Why do we celebrate the changing of years? Jesus - whether you acknowledge Him as your Savior or not.

Today is the final day of a calendar year. A calendar that is set by the rotation of the Earth and the earth's revolution around our Sun ... an Earth and Sun and Universe created by God Almighty. And history - the piece of which we are aware - was split in two by the arrival and life of God Incarnate who humbled himself to become one of us, to save us. The Creator saving the creation. The Perfect saving the imperfect. 

Two thousand and seventeen years ago (give or take a few years), Jesus the prophesied Messiah came to Earth. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us - His creation. Among US, a guilty sinful race of people. Amazing.

I hear the terms Common Era (CE) and Before Common Era (BCE) as of late, instead of Before Christ (BC) and Anno Domini (AD - year of our Lord), and it saddens me. For thousands of years, God was just common sense. Jesus Christ was a given - an obvious reality. But our arrogance over the past 100-150 years ... based on incomplete and limited information, delusion of grandeur, and a desire that it not be true ... has lead us as a people to deny what is self evident: that we were created by an infinite God who resides outside of time and space, who taught us what agape love is all about, as well as humility, selflessness and all other good things. That God then became one of us so we could know that He knows what it is to be human, to live the perfect life He wants for us, and to pay a debt we could never pay. This ... this is why we can say "Happy New Year!" and "Happy 2017!" We are directly or indirectly saying (whether we mean it or not) "Happy 2,017th year since the virgin birth of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ!" 

So, as we leave the Year of our Lord 2016, I reflect on how blessed I am to even be alive and breathing in this time in history. I choose to focus on that incredible blessing, and the unbelievable fact that, without Jesus' sacrifice for us all, I would be doomed to an eternity without Him - away from my Creator, in darkness and cold and regret. Instead, I am reconciled with my Creator ... forever.

Thank you, Lord, for this unimaginable gift. Thank you for your infinite grace, offered while I was - and still am - a sinner. You are good, when there's nothing good in me. You are my goodness, Jesus. I love you and I trust you in 2017 and beyond.

It's in Your Name that I pray.

Amen.

Look around. God is obvious and we are without excuse.

I breathe in and there is oxygen in the air that feeds my body what it needs. This, in part, comes from trees which in turn breath my exhaled carbon dioxide. Why?

I look at the reflection of a mountain on a still lake, and I'm overwhelmed with the beauty. I want to capture it forever by taking a picture ... that's how powerfully it strikes me. Why?

Food sometimes taste so wonderful, I find myself eating more than what my body needs. Why?

Clouds, which provide much-needed rain to our land through the process of evaporation, condensation and precipitation, are some of the most beautiful things I see in a given day. Why?

Look around. God is obvious.

For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20

What if we all just follow the Golden Rule. Would that make Society better?

Quick answer: Absolutely. I wish everyone did that.

Just imagine if we all did for/to others as we would have done for/to us. If that were possible, it would be most definitely wonderful. Unfortunately, though, that would be a world where peace was brought about by humans. And we can all see where that's gotten us so far, after these many thousands of years.

But the bigger issue is not society or even this life ... the issue is eternity. That's what ultimately matters. Not that we should not strive for peace on Earth, but that we should look to the only One who can actually accomplish that desired future state.

Many religions offer up a Golden Rule of sorts. And that is to be commended. But only one faith offers assurance of Eternity. Compare eternity with our time here. 60-90 years vs infinity.

Everyone believes in something, and rests on that belief. The Muslim believes that he must work to please God, never truly knowing if he's done enough. Even those without a belief in God believe subconsciously that they must please others in order to receive something. The belief: "If we all just work toward peace as a community, then peace will arrive." But we all know that someone will ruin that. Putting our faith in society does not breed hope because societies view on things constantly changes, and society is filled with broken, fallen people.

But the Christian already knows that we are incapable of doing enough. She knows that we are broken and need to be saved in order to achieve peace. He knows that we've all fallen short of an ability to spend eternity with God. It's not even within grasp without someone stepping in to save us. She knows we are sinners, and that we must turn away from sin by asking God to take over the life that we could not lead perfectly.

Because that's what it takes.

Everyone who wishes to spend eternity in heaven must lead a perfect (not simply 'good') life: perfectly selfless, perfectly compassionate, perfectly giving, serving others at all times. How far off of that mark would you say that we are? But there is an alternative, graciously offered by our Creator ...

Instead of striving for the impossible, strive for the possible through the gift that has been offered by Jesus.

Instead of resting in your ability, rest in His.

And instead of focusing on this temporal life, focus on what matters most: eternity. The beautiful result of a focus on eternity is that it will have the desired impact on this temporal life as well.

It's a two-fer. So, live with the Golden Rule in mind, certainly, but let's not take our eye off the ball.

Why the Ten Commandments? What's the point?

In Exodus 20, God calls Moses and speaks to Him the Ten Commandments. I still love the Mel Brooks rendition of this scene: "I give you these 15 ... (drops one of three stone tablets). Oy vay ... Ten! Ten commandments!" But in all seriousness, why did God provide these Commands? Was it - as is popularly misunderstood - to hold us down? To take the fun out of everything?

Quick answer: Of course not. Remember, God loves us with a perfect love. He is a good, good Father.

So why? Why the Ten Commandments?

1. To show us / To remind us. To show the Israelites (and to remind us) that we can not measure up on our own. We "miss the mark" every day. No matter how hard we try, we will mess up, we will stumble. Our pride and ego get in the way of a fulfillment of these commands. They show us what "sin" is according to God, and they are a constant reminder that we need a Savior to be holy and perfect FOR us. We can not and should not do it alone.
2. To direct us, to guide us. As a good Father, God is showing us the way. He's build our character and growing our awareness of our need for Him.
3. To protect us from what we don't understand. Again, a good Father creates rules to protect His children. Break any of these commands and bad things will naturally happen. He knows this and wants to keep us safe.
4. To give God the honor He is due. He is worthy. We should acknowledge that He is a loving and caring Father. When we obey the Commandments, He is pleased with his children as any father would be.

Let's take the very 1st Commandment as an example: "You shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:1) Everything we "worship" is a god. Money, power, popularity, our abilities/talents, a person (our spouse, a sports figure, a celebrity, a politician), our health/fitness, sex, etc. Every god will eventually fail you. They will disappoint you. Why do Wall Street brokers jump out of windows to their deaths after the market crashes? Because money and power has become their god. Why is a young girl crushed when a boy breaks her heart? Because she's made him her god.

Only God is worthy of the weight of being worshiped. Only He can withstand the responsibility that comes with being honored to the utmost. And He knows that. He knows that we will be crushed if we put any god before Him. And He does not want to see us crushed.

Put another way, if we put God above all else ...

• we can have money or not have money - doesn't ultimately matter
• we can have a man/woman in our lives or not - doesn't ultimately matter
• we can have popularity or be shunned - doesn't ultimately matter

With God as our focus, we can rest about all that other stuff. We can even have it still and enjoy it ... but putting God first, above all else, allows us to put all these other gods in their proper place in the pecking order where they can't hurt us when they ultimately disappoint.

The Ten Commandments are not for God. He does not need them. But we do. And he knows that. And He loves us. He wants us to love Him back through our obedience, which is an acknowledgement that we KNOW He loves us and wants the best for us.

All things are for HIS glory. Period. But when we give Him the glory he is due, we are blessed and protected from the unseen evil forces that are hoping to take us down.

Dear Younger Me: A letter to my younger self

Hey Greg.

I know you think that you're a good guy ... and you are. I know that you think you can be good without a God ... and you can be. I know you're a smart guy with good common sense, who has it all under control. I know. I was you (literally), so I remember your perspective on life.

But, as the artist formerly know as the symbol that means the artist formerly known as Prince said, "There's something else ...". You're rolling your eyes inside - I know - but bear with me on this. I have 15 years of experience on you and I've learned a few things that you simply don't know yet.

I know you're a skeptic. And to question things is healthy. But if it stops you from looking further into something because you've decided, "that just can't be ... not worth spending time on", you are only hurting yourself. Again, I know. I'm you. In fact, for the next 8-9 years, you will continue to think guys like me are deluded, misinformed, goofy, and a bit dull to believe what I believe. But that will change, and it will change rapidly.

I'll be direct: God is real. 100%. Jesus is His son and you need Him. You will never become the man you were created to be without putting faith in Jesus. And you won't spend eternity with Him either, if you don't give in and accept the free gift He offers. What scares me is, you could die at any time and you would spend eternity in the other place - away from God. Thankfully, I know that you survive (because I'm writing you now), and now you are fully saved and growing in your understanding of God and a resemblance to Christ.

Again, with the eye rolling. I get it.

Here are a few seed questions I'd like to plant with you, Greg. They are things to start thinking about over the coming years. Things to consider that you've not considered fully before.

• Meaning. What is the meaning of your life? Is it simply random and - as such - without purpose? If so, how do you feel about that? Does that feel right to you?
• We exist. How? How did anything come to be? How did life come from no life? How are you even thinking about this in a philosophical, rational, and lucid way? Could you have come from a random explosion of nothing into this immense universe, with the collection of diverse and complex life we see, with the vast DNA data represented in each of our cells, and with the ability to discuss such things? Is that even possible? Is that even reasonable?
• Jesus proved to be who He said He was. Jesus did die. Jesus did rise from the grave. This isn't faith - this is historically documented and supported by secular and other non-Christian historians. Jesus IS who He said He was - the Son of God AND God Himself in human flesh. This I know from both statistical probability of one man fulfilling even a small subset of the prophesies about Him AND from my personal interactions with Him. "What? Personal interactions?" Yes. I know Him.
• I am not you. I am a new man. I am no longer you. You are dead, Greg. You died when I accepted Christ in 2010. I know that's the future for you, but know that I have a renewed mind. I am in the same physical body, but I (the real me inside of me) is 100% new and improved. Trust me, life is so much better. It took humility (which you are short on now) for this to happen. But once I humbled myself and sincerely thought, God took the reigns and brought me the rest of the way. I know that doesn't make tons of sense now, but you'll see.

Greg, God (the one you're not so sure even exists) IS here and He loves you more than you could even fathom possible. You are smart and strong, but you are not as smart or strong as you think you are. Unfortunately, you'll learn this the hard way. Sometimes it takes a fall to break us of our pride.

• Once you accept Christ into your life, Greg, you will be so hungry for His word and the Truth you've been blind to, you won't believe how many books you read in the first 3-4 years.
• Once you begin your journey as a Christian, Greg, you will be on fire to share with everyone about the good news of Jesus. You'll lose some friends, who will believe that you've lost it. And that's okay.
• Once you seek Him and find Him, it will be like someone turned on bright flood lights, showing you things you won't believe you couldn't see before. It will rattle you and shake you to the core.
• Once you become His, you will gain a desire to live not for you, but for Him and for others. He will start the process of sculpting you, removing the barnacles and mud and stains and warts. It will hurt at times, but it will be for your good.

I so want to shake you out of your sleep, Greg. But I can't. God's timing is not mine. He has plans for you that include this unbelieving season in your life. As a result - I now know - you will be able to speak to others (like you) who don't yet believe and, because you are as you are now, you will have credibility and can empathize with their way of thinking ... and see the flaws. And that was God's plan all along. So clear to see in the rear view mirror.

Sincerely,

The Older Me
Follower of Christ, my Lord and Savior

P.S. Return to your eye rolling ;)  

Dear Younger Me: A letter to my younger self

Hey Greg.

I know you think that you're a good guy ... and you are. I know that you think you can be good without a God ... and you can be. I know you're a smart guy with good common sense, who has it all under control. I know. I was you (literally), so I remember your perspective on life.

But, as the artist formerly know as the symbol that means the artist formerly known as Prince said, "There's something else ...". You're rolling your eyes inside - I know - but bear with me on this. I have 15 years of experience on you and I've learned a few things that you simply don't know yet.

I know you're a skeptic. And to question things is healthy. But if it stops you from looking further into something because you've decided, "that just can't be ... not worth spending time on", you are only hurting yourself. Again, I know. I'm you. In fact, for the next 8-9 years, you will continue to think guys like me are deluded, misinformed, goofy, and a bit dull to believe what I believe. But that will change, and it will change rapidly.

I'll be direct: God is real. 100%. Jesus is His son and you need Him. You will never become the man you were created to be without putting faith in Jesus. And you won't spend eternity with Him either, if you don't give in and accept the free gift He offers. What scares me is, you could die at any time and you would spend eternity in the other place - away from God. Thankfully, I know that you survive (because I'm writing you now), and now you are fully saved and growing in your understanding of God and a resemblance to Christ.

Again, with the eye rolling. I get it.

Here are a few seed questions I'd like to plant with you, Greg. They are things to start thinking about over the coming years. Things to consider that you've not considered fully before.

• Meaning. What is the meaning of your life? Is it simply random and - as such - without purpose? If so, how do you feel about that? Does that feel right to you?
• We exist. How? How did anything come to be? How did life come from no life? How are you even thinking about this in a philosophical, rational, and lucid way? Could you have come from a random explosion of nothing into this immense universe, with the collection of diverse and complex life we see, with the vast DNA data represented in each of our cells, and with the ability to discuss such things? Is that even possible? Is that even reasonable?
• Jesus proved to be who He said He was. Jesus did die. Jesus did rise from the grave. This isn't faith - this is historically documented and supported by secular and other non-Christian historians. Jesus IS who He said He was - the Son of God AND God Himself in human flesh. This I know from both statistical probability of one man fulfilling even a small subset of the prophesies about Him AND from my personal interactions with Him. "What? Personal interactions?" Yes. I know Him.
• I am not you. I am a new man. I am no longer you. You are dead, Greg. You died when I accepted Christ in 2010. I know that's the future for you and that's off-putting to even think about, but know that I have a "renewed mind" now. I am in the same physical body, but I (the real me inside of me) is 100% new and improved. Trust me, life is so much better. It took humility (which you are short on now) for this to happen. But once I humbled myself and sincerely sought, God took the reigns and brought me the rest of the way. I know that doesn't make tons of sense now, but you'll see.

Greg, God (the one you're not so sure even exists) IS here and He loves you more than you could even fathom possible. You are smart and strong, but you are not as smart or strong as you think you are. Unfortunately, you'll learn this the hard way. Sometimes it takes a fall to break us of our pride.

• Once you accept Christ into your life, Greg, you will be so hungry for His word and the Truth you've been blind to, you won't believe how many books you read in the first 3-4 years.
• Once you begin your journey as a Christian, Greg, you will be on fire to share with everyone about the good news of Jesus. You'll lose some friends, who will believe that you've lost it. And that's okay.
• Once you seek Him and find Him, it will be like someone turned on bright flood lights, showing you things you won't believe you couldn't see before. It will rattle you and shake you to the core.
• Once you become His, you will gain a desire to live not for you, but for Him and for others. He will start the process of sculpting you, removing the barnacles and mud and stains and warts. It will hurt at times, but it will be for your good.

I so want to shake you out of your sleep, Greg. But I can't. God's timing is not mine. He has plans for you that include this unbelieving season in your life. As a result - I know know - you will be able to speak to others like you now who don't yet believe and, because you are as you are now, you will have credibility. And that was God's plan all along. So clear to see in the rear view mirror.

Sincerely,

The Older Me, Follower of Christ, my Lord and Savior

P.S. Return to your eye rolling ;)  

Christians say that everyone is a sinner. I don't believe I am, however maybe I just don't understand what "sin" means. Let's discuss...

What exactly is sin? The term "sin" makes most people cringe. They picture a fire and brimstone preacher, dressed in black, holding his Bible above his head, face contorted in an angry scowl, yelling at a crowd "you're all sinners and you must repent!" I've seen these guys outside of rock concerts and music festivals. Not the best of approaches :-)

No one wants to think of themselves as a "sinner". Many joke about it, smiling and saying, "I'm such a sinner!" That's because we are uncomfortable with the reality of sin. We've become accustomed to hiding our faults, our flaws, our scars and our blemishes. We are hard-pressed to admit our sin to anyone in any way. We hope that no one ever blows our cover.

Most use the word "sin" incorrectly because they don't really know what it means to sin.

So, let's discuss...
Sin means to "miss the mark". Every thought or action (or lack of action) that misses a perfect bull's-eye is sin. But here's the key: At whose target are we shooting? THAT'S the right question! God created the target. This is His game. Any other target we're shooting for is false, a made-up target that does not count for anything except maybe to make us feel better about ourselves.

But so what? What if we don't hit the bullseye every time? Why is this such a big deal? Why can't people just be imperfect? Why can't you just let it go? Well, we can let it go. But God can't.

It matters because this life is secondary at best. We look around in this life to see what the difference would be if we were to sin or not sin, and we don't see a huge difference. "Serious sinners" seem to get away with murder, so to speak. So my sins "aren't that big of a deal in comparison", we think. But if that's how we think, we're missing the point.

The goal... the endgame... is eternity.

Where will I spend the time after time ends? We all know fundamentally that we are more than this body we travel around in. We are a soul. And that soul will live on past the breakdown of our earthly body. How we hit the mark on the target provided by God determines if we will spend eternity with Him (heaven) or eternity away from Him (hell).

Here's the rub. No one - I mean no one - hits the mark perfectly every time. That means that every one of us is a sinner. Everyone has missed the mark. That leaves us hopeless without someone to save us. Seems unfair doesn't it? How could we ever even come close to spending eternity with Him? Now you're getting the point. We can't. We need to be saved from are hopeless inevitability.

Enter God's love and grace.

For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son, that whoever would believe in Him would not only not perish but have everlasting life. For Christ did not come to condemn but to save the world.
John 3:16-17

Why do we all need to be saved? Because we all miss the mark. And if we miss the mark, even once, we are not perfectly holy. And if we are not perfectly holy, we cannot be near God.

God knows this, and so He made a way...

This, my friends, is Amazing Grace. This is unfailing Love. That He would take my place. That He would bear my cross. He laid down his life, that I would be set free.

Jesus I thank you for all that you've done for me.

What it will take to fix the issue of poverty/race ...

... give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:8-9

I speak every Friday morning with a good friend of mine about race. Just two white guys chatting about the problem of race ... that's a joke. My friend is African American, and as a result he has a very different history, and very different perspectives than I do. This is natural since I grew up as a blond-haired blue-eyed white guy in America, and he grew up to be a black man in America. 

Through our conversations, we've come to a general conclusion that it's less about race and more about poverty. It may have resulted - in part - in racial issues, but the origin is this: 

the vast majority of violent crimes happen because of poverty, not because of some racial proclivity toward violence or crime.

The majority of violent crimes seem to be done by black men. True, but that leads us to a false conclusion. For instance, how many of these crimes are done by those black men who are educated or more affluent? Answer: Virtually none. So, as said, it has less to do with race and more to do with poverty. Much more.

Poverty is bad for everybody. And I'm willing to bet that the lion's share of people in poverty don't want to be there. But they have a ton working against them:

1. It takes money to make money. Either they get sub-prime loans (which are almost impossible to pay off because the rates are astronomical) or they can't get loans. This is not the financial institutions fault, though. they are just giving loans based on probability of payback. But it is an issue for someone who wants to get up and out, and has the work ethic and willingness.
2. It takes good education. Suboptimal schools don't educate them to levels commensurate with schools in more affluent areas. Again, this is not necessarily someone's fault, but it is an issue.
3. There is a jealousy and resentment that occurs in certain poverty-stricken neighborhoods against those who do try to get up and out. This is human nature and it's certainly part of the problem.
4. It takes good role models. Good role models are scarce while bad role models are a plenty. There is a fatherhood epidemic to begin, which starts out the life of a child of poverty on the wrong foot. Then the ones seen getting up and out are either sports figures (which is few and far between) or it's those involved in crime or gangs.
5. And so on ...

So what are we to do? For some, it certainly takes a "get up and pull yourself out of that cycle" talk, but for most, that is not really the inhibitor and it's not that simple.

What it will take (we think)

My friend and I have decided that it will take a few key steps and actions to fix this situation:

1. Education. My friend has noticed that the Kumon after school supplemental programs and the like are virtually everywhere in "good school districts" and are absent from poor neighborhoods. This is purely economic, of course. Why would Math and Reading centers that are for-profit rent space in an area where people can't afford their services? Again, no one to blame, but a problem to address. Education is the beginning to brining the poor community up and out. This must be supplemented.
2. Understanding. As people who have never faced poverty or race issues (people like me), we must seek to understand those who have faced these issues. This will accomplish three things: (a) it will show that we actually care, which will change sentiments, and (b) we will begin to understand that which (as I'm finding) we never even knew were issues. Finally, (c) it should (hopefully) result in action by those who are in a position to help through voting, funding, serving, etc.
3. Legislation and Funding. This must be a hand UP, not a hand OUT. But, something must supplement this financially. Again, this is an investment, not a black hole of careless spending. Either a private or public entity must be given the directive to tackle this education and lending.
4. Christ and His Church. If this is not a hot topic and something the church is actively endeavoring to tackle, what chance does a secular world have of solving this issue? We are called to love God and love others, especially the poor, the widows and the orphans. It must begin, endure and end with the church.
5. Patience. We must pray and we must wait on the Lord. This will not be fixed quickly. This is an issue in and of itself as (a) we care and want to see this issue addressed rapidly and (b) we are impatient and fickle people. In the early days of this effort, there will be some set backs, naysayers, people who try to take advantage, and so on. We will learn, adapt, change it and continue. But we must not give up. Most importantly, we must depend on God to fix this. And His timing is sometimes (most of the time in my experience) different than ours.

We can do this. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to compassion, kindness, love, servanthood, and sacrifice. Know that it will take all of these, especially humility and a servant's heart, willing to let go of our time, talent and treasure to right this.

And as we begin to fix this, I speculate that crime rates will go down, police incidents will decrease, the economy will improve, we'll be safer, prisons will emptyied, and race relations will accelerate in the right direction as this country shows that everyone matters.

God bless.

Think you know Jesus? Chances are, you don't. And neither do I. Not yet, not fully.

A dangerous thing that we've come to believe is, once we've accepted Jesus, we've won the race. We're done. Mission accomplished. High five.

This is a lie. 

There is nothing the enemy wants more than for Christians to buy this untruth.

When we accept Christ, we are at the beginning of a life long journey where we will (note the future tense) grow to know Him, we will grow in our appreciation of Him and the significance of what He's done, and we will grow in our resemblance of Him.

A life where we've made Christ our Lord as well as our Savior includes:

• Constantly learning through striving to know Him more and more. This comes through consistent devotion, prayer and bible reading. This comes through church attendance and church involvement (emphasis on the latter). And this comes from obedience - stepping out into uncomfortable territory and being His hands and feet, loving our neighbors (even our enemies).

• Standing up for His Truth when (especially when) it's highly unpopular. We will be mocked, ridiculed, and called hateful bigots, depending on the topic as the world continues it's drift on the open sea of random thought and opinion. Be ready, and stand firm and confident that it is not God (and you that has changed). It is the world.

• Exchanging our desires, temptations, and sin for a continually improving life of righteousness. Know that sanctification (the slow path to holiness) takes a lifetime. We must replace a desire to look at porn with reading the Bible. We must replace a desire to gossip, with positive statements about people or biting our tongues and even removing these negative thoughts from our minds. Feeling temptation for one of your proclivities? Ask God for His power to help you. He will. And soon, He will remove it from your life, given enough time and consistency.

To know Jesus is to be like him. To be Christlike. None of us are there.

We all have a long way to go, but here's the good news: we're on the path. And while our daily and weekly steps may be tiny, over time we will look back and see how far we've come in resembling Christ. 

And your life will be more purposeful. 

And He will be pleased.

And that's what matters.

FAITH: One of the most misused terms in history

Let's cut straight to the chase. Faith in God and in a Savior named Jesus Christ is a knowledge that His way is infinitely better than my way. Therefore, having faith in Him does not mean that I believe He exists or that His claims of deity are real, etc. That I know. 

What FAITH means is,

I don't do things my way anymore. 

In every situation and under all circumstances, I look to what He says and I do that. My life is now run by Him, not by me. And that is where my FAITH rests - in knowing that His ways - even if I don't understand - are just better. The best.

I've come to this verdict for two reasons:

1. Left to my own devices, I tend to (at best) make 50% good decisions (based on God's standards, not the world's or my own). That means half of the decisions I make are imperfect (e.g. selfish, prideful, emotional, etc.) or downright wrong. This is bad given God needs perfection, holiness, purity in order to be near Him.
2. His way is always 100% right. Every time, in all circumstances ... no doubt. Always has been.

So, given the option of running things the way I think are right (which are 50% wrong at best), I'll put my Trust in Jesus, let Him be Lord of my life, and just chill with the "I know better" thinking.

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming ...

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming ...
... Instead, speaking the truth and love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the head, that is, Christ.
Ephesians 4:14-15

Infants are egotistical. That's funny to say, because it's true. Infants think they know better, but what they know is based on absolutely nothing... no experience, no life's wisdom, nothing solid or real.

But aren't we the same sometimes? We believe and blurt out certain perspectives that are based on absolutely nothing other than our feelings or someone else's opinion that resonates with us and our desired way of thinking.

As a result, without something solid to ground us, we are tossed around in the wind like an empty plastic bag. This is the world we live in, and we are not immune.

But we are called to ignore all of that, and to keep our eye on the ROCK that never changes, that is never blown around in the wind, that never ebbs or flows with changing cultural tides.

We may begin as an infant Christians, but we are called to grow in Christ. And this growth process will take our entire lives.

So be patient.
Trust in the Truth.
SPEAK that Truth.
And keep growing little by little, day by day with your eye on the Rock (no, not Dwayne Johnson).

God bless.

Nothing God does is accidental or arbitrary ...

Everything God does is intentional, planned, and thoughtful. Everything God does is on purpose. It is “predestined according to the . . . counsel of His will.” When we see the equivalent of spilled milk in life, it is important to view it through the lens of God’s purpose and God’s will. Trying to understand “why” is not the motivation. Rather, the motivation is developing trust and faith in God.

Look at life through purpose-colored lenses. See everything from God’s perspective. Trust that He is acting “according to the counsel of His will.”

If life is an accident, it cannot conceivably have any purpose, for accident and purpose are mutually exclusive. 

--John Blanchard

[From Turning Point with David Jeremiah]

The best news in all of history! How can't you be beside yourself? Unless you simply don't get it?

How can't you be beside yourself with excitement, and appreciation, and relief? The only way you couldn't be is if the gravity of the situation hasn't quite clicked yet. Either that, or you might be completely oblivious to our hopeless situation without someone.

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
Ephesians 2:1-2

For many these days, I think the missing ingredient is awareness of sin and what that means for us. Most people believe they are "pretty good" all in all, and would not consider themselves sinners. But Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Malala, The Buddha, Mohammed, St Peter, John the Baptist, Abraham, King David, Billy Graham, Krishna ... all sinners to varying degrees. Huh? "If THEY are sinners, where do I stand?" Excellent question. But let's start with this truth: No one is without sin, not one. No one in history - no matter how "good" - has lived a holy and perfect life.

No one but Jesus.

The simplest example of sin is a lack of acknowledgement that our Creator God exists and created us. If we've even thought that He doesn't exist - and I know I have - we've sinned. If we've ever told even a "little white lie", held resentment toward another, gossiped, thought lustful thoughts about someone outside of marriage ... and the examples go on.

"So, where's the good news here, Greg? This sounds pretty hopeless. How can ANYONE live up to that standard?" you might say.

... and therein lies the issue with every other religion on earth. With Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism ... even Judaism, you must live up to an unattainable standard. Unattainable ... meaning you cannot attain it, which means there is no hope. In short, you can't do it. No one can. Your greatest efforts are worthless toward this end.

But God made a way.

He didn't have to, but He did. He loved us so much ... He wanted to be reconciled with us so much ... that He sent His only Son to, first, live the perfect life that we could not. Second, He paid the price FOR us (i.e. for the wages of sin is death). And, third, He showed everyone it was real by appearing to hundreds, then ascending into heaven publicly.

Here's the good news part:
Because He did this, we have been given the right to be called Children of God ... to be reconciled with Him, back into a perfect relationship with Him, just like it was before Adam and Eve turned away from God in the Garden of Eden.

When we accept Christ, making Him the Master of our lives (instead of us),we accept the gift of redemption and eternal life, long after our current bodies are dead and gone.

If God hadn't made a way, we'd be lost. Dead. We'd spend eternity away from Him and His glory (which we all enjoy currently to one degree or another, whether we believe in Him or not). If we reject the gift, we reject all good things ... the things we take for granted now. We drop into what can only be called "hell". We CHOOSE, in effect, to never feel God's warmth and comfort ever again.

But if we do accept the gift ... if we do ...

Amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. This is the Gospel ... a.k.a. the good news. And when someone gets it and accepts it, they can't help themselves. The joy is too overwhelming. It's good news that can't be hidden. It must be shouted from mountain tops, at work, in school, on a crowded street, ...

How can't you be beside yourself with excitement, and appreciation, and relief? The only way you couldn't be is if the gravity of the situation hasn't quite clicked yet. My hope is that it clicks for you as it clicked for me.

The light is on for me, and there is no going back.

How to be a fit Christian: "Training", not "Trying"

As mentioned in the previous post, the training mentality expects a certain amount of failure and uses it to measure progress. The training way of life drives, endures and perseveres.

Jesus didn't say, "Try to follow me". He said, "Follow me".

Training is a combination of diet, exercise and time. Spiritual training that leads to growth has the same components.

Diet
Meet with God in as many ways as possible, pursuing worship as a lifestyle. Ask God to meet your deepest hunger. Experience God's presence through worship. Taking spiritual nourishment by reflecting on God's word and Biblical teaching from qualified teachers. Spiritual food needs to be as regular as physical food, not just when you're hungry. This kind of diet offers ultimate satisfaction.

Exercise
Prayer is to spiritual life what breathing exercises are to correct performance. Attentive Bible reading is like weight lifting for strength and physical development. Relationships with other believers and participation in the local church are your Running Partners to enhance your endurance. Application and obedience of God's Word are the fundamentals you practice to run the race.

Time
You need a commitment of time, exposing yourself to the fundamentals listed above for the long term. You need a commitment to time, faithfully waiting and expecting God to do his part (the biggest part!) in bringing about spiritual maturity. It's God who makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

In a nutshell, lasting spiritual growth comes from trusting what God will do, waiting for God to do it, and doing our part faithfully in the meantime.

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. (1 Peter 2:2)

[From the MANual, the NIV Bible for Men]

The Stew That Is You: Why Do We Think As We Do, And Believe What We Believe?

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 

Ephesians 2:1-2

We are a stew of sorts, made up of ideas, opinions, influences, and emotions. And a "stew", in terms of a meal, is made up of a broth and chunks and various ingredients, all mixed together, creating a certain taste and texture. And it provides a level of nutrition, depending on what is allowed to be added to the stew by the chef. If you follow the recipe and know what you're doing, it can be delicious and extremely nutritious. If others add whatever ingredients they think should be added, it's a crap-shoot ... no telling what you'll end with, or even how you got there.

When we're young, we are a simple broth, made up of few inputs: our parents and family, our teachers, and whatever media our parents allow. We're a pure stew with little to no "gross" additives. But as we grow older, and we have liberty to add what we want, it's amazing what things we'll add:

• Pornography
• Hollywood's idea of how life should be
• Shifting cultural ideas and opinions
• Our own guesses at life ...

And it seems the human race tends to follow the original recipe less and less on average. The good ingredients are added infrequently if at all. The bad ingredients are dumped in by the bucket load.

God has provided the perfect recipe for the stew He intends. But how much input comes from Him? We go to church every Sunday? That's 1 hour per 168 hours (1 week) or 0.59524% of the week spent listening to God versus listening to the world (99.4% of the week). Okay, there's sleep in there, but you get the point. But putting the data in these terms shows you just how susceptible we all are to the world's influence versus God's.

And with that much bad ingredient input dumped in, what stew are we left with? Would you eat that stew? How would it taste? How nutritious would we be to anyone?

No denying it ... we ARE a stew made up of the inputs we allow: TV, the news, non-Christian opinions and constantly shifting cultural perspectives ... and (I'm hoping) God's thoughts.

How much input does God have in your stew? I hope you're as convicted by this as I am. And I hurt even more for those who have no idea how real stew can and should taste. How it can and should fill us with what we need. I pray for all of us.

I have a death wish ... really I do.

For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:21

I believe the aforementioned verse 100%. To die is GAIN. 

I am not afraid of death. In fact, I have a bit of a death wish!

We normally hear that statement from someone who lives life on the edge. We hear it from someone who does crazy things for the thrill of it, for the adrenaline rush. I'm a bit of that guy, too, but that's not what I mean. I DO mean, though, "living life on the edge" in a different way ...

If I die today, I know I'm secure and I know I will be in bliss - eternal joy and ecstasy, near my God, my Creator, my Lord and Savior ... forever and ever. How could I be afraid of that? How could I not WANT that? Now, the process of dying? Maybe not that part, but we're all dying, aren't we? And I certainly hope I go out peacefully, maybe in my sleep instead of drowning or falling to my death. But regardless, it will end abruptly and I will find myself in "the Land of Glory" with no more tears, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more shame. Perfection.

If I live, on the other hand, I will have been given the honor of continuing to do God's work. I continue on with the knowledge that I'm here for a specific purpose, assigned to me personally by God. As I learn that specific purpose, in the interim I'm here to spread the Good News (the Gospel) to as many as possible ... to make Disciple-making Disciples ... to walk along side my fellow Brothers and Sisters, together building the beginnings of His Kingdom here on Earth. 

Either way, it is well with my soul. But I have to admit, from what I understand, heaven sounds better. Far, far better. And I can hardly wait!

I certainly will not seek death, but I will welcome it happily when it comes. Until then, I will keep my eyes on Him and on eternal things, because that is what matters. Nothing else does.

Carpe Diem (for His glory alone)!

Looking for Lasting Spiritual Growth? Trust in what God has promised, wait for Him to do it, and do YOUR part faithfully in the mean time. Treat it like a marathon ...

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Few events in life involve more striving and stamina than running a marathon. Living the Christian life is one of them. The parallels between the athletic effort and the spiritual life seem obvious. The Bible backs up our comparisons. We're told to "run with perseverance the race" (Hebrews 12:1).Paul instructed us to "Run in such a way as to get the prize" (1 Corinthians 9:24). He also pointed out that "physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things" (1 Timothy 4:8).

The parallels between growing spiritually and running a marathon may be apparent, but they are not simple. No one decides to run a marathon and shows up at the starting line the next day. An extended period of training is required between the decision to run and the starter's pistol. The decision to trust Christ takes a moment, but he consequences take a lifetime to work out.

No one decides to run a marathon and shows up at the starting line the next day. An extended period of training is required between the decision to run and the starter's pistol.

The difference between trying to run a marathon and actually running a marathon usually boils down to training. Likewise, those who "try" to live the Christian life may get stuck in failure, while those who enter training to live the Christian life survive failures and actually live! The trying mentality can't handle failure, and usually ends when failure happens. The training mentality expects a certain amount of failure and uses it to measure progress. The Training way of life strives, endures, and perseveres. Jesus didn't say, "Try to follow me." He said, "Follow me."

Jesus didn't say, "Try to follow me."

He said, "Follow me." 

[more to come on this topic ...]
From The Manual, The NIV Bible for Men

If you bite and devour one another, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in one single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out or you will be destroyed by each another.

Galatians 5:13

Are we still America ... the "One Nation Under God" that we're become so proud of? During election time, it sure doesn't seem like it. In fact, it seems like we're two warring, biting, disrespectful and unloving factions who happen to live within the same national boundaries.

How did this happen to us?

1. Pride. And there is plenty to go around on both sides. Just look at Facebook. We don't read and humbly consider what others are saying. We wait to speak so we can say why WE are right. Pride.

2. Misinformation. It seems almost comical how different we think things are. "How can they believe that's true?", we say. Well, it's based on filling ourselves with certain information, and surrounding ourselves with similar people, who all believe a certain narrative that they are comfortable with. This is how news outlets are built. And it's not for the purposes of informing or educating you. It's for the purposes of manipulating your feelings in order to ultimately sell you products. It's all about the advertisers. They will draw you in and keep you there however they need to.

3. Biased data sources. Related to the above, the most powerful and simple way to control a populace and get them to believe things that simply aren't true, is that digital rectangle we all have in our living rooms (and many times lots of other places throughout the house). If we did not have this "idiot box" in our homes, we would likely not think the way we think. Rather, we would think for ourselves. We would search for actual data about how things are, and come to pretty common to conclusions, I imagine. But thinking for ourselves and researching takes work. It's far easier to listen to opinions and narratives spouting from Talking Heads on a television or the radio, and swallowing them whole, as though they are your own unique opinion.

4. We no longer stand on a firm foundation. Think of it this way: If we to place a model boat on the edge of the sea, then come back the next day... is it still there? Or has it drifted so far off into the sea that perhaps we have no idea where it is anymore? My point: If our opinions and perspectives have no ultimately steady baseline that stays firm and does not move or change, all that we're doing is drifting aimlessly at sea, guessing (at best) based on our feelings and/or based on what the people around us say is true. Further, two model boats set on the same edge of the sea will not be in the same place after enough days have passed. They will not be near the edge of the sea where you set them, nor will they be anywhere near one another. That's us - that's the America we've become. What we refuse to acknowledge is that the only firm foundation ... the only baseline that remains firm and never changes ... is God's Word. And if we don't have that, there is no coast. We are all just adrift with no land in sight, guessing what reality must be ... and perhaps questioning whether or not there ever was any land to begin with.

We were called to be free. That was the point of America from the beginning, to be the "land of the free". We as people weren't perfect by any means (e.g. slavery, women couldn't vote), but the idea was pure. But now, most of us believe that thinking however we want to think and doing whatever we want to do is freedom. But that isn't freedom at all. Rather, it's chaos. No child is comforted by a lack of consistency. No sports event is fun when everyone isn't following the same rules. And no country is free without God's Word and Truth as its basis... as its firm foundation.

Without God, we end up as we've become. Not free. Not happy. Divisive. Looking to devour one another. He warned us about this, and we refused to listen.

And the Enemy is thrilled with what we've become.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Be on your guard ...
The onslaught of the world is unrelenting, harsh and unapologetic. You will be tested, you will be tempted, you may stumble. Be ready with the full armor of God.

Stand firm in the faith ...
KNOW that your faith is justified. God is real, Jesus saved you, and His promises are all true. Keep the faith.

Be men of courage ...
Your certainty comes from Him. If He is for you, who could be against?

Be strong ...
Your help, your strength, your ability to endure also comes from Him. Let go and let Him.

Do everything in love.
No matter what we do, how incredible it seems, if it is without love, it's worthless. God IS love ... so love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. And love your neighbors, even the ones you don't like very much, with His love, the way you hope that God loves you.

Jesus DID die on the cross, and DID rise from the dead. Despite naturalistic tendencies to not want to believe this, it happened. Here's why I'm sure.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures, and he appeared to Peter, and then to the twelve. After that, he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
1 Corinthians 15:3-7

There's this idea floating around secular circles the Jesus rising from the dead proving once and for all that he was (and is) God was just some made-up story. But it's simply not. This happened in a time when people could verify, people could say this didn't happen. But they did not say this. They tried their best to discount it what happened, certainly. But no one could deny that he died on that cross, then after the third day he rose from the dead just as Scripture said it would happen. To those who don't (want to) believe in miracles or anything else that is not naturalistic, this is incredibly hard to grasp.

But it happened. And we must all grapple with what it means for our lives.

The real (and only) solution to our nation's problems

Read the letters from Paul to the Corinthians, the Thessalonians, the Philippians ... and you'll hear him constantly correcting the church, bringing them back in line with what Christ intended - with what God wants.

We go astray, meandering off the path. It's what we do. We are truly like dumb sheep.

This has happened throughout church history. People with modern sensibilities, whatever modern meant at the time, would try to inject their extra or slightly altered ideas into the pure and perfect truth that God has laid out for us in His Word. The same thing is happening today. It's a constant struggle to hit the reset button and bring us back to the heart of our faith.

And today the struggle is no different, except that - at least in America - most aren't even starting with a basic understanding of what God said in the first place, let alone how a given Church may have started to bastardize what God said based on their own sensibilities. In fact, they believe it's irrelevant, maybe even made up like a common fairy tale. This is because it is no longer set as a core of our education. Out of sight out of mind. And ignorance is anything but bliss.

In the meantime, we wonder how we're going to fix the increasingly secular, relativistic, immoral society we find ourselves living in. We put politicians in place who we think will save the day. We vote this way or that way. We march. We speak out. And all of that is good and well. Valiant really.

But before any change can happen in our society, people have to accept Christ. Nothing we do in our human efforts will fix the mess we're in. We can struggle, and argue, and vote (and we should continue to do so), but even if we make strides, inevitably it's going to slip right back into the mess that it currently is.

It's a heart thing primarily. But secondarily it's an ignorance thing. Not stupidity, but ignorance. Most people have absolutely no idea that Christianity ... God's way ... is what will give everyone what they need. Maybe not what they want (because most times what we want isn't what's good for us at all - we all know this at a gut level), but absolutely what they need.

If we want change in our society we must do three things:
1. Know and embrace the Gospel.
2. Actually follow what the Gospel teaches. Yes, actually obey.
2. Share the Gospel with EVERYONE.

No one can save us but Him.

It is good for a man not to marry

Before you jump to the conclusion that Meredith and I are having trouble, read on ...

Now for the matters you wrote about: it is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband's body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourself to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift another has that.
1 Corinthians 7:1-7

What does Paul mean here? He says it's a concession not a command, and that he wishes all men were like him? What was he like? Well, he was unmarried. He did not want anything to distract him from his relationship with God, and devoting his life to Christ alone. He wanted as much of his time on Earth devoted to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul had a gift. That gift was a lack of sexual temptation. And he said that if you have that same gift, the ideal is to devote your life fully to God, not letting yourself be distracted buy a spouse.

That sounds like a negative perspective. But let's unpack that.

I can't imagine a life without Meredith. And I don't want a life without her. But she is a distraction, as I am a distraction for her. I spend much of my married life worried about what she thinks or how she feels about things. I think about what I could do to please her, to love her, to support her. This is absolutely time not pointed at God. Is it bad? Absolutely not. But it's not ideal.

We were placed here on this Earth for this time, for His glory, to please Him. We should be undistracted by good or bad things as much as possible. We should be constantly looking up to Him and seeking to understand what would glorify Him.

Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: it is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9

Burning with passion, just like burning with any emotion (think: anger), leads to bad things. Self-control is paramount. And if we cannot self-control, then we marry to create a commitment that provides the necessary control.

I need Meredith. No doubt. But what I need most of all is my Heavenly Father, my Saviour, and my Counselor.

May everything I do, from the profound to the mundane, be for His glory and His glory alone. He is worthy.

If you believe God alone is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-loving, you also have to conclude that He's the only one with the credentials to guide your life and the only reason you have a life in the first place.

"I think I know better than God. I know He's infinite and all-wise and all-knowing and loves me with a love that I can't even contemplate, but I think on this one thing, I know better."

We may not say it out loud, but when we choose to go against God, this is exactly what we're saying.

Be rational. Do you really believe that anything you think could possibly even approach what He knows?

For your own sake, just trust Him. You don't need to understand. You just need to obey and follow His lead.

... but as one escaping through the flames.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
1 Corinthians 3:11-14

Do Works matter? Absolutely they do. As Paul says, we will be saved based on the foundation of Christ, but rewards come for our works. As in the Parable of the Talents, do we take the time, talent and treasure that God has given us and make the most of it? Are we constantly seeking to please him and glorify him? Or do we sit back with what looks like a complete lack of appreciation for what He's done for us?

God is not concerned with your past. He cares about what you decide to do From This Moment forward. What will you do? Please him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Or will you present to him the minimum you believe is necessary to get by? That's up to you.

God doesn't need your stuff. But He does want your appreciation.

God does not need your works, or your stuff (FYI it's not your stuff, it's His). He
does want your obedience, which shows that you trust Him and appreciate what He's done for you.

Time to put things in perspective ...

God is infinite. He is complete in and of Himself. Your works aren't even atomic particles dropped into his ocean of completeness. So don't think for a second that you're doing Him a favor or that He needs you.

But He does want you.

He wants to know that you know who He is and what He's done for you. He created you  and the time  and place you live in . He suffered and died  to pay a debt you owed. He wants to know that you appreciate and trust Him. He wants you to obey, not because He needs your obedience, but to show that you realize that HE is all-knowing, all wise, and all-powerful ... an infinite being who simply knows exponentially better than you.

He is your ultimate Father. He wants your love and respect, just like we want love and respect in the relationships we have with others. Again, He doesn't need it. It doesn't make him more complete, because how do you become more than infinitely complete?

Trust Him in His promises, and show that you realize becoming more like his Son is what's best for you. That's obedience. And that humble heart is what pleases Him.

Even if you don't believe in God, do you wish you did? What are the BENEFITS of belief?

Even if you don't believe in God, do you wish you did?

Even if you're an atheist or an agnostic, is there still good reason to act religiously?

Peter Kreeft, philosophy professor at Boston College, explains why even atheists should want

there to be a God, and how acting as if there is one may actually lead to you believing it.

Sooner or later you discover that it is better to help someone plant a garden than to wait for someone to bring you flowers. -- Matthew Kelly

Sooner or later you discover that it is better to help someone plant a garden than to wait for someone to bring you flowers. Let it be sooner for you. 

-- Matthew Kelly, taken from the Rhythm of Life

I learned the very very hard way that if I am constantly worried about what I get out of the relationship, I will be sorely disappointed, and the relationship will be a mess.

In another great book called Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs, Dr Eggerichs discusses a concept called the crazy cycle. If you are married, you have likely seen this play out. Both men and women desire love and respect, not just from their husband or wife, but from everyone. But in the marriage specifically, a man most desires respect from his wife. And the wife most desires love. The crazy cycle begins when one thinks, "As soon as he loves me the way I should be loved, I will respect him." Or, "As soon as she respects me the way I deserve to be respected, I will show her the love she wants."

The result is the opposite of what both are hoping for. He doesn't show her love, and she responds by holding back the respect he needs. And as she does not show him respect, he does not love her the way she needs to be loved.

Again, this is called a crazy cycle. And it is a perpetual motion machine. This will not stop until something changes.

What to do then?

Well, thank God (literally) that there is an energizing cycle, too. It begins when one or both chooses to obey God's instructions with respect to how this whole relationship thing works.

God says in His Word that a man should love his wife as Christ loved the church: sacrificially serving her ... filling her with what she needs. In this case, that is love. Unconditional love.

Equally, God says in His Word that a wife should submit to her husband as to Christ: by respecting his leadership, trusting him, looking at him as though you can do anything. She should respect him unconditionally.

Remember, this unconditional love and unconditional respect was what drew the couple together during courtship. The crazy cycle began when one stopped unconditionally loving or respecting the other.

The beautiful thing about this energizing cycle is that once just one trusts in God's promises on this topic, the cycle begins. As he begins loving her without condition, simply because God said to love her unconditionally, and even though he may not believe she is lovable at that moment, something magical happens. As she begins to respect him unconditionally, submitting to him as God commanded, something magical happens.

As the man receives the respect he so desires, he automatically, naturally begins to give her the love that she so desires. 

And as the woman begins to receive the love that she so desires, she naturally begins to give him the respect he so desperately needs.

This is God's beautiful design.

So instead of waiting to receive flowers, is Matthew Kelly prescribes, put effort into helping the other to plant the garden from where those flowers will come.

These four words: Thy will be done

I'm so confused

I know I heard you loud and clear

So, I followed through

Somehow I ended up here

I don't wanna think

I may never understand

That my broken heart is a part of your plan

When I try to pray

All I've got is hurt and these four words:

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

I know you're good

But this don't feel good right now

And I know you think

Of things I could never think about

It's hard to count it all joy

Distracted by the noise

Just trying to make sense

Of all your promises

Sometimes I gotta stop

Remember that you're God

And I am not

So

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will

I know you see me

I know you hear me, Lord

Your plans are for me

Goodness you have in store

I know you hear me

I know you see me, Lord

Your plans are for me

Good news you have in store

So, thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Like a child on my knees all that comes to me is

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

Thy will be done

I know you see me

I know you hear me, Lord

Hillary Scott - Thy Will 

On Sex Slavery: The Lord says I have seen violence done to the helpless and I have heard the cries of the poor ...

"The Lord says I have seen violence done to the helpless and I have heard the cries of the poor. Now I will rise up and rescue them as they have longed for me to do."  - Psalms 12:5

SOSresponds.org/hope2015 

(Enter the password EOH2015)

SOS helps rescue women and children who had been trafficked into sexual slavery in on of Asia's largest and most notorious red-light districts.

This is happening in our world. Right now. Let's stand up and do something.

Do you doubt the existence of God? If so, what would it take to change your mind?

Do you doubt the existence of God? If so, what would it take to change your mind? What if, for example, belief in a higher power could provide you with answers to life’s most profound questions? Watch this video with Peter Kreeft, author and professor of philosophy at Boston College and Kings College. He tells us that whether or not God’s existence can be proven, the simple act of faith itself brings to life a wealth of adventure, depth, meaning, value and hope that is absent in a world without belief. And, if that’s not enough to convince any atheist, there’s always this: 

people who believe in God and act religiously tend to live longer and be happier than people who don’t. 

So take a few minutes to watch the video and then ask yourself: 
isn’t a life in which God plays a part a happier and more comforting life?

The faith that the Bible requires is intelligent faith. It is neither blind nor irrational….

The faith that the Bible requires is intelligent faith. It is neither blind nor irrational. No one is asked to sacrifice his intellect when he puts his faith in the God of the Bible.

Don Stewart 

There is a distinct difference between intelligence and awareness. One is based upon an "ability to comprehend". The other is based on "a lack of ignorance to complete information pertaining to a given topic".

I believe most so-called "intellects" believe they know everything already, so they see believers as dumb or blindly believing in something that is mythical. What's actually true is, most of these intellects are UNAWARE - I daresay ignorant in the true sense of the word - of the data that actually exists. Unfortunately, though that data/information is no longer taught in public schools. And to even bring it up in the scientific community comes with a real risk of being blackballed. This is fact.

So, the scientific community, from whom we get all of our information, who change their stance on what is correct decade by decade, and who all begin with a purely naturalistic and secular starting point, are believed BLINDLY by most. Icons of evolution and our origins are used in textbooks, while it is well known that they are highly flawed, if not complete guesses or even outright false.

The faith of the Bible is intelligent - aware of all data, not just one side of an argument, but both sides. In fact, when all the data is in, it is wonder that anyone has enough faith to be an Atheist.

I know I don't.

Why is this gate here?

Reading Chesterton yesterday on my flight back from Cancun, where I read of a man walking along a path. He comes upon a gate blocking the way he wishes to go. But the gate is locked. The man has two choices:

1. To say, "I don't know why this gate is here. It's in my way. Let's get rid of it."

2. Or to contemplate, "I wonder why this gate is here. Perhaps I should educate myself on the history of why it was built and why it may be necessary. Then I can make a better decision on whether to keep the gate locked or to remove it entirely."

Those who look at religion and tradition and decide upon the first option are simultaneously arrogant and ignorant. And this is what most choose to do in our modern age. But keep in mind, every age is the modern age to the generation living in it. This group of people decide for themselves that they are smarter, wiser, and more logical and reasonable than every generation that has preceded them.

Those who look at religion and tradition and decide upon the second option are both humble and reasonable. They realize that the gate is probably there for a reason. If they do not know the reason, they do not assume that it is unnecessary. They first acknowledge that they do not themselves know all things. They then logically take the next steps of learning, researching, and ultimately understanding why the gate was put there in the first place. Then they can decide without arrogance or ignorance.

Humility takes courage.
Pride, on the other hand, is simple.

Love, for the day is near

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law. The Commandments, "do not commit adultery", "do not murder", "do not steal", "do not covet", and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule:

"Love your neighbor as yourself."

Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:8-10

Don't wake the dreamer

I just saw this statement on a t-shirt while waiting at the Cancun airport with my family. And it's deeper than simply a t-shirt slogan ...

Because a life of dreams that ends in disappointment is far better than a life without dreams.

Don't wake someone who has dreams.

Dream, believe, and trust.

Argument against Christianity #3: organized religion has ruined societies with bitterness and gloom

This third general argument, that Priests and organized religion darken and embitter the world, is a compelling argument, except for the fact that it just isn't true.

The place is where they're is rich culture of Art and music and creativity exactly the places for the church has been most prominent. The countries that are "still influenced by Priests are exactly the countries where there is still singing and dancing and colored dresses and art in the open air." (Chesterton)

Common Sense 101, Alquist

Argument against Christianity #2: The religion originally arose out of ignorance and fear

The argument that religion began in some darkness or terror is also untrue. When we examine the foundations of his modern idea we find there are no foundations. All the legends of mankind point back not to prehistoric fear but to paradise. The idea of a lost paradise is precisely the opposite idea of evolutionary progress.

"The whole human race has a tradition of the Fall. Amusingly enough, the very disseminating of his idea is use against its authenticity. Learned men literally say that this prehistoric calamity cannot be true because every race the mankind remembers it." -- Chesterton

Argument against Christianity #1: Humans are mere animals, just a variation on the same biology shared by the rest of the animal kingdom

This argument against Christianity is quite logical and legitimate ... except it is untrue.

Is you really look at beasts and man, the startling thing is not how much they are like beasts, but how different they are. Apes may have hands but they don't do much with them. They don't play the violin or eat with a knife and fork. Elephants don't build ivory temples, even in a primitive style. Camels don't paint pictures. In be hives, there are no statues of the gorgeous "Queens of Old". And so on.

"We talk of wild animals; but man in the only wild animal." -- GK Chesterton

Only man can be unpredictable and act against type. Only man can be a criminal or a monk.

Common Sense 101, Alquist

Thoughts on the Tragedy in Orlando

There is evil in the world. Without a doubt. What could possibly motivate someone to kill another human being, let alone 50? It saddens me, confuses me, and makes me angry. I want to talk to the guy and ask him what ideology could possibly lead him to do something like this. But that's not possible. He's gone too. Regardless of his answer, any ideology that leads someone to murder is wrong. God would never want this.

I know quite well that homosexuality is displeasing to God. But so is gossip, thinking lustfully, and believing in your heart that you are better than someone else. All things that I have struggled with and with which I continued to stumble. All of these are displeasing to God, but it's no one's place accept God's to deal with this. To make yourself judge and executioner is to make yourself God. And you are NOT God. As Christians, we are called to love the person regardless of their actions, and whether we agree with them or not. We are not meant to be judges. Only He is the judge. Remember, Judge not lest ye be judged.

The man who did this is squarely in hell now. That is for certain. He is no hero of some faith. He is no man of God. What He did was atrocious, despicable ... pure evil.

With all that said, I'd like to comment on our use of this situation to forward agendas. In my mind, I start to take exception to all the rainbow flags. But then I pause and realize that this was done against these people because they were living a gay lifestyle. I'm not a big fan of the term "hate crime". I believe that all crime is centered on hate, regardless of the specific reason. But this was done based on a certain type of hate, for sure. More so, though, these were humans, Americans, someone's brother, sister, cousin, best friend ... The part I take exception to, I suppose, is the hyper-focus on one aspect of them ... their lifestyle choice. Focus is done because this was done because they were in a gay bar, but it seems many are HYPER focusing on this to further a cause. To "use" this horrible event for this purpose is the issue I have. Lighting up government buildings with rainbow colors? Not okay, just like it wasn't okay to light up the White House the same way when the Supreme Court made its ruling recently. Not okay.

I mourn for those souls lost in the shooting in Orlando. I hope and pray they had accepted Christ into their hearts. Because that's what matters. What sin they struggled with does not matter. Whether they accepted Jesus into their heart, making Him Lord of their life, that's all that leads someone to reconciliation worth our Creator and gives them the right to be called Children of God.

I pray for their souls, and I pray for the fabulous and friends if these lost souls.

Pray with me:
Father, I feel discouraged and confused when something like this senseless killing happens. Why? How could you let this happen? I know you are sovereign and this is not what you desire. I know this is the work is the Enemy, but why would you allow it? I want to know, but I don't need to know.ultimately I trust in you and your plan. Come soon. This place had so much beauty and goodness, but so much pain and suffering. Come take us, if that is Your will. THY WILL BE DONE. In Jesus' name. Amen.