Roller Coaster Ramblings

The Tour de France will end this Saturday and i am pretty confident that Lance Armstrong will not be bringing home an 8th victory, and i am happy with that. When he announced his return to professional cycling he said his intended goal was to raise awareness of his charity "Live Strong" and he's been doing an outstanding job of raising cancer awareness. I was concerned that his own personal drive would cause a distraction between him and his Astana team mates, but when Alberto Contador took the lead and then made sure he stayed there this past weekend, i like how Lance is playing the team member. Everyone knows Lance has ambition and drive, but i am glad to see that he is not so caught up in all that enough to realize that he is a team member and he can still get his message out by helping his team and team mate win the overall Tour. Just to be completely random... i ran across this YouTube video of a marriage proposal at Disney World and thought i'd share it. Today there are a lot of news articles on how President Obama referred to the police who arrest a Harvard Professor, Henry Louis Gates Jr, as 'acting stupidly'. This has brought to mind several recent 'altercations' with the public getting televised and not really showing the police in general in a very good light. I am not going to speak to all of the recent events, nor am i able to speak intelligently about the incident in Cambridge, MA. It is impossible to govern or police a citizenry without its consent. There is a time and a place to voice concerns about some actions - the time may not be when the officer has you pulled over, or he is confronting you (even in your own home). More often than not, if you work with the police in a cordial tone and attitude, you will be on your way much sooner. Last night my beloved and i went out to dinner. I was not feeling all that great so i ordered up a couple of blueberry pancakes with blueberry syrup. Yum! My love got her usual roast beef with mashed potatoes and cooked carrots. Of those menu items the kids only like the roast beef so she likes to indulge and go out to eat so she can savor it. *lol* Speaking of spending time with my beloved, last night we put in the A&E version of Pride and Prejudice. We had started it earlier in the week (well, it 300 minutes long!), but i was not going to be denied last night! I stayed up until 12:30 just to finish it! What a goof i am, but i do really like that movie. I finally got to try out my new hat. It started to rain and i realized that i had left my windows open in my car so i donned it and took off. One of the few times i've regretted parking at the furthest point from my office building. But i love it already. Water resistant, light weight, vented and a nice wide brim to keep the sun off my neck and the my glasses dry. I continue to struggle with a fear of man regarding the letter i want to write. I've not slowed myself down enough to just pray through it and get the pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard as it were). Please just pray that ultimately God is glorified with whatever takes place.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to [1] a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, [2] and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. [3] Follow the pattern of the sound [4] words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:6-14, ESV)

September 11th

I am pretty confident that today's news, blog-sphere, and general water cooler commentary will be about the events that occurred seven years ago today. At least here in the United States. There are now four events in my life that i remember where i was when they occurred. This being the most recent and thus the most clear in my memory. I remember where i was, my immediate reactions, my reactions to comments made by friends, my contemplation of things afterwords, and how it affected me and my family over all. I don't want to overlay myself and my experiences on what happened. Each of us should take a moment to reflect on what did happen, and what God would have each of us do moving forward. Verse for today: 2 Timothy 1 : 3-7, ESV I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Random thoughts

This morning I awoke a little earlier than usual due to a bizarre dream. I was dreaming that my work computer had some kind of weird music playing that I could not possibly turn off. Near the end of the dream a co-worker (I think) was showing me some kind of prized possession, but it was only a pair of plastic dagger like things (with the dull flat edges and everything). For some reason this disturbed me enough to wake me up. I thought about it some and decided I needed to back off from a few things. Not sure how I came to a direct link there, but... anyway. Facebook is going to take a little hit though. ;) As I lay there praying I decided to pick up and read Matthew 7 (I am slowly reading through the New Testament, one chapter at a time). Matthew 7 starts off with a set of verses that is popularly quoted when someone (usually a Christian) is trying to tell someone "it's none of your business".

"Judge not, that be not judged." (Matthew 7:1, ESV)

A lot of people use this verse to say that they feel that it is not for us to reveal what is perceived as sin in others. But the verse does not stop there. Judging, and trying to help another person deal with sin are two entirely different things. God's Word does a pretty good job when it defines sin (I like to review Exodus 20:1-17 personally... pretty much anything you can think of can be weighed against these verse to see if it is a good thing or not... the trick is to check your own heart honestly). The key is to honestly investigate yourself (taking the log out of your own eye), and then helping your brother with his "speck". Note: our issues are always larger than our brothers. The whole chapter is something that is excellent to study and just "chew" on. Verse for today: 2 Timothy 3 : 16-17, ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God [2] may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Preparing for "battle"

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any [katana], piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:11-13, esv - note: actual text uses 'two-edged sword' )

I need to confess something (even knowing that some people who I know and live near, actually read this). I do not read my Bible enough. I do not pray enough. I do not study enough. And I am a poorer man, a poorer Christian, a poorer disciple for it.

The picture of the samurai of old have been blurred by time, distance, and my American cultural bias and influence. I know they were not perfect, and for the most part, not men who followed Christ and his teachings (even after the Portugese missionaries arrived). But, to reuse a bit of scripture from yesterday for an anology: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippeans 4:8, esv)

The first image that comes to mind of a samurai is the katana, or long sword. We (Americans at least) think of these men as masters of the sword. From a very young age they train to master it. As a Christian what is my sword? The Bible tells me that it is the very Word of God. If I am not in His word, if I am not studying His word, if I am not making His very word a part of me, then I am not learning how to use His word. Not for my own purposes, because if I am truly following Christ than I have laid down my life, but for His purposes and glory.

A samurai lived to serve his lord. He was about his lord's business, and in everything he did, it was an effort to not dishonor his master. I don't know if the Daimyo actually knew his samurai personally, and with them still being human, this is probably not the best example. But my Lord, Christ, desires to know me personally. He wants to spend time with me. How do I get to know my Master? It is done in spending time in prayer, in thinking and meditating about what His word is showing me. About looking around and weighing it against what He has revealed to me.

In my opinion, I am a rather weak 'samurai' in the service the Lord Jesus Christ. But even the weakest samurai was to be of use to his lord to the Daimyo. And I further can benefit in that in my weakness, He is revealed to be strong. But that can only be possible when I yield myself to Him.



Verse for today:
2 Timothy 2:15-19, ESV
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, [2] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

Speaking of books

Recently a visitor to my blog drew my attention to the book "The Way of the Christian Samurai" (not really sure why ;-) ) and I really enjoyed it (thus my review of it yesterday). I really do feel as though it is an easy enough read that most Christians could gain something from it.



But once I finished it, it actually made me thirsty for more - reading that is. I have had "The Cross of Christ" by John Stott for what seems like forever, but I have never read it. I need to start that... but that was not enough. No. I have gone to the well known as Amazon.com and order yet three more books (which I am sure my beloved will laugh, and cry about).

I have ordered, "Living the Cross Centered Life" and "Humility: True Greatness", both by CJ Mahaney. The first one is a follow on to "The Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing" and I am really looking forward to seeing what Mr Mahaney has followed up with. While I was looking at this book I saw the second book. Having been fed under Pastor Mahaney when he was the senior Pastor of Covenant Life Church I can honestly say that he, along with all those in leadership with him, lived out the principles of humility. Pride is a constant foe in my life and when I saw this title I immediately wanted to purchase, and then devour this book.

The last book I've ordered was "Seduce Me"by Darcy Cole. As a Christian husband I feel that it is my duty to make sure that my own "lawn" is well maintained and thus there will be no need to covet my neighbors lawn - if you know what I mean. There are some raised eyebrows - especially in my National Guard unit - when people learn that I am overtly interested in the pursuit of intimacy with my beloved. They chide me like I am doing something sinful, but then I am not ashamed to declare my love and "interest" in my wife. After all, marriage is ordained by God. He has used it to give an example of His relationship with his church, and there is an entire book in the Bible dedicated to such a relationship. But to be totally honest, I felt that I needed a fresh perspective on how I could pursue my beloved better.

Now, to get off my duff (so to speak), knuckle down, and actually read some books that make me think and can make a difference in my life.



Verse for today:
2 Timothy 2:14-19, ESV
Remind them of these things, and charge them before God [1] not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, [2] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

Is this the state of corporate America?

There is a training class that my company wants me to attend (IPv6) to prepare for future deployments that is over fifty miles from the office I currently work at. They are more than happy to pay for the training, but they are balking at putting me up at a hotel, and even paying for my meals. I'm not asking to be put up at the Ritz Carlton, and I am not expecting Filet Mignon everynight. But I think that it's crazy that 'they' are so stubburn about the accomodations when the training class was encouraged (not required just yet) by them, and arrangeed for, by them. I also have trouble getting appropriate training for the other certificates that I am expected to carry. I have trouble with on-line courses. I do not do very well with them. But I am expected to use them because they are cheaper than live instructor led ones. I get so frustrated that I've considered paying out of my own pocket to pay for testing to see if I do indeed have some kind of learning disability. Sheesh... If they want an educated work force, there should be some kind of accomodation for it - IMO. Verse for today: 2 Timothy 2:15-19, ESV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, [2] a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

And I, when I came to you, brothers, [1] did not come proclaiming to you the testimony [2] of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5, esv)

Whatever message we have, has to come from God. No matter our audience, our message has to come from God. Wether we are evangalists, preachers, teachers, preschool workers, college professors, professionals, ameatuers, artists, whatever we are... our message must be based on Christ, and Him crucified. If we try and 'soften' that message it gets weakened. If we ignore that message where is the power of the gospel? There have been times when I will be visiting a church and I will see the Pastor preaching, but I am unable to find a Bible, open or otherwise, among the congregation. There may be an outline, and there may even be verses referred to in it, but the words are either skimmed over or not read at all. A sermon, not anchored somewhere in the Word of God is merely a good moral lesson. This is my opinion, and I know it may not be a popular point of view, but I see a church within America that is merely existing. Again, this is a broad, generalization, and does not apply to each and every church within America. Our youth hear the message are are not challanged, in time they grow bored and wander away to see what else there is to see... and not just the youth get this way. Our God is big enough that we could preach something new about Him every day and never grow out of things to teach. When the Holy Spirit is drawing someone they will get it. Their flesh may cringe, but their mind will be engaged. Now, it is probably obvious that I feel very strongly about the gospel, about the message proclaimed from the pulpit. But I also want to say that the most scholarly lesson preached that is not drawn from the Holy Spirit - both content and package - cannot talk to anything more than a person's intellect or emotions. Before any of us can 'preach' the gospel - either to ourselves or to others - we need to seek first the Spirit of God, and ask that He would pour It out upon us - wether we are the teacher, or the audience. Verse for today: 2 Timothy 3:12-17, ESV Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom [1] you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God [2] may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Gerber's vs. a Cheesburger

A thing has been "eating" away at me for some time. Why is it that churches (and I am speaking in a very broad stroke of generalization) feel the need to water down the message of the Gospel? I often hear of the Sunday services being "seeker friendly". That is, great care is taken so as to not offend any visitors that may not have made a decision for Christ. But I say that this is a dis-service. Not only to the "seekers", but to the faithful regular attenders.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25, ESV)

The American church is on the verge of becoming spiritual innefective. When we. in effect, take it easy, we water down the message. The only essential message - that of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we only talk about it not being good to gossip, or how to pray effectively, or doing good, where is the message about Christ? Where is the why we should (or should not) do these things? To many there is 'assumed' - or implied - message of this underlying theme. But if we are not proclaiming Christ, and Him crucified, it becomes meaningless. Do not the Scientologists preach 'good' things? What about the Mormans, or many other cults? What about Confusionism , or the Hindu religion? Islam also preaches that their followers are to do good things unto others. But what is it that sets Christianity - Bible believing, born again, Christianity, apart from all the others?!? It is Christ! And why is it Christ? Because HE accomplished it. He fulfilled the law! He died so that we might live! There is nothing that we can do to achieve salvation (even our turning to Him was because He revealed Himself to us). I mean, after our salvation we are to walk in our faith with Him in performing "works", but it is not the works that justify us before an almighty God. And it is He who was crucified - ONCE - and then it was "finished" (John 19:30). I am not talking "Fire and Brimstone" - but we cannot talk all "Peaches and Creme" either. We need to be frank, and loving. We need to talk about sin, and grace. We need to talk about heaven and hell. These are very real things, and unless the "seeker" hears these things, it is impossible to make an "informed" decision. But I feel an almost greater dis-service is done to the one who walks in the doors believing everything is 'hunky dorry' in their own lives. They (I include myself) are fed the equivilant of spiritual 'milk', and there is power in that...

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God [2] may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

The gospel, the Lord Christ, has so much more to offer. There is "meat" and vegitables. There are delights and depths that need to be plumbed from the pulpit. When things are set aside for the "beliver" services, or even deligated to the small groups (if your church uses such things) then a good portion of the congregation is missed. For example, many people have difficulty attending "off day" meetings, either for work or family schedules. As for me, the "rubber meets the road" in a small group (defined as a few families, or individuals that meet for further fellowship and study). This is a context for members of the church to practice what is preached from the pulpit, perhaps a time to study further and work through the material. Well, I could ramble on and on - but this post has already taken up a considerable amount of time. I pray that my concerns have been adequetly expressed. Verse for today: Romans 1:16-23, ESV For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, [5] as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” [6] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

Still recovering

Since Last Wednesday night has been a long marathon. Thurday and Friday were spent dealing with an emergency here at work. I am very grateful to God that I was able to get that IOS loaded because that same device crashed later in the day. It eventually degenerated into what I fondly call a 'boat anchor'. That issue sort of settled down late Friday afternoon. It is still on-going, but it is not in urgent mode. Over the weekend my unit had its scheduled drill weekend. It was a pretty low intensity time. On Saturday I was able to welcome home some soldiers, and yesterday we did a lot of cleaning. One thing I did learn was that my supply sergeant's son was just diagnosed with a form of Autism. That reminds me that I need to follow up with him today and tomorrow with some articles, etc. Saturday night was fun. A friend of mine celebreated his 40th birthday. What a party. His father had a list of all the significant events from the Bible that all involve the number 40. It was fun to hear it. That is all for today. God bless... Verse for today: 2 Timothy 3:14-17, ESV But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom [1] you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God [2] may be competent, equipped for every good work.

A tale of two dreams

Not sure why but I felt led to share a pair of dreams I've had. Almost fourteen months apart. The first one I had in October/November of 2005. I had recently received word of a possible deployment for my unit. The dream begins with me standing on 'any-street-USA'. Some kind of alarm sounds throughout - sort of like air raid sirens. For a while I am working desperately to get to "the station". Long story short... I arrive at the station ready to respond to the call (full equipment, etc.) but the station is empty. I arrived just as the trucks were pulling out and I watched them leave. I remember standing around thinking "no what". In time I ended up not getting deployed. Last week while it was still uncertain about my future with the Guard I had a different dream. It was a much darker background than the first, but I was gearing up for war. Body armor, weapon, other equipment. But not like you'd see on CNN. It was more like the kind you see in a computer game. I remember the distinct impression that I was some sort of Isreali special operations soldier (no offense to those who really do that - be they Isreali, Muslim, or American). Now, in my younger days I would have said "HOOAAH"!, but in my middle age I am saying something more along the lines of, Hmm... :) Both of them have been tumbling in my mind over the past 48 to 72 hours. After the first call up came and went without me I thought that the dream was showing me that. I had no idea about the second dream. I thought it was just a testosterone induced deal. But the past few days they feel like they are related some how. Especially in light of my not being invited to a dance for the second time in the past eighteen months. I am not sure what the future holds... and my dreams are not necessarily prophetic, but I know God has shown me things in and through them before. Exciting times... Verse for today: 2 Timothy 1:3-7, ESV I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.