Holiday Gatherings

Enjoy Holiday Gatherings

This Holiday season (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year Celebration), a great number of families and friends will gather together. Some celebrating for secular reasons others for religious. Some of the greatest joys and disappointments are experienced this time of the year. Here are three suggestions to aid your holiday experience, so the entire celebratory package may be opened with joy. Remember your gathering is not a courthouse, a tennis court, or Golgotha.

holiday

Is Your Holiday Experience Like A Courthouse?

Courthouse
Leave your judicial robes in the closet. A holiday gathering is not the time for judgment and conviction. You have all gathered together at your own will. This is a time for patience and peace. The scriptures use the word “longsuffering”, which may be more appropriate in your case. Yes, your relatives may do or say things that drive you crazy. You are different people and different people have different lifestyles. However, you have not gathered together to ruin someone’s special day by telling them what is wrong with their life. There are other times to have those discussions. Realize these are people who are in the same crazy life that you are. They want the same thing you do, to have joy, which the world tries to steal away as often as possible.

Hebrews 12:14 – Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord:

Tennis Court
There are going to be comments made during the gathering that may be an irritant or even hurtful. Yes, you want to bring out your backhand… don’t do it. Do not engage in a volley of words. At first, it seems as if these things are subtle barbs, a little poke in the ribs. Perhaps no one notices, but you do. So you launch another comment back. Before you know it a full scale match of words is going on. You are each serving up one mouthful of pain after another. Is that why you are gathering? Is that going to make the others around you feel good? You don’t get set, point, match by seeing who you can hurt the most at a holiday gathering. The issue is one of humility. No one likes to be put down. To counter it, our conceit, or ego swings back. Instead, let us swallow our pride and take up the matter at a more private time and in a mature fashion.

Galatians 5:26 – Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Golgotha
Golgotha is the place to where Jesus carried His cross and died. First, you are not going to die at your holiday gathering. You may pass out from food consumption or get salmonella eating Aunt Hilga’s deviled eggs, but the chances of you dying are extremely small. Second, carrying your cross of burden and suffering can create a lot of damage around the house (think of the small amount of space in the kitchen!). Seriously, there are many folks each holiday season that act as if it is the biggest burden they have every engaged in by gathering together. The house is too full, the turkey kept them up 9 hour last night, there is dirt on the front door rug, there aren’t enough pickled beets for everyone, where are all the pies going to go, and oh, the dirty dishes – and they have to take care of it all! “Woe is me! Look how much I have to put up with to make this all happen.” Yes, someone out there is carrying an awful big cross. In the midst of a party, they are working hard to fill everyone up with a big, hot, steaming plate of guilt. Don’t let this be you. Remember, serving others is something we do out of kindness and love. Can you imagine Christ carrying his cross to Golgotha and complaining all the way? Christ did indeed suffer, but was silent as a lamb led to the slaughter. What he did, he did out of love. Perhaps, you can remember His Words if you really feel you are suffering by serving:

Luke 23:34 – And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Friends, if you gather during this time of year, remember this is a time you can lead by example. Make your example one of peace, humility, and love. You are not at a courthouse, tennis court, or Golgatha. There is a connection to those with whom you are gathering together. These are family and friends who want to have the best of the day for themselves, you, and the rest of those gathered. In the best of all worlds, your example allows you to influence hopeful future heirs to the kingdom of God (Revelation 21:7). In the least, you make it through your gathering and don’t leave with mash potatoes thrown into your hair.

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Waning Strength

Waning Strength

Did you ever experience the days as a child where you thought you could run so fast you would leave the ground?  Perhaps there was a time on the playground where you felt you could hopscotch or jump rope forever?  For some, there may have been a time where on a basketball court they simply felt no one on earth could beat them.  It is a great and wonderous gift of experiences from youth with which our Lord has blessed us.

strength

Your Strength Need Not Wane in Christ.

As we pull out of our 20’s, moving into our mid-late 30’s and 40’s, there comes a point where that incredible energy and strength of our youth hits a wall.  Different aspects slow sooner than others.  Your speed may fade sooner than your endurance and strength or vice versa.  Initially, it may not even be very noticeable.  However, as time goes on these things become more noticeable.  You simple cannot perform the way you did when you were younger.  You cannot grow in strength and endurance over the time frame of your life.  By the end of your life your mobility may, in fact, be very limited.

When one is born into Christ, they often feel as if they had a surge of energy and life.  Having one’s sins washed away has that effect.  As the newborn christian grows into the understanding that sins are continually forgiven by our Advocate to the Father, Jesus Christ, that energy can be held onto eternally.  In Christ, one can grow in the knowledge and grace forever.  Peter shared these words of eternal growth in I and II Peter.  Paul spoke of growth in Christ in Eph 4.  Jesus spoke of enduring until the end in Matt. and Mark.  Endurance was spoken of by the apostles throughout the New testament.  A christian has the ability to endure and grow in a walk of righteousness for their entire life.  At 90 one can leap spriritual buildings with a single bound.

John in the book of revelation writes of the message to the Faithful church of Philadelphia.  That message shared was: “Hold Fast”.  Endurance for the christian need not wane.  The spiritual joy in the lord can ever grow as we immerse ourselves into obedience of an all caring savior.  “Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.”  Phil. 4:4

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.

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Graciousness and Thankfulness

Graciousness and Thankfulness

Isn’t it just wonderful when two different people or items are paired to make a perfect combination? When I first met my wife, we discovered that we both loved to dip our french-fries into our Wendy’s Frosty (yes, that was back when Frostys were only chocolate). It was a wonderful coming together of flavors. Of course, there are other items that fit well together, beans and bacon, apple pie and vanilla ice cream, chips and salsa, and fried fish with malt vinegar! Ah… enough about food. How about Jeeps and mud? Goofy hats and babies? Doctors with small hands? A wide open road and the peddle all the way down? Pinafores and little girls? Little boys and frogs? Jeans and boots? There are so many great combinations we see all around us. They make us feel just a bit better about each day.

Thankfulness

Are Graciousness and Thankfulness a Thing of the Past?

Two items which go together quite well are graciousness and thankfulness. This combination has been diminishing over the years. Some would suggest, that perhaps we live in an age in which opportunity to demonstrate these traits has lessened. To the contrary, this age is full of bountiful moments to apply these characteristics to one’s life. It is high time that we affix them not only to the adults of society, but we ingrain them in our youth.

Graciousness involves a display of kindness or courtesy to others. It is a quality predominantly lacking in Hollywood, the Professional Sports community, and the Political community. The “stars” continually put on a show of in your face arrogance and an heir of entitlement with their behaviors. Self centered moments such as Kanye West’s 2009 VMA Rant, Lebron James’ “The Decision”, Michael Jordan’s HOF speech, and the rejection of the will of the American people by the 111th congress are key moments of how not to respond to the kindness of others. Graciousness takes those moments and considers blessing of other giving you opportunity to serve. Stars and politicians need to consider the ends of their actions and remember they are ultimately servants who can be put away. Graciousness examines those around you and says, “How can I put others interests ahead of my own”. It is kind of like when your aunt Mildred gives you her famous Christmas fruitcake. You and everyone who has every tried it has nearly gagged. However, you smile, tell her how great it is, and you move forward. You don’t tear her heart in two when she has put forth a great effort for you. Our youth have seen a lack of graciousness displayed in front of them for years. Now, when they receive gifts, they may throw them to the side or they loudly state, “I’ll exchange this”. They fail to show graciousness and fail to realize the hurt they can inflict upon others thoughtful efforts.

Thankfulness is our counterpart to graciousness. As mentioned previously, some folks have an heir of entitlement about them. They are not thankful for the kindnesses around them. They see the blessings as something they deserve. “Stars” fail to be thankful for the encouragement of others, the money spent on their shows or events, the word-of-mouth sharing about the “star” that ultimately brought about the great success. They forget it was the hard working citizen who raised the standard of living such that a person could make an unbelievable living in the Arts or in Sports instead of spending all day breaking their knuckles on a farm or working in a mill. The politician fails to be thankful to the citizen for the opportunity to represent their views. Instead, they work against the citizen, they ignore the citizen, they choose actions that will benefit themselves and their own power. We all tend to forget to be thankful at times. How often do we take for granted simple things such as refrigeration, electricity, automobiles, many sets of clothing, paved roads, power tools, and a selection of shoes to wear. It wasn’t too long ago that these things weren’t around. Again, our youth see our example of failing to be thankful. Our example of the child who receives gifts not only displayed their lack of graciousness, but their lack of thankfulness. We are owed nothing. We should be thankful for what we receive and express that in graciousness.

It is a great joy to experience a combination of two things which go perfectly together. Graciousness and thankfulness are certainly two items which do. There is a scripture from the Bible which says: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning”. May we not only be gracious in expressing our appreciation for His kindness, but may we be thankful for the reception of it. What we do with our hands is not everlasting. What we say with our mouths is not everlasting. However, the impact of these will affect others. The impact may set a pattern which is repeated by generations. How much richer to send a pattern of graciousness and thankfulness forward than one which focuses only one’s own self and personal gain. We will certainly be blessed by the better combination and so will those who follow in our footsteps.

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Just a Pebble

It Only Takes a Pebble

Going on walks with my darling wife is a great joy to me. Nineteen years ago we used to walk almost six miles daily. These days we don’t get out as often as we did, but we still do get out and walk together. Holding her hand makes me feel happy and secure. Sometimes we “exer-walk” so there isn’t much hand holding going on, but I still enjoy her presence. As we pop along we talk about the scenery, family, hopes, dreams, politics, religion and other stimulating topics. What I have observed over the years (and what my wife will readily tell you), is she is not the most surefooted person you will meet. She stumbles on curbs, cracks, pebbles, and I am quite certain she even trips on her own shadow at times. Because of this, I am always trying to make certain her steps are on solid ground. I will kick pebbles out of the way or make her aware they are in her path.

pebble

A Little Pebble Can Cause a Big Fall.

On a secular level, “We the people…” are walking along with representatives we have chosen. We constantly warn them of trouble on the path they are walking. We say, “don’t step here”, “don’t walk there”. We tell them what has happened when other people made the false steps they are about to take. At times, even other governments tell them, “Stop! Don’t go that way!” Yet, our representatives continue on as if they didn’t hear a thing anyone has said. They, of course, end up tripping all over themselves. Sometimes, folks trip over the unseen. It happens. The most surefooted of us will do so. However, when you trip over a known obstacle you could have avoided, you have no excuse.

Now my wife, she knows from past experience that she doesn’t want to fall or hurt herself. She heeds advice about oncoming trouble. Unfortunately, sometimes she trips and falls anyway. I don’t like to see her get hurt, but even worse, I don’t like it when I get hurt too. I can try to break her fall or she may just fall into me. Either way, the chances are we both end up scratched, dented, or sprained. This is one reason that I try to be proactive as possible in telling her about potential tripfalls.

In regard to our elected representatives, our concern for them is also directly related to our own safety. If they walk the road of enabling abortions, we see the tripping of the conscience of our society. Life is no longer considered sacred, but something easily tossed away. If they walk the road of homosexual marriages, we see the stumbling of the family unit. No longer is appropriate role given for youth, but only a tripping along about who they are and what they are supposed to do. If they walk the road reckless spending, the poor stewardship may result in a lack of being able to protect the nation. When a government starts tripping a whole lot of people are hurt. It only takes a pebble, something that wasn’t heeded and someone ends up getting injured.

On the religious level, many examples illustrate the principle that it only takes a pebble to stumble. The book of I Peter calls folks to keep their eye on the road of their salvation. It tells them to pay attention to the basics and remember the steps of their savior. The book of II Peter tells them to watch out for folks sending a deceptive message. False teachers would cause the Christians to trip up in their spiritual walk. Behaviors unapproved of by God would be encouraged. These pebbles cause the apostle Peter to holler out the warning “Look out!”, “don’t do this”,” remember where God said to step!”

Today, preachers everywhere warn the followers of God to beware of pebbles. Christians are great about avoiding logs in the road, but unfortunately, some do not avoid the pebbles. They stick with a behavior they heard someone else say was “O.K.”, or something that they feel isn’t really that big of a deal. As they continue in this behavior, not only are they spiritually laying in the middle of the road, but they are now a bigger stumbling block to others traveling the same road. Issues like petting, flirting, drinking, dancing, improper dress, courting outside of their faith, poor media diet, these are often the type of issues that result in spiritually banging up your knees and elbows. Rather than changing their behavior and heeding warnings, Christians get up and try the same behavior again and again, bringing harm to themselves and ultimately others. Eventually, they give up and don’t travel the road at all.

Whether the issue is of a secular or religious nature, when someone gives you warning, it is best to consider their advice. Proverbs 10:8 – The wise in heart will receive commandments; But a prating fool shall fall. Folks will generally warn you if it appears you will be hurt from a poor course of action. Even more so, if they think they are going to end up hurt because of your actions, they will say something. Be wise enough to consider their words instead of marching onward sure in your own steps. Proverbs 28:26 – He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool; But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. Remember, regardless of who you are, someone, somewhere is walking in your footsteps: Luke 6:39 – And he spake also a parable unto them, Can the blind guide the blind? shall they not both fall into a pit?

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Real Men and Politics

Real Men and Politics

Because I totally reject the idea that politics and religion are separate, I want to address the topic of “ Real Men ” in Politics from a Biblical standpoint. Sure I will be glad to point out the oft used definition of Politicians – “many blood sucking parasites”. How does a “ Real Man ” relate to this? He twists the parasites out and pops off their heads. He doesn’t stand by and do nothing, he crushes the life taker. He has a moral code that says “I won’t coexist with the little leaches”. He has a vision of freedom from the bloodsuckers. He acknowledges he made a mistake by letting the parasite get a hold of him in the first place and is vigilant to not let it happen again.

So often I hear how every politician is a liar and just in politics for the buck or for themselves. My father was involved in the political process since I was a little boy. I had the great opportunity to be around politicians. I flat out reject that every politician is a liar, out for only the buck and themselves. Many folks are good, kind, honest, and concerned about the good of their country, friends, and family. Are there some crud balls out there? Yes. These are not “ Real Men ”. Do some of these good people make mistakes? Oh ya! If they were “Real Men” to begin with, the mistakes will be proclaimed loudly and proudly by their critics. Do these good people sometimes change? Yes, sadly sometimes they do. Sometimes the parasite killer becomes the parasite. When that happens, they must be treated the same. Pluck them out and crush them.

Who are the “Real Men” of politics?
First, they are men and women of all races who pop the heads off of parasitic problems. OK, What??? Women can be “ Real Men ”? When this article talks about “ Real Men ”, we are talking about a set of characteristics that represents solid honor worthy character. So for the sake of argument in this article, women can be “ Real Men ” too. Let me give you an example of a female “ Real Man ”.

2 Samuel 20 tells of a treasonous thug by the name of Sheba. Sheba revolted against the authority of King David. The kings’ general, Joab, took mighty men and pursued Sheba. Eventually they chased him into the town of Abel. They put siege to the city and began to work at knocking down its walls. At this point, a woman of the city asked Joab why he would do such a thing. He told her he wanted the parasite traitor. The woman got it. She knew what she must do to save her city, family, and friends. She talked to the city, they chopped off Sheba’s head, and threw it out to Joab. End of problem. “ Real Men ” don’t put up with blood suckers. They pop off their heads. This woman was a “ Real Man ”.

Second, “ Real Men ” don’t stand by and do nothing when the life is being sucked out of their country, family, and friends. James 4:17 – “To him therefore that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin”. There was a man who observed this principle in the Bible. His name was Abram. His nephew was a man by the name of Lot. Lot and his family were kidnapped and had their possessions seized by evil men in Genesis 14. Abram could have not gotten involved. He could have seen generations of his family lose their lives and inheritance. He could have seen them become slaves under the thumb of oppression. Instead, he took “ Real Men ” and they went and crushed the parasites. Abram was a “Real Man”.

Third, “ Real Men ” live by a moral code. Three “ Real Men ” in the book of Daniel lived by a moral code. Their names were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. They lived during the time of the Babylonian empire. The king was Nebuchadnezzar. He was quite narcissistic. He had a giant golden image created and demanded everyone bow down to it. The men lived by a moral code given by God. It called for them never to worship an image. They could not coexist with two different codes. So they refused the Narcissistic king. He threatened to throw them into a pit of fire. They still refused the king. So they King threw them into the flames. Now, the outcome was that they survived without even smelling of smoke, however, consider what they said before they were thrown in the pit:

Dan 3:17-18 – If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

These men lived by a code such that the consequences did not matter to them. They were going to do what was right, because it was right. They did not let threats and intimidation detour them. The efforts of the parasite to gain control were rejected.

Fourth,  “Real Men ” have a vision of success for all. When Israel came and spied out the land of Canaan, it was full of many enemies. Twelve men went into spy out the land, only two came back with a positive report. These were “ Real Men ”. They had a vision. They saw a land of milk and honey, a land full of great blessings with freedom for them all. One of the men, Caleb, stated in Numbers 13, “Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it”. He didn’t whine about how hard it would be. He had a vision of success that they all could achieve and he shared it. He didn’t sow seeds of doubt among the people. He didn’t shame them for their past actions. He said, they could be free from the bloodsuckers of the land.

Finally, a “ Real Man ” acknowledges when he has made a mistake. He sees where he went wrong and then determines not to do that same thing again. In Luke 15, there is a parable about a young man who was sucked in by the false promises of a freeloading life. He demanded his inheritance and off he went into the world to party on what he didn’t earn. There came a day of reckoning. He looked around and saw everything had come to ruin. He had nothing. He was ashamed. He realized he had made a mistake. So he owned up to it, determined to get back to work and do things right. It takes a “ Real Man ” to do this. “Real Men” can and do make mistakes. It’s not just the realization of a mistake that makes them what they are, it is the actions to make things right afterward that sets them apart.

So in examining “ Real Men ”, we have 5 key characteristics:
1) They take action to pop the head off of problems.
2) They don’t stand by and do nothing.
3) They live by a moral code given by God.
4) They have a vision of success.
5) They acknowledge their mistakes and determine not to make them again.

Let’s put this in a more direct political perspective and approach these characteristics in reverse.

America, we have made a big mistake in allowing the folks now in control to obtain the positions they are in. They are bloodsucking parasites. They are destroying our country, family, and friends. They are ruining our lives. They are enslaving us. They promised “HOPE and CHANGE” and I HOPE we soon get a CHANGE. Sadly, many folks bought into the false promises. They demanded “pay our mortgages, take care of us, let us sit back and watch.” These folks now have their reward, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 –“If any will not work, neither let him eat”. Jobs have been taken away, blessings have been removed. We have an administration that has turned its back on God and views itself as God. We are a Christian nation! It’s time we determine not to make the mistake of following the Godless again. It’s time we determine ourselves to be “ Real Men ”.

We need a vision of success, one that sees a free market, where man enjoys the fruit of his labor and is not punished for it. 1 Timothy 5:18 – “For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.” Why should a man who has through his own initiative be taxed more than any other? That is tyranny. Let us envision an environment where men are rewarded by enjoying the fruits of their success. Their efforts help all of society. They provide jobs. They aid families. Let us envision an America strong and able to help the needy of the world through voluntary means by loving hearts. America has great people who can do great things if they are allowed to do so. It’s time we see things like “ Real Men ”.

The founding fathers of America believed in God. They set the country on a foundation of God. They even purchased Bibles for the citizenship so that the morality of God would not be forsaken. Currently, we have leaches in power who have and are cheating law which God endorses – Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than men.”. They have no qualms about lying – Colossians 3:9 – “Lie not to one another…” They approve of homosexuality – 1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” They approve of the murder of unborn children – Romans 13:9 – “…You shall not murder…”. There are so many sinful things that demonstrate the current administration is one without a moral code. It’s time for the standard of “ Real Men ” to be followed.

Europe was nearly taken by its enemies in the 20th century because men were standing aside and not acting. Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”. How many atrocities will take place if America does not stand up now and do something? How many children will be brainwashed? How many Christians will be persecuted? How many families will be broken? How many people will suffer? When you have men who worship at the feet of communists, you do not have to look far into history to see the hundreds of millions of lives lost. Is America going to give into such a threat? Will it bow to Islamic violence and oppression? Or will it stand up and say, “As for me and my family, we will follow the Lord”. The time has come for ” Real Men ” to do something.

The storied history of America shows a people who hate oppression. We have rushed to the aid of countries all over the world. We have given them their peace back. We have rebuilt their homes. We have extended the hand of friendship. Now, at a time when America is being belittled by a marxist in the white house, when its borders are being invaded with no response, when it is being morally reconstructed from within, when its poor stewardship is running its financial stability into the ground, we must chop the head off the beast. We must stand up and rid ourselves of the problem. We must remove all who would subscribe to such villainous behavior as to destroy our country at its heart. We must act in peace and act as one and through the power given to the people – vote the politics out. Stand up to defend our country. It is time for “ Real Men ” to pop the heads off the parasites who would suck our God given freedoms away.

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