A Bad Penny Always Turns Up

Rephrasing the title, “with a two acre yard, the first place I step is in dog poop.” Put it another way, “what goes around comes around.” I use to hear this all the time, “no matter what I do, it always fails, I maight as well not try to do it in the first place.” The mother of invention wouldn’t have gotten very far with that kind of attitude. Or how about, “if it weren’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all.” How does the Bible put it, “What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire” (2 Peter 2:22). “You can’t put lipstick on a pig.” I think these proverbs can be somewhat disgusting. Yet, that is the nature of sin—disgusting.

Today’s culture doesn’t like anything unless it is sanitized and done just right. Messy is a word they avoid. Not that they aren’t Messy, but they do not like it when other’s messiness invades their space. Then again, who does. 

The Apostle Peter described the messiest of people in his day. “Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed” (2 Peter 2:10-22).

He is talking about people who have once tasted the good things of God and then walked away. They have lost confidence in the Lord and his promises. What does he say to do when the bad penny returns? He tells those who have remained firm to remember that, though He tarries, He will still come back. “Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” In the face of doubt, in the face of questions, in the face of trouble and temptation the answer is always the same, Jesus. Jesus always arrives at the right time, Jesus strengthens us at the right time. Jesus provides an escape at the right time. He will return at the right time. 

A bad penny might always turn up, but our savior will always keep his promise. I’m just saying...

Life’s Dirty Little Secret

The world is made up of secrets and lies. We either button our lips or cast doubt and deceit onto everything. My biggest secret is hidden deep in my heart.  If you have a secret, the mere mention of it causes you to tremble. If it is someone else’s secret,  just the mention of it perks our ears. What is he hiding, what could possibly be so devastating that he wouldn’t want anyone to know? What is your secret? 

Secrets, especially the kind we are embarrassed about, are more than hidden bits of information. They foster deciept and lies. If we are afraid of being found out, a new narrative is formulated so as to hide the terror and distract others from its course. Secrets lie in the darkness. We find the darkness cold, and use blankets full of holes to keep warm. Lies burn holes into the fabric of our lives, and keep us neither warm or safe.

What is the answer to secrets and lies? It is truth and foregivenes. Bringing secrets into the light of truth can cause pain and distrust. We are judged for our secrets and condemned for our lies. No matter if the judge has his own secrets and tells his own lies, your secrets distract us from his. But what if truth is accompanied by forgiveness? What if the community of God is a safe place for secrets to be revealed? What if instead of judgement we offer mercy and extend an offer of a better life? Is it possible, that in darkness I could truly be warmed? Maybe then I would tell you my secret? I’m just saying...

“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” Proverbs 11:13

Life’s Dirty Little Secret

The world is made up of secrets and lies. We either button our lips or cast doubt and deceit onto everything. My biggest secret is hidden deep in my heart.  If you have a secret, the mere mention of it causes you to tremble. If it is someone else’s secret,  just the mention of it perks our ears. What is he hiding, what could possibly be so devastating that he wouldn’t want anyone to know? What is your secret? 

Secrets, especially the kind we are embarrassed about, are more than hidden bits of information. They foster deciept and lies. If we are afraid of being found out, a new narrative is formulated so as to hide the terror and distract others from its course. Secrets lie in the darkness. We find the darkness cold, and use blankets full of holes to keep warm. Lies burn holes into the fabric of our lives, and keep us neither warm or safe.

What is the answer to secrets and lies? It is truth and foregivenes. Bringing secrets into the light of truth can cause pain and distrust. We are judged for our secrets and condemned for our lies. No matter if the judge has his own secrets and tells his own lies, your secrets distract us from his. But what if truth is accompanied by forgiveness? What if the community of God is a safe place for secrets to be revealed? What if instead of judgement we offer mercy and extend an offer of a better life? Is it possible, that in darkness I could truly be warmed? Maybe then I would tell you my secret? I’m just saying...

Flying With The Eagles

I love watching bald eagles. I remember standing on the beach of Echo Ranch, Alaska, seeing an Eagle fly in, swoop down and snatch a fish out of the water. Moments later it would stand on the ground tearing into its prey. Eagles are majestic, powerful, and inspiring. When I lived at the lake house, in Pandora, Ohio, I saw a couple of Eagles perched in the trees across the water. Rebecca was walking our little dachshund when one of the Eagles began to circle over them. She quickly called him back and took him into the house. Eagles are not only powerful, they can be terrifying.

Our feathered friends are not the only Eagles. A singing group, of my generation, produced some good music and lyrics. The following is part of one of their songs:

I was standing

All alone against the world outside

You were searching

For a place to hide

Two people experiencing life and searching for meaning; the first alone, standing against the world, the second searching, alone and hiding. The singer continues:

Don't you worry

Sometimes you've just gotta let it ride

The world is changing

Right before your eyes

Now I've found you

There's no more emptiness inside

When we're hungry, love will keep us alive

The first person assures the second that life changes quickly, but because they have found each other, life has 

meaning, the emptiness is gone, and the hunger they experienced is satisfied by their love. It’s a great sentiment, and one for which we have been created. Love between a man and woman is to bring the kind of meaning and satisfaction described by the Eagles. If only it were so simple; to live off love. Yet, even in the good feelings of love, sin tears at the fabric of God’s best until even loving couples find themselves alone against the world, and hiding in the bushes from ther Creator. Another song writer wrote:

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary;

his understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.

Even youths shall faint and be weary,

and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

they shall walk and not faint. (Isa. 40:28-31)

How do we run and not grow weary, walk and not faint in a world that is ever changing before our eyes? Only if we trust in the only one who doesn’t change, the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. We find meaning in our relationships when they are grounded in the unsesrchable nature of God. When we trust in Him, His promises, His plan, His Word, then we mount up on wings like eagles and sore to the heights of the heavens. His love will keep us strong, His love keeps us alive. I’m just saying...

Medium or LARGE

I’m standing in line trying to figure out what I want; I’m information intolerant. That’s why I like McDonalds. “Number 1, please.” It makes it easy for guys like me who get the same thing every time. Well, except for today. I noticed the Smokehouse, and it looked good. So I said, “I’ll take a smokehouse please.” To which the gentleman responded, “single, double, or crispy chicken.” The crispy threw me. “I’m, sorry, what’s crispy?” He replied, “do you want a single, double, or crispy chicken,” I still didn’t get the chicken part, and I wasn’t sure what was crispy. I thought maybe it was the onions, which looked crispy on the menu. “I’m sorry, what’s crispy?” “The chicken,” he said. “Oh, that’s what’s crispy. I will take the single with the meal.” He asked, “single burger or single crispy chicken?”  Patience, patience, “I’m a beef man, the single burger, please.” Without skipping a beat, “medium or large?” Really, another choice! The problem is that I want a medium fry and a large drink. Since it’s not Buger  King I wasn’t sure if I could have it my way, but we are in America. “I want a medium fry and a large drink.” “Not a problem,” he said. Finally I was finished. “For here or to go?” Ahhhhh.

Choices, everyday we are faced with countless choices. Some of them are simple and others can be overwhelming. Some choices have low impact, and some can change everything. Few choices, I have found, are life shattering. They may be important for the moment, but will not change you or the world forever.

Examples of important, but none earth shaking:

1. Which profession you will chose.
2. What college
3. The kind of house to live in

Important and earth shattering:

1. Who you marry
2. Friends you surround yourself with
3. What you believe about God and how you will follow

Earth shattering decisions are about relationships, morality, faith, and justice. Often people focus on problems, that may be important to them, but have little impact for eternity. We argue over little things like dirty dishes, the color of walls, programs at church, style of music, and procedures. I would rather acquiesce to others opinion or let someone else take the lead, than to get distracted from the things God has called us to do. “Choose you this day who you will serve. As for me and my house,” Joshua Said, “we will serve the Lord.”

“Multitudes, multitudes,

in the valley of decision!

For the day of the Lord is near

in the valley of decision.” Joel 3:14

“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:13

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” Matthew 8:34-36

These are the earth shaking choices we are faced with daily. What choices will you make? You want to super size that? I’m just saying...

2x4x8 X $2.68 = #@&*#$

It’s a great idea. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my grandchildren, but math, measuring, cutting might all be beyond my talents. I have spent, literally, hours looking and trying to figure out the best materials to use (light weight enough but sturdy) for their age, and at the most reasonable cost. Do I use 2x4’s, 2x8’s, 1x8’s, 2x8’s, or do I not use wood at all and go with pool noodles? I like the pool noodles because they are light, can be used anywhere in the house, and are great for sword fights (by the way I am making child size Lincoln logs). And since I have told them they will be getting a big surprise I have to come through. Of course they don’t know the surprise, so maybe big refrigerator boxes will do.

Counting the cost. It’s more than just money, it’s skill, time, tools, effort, enjoyment, and even desire. What is my motivation? What will keep me going when I really don’t want to finish? For my grandchildren’s, build yourself playhouse, it will be their smiles, giggles, and hopefully hours of fun.

Jesus said, “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’...So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27-33.

Jesus is very clear about the cost of being a disciple — Everything! There isn’t any cost comparison; is this way easier than another. There are just two choices, the broad way and the narrow way. “Broad and easy is the way that leads to destruction, and many will find it.” “Narrow and hard is the way that leads to life, and few will find it.” Hard or easy? I would like the easy route. Life or destruction? I would like life. If immediate gratification is what drives you, then the easy way is what you will choose, and your blindness will keep you from seeing the precipice until it’s too late. Yet, if you are one who will take the long view, the hard and difficult road leads to life. But once you start down the narrow path you find that our savior carries the burden, his yoke is light, he is always with us, his love is unending, and his body surrounds us. 

I have counted the cost of building my grandchildren’s playhouse, around $190. Not bad for hours of fun. I have counted the cost of following Jesus, EVERYTHING.  Not bad for an eternity with God. But then again it all belongs to him anyway. Have you counted the cost? I’m just saying.

I Can’t Wrap My Head Around It!

I’ve always wanted to be a guitarist. Ever since the 3rd grade, when I carried a guitar around strumming tunes without chords, until I took classical guitar after our 3rd year of marriage. Rebecca worked at Carmalou’s House of Music, teaching piano, and I took lessons from one of the most interesting guys. He said he had played for Gladys Night and the Pips. He also attended church with his wife, and though not a believer felt he should write Christian songs (no one else was). One evening, as we were tuning our guitars, he sad that the universe was made of music. At the time I thought he was just a little out of tune, but he might not be to far off. As one blogger noted!

The logic is that sound waves are a force that travel through particles, and you had every single particle possible. So it was a reaction with the entire universe. It had the power to create the universe in that one instant, so is it such a large leap in logic to say that God was the one who utilized that moment?

In the Bible, Genesis 1:3 states "And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. " It simply shows the power of God speaking. In John 1: 1-3 it also states "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. " He was the Word, a spoken form of sound. Even when the angels are interacting with God like in Job 38: 4-7.

Particles, waves, mathmatics, it’s all very overwhelming to me. Consider the following standard model equation.

Unless you’re a Math Nerd (no offense intended) it won’t make any difference if I make the picture bigger. The equation is suppose to explain how everything works. I’ll take their word for it. Here are some pictures of the beauty of math.The beauty and scope of math and imagination is amazing, but if such beauty can de derived from what we (some people) can comprehend, how much more can come from the mind and magnificence of the unfathomable God of Creation.

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans’ 11:33-36.

When we stop to worship, whether in church on Sunday Morning, or in our daily devotions, if we can get lost in the mystery of our Great God our worship would be purer, deeper, and more magnificent. I’m just saying...