Paths That Seldom Meet

We'll meet agin my friend :)

4Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Isaiah 53: 4 - 6 NKJV

Grief is never a wonderous thing.  However, it seems that this past year that I have been witness ot my own share of it.  Today I received the news that a good friend of ours had passed away.  Now, it's no secret that such news often brings instant sorrow, but I was comforted by the kind words of Dennis as he announced our dear friends passing.  For indeed his earthly body has been left behind.  However, the spirt identity of our friend Tom, the very spirit of Christ Jesus in him will be in his Lords presence for eternity.  Indeed, I fully expect to greet my freind on those shores when my time comes to leave this world behind.  It is with sadness, however, that I did not have the opprtunity to see him one last time.  Yes, there had been plenty of times to reconnect with Tom, but our paths seldom seemed to cross.  I had my life and he certainly had his.  Despite all that was going on in our lives, there was always tomorow.  Now that tomorow will never come.  The next time I see my friend we will both be in the presence of our Lord.  It is then that our paths will meet at last.  They say that time waits for no man, and it certainly didn't for me.  I had every intention to visit Tom when I heard that he was sick, but there would akways be tomorow for such things.  Today is for us and our daily life, tomorow we can tend to other things.  We do well to remember that we are not guaranteed tomorow.  For if God wills, we may all enjoy the adventures of the next day.

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1: 3 - 5 NKJV

One comment I made to Dennis when he told me of Toms passing was that he had always been nice to me.  Indeed, Tom Reilly had a way of engaging others for Christ Jesus.  I recall many a conversation in a Sunday morning bible study class where Tom would grace us with his insight of not only scripture but of his years of experience in talking to others about Jesus.  There are very few people that I know who can engage almost anyone in a conversation about God, Tom Reilly was one of those people.  I came to enjoy his comments and insight because I would learn something new from him each week.  However, I also saw the frustration of others when he would talk of the God he loved.  For when Tom got to talking about God he tackled it like a dog on a bone and NOBODY was going to stop him from telling others about the joy which he found in Jesus.  Toms attitude seemed to be that everyone needed to hear of his Lords love and grace, and he wasted no time in doing just that.  I suppose one could see him as a one man traveling salvation revival.  Anyone who met him could not spend a few minutes with him without seeing his love and devotion to his savior.
I remember the last time I talked with Tom as we met over coffee just after my mother passed.  Knowing my mom, he reassured me that she was definately in her Lords presence.  Before we parted, Tom presnted me with a little pocket knife which I still have today.  We talked of meeting up again when we were both free.  Our paths would never again cross...there was always tomorow.

~Scott~

Pitfalls

"All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost."
J.R.R Tolkien

My friend Dennis and i enjoy a good hike or two each year.  Somehow, to be out in the air away from the bustle of the big city is often enough to revitalize us.  That is, until our next adventure calls us once again.  It is on these treks that we sometimes come across a rogue trail which we don't recognize but seem to sense that it may indeed lead us somewhere interesting.  Sometimes, not knowing where such a side trail will lead, we strike out to see where it leads us.  So it is with our own lives from time to time.  We often know where we should go, but there is something within us that urges us in another direction.  Be it good or bad, we set out on the less than beaten path.  On the hiking trail it's pretty cut and dry, for if we indeed take a wrong turn we can find our own way back.  However, those life paths which we so often choose for ourselves often end up causing more distress than they're worth.  They say that actions have consequences, and nowhere is this more prevelent than in the choices that we make daily.  Granted, we know the way we should go, we know the right path to follow.  The trouble is, the other path may look better than the one which we are on.  Looks can be deceiving.  Throughout scripture we see many a patriarch who instead of choosing the well known path instead chose the easy way, often with some pretty bad consequences.  We all know of the troubles of king David, Moses and of course Adam and Eve.  Eve knew the right path alright, but satans lie directed her to another path which was not so beneficial.  So it is with us.  We know the words of scripture, we know which way we should go, but instead we follow another direction.  Who's voice is it that we are listening to?  Are we heeding the voice of Christ who is within us, or are we following the lie?  That very same lie which satan himself believed when he thought himself higher than God.  The same lie which was told to Eve that she could disobey God and not surely die.  Eve chose the wrong path.  When we strike out believing in our own independence, we follow that very same path.

2By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3and every spirit that does not confess athat Jesus bChrist has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 John 4: 2 - 6 NKJV

Some call it wanderlust or simply a wayward heart.  It is that part of us that continually drives us to seek new and better things.  Behind this is a dangerous belief that we ourselves are independent and in no need of guidance or assistance from anyone.  As I mentioned, it is this same lie which enticed satan to believe that he could be greater than God.  It is that very same lie which he ultimately made known to Adam and Eve in the garden.  For when Eve heard satans words that she could be like God the seed was already planted inside of her.  What followed was the begining of that sin nature which we were all born into {Romans 3:23}.  No matter how strong of a believer we are, eventually we all fall into that pitfall of believing we are independent.  Suddenly, God takes a back seat to our own abilities.  What I find amusing in these situations is that sooner or later when we come to that dead end, we're the ones crying "Help me God!"  And God does not disapoint.  It's my belief that He simply waits for His children to return to Him.  It is not Gods desire to cast us aside or forget us, but that we would be saved through Christ Jesus {John 3: 16 - 17}.  We may indeed have pitfalls along the way, but we can rest assured that God is always waiting to receive us to Himself when we come to Him.

~Scott~

Brotherhood

~Brotherhood~

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

Not too long ago, there was a huge push to usher men into arena enclosed conferences for men.  Many of these multi day events would often include some high profile speakers to rally and motivate the christian men into a frenzy which would hopefully last until the next conference came along to rally their spirits once again.  We were even involved in a few of these rah rah festivals.  The only problem with these traveling mens side shows was that they were fine for a few days, but once the circus left town, the same men they were seeking to motivate for Jesus were left once again without brothers to rally around.  I believe that this was a key flaw in this mens conference fad.  Ironically, one of these conferences was named Iron Sharpens Iron, an obvious play on a verse in Proverbs which tells us of the benefits of male friendships we develop.  Indeed, I have met more than a few guys who have formed friendships after meeting at a mens conference, but they are the exception and not the norm.  So, what of those men who were left behind once the pulpit pounding circus left town?  More often than not, we were left to our own devices spiritually, no better off than when the Iron Sharpeners came to town.  I should know, I was one of those left in the dust after attending a few of these side shows on my own and as a volunteer.  If the organizers of these events were looking to build unity among men, they left behind more than a few of my disillusioned brothers.

9Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9 - 12 NKJV

So, what were the organizers of these events really looking to accomplish?  Well, I believe in my heart that the motives were indeed good, but how they went about accomplishing this is where we went south.  For having a group of men sit through seminars and praise sessions is NOT the way to build brotherhood.  When we talk of guys building relationships with fellow christian men, I often refer to Jesus and His disciples and the way they shared their time together.  No, the way they shared their LIVES together.  For this was and is the building block of the close relationship between Jesus and His disciples.  During the years of His ministry, these men shared their lives with the image of the invisible God!  They lived, ate and traveled with their Lord and teacher.  I have no doubt that this is exactly why they shared such a close relationship with one another.  Think back to that group of guys you knew, or know, and how close you became in your friendship.  Now, while it is definately true that men and women develop relationships differently, this by no means diminishes the importance of our vital relationships with our brothers.  As men, we all need those brothers in our lives who we can turn to in our time of need.  Of course, where women will get together for coffee or shopping, we men often gather for hiking, fishing or (Gasp!) GAMBLING!  For some time, Dennis and I have had a standing reservation for a weekly dinner meeting.  Usually if we don't schedule something, one of us will text and ask which day is a good day to meet.  These aren't strategy or ministry sessions, just two friends enjoying dinner.  Again, I mention the example of Jesus and His disciples.  Dennis and I do not practice that all too familiar institutional church discipleship, we just share life together.  Not only that, but we share a brotherhood with our brothers on Sunday morning as well.  Perhaps the Promise Keepers could take a lesson from our little group.

~Scott~

A Tale Of Two Gods

9Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10“he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11“And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Revelation 14: 9- 11 NKJV

Which God do you believe in and worship?  Do you believe in the God of wrath of the God of deliverance?  Make no mistake, scripture assures us of both of these sides of our heavenly Fathers nature.  So, which one do you follow?  I was raised in the idea that God was a vengeful God who dealt harshly with those whom He was displeased with.  Just look what happened to Sodom, Noahs neighbors and the Egyptions of the old testament.  Is this the very same God who even today calls upon HIs children to receive His grace which He has provided.  Is He a God of wrath AND grace and forgiveness?  Are there indeed two Gods we need to be aware of?  Like I said, I was raised in a church where the wrath of God upon those who did evil was preached as doctrine.  To a child growing up in such an atmosphere, you realize real quick that if you don't tow the line of righteousness that there will be real consequenses.  Later on this mindset morphs into other things.  If you run into a bad life situation, then you must have sinned and seek Gods forgiveness.  Whatever that life struggle you are encountering, you must have done something to upset God and He is now somehow withholding His grace and love from you.  It is through our own behaviors that God has abandoned us.  It is no wonder that many a christian today has difficulty understanding the true nature of God.  What is this true nature?  Well, to put it simply, God is love.  God is love to His creation and God is love towards His children.  It is not Gods ultimate desire that we would be punished and perish, but that we would return to Him {John 3: 16-17}.

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

I asked the question of which God is it that you worship.  Do you worship the God of wrath or the God of grace and salvation?  Well, the truth is that they are one in the same.  Yes, the God of fire and brimstone is that God of everlasting love and forgiveness.  That God who rained destruction on Sodom is the very same God who today invites you into His presence through His Son Christ Jesus.  How could a God who chose to destroy His own creation and His own children make the claim that He is indeed a God of love?  This is one of the questions about God which I have wrestled with.  However, knowing Gods true love nature we see that it is not that God chose to destroy His creation but that WE CHOSE to turn ourbacks on God.  It was not Gods choice, but our own by which God chose to reveal the other sid eof His nature.  To put it another way, Gods ultimate desire is that His children would return to Him and receive Him once again.  It was never His intent that He would unleash His anger upon us.  If this were true, then who would be worth saving?  Would anyone be saved?  The fact is that we were all born into our sin nature, so nobody enters into this world as blameless {Romans 3:23}.  Knowing this, does God hold this against us and instantly judge us as guilty?  NO!  Despite the fact that we were guilty of sin, God has chosen not to reveal His wrath against us.  On the contrary, it is God Himself who bore the very weight of our sins in order that we would be saved {2 Corinthians 5:21}.  Choosing not to sacrafice His children but instead taking our sin upon Himself reveals the nature of God which now welcomes us unto Himself.

~Scott~

A Visitor

2By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3and every spirit that does not confess athat Jesus bChrist has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. 4You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
1 John 4: 2 - 6 NKJV

There is a scene from the movie The Shack where the main character comes face to face with his young daughter after her death.  As he comes to grips with his own pain and grief, his hosts gently guide him through the process.  You get the sense that Mack himself is a visitor in his new surroundings.  There is no mistake that his hosts have a heavenly spirit connection.  For as soon as he arrives he is introduced to Papa, which by coincidence is his wifes name for God.  Indeed, we get the impression that Mack is now being led by God and His "Son" Jesus who is also present.  However, it is what ultimately sets Mack on this journey which is the subject of this page.  having endured the loss of his own daughter, he has become distant not only to his own family but to God as well.  So it is that in the process of his healing that Mack is intoduced once again to the daughter he has lost.  She is a s he remembered her, but instead of being lifeless she is now happy and playful.  By instinct, Mack attempts to talk with her.  However, he is told that she can neither see nor hear her father, but that she is aware that he is there.  We are left to wonder of the characteristics of heaven.  Have our loved ones who have passed on indeed aware of the presence of those they once knew?  I would not have given scene too much thought had it not been for my own similar experience in the time since my mother passed.  In many ways I was like the main character in this movie as my grief became a main part of my life.  Although I was fortunate enough to have the support of a few godly freinds to help me through this time, it was still something I needed to overcome in the fullness of time.

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

It was during this period where I was informed one night that "She watches you, then she returns."  Now, was this of God?  Was it simply a dream?  These are questions which I have asked Dennis on more than a few occasions.  For those who would explain it away as being simply a dream, I would point out that God is not above communicating to His children in such a way.  We also need to take into account the reality of heaven as we know it, or how we perceive it.  We are told that there are pearly gates as well as streets of gold.  There is the everlasting presence of God, those who praise Him continually and no sorrow nor grief.  I believe that these descriptions were not lost on the producers of The Shack.  A dear friend of mine related to me some time ago that heaven may be seen as a seperate plane of reality than our own, with those on the other side keenly aware of the world they've left behind yet being unable to interact with it.  Of course, this would explain the scene in the movie.  Were it not for my own experience, I would not have thought twice about this topic.  However, I believe that God brought it to my attention for a reason.  For as Mack struggled with his own grief, so was I with my own loss.  In my heart I knew that my mother was with Jesus, but this was a confirmation.  As God gently reminded me through my loss, those who have passed on still very aware of those they've left behind.

~Scott~

Shack Review

The brothers taking in The Shack...thanks Tom :)

6“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31: 6 NKJV

Our group took in a showing of the newest christian movie craze to hit theaters this weekend.  The Shack was written by Paul Young and has some serious Oregon roots in the telling of the story.  In fact, I'm told that the inspiration for a key character in the film was based on someone I am pretty familiar with from my old church congregation.  Now, to be clear, I have not yet read the book which inspired this film, but I'm told that it holds pretty true to the story the film portrays.  That being said, I have a few thoughts on this story upon seeing the movie for the first time.  The Shack centers around Mack, a on the ledge christian who has certainly endured more than his share of pain and suffering.  Without revealing too much of the storyline, Macks exposure to abuse and personal loss has left him with many questions about the reality of God.  This is a dark place which I have found myself in from time to time.  It is very easy for us to question the reality of God in the midst of our own personal issues.  For each persons pain and tragedy becomes very personal to them.  When I have found myself in the middle of my own sorrows, I certainly didn't feel that the condolences of others were all too convincing or helpful.  This is part of where Mack finds himself as he attempts to deal with his own tragedy.  He has questions.  How could a all knowing God allow such pain and suffering?  Of course, the only one who could possibly answer Macks questions is...Papa.  See, papa is the deeply personal name which Macks wife has for God.  I have shared on a few occasions of a friend of ours who took to refering to God as Daddy.  Even in prayer, he would call out to Daddy.  I believe that such a personal reference to our heavenly Father comes from a deeper relationship with Him.  This is part of what Mack struggles with.

18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19We love cHim because He first loved us.
1 John 4:18 - 19 NKJV

I chose the opening scripture from Deuteronomy for this review as this seems to be one of the central themes from this story.  Indeed, papa assures Mack more than once that He is always and HAS always been by his side.  even in the midst of our most unspeakable grief and tragedy, it is God who remains our constant companion.  For God is not influenced by money, favoritism nor grudges of any kind.  On the contrary, it is our Lords never ending love for us which surrounds us even in our darkest hour.  When others around us turn their backs, we can surely find comfort in our Lords embrace.  Paul Young endured more than his share of criticism for this story due to his depiction of God as He appears to Mack.  Is it feasable that one could see God as a wise cracking african american woman?  How about a elderly man?  Well, if this is the only criticism that people have for this story, then I'd tell them to get over it.  Is God indeed limited to a certain appearance which we have been conditioned to believe?  Shall we continue to put Him in a box like this?  Well, I'm of the opinion that the creator of all the universe can pretty much present Himself as He sees fit to suit His purpose.  If God wanted to be seen as an elk in order to reach out to a wayward hunter then who are we to say that He can't do that?  When we put these limitations on God, we lose part of the intimate relationship He wants to have with His children.  What father does not delight in his children calling him daddy or papa?  In the end, it was Gods desire to draw Mack closer to Him which began the chain of events portrayed in this story.  It's no secret that The Shack has received its share of criticism for crossing those institutional church boundries where we have been told for so long that only heretics and unbelievers go.  Thank goodness I didn't follow the advice of these critics.  I found this story to be a loving portrayal not only of Gods love for us, but how He sees His children as well.

~Scott~

Servant Leadership

24Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26“But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves. 27“For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves."
Luke 22: 24 - 27 NKJV

There was a post this week from our friend Wayne Jacobsen from his recent foray into the bloodbath that is the modern middle east.  It seems that Wayne and his companion made the trip to Isreal recently and documented their incredible journey to this historic land.  It was during their travels that Wayne encountered a tour guide who supposedly gave them some sage advice as to the state of current world politics.  As their guide related, "The crisis in the world in the world is a lack of good leadership."  I would only half heartedly agree with this statement made from one who was basically stating his own personal opinion.  That being said, it is my belief that our modern world is indeed in desperate need of sound leadership.  In my lifetime I can recall many a unfit political leader who has graced our world statge.  In our own country James Earl Carter, Bill Clinton and Barak Obama certainly come to mind when I think of failed leadership.  But it certainly does not end with these three debacles of ineptude.  No, for it seems that everywhere we look we see daily examples of those who may have began with good intentions but soon fell well short of sound leadership.  Is there any doubt as to why the approval rating of our nations congress is at a all time low?  This is our nations leadership, and it seems that we don't have too much confidence in their ability to lead our country.  In fact, all too often it seems that both sides of the political aisle are more concerned with one upping each other than in being the effective leaders our countyr sorely needs.  Yes, our nation clearly needs leadership, but just where will it come from.  Like many others, I had high hopes that Donald Trump would be the one to once again bring that sound leadership to the country.  However, each day we inundated with the latest political argument as the nation looks to its leadership to...lead.

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

So, it seems that I would be in error if I didn't say just what it is that I consider to be sound leadership.  Well, I can honestly say that what our nation has had over the past eight years is not sound leadership.  For I do not consider degrading our nation on the world stage and promoting discord among the people of this nation to be sound leadership.  Indeed, when president Obama called on supporters to "Get in the face" of those who disagreed with Hillary Clinton I did not see in him a sound leader.  So, what is it that makes a good leader?  What are the qualities of that one who would soundly and effectively lead our nation?  I would suggest that we have not encountered such a person as of yet in our nations history.  I believe that the closest we have come to sound, effective leadership is that of the presidency of Ronald Wilson Reagan.  Being a christian, I believe that a effective leader is one who would seek Christ Jesus first and formost in all that he does.  Yes, I will get some pushback from those who claim that we must have a seperation between church and state.  However, one thing that many do not realize is that the idea of the seperation of church and state was actually an idea floated by Alexander Hamilton and is not in our nations constitution.  But I digress.  Besides being one who seeks Christ Jesus, I believe that another quality of effective leadership is one who leads by example.  I am much rather to follow the lead of someone who is willing to put himself on the line than someone who hides behind a desk.  I also look for other qualities in a good leader.  Patience, compassion, understanding and the ability to see that they themselves are not above the people they serve.  Yes, this is quite a wish list indeed.  The man Christ Jesus had every right to place Himself above all creation.  However, as Jesus tells us in Luke 22, Jesus Himself came not to be served but to serve.  I would challenge anyone who desires a leadership role to enter into it with this understanding.

~Scott~