Awaiting sentencing

Posted on June 22, 2012 by glenn

So I have always heard that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. After hearing this discussed recently from the pulpit, I thought it interesting to take issue with both of these ideas.

Death. I understand the Bible states that “it is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment.” But I also know there will be a whole generation of people alive when my LORD returns and 1 Cor 15:51, 52 declares of those alive when that happens: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. So maybe we are not 100% correct to say death is certain at least for that last generation of people.

Taxes. Now, I have to admit, this is the disgusting part. A recent news release confirmed that 51% – that is, a majority of American households – paid no income tax in 2009. That’s very upsetting to me, because as we reach this tipping point, we have the majority of people now included in the “takers” and the minority (aka the rest of us) are the “makers”. Be that as it may, you can see that taxes are no longer a certainty either.

Having said this, I would like to present the one real certainty.

Romans 14:10 – For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Yes that includes every one of us. Young and old, rich and poor, etc.

Now the earlier discussion of taxes seems so irrelevant. Even the thought of dying seems so. Whether we die, or if, perhaps, we are in that group alive when HE returns, is of little consequence in light of Romans 14:10.

Imagine the thought: you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. You may not know Him, you may deny Him, you may live as though He doesn’t exist, you may curse Him, or you may worship Him, but you will stand before Him.

Imagine if you were standing before a judge in one of our courtrooms, waiting on him to pronounce judgment. Imagine the anxiety. Now multiply that to the infinite degree to think about standing before the Creator and expecting to hear a sentence that will last all of eternity.

This is a most sobering thought. But as long as we are on this side of the grave, we can affect what that sentence will be. Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible, in part because of the way it begins. There is therefore no condemnation to those who in Christ Jesus, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Thank You GOD for that assurance. Help me to be found in Christ Jesus.

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My will

Posted on June 21, 2012 by glenn

Many years ago, when our children were young, my Teresa and I sat down and prepared a will. This instrument, as the name implies, was our will to be carried out at our death. This made the normal provisions for who would care for our children, how our earthly possessions would be divided, etc. The material things were not the most important thing; it was who would raise our children. These people had to be faithful Christians that we could trust would raise our boys to be faithful. GOD blessed us to live to see our children grow up so that part of the will was never needed.

As I consider the blessing of being a child of GOD, I know that I am a part of His family. If I have an obedient faith and am led by the Spirit, then I am an adopted child of the Living GOD, according to Romans 8:14 – 17. What a thrilling thought to be an heir in GOD’S will!

Paul began the Ephesian letter with the introduction, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of GOD.”

That is really what I want: to be in HIS will.

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The five areas of growth

Posted on June 20, 2012 by glenn

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Well, sometimes, a thousand words can be conveyed in a short statement. I am reminded of the question posed to Jesus by those wishing to trip Him up. They asked what the greatest of all commandments was. Under the Law of Moses, there were the Ten Commandments, but many more do’s and don’t’s which were found in the old law. It has been noted there were a total of 613 commandments in the Old Law. So, the question was meant to force Jesus to choose one of the 613 to be the greatest, and, of course, there would be controversy following. But, with the short answer Jesus gave, one could study and write volumes.

Jesus said that the first and greatest command was to love GOD. Mark 12:30 reads, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment.” It should be noted the first four of the Ten Commandments would be covered by this one command.

Jesus went a little further in verse 31 by saying, “And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’” Observe that the last six of the Ten Commandments would be covered by loving your neighbor.

To go a little further with His reply, notice that there are five areas involved in His response: the heart, soul, mind, strength and neighbor.

Note the parallel between the five and Luke 2:52. Here it is said that Jesus grew in the four areas of life. “And Jesus increased in wisdom (mind) and stature (strength), and in favor with God (soul) and men (heart and neighbor).” One should strive for a balanced growth in these areas.

Further think how this compares to the areas in which we work for optimal health. And in the last column, note the correlation to work of the church.

Emotionally                 Heart                                       Compassion

 

Spiritually                    Soul                                         Worship

 

Intellectually               Mind                                       Education

 

Physically                    Strength                                  Stewardship

 

Socially                       Love of Neighbor                   Missions/Evangelism

Jesus not only met the adversaries’ challenge to identify the greatest commandment, He also laid out many lessons for us in our personal lives, as well as the church as a whole.

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Memories of the Cold War

Posted on June 18, 2012 by glenn

I was a child in elementary school during the early years of the Cold War. The number-one enemy of the U.S. was the Soviet Union, or Russia, as we referred to them. There was much to be feared. I remember the threat of nuclear war and what we did to practice in the event of such an attack. There were buildings identified as fall-out shelters and periodically we would practice the bomb drills by getting under our school desks and covering our heads.

Fortunately, I have lived long enough to see the collapse of the former Soviet Union. That, in itself, would have seemed impossible during my childhood. However, Communism remains a world power and the threat of nuclear war is still very real.

One thing that I remember from those early childhood discussions is the training of young Soviet children to believe in the government instead of GOD. We were told stories about the children in the Soviet schools. While they were hungry, they were instructed to call on GOD to deliver food for them. After multiple attempts, they would then call on the Soviet leader, the door would open and a feast would appear. Now, I don’t know if this really happened or not, but it struck a nerve with me.

I do know that any such change in society would be aimed at the youth. There is little reason to try to win the hearts of the older generation. Just indoctrinate the youth and, within a few short years, the entire culture will change. Let us ever be on guard for the sake of America and the souls of our children.

During the last part of the first century, GOD’S people were facing severe persecutions. Among other things, they were being asked to bow down before the Roman Emperor and acknowledge him as god. Refusal to do so meant death. In some ways, this is the adult version of the Soviet children’s story. John’s vision gave hope to those believers. In Revelation 6:9 – 11, he saw the souls of those martyrs who had refused and given their life for the Cause. He saw them alive in heaven. This would have given hope to those who were facing similar circumstances. They were to be faithful until, and including, death, and the reward was promised to them (Revelation 2:10). It would also give hope to those who had witnessed their loved ones dying. John assured them that their loved ones did not cease to exist when they died, but were alive and reaping the rewards for faithful service.

I don’t know what the future holds for our country or for our citizens. But I do know this: the best is yet to come for the faithful Christian!

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Here we go again…

Posted on June 7, 2012 by glenn

Well here we go again. Recently, I read a news report which declared that within 15 to 30 years, there would be enough evidence in support of evolution that even the most skeptical would have to admit that we all evolved from lower life forms. Richard Leakey predicts skepticism over evolution will soon be history. Not that the avowed atheist has any doubts himself, but the paleo-anthropologist, a professor at Stony Brook University on Long Island, expects scientific discoveries will have accelerated to the point that even the skeptics can accept evolution.

It reminds me of reading about Voltaire, an atheist French philosopher who died in 1778 who once said, “If we would destroy the Christian religion, we must first destroy the Bible.” He declared that the Bible would soon become obsolete and forgotten. Since Voltaire’s dire prediction more than two hundred years ago, the Bible has had an incredible career. And it is Voltaire who is all but forgotten.

More recently, Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900), a German philosopher of the late 19th century who challenged the foundations of Christianity and traditional morality, proclaimed, “God is dead”. As of 1901, it was Nietzsche, not GOD, who was dead.

In Acts 5:34-39, we see this same attitude, even in Jesus’ time. Gamaliel’s advice is as true today as it was then, “if it is of GOD, you cannot overthrow it – lest you even be found to fight against GOD.”

We live in a confused world. But in the midst of all the change, confusion and chaos, stands GOD’S Word. And I am so thankful we have an “unchanging Word of GOD in a changing world.”

Hebrews 13:8 reads, “Jesus Christ, is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

If the world is still standing in 15 to 30 years, I am sure there will be those who espouse the error of Leakey, Voltaire, Nietzsche, etc. But I pray it will be none of my loved ones.

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Grandchildren

Posted on June 4, 2012 by glenn

Let me tell you about my grandchildren…

August 15, 2008. The date my life changed. Sometimes change is a bad thing, but this change was a very good thing. You see, this was the day that my first grandson was born. I became a grandfather that day. Since then I have become “Pop”. It has happened again since then and probably will happen more in the future. But for now, Luke and Sam are my little boys. There is nothing like having them run toward me after church service with outstretched arms.

GOD blessed me with two sons and now I have the privilege of watching two more little boys grow up. It’s funny how GOD just keeps increasing one’s capacity to love. I remember being concerned that I wouldn’t be able to love another child the way I did my first son many years ago. But the moment I laid eyes on number two, GOD just opened a new section of my heart, and I can absolutely say there is no difference. Well, I am happy to report the same is true with the grandchildren. OK, so I won’t get carried away talking about them, but I saw a bumper sticker once that read, “Let me tell you about my grandchildren”. Now I can identify with that…

I remember the Sunday after Luke was born, I proclaimed to my Sunday school class that I had a new favorite verse in the bible. Proverbs 17: 6 reads, “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.”

There are many verses in the Bible that speak of grandchildren and perhaps, one day, we will look at others but, for now, consider this passage from two perspectives.

The first perspective: the grandchildren are the crown of old men. What makes those little ones so special later in life? I enjoyed my sons as they grew up, but I think with age comes the realization of how fast time passed. How quickly each stage gave way to the next. How very soon the toddlers were in school and then leaving home as adults. As young parents, sometimes, we get caught up in the urgent things of day to day life and the times just get away from us. With age should come wisdom and the ability to realize how precious those times are. Indeed, my little boys are my crown and I treasure every opportunity I now have to spend time with them and impress on them the important things in life.

But to the fathers of today, don’t miss the rest of the story: while the grandchildren are the crown of old men, the scripture doesn’t say that the reverse is true. The glory of the children is their grandfathers? No. All those little boys (and girls) are looking up to the fathers. The children’s glory is their father. I know of no role with more responsibility than that of fatherhood.

Dads, please realize the enormous impact that you have on the little ones. You have only a short window of time to teach the important lessons of life. And then you too will be where I am.

My grandsons are my crown. But I am happy that their glory is found in their father. That is GOD’S plan.

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Camping, again

Posted on May 23, 2012 by glenn

I expressed in a previous post my wonderful memories of camping with my boys when they were growing up. Their mother and I now await the grandkids to get a little older so that we can enjoy the same pleasures with them. Funny thing though, now my Teresa wants to get a travel trailer so that we will have a bed to sleep on. Do you think that age has anything to do with that?

As much as I enjoyed the camping experience including making camp and pitching the tent, I don’t recall ever being sad when it was time to go home. We would usually stay a few days and the longer we stayed the more I missed the comforts of my bed and pillow. We never went camping with any idea of permanence about the trip. It was always temporary. We always knew we had a limited time to camp. If the trip lasted too many days I can say I longed for my home. Fun times but ready to go home.

There is an obvious comparison to life. My experience here on earth is a camping trip. As a matter of fact it reminds me of my mother singing when I was just a little boy. She would sing the old song “I’m camping, I’m camping in Canaan’s happy land.”

In Philippians 1:23, Paul says I am hard pressed between the two having a desire to depart and be with Christ which is far better.

The Greek term translated depart is analyo, which is actually a term for breaking camp or folding a tent. Paul says I have a desire to break camp here on earth and go home to be with Christ.

When we view our lives here on earth as though we are just passing through, pilgrims as it were, we can see our lives as a temporary sojourn.

Isaiah expressed it thus “My life span is gone. Taken from me like a shepherd’s tent.” Isaiah 38:12.

I really think if we have a close walk with the LORD we can have the same feeling as we did with the camping experience. We enjoyed the trip, but always realized it was temporary. We enjoyed the trip, but always looked forward to going home. The older we get the more we should long for home. Now I must admit I love life. I enjoy this wonderful creation and I hope the LORD has plans to use me here many more years, but I want to be like Paul. I want to be torn, hard pressed, having a desire to stay here, but also longing for my eternal home. Yes, I want to stay and watch my children and my grandchildren grow and enjoy life, but I also hope to spend eternity with them.

I am camping and I love it, but one day I expect to go home.

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Camping with the boys

Posted on May 21, 2012 by glenn

When my boys were growing up we loved to go camping. Whether it was in the back yard or the back woods, we had many good trips. I guess that is just part of being a boy and loving the outdoors. Their mother was always the trooper. She was outnumbered living in a house of boys. I am sure she would have preferred to be on a shopping trip or perhaps a field trip to antique malls. But she was always “excited” about going camping with us guys. I remember one night in particular when the weather turned very cold and we put the two boys in the quality sleeping bags and she and I wound up in the only other bag together. We almost froze – but good memories. Something about pitching the tent and “roughing it.”

In Genesis 13:12, it is said of Lot that he dwelt in the cities of the plains and pitched his tent toward Sodom. What about Sodom was appealing to Lot? Lot made a poor choice that would cost him his family by choosing to live so near wickedness. Verse 13 tells us that the men of Sodom were extremely wicked. Why would Lot deliberately choose to live so near them and raise his children in that environment? Abraham, by contrast, is said to have removed his tent in verse 18.

This all begs the question, where is my tent pitched? Is my tent pitched in the direction of wickedness? Throughout life, one should take inventory of his or her life. Obviously, these are issues that need to be dealt with early in life, but a regular check up throughout life is necessary as well.

Am I living in a place that makes it difficult for me to be a Christian?

Am I surrounded by friends that help or hinder my walk with the LORD?

Does the job I have – the work I do each day – allow me to grow as a Christian?

How about my past times, my hobbies – are they bringing honor and glory to HIM?

Are there any areas of my life that need to be addressed in light of eternity?

Early in life, when making career choices, choices of mate, etc., do we give any thought to these matters? We should.

If I determine that in life my tent is indeed pitched toward Sodom, help me be like Abram and remove my tent. Help me make the changes in my life realizing eternity is at stake not only for me but for my loved ones as well. I imagine Lot would choose differently if he had it to do over again.

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The epitaph

Posted on May 21, 2012 by glenn

We recently became interested in our family ancestry. It is interesting to trace your family roots back, in some cases, several hundred years. I have always felt it important to instill a family heritage in my children and grandchildren, so I was very glad to see this research. Part of our search led us to several cemeteries where we gathered pictures of gravestones to collect information.

It provoked deep thoughts to see markers that were, in some cases, many years old. Gravestones usually have two dates: one birth date and one death date. These two dates are connected by a dash. This dash represents the person’s life. Regardless of how long the person lived, one has to wonder about their life. The beginning date and the ending date are not as important as the dash: how the years in between were spent. Every one of these markers represents a life. Someone’s loved one’s life was lived and touched the many lives with which it came in contact.

The other item commonly found on the markers is the epitaph. Epitaphs are short phrases honoring the deceased person. Sometimes they are comical but more often they have a religious connotation. I have been thinking of the many biblical epitaphs recorded in Scripture. For example, David is known as the man after GOD’S own heart (Acts 13:22). What a wonderful way to be remembered! I went through my Bible and marked several possible epitaphs that were of interest to me. I will include just a few:

Genesis 18: 19 – he commanded his children after him to keep the way of the LORD.

Acts 10: 38 – he went about doing good.

1 Tim 6: 11 & 2 Tim 3: 117 – A man of GOD

Hebrews 2: 13 – I will put my trust in him.

Psalms 40:4 – Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.

2 Tim 4: 7 – I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Acts 9: 36 – Full of good works

James 2: 23 – a friend of GOD

On a negative note, one of the saddest epitaphs found in the bible is said of Jehoram: No one loved him while he lived and when he died the scriptures say it was to no one’s sorrow (2 Chronicles 21: 20).

If my descendants many generations removed begin searching their ancestry and come across my gravestone, what would my epitaph say? The two dates will not be important, but the dash that represents my life will be. What short phrase will be used to describe my life? How will my life be summed up? How did I use my years here on earth? How did I affect those around me? What influence did I leave? What Scripture reference will be most appropriate? Will eternity reveal any good that my dash did?

I want my epitaph to bring honor and glory to Him. What do you want yours to say?

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To be a sweet gum tree

Posted on May 10, 2012 by glenn

Recently, during a thunderstorm, we had one of our large oak trees uprooted. I was saddened because I knew the tree had taken many years to grow that large. The diameter of the trunk of the tree was at least three feet and it took lots of the smaller trees with it when it fell. What amazed me was the small size of the root ball from that massive oak. The root ball was no more than seven or eight feet across and the deepest roots to come out of the ground were only about two feet deep. The oak tree does not have a single large tap root. I don’t understand how that root ball supported that large tree for all those years, withstanding all the storms through the years.

When we first cleared our lot to build our house, there was a sweet gum tree near the construction. This tree was about the size of the oak noted earlier, a very large tree. I cut the tree down and hauled it away but the stump remained in the yard. While digging the septic tank I asked the backhoe operator to dig the stump up for me. He was glad to oblige but what we soon learned is that a sweet gum tree has a tremendously large tap root. By the time we were able to dig the sweet gum stump out of the yard we had a hole big enough to bury a full size car and it was probably ten feet deep!

Many trees have a root system under the earth that will very nearly match the visible portion above ground. I am told that there are some desert plants that have tap roots over 200 feet deep in order to reach the necessary water for their existence. I don’t know about that, but I do know a sweet gum tree has a long tap root!

When I think about the roots to these trees I am reminded of Colossians 2:7: “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught.”

Ephesians 3:17 reads, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love.”

The Greek word rendered rooted is rhizoo and means to cause to strike root, to strengthen with roots, or to cause to be firmly grounded. I wish to be rooted in Him and firmly grounded in love. I want to grow my roots deep in Him. Jesus explained that the tree on stony ground withered in the heat of the sun because it lacked root (Matthew 13: 5, 6). I don’t want to wither when the heat of the sun appears.

I want to be firmly grounded and deeply rooted. How do I do this? If I expect to grow in my faith I must spend time in GOD’S word and I must be faithful in my prayer life. His Word is the source of my nourishment.

With such a long tap root, the gum tree will break during violent storms before it becomes uprooted. I want to be rooted so that when the storms of life occur, and they will, I will not become uprooted.

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