What's Done Is Done

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. 13And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13: 11 - 13 NKJV

I was thinking this week of the many things I did as a young man that, at my present age, I would consider to be foolish behavior.  I can honestly say that in my time I have engaged in more than a few antics.  Some I am glad that I did, others not so much.  I'm guessing that this is the way it plays out for many of us.  I mean, a good upbringing only goes so far and eventually it comes time for us to strike out on our own.  Indeed, my own mother did her very best to raise up a young man, but when my time came it was up to me to find my own way.  That's life as we know it.  I'm guessing that this may have been just what the apostle Paul was refering to in 1 Corinthians 13 where he spoke of putting away those childish things of his own younger days.  Make no mistake about it, that young man Saul definately had his own share of childish behaviors before putting them away for good.  A few of these indiscretions involved the persecution of the early church of the followers of Christ Jesus.  Now, while I've never been involved in the persecution of others, I do not discount what I have once dabbled in.  However, one truth that both Paul and I may  each glory in is the fact that those indiscretions of our youth will no longer be counted against us in the eyes of Christ.  For it is Christ Jesus who became sin on our behalf that those childish things we once engaged in would not be counted against us {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  It is for this very reason that I need not continually seek the grace of my heavenly Fathers forgiveness.  This has already been provided for me by the sacrafice of Christ Jesus on the cross.  As that wise old lion Aslan claimed in C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles Of Narnia..."What's done is done."

"What's done is done...there is no need to speak to Edmund about what is past."
Aslan ~ The Chronicles Of Narnia

I remember golfing with Dennis not so long ago when our conversation turned to...hawks.  See, in that area where we live there seemed to nest a few families of hawks.  Well, on this particular occasion we could hear the squeal of a young hawk at the nest while the parent raptor waited far off, seemingly ignoring the cries of its offspring.  It was Dennis who commented that this was common for hawks, their own way of pushing the young from the nest it had known for that first part of its life.  Eventually, the young hawk would tire of waiting for its parents and strike out to begin to hunt on its own.  I remember how foolish it was for me to feel sorry for that young bird.  This was the cycle of life, one that has been repeated countless times since the dawn of creation.  That young hawk would soon find itself standing by waiting for its own young to find their own way.  Indeed, this is the very same cycle by which we ourselves find ourselves.  When our time comes, we put aside those childish things of our youth and find our own way in the world.  Like the young hawks, we also may struggle with the uncertainty of finding our own way in  unfamiliar situations.  Along our own way to maturity, there may be a time or two where we may make some decisions which might not be, shall we say, wise on our part.  However, the good news of Christ Jesus not only guarantees that He remains in us today {Galations 2:20}, but that those indiscretions of our youth will no longer be held against us in our Lords eyes.  What's done is done.

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 gand in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6: 19 - 20 NKJV

~Scott~

Ticket To Ride

 27“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29“and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30“Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’or ‘What shall we drink?’or ‘What shall we wear?’32“For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Matthew 6: 27 - 32 NKJV

I recently had a conversation with a coworker over just what we put aside for ourselves.  Now, I'll began by saying that this man only buys the best of whatever he purchases.  He does his research and then buys the best products for what he needs.  While I agree with this approach to his life, what he said next threw me for a loop...sort of.  Just recently he said to me, "Scott, I only got one ticket to ride in this life and I'm gonna take it!"  Now, how many others are there out there in the world with this live for the day, carpe diem philisophy?  For my part, I was always raised with the mindset that I was to put things aside for a rainy day.  How would Jesus have  responded to one who, like my coworker, lives for today and today only?  Well, I think that we can get a glimpse of this from His own words.  In Jesus' sermon on the mount, He speaks to the folly of worryng over those things which we have.  Now, I take this to mean those things we need for our daily survival.  We're talking food, water and clothing.  Jesus tells us not to worry over these things.  For our heavenly Father already knows that we need these things.  So, if it is indeed true that God knows what we need, why is it that we continue to worry, fret and trouble ourselves over what it is which God will provide for us?  I see this as a trust issue at its very core.  Many times we refuse to know in our own hearts that our heavenly Father will come through for us.  So we continually get our hands dirty trying to fix things and "help" our Lord to lay out those things which we feel that we're lacking.  Good luck with that.

5Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. 6But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of enecessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9: 5 - 8 NKJV

I remember a conversation that I had with a pastor friend of mine some time ago on this very topic.  When I asked him about Gods provision for His children and how it related to me I was surprised at his response.  "What are you doing with what God is giving to you?"  Whoa!  Ok, I get it, there are those in the world that definately need help with their own daily needs.  Heck, I've been there myself.  But doesn't God love a cheerful giver?  How is it that we ourselves can be cheerful givers if we have a vice grip on our own income?  Is our heavenly Fathers promise to provide for our own needs dependent upon that generosity of those around us?  How about this for a thought, will others see Christ by the way He works through us?  Jesus seemed to think so.  In Mattew 5 our Lord tells us of how those around us will see our good works and thereby glorify our Father in heaven {Matthew 5:16}.  How is it that Gods children today will know and see the love of His Son if it is not through those whom His Spirit lives through?  If we know that it is Jesus Himself who lives through us {Galations 2:20}, then what better way for the love of Christ to be exhibited to those around us.  How would our ancestors ever had known Christ had He not came in the flesh image of man?  He Himself is the image of our invisible God {Colossions 1:15}.  We may not have known the nature of our heavenly Father if not for Him.  Therefore, while I no longer discount the thought of living for the day, I filter it with that realization of just who I am living my life for.

13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 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: 13 - 16 NKJV

~Scott~

More Than A Provider

 8“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. 9“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

I ran across the weekly podcast from Wayne Jacobsen this week with a bit of skepticism.  The initial lead in was more than enough to cause me to question the entire episode.  Why is it that God would allow the suffering of a drought in a far away land, and yet provide answers to Waynes prayers beseeching good waether as they hiked through Norway?  Now, I have to admit that I myself have all too often found myself asking some type of this very same question.  I'm sure that we all have.  Why does God answer some prayers, but not the prayers of others?  Now, I would never make that mistake of equating our Lords love and mercy to those prayers which He chooses to act on.  However, there are those in the christian community who would voice displeasure with God for not giving ear to their requests for intervention.  Does Gods lack of action take away the fact that He is still the Alpha and the Omega?  Are unanswered prayers a indication of our Lords lack of interest in our day to day lives?  Does His promise to never leave us nor forsake us {Deuteronomy 31:6} hold true only in certain circumstances?  I can recall a time when my own view of my heavenly Father was one of a provider and protector and not of One who thrived inside of me.  This is a mistake I'm afraid that many a christian has made.  For not only does this put God in a box, but gives us the impression that He is seperated from His children.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  We are assured that His Spirit is indeed with us through these lives which we live.  He is closer to us than we ever could have imagined.  How God acts upon our requests has absolutely NO bearing on who He truly is.

27Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Life Lessons 29For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8: 27 - 29 NKJV

As I went through the Jacobsen post, what came to mind were thoughts of a human flesh response to Gods interaction with us.  By that I mean that we may react to our Lords decisions or interactions with His children in the only way that we know, through the ways of the flesh.  When we do this we are going about it in the wrong way and seeing our heavenly Father for something He is not.  For God is not bound by human interactions and flesh led emotions.  We cannot treat our interaction with God as we would a interaction with our own neighbor.  Even though both will have that Spirit of Christ within them, we all too often treat our heavenly Father as we would another person.  It is true that His thoughts are not ours and that His ways are not our own as well {Isaiah 55:9}.  Again, when our Lord chooses not to act on a certain situation, all too often our own immediate response is to put a fleshly tag on Him that He somehow is upset, unwilling or oblivious to the plight of one of His children.  This is where we are seeing things through our own eyes instead of trusting our heavenly Father that He is indeed all knowing.  God is not bound by our own emotions and flesh.  It is true that we share all that He is, perfectly created in His own image {Genesis 1:27}.  We can delight in knowing that we share all that He is without all the reactions and restrictions of the flesh.  He is forever a part of us.

20“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

~Scott~

The Call

20“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who jwill believe in Me through their word;21“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23“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. 24“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
John 17: 20 - 24 NKJV

There was a question floated among our group this week which asked just how much we need the bible.  Going one step further, the question was posed if the bible itself could indeed be an obstacle to our own spiritual growth.  I admit that I immeditely began thinking that this was pretty close to heretical thinking.  I mean, where would we be without the pages of the bible to guide us?  Is the bible truly meant to be our life guide?  Can we really ignore Gods written word?  Is the bible truly Gods word?  Yes, this is all pretty heavy stuff for most well meaning christians such as myself to tackle.  Still the questions remain.  How did the patriarchs and matriarchs of old come to know our Father in heaven?  I've been told that none of the authors of the bible nor Jesus Himself had the scriptures as we have i today.  Still, it is commonly accepted that these men of faith were the very ones who gave us the bible as we know it.  So, how is it that these men came to know about God and, ultimately, Christ Jesus?  What was it that was ultimately revealed to these men and women of old which ultimately led them closer to God?  Mary and Joseph didn't have the bible as we know it today, yet they trusted in a unseen God without hesitation.  How is it that Adam, Abraham and Moses came to know their Lord?  Indeed, these questions may very well cut to the quick of what many of our long held beliefs are.  I believe in God, yet I've never seen Him in the flesh.  Likewise, I have entrusted my life to Christ without ever meeting Him.  Is this blind faith, or simply our Lords revelation of His presence in our lives?  It may be both...or neither one.  Suffice to say, if we today lacked the very scriptures which we have come to rely on, how is it that we would come to know God?

17Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19We love cHim because He first loved us. 20If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 21And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
1 John 4: 17 - 21 NKJV

I remember struggling with the question of just how/when it was that I came to know Christ Jesus.  Thinking back, I can't recall a specific time where this transformation occured.  Yet we continue to ask those christians among us that very same question.  When were you saved?  What were you doing?  Did God speak to you?  Does it make me any more or less of a believer if I can't recall the answer to these questions?  I'm thinking no.  Take Galations 2:20 for instance.  What was Pauls inspiration to reveal such a bold statement?  To our knowledge, Saul never even met Jesus.  However, as a persecutor of the early church I'm sure that he knew OF Jesus.  However, this is a far cry from that oneness with Christ which Paul himself speaks to in Galations.  So let us look at the thought of oneness with Christ.  It is oneness with Himself to which Jesus prays in the garden in John 17.  This was Jesus' own intimate prayer for us.  The desire of Christ was not that we would simply know of Him, but that we would be "One" with Him as He and the Father are one.  Better than a simple relationship with Christ, we today who know Jesus live AS HE who is in us.  For my money, this is better and more intimate than any relationship we could ever have.  Deeper, stronger and more intimate.  Now, if I might throw a monkey wrench into this train of thought...what scripture was it that catipulted us into this oneness with Christ Jesus?  What scripture was it that brought us into oneness with our heavenly Father?  For myself, I can't think of one specific scripture which led me into that oneness with Jesus we see in Galations 2:20.  What I do recall is the realization I arrived at that I was indeed one with Christ Jesus.

15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Galations 1: 15 - 17 NKJV

~Scott~

The Ancient Of Days

"And great was its fall"

August 23, 2005

2“Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? 3Now aprepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. 4“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? 6To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?"
Job 38: 2 - 7 NKJV

I recently noticed a couple aquaintences of mine who have bought into a movement which seems to attempt to convince others that man can indeed live to the age of 120 years.  Now, I don't dispute this possibility as anything is indeed possible, but I have wondered as to why one would consider such a thing.  Granted, good health and fitness can be a good thing, and these few men know that well.  But 120 years?  To date, the oldest a person has lived has been 122 years, and that was French maiden Jeanne Calment who passed in 1997.  So yes, it can be done, but at what cost?  For what would be ones quality of life at 120 years?  That would be the question I would be asking.  The fact that mans days would be 120 years is mentioned in Genesis 6:3...just before the Lord claimed that He was indeed sorry that He had created man on the earth {Genesis 6:6}.  If one would use this scripture as their basis for the 120 year club, I would question their motives.  The very reason that our Lord grieved that He had created man was that our hearts were wicked!  Believe me, not much has changed since then.  For the flesh of mankind is still inclined towards evil.  Of course, that was then and this is now, and alot has happened in regards to our future since those early pre flood days.  For one, our new future is not as bleak as it once was.  Indeed, I would venture that when we gaze with our eyes upon our Lords coming, that we just might realize that time with Him is far better than anything 120 years on this earth could EVER offer to us.

13Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; 14whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
James 4: 13 - 15 NKJV

What is it that James told us in James 4 that has a great deal to do with our discussion of that 120 year dream?  Well, the fact is that not one of us knows what our futures hold.  Not me, and certainly not those whose desire it is to remain in this world for 120 years.  Now, it may be our plan to do such things, but in the end who is the one who ultimately decides our futures?  That would be God, the First and the Last and the Alpha and the Omega.  As the Lord gently asked of Job, "where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?"  The fact is, I can make all the plans under the sun for my life, but it is my heavenly Father who will determine the steps I will eventually take {Proverbs 16:9}.  Of course, there will always be those who will choose the carpe diem philosophy, I get it.  However, wouldn't it be wiser for me to ensure and celebrate my life in Christ, which the years can never take away from me?  Perhaps, but again that's just my opinion.  My time with Christ Jesus is now guaranteed, my time in this world is not.  Indeed, it is Christ who should be our focus.  Joyfull is that day when we will enter into His presence.  I wonder just what Jesus would tell us if we were to mention our desire to live for 120 years.  Never mind, I already know that answer...

24“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25“and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27“and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
Matthew 7: 24 - 27 NKJV

~Scott~

Lest We Forget

20“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

Sometimes I forget.  I'm not all that old, but at times my memory fails me.  Don't get me wrong, I know what is good for me, but at times we all forget these things.  I'm not above reminding myself now and then of who I am inside.  Each day we might bounce from one trial to another, while all the while our stress level skyrockets.  Well, I'm here to tell you friend, it doesn't need to be that way at all.  See, this should never be our very first reaction to the trials we face.  However, sometimes we forget.  When the swirling storms and trials of life come knocking, it should not be in our nature as lovers of Christ Jesus to revert back to our old ways of panic and fear.  For it was not a spirit of fear which Jesus left us with {2 Timothy 1:7}.  If there is one thing I am well familar with...it is fear.  However, were I to break down each and ever fear I have ever had, the fear of the unknown would be the common factor of them all.  Fear of heights, fear of being seen as inadequate, etc.  I'm guessing that most of our fears can all be broken down into this simplest of forms.  What is it that we are afraid of?  All too often I am left in anxiety over what may occur in the near future.  Now, I can't see the future, but there is one who can.  It is Christ Jesus who proclaimed we should not be anxious about anything {Matthew 6:25}.  It is also Christ who lives through us today {Galations 2:20}.  We who follow Jesus do not have a spirit of fear, but the living Spirit ofChrist Jesus.  What have we to fear?

33Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8: 33 - 39 NKJV

Yes, sometimes I forget.  When the storms and trials of everyday life come upon us, I all too often forget just who I really am.  In these times, my default reaction becomes one of worry and anxiety.  That very same reaction which Christ Jesus told us to avoid.  After all, who is it that in control of all that I see?  It certainly isn't me.  Any semblence that I am in control of my own destiny is linked to the lie which satan told to Adam and Eve at the fall.  No, for all intents and purposes, I am stripped naked of any and all independence in my life.  It is my heavenly Fathers creation which I see when I awake in the morning, and His creation which I see just before I sleep at night.  Indeed, there is nowhere I can go where He is not beside me.  Knowing this, what situation is there where Christ is not playing a key role in my life.  He was there from the begining {John 1:2}.  It would be foolish of me to think that I could somehow be seperate from Christ if only for a moment.  One moment for me to contemplate a better path than He ever could?  One moment to brush aside the best friend and advocate I could ever have?  The bigger question I need be asking is simply, who am I without Jesus?  Of course, I already know the answer.  For without Christ I am nothing.  Simply a human form with a expiration date, and nothing else.  As the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8, there is nothing which will ever seperate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.  I may give in to my fears from time to time, but that does not change who I truly am in Christ, only that I need a reminder now and then.

~Scott~

Who I Am

13“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 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: 13 - 16 NKJV

I came across a definition in my reading this week.  The term which I was looking into is the term "Christlikeness."  Now, christlikeness, as far as I can tell, is defined as a believer being conformed to the likeness of Christ Jesus.  In other words, we are to be...more like Jesus in our daily walk through this world.  In fact, being more like Christ is all too often preached from those pulpits of our local churches.  We are all too often left with the feeling that we are simply chasing a dream.  Can we, as the pastor claims, be more like Christ in all that we do?  Or, do we simply give lip service to the very idea that being more like our Lord and savior is something we as humans can achieve?  While I was thinking of this I also entertained the thought of what Christ thought of the idea of Christlikeness.  I mean, if we're going to be more like Jesus wouldn't we want to know just what Jesus thought of this?  In Matthew 5, Jesus tells those who were listening to "Let your light shine before men."  So, if I am truly doing my best to achieve christlikeness in my life, will those around me notice my efforts?  I believe so.  As Christ proclaimed us the "light of the world," so we must exhibit this to those around us.  But what is it that we are exhibiting to others?  Well, I believe that it is Jesus Himself who others will see in and through us.  This is who we truly are.  Notice what Jesus proclaims after he tells us to let our light shine before men.  For when we do this, "they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."  When we exhibit christlikeness, we are exhibiting Christ Jesus who is already in us.

20“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

I titled this post "Who I am" for a very good reason.  When I started to write about the meaning of christlikeness, I pretty much thought of it as just another institutional church catch phrase.  A wild goose chase in which we as believers could never finish.  However, from what I've come to know about Christ, I know that this is simply not true.  As believers, we are not simply engaged in a race to merely resemble our risen Lord.  No, as believers we can rejoice in the reality that Christ lives through us today.  Far from simply being like Jesus, we ARE Jesus.  I like to think of it as that we are resembling He who is already in us.  The Light of Christ who is in us is what He desires others to see.  Now, I have run across enough people to notice that believers come from all walks of life.  Will we indeed notice that follower of Jesus among us?  Well, we may certainly notice them from the good works they exhibit.  However, I've also seen my share of believers whose behavior was questionable.  There have been more than enough times where my own behavior has been questionable.  Does this change who it is that we really are?  No, all this proves is that there are many believers out there who just don't know who they truly are.  You may very well have the Spirit of Christ in you and not be aware of it.  How is it that one can exhibit something he doesn't even know exists?  Therefore, if I know that I am Christ Jesus, then His light will be evident within me.  This is who I am.

20“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who jwill believe in Me through their word; 21“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23“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. 24“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
John 17: 20 - 24 NKJV


~Scott~

At The Cross

1“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2“For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
Matthew 7: 1 - 5 NKJV

I read with some interest this week of the plight of a certain National Football League player who has been under the scrutiny of the league ever since a few youthful indescretions came to light over the past year.  Now, the young man has yet to even be charged with a crime, but it seems that the NFL now has a low tolerance for domestic violence offenses, as well as drug offenses.  In fact, pretty much anything which could cause the NFL to lose face or be painted in a bad light by millions of football fans could lead to any star player being thrown under the bus by the league.  It seems that far too many of us are all too ready to be quick to condemn one who has fallen.  Yes, I admit that I've engaged in this blame game before as well.  How easy it is to see that speck in the eye of another but yet being blind to that plank in our own eye {Matthew 7:3}.  Dare I say that it is that sad plight of others around us which daily captures our attention and conversations.  Would I be as willing to shine that spotlight of shame upon myself as I do unto others?  Probably not.  Indeed, make mention of my past indiscretions and my very first reaction will be one of self defense.  At times I wish that I had this same reaction when someone else is condemned by that bony finger of blame.  For this is what Christ Jesus desires for me.  Forgiveness and compassion is what He gave me at the cross.  Why then would we deny that same love which Christ Jesus gave us to others?   We are indeed reminded by Christ that we are to love one another {John 13: 34 -35}.  Some have refered to this as the greatest comand unto us by Jesus.  However, I'll claim that to love one another is one of the hallmarks of our faith.

17Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19We love Him because He first loved us. 20If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
1 John 4: 17 - 20 NKJV

One of my coworkers has a saying when others step out of line.  When someone messes up or acts like a fool he'll shake his head and mutter "people are gonna be people, man."  I agree.  Take a long look at the path which Jesus took to the cross.  Along the way He encountered many who would condemn Him not only for His words but for what He did to others.  But what is it that Jesus did?  Well, He fed the hungry, he healed the sick and He showed love to those who desperately needed someone to love them.  Today we would call such a person compassionate.  However, Jesus Himself was hailed as a blasphemer and heretic by those who saw Him as a threat to their status quo.  How many times did Jesus shake His own head and mumble to Himself "people will be people, man?"  If He did, we don't see it written.  However, we do see Him weeping for those in the Jerusalem of His day {Luke 19:41}.  Perhaps He did this because many did not see Him for who He truly was.  Indeed, Christ came not to condemn...but to save {John 3: 16-17}.
 I spent some time this week thinking of just how Jesus would have handled such a man who others condemned for the indiscretions of his youth.  I didn't need to look all that far.  How did Christ deal with me when the weight of my wrong choices caught up with me?  How did He treat the woman He encountered at that well who was caught in infidelity?  What condemnation was there for that thief on the cross next to Jesus?  In all He did, Jesus showed the very heart God has for His children.  As the very image of our invisible God, it is Jesus who became sin on our behalf at the cross that we would no longer face the finger on condemnation.  Our sin no longer defines us.

34“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13: 34 - 35 NKJV

~Scott~

A Leap Off That Bridge

 4Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; aand he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Romans 14: 4 - 10 NKJV

I learned a long time ago that I, Scott, am not like the others around me.  I am unique.  I am individual.  I am Scott.  However, if you listen to others out there tell it, I should be doing something more.  Apparently, I should be doing those things which THEY desire me to be doing instead of doing what it is the Lord has placed upon my heart.  This tug of war for our efforts is not a new one, but just a continuation of what we all face from time to time.  Indeed there are those among us who sincerely feel that we should be doing what they want us to be doing.  Don't get me wrong, what they are asking of me may be sound, true and God inspired, but I probably just haven't recieved that leading yet.  Unlike Hillary Clinton, God does not delete His messages He gives us.  There is a ages old saying that if someone jumped off of a bridge, would you follow him?  Fortunately for me, you couldn't talk me into following you off of any bridge.  I don't think that way.  Now, you can suggest to me that I do something you'd like me to see me accomplish, but that old compulsion card will very seldom work too well with me.  It seems that I'm not alone in feeling this way.  For the apostle Paul tells us in Romans 14 not to judge others by the traditions of man.  I have all too often refered to this as the shame game, and the modern institutional church is a master of manipulation.  For through its own traditions, the church has given to many its requirements for entry into our Lords love and grace.

1Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’seat. 3“Therefore whatever they tell you ato observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. 4“For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5“But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. 6“They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, 7“greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’8“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, 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: 1 - 13 NKJV

Why was it that Christ Jesus spoke His woes to the Jewish Pharisees?  These were the religious leaders of the Jewish people, of which Jesus was one.  I believe that the very reason that Jesus spoke against these self proclaimed men of God was that they had indeed placed the traditions of their faith above God Himself.  Take a look at this passage and see for yourself.  These Pharisees were men who desired the best seats, formal greetings and all the trappings of prestige that their positions offered them.  Does anyone see a correlation here between these Jewish leaders and the modern church?  I don't think it's too hard to see.  Now, although I have never done it, I have many a time been tempted to call out a pastor when they would start talking their blah blah blah of tradition.  You say you want me to give until it hurts?  Well, you try it first then tell me how it worked out for you.  For myself, I feel that it is hypocracy in its highest form for someone to ask of me something that they themselves would never do.  I'm sorry, but if you jumped off of that bridge I wouldn't follow you!  But, that's just me.  I don't place myself above God, and I don't ask something of others that I myself wouldn't do.  I am not against traditions per se, only when we use our traditions to put restrictions upon those around us.  It is not by tradition that our heavenly Father loved us enough to save His children from the weight of our sin.  It is not through compulsion that the Spirit of Christ Jesus lives on through us today {Galations 2:20}.  Those chains of tradition and compulsion have been broken by the love of God.

"Be an example to your men, in your duty and in private life.  Never spare yourself and let your troops see that you don't in your endurance of fatigue and privation.  Always be tactful and well-mannered.  Avoid excessive harshness or sharpness of voice, which usually indicates the man who has shortcomings of his own to hide."
~Erwin Rommel~

Family Ties

~You're not gonna win this one Meathead~

1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know bus, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3: 1 - 2 NKJV

Back then Television was king.  Growing up, my friends and I would all too often plan our schedules around the latest episodes of our favorite shows.  It was indeed a rare occurance to find any of us out on the local hockey rink on a saturday morning before 9 am.  See, saturday morning was reserved for cartoons.  One of my favorite shows that I can remember was All In The Family.  This show followed the antics of the Bunker family who lived somewhere in New York.  Carroll Oconnor played  the wisecracking husband and father Archie.  We didn't know it at the time, but we were also introduced to yet another hollywood icon in this series.  Future director Rob Reiner played the hippie son in law Micheal, affectionately known as meathead.  It seemed that Archies staunch old fashioned ways would always conflict with meatheads new age hippie lifestyle.  Not only that, but in the Bunker house, the father was the king of the castle.  It seems that in each episode that Archie would somehow find fault with someone who was intruding on his domain.  Of course, this would often bring the string of  New Yorker wisecracks and insults that made Archie Bunker famous even today.  For a brief period growing up, I actually felt as if this was the typical American family.  Of course, coming from a single parent home I could not relate too much to that.  However, I knew that my own father all too often displayed the very same gruff nature that had made Archie famous.  I've found that this was the template for men in that time period.  To be a man, husband or a father you had to hide your emotions and have a rough exterior.  I'm not sure just who created this example, but someone definately sold us a bill of goods that is for sure.

I know it's true
Oh so true
Because I saw it on TV
~John Fogarty~

Growing up in a single parent home all too often left me looking for examples as to just what a typical family was.  Although my own father was not around, I was blessed in those years with the close family friendships of a few of my friends.  The funny this was, I didn't see any Archie Bunker types in my friends families.  There was no king of these castles, only love and respect.  I'm sure you might understand just how this would confuse me.  For the first time in my life...television had lied to me!  You also might ask as to why I was so interested in just what a family was.  Well, I was looking for something that I had a part of.  It wasn't until later in life that I grew to understand that everything did not evolve around my worldly family.  Yes, I had family relationships as I did with my friends, but there was something deeper there.  What really mattered was knowing just who my Father truly was.  The fact that my own father was not involved with his sons lives did nothing to change the fact that I was a child of my Father in heaven.  I was created in His image, and it is He who has proclaimed me to be His child {1 John 3:1}.  My dad doesn't use wisecracks to humiliate me.  My Father will never belittle me.  No, for in my true Father there is only love for His children.  Whatever example of a perfect family that I spent so many years searching for I have now found in my own heart.  My Father created all that I see...and I am His son.

3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world. 4But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. 6And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, b“Abba, Father!”
Galations 4: 3 - 6 NKJV

~Scott~

Seeing God Where He Doesn't Belong

7And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 2: 7 NKJV

Have you ever noticed someone you know in a place that you never would have thought you would see them?  Speaking for myself, if anyone should ever see me boarding a airplane they should immediately question my motives.  For that just doesn't happen...ever.  It's not that I don't like airplanes, I love them as a matter of fact.  No, my fear of heights has often prevented me from flying off to another destination.  Of course, I have taken flights before, but only under duress so I cannot be blamed for that mistake.  See, some things just don't belong in certain settings.  A cat does not belong in a bath, a liberal would be lost in a discussion involving logic AND Scott does not fly...period.  Now for the greater question.  Have you ever seen God in a place He clearly does not belong?  Well, sometimes we may feel like we have witnessed just that very thing.  So, where is it that we might feel that God does not belong?  In a adult theater?  In a war zone?  At a racist rally?  I hate to burst someones bubble, but there is NOWHERE we can look where we will not see the evidence of our Lords creation.  This was brought to my by Dennis last year on one of our hiking trips.  He encouraged me to see the evidence, no, the image of God in the very wilderness we were walking in.  For anyone who has walked in the Pacific Northwests Columbia River Gorge, this might not seem too far fetched.  I grew up and played in the north woods of Minnesota, which has affectionately been named "Gods country" for very good reasons.  Indeed, it is not very hard for us to see God in these picturesque environments.  It is here where we can feel comfortable to glory in His creation which surrounds us.

20“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

We cannot have a discussion about seeing God where we may feel that He does not belong without including those of His creation around us.  I have been guilty many times of questioning of those around me if indeed God could have been involved in their lives.  Whether by their behaviors or actions, I have often wondered if Jesus could have ever been involved in such a person.  Of course, I was absolutely in error to even assume such a thing.  Am I to assume that only christians have a monopoly on being created in our Lords very image?  This was, of course, wrong thinking on my part.  For the very same God who breathed into me the breath of life is the same God who breathed the breath of life into all His creation.  Yes, that includes those who we may feel that God could have never been involved with.  Those whose wickedness, selfishness and disregard for others may often have us wondering if God could have ever had His hand in their lives.  Trust me, He did.  I'm pretty sure that some people who I've met have wondered that very same thing about me.  Does that make it true?  Of course not.  So it is with those who I myself may feel could never have been touched by God.  As in my travels in the wilderness of the northwest, each day God gives me that opportunity to see Himself in those around me {Galations 2:20}.  I am not seeing God where He doesn't belong, but seeing Him where He has always been.

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

~Scott~

Knowing Jesus

20“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21“that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22“And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23“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. 24“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.  25“O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. 26“And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”
John 17: 20 - 26 NKJV

I have always said that I have met many people over the years.  However, I have truly KNOWN very few of these.  There is indeed a difference between being aquainted with someone and truly knowing them.  I have a small circle of friends whom I have known for some time.  Of course, we have all taken the time to come to know one another as well.  If you think about it, what kind of relationship do you have with someone whom you just meet casually on the street?  With someone you pass in the hall at work?  How often do we take that chance to turn a casual aquaintance into a meaningful friendship?  I'm guessing not as often as we should.  I know for myself this has been a rare occurance lately.  Although I've made great strides to meet and greet any and all of those with whom I come into contact with, I've still fallen short of developing friendships from those I meet.  See, it's much easier to smile and wave to someone than it is to put ourselves out there for others to see.  To open ourselves up in fear of  that chance that someone who we allow in will hurt us in some way.  So it is that most of us keep those we meet at a safe distance and under our watchful eye.  We can't, NO, we won't, allow someone we meet to inflict pain on us.  And so we build walls around us that Donald Trump would be proud of.  And if not walls...then fortresses with walls so tall that nobody will ever breach them.  We've become protected, isolated and withdrawn from friendships and relationships.  So, how is it that we really know anyone?

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. 18“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16: 15 - 18 NKJV

I heard  a radio preacher ask recently "how well do you really know God?"  Of course, at the end of the broadcast I wound up asking myself that very same question.  How well do I know the man Christ Jesus?  Oh, I've heard story upon story of Him and the miracles that He did in His time on earth, but do I really know Him?  I would venture to say that anyone who has heard of Jesus but not known Him is quite like the man who waves to that stranger on the street without introducing himself.  You've heard of Him but have never known Him.  I feel that this is one of the least taught realities of the modern church...our relationship with Jesus.  Do you believe that you are to love the Lord your God with all of your heart as scripture tells us?  If so, how is it that you can love someone with whom you have no relationship whatsoever?  Could you love another without knowing them?  Probably not, which is why we spend so much time getting to know those around us who we like.  First we get to know someone, then the relationship follows.  Why would it be any different with Jesus?  For if we truly want to know Him, then we must see Him as more than just a story in the pages of the bible that we turn to in times of need.  More than a story, the Jesus who waits with open arms for us to come to know Him is as real today as anyone we may meet passing by {Galations 2:20}.  He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and His desire is for a relationship with Gods children.

~Scott~