English scientist Aubrey de Grey is predicting science will one
day be able to help people live a thousand years or more. De Grey claims
the molecular biology is nearing the stage of finding a cure for aging,
and that it may even happen during our lifetimes.
But who really wants to live a thousand years? Do we really wish
to be around to see what will happen in even a few hundred years? And
what would population theorists think of a bunch of young-looking
geezers taking up space in our fast growing world?
What is de Grey’s point in seeking this? Is he trying to work
toward the day no one will die, or is he denying the inevitable? Despite
what science may do to make us live longer, we all will still die.
Would not living forever be more of a curse than a blessing?
Holy Scripture, the Word of God Himself, tells us over and over
again that death is not the end of our existence. Instead of just dying
and decaying like an old tree trunk, we are assured that everyone will
one day stand before Jesus Christ and receive His judgment, whether
eternal life for believers who put their faith in Him, or eternal
separation for non-believers who reject Him.
John 5:28-29 tell us, “An hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice
and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and
those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.”
That is plain language, not a possibility but a reality. It
might be interesting to know a few things that will happen in the
future, but I think few of us would believe what we’d be told. Who of us
thirty years ago would have believed what computers do for us even
today?
What would you like to live to see in the future?
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com
(From his newest devotional, DAY BY DAY WITH JESUS)
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
THE MIRACLE OF LOVE
I am a fairly well educated person, but I am not sure education has made me smart. One of my older brothers often noted this. When I came home from college he’d usually say, “You don’t look any smarter than the last time I saw you.” I didn’t mind the sarcasm, because he was right. Learning may show itself in a person’s life, but it’s usually not evident right away.
But some things are hard to understand. For example, every time I use the remote to change a TV channel or increase the volume, I marvel how it can work. Somehow a tiny electrical wave is emitted from the small “channel changer” (my usual term) and the TV does what it tells it.
The same is true when I turn on a light switch. I have done some electrical wiring so I know the principles behind electrical impulses going through copper wiring. I also have learned (the hard way) that one should not cross a positive and negative wire when they are connected to an electrical source. The sparks can be quite spectacular and the correct fuse hard to find in a store. Give thanks that someone invented the “fuse breaker” which eliminated the need for most fuses.
While I’m on this subject, I also give thanks for the invention of the fuse. In 1957, our farm house caught fire due to lack of a fuse in one electrical line. It didn’t burn completely, just needed a lot of repair. That’s another story.
But electricity is amazing. Just walk into a room, flick on a switch and you can see in the dark! But do we stop and analyze how it happened? No, we expect it to happen. We’ve become accustomed to it happening.
Each day we expect miracles such as our eyesight(it’s morning!), memory(time to get up!), mobility(get out of bed!), knowledge(turn on the coffee!) and a million other things. God gave us ability to do all these things that a require miracle of billions of brain cells to help us do these normal things every day. Most of us don't consider such things miracles from God, but they.
The greatest miracle of all is love. What combination of miracles comes together to cause two people to love each other? What incredible miracles did it take for God to love us and send His Son Jesus to forgive us and give us eternal life? Seeing a young couple committed to each other in marriage is a wonder. God's miracle of love is beyond all understanding.
What miracles from God will you see today?
But some things are hard to understand. For example, every time I use the remote to change a TV channel or increase the volume, I marvel how it can work. Somehow a tiny electrical wave is emitted from the small “channel changer” (my usual term) and the TV does what it tells it.
The same is true when I turn on a light switch. I have done some electrical wiring so I know the principles behind electrical impulses going through copper wiring. I also have learned (the hard way) that one should not cross a positive and negative wire when they are connected to an electrical source. The sparks can be quite spectacular and the correct fuse hard to find in a store. Give thanks that someone invented the “fuse breaker” which eliminated the need for most fuses.
While I’m on this subject, I also give thanks for the invention of the fuse. In 1957, our farm house caught fire due to lack of a fuse in one electrical line. It didn’t burn completely, just needed a lot of repair. That’s another story.
But electricity is amazing. Just walk into a room, flick on a switch and you can see in the dark! But do we stop and analyze how it happened? No, we expect it to happen. We’ve become accustomed to it happening.
Each day we expect miracles such as our eyesight(it’s morning!), memory(time to get up!), mobility(get out of bed!), knowledge(turn on the coffee!) and a million other things. God gave us ability to do all these things that a require miracle of billions of brain cells to help us do these normal things every day. Most of us don't consider such things miracles from God, but they.
The greatest miracle of all is love. What combination of miracles comes together to cause two people to love each other? What incredible miracles did it take for God to love us and send His Son Jesus to forgive us and give us eternal life? Seeing a young couple committed to each other in marriage is a wonder. God's miracle of love is beyond all understanding.
What miracles from God will you see today?
Sunday, August 2, 2015
FOLLOW THE CROSS!
Dear Friends,
Few of us wander aimlessly through life. Nearly everyone follows some kind example or a set of ideas, an important person, or the roadmap set forth by a career or goals we hope to achieve.
Last week when our relatives arrived for our son's wedding, Carol and I made several trips to the busy Denver airport. One of the trips required our driving two cars with Carol following me. Due to confusion about where and when to meet our guests, we had to circle around the airport a couple of times until they had their luggage and could meet us at the correct door. I led as Carol followed, and although we always got separated by the mass of other cars, vans or buses traveling those roads with the many turnoffs and side roads, always she always kept track of me.
Talking about this she later, she said it was because she was always following the cross. Both of our cars have a clergy sticker in the left rear window with a large dark blue cross on it. Most grey cars tend to look alike from the back, so as long as she could follow the cross, she knew she would not get lost.
That is a good lesson for us all in life - always to follow the cross. A busy life means things will try to come between us and Jesus, such as life's problems, diverging interests, changing work or losing our way. When we are unsure of where we are, we merely need to look for the cross of Jesus. He will never lead us astray, but will direct us to finding Him amid the many distractions of life.
"Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, RSV)
When you're unsure of where you are going, always follow the cross!
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Few of us wander aimlessly through life. Nearly everyone follows some kind example or a set of ideas, an important person, or the roadmap set forth by a career or goals we hope to achieve.
Last week when our relatives arrived for our son's wedding, Carol and I made several trips to the busy Denver airport. One of the trips required our driving two cars with Carol following me. Due to confusion about where and when to meet our guests, we had to circle around the airport a couple of times until they had their luggage and could meet us at the correct door. I led as Carol followed, and although we always got separated by the mass of other cars, vans or buses traveling those roads with the many turnoffs and side roads, always she always kept track of me.
Talking about this she later, she said it was because she was always following the cross. Both of our cars have a clergy sticker in the left rear window with a large dark blue cross on it. Most grey cars tend to look alike from the back, so as long as she could follow the cross, she knew she would not get lost.
That is a good lesson for us all in life - always to follow the cross. A busy life means things will try to come between us and Jesus, such as life's problems, diverging interests, changing work or losing our way. When we are unsure of where we are, we merely need to look for the cross of Jesus. He will never lead us astray, but will direct us to finding Him amid the many distractions of life.
"Looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, RSV)
When you're unsure of where you are going, always follow the cross!
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Monday, July 27, 2015
A HAPPY FAMILY
Our son was married this past Saturday in a joyful, busy and loving week filled with friends and relatives, food and activities that left us and many others weary but happy. Brian and Kersta were classmates but barely knew each other in high school. They met again at their 20th Class Reunion and met a third time via Facebook to begin the romance that brought them to the altar. There 150 friends and family heard them speak their vows to each other on a lovely summer morning.
Brian asked that I be his Best Man, something a father rarely is asked to do. Officiating for their ceremony was another cherished honor. The women of Epiphany Lutheran labored for days to give us a fine reception. Brian and Kersta are committed Christians and both know that good spouses can make each other better.
Brian’s brother and his family were there and took part in the wedding. Kersta’s two children now raises the number of our grandchildren to five. Grandpa and Grandma Tasler are happy people today. We know the meaning of Psalm 127:3: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.”
Pastors are often privileged to preside over their children’s baptisms, confirmations and weddings, and if God grants, those of their grandchildren, too. Being surrounded by fellow believers raises these ordinary events into the extraordinary. I wish everyone could know the exceptional blessings of being a Believer. You cannot buy, borrow or earn what Jesus freely offers us by faith in Him. The love of God knits one’s whole life together.
May you all know the peace of God through faith in Jesus.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Brian asked that I be his Best Man, something a father rarely is asked to do. Officiating for their ceremony was another cherished honor. The women of Epiphany Lutheran labored for days to give us a fine reception. Brian and Kersta are committed Christians and both know that good spouses can make each other better.
Brian’s brother and his family were there and took part in the wedding. Kersta’s two children now raises the number of our grandchildren to five. Grandpa and Grandma Tasler are happy people today. We know the meaning of Psalm 127:3: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.”
Pastors are often privileged to preside over their children’s baptisms, confirmations and weddings, and if God grants, those of their grandchildren, too. Being surrounded by fellow believers raises these ordinary events into the extraordinary. I wish everyone could know the exceptional blessings of being a Believer. You cannot buy, borrow or earn what Jesus freely offers us by faith in Him. The love of God knits one’s whole life together.
May you all know the peace of God through faith in Jesus.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Sunday, July 19, 2015
I'LL FLY AWAY!
Last week I visited a pastor friend and his wife in Texas. The trip from Denver to Dallas-Ft. Worth was great. After the scheduled layover at DFW, we boarded a small CJR 200 jet ("flying hotdog") to finish the trip as planned. Only it didn't quite go as planned.
The first plane kept us sweating in the gate an hour and a half before the pilot said air conditioning problems forced a change of planes. A long while later we boarded another CJR 200, and after finding and loading luggage, we departed. Twenty minutes into the flight the pilot announced apologetically that a "malfunctioning auto-pilot" forced us to turn back. The half dozen emergency vehicles, lights a-flashing, that followed us to the gate made me wonder what the real problem was.
At 10:00 PM and with no other flights to San Angelo, we waited patiently until they brought us a third plane of the same variety. After another wait to locate and load luggage, we backed out of the gate, sat there a half hour, and then pulled back into the gate. The pilot announced more unnamed problems was canceling the flight. By then some of us were on a first name basis with other passengers and had all but exchanged phone numbers.
The desk scheduled us on a flight the next morning and gave us vouchers to a very nice Fairfield Inn for the night where we checked in at midnight. I slept like a log. The next morning we boarded a fourth CJF 200 and quickly flew to San Angelo. As we landed I noticed at least thirty identical planes in mothballs nearby parked like little red, white and blue toys. I joked loudly maybe those were left from other cancelled flights. No one laughed.
After a lovely but all-too-short visit, I was pleased to return to DIA the next day at midnight. I was very civil in my email to the airline, but I am unsure how or if I will use the Courtesy Voucher they sent me.
Lessons learned? 1) Sometimes after years with no problems, they all come at once. 2) Good pilots don't take off when they're unsure if the plane will fly. And finally, 3) God was watching over us, so why gripe? There are other airlines to fly.
“Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away.“ (Psalm 55:6)
Rev. Bob Tasler
ww.bobtasler.com
The first plane kept us sweating in the gate an hour and a half before the pilot said air conditioning problems forced a change of planes. A long while later we boarded another CJR 200, and after finding and loading luggage, we departed. Twenty minutes into the flight the pilot announced apologetically that a "malfunctioning auto-pilot" forced us to turn back. The half dozen emergency vehicles, lights a-flashing, that followed us to the gate made me wonder what the real problem was.
At 10:00 PM and with no other flights to San Angelo, we waited patiently until they brought us a third plane of the same variety. After another wait to locate and load luggage, we backed out of the gate, sat there a half hour, and then pulled back into the gate. The pilot announced more unnamed problems was canceling the flight. By then some of us were on a first name basis with other passengers and had all but exchanged phone numbers.
The desk scheduled us on a flight the next morning and gave us vouchers to a very nice Fairfield Inn for the night where we checked in at midnight. I slept like a log. The next morning we boarded a fourth CJF 200 and quickly flew to San Angelo. As we landed I noticed at least thirty identical planes in mothballs nearby parked like little red, white and blue toys. I joked loudly maybe those were left from other cancelled flights. No one laughed.
After a lovely but all-too-short visit, I was pleased to return to DIA the next day at midnight. I was very civil in my email to the airline, but I am unsure how or if I will use the Courtesy Voucher they sent me.
Lessons learned? 1) Sometimes after years with no problems, they all come at once. 2) Good pilots don't take off when they're unsure if the plane will fly. And finally, 3) God was watching over us, so why gripe? There are other airlines to fly.
“Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away.“ (Psalm 55:6)
Rev. Bob Tasler
ww.bobtasler.com
Monday, July 13, 2015
REMEMBERING DAYS OF YOUTH
After several decades of happy marriage, a man realized he had
never shown his wife the old farm in another state where he grew up. So
they planned a summer road trip that included a drive past the old
place.
During the trip he described to her the old house and barn as well as the garden his mother tended, the orchard and huge trees around the north and west sides of the farmstead. He also told her of the views of the surrounding farms, and the stream that flowed under a bridge through a corner of their land where he had often fished and swam.
Imagine, then, the man's shock when they rounded a corner by the old home place and found everything was gone! The house, buildings, trees, garden and even the farmyard were nowhere in sight. In fact, over that entire place the new owners had planted a field of corn.
Disheartened, the man drove to the old lane, now an just approach into the cornfield, and got out to look. Realizing his emotions his wife said, "Look, there's the stream and the bridge." Yes, they were still there, as well as a neighbor's farm and the open view to the north. He also saw a familiar clump of trees in the old pasture, now a field of soy beans. And to the west was the familiar grove of trees of another neighbor. "I still dream about this," he said, "the house, barn and windmill." The farmstead was gone, but the stream was still there, and the view around his home was still stunning.
"In my dream I see the house and the barn and sometimes even hear my parents talking in the kitchen as she baked fresh bread." His wife listened patiently as the man described his happy youth, his godly parents and his family life there on a road past the old home of his memory.
Disappointment can almost shatter our lives until we realize there is something greater than the memories of our youth. In Psalm 77, the writer speaks of a difficult time when he felt overwhelmed with memories. But in the midst of his emotions he shifted his focus and said, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:11-12)
In dealing with disappointment, we can either focus on our loss or on God Himself. The Lord invites us to look to Him and see His eternal presence in our lives, a presence and love that encompasses all of life, including the days of youth and the joys of present life.
Remembering God's goodness helps keep our hope alive today.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
During the trip he described to her the old house and barn as well as the garden his mother tended, the orchard and huge trees around the north and west sides of the farmstead. He also told her of the views of the surrounding farms, and the stream that flowed under a bridge through a corner of their land where he had often fished and swam.
Imagine, then, the man's shock when they rounded a corner by the old home place and found everything was gone! The house, buildings, trees, garden and even the farmyard were nowhere in sight. In fact, over that entire place the new owners had planted a field of corn.
Disheartened, the man drove to the old lane, now an just approach into the cornfield, and got out to look. Realizing his emotions his wife said, "Look, there's the stream and the bridge." Yes, they were still there, as well as a neighbor's farm and the open view to the north. He also saw a familiar clump of trees in the old pasture, now a field of soy beans. And to the west was the familiar grove of trees of another neighbor. "I still dream about this," he said, "the house, barn and windmill." The farmstead was gone, but the stream was still there, and the view around his home was still stunning.
"In my dream I see the house and the barn and sometimes even hear my parents talking in the kitchen as she baked fresh bread." His wife listened patiently as the man described his happy youth, his godly parents and his family life there on a road past the old home of his memory.
Disappointment can almost shatter our lives until we realize there is something greater than the memories of our youth. In Psalm 77, the writer speaks of a difficult time when he felt overwhelmed with memories. But in the midst of his emotions he shifted his focus and said, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:11-12)
In dealing with disappointment, we can either focus on our loss or on God Himself. The Lord invites us to look to Him and see His eternal presence in our lives, a presence and love that encompasses all of life, including the days of youth and the joys of present life.
Remembering God's goodness helps keep our hope alive today.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
THE HELP WE NEED EACH DAY
Most of us awake each morning with a plan of what we wish to do.
But first we start with a certain ritual that will includes washing,
dressing and making our bodies ready for the day. Women will put on
make-up and men will shave. We may include time for some exercise,
reading the paper and hopefully having coffee with a little breakfast.
Then we grab our wallet or purse, start up the car, and out we go to
face the day ahead!
Most of this shows we cannot get along without having some help. We clothe ourselves for modesty and warmth. We eat for bodily nourishment and groom ourselves so we appear suitable to others. Some add things to help us get by for the day: glasses for seeing, aids for our hearing and pills to make sure our body is healthy and strong. We take a wallet or purse for money, ID cards and essentials, including a cell phone to keep connected with loved ones.
The days are long past when we woke up, left our cave, and went looking for food to kill, but maybe the ritual is similar. We are not self-sufficient; we will always need some things to help us through each day. Even the caveman needed a club to kill his food. Since the beginning of time, people have known they cannot live in isolation. We need companionship and the support of others.
People also seek help from God. Of the seven billion people in the world, three-fourths of us acknowledge the existence of God. We know in our hearts the world and universe did not happen by chance, so we seek help from the One who is greater than ourselves.
As Christians, we believe that One to be the God of the Bible, the Creator Father, the Redeemer Son and the Holy Spirit who gives faith. He is the one true God who cares for His creation and wants His creatures to depend on Him. There is nothing weak about trusting God and praying to Him. Folded hands and bowed heads are a far greater sign of strength then self-reliant heads held high.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.” (Psalm 8:1)
(From my new daily devotional, DAY BY DAY WITH JESUS)
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Most of this shows we cannot get along without having some help. We clothe ourselves for modesty and warmth. We eat for bodily nourishment and groom ourselves so we appear suitable to others. Some add things to help us get by for the day: glasses for seeing, aids for our hearing and pills to make sure our body is healthy and strong. We take a wallet or purse for money, ID cards and essentials, including a cell phone to keep connected with loved ones.
The days are long past when we woke up, left our cave, and went looking for food to kill, but maybe the ritual is similar. We are not self-sufficient; we will always need some things to help us through each day. Even the caveman needed a club to kill his food. Since the beginning of time, people have known they cannot live in isolation. We need companionship and the support of others.
People also seek help from God. Of the seven billion people in the world, three-fourths of us acknowledge the existence of God. We know in our hearts the world and universe did not happen by chance, so we seek help from the One who is greater than ourselves.
As Christians, we believe that One to be the God of the Bible, the Creator Father, the Redeemer Son and the Holy Spirit who gives faith. He is the one true God who cares for His creation and wants His creatures to depend on Him. There is nothing weak about trusting God and praying to Him. Folded hands and bowed heads are a far greater sign of strength then self-reliant heads held high.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.” (Psalm 8:1)
(From my new daily devotional, DAY BY DAY WITH JESUS)
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
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