In his novel, "Travels With Charlie," John Steinbeck wrote, “You don’t take the trip, the trip takes you.” I thought of his words yesterday when the temperature reached 111 degrees in the South Dakota badlands, and the little air conditioner could not cool our travel trailer any longer.
I didn’t consider going home, just wishing it was cooler like our house in Castle Rock usually is. That night the water in our trailer tank was warm enough for a bath without even heating it!
The day before we had driven through DeSmet, SD, site of five of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s "Little House" books, and I had been wondering about how the pioneers handled the heat, humidity and mosquitoes. They had no air conditioning, electricity, or any of the conveniences we have. There must have been times when they felt they could go no farther, handle no more heat, or work no more. But still they continued.
There are times in our lives when what we do may seem more than we can handle. A situation gets too far out of control, a responsibility seems too great, or a difficulty saps our strength. At such times we would like to quit, or at least let someone else take over. But we don’t know who we can ask.
At those times, perhaps we can, and should, give our troubles to someone else. Jesus is willing to share them, to help us handle that difficulty, or give us that strength we need. He may not take our troubles away, but He will help us deal with them. He won’t remove our loads, but He will give us stronger backs. Sometimes He just gives us a little needed hand.
When I was young, I was expected to help with the farm chores. One of my tasks was to carry pails of water for the chickens. I recall one night trying to use a five-gallon pail. It was far too heavy, but I kept on dragging it, splashing water on my pants. Suddenly, my pail got lighter! My older brother Fritz had come along side me and helped carry the load, lifting the handle with one finger, just enough to make it easier for me. I carried it, but he was helping me do it.
When the heat is too great, God is always there. When the load is too much, He will help. Ask Him for help, and He will give you even more than you need.
And He always comes with us on our trips through life.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
THINGS WE DON'T USE
We all have things around the house we don’t use, but we don’t want to get rid of them, either. Exercise equipment, for example.
A few years ago I bought an exercise bike, one that works your arms, and fans the air as you peddle it. I took it home with great plans - it would help my legs, breathing and stamina, and maybe even bring back one or two of those six-pack abs I once thought I had – and all for the garage sale price of $15! I used it that first day for about 10 minutes, and admired it as it sat there on my deck.
The next day I was too busy to use it, and the next, and the next. In the coming months, I used it a few more times, but began sweeping around it, moving it to a less conspicuous place, but always left it in sight and ready for use.
And even though I didn’t use it much, I felt good just having it. It was a good purchase and was just what I needed. I was sure I would one day use it regularly, maybe when I retire. Well, a month after I retired, I put it in storage. It was getting in the way. I thought setting it out for the trash - but no, I couldn’t do that. That bike was just what I needed, and I needed having it there, knowing I could use it whenever I wanted to. Even now I can picture just where it is, ready for my use when this trip is over. But I wonder if I will…
If you think about it, most of us treat our Bibles that way. We all have one, maybe several, and though they look nice and sit on our shelves or coffee tables, they’re usually dusty and very unused. But they are still there, ready for when we need them! We surely feel better just having our Bible near at hand.
You see, one of these days we’re going to read our Bible, and regularly. And when that day comes, it will strengthen our faith, increase our knowledge, brace up our morals, and make us better people. But right now we’re busy, so our Bibles just sit there. Of course, we will never get rid of them, just because we don’t use them. After all, we feel better just having our Bible close by. We just don’t have the time to read it right now, do we?
When I get back from this trip, I’m going to get that exercise bike out again. And I just know this time I will use it regularly. Now, how about my Bible?
So, how about it? Will you join me?
A few years ago I bought an exercise bike, one that works your arms, and fans the air as you peddle it. I took it home with great plans - it would help my legs, breathing and stamina, and maybe even bring back one or two of those six-pack abs I once thought I had – and all for the garage sale price of $15! I used it that first day for about 10 minutes, and admired it as it sat there on my deck.
The next day I was too busy to use it, and the next, and the next. In the coming months, I used it a few more times, but began sweeping around it, moving it to a less conspicuous place, but always left it in sight and ready for use.
And even though I didn’t use it much, I felt good just having it. It was a good purchase and was just what I needed. I was sure I would one day use it regularly, maybe when I retire. Well, a month after I retired, I put it in storage. It was getting in the way. I thought setting it out for the trash - but no, I couldn’t do that. That bike was just what I needed, and I needed having it there, knowing I could use it whenever I wanted to. Even now I can picture just where it is, ready for my use when this trip is over. But I wonder if I will…
If you think about it, most of us treat our Bibles that way. We all have one, maybe several, and though they look nice and sit on our shelves or coffee tables, they’re usually dusty and very unused. But they are still there, ready for when we need them! We surely feel better just having our Bible near at hand.
You see, one of these days we’re going to read our Bible, and regularly. And when that day comes, it will strengthen our faith, increase our knowledge, brace up our morals, and make us better people. But right now we’re busy, so our Bibles just sit there. Of course, we will never get rid of them, just because we don’t use them. After all, we feel better just having our Bible close by. We just don’t have the time to read it right now, do we?
When I get back from this trip, I’m going to get that exercise bike out again. And I just know this time I will use it regularly. Now, how about my Bible?
So, how about it? Will you join me?
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
KNOWING SOMEONE FAMOUS
“I wish I could have met him,” she said as we left the old house. Have you ever known or met someone famous, someone everyone knows? I guess it depends on what one would consider “famous.” We've all met a “name dropper,” someone who likes to tell others of the famous people (s)he knows. A fellow once regaled us such with an array of important people he said he knew, that we found him boring rather than amazing.
Carol and I recently stayed in Winterset, IA, the Madison County seat (“Bridges of Madison County”), and birthplace of Marion Robert Morrison, also known as John Wayne. We slipped into the final tour of the day at the tiny house on the corner of Second and South streets where he was born and lived three years before moving away. The rooms were filled with photos and memorabilia of “Duke's” life. The guide said as we left, “I met many of his family members last May at his 100th birthday. I wish I could have met him, but he died in 1979. He's buried in California.”
There is something in most of us that wants to know someone famous, someone who has made a name for him or herself. I must be one of those, as I've even had dreams about visiting with a president, an actor or other famous person. It felt good in the dream, and even awhile after I woke up. But I've never met any of those famous folks personally.
And yet I have met, spoken with, and have even been befriended by the most important person who ever lived. In fact this Person knows me at my worst and still loves me enough to die for me. He is Jesus of Nazareth, King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Son of the Living God and offers eternal life to me and everyone who trusts in Him. And I know Him very personally - I talk to Him just about every day.
My Friend lived a long time ago, but no one knows quite where He was born. We know approximately where He died, but His body is not there, or anywhere on earth, for He arose again from the dead and ascended into heaven. And though we may not have met Him personally, one day we shall see Him face to face. That will be a great day for all mankind, and all will rejoice at the meeting. All, that is, except for unbelievers.
And though He lived 2,000 years ago, all believers have met Him personally, for He lives in their hearts. There are thousands, even millions, of “little Christs” all over the world, in every nation and home where believers trust Him and call upon His name.
“I wish I could have met him,” said our guide. We may not have met him, but we can all have met Him, through His Holy Word, through His followers, in worship. and some day in glory everlasting.
And then we'll be with Him forever!
Carol and I recently stayed in Winterset, IA, the Madison County seat (“Bridges of Madison County”), and birthplace of Marion Robert Morrison, also known as John Wayne. We slipped into the final tour of the day at the tiny house on the corner of Second and South streets where he was born and lived three years before moving away. The rooms were filled with photos and memorabilia of “Duke's” life. The guide said as we left, “I met many of his family members last May at his 100th birthday. I wish I could have met him, but he died in 1979. He's buried in California.”
There is something in most of us that wants to know someone famous, someone who has made a name for him or herself. I must be one of those, as I've even had dreams about visiting with a president, an actor or other famous person. It felt good in the dream, and even awhile after I woke up. But I've never met any of those famous folks personally.
And yet I have met, spoken with, and have even been befriended by the most important person who ever lived. In fact this Person knows me at my worst and still loves me enough to die for me. He is Jesus of Nazareth, King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the Son of the Living God and offers eternal life to me and everyone who trusts in Him. And I know Him very personally - I talk to Him just about every day.
My Friend lived a long time ago, but no one knows quite where He was born. We know approximately where He died, but His body is not there, or anywhere on earth, for He arose again from the dead and ascended into heaven. And though we may not have met Him personally, one day we shall see Him face to face. That will be a great day for all mankind, and all will rejoice at the meeting. All, that is, except for unbelievers.
And though He lived 2,000 years ago, all believers have met Him personally, for He lives in their hearts. There are thousands, even millions, of “little Christs” all over the world, in every nation and home where believers trust Him and call upon His name.
“I wish I could have met him,” said our guide. We may not have met him, but we can all have met Him, through His Holy Word, through His followers, in worship. and some day in glory everlasting.
And then we'll be with Him forever!
Monday, July 2, 2007
THE AMERICAN SOLDIER
As we approach the Fourth of July, my thoughts turn to the men and women of our Armed Forces who stand in the gap for us, defending our freedom, as well as helping the people of other nations achieve theirs. America is one of the few nations in the world who have consistently sent their armed forces to help other nations when in need. May God bless all our soldiers!
The average age of the American soldier is 20 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy, not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but still old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's. And he has probably never collected unemployment.
He's a recent High School graduate. He was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.
He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and also to a 155mm howitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the parts of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stand until he is told to march.
He obeys orders without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individuality. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues, washing one while wearing the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to clean his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you, and if you're hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and his weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop dead bodies, and has helped to create them.
He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of our National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering a burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.
And yet, in an odd twist, day in and day out, far away from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American fighting man that has kept this country free for 230 years. He asks nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
And now we also have women over there who are also in harm's way, doing their part in this tradition of going to war when our nation calls us to do so. Let us remember them always, for they have earned our respect and admiration with their sweat and blood.
"Dear Lord, hold our troops in Your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Thank you for the men and women of our Armed Forces, in Jesus' name, amen."
The average age of the American soldier is 20 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy, not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but still old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's. And he has probably never collected unemployment.
He's a recent High School graduate. He was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.
He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and also to a 155mm howitzer. He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the parts of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must. He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stand until he is told to march.
He obeys orders without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individuality. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues, washing one while wearing the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry. He sometimes forgets to clean his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you, and if you're hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low. He has learned to use his hands like weapons and his weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime. He has stood atop dead bodies, and has helped to create them.
He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of our National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering a burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.
And yet, in an odd twist, day in and day out, far away from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as did his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American fighting man that has kept this country free for 230 years. He asks nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
And now we also have women over there who are also in harm's way, doing their part in this tradition of going to war when our nation calls us to do so. Let us remember them always, for they have earned our respect and admiration with their sweat and blood.
"Dear Lord, hold our troops in Your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. Thank you for the men and women of our Armed Forces, in Jesus' name, amen."
Friday, June 29, 2007
ISLAM vs. THE WORLD
"We have to bring the troops home now! This war has gone on too long," some people are saying. We may bring them home, at least most of them, but that won't be the end of the war.
The current war the United States is waging against "terrorism" is actually a war with Islam. No one likes to say this fact, but it is true. Since Mohammed wrote down his new faith in the Koran during the 7th century A.D., Islam's primary purpose has been to dominate the world. The basic meaning of "Islam" is submission, forced submission, and getting the world to submit to Islam is the sole underlying purpose of the Koran.
"Spread the word by the sword" has been, and still is, a basic tenant of the Moslem faith. The problem over the centuries has been that they lacked the right combination of tools to get the job done. To bring about world domination, Islamists know they need money, technology and manpower. Until the 20th century, they had only one of the three factors, manpower. But with the world's current dependence on both technology and oil, now they have the other two. Thus, the mullahs and ayatollahs believe now is the time.
Mohammed instructed his followers to win the world for their god. As soon as he had made enough converts, he raised an army to wage war against Christians and Jews, and his followers have been raising such armies ever since. This is jihad, to struggle against the infidel to achieve world domination. But always they were hampered by lack of funds, as well as their people in the right places. The 20th century has brought another important element which has helped the three factors to fall into place, and that is Moslem immigration into developed nations.
Today the developed nations, mostly western Europe, Russia, and even China, are in a death spiral. Following the advice of alarmists, these nations have adopted policies to limit population growth, at that same time as they have become dependant on the state providing universal health care and hefty pensions. Limiting population has resulted in the "silent killer" of not having enough native sons and daughters born to fund all the pensions and health care of its aging population.
An aging nation needs young workers to fund the aged, and the only two groups currently providing more than their share of babies are Hispanics and Moslems. Hispanics generally can't cross the oceans, so for the past decade or two Moslem immigrants have been pouring into Britain, Germany and Russia.
The dirty little secret on the Continent today is that the populations of Belgium, Spain, Italy, and France are now from 25% to 40% Moslem, giving rise by some to the term "Eurabia." Those immigrants are mostly young, single Moslem men, looking for purpose in life, because married Moslem men are staying home with their wives and growing families.
Islam allows a worthy man to marry up to four wives, and so all the available women are being married to only one fourth to one third of the Moslem men with the money to support them. That leaves around two thirds to three fourths of the young Moslem men unable to marry (unless they marry non-Moslem wives). Some men can marry, but most can't. The Koran forbids fornication. Imagine their frustration!
But the Koran's author knew something like this might happen, so he put in a clause promising those unmarried fellows a paradise that includes 70 virgins each if they become martyrs in the jihad.
We live at a time of unprecedented technology, especially in communication. Cell phones are everywhere. The internet connects everyone. "How to…" websites provide information on bomb-making, material availability, targets and the latest technology of enemy soldiers. Oil production provides the funds for materials, travel and salaries, as well as the occasional bribes and pay-offs needed to get things done.
Today, then, all the factors are in place for the ultimate goal: 1) PEOPLE - thousands upon thousands of frustrated men, located in the right places, with the promise of a sexual paradise in martyrdom, 2) TECHNOLOGY - internet, cell phones and instant information of every kind, and 3) MONEY - the Middle East oil patch funds it all. Thus, Islam's rulers knows that the time is right if they are ever going to bring the world under the rule of Allah.
Which brings us to one more factor: 4) TIME. The oil money won't last forever. The current anti-American fervor will run its course. Therefore, the fanatics of Islam know they must do it now, in the next twenty to thirty years, before the oil money runs out and the religious fervor runs its course. Oil won't keep coming out of Arab earth forever. With technology making the world smaller, Islam's adherents will change, becoming more tolerant, and their desires will cease to burn so brightly. Thus, now is the time to bring about the dreams and goals of Mohammed!
And now is the time for a rookie prognosticator to make a prediction. I believe the war against terror will get worse before it gets better, and will probably last 20 years or more. This war will be the single worst drain on our economy, and unless Americans and Europeans and Russians and the enlightened of this world come to their senses, this war will be lost. We have entirely too many people in perpetual denial. Islamists will not be won over by being nice to them. Friendship and gentleness have never been assets in dealing with Moslems, and they will always be used against us.
ISLAM vs. THE WORLD may be the basis for biblical Armageddon, for it shows the uniting of a great power that is completely opposed to Jesus Christ against those nations whose cultures rest on Judeo-Christian principles. And it is those nations who are the last great hope for a world free of Islamic domination.
Question is, will people in those nations wake up and smell the (arabic) coffee?
The current war the United States is waging against "terrorism" is actually a war with Islam. No one likes to say this fact, but it is true. Since Mohammed wrote down his new faith in the Koran during the 7th century A.D., Islam's primary purpose has been to dominate the world. The basic meaning of "Islam" is submission, forced submission, and getting the world to submit to Islam is the sole underlying purpose of the Koran.
"Spread the word by the sword" has been, and still is, a basic tenant of the Moslem faith. The problem over the centuries has been that they lacked the right combination of tools to get the job done. To bring about world domination, Islamists know they need money, technology and manpower. Until the 20th century, they had only one of the three factors, manpower. But with the world's current dependence on both technology and oil, now they have the other two. Thus, the mullahs and ayatollahs believe now is the time.
Mohammed instructed his followers to win the world for their god. As soon as he had made enough converts, he raised an army to wage war against Christians and Jews, and his followers have been raising such armies ever since. This is jihad, to struggle against the infidel to achieve world domination. But always they were hampered by lack of funds, as well as their people in the right places. The 20th century has brought another important element which has helped the three factors to fall into place, and that is Moslem immigration into developed nations.
Today the developed nations, mostly western Europe, Russia, and even China, are in a death spiral. Following the advice of alarmists, these nations have adopted policies to limit population growth, at that same time as they have become dependant on the state providing universal health care and hefty pensions. Limiting population has resulted in the "silent killer" of not having enough native sons and daughters born to fund all the pensions and health care of its aging population.
An aging nation needs young workers to fund the aged, and the only two groups currently providing more than their share of babies are Hispanics and Moslems. Hispanics generally can't cross the oceans, so for the past decade or two Moslem immigrants have been pouring into Britain, Germany and Russia.
The dirty little secret on the Continent today is that the populations of Belgium, Spain, Italy, and France are now from 25% to 40% Moslem, giving rise by some to the term "Eurabia." Those immigrants are mostly young, single Moslem men, looking for purpose in life, because married Moslem men are staying home with their wives and growing families.
Islam allows a worthy man to marry up to four wives, and so all the available women are being married to only one fourth to one third of the Moslem men with the money to support them. That leaves around two thirds to three fourths of the young Moslem men unable to marry (unless they marry non-Moslem wives). Some men can marry, but most can't. The Koran forbids fornication. Imagine their frustration!
But the Koran's author knew something like this might happen, so he put in a clause promising those unmarried fellows a paradise that includes 70 virgins each if they become martyrs in the jihad.
We live at a time of unprecedented technology, especially in communication. Cell phones are everywhere. The internet connects everyone. "How to…" websites provide information on bomb-making, material availability, targets and the latest technology of enemy soldiers. Oil production provides the funds for materials, travel and salaries, as well as the occasional bribes and pay-offs needed to get things done.
Today, then, all the factors are in place for the ultimate goal: 1) PEOPLE - thousands upon thousands of frustrated men, located in the right places, with the promise of a sexual paradise in martyrdom, 2) TECHNOLOGY - internet, cell phones and instant information of every kind, and 3) MONEY - the Middle East oil patch funds it all. Thus, Islam's rulers knows that the time is right if they are ever going to bring the world under the rule of Allah.
Which brings us to one more factor: 4) TIME. The oil money won't last forever. The current anti-American fervor will run its course. Therefore, the fanatics of Islam know they must do it now, in the next twenty to thirty years, before the oil money runs out and the religious fervor runs its course. Oil won't keep coming out of Arab earth forever. With technology making the world smaller, Islam's adherents will change, becoming more tolerant, and their desires will cease to burn so brightly. Thus, now is the time to bring about the dreams and goals of Mohammed!
And now is the time for a rookie prognosticator to make a prediction. I believe the war against terror will get worse before it gets better, and will probably last 20 years or more. This war will be the single worst drain on our economy, and unless Americans and Europeans and Russians and the enlightened of this world come to their senses, this war will be lost. We have entirely too many people in perpetual denial. Islamists will not be won over by being nice to them. Friendship and gentleness have never been assets in dealing with Moslems, and they will always be used against us.
ISLAM vs. THE WORLD may be the basis for biblical Armageddon, for it shows the uniting of a great power that is completely opposed to Jesus Christ against those nations whose cultures rest on Judeo-Christian principles. And it is those nations who are the last great hope for a world free of Islamic domination.
Question is, will people in those nations wake up and smell the (arabic) coffee?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
NEED A LIFE ADJUSTMENT?
I picked up my old chainsaw yesterday to do some overdue tree trimming. After many, many pulls, I did get the old motor running, though it smoked and coughed. But then it's done that lately because it's old, so I didn't expect much better from it.
As I let it "warm up," I noticed the adjustment screw was covered with sawdust, so I reached in with my finger and cleaned it off, and in doing so, turned the screw just a little. The motor ran a little better! So I picked up a screw driver and a brush, did some more cleaning and adjusting. Before long, that old saw was humming like it was new - wow! Here I was ready to junk it, and all it needed was adjustment. After using it for years, that set screw must slowly have tightened down, not letting enough gas get to the spark plug. But when adjusted correctly, that motor ran like it was new again.
Oh, that it would be so easy to be adjusted in life! Sometimes our lives get to coughing and sputtering, and we begin to think that's just the way we are, that we can't expect much better. But perhaps we are that way because very slowly, over the years, we've picked up a bad habit here, or a nasty attitude there and a wrong thought there. And we've had them so long we think it's part of who we are, that we can't change. But when God's Word shows us the truth of what we've become, and shows us what Jesus did for us, we can get cleaned up and changed for the better.
Of course, we can't do this changing by ourselves. And we can never become so good that we don't need some kind of changing. Our sinful nature will always keep our motors sputtering. Certain sins will always foul up our spark plugs. Bad fuel will always make us run poorly. But in Jesus Christ, we can receive the eternal adjustment of forgiveness, daily, not just ever year or so. And God's loving adjustments help us avoid becoming set wrong in our ways.
The particles of sawdust, like an infinite amount of "little" sins, may even cover the obvious. But when the goodness of God in Jesus Christ enters our lives, especially when God sends a Christian friend who cares enough to be truthful to us, we are given the chance for a new start. Our old sinful self already has a cleansing from the cross of Christ that makes all things new.
I guess I won't toss the old saw. After all, God didn't toss me out, either.
As I let it "warm up," I noticed the adjustment screw was covered with sawdust, so I reached in with my finger and cleaned it off, and in doing so, turned the screw just a little. The motor ran a little better! So I picked up a screw driver and a brush, did some more cleaning and adjusting. Before long, that old saw was humming like it was new - wow! Here I was ready to junk it, and all it needed was adjustment. After using it for years, that set screw must slowly have tightened down, not letting enough gas get to the spark plug. But when adjusted correctly, that motor ran like it was new again.
Oh, that it would be so easy to be adjusted in life! Sometimes our lives get to coughing and sputtering, and we begin to think that's just the way we are, that we can't expect much better. But perhaps we are that way because very slowly, over the years, we've picked up a bad habit here, or a nasty attitude there and a wrong thought there. And we've had them so long we think it's part of who we are, that we can't change. But when God's Word shows us the truth of what we've become, and shows us what Jesus did for us, we can get cleaned up and changed for the better.
Of course, we can't do this changing by ourselves. And we can never become so good that we don't need some kind of changing. Our sinful nature will always keep our motors sputtering. Certain sins will always foul up our spark plugs. Bad fuel will always make us run poorly. But in Jesus Christ, we can receive the eternal adjustment of forgiveness, daily, not just ever year or so. And God's loving adjustments help us avoid becoming set wrong in our ways.
The particles of sawdust, like an infinite amount of "little" sins, may even cover the obvious. But when the goodness of God in Jesus Christ enters our lives, especially when God sends a Christian friend who cares enough to be truthful to us, we are given the chance for a new start. Our old sinful self already has a cleansing from the cross of Christ that makes all things new.
I guess I won't toss the old saw. After all, God didn't toss me out, either.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
MORE ISN'T ALWAYS BETTER
If a little is good, a lot must be better, right? Not always! With some pleasures, some foods, or even time with some people, we should stop at just a little. Any more, and there's only trouble a-waiting.
Cashews, for instance. This morning as I write you, my stomach regrets that its owner hadn't the sense to stop with just a little. The intended goodness of a small handful last night turned into a lot more, and now I wish I'd left that can of Planters on the shelf. But they seemed so good at the time!
Life is like that. We know better, but we do it anyway. We know we should stop certain things, but we don't. St. Paul knew about this when he wrote in Romans 7:19, "The good that I would, that I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." (KJV) Or to put it in terms of how I feel this morning: "The good little handful, that I ate not; The four handfuls that I knew were evil, those I ate!"
Paul wrote further in Romans 7:24, "Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" He must have gotten into the same can of nuts!
So much of life has to do with knowing our limits. Too much work can be as bad for you as too much leisure. A little salt can be good (in fact, we need it), but too much can be poison. Moderation is needed in all things; we need to find balance.
About the only thing we can't get enough of is God's grace. We can never get too much of that wonderful stuff! His love is new every morning because we need it every morning - and every noon and every night. A little handful is not enough, for we daily sin much and indeed deserve only punishment. We need His mercy by the bucketful. There's never a moment when we don't need Jesus. We need His forgiveness every moment.
So thanks be to God, we have it! With God's love for us in Jesus, a little is good, and a lot is far better. And ten times that amount is never more too much. The same is true of faith. A faith the size of a mustard seed is enough, but faith the size of a watermelon is even better.
I'm starting to feel better now - walking around helps, and so does Alka Seltzer. I hope I remember this lesson. But I probably won't. After all, I hadn't bought a can of cashews for at least six months because of the last time....
Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving us poor, miserable sinners,
Cashews, for instance. This morning as I write you, my stomach regrets that its owner hadn't the sense to stop with just a little. The intended goodness of a small handful last night turned into a lot more, and now I wish I'd left that can of Planters on the shelf. But they seemed so good at the time!
Life is like that. We know better, but we do it anyway. We know we should stop certain things, but we don't. St. Paul knew about this when he wrote in Romans 7:19, "The good that I would, that I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do." (KJV) Or to put it in terms of how I feel this morning: "The good little handful, that I ate not; The four handfuls that I knew were evil, those I ate!"
Paul wrote further in Romans 7:24, "Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" He must have gotten into the same can of nuts!
So much of life has to do with knowing our limits. Too much work can be as bad for you as too much leisure. A little salt can be good (in fact, we need it), but too much can be poison. Moderation is needed in all things; we need to find balance.
About the only thing we can't get enough of is God's grace. We can never get too much of that wonderful stuff! His love is new every morning because we need it every morning - and every noon and every night. A little handful is not enough, for we daily sin much and indeed deserve only punishment. We need His mercy by the bucketful. There's never a moment when we don't need Jesus. We need His forgiveness every moment.
So thanks be to God, we have it! With God's love for us in Jesus, a little is good, and a lot is far better. And ten times that amount is never more too much. The same is true of faith. A faith the size of a mustard seed is enough, but faith the size of a watermelon is even better.
I'm starting to feel better now - walking around helps, and so does Alka Seltzer. I hope I remember this lesson. But I probably won't. After all, I hadn't bought a can of cashews for at least six months because of the last time....
Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving us poor, miserable sinners,
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