What is Good About This Friday?

Why is today called Good Friday?  Last night as I lay in bed this thought came into my mind.  After all, this was the day on which we commemorate the crucifixtion of Jesus.  Why would we in the western church call it good?

The history has been tainted by the passage of time as to why we call it good.  I won't go into any detail here because there have been many, many things written and recorded that theorize the reasons.  The one that seems most logical to me is that it is a corruption of "God Friday."  This seems to fit typical English corruption of various phrases which were once common that referred to the Deity such as "goodbye" or, "goodness."

In many traditions throughout the world it is known as Holy Friday.  I personally think it would be a better way to refer to this day which is not one of celebration, but one of contemplation and prayer focused on the supreme sacrifice God made on our behalf.  In that sense -- the focus on God -- it is "God Friday."

I would encourage you to read through the gospel accounts of Jesus' last days on this day of commemoration.  For reference, the readings practiced by the Byzantine Christians in what they refer to as the "Matins of the Twelve Passion Gospels" is a good place to start.  They are listed below:

1. John 13:31 - 18:1
2. John 18:1 - 18:28
3. Matthew 26:57-26:75
4. John 18:28 - 19:16
5. Matthew 27:3 - 27:32
6. Mark 15:16 - 15:32
7. Matthew 27:33 - 27:54
8. Luke 23:32 - 23:49
9. John 19:25 - 19:37
10. Mark 15:43 - 15:47
11. John 19:38 - 19:42
12. Matthew 27:62 - 27:66

May your contemplation be filled with the presence of God.

Choosing the Positive

Some days are harder than others to keep a positive attitude.  When you look around at all of the things going on in this world, it is easy to be depressed.  There are plenty of positives, but it seems sometimes the negatives are winning the battle.  Fortunately, I have found that my own attitude is mainly a decision.  I can decide to be positive, or I can let myself be pulled into the pool of negative.

Some people believe there is a cosmic balance between good and evil, positive and negative if you prefer, that equals out over time.  The net sum is zero, or equality between the two.  I can understand that view if you step back and look at it objectively from a human standpoint -- which is what we must do since we are all human.  I subscribe to the idea that it is a battle between good and evil.

The Biblical view, as I read it, is that evil was unleashed upon the world in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve chose to believe that they (based on advice from Satan) knew better than God and that it was better to eat from the tree in the midst of the garden than to obey God's command to not do so.  It was the first instance of disobeying God and setting man on a par with or, even higher than God.  It was a choice based on "I know what is best for me," rather than accepting God's will.

Ultimately, that is what allows evil into this world -- man's choice.  Any time we choose selfishly -- "I know what is best for me" -- we allow evil in.

Each and every day we must make choices.  In each choice we should seek God's will.  When our choices are driven by selfishness we allow just a little more evil (or, negative if you prefer) into our lives and therefore, into the world.  I pray that each and every day you will be motivated to seek God's will.  Focus on the positive and not on the negative.  Choose God's way rather than man's way.

In spite of what advertisers tell us, It's not "all about me."

What's Love Got to do With It?

Out upon the raging sea
There rides a tiny boat,
Bobbing on the waters
The little craft did float.

In it was a helpless man
Wracked with burning thirst
Asking the Almighty
Why he had thus been cursed.

Sharks were circling 'round him
As he waited in his gloom
Expecting any moment
To meet his final doom

And he cried out to the Father
As he baked in misery
Beneath the blazing orb
That hung for all to see

Up in the clear blue sky
Where not a cloud did show
To cast a cooling shadow
On the man who lay below.

In his mind an answer
Slowly taking shape
Rose to fill his thinking
And his mouth fell agape

At the forming realization
It was he alone to blame
Because of his poor choices
There was no one else to name

And he hung his head, forlorn,
Wishing he could die
Way out in that murky sea
Beneath the clear blue sky.

But, then on the horizon
There came a growing dot
That seemed to be heading
To the very lonely spot

Where he floated on the water
Out on the vast expanse
Wishing for the end to come
And he did not so much as glance

As a ship bore down upon him
Slowing as it came
With people standing at the rail
Calling out his name

But, he, so lost in suffering,
Ignored their mighty pleas
And hung his head in silence
As he sat there on his knees

Crying for an answer
From his God above
Never understanding
He had answered him with love

Shown through his caring neighbors
Who had chartered a great ship
To go out on the ocean
And save him from this trip

He had embarked upon
Alone and unprepared
That left him lying helpless
In his boat, so very scared.

But, he ignored them
As he floated on the sea
Consumed there in his anguish
Thinking it is only me.

Then his vessel started moving
Being towed by a long rope
And he began to think
There may at last be hope.

Hands reached down to lift him
From the place of his great doom
Up the side to the deck
Which above him did loom.

They placed cool salve upon his skin
And water to his lip
Slowly bringing him to life
There on the mighty ship.

He raised his head and looked around
To see wherein he lay
At all the smiling faces
That surrounded him that day.

To his dismay there looking at him
Were his friends and family;
The ones he had rejected
When he embarked upon the sea

And he thought that he was dreaming
Or, perhaps had even died.
Emotion rose inside him
As he broke down and cried

Thinking that his life was over
And how he'd wasted time
Pursuing what didn't matter
Chasing every dime

While all about him people
Were crying out in need
And God was speaking to him
That he must change in deed

And be the hands and feet
That went upon the sea
To rescue those perishing,
An answer to their plea.

Right there in that moment
He made a mighty vow
Before that crowd of witnesses
And God to whom he did bow

That he would change his focus
Away from selfless greed
But, work at helping others
Who were crying out in need.

The Almighty smiled upon him
As He looked down from above
And the man's heart that was hardened
Was filled with Holy love

Matthew 28:18-20

Nairobi Was Not What I Expected

In going back through my files I stumbled across the following piece that I wrote soon after returning from a trip to Kenya in 2011.

Nairobi was not what I expected.  In many ways, it looked like most modern cities.  It didn’t conform to my image of Africa.

Nairobi was merely the point of embarkation for the reality of Kenya, a land of contrasts.  Distance from Nairobi provides a scale with which to measure, to place in perspective, the glimpses afforded us on our journey of both spiritual growth and cultural awareness.

Beauty was everywhere in the Kenyan countryside.  Tea plantations, flowers in profusion, banana trees, green hillsides, eucalyptus trees, and brightly colored clothes adorning the people were a visual delight providing unending variety.

Except in the enclaves of privacy, remnants of British Colonialism, people were everywhere.  Walking, selling, bicycling, riding motorcycles, crowding into matatus (local version of a taxi), washing clothes in roadside streams, or merely milling in groups of varying sizes, people were everywhere.  They represented various tribes that once lived in homelands destroyed by the well-intentioned colonial system of integration that was designed to transfer loyalty from the local chieftain to the Commonwealth.  Now mixed in all their variety, tribal identities were still visible in associations and in physical features only.

Scattered throughout were the impoverished and the marginalized.

Distance from Nairobi served merely to emphasize the depth of poverty among the people.  Near the capitol city, the slums were pushed to waste lands, away from the bright gems of modernity.  As distance multiplied, the gems became fewer and the poverty overwhelming.

HIV is one of the culprits.  With one of the highest rates of AIDS in the world, Kenyan is home to a huge number of widows and orphans.  These outcasts from society due to the stigma of a father dead from AIDS, spend their days struggling for survival.  Whether selling produce from a tiny garden at the speed bumps placed along the highways, or depending on neighbors and relatives for food, these victims of the HIV pandemic fight daily just to live.  They are ripe for exploitation.

The churches springing up among these most vulnerable people are seen as a refuge from exploitation.  They are a place of belonging for those who no longer belong.  They are a community to which the love of Christ draws inexorably those who crave love most desperately.  They are a source of hope in an otherwise hopeless existence.

How can such churches survive when there is no support?  How can a congregation that consists of the impoverished provide the help for daily sustenance that is so desperately needed?  How can the pastors who seek to serve these needy believers support themselves while giving endlessly to those who are even needier?

The bi-vocational pastors that I met in the Western Highlands of Kenya give their all to serve their congregants and their God.  They struggle to support their own families while providing for the needs of those who depend on them for spiritual guidance.  With offerings that often fail to exceed the equivalent of $1.50 on a Sunday, how are these pastors to continue?  Many are disheartened – almost to the point of despair.

A stigma attaches to those who seem unable to live up to the expectations of their neighbors.  This is true in every society.  Just look at the pressure to “succeed” that is evident in every community in the United States.  Imagine a situation where one is seeking to do the very best for their “flock” of believers only to fall under the judgmental eye of neighbors who mockingly accuse them of being unable to care for their own family.  Many of the pastors to the impoverished of Kenya feel that this is their case.

Schooling in Kenya is not free.  Tuition is required to educate children at every grade level.  With the struggle for daily bread occupying every free moment, the bi-vocational pastors who give generously to the widows and orphans in their congregations, often find themselves unable to meet the required tuition to educate their own children.  Such an example is often felt to be an impediment to effective outreach to evangelize their communities.  It is a situation that could easily be remedied by the wealth of fellow Christians in the United States.

Why is it that we see ourselves helpless to do anything as we wallow in relative luxury while those who are truly doing the work of the church – sharing the love of Jesus and making disciples – struggle just to feed and educate their family?  We own multiple cars while pastors in Kenya must pay more than they can afford to ride on the back of a motorcycle to a conference where they can meet with other pastors serving similar congregations.  We complain if we miss a meal that contains more calories than most of the orphans and widows in the slums of Kenya will receive over several days.  It is a ringing indictment against the church in the U.S. that we fight over buildings and parking lots when new churches in the slums of Kenya are meeting in metal-sided sheds or under trees.  Do we truly serve Jesus, or do we merely serve ourselves?  I think our Father in Heaven has given us the answer.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  -- John 3:16

Reasons for the Busy-ness

The month of December always seems to be one of the busiest of the year. Work goes on as always, but added to that are additional items in preparation for the end of a year, plans for a new one (business) and the inevitable Christmas parties and shopping.  If you still have young children, or grandchildren there are programs to attend.  Church Christmas programs also mean extra rehearsals for those involved.

I like the busy-ness of the season, but it often adds to the level of stress for many.  Fortunately, I'm not usually especially stressed.  I realized long ago that I can't do it all and therefore I don't worry so much about what doesn't get done; I know it will all work out.

The stress of the season is not a good thing.  It takes away from the meaning of Christmas.  We should be focused on family and friends and most of all, the reason we celebrate in the first place -- Jesus.  In spite of what the world would try and push on us otherwise, Christmas should be all about the gift of Jesus.

As you go about your busy-ness this year, remember the reason we celebrate.

Something From 2008 Because I'm Short on Ideas Today....

Some days it is hard to come up with something new to write.  Today seems to be one of those days.  In lieu of a new creation, I am pulling out a devotional that I wrote back in June of 2008.  It includes the mention of 3 blogs.  Two of those have been eliminated and this is the only one that I maintain now.  The devotional is below:

Matt. 28:18-20 says:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

The Internet has brought the world to our door.  It shouldn’t, nor does it, take the place of going out to the nations with the message of Jesus.  It does offer those of us who are bound to one geographic area the means to communicate with people in other places.

One of the big things on the Internet today is Blogs.  A blog (short for web-log) is a place to record one’s thoughts and ideas.  It can be a private blog (diary) or a public blog (commentary).  It can be about anything you like.  Many are political.  Others are about modern culture such as art, music, movies, etc.  Some are Christian in nature.  I have 3 blogs.  One is a creative outlet.  One is work-related because it is about agriculture.  One is political.

I have found that on all of the blogs there come occasions when I am able to share my beliefs with others.  There are several other bloggers and commenters with whom I have developed e-mail acquaintances.  There are others that merely exchange comments with me on my blogs.  Some ask very difficult questions about Christianity.  Others attack Christianity.  They are scattered throughout the world.  The following paragraph is from a recent e-mail exchange with a Political Science professor in California.  I had mentioned to him that I preferred the term Christ-follower as opposed to Christian due to the watered down nature of Christianity in most people’s eyes.  He said,

“You're probably more in tune with actual Christian doctrine and practice among the laity than I am. I simply place myself in the Christian Western religious model, which comes from my studies in political philosophy. If you can explain in a couple paragraphs the reasoning behind the shift to "Christ-followership" I'd appreciate it.”

This gave me the opportunity to share with him what I believe.  In a subsequent e-mail he has asked for more information.

My point is this.  God provides many ways to share His word with the people of this planet.  It’s not always what we would expect.  It is our obligation as followers of Jesus to meet those opportunities however presented.  When was the last time you shared your faith?

Shed a Little Light

On the shelf beside my desk sits a small framed plaque inscribed, "One heart dedicated to God can bring Light to the world."  It is a reminder that what I do -- what each of us does -- has impact on others with whom we come in contact.

For some reason that framed placard caught my attention this morning.  I am one who prefers to avoid contact with other people beyond what is necessary.  I am most content alone walking through the woods or, across the pasture.  I find peace in solitude.

Yesterday, we went to Rockwall to do some Christmas shopping.  Normally, I would have begged out of the trip and spent the time doing something else, but I needed a haircut and so felt compelled to accomplish that feat.  The pile of silvery wool that fell to the floor was a testament to how long I had put off the task.  The young lady who cut it looked somewhat askance when I told her how short I wanted it, but when I explained that it had been awhile, she accepted that I actually knew what I was asking.

Afterward, I walked across to a store on the other side of the parking lot where my better half was shopping for items on her list.  It was a pleasant walk and the weather was nearly perfect in the low 70's.  I had to use a good deal of caution due to the high volume of traffic craziness that seems to be normal this time of year, but made the trek unscathed.

I caught up with her in the farthest corner of the large store and assumed my post as escort and "basket pusher" -- although, come to think of it, I didn't push the basket although that would be normal since it gives me something constructive to do as she shops.  I don't recall speaking to anyone other than her in that huge store.

We later went to lunch at a restaurant we prefer and had some interaction with the waiter who seemed a nice young man.  We both told him he was doing a good job and it was the first smile I had seen on his face since we sat down in the busy restaurant.

The next stop, I remained in the vehicle and read.  It was warm with a very light breeze that made it pleasant.  We then made a final stop at a small specialty store that held some interest for me and I went inside where I spent a good deal of time visiting with one of the clerks who was attempting to sell me on an item that was far above the price range we were willing to consider.  I repeatedly told him so, but he kept trying to redirect us that direction.  I have to admire his persistence, but he completely missed a sale by failing to listen to our wishes and directing us appropriately and instead insisted that the higher priced item was right for us.

My point in this commentary of my day, is that I doubt seriously that, other than the brief words to the waiter, I brought much light to the world yesterday.  I don't think I contributed to the darkness, but I also didn't exploit every opportunity to share the Light, which is Jesus, to those with whom I came in contact.  Instead, I mostly chose to minimize my interaction with others in spite of the myriad opportunities.  I need to do better.  We all need to do better.  We are called to be the Light.

Matthew 5:16 -- "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Enough Said

John 14:12-14

¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

It's a Process

What I am
Is not what I was.
It is not what I will be.

Inside I'm still
What I've always been.
But, there's been change in me.

Why am I
Dissatisfied?
There must be something more.

Or, why would I
Keep seeking
What I haven't sought before?

Is something deep
Inside of me
Desiring the unknown?

It must have started
As a kernel
And with time became full grown.

I think that we
Are wired
To rise above our self;

To seek a thing
Much greater
That draws us to Himself.

Matthew 11:28-29

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Random Thoughts

It has been a long time since I have posted anything to my blog. There's really no good reason. I just have not been especially motivated to write much lately.

I am totally depressed over the political landscape right now. I see nothing good happening in Washington. I refuse to join the rant over all the things wrong and I don't have the time to write a truly reasoned dissertation on the many ways in which our government has overstepped its bounds and moved dramatically toward despotism.

My work has required a level of intensity for the last several months that has left little energy for pursuing other interests. We are in an expansion mode. Yes, through the economic storm and the politically motivated attacks on my chosen industry, we have grown. Of course, most people don't realize that it takes twice as much effort to obtain the same amount of business in a downturn as it does when times are good. So, growth means about three times the effort. But, I consider it good.

I think that through the last year of political and economic turmoil my spiritual growth has been evident -- at least to me. Of course, the big event was the trip to Africa. Such a trip would be a turning point in anyone's life I would hope. It has become very evident to me that God works in the lives of those who are faithful to Him -- those who seek His will. That doesn't mean that we perfectly follow His will -- it means that our focus is constantly turned toward, or is seeking Him. The pursuit of worldly things becomes secondary -- a subplot if you will -- to the pursuit of God. Our fleshly nature continually tries to assert itself in our daily lives, but we are reminded that such things are not pleasing to Him and we seek to subjugate such desires to His will. We become aware of just how "messy" the Christian life can be. We fail. We get up and try again. We cry out to God for strength. We fail some more.

In fact, that's a subject worthy of expansion -- the "messiness" of Christianity. The world expects Christians to live exemplary lives. Not all of us do so. In fact, none of us do in spite of our public face. War is messy and that's what the life of a Christian becomes -- a war. It is war at the Spiritual level. It is a war between the "systems" of the world and our desire to live according to God's will -- which is completely outside any earthly system. It is a war between our fleshly nature -- that is, the desires of our "natural" self -- and our desire to live as God would have us to live -- that is, subjugating our fleshly desires to His will. And it is a war between the very source of evil -- Satan, the Devil, or whatever you choose to call him -- and our desire once again to live a life pleasing to God. So, the Christian fights a battle on three fronts -- 1) the "systems" of this world, 2) our "natural" self, and 3) the Evil One who desires our allegiance in opposition to God the Creator. It's no wonder so many fail and it's no wonder so many choose the ways of this world. To follow the ways of the world is easier.

However, there is one thing we must remember. Jesus the Christ has already won the war. By faith in Him alone are we saved. We must always remember that it is not our efforts that are rewarded by Salvation -- it is our trust in the Saving Grace offered by Jesus Christ that we receive mercy as our reward rather than what we truly deserve based on our pitiful efforts.

OK. Now what?

A couple of weeks ago I was asked to share about the trip to Africa with my Sunday School class. I began by telling them, "Go! Just go. If you ever get the chance to go on a mission trip anywhere, go!" I ended the same way. "Go!" That is what Jesus called us to do in Matthew 28. "Go!"

And now, I must go. May you go in peace and may the God of Peace touch your life with His love. I will try to do better with my posting -- no promises though.

Revelations

Sometimes the simplest things are hidden until God decides to reveal them to us.

Some examples of things recently revealed to me:

James 1: It's all about growth in our Christian walk. I always thought it was about persevering through trial -- but it's all about becoming mature in your Christianity.

Luke 11: 1-13: Tells us to ask God for anything. He will give us what is good for us and whithhold that which is bad for us -- but ask for it all. Keep on asking -- our persistence will be rewarded.

Hebrews 8:19-24: Gives us the conditions for drawing near to God and explains how Jesus opened the way. Jesus conquered death on the cross and the separation between men and God (i.e. the curtain before the Holy Place -- or the presence of God -- was torn and Jesus then filled that gap). He became the way to enter into the presence of God. To do so we must have 1) a sincere heart, 2) full assurance of our faith, 3) freedom from a sense of guilt for our sins based upon the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus and 4) be cleansed by the new covenant - i.e. acceptance of Jesus as our savior. When we meet these conditions there is no longer a barrier between us and God. Any barriers are of our own creation because Jesus is the only thing between us and God if we are His.

Dr. Lowrie to the Rescue....

A good man (and fellow blogger) just jumped into the "hotseat" of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. David Lowrie, pastor of First Baptist Church of Canyon, Texas, was elected President of the BGCT yesterday. I guess we'll have to share him with the rest of the state now.

West Texas pastor elected Baptist group president

Click on the link for the AP story.

Headlights

Straight and narrow
The highway stretches before me.
Although I only see as far
As the light which shines before me
I know the way is straight
Because it has not varied
In its path.

Only a few travel this unwavering road.

I am vaguely aware
Of those who travel other ways
That are filled with darkness.
They zip hither and yon,
Racing toward their destination.
They seek but never find.
They seek in vain.

Storms assail my path but the light goes on before.

Along the way I meet others
Who seek escape from the darkness.
I show them the light that guides me.
Some see the light
And others do not.
I invite them to travel with me
Following the light.

We travel together as the light guides our way.

Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."

Besieged

Should we choose to entrench ourselves around our convictions and enter into a siege mentality or should we advance from our positions and take the war to the enemy? The question applies to Iraq, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran and any other strong-hold of terrorism. It also applies to the cultural war between Christians and anti-Christians.

I originally characterized the war as between Christians and secularism. But upon reflection it is a much broader war. Secularists seem to support every cause imaginable but that of Christianity. They even support the rights of the terrorists to attack the U.S.

Why does it seem that the world is aligned against Christianity and Judaism? Why isn't the world aligned against Islam, or Hinduism, or Buddhism, or Animism, or Scientology, or any of the other so-called religions? Please enlighten me in your comments.

What happens in a siege? Either the attackers give up or the bastion is felled. It is time to leave the castle and take the battle to the enemy.