What About Me?

 

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

John 18: 9 - 14 NKJV 

I was thumbing through a self help book the other day when something caught my eye.  It seems that the author had a surefire way to start a conversation and make anyone feel at ease.  That secret, is to encourage anyone you meet to talk about themselves.  Now, to some this might sound whacky, but I saw a bit of truth in his theory.  Indeed, we as humans have the undying knack of hyping ourselves when nobody else seems willing to.  We all too often seek the limelight.  We desire the compliments of the job well done.  I get it.  I've talked well about myself from time to time as well.  Perhaps the reason that getting someone to talk about themselves in a conversation doesn't seem too hard to do is because we do it so well?  Just a thought.  Now, I don't see anything wrong with doing this, as long as others around you aren't preparing a shallow grave while you're doing it.  That is, if you are talking positively about yourself and those around you agree, then you're good.  I see that as a form of affirmation if you will.  However, if you ever find yourself speaking compliments about yourself and others do not seem interested, your best bet is to abandon the conversation post haste.  Just a little advice on how to win friends and influence people.  In Christian circles, self advertising is all too often seen as being haughty, arrogant or prideful.  But, where do we draw the line?  Well, let me give you a example.  In the past few months, I've gotten quite good at my weight training at the gym.  So much so, that I've been able to press some impressive weight totals.  Now, if I were thinking as Jesus, I would explain that it was through Him that I've been able to accomplish my goals.  However, I could also tell everyone who would listen that it was my abilities alone that allowed me to reach such heights.  Which one of these statements shows the most arrogance?  I'll make it a bit easier, whenever we we place ME above HE...we're going down the wrong path.  What am I without God?  What good are my abilities had not the Lord breathed the breath of life {Genesis 2:7} into me?  Indeed, it doesn't take much to see that, apart from God, we are nothing.  As the Lord is all in all, so He is in all we will ever see or experience.  

But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD."  For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.

2 Corinthians 10: 17 - 18 NKJV 

I have known a good many people who have been good at a good many things.  I've also known a good many people who have had no issues with pointing out how good it is that they are.  Usually, when I hear someone talking like this my first thought is, 'where is God in all of this?'  Maybe I'm far too humble at heart, but I also recognize that God is to have a significant place in our lives.  One of my main goals is to someday organize these blog posts into a publication of some sort.  If that is where the Lord leads me, then His will be done.  I believe that in order for us to avoid the pitfalls of pride, that Jesus needs to be the central piece of all that we do.  After all, it is Christ Jesus with whom I share everything with.  It is Jesus who lives through me {Galatians 2:20}.  The apostle Paul assured us of this truth.  Can I ever rise above the glory of Jesus?  Through my own pride I might just think that I can.  Remember, Lucifer also had false thoughts of being greater than God {Isaiah 14: 13-13}.  It was also the deceiver who claimed the lie to Adam and Eve that they could be separate from God {Genesis 3:4-5}.  It is this lie which has done much damage to our own relationship with Jesus.  Jesus prayed that we would be one with He and the Father {John 17:21}.  Yet, contemporary Christianity continues to claim that there is a separation between ourselves and God.  The most which we can hope for, it seems, is to 'be like' Jesus.  Well, at risk of being seen as arrogant, I AM Jesus.  Indeed, if Jesus lives through me and experiences all which I do, I am part of Him.  This is the answered prayer of Christ we see in John 17.  Through Jesus, we are one with the Father.  So, knowing this, is there anything we will ever accomplish that Jesus has not already had a hand in?  Yes, I've made some great strides in my exercise goals, but I accomplished that as Christ who is in me.  Whatever it is you are thinking you're good at, it is but a extension of the Lord Jesus within you.

For who makes you differ from another?  And what do you have that you did not receive?  Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 

1 Corinthians 4: 7 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

Brothers

"Lieutenant Welsh remembered walking around the sleeping men, and thinking to himself that 'they had looked at and smelled death all around them all day but never dreamed of applying the term to themselves.  They hadn't come to fear.  They hadn't come to die.  They had come to win."

Stephen Ambrose ~ E Company, 101st Airborne 

It's interesting to witness it when you see it.  Even more interesting to become a part of it.  That being the evolution of a group of men from mere acquaintances into a group that will literally walk through hell for their brothers.  History is full of stories of these groups of men who came together to form bonds which were never broken, even after their calling had come to an end.  The Tuskegee airmen, bonding together in their fight against not only the Germans, but the racial divide in their own country.  The young men of the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team, who bonded together to defeat perhaps the best team the sport had ever known.  Then there were the "Band of Brothers" of E company of the 101st Airborne division in World War Two.  From the chaos of Normandy to the end of the war, these men fought, bled and died as one.  Whether it is the hell of war or a common belief that brings a group of common men together, it is always interesting to see the interaction within the group.  While we're not a large group, I enjoy a bond with a small group of fellow believers, some of whom I've known for some time.  However, as I thought about this writing, something else more interesting caught my attention.  Twelve men with perhaps nothing in common other than a few who shared the occupation of fishing for a living.  There were a few fisherman, a tax collector as well as a religious zealot prone to stoking calls for rebellion amongst the Jewish people.  Who would have ever thought that such a ragtag group could ever be molded into something positive?  Nobody...but Jesus.  As Jesus began His ministry, He called each and every one of these twelve men to follow Him.  One has to wonder the reactions of these men as Jesus invited them to "Come and see" {John 1:39}.  As we ourselves consider the possibilities of giving our lives to Jesus, we are faced with the same decisions which the twelve disciples also were.  What if I'm wrong?  What if He leads me astray?  This is all based on fears of the unknown.  The advantage that we have over these men is that we have the advantage of history on our side.  We already know where it is that Jesus will lead us.  If we are indeed willing, He will walk the journey with us.

Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, 'What do you seek?"  They said to Him, 'Rabbi (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), "where are you staying?"  He said to them, "come and see."  They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

John 1: 38 - 39 NKJV 

So it is that Jesus called to Himself a group of twelve key followers who would not only follow Him, but live amongst Him as well.  Yes, there were others who followed Jesus from time to time, but this group of men were the core group who followed, and learned from Jesus during His ministry.  It is with this group that Jesus spent His ministry teaching and preparing for His death.  I've often wondered what it would have been like as one of the disciples of Jesus.  Of course, we know a lot of what the day to day life of these men was already.  Fishing, listening and learning from Jesus.  But these disciples of Jesus also shared life with the Lord.  That is, they shared good times as well as bad.  They shared jokes and stories as well as their experiences.  The truth is, I might long to know what sharing life with Jesus would have been like, but in a matter of speaking we already have an idea of this experience.  The apostle Paul tells us in a few various scriptures that we live with Christ Jesus today.  Paul reveals to us that it is Jesus who lives is us {Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:8}.  Not only do we get the benefit of walking side by side with Jesus, but we can also stake the claim that we (gasp!) are Jesus.  Now, try relating that truth to some pastor sometime and you may get mocked as a heretic, but is scripture really disputable?  The Lord spoke it, so it must be true?  I do not disregard scripture simply because it is difficult to understand.  I imagine that some of the teachings of Jesus were difficult for the disciples to comprehend as well.  No matter, I'm happy to be among my group of brothers. 

~Scott~ 

God And Politics

 

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.  Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgement on themselves.  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil.  Do you want to be unafraid of the authority?  Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.  For he is Gods minister to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is Gods minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.  Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.

Romans 13: 1 - 5 NKJV 

In all of the turmoil of our recent elections I've lost sight of one very important thing.  I was reminded of this the other day while talking to a friend about the eventual outcome of the election.  He told me that whichever way the election swings, it is God who orchestrated it, not the human voter.  No truer words were ever said.  As emotional beings, we often get lost in the emotions of politics.  That benefits nobody.  It seems that the days are gone where we would look at the two candidates, see where they stood on important issues and base our decision on what matters most to us.  No longer.  For now we have the "party voters" who vote for a particular candidate because he or she is a member of certain political party.  I'm not gonna lie, I've been guilty of that a time or two myself.  But, where does that get us?  Do we ignore a candidate, chosen by the Lord, simply because they don't reside within our chosen political party?  This year my choice was rather easy, I voted for the one man who had the can do attitude and actually implemented policies to help our nations citizens.  That man is Donald J Trump.  Yes, I benefited from his tax cuts, but so did millions of other American voters.  Another aspect of Trump that I admire is that he is unabashedly proud of his country.  I will stand behind that all day long!  Contrast that with Joe Biden, the candidate who barely left his basement throughout the entire campaign.  Granted, we've had virus issues to deal with, but that did not stop Donald Trump.  So, out of the two men whom the Lord presented to us, I chose the one who I felt benefited the country the most.  So sue me.  Looking at the two candidates as being placed before us by the Lord puts this election in a entirely new perspective.  No matter the outcome of Donald Trumps election challenges, it is God who will seat in the White House whom He desires to accomplish His will.  

Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord.

Romans 12: 19 NKJV 

There is another reason that I'm rooting for Donald Trump to succeed in his election challenge.  Some time ago a good friend of mine, who remains in exile in Hawaii, struck a deal on a side bet on who would win the election.  Yes, I know that it's not the most Christian way of doing things, but it was all in good natured fun.  So it is that I have a dog in the fight in this election challenge.  That being said, it does not change the fact that it is God who will ultimately decide this contest.  I guess I kind of feel better, knowing that God is indeed in charge of this situation.  But what if God chooses the candidate I didn't vote for?  Did God miss the boat somehow?  Not really.  However, it is thinking such as that which takes God out of the equation and injects ourselves into it.  Thinking that if a certain candidate wins that all hell will break loose.  That if a certain man wins a election that everything we know and love will come crumbling down.  Well, how would you feel about God if everything you loved came crumbling down apart from a election?  How did Job react when he lost all he had?  Despite his loss, Job remained faithful {Job 2:10}.  Shall we indeed accept good from God but not accept adversity as well?  They go hand in hand.  Job knew in his heart that despite all that raged around him, that the Lord was still in control of it all.  Dare I say that this kind of faith takes a strong believers heart.  I was struck the other day by a town hall interview which former president Barack Obama did on PBS.  A gun rights conservative in the audience asked the president what he would do in relation to gun rights in the wake of recent gun violence in the country.  Now, Barack Obama was not a big fan of the second amendment, that much he made clear in his campaign and presidency.  But as he stood and faced this republican in the audience, Obamas answer was blunt and to the point.  Obama said that, in his time in office to date, that no effort had been made to restrict the second amendment.  Furthermore, he claimed that were such an effort to be made, that the congress and the National Rifle Association lobby would be a huge hurdle to climb.  I respected him for that.  I might not agree with all Obama did, but in that moment, he had my support.  Now, we await the outcome of whatever challenges Donald Trump will bring to a election he sees as unjust.  I just want to win my bet.  

Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity?  Curse God and die!"  But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks.  Shall we indeed accept good from God and shall we not accept adversity?"  In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Job 2: 9 - 10  NKJV 

~Scott~ 

The Roads Less Traveled

 

Today I went back to the place where I used to go

Today I saw that same old crowd I knew before

When they asked me what had happened

I tried to tell them

Thanks to Calvary, I don't come here anymore! 

~Thanks To Calvary - Bill Gaither ~ 

Not long ago I saw a video online from a health nut I follow every now and then.  His name is Thomas DeLauer and his claim to fame is that he turned from the ultimate couch potato to dedicating his life to helping others be healthy.  Well, he said something in one of his videos that struck a chord with me, and perhaps others who read this as well.  While on a recent shopping trip, Thomas happened to find himself in the candy/junk food aisle of his local grocery store.  There, as he tells it, he suddenly became uneasy, almost anxious.  I get it.  For Thomas, a walk through the candy aisle was akin to a walk back in time to the days of his own addiction.  For those who are not familiar with my own history, you might wonder why I get a bit uneasy whenever I come near a topless bar.  The reason is that this is where one of my main addictions took hold of me.  Those who have experienced the pain and struggle of substance abuse can relate to these experiences I'm sure.  The questions that remain.  Will I go back to my old ways?  Am I still a addict?  Like Thomas DeLauer, I've had ample opportunity to revisit those places I used to hang out in.  These days I just don't see time spent there as productive to what I trying to achieve.  Not long ago, I made a commitment to my health.  From exercise to nutrition, my focus has been on reversing the damages that have been done over the years.  For the most part this journey has been successful so far, except for the actions of one incompetent liberal democrat governor who continues to play games with the lives of people here in Oregon.  But, as I say, I play the cards I'm dealt.  I have had the opportunity over the years to witness the ravages that addictions can have on people lives.  I've had a few friends who have lost jobs and family because they chose their addiction over all else.  I get it.  However, my focus in this post is on those who have overcome their own destructive behaviors and, through faith, found a new beginning.  

Knowing 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.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.  Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more.  Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 6 - 11 NKJV 

Can I tell you what I believe is one of the most destructive feelings brought on by any type of addiction?  Guilt and shame.  Shame because we realize that what we are doing is wrong in the Lords eyes (So we've been taught).  We feel guilty because we know that we are sinners (Again...so we've been told).  Each time I entered a nude bar, my own guilt and shame struck at my heart as soon as I touched the door to enter.  What if someone I know sees me?  What will God think of me?  How will He punish me?  Through my experience, all of these fears were partly brought on by my own behaviors, but also by what I had learned about God up until that point.  You think I'm joking?  If you ever get the chance, watch someone as they enter a nude bar.  I guarantee that as soon as they hit the door they will look over their shoulder to see if anyone is watching them.  That's the guilt on display for all to see.  So, what have we been told about how God looks upon sin?  Well, I don't know what church you attended, but I was raised in a Christianity that said that the Lord can never be in the presence of sin.  I was also raised to know and understand that I was but a sinner saved by the grace of the Lord.  Knowing this, each and every time I entered a nude bar I did so separate from God.  How could God love me if I kept behaving like that?  If God can never be in the presence of sin...what chance did I even have?  I'm thinking that most people afflicted by their own addictions have felt this way.  What changed for me was a pastors sermon.  One Easter Sunday I was sitting in church while the padre told us the story of how Jesus died for our sins and three days later rose again.  Same story, we all know it.  However, at the end of his sermon, this pastor asked everyone in attendance to come forward and confess any sins we might be carrying with us.  Honestly, my first thought upon hearing him say this was, "what sin?"  Really?  You just finished a sermon where you told us that Jesus died to absolve us from all of our sins.  I never returned to that church.  So, if you are sitting there reading this for the first time, I don't blame you at all for feeling left out because you feel that you are somehow separated from God.  I've been there.  The truth is, we have never been apart from the Lord.  The very notion that we ever were separate from God is a lie spoken by our accuser {Genesis 3:4-5}.  The apostle Paul introduces us to the truth of Christ Jesus in Galatians.  Here, Paul reveals that it is Jesus who lives through us today {Galatians 2:20}.  This is confirmed by the apostle John that we would be one with Christ {John 17:21}.  We do well to remember that even in the darkest of times, it is Jesus who is walking that road less traveled with us. 

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 

~Scott~ 

The Simplest Of Things

 

"I woke up today and thanked God that I did"

Rush Limbaugh 

A few months ago I was saddened when radio icon Rush Limbaugh shared with his audience that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer.  I have grown up listening to Rush and heeded some of his pearls of wisdom from time to time.  Despite his diagnosis, one thing which I have not heard uttered from the lips of Limbaugh is how he has been cheated in some way.  That the man is keeping him down.  That, somehow, life's events were robbing him of his best years.  What I did hear from Rush is how thankful for each and every day his situation has made him.  In fact, he will often began a show with his now famous quote, "I woke up this morning and thanked God that I did."  Now, Rush has never been shy about espousing his views on his faith in God and his religion, so I was not surprised when he said this.  My take is that it is but one more thing for liberal hate mongers to dislike him for.  But I saw something different in the Limbaugh approach to his diagnosis.  Once again I've seen that the simplest things in life really do matter.  I've never talked to Rush, never even called the show.  Believe me, at times it's damn near impossible to get through.  However, I am contemplating a future call to his program for the simple fact of bringing his attention to something he might not know about God.  Granted, he might already know, but then it would be a affirmation.  The common catch phrase out there is that God works in mysterious ways, and that is true.  We might call ourselves Christians or believers, but the Lord still works events according to His will and desire {Philippians 2:13}.  What if, the Lord used Rush's health condition to draw him closer to Him?  You have to admit, it's been done before.  In my own life I've experienced it.  Now, we may never know the purpose to which the Lord allowed Limbaugh's health situation, but rest assured that He did allow it for a reason.  If Rush ever shares that on his program I'll listen with a open heart.  Yet, that is between himself and the Lord he serves.  

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4: 13 NKJV 

I have to admit, there are more than a few of the simplest of things which I have taken for granted over time.  We're told that through the Lord we live, move and have our being {Acts 17:28}.  Yet, there have been relatively few times where I have woken to a brand new day and thanked God that I had.  It took a radio personality to reveal to me just how important this is.  Yes, I'm sure that God had His way in orchestrating it as well.  So, I'm left with one question.  How many of these simplest of things have we taken for granted over the years?  How many times have we said to ourselves, "Well, it'll be there tomorrow so I'll deal with it then?"  I have no way of knowing for sure, but I'm sure that Rush Limbaugh's thoughts were not on a terminal illness in the days leading up to his own diagnosis.  That's the way it usually goes.  The simplest things are usually those we most take for granted.  I have no idea how many days upon this earth that I will be here, but what I do know is that I will be thankful for each and every one of them.  I've shared more than a few times of how hard I prayed that my mother would recover from her sickness.  When that didn't happen I was devastated.  The first thing I did was blame God for not answering my prayers.  However, in my grief I recalled that He did just that.  See, my mother had been in a lot of pain in her final years.  Many times I prayed that the Lord would take her away from her pain.  Well, He did just that.  Yes, I miss my mom, but I am also thankful to God that she is no longer suffering.  I also thank the Lord for those times that I did share with her.  The simplest of things.  As we head into this Thanksgiving week, many of us will be looking for those things which we are thankful for.  Many of them are obvious...food, shelter and employment.  Yet, we should also be thankful for the simple things, that which we experience each day yet seem to take them for granted.  The morning sunrise, a message from a friend or simply knowing that God is indeed within us.  I am thankful for a good many things, but it took a guy on the radio to show me that the simplest of things are important as well.  

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.  Nor is He worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath and all things.  And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'for we are also His offspring."

Acts 17: 24 - 28 NKJV 

~Scott~   

Knowing God

 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

Hebrews 1: 1 - 4 NKJV 

Have you ever seen God?  Been witness to His appearance?  We're told through scripture that no one has ever seen God {John 1:18}.  The writer of the book of Hebrews also tells us that in times past, that God has spoken to our fathers before us {Hebrews 1:1}.  However, I'm more worried about today.  Where is it today that we can see our heavenly Father?  Yes, we have plenty of illustrations which portray God as a white haired, stern looking elderly man.  But is this the real true image of God?  Awhile ago I purchased a children's illustrated bible, just to see how close it came to the original I carry.  I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when this kids bible sugar coated many of the events in the scriptures.  As I said, even the illustrations of God were of a elderly man.  Unfortunately, this is the image of the Lord that has carried over through thousands of years.  Where did it come from?  I mean, if no one has ever seen God, then who provided the description for this artists rendition?  Well, we did.  That is, man did.  I believe that this image of the Lord was incorporated some time ago in order to give a image to God.  What would your image of God be if you were Moses?  Yes, a burning bush, or a cloud of fire perhaps.  This is just how the Lord chose to reveal Himself to Moses at the time.  But what about me?  I want to see God too.  I want to put a face to He who provides for me.  Well, perhaps there is such an image of God for us to grab onto.  In fact, we may have already seen God and never even have known it.  The apostle Paul reveals to us in the book of Galatians the truth of Christ Jesus in us {Galatians 2:20}.  Think about it, every time you look in the mirror you are seeing God.  How can that be?  Simple, from the beginning we were created in His very image {Genesis 1:27}.  From the beginning, we were created in the image of God.  It is God who breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  Is it that much of a stretch that Paul would proclaim that Christ Jesus lives in us?  Remember, it was Jesus who proclaimed that if we have seen Him we have seen the Father as well {John 14:9}.  

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.  This is the true God and eternal life.

1 John 5: 20 NKJV 

Have you ever felt the need to put a face to the Lord?  To have that concrete evidence where you know who it is that you're talking to?  If so, then realizing the truth of Christ in us might be a difficult pill to swallow for you.  For me, Jesus in me was revealed through a dear friend of mine who continues to remain nameless even while in captivity in Hawaii.  Yet, despite my knowing His truth, I still looked for that image of Him to grab onto.  Now, my illustrated bible has plenty of the commonly accepted illustrations of Jesus, but I know that's not authentic.  Jesus...is me.  Now, if God chose to speak to our fathers before us, will He not reveal Himself to us as well?  Absolutely.  As I was contemplating this writing, another question entered my head which might very well be a future topic.  How far will God go to be glorified and/or known by His people?  This might just give us a insight into why the Lord revealed Himself to our fathers before us.  Why did God reveal Himself to Moses?  To Abraham?  Yes, we all know how the history played out, but why did the Lord choose to reveal Himself to these men?  Could it be that, besides working through them, that God desired to be known personally by His children?  Could it be that the Lord desired to interact with them?  If we believe in the one true nature of God being love, then we must also entertain the idea that God desires to be known by His creation.  When we look at the life of Adam and Eve in the garden, we see a life of daily interaction with the Lord.  After they took of the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve heard the sound of the Lord walking in the garden {Genesis 3:8}.  Could it be that God desires to experience that personal relationship with us as well?  As the events of each day unfold, think of the question of what will God do to be known by His creation?  

~Scott~ 

Why Should God Hurt?

 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8: 18 NKJV 

I was pondering this week that there seems to be a lot of sad, dejected Christians out there in the world.  Perhaps you are one of them.  You've been told for some time that in order to be a Christian that you need to face trials, that you will have bad times.  Hey, brother, that's life.  But, why do we naturally assume that just because we are Christians that the world will automatically be against us and that sadness will most always accompany us?  While I agree that there is and will be a lot of sadness and hurt in this world, I also set my heart upon the One who created the world and all that we see.  So, I found myself asking a few questions this week.  Was it Gods intention for us to walk through each and every day in misery for His sake?  I would say no.  However, many well meaning Christians would point to that famous scripture out of the book of James which tells us to rejoice in our afflictions {James 1:2}.  Does this guarantee that we are to remain sad due to our own lot in life?  NO!  What James was writing about here was that when the hard times do come, that we should not become lost in our frustration and sadness, but rejoice in the big picture of what God is accomplishing through us.  That is...patience.  Indeed, nothing will teach us more about patience than going through life's trials.  Most all of us can attest to that.  However, there is a huge difference in living a life of sadness and a life of joy in the Lord knowing what to do when the bad times come.  This, I believe, is what James was attempting to get across.  So, are we meant to suffer just because we are Christians?  I would say no.  Why would the Lord, who's very nature is love, ensure that His children are distressed?  Why would God provide for our union in Him only to have us in sadness?  Maybe a good deal of our walking around in sadness has less to do with our situation and more to do with who it is we think we are.  Would you walk in sadness and dejection if you knew in your heart that you were walking as Christ?  The truth of living as Christ is revealed to us by the apostle Paul in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  Was Jesus Himself always sad and dejected? 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Through whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 1: 1 - 5 NKJV 

I look back upon the time Jesus spent with His apostles.  I'm talking day to day times when He was not teaching, but living among His followers.  Did they laugh?  Did they tell jokes with one another?  Did they share the good times they all experienced?  Of course.  The notion that we, as Christians, need to walk around as some somber zombies awaiting the bad times in our lives is ridiculous.  I refuse to ever subscribe to that idea.  In fact, I rejoice in the fact that I do follow Christ Jesus.  I am glad in my heart that He does live through me.  I am happy and thankful that God thought enough of me to ensure my union with Him {John 17:21}.  I will never be that sad Christian.  Now, that doesn't mean that I do not know how to handle the bad situations when they arrive.  I do not look upon these bad times as Gods punishment, but as my learning opportunity.  I have gotten into the habit, when bad times arrive, of asking "What are you doing in through this, Lord?"  I know that the Lord always has a purpose for what He does, so I ask Him.  One question I came across this week was...should knowing God hurt?  Should we be destined to a life of sorrow if we follow Him?  Again, I think I've laid out some pretty convincing thoughts on why being a Christian doesn't mean that we should walk in sadness.  Ask yourself, do you see Jesus as always being in sorrow?  After all, for those of us who trust in our union with Him...we ARE Jesus.  This is something we should all rejoice in.  We can't control when or where the hard times will come, but we can control how it is that we respond to them when they do.  

~Scott~ 

Behind The Blues

 

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore most gladly I will boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.  for when I am weak, then I am strong. 

2 Corinthians 12: 9 - 10 NKJV 

Is there anyone out there who is feeling more than a bit rattled today?  Think of all which we have going on in our lives.  Elections, a deadly (or so they say) virus and perhaps a change in our nations leadership all add up to the anxiety that I'm sure many of us are feeling.  Some may even be bordering on depression.  I get it.  Awhile ago, I stopped watching the daily news and internet news feeds because it was simply causing me more harm than good.  I don't need to be hit over the head to realize that todays news media has become mostly slanted to a liberal point of view.  Now, for a lifetime conservative, that is indeed bad news.  However, for someone with a solid faith in God, it might not be all bad news out there.  Last night I was watching a documentary on the United Sates Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team.  From a young age, I've loved watching the Navy Blues and the Air Force Thunderbird squadrons show their skills at air shows around the world.  As I watched this episode, I was struck by something unique.  As each pilot marches out to the flight line at the start of each flight, his attention centers upon the crew chief of his aircraft.  With one gesture, the crew chief could shut down the flight.  Granted, the Navy pilots receive much of the attention, but it is the men and women working behind the scenes that make these jets fly.  What does this have to do with God, stress and the world we find ourselves living in?  Simple, like the Blue Angels, we have someone working behind the scenes for us as well.  As Christians, we do well to remember that it is God who gives us each and every day of our lives.  For without Him, we would not exist.  Nothing would.  Do you think for a minute that God cowers in fear of Joe Biden or Donald J Trump?  Not likely.  I would suggest that the opposite is true, that Trump and Biden should fear the Lord.  As I watched this campaign season unfold, it became obvious to me which of the candidates actually believed in and showed reverence to God.  That man was Donald trump.  Yet, I'm sure that even the bombastic Trump would admit that he is the one being used by the Lord for His purposes.

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 5: 5 NKJV 

How often is it, in the midst of our troubles, that we take a moment and contemplate just what it is that the Lord is accomplishing through our situation?  My dear friend, some time ago, suggested that instead of asking "why me, God?" that we should instead be asking "What are trying to accomplish, Lord?"  Because, like that experienced pilot, we should know by now that it is not we ourselves who mold and shape each and every moment we live.  That whole "carpe diem" thing really doesn't apply here.  Why?  Because we have one behind the scenes who is working life events and circumstances to conform to His will.  Joe Biden and Donald Trump are but figureheads in the Lords grand scheme.  Believe me, I feel a whole lot better knowing God is in charge than some left leaning liberal geezer.  This is the assurance that all believers must share, that despite all that is going on around us, that events are only happening by the will of the Father.  I'll rest my confidence upon that truth any day.  God is the one behind the scenes who, unfortunately, does not receive the credit He deserves all too often.  I would say this, if we believe in God, then we also believe that He can accomplish anything should He see fit.  After all, He did create all that we see around us.  So, if you find the time in the next few moments or days, ask God what He is working in your life.  Not only will get a better understanding of the one behind the scenes, you might just alleviate some anxiety as well.  

~Scott~ 

What Donald Trump Couldn't Do

 

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 

Matthew 19: 26 NKJV 

I've been a bit on edge ever since this most recent election, wondering which direction our nation would take.  My anxiety was further heightened this week as our over reaching governor once again instituted a stay at home order for our state.  Already I have heard from friends who are wondering where that lost income will come from.  In the back of my mind I keep thinking, "just wait until all the votes are counted so president Trump can fix this mess and alleviate the fears of so many people."  Well, I realized last night that the ball isn't in Donald Trumps court on this one.  This situation, in its entirety, belongs to God.  Don't get me wrong, Donald trump is a great leader who loves America as founded, but he is powerless to do anything in this situation.  So, where is it that we turn when all else fails?  Where is it that we turn when our anxieties overcome us?  Well, we simply need heed the words of Jesus when He was asked the very same thing.  See, Jesus had just finished explaining to His disciples how difficult it was for a rich man to enter the Lords kingdom.  To the disciples this must have sounded like a impossibility.  If someone with great wealth cannot get into heaven, what chance do we have?  The disciples posed this question to Jesus.  "Who then can be saved?"  Jesus said to them, "with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  This response from Jesus should make all who believe content.  If all things are possible with God, why is it that so many seldom seek His guidance and help?  Why is it that I believed that Donald Trump could rectify every bad situation he is facing?  Doesn't it seem pretty arrogant on our part that we would ignore God and try to fix things ourselves?  Well, if you answered no then you may just still believe in the lie that man is separated from God.  The lie which was told by Satan in the garden {Genesis 3:4-5}.  It is this lie which has damaged the relationship between ourselves and God ever since.  

Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us!  We are perishing!"  But He said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?"  Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  So the men marveled, saying, "Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?"

Matthew 8: 25 - 27 NKJV 

I will share a secret with you.  Until you overcome the lie of the enemy that you are separated from God, you will always struggle in not only knowing Him, but knowing Jesus as well.  Who is Jesus?  Is Jesus simply a Savior who spends His eternity in heaven at the Fathers side?  While that may be a good description of the gospel of Jesus, it in no way describes the Jesus I have come to know.  Jesus is not so impersonal that He would be distant from the Fathers children.  Remember, it was Jesus who prayed that we would be one with He and the Father {John 17:21}.  It is Jesus who claims that if We have seen Him then we have seen the Father as well {John 14:9}.  So, if Jesus is indeed very near to us, where is He?  The apostle Paul answers that question is Galatians when he claims that it is Christ Jesus who lives in him {Galatians 2:20}.  This is the Jesus that I have come to know.  This is the Jesus that lays to waste the lie of the enemy.  God is not far off and distant from you.  In fact, every time you look in the mirror, you see His reflection.  The prayer of Jesus has been answered, we are now one with He and the Father.  So, what does this all have to do with Trump and the nations current situation?  Well, I know that Donald Trump is a Christian.  I do not know if he has received the same revelation of Christ Jesus  in him as I have for myself, but he is a believer in God.  I also realize that it is the Spirit of Jesus within him that is guiding Donald Trump at this time.  One thing is for certain, whatever Donald Trump cannot do, God will have no difficulty accomplishing.  

Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us."  Jesus 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?' 

John 14: 8 - 9 NKJV 

~Scott~ 

No Place For Good Men

 

But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.  

1 Corinthians 11: 3 NKJV 

I was reading this past week of another pastor of a rather large congregation who resigned from his position because of his infidelities.  Now, it seems that stories such as this have become more and more the norm in recent years.  The national media has some twisted fascination over exposing the bad behaviors of Christian leaders.  Indeed, sensationalism in the news media has run rampant.  I guess I can't blame the media, they're only doing their jobs, reporting on the news of the day.  However, I do feel as if far too many non Christians judge believers by the actions of a few bad behaving church leaders.  Instead of church leaders being seen as teaching the gospel, they are seen as hypocrites.  Don't get me wrong, they've earned that reputation.  I asked a good friend of mine who continues to remain nameless even while on vacation this week about his opinion of men in church leadership.  His response?  He supports the biblical view of men in leadership.  I couldn't agree more.  I've always had the belief that the man should be the leader of the household, not out of lording over others, but out of the love which flows from Christ Jesus.  The tiers of leadership are pretty simple...God, Jesus, man and woman.  At the head of it all, obviously, is God.  I do not see the position of church leadership as a sexist issue, as more than a few have complained about.  In fact, I've been in more than a few churches where women had prominent leadership roles.  This isn't about that.  What this is about is Gods view of leadership.  After all, if He created it He should have a say on how it's run...right?  So, it is safe to say that the biblical view of leadership places the husband, the father, the man at the head of the table.  This is what we have been taught for years.  Indeed, many a Christian family have followed that biblical teaching for many years.  However, if you ask me, it places a heavy burden upon those who would lead.

"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: 29 NKJV 

There is a saying about those who assume the role of authority over others.  Heavy weighs the head that wears the crown.  This couldn't be more true than in the role of Christian leadership today.  Todays church leaders are faced with a barrage of temptations never before seen.  From social media to the internet, every kind of bad behavior is available to each of us in an instant.  This is why I wasn't surprised to learn that the pastor caught in infidelity met his mistress through Facebook.  Hey, I've seen what goes on on Facebook, and more than enough of it isn't pretty.  Granted, that burden of responsibility still lies with the disgraced pastor, but I will guarantee that he will not be the last to fall victim to bad behavior.  The bible teaches us that Christ Jesus is the head of the man.  Well, I submit that Christ IS the man.  The apostle Paul assures us of this reality of Christ Jesus in us in Galatians {Galatians 2:20}.  So, not only did this disgraced pastor behave badly, but I believe that he had a identity problem.  Did he even realize that he was the image of God unto the world?  I doubt it.  Not too many Christians embrace this truth.  Yet, if we believe that Christ is indeed in us, then we also believe that we ourselves are the very image of God to those around us.  Pretty heavy stuff huh?  Yet not entirely unbelievable.  I do not find it unbelievable that God would desire to show Himself through our church leaders.  That is, if those leaders even realize who it is they are.  The words of Jesus couldn't be more clear, the way to plunder a strong mans house is to first bind the strong man.  Indeed, our leadership has been handcuffed by temptations, social upheaval and liberal ideas.  Todays Christian leadership has become a place hostile to good men.  

~Scott~ 

A Happy Place

"Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.

John 16: 22 NKJV 

Where is your happy place?  You know, that place where you seem to spend a good amount of your time.  For me, lately my happy place has been a my local gym.  I have a good friend who's happy place is working on his old Jeep.  The truth is, we all have that place where we go to feel happy and content.  Unfortunately, there are those among us whose happiness is derived from alcohol or drugs as well.  There was that time where I found my happy place to be sitting inside one of Portland's strip clubs.  Well, let me just say that my current happy place is much less expensive than my last venture.  But, that is where I chose to spend my time.  What changed?  What made me realize that those things which I was doing were not beneficial to me?  Well, my own realization of who it is that I really am for one.  What also changed was my perception of who Jesus truly is.  I've written many times about the truth of Christ.  Of how the apostle Paul has introduced to us a new way of seeing Jesus.  Paul assures us that the Jesus he knew will never leave us.  That's because He lives on through us {Galatians 2:20}.  In my heart I always knew that Jesus was a living being, I just thought that He lived in heaven.  That is what I had been taught.  So, Christ has never been dead to me.  Just, shall we say, misplaced.  What's also interesting is that I could go all of those years in whatever happy place I'd found without knowing that Jesus was there with me.  Go figure.  Let me say that my circumstances are not that much different from any that others may be going through.  You might be going through a drug addiction and feeling as if that is what makes you happy.  Hey, I've been there.  You might see a abusive relationship as a happy place, I get it.  Whatever you see as that place where you feel content, know that Jesus is there with you.

"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."

Galatians 2: 20 NKJV 

One of the thoughts I used to justify my bad behavior back in the day was that, "Jesus wants me to be happy."  Whatever it is that I'm doing, Jesus wants me to be happy doing it.  Well, was Jesus happy sitting there in a strip club?  Yes, that might have been my happy place at the time, but was Jesus happy as well?  Now, before you get bent out of shape because I'm placing Jesus in a strip club, remember that Paul assures us that Christ is indeed in us.  Knowing this, we can then assume that whatever it is we do, Jesus is there.  However we choose to conduct ourselves, Jesus is there.  So, yes, Jesus was indeed there with me while I killed time at the strip club.  Was He happy there?  Not at all.  But He was there because He is in me.  That changed one night when, as I was about to spend another night in my happy place, Jesus reminded me of the man that I really am.  I was not the man who walked into these places for enjoyment.  My happiness did not come from things which the Lord does not look fondly on.  So it is with you as well.  I ask again, where is it that you find happiness?  Is Jesus happy there with you?  I know that you might have convinced yourself that He is...but is He really?  Are you living your life in a way that Jesus who is in you can be happy as well?  I wasn't.  That is, not until I realized who it is that I truly am.  I'm not a man who is happy without Jesus.  I'm also not a man who is happy in something which brings grief to Christ.  That's not who I am.  So, for now I'll find my happy place in the local gym where I continue to make myself healthier.  In my heart, I know that Jesus is happy there with me.  

~Scott~   

Love Without End

 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

1 John 4: 8 NKJV 

There was a radio pastor this week who proclaimed that we, as a society, had lost the ability to love.  Now, we might convince ourselves that we see this each and every day when we're out in the world, but is it really true?  I'm not buying it.  Although, I'll admit that there may be those among us who are afraid to love.  There might also be those who have a undying fear of a love not being returned.  It is here where this topic strikes a cord with me.  See, I love God.  I love Jesus.  In my heart I also know that He loves me with a undying love as well.  It is through His love for me that he saved me from my former condition {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  It is through His love for me that He has made me one with Himself {John 17:21}.  The Fathers love for me is without question.  Yet, it wasn't always that way.  Ok, let me rephrase that, I didn't always believe that this was the case.  Despite numerous scripture references which highlighted Gods love for me, I felt as if His love was something I had to earn for myself.  That's right, even though Gods love had assured my future and delivered me from sin, I felt as if I still had something to prove in order to earn all which He had done for me.  I mean, nobody shows that much love and grace to someone without expecting something in return, right?  Well, that's what I had been told.  More than few pastors convinced me that although God loved me, there was still a danger of losing His love.  I've heard too many stories from Christians who have trembled in fear that their own behavior would somehow lead God to instantly stop loving them.  I myself have felt those same fears many times where my own behavior has been on the edge.  So much so that each and every time I found myself on my knees praying for the Father to take me back.  He never did.  God never took me back...because He never let me go in the first place.  

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5: 8 NKJV 

One thing that I would say to everybody out there is that the love of God is unshakable.  The love of God stands the test of time.  The love of God endures when everything around us fails.  The love of God is the one constant which we have in life.  I know that this might be contrary to the message which many of us have heard from the pulpits, but it's true.  God will not withdraw His love for us because He is upset or angry.  Our actions and behaviors might not be the best at times, but Gods love for us still remains unchanged.  I recall standing outside the door of a strip club one night and wondering if God would ever love me again.  I mean, look where I was!  My own desires had drawn me somewhere that I know He didn't approve of.  Was God mad at me?  Oh yeah, He was mad enough at me that He took the time to remind me that this was not the man I truly was inside.  It was at that moment that I realized that God was closer to me than I ever realized.  Yes, I had gone into clubs before, and He was there with me.  This isn't some blasphemous rant, it is the truth of Christ which the apostle Paul tells us of in Galatians.  It is Paul who introduces us to the reality of Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}.  That is, wherever we go, Jesus is there with us.  Jesus in a strip club?  You bet!  Well, at that time I had no realization of Jesus being in me.  So, does Jesus get mad when we behave badly?  Does His anger burn so hot that He can no longer stand to remain in us?  NO!  Remember this, Jesus never changes {Hebrews 13:8}.  He is the same yesterday as He is today.  That same Christ who was in me yesterday is in me today as well.  So, what is the reaction of Jesus when we behave badly?  Well, I believe that Jesus is grieved when we engage in behaviors that we know are wrong.  Grieved because He knows what is best for us.  Does His love for us change?  No.  One of the best illustrations of the Fathers love for us comes from the parable of the prodigal son.  In it, the son leaves home with his inheritance and squanders it on bad behaviors.  However, when the money is gone, he comes to his senses and returns home in hopes of his fathers forgiveness.  Well, we're told that while he was still a ways away, his father saw him and ran to him to welcome his son home.  I believe that this is the reaction of our heavenly Father when we come to Him.  I believe that it is our own guilt and shame which leads us to believe that God would abandon us.  We might give up on ourselves...but God never will.  

Last night I dreamed I died and stood outside those pearly gates

When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake

If they know half the things I've done they'll never let me in

Then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again

Let me tell you the secret 

About a Fathers love

A secret that my daddy said was just between us

See daddy's don't just love their children every now and then

It's a love without end Amen

~Love Without End - George Straight~

~Scott~ 

Son Day

 

For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Romans 8: 19 NKJV 

A recent discussion has focused on the scripture of the revealing of the sons of God which the apostle Paul reminds us of in Romans.  So, I got to thinking, when is it that I become a son of God?  Is it when I first believe?  Is it when O accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior?  Well, the apostle John tells us  that we are already known as children of God {1 John 3:1}.  This is the identity given to us through the love of the Father.  I get it.  So it is that through the Fathers love He has proclaimed us as His children...according to John.  But, are we not children of God through our creation as well?  I mean, that alone should qualify us as His loved children, right?  We're told that God breathed into us the breath of life {Genesis 2:7}.  Now, do we not consider our earthly parents who also gave us life as mother and father?  Therefore, it is not a stretch to have the realization that we are also children of God who created us.  But wait, didn't God have but one Son?  Again, John assures us of this in 1 John {1 John 4:9}.  So what gives?  Are we children of God who, by the way, only had one begotten Son?  We may be getting into brass tacks here, but to readers of scripture who are unfamiliar with the lay of the land, this is what it might look like.  A Father with only one Son...who has many children.  Allow me to explain.  Back in high school one of my friends was a European immigrant who had been adopted by a family here in the U.S.  As you might imagine, he was cared for and loved as much as his new family's biological children...of which there were three.  So it is with us through Christ Jesus.  Yes, Jesus was our Fathers only begotten Son.  However, it is through Christ Jesus that we ourselves have received adoption as sons to Himself {Ephesians 1:5}.  Therefore, we are accepted as children of God through the love and sacrifice of Jesus.  There is nothing that can ever take that from us.

Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1: 5 - 6 NKJV 

But wait, John was not the only one who spoke of our identity as children of God.  Paul also tells us that those who are led by the Spirit of God are indeed sons of God {Romans 8:14}.  As Gods children, we also share in the joint inheritance with Christ {Romans 8:17}.  So it is that we can be assured that we are indeed sons of God.  However, is our identity known by others?  Perhaps, if we are open enough to share with them.  Indeed, the time will come when the children of God will be revealed to all of the Fathers creation.  I do not personally know when these events will occur, but I am assured that as a child of God that I await something more than this earthly body {Romans 8:23}.  In fact, a good friend who does his best to remain nameless has stated that indeed all who have passed before us eagerly await the new bodies we will receive on that day.  Yes, everyone awaits for the redemption of their earthly bodies.  Think about it, these bodies of ours are aging and, in some cases, failing us.  So, what is it that we give our hearts to the Lord for?  What is the reason for our salvation?  Is it the promise of our eternity in heaven?  Well, I'll be writing more in the future that heaven may be closer to us than we think.  Is it our eternity with Jesus?  Well, Paul tells us that it is Jesus who lives in us {Galatians 2:20}.  So, if Jesus is in us, do we still await a eternity with Him?  If you ask me, we have Jesus right here with us here and now.  So, the very reason for our salvation may just come down to God revealing us as His children AND receiving our redeemed spiritual body.  Definitely something worth waiting for.  

~Scott~