Set a Direction, and Start Moving
"Greatness is not where we stand, but in what direction we are moving.We must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it - But sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor." -- Oliver Wendell Holmes
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Jesus is Not a Breck Girl
One of the remarkable things to notice in the Bible is the unique combination of toughness and tenderness of Jesus. (That's where the name of this blog comes from, by the way.) Jesus appealed to men and women and youths and children. As Steve Farrar points out, we may make paintings of him with long silky clean hair and soft skin, but Jesus is not a Breck Girl.
The church today is failing to reach men as well as they should. Check out this
One of the remarkable things to notice in the Bible is the unique combination of toughness and tenderness of Jesus. (That's where the name of this blog comes from, by the way.) Jesus appealed to men and women and youths and children. As Steve Farrar points out, we may make paintings of him with long silky clean hair and soft skin, but Jesus is not a Breck Girl.
The church today is failing to reach men as well as they should. Check out this
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Listen to Mike Swaim’s teaching on Psalm 112
You can learn so much from sitting under the teaching of great Bible teachers! I’m privileged to get to hear several great teachers at CrossTrainers, a weekly men’s group here in central Iowa.
Mike Swaim taught last week from Psalm 112, and I highly recommend this talk to you.
Here’s why:
* He does a wonderful job of teaching directly from the Word.
* Few teachers I’ve seen are more capable of engaging men and inspiring them.
* This lesson is about the blessings that come from delighting in God’s Word – which is true for all of us, men, women, and children.* Mike weaves in personal stories to illustrate and emphasize points.
It will help if you know these things:
* At the beginning of the talk, Mike is holding up his well-worn Bible when he says “this book”
* Mike is a West Point graduate, served in Vietnam, and is a high school basketball coach
You can download Mike’s talk as an mp3 file (12MB, 52 minutes) from here:
http://www.afclive.com/crosstrainers/ct_audio_files.php
Get this and listen to Mike's important message – it will bless you, and you can learn a lot about how to teach by studying Mike’s example.
You can learn so much from sitting under the teaching of great Bible teachers! I’m privileged to get to hear several great teachers at CrossTrainers, a weekly men’s group here in central Iowa.
Mike Swaim taught last week from Psalm 112, and I highly recommend this talk to you.
Here’s why:
* He does a wonderful job of teaching directly from the Word.
* Few teachers I’ve seen are more capable of engaging men and inspiring them.
* This lesson is about the blessings that come from delighting in God’s Word – which is true for all of us, men, women, and children.* Mike weaves in personal stories to illustrate and emphasize points.
It will help if you know these things:
* At the beginning of the talk, Mike is holding up his well-worn Bible when he says “this book”
* Mike is a West Point graduate, served in Vietnam, and is a high school basketball coach
You can download Mike’s talk as an mp3 file (12MB, 52 minutes) from here:
http://www.afclive.com/crosstrainers/ct_audio_files.php
Get this and listen to Mike's important message – it will bless you, and you can learn a lot about how to teach by studying Mike’s example.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
Don't Use These Church Slogans
They're funny, like good satire, because there's an element of truth in them…
http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/archives/church_ads.html
They're funny, like good satire, because there's an element of truth in them…
http://www.wittenburgdoor.com/archives/church_ads.html
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Facts
Christian men need to be good thinkers and train others to be good thinkers. (I've written about this before.) You don't need to be a Ph.D. in anything to be competent to find facts and analyze situations and square them with a biblical worldview.
But you do need to deal with facts, even uncomfortable facts. There seems to be a growing unwillingness to do this in America. Dick Armey points out that in Congress today "Demagoguery beats data." This experiment has been done before, men, and we have seen nations fall.
So if you won't deal with facts, and you depart from a biblical worldview on the creation, fall, and redemption of man, then you shouldn't be surprised when a scientist gets a standing ovation for recommending that we use airborne Ebola virus to kill 90% of the humans on Earth in order to save it.
Christian men need to be good thinkers and train others to be good thinkers. (I've written about this before.) You don't need to be a Ph.D. in anything to be competent to find facts and analyze situations and square them with a biblical worldview.
But you do need to deal with facts, even uncomfortable facts. There seems to be a growing unwillingness to do this in America. Dick Armey points out that in Congress today "Demagoguery beats data." This experiment has been done before, men, and we have seen nations fall.
So if you won't deal with facts, and you depart from a biblical worldview on the creation, fall, and redemption of man, then you shouldn't be surprised when a scientist gets a standing ovation for recommending that we use airborne Ebola virus to kill 90% of the humans on Earth in order to save it.
Islam has Imperialist Ambitions
Efraim Karsh has an excellent overview (6 pages printed) of the imperialist ambitions of Islamic leaders from Muhammad forward. Recommended.
Efraim Karsh has an excellent overview (6 pages printed) of the imperialist ambitions of Islamic leaders from Muhammad forward. Recommended.
Peter Drucker's Advice on Picking Leaders
Peter Drucker has some interesting advice on picking leaders:
"What would I look for in picking a leader of an institution? First, I would look at what they candidates have done, what their strengths are. You can only perform with strength--and what have they done with it? Second, I would look at the institution and ask: "What is the one immediate key challenge?" I would try to match the strength with the needs.
"Then I would look for integrity. A leader sets an example especially a strong leader. He or she is somebody on whom people, especially younger people, in the organization model themselves. Many years ago I learned from a very wise old man, who was the head of a very large, worldwide organization. He was in his late seventies, famous for putting the right people into the right enterprises, all over the globe. I asked him: "What do you look for?" And he said: "I always ask myself, would I want one of my sons to work under that person? If he is successful, the young people will imitate him. Would I want my son to look like this?" This, I think, is the ultimate question."
(Source)
Peter Drucker has some interesting advice on picking leaders:
"What would I look for in picking a leader of an institution? First, I would look at what they candidates have done, what their strengths are. You can only perform with strength--and what have they done with it? Second, I would look at the institution and ask: "What is the one immediate key challenge?" I would try to match the strength with the needs.
"Then I would look for integrity. A leader sets an example especially a strong leader. He or she is somebody on whom people, especially younger people, in the organization model themselves. Many years ago I learned from a very wise old man, who was the head of a very large, worldwide organization. He was in his late seventies, famous for putting the right people into the right enterprises, all over the globe. I asked him: "What do you look for?" And he said: "I always ask myself, would I want one of my sons to work under that person? If he is successful, the young people will imitate him. Would I want my son to look like this?" This, I think, is the ultimate question."
(Source)
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Media Bias
Marvin Olasky relays this humorous account: "Columnist Michael Barone recalls asking a news executive, "Doesn't the fact that 90 percent of your people are Democrats affect your work product?" The response: "Our people are professional. They have standards of objectivity and professionalism, so that their own views don't affect the news." Barone: "So what you're saying is that your work product would be identical if 90 percent of your people were Republicans." The response: "No, then it would be biased."... "
Now, I've never been so blatantly biased in my entire life! I'm completely objective and professional in all my opinions! :-)
My grandfather used to say, "Since you have a belly button, you're entitled to your opinion."
The fundamental issue for Christian men to remember is that media bias isn't simply about political view.* The hardest media bias to overcome is the FORMAT. Regular human beings simply cannot package the complexities and subtleties of the issues we face into 2.5 minute video segments. You can't appropriately represent all the dimensions of an issue. Being so selective about what you say and show guarantees that you'll interject your bias.
The news media, of course, are responding to what the audience wants. Few people, in my experience, actually want to get information in order to think about it. When it gets past a point of being "entertainment," they're going on to the next channel.
It's incumbent on Christian men to be thinkers, and not dependent upon someone else's sound bites, no matter how well they "fit" your preferred paradigm. And we need to train our kids to be discerning, capable of finding facts from multiple sources and working through them logically. (Do not count on schools to do this for them, men, that's your job. I'm not saying you have to homeschool.)
*For the record, I do believe the data supports the statement that overall, mainstream TV network news and the largest newspapers tilt towards the liberal side.
Marvin Olasky relays this humorous account: "Columnist Michael Barone recalls asking a news executive, "Doesn't the fact that 90 percent of your people are Democrats affect your work product?" The response: "Our people are professional. They have standards of objectivity and professionalism, so that their own views don't affect the news." Barone: "So what you're saying is that your work product would be identical if 90 percent of your people were Republicans." The response: "No, then it would be biased."... "
Now, I've never been so blatantly biased in my entire life! I'm completely objective and professional in all my opinions! :-)
My grandfather used to say, "Since you have a belly button, you're entitled to your opinion."
The fundamental issue for Christian men to remember is that media bias isn't simply about political view.* The hardest media bias to overcome is the FORMAT. Regular human beings simply cannot package the complexities and subtleties of the issues we face into 2.5 minute video segments. You can't appropriately represent all the dimensions of an issue. Being so selective about what you say and show guarantees that you'll interject your bias.
The news media, of course, are responding to what the audience wants. Few people, in my experience, actually want to get information in order to think about it. When it gets past a point of being "entertainment," they're going on to the next channel.
It's incumbent on Christian men to be thinkers, and not dependent upon someone else's sound bites, no matter how well they "fit" your preferred paradigm. And we need to train our kids to be discerning, capable of finding facts from multiple sources and working through them logically. (Do not count on schools to do this for them, men, that's your job. I'm not saying you have to homeschool.)
*For the record, I do believe the data supports the statement that overall, mainstream TV network news and the largest newspapers tilt towards the liberal side.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Prayer of Sir Francis Drake
"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord ."
Hat tip: Mark Batterson
"Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves. When our dreams have come true because we dreamed too little. When we arrive safely because we have sailed too close to the shore. Disturb us, Lord ."
Hat tip: Mark Batterson
"Scientific" Study on Prayer
There's been much newspulper trumpeting of the study showing no effect of prayer on patients.
My friend Kevin Nelstead addresses this WONDERFULLY in his blog, The Earth is Not Flat. Just nails it.
If you are at all interested in scientific issues and a Christian perspective, add Kevin's blog to your reading list. He's sharp, dedicated, and a good writer. Kevin is a missionary teacher in Romania, currently home on furlough.
There's been much newspulper trumpeting of the study showing no effect of prayer on patients.
My friend Kevin Nelstead addresses this WONDERFULLY in his blog, The Earth is Not Flat. Just nails it.
If you are at all interested in scientific issues and a Christian perspective, add Kevin's blog to your reading list. He's sharp, dedicated, and a good writer. Kevin is a missionary teacher in Romania, currently home on furlough.
Immigration in America
How should men of God be thinking about the current immigration debate? I don't have THE answer, but I do think it's important that we not get caught up in shrill debate. There are laws that are not being enforced, and since they are not ungodly laws, that will likely lead to problems and complications. There are national security issues. There is the fact that the economy is strong, and crime rates are actually falling -- and our immigration problems have a different character than European immigration problems altogether.
Check out John Podhoretz' column, good thoughts here:
"All these arguments are sound, and they raise issues that must be addressed. What is distressing about them, however, is how weirdly defeatist they are. Immigration foes are convinced that the American national fabric is frayed, tattered and in danger of disintegration - that America cannot survive in its present form if current immigration trends continue.
They fear the kind of social disorder now on display in Europe, where disgruntled Muslim immigrants are increasingly testing the limits of democratic civil society.
That's not the America I see, or the America I live in. I see a vibrant, dynamic, extraordinarily strong and extraordinarily stable country that has dealt successfully with far more pressing domestic problems without losing a beat."
On the macro level, I don't have the wisdom to know how best to proceed. I would remind our elected leaders that there are multiple system factors operating. Cause and effect are usually not closely positioned in time or space!
On the individual and community level, I think we need to follow the way of Christ and love people. What does that look like? Let's pray for direction.
How should men of God be thinking about the current immigration debate? I don't have THE answer, but I do think it's important that we not get caught up in shrill debate. There are laws that are not being enforced, and since they are not ungodly laws, that will likely lead to problems and complications. There are national security issues. There is the fact that the economy is strong, and crime rates are actually falling -- and our immigration problems have a different character than European immigration problems altogether.
Check out John Podhoretz' column, good thoughts here:
"All these arguments are sound, and they raise issues that must be addressed. What is distressing about them, however, is how weirdly defeatist they are. Immigration foes are convinced that the American national fabric is frayed, tattered and in danger of disintegration - that America cannot survive in its present form if current immigration trends continue.
They fear the kind of social disorder now on display in Europe, where disgruntled Muslim immigrants are increasingly testing the limits of democratic civil society.
That's not the America I see, or the America I live in. I see a vibrant, dynamic, extraordinarily strong and extraordinarily stable country that has dealt successfully with far more pressing domestic problems without losing a beat."
On the macro level, I don't have the wisdom to know how best to proceed. I would remind our elected leaders that there are multiple system factors operating. Cause and effect are usually not closely positioned in time or space!
On the individual and community level, I think we need to follow the way of Christ and love people. What does that look like? Let's pray for direction.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Encourage People Today
Men, encourage people today. Encourage your kids, your wife. Build them up, give them positive reinforcement on Christ in them, the hope of glory. Encourage your neighbors and coworkers. Encourage other brothers in the church. Remind them of God's faithfulness, goodness, and provision.
Be a big conduit of God's love to others today!
Men, encourage people today. Encourage your kids, your wife. Build them up, give them positive reinforcement on Christ in them, the hope of glory. Encourage your neighbors and coworkers. Encourage other brothers in the church. Remind them of God's faithfulness, goodness, and provision.
Be a big conduit of God's love to others today!
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Fathering Crisis
The NY Times article, The Plight of Black Men" is getting more attention. From the weekly Fathers.Com newsletter:
"The situation is so desperate, and the ramifications are so profound for the African American community, that the time is approaching to declare a state of emergency in our nation.
According to the studies cited, more than half of all black men do not finish high school, and among those in their 20’s, 72% either cannot find work, do not want to find work, or are incarcerated. By their mid-30’s, 6 in 10 black men who had dropped out of school had been imprisoned at some time. About half of all black men in their late 20’s and early 30’s who did not attend college are non-custodial fathers. Of course, all these factors are interrelated: many black fathers feel overwhelmed by their financial responsibilities, but they don’t have the education or skills to find a legitimate job that would truly help their situation, so some turn to crime. A sense of hopelessness dominates young black men at a time when they should be looking to the promises of the future.
It’s impossible to capture the breadth of the crisis in a few paragraphs. Erik Eckholm, author of the Times article, summarized it this way: "Terrible schools, absent parents, racism, the decline in blue collar jobs and a subculture that glorifies swagger over hard work have all been cited as causes of the deepening ruin of black youths."
This will take 2 or 3 generations to correct. Fathers and grandfathers are going to need to train sons and grandsons. Yes, there are economic and community factors -- but those same factors have existed in many times and places in history, without these results! This is a fathering crisis, with spiritual roots.
The NY Times article, The Plight of Black Men" is getting more attention. From the weekly Fathers.Com newsletter:
"The situation is so desperate, and the ramifications are so profound for the African American community, that the time is approaching to declare a state of emergency in our nation.
According to the studies cited, more than half of all black men do not finish high school, and among those in their 20’s, 72% either cannot find work, do not want to find work, or are incarcerated. By their mid-30’s, 6 in 10 black men who had dropped out of school had been imprisoned at some time. About half of all black men in their late 20’s and early 30’s who did not attend college are non-custodial fathers. Of course, all these factors are interrelated: many black fathers feel overwhelmed by their financial responsibilities, but they don’t have the education or skills to find a legitimate job that would truly help their situation, so some turn to crime. A sense of hopelessness dominates young black men at a time when they should be looking to the promises of the future.
It’s impossible to capture the breadth of the crisis in a few paragraphs. Erik Eckholm, author of the Times article, summarized it this way: "Terrible schools, absent parents, racism, the decline in blue collar jobs and a subculture that glorifies swagger over hard work have all been cited as causes of the deepening ruin of black youths."
This will take 2 or 3 generations to correct. Fathers and grandfathers are going to need to train sons and grandsons. Yes, there are economic and community factors -- but those same factors have existed in many times and places in history, without these results! This is a fathering crisis, with spiritual roots.
Why Democratic Capitalism Works Better than Collectivist Economics
Steve Forbes gave an excellent speech at Hillsdale College (transcript) debunking collectivist economic myths. And he never once mentions flat taxe rates :-) Recommended.
Steve Forbes gave an excellent speech at Hillsdale College (transcript) debunking collectivist economic myths. And he never once mentions flat taxe rates :-) Recommended.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Joy in Fathering
Being a dad is a remarkable process for growth and influence. I think a lot of us get frustrated because we can't win at being a dad. Something in us would like it to be about winning, but it's not a competitive game with our kids.
Look at 3rd John verse 4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." Let's think about what John is saying here. (Yes, he's talking about about the Christians he's responsible for, not necessarily his physical children. But we dads are about discipling Christians, especially our own children.)
John, the "beloved disciple", knows about suffering, and about joy. No greater joy? Wow!
John does not say, "I have not greater profit" or "I have no greater happiness" or "I've never been given grief by my children."
Note the active, present tense -- 'have' and 'are walking.' This is not joy from past tense work, but current assessment.
Walking is not wandering. John talks about "the" truth, not "a" truth. There is a specific path of discipleship.
What other thoughts do you have?
Being a dad is a remarkable process for growth and influence. I think a lot of us get frustrated because we can't win at being a dad. Something in us would like it to be about winning, but it's not a competitive game with our kids.
Look at 3rd John verse 4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." Let's think about what John is saying here. (Yes, he's talking about about the Christians he's responsible for, not necessarily his physical children. But we dads are about discipling Christians, especially our own children.)
John, the "beloved disciple", knows about suffering, and about joy. No greater joy? Wow!
John does not say, "I have not greater profit" or "I have no greater happiness" or "I've never been given grief by my children."
Note the active, present tense -- 'have' and 'are walking.' This is not joy from past tense work, but current assessment.
Walking is not wandering. John talks about "the" truth, not "a" truth. There is a specific path of discipleship.
What other thoughts do you have?
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Sobering Economic Charts
This set of charts about our "Frankenstein Economy" in the US is sobering, to say the least.
How should Christians lead in such times? How will be distinctive?
This set of charts about our "Frankenstein Economy" in the US is sobering, to say the least.
How should Christians lead in such times? How will be distinctive?
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
John Piper Writes from Cambridge
Great Fresh Words letter from John Piper: "How to Respond to Horrifying Sayings of Jesus."
Great Fresh Words letter from John Piper: "How to Respond to Horrifying Sayings of Jesus."
Economic Growth In Iraq
Check out this article about the amazing economic growth in Iraq since 2003. The GDP per capita has doubled, and the Brookings Institute forecasts real GDP growth of 495 in 2006-2008.
Do you think the flax 15% tax rate has anything to do with it?
Check out this article about the amazing economic growth in Iraq since 2003. The GDP per capita has doubled, and the Brookings Institute forecasts real GDP growth of 495 in 2006-2008.
Do you think the flax 15% tax rate has anything to do with it?
Remembering Names
I'm pretty bad at remembering names. Ok, I'm really bad at it. I appreciated the tips here.
I'm pretty bad at remembering names. Ok, I'm really bad at it. I appreciated the tips here.
Real Leaders are People Who Can Make Things Better
Marshall Goldsmith writes eloquently about
Marshall Goldsmith writes eloquently about
Check out the article to get the whole story, it's great.
He concludes with an important point for each of us, men:
"Real leaders are not people who can point out what is wrong. Almost anyone can do that. Real leaders are people who can make things better."
Monday, March 27, 2006
Holiness Manifesto
Men, check out this Holiness Manifesto. I found there is depth here worth considering, and checking your personal (and family) life against.
Men, check out this Holiness Manifesto. I found there is depth here worth considering, and checking your personal (and family) life against.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
More on Raising Boys
Doug Giles continues his series on raising boys. I like the strategy of raising boys who take care and improve what they've been given to manage, and to defend others. This gets you away from jock-or-not, but keeps you in the sphere of tough-and-tender.
Doug Giles continues his series on raising boys. I like the strategy of raising boys who take care and improve what they've been given to manage, and to defend others. This gets you away from jock-or-not, but keeps you in the sphere of tough-and-tender.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Get Tozer-ized!
I've loved reading A.W. Tozer's books for years. They act like that firm 2x4 you need applied to my head, regularly.
So I was delighted to see this quick summary by Todd Rhoades, "Formula for a Burning Heart."
A couple of points really wacked me:
"It is our wretched habit of tolerating sin that keeps us in our half-dead condition."
" There must be a radical change in your habits of there will not be any permanent improvement in your interior life."
I've loved reading A.W. Tozer's books for years. They act like that firm 2x4 you need applied to my head, regularly.
So I was delighted to see this quick summary by Todd Rhoades, "Formula for a Burning Heart."
A couple of points really wacked me:
"It is our wretched habit of tolerating sin that keeps us in our half-dead condition."
" There must be a radical change in your habits of there will not be any permanent improvement in your interior life."
Fighting Discouragement
It can be all-too easy to slip into discouragement, even for a little while. I know I've been battling it recently.
Our good and gracious God sends me lots of reading to remind me of His faithfulness. And that's the key, I believe, to overcoming discouragement -- remember God's past work, ongoing promises, and the future He has planned for us. Jeremy Taylor writes "It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent." Discouragement is spiritual amnesia. As Mark Batterson points out, "So Far, So God." That's the fact too focus on, men.
It can be all-too easy to slip into discouragement, even for a little while. I know I've been battling it recently.
Our good and gracious God sends me lots of reading to remind me of His faithfulness. And that's the key, I believe, to overcoming discouragement -- remember God's past work, ongoing promises, and the future He has planned for us. Jeremy Taylor writes "It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent." Discouragement is spiritual amnesia. As Mark Batterson points out, "So Far, So God." That's the fact too focus on, men.
Leadership Longevity
I know many of the readers of this blog are in leadership positions in their local church. Check out this excellent set of ideas from Ray Glider for building lasting ministry.
I know many of the readers of this blog are in leadership positions in their local church. Check out this excellent set of ideas from Ray Glider for building lasting ministry.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Volumes
From March 20 Fortune magazine:
"The peoples of the earth sent and received 400,000 terabytes of information by email in 2002, according to research by the University of California at Berkeley's School of Information Management and Systems. That's equivalent to the print collections of 40,000 Libraries of Congress. (And that was measured way back in 2002; the quantity has only grown since.) "
Phone calls in 2002? 17 million terabytes of data.
Now we should distinguish knowledge from data, and communication from transmission, but even so.... W-o-w.
Men, let's keep teaching our kids how to manage the glut of information available, and discern what's truth, what's useful. So we need to be learning this first.
From March 20 Fortune magazine:
"The peoples of the earth sent and received 400,000 terabytes of information by email in 2002, according to research by the University of California at Berkeley's School of Information Management and Systems. That's equivalent to the print collections of 40,000 Libraries of Congress. (And that was measured way back in 2002; the quantity has only grown since.) "
Phone calls in 2002? 17 million terabytes of data.
Now we should distinguish knowledge from data, and communication from transmission, but even so.... W-o-w.
Men, let's keep teaching our kids how to manage the glut of information available, and discern what's truth, what's useful. So we need to be learning this first.
What Would an Atheist Think about Your Church?
Todd Rhodes has an interesting post about an atheist's impressions from visiting Willow Creek. What are the impressions that not-yet believers have about your church?
Todd Rhodes has an interesting post about an atheist's impressions from visiting Willow Creek. What are the impressions that not-yet believers have about your church?
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Keep Moving...Or Die
Apparently sharks have to keep moving or they die. (Apparently there are some places where sharks sleep, but if you come across a sleepin shark in your travels, my advice would be to let it lie.)
Blogs have to keep moving to. Some poor soul has counted how many blogs are started, and how many are still active 6 weeks and 6 months later -- tens of thousands get started, because it's so easy to start, and less than 5% are still active 6 months later.
[Thanks to those of you who write me notes when I don't post something here for a few days. "Where are you? Are you ok? I miss you, please write again soon" messages are very encouraging.]
As Christian husbands and fathers, we need to keep moving, too. Our relationships -- with our heavenly Father, with our wives, with our children, with extended family and neighbors and coworkers -- all need nurturing and action to keep moving. Our study of the Word needs to continue; it's a living Book for us. We need to continue to sharpen the skills and talents we've been given, so that we can continue to serve others well.
If I could speak with you, dear reader, I suspect we'd share at least one thing in common -- a desire to just sit down and procrastinate on what we should be doing. Yes, we need rests, and God has ordained rhythms in life we should pay attention to. But if you're taking a "rest" because you would just rather not think about it for a while, watch out! Take a rest to get back into right relationship with Christ, and because you are looking forward to more and greater service.
My pastor says there are only two kinds of marriages -- those being worked at, and those that aren't. There are only two kinds of sharks -- the moving and the dead. There are only two kinds of Christian men -- those moving forward, learning how to walk in better rhythm with God and with one another, and those lardassians sitting around listening to the wrong whiny voices from their flesh.
Apparently sharks have to keep moving or they die. (Apparently there are some places where sharks sleep, but if you come across a sleepin shark in your travels, my advice would be to let it lie.)
Blogs have to keep moving to. Some poor soul has counted how many blogs are started, and how many are still active 6 weeks and 6 months later -- tens of thousands get started, because it's so easy to start, and less than 5% are still active 6 months later.
[Thanks to those of you who write me notes when I don't post something here for a few days. "Where are you? Are you ok? I miss you, please write again soon" messages are very encouraging.]
As Christian husbands and fathers, we need to keep moving, too. Our relationships -- with our heavenly Father, with our wives, with our children, with extended family and neighbors and coworkers -- all need nurturing and action to keep moving. Our study of the Word needs to continue; it's a living Book for us. We need to continue to sharpen the skills and talents we've been given, so that we can continue to serve others well.
If I could speak with you, dear reader, I suspect we'd share at least one thing in common -- a desire to just sit down and procrastinate on what we should be doing. Yes, we need rests, and God has ordained rhythms in life we should pay attention to. But if you're taking a "rest" because you would just rather not think about it for a while, watch out! Take a rest to get back into right relationship with Christ, and because you are looking forward to more and greater service.
My pastor says there are only two kinds of marriages -- those being worked at, and those that aren't. There are only two kinds of sharks -- the moving and the dead. There are only two kinds of Christian men -- those moving forward, learning how to walk in better rhythm with God and with one another, and those lardassians sitting around listening to the wrong whiny voices from their flesh.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Christians Should Feel Complimented
Nice insights from Don Feder: "What really enrages the Hollywood left is the realization that, more than any other group in our society, evangelical Christians—who now constitute the largest voting bloc—stand in the way of its political agenda: abortion on demand, a contraceptive culture, erotic indoctrination masquerading as sex education, universal day care, the complete societal acceptance of homosexuality and hate-crimes legislation that criminalizes religious speech. By attacking Christians, Hollywood is advancing its agenda... Over the past 40 years, Hollywood has been primarily responsible for the rapid degeneration of our culture. Modern cinema is filled with violence, sadism, sex at its most animalistic, crudeness, nihilism and despair. If Hollywood wants to treat Christianity as the antithesis of all it holds dear, Christians should feel complimented."
Nice insights from Don Feder: "What really enrages the Hollywood left is the realization that, more than any other group in our society, evangelical Christians—who now constitute the largest voting bloc—stand in the way of its political agenda: abortion on demand, a contraceptive culture, erotic indoctrination masquerading as sex education, universal day care, the complete societal acceptance of homosexuality and hate-crimes legislation that criminalizes religious speech. By attacking Christians, Hollywood is advancing its agenda... Over the past 40 years, Hollywood has been primarily responsible for the rapid degeneration of our culture. Modern cinema is filled with violence, sadism, sex at its most animalistic, crudeness, nihilism and despair. If Hollywood wants to treat Christianity as the antithesis of all it holds dear, Christians should feel complimented."
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Teaching Others to Pray
Here's a too-short article about teaching others to pray. I think it would be better titled, "Coaching Prayer Leaders."
Here's a too-short article about teaching others to pray. I think it would be better titled, "Coaching Prayer Leaders."
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Start Leading Yourself
Bill Hybels' article "The Art of Self-Leadership" is a must-read. I've read a lot of material on leadership, and this is a classic. Don't get hung up if you're not a pastor -- people reading this blog are leaders, and Hybel's counsel does apply.
Print it off, read it twice today. Think about what you need to do differently and start doing it.
Then make a plan to reread it in a month.
Bill Hybels' article "The Art of Self-Leadership" is a must-read. I've read a lot of material on leadership, and this is a classic. Don't get hung up if you're not a pastor -- people reading this blog are leaders, and Hybel's counsel does apply.
Print it off, read it twice today. Think about what you need to do differently and start doing it.
Then make a plan to reread it in a month.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Listen to CT Teaching Online!
I strongly encourage you to check out the Cross Trainers teaching, available online. Mike Swaim's March 1 class on Peter is dynamite! The most recent four weeks will be available online, updated every Monday.
I strongly encourage you to check out the Cross Trainers teaching, available online. Mike Swaim's March 1 class on Peter is dynamite! The most recent four weeks will be available online, updated every Monday.
What Makes for Church Growth?
Todd Rhodes has a collected some information about the differences between large (growing) and small (not growing) churches. Summary:
-- Growing churches are most likely to be theologically conservative, with members actively participating in ministry, usually with local authority and raising up pastors/staff from within. Oh, it helps a lot to have a pastor who has been there a long time.
Todd Rhodes has a collected some information about the differences between large (growing) and small (not growing) churches. Summary:
-- Growing churches are most likely to be theologically conservative, with members actively participating in ministry, usually with local authority and raising up pastors/staff from within. Oh, it helps a lot to have a pastor who has been there a long time.
Raising Boys
Doug Giles reminds us that God made men to thrive in tough conditions in his column, "Raising Boys that Feminists Will Hate":
"First off, parents, please note that the cradle God created for His firstborn was rough country—a thorny, critter-laden and butt-kicking badland. God wanted His boy brought up in undomesticated surroundings. The feral fashioned something in God’s first boy, Adam, that Xbox, the mall and cell phones just couldn’t provide to the charge under His tutelage.
Yeah, God’s earthy 2IC was directly connected to the Spirit of the Wild. Adam lived in primitive partnership with untamed beasts, birds, big lizards and monster sharks. This is the way it was. And God said, “It is good!” Imagine that: good being equated to having no anti-bacterial gel, no bike helmets, no Trans Fatty acids, no poodles, no motorized scooters, no concrete and no Will and Grace. I know this doesn’t sound like “paradise” for postmodern pantywaists that are immoral, lazy, stupid and fat, but it was God’s—and His primitive son’s—idea of “Yippee Land.”
Doug Giles reminds us that God made men to thrive in tough conditions in his column, "Raising Boys that Feminists Will Hate":
"First off, parents, please note that the cradle God created for His firstborn was rough country—a thorny, critter-laden and butt-kicking badland. God wanted His boy brought up in undomesticated surroundings. The feral fashioned something in God’s first boy, Adam, that Xbox, the mall and cell phones just couldn’t provide to the charge under His tutelage.
Yeah, God’s earthy 2IC was directly connected to the Spirit of the Wild. Adam lived in primitive partnership with untamed beasts, birds, big lizards and monster sharks. This is the way it was. And God said, “It is good!” Imagine that: good being equated to having no anti-bacterial gel, no bike helmets, no Trans Fatty acids, no poodles, no motorized scooters, no concrete and no Will and Grace. I know this doesn’t sound like “paradise” for postmodern pantywaists that are immoral, lazy, stupid and fat, but it was God’s—and His primitive son’s—idea of “Yippee Land.”
American Manhood
W. Thomas Smith, Jr. writes about his confidence in American Manhood, based on what he sees in school wrestling and football season. I appreciated what Smith says about developing heart and head - the combination of passion, bravery, and patience to wait for the right time to act. This is congruent with what I've learned from retired members of our special forces -- only those with strong moral character and enormous self-control are able to perform at that level, under pressure.
May every husband and father take this to heart.
W. Thomas Smith, Jr. writes about his confidence in American Manhood, based on what he sees in school wrestling and football season. I appreciated what Smith says about developing heart and head - the combination of passion, bravery, and patience to wait for the right time to act. This is congruent with what I've learned from retired members of our special forces -- only those with strong moral character and enormous self-control are able to perform at that level, under pressure.
May every husband and father take this to heart.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Music is Not Neutral
Those of you who are interested in worship and music should read this blog post by Todd Rhoades, "Is Music Really Neutral?"
Those of you who are interested in worship and music should read this blog post by Todd Rhoades, "Is Music Really Neutral?"
Don't Get Stuck in Haran
Pastor David Anderson reminds us not to settle for less than what God has called us to.
In Genesis 11, Terah, the father of Abram, sets out from Ur to go the land of Canaan. But along the way he settled in Haran and stopped short of his call to get to Canaan.
"Some of us have set out for the land of ministry, but we've settled for the land of church activity."
Let's ask ourselves today, men, "How am I doing? Where have I settled for less than God's calling?"
Pastor David Anderson reminds us not to settle for less than what God has called us to.
In Genesis 11, Terah, the father of Abram, sets out from Ur to go the land of Canaan. But along the way he settled in Haran and stopped short of his call to get to Canaan.
"Some of us have set out for the land of ministry, but we've settled for the land of church activity."
Let's ask ourselves today, men, "How am I doing? Where have I settled for less than God's calling?"
Saturday, March 04, 2006
The Problem with Building Insular Communities
Tom Monaghan is spending several hundred million dollars to create Ave Maria, an entirely Catholic community near Naples, Florida. A cathedral will be at the center of the city, and you won't be able to buy pornography or birth control there.
It's a human tendency to surround ourselves with people "just like us," to keep out the bad people, and to create gated communities. Christians like to create Christian ghettos. You can look at the Christian ad books and pretty much shop for every item and service you need, only at businesses run by Christians.
Jesus didn't promote insular community building. He said "Go" not huddle. He tells us that we are salt and light in the midst of the world, in the world but not of it. Ave Maria and Christian ghettos may be comfortable, but they're not our calling, men.
Tom Monaghan is spending several hundred million dollars to create Ave Maria, an entirely Catholic community near Naples, Florida. A cathedral will be at the center of the city, and you won't be able to buy pornography or birth control there.
It's a human tendency to surround ourselves with people "just like us," to keep out the bad people, and to create gated communities. Christians like to create Christian ghettos. You can look at the Christian ad books and pretty much shop for every item and service you need, only at businesses run by Christians.
Jesus didn't promote insular community building. He said "Go" not huddle. He tells us that we are salt and light in the midst of the world, in the world but not of it. Ave Maria and Christian ghettos may be comfortable, but they're not our calling, men.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
What Would Jesus Preach In Your Church?
Jim Martin asks this question, and draws his answer from the Gospel accounts of how Jesus interacted with religious leaders.
Read the whole thing here.
Jim Martin asks this question, and draws his answer from the Gospel accounts of how Jesus interacted with religious leaders.
You do not evaluate your lives the way I do. I am more concerned about whether
or not these people love God and people than anything else.
You do not evaluate your church the way I do. I am more concerned about you being my presence in this community rather than whether or not you may be happy with the way things are going.
You do not evaluate spiritual maturity the way I do.
Some of you have been Christians for a very long time. You need to be more
mindful of the younger and less mature. Some of you have been Christians for a
lesser amount of time. You need to be grateful that your forefathers pointed you
to me. All of you need to remember that the bottom line is loving God and loving
the people who you interact with.
You do not evaluate truth the way I do.
Sermon messages are not good if they seem to pass the popularity contest. There
were times when I spoke and people walked away, wanting nothing more to do with
me.
You do not ask the right questions. You need to be asking in your families, in your church meetings, and among your leadership these questions: "What does Jesus want us to do? What would he do? What do we know about him that might help us know what to do?"
Read the whole thing here.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
How's Your Stillness?
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
There's not a lot in this culture that promotes this kind of stillness. Most of the time it's MORE FASTER.
It is interesting to note the popularity of yoga -- an exercise and meditation system that promotes s-l-0-w. I suspect this is because it's an appealing alternative to MORE FASTER. I'm ok with the physical yoga exercises, but not the meditative side, because they encourage you focus on yourself and on nothingness. This is not Christian meditation at all. Christian meditation is focusing on the Lord through His Word, His Creation, His beauty.
Stillness is not laziness, men, but rest in Christ. Stillness takes some startup energy, and some focusing energy so we don't run off with every distraction. Stillness is necessary for us to be the spiritual leaders in our homes and communities that we need to be. Stillness before the Lord will recharge our souls and give us the deep wisdom that we need.
I encourage you to create space and time for this stillness before the Lord. If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for your wife and children and the people around you.
"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
There's not a lot in this culture that promotes this kind of stillness. Most of the time it's MORE FASTER.
It is interesting to note the popularity of yoga -- an exercise and meditation system that promotes s-l-0-w. I suspect this is because it's an appealing alternative to MORE FASTER. I'm ok with the physical yoga exercises, but not the meditative side, because they encourage you focus on yourself and on nothingness. This is not Christian meditation at all. Christian meditation is focusing on the Lord through His Word, His Creation, His beauty.
Stillness is not laziness, men, but rest in Christ. Stillness takes some startup energy, and some focusing energy so we don't run off with every distraction. Stillness is necessary for us to be the spiritual leaders in our homes and communities that we need to be. Stillness before the Lord will recharge our souls and give us the deep wisdom that we need.
I encourage you to create space and time for this stillness before the Lord. If you won't do it for yourself, then do it for your wife and children and the people around you.
Friday, February 17, 2006
You Aren't Going to Compete Against These Guys, Are You?
http://www.familymanweb.com/hubbyoftheyear.htm
Compare with our instruction in Ephesians 5:25-33:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
http://www.familymanweb.com/hubbyoftheyear.htm
Compare with our instruction in Ephesians 5:25-33:
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Making Prayer Part of Your Regular Family Life
A brother pointed me to this nice list of 15 ways to weave prayer into your regular family life. Recommended. As our children get to be older teens, it's encouraging to see their capacity and capacity for prayer develop. We're the spiritual leaders, men, so set the pace!
A brother pointed me to this nice list of 15 ways to weave prayer into your regular family life. Recommended. As our children get to be older teens, it's encouraging to see their capacity and capacity for prayer develop. We're the spiritual leaders, men, so set the pace!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Free Bible Teaching Tips Collection
Some of you are Bible teachers -- check out this free ebook of collected teaching tips at my other blog: http://teachtochangelives.blogspot.com
Some of you are Bible teachers -- check out this free ebook of collected teaching tips at my other blog: http://teachtochangelives.blogspot.com
Saturday, February 11, 2006
I'm Not An Economist, But I Blog Like One on TV
I think part of the reason economic news is rarely given to the population at large is because we can't handle more than sound-bytes. And few of us have a good framework to analyze and understand the little bits of news we get.
There's plenty of handwringing and noise over the US trade deficit. So I found this short article helpful to understanding how to think about it intelligently.
I think part of the reason economic news is rarely given to the population at large is because we can't handle more than sound-bytes. And few of us have a good framework to analyze and understand the little bits of news we get.
There's plenty of handwringing and noise over the US trade deficit. So I found this short article helpful to understanding how to think about it intelligently.
Evangelicals and Environmentalists
There is growing media attention on prominent evangelical leaders who are pushing "pro-environment" platforms and legislation. Steven Hayward has an excellent analysis of the past history of the groups, and how they are finding common ground.
There is growing media attention on prominent evangelical leaders who are pushing "pro-environment" platforms and legislation. Steven Hayward has an excellent analysis of the past history of the groups, and how they are finding common ground.
Did You Know This Information?
I was interested to learn that the cartoons caricaturizing Muhammed published in Denmark that have led to riots in four countries were printed ... five months ago. And reprinted a week later in a major Egyptian paper, without causing a ruckus.
It wasn't until Danish Imam Abu Laban worked at, augmented the original cartoons with fabricated pictures, and enlisted Al Jazeera and leaders in the Middle East, that the riots came.
Five months.
I was interested to learn that the cartoons caricaturizing Muhammed published in Denmark that have led to riots in four countries were printed ... five months ago. And reprinted a week later in a major Egyptian paper, without causing a ruckus.
It wasn't until Danish Imam Abu Laban worked at, augmented the original cartoons with fabricated pictures, and enlisted Al Jazeera and leaders in the Middle East, that the riots came.
Five months.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Book Recommendation: The Barbarian Way
I thoroughly enjoyed The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus and recommend it.
He encourages us to pursue the passionate, follow-Christ-anywhere, dangerous life, rather than "safe," domesticated, civil Christian practice. He made me think pretty hard about why I prefer certain things (because they make me feel more comfortable, frankly, not because they're biblical or in line with the Gospel).
Here's one tidbit I just love: "...a group of buzzards waiting around together to feast on leftover carnage is called a committee. ... This explains so much of what's going on in churches -- a lot of committees waiting around to live off human carnage."
Uproar Over Cartoons
People are killing, and being killed, over cartoon portrayals of Muhammad.
I overheard one person discussing this issue who said, "Why are they so angry? They should just grow up and be more mature. They're like little kids insulted over the smallest things at recess."
Actually, I think it's more accurate to characterize them as religious zealots with ambitions. Are these Muslims acting differently than Saul of Tarsus and the pious Pharisees in the first century? This is a logical outcome of religion, and we've seen example after example throughout history. The answer is a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.
John Piper has written wisely about the difference between Muhammad and Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ bore all the insults, the lies, even the cross -- it was an essential part of His work to save us. There is no salvation in Muhammad.
People are killing, and being killed, over cartoon portrayals of Muhammad.
I overheard one person discussing this issue who said, "Why are they so angry? They should just grow up and be more mature. They're like little kids insulted over the smallest things at recess."
Actually, I think it's more accurate to characterize them as religious zealots with ambitions. Are these Muslims acting differently than Saul of Tarsus and the pious Pharisees in the first century? This is a logical outcome of religion, and we've seen example after example throughout history. The answer is a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ.
John Piper has written wisely about the difference between Muhammad and Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ bore all the insults, the lies, even the cross -- it was an essential part of His work to save us. There is no salvation in Muhammad.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Tough Love
The best thing I can say about the free elections of Hamas to power in the nascent nation of Palestine is this: Hamas doesn't lie to cover up their true intent, as Fatah did. What you hear is what you get.
Charles Krauthammer makes an excellent argument for isolating the Palestinians from all recognition and aid, until they choose (through elections) peace and coexistence with Israel.
The best thing I can say about the free elections of Hamas to power in the nascent nation of Palestine is this: Hamas doesn't lie to cover up their true intent, as Fatah did. What you hear is what you get.
Charles Krauthammer makes an excellent argument for isolating the Palestinians from all recognition and aid, until they choose (through elections) peace and coexistence with Israel.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Don't Forget About Valentine's Day!
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
I know how focused you get on work, hobbies, etc. Your corpus corpolosum (the part of the brain connecting the two hemispheres) lost the majority of its neurons before you were born, so you're MALE and you can only focus on one thing at a time!
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
I know there are 1634 items on your want-to do list, plus a few hundred more on your should-do list, plus a batch of items, and you need to work on the taxes.
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
I know that you have over a week left, and even if you wanted to order something online it could get here pretty fast.
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
Plan to treat her "extra" special.
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
And remember that she is the woman God has given you. Every day should be like Valentine's Day. But it's not, so I really, really encourage you to get going on a Valentine's Day suprise for her.
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
I know how focused you get on work, hobbies, etc. Your corpus corpolosum (the part of the brain connecting the two hemispheres) lost the majority of its neurons before you were born, so you're MALE and you can only focus on one thing at a time!
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
I know there are 1634 items on your want-to do list, plus a few hundred more on your should-do list, plus a batch of items, and you need to work on the taxes.
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
I know that you have over a week left, and even if you wanted to order something online it could get here pretty fast.
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
Plan to treat her "extra" special.
Your sweetie is expecting you to do something nice for Valentine's Day.
And remember that she is the woman God has given you. Every day should be like Valentine's Day. But it's not, so I really, really encourage you to get going on a Valentine's Day suprise for her.
The US Congress or the Church?
Perry Noble has some excellent insights from his visit to the State of the Union Address. As impressive and powerful as the US Congress is, the Church is the most powerful institution in human history. "The church--she's beautiful...and through her God wants to change the world. The government can pass programs that will assist in times of need--however, they cannot powerwash a soul or give an eternal hope for the future...but the church can. "
Perry Noble has some excellent insights from his visit to the State of the Union Address. As impressive and powerful as the US Congress is, the Church is the most powerful institution in human history. "The church--she's beautiful...and through her God wants to change the world. The government can pass programs that will assist in times of need--however, they cannot powerwash a soul or give an eternal hope for the future...but the church can. "
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Shouting
Sometimes I think we're just too quiet about our Joy. We're domesticated, dignified, "civilized," and celebrate in only the most restrained ways.
Biblical counsel is for person self-control and orderliness in worship, but we also read that Joy should cause us to rock the place:
"Come, let's shout praises to GOD, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!" (Psalm 95:1)
When was the last time, men, that you let out a genuine shout to God? Feel uncomfortable about the idea of shouting to the Lord? Review your reasons why, and see if they have more to do with pride -- or will lack of Joy -- than anything biblical.
Sometimes I think we're just too quiet about our Joy. We're domesticated, dignified, "civilized," and celebrate in only the most restrained ways.
Biblical counsel is for person self-control and orderliness in worship, but we also read that Joy should cause us to rock the place:
"Come, let's shout praises to GOD, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!" (Psalm 95:1)
When was the last time, men, that you let out a genuine shout to God? Feel uncomfortable about the idea of shouting to the Lord? Review your reasons why, and see if they have more to do with pride -- or will lack of Joy -- than anything biblical.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Moving the Pronoun
Here's a sobering thought: 2 people, out of about 6,000,000 in the nation of Israel, made it into the Promised Land.
From Pastor Ed Young: "Israel didn't fulfill her destiny because she listened to the "wrong they." They paid attention to a bad report from the majority rather than ignoring it. Here's the bottom line: we've got to move the pronoun from THEY to ME to HE. It's not about they. It's not about me. It's about He."
Here's a sobering thought: 2 people, out of about 6,000,000 in the nation of Israel, made it into the Promised Land.
From Pastor Ed Young: "Israel didn't fulfill her destiny because she listened to the "wrong they." They paid attention to a bad report from the majority rather than ignoring it. Here's the bottom line: we've got to move the pronoun from THEY to ME to HE. It's not about they. It's not about me. It's about He."
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Bigger Government Isn't the Answer
An economist gives an excellent analysis of the failure of government response to Hurricane Katrina, and in two pithy pages shows why bigger government isn't the answer. (PDF document)
It's interesting to see how many people are slow to give (time, money, possessions from their abundance) in these situations. I've heard a number of people say something like, "The Feds are helping them, and I pay my taxes." So one of the ugly, unintended consequences of big government spending is that people are calloused into giving less themselves.
An economist gives an excellent analysis of the failure of government response to Hurricane Katrina, and in two pithy pages shows why bigger government isn't the answer. (PDF document)
It's interesting to see how many people are slow to give (time, money, possessions from their abundance) in these situations. I've heard a number of people say something like, "The Feds are helping them, and I pay my taxes." So one of the ugly, unintended consequences of big government spending is that people are calloused into giving less themselves.
Monday, January 23, 2006
A Challenge to Bible Study
Though written to pastors, I think all men should be good students of God's Word. Get challenged, get started. Forget what lies in the past, start today.
Though written to pastors, I think all men should be good students of God's Word. Get challenged, get started. Forget what lies in the past, start today.
33 years
Roe v. Wade is now 33 years old. Of course, abortion is much older than Roe v. Wade.
I recommend this excellent article by an expectant mother to you.
Roe v. Wade is now 33 years old. Of course, abortion is much older than Roe v. Wade.
I recommend this excellent article by an expectant mother to you.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Maybe I Won't Eat There After All
I spotted a bakery next to the Caribou Coffee shop that sounded good. "Three Dog Bakery," I said, "I bet they sell their stuff at the coffee shop." My wife graciously pointed out that the Three Dog Bakery specializes in making treats for dogs, including dogs with allergies to certain foods.
Uh...maybe I won't want to eat there after all.
A quick Google search shows that this is a national chain of dog bakeries, and they have competition!
What does this say about our level of affluence, that there is a significant market for luxurious doggie treats? (By the way, the capitalist in me celebrates such a strong economy and ambitious entrepreneurship!)
CT has an interesting article about how the abundance of American culture threatens the soul. Wander through a mall -- which has become one of the primary places of community in our culture -- and see these people with the eyes of Christ. How many are hurting, lonely, looking for significance? How many are hoping for fulfilment but not seeing the marvelous loving God in their midst?
I spotted a bakery next to the Caribou Coffee shop that sounded good. "Three Dog Bakery," I said, "I bet they sell their stuff at the coffee shop." My wife graciously pointed out that the Three Dog Bakery specializes in making treats for dogs, including dogs with allergies to certain foods.
Uh...maybe I won't want to eat there after all.
A quick Google search shows that this is a national chain of dog bakeries, and they have competition!
What does this say about our level of affluence, that there is a significant market for luxurious doggie treats? (By the way, the capitalist in me celebrates such a strong economy and ambitious entrepreneurship!)
CT has an interesting article about how the abundance of American culture threatens the soul. Wander through a mall -- which has become one of the primary places of community in our culture -- and see these people with the eyes of Christ. How many are hurting, lonely, looking for significance? How many are hoping for fulfilment but not seeing the marvelous loving God in their midst?
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Building a Foundation from Small Habits
I have a little ritual that helps center me. When I go out to the end of the driveway to get the newspaper, I turn and look up at the North Star. It's the only star that doesn't "move" in the night sky. I know just where to look using landmarks of our roofline and trees.
I like to whisper a prayer of gratitude for God's constancy and faithfulness.
If it's cloudy, or snowing, I still look. The North Star is still there, shining bright, even if it's hidden from my sight. And I breathe a prayer of thankfulness that God is real and present, even if I'm not able to see Him at work.
A brother in Christ recently said to me, "Strong Christian men are made from many small habits."
I have a little ritual that helps center me. When I go out to the end of the driveway to get the newspaper, I turn and look up at the North Star. It's the only star that doesn't "move" in the night sky. I know just where to look using landmarks of our roofline and trees.
I like to whisper a prayer of gratitude for God's constancy and faithfulness.
If it's cloudy, or snowing, I still look. The North Star is still there, shining bright, even if it's hidden from my sight. And I breathe a prayer of thankfulness that God is real and present, even if I'm not able to see Him at work.
A brother in Christ recently said to me, "Strong Christian men are made from many small habits."
Fiscal Responsibility in Congress?
It's nice to see John Shadegg's editorial in the WSJ. It gives me some hope that there are men who are leading on the issues of fiscal restraint and responsibility. I like the Goldwater quote: "A government big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away."
It's nice to see John Shadegg's editorial in the WSJ. It gives me some hope that there are men who are leading on the issues of fiscal restraint and responsibility. I like the Goldwater quote: "A government big enough to give you all you want is big enough to take it all away."
Did Jesus Have a Bad Year in 2006?
I laughed out loud at this headline:
2006 - A bad year for Jesus
At The American Spectator, Patrick Hynes writes, "2006 is already starting to look like [Jesus'] worst year since 33 A.D." He references a High Times article that asks "Was Jesus a Stoner?," NBC's Book of Daniel, the upcoming The Da Vinci Code and the lawsuit in Italy where a Catholic priest has been forced to appear in court to prove Jesus exsisted. Hynes concludes, "Ah, Jesus. A pot-smoking hippie who married Mary and never really existed at all. The same yesterday, today, and forever."
Citing source
Writing shows critical thinking...or its lack. Was this year any worse for Jesus than the year he was run through a kangaroo court, beaten and flogged, crucified? Even that is not a good way to think about it -- we're told that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him!
So it's not about Jesus "having" a good year or a bad year. And if our lives are hidden with Christ, then it's not about us "having" a good or bad year, either.
I laughed out loud at this headline:
2006 - A bad year for Jesus
At The American Spectator, Patrick Hynes writes, "2006 is already starting to look like [Jesus'] worst year since 33 A.D." He references a High Times article that asks "Was Jesus a Stoner?," NBC's Book of Daniel, the upcoming The Da Vinci Code and the lawsuit in Italy where a Catholic priest has been forced to appear in court to prove Jesus exsisted. Hynes concludes, "Ah, Jesus. A pot-smoking hippie who married Mary and never really existed at all. The same yesterday, today, and forever."
Citing source
Writing shows critical thinking...or its lack. Was this year any worse for Jesus than the year he was run through a kangaroo court, beaten and flogged, crucified? Even that is not a good way to think about it -- we're told that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him!
So it's not about Jesus "having" a good year or a bad year. And if our lives are hidden with Christ, then it's not about us "having" a good or bad year, either.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Pray for Venezuela
We are praying for the people of God in Venezuela. There are difficult days there, yet tremendous opportunities for the Gospel.
From a worldly perspective, I fear that the US and Venezuelan governments will come into open conflict more and more, as Chavez continues his alignment with Cuba and Tehran.
We are praying for the people of God in Venezuela. There are difficult days there, yet tremendous opportunities for the Gospel.
From a worldly perspective, I fear that the US and Venezuelan governments will come into open conflict more and more, as Chavez continues his alignment with Cuba and Tehran.
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
It's Not a Zero-Sum World
I appreciated Rich Karlgaard's column in Forbes, "World's Worst Disease." He argues carefully that politicians, many academics, most journalists, and most TV entertainment work from a worldview that says, "If you have it, it's less for me, because it's a zero-sum game." Economically, this isn't true. We create wealth and growth is a good thing. The Chinese government claims that their economy is lifting 1 million people a year out of poverty -- that's not happening because they're transferring money from one group to another via taxation!
There is one section of Karlgaard's column that isn't really about economics, but about men:
"The most popular [TV] male leads of today stand in stark contrast to the unambiguously moral protagonists of the past, good guys like Magnum, Matlock or Barnaby Jones," writes Warren St. John in a Dec. 11 New York Times story. "They are also not simply flawed in the classic sense: men who have the occasional affair or who tip the bottle a little too much. Instead they are unapologetic about killing, stealing, hoarding and beating their way to achieve personal goals …" (my emphasis). "
That's certainly true. I doubt John Wayne movies would be critical successes today.
I appreciated Rich Karlgaard's column in Forbes, "World's Worst Disease." He argues carefully that politicians, many academics, most journalists, and most TV entertainment work from a worldview that says, "If you have it, it's less for me, because it's a zero-sum game." Economically, this isn't true. We create wealth and growth is a good thing. The Chinese government claims that their economy is lifting 1 million people a year out of poverty -- that's not happening because they're transferring money from one group to another via taxation!
There is one section of Karlgaard's column that isn't really about economics, but about men:
"The most popular [TV] male leads of today stand in stark contrast to the unambiguously moral protagonists of the past, good guys like Magnum, Matlock or Barnaby Jones," writes Warren St. John in a Dec. 11 New York Times story. "They are also not simply flawed in the classic sense: men who have the occasional affair or who tip the bottle a little too much. Instead they are unapologetic about killing, stealing, hoarding and beating their way to achieve personal goals …" (my emphasis). "
That's certainly true. I doubt John Wayne movies would be critical successes today.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Free Bible Study Tool -- Bible Desktop
I know many readers are channeling their precious dollars into ministry and not on themselves, so you're always looking for high-quality free Bible study tools.
Check out Bible Desktop.
http://www.crosswire.org/bibledesktop/
I know many readers are channeling their precious dollars into ministry and not on themselves, so you're always looking for high-quality free Bible study tools.
Check out Bible Desktop.
http://www.crosswire.org/bibledesktop/
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Persevere
As I'm praying for men these days, I increasingly feel led to pray that they would be strong and persevere. So many of my friends are in long-running situations, and the days stretch into weeks and months.
Persevere, brothers. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who long-suffered for us and has given us life. While we are here there is still work to do, service to give to our King.
Persevere, brothers. No matter what is going on now, or will come, this life is short and a vapor.
Persevere, brothers. No weapon of the enemy can truly harm you, and our sovereign God is working all things together for good for the men and women and children whom He loves.
Persevere, brothers. You can (and will) do much more than you think you can, because you are real men, and the Spirit of the Living God propels you forward.
Persevere, brothers. And pull other men along with you.
Persevere!
As I'm praying for men these days, I increasingly feel led to pray that they would be strong and persevere. So many of my friends are in long-running situations, and the days stretch into weeks and months.
Persevere, brothers. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, who long-suffered for us and has given us life. While we are here there is still work to do, service to give to our King.
Persevere, brothers. No matter what is going on now, or will come, this life is short and a vapor.
Persevere, brothers. No weapon of the enemy can truly harm you, and our sovereign God is working all things together for good for the men and women and children whom He loves.
Persevere, brothers. You can (and will) do much more than you think you can, because you are real men, and the Spirit of the Living God propels you forward.
Persevere, brothers. And pull other men along with you.
Persevere!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Golden Anniversary
50 years today Jim Elliot and four others were killed when they made contact with the Auca Indians in Ecuador.
There is a new movie about this event coming out later in January, titled "End of the Spear."
You can read a nice biography of Elliot here.
50 years today Jim Elliot and four others were killed when they made contact with the Auca Indians in Ecuador.
There is a new movie about this event coming out later in January, titled "End of the Spear."
You can read a nice biography of Elliot here.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Cataloging Mistakes...and God's Grace
A friend told me that his teenage son asked him what mistakes he'd made that he wishes he could undo. My friend [wisely] asked for a little time to work on the list.
He came back to his son with a catalog of mistakes, but with an important twist -- for each one, he explained how God's grace was evident. And he concluded by carefully explaining how the Lord used all these mistakes to shape him into the bold&gentle man that he is today.
That's a good example for us, men.
A friend told me that his teenage son asked him what mistakes he'd made that he wishes he could undo. My friend [wisely] asked for a little time to work on the list.
He came back to his son with a catalog of mistakes, but with an important twist -- for each one, he explained how God's grace was evident. And he concluded by carefully explaining how the Lord used all these mistakes to shape him into the bold&gentle man that he is today.
That's a good example for us, men.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Observations from 2 Samuel 11
Who is the only positive character in the sordid sin cover-up recorded in 2 Samuel 11? Uriah.
David, Joab, and Bathsheba all fail to confess sin and repent.
I love the tact of the man who comes back to King David in v 3: "The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" See how he tries to get the King to realize she's married, and she's married to one of David's mighty men? But David just blows past this.
And notice that David sends Uriah's death sentence with him in a letter to Joab. (v 14) David knows that Uriah, ever faithful, is not going to open the letter!
Uriah is not commended anywhere else in Scripture, but we should look at this story and be grateful for his example. He was the upright man, doing the right things in the face of temptations to self-indulgence. He was faithful even as people around him were manipulating him for their own purposes.
If your life were recorded for everyone to read about thousands of years later, what would they learn? Let's keep our legacy and testimony clear and loud!
Who is the only positive character in the sordid sin cover-up recorded in 2 Samuel 11? Uriah.
David, Joab, and Bathsheba all fail to confess sin and repent.
I love the tact of the man who comes back to King David in v 3: "The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" See how he tries to get the King to realize she's married, and she's married to one of David's mighty men? But David just blows past this.
And notice that David sends Uriah's death sentence with him in a letter to Joab. (v 14) David knows that Uriah, ever faithful, is not going to open the letter!
Uriah is not commended anywhere else in Scripture, but we should look at this story and be grateful for his example. He was the upright man, doing the right things in the face of temptations to self-indulgence. He was faithful even as people around him were manipulating him for their own purposes.
If your life were recorded for everyone to read about thousands of years later, what would they learn? Let's keep our legacy and testimony clear and loud!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Complexity
There is a very human tendency to think everything operates in a linear fashion. But we live in a world of complex systems. Things interact in unexpected and subtle ways, and we're demonstrably wrong about how best to manage things -- frequently! Relationships, ecosystems, computers, wars, politics are all complex systems.
Michael Crichton has written a fun, readable, and sobering essay on complexity that I highly recommend to you husbands and fathers. He set out to write a novel about a global catastrophe, started investigating Chernobyl, and discovered a whole body of evidence about complexity.
This is not a short essay, but it's worth your time. It will reinforce your high view of God's power and might.
There is a very human tendency to think everything operates in a linear fashion. But we live in a world of complex systems. Things interact in unexpected and subtle ways, and we're demonstrably wrong about how best to manage things -- frequently! Relationships, ecosystems, computers, wars, politics are all complex systems.
Michael Crichton has written a fun, readable, and sobering essay on complexity that I highly recommend to you husbands and fathers. He set out to write a novel about a global catastrophe, started investigating Chernobyl, and discovered a whole body of evidence about complexity.
This is not a short essay, but it's worth your time. It will reinforce your high view of God's power and might.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Daily Discipline
What if you decided that you were going to read your Bible and pray for your family every day in 2006?
I read this recently about a recommendation to exercise daily, and set specific goals:
"What would happen if you went 365-straight days without missing a day of exercise?...Then make a goal to perform the same task every single day, without fail, for 365 days. At the end of the year, when you look backand see how far you've come, I doubt seriously that'll you'll feel that the "repetition" was dull or boring. No, the repetition is what helps refine you and make you a better person. "
Exercising your body is a good thing! How much more can be accomplished by reading God's Word daily and interceding for your family?
What if you decided that you were going to read your Bible and pray for your family every day in 2006?
I read this recently about a recommendation to exercise daily, and set specific goals:
"What would happen if you went 365-straight days without missing a day of exercise?...Then make a goal to perform the same task every single day, without fail, for 365 days. At the end of the year, when you look backand see how far you've come, I doubt seriously that'll you'll feel that the "repetition" was dull or boring. No, the repetition is what helps refine you and make you a better person. "
Exercising your body is a good thing! How much more can be accomplished by reading God's Word daily and interceding for your family?
Looking Back, Being Thankful
Doug Phillips (from Vision Forum) sent out two important things you should do this time of year.
1. Catalog the key events of 2005.
What I appreciated was his suggestion to be comprehensive in the review, and do this as a family:
" In addition to recording the key events and providences of the year chronologically, I try to take the time with my family to record some of the following information on separate bullet lists:
Where did I/we travel?
What were the titles and key texts of sermons I preached?
What books/articles did I write?
What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2005?
What were the most important meetings of the year?
What special friendships were made this year?
Which children lost teeth, and how many?
Who grew in physical stature and how much did they grow?
Who learned to read this year?
What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?
What books did I read? Did we read as a family? Did my children read?
What Scriptures did my family memorize?
What loved ones died this year?
What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the year?
What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?
What were my most significant failures/sins for the year 2005?
What unresolved conflicts/issues am I bringing into 2006?
What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?
What are the top ten themes of 2005 for my family?"
2. Write thank you letters to the people who have been most influential in your life, and in 2005.
"Before the year ends, make a list of two types of people: The first list are the names of people whose life, ministry, or personal investment in you have deeply touched you and changed your life. (In my case, the list includes parents, pastors, and even some teachers from the early years of my Christian walk that I did not meet until much later in my life, but whose books and tapes were crucial to my personal discipleship as a young Christian.) The second list should include those people who played the most significant role in your life in 2005."
Terrific ideas!
Doug Phillips (from Vision Forum) sent out two important things you should do this time of year.
1. Catalog the key events of 2005.
What I appreciated was his suggestion to be comprehensive in the review, and do this as a family:
" In addition to recording the key events and providences of the year chronologically, I try to take the time with my family to record some of the following information on separate bullet lists:
Where did I/we travel?
What were the titles and key texts of sermons I preached?
What books/articles did I write?
What significant household projects did we accomplish in 2005?
What were the most important meetings of the year?
What special friendships were made this year?
Which children lost teeth, and how many?
Who grew in physical stature and how much did they grow?
Who learned to read this year?
What diet and physical exercise regimen did I maintain to honor “my temple”?
What books did I read? Did we read as a family? Did my children read?
What Scriptures did my family memorize?
What loved ones died this year?
What were the great personal/ministry/national tragedies and losses of the year?
What were the great personal/ministry/national blessings of the year?
What were my most significant failures/sins for the year 2005?
What unresolved conflicts/issues am I bringing into 2006?
What significant spiritual and practical victories did I experience?
In what tangible ways did I communicate gratitude to those who have blessed me and invested in my life?
What are the top ten themes of 2005 for my family?"
2. Write thank you letters to the people who have been most influential in your life, and in 2005.
"Before the year ends, make a list of two types of people: The first list are the names of people whose life, ministry, or personal investment in you have deeply touched you and changed your life. (In my case, the list includes parents, pastors, and even some teachers from the early years of my Christian walk that I did not meet until much later in my life, but whose books and tapes were crucial to my personal discipleship as a young Christian.) The second list should include those people who played the most significant role in your life in 2005."
Terrific ideas!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Biblical Fatherhood
Doug Philips (Vision Forum) excerpted this from a book titled "The Tenets of Biblical Patriarchy."
A husband and father is the head of his household, a family leader, provider, and protector, with the authority and mandate to direct his household in paths of obedience to God. (Gen. 18:19; Eph. 6:4)
A man’s authority in the home should be exercised with gentleness, grace, and love as a servant-leader, following the example of Jesus Christ. Leadership is a stewardship from God. (Ps. 103:13; Mal. 3:17; Matt. 11:29-30; Col. 3:21; 1 Pet. 3:7)
The authority of fathers is limited by the law of God and the lawful authority of church and state. Christian fathers cannot escape the jurisdiction of church and state and must be subject to both. (Rom. 13:1ff.; Eph. 5:21; 6:4; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13ff.)
Doug Philips (Vision Forum) excerpted this from a book titled "The Tenets of Biblical Patriarchy."
A husband and father is the head of his household, a family leader, provider, and protector, with the authority and mandate to direct his household in paths of obedience to God. (Gen. 18:19; Eph. 6:4)
A man’s authority in the home should be exercised with gentleness, grace, and love as a servant-leader, following the example of Jesus Christ. Leadership is a stewardship from God. (Ps. 103:13; Mal. 3:17; Matt. 11:29-30; Col. 3:21; 1 Pet. 3:7)
The authority of fathers is limited by the law of God and the lawful authority of church and state. Christian fathers cannot escape the jurisdiction of church and state and must be subject to both. (Rom. 13:1ff.; Eph. 5:21; 6:4; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13ff.)
Are We Thanking God Enough?
Mark Batterson has some useful factoids about what we should be thankful for:
"I think most of us take most things for granted. Right now, thousands of things are happening in your body that you are totally unaware of. Trillions of chemical reactions are taking place in every cell every second. Electrical impulses are shooting across synapses. Hormones are surging through your bloodstream. Your body is breathing, thinking, metabolizing, calibrating, repairing, purifying, digesting, and circulating all time. And here is the amazing thing: you don't give it a second thought. As important and as integral as those processes are to our survival, most of us are totally unaware of what our bodies are doing most of the time. We take the miracle for granted. The retina conducts close to ten billion calculations every second. And that is before an image even gets to the brain. The Reticular Activating System is filtering millions of stimuli every second and determined what you pay attention to and what gets ignored. Your ear drums are picking up sound waves and they are being translated into intelligible language.Just to touch your nose with your finger takes approximately 400 separate chemical reactions. The ability to pick your nose is an amazing act of neurological coordination. It's gross. I'm not advocating for it. But it's miraculous.We take the sunrise for granted. Why? Because there isn't a day that the sun hasn't come up. I don't know anybody who consistently thanks God for keeping the planets in orbit day in and day out. But it's miraculous.If we thanked God for every heart beat we'd owe God 100,000 thank yous per day. Throw in every breath and we'd owe him another 23,000 thank yous."
Mark Batterson has some useful factoids about what we should be thankful for:
"I think most of us take most things for granted. Right now, thousands of things are happening in your body that you are totally unaware of. Trillions of chemical reactions are taking place in every cell every second. Electrical impulses are shooting across synapses. Hormones are surging through your bloodstream. Your body is breathing, thinking, metabolizing, calibrating, repairing, purifying, digesting, and circulating all time. And here is the amazing thing: you don't give it a second thought. As important and as integral as those processes are to our survival, most of us are totally unaware of what our bodies are doing most of the time. We take the miracle for granted. The retina conducts close to ten billion calculations every second. And that is before an image even gets to the brain. The Reticular Activating System is filtering millions of stimuli every second and determined what you pay attention to and what gets ignored. Your ear drums are picking up sound waves and they are being translated into intelligible language.Just to touch your nose with your finger takes approximately 400 separate chemical reactions. The ability to pick your nose is an amazing act of neurological coordination. It's gross. I'm not advocating for it. But it's miraculous.We take the sunrise for granted. Why? Because there isn't a day that the sun hasn't come up. I don't know anybody who consistently thanks God for keeping the planets in orbit day in and day out. But it's miraculous.If we thanked God for every heart beat we'd owe God 100,000 thank yous per day. Throw in every breath and we'd owe him another 23,000 thank yous."
Christian Infighting
There's an old saying that the worst fights are among family members. One former pastor I know talks about how Christians excel at shooting our wounded.
Perry Noble has a useful blog post about this. He takes on those who would argue about
-- the correct translation of the Bible to use
-- predestination vs. free will
-- music in worship services
-- eschatology
-- Bible teaching methods
-- whether to have church service on Christmas day if it's on Sunday
There's an old saying that the worst fights are among family members. One former pastor I know talks about how Christians excel at shooting our wounded.
Perry Noble has a useful blog post about this. He takes on those who would argue about
-- the correct translation of the Bible to use
-- predestination vs. free will
-- music in worship services
-- eschatology
-- Bible teaching methods
-- whether to have church service on Christmas day if it's on Sunday
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Holding Hands High
You probably remember the story about Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ hands all day so that Joshua and the Israelites would defeat the Amalekites in battle. Here’s the passage to read:
“Amalek came and fought Israel at Rephidim. Moses ordered Joshua: "Select some men for us and go out and fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will take my stand on top of the hill holding God's staff." Joshua did what Moses ordered in order to fight Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning. But Moses' hands got tired. So they got a stone and set it under him. He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on each side. So his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Joshua defeated Amalek and its army in battle.
(Exodus 17:8-13)
Think about this a bit – how tired do you think Aaron and Hur were after a few hours of holding up Moses’ hands? No stone to sit on for them! I suspect they were excited about the victory, but their whole bodies probably ached when they lay down to sleep that night. (Plus, these men weren’t 18 year-old who wouldn’t “feel it” the next day, or three.)
Also, how much did Moses’ arms and shoulders ache from being held high? Try this – hold your hands over your head for five minutes.
I imagine that all three of them were praying for an end to the battle, for victory sooner than later!
The Lord frequently calls men to support one another, in prayer, in action. But everyone’s arms may get weary and sore. Everyone may be excited about the end result, but there was plenty of discomfort getting us there. Stay the course when you’re in the fight with a brother. Don’t listen to the whiny committee in your head telling you to stop holding the other person up.
You probably remember the story about Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ hands all day so that Joshua and the Israelites would defeat the Amalekites in battle. Here’s the passage to read:
“Amalek came and fought Israel at Rephidim. Moses ordered Joshua: "Select some men for us and go out and fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will take my stand on top of the hill holding God's staff." Joshua did what Moses ordered in order to fight Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning. But Moses' hands got tired. So they got a stone and set it under him. He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on each side. So his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Joshua defeated Amalek and its army in battle.
(Exodus 17:8-13)
Think about this a bit – how tired do you think Aaron and Hur were after a few hours of holding up Moses’ hands? No stone to sit on for them! I suspect they were excited about the victory, but their whole bodies probably ached when they lay down to sleep that night. (Plus, these men weren’t 18 year-old who wouldn’t “feel it” the next day, or three.)
Also, how much did Moses’ arms and shoulders ache from being held high? Try this – hold your hands over your head for five minutes.
I imagine that all three of them were praying for an end to the battle, for victory sooner than later!
The Lord frequently calls men to support one another, in prayer, in action. But everyone’s arms may get weary and sore. Everyone may be excited about the end result, but there was plenty of discomfort getting us there. Stay the course when you’re in the fight with a brother. Don’t listen to the whiny committee in your head telling you to stop holding the other person up.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Friday, December 09, 2005
Ten Things You Never Hear In Church
#1 - Hey! It's my turn to sit down front!
#2 - I was so into your message that I didn't notice it went 25 minutes too long!
#3 - Personally, I find witnessing more enjoyable than golf.
#4 - I have thought about it and decided to give our church the $500 per month that I have been sending the TV evangelists
#5 - I volunteer to be a permanent worker with middle school students!
#6 - Forget the denominational minimum salary, let's pay our staff so they can live like we do.
#7 - I LOVE IT when we sing songs that we've never sang before.
#8 - Since we're all here, let's begin the service early.
#9 - Pastor, we'd like to send you to this Bible seminar in Hawaii...
#10 - I LOVE IT when you preach on giving!
#1 - Hey! It's my turn to sit down front!
#2 - I was so into your message that I didn't notice it went 25 minutes too long!
#3 - Personally, I find witnessing more enjoyable than golf.
#4 - I have thought about it and decided to give our church the $500 per month that I have been sending the TV evangelists
#5 - I volunteer to be a permanent worker with middle school students!
#6 - Forget the denominational minimum salary, let's pay our staff so they can live like we do.
#7 - I LOVE IT when we sing songs that we've never sang before.
#8 - Since we're all here, let's begin the service early.
#9 - Pastor, we'd like to send you to this Bible seminar in Hawaii...
#10 - I LOVE IT when you preach on giving!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
A Meditation* on Caleb
There are some inspiring and challenges lessons from Caleb in Joshua 14:6-15. He's 85 years old. Remember that Caleb and Joshua were in favor of going into the promised land -- but 10 others lost heart and discouraged Israel against going in. The result? Joshua and Caleb spent the next 40 years with these whiners and cowards, and dug a lot of graves. But they clung to the Lord's promises. Now the time has come for Caleb to ask for territory. Let's listen in to what a righteous 85 year-old says to the only other man who had shown courage so long before.
6 Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, 8 but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.' 10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."
Notice a few things:
Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly. Caleb has been living in confidence that God will fulfill his promises. Caleb is just as strong as he was at 40 (think of that!).
Caleb does not ask for green pastures and a quiet retirement. He asks for the mountain of Horeb (where God had met Abrahm). Horeb means "fellowship" or "communion." Caleb wants to settle where he knows God is!
One minor problem: the Anakites (Goliath's people, remember?) have settled in this mountainous region in large, fortified cities.
So instead of asking for a quiet place to retire, Caleb is asking for a new challenge -- a mountain to conquer. How many 85 year-olds have you met who are flexing their biceps and shouting, "Bring it!" You have to love this guy.
And Caleb is confident that the Anakites will be easy to drive out if God is with him.
Ok, let's look at Joshua's response.
13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. 15 (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba after Arba, who was the greatest man among the Anakites.) Then the land had rest from war.
Joshua blesses his fellow spy Caleb. I can easily imagine the smile on his face when Caleb asks for the mountain! Notice that the record doesn't go on about the difficulty of conquering the Anakites -- it simply states that Caleb had it for his inheritance and passed it on to his descendents.
May God help us to learn from Caleb, brothers. Where do we need to have more confidence in God's promises to us? What mountains has he put in your view, so you can say, "Bring it!" and charge ahead? What people or circumstances look like giants now, but seen in faith will shrink to their proper size?
*I took some of these thoughts from a CrossTrainer presentation by Jerry Foster.
There are some inspiring and challenges lessons from Caleb in Joshua 14:6-15. He's 85 years old. Remember that Caleb and Joshua were in favor of going into the promised land -- but 10 others lost heart and discouraged Israel against going in. The result? Joshua and Caleb spent the next 40 years with these whiners and cowards, and dug a lot of graves. But they clung to the Lord's promises. Now the time has come for Caleb to ask for territory. Let's listen in to what a righteous 85 year-old says to the only other man who had shown courage so long before.
6 Now the men of Judah approached Joshua at Gilgal, and Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, "You know what the LORD said to Moses the man of God at Kadesh Barnea about you and me. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, 8 but my brothers who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. 9 So on that day Moses swore to me, 'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.' 10 "Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said."
Notice a few things:
Caleb followed the Lord wholeheartedly. Caleb has been living in confidence that God will fulfill his promises. Caleb is just as strong as he was at 40 (think of that!).
Caleb does not ask for green pastures and a quiet retirement. He asks for the mountain of Horeb (where God had met Abrahm). Horeb means "fellowship" or "communion." Caleb wants to settle where he knows God is!
One minor problem: the Anakites (Goliath's people, remember?) have settled in this mountainous region in large, fortified cities.
So instead of asking for a quiet place to retire, Caleb is asking for a new challenge -- a mountain to conquer. How many 85 year-olds have you met who are flexing their biceps and shouting, "Bring it!" You have to love this guy.
And Caleb is confident that the Anakites will be easy to drive out if God is with him.
Ok, let's look at Joshua's response.
13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. 14 So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. 15 (Hebron used to be called Kiriath Arba after Arba, who was the greatest man among the Anakites.) Then the land had rest from war.
Joshua blesses his fellow spy Caleb. I can easily imagine the smile on his face when Caleb asks for the mountain! Notice that the record doesn't go on about the difficulty of conquering the Anakites -- it simply states that Caleb had it for his inheritance and passed it on to his descendents.
May God help us to learn from Caleb, brothers. Where do we need to have more confidence in God's promises to us? What mountains has he put in your view, so you can say, "Bring it!" and charge ahead? What people or circumstances look like giants now, but seen in faith will shrink to their proper size?
*I took some of these thoughts from a CrossTrainer presentation by Jerry Foster.
Why You Need to Keep Studying the Bible
"Howard Hendricks tells a story that vividly illustrates the necessity of personal Bible study for spiritual leaders. During his college years, Hendricks passed one of his professor’s homes on his way to work early in the morning as well as on his way home from library late in the evening. After only a few days, he noticed the light was continually on in his professor’s study. When Hendricks asked what kept him studying, poring over his books, his professor replied, “Son, I would rather have my students drink from a running stream than a stagnant pool.” "
Amen! You and I know that we can go for a while on "momentum" from previous study, but we feel it quickly, and others will know soon enough. The branch stripped from the tree stay green and fresh for only a short while!
"Howard Hendricks tells a story that vividly illustrates the necessity of personal Bible study for spiritual leaders. During his college years, Hendricks passed one of his professor’s homes on his way to work early in the morning as well as on his way home from library late in the evening. After only a few days, he noticed the light was continually on in his professor’s study. When Hendricks asked what kept him studying, poring over his books, his professor replied, “Son, I would rather have my students drink from a running stream than a stagnant pool.” "
Amen! You and I know that we can go for a while on "momentum" from previous study, but we feel it quickly, and others will know soon enough. The branch stripped from the tree stay green and fresh for only a short while!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Encouraging Other Men
I'm called to encourage other men. I'm trying to pour it out (but am well short of what I know God wants me to do). I send emails, make phone calls, check up on men whom I see and know and can ask "How are you doing? Really?" and "How can I pray for you?"
And it doesn't matter much whether the men are older than I am, a peer, or younger. If the Lord puts a guy on my mind or heart, I'm going to encourage them and pray for them. It's what I'm supposed to do.
(So here's a cool thing: My son is becoming one of those men. )
I've decided that it doesn't matter what feedback I get. Most men are appreciative, but I'm not looking for that. Last night one brother-in-the-battle told me he really appreciated the emails I send him. "When I see that, I know I can make it."
What about you? What guys are around you that need to hear from you?
I'm called to encourage other men. I'm trying to pour it out (but am well short of what I know God wants me to do). I send emails, make phone calls, check up on men whom I see and know and can ask "How are you doing? Really?" and "How can I pray for you?"
And it doesn't matter much whether the men are older than I am, a peer, or younger. If the Lord puts a guy on my mind or heart, I'm going to encourage them and pray for them. It's what I'm supposed to do.
(So here's a cool thing: My son is becoming one of those men. )
I've decided that it doesn't matter what feedback I get. Most men are appreciative, but I'm not looking for that. Last night one brother-in-the-battle told me he really appreciated the emails I send him. "When I see that, I know I can make it."
What about you? What guys are around you that need to hear from you?
Monday, December 05, 2005
Quote of the Week
"We do not need more intellectual power, we need more moral power. We do not need more knowledge, we need more character. We do not need more government, we need more culture. We do not need more law, we need more religion. We do not need more of the things that are seen, we need more of the things that are unseen. If the foundation be firm, the foundation will stand." -- Calvin Coolidge
May all our presidents, governors, congressmen, and even appointed officials believe this, as well as have the guts to say it!
"We do not need more intellectual power, we need more moral power. We do not need more knowledge, we need more character. We do not need more government, we need more culture. We do not need more law, we need more religion. We do not need more of the things that are seen, we need more of the things that are unseen. If the foundation be firm, the foundation will stand." -- Calvin Coolidge
May all our presidents, governors, congressmen, and even appointed officials believe this, as well as have the guts to say it!
What a Tee-teeing Dog Taught a Pastor about Resisting Satan
Check out this delightful story from Perry Noble. And then take your stand!
Check out this delightful story from Perry Noble. And then take your stand!
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Primary Misconceptions Fueled by Satan
Satan tells many lies about Christianity. Here are three lies that he has poured mucho fuel on, and chewed up the mileage:
1. Christians are (by definition) intolerant.
Can someone please point me to the most recent Christian tyrant dictator?
2. Patriarchy automatically leads to abuse of women and children.
The truth here is that biblical patriarchy leads men to protect and cherish women and children, nurturing and defending them.
3. All cultures are morally equivalent.
The standard is the commands of Jesus -- love God, and love your neighbor. I'm not arguing that any nation is perfect, but not every culture even lives towards these standards.
Coach your kids, men. Help them to be discerning about lies.
Satan tells many lies about Christianity. Here are three lies that he has poured mucho fuel on, and chewed up the mileage:
1. Christians are (by definition) intolerant.
Can someone please point me to the most recent Christian tyrant dictator?
2. Patriarchy automatically leads to abuse of women and children.
The truth here is that biblical patriarchy leads men to protect and cherish women and children, nurturing and defending them.
3. All cultures are morally equivalent.
The standard is the commands of Jesus -- love God, and love your neighbor. I'm not arguing that any nation is perfect, but not every culture even lives towards these standards.
Coach your kids, men. Help them to be discerning about lies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
