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!