As a teenager I attended funerals of classmates who committed suicide. A few decades later, I went to wakes of former students that I taught whose lives were cut short by cancer. Yesterday, I came face to face with death, saying goodbye to my cousin Billy who died suddenly last week.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.
Born three months before me, Billy is the first member of my father’s side of the family to pass away since my grandmother died twenty years ago. As I paid my final respect to Billy before the casket was closed, I felt as if I could be next. Thus, I am compelled to value and cherish every breath that I take.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it, Matthew 16:25.
When the busyness of life consumes you, it’s easy to become distracted from what really matters. Unfortunately, it usually takes some sort of tragedy to snap you out of this malaise. Despite what you need to do to pay your monthly bills, make sure you don’t lose sight of the frailty of life. Rather, open your eyes, look around and cherish each day on earth the Lord provides.
As congress continues to debate the future of healthcare in America, there is a Texas two step occurring behind the scenes. The House of Representatives and Senate are revealing the first act in public through a display of anger, concern and tears. Despite putting on a good show, dirty dancing starts behind closed doors as government leaders are allowing healthcare lobbyists to write legislation which will ensure these companies and executives will make millions of dollars annually.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, Philippians 2:4.
If you don’t believe me, here’s a slice of logic to prove my point. If Obama Care is so great, why would Democrats and Republicans exempt themselves from this program? As Jerry Maguire once said, “show me the money.” Well, if you follow the money, it’s interesting to find that most of these public servants end up millionaires before retiring. How is this possible? The dirty little secret is that anyone who is elected receives the best healthcare in the world. Meanwhile, average citizens are forced to deal with rising premiums, less choices and limited healthcare.
Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved, 1 Corinthians 10:33.
While the main stream media spend countless programming hours chirping about Russia collusion with the Trump Administration, the real collusion is occurring between lobbyists and members of Congress. Since this fact conflicts with political talking points, the cameras attention are pointed in a different direction. Hoping that out of sight, out of mind will squash any attempts to reveal this truth, only time will tell the future of healthcare. Yet, if Americans sit on their hands without raising a voice, life could soon become like Charlie Gard who was denied emergency medical care, left to die due to a government run healthcare.
Since the first professional baseball team was formed in 1869, 254 Major League Baseball players have collected 2000 hits during their career. While certain stats were not held early on in it’s history, 18 National Basketball Association members have amassed over 2000 rebounds before retiring. In the 97 years of professional football, only 7 NFL running backs have rushed for 2000 yards in a season. Meanwhile, only one player in the history of the National Hockey League, Wayne Gretzky has accumulated over 2000 total points in their career. Today, I have joined a special group with the posting of my 2000th blog at Express Yourself 4Him.
In view of this achievement, I wanted to reply to some of the most common questions shared with me as comments over the past five years. First, I chose Word Press as my sight for blogging due to recommendations of a few close friends with established blogs back in 2012. While I haven’t paid the additional $25 to upgrade Express Yourself 4Him, I am close to entering into a relationship with a vendor that prompt me to professionalize this site.
For those of you are new to this blog, I was inspired to create a spiritual journal like the theologian Augustine. Following two years of seminary classes, I was struck by how Augustine regularly sat on his back porch, staring at his garden. This time of reflection gave birth to his impact on theological advances through a collection of books left behind as his legacy. While I have no desire to go back into full time youth ministry, I pray that my own insights on current events may help those striving to become more like Christ daily.
If you want to start your own blog, there are three things to consider. First, focus on a specific area of expertise where you can develop a following based upon your knowledge. Second, set aside a time or day of the week where you plan a series of blogs. When I first started, I suffered from periods of writers block, lacking direction, ideas and topics. On Sunday, I watch a few sermons before attending church, taking notes in the journal next to my bed. When my eyes behave, I try to read chapters about issues that I want to know more about. In addition, I use sticky notes when I am not home to jot any ideas when the Holy Spirit speaks to me. Finally, if you want to persevere as a blogger, you must be disciplined, putting aside apathy to press on to publish blogs.
Many of you have urged me to write longer blogs which I will do when I feel compelled. However, after working with a PhD from Penn State, Dr. Vito, I discovered through trial and error that three paragraphs is ideal for the average reader. Anything shorter doesn’t drive home a point and by expanding a paragraph or two, I tend to lose people’s attention. Thus, unless God changes my mind, I will continue with my current format. One last thing before I say goodbye for the day, always remember that life is an adventure. The more bloggers are able to paint a vivid picture, new followers will come. Don’t get caught up with numbers. Rather, let quality writing do your talking.
When the term vessel comes up in a conversation, I immediately visualize a cruise ship, sail boat or the SS Minnow from Gilligan’s Island reruns. While I have never experienced the amenities of a luxurious cruise, this vessel takes you where you want to go. Sure, the weather may not always cooperate, but the goal is to arrive at each selected destination.
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work, 2 Timothy 2:21.
When it comes to healing, the Bible refers to vessels as a vehicle for change. Thus, spiritual vessels must avoid the popular stops and distractions the majority tend to visit. Jesus uses the analogy of a broad road that attracts a large crowd of people. However, in the end, this place is empty, void of any permanent satisfaction.
For thus says the Lord of hosts concerning the pillars, the sea, the stands, and the rest of the vessels that are left in this city, Jeremiah 27:19.
Unfortunately, if you want to be a vessel of healing, you must accept the fact that this will be a lonely journey. Jeremiah is nicknamed the weeping prophet as many of the messages he received from God to convey to Israel were negative. The truth hurts as Jack Nicholson famously states as Colonel Jessup, “you can’t handle the truth.” Vessels of healing must ignore the temptation to be popular by faithfully obeying the Holy Spirit. In a world desperate for leadership, healing and truth, step out in faith as the Lord is waiting for A Few Good Men, to become vessels of healing.
Modern technology has developed a way for certain types of aircraft to re-fuel while in mid-air. Air tankers contain a nozzle which extends and connects to crafts low on fuel like Air Force One in the 1997 Harrison Ford film. This capability allows fighter jets to remain in the air for longer periods of time.
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness, 2 Peter 1:3.
Dietrich Mateschitz invented a drink based upon a similar concept, helping human beings refuel when your energy is lost. In 1987, Red Bull Energy Drink was sold for the first time in Austria. This formula was inspired by functional drinks from the Far East like Green Tea. Subsequently, if you feel like you’re about the crash, consumers continue to reach for this can to boost their energy.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, Isaiah 11:2.
The prophet Isaiah writes about a spiritual power available to those longing for discernment, insight and wisdom. According to one of twelve disciples, the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus following his ascension to refuel spiritually. While this Holy Ghost is invisible, it’s presence brings counsel, knowledge and understanding. If you are currently emotionally drained, out of energy or have lost your way, cry out to the Lord in prayer so that the refueling of the Holy Spirit will begin.
Ten years ago I was at a good place in my life. At this time, I felt like I was doing exactly what God wanted me to do. I was in the prime of my teaching career, mentoring students on and off the golf course as a coach and serving on the board of my church as an elder. Then, a series of trials left deep wounds to my soul. When the dust settled, I lost my job, several friendships and the desire to become vulnerable.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10.
Whenever I endure hardship, it becomes difficult for me to allow strangers back into my life. Whether this is a defense mechanism, fear of being disappointed again or signs of depression, I tend to withdraw. Part of me is jaded, hesitant to invest time and energy without knowing what the future holds. Yet after years of being in some sort of spiritual fog, a moving worship experience a few Sunday’s ago has led me to realize it’s time to open up.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working, James 5:16.
During one of these songs, I had a vision of clay being molded and fashioned by a potter. This imagery was a subtle reminder of God’s nature as a heavenly Potter. All of my heartache over the last decade is symbolic of the imperfections within clay. If I can only trust God while I go through the furnace called life, I will become whole. May the message that I am learning inspire others to become vulnerable to others again.
The Landcare Research Center in New Zealand have recently made an interesting discovery. According to Mark Smale and his survey team, several plants and vegetation living in the Taupo Volcanic Zone are thriving despite a soil temperature of 72 degrees Celsius. In case you were wondering, that’s 161 degrees Fahrenheit. The breaking point was found to be 80 degrees Celsius, where only thermophilic algae can survive. This interesting find illustrates the fact that God has created living things can thrive in adverse conditions.
A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels, 1 Samuel 17:4-6.
If you enjoy watching sports, there are certain contests, games and matches that are clearly a mismatch. In the early years of Israel, no Jewish soldier could match the size, strength and supreme confidence of the Philistine warrior. Goliath stood just under ten feet tall and was protected by 156 pounds of armor. Day after day Goliath challenged members of the Jewish army to a duel but everyone ran and hid in fear. During a visit to the front lines to see his older brothers, David witnessed Goliath’s daily rant. While the odds were against this frail six foot tall shepherd boy, David possessed a faith which thrived under extreme circumstances.
David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” – 1 Samuel 17:26
Today, the phrase David verse Goliath is over used and often taken out of context. Faith without action is dead. Victory is achieved through complete trust in the God given talents that you possess. It doesn’t matter what others believe as long as you or your team know winning is possible. If God has the power to create the heavens and the earth, why don’t more individuals turn to the Lord when facing adverse conditions. The only thing missing in the lives of many individuals is a faith that thrives in adverse conditions.
As you grow close to co-workers, family and friends, there are certain tendencies that you expect to see. Sure, there will be anomalies that will occur that might catch you off guard momentarily, but you know them. Meanwhile, there will be other phases which people go through that will question how much you really know about these individuals. Nonetheless, sometimes actions, behavior or words are not what it seems.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? – Matthew 3:7
At first glance, I didn’t understand why John the Baptist rebuked Pharisees and Sadducees in the passage above for wanting to be baptized. At this time in history becoming baptized by John was trending, the popular thing to do in the Jewish community. Thus, John saw through their hidden motives, like those praying out loud at the weeping wall, trying to convince others of their godliness. While individuals today continue to seek attention in similar ways, be careful that you’re not fooled by someone living a lie like Jim Carrey in Liar Liar.
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance, Matthew 3:8.
When actions appear to be fake, phony and unusual, the Bible provides a truth detector. The author of Matthew who is a member of the tribe of Levi suggests that genuine confession is followed by acts of contrition. If an alcoholic is seen at a bar Sunday night after informing his pastor I have finally quit drinking, no one will believe him. When a woman promises not to have another affair yet is flirting with a co-worker the next day, what good is this vow? Since we live in a world of hypocrites, stop coming up with excuses for poor decisions or it’s not what it seems may become reality.
As I was waiting to see my eye doctor today, I came across an interesting page in Time Magazine. The article was entitled Viral Anger, addressing the growing dangers of social media in America. The author compared this condition to an illness, spreading like a contagious disease which is making those who engage sick.
Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way, Proverbs 19:2.
Although I agree with the premise of this piece, there is a fatal flaw not addressed. Currently, mainstream media bases the majority of cable news programing on political talking points. These slogans and sound bytes are passed on to elite members of the press and communicated via cable, magazines and news papers. This is the fuel which ignites daily dumpster fires on Twitter. Until major networks begins reporting the facts, opinion based journalism will continue to spawn viral anger.
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends, Proverbs 16:28.
Social media has opened a modern day Pandora’s Box, giving any self seeking individual the opportunity to instantly share what’s on their mind. Without any filters, thoughts freely flow with the click of a button. There was a time in this country when parents taught their children, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it!” These days are gone, replaced by people seeking fifteen minutes of fame through blogs, tweets or you tube channels.
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly, 2 Timothy 2:16.
The byproduct of social media is like a fulfillment of the passage above. However, instead of spreading first century heresy, viral anger is poisoning souls like an outbreak of gangrene. The only practical solution that I see is to replace negative news with a Positive News Network. If modern cable providers carry 24 hour television channels for any thinkable topic, it’s time for entrepreneurs to create an outlet which tells the whole story of an issue. Since I don’t see anyone putting social media back into Pandora’s Box, perhaps a source of encouragement like a PNN will be the cure to defeat viral anger.
When I was in high school, it wasn’t uncommon for a girl to tell her boy friend that she needed some space. What girls were trying to say to guys like me was she needed time away to clear her mind. Somehow I was suffocating this relationship and freedom was necessary to let this individual breathe. Unfortunately, this conversation usually meant the beginning of the end, a nice way to say I’m breaking up with you.
Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes, James 4:14.
If you apply this concept to God, countless individuals express this with their own actions, not making time for the Lord daily. However, this assumes that people actually took time to invite God into their lives initially. As churches close down, go out of business or are forced to join another congregations to survive, it appears that Jesus is low on our priority list. Instead giving God some space to work within your heart, soul and mind, busy schedules drown out the Holy Spirit’s whisper to draw near.
But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day, 2 Peter 3:8.
Last weekend I heard a local missionary speak about giving God same space. What she meant by this expression is opening your calendar to allow God to speak. Whether it’s a day, week or month, stop what you are doing and begin listening for the Holy Spirit. Sometimes I get so caught up in my own life that I ignore God completely. Christians can’t expect to spend eternity in heaven if they haven’t invested any time on earth storing up heavenly treasures. In view of this fear, get up a little earlier, stay up later or get away over the weekend to give God some space to invigorate your soul.
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