Raising The Dead (A Story Worth Telling)

 "The greatest decision I ever made was to give (Jesus) Lordship over my life"

Derek Carr (Quarterback, Las Vegas Raiders)

If you're a football fan, or sports fan in general, you might see them every week.  Those athletes who, when asked by the media who it is they thank for the win or their abilities will respond that they give the glory to the Lord and Him only.  I find it refreshing that those with such a big platform with which to speak their opinion choose to give glory to the Lord at every turn.  Admit it, we don't hear it that often from the people who surround us.  For the most part, we're surrounded by the negativity and sarcasm of the world.  I've seen fat too many sports figures who, instead of giving glory to the Lord, choose to speak to their next big contract or how they will spend their money.  Worse yet are those who speak to how it is they are being railroaded after their latest brush with the legal system.  What a awesome thing it is where someone feels so strongly about their walk with the Lord that want to tell the world of what they have experienced.  Well, the reality is, we can do just that.  We also have our own platforms each and every day with which to proclaim our heavenly Fathers glory.  You don't need to be a high priced athlete in order to speak of God and hopefully make a difference in the life of another person.  Telling the story of how it is God has worked in our lives is a gift every Christian has received.  I can only imagine that the desire of the Lord is that all would share their experiences with the world around them.  In most situations, this was not something I was comfortable with doing.  I was ok with having the glory of the Lord, but it had to be a special occasion if I ever shared that with someone.  Yet something changed over the past few years where I not find myself sharing with others via this page or in person just how much of a difference Jesus has made in my life.  This is a story worth telling.

Yet whenever that may be coming - the spirit of truth - it will be guiding you into all the truth, for it will not be speaking from itself, but whatsoever it should be hearing will it be speaking, and of what is coming will it be informing you. 

John 16: 13, Concordant New Testament 

Recently in the course of my work I came across a young lady named Heather who was in the process of using a intoxicant of the illegal kind.  As I watched her I said the first thing that came to mind, "You know that stuff is going to kill you, right?"  She simply nodded her head and continued.  Then, whether I realized my platform or not, I told her that "God doesn't want this for you."  I did manage to male a small connection with her and point her in the direction of people who could help her.  Then, I offered a prayer that God would watch over Heather.  I trust in my heart that He will do just that.  Through my job, I have discovered that I also have a platform with which to proclaim the glory of the Lord that I have experienced in my own life.  What is your platform?  It might be a job, a relationship or a talent as a speaker of writer.  Whatever it is, the word of the Lord and the gospel of Jesus will undoubtedly be spread far and wide by those who know Him.  Then, the more people who come to know Christ Jesus in their lives will also tell others of Him.  You can see how this goes.  This is how the gospel of Jesus originally spread, through the word of mouth of those who knew Him.  These are the recorded words of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, those who knew the Lord Personally.  Through their words we will come to know Jesus and tell of our own experience in Him.

~Scott~ 

A Pagan Hijacking

 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are of God, for many false prophets have come into the world.  

1 John 4: 1, Concordant New Testament 

The ancient Romans had a festival which they celebrated this time of year.  The festival of Saturnalia honored the Roman god Saturn, and was held to celebrate the end of the autumn planting season.  A few of the activities which the Romans engaged in during this festival included gambling, giving feasts and the exchanging of gifts with others.  Does this sound even remotely familiar?  If you recognized that the behaviors of the Romans during this festival of Saturnalia were similar to those exhibited by so many over the Christmas season you are not alone.  So then the question arises, is the Christmas season the true season of the birth of Christ?  This has certainly been a question for scholars for many years.  Let's just say, after some brief research of my own, that the December birth of Jesus is in error.  Instead, let's place the birth of the Messiah in the month of September.  This would coincide with the time of year where shepherds would be out in the fields, a key factor in this story as the shepherds were alerted to the birth of Jesus by the angels as they watched over their flocks {Luke 2: 8-10}.  Obviously, being outdoors, these shepherds would have preferred milder weather.  Another factor historians use is the birth of John the Baptist in regards to that of Jesus.  We're told that Mary was visited by the angel in the sixth month of Elizabeths pregnancy {Luke 1:26-27}.  Taking into account the normal pregnancy cycles of Mary and Elizabeth, assuming they were both indeed normal, we arrive at a birth month for baby Jesus in September and not December as millions of Christians have been made to believe.  In a way, the birth of the Messiah has been hijacked by a bunch of pagans.  

We are of God.  He who knows God is hearing us.  He who is not of God is not hearing us.  By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.

1 John 4: 6, Concordant New Testament 

I don't place the blame for the mistake of the birth season of Jesus squarely on the non believer.  If you think about it, it was all done rather discreetly.  The Romans were the occupiers of the region of Judea at the time of the birth of Jesus, and had been for some time.  Knowing this, one can rightly assume that a good portion of the customs of the Roman occupiers could have taken hold in the societies of the territories they occupied.  After all, the Roman Centurian, far from home, would have certainly engaged in those celebrations he knew so well from home.  So, we definitely would have seen scenes of the Roman festival of Saturnalia in the streets of the occupied cities of the region of Judea.  Granted, not everyone would have partook in these celebrations, but over time, the predominant Roman influence would have overtaken the influence of the Hebrews of that region.  Over time, many of these Roman  ceremonies would have become seen as being a part of everyday life.  Therefore, what many knew as the birth of Jesus in the month of September would now become a part of a Roman festival in December.  Of course, there are historians out there who know the truth, but one can assume that over the course of time, the acknowledgement of the true birth month of Jesus has shifted to what we now celebrate as our Christmas season.  It is now very much a part of our society.  Imagine how difficult it would be to suddenly proclaim that we need to move the birth of Jesus to another date.  Suddenly Santa Claus, Christmas trees and candlelight services would never be the same.  So, it would seem that the pagans won this one.  However, one thing that will never change is the very reason for the birth of Jesus.  His very name speaks to our heart of His purpose...God with us.  

~Scott~ 

A Stirring In Bethlehem

 Now, at Jesus' being born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, Lo! Magi from the east came along into Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who is brought forth King of the Jews?  For we perceived His star in the East, and we came to worship Him."  Now, hearing of it, King Herod was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with Him. 

Matthew 2: 1-3, Concordant New Testament 

It is hard to imagine quite what it was like a few thousand years ago this week in Bethlehem of Judea.  Sure, we're told the story from the narrative of the scriptures, but can they be trusted to be accurate?  Was there, in those days, the telling of the birth of a child who would soon leave His mark on history?  Well, it seems that there were quite a few in Jerusalem who were uneasy about this prophesy coming to fruition {Matthew 2:3}.  We know that the prophesy of the birth of Jesus was known to many in the region of Judea, given the population of the Lords people in that area.  Indeed, if you were Jewish, then you most assuredly knew of the coming birth of the Messiah.  Depending on how strong your belief was, you might even see the coming birth of the Christ as that of a magnificent military leader who would deliver the Lords chosen people from the hated Roman occupiers.  However, scripture does not back up these assumptions.  What the scriptures do tell us is more along the lines of the reason for the coming Messiah.  That being, that He would save His people from their sins {Matthew 1:21}.  It is hard to imagine that, knowing this passage, that the Jews of the time would choose to equate Jesus with a powerful military leader.  Perhaps that had been under the boot of Rome for so long that they were seeking any belief that God would ultimately deliver His people from this bondage.  Whatever the belief of the population of Bethlehem, we're told that those within the city were disturbed.  This was the backdrop for the birth of our Lord and Savior.  That King Herod inquired of others concerning the birth of the Messiah tells us that His birth was not meant to be a secret.  Despite the uneasiness of those in Jerusalem, the birth of Jesus was told to be an occasion for joy among all people {Luke 2:10}.  

Now when the full time came, God delegates His Son, come of a woman, come under law, that He should be reclaiming those under law, that we may be getting the place of a son.

Galatians 4: 4-5, Concordant New Testament 

Every year the question is asked, what is the true meaning of Christmas?  Well, I believe that I know that true meaning, and it does not lie with trees and gifts.  It doesn't even reside with candlelight services of our brick and mortar churches.  The real meaning of Christmas, I believe, is our heavenly Father saving us from ourselves.  For we are the ones who chose to accept the lie of the accuser in the garden {Genesis 3:4-6}.  As a result, man was moved from the garden which the Lord had prepared for him {Genesis 3:23-24}.  Obviously, it was never the Lords intent to leave his children in the broken state in which their own choices had placed them.  We were in need of a Savior, and in this lies the true meaning of Christmas.  I was never uneasy about knowing Jesus.  In fact, I often wonder what took me so long to hear His call to me.  Yet, just as the residents of Jerusalem were uneasy over the birth of the coming Messiah, there may be those today who are just as uneasy at the thought of turning their lives over to the Lord.  I've heard many people mention that they simply do not want to give control of their life to someone else (i.e. Jesus).  This could definitely produce some uneasiness in people.  But if we see and know Christ the way He desires us to, it may ease our hearts.  We do well to recall that the desire of Jesus is that all would be one with He and the Father {John 1:21}.  The prophesy of the Messiah is not one who would banish the oppressor with fire and brimstone.  No, the promise of the Messiah is that He will save us from the oppression we have already endured {Romans 6:6}.  I have no uneasiness about that at all. 

~Scott~ 

God With Us

 

Therefore Yahweh Himself will give a sign to you:  Behold, the damsel shall be pregnant and bear a son, and you will call his name Immanuel. 

Issaiah 7: 14, Concordant Old Testament 

It's been called the greatest story ever told, but I prefer to think of it as the greatest gift ever given.  As we inch closer and closer to this Christmas day, it gives us chance to step back and consider the true meaning of the greatest gift ever given.  Growing up, I'd heard that God was a loving Father, and sometimes I wondered what birthday or Christmas gift my Father would give to me.  While my earth bound parents presented me with gifts such as model airplanes and electronic games, it took some time before I realized the gift that my Lord has given me.  This gift which He has given to us.  What is this gift?  Well, it's one that we might not realize for some time depending  our own relationship with the Lord.  Like I said, my own realization of my gift occurred later in life.  So, what is this gift presented to us by our heavenly Father?  We find it spoken of in the prophesy of the birth of Jesus.  It is in His name...Immanuel.  Which is translated "God with us."  This is the greatest gift ever given.  The first realization I had of this gift didn't come from the greatest story ever told, but from the apostle Paul.  It is the apostle Paul who speaks to us in Galatians of Christ Jesus living in him {Galatians 2:20}.  Paul was speaking to the truth of the prophesy, God with us.  Every day I walk as Christ Jesus who is in me, this is the gift which God has given me.  Yet not just to me, but to all of His children as well.  You may never realize the gift which you have been given, but make no mistake it is there for you to have.  The greatest gift ever given.  

With Christ have I been crucified, yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ.  Now that which I am now living in flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, who loves me, and gives Himself up for me. 

Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament

I find it disheartening that more people know of the Christmas birth of Jesus story than know of the truth of Christ in us.  This does not take away from the truth of Jesus in us, but illustrates one of the shortcomings of our Christian religion.  The fact that few pastors, priests or leaders speak to the truth of the indwelling Christ.  People might have their own opinion as far as why this occurs but, again, it does nothing to take away from the fact that Jesus lives in you.  Just because few people speak of it does not make it false teaching.  Perhaps instead of referring to it as the greatest gift ever given, we should refer to it as the greatest gift ever accepted?  For indeed there are those who will not accept nor realize the gift they have been given.  But God is loving, and He does not withdraw His gift offering despite the fact that one does not accept it.  His desire is that all will accept His gift and come to the knowing of God with us.  Of His Son in them.  I am thankful that my own realization of His gift to me did not go unheeded.  I do not walk this life alone, but with God with me.  

And we know and believe the love which God has in us.  God is love, and he who is remaining in love is remaining in God, and God is remaining in him. 

1 John 4: 20, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Raising The Dead (The Cost Of Resurection)

 

"For I hunger and you give Me to eat I thirst and you give Me drink; a stranger was I and you took Me in; naked and you clothed Me; infirm am I and you visit Me; in jail was I and you come to Me,'  "Then the just will be answering Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we perceive Thee hungering and nourish Thee, or thirsting and we give Thee drink?  Now when did we perceive Thee a stranger and took Thee in, or naked and we clothed Thee?  Now when did we perceive Thee infirm, or in jail and we came to Thee?  "And, answering, the King shall be declaring to them, 'Verily, I am saying to you, in as much as you did it to one of these, the least of My brethren, you did it to Me.' 

Matthew 25: 35-40, Concordant New Testament 

It has been a constant part of this cities budget battle over the past few years.  What, and how much, do we allot to fighting the cities homeless issue?  Recently, the county denied the mayor of Portland's request for more funding for the homeless, choosing instead to allot the funds into rent relief for low income people.  The term robbing Peter to pay Paul could not be more appropriate than this in this situation.  Both sides need help, both sides need a way out of their situation.  Yet, in the blink of an eye, it seems that low income people are deemed more important than no income people.  And so the cycle continues as it always does.  So I pose the question which I'm sure more than a few others have in the past...what price do we put upon a homeless person?  Granted, in this city there are social service programs in order to assist the housing impaired.  However, if these programs were truly capable, we would be able to judge their success by the decreased numbers of homeless people on the streets.  Sadly, this has not been the case.  On the contrary, with each and every dollar given to help the homeless population, more and more get sucked down this financial black hole.  To me, it is the definition of big government, with millions of dollars being thrown at an issue that never gets resolved.  Can anyone really put a cost to this issue?  Did Jesus Himself put a cost to the issue of helping the helpless?  No, Jesus tells us in no uncertain terms that what we do to those in need...we do to Him as well {Matthew 25:40}.  If we give generously to those in need, we give to Jesus.  If we turn a blind eye to one who asks for help, we might just be turning our backs on one who is in Christ.  Many believers will not understand this comparison because they do not understand that it is Christ Jesus who lives in them {Galatians 2:20}.  

For ritual clean and undefiled with God the Father is this: to be visiting the bereaved and widowed in their affliction, to be keeping oneself unspotted from the world. 

James 1: 27, Concordant New Testament 

The concordant translation of the New Testament is interesting, and I refer to it often.  For this writing, my interest was piqued by the translation I found in the book of James.  The concordant translation refers to James chapter 1, verse 27 as "Ritual clean and undefiled."  What does the New King James record this verse as?  "Religion that is pure and undefiled."  So, the Lords brother is speaking to us about pure religion and its practices.  I'm not talking about rock band praise and worship music or feel good in the moment sermons that end up putting you to sleep.  I believe that what James is referring to here is our belief and faith in what we believe in.  Do we trust that giving unto others is exactly what Jesus desires for us?  Do we embrace what Jesus desires for us?  Living the desire of Christ, I believe that THIS is our belief pure and undefiled.  Anything less than that could be construed as plain old fashioned religion.  As believers, we know and understand that doing good unto others is something the Lord desires for us.  God has never put a price tag upon kindness.  There is no budget for His love and mercy upon us.  The fact that our salvation is the free gift of His grace is testament to this {Ephesians 2:8-9}.  We cannot earn our salvation nor can we ever lose it.  This is all due to the love and mercy of our heavenly Father.  To whom no price is too great when providing for His children.  

For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is God's approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting. 

Ephesians 2: 8-9, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Through The Stained Glass

 

"Now she shall be bringing forth a Son, and you shall be calling His name Jesus, for He shall be saving His people from their sins."  Now the whole of this has occurred that that may be fulfilled which is declared by the Lord by the prophet, saying: "Lo! The virgin shall be pregnant And shall be bringing forth a Son, AND they shall be calling His name 'Emmanuel,'" which is, being construed, "God with us."

Matthew 1: 21-23, Concordant New Testament 

Christmas is a special time of year.  A time where we take time to think more of others instead of ourselves.  A time where we reflect on the deeper meaning of this life.  I now know that the Christmas season is upon us because of the blitz of Christmas specials I've been seeing on television.  It seems that everyone and their brother has a unique interpretation of what the true  meaning of Christmas is.  One You tube influencer threw out the possibility of creating the first openly gay holiday over the Christmas season.  For me, my own vision of the meaning of Christmas is something between the mainstream church and the Jesus I have come to know.  Yet, before I could celebrate my knowledge of the birth of Jesus, I needed to take another look into the stained glass windows of the brick and mortar church.  This is where I learned what they told me was the true meaning of Christmas.  How Joseph and Mary huddled in a outdoor manger because there was no room for them at the local boarding house.  It seems holiday travelers dealt with this issue even back then.  How a star in the sky guided three wise guys to said manger where they dealt gifts to and worshipped this newborn child.  Here's something interesting, a portion of the gifts the three wise men gifted to the baby Jesus were...spices used in that day for the embalming and burial process {Matthew 2:11}.  Indeed, frankincense and myrrh were often used in Jesus' day during the burial process.  Were these three men prophets?  Is there some sort of inner message we should be seeing through their gifts to the Christ child?  Through all of my years looking through the stained glass nobody ventured to ask that question.  So, Jesus is born in a manger in Bethlehem.  We're told that His is a humble birth, possibly signifying His later years.  Interestingly, this is where the story of the boy Jesus comes to an abrupt end.  The next time we see Jesus He is almost grown and about to begin His ministry.  My, that kid grew fast.  

And the messenger said to them, "Fear not, for Lo! I am bringing you an evangel of great joy which will be for the entire people, for today was brought forth to you a Savior who is Christ, the Lord."

Luke 2: 10-11, Concordant New Testament 

What my life behind the stained glass of the mainstream church failed to introduce me to was the REAL Jesus whom I had heard so much about.  The Jesus that did not vanish from our reality once He rose from the grave.  On the contrary, in the story of the birth of Jesus we're again introduced to a few revelations of scripture that reveal to the reader that there is something more to His birth.  We're told that His birth will be of great joy for all of the people {Luke 2:10}.  That it is He who will save His people from their sins {Matthew 1:21}.  Yet most important of all are the words of the prophet Issaiah who proclaimed that the child's very name would remind us of His purpose {Issaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23}.  Yes, Jesus saves people from their sins, but I believe that the most important scripture concerning His birth is that which proclaims His name.  Immanuel, which is translated to mean "God with us."  This is the meaning of the birth of Jesus.  Jesus did not come to simply wipe our sin slate clean and then return to His Fathers side.  No, Jesus came to BE WITH US.  As Issaiah predicted, the true meaning of the Christ child is God with us.  No, God in us {Galatians 2:20}.  As I said, this is the story of the birth of Jesus I never learned in the mainstream church.  This is the revelation which I received from the Lord.  The revelation of Christ Jesus in me.  This is the reason He came.

"That they may all be one, according as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us, that the whole world should be believing that Thou dost commission Me."

John 17: 21, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Our Jesus Body

 For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a Savior also, the Lord, Jesus Christ, who will transfigure the body of our humiliation, to conform it to the body of His glory, in accord with the operation which enables Him even to subject all to Himself.

Philippians 3: 20-21, Concordant New Testament 

For the past few years I have been on a journey to transform this body of mine from unshapely to one of muscle.  Anyone who knows me will tell you that my gym sessions have become somewhat of an addiction for me.  It all began back in 2012 when my doctor recommended physical therapy after a work injury.  It was there that I met two of the best physical therapists I have ever me before or since.  These two ladies showed me the healing power of not only better nutrition but also a program of weight training to avert future injuries.  It wasn't long before I had the weightlifting bug.  Now I'm dead set on changing this body of mine.  Yet this body which I speak of is but an earthly body present only in this day and age we live in.  This is our fleshly body.  We can indeed make changes to our bodies for the good or bad, it's up to us and our efforts.  But as a believer I eagerly await that body which I will inherit on that day of the Lords choosing.  This is the body which the apostle Paul prepares us for {1 Corinthians 15:44}.  As Paul tells us, we are born with our natural bodies intact, but there is also a spiritual body for which we eagerly await {Romans 8:23}.  This is the body which will be revealed on the day of Christs return.  Not only do we who endure here on earth await the redemption of our bodies, but those who have passed before us do as well.  Before her passing, my mother was plagued by more than a few health issues which caused her pain.  She endured.  I can rest assured that even now she eagerly awaits her new body which will be revealed to her as well.  A body of glory and not of pain and struggle.  

Yet not only so, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruit of the spirit, we ourselves also, are groaning in ourselves, awaiting the sonship, the deliverance of our body.

Romans 8: 23, Concordant New Testament 

As a new believer, my understanding was that my body would be the same after death as it is now.  Yet I have since grown to understand that this is not the case.  If this were true, why would so many be eagerly awaiting new bodies?  It is no secret that I have been created in the image of the Father {Genesis 1:27}.  Again, my first introduction to the meaning of this passage was...elementary.  My understanding was that this physical body of mine resembled the Lord.  I failed to connect the reality that my TRUE identity and appearance belongs to Christ Jesus {Galatians 2:20}.  For it is Jesus who chose me.  It is Jesus who chose to live in this body of mine.  Therefore, it is my body in Christ which resembles the Father.  The temporary skin and bones that I toil away at each day will soon pass from this world.  It will be replaced by an entirely new body in the true image of Christ {1 John 3:2}.  This is the body we await so eagerly.  I can make all of the changes in the world to this flesh body of mine, and none of it will compare to the glory which I soon will become.  The glory of Christ Jesus my Lord.  

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it was not as yet manifested what we shall be.  We are aware that, if He should be manifested, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him according as He is.  

1 John 3: 2, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Without Excuse

 For Gods indignation is being revealed from heaven on all the irreverence and injustice of men who are retaining the truth in injustice, because that which is known of God is apparent among them for God manifests it to them.  

Romans 1: 18-19, Concordant New Testament 

Imagine for a minute that you are driving down the road in a new sports car at 100 mph.  As you go along on your joyride, you pass various speed limit signs along the way proclaiming a maximum speed of 45.  Still, you continue at your present speed.  Suddenly you see the lights of a police car in your mirror and you pull over to a stop.  When the officer asks you why you were driving so fast you claim that you didn't know that there was a speed limit.  You, sir, are a liar.  For with each and every speed limit sign that you passed along the way you were reminded of the local speed limit.  To suddenly proclaim that nobody told you the legal limit is a lie.  Yet every day we see people who know the truth say that they were never informed.  I once knew a man I worked with who was targeted by a red light camera on his way home from work.  He swore up and down that it wasn't him, even disputing his case to the authorities.  Well, it turns out that cameras don't lie.  I was thinking about this the other day when a good friend reminded me of a section of scripture describing those who ignore God.  Those who, knowing the truth, ignore the presence of the Lord.  There have been many times I have thought to myself as I look on a sunrise or something as simple as a flower and think to myself how foolish it is that someone would deny that a God exists.  But we see it every day.  I have been called everything from foolish to closed minded for my belief in the Lord.  The brightest people in the room, it seems, are those who explain away the worlds wonders with man made science.  Those who drive down the road ignoring the constant reminders of the truth all around us.

For His invisible attributes are described from the creation of the world, being apprehended by His achievements, besides His imperceptible power and divinity, for them to be defenseless, because, knowing God, not as God do they glorify or thank Him, but vain were they made in their reasonings, and darkened is their unintelligent heart.  Alleging themselves to be wise, they are made stupid. 

Romans 1: 20-22, Concordant New Testament 

I look upon the climate change movement for what it is, a scam.  Now, I've been called many degrading things for holding these beliefs, but I know the truth and the truth is in me.  The truth is, God is real.  The truth is, Jesus is real.  I always found it funny that so many people will recognize Jesus as one of the most influential people ever, yet when the rubber meets the road, these same people will deny ever being told of Him.  If this is you, what will your excuse be?  How will you describe your failure to see the truth which has been exhibited all around you.  Each and every day, our Father reveals Himself through His creation.  Each and every day someone again claims they have never been told of God.  A good friend once told me that one of Gods desires is to be known by His children.  To be known by those He lovingly created.  I agree.  Yet how is it that God will be known by those who claim they have never been told of Him?  this may be where we who have known the Lord come in.  For it is also known that Jesus will be seen through those He abides in.  Perhaps this is what Jesus was referring to when He described those who followed Him as the "Light of the world" {Matthew 5:16}.  That light shines from those who have it.  The more we exhibit Christ Jesus who is in us, the more the world will be introduced unto Him {Galatians 2:20}.  This is the Fathers desire, that He be known by His creation. 

Perceive what manner of Love the Father has given us, that we may be called children of God!  And we are!  Therefore the world does not know us, for it did not know him.  

1 John 3: 1, Concordant New Testament

~Scott~ 

Raising The Dead (The Hardened Heart)

 Because, knowing God, not as God do they glorify or thank Him, but vain were they made in their reasonings, and darkened is their unintelligent heart.

Romans 1: 21, Concordant New Testament

I was thinking this week of a conversation I had with one of our security officers not so long ago.  Our conversation centered around my recent experience with bringing a young man back to reality with the assistance of modern medicine.  My coworker, being a believer, commented that he felt sorry for the young man's condition.  For a moment I strongly disagreed.  That is, until I realized that I had stepped into what could be the same experience the young man had.  My heart had become hardened.  Now, many who have either read my page or talked with me in person might wonder when I mention that my heart has become hardened.  I speak of the Lord and our need for Him.  How can someone who loves the Lord Jesus suddenly produce a hardened heart?  The answer to that question lies in how close to our hearts which we hold that which know to be true.  For a time I had forgotten that the Father is the very image of that man we see on the street each day.  For it is God who has created all mankind in His loving image {Genesis 1:27}.  No wonder the outcome of a persons life, that never changes.  The trouble is, I had become so accustomed in my day to day job duties with seeing the negative aspects of the homeless issue here in Portland that I had forgotten that there is indeed a human side to this problem.  There is a human side to the drugs and addiction.  There is a human side to the piles of trash around the city.  The mayor of our city recently commented about the homeless issue that, "I'll take common sense over expertise."  Common sense tells us that something needs to be done to address this issue our nation is facing.  Common sense tells us that these are people and not throw away inconveniences.  The experts tell us that we need to take these people and shuttle them all into mini encampments around the city.  thereby getting them out of the way of everyone else.  Out of sight, out of mind.  What is the first thing that comes to mind when I hear the so called experts propose this as a solution?  I think of how so many of the "experts" in Nazi Germany decided that the best way to deal with their undesirables was to herd them into their own camps.  The similarities between these two solutions should scare more than a few people.  

If anyone should be saying that "I am loving God," and should be hating his brother, he is a liar; for he who is not loving his brother whom he has seen can not be loving God whom he has not seen.

1 John 4: 20, Concordant New Testament 

Like I said, through the course of so many years on the front lines of the homeless situation in our city, my heart had become hardened to the real issue at hand.  I had forgotten the truth.  I've heard many a preacher speak to the fact that sin sears our conscience until our hearts become hardened by our own behavior.  I feel that this is entirely possible.  I believe that each of us are graced from birth with the moral conscience we were created with.  Yes, even the most despicable people you may have ever met once knew the truth.  So what happened?  The same thing that happened to me.  Over time these people who were created in our Fathers image forgot who they were.  Many things can and do contribute to our forgetting who we are.  Our environment, outside influences and behaviors all contribute to the fact that we may one day forget who it is that we really are.  We are not of the world, but of God {1 John 4:4}.  Our identity does not belong to this world, but to Christ who is in us {Galatians 2:20}.  When we look in the mirror, we should not see the flesh that has been scarred by many difficult situations in life.  The face we see in the mirror is that of Christ Jesus.  It is Jesus who became sin on our behalf {1 Corinthians 5:21}.  We are no longer that person we used to be.  Through Jesus we are a brand new creation {2 Corinthians 5:17}.  This never changes no matter how often we forget. 

~Scott~ 

Street Jesus

 With Christ Have I been crucified, yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ.  Now that which I am now living in flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, who loves me, and gives Himself up for me.

Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament 

Not so long ago, a friend of mine was with his wife on a trip to Hawaii.  During his vacation, he would often notice a man sitting in a local park with a sign declaring Jesus.  One day, he finally decided to approach the man and engage him in a conversation about Jesus.  Let's just say that the man in the park was not all that hospitable to conversation with others.  How did my friend come to this conclusion?  From the facial expression of the Jesus man, which instantly let him know that retreat was his best alternative at that point.  I get it.  In my job working with the local public, I have come across many a person who would rather be left alone.  More often than not, these people will let you know this by the way they interact with you.  I learned from a few early experiences how to judge people and their intentions.  While nobody can predict what someone is going to do, more often than not people will send out signals that show that they are better left alone.  So what does all of this mean in the world of talking to people about Jesus?  Well, as my friend found out, a lot.  There is no doubt that we are called to speak to those around us about Jesus.  For lack of a better word, this is our evangel.  I believe that each of us has our own personal ministry where we share what Jesus has done in our own lives.  Be it someone who engages others in conversation, or one who sits on a street corner with a sign, the word of Jesus is being brought forth for the world to see.  I am of the belief that others will see Jesus through those who believe in Him.  When Jesus called His disciples to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations," it might have not been clear as to what He meant.  When we look at the definition of the word, we see that it refers to a follower or student of a teacher, leader or philosopher.  Therefore, we are to create followers of Jesus wherever we go.  Makes sense.  

"Going, then, disciple all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to be keeping all, whatever I direct you.  And lo!  I am with you all the days till the conclusion of the eon!  Amen!" 

Matthew 28: 19-20, Concordant New Testament

Not so long ago, an officer from one of our local police agencies took some time to talk to our work group about how to read people while we're out in the public in the midst of our work.  As he explained it, there are those who will let you know in no uncertain terms that they don't want your company or conversation.  This can be from facial expressions to someone simply walking away when you're in the vicinity.  For law enforcement these signs might indicate someone they might wish to keep an eye on.  For us, not so much.  Again, this advice comes in handy when we take the opportunity to speak Jesus into the lives of others.  The issue then becomes, those who need Jesus the most might just be those who never hear of Him.  If the world will know Jesus from those who follow Him, then who is it that speaks to those who don't want to be spoken to?  Can we honestly hope that somewhere along the line that someone will break through the walls people put up around themselves and share the revelation of Christ?  Well, it's happened before.  Here in Portland there are a few street ministries that try to address this need.  While they may not be speaking the revelation of Christ to someone, they are exhibiting the love and grace which Jesus shared with those around Him.  These are the ones who plant the seeds of new followers of Jesus  

"You are the light of the world.  A city located on a mountain cannot be hid.  Neither are they burning a lamp and placing it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it is shing to all those in the house.  Thus let your light shine in front of men, so that they may perceive your ideal acts and should glorify your Father who is in the heavens." 

Matthew 5: 14-16, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Happy Birthday Jesus

 For a Boy, He is born to us; A Son, He is given to us, and the chieftainship shall come to be on his shoulder, and one shall call His name Marvelous; counsel to the master shall He bring, Unto the chief, well being. 

Issaiah 9: 6, Concordant Old Testament 

It didn't take long this year.  After the food centered advertising of Thanksgiving had ended the yearly Christmas blitz began.  Not that I'm not used to annual desecration of this holy holiday, but this year seems to be different.  Imagine that you're a young person watching television or streaming something on your phone and all you are bombarded with is the ads and what others want you to know that Christmas is all about.  What would you be thinking?  If I were to guess, you'd be thinking that the Christmas holiday was a day defined by family, winter weather and the giving and receiving of presents.  You would have NO idea that thousands of years ago, a child was born who changed not only history, but your very identity as well.  If you're a religious person, then you more than likely have heard of the story of the birth of Jesus.  Of how Joseph and Mary huddled in an outdoor manger as the Christ child experienced his very first rejection (The refusal to allow the boy to be born warm and indoors).  Of how king Herod sought the boy that he might kill him.  Of how the whole of Jerusalem was troubled {Matthew 2:3}.  This is the story of the birth of Jesus that I grew up with.  Of course, this was before the days of cable TV and the internet.  Back then, Christmas wasn't looked upon as one of the busiest retail seasons of the year, but as an important holiday of remembrance.  Not so much these days.  In a way I feel bad for the young generation these days because unless they have been introduced to Jesus by family, they more than likely don't know how important He is to us.  To this generation, Christmas may seem like just another holiday.  What with all of the Christmas trees, lights and retail sales.  None of which proclaim His glory.  

Now she shall be bringing forth a Son, and you shall be calling His name Jesus, for He shall be saving His people from their sins.  

Matthew 1: 21, Concordant New Testament 

I think it's safe to say that I am the man that I am today because of Jesus.  It is the revelation of Christ in me which gave me the understanding of who I truly am.  This is why the birth of Christ Jesus is so very important to us.  For not only did Jesus become sin on our behalf that it would be put to death with Him{2 Corinthians 5:21}, He also has revealed Himself in us {Galatians 2:20}.  Far from being dead, Jesus is alive and thriving in us today.  This is why we celebrate His birth.  There is no holiday sale, decorated tree or candlelight service that could have accomplished what Jesus has done for us.  I feel that this is the tragedy of this electronic generation, that they not know Jesus who truly defines them.  So then the question arises, how will someone who has never known Jesus come to know Him?  How will one of these youngsters today be introduced to the revelation of Christ?  Well, for those who have come to know Jesus, this is our calling.  They will come to know Christ Jesus as He reveals Himself through those who know Him.  This is why we who have the revelation of Christ must never forget the true reason for this season.  For us the Child was born.  For us the Son was given.  

Now when the fulltime came, God delegates His Son, come of a woman, come under law. 

Galatians 4: 4, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Days That Define Us

 For this I entreat the Lord thrice, that it should withdraw from me.  And He has protested to me, "Sufficient for you is My grace, My power in infirmity is being perfected."  With the greatest relish, then, will I rather be glorying in my infirmities, that the power of Christ should be tabernacling over me.  Wherefore I delight in infirmities, in outrages, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake, whenever I may be weak, then I am powerful.  

2 Corinthians 12: 8-10, Concordant New Testament

I was talking the other day with a friend about how we are often in need of prayer and fellowship when life events bring about stress and anxiety.  We agreed that this is a crucial need in the family of Christ, one that is all too often overlooked by others.  As for myself, I've had a rough few weeks, but I am reconciled by the fact that I have a Lord and Savior who is always intent on listening to my prayers.  I've known many a Christian who has been confused by the fact that they face difficult times in their lives once they came to accept Jesus.  As if knowing Jesus would somehow guarantee that life would become easier after that.  Sorry, it doesn't work out that way, in my experience anyway.  If we're to look upon the words of Jesus, we will also begin to see that Jesus is also well aware that life will bring us struggles {John 16:33}.  I learned some time ago that many people have the wrong understanding of the struggles which we all too often encounter.  It wasn't that long ago that I viewed these times in my life as something for Jesus to remove from my life.  I mean, He loves me, right?  Why would Jesus desire for me to encounter such situations knowing the effect they had not only on me but on my overall health as well?  The apostle Paul provides us with a good understanding of how Jesus looks upon these times in our lives.  Paul, as we know, had his own share of difficulties in life.  The persecutions he endured surely took their toll.  Paul once asked the Lord to remove a situation from his life that was obviously bringing him discomfort (Most commonly refer to this as a thorn in his flesh).  What was Jesus' response to Paul?  Did He remove the thorn from Paul's flesh?  No, we see that Jesus advises him that "My grace is sufficient for you" {2 Corinthians 12:8}.  I think of it this way, can any situation I am encountering ever take me away from the love and mercy Christ Jesus?  No.  While this may be encouraging to some, a lot can still be said for the fellowship of the brethren as we go through lifes struggles.

Two is better than one because there is better reward for them in their toil; for if they fall, one can raise up his partner; But woe to him, the one who falls when there is no second person to raise him up.  Also, if two lie down together it is warm for them, yet for one, how can he keep warm?  And if somebody can overpower him who is single, then two can stand firm in front of him who attacks.  A threefold thread cannot quickly be pulled apart. 

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, Concordant Old Testament 

There is something to be said of fellowship.  There is something to be said of meaningful fellowship.  The Lord Himself has declared that it is not good for man to be alone {Genesis 2:18}.  I really don't believe that it's a far stretch to also include women into this definition as well.  It's no secret that we are social creatures who more often than not gravitate to the fellowship of others.  We see this in men gathering for golf games while women often gather around more social venues as well.  How does all of this fit into those hectic times in our lives?  Because more often than not the company of others around us where we can relate our experiences helps us in dealing with all that life throws our way.  Did Jesus travel alone in His ministry?  No, He had a group of brethren who shared in His experiences daily.  I believe that the popularity which we saw in the Promise Keepers men's conference movement was in a large part due to the fellowship men experienced with each other.  I was witness to more than a few of these gatherings.  I feel that where the church has dropped the ball, among many places, is in the gathering of the brethren.  I'm not talking about a Sunday sermon gathering, but a gathering of believers with the intent of sharing life.  I used to be a part of such a group.  We would meet each Sunday at a local fast food joint and just talk about the Lord and what was happening in our lives.  I truly miss those gatherings.  The covid scare of the past few years reduced what was once a gathering in Christ to wondering what might have been.  

~Scott~ 

As Christ Loved The Church

 Now, I also, am saying to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will be building My ecclesia, and the gates of the unseen shall not be prevailing against it.

Matthew 16: 18, Concordant New Testament 

Some who read this page might recall that I often refer to my experiences in the mainstream church to illustrate the differences between the church man built and the one which Christ Jesus is the head of.  When I speak of the mainstream church, I am speaking of the brick and mortar cathedrals which many a believer has centered their faith lives around for thousands of years.  This is was how I was raised in the faith.  My mother was a believer, and to her it was very important to be sitting in that pew on Sunday morning.  I can recall more than a few Sundays, as I got older, where it became a struggle for her to get her youngest son to accompany her to Gods house.  Such is the price of teenage resistance.  Yet over time even I recognized how important it was to sit in the pew on Sunday and give the Lord His due.  after all, He was the one who had given me all I had ever known.  I also refer to the mainstream church when I speak to the theology.  This is the teachings which many a Christian has either grown up with or become used to once inside the mainstream church.  Many churches have taken to referring to this theology as the "Core beliefs" of that particular church.  The recognition of Jesus as the One Son of God, that he died on the cross and was risen from the tomb three days later, these are typical core beliefs.  I get it.  Yet some time ago I began to ask myself a question.  Is this church which I have sat in Sunday after Sunday the church that Jesus loved?  Now, before you say that you know the answer to this question, consider that I am speaking of the mainstream church and all that goes with it.  Is this the church which Jesus loves?  I would say that as a whole, this is NOT the church which Jesus loves.  I would go so far as to say that this is not even the church of which Jesus is the head of.  For that we need to strip away much of what we have  to know as the mainstream church.  

And He is the Head of the body, the ecclesia, Who is Soveriegn, Firstborn from among the dead, that in all He may be becoming.

Colossians 1: 18, Concordant New Testament 

We see the word ecclesia written in more than a few places in scripture.  It is here where we separate the brick and mortar mainstream church from the church which Christ sits at the head.  In many respects, there are but a few differences, but they are key differences.  When we speak of ecclesia, we are speaking of an assembly of people.  It is this assembly of believers which Jesus is the head of.  Whatever church you choose to sit in, if you are a believer then it is Jesus who is the head of the assembly of believers.  Now, does that assembly include such mainstream church trappings as praise and worship bands, multiple ministries and a church theology which seems to ignore the truth of the indwelling Christ?  Many Christians realize that Jesus was no big fan of the Pharisees of His day, for these Pharisees looked upon themselves as the anointed leaders of the traditional Jewish faith.  I'm sure that it would have galled the Pharisees had Jesus publicly proclaimed Himself as the head of the church.  This carpenters son from Galilee was stepping on their toes.  For His part, Jesus made it a point to call out the Pharisees publicly for their arrogance {Luke 11:37-44}.  Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their arrogance {Luke 11:43}.  He criticized the Pharisees and men of the law for their mistreatment of others {Luke 11:46}.  Judging from Jesus' critique of the Pharisees, I doubt that He would have little patience for the politics and business practices of todays mainstream church.  But for His ecclesia, for the assembly of believers in His name, Jesus sits at the very head of His church.  The foolishness of man is the construction of ornate temples of worship, never recognizing that it is the gathering of believers in His name that is the true church.  

But the most high is not dwelling in what is made by hands, according as the prophet is saying, "Heaven is My throne, yet the earth is a footstool for My feet.  What kind of house shall be built for Me?" the Lord is saying, or what is the place of My stopping?"  Is it not My hand that does all of these things?'  

Acts 6: 48-50, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~  

Provisional Prayers

 

"Therefore I am saying to you, do not worry about your soul, what you may be eating, or what you may be drinking, nor yet your body, what you should be putting on.  Is not the soul more than nourishment, and the body more than apparel?  Look at the flying creatures of heaven, they are not sowing, neither are they reaping, nor are they gathering into barns, and your heavenly Father is nourishing them.  Are you of more consequence than they?  Now who of you by worrying is able to add on to his stature one cubit?" 

Matthew 6: 25-27, Concordant New Testament 

I was thinking this Thanksgiving as I watched another Minnesota Vikings win that I am really not in need of anything.  Sure, I could pray that the Lord would provide for my needs, but He has already done that.  I have funds to pay my bills and to keep myself fed and clothed.  I am not foolish enough to not believe that God has provided for these necessities of life.  So, what is it that I should be praying for?  What is it that I need?  Unlike many Christians, I don't see the prayers I speak to the Lord as simply a wish list for all I need in life.  Doesn't God already know what I need from Him?  If so, will He not provide these things I need in His due timing?  In my heart this is what I believe.  However, I wasn't always this confident that my needs would be met.  I was raised in the mainstream church, where I was taught to pray to the Lord for Him to provide what I needed.  The trouble with this approach is that it tends to reveal our loving heavenly Father as simply a gift giver, a blank check if you will.  When things are going well, we have what we need and God is pleased with us.  However, what happens when things are not going so well and we're lacking a few things we need?  Well, the first thing we were taught to do was to search ourselves for some sin we were hiding which had upset the Lord (as if we could hide anything from Him).  If we felt righteous enough, we then prayed to ask God why He had not provided enough for us.  This, of course, turned into a never-ending cycle of prayer and expectation.  For we eagerly expected that if we asked Him for something, that He would indeed bless us with that request.  Well, I'm still waiting for that new Chevy Camaro!  Why hasn't God answered my request for that new muscle car?  Well, let me tell you, muscle cars don't do too very well in snow and ice and mud and such.  I'm thinking that this is why He blessed me a few years back with a new 4WD truck.  Not what I had been praying for, but definitely what I needed.  

Do not worry about anything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4: 6, Concordant New Testament 

When I prayed for that new car, I was taking something I learned in my years in the church and making use of it.  Some refer to this as the "Name it and claim it" theology.  We're told that we Christians are so favored by the Lord that we should dare to ask Him for the fancy things we dream of in life.  I've seen people beseech God for expensive homes, cars and vacations.  Many people in the faith continue to believe in this made up theology.  We are definitely free to ask the Lord for anything.  My contention is, what happens to our view of the Lord when what we ask Him for does not appear?  Do we immediately feel as if we are being punished?  That God is somehow unhappy with us?  That we've sinned?  This is the negative side of the name it and claim it teaching.  Pastors want to whitewash the idea of asking God for fancy gifts, yet they cannot whitewash the reality when what we ask for does not materialize.  I've seen more than a few believers retain a negative view of the Lord simply because they felt that He withheld what they felt they deserved.  I've had my own experiences with the name it and claim it farce.  When my mother lay in the hospital, I prayed that God would heal her and let her return home once again, which was her wish.  Yet, when she passed away, I was immediately angry with God because He hadn't answered my prayer.  In those first days after her passing, I didn't see the deeper meaning why God had responded in the way He did.  My thoughts were about me.  I wanted her healed.  I didn't want to lose her.  Soon after her memorial the Lord gently reminded me of the reason why He had called my mother home and not answered my prayer as I thought He should have.  She was not free of the pain which had been plaguing her for so many years.  Funny thing, one of the prayers for my mother before she passed was that God would remove her pain.  That prayer was answered.  

~Scott~ 

The First Pandemic

 

For all have sinned and are wanting of the glory of God.

Romans 3: 23, Concordant New Testament 

How righteous do you see yourself?  Are you a man or woman of God?  Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  Well, no matter where you are in your faith life, you still were infected by the virus.  No, I'm not talking some Tony Fauci political virus, but a real and true virus.  One could say that we have all fallen victim to the first pandemic.  What is this virus which afflicted all of mankind?  The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans as he reminds us that ALL have sinned {Romans 3:23}.  I find it amazing how many a Christian has chosen to translate this verse in many ways to justify their religious stance.  The church will preach it as a reminder to all that it is still relevant.  As if attending a local church can still buy you forgiveness.  Sorry, dude, but indulgences went out a few centuries ago.  So the fact remains, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  We have all been infected with the lie of the accuser.  In my previous post I mentioned the human condition.  This human condition is (was) our condition prior to the work of Christ Jesus on the cross.  This human condition is the infection of the spirit of error the apostle John explains to us {1 John 4:6}.  Sin, hate and jealousy are all byproducts of the spirit of error.  It is the spirit of error which infected Cain to kill his brother Abel.  That seems feasible, as Cain was infected before Jesus was introduced as the cure for the virus.  It does not matter how religious you are, or how many times that you go to church, you've been infected.  I've been infected.  We've all been infected.  No face masks or social distancing will prevent us from getting this virus.  There is but one cure, and that is Jesus.  

Who Himself carries up our sins in His body on to the pole, that, coming away from sins, we should be living for righteousness; by Whose welt you were healed. 

1 Peter 2: 24, Concordant New Testament 

This is part of the reason why I decided to spurn the mainstream church.  The message of the mainstream church is that Christ Jesus has come to forgive all of our sins.  On that I agree.  Then the church goes off the rails by proclaiming that sin continues to be an issue.  That the infection continues to plague us.  Sorry, but I don't buy into that BS.  If this were true, then why have Jesus?  What good is the sacrifice of Christ if that which He bore on our behalf was not put to death?  As I am so fond of telling church folk these days, how many times do we need to sacrifice Jesus on the cross?  Is His defeat of our sin virus once and for all or an ongoing thing?  Well, scripture assures us that the death Christ has died is a one time sacrifice to put sin to death {Romans 6:10}.  It seems that the only ones who are in denial of Jesus defeating sin are those who should be heralding it from the rooftops.  For we should all be reminded by the church that Jesus has put an end to sin once and for all.  Yet that never happens.  In fact, it is the mainstream church that continues to remind us that we are still infected with that virus.  Is there some truth to these claims?  Maybe, if have never known Christ as your Lord and Savior.  For it is only through Jesus that we will be saved {Acts 4:12}.  So, if one has known Jesus and counted as saved, is there still sin in his life?  That depends on them remembering who it is they are in Christ.  For there has been many an example of Christians forgetting the work Jesus has accomplished for them.  They allow the sin, which He bled and died to put to death, to be raised once again.  In other words, we are the ones perpetuating the virus.  The death of Jesus on the cross put sin to death once and for all.  We keep it alive.  

Knowing this, that our old humanity was crucified together with Him, that the body of sin may be nullified, for us by no means to be still slaving for sin, for one who dies has been justified from sin.  Now if we died together with Christ, we believe that we shall be living together with Him also, having perceived that Christ, being roused from among the dead, is no longer dying.  Death is lording it over Him no longer, for in that He died, He died to sin once for all time, yet in that He is living, He is living to God.  Thus you also, be reckoning yourselves to be dead, indeed, to sin, yet living to God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 

Romans 6: 6-11, Concordant New Testament

~Scott~ 

The Human Condition

 Cain said to his brother Abel: 'Let us go into the field.'  Now it came to pass that while they were in the field that Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Genesis 4: 8, Concordant Old Testament 

It wasn't supposed to happen this way.  The restrictions which were laid down were supposed to cut down on the violence being brought against our own.  Yet, this morning I was reminded once again of the senselessness of violence against others.  This morning, in Chesapeake, Virginia, a Walmart store employee took a gun and killed six of his fellow employees before turning the gun on himself.  I'm not familiar with the specific firearm regulations in the state of Virginia, but I'm sure that there were more than a few in place with the intent of reducing the threat of gun violence.  Here in Oregon, voters narrowly approved measure 114, which imposed some of the strictest measures on gun ownership in the nation.  Now, a lawsuit has challenged measure 114 on the grounds that it is unconstitutional.  I would tend to agree.  I voted against measure 114 simply because no matter how hard we try, we will never find a gun control measure that addresses the human condition.  One could argue that way back when Cain killed his brother Abel that there were no measures in place to prevent the first act of violence perpetrated by man.  They would be wrong.  For that which was needed for the prevention of Cains violence was already present in man.  That is, Cains love for his brother.  Somewhere along the way, Cains jealousy overcame the love he felt for his brother and he took matters into his own hands.  This is all part of our human condition, the choices which we make.  Far too many left-wing radicals blame that piece of fabricated metal for the evils of the violence that we have seen far too many times.  However, the old adage is as true today as it was yesterday...guns don't kill people, people kill people.  Yet we continue to believe that if we simply remove the access to firearms that the violence will go away.  Yeah, good luck with that.  With each and every gun grab legislation that we have seen, little is done to address the human element of the problem.  That is the issue we continue to face today.  

If anyone should be saying that "I am loving God," and should be hating his brother, he is a liar; for he who is not loving his brother whom he has seen can not be loving God whom he has not seen.

1 John 4: 20, Concordant New Testament.  

For the most part, the mainstream church clergy has often remained on the sidelines of the gun violence issue.  However, when measure 114 passed here in Oregon, one of the main contributors to the specifics of the bill was local reverend Mark Knutson.  This surprised me, for too long the church had washed its hands of the issue of gun violence, perhaps preferring to let it shake out in the courts.  In their silence, more people died.  I believe that one of the most effective anti gun violence legislation we could ever consider must address the human condition.  What is it that causes one to take a gun and kill?  What emotions overtake someone who knows in his heart that what he is doing is wrong?  That is the human condition.  Until we address this human condition we are simply spitting into the wind on this issue.  It is certainly tough to separate our emotions from logic at times.  I am reminded of the simple truth of our very existence.  That is, that we are all created in the image of our loving heavenly Father {Genesis 1:27}.  When we allow ourselves to be controlled by our emotions and take the life of another, we are destroying a life which God has given.  In effect, we are placing ourselves above God by deciding whose life will be taken.  This smacks of the lie of the accuser which was spoken to Eve in the garden.  That we would be like God {Genesis 3:5-6}.  I listened the other day as a radio pastor questioned why it is that God could allow such violence.  Again, we're on the wrong side of the issue.  Our question should be, why are we so damn arrogant that we would ever believe that we could be like God?  

~Scott~ 

Raising The Dead (When We Look Within)

 

To whom God wills to make known what are the glorious riches of this secret among the nations, which is; Christ among you, the expectation of glory. 

Ephesians 1: 27, Concordant New Testament 

It's something I regret even now.  By now, those who read this page on a regular basis know that I recently was involved in a life saving/changing event while at work.  From what others have told me, I did everything by the book.  Or did I?  When it comes to the young man I came across that day caught in the slavery of drug addiction, maybe I haven't done quite enough.  The one regret that I have is not asking him the question.  The question that, if he were sober and thought about it seriously, might possibly change his life forever?  So what is this life changing question?  Simple, when you look at yourself who is it that you see?  I am willing to bet good money that this young man, if asked that question, would not have answered in a positive way.  For how can someone mired in the slavery of addiction have a good and positive view of themselves?  Better yet, how is it that someone living day to day and night by night on the streets of this city have a positive view of themselves?  Think about it, you're continually surrounded by a public who may feel that you are the scourge of the earth.  You're all too often treated like a stranger in your own home.  Everywhere you look, those around you reinforce the negative opinion you have of yourself.  The few times that someone does treat you kindly, your first reaction is to wonder what their motive is.  Are they simply seeking to make themselves feel good and righteous or are they truly interested in your situation?  This is your day to day world.  This is why you carry with you that negative opinion of yourself like a chain around your neck.  Granted, were I to ask the young man this question, I could almost guarantee what his answer would be.  I've seen it too many times before.  By now it's become like a broken record.  I suggest that this should be the first step of any rehabilitation program...how is it that you see yourself?  When you look within, who do you see?  

The forgiveness has always been there, Christ guaranteed that on the cross.  The main issue, as you know, is man never knowing or forgetting his one true identity.

Scott  Wakefield (In response to Dennis Deardorff message)

I didn't think much of the message my friend Dennis sent to me at first.  The question he posed was, "Is the issue that these people (The homeless) need forgiveness, or have they lost all knowledge of who they are?"  It wasn't long ago that my friend asked me the question.  What do you see when you look at yourself?  He already knew the real answer, but it wasn't the one I gave him.  I saw a scared man whose worth and value were somehow tied to his physical appearance.  What did Dennis see?  He saw Christ Jesus, the reality of my true identity.  Granted, Jesus had always been there, but my own realization of this truth was lacking.  For me, Jesus was in heaven judging the works of Gods children here on earth.  That was the church mantra I followed for so many years.  My identity and worth wasn't tied to my appearance, but to Christ Jesus who is in me {Galatians 2:20}.  You might see yourself as a sinner, unworthy of Gods love.  That's ok, Jesus has already dealt with that.  That old man, the person you used to be {Romans 3:23},  has been replaced by the indwelling Christ {Romans 6:8}.  When we look upon ourselves, all we should see is Jesus.  And Jesus will never condemn, ridicule or declare us unworthy.  Any voice which tries to convince us otherwise is spoken from the deceiver.  Satan has many tools in his inventory, but one of his most successful is our own self doubt.  If he can convince Gods children that they are unworthy of the Fathers love and mercy, then he has already won.  The good thing is that this is a lie.  You have never been unworthy.  The Father created us in His own image {Genesis 1:26}.  It's never too late for the question.  My prayer is that someone would ask it of the young man I encountered.  

When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.

~Spoken to me by a dear friend~ 

~Scott~ 

Raising The Dead (The Cost Of Addiction)

 

For we have not a high priest able to sympathize with our infirmities, but one who has been tried in all respects like us, apart from sin.  We may be coming, then, with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may be obtaining mercy and finding grace for opportune help. 

Hebrews 4: 15-16, Concordant New Testament 

Ask anyone about the cure for the scourge of drug addiction and you're likely to get more than a few different answers.  Some want stiffer penalties for the offenders.  Some desire stiffer penalties, but only for those who supply the poison to the public.  Still others feel that jail time without treatments for the addiction are a bit too draconian.  From what I have seen, most agree that something definitely needs to be done.  I wrote previously on a situation which brought home the issue of drug addiction among the homeless youth in our area.  I witnessed first-hand the cost one pays for that addiction.  In the span of one minute, I watched a young man go from the certain death of a drug overdose to yet another chance at life.  Of course, this was but one small example of what happens on the streets of Portland, Oregon on any given day.  Hundreds of homeless people striving to make a go of things the best way they are able.  From the "Legal" tiny house villages popping up across the city, to the unsanctioned tent encampments that plague the city, the issue of the homeless has emerged as one of the top issues in this state.  I have had a unique perspective on this issue as my employment requires that I cross that line into the reality of the homeless each and every day.  We have the opportunity to see what most Portlanders are immune from.  From used needles scattered around our public areas to feces biohazards, we've basically seen it all.  We're the ones who are charged with dealing with cleaning what the homeless problem leaves behind.  Now, there are those who are ok with this.  These people will say that this is a necessary service required for the city.  However, these same people will react in shock when they see what it costs our crews to deal with the aftermath of the homeless issue.  Which leads me to the question, what is the acceptable cost to deal with the homeless and drug addiction problems we face?  Can we even place a price tag on saving people from the slavery of addiction?  

Knowing this, that our old humanity was crucified together with Him, that the body of sin may be nullified, for us by no means to be still slaving for sin, for one who dies has been justified from sin.  Now if we died together with Christ, we believe that we shall be living together with Him also, having perceived that Christ, being roused from among the dead, is no longer dying.  Death is lording it over Him no longer, for in that He died, He died to sin once for all time, yet in that He is living, He is living to God.  Thus you also, be reckoning yourselves to be dead, indeed, to sin, yet living to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6: 6-11, Concordant New Testament 

For the Christian, it has become all too easy to profess that homelessness is an issue of the mind.  Once one recognizes who they are in Christ, their situation will automatically improve.  Sorry, but it's just not that simple of a solution.  We cannot preach to someone who has no idea where they will sleep or what they will eat that their sins are forgiven.  This is the traditional church model of gaining new members, and it doesn't work anymore.  We're not looking for new members.  What we're looking for is how that homeless young person is going to experience the love and forgiveness of Christ.  We can talk about Jesus all day long, but it falls on deaf ears if those who we're speaking to never come to know Jesus as we do.  To come to know Jesus as One who they can place their faith and trust in.  If we don't walk that walk, how is it that those around us will see Jesus through all we do?  In dealing with the scourge of addiction, we do ourselves no favors by placing dollar signs in front of the solution.  When Jesus is at the forefront of this issue, He will work through all of us to win the hearts of those who are hurting the most.  

~Scott~ 

Who Can Compare?

 

And Yahweh Elohim said: It is not good for the human to be alone by himself.  I shall make for him a helper as his compliment. 

Genesis 2: 18, Concordant Old Testament 

I've been through a lot lately, and this week was no exception.  Normally, when I go through stressful situations like this I can count on getting some type of cold or illness.  The old immune system becomes overwhelmed.  Thankfully this time it wasn't that bad.  But you'd think I'd learn that it doesn't need to be this way.  If living as Jesus tells us anything, it's that a stress-free life is impossible.  It also tells us that whatever comes along, we face it as Christ who is in us {Galatians 2:20}.  I was thinking about this this week as I pondered this situation I found myself in.  What if I had a helper, an assistant if you will?  Scripture tells us that even the Lord God recognizes that it's not a good thing for man to be alone {Genesis 2:18}.  Yes, the Lord who created me knows that I, too, require a helper at times.  My married friends joke that I live the good life being single.  Missing from my life are the honey do lists and other things couples do to keep life simple.  As it is, I'm free to do whatever I please so long as it's all legal.  Do I long for the opportunity to share my life's moments and responsibilities with a helper the Lord has chosen for me?  Of course.  I tell my married buddies that they are the fortunate ones.  They are the ones whom God has blessed with that helper in their lives.  It's not that I came up short in any way, it's just that God has blessed me with a different path so far.  That's the way that I see it anyway.  Do I still believe that the Lord will bless me with that helper?  Absolutely!  I can never give up on that belief.  In my heart I know that with God anything is possible {Matthew 19:26}.  

Therefore a man shall forsake his father and his mother; he will cling to his wife, and both of them will be one flesh.

Genesis 2: 24, Concordant Old Testament

I have to say that I have grown up in an era where the institution of marriage has been seen as one of a disposable opportunity.  Make no mistake, this is what we have made it.  My own parents were divorced when I was a young boy.  I grew up in a single parent household, never knowing my own father all that well.  Unfortunately, this happens far too often in our society.  Left in the rubble of many broken homes are the lives of the children we leave behind.  We become so obsessed with the 'he said, she said' of parental conflicts that the children all too often take a back seat as parents battle it out.  I know of what I speak.  So, every time I began to think of the opportunity the Lord will present to me of that helper comparable to me, I also think of what I've been through to get here.  I count it a blessing that I have friends who have placed a high value on their own marriages over the years.  When asked how he and his wife had survived for so many years, one of my friends told me, 'Divorce was never an option.'  If only everyone shared this view.  I'm not complaining.  I'm not saying that my life is somehow in a bad way because God has not yet blessed me with a helper.  I'm saying that it would be a blessing to share my life with someone the Lord has chosen.  That is the essence of marriage after all, that the two become one flesh.  

Husbands, be loving your wives according as Christ also loves the ecclesia, and gives Himself up for it's sake. 

Ephesians 5: 25, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~