12-31-05:

Many people in the next couple of days will proclaim to you--“Happy New Year!”--as one calendar year rolls out and another one rolls in. But happiness is more than an expression of mirth and gaiety; there are actually some foundational underpinnings of perspective and character that truly can make a difference in our lives as we move into another calendar year. While the turning of the month to “January” is by man's design, it does give us another starting point to “stop, look and listen” as we cross one more measurement of time----be it a calendar date or a holy day.

As we do, allow me to share the words of Sir Hugh Walpole; who offers us some foundational underpinnings and perspectives to consider as we cross the threshold of time.

“I believe the root of all happiness on this earth to lie in the realization of a spiritual life with a consciousness of something wider than materialism; in the capacity to live in a world that makes you unselfish because you are not overanxious about your personal place; that makes you tolerant because you recognize your own comic fallacies; that gives you tranquility without complacency because you believe in something so much larger than yourself.”

Read this statement again, please.

Now, couple it with what Jesus Christ has asked us to focus on---- yes, something bigger, better, and more enduring than we could ever imagine or obtain by ourselves. It is discovered and given framework in Matthew 6:33— But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Now, let's step into 2006, together!

12-24-05:

There’s a wonderful story I would like to share with you that lends credence to an expression I have used many times over the years—“that God sees things as if they already are!”

Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor, was once working on a head of Lincoln. A woman who was sweeping out his studio wondered what he was doing. One day she recognized the face of Abraham Lincoln emerging from the stone. Very much surprised, she turned to Borglum and asked, “How did you know that Mr. Lincoln was in that piece of stone?”

In a sense, Borglum worked from the inside/out just as God does. God’s eyes see thing so differently than we mortals. And isn’t that why, when its all said and done, we love Him and appreciate Him? What man sees as a clump of clay, God is ready to mold into His jewels for eternity. How and why? As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us---“….For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

12-10-05:

Tonight is the evening of December 7 th. It is a date which some in our congregations remember well----not on a history test, but from the recesses of their minds. Oh, how life changed for that generation! The country was just coming out of a decade-long depression. And then, imagine--one’s life being altered forever as men were called off to war, their ladies by and large were left behind, and lives were put on hold in large measure for 4 years. Some never returned. Some came back with scars and wounds they would carry for a lifetime---some physical, others mental and emotional. War rarely leaves a nation where it found it. Many have called W.W.II a just war because evil was conquered. But it was war, and war is never pretty either on the battlefront or the home front.

Tonite, some of the grandchildren and great grandchildren of those witnesses to W.W. II stand vigil in the cold air of the desert night in far away places in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They too have responded to the actions of power hungry despots that would bully those weaker than them. The older generations in their families had hoped that by now the world would be a safer and more peaceful place. But it isn’t. It won’t be until Jesus Christ comes back and establishes Himself as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

God gives us a special date to remember every week. It may not have a ring to it like December 7 th or Pearl Harbor Day, but its title is precious---it’s called the Sabbath----a word that actually comes from the Hebrew that means to “cease.” We might say, “stop.” It’s a weekly commemoration of the fact that the Creator God is still working towards a perfect end that will demand that war among His creation ends, once and forever. No more dictators, no more bombs, no more buildings being blown up, no more casualties. Imagine! A ceasing or cessation of war and all that it brings forth. God is going to stop death and heart break from spilling over into one more family.

Yes, I imagine. I hope you do too! God calls us to stop every 7 days and imagine and then internalize His miraculous intervention into human history. Each and every Sabbath, a weekly festival of peace, reminds us that what we see and witness now is man’s world------not God’s world---- a utopia that He wants to give to humanity in His perfect time.

12-3-05:

11-26-05:

“It is not with us as it is with ordinary men, whom small things can discourage, or small discontentment cause to wish themselves at home again.” So said the Pilgrims nearly 400 years ago as they sought a sponsor to provide a way across the seas to where freedom might meet them. It is apparent by their ad that they had set their spiritual and mental course long before they ever set foot on the decks of the Mayflower. And yes, every fiber of their being would be tested against their sincere proclamation of resolve.

As you and I approach this festive day of national gratitude that started with less than 100 people gathered in thanksgiving in the woods of New England, let’s remember we have something in common with those “old comers” that landed on the shores of Cape Cod.

We too are called Pilgrims. Yes, pilgrims, by none other than God’s word. 1 Peter 2:11 defines and reminds us—“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims…..” Pilgrims by definition are those on their way to a shrine or destination. As soon as they put down roots or stop the quest they are no longer pilgrims.

Like the Pilgrims of old, we are on a mission. We are not headed for Virginia (their original destination) or Massachusetts----but something far greater----the Kingdom of God. Like our national forefathers, let’s have a sturdy spiritual spine that moves beyond momentary setbacks.

As we set our forward course against the challenges that are surely set before us on our spiritual pilgrimage in a hostile age----let us not only be inspired by the resolve of the Pilgrim’s advertisement, but even more so, be braced for whatever may come with the promise of God as discovered in Hebrews 11:5-6- …..I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Yes, its time to “gird up” as modern day pilgrims towards a “ New World.”

11-19-05:

Are you currently going through a time of despair? Perhaps everything seems upside down and everything you had planned for is slipping away! Is this some cruel trick of life that has condemned you to what seems a point of no return?

Consider for a moment an amazing story that didn’t happen all that long ago.

In southern Alabama is the town of Enterprise, in Coffee County. There they have erected a monument to an insect, honoring the Mexican boll weevil. In 1895 the boll weevil began to destroy the major crop of the county, cotton. In desperation to survive the farmers had to diversify, and by 1919 the county’s peanut crop was many times what cotton had been at its height. In that year of prosperity a fountain and monument were built The inscription reads: “In profound appreciation of the boll weevil and what it has done as the herald of prosperity this monument was erected by the citizens of Enterprise, Coffee County, Alabama.” Out of time of struggle and crisis had come new growth and success. Out of adversity had come blessing.

The oft-cited wisdom of the ages spoken by many a man given to words is simply this:

11-12-05:

On the 11 th hour, of the 11 th day of the 11 th month, the roar of cannon stopped, guns were laid down, and church bells began to chime. The “War to End All Wars” came to a quiet halt nearly 80 years ago. Tomorrow, we remember those who gave their last ounce of devotion to causes they believed were worth fighting. Whether it is World War I or the many conflicts since that poem about Flanders Field was first recited, we honor the memory of the fallen for they are our fathers, brothers, uncles and neighbors.

But every day, should be a day of contemplation and reverence in our being that The Prince of Peace is coming to this earth to end war----once and forever. To forever break the cycle of the historian Herodotus’ lament “that war violates the very sequence of nature when fathers must bury sons.”

May that day be hastened when “….they shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war any more (Isaiah 2:4).” May we as people of peace and persons of faith pray earnestly more than ever “Thy Kingdom Come!

11-5-05:

“When the Bible speaks discussion is useless; when the Bible is silent discussion ends!”

At times God is loud, and at other times He is quiet on matters, and still in other ways; He chooses not to speak at all. Oh, to have the wisdom to discern “loud, quiet, and still.” We can. Ask God to make Himself plain, then observe, and then accept

10-29-05:

With the Fall festivals behind us, and the deep meaning of God’s purpose revealed by His Holy Days—now---thoroughly embedded in us-----which direction is ours to take? Do we go back, as we were before Passover 2005 or even a couple of weeks ago before we experienced the Feast of Tabernacles-2005? Where would God have our heart-steps lead us?

Perhaps, it is personified in a simple thought expressed by the famous explorer David Livingston. He was asked, “What will you do, now that your work in Africa is finishing?” He replied, “I’ll go anywhere as long as it is forward.”

Methinks, that Livingston must have been somewhat familiar with the writings of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:12-14. He just shared it in a shorter way to make the point when Paul said, “Not that I have already obtained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Friends, it’s time to move forward, upward, and “lay hold,” for each of us must always remember----“Christ Jesus has laid a hold of me.”

10-1-05:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 should be knocking on the doors of our hearts as we enter the wonderful season of future fall harvest. It says it all and is says it to each that will believe---For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain till the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Hopefully, I just did. Let us spiritually march with confidence towards the call of the Trumpet this upcoming Holy Day, and yes---everyday.

9-24-05:

Oh to be granted a blessing from God! Blessings are wonderful! Remember how much Jacob sought after a blessing from his earthly father? He thought about it and pursued it relentlessly, because He recognized there was worth in being favored by his father. Well, our Heavenly Father wants to shower blessings on us and a part of that comes from honoring Him during that unique period of 24 hours called the Sabbath Day.

Notice the words of Isaiah 58:13-14—If you turn your foot away from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasures on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the Lord honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the Lord has spoken it.

As the Sabbath Day approaches, let’s look ahead; think ahead, pray ahead, and be prepared ahead of time to reap the blessings of our God who honors us because we have honored Him. Let’s never simply “bump-in-to” or humanly crumble into this remarkable time of holiness, but rise to the occasion that God has placed before us----a memorial of His creation----a testament of His ongoing creation in us----and a world yet to experience His spiritual rest.

9-10-05:

Robert Louis Stevenson penned, “So long as we serve; so long as we are loved by others, I should say that we are almost indispensable; & no man is useless while he has a friend.”

And, Jesus places Himself in this equation for you & me when he states in John 15:15—“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends.” Oh yes, life is worthwhile & full of meaning as we do, indeed, have a friend that offers us worth, meaning & purpose. His name is Jesus of Nazareth.

9-3-05:

After a week of devastation coming across our televisions and computers, the verse found in James 4:13-15 rings ever louder in my thoughts---Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”

Additionally, I think all of us were startled to discover that a great city like New Orleans is in many parts about 8 feet below sea level. What we are now witnessing was a disaster waiting to happen. But, there is always that human disillusionment that “oh no, not me---death, taxes and floods happen to everyone else.”

I hope it makes all of us take personal stock of ourselves to consider how much of our own lives are “below sea level” or should I say not level before God or man? It’s a sobering thought. Just like New Orleans, we can put up levee after levee never thinking that we are going to “pay the piper.” Well we’ve all found out once again a basic law—water seeks its own level. Hopefully, this saddening event, can make all of us take stock of our own lives, and look a little more closely, and a little bit deeper and make sure we are on the level with God and man.

8-27-05:

Our daughter, Laura Long, passed on this bit of wisdom (via computer) to me this week. Laura always has enjoyed little stories like this. And, so do I. I pass it on to you not only for your enjoyment, but for some serious consideration as well. At the end of the message, it conveys to all of us, we still have some “spiritual homework” to address.

A 92 year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o’clock, with his hair fashionably coifed and shave perfectly applied, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently died,making the move necessary.

“I love it,” he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. “Mr. Jones, you haven’t see the room; just wait.”

“That doesn’t have anything to do with it,” he replied. “ Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn’t depend on how the furniture is arranged….it’s how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it. “It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice; I can spend the day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do. Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open I’ll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I’ve stored away. Just for this time in my life.

He concluded by stating, “thank you for your part in filling my memory bank, because after all, I am still depositing. And here are 5 simple steps for the journey I’ve chosen along the way.

1) Free your heart from hatred

2) Free your mind from worries

3) Live Simply

4) Give more

5) Expect less

8-20-05:

There are three types of Christians who respond to the call of service: RowboatChristians---they have to be pushed wherever they go. Sailboat Christians----they seem to go with wherever the wind is blowing. Steamboat Christians---they make up their minds and go regardless of the wind or weather. Now that we know, the big question is—What kind of Christian are we?

8-13-05:

Having a tough week? Think things could go a little better than they are right now? Ready to throw in the towel on something that you know down deep is really worthwhile. Well, before you do----listen to Elbert Hubbard---Genius is only the power of making continuous efforts. The line between failure and success is so fine that we scarcely know when we pass it: so fine that we are often on the line and do not know it. How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, would have achieved success. As the tide goes clear out, so it comes clear in. In business, sometimes, prospects may seem darkest when really they are on the turn. A little more persistence, a little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. There is no failure except in no longer trying. There is no defeat except from within, nor really insurmountable barrier save our own inherent weakness of purpose.

How did Christ put it in Matthew 24:13 Like this------he that endures to the end…!

If it is big enough to worry about, well; it’s big enough to pray about. And, as you do and with having “counted the cost”----if it be worthy of your life’s devotion----hang in and hold on.

8-6-05:

I would certainly appreciate your prayers regarding the upcoming Open House Series in both congregations. All of us have a part and role to perform. Jesus Christ told us in

John 13:35-By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you have loveonefor another. As people come to our services, so often, its not what we know, but what we do and the “spirit” of our fellowship that truly makes the difference and attracts people further into God’s way of life as they see more than simply precept, but practice. Allow me to share some interesting points with you, and as I do, remember this is not only good advice and admonition for the month of August and an Open House Series---but also a way of being that we share at every church service during the year.

A man visited eighteen different churches on successive weekends. He was trying to find out what the churches were really like. He said, “I sat near the front. After the service, I walked slowly to the rear, then returned to the front and went back to the foyer using another aisle. I smiled and was neatly dressed. I asked one person to direct me to a specific place: a fellowship hall, a pastor’s study, etc. I remained for coffee if served. I used a scale to rate the reception I received. I awarded points on the following basis:

10 for a smile from a worshipper

10 for a greeting from someone nearby

100 for an exchange of names

200 for an invitation to have coffee

200 for an invitation to return next week

1,000 for an introduction to another member of the congregation

200 for an invitation to meet the pastor

On this scale, eleven of the eighteen churches earned fewer than 100 points. Five actually received less than 20. The conclusion: “ The doctrine may be biblical, the singing inspirational, the sermon uplifting, but when a visitor finds nobody who cares whether he’s here, he is not likely to come back.”

Again, John 13:35-By this shall all men know that you are My disciples if you love one another.

Each week, our congregations by and large do a stellar job of welcoming one another and new individuals. And, you are to be commended. But, can all of us take a little time, and consider how important our role is at a worship service on Sabbath? It’s your congregation and you have a stake in it!

Let’s continue to grow in the fullness of God’s awareness and love, together.

7-30-05:

Many Christians are shocked by sin, but they should be staggered by grace.

With that stated, let us consider the fullness of God’s grace & love expressed in Ephesians 1:2-6:

Grace to you and peace from God or Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.

Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.

Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasures of His will.

To the praise and the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.  

7-16-05:

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair…… To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of this weary pilgrimage.

Samuel Johnson 

7-9-05:

The future comes one day at a time—Dean Acheson

6-25-05:

The beginning of greatness is to be little,

The increase of greatness is to be less,

And, the perfection of greatness is to be nothing

6-18-05:

To know God’s will is life’s greatest treasure. To do God’s will is life’s greatest pleasure.

6-11-05:

In connection with Pentecost, let’s consider the promise & assurance of John 14:16-17:

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him or knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.

6-4-05:

As we approach the proclaimed fast of June 4 th, Psalms 86:1-5 grants us a wonderful entrance into this time period by remembering and reflecting that we worship and surrender our lives willingly to a good God, always. Bow down your ear, O Lord, hear me; For I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I a holy, You are my God; Save Your servant who trusts in you! Be merciful to me, O Lord. For I cry to You all day long. Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive. And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you. May your personal fast before God, your time of “lifting up your soul” to Him, be one of remembrance, reflection, repentance if need be, and thanksgiving for Him having touched our lives with His grace

5-28-05:

“A grain of gold will guild a great surface, but no so much as a grain of wisdom”—H.D. Thoreau

“Wisdom is more precious than rubies; & all the things you desire are not to be compared to her”—Solomon. Let’s look forward to our upcoming series on James & gain a heart of wisdom as we explore “Practical Christianity 101” so we may not only be “hearers of the word, but doers.”

5-21-05:

It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself---Ralph Waldo Emerson

5-14-05:

This weekend, whether here or in Cincinnati, all of your Elders will be involved in molding the future of the United Church of God. It is a spiritual work! As we focus on the issues at hand, let’s remember our part in it as we consider the admonition of the Apostle Paul as found in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13—“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you. And to esteem them very highly for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves”. We go forth to serve God and represent our congregations----that’s you, the people of God. And, we take that calling and opportunity with all the gravity that it deserves.

5-7-05:

Mother’s Day is around the corner, and it is a special time to honor such special ladies.

Scripture tells us how very special women are in their God-ordained role as mothers. Proverbs 31:27-28 reminds us—She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, Her husband also and praises her.

Perhaps Leroy Brownlow offers the best insight regarding this verse in his reflective entry of May 9th in his journal entitled Today is Mine.

A mother works and works and works. And the chief willingness with which she does it
is the chief contribution to a pleasant and happy family.

It has been said that the thrush goes to work at half-past two every morning during the summer and works until nine-thirty at night----a straight nineteen hours during which it feeds the young over two hundred times.

The blackbird works seventeen hours and feeds its little ones a hundred times a day.

In the home the energetic mother is up early and retires late. Like the hard-working bird, she does it for those who are so precious to her.

A big thank you to all our ladies, for in God’s Church; we have not only mothers-of-the- flesh, but also mothers-of–the–spirit who never cease loving, never cease giving, never cease creating an environment of nurturing and caring. What would we do with out them? Well, God already took care of that-----they are here! To love; to enjoy; to appreciate.

4-23-05:

I Corinthians 11:24-25--“And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this is in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

4-16-05:

Luke 22:15 tells us, Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” These words were spoken nearly 2,000 years ago, but their urgent immediacy does not go wanting to the modern reader----to those who are about to partake of the Passover of the New Covenant next week. Even though Jesus Christ would experience unbelievable pain shortly after uttering these words----His mind and heart were in full gear with a sense of wonderment.

Unlike the Passover lamb of old that was slain the next day in quick dispatchment, our Savior would need to suffer through the whole evening as the Son of Man, before He would be slain as the Son of God on Golgotha with our sins on His shoulders.

As we approach Passover-2005, let us do so in faith, not in fear! Let us focus on God’s grace, not simply our shortcomings. Let’s fully focus on Jesus Christ and all that He is as Messiah, Son of Man, Son of God, our Passover, yes the Lamb of God; our High Priest, the first of many brethren---thus our Elder Brother. As we do, let us return the “gift of fervency” to our Lord and Master. Let us be prepared in heart, mind and soul to emulate His manner on that evening.

4-9-05:

Yesterday, I met with our Senior Citizens at our occasional Bible Study and Potluck in the San Jacinto Valley. I focused on the subject matter surrounding the resurrection of Lazarusas described in John 11.

You may wish to give a peek at John 11 with those thoughts in mind. As you do, a few thoughts to contemplate:

This occurs 30 days prior from that pivotal Passover Time in which Christ was sacrificed for us.

Christ allows a good man to die, when he could have perhaps healed him. But Lazarus suffering is given context in that which follows-----the glory of God through Jesus Christ

Jesus chooses to raise to life a man who is truly dead------for 4 days, and for that matter as the Ol’ King James so aptly describes---“He stinketh”(v. 39) God never wastes a miracle and He knows exactly what He is doing, when He is doing it, to whom!

Jesus conversation with Martha in verses 20-27 is our conversation as well. It is a dialogue of increasing faith-----from Christ simply being a good man who can do things when He is there and on the scene, to understanding that God knows exactly what we need to develop greater believe in Him, because He knows exactly what we need to come to that answer of faith -----------“Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”(v. 27) Isn’t that what we reconfirm at Passover?

Jesus clearly proclaims, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Here we come to see that He is not only the Son of Man, but also truly God in the flesh, the Son of God-----yes, divine in origin; who is going to be sacrificed on the altar of Golgotha for our sins.

After that miracle, His life was forfeit. There was no turning back. As it says in verse 53—

Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death.”

Jesus Christ death was not an accident. His life was not taken from Him; He gave it one step at a time, one miracle at a time, one person at a time.

Please give John 11 a thoughtful and appreciative read----------I think you’ll see yourself somewhere in the story-----and hopefully give you something to think about.

3-26-05:

There is a famous line in the story of the Prodigal Son that offers an important moment of realization and transition in a life that was going nowhere. It’s where we note a specific snapshot moment in Luke 15:17, the moment of---“but when he came to himself”

Let’s freeze frame that judgment that Christ rendered in His story, and take it one step deeper and a whole lot closer to our situation in the here and now. For indeed, there are times; past, present and future in which we will have to “come to ourselves” in stark realization of what God has offered and what we have to that point neglected or cast away. The Christian journey is simply that a journey. It is not a singular event, but rather has a singular savior that points us towards a singular goal. But at times, we turn inward, rather than outward. We can become imprisoned with reflections of ourselves, rather than focus on the sure and expansive image of the great liberator of all our human limitations—Jesus Christ

Harry Emerson Fosdick put it well many a year ago, when he stated----A person completely wrapped up in himself makes a small package…The great day comes when a man begins to get himself off his hands. He has lived, let us say, in a mind like a room surrounded by mirrors. Every way he turned he saw himself. Now, however, some of the mirrors change to windows. He can see through them to objective outlooks that challenge his interests. He begins to get out of himself—no longer the prisoner of self-reflections but a free man in a world where persons, causes, truths, and values exist, worthful for their own sakes. Thus to pass from a mirror-mind to a mind with windows is essential in the development of a real personality. Without that experience no one ever achieves a meaningful life.

As we approach the Passover Season and the Days of Unleavened Bread is it not a worthy question to ask of ourselves----“do I live a life with mirrors in which I see only myself or do I live a life of openings, yes of windows made possible by the life, death and resurrection of someone special—the Son of God? Mirrors or windows that is the choice.

Yes life is a journey. One laced with intersections. And, it is at those times that we either grab mirrors or seek a window. Both have images, but both have different outcomes. Passover is granted by God to reconfirm that we have chosen a world of windows. It is time to renew that acknowledgement. Once again, it is time to “come to ourselves.”

3-19-05:

The Body of Christ is truly a spiritual organism, not a man-made creation. Its bounds and dimensions are known but to God. God knows who are His and He also knows what He has in store for them that is so very precious that it will pale into insignificance whatever these earthly portals endure if but for a brief moment. For in Him, that is God; in Him---time hath full provision. In moments like this past weekend, God speaks to that spiritual body and offers sound advice----advice for the ages----advice for the present----advice for all chapters of life be they for ill or for good. The giver and the taker of all life says through the voice of Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:25-27---that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

 Let us remember our fellow saints in Wisconsin.

3-12-05:

As we approach the gathering of all the Elders of our region in Escondido, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul’s admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 that states—“And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their works’ sake …..”

 With such biblical encouragement before us, please remember all that will gather together in Escondido; that God will grant us the fullness of all that His Spirit may provide in sincerity and truth.

3-5-05:

Long ago God told a people destined for greatness what would be the anchor of their future as a people. He told an emerging nation in Deuteronomy 6:1-3-Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you, that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess, that you may fear the lord your God, to keep all His statutes and his commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you –a land flowing with milk and honey.

Years down the line, when another infant nation was being given birth, one of its founding fathers, James Madison, made a comment that directly ties in with the above-mentioned sacred wisdom found in scripture. Madison stated in 1778, “We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of the government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions…upon the capacity of all and each of us….to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments.”

What was so obvious to God, and for that matter a previous generation be it “left or right,” was the anchoring effect of the Divine Being’s great moral law. It became the basis for our law and at times the 10 Commandments have been given place in our halls of justice and places of gathering.

Today, the United States Supreme Court took up the issue concerning the 10 Commandments role in the public square of life. As it did, the 10 Commandments were on the wall behind them.

It is a wondrous matter to contemplate how the mind of God, encapsulated in His universal law, still impacts our society to this day. But how long will it hold such a spot in our every day life?

Yes, something to think about. And, more importantly; something to pray about as we implore for God’s guidance to be upon the highest court of our land.

2-19-05:

With Presidential Weekend coming up, I couldn’t help but reflect on the sage words of our 16 th President---Abraham Lincoln. He once said, “God must love the common man, because, after all; He made so many of them.””

Lincoln, himself, came from humble beginnings. He came “rightly” by the statement and shared it with others to give them a dose of reality. Lincoln was born in a log cabin in Kentucky, educated on the frontier plains of Illinois, and experienced many failures before he tasted success.

And yet, he was an American success story. He is often ranked as one of our three greatest chief executives—if not the greatest. Yet, few early on would have destined him for greatness.

Likewise, we have been called, shall I say, destined to be success stories for God’s glory. God does truly love the “common man.” The Apostle Paul remind us of this biblical reality in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29—For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are. Why you say? That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Presidential Weekend is around the corner. Its time to thank God for the leaders He has given to our blessed country over two hundred years. It’s also time to focus on the reality that God is calling us; yes---you and me--- to incredible leadership opportunities in His Kingdom.

Lincoln and Paul remind us of a reality when it comes to God. He is not interested where you came from, but He sure is interested in where you are headed and what you are doing with what you, not someone else, has been given by Him.

He loves to take ordinary people doing ordinary things, common things by common men, and working his extraordinary will through them.

Yes, thank God for the “common man” who is available and willing before His will.

2-12-05:

We are coming up to Presidential Holiday Weekend. It gives occasion to pause and consider what God has done with the United States of America. Two centuries ago, General George Washington understood the impact of America on future generations and the need for God’s blessing.

In an address to the troops on August 27, 1776, Washington proclaimed, “The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army…..We have therefore, to resolve to conquer or die.”

If you would like to know more about such great men or the hand of God that has touched America, I encourage you to connect to www.ucgredlands.org or www.ucgsd.net and note our front page’s revolving box. Or, click this link featuring the
Presidential Weekend and it will open up to a treasure chest of articles specifically dedicated to America’s beginnings and lessons regarding leadership. I think you will find it to be a comprehensive read and will make this upcoming holiday weekend a more special event.

What an incredible blessing that the God of all nations has specifically blessed our nation with numerous men of stature that have given us something to think about.

2-5-05:

The scripture says in Proverbs 23:7—“…for as he thinks in his heart, so he is…”

Our thoughts are the summation of our life’s energies. They consume and guide us---be they for good or for ill. What is guiding or consuming our energies on this day upon this reading? Is it for good or for ill or do we know the difference?

A century ago, Henry David Thoreau put to pen a guide to consider the walk we would take that yet lies ahead. A walk that is propelled not by our feet, but rather by the footsteps of our mind.

He wrote—Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life?….When we are unhurried and wise, we perceive that only great and worthy things have any permanent and absolute existence,

that petty fear and petty pleasures are but the shadow of the reality.In the long run, men hit only what they aim at. Therefore……they had better aim at something high.

So, what are you thinking about? Perhaps, its time to lift the bow higher?

1-29-05:

Approaching this seminar prophecy weekend, let’s keep these 2 verses in mind and heart.

Amos 3:7-Surely God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.

Luke 21:36-Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

1-22-05:

I watched the inaugural of President Bush this morning. Such historical events are always stirring and memorable. We truly are blessed for being able to be citizens of a country that has such wonderful freedoms. I know each of us appreciate the sacrifices of those who have gone before us to secure the liberty we enjoy. Most of all, I know each of us looks to and recognizes the fact that ultimately the freedom and blessings we enjoy stem from the graciousness and faithfulness of a sovereign God.

President Bush's inaugural speech's theme was about freedom and liberty. I appreciated the mention of Leviticus 25:10 which says, "And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you............" This powerful verse is inscribed on the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. It serves as the rhythmic message of Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream Speech" in which he hammers home again and again the concept of "let freedom ring."

The cause of freedom is not simply a call to a nation, but a call to each of us that follow Jesus Christ. His is "the work of Jubilee"---the work of freedom-----freedom from sin, freedom from self, freedom from worry-----thus freedom to serve God and man. Jesus own inaugural, the sermon in Nazareth, before His hometown audience is a call to freedom, the call of ---"...to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord ( Luke 4:18-19)."

As the leader of our country, sets for his second administration the theme of freedom; let's take note and understand the applicable lessons we may gain and incorporate; not only as citizens of this country, but as citizens of the Kingdom of God.

1-15-05:

We met someone for the first time on this past Tuesday evening. We had heard a lot about her, but had never met her face to face. It was someone we had been waiting to see for a long time. We met Annabelle. She is our third granddaughter. Annabelle was born healthy and well, and with a robust cry thrown in for a little charm.

Watching Annabelle in her mother’s arms brought to mind Peter’s words found in
1 Peter 2:1-3: Therefore laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grown thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Yes, that little one had just gone through an adventure ride that could take the most out of anyone. All of a sudden, she was thrust from her soft spot of nearly 10 months and then squeezed and stretched through a dark long tunnel only to come out into a burst of light and receive all sorts of sensations of touch never yet experienced. And yet having gone through the entire trauma, she is now content, warm and snug in the loving arms of someone special-----her mom, and with that touch there is a knowing that calms her frayed nerves. And it has been worth the ride. The little one has only one thought in mind----to be just as close as possible to that source of life. And from that moment of arrival, little Annabelle will begin to mimic the voice, style and mannerisms of her loving parents.

Isn’t that how we are supposed to be? Even with all of life’s bumpy rides------those squeezes and pulls and dark tunnels we go through that we think will never end-----our eyes and our reach are to move in one direction-----the source of life----our Heavenly Father.

Yes, all of us have been granted an opportunity to experience what the Bible calls a new birth----ours!!! And it is such an awesome privilege that we willing decide to leave that ol’ world of ours behind and become something new and special; and begin to mimic and incorporate the manner of the One who gives us life-----that is eternal life.

When Susan and I met Annabelle the other night, I not only got to take a good look at her, but I had an opportunity to take a look at myself as I was squarely confronted with the mirror that Peter holds up in front of each of each of us.

Both Annabelle and her grandparents have some growing to do. It will be fun doing it together.

1-8-05:

“When a man’s fight begins within himself, he is worth something”----Robert Browning
There certainly are similarities between a telescope, microscope and mirror. Each has glass and each has the ability to bring focus to subjects. The big difference is who is the subject of our focus. Mr. Browning gives us a big hint towards success--go for the mirror.

1-1-05:

As we step over into a new calendar year, needing more than ever the precious light of God's ways directing our lives; allow me to share one of my favorite writings. The words never loose their glow to me and I hope they will likewise encourage you.

The Hand of God

I said to a man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.” And he replied, “Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”

So I went forth, and finding the hand of God trod gladly into the night. And He led me toward the hills and breaking of day in the lone East. So heart be still; God knows; His will is best. The stretch of years, which winds ahead, so dim to our imperfect vision is clear to God. Our fears are premature; in Him all time hath full provision.”

King George VI New Year Broadcast

Faith, vision, courage--------let's walk into the new calendar year, together-----with God.

12-25-04:

Christmas Day is around the corner. In fact, this year, it falls on the weekly Sabbath. Many of our family members, coworkers and fellow students are busily scurrying about

getting ready for the big day----that is; for them.  Many people today have lost sight of  what such a celebration is really about.  Of course you and I might say, “Well to begin with—Christ never was in Christmas from the start!” And yes, you are right.

Recently, I was in a line that was 20 people deep. I was at a postal annex and I had to pick up some work. People's holiday cheer was slowly experiencing a melt down as it took longer and longer to get to the front of the line.  I finally (in good humor, but with a pointed thought) said just loud enough for others to hear----“I wonder if this is what Bethlehem was all about.”  It was interesting that two people answered back, “I don't think so.”  Nonetheless, they waited with all their packages in arm; once again going through this annual ritual of materialism based on totally non-biblical practices.

The big question is do we know what Bethlehem was about?  And, do we live our lives as if the events with that P.O. address really occurred?  As we move through this worldly holiday weekend, let's be reminded with a guiding principle----its not enough to be against something, we must also be for something!   Romans 12:21 reminds us that God's Holy Spirit does not work in a vacuum----“Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.”

 A gracious and generous God has certainly given us something good. Perhaps now is the time to start asking ourselves a few questions and finding the answers by reviewing the United Church of God's booklet entitled “God's Holy Day Plan, The Promise of Hope for All Mankind.”   As we turn another calendar year of man, perhaps its time to focus on what we do, and why we do it and do we do it with the right spirit?  A Spirit that was very present in Bethlehem long ago in the Autumn of the year, and hopefully that same Spirit has “found room in our inn.”  Let's prepare ourselves, now----so when someone asks us, “I really wonder if……….,” that you will be able to smile and say, “yes”----regarding the observances you celebrate.