Fishersmen APES are (A)ccountable

What is Accountability? It is a check and balance system to protect us from harm from ourselves and others. We do this by being open to what we are thinking and doing so we can receive encouragement and reproof, when needed. Accountability is a GOOD thing!

The Bible says God’s people are to warn sinners and to dissuade them from evil to save their lives. If we don’t, God holds us accountable. When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. Ezekiel 3:18 NIV

From the beginning, when God walked with the first men, he tried to counsel them when they were tempted to sin and hold them accountable. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." Gen 4:6-6 NASV Everyone is accountable, even a beloved King. Nathan confronts David and holds him accountable after his sin against Uriah and with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12:1-13.

Being accountable and providing accountability protects us from stumbling or falling. “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.” Matthew 18:15 The apostle Paul says that as believers and followers of Christ we are equipped to counsel our brothers and hold them accountable “And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another (hold each other accountable).” Romans 15:14

Are you tempted in an area? Are you having trouble living up to God’s standards and struggling in an area. Build accountability! Ask a trusted fellow brother to hold you accountable. Do you have a Nathan in your life?

He struggles with God

Guys,

I wanted to pass along a neat message from my pastor on ISRAEL which means "He struggles with God." Here's the Bible Story.

There is some confusion out there as people, including the church talk about Israel, what God is doing with Israel, and what promises to whom did God make. Enjoy!

Steve

"For not all who descended from Israel are Israel." Romans 9:6b

One of the challenges of reading and understanding the Bible is to make sure that we know the definition of the words we encounter. We have mentioned this before on several occasions, but today, we are entering new territory with the word "Israel." Here's the rub: Israel can refer to a person, to a country and to a people. We have to know which is being discussed or we're in some pretty tall timber. Let's see if we can help see the trees in the forest.

When Abraham's son, Isaac, had children, there were twin boys: Esau and Jacob. The story of their upbringing is too long to comment on here, but suffice it to say that these two guys didn't get along like good brothers should. Jacob, whose name means, "the deceiver" or "he deceives," eventually found himself alone at night with an angel of God who wrestled with him all through the night hours. (sound like anything that any of you have experienced?)

As the morning dawned, the angel, speaking for God, gave Jacob a new name: Israel, which means "he wrestles with God." Israel had twelve sons, who became known as, surprise, surprise, "the children of Israel." After the children of Israel's descendants left Egypt and finally made it to Canaan, they took the country (eventually!) and renamed it, of all things, "Israel." The people who populated Israel became known as Israel (still with me?).

The name Israel at some point began to mean, "the people of God." Many times they were called Jews, which came from "Judah" and referred to those people who lived there. So, "Jews" and "Israel" at times mean the same thing.

What Paul is referring to here in our verse, and what he will talk about for a few more chapters is not Israel the man, nor is talking about Israel the land. He is talking about Israel the people, but he is NOT talking about all Jews, he is talking about those who are children of God. What he is saying is that not everyone who is Jewish is a child of God. Of course, for most Jewish readers, those were fighting words!! They believed that they were indeed children of God because they were descendants of Israel the man, living in Israel, the promised land. Not so, says Paul. It really has nothing to do with your first birth and it really has nothing to do with your country, it has to do with your relationship with Jesus, which requires a second birth!

God's children may still be referred to as Israel from time to time, but they are no longer identified by their genealogy, it is now only by faith in Jesus. So, if someone calls you Israel and you are a Christian, that's a good thing! Confused? Stick around; we'll see if we can get things straightened out!

This is Pastor Bruce

Fishersmen APES

After writing a blog post a couple of weeks ago about the Fishersmen group, there were still questions about the nature and purpose of our group. To help us remember I’ve come up with an acronym. We’re a bunch of Fishersmen APES. Christian men who are striving in community with each other to be ACCOUNTABLE, PRAYERFUL, ENCOURAGING, AND SERVING.

ACCOUNTABLE not in that we’ll have weekly sin confessionals, but rather that we’ll enjoy close transparent relationships where we can pick a spec out of a brother’s eye and be there for one another if one is struggling.

PRAYERFUL in knowing each other well enough that we can effectively hold each other up in prayer and give thanks together.

ENCOURAGING in that we will cheerlead for each other as we seek to be more like Jesus, good husbands, good fathers, good workers, good friends, good neighbors.

SERVING in that we will meet needs in our group and in the community in the name of Christ. Particularly as it relates to discipleship and leading others in their spiritual walk.

So that’s what Fishersmen is about, just a bunch of APES.

Blessings!

God's Wisdom

God’s word has a lot to say about wisdom, particularly in the Proverbs.

Wisdom is personified like a graceful lady and said to be a companion of God from the beginning of eternity. Wisdom is said to have companions that always go along with her, Prudence, Knowledge and Discretion. This lady also possesses sound judgement, understanding and power. God’s wisdom leads one to pursue righteousness and justice. Check out Proverbs 8.

Proverbs 1 says that the fear (or reverent respect) for the LORD (Jehovah) is the beginning of wisdom, but that those who despise wisdom or discipline (correction, or being under God’s rules) are fools. Check out Proverbs 1. The Psalmist echoes this when he says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psa. 110:10

Isaiah says that the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Sprit of counsel and of power, the Sprit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD would rest on the Messiah, aka Jesus. Matthew Mark and Luke all tell us that the people who observed Jesus knew that he had godly wisdom to go along with his miraculous powers.

But Paul tells us that there is a difference between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom, and that man’s wisdom is deemed as foolishness to God.

A concordance is a powerful tool to do a topical search on words or concepts in the Bible, thanks to the internet and Bible Gateway, we all can check it out easily online. If you are interested in being a wise guy, check out the Bible gateway listings for the WISDOM topic.

Blessings!

Fishersmen Role Model and Rules

This is an excerpt from an email to our group...

Our Fishersmen's group is a fellowship for Christian men who want to live truth and follow Christ to the best of their ability, focusing on mutual encouragement, prayer and accountability. We want to help each man who sincerely is seeking to get to know God better and live in a manner that would please Jesus.

We're not a service organization, networking group, fund raising machine. Nor are we Buddhist, Muslim, or Unitarian. We're a Christian men's Group.

So we need to have a couple of things as any group does to accomplish its purpose: A guide, or role model, and a source or reference of authority. For us, as for all Christians, our role model is Jesus of Nazareth, called the Christ, and our source of authority is the Bible.

Everyone's opinion is valued and respected, but not all sources and opinions carry the same weight. If Jesus said it, or if the Bible clearly says it, then because of the group we are, that opinion is Trump. ( if you've ever played Euchre)

The constitution was referenced in a recent email, and as an analogy let's talk about authority in law. There's hierarchy of authority and interpretation. City ordinances have to submit to State Statute, State Statutes have to submit to the Constitution, and there may be a variety of opinion about the interpretation of the 2nd amendment. But, because we are Americans we submit ourselves to the Current Supreme Court's interpretation of the Constitution, and the current Supreme Court wisely looks at past Courts' interpretation and rulings relating to what is the true law and verdict. Christianity does similarly with the Bible. Biblical scholars who weigh past Christian theologian's opinions about what the Bible says and have boiled them down into creeds give us a guide for what is"orthodox" Christianity. Throughout Christianity, what Jesus and the Apostles have said about the law, the prophets, and the life of the biblical Jesus has been held as having more authority and being a trump opinion as opposed to the latest thinker or idea of the day.

What does authentic Christianity say about: Who is Jesus? Is the Bible true? Who wrote the Bible? Who is the Holy Spirit, who has Him or is under His influence?

Anyone's opinion has value, may be interesting or novel, sound good, or even sound inclusive and non-judgemental. But, if you're going to base your world view, your philosophy of life, your success and spiritual future on it. You, like me might want to go to the highest, and commonly respected authority. Paul commended the Bereans for checking out his New Testament teachings against the Hebrew Scriptures of the day.

Who did Jesus claim to be? Did He do anything to prove it? What does He have to say about the Bible or the Holy Spirit?

How about the people closest to Jesus? What does John or Peter, or even Paul have to say as recorded in the Bible. How did early church leaders boil their understanding, their beliefs from their study of scripture down into what is true? What do the Creeds say?

I think every honest seeker follower would want to go to these primary sources.

Here are some links and references:

Who is Jesus?

Who wrote the Bible?

Who has the Holy Spirit?

What have authentic Christians believed about Christianity for hundreds of years through persecution and prosperity?

(The Apostle's Creed)

The Bible is the most published book ever, and revered by most to be exceptions, and by many to be the word of God. Got questions? Read it.

Jesus has had more impact on the world than any other historic figure. And to millions, including myself, we are thoroughly convinced that he is who he said he is in the Bible, God in the flesh. Want to find truth? Learn what he said. Not parts of what he said. All that is recorded that he said. Then, if you're open and sincere, lets talk.

Being the BEST dad!

I visited a favorite local church this last Sunday, and wow did God give me the right message that morning. It was about being the best (B.E.S.T.) dad, or best parent I could be. The B.E.S.T. is a mnemonic with each of the initials reminding me of what our kids need from us.

The B tells us we should bless our children and not curse them or provoke them to wrath. It spoke about when we talk to others about our children we should talk about their good qualities and our pride in them.

The E tells us we should encourage our children and not criticize them. Lovingly correct yes, criticize them no. Being on their side as a cheerleader. After all isn't that what we want from our friends, encouragement.

The S says we should share with our children. Give them quality time, listen to them and their hearts. Share with them what the Lord has done for us, our struggles with life, that we love them and will always be there for them.

The T says we should touch or connect with them. Give them hugs, pats on the back, a warm, kind, gentle touch. We guys tend to be so macho. But, our kids need a touch from us. It is said that a mother's hug communicates love to a child, but a dad's bear hug communicates security to a child. Do you want your child to feel secure in this scary and wicked world? Give them a security hug today.

Guys, let's help each other be the BEST dad we can be!

The Leaders Led

That the leaders led in Israel, That the people volunteered, Bless the Lord! *

These words start the song of Deborah, a famous judge in the book of Judges in the old testament. I haven't been reading in the old testament for a while, and so I've been missing out. As a favorite cbmc'er once said, himself a Messianic Jew, "If you don't know your old testament, you're going into battle with half a sword!"

Reading Judges I was taken by what a bunch of scoundrels the Jews were. They weren't any more likeable, honorable, or sinless than the alien nations around them. Their only difference was that they had been introduced to the true living God, who had chosen them, and had delivered His law and favor on them through Moses and the Patriarchs.

The reason that things were tough for the Jews, with the Philistines and Moabites giving them a hard time, was that they were disobedient to the truth. They didn't put away the temptations of a worldly culture, and they worshiped foreign Gods. Then God would have to raise up a judge to straighten things out.

The United States, or rather colonies were first successfully settled by Christian pilgrims, Puritans if you will. And the world still views us as a Christian nation. But things aren't going as well for us as we'd like. Families in peril, finances in ruins, debtors to the world, and current high unemployment.

We, the church in America, haven't put away the temptations of a worldly culture. We have allowed God and the truth of the Bible to be taken out of our government and schools. And much of the church has set up the foreign gods of materialism, tolerance to sin, and ignorance, if not rejection of the true Word and standards of God.

Let's pray that God will raise up Judges, prophets, and leaders in our land to turn us back. Let's call on God and look forward to the time when...

The leaders will lead, the people will volunteer, and the Lord will once again be blessed by America.

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* Judges 5:2 PS: Guys there's also a message in the chapters around this if we men don't assume our headship and lead. God will use and raise up the gals like Deborah and Jael to get His work done.

An Egyptian’s Perspective on Islam

Last week on a business trip I had the blessing of riding with a Christian cab driver, who was also a Coptic Egyptian and naturalized American citizen. He had strong opinions about Islam, Muslim immigration to the United States, and the adopted country he loves.

He is familiar with both the Arabic as well as the softened English version of the Qu’ran. Both say that only Allah is God, and that Muhammad is a superior prophet to Jesus, and that Jesus is not the only Son of God, and that He did not die sacrificially for the sins of the world¹. Both say that a different duty is owed to Muslims than to non-Muslims.

Clearly, in the Arabic Qu’ran, Muslims are to either convert non-believers (infidels), or kill them⁴. If they do not kill them, they should try to cheat them, and they do not owe non-Muslims the truth². Allah says that they should hate infidels. Whereas, Christianity says that we should love our enemies, and that we owe all men the truth. Jesus is the truth³.

The Arabic Quran give men complete property rights over women⁶. He was dismayed at how a Muslim man would leave his wife and children in the Middle East, immigrate to America on a work or visitor visa, then marry an American woman, live with her for 3 years until his American citizenship was permanent, then divorce the American woman and repatriate any American born children back to the Middle East.

He spoke of his love for America which he said Middle Eastern countries equate with Christianity and the Cross of Christ. He believes it is not only a mistake, but a crime to allow the immigration of America’s ideological enemies.

We did agree on the solution. The power of the gospel and truth is still able to soften even a Muslim heart and make a new creation and child of God⁵. And we should evangelize and disciple the Islamic community with fervor. But, we should not be foolish about the Islamic agenda. And, he openly says that Allah is not any god, but rather Satan himself in one of his many names, the Father of Lies, and a Destroyer to all who follow his false religion.

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1. Qu’ran Surah 3:59: The similitude of Isa before God is as that of Adam; He created him from dust… 4:157: That they said in boast ‘we killed Christ Isa, the son of Mary”… but the killed him not, nor crucified him.

2.Qu’ran 8:30 They plot and plan, and Allah, too plans, but the best of planners (deceivers) is Allah.

3. 3Bible John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

4. 4Qu’ran Surah 8:65 O Prophet, urge the believers to fight. If there are twenty patient men among you, you shall overcome two hundred, and if there are a hundred, they shall overcome a thousand unbelievers, for they are a nation who do not understand. 9:29: Fight those who neither believe in Allah nor the Last Day, who do not forbid what Allah and His Messenger have forgidden, and do not embrace the religion of the truth, being among those who have been given the Bood, until they pay tiute out of hand and have been humiliated. 2:193: Fight against them until there is no dissension, and the religion is for Allah.

5. 5Bible Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

6. 6Qu’ran Sura 2:223 Your women are your fields, so go into your fields whichever way you like… 4:24: And forbidden to you are wedded wives of other people except those who have fallen in your hands (prisoners of war) (slave-girls are sexual property for their male owners.) Sura 4:3 And if you be apprehensive that you will not be able to do justice to the orphans, you may marry two or three or four women whom you choose. 4:34 … If you fear highhandedness from your wives, remind them, then ignore them when you go to bed, then hit them. If they obey you, you have no right to act against them.

Slaves to sin

"For we know that our old self was crucified with Him, so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin ... " Romans 6:6


Let's go, in our imaginations, to West Africa, circa 1801. Very early morning in our village, just before sunrise. The night sounds are still heard, but there is another sound as well. It is the sound of heavy feet; different from anything we have ever heard before. There is also a sound that is completely foreign to our ears; later we would learn that it is the sound of metal chains clanging against each other. A rather pretty and somehow melodic sound, but also a frightening sound. As sleep tumbles from our eyes, we sense firelight moving in and out among our tents. Then screams. Babies crying and mothers shrieking. Mens' and boys' voices raised in anger and fear. Then darkness descends as a heavy club knocks consciousness away.


We awaken, you and I, several hours later, to horrific smells and a foreign, sickening movement. Another unknown sound is heard - a whip, slicing through the air and splitting open backs and arms and faces. Again, angry screams and the smell of blood. There are chains around our ankles and our wrists and we have been stripped of our garments. We are inside some kind of a large box, it seems. This box sways and moves - it is a ship. We are captives aboard a slave ship and life as we had come to know it is forever over. Tears spill from our eyes, even as we are forced to sit on tiny benches and row at oars. Anger that is kept under control by the chains, becomes our constant companion.


After days and weeks of anguish and death, we would do anything to be free once again, but there is no hope for us. We are slaves now and we will be slaves forever, or so it seems. The only way out would be for us to die; for dead men cannot be slaves anymore to anyone ever again.


Do you see that that is what Paul is trying to have us understand? You and I were slaves, slaves to sin, but we died and have been given the opportunity to live a new life. Those chains, which used to bind us, bind us no longer, because they were loosed from our dead wrists. Those whips that use to scar us can do so no longer, for we are dead and dead men feel no pain and fear no whips. And the slave drivers who made our lives so unbearable? As soon as we died, they lost interest in us. Do you get it? When we died to sin, we were set free from its mastery over us.

"Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"


Today, recognize that you died and that sin has no hold on you at all! Live as free men! And don't go back to your old life of slavery.

Stinky Feet?

Are your feet stinky and dirty?

Have you ever washed someone else's dirty feet?

The thought that the creator of the universe, the king of kings and lord of lords washed stinky feet is such a strange thought, but a real story, and I think it bears another look don't you?

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand." "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Isn't that an amazing story? Here are some things I'd like to point out:

Jesus said they wouldn't understand what He was doing until later? So He meant there was something symbolic as well as physical going on.

He said they were already clean except for Judas Iscariot, but He had also bathed, but He didn't receive Christ as the others did. So being clean referred to their lives being made clean, their sins having been cleansed or forgiven and covered by virtue of their belief and acceptance of Jesus.

He said that we still get dirty stinky feet. Because we're not yet separated from our natural man, the sinful world, and we still stumble (sin) our feet get dirty. Our Christian walk and communion with God gets compromised. So Jesus and other believers need to "wash our feet" restore us to a good walk and fellowship from time to time.

We are supporsed to wash each other's feet and it will be a blessing to us. But, how do we do that?

Pray for each other... Hold each other accountable... Live transparent lives in fellowship with other believers... (Stay in the light house, so the dark is not so tempting) Counsel each other... Train, forgive, and restore each other... Be there for each other...

Do you need your feet washed?

Is there someone else that needs you to wash their feet?

Your wife? Your kids? Your Christian brother?

The more sensitive instrument

In my first job out of college I sold Swiss made Mettler Balances. These sensitive instruments were used to measure grams 1/454th of a pound and even micrograms, 1/454,000 of a pound. Chemists and Gemologists used them to precisely measure amounts of chemicals for experiments and diamonds and rubies in Carat weights. Needless to say, you had to understand how to use these valuable instruments or if you ham handed them dumping a lot of weight on them without a thoughtful process, they were easily damaged.

1 Peter 3:7 says "You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered."

Where it says someone weaker, rather think about "a more sensitive instrument" as one marriage teacher explained, "wives are like your radar, they can pick up on people's feelings, and situations in a sensitive way that is oblivious to the average man."

If you've ever seen a young mommy carry around a toddler on her hip through a store pushing a heavy laden shopping cart for hours, you might doubt the "physically weaker" interpretation, but there is no doubt that they are made specially different to complement man, and they certainly have intuition and read situations better than us.

We need to understand this and treasure this for the value of the godly design and intent guys.

Let's honor our wives today, and work on that understanding part.

God’s Workmanship!

Do you want to be all God wants you to be? Do you feel like God’s workmanship as expressed in Ephesians 2:10? Watch this neat Christian Skit put on by the Skit Guys entitled Chisel Away and let me know what you think. Part of being like Jesus is the discipline part as expressed in Hebrews 12. When I think about this I remember an old football coach who used to shout, “No pain, no gain boys!”

Learning from your kids

The old Indian chief thought he'd seen it all, done it all and with nothing else to die for, decided he should go ahead and die. So the tribe had a celebration banquet with food cooked over the campfire, and of course the obligatory dancing, when the chief observed a young boy rubbing his fingers in the mud before picking up his char grilled food. The old chief asking the young boy why he did so, he said the mud protected his fingers from the hot meat and he could eat without burning his fingers. The chief acknowledged, "I've learned something new from this small boy," called off the feast and went on to lead his tribe for 10 more years before joining the "great white spirit."

This weekend my son was home from college, and as we were driving together he came out with "The difference between temptation and testing," very clearly and distinctly... "The devil, or his minions, seek to tempt us to exploit our sin nature, call attention to our unworthiness for salvation, get us depressed, and take us out of our game. God does not temp anyone, nor is He tempted by sin, but rather tests his children (gives us the chance to respond correctly under trial) to confirm our godliness and holiness as He sanctifies us, to encourage us that He's working in our lives.

The old man learned something new from his kid, so I guess I'll keep on keeping on.

I've got a lot I can learn yet, how about you?

The Benefits of “M”

Men who are “M” earn more money that those without “M.” Men who are “M” have less illness, accidents, and are less prone to alcoholism and suicide that men who are not “M.” Women who are “M” are wealthier, physically healthier, and less likely to be victims of violence. Couples who are “M” report being more satisfied with their sex lives than any other group. The children of couples who are “M” have better academic performance, less criminal behavior, and are less likely to live in poverty.

By now you’ve probably guessed that “M” is for marriage. But both the Family Dynamics Institute and my wife and daughter say that I should say “HM” for the benefits of healthy marriages.

A healthy marriage would be one that followed the institution’s creative design… Oh yes, you did know that marriage was God’s idea. You remember, the leave and cleave, the love and respect, the mutual submission, the help-mate and completed man thing.

So as our culture tries to redefine marriage, and as cohabitation and children out of wedlock continues its popularity, I wanted to remind us of the original plan, and of the statistics validating doing it God’s way.
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* The Case for Marriage (2000), by Linda J. Waite and Maggie Gallagher, and the Family Dynamics Institute

Bread Alone

When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert wilderness after 40 days of fasting, Satan suggested to Jesus, appealing to his flesh, "Turn these stones into bread." But, Jesus answered him, "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.

As we thing about God's word, several things come to mind:

Whole wheat or rye, bread can keep the physical body alive, but not the Spirit and Soul. The bible says that we are dead, separated from God until we respond to Jesus' good words, the Gospel, and make him Savior and Lord of our life.

God's word, as opposed to ours is full of his infinite power. His Word keeps the very stars and earth in their appointed orbits. His Word created everything in the Universe. And His Word created and formed us, and sent a Savior to redeem us.

God's word, the bible, is His message to us on how He wants to relate to us and how we should live. It is our owners manual, for how to live successfully.

His Word, the bible is also our repair manual, for how to fix broken lives, mend them, and put them back on track.

The real you, and the real me, our soul, that part which can have eternity in view, lives by the Word of God.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire

In King Solomon’s treatise on the meaning of life, the book of Ecclesiastes, the Message, a modern paraphrase of the Bible, translates vanity as smoke. All the pursuits of worldly men, whether seeking pleasure, fame, fortune, power; the wisest man to ever live says that it’s all meaningless, vanity, smoke. The dictionary further defines vanity this way: vanity or smoke is lacking real value, hollow, worthless, trivial, or pointless. That’s how Solomon describes his life experience, pursuing meaning apart from God. And Solomon had the position, the money, and the brains to try it all. And, he did, but “under the sun” it had no satisfaction.

Everybody has good days and bad, the wise man counsels, “On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days, so that we won’t take anything for granted.

He encourages us to make the most of this life, and seize the day, but in light of a surety of God. “You who are young, make the most of your youth. Follow the impulses of your heart. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it. He also suggests “Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night.

Solomon concludes Ecclesiaste this way, “ The last and final word is this: Fear (reverence) God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.”

Consider reading through the book of Ecclesiastes to get Solomon’s perspective and wisdom. Try a modern English version like the NIV or New English Translation, or for a kick a paraphrase like the Living Bible, or the Message by Eugene Peterson. It will bless you and put life in perspective.

Oh, and about the title? Solomon tell me pursuing meaning to life under the sun, without taking into account heaven, and a righteous God, then all of life is smoke, vanity, pointless. And without God at the end of life, where there was smoke, there will certainly be fire

A Perfect Man

Do you desire to be a perfect Christian man? James says that “If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." (James 3:2)

I had a lot of agreeing comments on the “Tongue” post, and so with permission, I’m sharing some sermon notes from my pastor, who just happened to speak on controlling our speech after my recent blog article. Here are some important concepts about “The Words of a Christian.”

1. The Bible says that our words are an indicator, or test of our Christian maturity. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. James 3:2

2. The Bible says that our words are going to be judged. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36

3. The Bible says that we Christians should use our words to benefit others. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

4. The Bible says that we Christians can find Joy in using our words properly. A man finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11

5. The Bible says that we Christians should avoid participating in gossip. The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8

6. The Bible says that we would do well to pray about our words. The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Isaiah 50:4.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

I pray the Holy Spirit will help make you and I like the perfect man, Jesus, the Christ.

Thanks to Pastor Bruce

Jesus was a lake person

A light hearted Fishersmen post for a Summer Holiday weekend:

Jesus was a lake person, and quite a fisherman by the way.

His step-dad's workshop in Nazareth was walking distance to Lake Kinneret.

His buddies were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee.

He's reported to have taken many more than one boat ride over the three years of his ministry.

In another story we hear about him grilling up some fish over an open fire for his buddies.

He's also quite a fisherman in his own right. Luke 5:1-8

Finally, nobody can find special fish like him. Matthew 17:24-27

In another story, we hear about him being in charge of fireworks (natural) while on a boat ride. Luke 8:22-26

And nobody can move through the water/over the water like he can. John 6:19 (Slalom skiing? wake-boarding? No, he was bare footing!)

Another reason I'm looking forward to hanging out for eternity future with a good friend and fellow lake person.

The Tongue

I shared with the group last week my prayer request to control my tongue better. I’ve been letting the little frustrations of life creep into colorful language that is not honoring to our boss. A good verse for me to dwell on is Ephesians 4:29 that says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

But, we all know it’s a challenge to control the tongue. James probably framed the battle best in the 3^rd chapter of his letter to the church, when he wrote, “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:2-10

The old saying “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me.” But, poorly chosen words do damage. Mostly, they hurt the speaker…

A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Proverbs 26:28

For, Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 1 Peter 3:10

He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

And, God has always put a strong emphasis on speaking the truth…

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Exodus 20:16

"You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

We are further exhorted that our talk is supposed to reflect our walk of faith, If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. James 1:26

Speaking carefully is reflected in the first written rules for the faithful, and the seriousness of the offense. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain. Exodus 20:7

Sometimes, even if something is true, we shouldn’t be passing it along, when it’s none of our business. He who goes about as a slanderer reveals secrets, Therefore do not associate with a gossip. Proverbs 20:19

Finally, more than once, we’re encouraged to just say less, or nothing at all.

A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue. Proverbs 11:12

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:28

Join me in the battle to control the tongue! You help me, and I’ll try to encourage you.

The Society has been H.A.D.

When I was younger, if someone said you had been “had”, they meant you had been taken in by a scam, bamboozled, or conned. I was also taught that the early settlers of America came here seeking freedom from restrictive feudal societies, particularly religious freedom. The early members of Congress and Presidents constantly referred to biblical principles of right and wrong like the 10 commandments, the golden rule, and the hand of Providence.

Perhaps that is why I am so surprised that in just a generation, as we’ve secularized our society, we’re not only asked to tolerate sin, but embrace it in our society. At times I feel like we’re living 2 Timothy 3:1-3 which says “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good.” I’m also concerned about Isaiah’s comments in 5:20 about God’s attitude about a society turning their standards away from the Bible “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”
Like the Israelites after years of bad kings, we’ve even lost sight of God’s standards for righteousness, and are ignorant of what He calls sin, particularly in 3 big lies we’re asked to swallow today. Here’s how we’ve been H.A.D.

Homosexuality

We’ve been asked to believe that homosexuality is an acceptable alternative lifestyle. “Don’t ask, don’t tell” We’re even told that some people are genetically predisposed to be gay, which would indicate that “God made them that way.” But nothing could be further from the truth, as here’s what the Bible says:

1 Corinthians 6:9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Genesis 18:20 Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” … 19:4-6 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing.

Has God changed His mind about his design for sexual relations?

Abortion

We’ve been asked to believe that men and women have rights over their bodies, and that they should have choice, including the choice to terminate inconvenient pregnancies. Since Roe vs Wade more unborn babies have been killed than the current populations of a dozen of our current states. This justfied in the name of choice. But the bible says that children are a gift from God, and tells us that a human life starts at conception. Here are some of God’s words on the subject:

Exodus 21:22-23 “If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman's husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. “But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.”

Psalm 139:13-16 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

Finally, we live in the age of casual marriages. Divorce is epidemic, and you can’t look around any neighborhood without seeing broken homes and timeshared children. Divorce is accepted in America today as commonplace without stigma. But, God says:

Malachi 2:16 “I hate divorce,” says the LORD God of Israel, “and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment,” says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith. “

Matthew 19:8-9 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Our society has been H.A.D. with these three big lies of acceptability. Now less you think I’m judgemental and lack compassion for the sinner, I want to affirm Jude as he says, Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven. 1:22-23 Our job is to restore and not to condemn; but I’m hopeful for the sake of our children and grandchildren that our people, our society will repent, and turn around and humble ourselves. We must get back in line with God’s standards, and claim the promise in second Chronicles, before it’s too late:

2 Chronicles 7:14 (If) My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. … 19-21 “But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments which I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot you from My land which I have given you, and this house which I have consecrated for My name I will cast out of My sight and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. “As for this house, which was exalted, everyone who passes by it will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?’

Dying for The Truth

I recently got a book reader program working on my blackberry, and downloaded a collection of Christian classics, including “Fox’s Book of Martyrs.” Sounds like pretty somber nighttime reading, right?

But it is striking that Jesus said, “I am the way, and The Truth, and the life….”; and, for telling the truth the religious leaders conspired with the Roman official, and very shortly thereafter, Jesus was crucified, died and was buried for the truth.

We know that shortly thereafter, He resurrected to life everlasting, the firstborn from the dead. And, this truth so inflamed His disciples with zeal for the gospel, that they went forth and changed the world with their eye witness testimony.

But, how did the world greet this “gospel” or good news? The world system that loved the darkness, reacted violently to the truth. The disciples and leaders of the local churches were systematically killed, martyred for their faith and testimony.* One of the great proofs of their witness, was their profession of the truth without recanting their message, even to the point of death.

Hebrews tells us that men and women of God must always be willing to sacrifice for the truth. But, we must all die to self, for the truth to be manifest in our lives.

Are we willing to speak the truth to a dying world, despite the discomfort? Would we be willing to die for the truth?

*Excerpt, chapter One, Fox’s Book of Martyrs
· Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God crucified, AD 30
· Stephen, the deacon, stoned, c. AD 32
· James, son of Zebedee, disciple, beheaded, AD 44
· Philip, disciple, scourged and crucified, AD 54
· Matthew, (Levi), disciple, slain with a halberd (axe) AD 60
· James, step brother to Jesus, elder of Jerusalem, beat, stoned, and clubbed to death, AD 95
· Andrew, disciple, brother of Peter, crucified on an X shaped cross.
· Peter, disciple, crucified upside down
· Paul, disciple to the gentiles, beheaded in Rome by Nero
· …

Wax on, Wax off

Ralph Macchio was perplexed at his mentor’s (Pat Morita) instructions to put on wax with a circular motion, then take it off with the other arm moving in a circular motion in the Karate Kid. He just wanted to live more successfully by being able to defend himself against the bullies in life, by developing some muscle and skills to get through his day. His coach said “Wax On, Wax Off” repetitive discipline of training his body to respond in successful ways.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives his students similar instructions for developing spiritual muscles to live successfully, when he says “Put Off, Put On.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Paul in Romans 7 talks about the two natures, the flesh, and the indwelling life of Christ fighting against each other once we become a Christian. He says we have to exert our will to say “No” to the fleshy impulses of self, our pride of life, lust of the eye, and lust of the flesh, and say “Yes” to the things of God daily, in each circumstance and event of our life.

Put off self, put on Christ, and just like Ralph, over time, by these little disciplines we’ll find out we’re being transformed into successful champions for Christ. Wax On, Wax Off.

In the Big Inning

What’s the answer to the question, “What is the oldest sport?”
The answer is, “Baseball.” Because, back in Genesis 1:1, it says,
“In the Big Inning, God…”

OK, Steve, stick to your day job, because you have no future in comedy.

But, it really is the start of the answer to one of the big questions, that haunts the human conscience. “Where did our world come from?” “How did the earth come to be?” “Why is the physical universe in existence?”

Was there a big bang, billions and billions of years ago? If so, what was the causative force? Who, or what was the “big banger?” Is the universe just meaningless, randomness, or was there intelligent design?

Moses got the answer when he started documenting the oral history from the ancients in Genesis, and directly from his conversations with Yahweh, the self stated “I AM” the God of the Jews. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Simply stated, but then it goes on to describe a little of the process, which not so amazingly corresponds to how scientist think planets condense from fluids. But, the major revelation is, God did it!

God tells Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone.”(Job 38:4-7)

And the Psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psa 19;:1)

In the gospel of John, we learn specifically that Jesus, the son of God the father, the second person of the trinity was the creation project manager. John 1:1-3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Check out this short article by the Christian Research Institute on Origins http://www.equip.org/perspectives/creation-vs-evolution

Want a little more mental exercise, see: http://www.equip.org/articles/traditional-creationism-and-the-intelligent-design-community

The [BLANK] of the LORD

What leads to life, wisdom, prosperity, length of days, and teaching from God Himself?

Read the following verses to see the repetition and the emphasis on the virtues of [BLANK]:

In the [BLANK] of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. The [BLANK] of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. Pro 14:26-27

The [BLANK] of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited by evil Pro 19:23

The [BLANK] of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. Pro 10:27

Who is the man that [BLANK] the LORD? Him shall He teach in The way He chooses. He shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with those who [BLANK] Him, and He will show them His covenant. Psa 25:12-14

The [BLANK] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge Pro 1:7
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, Pro 9:10
Behold, the [BLANK] of the LORD is wisdom, Job 28:28
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, Pro 15:33
And to man He said, “Behold, the [BLANK] of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding. Pro 28:28

And by the [BLANK] of the LORD one departs from evil. Pro. 16:6b

He will fulfill the desire of those who [BLANK] Him. Psa 145:19
The LORD takes pleasure in those who [BLANK] Him. Psa 147:11
The [BLANK] of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; Psa 19:9a
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: [BLANK] God and keep his commandments, Eccl 12:13

What is the [BLANK]? You guessed it… FEAR

What are we talking about though when we say “fear?” In the 2nd and 3rd dictionary definitions fear is defined as: 2. respectful dread; awe; reverence, and 3. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.

So we won’t walk around, just being afraid God, let’s look closer…

Here’s some thoughts from Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary, “the Fear of the Lord is in the Old Testament used as a designation of true piety. It is a fear conjoined with love and hope, and is therefore not a slavish dread, but rather filial reverence. God is called "the Fear of Isaac", i.e., the God whom Isaac feared. A holy fear is enjoined also in the New Testament as a preventive of carelessness in religion, and as an incentive to penitence."

From the Rabbi Jeffrey Wolfson Godwasser, “There is no one-to-one correspondence between any two words from two different languages. While Yirah usually is translated as "fear," its usage suggests a meaning that might also be translated with the English word "awe." Different Hebrew words are used in the Bible for the kind of anxious fear one might describe as "dread" or "loathing." The Hebrew Bible's concept of "fearing God," therefore, can be compared to the feeling of looking at the nighttime sky and being awed by the immensity of space and simultaneously terrified by the thought of our smallness in such a vast expanse. That is to say, it is the feeling of being overwhelmed by a reality greater than oneself and greater than that encountered in ordinary life. Rather, "fearing God," is living life with a trembling awareness that life has meaning -- that the choices you make have consequences of ultimate significance. To "fear" God as a Jew means to hone within yourself an awareness of the divine Presence around you all the time. One who fears God in this way would never say, "It does not matter how I behave in this circumstance because no one will ever know." To live in this way is a profound and spiritual experience. Yet, Jewish tradition says that, in addition to experiencing the fear of God, a person also should develop an awareness of the love of God. The Jewish liturgy says that God loves us with an unending, infinite love. Just as we wish to feel the awe of God around us, we also should desire to know and to feel that we are loved -- deeply and passionately -- by God.”

May you live life fully, in the [BLANK] of the LORD!

The Big Questions

God calls people to Himself in many ways. Some are called by trial, others by blessing, and some by a search for answers to life’s big questions. You’ve heard that all men have a hole in them in the shape that only God can fill. But, also within man are unanswered questions about origin and purpose for which we strive to find satisfactory answers.

How did the earth and all that we see get here? How did man become man? Why is all this here? And, why am I alive? What purpose do I have? Where am I going, or supposed to go? What will the future hold for man, the earth?

Philosophers, Science, and different cultures have come up with some interesting answers to these questions. But, does the Bible speak to these “big questions.” Let’s explore the big questions in the next few posts.

Who Was St. Patrick?

St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.

See the rest of the article here from History.com. Also, see Wikipedia on St. Patrick.

GOOD COUNSEL

The Bible’s book of wisdom says, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” And, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 1:5, 12:15, 15:22)

But many times, people seek counsel from the wrong places. I;m always amazed and saddened at the young lady, who in having problems with her marriage, goes and talks with her friends who just filed for, or just went through a divorce. Or, the disgruntled employee at work, who gets together with other unhappy, disgruntled employees to share complaints or run down the employer. We can predict the outcome of these activities. Soon, the young lady will herself file for divorce and suffer a failed marriage. And, almost as certain, that young man will not be employed by that firm within a year.

But where does one get wise counsel? Here are some verses that point us to God, His Son, The Holy Spirit, and God’s Word.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight

Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;And the government will rest on His shoulders;And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

John 16:7,13 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. But when He, the Spirit of truth, (Holy Spirit) comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

God’s word also says we should be ready and willing to give wise counsel to our brother, but the Greek word Nouthesia gets translated instruct, teach, or admonish. Dictionaries will tell you ADMONISH means: to warn or counsel in terms of someone’s behavior, to put on guard, to indicate duties or obligations, to express warning or disapproval especially in a gentle, earnest or solicitous manner, to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement.

Here’s Paul telling us we are capable and should give wise counsel to our Christian family:

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing (counseling) one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish (counsel) one another. (Romans 15:14)

Are you called to be a Christian counselor? Are you in His Word, in prayer, and full of the Spirit, so you’ll be ready?

Remember… Oil and perfume make the heart glad,So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. (Proverbs 27:9)