something has come up...

I'm afraid I have an announcement:

This will be the last blog I plan on posting.

For this year.

Yeah - it's New Year's Eve, and I have to get out there and work today. Chilly - NO, it's not what you would call COLD if you live in a place where they have to put anti-freeze into coffee creamer to keep the population moving in the winter, but for SoCal, this is about as cold as it gets.

So - instead of rounding up the 'best of 2010,' or somesuch, I think I would like to look ahead. WAY ahead -

Revelation 22
Eden Restored

1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Won't THAT be awesome?

What is of value to you and I?

I have been reading in Revelation recently. I am at the point where the new Jerusalem is lowered to the new Earth, and we get to read a description of it -
Chapter 21:15 The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16 The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia (about 1400 miles) in length, and as wide and high as it is long. 17 The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits(200 feet) thick. 18 The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. (The exact stones are not all clear) 21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

Many things came into my mind as I read this passage - one was an old joke. Yes, this is Chas' mind we are delving into here...

A man finally found a way to take his wealth with him to heaven. Having been told all his life that 'you can't take it with you,' he exhausted himself on the project and may very well have died years earlier thanks to the effort he expended - but he did show up at the pearly gates holding a huge bag of gold.

Saint Peter had only one question for the man -

"Why did you bring your own paving material?"

Matthew 16:26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?

Idols

Exodus 34:17 “Do not make any idols.

God makes it so clear, countless times in the Bible, that we are not to worship things. Things - that is, things we can touch, smell, see, hear or taste. The problem is that we are designed by God to worship Him, and that makes us tend to want to worship. But if we are not very careful, we will begin to worship things instead of God.

Such a simple concept, and yet it has the power to change our eternity. And that's just not something we should be careless about. But are we as careful as we think we are? I have read in many places about the danger of taking something I have made with my own hands - out of wood, or stone - and setting it up as a god. Then worshiping it.

Here's one such passage from Deuteronomy 4:23 "Be careful not to forget the covenant of the LORD your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the LORD your God has forbidden. 24 For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. 25 After you have had children and grandchildren and have lived in the land a long time--if you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the LORD your God and provoking him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live there long but will certainly be destroyed. 27 The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you. 28 There you will worship man-made gods of wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or eat or smell."

Sounds so silly, really. A person makes something with his or her own hands, and then bows down to worship it. But take away the idea that it is a little statue or shrine. In place of a golden 'idol' which comes to mind so easily, try to substitute any of the millions of things in our lives which we begin to worship if we are not careful. Things such as:
our reputation
our pride
our income
our job
our career
our education
our skills
our family
our home
our homelessness
our pain
our health
our fitness
our possessions
anything. Any thing.

It's time we tell you - You're adopted.

Galatians 4

1 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

I have a friend who just returned home from Columbia where they adopted a little girl. They have posted dozens of pictures and given a running account of the process which began years ago with applications and even another prior adoption which fell through at very much the last minute.

The mommy posted a simple note on FaceBook Christmas morning saying, "This is my first Christmas season relating to Joseph as the adoptive parent. God's love is amazing for all of us!!! Merry Christmas to all far and near!"

Hope and I attempted an adoption close to 25 years ago. I still have a tiny hole in my heart over the entire thing - the mother changed her mind at the last moment and backed out. We wanted so badly to help little Alexander out of a tough situation, but it was not to be. We had taken very few steps really - we had spent some time with an attorney (a friend who was going to help us find another attorney who specialized in private adoption), we began plans for converting our other bedroom into a room fit for a little man, we bought some toys - OK, I bought some toys, Hope was far more reserved about the whole thing. And we traveled to southern California to pick the boy up for a weekend 'trial.' - we lived in San Jose, CA at the time.

My point is that we went way out of our way to adopt this boy. But we didn't go nearly as far as our friends who ended up spending weeks in Columbia meeting diplomats, officials, agents, going to consulates and embassies - just to be sure all the paperwork was finished before flying home JUST in time for Christmas.

But even they didn't go to the great lengths that God went to, just to adopt you and I as sons and daughters. Wow. Thanks.

Newton

Momentum.

Years ago in Physics class (and lab), I studied various 'laws.' One of them states that "a body in motion tends to stay in motion, while a body at rest tends to stay at rest."

This is Newton's first law of motion - if you want to see the detailed version, here it is:

"Every body remains in a state of rest or uniform motion (constant velocity) unless it is acted upon by an external unbalanced force. This means that in the absence of a non-zero net force, the center of mass of a body either remains at rest, or moves at a constant speed in a straight line."

Newton did not discover this, it had been around for centuries, but he put it together and refined some of the formulas, so he is generally credited with being the father of modern physics.

I had to do countless hours of calculations based on f=ma, and we got into the differences in linear vs. angular momentum. I had more trouble with the algebra and trig than the concepts - for some reason I could totally understand and 'picture' all of these theories, and had no trouble expressing them in words or even pictures, but I had a lot of trouble working out the simple math of the formulas. But I digress.

A heavy object requires force to get it into motion from rest, and it will also require force to bring it back to rest. A simple practical example would be the amazing amount of power it takes to accelerate a jetliner from a standstill up to takeoff speed, and then the equally large amount of force to bring it back down from flying speed to a stop upon landing. The heavier the airplane, the larger the amount of force required - but also the faster the airplane is going, the more force it takes to stop it.

What I didn't expect was how much this applies to my life in a more philosophical sense. A person at rest requires a lot of force to get them into motion. A church at rest requires a lot of force to get them into motion. And 'rest' in this case can very much be equal to moving in a steady direction at a steady speed. Doing the same thing requires no real thought or effort once all the habits are developed.

But a person in motion tends to take quite a bit of force to bring them to a stop, or to change their direction, and I don't mean physically. Now, in classical physics it is a matter of mass versus force, which can tell you the amount of force needed, and Heavy vs. light, fast versus slow, more acceleration vs. a gradual change in speed, etc. But there is one variable missing in the physics which is very much present in the personal:

Time.

The longer a person (or church) has been doing something, the more force is required to bring it to a stop, or even change it's direction. Tradition, habit, comfort, and about a dozen other words all communicate that once we get in the habit of doing something, it is very hard to stop.

Unless we are acted upon by an outside force.

Lord - be the 'outside force' that I need, because I do desire to change.

"And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn"

Jesus came to earth. That really should be enough, because we needed Him to do so. He came to die in our place - the ultimate in covering a debt we couldn't cover ourselves. But the way He came speaks volumes.

Born into the lineage of David (as prophesied)to show His divine connection to the chosen people of God. That set Him up as a royal member of the Kingdom of God - or the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus' message (later in life) was that we need to 'repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.' He had the full right to say so on this basis alone, but he was also correct in His proclamation because he IS God.

Born in Bethlehem (as prophesied) for many reasons, but from our eyes it was because of the census and the fact that his parents were required to go there to register, once again because Joseph was of the lineage of David, who was foretold to have an unending royal line. But also, keep in mind, it was foretold:

"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times." (Micah 5:2)

He was born in a stable - and I can't think of a prophesy which specifically says anything about a filthy barn, or cave, or slop-holder, but there are plenty which indicate that Jesus left behind the riches of heaven, humbled himself and came to preach to the poor and simple people of earth.

6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:6-11)

And that includes you and I - thank God!!

Merry Christmas!

Tron

I went to see the movie "Tron" yesterday. The best part was being with my daughter KJ and family friend Elizabeth. The movie was a snore.

I find it so interesting that a company can spend millions upon millions of dollars to create a movie like this, and then enough people will pay for the privilege of seeing it that it can make all that back and millions more. Even movies which are rated as "box-office bombs" can earn millions of dollars in profits for the studios: they can still sell lots of toys, collectible items, clothing items, and then of course: the DVD or Blu-Ray disc which inevitably comes out and sells more than anyone thought it would.

So - I can see why there are so many people who dream about getting into movies. But I sure do weep for the morality and collective conscience of our nation if the people who star in these things are any representation of where our nation is headed. Women are objectified, sex outside of marriage is seen as the norm, young people are shown as wiser than adults, rebellion is something to be revered, the list goes on. But we don't sit and watch movies with our critical discernment turned on, because the very nature enjoying a movie is that we "suspend disbelief."

I just don't like that we also tend to "suspend our moral standards" as we do so.

God help us.

"Soused to the gills"

Hammered-head shark dies

By ANNIE KARNI
"A Serbian man reportedly has become a hero in Egypt -- by accidentally killing a shark with his butt while drunk.

Dragan Stevic was soused to the gills while partying at the Red Sea resort Sharm El Sheikh when he inadvertently felled the beast that had been terrorizing tourists for weeks.

Stevic cannonballed into the water from a high-diving board, according to a Macedonian news agency.

Instead of making a splash, he came down right on the shark's head, killing the toothed terror instantly.

The fun-loving party boy was immediately touted as a local hero who saved tourist season, which had dried up after the shark had injured three people and killed one vacationer.

Stevic swam to shore and is currently in the hospital recovering from alcohol poisoning."

The article above brought a smile to my face, as I tried to imagine a more unlikely 'hero.'

I find it amazing that God can truly make anything - ANYTHING - work for good in our lives. Even raw unmitigated stupidity.

Guess I need to trust Him more.

The Truth

John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

38 “What is truth?” retorted Pilate."

Jesus said that He came into the world to testify to the truth. And even though Pilate doesn't seem to know what truth is, I do. And you do too, if you read the word at all. The Bible contains the truth - but sometimes it is hard to swallow. For example, the reason God sent Jesus into the world? Because we need a savior. Why do we need a savior? Because "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Which means, in other words - if God had NOT sent Jesus, we all would be doomed. That's the truth. Not that we deserve it, not that we were his special one, or that we were so close to being perfect that we needed just a little help ... no. We were and are corrupt, ruined, damaged, separated from God and destined for eternity in Hell. And were it not for what Jesus did on the cross for us, that's exactly what we would be headed for, still.

And THAT, my friend, is the truth.

Tuesday

Well dear reader - I want to thank you for showing up here again. I try to post things that might be of interest, things which challenge me to grow - and I hope might also challenge you in much the same way. But you just never know what is strictly for me, and what is strictly for you.

So - today it's all about Sheep.

I was just reading Revelation 5, where there is a scroll with seven seals. That means it was sealed by God, because 7 is God's number, so to speak.

But who would be worthy to come forward and break the seals and open the scroll? Sure, there is a lot of imagery here, we are reading a careful description of heavenly things put down as well as a man can do so. But of course, overseen by the Holy Spirit.

Who comes forth to break the seal? Who is worthy? A lamb.

I have been in arguments with other Biblical Students (and teachers) over whether or not this Lamb was a four-legged lamb, or a representation of Jesus Christ. The conclusion I come to is that if John had seen a man he would have written something else, like "Lamb of God," or "Son of Man," or "Son of God," or "THE Lamb," etc. He wrote "a lamb."

And then he goes on to say, "looking as if it had been slain," which tells us that even though it was a lamb, it was also The Lamb. That would be Jesus - the one who died for you and I.

The only one who was worthy to do so - is now the only one who is worthy to do this.

God has such detailed plans - and yet we fear. We doubt. We forget that even the tough parts of our lives work in perfect harmony with God's plan for us - because I doubt that any of us would volunteer to leave God's side, descend to Earth, and then to die in pain and agony. And even fewer of us would volunteer to do that for a bunch of people who had a proven track record of turning their backs on you.

Through Christ, who strengthens me

I get to take an eleven-hundred pound spa up four flights of stairs today. And it's taking place down in Malibu. I will have a good strong helper going with me, and the contractor for the customer will provide four or five strong men to give us a hand.

The most important thing, however, is that we will also have a crane on hand. Unfortunately, the crane cannot reach the final landing on the stairs, so we will have him set the tub as far back as he can safely reach, and then we will go up the last part with manpower.

I can think of all sorts of reasons that this is like our spiritual life - but I'll let you run your mind on this one.

My source of strength

If the world can get me to take my eyes off of God, then it has me right where it wants me.

Brand-name logo on God's child?

3 John 1: 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God."

I have seen too many young people imitating what is evil - and unfortunately, some of those observations began decades ago, so those people are really no longer young. What am I saying? There are powerful forces at work in the world to draw us away from purity, righteousness, honesty, grace and the humility that honors God. And those powers are nothing new, so people around me of all ages tend to display this amazing power to be like the rich, powerful, famous or even just the popular. And according to the verse we just read, that is not good.

I'm going to think about this one as I hit the ground running today - join me?

This is love

2 John 1: "4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love."

SO - if we walk in obedience to His commands, we exhibit love. Seems to me that is going to weld together a strong church, a strong body of believers. So why, then, do we have so many divisions and factions?

Good question.

Weeper

I preached at our church yesterday. It didn't go as well as I had hoped, but I think I was obedient. That's not code for "I did the best I could," at least not in this case, because I really felt that I was supposed to do several things differently than we normally do them, and I did exactly what I felt I was supposed to do.

It just made things, well, different.

First off, I got the message that I was to tell the church that God loved them. Sounds so easy, right? I mean here, let me do it right now:"God loves you."

How hard was that? But from the moment I stood up to walk over to the pulpit, I was overwhelmed with God's love for the church - yes, your church, and this local church and this motley crew of individuals whom God wants to weld together into a powerful tool against the darkness which reigns in our communities. I got just a sliver, a tiny sliver at that, and it almost felt like a physical impact. I should have seen it coming: it happened first at around three in the morning when I was first hit by the idea to add that to the opening of my sermon. Sounded so easy - "be sure to tell them

THIS"

And a four-ton container of solid love-tronium landed on my chest.

So - the church was treated to a very different opening for their Sunday sermon: the speaker stood there and wept for a few minutes. I'm going to go get the digital recording later today - and most likely burn it - but I'll time it. It seemed like it took me about two weeks to actually get my first coherent word out... we'll see.

Other than that - I enjoyed the experience. What do I mean? I mean that I am one of those preachers who has to be hit by a message or I won't preach a message. If it doesn't move me first, I 'm not going to bother bringing it. So - I enjoyed hearing that, even though the enemy lies to us, we not only have the tools to know the truth, we have a powerful advocate who stands before the Father, interceding for us.

That, my friends, is cool.
Very cool.

Sacrifice

Ezekiel 45:18 “‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: In the first month on the first day you are to take a young bull without defect and purify the sanctuary. 19 The priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering and put it on the doorposts of the temple, on the four corners of the upper ledge of the altar and on the gateposts of the inner court."

Sacrifice. We have a different understanding of the word today than the Jews did in the times of the Old Testament. Back then, it meant to give something to God. And not just anything - they had to be sure that whatever they were sacrificing to God was perfect. Even if it was grain, it had to be from the first harvest. But it had to cost them something - David once said he would not sacrifice that which cost him nothing (1 Chronicles 21:24).

Nowadays, it is a word which indicates something that costs us more than we are willing to pay, or a price that is lower than we are willing to take for an item: "all cars will be sold at sacrifice prices," or "I will do this for you, but understand it is a real sacrifice for me..."

So where, along the way, did a standard of everyday behavior become such an exception to the rule? I guess about the same time we began to think of God as owing us. But if there is any doubt about who owes whom, think of the one sacrifice which ended all other sacrifices: Jesus' death on the cross. Hebrews 9:14 says, "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"

One sacrifice which forever changed the world, the Kingdom of God, and our lives. I'll take that. And thanks for it, Father.

Wholesome thinking

2 Peter 3:1 Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. 2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. "

This little tidbit of truth from the opening remarks of the book of 2 Peter could so easily be overlooked - but it is truth, and truth has the power to change. I was thinking about the passage in Revelation where John records the words of Jesus as He warns the church that they had left their "first love." (Revelation 2:4 - the church of Ephesus)

So - if we had to form a graph somehow, showing the level of wholesome thinking in our life - would the trend be up, down, or flat?

Hmm. OK God - I get it.