...too small a thing...

How Do They Get Away With That?

Often we see people do things we know are wrong. Something someone says is inappropriate or vulgar, and they get by with the comment. The we might see the way someone treats someone else. We see it happen and our hearts break for the person who is the victim, but the offender gets away with their actions. We see injustice on many fronts often. This is especially true if you ever go overseas. So many children who are running in muddy streets barefoot, in tattered clothes and going hungry. Why?

Job 24 is a classic chapter in the Bible where this man who has lost everything becomes bold enough to ask why to God. I have to admit that often I have wondered why God allows injustice to happen. The bad things that go on in the world are obvious. When they happen to us personally we really begin with the questions like Job.

The end of the chapter has a clue to the answer.

“They are exalted a little while, then they are gone;
         Moreover, they are brought low and like everything gathered up;
         Even like the heads of grain they are cut off.

Job 24: 24 NASB

We will all give account of everything in this life in the time to come. This is such a basic belief that we must take comfort in. God is a Just God and one day He will comfort those in affliction who will turn to Him. Those who know that God is real and loves them and have a belief in Him will be comforted by Him one day.

See the real deal is this. We have all been unjust towards others at times. We have taken advantage of opportunity or offended others with our actions or words. And the real issue here is the patience of God. Our patience is thin and easily lost in the face of any offense by another. But God is very patient and waits for our repentance and faith. Even for the really bad. Even for the ones who commit the bad crimes God is patient. He is patient with you too.

The suffering of this world is going to be offset and compensated for in the next. The victim with get justice. Jesus told the story of what Abraham said it to the poor man of Luke Chapter 16:

“But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. Luke 16: 25 NASB

We must take comfort now in the patience of God and realize that His Justice is total and complete and all things will be right one day. This does not mean we are not responsible to help the victims of injustice. This does not mean we throw it all off on God and say it will OK one day and we let people suffer. We must do all we can now to help remedy injustice. We must comfort the victim, love the oppressed, help the suffering child. God will show you when, where, and how if you will listen. I am thankful that God has allowed me to see children suffer in Nicaragua and Africa. Now my heart is soft and I am willing to try to help. Our new partnership in Haulover will start soon and we have a plan, a good plan, to make a difference there. There we will have the opportunity to look suffering children in the eyes and tell them they are loved by God and by us.

So next time you see someone getting away with something. The thing is not to pray that God will get them for that but that they will turn to Him for forgiveness and we know the Grace of God is sufficent for all sin. Jesus paid it all. No sin was left paid for on the cross. We are quick to lose patience and react with words or judgement on people who get away with things. As I think about it I am glad that God operates that way even if I am a victim of injustice sometimes.

Wisdom - How do we get it?

I would like to be a little smarter wouldn't you? So how do we do it? I read up a little this morning to see about wisdom. Owls are considered wise. So I kind of checked into that first. Who says an owl is wise? Why have for years this mysterious bird of the night been considered a wise creature. Here are several things about wisdom and owls.

The wisdom of an owl goes back to the the Greeks. Athene was a Greek goddess who had a "little owl" and she was the goddess of wisdom. I found this information on the Owl Pages.

I ran into some interesting reading about the owl being feminine and mysterious and being of course associated with the moon and the stars, (that makes sense as owls come out at night.) The idea of mystery is associated with owls and I guess if you do not know something or they are mysterious and elusive then they are considered wise. The connection to Shamanism or witchcraft is also very real. Owls are birds with a reputation no doubt but are they really wise?

A modern potato chip company uses the owl and puts it with a name Wise. Maybe that had something to do with the founder Earl Wise.

By far the most interesting reading I found was about the 40 foot owl that is at the Bohemian Grove which is a 2700 acre compound of the Bohemian club in California. There have been some sensational stories written about the rituals there every summer. Exclusive to rich business men and artist this is a place that is like a crazy camp for adult men. They do a ritual where they have a cremation of care every year. In this annual theatrical production they banish the cares of the world. In front of the 40 foot owl.

Weird stuff yall.

So back on track here what about wisdom? Two things:

If you want to be wise ask for it from God.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NASB

Solomon ask for wisdom and God gave it to him.

7“Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8“Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. 9“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 1 Kings 3: 7-9 NASB

The next verse says that this was pleasing to the Lord and not only did the Lord give him wisdom but he gave him riches and fame as well.

The Bible is pretty plain on wisdom actually. You do not need an owl, a men's club, or a bag of potato chips you just need God.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 NIV

So here is the botton line is: Get It, and you will only find it in God.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NASB

 

Crank the Blog

Sometimes words can be put together that just seem sort of funny. Crank the blog is a title that just sort of came to me and I had to run with it. (How do you run with Title?)

So I thought I could have some fun with the title because the word "crank" has a lot of different meanings. But hold on Batman there are 22 defintions listed by www.dictionary.com for the word "crank" (if you look at this link be sure to click the expand button to see all of the definitions.) And there are several other references too.

I am not printing all 22 but here are the nouns copied for you:

noun-

1. Machinery . any of several types of arms or levers for imparting rotary or oscillatory motion to a rotating shaft, one end of the crank being fixed to the shaft and the other end receiving reciprocating motion from a hand, connecting rod, etc.

2. Informal . an ill-tempered, grouchy person.

3. an unbalanced person who is overzealous in the advocacy of a private cause.

4. an eccentric or whimsical notion.

5. a strikingly clever turn of speech or play on words.

6. Archaic . a bend; turn.

7. Slang . the nasal decongestant propylhexedrine, used illicitly for its euphoric effects.

8. Automotive Slang . a crankshaft.

OK So Let's CRANK the BLOG

Blog is such a sad little word. There are only two definitions for this very used word. Either a noun which is the column or writing which has the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author, or the verb which basically means to write a piece which has the opinions thoughts and experiences of the author. So the word blog is no fun but the word crank .... here we can play a little.

So Crank the Blog could mean .... A grouchy man writing. Or maybe a Unbalanced man passionate about a cause such as the rights of the trees in California having the same rights as people. Or maybe "crank the blog" could be an Illicit drug induced experience of a grouchy, unbalanced, nut case who is spinning a shaft around and around with a crooked connecting rod.

Words are funny. So here I am Cranking out a blog just like I do every morning these days. So many of you read the ravings of this lunatic. I am a bit passionate at times about things. Especially about my Lord. I am spinning a lot of plates at one time it seems. And I am not known for drug use unless you count coffee which keeps this blog cranking.

Going to Birmingham this morning to move Brett and Ashley. This is if the car will crank. Have a good day.

 

You Are Going to Talk to Him?

I remember on my very first International Mission Trip being with Robin Sosbee in the subway in Moscow. We were giving out Gospel tracts as fast as we could to people. It was amazing to see that as we went through the train and gave every person a tract that  #1 that they all took them from us and # 2 when we got to the end of the train and looked back through all of the glass windows, we could see that they were all reading them.

As we ventured along we encountered a Police Officer. I remember my heart being fearful and I was timid about giving "him" a Gospel tract. This was in 1992 and the "Iorn Curtain" had just come down. I did not want to be arrested as this man had the power to do so. But Robin insisted that we go so with fear we approached the man and gave him a tract.

This morning in my reading of Scripture I was reminded of that moment by the Lord as I read the account of Ananias being told by the Lord that he should go approach Saul at the house of Judas on Straight Street. Ananias was afraid and told the Lord so, but the Lord said go. Here is what the Lord said about Saul.

15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake."  Acts 9:15-16 NASB

Now why is this significant? God has brought this moment in time back to me so many times as he used this incident to prepare me. I realized that every Police Officer is first a human being. A person in need of a Savior. Do people fear Police? Yes in some ways they do. I did at that moment. But just like Ananias I believe God used this moment to prepare me for the Chaplain ministry He had plans for me to get involved in 10 years later. Now it has almost been 20 years since that moment. I wonder how that officer responded. I will never know this side of heaven but one day I will.

The photo is of a much younger me with a bunch of kids in Russia who are now in their early thirties. How much has the Lord done in their lives too? I wonder and prayed for the Lord to continue to give me opportunity to speak HIS Name to people, no matter who are where they are.

In Sickness and In Health ... Till Death Do Us Part

The second of four marriage ceremonies scheduled for this summer I had the privilege to perform yesterday. Steve and Luana were very sweet and looked marvelous. The back drop as you can see is Amicolola Falls in Dawson County. It was an unexpected event for many who were just walking down the trail to see a waterfall to see this dashing young man in his uniform and this lovely bride with her bouquet of flowers.

The natural reaction of all who came down the path past he wedding taking place was to stop look it over for a second and smile. The moment was beautiful and I have had the opportunity before to do an outside wedding in a public place and it is different, but the result is still the same.

The vows of course are very special part of any wedding and the wedding may have several parts and pieces, but the vows are critical and essential to making it really a wedding. Yesterday was no exception and yet the couple yesterday added to the vows that they made with special written words that they felt from their heart. I have know Steve for nearly 10 years now. He spoke words that made me proud to know him as he read a composed message from his heart to his beautiful bride.

Weddings are fun, but weddings are serious business. The commitment is for your whole life.  When the commitment of marriage is made a person says plainly it does not matter what the future holds we are going to be together. Marriage is the second most important commitment in life. The first of course being commitmnet of your life to Christ. The second marriage and the third is commitment to your children. The first is eternal, the second life long, and the third until they are on their own but most parents would be willing to extend the care and commitnet life long if there is a need such as sickness or disability.

The words "in sickness and in health, ... till death do us part" have never been more important in our society to stress the depth of the commitment and the serious nature getting married.

My prayers are with this happy couple and the two more I have upcoming in August of this year. I have already booked on wedding for May of 2012. The Lord is good to me to allow me to officiate weddings I pray that each couple will be blessed with many years and rich blessings.

If your marriage has some bumpy places. If you are not happy in your marriage it may be time to check your commitment level. The marriage relationship is all in. Give it 100% all of the time. If you are not visit the vows you took in your memory, If you need some encouragement and help God's word is the place to find it.

Thank you Lord for my marriage to Kathy. You have blessed our home with so much. Our four children and now their wives are a true blessing. Now you have seen fit to give us the gift of a grand daughter thank you Lord. May we serve you and share the blessing of life as you see fit for us. Thank you Lord. AMEN.

 

In Prison?

A subject that that most do not really fear very much. Or do you? Unless you are doing something illegal you do not have to walk around from day to day afraid of a police officer coming to arrest you. For most of us, there is no fear of going to jail today.

So what is up with prison? Why have I titled this post....In Prison? There are different kinds of prisons. Some prisons are self imposed. Some prison have not walls but a concepts or teaching that hinder or bind people to behavior or ways of living that God never intended for His children.  Here is a verse that caught my eye.

3 But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. Acts 8:3 NASB

This is prior to Saul (Paul) Damascus Road experience where he came to meet the Lord Jesus face to face.  Now Paul was literally dragging folk off to prison for what they believed, but there are some today who ravage the church, putting people in prisons of self imposed legalism and restrictive behaviors that I do not believe are what God intended for us to experiance as followers of Christ.

False doctrine is in many ways a prison. Arguments over losing salvation, predestination, ordinances of the Church, music in the church, roles of women in the ministry, eschatology, justification, soteriology and even what to wear to worship, are all things that people really get upset about. So much so that they begin to build a place that they will not come out of on a particular point. Now I am not advocating liberalism here but what I am thinking is that I have seen so much teaching in the church that people / pastors / evangelist do that is designed to get people to believe, and do what they teach. ....But they always say this is based on the Word of God... When in fact there are several points of view on this particular teaching. Now I do believe in taking a stand and teaching truth, but condemnation of others when they are not with you is the beginning of building prisons.

Paul also said this:

1Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. 2One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. 3The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. 7For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. 10But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Romans 14:1-10 NASB

I think that one of the biggest problems today is that we as the people of God spend way too much time judging others. This is prison building. We look at behavoir as a main indication of what a persons walk with God is like. I think we need to be more careful in what we say about anyone and everyone. I am guilty, but realiziing how much freedom God has given us and sharing that freedom is refreshing.

When we judge or condem we are either putting the person in prison or putting ourself in a prison. Jesus came to free us. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life as we know from John 14:6. As we know Jesus and see Jesus we will have less condemnation and more love. We will walk steadfast in the Truth and this will bring freedom.

 31So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John 8:31-32 NASB

This is not an easy subject to write about but the main point today is this. Be careful how you talk and even think about others who do not look, act, worship, and even believe the same as you. When you judge or ridicule or condem them you are taking away freedom that God intends for us to have. I am not trying to open the door for false teaching. On the contrary where there is false teaching your loving and understanding way and walking with Jesus Christ will give freedom. If behavior and actions are obvious sin as condemed by the Word of God then the Word of God should be used as a way to show a person their need to turn to the truth and the freeedom of knowing Christ. But be careful it is easy to condem and judge and then you have built your own prison.

A Little Suprised but Then ...Not Really

I just spent a week plus seeing the handiwork of God in the creation in Utah and  the Rocky Mountains and places like the Arches National Park. It was magnificent. Yesterday started with rain. A dreary day and not so awe inspiring unless you are in the middle of a drought. But we should be thankful for the rain.

I worked all day hard with lots to do having been gone for a couple of weeks. Hardly stopping ot take any breaks yesterday I found myself rushing to get to the Cobb Police Academy Graduation last night. I had to skip supper, but I enjoyed the ceremony to see 14 new Cobb Police officers sworn in last night. The photo shows officers on the left and The Cobb Commissioners on the  right and in the middle a little girl. Surprised ? I was, then not really, as Officer Oliver's niece led the pledge to the flag. Then I thought about the fact that so few events have the pledge to the flag outside of the work I do with the police department. Then, I was surprised ...but not really given the was the world is going today.

Anyway back to the point. After the graduation Kathy was babysitting our granddaughter and I was on my own for supper. So I needed gas in the truck and food in my belly so you can accomplish both at Kroger. So I headed up Mars Hill to the grocery store. Gas and then in for something to eat. When I came out I saw this beautiful sunset. Now having been on the road for two weeks and seeing all of the sights I saw I was a little surprised to see such a gorgeous sunset right here in Cobb County. But then not really. God has created all things places and people. The beauty he created is all around us. Let's see the beauty of yesterday. 

• The rain to replenish the earth.
• God's call on my life and the work He gives me to do. (Busy all day.)
• Many, many friends at the Cobb County Police Department.
• New Officers who accept the challenge of protecting the public.
• A new granddaughter and she has the most beautiful grandmother in the world.
• Money in my pocket to buy me some food when I am hungry.
• A Sunset that inspired me to be thank ful and that was really pretty.

All of the blessings of yesterday were a little suprising when I thought about them. But then not really we have a great God.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NIV

Can You Handel Criticism?

I know many who are all willing to speak up to help correct others when they have information, (or think they have information) that they believe will help them. But on the other hand I know some who will never say anything to anyone to because they would say it is none of my business. Never the less let's face it, the world is full of critics. Some people will tell you what you they think about you and your actions, and if they do not tell you then they will tell your friends what they think about you.

Criticism is going to come your way if you are doing actually much of anything, but especially if you are doing the work of God. Not everyone will agree with the things you do and say. You may be pursuing what you feel is the greatest and best plan God has ever put in your heart, and suddenly someone will say "Well I am just not sure this is the best plan." When you talk a little further you find that they not only do not agree but they are very critical of you for your judgement, motives, and ability to do whatever you have been doing.

So how well do you handel it? I was struck by this thought in my Bible reading this morning.

2 "If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient ? But who can refrain from speaking ? 3 "Behold you have admonished many, And you have strengthened weak hands. 4 "Your words have helped the tottering to stand, And you have strengthened feeble knees. 5 "But now it has come to you, and you are impatient ; It touches you, and you are dismayed.    Job 4:2-4 NASB

You see poor Job has fallen on bad times and one of his best friends Eliphaz has come to him and his is what he says. "Job you are impatient." And then the next few verses he really hits him between the eyes.

6 "Is not your fear of God your confidence, And the integrity of your ways your hope ? 7 "Remember now, who ever perished being innocent ? Or where were the upright destroyed ? 8 "According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity And those who sow trouble harvest it.     Job 4:6-8 NASB

"You have sin in your life Job." It is a stinging accusation. But here is poor Job at his lowest moment being criticized by his best friend and Job knows in that he is wrong. Can you handel a similar situation? What about even the simple things? Can you handel it well when the boss changes one little thing on the work you have spent hours trying to perfect? What about when you labor over something for days and then show if off and someone points out the one little flaw you hoped no one would notice? How do you respond?

None of us are perfect and so we are all open to criticism, and at times need it. When it is unjust how do you respond? I think your response has a lot to do with your walk with the Lord. You can be certain that criticism is going to come if you do most anything, but especially if you make bold moves in the Kingdom work. So walking close to God and knowing you are serving Him will give you the strength and confidence in all things to walk on with confidence.

Paul was a little concerned about young Timothy and said some encouraging words to him in a letter:

12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed ; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day. 13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.                                  2 Timothy 1:12-14 NASB

Important Things

Sometimes I write funny things. Some times I write fun things. And sometimes I just write my thoughts which are kind of a mess. But sometimes I actually write very important things on this blog site.

Here are three very important things......

I put up a new post this morning on Mission Team Inc Site talking about the new partnership that we are entering with Prayer Partners International. When you have time read it please. And consider if you could be a part of this work. We are just starting the financial campaign for this work and we need committed people to get involved from the beginning. Could you spare a few dollars a month to commit to this community to change life for many people? If you would pray and seek the Lord I believe there are readers of this blog who might like to get involved in this new work.

We can never underestimate the power of Prayer and so I am asking you to pray for the work of Mission Team Inc and specifically for me as I have so many commitments and life is very busy both personally and in the ministry. The summer is going to go rapidly as there is so much to do. Three additional trips are scheduled now for this year as well and many that are now beginning to form for next year. Pray for wisdom and discernment for our future.

I do not care how many times I say it but telling you thank you is important. Thanks for your prayers and financial support for this ministry which enables me to be a part of .....mission trips, pastoral training, Law Enforcement Chaplaincy, Mission Strategy development, and personal counseling for many individuals. You may not realize how needed your gifts are but in the financial crunch the past two years we have been able to keep our doors open and the ministry active but so much more needs to be done. The support you provide is essential to our survival. If the Lord prompts you please consider support for this ministry.

 

10 Things That You May Think - While Digging a Hole

Well there is the hole. I wrote yesterday about the sewer back up and the welcome home water event in the basement. So I had the task yesterday to dig up the sewer pipe and sure enough I found that there was a rough place or burr in the pipe that was the likely culprit in causing our periodic back ups.

So as I was digging the hole I thought of a lot of different things and so I thought I would share them with you in case you decide to run out and dig some holes in your yard. Keep in mind it takes a while to dig a hole this deep and wide. Shoveling is hard work but your brain can keep going and think lots of stuff. So here are 10 thoughts I had while digging yesterday.

1. To help you did a little faster you can pretend to be a pirate and tell yourself there is buried treasure down there somewhere. (I had this thought when I found the septic tank....now there is a treasure.)

2. You can comfort yourself with how much money you are saving by being your own tractor with a backhoe instead of renting one.(However you may find you are also debating your sanity if the hole is deep.)

3. A reoccurring thought was I would soon find some great civil war relic that Gerneral Sherman left behind years ago. But I do not think he was digging holes.

4. The thought came to mind from when I was a kid we always used to talk about digging a hole through the earth, so as my hole got deeper I was watching for a China man.

5. I know this next one is not good to think about but it did go through my head, this thing looks like a grave, Hmmm, who could I bury here?

6. I would as I dug keep an eye on the rocks, there used to be gold mines in the area.

7. I kept telling myself how good of exercise this was to work me our good. I really think I prefer running.

8. Scenes from the movie The Great Escape kept coming to mind and I was thinking about being a POW and having to tunnel out of the Camp.

9. At one point I was considering how could I round up all the neighborhood dogs and intrest them in a digging session to find this pipe.

10. I guess the thought that won out was, if I will just focus on doing the digging I can get this job done.

Well, I was able to find the pipe and find the problem. Then $21.65 at Home Depot gave me the material and I was done. At least I was done after un-digging the hole.

The best thoughts I really did not put in the list. They were about serving the Lord and running a few scripures through my brain. A song or two spilled out while I was digging but it is hard to sing and dig. The best thought now is it is fixed and the whole thing made a pretty good blog post. Have a great day.