Thursday, January 31, 2008
The Sin of Tom, The Love of God
I ran away
To appease a lying mind
To escape from reality
From life so unkind
I ran away as fast as I could run
Fearing the crushing light
I ran away to avoid the Son
Revealing the comfort of my night
Shame, guilt, the isolating of others
Too late realizing the error of my sins
Came the grief willed upon my brothers
Then the laser power of love pierced this, my spiritual night
A portion melded this steel-hardened heart
The way was flooded with awesome Holy light
I ran from the one who loves me
Like a coward, a thief from his crime
I ran from a life once honored
Till God said, “Not your will, but mine”
Heb 13:5-65 (NIV)
...because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Bird Poop
It irritates me to press "1" for English when calling my MD's office when English is the language of the United States, albeit unofficially. Providing license tests in other than the English language leads me to believe some folks out there cannot read a street sign or a speed limit designation. It could mean not being fluent enough to be in health care or food service. It adds additional costs that are not necessary if a) one understands English and b) is legal and assimilates into the culture. This the United States and we speak, write and comprehend English.
The following was sent to me via email. I'm Webb and I agree with this message.
The cartoon caption should read:
Birds are like illegals; no matter how well
you treat them, eventually they sh#@t on you.
But then the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue.
Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table .. everywhere!
Then some of the birds turned mean. They would
dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I had fed them out of my own pocket.
And others birds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.
After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore. So I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio.
Soon, the back yard was like it used to be quiet, serene and no one demanding their rights to a free meal.
Now let's see ....
Our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care, and free education and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.
Then the illegals came by the tens of thou sands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; your child's 2nd grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English.
Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to "press one" to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other than "Old Glory" are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.
Just my opinion, but maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder. If you agree, pass it on; if not, continue cleaning up the poop!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
SEVEN SECRETS to SPIRITUAL SUCCESS
I read a book, SEVEN SECRETS TO SPIRITUAL SUCCESS by Woodrow Michael Kroll. He provides a formula to gaining a fulfilled life according to Christ's will. As I am sure, most of us know following the will of God is not the easiest thing to do. Our will seems to be more of a priority. I, too, want to be spiritually successful and believe these points help me do so. Even when self-will rules. Anyway, I am providing the Seven Secrets believing other want the same. In order to conserve space I have become restrained in the narrative. I ask that you use your God given brain to interpret the comments after each point. I am sure you will realize the 'secrets to spiritual success' are not really secrets at all. Form your own means on how to interpret the vignette of a particular 'secret'.1. Accept the limitations of human efforts and plans.
While God gave us brains to think with, sometimes we don’t have enough cleverness on our own to do the job. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor 4: 6,7 (NIV)
2. Trust the word of Jesus even if it doesn’t make sense.
3. Be willing to take risks.
Think of how a bird must feel the first time its pushed from the nest by its mother. The feeling must begin with fear, but as the bird stretches its wings and soars, it becomes exhilaration. Risk is a part of all achievement. A risk-free life is terribly dull. Hmmm? A leap of faith?
4. Persevere even through disappointment and fatigue.
I used to ride my bicycle extensively. I would enter weekend marathons and fund-raisers just to ride my bike 50, 75, 100 miles in a day. There’s a sensation you get called a “runner’s high” named after the experience marathon runners encountered. In all sports it only comes after an athlete has pushed past his fatigue and kept on going when every cell in the body is yelling to STOP. For me it would come at about the twenty mile and 60 mile point on rides. The feeling of exhaustion gives in to a wonderful feeling of euphoria. It only happens, however, if we are willing to keep on going when we feel like quitting. Spiritual perserverance?
5. Remember the importance of team work.
Two men riding a bicycle built for two came to a long, steep hill. It took a great deal of struggle for the men to complete what proved to be a very stiff climb. When they got to the top, the one in front turned to the other and said, “Boy, that sure was a hard climb.” The fellow in back replied, “Yes, and if I hadn’t kept the brakes on all the way, we would certainly have rolled down backwards.” Work with not against each other in all things.
6. Remember, God can give us more than we ask or imagine.
Jesus offers life wherever he goes:
-- water becomes wine at a wedding in Cana;
-- a little boy receives life at the point of death;
-- a man, once lame, “takes up” his “mat and” walks;
-- stormy waters of the sea set the stage for a midnight stroll;
-- a blind man sees;
-- and, Lazarus, bandages and all, comes out of his tomb.
7. Be humble in your success.
Nikita Khrushchev and President Kennedy were having a vigorous exchange of strong opinions. Finally, Kennedy asked Khrushchev, “Do you ever admit a mistake?” The Soviet Premier responded, “Certainly I do. In a speech before the Twentieth Party Congress, I admitted all of Stalin’s mistakes.” I had a T-shirt that said, "When you're as great as I am, its hard to be humble." Hmmmm?
I have always been a risk taker and not so often humble. My struggle is to live the life Christ desires for me and not what I want for myself. I am a Romans 7 pastor. I wish I was not. Victory over stuggles develops perserverance. And, as the following scripture states, I desire to increase my spiritual maturity and be complete in my relationship with others but especially with God.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:4,5 (NIV)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Presidential Candidates
In a world of uncertainty (which is every day) we now face the dilemma of whether a woman or a man of a minority race should be elected to the White House. The Republican candidates are in turmoil because none speak to the conservative base in this country. There really is no one running for President that can effectively lead this country on sound spiritual and moral principles.Hillary Clinton will tell any group she is in front of exactly what they want to hear or find some connection to that particular populace that she thinks will endear her to them. Whether its her membership in the Southern Baptist Church or discussing her "trials and struggles" growing up and even producing a "drawl" in her voice to sound like southern constituents. But ask her this, "What have you done in office as a Senator that has contributed to the improvement of American life?"'; "What bill have you sponsored to encourage economical growth and provide financial relief to the lower and middle class?"; "What are your plans for the burgeoning health crisis, insurance crisis, the war in the Middle East, nuclear armament of hostile nations or illegal immigrants that will protect true citizens of this country?" I hear rhetoric but now viable solutions.
Obama, what are your plans for the same? Or will it be politics as usual? Why should an Independent, such as myself, vote for you. As a conservative who left the Republican party because it wasn't, what are you willing to concede, compromise and promise to sway my vote and listen to you? Because you're black, of Christian/ Muslim background or the promise to leave Iraq? Where's the meat of your being? I listen to the news and read the papers and I am not gaining anything from you that promotes any reason to consider you.
And the Republicans? Who this religion, who's that religion? Who cares? Its about the security and growth of a population. Its about defining the culture of world wide melting pot, its about pursuing the American Dream of healthy, safe life void of corruption and betrayal.
Voting is a right of the American citizen. The citizen needs to better educate themselves on the political positions or each candidate and decide which candidate will best serve the Nation as a whole and not just personal bias.
My father is 95 years old, failing in mental status and health. Yet, on more than one occasion I have stated, "I would vote for my father than any one on the ballot today." Why? He is a person of sound judgement, morals and justice. Every person is judged on merit and not perceptions.
Maybe we should examine the elements that make up our spiritual nature, define our moral fiber and seek candidates that stand for American quality, sovereignty and honor.
Don't vote your race, culture, religion or creed. Use your mind. Voice your Vote
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