Some may think by looking at the title, "Christopher left a 't' off of that word." My response to that is, get your mind out of the gutter, I'm not talking about one of those. However, like one of those with an extra 't' on the end, everybody has a "but" like I am talking about
We all have said, "John Doe is a good ole boy, but ..." or "Jane Doe is a good ole girl, but ..." These are sinful strongholds in our lives. Some of us keep our "buts" hidden while for others it is more or less a character trait. For some, they are a good ole boy, but they have a nasty temper.
Each "but" is different in that there are different ways to overcome each "but." Ultimately, however, the way to overcome all of them is God. I am not like one of these TV preachers that will tell you there is a special prayer to pray or if you do some sort of ritual you will magically overcome your sinful strongholds. Many of our "buts" will remain a daily struggle and require daily walking with the Lord, praying and studying the scriptures.
For instance, I know people who have been addicted to drugs and alcohol who, after entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ, completely lost all desire for those things. Others, even after walking with him for years continue to struggle to stay on the wagon. I don't know why the Lord chooses to take the desire from some and leave this thorn in the flesh for others. For many, it may be that He wants them to learn depend more on Him than their addiction.
Even the Apostle Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament, had a "but" (which he chose to call a thorn in the flesh.) We do not know what it was and I do not even want to speculate because I cannot do so intelligently. In Romans 7:15 he stated, "for what I would, that I do not; but what I hate, that I do." The fact is that we live in a fallen creation and we will always struggle with sin until we reach our home in heaven.
I have recently been participating in a devotional from Mud Creek Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC called 40 Days of Change. Each day has a couple of verses to read along with a "Put Off" and a "Put On." After roughly ten days the Holy Spirit has revealed a couple of "buts" that I didn't even realize that I had and is helping me to "Put Off." You may ask, "What is one of your 'buts'?" One in particular is I tend to give smart aleck answers to people who ask questions that is none of their business.
In all seriousness, I suggest this devotional that is a free download PDF from their website. I also suggest the book by their pastor, Greg Mathis entitled God Is Able, But Am I Willing. I read this book a couple of years ago and am re-reading it. We will never be perfect as long as we are in this fallen state, but that doesn't mean that we should just give in to sin. Paul calls us to, "be not conformed to this world" in Romans 12:2. We may be the only light of the Kingdom some sinners ever see.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
Chasing Rabbits - Sort Of
This week I heard about an incident which involved Congressman Paul Ryan and a liberal professor named Susan Feinberg. It seems that Congressman Ryan was minding his own business at a restaurant when Ms. Feinberg accosted him for enjoying a $350 bottle of wine. (Some of my fellow Baptists would have confronted him for having the wine, but that is another discussion.) Ms. Feinberg must be coming from the point of view that all money belongs to the government. The bottle of wine, incidentally, was paid for by the economists whom Ryan was having dinner with. Even if Ryan had been paying for the wine himself, what business is it of anyone else? I am guessing Ms. Feinberg was not half as upset when the news came out that the American tax payers footed the bill to stock the Pelosi Party Plane with top of the line liquor and beer.
Too many Americans think like Susan Feinberg. They think that if someone has been blessed with more monetary assets than others, they should be made to share. The fact is, most wealthy people are generous with their blessings - voluntarily. The government has no right to redistribute the wealth of one person to another. The 12th chapter of the book of Mark ends with the story we have all heard about the widow who gave all she had to the Lord's work. The last verse (44) states, "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." I have searched several translations of this Holy text and cannot find a verse 45 that states that Jesus commanded the rich people to give their money to the poor widow.
We have also heard this week of Christian Lopez who caught Derek Jeter's 3000th hit and gave the ball back to the Yankees organization, only to find out he may owe the government taxes on the gifts bestowed him by the Yankees. I also heard of a lady who makes $64,000 per year but only takes home around $36,000 per year after taxes. All Americans should be outraged that the government will take nearly half of ANYONE's income - regardless of how much they may or may not earn.
I understand that because of lavish spending on the part of both Republicans and Democrats for many years, the government now finds themselves in a financial mess. I think that Senator Marco Rubio said it best when he stated that we need more tax payers, rather than more taxes. I think it is high time the government starts living by the same principles we all must live by. To quote that great political genius Ray Stevens, "But you know you can't run a family much less a country with more money going out than coming in."
To some reading this it may seem that I have (as preachers say when they get off topic) chased a few rabbits in this blog, but it all boils down to the fact that the government for far too long has assumed they have a right to our money and have grossly mishandled it. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way suggesting we not pay taxes - far from it. But I think that all of us who pay taxes should hold our representatives accountable to the way they manage our money. As a follower of Christ, I believe that one day I will have to answer to God for the way I managed the money He chose to allow me to be a steward of while in this life. If we "render Caesar" part of the money we are accountable for, shouldn't Caesar also be held to the same standard?
Too many Americans think like Susan Feinberg. They think that if someone has been blessed with more monetary assets than others, they should be made to share. The fact is, most wealthy people are generous with their blessings - voluntarily. The government has no right to redistribute the wealth of one person to another. The 12th chapter of the book of Mark ends with the story we have all heard about the widow who gave all she had to the Lord's work. The last verse (44) states, "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." I have searched several translations of this Holy text and cannot find a verse 45 that states that Jesus commanded the rich people to give their money to the poor widow.
We have also heard this week of Christian Lopez who caught Derek Jeter's 3000th hit and gave the ball back to the Yankees organization, only to find out he may owe the government taxes on the gifts bestowed him by the Yankees. I also heard of a lady who makes $64,000 per year but only takes home around $36,000 per year after taxes. All Americans should be outraged that the government will take nearly half of ANYONE's income - regardless of how much they may or may not earn.
I understand that because of lavish spending on the part of both Republicans and Democrats for many years, the government now finds themselves in a financial mess. I think that Senator Marco Rubio said it best when he stated that we need more tax payers, rather than more taxes. I think it is high time the government starts living by the same principles we all must live by. To quote that great political genius Ray Stevens, "But you know you can't run a family much less a country with more money going out than coming in."
To some reading this it may seem that I have (as preachers say when they get off topic) chased a few rabbits in this blog, but it all boils down to the fact that the government for far too long has assumed they have a right to our money and have grossly mishandled it. Don't get me wrong, I am in no way suggesting we not pay taxes - far from it. But I think that all of us who pay taxes should hold our representatives accountable to the way they manage our money. As a follower of Christ, I believe that one day I will have to answer to God for the way I managed the money He chose to allow me to be a steward of while in this life. If we "render Caesar" part of the money we are accountable for, shouldn't Caesar also be held to the same standard?
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Abbreviation MMS
We are living in an age where just about everything has an abbreviation. With Twitter, Facebook and text messaging which limits the characters one may use in a message it seems as if a whole generation has forgotten how to write legibly. Many of these abbreviations have carried over into our speech.
Probably the abbreviation that irks me the most is the recent onset of more and more people using the term "vaca" instead of "vacation." I can understand using such abbreviations in a format like Twitter where you are limited to 140 characters or text messaging where in can be time consuming to type out extra characters, but the last I checked "vaca" is not an English word. How hard is it to put the "tion" on the end of the word. It's just one little syllable.
Another abbreviation that gets on my nerves is the way people through "OMG" around willy nilly. OMG stands for "Oh My God!" Growing up in a God-fearing household, we were not allowed to use this term unless we were actually petitioning the Almighty and when I hear this abbreviation I recognize it as someone calling the Lord's name in vain.
Don't misunderstand me, I don't mean to come across as an old fuddy duddy who is stuck in the past. Frank Herbert once said "Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens." However (as we saw in the last Presidential election) not all change is good. I am just glad that our Heavenly Father does not change. The book of James states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) I guess I'll quit my ranting for now and go and try to dicipher a text message I just received. I'll ttyl.
Probably the abbreviation that irks me the most is the recent onset of more and more people using the term "vaca" instead of "vacation." I can understand using such abbreviations in a format like Twitter where you are limited to 140 characters or text messaging where in can be time consuming to type out extra characters, but the last I checked "vaca" is not an English word. How hard is it to put the "tion" on the end of the word. It's just one little syllable.
Another abbreviation that gets on my nerves is the way people through "OMG" around willy nilly. OMG stands for "Oh My God!" Growing up in a God-fearing household, we were not allowed to use this term unless we were actually petitioning the Almighty and when I hear this abbreviation I recognize it as someone calling the Lord's name in vain.
Don't misunderstand me, I don't mean to come across as an old fuddy duddy who is stuck in the past. Frank Herbert once said "Without change, something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens." However (as we saw in the last Presidential election) not all change is good. I am just glad that our Heavenly Father does not change. The book of James states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (James 1:17) I guess I'll quit my ranting for now and go and try to dicipher a text message I just received. I'll ttyl.
Friday, July 1, 2011
What Is Right About America
In my last blog I mentioned a direction the United States has taken that could prove detrimental to the future of our country. On this July 4th weekend, I'd like to call to attention some things that are still right about America.
At the time of this writing, we Americans still enjoy free elections. To quote Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton (not something I do very often), "...we are Americans and we have a right to disagree with any administration." If we disagree with the direction our leaders are taking the country, we can let our voices be heard through elections.
Another thing that is still right about America is the fact that we have the freedom to worship the god of our choosing or no god at all if we so desire. As I have stated before, the United States was formed by Christians and that is why we have freedom of religion. Jesus Christ stated, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6) but his followers will not persecute those who do not see that truth. How many Islamic countries have this freedom of religion?
This afternoon as I sit at my computer typing my thoughts for anyone to read, I am especially thankful for our freedom of speech. We have a freedom to write and say virtually anything we wish, without fear of reprisal from our government. While much of the media has a left-wing bias, we have the option to pursue other avenues of information. Some countries only have State Controlled Media as a source of information.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to salute the men and women of our armed forces, without whom none of these freedoms would be possible. For lack of time and fear of leaving someone out, I am not going to list the names of those just from my family who have fought for our freedom - some who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I am forever in debt to those great Americans and hope I will honor them by exercising my freedoms in a responsible manner. Freedom is never purchased, but is a lease that must be paid for by each generation.
At the time of this writing, we Americans still enjoy free elections. To quote Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton (not something I do very often), "...we are Americans and we have a right to disagree with any administration." If we disagree with the direction our leaders are taking the country, we can let our voices be heard through elections.
Another thing that is still right about America is the fact that we have the freedom to worship the god of our choosing or no god at all if we so desire. As I have stated before, the United States was formed by Christians and that is why we have freedom of religion. Jesus Christ stated, "I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6) but his followers will not persecute those who do not see that truth. How many Islamic countries have this freedom of religion?
This afternoon as I sit at my computer typing my thoughts for anyone to read, I am especially thankful for our freedom of speech. We have a freedom to write and say virtually anything we wish, without fear of reprisal from our government. While much of the media has a left-wing bias, we have the option to pursue other avenues of information. Some countries only have State Controlled Media as a source of information.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to salute the men and women of our armed forces, without whom none of these freedoms would be possible. For lack of time and fear of leaving someone out, I am not going to list the names of those just from my family who have fought for our freedom - some who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I am forever in debt to those great Americans and hope I will honor them by exercising my freedoms in a responsible manner. Freedom is never purchased, but is a lease that must be paid for by each generation.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Reflection on US Founding
Birthdays are often a time of reflection on past accomplishments as well as evaluation on what the future may hold. Many also examine past mistakes and make correction so as not to repeat them. As we celebrate our nation's 235th birthday, we as a nation should reflect on the things that make us great and avoid the mistakes that have caused setbacks.
In May of 1765 Patrick Henry stated, "This nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." Possibly the owner of the most famous signature in history, John Hancock said, "We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!" on April 18, 1775.
Statements like these by our Founding Fathers could fill volumes. In an effort to be all inclusive, America has inadvertently turned her back on the God who made her this "shining city on the hill." If the actual statements of our founders were examined it is evident that this nation was founded on Christian principles.
Modern Christianity has confused the tenant of love for the sinner with tolerance for sin. Liberal theologians love to cite the story of the woman about to be stoned for adultery but seem to forget Jesus' words, "Go and sin no more." (John 8:11) True followers of Christ could never persecute sinners, but by the same token could never tolerate the sin.
The recent legalization of homosexual marriage in New York is a slap in the face to the Christian principles upon which the United States was founded. Because this is a Christian nation is why our homosexual citizens can practice their lifestyle without fear of persecution. However, legalizing these unions is officially expressing our tolerance of their sin.
It is time that we as followers of Christ get off of our Blessed Assurances and down on our knees and pray that this nation will return to the principles that it was founded on. We must not stop there. We must also prayerfully vote for men and women who will lead this country in the right way as well as pray for our current leaders. The cure for all that ails the United States can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land."
In May of 1765 Patrick Henry stated, "This nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." Possibly the owner of the most famous signature in history, John Hancock said, "We recognize no sovereign but God, and no King but Jesus!" on April 18, 1775.
Statements like these by our Founding Fathers could fill volumes. In an effort to be all inclusive, America has inadvertently turned her back on the God who made her this "shining city on the hill." If the actual statements of our founders were examined it is evident that this nation was founded on Christian principles.
Modern Christianity has confused the tenant of love for the sinner with tolerance for sin. Liberal theologians love to cite the story of the woman about to be stoned for adultery but seem to forget Jesus' words, "Go and sin no more." (John 8:11) True followers of Christ could never persecute sinners, but by the same token could never tolerate the sin.
The recent legalization of homosexual marriage in New York is a slap in the face to the Christian principles upon which the United States was founded. Because this is a Christian nation is why our homosexual citizens can practice their lifestyle without fear of persecution. However, legalizing these unions is officially expressing our tolerance of their sin.
It is time that we as followers of Christ get off of our Blessed Assurances and down on our knees and pray that this nation will return to the principles that it was founded on. We must not stop there. We must also prayerfully vote for men and women who will lead this country in the right way as well as pray for our current leaders. The cure for all that ails the United States can be found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land."
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