battlefield, that I can understand.  One who knowingly stands on that precipice of life and death, I could accept such a person contemplating their own ending.  No, that's not my thing.  For the most part I tend to live in the moment that I am in, choosing instead to look towards what might be...what could be.  After all, are we not told in scripture not to be too ambitious in our plans for the future?  In fact, James warns us that we ultimately do not know what tommorow will bring {James 4:13}.  If you ask me, that's just common sense thinking.  Is it wise for me to plan for a future that may not exist tommorow?  What of all those Carpe Diem "Sieze the day" folks who celebrate the idea of living for the moment?  Indeed, tommorow may never come so shouldn't we live our lives to the fullest while we can?  Live for the moment?  I find it interesting in James 4 that he would add a phrase which is key to this discussion of living in the moment with no worries of tommorow.  As James tells us when we choose to look forward to tommorow we should be asking ourselves "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that" {James 4:15}.  Now we begin to see that we have no need to fear the coming tommorow, or death for that matter.  

I don't know nothing bout' tommorow

I've been lost in yesterday

I've spent all my life just dying for a love that passed away

there's an end to all my sorrows

This is the only price I'll pay

I'll be a happy man when I go

And I can't wait another day

~Killing Time Clint Black~ 

I believe that there is a reason that James warned against our making plans for our future.  For it is not we ourselves who are in control of the events which affect our lives, but our heavenly Father.  Everything that we do and each step that we take has been lovingly planned by Him according to His purpose {Ephesians 2:10}.  Indeed, I have written before on the folly of independent self thinking.  Those thoughts we entertain that tell us that we ourselves are in control of our lives and all that surrounds us.  This is the lie of satan which he cunningly used at the fall of man into sin {Genesis 3:5}.  Honestly, there is NOTHING in our lives which our heavenly Father has not set in motion.  From that very moment which He breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}, we became His creation created in His image.  There is nothing independent at all about this life we live.  Wise is that man who comes to this realization.  

I said that I don't think of my own demise all too much, for good reason.  For He in whose image I am created has also reserved my place in His eternity.  This shell, this flesh container which encases my spirit identity is but my temporary home.  For my one true home is with my Lord in heaven.

9A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Proverbs 16: 9 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

A Fathers Love

18‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19“and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ 20“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. 21“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“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. 23‘And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24‘for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.
Luke 15: 18 - 24 NKJV

One of my favorite passages of scripture is found in Luke chapter 15.  It is here that Jesus gives us his parable of the prodigal son.  A son who chose to take his fathers inheritance and take leave of his father and all he had ever known.  A son who, when he reached that foreign land, chose to spend his newly found wealth on all the pleasures of life.  However, as any liberal will certainly tell you, sooner or later you will eventually run out of other peoples money.  So it was with this wayward lad in Jesus' parable.  Eventually the kid comes to his senses and realizes the grass on the other side of the fence wasn't as green as he thought it was and decides to make tracks for home once again.  But there's a problem.  Whether he feels guilty for leaving home in such a way or he's just one step away from being homeless, the boy comes to the realization that perhaps he should have stayed at home.  Experience can be a wonderful teacher.  For his part, the father is neither angry nor resentful of his yaoung sons sudden wanderlust.  On the contrary, scripture tells us that even while the boy was still afar off, his father saw him, had compassion on him and ran to meet him.  A fathers love.  So glad is his father to see his lost son, that his father immediately orders his servants to prepare a great homecoming feast.  For his son was lost...but was once again found.  The reason that I find this one of my favorite parts of scripture is that it gives us a glimpse of OUR own Fathers love for us.

14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and 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: 14 - 17 NKJV

One thing that I am certain of is this, if there were ever a man who knew the true love of a Father it was Christ Jesus.  It's not that we've placed the bar way to high in our own comparison of what a father should be, far from it.  Because of His love for us, He sent His ONLY son to take that punishment which was meant for us {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Our heavenly Father certainly would not have done this had He not loved His children.  To forsake His own that others might live {John 3: 16-17}.  What greater love...that a man would lay down his life for his friends {John 15:13}.  A Fathers love.  Over time, I have seen many parallels in the love of the father in the parable of that prodigal son and our own heavenly Father.  A love that seems to transcend whatever slights or grievances it may encounter.  A love that overcomes our own personal hurts and frustrations and instead...gives love.  We are told that our heavenly Father is love {1 John 4:8}.  Why are we so surprised, then, that He would choose to exhibit His love even when we feel we don't deserve it?  Jesus certainly knew the love of His own Father.  In the midst of His own grief, His prayer was for us {John 17: 20-21}.  As He suffered His cup on that cross, His prayer was for those around Him {Luke 23:34}.  The Fathers love manifested through His Son.

When I became a father in the spring of '81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my fathers son
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end
I took my daddys secret and I passed it on to him.
~Love without end, Amen - George Straight~

~Scott~

A Jesus Thing

1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not acomprehend it.
John 1: 1 - 5 NKJV

I remember talking to more than a few people christian and non christion alike when the topic of our Lords provision and blessings would eventually come up.  I've talked with people who have believed everything from expecting blessings from God to having to be on their very best behavior in order to receive blessings from God.  However, in the end, when either their expectations were shattered or they felt that they were not behaving "good" enough, many would end up questioning why God would not provide what they had asked Him for.  A perfect example of this is the "name it and claim it" craze which swept through more than a few churches not so long ago.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I was once swept up in this phenomenon of my heavenly Fathers showerings of blessings.  Yes, I also shared in that dissapointment in God when my expectations were not met.  I'm not too afraid to admit that I fell into this trap.  However, I also rejoice in knowing that the truth of Christ has been revealed to me.  I truly believe that when we fall into the name it and claim it montra that we're missing the true point of who Jesus truly is.  In fact, Christ is not simply our savior who sits in heaven watching over us, seperated from Gods children.  Jesus is not simply to be called upon in our times of distress and need.  However, I would rather trust none other than Jesus with everything which is dear to me.  John, the "Apostle Jesus loved" tells us in John 1 that it is Christ Himself who has been there from the very begining.  Without Christ, nothing was made that was made {John 1:3}.

13Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” 15And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of ccovetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
Luke 12: 13 - 15 NKJV

One conversation in particular which I remember was with a coworker more than a few years ago.  As we talked, he related to me how he had gotten a pretty sweet deal on a cord of wood for his wood stove.  However, it's what he said next which interested me at the time.  Without missing a beat, he attributed his fortune as "A total God thing."  Don't get me wrong, I believe that our heavenly Father was indeed involved in this blessing of his, even if he didn't see it as a blessing.  It's a God thing.  I've heard that phrase all too often from those who would simply lay in waiting for Gods next blessing upon their lives.  I would suggest another approach to this topic.  For instead of trying to convince ourselves that each and every blessing is a God thing, let's simply call it what it is....it's a Jesus thing.  Remember that through Christ all things were made {John 1:3}.  We also do well to remember the lie that we are indeed seperated from our heavenly Father.  For God is not simply watching down on us from heaven above.  No, Christ Jesus is a part of our everyday life.  All that we shall ever see or experience...is a Jesus thing.  For those to whom it has been revealed, we know that we live each and every day as Christ Jesus {Galations 2:20}.  Indeed, all that we see, feel, touch and hear on a daily basis we do as Christ.  For Christ had a hand in all that we are.  Everything that we are...is a Jesus thing.

8“For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 9“Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10“Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"
Matthew 7: 8 - 11 NKJV

~Scott~

My Life In Jesus

~Freedom~

20But you have not so learned Christ, 21if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4: 20 - 24 NKJV

I was thinking just the other day of how much different my own life would be if I did not have Christ Jesus?  And if indeed I didn't have Him, how much different would it be?  Would it be at all noticeable?  I do know one thing, and that is that others around me have from time to time told me that they have noticed "something" different about me.  Of course, if there were any changes in me, then perhaps I would have been the very last person to notice them.  The advantage that I have is that I am well aware of those days when my old man thrived within me.  Those days of anger, lust and other such behaviors which were more than likely among the "Thou shalts" which Moses carried down that mountain so long ago.  Sure, I noticed a few things in my own behavior, but all the while I was under the belief that somehow it was just normal.  After all, each day I saw others around me engaging in the same behaviors.  To me, I was just a normal person.  That old man was still alive and well within me.  I'm guessing that the first time I even suspected that there was something missing was when I heard Dennis talking of that old man who once dwelled within each of us.  What took me so long?  Like I said, to me I was just another normal person.  I'm guessing that this is indeed part of the lie that satan feeds us, that those behaviors which run so contrary to the will of Christ, are just normal behaviors.  For all intents and purposes, we buy into that lie.  Not only that, but we are born into it from the very begining {Romans 3:23}.  That is our old man, that sin nature which we are all born into.  To say that we never even had a chance at redemption would be a false statement.  For Jesus Himself became sin on our behalf that our old man would be vanquished {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Indeed, our Lords entire creation miracle was one that was uniquely and lovingly planned.  From "Let there be light" to God declaring all which He had created to be good, is all part of His ultimate plan.  Make no mistake, satan is very much a part of our Lords plan as well.  Although he is simply being used by God for His ultimate purpose, he's still a part of the plan.

6knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
Romans 6: 6 - 10 NKJV

It is in Romans 6 that we learn of the fate of that old man which we once walked in.  For he was crucified with Jesus "That the body of sin might be done away with."  How is it that we today can be dead to sin unless that old man is done away with?  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  So, what does this all have to do with my life in Christ?  Well, everything!  For all of those old behaviors which my old man carried with me have been done away with...forever.  Does it do me any good to lament over behaviors of the past which Jesus Himself has bled and died to put to death?  Not at all, they're dead to me!  This is the life that I now have in Christ.  I have no need to cry tears over the past, they're dead to me.  Now, what is it that I do have with Jesus?  Well, I have the freedom to know that I live each and every day as Christ {Galations 2:20}.  Despite what many a pulpit pounder will try to tell me about how I need to be more like Jesus...I AM Jesus.  I guess the best way that I could describe this feeling is to compare it to one who has been imprisoned for years but is suddenly pardoned, his past crimes wiped away from the records.  He is left with nothing but the freedom which he now enjoys, no longer bound to that life which he once lived.  This is his new found freedom.  This is my life in Christ.

~Scott~

Choices

13“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14c“Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Matthew 7: 13 - 14 NKJV

Some who have read these posts more than a few times will more than likely notice that I a huge Star Wars fan.  I remember sitting in the theater and watching the first Star Wars film when I was younger.  After that I was hooked.  The battles, the special effects were more than enough to keep me waiting in anticipation for the next new movie release in the series.  However, one of the most compelling parts of the Star Wars storyline over the years may have more than a few implications for we who call ourselves christians.  That is the ultimate struggle between good and evil.  The fact that those who commit wrong will be judged while the righteous are rewarded.  From the very begining we are made witness to this struggle in the bloodline of Luke Skywalker, one of the main characters.  For in the heredity of the young Skywalker is the geneology of the Jedi Knights, descrcibed by old Ben Kenobi as "The guardians of truth and justice in the galaxy."  Defenders of all that is good while dealing swift justice to those who would commit evil.  However, soon we are introduced to the concept of our freedom to choose.  I'm not sure if this was George Lucas' original intent for his storyline, but it fits in all too well with how we should see how our choices affect not only ourselves but those around us.  For young Skywalkers father was indeed one of the revered Jedi Knights.  That is, until he chose a different path.

23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.
Hebrews 11: 23 - 25 NKJV

In Matthew 7, Jesus tells those gathered around Him to enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction.  As Christ tells us, that choice to either accept God or deny Him lies totally with us.  This freedom of choice is one that sets us aside from the rest of our Lords creation.  For we, as the crown jewel of all He created, have that ability to choose Him...or deny Him.  I have always found it interesting that we were created in Gods image, and yet we have the ability to ultimately deny He who created us.  Don't get me wrong, I can see how He wouldn't simply want robots without any choice for His children.  I can think of no better expression of love and devotion than a child who freely chooses to love ones parents.  So it is with us.  In the end, we ourselves are offered the very same choice that the young Skywalkers own father was given.  That choice to choose good...or evil.  Don't get me wrong, that freedom to choose has absolutely no bearing on our DNA.  For as Adam and Eve were created in the very image of their own creator, so it is with us as well.  Despite whatever choices we ultimately make, our heavenly Fathers presence will forever be upon us.  We are His creation, and His children.  Despite the choices the young Skywalker made, he would forever be his fathers son.  I could go on and on of the virtues of choosing good over evil, but ultimately it is we who will make that final decision.

"Fear is the path to the dark side.  Fear leads to anger.  Anger leads to hate.  Hate leads to suffering."
~Yoda~

~Scott~

A Survivors Story

"The war is over for me now...but it will always be there the rest of my days"

4Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. 5Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
Hebrews 13: 4 - 6 NKJV

There are a few subjects which I write about that are pretty close to my own heart.  I'm guessing not because I have a vested interest in them, but due to the fact of my own life experience.  Pornography is such an issue.  Now, I've indeed heard all of the justifications that others have tried to use over time to justify their bad behavior.  Pornograpy hurts nobody, that it is a victimless act yada yada yada.  I know most of these excuses because I've used many of them myself from time to time.  Yes, I was once so involved in this act of self pleasure that I could have sworn that if I didn't get my porn "Fix" that it would affect me physicaly.  Like some tweaker huddled on a street corner waiting for his next hit of that drug that somehow kept him alive, so was my daily need for pornography.  I've read many a statistic about how engaging in pornography will trigger various pleasure centers in our brains until it becomes an addiction to many.  It has consumed others as it did myself.  There is a definate reason that our heavenly Father warns against engaging in such things.  I believe not only due to the tole it takes on us physically, but also the cost to us emotionally as well.  For even though I now consider myself to be in recovery from this slef inflicted addiction, the way that I see women has indeed been compromised.  Of course, this is a huge part of my recovery as well.  That process of viewing women as children of my heavenly Father and not objects of my own personal pleasure was a hard one to kick.  But, it can be done if your heart is in the right place.  I will never claim to be one with a miracle cure, just one who dug himself out of the hole of addiction and lived to tell about it.  So it is that I will pose one question for those who choose to disregard my experiences, are you looking at porn to better someone else...or for your own gratification?

15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1 John 2: 15 - 17 NKJV

Recently here in Oregon it was anounced that a young lady had won a million dollar lawsuit against a strip club.  Reading on further into this story I began to see what I've suspected for some time, that pornography IS NOT a victimless act.  This young lady had been working at a local strip club when she was just 14 years old.  Ultimately, she was prostituted out of that same establishment.  Now, I could very well sit back and condemn every single man who had used this girl for thier own purposes.  That is, if I hadn't myself been there at one time.  Earlier I mentioned a "heart condition" which has helped me in my road back from my addiction.  This heart condition is none other that Christ Jesus and how I came to know the truth about Him.  Yes, Jesus gave Himself and died on the cross so that my sins woud be washed away, but what good is washing something if it will just get dirty again?  So it is that not only did Christ die to forgive our sins, but also to put to death that sin nature we were once born with {Romans 6: 6-11}.  It wasn't until I the veil was lifted and I came to know the truth of Christ that I realized that those things which I was ashamed of were a thing of my past, that was my "old man" who died with Jesus so long ago.  Not only that, but it is also Christ Jesus who I live as today {Galations 2:20}.  Everything that I now live and experience each and every day I do through the eyes of Jesus.  I AM Jesus.  That being said, do I want Jesus to gaze upon a pornographic image?  Is this something one would expect from Christ?  You could say that I am now dead to that, but alive in Christ Jesus.
One of my favorite movies is the 1986 film Platoon.  In it, Charlie Sheen portrays a young soldier who is suddenly thrust into the horror of the Vietnam war in 1967.  One of the scenes which I remember from this movie is that final scene where Cruises character, Chris, is evacuated out of the combat zone after being injured.  As he is finaly flown out of the hell that was Vietnam, we hear Tom Cruise narating the thoughts of his character in that moment.  "The war is over for me now...but it will always be there...the rest of my days."  I can relate.

1There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8: 1 - 2 NKJV

~Scott~

The God, The Bad And The Ugly

~The man with no name~

16For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1: 16 - 18 NKJV

It's a question I have heard more than a few times from those who have questioned why I believe as I do.  How is it that I can follow a God who simply allows bad things to happen to good people?  Now, before I get into the obvious question of those consequences for our own actions, I will suggest that with our heavenly Father nothing happens without a reason.  Be it good or bad, if there is one thing that certain, it is that the very same God who we praised for blessing us yesterday is the same God whom we are upset with today for allowing bad situations in our lives.  It is the apostle James who urged us to "count it all joy" when we fall into various trials." Why?  Because that testing of our own faith in the end produces steadfastness and patience, two of the qualities many have admired in the man Jesus.  Do we dare say that God allowed bad things to happen in the life of His Son?  What would the outcome have been if indeed Christ had not suffered on that cross for each of us?  As was the case with the life plan of Jesus, so it is with us.  We know that our heavenly Father does not desire bad things for us.  For Jesus did not give Himself for just a lucky few, but that through our Lords love that ALL the world might be saved through Him {John 3: 16-17}.  Still, we all too often get tripped up by the belief that we who trust in Christ Jesus will have a guaranteed lifetime of righteous good times and celebrations free of lifes trials.  In fact, Christ tells us in Matthew 10 to beware of lifes persecutions.  Does this seemingly show that God has shown His own favoritism?  Not at all, for we are also told that Christ Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, He NEVER changes {Hebrews 13:8}.  Indeed, rough times have befallen christians and non christians alike.  However, it is my belief that we want things in black and white, with the righteous being blessed and the wicked cursed.  There is no such thing with God, for we ALL are His children and His very creation.

1Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. 2And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 9: 1 - 5 NKJV

I would indeed make the argument that were God to only bless the righteous and curse the wicked that I've somehow been short changed in my own life.  Where would that whole idea of personal responsibility be if only the righteous were to receive our Lords blessings?  We are told that our heavenly Father causes the sun to rise on the just as well as the unjust {Matthew 5:45}.  Be it good or bad, it all comes from the same place.  Does this mean that God somehow loves those He doesn't bless less than others?  Absolutely not, for God is indeed Love, which is what He shows all of His children {1 John 4:8}.  In my heart I know that I am loved by God, despite events occuring in my life which have not been good at all.  My own mother loved Jesus dearly, yet she spent her final years in pain in a nursing home.  Did God somehow love her less?  NO!  The simple fact we need to wrap our human understanding around is that there are times when our heavenly Father does things we may not at the time understand fully.  We can rest assured that whatever God is doing, there is always a righteous reason for what He does.  If there is one motivation for what our heavenly Father does, it is in His unending love for us.

 17“But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. 18“You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; 20“for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
Matthew 10: 17 - 20 NKJV

~Scott~

A Reason For Hope

13And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
1 Peter 3: 13 - 17 NKJV

I really didn't think that there was anything special about me, but obviously someone saw it.  While at work one day one of my coworkers had asked me if I had been listening to some self improvement sessions.  Surprised by this, I asked him why he would suggest such a thing.  His response surprised me, but I guess it really shouldn't have thinking back on it.  "Well, there's something different about you" he exclaimed.  Now, this dude was only slightly aware of my christian beliefs, as at the time I had chosen not to wear my faith on my sleeve at work.  Yes, there were those who knew of my beliefs, but I did not proclaim it loudly and proudly as some do.  Not wanting to seem rude, I said the first thing that came to mind, "By the grace of God."  Honestly, I was surprised that I even blurted that out, even though this is what we are called to do when others inquire of our hope in Christ.  The apostle Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3 that we should be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks.  I wasn't ready that day.  Normally I was not at all comfortable talking to others about Christ Jesus and what He has meant to me.  Now, I can definately put words to print, but to talk to someone on just why I believe, that wasn't my thing.  I say wasn't, because up until recently I have found it within myself to speak to others of just why I trust in Christ Jesus.  It's not rocket science, really, I trust, believe and love Jesus because He first loved me {1 John 4:19}.  He is the reason for my hope.

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel cof Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 1: 16-17 NKJV

It's called apologetics in christian circles, and it's not what you would think.  For instead of making apologies for our faith as the name suggests, we are to provide solid and sound reasoning as to why we believe.  We get our word apologetics from the Greek word "Apologia" which is translated to "A reasoned defense."  Think of an attorney in court arguing his clients case.  He is definately giving a reasoned defense on his behalf.  If he wasn't he wouldn't be doing his job.  That attorney is there to provide a Apologia for his client.  So it is that when others question just why it is we believe in Christ, we are to give them a reasoned defense as to why it is that we have placed our hopes in Jesus.  What is the reason for this hope which is in us?  Is it the love of Jesus which lifted us even when we were still sinners {Romans 5:8}?  Ultimately, it comes down to the deeply personal answer from one who trusts and believes in Jesus.  The reason for my hope in Jesus may be different from someone elses.  Yet each one will give a reasoned defense for their own trust in Christ.  One may speak of salvation while another glories in the Love of Christ.  For it is Jesus who is the reason for our hope.

14“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15“Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5: 14-16 NKJV

~Scott~

A Sparrows Worth

27“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10: 27 - 31 NKJV

One thing that I have definately seen enough of are self help books, seminars and the like.  Now, I have written many a post on the condition of the modern institutional church and those requirements which are placed upon us by it.  However, we know that it is Jesus Himself who has put to death those requirements which were against us {Colossions 2:14}.  So it is that instead of yet another peice of the practices of the modern church, I've decided to do a 180 and illustrate something far more important.  That is, just how important we are to our heavenly Father.  Now, we can definately say that we know how valuable we are to God, but do we really know this in our own hearts?  Do we truly believe it?  For is this were true, then certainly many a self help speaker would be out of business TODAY!  We've all seen them haven't we?  Those people on late night television who encourage us to be the best that we can be.  Who promise us wealth if we will simply follow whatever dog and pony show program they are pitching.  Now, I will ask everyone who is reading this to take a moment and stop to consider one question.  Ready?  How is it that we, as Gods children, can improve on something which He Himself has called good?  How is it that we ourselves can improve on something which was created in the very image of our heavenly Father?  I'll give you a hint...WE CAN'T!  For if we are indeed created in Gods very own image, and scripture assures us that we are, what is it that we need to improve on?  In Matthew 10, Jesus gives us good example of just how important we are to our heavenly Father.  He has numbered the very hairs on our heads.  Jesus points out the fact that even if two sparrows are sold for a coin of copper, not one sparrow will fall to the ground apart from our Fathers will.  Knowing this, how much more valuable are we than the birds of the air?

19Or 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? 20For 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

One passage of scripture which I hold close to me is found in 1 Corinthians 6.  It is here that the apostle Paul reminds us once again of our value to our heavenly Father.  For we indeed were purchased with the price of the blood and life of Christ Jesus, that He might dwell in His "temple" within us.  I was reminded of this truth by my friend Kevin and have carried it with me.  We are also reminded of this truth in Pauls letter to the churches in Galatia in which he tells of how we have been crucified with Jesus {Galations 2:20}.  Yes, Paul begins this truth of Jesus in us by claiming "I" have been crucified with Christ, but Pauls experience is not unique just to him.  On the contrary, when Jesus took our sins upon Himself {2 Corinthians 5:21}, he put to death that sin nature which we were born with.  So, have you ever based your self worth on the very fact that you are a sinner {Romans 3:23}?  Well, the good news is that God loved us enough to send His Son to perish in our place {1 John 4:19}.  We love Him because He first loved us.  Standing in front of a mirror and seeing the man which the rest of the world sees has NEVER done me a bit of good as far as my self worth goes.  However, loking into that very same mirror to see the man that my heavenly Father sees has helped me to see just how valuable I truly am.  I am Scott, created in my heavenly Fathers image as a child of God and, upon my creation, I have been proclaimed worthy and good by He whose image that I share.

~Scott~

We Have Seen The Lord

3Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6“He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7“saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’ ”8And they remembered His words.
Luke 24: 3 - 8 NKJV

It happened on one of the hikes that Dennis and I take on occassion.  I believe that this one was into the hinterlands of Mount Tabor here in Portland.  I'd grown winded as some twenty something lady and her dog breezed past me as Dennis and I climbed the dreaded Mount Tabor stairs at a slow trot.  But that's another story for another time.  What strikes me to this day about that outing is my friends revelation of the spirit of God which he claimed, rightly so, that is present in all that we see around us.  Indeed, each time that we step out the doors of our humble abodes, right before our own eyes lies the very evidence of our heavenly Fathers creation story.  Oh sure, we can scan the verse sof Genesis and memorize step by step the events by which the Spirit of God hovered over the waters of the still unformed earth as He set forth in motion His creation miracle.  By His spoken word, all that is seen and unseen was ultimately brought to life.  Even before He breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  What was once a formless void became all that we see.  I mean, not too much has changed in His creation story since the begining.  Birds are still birds, fish are still fish and we oursleves...well.  We ourselves have been changed in that we believed the lie of satan that we could be like God above {Genesis 3: 4-5}.  Again, another story for another time.  So it was that as Dennis and I wound our way around the Mount Tabor wilderness that day, that he took the time to bless me with what must have been at one time his own revelation.  The knowing that everything that we see has our Lords DNA on it.  How could it not?  After all, God Himself looked upon His creation upon completion and called it "Good" {Genesis 1:31}.

"Judge me by my size do you?  And well you should not!  For my ally is the Force.  And a powerful ally it is.  Life creates it, makes it grow.  Its energy surrounds us and binds us.  Luminous beings are we...not this crude matter.  You must feel the Force around you.  Here, between you...me...the tree...the rock...everywhere!  Yes, even between the land and the ship!"
~Yoda~

Honestly, one of the first passages I thought of that day on Mount Tabor was one of my favorites we find in Luke 24.  After the crucifiction and burial of Christ, women arrived at His tomb on that third morning expecting to find the body of their Lord.  What they saw instead were angels in shining garments standing before them.  Then, these heavenly hosts asked the women at the tomb one of the most pointed questions in all scripture.  "Why do you seek the living among the dead?"  Keep in mind that these women had witnesed the very death of Jesus on that cross.  In their eyes, Jesus was indeed dead.  Despite His assurances that the things they had witnessed had to take place, their human eyes were yet to be opened.  Walking that trail with Dennis that day I'm guessing I could have been the one who was seeking the living among the dead.  In the midst of my heavenly Fathers creation, His DNA on all which I saw that day was not revealed to me until Dennis himself shared his thoughts with me.  The trees, the rocks, the stairs...all contained the fingerprints of my Lords handiwork.  By His spoken word, all that we saw that day was created.  Since then we've been on more than a few treks through our heavenly Fathers creation, never ceasing to stop in wonder that the very same Spirit which manifests Himself through us each and every day {Galations 2:20}, is also the same Spirit which manifests Himself in all that we see.  We have seen the Lord!

~Scott~

Desires Of The Heart

18‘I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, 19“and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.” ’ 20“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. 21“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22“But the father said to his servants, f‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23‘And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; 24‘for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

Luke 15: 18 - 24 NKJV 

Every fathers day I seem to spend some time thinking on what could have been.  On what might have been had the situation been different.  What if my own father had been a part of my life?  What shifts in the fates would have been different if he simply would have been a man and taken care of his family?  What if my own father had come to know Jesus as I know Him?  I can only speculate on the outcome of time if these things had come to pass, but in the end it would be just that...speculation.  All of the would haves and should haves in the world will never change the fact that this will be yet another fathers day in the life of one whose own father was not around when I needed him to be.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not crying in my beer.  I'm reflecting on what could have been...and there's a difference between the two.  The fact of the matter is that I can only work on those things from in my life in the present.  So it was that we found ourselves in a interesting discussion on this fathers day in our Sunday morning McChurch group.  The discussion centered around our desires.  Well, let me correct myself, around GODS desires of our hearts.  Most of us are familiar with the passage from Psalms where we are told that God will indeed give us those deisres of our heart.

4Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37: 4 NKJV 

For the purpose of this mornings discussion, those desires which we keep so very near to us are but the desires of Christ Jesus.  After all, we are now one with Christ today {Galations 2:20}.  Therefore, those desires which we keep within us are indeed a part of Him as well.  You could say, then, that it is the desire of Jesus to earn money to pay our bills, to buy a home and to be healthier.  Indeed, whatever it is that we deisre in our own hearts, we can be sure that we share these same desires with Christ Jesus who we live as today.  Now, this all seemed pretty straight forward until we got into the weeds a bit with our talk of the desires of our hearts.  For example, was it the desire of Abrahams heart to put his only son Issac to death?  I cannot attest to that, but he indeed was on that path until his Lord stopped him from doing so {Genesis 22:12}.  Was it the desire of the hearts of Jacobs brothers that they would sell him into slavery to the Egyptions?  Indeed, but for what purpose?  We're told as Jacob stood before his brothers as one of the most important people in all of Egypt.  As Jacob tells his family, "What you meant for evil God meant for good."  So it is that the wicked desires of the brothers of Joseph were used by God to save Josephs family from famine.  So it is also that whatever those desires that are layed upon our own hearts that we can be assured that we share these same heart desires with Christ Jesus.  The desires of His heart become our own.

18Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Genesis 50: 18 - 20 NKJV 

~Scott~

Seeing God

25The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” 27Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” 28And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29Jesus said to him, f“Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20: 25 - 29 NKJV

I have a aquaintance who has been through alot in the past few years.  Although she still engages in behavior which is questionable, I have no doubt that she is on our heavenly Fathers radar.  The reason that I know this is because...she has seen God.  Of course, some may doubt my reasoning on this, but I believe in my heart that she has indeed seen the Lord.  It all began when she visited her family in rural Washington state.  In the course of her visit, she happened to cross paths with one of the families recent additions.  See, a few weeks before a stray kitten had taken up residence under the back porch of her fathers home.  All attempts to befriend the feline had been met with vicious anger, so the family just lef the cat alone while leaving food out for it to eat.  A few days later their daughter arrived for a visit after going through her share of violence and dissapointment.  What is curious is that while the stray cat had showed anger at everyone else that had attempted to befriend it, when this young lady approached the cat it suddenly began to show love and affection, much to her delight.  Now, I'm a firm believer that animals have the ability to sense our feelings and emotions, but I also truly believe that this young lady had seen God.  That is, she had seen the love of God.  After all, love is at the very heart of who our heavenly Father is.  

7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4: 7 - 11 NKJV

The apostle John tells us in 1 John 4 that God is indeed love.  For if we are looking for some semblence of proof that God exists, I believe that this is where we need to began our search.  If we are unable to see love, we may be unable to see God Himself.  See, Thomas doubted despite the fact that the other disciples around him insisted that they had seen the risen Christ.  Thomas desired proof that his Lord was indeed alive.  It wasn't until Jesus indeed appeared to the doubting Thomas that be would believe..."My Lord and my God!"  Jesus Himself has some pointed words for us after revealing Himself to Thomas.  Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.  I'm guessing that I should indeed call myself blessed then.  In regards to this young lady in question, I fully believe that our Lord was there with her, showing Himself and His love through this stray cat.  All I can say is that she got the message.  She could not believe that this kitten who had shown so much malice towards everyone else around her would somehow start loving on her.  As I said, the effect of this interaction on her was profound.  Suddenly she had seen God.  Suddenly she had seen unconditional love for the first time in a long time.  Love without the conditions of man.  Love shown simply because she was there to accept it.  This is the love of God.  So, do I have any doubt that God indeed manifested Himself through His creation that His child would indeed see His love through it?  Not at all.  Any one of us may, at one time or another, see God in His love that He reveals to us.  I know of one young lady who has seen God.

~Scott~

Houses Uopn Cards

25But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26“If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27“And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29“Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Matthew 12: 25 - 29 NKJV

The Netflix series House of Cards is based on the inner dealings and power struggles of the United States politics.  Now, we've all seen first hand the stories of graft and corruption in American politics.  I'm told that politics back in the day were way more corrupt than they are today.  That seems hard to imagine.  Here in Oregon, a former governor was forced to resign recently in the face of a influence peddling scandal.  The evidence seemed quite overwhelming from the outside looking in, but eventually the United States Department of Justice declined to proceed the case further.  Then who could forget the dealings of Richard Nixon?  It seems that misbehavior is around the corner of every turn of politics.  I'm guessing that it is due to this where the originators of the series came up with the name for their show.  Many of us are aware just how fragile a house made out of playing cards can be.  I remember building these when I was younger and becoming frustrated when I couldn't build a house very tall.  That is the nature of a house of cards, where the slightest movement can bring the entire thing crashing down.  All too often, people will refer to a fragile home, marriage or childhood as a house of cards.  Seeming strong and secure from the outside, but ready to collapse from within.  I work with a man who by all accounts has a strong and secure marriage and home, yet you may catch a glimpse of his house of cards when you listen to how he talks to his wife.  Strong in appearance, but ready to fall from within.

8“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your cTeacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10“And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 13“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matthew 23: 8 -13 NKJV

Christ tells us in Matthew 12 that a house divided itself will not stand.  Indeed, this came just after the Jewish authorities had accused Him of casting out demons by the power of the devil.  What folly is it for satan to cast himself out?  A house divided will not stand.  By the same token , a house divided by hate, mistrust and pride will not stand.  I have had the opportunity in my time to see plenty of homes and families brought to their knees from within.  I am myself the product of a broken home, which is why this very issue is close to my heart.  Can a home thrive where one is exalted above another?  Not for very long.  Will a home survive where both are humbled and in step with Christ Jesus?  The odds here are definately better.  This is exactly why I broached the example of my coworker.  From the outside of his own house of cards it would seem like he has the perfect life.  A good house, cars and a beautiful wife.  However, each time I have heard this man talk of his wife and family it is always punctuated by his own pride...I...I...I.  Granted, I know not of the inner workings of his family, but if history is to be my guide, then he is living in a house of cards.  Jesus tells us in Matthew 23 that he who exalts himself will indeed be humbled.  The funny thing about our misplaced pride is that eventually we are shown that we are not as important as we thought we were.  When we place our own selves above the needs of others, we just may be living in our own house of cards.

~Scott~

The Freedom We Find In Jesus

June 12, 1987

"Mister Gorbachev...TEAR DOWN THIS WALL!"

32“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35“And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
John 8: 32 - 36 NKJV

It's something I noticed the past few weeks in my daily routine, something was missing.  Somehow I didn't feel the need to suddenly repent when I heard some radio pulpit pounder talk of indwelling sin.  For the first time, I didn't feel guilty when they said I needed to pray for Gods forgiveness for some sin I may have committed.  I could say that it was like a light switch being turned on, but that would be a bad comparison I think.  See, I already knew that I was free, I just didn't practice it.  I didn't live in that house of sin any longer.  Christ had died to set me free of that part of my life.  A friend of mine once made the comment that we are either slaves unto sin or slaves unto righteousness.  Either way, we are in bondage.  But are we indeed in bondage if we have been set free?  Jesus tells us in John 8 that we shall know the truth, and that this truth shall set us free.  Could it be that I hadn't really known that truth until now?  Sure, I knew that Jesus bled and died that my sins would be forgiven, but everyone knows that truth right?  I mean, it's one of the focal points of the new testament, the new covenent.  As Christ tells us, whoever commits sin is indeed a slave of sin.  So, if Jesus Himself became sin on my behalf that my sins might be forgiven {2 Corinthians 5:21}, am I indeed still a slave to sin?  Is a slave who has been set free still a slave?  NO!  So it is that I have found freedom in Christ Jesus.

1There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
Romans 8: 1 - 5 NKJV

Of course, I do not speak simply for myself, but for all who have found this very same freedom which I myself have discovered.  I'm not alone in this discovery, I've talked with more than a few people who have discovered that freedom which we find in Jesus.  However, only I can speak of the testimony which tells of what I have discovered in my own life.  I've heard the testamonies of others, but mine is unique to me alone.  I guess the besy way that I could describe it would be to compare it to being falsely imprisoned and then being suddenly set free.  As I've never physically known slavery, I cannot compare my new found freedom to being in bondage.  Make no mistake, however, I was indeed a slave.  I was born into the bondage of sin, looking forward to the day when I would be set free from my chains.  The truth is, Christ Jesus had broken those chains from me so long ago.  It took me awhile, but the truth finally set me free.  The apostle Paul tells us that we are indeed sons, heirs of He who sits on the throne {Romans 8:14}.  As Jesus tells us, a son abides forever {John 8:35}.  The fact that Jesus freed me from my sins is but one part of His truth.  Not only are my sins forgiven, but I am free to now live my life as Christ {Galations 2:20}.  Freedom is a good thing.

14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and 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: 14 - 17 NKJV

~Scott~