I’m working on a post concerning marriage – specifically how to have a strong, healthy, vibrant marriage.

Not sure where or how it will go, but I hope to have something up soon.

The shortest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 117

The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119

The chapter in the centre of the Bible is Psalm 118

There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118 and 594 chapters after Psalms 118.

Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

Is it coincidence that the centre verse of the bible is Psalms 118:8?

Psalm 118:8 It is better to trust and take refuge in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

The next time someone says, they would like to find God’s perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the centre of His will, just send them to the centre of His Word!

Php 2:12-16  Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ).  (13)  [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.  (14)  Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves],  (15)  That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world,  (16)  Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose.

If indeed we are Saved by Grace (Eph 2:8  For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;), then what does Paul mean when he writes to the Philippians to “work out your own salvation with trembling and fear”?  Are the scriptures in conflict? Does salvation come from our effort, and if so then why is the Gospel a message of salvation as a gift of God?

Notice that in this passage Paul does not say, “Work for your salvation” – it is not “work towards acquiring your salvation”, nor is it “work at your salvation”, nor is it “work up your salvation.” It is none of those things. Every true Christian has received salvation through believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. They are all in the state of salvation at this moment. Salvation is God’s gift to them, accomplished by Jesus Christ’s work on the cross, what He himself freely and lovingly chose to endure in their place – the wrath of a sin-hating God. That salvation which was accomplished by Christ alone became ours when God opened our hearts and gave us a birth from above, applying all the benefits of the triumph of Christ to us.

Once again, we come to the distinctly different concepts of justification and sanctification, which are too often co-mingled in the single term of ‘salvation’.  Justification is the gift of God through Christ’s sacrifice; sanctification is the process in which those who have been reconciled to God continue to become Christ-like.

John Piper tells us:

The connection between the sinner and the Savior is trust, not improvement of behavior. That comes later. It is this order that gives hope. “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law” (Romans 3:28). The basis of this wild and wonderful hope (the ungodly justified) is “Christ for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4, literal translation). Through faith alone God counts the ungodly as righteous because of Christ. “For our sake [God] made [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

So, to the passage in question: Paul is writing to the congregation of professing Christians in Philippi who have received salvation (justification). To these saved people he says, “work out your own salvation.” He is not talking about their status of being ransomed, justified, reconciled, forgiven or being clothed in the righteousness of Christ, telling them to work at getting all that. All that is already theirs as a free gift of God; it is all absolutely perfect and nothing needs to be added to it whatsoever. That is accomplished salvation: we have been saved once and for all: that is puncticular salvation.

What Paul is talking about here is linear salvation, progressive salvation, sanctifying salvation, which will not be complete until the day of Christ when we are going to see God and be like him. Paul is urging us here to be promoting that completed full salvation, to advance and encourage that transformation of our lives. “Work at becoming more like the Lord of your salvation.” That is what he is saying.

In other words, full eternal Christ like salvation (sanctification) is not something that is in the atmosphere above and around us – over which we have no control. It is not something that comes upon you when you go into a religious meeting and an atmosphere is created by the music and the lighting and skilful stories and emotional challenges such as going to the front, kneeling and weeping.  The salvation about which Paul is speaking is going on in our thinking, and our decisions, and our enthusiasms, and our affections, and our choices, and in our very bodies today and every day. It is divine ‘work in progress.’ Every part of us is going to be saved and so we are being told to work that salvation out, in other words, work out the implications of it and advance it. Don’t sit back, don’t think to yourselves, “Well, it’s all over. I am saved.” Work at it until it is finished at death. While we live this salvation needs to transform all aspects of our lives. Show a new obedience to God in every part of your life. See what our text actually says, “Continue to work out your salvation.”

Mat 6:5-13  Also when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by people. Truly I tell you, they have their reward in full already.  (6)  But when you pray, go into your [most] private room, and, closing the door, pray to your Father, Who is in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.  (7)  And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. [I Kings 18:25-29.]  (8)  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. (9) Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.  (10)  Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  (11)  Give us this day our daily bread.  (12)  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  (13)  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Almost everyone knows the “Lord’s Prayer”, either by acquaintance, or by use and intimate knowledge.  I wonder though, do we really understand what Jesus was teaching us, or do we just accept the litany by rote?

Let us look at the reality of what Jesus was teaching us: not just a prayer to be recited, meaningless and dead in spirit, but a methodology of how we are to pray, what we are to pray for, and strong instruction by direct admonition, or by intentional omission, of how not to pray.

At the beginning of this passage Jesus specifically instructs us not to use repetitious, meaningless prayer, not to pray publically for the sake of being seen praying. We are to pray privately, keeping our prayer between God and ourselves. This instruction, this direct admonition, of what not to do, flies in the face of so many religious practices – Roman Catholicism specifically and many Protestant denominations as well – all who maintain repetitious prayer and reciting of creeds and litanies as part of their corporate worship. I could write exhaustively on this subject alone, however, that is not the point of this post.  For now, let the point stand as made:  Recitation of the “Lord’s Prayer” is meaningless and contrary to the instructions given to us by Christ Jesus.

What I really want to discuss are the elements of the prayer and the reasons Jesus instructed us to pray “in this manner”.

(9) Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

John Piper said:

The most important prayer is that the most important person in the universe do the most important act in the universe.

That is why Jesus put this request at the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer: “Hallowed be your name.”

God is the most important person in the universe – more important than all others put together…The whole-souled act of hallowing God’s name is the most important act in the universe.

To “hallow” means to “sanctify” which in God’s case means to set apart in your mind and heart as supremely great and beautiful and valuable.

“Hallowed be your name” means, “See to it that your name is hallowed. Use your infinite power and wisdom and love to stir up billions of hearts and minds to admire you and prize you above all things.”

(10)    Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

There are two aspects of God’s Kingdom – personal and worldwide:

Mat 6:33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Mat 13:41-43  The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of offense [persons by whom others are drawn into error or sin] and all who do iniquity and act wickedly,  (42)  And will cast them into the furnace of fire; there will be weeping and wailing and grinding of teeth.  (43)  Then will the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God) shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him who has ears [to hear] be listening, and let him consider and perceive and understand by hearing.

In entreating God to bring His kingdom on earth we seek to let God be the Ruler and King in our lives now. His kingdom is a present reality wherever he rules as King. So when we pray, “Father, let your kingdom come,” we should mean, “Father, rule in my life. Be my king. Get the victory over my anxiety about life’s necessities.” This is the personal dimension of the coming of the kingdom.

Likewise, we are also asking God to draw history to a close and establish his kingdom on the earth.

(11)    Give us this day our daily bread.

Joh 6:35 Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).

This is not referring to food and beverage for your stomach, but for your mind and your soul. It is referring to studying the scriptures of the Bible on a daily basis, and if you seek the word of the Lord daily, He will feed you with understanding of His word.

(12)    And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matt.6:14-15 – For if ye forgive men (people) their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: (15) But if ye forgive not men (people) their trespasses; neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Forgiveness is a two way street my friends. We cannot seek forgiveness if we cannot give forgiveness. There is so much to write on this subject as well but let me try to be succinct:

Mat 6:14-15 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  (15)  But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Mat 18:23-35 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a human king who wished to settle accounts with his attendants.  (24)  When he began the accounting, one was brought to him who owed him 10,000 talents [probably about $10,000,000], (25) And because he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and his children and everything that he possessed, and payment to be made.  (26)  So the attendant fell on his knees, begging him, Have patience with me and I will pay you everything.  (27)  And his master’s heart was moved with compassion, and he released him and forgave him [cancelling] the debt.  (28)  But that same attendant, as he went out, found one of his fellow attendants who owed him a hundred denarii [about twenty dollars]; and he caught him by the throat and said, Pay what you owe!  (29)  So his fellow attendant fell down and begged him earnestly, Give me time, and I will pay you all!  (30)  But he was unwilling, and he went out and had him put in prison till he should pay the debt.  (31)  When his fellow attendants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and told everything that had taken place to their master.  (32)  Then his master called him and said to him, You contemptible and wicked attendant! I forgave and cancelled all that [great] debt of yours because you begged me to.  (33)  And should you not have had pity and mercy on your fellow attendant, as I had pity and mercy on you?  (34)  And in wrath his master turned him over to the torturers (the jailers), till he should pay all that he owed.  (35)  So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses.

The point is that if we hold fast to an unforgiving spirit, we will be handed over to the tormentors. We will lose heaven, and gain hell.

The reason is not that we can earn heaven, or merit heaven, by forgiving others, but that holding fast to an unforgiving spirit proves that we do not trust Christ. If we trust him, we will not spurn his way of life. If we trust him, we will not be able to take forgiveness from his hand for our million-dollar debt and withhold it from our ten-dollar debtor.

Paul said in Ephesians 4:32, “Forgive each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” In other words, God’s forgiveness is underneath ours, creates it, and supports it. So that if we don’t give it to others—if we go on in an unforgiving spirit—what we show is that God is not there in our lives – we are not trusting him.

(13)    And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Mat 26:41 All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Jas 1:13  Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by [what is] evil and He Himself tempts no one.

Mat 4:1 THEN JESUS was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil.

So God does not do the tempting—he does not put evil desires in our hearts (for he can have no evil desires in his heart)—but he does bring us into the presence of many tests and temptations. In fact, every step we take is a step into the presence of temptation. There is no moment of your life that is not a moment of temptation—a moment when unbelief and disobedience is not a possibility.

The Lord’s Prayer does not teach us to pray against that kind of sovereign guidance. What it teaches us to pray is that the temptation does not take us in. Do not lead me into temptation. Deliver me from the evil that is set before me.

Today I will stand before innumerable temptations. That is what life is: endless choices between belief and unbelief, obedience and disobedience. Nevertheless, I pray almighty God: forbid that I would yield – hold me back from stepping inside the temptation.

… For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

This is an acknowledgement, a rightful acquiescence, of His sovereignty. The kingdom is His, all power is His, and all glory is His. We have no part in adding to His power and glory, nor do we have any business seeking credit for it.

The reason this is so important is because I know of no truth which is more fundamentally pervasive than God’s zeal to be glorified, which means his zeal for us so to think, to feel, and to act as to make him look as glorious as He is. We do not add to His glory – we want to make God’s glory shine. We want to make it visible. The goal of our lives’ should be to live such, that when people know us well enough, they would say, “God is glorious!”

Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.

The Word of God, energized by the Holy Spirit, has a seven-fold purpose in our lives:

Enlightening

Psa 119:105  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path

Psa 119:130  The entrance and unfolding of Your words give light; their unfolding gives understanding (discernment and comprehension) to the simple.

Under the illumination of God’s Word, we see ourselves in the light of God’s holiness. The Bible sheds light on behavior and actions that displease the Lord and lights up the path that God has designated for you to walk.

Convicting

John 16:7-11 However, I am telling you nothing but the truth when I say it is profitable (good, expedient, advantageous) for you that I go away. Because if I do not go away, the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you [into close fellowship with you]; but if I go away, I will send Him to you [to be in close fellowship with you].  (8)  And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment:  (9)  About sin, because they do not believe in Me [trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me];  (10)  About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God), because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer;  (11)  About judgment, because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him.

The Holy Spirit’s mission is to convict the world. When spiritually convicted, a person realizes that sin has been committed and that they are guilty before God. Through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will convict our hearts regarding three things:

• Sin – because men do not believe in me. The rejection of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ is the prime sin and the most serious one, for it exposes a person to the judgment of God. The eternal destiny of a human life hinges upon the receiving in faith of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:11-13) The Holy Spirit’s mission is to expose any pattern of thought or behavior that is an affront to God.

• Righteousness – because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer. Jesus is the standard of righteousness against which our lives are measured and the Holy Spirit has been sent to convict us of the stark reality of this fact. Compared to the righteousness of Christ, our own acts of righteousness are like filthy rags. (Isa 64:6)

• Judgment – because the prince of this world now stands condemned. Note that the judgment of which the Holy Spirit convicts is the judgment of Satan. The judgment that took place at the cross (Col 2:15) is the pivotal theme of the Holy Spirit’s work of conviction and is the core thread of the entire Word of God.

As long as we are open to the Holy Spirit and to his Word, we will experience this ongoing conviction process. This is a sign of spiritual health, for the Holy Spirit never leaves us in a place of conviction, but leads us into his answer for our lives. The Bible’s amazing answer to sin – righteousness and judgment – is the other side of conviction.

Heb 4:12  For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

Washing

Eph 5:25-27  Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,  (26)  So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word,  (27)  That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].

The Word of God has a washing action (John 15:3). Through his Word, the Holy Spirit renews our minds – conforming our minds His way of thinking. As we expose ourselves to the Word of God on a daily basis, the Holy Spirit will cleanse our minda of the filth of this world’s thinking, which the Bible calls depraved (Rom 1:28) and hostile to God. (Rom 8:7)

Rom 12:2  Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

We cannot be conformed to Christ while still being conformed to this world. The two objectives are totally opposed to one another. Therefore, a major function of God’s Word is to realign our thinking to God’s thinking. This new Bible-based kind of thinking involves:

• The Right View of God (Isaiah 40:18,21-28; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16)
• The Right View of Yourself (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:3)
• The Right View of the World (Isaiah 40:15-17; 1 Corinthians 1:20-31)

The Bible is God’s tool for renewing our minds. God so wants to renew our thought processes that His way of thinking becomes our way of thinking.

Encouraging

Rom 15:4-5 for whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.  (5)  Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.

Note that this passage attributes to Scripture that which is attributed to God – encouragement.

Paul writes to the Colossian Christians with the express purpose that they might be encouraged in heart:

Col 2:2  [For my concern is] that their hearts may be braced (comforted, cheered, and encouraged) as they are knit together in love, that they may come to have all the abounding wealth and blessings of assured conviction of understanding, and that they may become progressively more intimately acquainted with and may know more definitely and accurately and thoroughly that mystic secret of God, [which is] Christ (the Anointed One).

This is a major purpose of God’s Word, not simply to make us feel good about ourselves, but to encourage us to continue to persevere in our faith.

Instructing

2Ti 3:16 Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action),

Notice that Paul writes to Timothy and declares that all Scripture (not just some of it) is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

• Teaching shows us the right path.
• Rebuking shows us where we have wandered from the path.
• Correcting shows us the way back onto the path.
• Training shows us how to walk on the path.

Psa 119:133 Establish my steps and direct them by [means of] Your word; let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Remember, it is not only the New Testament which has been designed by God for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. In fact, the Scriptures that Paul is referring to when writing to Timothy is the Old Testament. The whole of Israel’s history has been chronicled in the Old Testament, not just as a lead up to the coming of Jesus, but also as exemplary instruction and strong .warnings for you. (Hebrews 3:15-19; Hebrews 4:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:6-12)

Defending

Luk 4:1-12  THEN JESUS, full of and controlled by the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led in [by] the [Holy] Spirit  (2)  For (during) forty days in the wilderness (desert), where He was tempted (tried, tested exceedingly) by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they were completed, He was hungry. [Deut. 9:9; I Kings 19:8.]  (3)  Then the devil said to Him, If You are the Son of God, order this stone to turn into a loaf [of bread].  (4)  And Jesus replied to him, It is written, Man shall not live and be sustained by (on) bread alone but by every word and expression of God. [Deut. 8:3.]  (5)  Then the devil took Him up to a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the habitable world in a moment of time [in the twinkling of an eye].  (6)  And he said to Him, To You I will give all this power and authority and their glory (all their magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, and grace), for it has been turned over to me, and I give it to whomever I will.  (7)  Therefore if You will do homage to and worship me [just once], it shall all be Yours.  (8)  And Jesus replied to him, Get behind Me, Satan! It is written, You shall do homage to and worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve. [Deut. 6:13; 10:20.]  (9)  Then he took Him to Jerusalem and set Him on a gable of the temple, and said to Him, If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here;  (10)  For it is written, He will give His angels charge over you to guard and watch over you closely and carefully;  (11)  And on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. [Ps. 91:11, 12.]  (12)  And Jesus replied to him, [The Scripture] says, You shall not tempt (try, test exceedingly) the Lord your God. [Deut. 6:16.]

When Satan tempted Jesus, Jesus did not debate with him or even entertain any discussion. He solely relied on the authority of the Word of God. God’s Word is described as a sword:

(Eph 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.; Heb 4:12  For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.).

When Satan attacks, we can wield the full authority of God’s Word against him. However, we can only wield what has become written on our hearts. (Isa 49:2 And He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand, has He hid me and made me a polished arrow; in His quiver has He kept me close and concealed me.)

Perfecting

Col 1:24-29 [Even] now I rejoice in the midst of my sufferings on your behalf. And in my own person I am making up whatever is still lacking and remains to be completed [on our part] of Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of His body, which is the church.  (25)  In it I became a minister in accordance with the divine stewardship which was entrusted to me for you [as its object and for your benefit], to make the Word of God fully known [among you]–  (26)  The mystery of which was hidden for ages and generations [from angels and men], but is now revealed to His holy people (the saints),  (27)  To whom God was pleased to make known how great for the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ within and among you, the Hope of [realizing the] glory.  (28)  Him we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One).  (29)  For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.

Paul’s declared goal, toward which he labored so vigorously, was to present everyone perfect in Christ. This is the exact same goal of God’s Word. As Paul said, he was commissioned by God to present to you the word of God in its fullness. That commission was fulfilled largely through his letters, which make up the bulk of the New Testament.

Eph 4:12-13  His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church),  (13)  [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.

Paul’s purpose was God’s purpose – not just that we may be conformed to the image of God’s Son as individuals, but that together, as the corporate Body of Christ, we may reach the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

2 Co 3:18  And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

It is in the pages of God’s Word that we meet with the Lord on terms so intimate that the Bible describes it like looking in a mirror:

Jas 1:23-25  For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror;  (24)  For he thoughtfully observes himself, and then goes off and promptly forgets what he was like.  (25)  But he who looks carefully into the faultless law, the [law] of liberty, and is faithful to it and perseveres in looking into it, being not a heedless listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he shall be blessed in his doing (his life of obedience).

God’s Word acts like a mirror reflecting God’s glory. By revelation of the Holy Spirit we see, in the Word, dimension after dimension of his glory. This cannot but affect us! We are changed by what we see from glory to glory.

I find myself missing friends….

I greatly miss my online friends: Adam the sofyst, jowiki, kristi, and the whole gang of others that frequented Adam’s blog.

I miss my few church friends; Danny, Marla, Pam and Andy and the rest from my study group.

I even miss a few of my old school friends: Paul (my best friend whom I haven’t spoken to in almost 10 years), and ….  well, maybe he was the only one

I fired up the old Facebook and found little or know desire to search people out as I would then have to try to figure out what I would say to them in casual conversation (I suck at small talk).  But that doesn’t change the fact that I am finding myself thinking about these folks time and again.

Check it out, pretty neat…

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi turned the health care debate up a notch Monday, penning a column along with her top deputy that questioned the patriotism of those disrupting town hall meetings to air their complaints.

Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer claimed such behavior is “simply un-American.”

It’s hardly the first time Pelosi, who earlier this year accused the CIA of lying to Congress and repeatedly has called Republicans unpatriotic, has employed some serious name-calling to characterize her opponents’ views.

The jab Monday drew swift scorn from Republicans and critics who say the health care demonstrations are as American as apple pie.

“I, like most Americans, would find that kind of characterization of citizens exercising their First Amendment rights to be offensive,” Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind., told FOX News. “There’s nothing more American than letting your elected representatives know how you feel about important issues facing the nation.”

I’m angry. I’m very angry.

In recent weeks there has been vigorous debate over the Health Care plans working their way through Congress, and much of this debate is being seen in protests during ‘town hall’ meetings and the like.

It seems though that the DNC, the democratic leadership in D.C., and even the White House has chosen to spew lies and filth about those American citizens who are exercising their right to free speech – simply because the feelings and ideas they are expressing do not conform to the ideas and plans of the DNC and its automatons (the White House).

The White House has called the uproar at recent town halls on health care “manufactured outrage.” Senator Harry Reid calls the concerned citizens speaking their minds “loud, shrill voices.”  Nancy Pelosi called protesters Nazis, who are “carrying swastikas and symbols like that to a town meeting on health care.” There is no evidence on this whatsoever.

But the polling discredits their charges. According to a recent Quinnipiac poll, on Obama’s effort to overhaul of the health-care system, 52 percent disapprove of his handling of the issue while 39 percent approve. Disapproval jumped 10 points in the last month alone, and 60 percent of Independents – a key voting block – disapprove of the plan. Bottom line: the outrage is real.

Despite the legitimacy of the public’s concern, demonizing democracy has become pretty common these days for the left. They wrote off the tea parties as fabricated and claimed they were funded by FOX News . Most of the mainstream media took their cue from them and refused to report on the gatherings. Congressional Democrats sought to reimpose the “fairness doctrine” on broadcasters in order to shut down the one conservative-leaning communications medium, talk radio. And the administration has already tried to label anyone who speaks up as a “radical right wing extremist.”

By dismissing the anger of conservatives, moderates, libertarians, conservative democrats  and independents the administration looks out of touch and appallingly arrogant. In fact, it will hurt them even more because Obama promised to listen to the concerns of the citizens, not operate with a tin ear.

Some Dem’s have gone so far as to actually compare protestors with Nazis and claim all protests are fabricated:

Replacing a town hall meeting for a conference call in his district, Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash., on Thursday compared his constituents’ behavior to Nazi-era adherents.

“What we’re seeing right now is close to Brown Shirt tactics,” Baird told a local newspaper. “I mean that very seriously.”

In an interview Wednesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said of the protesters, “I think they are astroturf, you be the judge,” using an expression that refers to orchestrated grassroots.

Now then, let me say this:  I am a registered Republican and I have yet to have anyone call me or email me and encourage me to go to a meeting, write a letter, make a call, or ANYTHING to express disapproval with the Democrat’s attempts to forge and force through a faulty health care plan.  It just HAS NOT HAPPENED.

So then, I write here in my blog about those things I agree with or disagree with, and I write what I think and feel, not what I am told to write.  Apparently though, I’m now being told that if I do express disagreement with the DNC and its plans for the country that I am either a Nazi or a puppet expressing the thoughts of someone else, and that if I stand up and say that these are my thoughts and feelings then I am apparently a liar too.

Ya know… I think need to change the opening of this post; I’m not angry – I’m disgusted. I work hard to make my life, the lives of my family, and the lives of those in my community better, because I am an American and that is what we do.  I am a disabled Veteran, I served my country and am disabled because of that service; and because of my sacrifice I feel I deserve a little more respect than to be spit upon by those who are supposed to be serving me.

Congress and the organizations that work with them are not there to dictate my life and cast aspersions upon me and the citizens of this country – they are there to serve the country.  Maybe they should re-read the constitution and re-think their reasons for being in office.

Health care reform is the hot-button topic of discussion on all news channels and pretty much throughout the county as well.  The problem I have is that there is so much being said, with nothing of substance actually being said, that it is hard to fathom what is happening and what isn’t.

What shape will this reform take?  No one knows although many cry havoc at what they think might happen.

Will it cost too much and provide too little?  Who knows?  Many say it will and many say it won’t.

Some on the side of the left continually claim that those on the side of the right don’t want reform in this area, that they want to stay with the status quo – personally I find this claim to be ridiculous and merely an attempt to sling mud to discredit those who would provide thoughtful and wise warning about moving too fast into areas that have not been explored sufficiently.

One problem we face is the might of the Corporations who have vested interests in controlling how this country does or does not reform our health care system.  In recognizing this problem, our President promised repeatedly to hold open discussions/negotiations (on C-Span even). Sadly this is a promise that Mr. Obama has broken…  Actually he smashed it to pieces and walked away from the rubble.

What we need are specifics, we need factual data that supports, or does not support, the specific elements of any and all proposed plans.  We, the American public, need to know what is being discussed, how it will affect us, can we afford it, and will it do what needs to be done.  We, the American people, will be living (or dying) with whatever health care reform the government implements, we will be paying for it, we will be subjected to it, and we will either be served by it or harmed by it, and since it is we who will bear the brunt of whatever happens, it is we who must be fully informed during every step of the process  – with honest and factually accurate information.

What we do not need is the current state of affairs; we do NOT need closed door discussion by politicians and lobbyists, we do NOT need misinformation, inaccurate information,  and outright fabricated information. We do NOT need some form of crap legislation rammed through Congress and thrust upon the American people which will, in all likelihood, not serve our best interests, grow the government exponentially and bankrupt many, if not all, of us.

We need a balanced, open, well-thought, well-crafted, form of health care that will benefit us (the American people – and not just the government and the special interests who at this point have done very few of us any good at all.

Mr. Obama; step up and do what you said you would do. Use your power as President to bend actions of the Congress to a point where they will do what is right for the citizens of this country. At this point I see no aspect of the government – legislative, judicial, or executive – demonstrating an overriding concern to do what is best for we the people rather than themselves.

I need something to write about.

I’ve just gone through a phase where my blog has gone rather dormant. This happens to me almost every 3 months or so as daily life overwhelms me and my ability to sit and think about things, find inspiration, and do research, becomes non-existent.

When I get into this funk I feel less enamoured of everything. Mentally I feel insufficient and my spirit feels undernourished.  I need the stimulation this blog gives me and when I’m not posting I feel like a hungry man walking past a free all-you-can-eat buffet.

I have been contemplating a rework of some of my already published works: my Statement of Faith, and my treatise on Christian Liberty. I’ve considered for some time that both of these works would benefit from a serious rehash, cleaning them up, expanding on points made and adding things that I had left out.

However, if anyone out there has any ideas that could inspire me to delve into the fabulous world of intellectual exercise, I would be grateful for the nudge.

BTW – did you ever notice that when you use the spell-check on a blog post the word “blog” always comes up?  Shouldn’t that be part of a ‘blog dictionary’?

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican Sarah Palin stepped down as governor of Alaska on Sunday, vowing in a farewell address to continue fighting for Alaskans but giving no hint on whether she will seek an elective office again.

The Story

Yes, it is finally official.  Sarah Palin has resigned as Governor of Alaska. This is a bittersweet happening in my mind.

As a Governor she was extremely effective and the State of Alaska could be diminished without her leadership.

As a person she is a refreshingly straightforward individual, attractive by most standards, and a seemingly genuine and personable lady. I would have welcomed the opportunity to have her in the national governance if for nothing more than to have her fresh, and people first perspective in the ‘politics as usual’ morass that is D.C.

There has been and still is much discussion as to why Mrs. Palin chose to step down, despite her clear and consistent explanations – the burden of fighting nearly two dozen (ridiculously stupid) ethics charges; her desire to avoid being perceived as a powerless “lame-duck” governor; and a “higher calling,” among others.

“Some are still choosing not to hear why I made a decision to chart a new course to advance the state,”

She said she felt that she had a duty to avoid the “unproductive politics-as-usual of a lame-duck session” and that she could do more for Alaska without the restraints of office.

“With this decision, now I will be able to fight even harder for you, what’s right and for truth — and I have never felt that you need a title to do that,”

I cannot say I completely agree with all of her political views; she is a true conservative and I am moderate in many political/social areas. However, I cannot dismiss her passion for what she believes, her willingness to speak her mind and her demonstrated desire to do what is right for the people she works(ed) for: the citizens.

I wish her well in whatever she does, and if the opportunity should arise that I might assist her in some future venture; I would be willing.

1. Wealth without work

2. Pleasure without conscience

3. Knowledge without character

4. Commerce without morality

5. Science without humanity

6. Worship without sacrifice

7. Politics without principle

—Mahatma Gandhi

The Biblical method of salvation is to hold an abiding, trusting belief in Jesus the Christ as the Savior of men, the only begotten Son of God and the Way, the Truth, and the Life. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Salvation is gained by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God; (9) Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law's demands], lest any man should boast),

by receiving Jesus as Savior (John 1:12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name),

by fully trusting Jesus alone (John 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.)

(Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.)

The Biblical message of salvation is simple and clear, and amazing at the same time. We have all committed sin against God (Romans 3:23). There is no one who has lived an entire life without sinning (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Because of our sin, we have earned judgment from God (Romans 6:23), and that judgment is physical death followed by spiritual death (eternal separation from God). Because of our sin, and its deserved punishment, there is nothing we can do on our own to make ourselves right with God.

Because of His love for us, God became a human being in the Person of Christ Jesus. Jesus lived a perfect life and always taught the truth. However, humanity rejected Jesus and put Him to death by crucifying Him. Through that horrible act, Jesus died in our place. Jesus took the burden and judgment of our sin upon Himself, and died for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus was then resurrected (1 Corinthians 15), proving that His payment for our sin was sufficient and that He had overcome sin and death. As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, God offers us salvation as a gift. God calls us all to change our minds about Jesus (Acts 17:30), and to receive Him as the full payment of our sins (1 John 2:2). Salvation is gained by receiving the gift God offers us.

If you want to receive the salvation that is available through Jesus, place your faith in Him. Fully trust His death as the sufficient sacrifice for your sins. Completely rely on Him alone as your Savior. That is the Biblical method of salvation.

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, by all means, say a prayer to God. Saying the “sinner’s prayer” is simply a way of declaring to God that you are relying on Jesus Christ as your Savior. There are no “magical” words that result in salvation. It is only faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection that can save us. If you understand that you are a sinner and in need of salvation through Jesus Christ, here is a prayer that you can pray to God: “God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However,  I believe that Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”

Psa 46:10-11  Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  (11)  Jehovah of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah.

This passage is so key to a healthy and invigorating relationship with Him.  There are two admonitions in this passage which we should take time to understand more fully.

Be still…

The word translated “be still” comes from the Hebrew term raphah. This word is found in various forms in the Old Testament, with different shades of meaning. It refers to that which is slack, or to let drop, or in some instances, to be disheartened or weak. The meaning would be better understood to say “cause yourself to be weakened or to let go”. In other words, we need to come to a place where we are willing to submit ourselves to God; acknowledging that He is in sovereign control.

In other contexts, those who let their hands “drop” from work are condemned. Those who are disheartened are commanded to take courage. In contexts where “being still” is condemned, we find that certain obligations were being neglected, and God’s people were admonished to take initiative to fulfill their duties.

There are those (myself definitely included) who are far from “still”; they try to “do all the work”. They believe that by “lifting up their hands” and by “taking courage,” they can survive and thrive by the sweat of their own brow. They can do it all on their own, without any divine dependence.

Here is the irony in this term “be still.” While we must take the initiative to fulfill our responsibilities and live our lives, the uncertainties of living in a world of sin and woe will continually challenge us. Personal initiative is no substitute for reliance upon God.

Jas 4:13-16  Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money.  (14)  Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air].  (15)  You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing].  (16)  But as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption and your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong.

This command — “be still” — forces us to think on two things: that we are finite, and that God is infinite. That being the case, we need to drop our hands, go limp, relax, and “chill out.” Christian people ought to “come, behold the works of Jehovah,” (v. that we may enjoy a calm confidence in him who gave us his Son.

When we realize that we are incapable of controlling life, we can surrender our will to God’s will.  It may be a matter of finally saying we trust Him. This will open the door so that we may experience the fullness of all God wants and has for us. He is our Creator and has a perfect plan for us when we let Him orchestrate it.

and know that I am God…

It is of import to note that this passage does not say “be still and feel your God”.  We are admonished repeatedly in scripture to KNOW God, not to rely on our feelings, but our knowledge. We are commanded to study Him and His word to learn to recognize Him and His works and His truth, not to rely on what we feel is right.

I’ve said it many times; Christianity (faith) is very much an intellectual process.  We have faith in Him not because we ‘feel’ him – feelings ebb and flow like sifting sand.  We have faith in Him, we abide in Him because we know Him.  We know who He is and what He has promised us – knowledge is a foundation of rock.

Jesus tells us that the first commandment is:

Mar 12:30  And you shall love the Lord your God out of and with your whole heart and out of and with all your soul (your life) and out of and with all your mind (with your faculty of thought and your moral understanding) and out of and with all your strength. This is the first and principal commandment. [Deut. 6:4, 5.]

The word translated ‘know’ come from the Hebrew yaw-dah’. Meaning ‘discern’, ‘comprehend’, ‘have knowledge’, ‘be learned’.  Amongst those meanings lies my favorite connotation:  familiar friend

Our God is to be our familiar friend. We are to know Him as we would a close friend, or familiy member (our Father).  We are to have knowledge of who and what He is, what He has done and what He would do, just as we would understand and know a person we have lived closely and intimately for our whole lives.

Ultimately the two elements of the phrase ‘be still and know’ play off of each other.  We are able to ‘be still’ – to let drop our hands, to be weak – because we know our God and we know that He is faithful to protect, provide, guide, and love us. On the flip-side, we cannot experience the promises of our knowledge of Him unless we are ’still’, unless we let go and let Him do His work in our lives.

Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don’t know how long I’ll last

I try to be so tough
But I’m just not strong enough
I can’t do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I’m nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You’re all I have

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I’ll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don’t have to prove a thing
‘Cause You’re the one who’s saving me

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay ‘them’

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.’ ……And the Devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love , whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love, that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER : Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Dear Lord,
Please keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.

Re: The fiscal responsibility summit

Mr. President, I watched the news conference yesterday following the summit and must say I was impressed. I voted for you outside of my party affiliation because I felt you were the right person to get the government to work together for the good of the nation.

It is my opinion that now is the time for you to push the mantel of leadership and press the legislators to do what is right. The summit is the first step, what is needed now is your influence, and the power of your office to be the impetus for change in how our Congress acts. It is imperative now that you, as the leader of our nation, push the Congressional leaders to lay aside partisanship and include all players in the work to come.

The ‘task forces’, committees, work groups, what-have-you, that are developed to work on the problems discussed during the summit absolutely have to be bi-partisan, inclusive of dem’s and repub’s, AND business/public entities.  All participants must be given full voice and encouraged to set aside ideologies in order to find solutions.

It is your role, in my opinion and the opinion of many citizens like me, to set the ground rules for this collaboration. Do NOT allow the congressional leaders to set up committees and such based on the normal way of doing things. Make inclusion and cooperation mandatory for the work to come.

In my business when I establish a work group to design and implement a project I select members from a broad range of talents and skills and give them a short period of time to demonstrate the ability to work together to get the job done, if things seem to stall, I intervene to help correct the group dynamics, if things don’t improve soon after, I make the choice to either disband the group and rebuild, or replace members who do not seem to want to participate with the ultimate goal in mind.

As the Executive, I see this as your role.

Please, do not allow the legislators to drag their feet and perpetuate the age-old ideological stalemates. Push them to work together, do not accept lack of progress, and give them the understanding that no solution will satisfy all parties, but truly must come from knowing that all sides will have good ideas and that ALL sides must compromise.

Our national problems are not political chess pieces, they are real and effect the lives of millions.

Don’t let the American people down, and don’t let the political hacks serving in office forsake the American people in order to serve the political parties and special interests.

Thank you.

My wife and I watched the new movie “Fireproof” the other night…  wow!

If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it.  I can tell you that the acting may not be ‘oscar worthy’ but it isn’t so bad that you cannot enjoy the movie and get the message behind the movie.

I would love to discuss some scenes, but I don’t want to put out any spoilers yet… tell me what y’all think and we can talk about it.

Here are some links and resources for you (I’m thinking of doing a series on marriage/relationships and some of the “Fireproof” resources my be referenced):

The Fireproof movie

The Fireproof blog

Fireproof resources

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, ‘What does love mean?’ The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

‘When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.’ Rebecca- age 8

‘When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.’ Billy – age 4

‘Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.’ Chrissy – age 6

‘Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.’ Terri – age 4

‘Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.’ Danny – age 7

‘Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss.’ Emily – age 8

‘Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.’ Bobby – age 7

‘Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.’ Noelle – age 7

‘Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.’ Tommy – age 6

‘During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn’t scared anymore.’ Cindy – age 8

‘My mommy loves me more than anybody You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night..’ Clare – age 6

‘Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.’ Elaine-age 5

‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.’ Chris – age 7

‘Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day. ‘ Mary Ann – age 4

‘I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.’ Lauren – age 4

‘Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn’t think it’s gross.’ Mark – age 6

‘You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.’ Jessica – age 8

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman’s yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, ‘Nothing, I just helped him cry.’

Tuesday Morning is a leading closeout retailer of upscale, decorative home accessories, housewares and famous-maker gifts in the United States. The Company opened its first store in 1974 and currently operates 860 stores in 45 states. Tuesday Morning is nationally known for bringing its more than 9.0 million loyal customers a unique treasure hunt of high-end, first quality, brand name merchandise…never seconds or irregulars…at prices well below those of department and specialty stores and catalogues.

When shopping at Tuesday Morning customers can expect:

• Identical or similar inventory to that found in better catalogs, upscale department stores, or specialty boutiques
• A merchandise mix divided into major categories, including upscale decorative accessories, rugs, lamps, books, crystal and glassware, china, luggage, luxury bed and bath linens, toys, gourmet foods and cookware, flatware, and seasonal items such as greenery, trim, Christmas wrap and decorations, or lawn and garden furniture and accessories
• Well-known and nationally advertised manufacturers and name brands from Europe and across the world
• Casual, self-serve in-store atmosphere with a no-frills presentation

Yes, this was a shameless plug, but can you blame a person?

With prices starting at 50-80% off retail, a shopper can find multitudes of needed and wanted items and save tons of money.  In today’s economy saving every cent you can is important and being able to get quality merchandise in the process is simply intelligent consumerism.

Just in case you are having a rough day, here is a stress management technique recommended in the latest psychological journals.

Funny thing is ……it works.

1.) Picture yourself near a stream in the mountains.

2.) Birds are chirping in the cool mountain air.

3.) No one knows your secret place.

4.) You are in total seclusion from the hectic place called the world.

5.) The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.

6.) The water is crystal clear.

7.) You can easily make out the face of the person you are holding under the water.

See you are already smiling…

Is there such a thing as an ‘ex-Christian’? Can one fall from grace, or abandon their faith, or does the idea of Once Saved Always Saved come into play somehow?  These are the questions I have been pondering for a few days.

John 2:19 They went out from our number, but they did not [really] belong to us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [they withdrew] that it might be plain that they all are not of us. ”

This Scripture makes it abundantly clear—there is no such thing as an ex-Christian. If a person is truly a Christian, he/she will never depart from the faith “…for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us…” If a person who claimed to be a Christian denies the faith, he/she was not truly a Christian. “They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us…their going showed that none of them belonged to us.” No, there is truly no such thing as an ex-Christian.

It is important to distinguish between a true Christian and an “in name only” Christian. A true Christian is a person who has fully trusted in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. A true Christian is a person who understands what the Bible says about sin, sin’s penalty, who Jesus is, what Jesus did for us, and how that provides for the forgiveness of sin. A true Christian is a person who has received Jesus Christ as personal Savior, has been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and is progressively being transformed into the image of Christ. A true Christian is a person who is kept a Christian by the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:13, 30; 2 Corinthians 1:22). This true Christian can never become an ex-Christian. No one who has truly and fully trusted in Christ as Savior could ever deny Him. No one who truly comprehends the evil of sin, the terror of sin’s consequences, the love of Christ, and the grace and mercy of God, could ever turn back from the Christian faith.

There are many in those world who claim to be Christians, but are not. Being a Christian does not mean recognizing that Jesus was a great teacher or even seeking to follow His teachings. Being a Christian means being a “little Christ” (the meaning of the word Christian) and a servant of Christ. There are people who have had some connection to a “Christian” church and then later renounced that connection. There are people who have “tasted” and “sampled” Jesus Christ, without ever actually receiving Him as Savior. There are some who prayed the “sinner’s prayer” and claimed the mantel of Christian only to later fall away, or reject that title. However, there is no such thing as true ex-Christian. A true Christian will never, and could never, renounce the faith. Any person who claimed to be a Christian, but later rejects the Christian faith, was never truly a Christian.

This idea concerns me, and others, for often evangelicals teach that saying that prayer gains salvation, yet how then can we explain the ‘ex-Christians’ who seem to abound?  How do we reconcile that so many fall away, ‘back-slide’ or never experience the full joy of regeneration or demonstrate the fruits of the spirit?

These are the ideas I want to explore here, starting with the fruits of the spirit:

I’ve tried to coin the phrase “fruit of the root”, but when I say it people just look at me like I’m an idiot. The idea is that true Christians demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit which is the root of our salvation and regeneration. These fruits are not a laundry list of things we must do, or ways we must act, in order to be ‘Christian’, but instead they are symptoms of our internal regeneration, they are the naturally resulting fruit based upon the roots by which we are grounded.

Gal 5:22-25  But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,  (23)  Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].  (24)  And those who belong to Christ Jesus (the Messiah) have crucified the flesh (the godless human nature) with its passions and appetites and desires.  (25)  If we live by the [Holy] Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. [If by the Holy Spirit we have our life in God, let us go forward walking in line, our conduct controlled by the Spirit.]

“…let us also walk by the Spirit”   That is a powerful phrase. We do not behave as if we are Christians, or disciples of Christ; our behavior is a natural outpouring of that foundation which drives us, leads us, speaks to us, and reforms us. Our behavior is a fruit born of the roots of the Spirit embedded within our hearts.

Many of us, myself tops on the list, struggle daily with experiencing the fruits of the spirit. We (I) struggle with having the symptoms evidence the fact that our foundation is based in Christ and not the flesh.

I have sought answers for this predicament and have come to the conclusion that the problem, and the solution, resides in one simple word: abide.

To “abide” is to live, continue, or remain; so, to abide in Christ is to live in Him or remain in Him.  The phrase “abiding in Christ” denotes an intimate, close relationship, and not just a superficial acquaintance.

The difference between those abiding in Christ and those not abiding in Christ is the difference between the saved and the unsaved.

Abiding in Christ is taught in 1 John 2:5-6, where it is synonymous with “knowing” Christ (verses 2 and 3). Later in the same chapter, John equates “remaining” in the Father and the Son with having the promise of eternal life (verses 24 and 25).

How can we experience the symptoms of a symbiotic relationship if we do not maintain a close connection with those whom are in that relationship with us?  Can you maintain a healthy marriage if you do not see, interact with, communicate with, your spouse?  Can you fully experience the relationship if you do not share your joys, trials, concerns, victories, failures, loves, dislikes?  My experience has been that one cannot fully expect a beneficial, life-changing symbiotic relationship with someone which you are only acquainted.

In John 15:4-7, Jesus tells His disciples that having salvation is essential, using the picture of branches united to a vine. Without that vital union with Christ which salvation provides, there can be no life and no productivity. Elsewhere, the Bible likens this union to that of a head and a body (Colossians 1:18).

I’m particularly enamored of how Christ Jesus spoke of this relationship and the necessity to abide in Him in John 5:

Joh 15:1-16  I AM the True Vine, and My Father is the Vine-dresser.  (2)  Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.  (3)  You are cleansed and pruned already, because of the word which I have given you [the teachings I have discussed with you].  (4)  Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.  (5)  I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. (6)  If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.  (7)  If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.  (8)  When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.  (9)  I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me].  (10)  If you keep My commandments [if you continue to obey My instructions], you will abide in My love and live on in it, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commandments and live on in His love.  (11)  I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.  (12)  This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you.  (13)  No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.  (14)  You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do.  (15)  I do not call you servants (slaves) any longer, for the servant does not know what his master is doing (working out). But I have called you My friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from My Father. [I have revealed to you everything that I have learned from Him.]  (16)  You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.

I spoke of the ‘fruit of the root’ earlier and I wanted to point out that the esoteric aspects of personality are not the only fruits born by the root system that is within us.

We also bear the fruit of obedience to Christ’s commands (1Jn 3:24  All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us. ); following Christ’s example (1Jn 2:6  Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself. ); living free from habitual sin (Jn 3:6  No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains in communion with and in obedience to Him--deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him]. ); and the awareness of a divine presence within one’s life (1Jn 4:13  By this we come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we abide (live and remain) in Him and He in us: because He has given (imparted) to us of His [Holy] Spirit.

Allow me to once again stress this point: These fruits are not things we do, ways we act, something we strive for; they are symptoms of an internal condition. They are natural aspects of the regenerate life. To attempt to portray these aspects on our own merits is hypocrisy.

Do we (I) exemplify these fruits? If not, then we need to go back to the source: Christ Jesus. We must involve Him in our daily lives through prayer and study, we must abide in Him, and He in us, and we must know that the impetus for this union comes from Him and Him alone, nothing of ourselves, thus we must call upon Him to instill His Spirit in us, as we know from His Word that it is only from Him:

2Co 5:17-20  Therefore if any person is [in-grafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!  (18)  But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].  (19)  It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling and restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up and holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor).  (20)  So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.

Y’all should check this out:

The No Cussing Club

This club started by a 14 year old boy is a fantastic wave of maturity and decency in the world.  I was surprised that the site was rated as ‘untrustworthy’ by one of the internet rating thing-a-majigs on my PC and I can only presume that the rating function (which is fueled users) reflects a societal attitude toward decency.

Check it out, give it your support.  If you are a young person or have children of your own, I suggest getting involved.

Golly.

The good feelings sure didn’t last too long. 7 days in office and already the political machine is running rampant as if a new President was never elected.

The Dem’s are touting a $850 Billion ‘economic stimulus’ package that will do little or nothing to stimulate anything other than the growth of the deficit, and all the campaign rhetoric of bi-partisanship and ‘working together’ has already shown itself to be nothing more than empty words.

Let’s look at the facts:

Dem’s drafted and are pushing through a massive spending bill and they have paid little mind to the input of the Republicans.  Dem leadership says that they will listen to and consider any Republican idea that they think is beneficial (although the caveat here is that nothing the Republican’s offer will ever stand up to the bogus litmus test of ideas the Dem’s think are beneficial.

The $850 Billion package (the government’s own finance office actually puts the overall pricetag at over $1 TRILLION) is long on spending and short on stimulating anything but national debt. What does the package include?

- $300 million for roads on Indian reservations. [no new jobs, but probably work for contractors]
- $100 million for the Lead Hazard Reduction Program. [ gov't jobs at best, worthy cause maybe.....stimulating?]
- $44 million for “construction, repair, and improvement” of Department of Agriculture buildings,
- $209 million for work on “deferred maintenance at Agricultural Research Service facilities.” [why is this just not in the budget?]
- $245 million to “maintain and modernize the information technology system at the Farm Service Agency.”
- $1 billion (with a B) to the Census Bureau for “Periodic Censuses and Programs.” [what!?!?!]
- $650 million for the Department of Commerce’s Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Program, [TV is a right?]
- $400 million to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for “operations, research and facilities.”
- $150 million to NASA for “aeronautics.”
- $4.5 billion (with a B) to improve, repair and modernize Department of Defense facilities, restore and modernize Army barracks, and invest in the energy efficiency of Department of Defense facilities.
- $1.7 billion (with a B) for projects to address critical deferred maintenance needs within the National Park System.

There’s also huge increases to food stamps and unemployment benefits…not sure how that math works out (“we’re paying you NOT to work ’cause that creates jobs?)…and funding for Planned Parenthood..

Can someone show me where the creation of jobs comes into play in this list?  Where does the general public benefit and how will any of this spending stimulate the economy?

What this all boils down to is the left side of the aisle doing exactly what they have complained the right side of the aisle has done:  Shove their own pet projects through the legislative process, increase the size and scope of government, astronomically increase the size of the deficit, and in not one single iota of an idea, do anything to help the citizens of this country in these devastatingly difficult economic times.

President Obama met with Republican leaders today to discuss this package and the process involved in developing it, and he heard a lot of input as to the failure of the Dem’s to actually involve the Repub’s, the failure of the proposed package to stimulate anything useful, and thier ideas for deeper tax cuts and less spending.  I wonder though if he will actually do the right thing and put a stop to this nonsense before our country is completely and utterly in the toilet, or if he will cowtow to the Dem’s and let them fund their pork in lieu of helping the nation.

If I were President Obama, I would address the Congress and tell them that the package, as currently designed, would meet only with my VETO, and if they wanted to get something done then they had better go back to the drawing board, include all players in the political machine, and develop a stimulus package that will actually help the country and not plunge it further into economic turmoil.

I have been silent for many weeks.  Time and circumstance have shoved their way into the doors of my life obtrusively, giving me little opportunity to share my thoughts with you (whomever you may be), yet today, a day of hope for renewal has given me the impetus to write some thoughts on the world, and the future.

Today I sat with my youngest child and watched the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America.  Today I sat with my youngest child and watched history in the making. That phrase ‘history in the making’ seems cliche, however, today that phrase has true meaning. My son and I witnessed firsthand an event that will be marked in the history books not only as a footnote in American history, but as milestone in the history of the world. Today marked the swearing in of the first African-American to the highest office this nation offers, the peaceful transition of power that marks the ideals of this great country as unrivaled in the world and the placement into the most powerful position in the world of a man who never before in my lifetime could have ever dreamed.

I watched history unfold today, I shared it with my son, and I am renewed in my American spirit as never before.

In a few posts on this blog over the course of the past year I have hovered between support for, and doubt in the ability of our now President, Barak Obama. Yet today, on this historic day, I am relieved of all doubts, I am devoid of all uncertainty and I am hopeful for a stronger and better tomorrow.

As I write this I am mindful of my political, economic, and social convictions. In my life I have moved from the label of Democrat to Republican based on my leanings in many areas. Fiscally conservative, socially moderate, but always centered on the ideals that shape my daily life: Compassion for those who have less than I, determination to make this world and this country a better place for my children and my children’s children, concern to live a life weighing more in security and comfort than toil and strife, and a desire to see those in power politically and socially to do their duty to serve family and country the same way I have, and do, perform my duty.

President Obama said this:

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America – they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

This is my hope today: that our leaders will take these words as warning and guide – do not play the petty games of politics anymore, do not squabble over that which is meaningless in the grander scheme of things, but reach beyond the transient, the furtive (and ultimately useless) grasp for power, reach beyond the minor victories of immediate satisfaction and do that which needs to be done for long-term health and prosperity for this county and this world.

Today is a day of hope.

1Co 2:16  For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart

In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul quotes Isaiah 40:13 and then makes a statement concerning all believers: “We have the mind of Christ.” Having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers possess.

Having the mind of Christ means we understand God’s plan in the world—to bring glory to Himself, restore creation to its original splendor, and provide salvation for sinners. It means we identify with Christ’s purpose “to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). It means we share Jesus’ perspective of humility and obedience (Philippians 2:5-8), compassion (Matthew 9:36), and prayerful dependence on God (Luke 5:16).

In the verses leading up to 1 Corinthians 2:16, we note some truths concerning the mind of Christ:

1) The mind of Christ stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of man (1Co 2:5-6  So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God.  (6)  Yet when we are among the full-grown (spiritually mature Christians who are ripe in understanding), we do impart a [higher] wisdom (the knowledge of the divine plan previously hidden); but it is indeed not a wisdom of this present age or of this world nor of the leaders and rulers of this age, who are being brought to nothing and are doomed to pass away.).

2) The mind of Christ involves wisdom from God, once hidden but now revealed (1Co 2:7  But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God–[that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence].).

3) The mind of Christ is given to believers through the Spirit of God (1Co 2:10-12  Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man's scrutiny].  (11)  For what person perceives (knows and understands) what passes through a man’s thoughts except the man’s own spirit within him? Just so no one discerns (comes to know and comprehend) the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.  (12)  Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.).

4) The mind of Christ cannot be understood by those without the Spirit (1Co 2:14  But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.).

5) The mind of Christ gives believers discernment in spiritual matters (1Co 2:15  But the spiritual man tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].).

In order to have the mind of Christ, one must first have saving faith in Christ (Joh 1:12  But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name-; 1Jn 5:12  He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life. ). After salvation, the believer lives a life under God’s influence. The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens the believer, infusing him with wisdom—the mind of Christ. The believer bears a responsibility to yield to the Spirit’s leading (Eph 4:30  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).) and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew his mind (Rom 12:1-2  I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.  (2)  Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].).

Here are a few tips I’ve come across to save money and improve gas mileage. I’ve put these tips into practice and have noticed an improvement in my MPG:

Driving: Don’t be an aggressive driver.  Gentler starts and stops at lights, in parking lots, and between speed bumps saves a significant amount of gas.  Speed is an important issue; on the average drive (45 miles or less), exceeding the speed limits will net you a time savings of about 1.5 minutes. The speeding ticket you might get will cost you more time to endure and rectify than you would save in an entire year of driving.

When driving under 40 mph put your windows down and let the car cool with the breezes. If going over 40 put up the windows and use your air conditioner (if it is hot outside).  Studies have shown that the wind resistance in the car when going over 40 significantly decreases your MPG. If you do a lot of highway driving you can really improve your MPG.  I have been doing this since the beginning of summer and have noticed an average of 2 MPG improvement.

Filling up at the pump:  Fill your car when it is cooler outside.  Morning is the best time.  As the ambient temperature goes up the gasoline in the tanks and in your vehicle’s gas tank emits fumes.  When filling up in the heat you are not only pumping liquid fuel, but fumes as well, and the gas pump registers those fumes as fuel dispensed.  The result is that you do not get a true gallon of gas, but you do pay for it.

Additionally, when filling your tank, use the lowest setting on the pump handle.  Using the faster setting gives you the same result as pumping gas in the heat – you pay for gas that you do not actually get.

Vehicle maintenance: This is a no-brainer.  Have your oil changed per manufacturer’s suggestion and ensure your air filters are clean, and your tires have the correct pressure.  Get the suggested service done as well.  A engine that can breath, and is well maintained can save you lots of money at the pump.