This post will be shorter for a couple of reasons. First, I don't have much time. Second, it was pointed out to me this past week that the length of my posts allow for several different thoughts rather than just one. While it was not meant as a criticism I would like to keep this more succinct and focus on only one point.
Here it is - God is in control. I am sure we are all familiar with the song and agree with the lyrics that speak of God still being on the throne of our life and the world around us. I am also sure that we are also familiar with the Chicken Little Christians, as I like to call them. You know what I am talking about. Since President Obama has taken office basically the United States has turned into the U.S.S.R. and has become a communist state. Every political move from the White House is cause for more wailing and weeping and gnashing of teeth. It reminds me of Chicken Little - the story of a young chick who got everyone whipped into a frenzy because a nut fell on her head and she thought the sky was falling.
Let me remind everyone reading this that God is still in control. No one has dethroned God. The throne of heaven is still comfortably occupied by the Almighty God of the Universe. The One True God who tells us that he appoints kings and turns them wherever he wants them to go is still reigning. So the sky is not falling. The world has not come to an end even though a Health Care Reform bill has been voted in by Congress. The devil has not taken over heaven even though the Senate and House are both Democratically controlled. You can tell me that you are just worried about your kids and the future and taxes and, and, and,... But isn't that the point? We are worrying, instead of trusting. We are complaining, instead of believing.
We believers need to stop being Chicken Little's and start becoming Little Red Hen's (someone who works hard at what God has given them to do - like working at your job or evangelizing the lost).
I will end with Isaiah 46:9-10, "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Census
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Security
So, I am in California for a pastor's conference (that will be a later blog) and had the privilege of undergoing TSA Security procedures in order to board the plane. As most of you know, before entering the gate boarding area everyone must show a boarding pass and some form of identification. Then you take your shoes and any sort of metal objects and place them in a bin. If you have a laptop that must be taken out and placed in a separate bin. Then if you are carrying any shampoos, lotions, soaps, etc. they must be taken out as well. I think I had a grand total of 4 bins just for me (I can't wait to fly with four young children). After all this, I pass through a metal detector and have my information checked. Then I place my arms out and someone "frisks" me to make sure I am safe. What may seem surprising to some of you is that not one of the seven of us complained about this. We actually thanked them for doing their job so thoroughly. Why were we thankful? Because in Septemeber of 2001 a few men decided to climb on board a plane kill the pilots and fly the planes into a building killing everyone on board. Since then everything has changed. Security has gotten tighter, and we don't really complain about it (too much). We know that we would rather have a few minutes of inconvenience then have the terrifying experience of being part of a flying suicide mission.
As I think about the idea of security I think of marriages in our churches and communities. One of the most commonly stated phrases in marriage counseling is that women need security in a relationship. I have heard this all my life. I have had countless pastors and counselors confirm this. I have had women tell me this. If you want to have a successful marriage you must realize that the greatest need for the wife is security. So if many of us realize this why are our marriages falling apart? Why is it that I consistently contact friends from college (a very conservative, Christian college) and when I ask about their wife or husband I hear these words. "Well, it just didn't work out between us" or "She left me for someone else." Just recently I have been reminded once again of the fragile nature of marriage. A friend of ours is finalizing their divorce in three days. Why is this? Why can't we keep our marriages together?
I would argue that one of the major reasons is a misunderstanding of the idea of security. It is very possible that the greatest need for the wife is security, but what does that mean? What I have found is that men seem to interpret the need for security from a purely financial perspective. This makes sense if you think about how men are wired. One of the biblical patterns that we see from Scripture is that God holds the men responsible to provide for their families financially. This means that the husband should work. This also means that the husband finds great satisfaction from his employment. Men are also typically more goal-driven and competitive in nature as well. So as he goes to work each day he is fulfilling his God-given role of providing for his family, but also fulfilling his desire to build, create, sell, and reach his goals. The problem with all of this is that women are wired very differently.
When a woman thinks of security she usually interprets this from a primarily emotional perspective. She wants security in her relationship, not necessarily in the paycheck. She wants to know that her husband loves to come home to her. She wants to feel secure that when he kisses her hello at the end of the day he hasn't been gawking at every waitress, flight attendant, or skirt that day. She wants to know that he cares about her and loves her more than his job or co-workers or buddies from college. That is what security means to her.
Marriages face great stress and pressure because of financial difficulties. As we look around today we have many people in our churches that are struggling financially because of the economy. What we must realize is that these economic hard times should bring us closer to God and our spouse - not farther apart.
Men - We must stop placing our jobs as idols taking the place of God. When our jobs become our primary source of contentment and satisfaction we have just made them an idol. Jesus Christ must be our satisfaction and our contentment, bar none. Even if we are unemployed we can still hold our heads high because we have value in Jesus Christ. He loves you and died for you no matter what job you hold. When we stop placing our jobs and our financial security on a level with God we will begin to understand the true nature of our relationship with Jesus Christ and what it means to place our burdens on Him. We must also love and understand our wives. Your wife is not primarily concerned (or she shouldn't be) with how much money you bring home, how nice a home you have, or how nice a car you drive. Stop stressing about those things and show her love in the little (and inexpensive) things. Do the dishes for her. Pick wild flowers and bring them home. Rent a chic-flic and enjoy it with her. Don't look at anyone else the way you look at her. Kiss her. Hug her. Love her. Spend time with her.
Women - Stop making security in your relationship with your husband an idol. I know this may sound strange, but even though your relationship with your husband is important the most important relationship you have is with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your husband is not perfect and he never will be. He may not always place you above his job - forgive him and move on. He may not always be as romantic as you wish he was - forgive him and move on. He may not always talk to you as much as you would like - forgive him and move on. If you don't it will eat at you until your suppressed anger becomes a deep-rooted bitterness. There is nothing wrong with talking to him about these things, but don't nag. If he doesn't respond, give it to God and win him with your meek spirit. Your deepest emotional and spiritual relationship should be with Christ. In Him alone will you truly find satisfaction and contentment. In Him alone, you will truly be secure.
As I think about the idea of security I think of marriages in our churches and communities. One of the most commonly stated phrases in marriage counseling is that women need security in a relationship. I have heard this all my life. I have had countless pastors and counselors confirm this. I have had women tell me this. If you want to have a successful marriage you must realize that the greatest need for the wife is security. So if many of us realize this why are our marriages falling apart? Why is it that I consistently contact friends from college (a very conservative, Christian college) and when I ask about their wife or husband I hear these words. "Well, it just didn't work out between us" or "She left me for someone else." Just recently I have been reminded once again of the fragile nature of marriage. A friend of ours is finalizing their divorce in three days. Why is this? Why can't we keep our marriages together?
I would argue that one of the major reasons is a misunderstanding of the idea of security. It is very possible that the greatest need for the wife is security, but what does that mean? What I have found is that men seem to interpret the need for security from a purely financial perspective. This makes sense if you think about how men are wired. One of the biblical patterns that we see from Scripture is that God holds the men responsible to provide for their families financially. This means that the husband should work. This also means that the husband finds great satisfaction from his employment. Men are also typically more goal-driven and competitive in nature as well. So as he goes to work each day he is fulfilling his God-given role of providing for his family, but also fulfilling his desire to build, create, sell, and reach his goals. The problem with all of this is that women are wired very differently.
When a woman thinks of security she usually interprets this from a primarily emotional perspective. She wants security in her relationship, not necessarily in the paycheck. She wants to know that her husband loves to come home to her. She wants to feel secure that when he kisses her hello at the end of the day he hasn't been gawking at every waitress, flight attendant, or skirt that day. She wants to know that he cares about her and loves her more than his job or co-workers or buddies from college. That is what security means to her.
Marriages face great stress and pressure because of financial difficulties. As we look around today we have many people in our churches that are struggling financially because of the economy. What we must realize is that these economic hard times should bring us closer to God and our spouse - not farther apart.
Men - We must stop placing our jobs as idols taking the place of God. When our jobs become our primary source of contentment and satisfaction we have just made them an idol. Jesus Christ must be our satisfaction and our contentment, bar none. Even if we are unemployed we can still hold our heads high because we have value in Jesus Christ. He loves you and died for you no matter what job you hold. When we stop placing our jobs and our financial security on a level with God we will begin to understand the true nature of our relationship with Jesus Christ and what it means to place our burdens on Him. We must also love and understand our wives. Your wife is not primarily concerned (or she shouldn't be) with how much money you bring home, how nice a home you have, or how nice a car you drive. Stop stressing about those things and show her love in the little (and inexpensive) things. Do the dishes for her. Pick wild flowers and bring them home. Rent a chic-flic and enjoy it with her. Don't look at anyone else the way you look at her. Kiss her. Hug her. Love her. Spend time with her.
Women - Stop making security in your relationship with your husband an idol. I know this may sound strange, but even though your relationship with your husband is important the most important relationship you have is with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your husband is not perfect and he never will be. He may not always place you above his job - forgive him and move on. He may not always be as romantic as you wish he was - forgive him and move on. He may not always talk to you as much as you would like - forgive him and move on. If you don't it will eat at you until your suppressed anger becomes a deep-rooted bitterness. There is nothing wrong with talking to him about these things, but don't nag. If he doesn't respond, give it to God and win him with your meek spirit. Your deepest emotional and spiritual relationship should be with Christ. In Him alone will you truly find satisfaction and contentment. In Him alone, you will truly be secure.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"Passing the Torch" or "Torching the Passer"
Due to news breaks on ESPN yesterday (Monday) I am given another excuse to return to one of my favorite topics - football, but particularly my football team, the San Diego Chargers. For those of you who don't know, LaDanian Tomlinson has been officially released by the San Diego Chargers. As a San Diego fan this is a very sad, but exciting day all at the same time. It is sad because a truly great player is leaving. Ten years ago the Chargers were at the bottom of the stack. They had just picked a rising star in QB Ryan Leaf. He had just won the Rose Bowl convincingly and was supposed to be an amazing talent. A year later everyone knew he was one of the biggest mistakes ever made. He just recently ended up on the 10 biggest busts on an ESPN website article. So the Chargers drafted LaDanian Tomlinson from TCU (Texas Christian University) and he became one of the greatest Running Backs (if not the greatest) to play in this past decade. He has set and broken countless records and always done it with class. He has never been responsible for any off-field problems and is a devoted family man. Amazingly the worst thing he has ever done is appear to be sulking when he was injured during a game at NE and couldn't play. Bottom line, he is a hall-of-fame (easily) RB who has handled himself well and never been a problem in the locker room through his entire career.
So what now? He is leaving. What is amazing to me is that it appears fairly obvious to most football fans (including myself) that LT is not his former self, yet he still believes he can go out and put up big numbers. So he will be looking for another team, and, who knows, maybe he will succeed. Not likely, but always a possibility. This story reminds me of some valuable lessons that older pastors and leaders in Christianity had a hard time learning. Continue reading to see what they are.
So what now? He is leaving. What is amazing to me is that it appears fairly obvious to most football fans (including myself) that LT is not his former self, yet he still believes he can go out and put up big numbers. So he will be looking for another team, and, who knows, maybe he will succeed. Not likely, but always a possibility. This story reminds me of some valuable lessons that older pastors and leaders in Christianity had a hard time learning. Continue reading to see what they are.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Christian Olympians
If you are like me, you watch the Olympics. If you are like me you find the "hoopla" of the Winter Olympics interesting, enjoyable, and somewhat humorous all at the same time. I find it interesting because I grew up in San Diego and know nothing (or almost nothing) of most winter sports. So it is fascinating to watch people hurtle down a hill and launch themselves into jumps, bumps (moguls), or icy tubes (bobsledding). I find it enjoyable because some of these "sports" are rather amazing to watch. I find it humorous because millions of people will watch other people glide around in shiny, skin-tight costumes on a blade of metal and listen to their stories of countless hours, days, weeks, months and years of practice and torment to their bodies so that they can glide and jump better than the other person (this is called ice skating). I find it humorous because we raise these people to a level of hero or heroine when they win the Gold, but most of them don't even know what life (real life, that is) even looks like. They don't have friends; they have coaches and competitors. They don't have family; they have cheerleaders in the stands who have supported them on this journey. They don't have a life; they have practice. When they lose, they "Will try again in four more years." When they win, they "Will come back and do it again in four more years." When they get too old, they have nothing but the past and a few trophies or "almost." I guess it really is more sad than humorous.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Super Bowl Sunday
In case you missed it the New Orleans Saints played the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl this past Sunday night. The Saints won 31-17 and I was glad for Drew Brees (the Saints QB), since he used to be the San Diego Chargers QB and is a Christian who has always handled himself very well as a professional football player.
On a different note I received a call from someone who will remain anonymous. They asked my opinion about something their pastor had said that Sunday morning. He said that anyone who cancelled Sunday services or did not attend the regular Sunday night service was placing football before God. He made it very clear that by attending the Sunday night service believers were showing the world that God was more important than football. I would like to think through this statement and see how it reveals much about modern Christianity's view of the Church and Christianity in general.
On a different note I received a call from someone who will remain anonymous. They asked my opinion about something their pastor had said that Sunday morning. He said that anyone who cancelled Sunday services or did not attend the regular Sunday night service was placing football before God. He made it very clear that by attending the Sunday night service believers were showing the world that God was more important than football. I would like to think through this statement and see how it reveals much about modern Christianity's view of the Church and Christianity in general.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Caution: Work in Progress
For those of you who don't know, we are remodelling our home right now. At this point my best guess for a completion date on the remodel is around my youngest child's 18th birthday in 2027. At least, it seems that way. We are currently adding cabinets and just ordered countertops for the kitchen (pretty exciting stuff). I pretty much do all the work myself and for the most part I really enjoy it. There have been a few times when I got rather frustrated and irritated because of the unfinished condition of our home (plywood floors still, bare sheetrock walls, etc.). Three years ago around Christmas time I was having a moment and Deana wrote a little poem or saying, framed it and gave it to me for Christmas. After this past weekend of working on the kitchen I thought I would share it with everyone and a few other thoughts.
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Christian" Politics
I was really struggling with what to write about this week. It wasn't because I didn't have things to write about, but I was debating whether or not I should really express my thoughts on some of these issues. I finally decided that sometimes certain things just need to be said whether anyone likes it or not. As Martin Luther once said, "You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say."
On a side note, I asked my wife what I should write about and she said I could write about what a wonderful wife I have - so I think I will, just to embarass her :). For all of you single guys out there I do not envy you at all. Too often it seems like modern society has exalted the idea of the fun, single guy who can have casual sex and enjoy life while the married guy is stuck with his wife and kids and boring life (although a more recent movie, "Marley and Me" actually presented the exact opposite and was quite enjoyable). In case you are wondering, married life is not boring at all. My wife is an incredible, talented, beautiful woman and a godly, loving, and hard-working mother of 4 little children. Life in our house is far from boring (for example, my 2 yr old son just came running out of his sister's room crying because he fell off the top bunk and when asked if he was "Ok" he responds by saying, "My bum hurts"). So I do have a wonderful wife who keeps me on my toes and is a great encouragment to me and also a discerning voice of wisdom in our home.
The following are some observations and considerations about "Christian" Politics.
On a side note, I asked my wife what I should write about and she said I could write about what a wonderful wife I have - so I think I will, just to embarass her :). For all of you single guys out there I do not envy you at all. Too often it seems like modern society has exalted the idea of the fun, single guy who can have casual sex and enjoy life while the married guy is stuck with his wife and kids and boring life (although a more recent movie, "Marley and Me" actually presented the exact opposite and was quite enjoyable). In case you are wondering, married life is not boring at all. My wife is an incredible, talented, beautiful woman and a godly, loving, and hard-working mother of 4 little children. Life in our house is far from boring (for example, my 2 yr old son just came running out of his sister's room crying because he fell off the top bunk and when asked if he was "Ok" he responds by saying, "My bum hurts"). So I do have a wonderful wife who keeps me on my toes and is a great encouragment to me and also a discerning voice of wisdom in our home.
The following are some observations and considerations about "Christian" Politics.
Monday, January 18, 2010
American Idols?
So, in case you didn't notice, the San Diego Chargers lost to the New York Jets on Sunday. I was a little shocked and very disappointed since my Chargers definitely gave the game away. But I will say, that this morning as I went out to shovel my driveway I still put on my Chargers hat and even went out with it and got donuts later on. Maybe they will never make the Super Bowl, but they are still my team. For now, Go Saints!
While watching my team lose I was amazed at how much the game influenced my attitude and spirit. I had struggled with this in the past, even swearing off of sports altogether at different times. I have seen many people get angry and irritated because their team was losing. Christians throwing things around their house, yelling at the TV, etc. as their team lost the game. I had always determined I would not be like this. So, I was a little surprised last night when I heard one of my kids timidly ask my wife, "Why is Daddy so mad?" At that point I realized that no football game should have the control over me that I was experiencing. I decided that it would be better if I didn't watch the last few minutes, so I left and did something else. This raises some interesting thoughts and comments about our American culture and people in general.
While watching my team lose I was amazed at how much the game influenced my attitude and spirit. I had struggled with this in the past, even swearing off of sports altogether at different times. I have seen many people get angry and irritated because their team was losing. Christians throwing things around their house, yelling at the TV, etc. as their team lost the game. I had always determined I would not be like this. So, I was a little surprised last night when I heard one of my kids timidly ask my wife, "Why is Daddy so mad?" At that point I realized that no football game should have the control over me that I was experiencing. I decided that it would be better if I didn't watch the last few minutes, so I left and did something else. This raises some interesting thoughts and comments about our American culture and people in general.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Fair-weather Fans/Christians
So, being a resident of New Hampshire I am surrounded by New England Patriot fans, or I thought I was. As of yesterday (Sunday, Jan 10th) the Patriots were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs in a rather embarrassing fashion. Not being a Patriots fan I wasn't overly bothered, but I did watch the game since I enjoy football immensely. I was surprised, however, to see an amazing number of Facebook posts and other comments from New England "fans" today that ripped up the Patriots because they lost. So I thought about this a little bit and wondered what it told us about human nature. I propose the following:
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