Imprisoned??

Imagine if you would a man sitting in a jail cell. He looks around him at his 6 x 10 cell and mourns the loss of his freedom. You watch as he slips into despair as he contemplates his situation. You watch as he stands and looks out the window through the bars. He looks at the walls that hold him in. He observes the sun reflecting off the razor wire that crowns the top of the wall. As he stretches to look down the wall through the limited view that he has from his cell, he notices the guard station with the armed guards just waiting for someone to attempt an escape. He begins to curse at the guards. He starts breathing out hatreds of all kinds at the walls and the razor wire that contain him. He rages as he screams at the condition he finds himself in. He wears himself out, and returns to his bed to sit and contemplate where he is. Again, you watch as he returns to a attitude of hopelessness and despair.

Then your eyes are drawn to the open door to the cell. You look and see a clipboard hanging on the bars with a document clipped to it. As you examine the paper, you notice a bright red word, "pardoned", stamped in bold ink across the length of the paper. It occurs to you that the name on the paper is the name of the man sitting on the bed just a few feet away. What do you do???

The question is rhetorical, as the answer is obvious. Who would not go over to the man and do whatever was necessary to help him understand he is a free man? Who would look at the man's situation and walk away without at least attempting to point out the obvious lack of understanding this man must have?

Yet, day in and day out, people live in prisons of their own making, and curse the bars and walls that keep them there. They move from anger to despair, from rage to hopelessness, and we watch them, pity them, "pray" for them, but do little else. Sin entangles people. Sin enslaves people. Sin imprisons people. But sin has been conquered. Sin has lost it's power. The path to freedom has been blazed by Someone who has paid the penalty, and gained our freedom. Some don't know - we need to tell them. Some know, but somehow have forgotten - we need to remind them.

What will you do with the man in the jail cell? He lives right next to you. He works right beside you. He shops in the same places. He works out in the same gym as you. Will you turn and walk away without so much as a word about his freedom?

Using Always and Never...

"Never" is a funny word - it seems that every time someone uses it, I have to ask myself... NEVER??? And much like it is the word "Always". I find myself asking the same type of question... ALWAYS???

I was thinking about these words this morning in relationship to couples. I was thinking through experiences I have with dating couples and the way they look at each other - He NEVER does anything wrong - She is ALWAYS there for me. It seems that when dating - or during the beginning of a relationship - the word "never" seems to always come before a bad behavior, bad characteristic, bad pattern, etc. Likewise, the word "always" is often used before the good traits - he always cleans up after himself, she always does what I like... Interestingly enough, the uses of those words about the other person solidifies these traits in your mind - whether or not they are true.

For instance, have you ever watched a new couple, and one of the two has blaringly obvious character flaws, or habits that you know annoy the other person (when it is not the other half of the couple doing it) but they seem to miss it altogether? Why - because they are looking at the positive, focusing on the things that are admirable about the other person.

THREE WEEKS, MONTHS, YEARS LATER... we hear the same words being used, but in a totally different way. He NEVER takes me out anymore. She is ALWAYS nagging. It seems that after time (and often after marriage) the focus on the positive fades, and the words that still are not accurate representations of truth, are used to emphasis negative characteristics.

Both scenarios are not accurate in their representation of the truth, but it is the focus of the statement that determines where the relationship is going.

If you are married, when talking with your spouse (or others about your spouse) use the words "always" and "never" whether they are true or not, but use them in a positive way. Find things that you desire in your mate, and compliment them on the things they are "always" doing. Remind them often of the things they "never" do that show that you appreciate their faithfulness, their love for you, their respect for you...

Think about it...

What Kind Of Trophy are YOU??

CHECK THIS OUT...

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

What has happened to the believer??? Blessed, Chosen, Predestined, Adopted, Redeemed, Forgiven, Informed, Given an inheritance, Sealed...

WHY??

That we might be living trophies of the Grace and Glory of GOD! That we might reflect His praise to the world around us. That we might stand as a living, breathing, moving, trophy case to the world that God's glory has been evidenced in us - that it has changed us to be more like him. Announcing His Greatness! Showing His Glory!

Whose glory are you reflecting?

WHAT KIND OF TROPHY ARE YOU??

Can You Read This - FYEO???

How many e-mails a day do your receive? Have you texted your friends today? Don't have an FB page, what's wrong with you? When are you going to blog - don't you have a blogspot?? No, then maybe you prefer Weebly. Have you checked out my Flickr pictures? Gigabytes, megahertz, Sim cards, twittering, IM, FB, blogging, LOL, biochip transponder, world phone, go phone, Ipod... The jargon goes on and on. And if you are not on the information highway, you are being left behind - hopeless, without a prayer! The rest of the world is leaving you far behind.

It is amazing how much of what we say is code, and only the insiders understand what you are saying. Recently I had the oportuntity (for a very brief period) to work for Edward Jones - the financial market has a huge amount of jargon that keeps the normal person guessing what they mean. Our job was to simplify this information for the average joe, and educate them on making wise financial decisions. Most of the time the work was getting people to understand what things were, how they worked, and where it would be best to put your money. When we began, I was lost - and after almost 6 months of hard work - I finally began to understand what I was talking about.

Most would not argue that computers and financial tools make our lives easier, especially when we understand what we are talking about. Online banking combines the two and makes handling your checking account very easy. However, you've got to know what you are doing, and what others are talking about when you enter these fields.

The Church should not be like this. "Sanctification", "justification", "in Jesus", "saved", "disciple" are just a few of the terms we use that "outsiders" just do not understand. "Washed in the blood", "redeemed from my sin" beautiful pictures of what Christ has done, but meaningless to others who do not understand.

This past Sunday I sat in the church and listened - trying to listen like an outsider. Songs were cryptic, preaching - although very good - still filled with concepts that a non-church goer might be confused by. One might argue that the church is a place for Christians to unite and worship - and I would agree, so maybe this "jargon" is okay in this setting. (And yet I might argue that without an "interpreter" the information might be wasted on those that are visiting).

I would say that our daily speech with those that do not know Jesus (again, jargon), needs to be devoid of as much "christianized" speaking as possible. People understand pain, sin, heartache, love, sacrifice, giving, receiving, substitutes, friendship, truth, etc. Use the words and ideas that they are familiar with to share the good news of the Gospel (one last shot at jargon). Love people enough to speak in a language they understand - and then share truth with them.

Dead Becomes Alive Again...Really?

This time of year brings much conversation about the claims of a resurrected Christ. Christians hold fast to the claims of scripture that Jesus - who was crucified on a cross, stabbed with a sword to confirm death, and placed in a guarded tomb - rose again from the dead 3 days after his demise.

This is almost impossible to believe. Yet, the claims were not that He rose again and has not been seen again - if I were to make up the story, I might use this angle (easiest one to defend). The claims were not that He showed himself to his closest followers - although again, fairly easy to maintain with a small group of guys. But rather the Bible claims that Jesus showed Himself to a number of people - his disciples, Peter, James, by over 500 people at one time, and finally by Paul himself - after his ascension. Kind of makes the claim hard to refute.

As if that were not enough, his followers, were martyred for holding fast to this fact, and never did any of the eye witnesses recant their story. A body was never discovered. A world was changed by His story. And as if that were not enough...

I once was dead, but now I live. Yes, dead became alive in me when Christ - who is my savior - breathed into me new life. Now in my heart live new passions. In my mind are living thoughts. In my words are the Words of God. I - who once was dead - live with the exciting reality that when all is said and done, and this fleshly body passes on, I will again be raised as Christ was. I was given eternal life, and death no longer reigns in me.

Dead became alive when Christ gave of His life for my sin, and place on me His righteousness. It can happen for you as well. I'd love to tell you more...

The Most Accurate Compass

As the mariner follows his compass,
And the motorist follows his guide,
May you follow those words of Jesus,
May they draw you close to his side

For the Bible's the only guide book,
To direct you whenever you roam,
'Tis the only compass given,
And it points straight north to Home.

And if ever life's see is choppy,
Or the mountains of life are steep,
You may read within these pages,
"Fear not, for I know my sheep".

"I'll love, I'll guide, I'll keep you",
This is His message to you,
Read it and miss not the blessing,
For His Word has been tried and is true.

Yes the mariner needs his compass,
And the motorist needs his guide,
And you, too, need the Master,
Ever close at your side.

Jesus the friend of sinners,
Jesus the savior of men,
In the Bible the story is written,
Read it, again and again.

Written by:
Elsie C Webb (passed on to me by my mother - Judith Webb Ivins)

How's your health?

Just recently, my wife informed me that I was getting a little soft in the middle. She had noticed that some of my pants were getting a little tighter. I informed her that they were older clothes, so after many years of washing, I was certain they had shrunk. However, my teenage daughters were quick to agree with their mother, and note my physical imperfections. Add to this the addition of the Wii Fit in our home, and the fact that it listed me as "overweight", and I had to admit that there were some changes to be made.

Enter P90X - the workout routine that has been attributed to thousands of deaths in the United States alone - seriously, it is a major workout! We have changed our daily routine to include a 1 hour - 1 1/2 hour workout at 5:30 in the morning. We have changed our daily diet to follow the P90X recommended diet. We have included new "recovery" drinks to our daily habits. In other words, P90X has changed every area of my life. I work out differently, eat differently, relax differently, think differently. And yes, after only 7 weeks, we are seeing results.

There is one reality that I cannot escape though, and that is that regardless of my "changed" life and routine, the inevitable is going to happen. I will get old, I will be begin to "fall apart", I will ultimately die. Which is why it is imperative that I make sure that my spiritual health is as much a concern as my physical health!

I need to think differently, act differently, live differently. My schedule should include healthy spiritual food - by reading of God's word. It should include healthy spiritual exercise - by putting into practice the principles that can be found in the word. It should included healthy spiritual thinking - by interacting with the Spirit of God that wants to renew my thinking.

My patterns should also include someone else to "work out" with. Someone to check to make sure I am practicing correctly the things I am learning. Someone to encourage me to move forward when I would rather stay where I am. Someone to stretch me, challenge me, rebuke me, assist me... A group of people is probably necessary for the duration.

So, how's your health? Is your "bubble in the middle"? Are you carrying around a few extra pounds? Then start an exercise routine (I do recommend P90X highly).

More importantly though, how's your spiritual health? Are you prioritizing growth in this area as well? Are you different than you were last year? Are you closer than ever to reflecting Jesus to the world around you? Are you a little soft where you once were solid? If so, make the changes. Take the steps toward spiritual health - because those changes are eternal.

How's your body working today?

The Human body is beautiful. An amazing design that is inconceivable in it's complexity and order. From neurons that transmit information to a computer like organ, to a skeletal system that enables upward mobility and protection of itself. From a muscle system that is designed to bring movement to the skeleton, to the vast highway of veins and arteries that carry life bringing blood throughout ever area of the body. From the respiratory system that brings oxygen to the blood and filters out the massive amounts of impurities that are breathed in, to the heart of the body itself that pumps thousands of times daily without thought. From the digestion of foods and liquids to bring strength and energy to the body while sorting out the toxins, to the smoothest, most responsive, self healing cover of it all, the skin. Yes, when time is spent to think about the body, it is indescribably beautiful.

What is truly amazing is the way in which the body protects itself, analyzes itself, and heals itself. The body is constantly sending messages to other parts of the body to ensure proper care and development. For example, put your hand on something hot - how quickly does your body respond? Cut yourself - how quickly does your blood begin to clot to close the gap? Drink some poison - how quickly does your body attempt to expel the toxin, or separate it out of your system? You see how the body cares for itself.

How much more should the body of Christ mimic these traits? Why is it when poison is being swallowed by a brother or sister in Christ, we are not actively involved with helping them expel that toxin? When a sister or brother is hurting (whether by accident, or because they caused the problem) why do we tend to be passive in the process of healing? When a brother or sister is getting close to doing something that would harm them, why do we wait to see what happens? Shouldn't the body protect itself? Shouldn't the body care for itself? Shouldn't the body constantly analyze it's health to ensure growth and vitality?

It is our Father's desire that we function as a unit, as a body, that we might be vibrant in this world. This will not happen without focus, purpose, intent and goals. We can not expect health to come without taking action. The human body moves toward decay, and without exercise, proper nutrition, and proper care, it will die, and it will die quickly.

As Christians, we must regularly eat the words of life that bring nutrition to our bodies. We must digest the truths that are hidden therein. We must keep open lines of communication between the brain of the body - which is found in it's head, Jesus Christ. We must exercise the principles that permeate His words, so that we can develop our muscles and enable impact in the world around us.

However, we must also assess ourselves. Not just ones self, but the body as a whole. We need to be able to be honest and open about what we are dealing with. We must share our burdens, our sinfulness, our weaknesses. It is imperative that the body stop functioning as if it is okay for part of the body to be healthy, while other parts are suffering in a gangrenous state. We must carefully, lovingly step into the decay and deadness and bring life and healing to the body. We must have as our goal the health of the entire body, because otherwise death will come.

Look around you. Brothers and sisters are struggling, and that means you are struggling. Marriages are breaking up - that is a body problem. Teenagers are moving away from Christ - that is a body problem. Individuals are struggling with addiction - that is a body problem. "Good" Christians are struggling with arrogance, pride, judging, selfishness, gluttony, gossip, showing partiality - these are all body problems.

When the body gets the picture that we are all struggling together, that we are all essential to each other, that true health is only possible as a whole, we will live and function differently. There will be no room for self evaluation, but rather evaluation of myself as a part of the body. There will be no room for thinking of myself higher than a brother, because we are one. There will be no room for passive involvement in the lives of others, because their destruction is my own.

The Body of Christ is much more beautiful than the human body. We need to be aware that we have an enemy that seeks nothing other than our destruction.