We hear a lot about choices we make.I know this election year; there is a lot of talk about pro-choice.When discussing pro-choice, people are quick to interject their personal rights.That is all well and good I suppose.We live in a free country and we have the freedom to make whatever choices we wish.We can choose to worship the god of our choice.We can choose to not worship any god at all.We are free to choose where, when and how we educate our children. We can choose to get married and have a family, or to stay single and celibate.We could even choose to have as many sexual partners as will give themselves to us.These are all choices we are free to make.
But are all choices so free?Let's take a look at some different choices.First we have one of the most famous choices, King David.What are some choices he made?He chose to continue looking at Bathsheba when he should have looked away:
2Sa 11:2 One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful,
Instead of looking away and going back inside and taking a cold shower, or even "taking care of himself" he made another choice.
2Sa 11:4 Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home.
Now you might say, they were both consenting adults.Her husband is away at war and can't meet her needs.She is beautiful and lonely.David was a powerful man who was there for her at that time.They have one night of passion together, no harm no foul right?I mean, we see stuff like this in movies all the time.Except in real life, this can happen:
2Sa 11:5 The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."
Oops…guess David let one slip. Not sure what they had for protection back then, but it obviously didn't work in this case.So after this, David has another choice to make.He could come clean and get this all out in the open.But instead, he tries to cover it up:
2Sa 11:6 So David sent this word to Joab: "Send me Uriah the Hittite." And Joab sent him to David.
2Sa 11:7 When Uriah came to him, David asked him how Joab was, how the soldiers were and how the war was going.
2Sa 11:8 Then David said to Uriah, "Go down to your house and wash your feet." So Uriah left the palace, and a gift from the king was sent after him.
2Sa 11:9 But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master's servants and did not go down to his house.
2Sa 11:10 When David was told, "Uriah did not go home," he asked him, "Haven't you just come from a distance? Why didn't you go home?"
2Sa 11:11 Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my master Joab and my lord's men are camped in the open fields. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and lie with my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!"
Uriah was either really naïve, or just a bit thick.He has a beautiful wife at home, is brought back from battle by the king and given the chance to sleep with his beautiful wife.David's hope here is that Uriah sleeps with her and then he just figures the baby is his.Once again, no harm, no foul right?Well, Uriah doesn't seem to get it and insists he cannot do such a thing while his fellow soldiers are still in battle.So, David then is "forced" to take drastic measures.I say "forced" out of sarcasm.David still has a choice here, but look at his choice.
2Sa 11:15 In it he wrote, "Put Uriah in the front line where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die."
2Sa 11:16 So while Joab had the city under siege, he put Uriah at a place where he knew the strongest defenders were.
2Sa 11:17 When the men of the city came out and fought against Joab, some of the men in David's army fell; moreover, Uriah the Hittite died.
So when David's little plan for a cover-up didn't work, he just has the guy killed.Now, this is almost sociopathic behavior.Someone is in your way; you simply do what you need to in order to get them out of your way.No matter how extreme.Having been a corrections officer for six years I can tell you, this is exactly the way the common criminal thinks. If a person poses a problem, then get rid of the problem.David didn't seem to think anything about this either.Whenever I read this story, I still can't believe it is the same man who praised God as he killed the giant and who played his harp to sooth the evil spirit within King Saul.Yet here he is.
Here is the kicker in David's story.He at least lets Bathsheba mourn her dead husband, so he quit thinking of himself long enough to do that.But then he does this:
2Sa 11:27 After the time of mourning was over, David had her brought to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing David had done displeased the LORD.
He takes her as his wife, but look at those bolded letters.What David had done displeased the Lord.I would say that is probably putting it mildly.I believe the Lord was highly grieved to see his servant acting in such a way.I won't post the rest of the story here, but I recommend continuing the reading yourselves in 2 Samuel 11.The prophet Nathan later rebukes David for not only his sin, but for letting his sins pile up and causing so much pain and destruction.Part of David's punishment for this sin, was the child he had with Bathsheba died.Now many would say this was cruel of God to take the child.But I feel that God felt the need to bring the baby home, to be with him, instead of coming into the world the way he had.I believe this was an act of mercy by God.David was still grieved.Nathan also told David that calamity would fall upon his household, which he was right about.David's family was quite dysfunctional if you read on.
I'm getting a bit sidetracked however.What we see in this story is the power of our choices.David could have chosen to simply go back inside his palace that night.Who knows how his life may have been different.Instead, he chose to commit adultery, then later murder.The price he paid for those sins, even though God forgave him, impacted the rest of his life.
So what choices have we made that have had a long term impact?I sure have a grocery list of them.What may seem like something so small and innocent at the time, can have a huge ripple effect.Like a pebble in a pond.This is the theory of the Butterfly Effect, the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings in Africa can impact certain weather patterns in America.That's a simple version of it, but that is it.Our lives and choices are the same way.The things we say and do not only impact us, but those around us; sometimes positively and sometimes negatively.
We often have no clue what impact our lives and choices have on others.So the next time we are clamoring about our rights and our freedom of choices.We should stop and think about what those choices mean.Not only what they mean for us, but for our loved ones, the people we don't even know, and especially to God.
That scene is one of the best scenes from the movie, Batman Begins.I know it sounds very deep and good.But is that also a biblical idea?I know movies, especially comic book movies aren't probably the best place for us to obtain our theology.Yet, I feel there are some good messages we can pull from them.
Jas 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Jas 2:15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
Jas 2:16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
Jas 2:17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Jas 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
Jas 2:19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Jas 2:20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ?
Jas 2:21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
Jas 2:22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
Jas 2:24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Jas 2:25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
Jas 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
I know that is kind of a long passage, and I encourage everyone to pick up your Bibles and read it there as well.What James is saying here is that we might have faith in God and follow the Lord, but if our deeds don't reflect our faith, then our faith is useless.We are not saved by our works or deeds, so don't get me wrong there.But we often limit our walk with Christ as just our faith.
Problem is, what does the world see? Do they see our faith or our works?Sure, we might spend an hour a day in prayer, and then another hour in Bible study.Then we go to work and curse others, we might spread gossip, rumors and slander others.We might do other things that seem much worse.Maybe we steal, the list goes on.Those deeds do not reflect our faith at all.When non-Christians see that, they have one word for it, and that is hypocrite.I'm not talking about Christians who stumble, as we all make mistakes and all stumble. I'm talking about those who would live a lifestyle of sin and darkness, while going to church and putting on a Christian face.Or it could even go for those of us who do struggle with something, yet we keep it to ourselves.James tells us to confess our sins to each other so we may be healed.
I won't list the good fruits we could do to show our faith.I'm sure we all know some of the things we can do.Just like in Batman Begins.Bruce Wayne wanted to do something that would make a difference.He lived in a city so corrupt, not even police could be trusted.He couldn't change things from within the system because the system was broken.So he created the Batman persona.Batman stood as a symbol of right and justice.Earlier in the movie, Bruce was showing off at a hotel with some models when his childhood girlfriend, Rachel Dawes saw him.She last knew him to be an upright idealist, and now he was this billionaire playboy.He told her, "It's not who you are underneath, but it's what you do that defines you."
Later in the movie when Batman saved Rachel and was about to go after the bad guys, Rachel tells Batman she wants to know his name.That's when Batman says that quote, and she knows then, it is Bruce Wayne.I'm not saying we go out and put on a mask and jump from the rooftops, as cool as that might be!But we each have our gifts God has given us.We each have something we can do to further God's kingdom.It might be preaching the word from a street corner, feeding the homeless, or even typing up the bulletins for our church.No matter how small the task might seem, there are no small tasks in God's Kingdom.
So no matter how good of a Christian we think we are underneath, how does what we do define us?I challenge each of us to take a look at our lives, pray and ask God to show us what work he has planned for us.As it says in Ephesians:
Eph 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Eph 2:9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Eph 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
So Batman may have been on to something after all!
I wanted to take a minute and apologize to you publicly. I have unblocked you. I am sorry if anything I said offended you and for being angry and hostile toward you. While we may not agree in certain areas, that does not excuse my behavior. I've seen your video blogs and I can tell that you really do love the Lord. I know both of us do, we just have different methods and some different views on things.
I hope that instead of being divided over our differences, we can instead be united in furthering God's Kingdom. When it comes down to it, we are both on the same side. There is no point in soliders in the same army shooting at each other. So anyway, I wanted to do this publicly since our little fight was public. This way there is nothing hidden and everything is in the open. Thank you and God bless you and your ministry.
Has anyone ever felt this way?I've always loved Rocky movies, as cheesy as they are.Yet I feel this scene with his son is probably the best scene in any Rocky movie.He basically tells him to quit feeling sorry for himself, that no one is going to come along and do things for you.We are each responsible for ourselves.This is an excellent message.The one line that got me was "It isn't how hard you can hit, but how much you can get hit, and keep moving forward."
I know over the past couple of weeks, I've felt like Rocky at the end of one of his fights.I've felt as if I've been beaten down and left for dead a few times.Not just by Satan, but by other Christians, other ministries, you name it.I've come close to wanting to just give up and throw in the towel several times.You all have no idea how close I came a few times to deleting this page all together.Yet, I didn't.This video makes me think of this verse:
2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Not only is life itself like a fight, but following Christ even more so.Whenever I hear people say that once you become a Christian, everything will be roses and sunshine; I want to just scream.Living for God is not easy at all.It is very hard.As Paul himself found out, it was tough.Paul was beaten, stoned, imprisoned and eventually executed, all for the faith.Before he was a Christian, he spent his time being the one doing the stoning and executing.He gave that up to be on the receiving end.Not many people got hit harder and more often than Paul, but he kept on.It would have been so easy for him to give up and go back into the world, but he kept moving forward.
Then you have Jesus.We all know his story.He took more than anyone.He didn't have to.He could have called out to his Father and had legions of Angels to his rescue.Instead, he took it.He took every beating, ever punch, slap, kick, spit and bad name they could dish out to him.He took the nails through his hands and feet.He took being hoisted upon that cross.He took hanging from a piece of wood in the hot sun until he gave up his spirit.He took it all for us.
I know recently when I've been down though; I haven't wanted to hear any of these things.I just wanted to give up.I didn't want to hear Bible verses; I didn't want to hear what other people took.To be honest, I don't know if there was anything I really did want to hear.I just wanted the fight to be over.I was feeling exhausted (I've still been pretty tired).I wanted the bell to ring and to hit the showers.But God has not rung the bell yet.
I know some who protect themselves from being hit by going on the offensive.They feel that if they are the ones doing the hitting, then the advantage is theirs.This might sound good, but it is not Biblical.Nowhere in the Bible do we see Christians going on the offensive.I'm not talking about the Old Testament battles when God sent Israel to destroy heathen nations.When Jesus turned over the tables in the temple, that wasn't really offensive because he was defending God's house which was being violated.So while going on the attack might be a good defense mechanism for ourselves, it is not of God.
I know some of you have really been fighting and struggling out there.I know some want to give up, to just end the hurt and want it all to be over.I'm sure for those going through such things, not much of what I say here is going to bring much comfort.Words can seem so meaningless when chips are down.Just know that God still loves you no matter what.You are not a failure, and you are not worthless.You are precious to him, even though it may not seem like it now.Don't run from him (like I tend to do).But reach out to him.Reach out to those around you who love you.He is there and will comfort you and keep you.It may be supernaturally, or it may be through the comfort of others.Either way, don't give up, and don't throw in the towel.It isn't how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward.
I know I'm showing my age with this video, but here is Journey:
Most of you know that I'm a big fan of comics and superheroes. I find a lot of useful messages in them that apply to real life.Well, with the new Batman movie out (which I've seen twice now) it's made me think a lot of masks.We might remember one scene from the end of Batman Begins when Bruce tells Rachel that Batman is just a symbol.Yet Rachel touches Bruce's face and says "This is your mask now.Your real face is the one criminals fear."Bruce Wayne had become his own mask, and Batman, his alter ego had become his real self.
So what the heck does this have to do with anything?What it has to do with is that we all wear masks.Recently in my blogs, I've had Christians come here claiming to be completely without sin.One of them declared in his own blog that he is in fact, perfect.I've been involved with ministry for a few years now and studying ministry in school for almost four years.Funny thing is, the more I learn about ministry, the less I want to actually work in ministry.
Over the years, I've seen ministers who publicly slam homosexuals be discovered to be homosexuals themselves.I've seen pastors kicked out of their jobs because they struggle with porn, but those who are doing the kicking out have a whole grocery list of other issues that no one seems to mind (but hey, at least it isn't porn).Recently I found out about a local chaplain and his wife who are being investigated for selling cocaine of all things.This was rather odd after I had talked to his wife shortly before finding this out.She was blasting Obama over his poor moral and Christian values and all the stuff wrong with him. Yet, selling cocaine is apparently okie dokie.
So over the last few months, I've had to ask myself, "Does anyone else even try?"I know for years I have beaten myself up over personal struggles and have fought over and over unsuccessfully to overcome my own weaknesses, only to find there many Christians out there, heck most Christians out there who seem quite happy teaching or saying one thing while living another.But then are even happier when someone else gets caught so they can point their finger and yell "SINNER!!!"Yet, not breaking stride in their own little secrets. And usually the ones yelling "SINNER" the loudest is the one with the deepest, darkest secrets
So what is your mask?I know we all have one.I sure know what mine is, heck, I probably have a couple lol.But I've always been open about my struggles.However, I know that I am tired of beating myself up and feeling buried in guilt over my own weaknesses.So what does that mean for me?I'm not sure.One thing is for sure that I'm not going to punish myself every time I screw up.
Another thing I've been wondering is that, is it possible that we as the church have missed something?I mean, we look at the church, divorce is rampant, porn is a huge problem in the church so is many other things.Now I know we live in a fallen world, and we're all sinners, etc etc etc…but we have been spinning our wheels for centuries now.I guess I'm curious as to what makes us think we can continue to repeat the same methods over and over, yet expect a different result; just something to think about.Anyway, I had to get this off my chest. Thanks for letting me rant.I will probably have a few more musings in days to come.Thank you everyone.
With the presidential election coming up this year, we've had the chance to see more than our share of prospective candidates.As we've seen, the Democratic race has been extremely tight, and heated.Many Republicans seem disenfranchised with their party.I've talked to many Christians who feel that it's not even worth the time to go vote this year.Many others are actually in fear of certain candidates winning the presidency because of what they may do.So what does this all mean?Today as I was doing my daily Bible reading.I came across a verse that puts it all in perspective.
Jn 19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."
Just read that for a second and take it in.I love that first sentence, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."That is a powerful statement.Yes, Jesus was talking to Pilate, but this statement is relevant for us today.Let's put this into perspective for a bit.Jesus walked the earth during the Roman Empire.Caesar Augustus was in power.He wasn't the godliest man around.He was quite the opposite as a matter of fact.Yet, Jesus never once spoke out against him.This does not mean he condoned the way Caesar ruled, but that his biggest concern was not political issues.
Jesus spent his ministry teaching and equipping his disciples.He was making disciples.This is the great commission he has given us.He did not commission us to pass legislation or to hold certain offices.While there is nothing wrong with being involved with these things, we must be cautious not to lose focus; especially if we find ourselves being afraid of certain candidates being elected.God's will shall be done, no matter who is holding office.Just as Jesus told Pilate, there is no power other than what is given from above.The Apostle Paul even tells us:
Ro 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Now that we know this, we have no reason to fear, no matter who is the president. I know that might seem hard to believe.The President of the United States is one of the most powerful men in the world.Yet, God could remove any president or king from office in the blink of an eye.Jesus tells us in the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."There is a reason he said that.God isn't sitting in heaven watching the election thinking, "Oh man, I hope my candidate catches up in the polls.That will throw everything off if they don't get elected!"
So take heart my brothers and sisters.No matter which person wins the election, Jesus is still our king.He is our king of king and Lord of lords.We serve a king who transcends any earthly office.The world will always have its politics, kings and rulers.Some of them may be downright tyrants.We may lose many rights in this wonderful country of ours one day.Things may become difficult.But we need not fear, because our Lord has already won the victory.
Ps 72:11 All kings will bow down to him and all nations will serve him.
Amen.
And now, who better to finish making my point for me, than Public Enemy
