So Sorry for You !

      Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.  (Romans 12:9)

       God cares about us. That doesn't ring true to many today. When one observes the lawlessness, the pedophilia, child trafficking, random shootings, drug abuse, starvation, warfare, the general hurting and brokenness so rampant about us, one could presume God doesn't care. But, if you'll look at each misfortune listed above and add many more of your own, I believe you'll find that God is not the initiator of any of them---people are. God placed us in a world that we have gravely misused. God is not responsible for the "bad-ness" in our world---we are.

      God did not kill helpless humans recently in Paris in terrorist madness. Nothing, for that matter, would indicate that He would even desire such evil activity. Yes, He allowed it. But, if we are to have free will, He must allow such. Could He have intervened and stopped it. Yes. But, He chose not to, and I don't claim to know why. This world, for the time being, is subject to the negative forces of Satan (go ahead, scoff at this reference, but know that human understanding of the spiritual world about us barely exists. Label me illogical, unscientific---okay; but don't brazenly and incorrectly label me stupid).

      When Jan and I first moved to our rural home, I often, and sometimes still do, referred to it as God's Country.  Serene and isolated. Two, three, four cars passed our house in a day---one of those was the mail deliverer. Things have changed: traffic has increased including people we don't even know! New homes and families nearby. We live a far piece, a far cry, from Paris. We feel so blessed in our still peaceful territory---our very blessed home! But, we do have more evil about us, as more people are here.
       I'm sure many folks will always resent God's allowing bad things to happen in their lives. Many will interpret it as God's bad-ness. Many will choose to think of God as despicable, as the cause of their ill-fortune---and some will even tragically disavow my God as a result. So sorry for you! I, however, choose to focus on the many, many good things that God has heaped upon my life---the protection, the love, the comfort (none somehow personally deserved). I will insist that our life's evil activity is triggered by the evil within us humans.
      So, my rambling ends again, God is good, always was and always will be. We are warped. I pray for His forgiveness and blessings upon you.
      

Mizzou . . . Schizophrenia and Existential-Groanings

      Have you observed reports of the activities at Mizzou this week? Pretty weird, eh? It's difficult for me to ferret out all the necessary information down at the street level to grasp the significance of the matter. But, a football team threatening to boycott a game-day! And, it would seem, that menacing possibility becoming the tipping point in the decision-making process?! People fired? Oh, well---sports money ($1,000,000 plus for a forfeiture) speaks louder apparently than values, purpose, and objectivity once again.  Perhaps, more was there than meets my eye, but good grief, what kind of self-hating, warped, forlorn soul spends time drawing swastikas, much less using feces?!

      The female communications instructor---shrill and frenetic---now fired, was absolutely ridiculous. What does she indicate about the teachers and professors our university systems are hiring---and even paying. I would certainly loved to have been one of her students!  . . . and then the "News" making judgments about the University of Missouri based upon the one video of her screaming for "muscle"? Loose connections implied between events in Ferguson and these events!  My, my, my . . .

     What can we say? Basically, nothing. The insanity of those developing events and reactions is probably suggestive of some large generalization about our society, but I believe it's even more indicative of the state of the Individual within our culture. I marvel at how empty and peripatetic we have become morally. I was a young man in the "Sixties" and am aware that the loss of "grounding," though not always bad, certainly allows for existential-groanings---but, today, we have what seems to me almost a schizophrenic populace. Definitely, one that is so Me-first in most ways that it is exclusive of all common sense---perhaps, even hope.

      Sorry, for those of you super-people who believe that we e-van-GEL-i-cals, as you so disdainfully mouth, are so stodgy and un-educated---and, yep, even stupid. I won't call you "stupid," as you call me, but I believe a good dose of the Holy Spirit [of Jesus] could cure the disease you and your fellows (sorry if that word is too political incorrect for you) are suffering. I could more easily ignore your illness if it didn't manifest itself so often in my world.

      My friends, we need each other. We need peace. We need love. We need good-will. I pray for all of this. But, I realize, as long as humans are capable of evil, we will always have problems. Lawlessness is always a danger. Hurt and pain are everywhere rampant. Disagreement and division create difficulties. What do we not need? We don't need the incredibly foolish events like those at Mizzou this past week.  When people around you do destructive things, point it our to them. Have a spine.

and It Was Completely Calm

      I find it quite humorous to observe the awkwardness in the cynical political media's reaction to Ben Carson's occasional remarks about his conversion experience and how it changed his relationships and his life. The world, I suppose, has nearly always had an arthritic reception to any Christian's attempt to communicate his salvation event. To begin with, the supernatural element in it goes entirely beyond human analysis and makes the discussion stand finally outside rationality. To a completely objective person, then, the matter simply dies at that point. And so it does, I believe. Without spiritual intervention, salvation cannot occur. Human-inspired hyper-emotion, though dramatic, is not, in any sense, a viable replacement for the actual indwelling process of the Holy Spirit.

      Jesus plainly stated:  "with man this (salvation) is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt 9:26). If one accepts that Jesus died and was raised from that death to a new life in a new body, then absolutely anything is possible through His spiritual intervention---absolutely anything, within the will of God! So, why do we so doubt? " '. . . you of little faith, why are you afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm" (Matt 8: 26). Supernatural, right? I always think of Peter. We, like Peter, can walk on the water toward Jesus, but then we waver. I've always felt an affection for Peter---his histrionics, his aspirations, his willingness. And . . . his failure at the critical moment! That's me, all wrapped up in Peter's human-ness. Yet, I've accepted that Jesus is the bread, the living water, the Way---and everything's going to be okay. "In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
      Well, it's basically very simple, I guess. Yet, we humans can find a way to complicate anything. I wish I could "explain" to you salvation, but I cannot. You must seek your own. No, . . . no, you don't have to do anything; God gives us the choice, the option. I hope, though, that you will read the Gospel and let it work in the very depths of your being.  God bless!
      Please don't scoff when people speak of their salvation. It is a very intimate experience. It is very personal. It is the most important portion of their life here on earth. It's an ongoing experience, as testified to by the lives of Jesus' disciples. Be patient with yourself. Jesus in your life brings a sweet, sweet mysterious peace that you'll not know until you accept Him.

That Haunting Whistling

      "Don't Worry, Be Happy" is a fairly nondescript song by musician Bobby McFerrin from the late 1980's espousing the virtue of just simply being happy. Somehow, out of the blue, it crossed my mind this morning---just goes to show that even my brain takes an occasional odd twist. Got me to thinking, though. Our Declaration of Independence proclaims "the pursuit of happiness" one of our "unalienable (fundamental, inherent) Rights." Many folks will quickly and openly tell you that being happy is exactly and naturally what one should really be seeking in life. I have many facebook friends who often express in posted pics their happiness---tho' their words mainly express gripes, opinions, fears, and concerns. It seems to me that happiness has become our purest American Idol (sorry, couldn't resist) pushing all other virtues far into a blurred background. I'm thinking happiness isolated as an overriding quest becomes a very lonely phantom. 

       "So what?" you say. Not sure yet; give me a couple of minutes. Certainly, our other proclaimed unalienable rights---life and liberty---play a distant second and third fiddles. Abortion and prohibitive costs of medical care and curative drugs say much about our dishonor for life. Our isolationist foreign policy and  the increasing attacks on our daily lifestyles speak much of our belittling of liberty. So, it's back to the pursuit of happiness---and pursue it we do.
      I can only speak for myself on this. I believe, to a large extent, we choose to be happy or not. Jesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10). So, I choose to believe that and accept it and opt to be happy. I was never the hottest guy around (but okay); eventually, I read Paul's remarks, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you . . ." (1 Cor 6:19). I just figured if it's good enough for the Spirit, it's good enough for me. I'm happy. Also, I've always had plenty (all one could truly need) of wealth and things: "Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have . . ." (Heb 13:5). I've been happy and more than blessed by God. He allowed me to love the work I did (Prov 12:11), and He kept loved ones all around me (Psa 128:3). I'm happy. God gave me a home where I wanted to live---serenity itself, not the hustle of city life, and He has allowed me to enjoy the simple, basic things in living (Mic 6:8). I'm happy. As I age, I'm learning more and more to let go of past hurts, and I'm becoming more and more spiritual in my view of life itself (Mat 6:33). I'm happy. I exhort you to enjoy those perfect moments when they happen---perfection doesn't last long on Earth. Overall, I suspect my happy listings match most of yours.
      So, after all this seemingly extraneous rambling, I conclude:  The pursuit (of happiness) must be focused on something else and directed by Biblical principles or else it is futile. We have the declared Right to pursue happiness---but pursuing Christ's approval is the ultimate pathway to happiness. You certainly are free to disagree with me. But, only the Holy Spirit can ultimately comfort and completely fill the emptiness---the spiritual unhappiness---that humans inevitably weather. 
      That haunting whistling from the song is reminding you not to worry, but simply being happy doesn't cut it. It won't work. It's just not life. It's a lie. Our expulsion from the Garden of Eden (however you want to interpret it) made true happiness impossible till finally comes the comfort of the Holy Spirit. That whistling will just echo quietly somewhere in your consciousness---occasionally thrown to the surface to refresh your awareness of your need for happiness. The indwelling Holy Spirit is what you need and long for. I'll continue to pursue happiness myself---but, I have a most amazing Helper!




           
      

Leaping Like Calves from the Stall

      I can't help but laugh at the convoluted arguments supporters of abortion and other sinful behaviors use to justify their beliefs and actions. It would be funny were it not so sad . . . well, I decided a few weeks back to lighten up, to intentionally remove stress from my life.  So, my resolve is to pray genuinely for these people (and covet their prayers for me) . . . then, quietly leave it (and them) in God's hands. However, I get a kick out of replying very succinctly to all supporters of Planned Parenthood: Abortion is wrong.  They have no real argument at that point.  All they can do is rant illogically or walk silently away thinking me a fool or shrug their misguided shoulders. Our God respects life. However, despite myself, I find the sinful lifestyles about me very disquieting (and I do not dismiss myself from the guilty).

       I have dozens of outside yard-and-house tasks I'd like to get done, but I'm determined to complete the treasure boxes and cars/trucks that I've started for the Christmas Shoebox Drive at church. Anything that can go wrong, has.  And, I'm expecting more missteps still to come.  But, I will finish this project before the deadline---short of some disastrous interruptions. I'm determined to fight off the creeping apprehension that's crawling into my life as a result---feeling I need to be working at other tasks as well. Again, another thing I'm turning over to my God. No more stress.

      Health issues have begun to weigh down upon us a bit.  Jan's thyroid cancer and consequent removal and treatment with the wait to see if all is basically contained was very intense; my not-so-debilitating cold that is interfering in its own minimal fashion; worries about children and grandchildren; the threat of a major health problem for one of Jan's brothers: These are all completely out of our control, but nevertheless encumber us with concerns and . . . yes, stress. In Malachi 4:2, it states, "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." I just love that image! It speaks more to me than a 100 words on peace and serenity would speak. Once again, I have opportunities to leave my burdens at the feet of my Lord . . . and I elect to do so (I might add, in a hopping fashion).

       We are admonished over and over in our Word not to live worried lives.  " . . . do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7). We are to be " . . . casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you" (1 Pet 5:7). So, I'm trying to figure out just how to go about completely "leaping from my stall" and living with a much more simple, yet constant faith in Him.  I invite you to take this journey, too.

The Pivotal Moment in All of History

      Some people assign events in their lives to fate or chance or luck. That is so foolish. So shortsighted. So disenfranchising. Happily, God is willing to work in our lives and has purposes in our lives. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" (Jer 29:11). Many folks nowadays dismiss that idea out-of-hand. But, if Christians doubt that God has plans for our lives, we need to reconsider our approach to life and worship. I'm convinced He is continually readjusting and coordinating possibilities for us, as we are constantly making our moment-to-moment choices: "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Prov 6:9). God lets us choose our own path, but helps us deal with day-to-day living. As a result, our spiritual lives are very complicated, nuanced affairs and, therein, lies a necessity for continual prayer.  
       So, tell me to get real---that this is too mental, that you don't want to think about it in this depth. That's fine; I'm speaking mainly to myself anyway, I guess. With that, I wonder what God's overall purpose is for us? "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccles 12:13). 
       God's desires for our lives include some really difficult (yet basic) requests. "So, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, . . . Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves" (Phil 2:1-4) was the way Paul stated it. Jesus put it more simply and completely disarms us by commanding us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Just try that (really try that)  day-in-day-out, year-in-year-out: Talk about a challenge! God's plans for us are good, just as He is good and that makes it easy to love Him, but people are intrinsically evil and very difficult to love. That's my personal challenge; I'm critical (just one of my deficiencies) and sometimes overly demanding to the point of being merciless. But, I'm working on that weakness with the help of the Holy Spirit. At the end of my days here on earth, I would love "to be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith---that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection . . ." (Phil 3:9-10).
       I completely believe that the pivotal moment in all of history occurred when Jesus was resurrected---that was it! And that is why we have a hope and a future. Our time here on this earth is troublesome---yes, indeed. Nevertheless, my Christianity is supernatural; I have a personal relationship with Him; He is actively involved in my life. "Commit your work (your life, your being) to the Lord, and your plans will be established" (Prov 16:3).  Yep, I believe God has purposes for our lives and that He actually cares about us.

Enjoyed Breakfast Four Times One Morning

      Woe is me! I find myself less and less able to stick to any given activity for long periods of time, e.g. reading or watching a movie. Hopefully, this decrease in my attention span isn't indicative of some larger problem.  My memory has failed 21 times this past month. Three separate times I have forgotten to turn on my signal light while turning at an intersection.  I even enjoyed breakfast four times one morning this week. Perhaps, I may have even forgotten the major tragedies in my life . . . I don't know. Unfortunately, now that I've put these words on paper, I may have jeopardized my  very existence.

      The U.S. Dept. of Planned Do-Away-with-Incompetent-Old-Folks may soon add me to their registry of Unnecessary Human Life.  The head of that department is every bit as cold-hearted as the head of Planned Parenthood.  And, Planned Parenthood is having more and more trouble supplying needed body parts to outfit the "more deserving amongst us" crowd. So, we older folks, in a show of proper altruism, should even be volunteering to stand in the gap. Our dogged selfishness is part of the problem; plus, there are just SO many of us nowadays. Perhaps, I should just turn myself in. Maybe, you should consider doing so as well.

      Many people have meditated heavily about growing older:  Ade Santi--Why did you leave? Am I not good enough? Where did you go? When did it happen? Who are you? That could be me. Gabriel de Tarde--Forgetfulness is the beginning  of happiness as fear is the beginning of wisdom. I am feeling pretty happy most of the time. Craig D. Lounsbrough--To forget is to blithely toss aside the hard lessons that were hard won by others before us, thereby needlessly dooming us to endure the hard lessons that are likely to be forgotten by those who will follow us. So, you see, (Soloman perhaps was right---all is vanity) the elderly have a blurred sense of existence and might not even realize what the Department was doing to them.

      I turn 70 tomorrow . . . maybe that's the age they've set as the upper limit (don't know---they are so darned secretive).  Hey, but who knows, maybe they've set it at 90, and I've several somewhat blurred, yet productive years ahead! Guess I'll just have to live day-by-day appreciating the opportunities God sends my way! Hmm . . .