Walking through Current Events (3000 years ago)

I was reading in Proverbs 29 today and my, every verse seemed to have applications to today. I am not going to take all of my thoughts and notes and put them here, but here are some of the topics contained in the chapter.

• Righteous rulers vs. foolish rulers -- we are in an election year
• Wise vs. foolish living
• Integrity
• Consideration of the less fortunate
• Scorners in the community
• The impact and influence of the righteous in a community
• Talking too much
• Listening to bad info
• Unchecked behavior
• And so on and so on

Take some time to read this section of the Word of God and put your thoughts on paper, just make sure that those thoughts are rooted in the Word.

Walking through Dad's Day

It is Fathers' Day 2020 and it is indeed a unique time. So much happening in the world and so much changing. It is good to know that our Heavenly Father is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love never changes and He loves me. Such a thought!

I have been blessed to have a wonderful dad and a wonderful dad-in-law. God has blessed me and I am so privileged. Two great men to look up to and wonderful examples to follow.

And, Fathers' Day 2020 is my dad's birthday. Two reasons for cake and ice cream.

Walking in Troubled Times

II Chronicles 7:14 -- If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

We are living in challenging times, for sure. Some of the issues being faced are unique, others have been around as long as man has been on the planet. Whether viruses, death, unruliness, or prejudice, they all have the same root: sin. Before Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, all was perfect. God gave man the ability to make logical choices and decisions and Adam and Eve chose their own selfish way and not God's. For thousands of years now man has reaped the results of sin. "Back in the day" we heard so many messages based on II Chronicles 7:14. Some points and comments.

• If - It is not a given that prayer will happen. So often we allow the trivial to get in the way of the important.

• My people - Prayer is only effective when offered by the people of God. Simply talking to someone with whom there is no relationship is an exercise in futility. If we want to see God work, we need to be close and intimate with Him.

• Called by my name - All men are the creation of God, but not all are the children of God. God speaks of His family, of those who are His children. What differentiates the creation from the family? We become part of the family of God, one of His people, when we accept His invitation. I cannot make myself a part of His family, only He can do that.

• Shall humble themselves - O, that is a great challenge. We spend most of our time trying to get ahead and then God asks that we take a step back. When we accept and acknowledge our place and His place, our role in the whole scheme of things, we should see that we are insignificant and yet God still chooses to love us.

• Pray - Know God come to our role and our great need, to communicate with Him. Prayer should be bi-directional, we speak with God and wait for the Spirit to commune with us, particularly through the Word. We need to pray and pray...and pray.

• Seek my face - We need to do more than talk, we need to implore God. We need to nag and insistently speak with Him. We need to pray fervently. It should be like to toddler in the toy section; ask, ask, and ask.

• Turn from their wicked ways - We need to be willing to correct what we have done wrong, to fix what we have broken. It seems so often that we want to have God bless without any willingness on our part to change. We need to step up and strive for Christlikeness. We need to move from wickedness to righteousness.

• The will I hear from heaven - God has promised to hear and answer our prayers. Even when we do not see the answer, He is at work. When we meet His requirements (see above) He is bound by His word to respond.

• Forgive their sin - It is interesting that the first thing that God looks to "fix" is the sin problem. He is interested in us, our relationship with Him, even before the "land" problem. Unless the sin issue is addressed, we are simply delaying the inevitable. We need to address our sin and have it forgiven if we want our prayers to reach the ears of God.

• Heal their land - It is God and God alone who can solve the ills that plague our land. He is ready and willing to heal, but there are requirements that need to be met first. Solving the problems begins with His people, the church, need to do more than sit back and fuss about everyone else. We need to reach out to God and beseech Him to move among our nation. Man does not have the ability to fix what is broken, but he is a part of the process. When we obey the Word and seek the God of the Word, then and only then will we see healing happen.

Walking Through _______ Times

Well, we are slowly working back toward normal life. Finally church was able to resume with in-person "fellowship" today. Of course, ministries were limited, singing was limited, interaction was limited, etc. Over the next couple of weeks things should continue to move to normal. It was good, however, to be back in church. We we able to study online these past months, but to see our church family was good. Who knows, maybe soon we can even speak with them.

It is amazing to reflect on how good God is and how He continues to meet our needs, in spite of all that we face. Many people have had work removed or upended, but I have been working OT and lots of it each week. Some items are difficult to find at the store, but we have been able to get everything that we need.

We have been richly blessed. The same God who gave His Son to die in our place to provide a means of salvation cares for me and my family -- that is quite incredible. Not only does He care, but He involves Himself to see that we are safe and provided for. All of our needs are met and so many of our frivolous wants. Life is much like meals, it could be water and crackers or maybe beans and rice, but God has provided far more. Variety may be the spice of life, but spices add variety in life...and we have lots of spices. He cares for us, so let us care for Him.  It is easier to appreciate what He does than it is to appreciate who He is and yet it is who He is that is key. He cannot do anything outside of His character, that is He cannot do anything that violates who He is.

And so we look at the title. How do you fill in the blank to describe the times that we have been in recently? And this does not even address recent social turmoil. Regardless of what we face, God is STILL in control. He has not taken a vacation recently nor is He on a leave of absence. He is still the creator and sustainer of the universe -- the entire universe. Earth at large and my life specifically are nothing for Him, but I am everything to Him. What can separate us from the love of God? Nothing.

Walking While Going Nowhere

This isolation/insulation is for the birds. No, wait. I see birds out flying around, though I guess most that I see are indeed at least six feet apart as they practice social distancing. I really dislike that term, by the way.

As different states and some specific locales begin to "re-open," it is interesting to see how they are entering and moving through the process. More interesting has been the way in which the Constitution has been set aside. It may have been in the name of public safety, but when the "law of the land" can be ignored for any reason a terrible precedent has been set. Who will get to decide when the guidelines that govern our society will next be ignored or rejected? We are but a significant natural disaster or another pandemic from martial law. Some are serious, but many are missed forecasts; think swine flu, bird flu, hurricane forecasts that miss by hundreds of miles or significant mph. The Land of the Free is far less so today that it was three months ago. Even after re-opening, we my have a hard time getting back to where we were at that time, let alone getting back the freedoms that have been lost over the past years.

Well, today is Mother's Day 2020 and a unique day it is. If your mother lives some distance away, then a phone call or video chat would be normal today. If your mother lives reasonably close, then time spent together might be the norm, but for many it will not happen today. That said, a "thank you" is still very possible and quite appreciated. Take a moment and express your gratitude to Mom; she did more than make PB&J sandwiches. In my case, God has richly blessed with mom who loves him dearly and seeks to serve Him each day. She humbly helps her family and friends whenever she can, but most importantly she prays for her friends and family. I am grateful for the mom that God gave me and I am thankful to her for the example she has set over these years. Thanks Mom.

Walking to the Empty Tomb

Well, it is another week of Coronavirus Closures. We have been out of church for a month now and it is still as odd a feeling as it was week 1. In spite of the closures, we have been able through the benefits of modern technology to worship "with" our church. Most odd of all was today, Easter Sunday, as we watched the video of the message. Easter Sunday is usually a highlight of the entire year, as we have very special music and perhaps a cantata. Attendance is usually quite high. The message is powerful. It is indeed a service to look forward to. Today, attendance was low -- 5. We had special music -- via video. The message was indeed powerful. Most/best of all, the tomb (as it has been for almost 2000 years) was still empty.

The truth is that Easter is not about church, as important as church is. Easter is not about special music, as moving as it may be. It is not about see friends and guests at church, though that is indeed a blessing. It is not even about the message itself. Easter is all about the truth of the resurrection. Through the resurrection we have the promise/guarantee of new life in Christ, a life that is eternal. 

The Weight of the Cross

The Power of the Cross

There Rose a Lamb

Resurrection Hymn

I was able to watch a couple of wonderful messages this morning about the resurrection. We seldom take time to reflect on the great truths of the resurrection and all that is made available to us through the resurrection. With the Coronavirus Closures, there is not much more that we can do, so let's pause and consider all that Christ has given us through the resurrection.

Walking through Unique Times

Okay, so this has gone from "different" to "like nothing we have ever experienced" fairly quickly. A LOT of small and medium-sized churches are getting into the world of video, whether live-streamed or recorded and uploaded. It does open up the opportunity to minister during these challenging times, but it is just not the same. One of the most wonderful parts of the body of Christ is the privilege of fellowship.We can utilize the various social media platforms to communicate with others, but it is just not the same. Eventually, this to shall pass and we will have the ability to gather together with our church family. Let us not take that time and that opportunity for granted, but rather let us take full advantage of all that the church has to offer.

During this downtime, what have we done to improve ourselves or our position. One of my projects that has been pushed off indefinitely (until now) is dubbing VHS tapes onto DVD. I have numerous  VHS tapes of school programs training sessions, ball games, and the such that are only taking up space on a shelf or in a box and so it is time to convert them and do some spring cleaning. There are other types of cleaning that need done, but my job continues even in this unique time, so I need projects that do not necessarily need direct attention. And then there are the regularly scheduled maintenance visits for the house -- HVAC system, pests and vermin, etc. How are such appointments kept when social distancing is demanded? Some of the visits can be made, but others are indefinitely postponed. Even those that are kept as scheduled are accomplished differently than they used to be.

And then there is the (faux) racing. Many of the major racing series are still racing, howbeit utilizing digital means combined with fancy computers, steering  wheels, and pedals. It is intriguing, but not quite the same a the genuine event. I suppose it is better than the alternative -- no racing of any form whatsoever.

And yet, Romans 8 makes it clear that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. He has loved us, He does love us, and He will love us...COVID-19 or not.

Walking through Uncharted Territory

I started this earlier this week.

Today is Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Just think, only one week ago life was still moving ahead in a normal fashion.We went where we wanted, when we wanted, to do what we wanted. Calendars were still packed full of events and the future held numerous scheduled activities. And then life (as we are accustomed to it) came to a screeching halt. Now, not only are pressing engagements canceled or postponed, future events are uncertain. Baseball season will begin as newly scheduled; however, the schedule has not been set. Racing will take place -- some time, some where. Churches will congregate once again -- at a future date.

And now we face uncertainty. We know that life will return to normal, but that may indeed be a new normal. We often talk about resilience, specifically the resilience of the American people, but we are facing something that may change how we see and interact with others. The face of education may change as EVERYONE becomes a cyber-student. We may realize that activities that dominated life are not quite so important after all. Innumerable small businesses may face extinction if they are forced to go long without regular foot traffic. Large corporations that have been teetering financially may finally be pushed over the edge into the abyss of bankrupt, closed businesses.

And yet, through all of the uncertainty and restlessness we can rest in the fact that our God is still in control. He did not forget about us nor is He neglecting us. If He ever was sovereign, He still is. If He is sovereign over anything, He is sovereign over everything. There is no middle ground; either He is God or He is not. If He is (and He is), then we can trust him fully to do what is best and we can trust that He knows what is best far better than we do. We see things from a very limited perspective and with a self-focused viewpoint. God sees things in such a way that He is able to see the beginning and the end. As the creator of the universe, He is well able to manage it.

We have a tremendous opportunity during these challenging times to rightly represent Christ to the world. People are feeling as if life has been poured into a blender and many are wondering if it can be put back together. It is sort of like Humpty Dumpty -- not even the kings horses and men can fix this. However, the King can indeed fix it. We may not know what will happen tomorrow, but we do know who controls tomorrow. We need to trust Him that He will do what is best and that He will provide for His people and protect them, even during trying times. Life will resume, in some manner at some time. When it does, we will be able to see that God is still God and that He never ceased being God.

Walking in Kindness

I was reminiscing the other day, thinking back to thoughts from previous life. I often saw what I call "unintentional rudeness," those instances when one is so focused on self that they ignore the way their actions impact others. It might be something as simple as going through a door and letting it close on the person behind you. Quite simply, it is living a life that is inconsiderate. If I am to live a life that reflects the person of Christ, I need to be aware how my actions impact others; I will be aware of the consequences of my actions, I will live with others in mind.

When I practice the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23, (But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.) I will consider how my life intersects with those around me. Christ lived each day with a focus on others as He looked ahead to the cross. His was not a life of comfort and ease, nor was it a life pushing for personal success. His was a life dedicated to meeting the needs of others, even at His own expense. When I truly follow His example, I live to meet the needs of others; however, I can only meet needs that I am aware of and I will only be aware of other's needs as I make those folks important in my life. Even "strangers" become important when I realize that my life impacts theirs, even in ways that may seem insignificant to me. Hence, the idea of unintentional rudeness. I do not need to go out of my way to be rude, I can do that with no thought at all. Likewise, I do not need to take drastic detours to be kind to others; I can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit without radically changing what I do. What I need to change is the focus of my life and the reason I do what I do. I need to be others-focused and live to represent Christ in a world that desperately needs to see him.

As I walk through each day, I need to avoid unintentional rudeness and live a life that is indeed considerate to those around me. I need to see people and I need to see their needs. It may cost me a couple of minutes here and there, but the rewards far outweigh the costs as I represent Christ by living for others. In this world, that kind of behavior stands out and it may open a door to share the gospel Christ with others. 

Walking Day After Day

My, how quickly time goes by. Just yesterday (Jan 1) I thought that I might make posts each week. Obviously that did not happen. I do, however, want to do more posting this year. So, here goes.

As I look back on the week, the first thing that comes to mind was the Sunday morning message at church. The last two messages really were a blessing to the heart. Pastor preached about being involved in the ministry and then about staying true to the faith. You can find the message on youtube or on SermonAudio. I would strongly recommend viewing/listening.

Next I think of work and the boxes. The first thought that comes to mind is the necessity of everyone doing their job and not leaving their work for someone else to do. When we only do some of what is expected of us, someone else needs to pick up the slack. Basically, we are asking them to do their job and some of ours. We need to do our job in such a way that we can assist others as much as is possible.

On to today, Valentine's Day. While the focus is obviously on those that we love here, any discussion of love must include the love of God. He not only declared His love for us, He demonstrated it. And not only was it demonstrated, it was shown in a manner that revealed the depth of His love -- He gave His Son to die in our place. No greater love has ever been shown. He who had no sin died for those who are defined by sin. That indeed is love.

Meandering into 2020

By now 2019 is in the rear view mirror and 2020 is in full view out the windshield. Wouldn't it be nice to see what lies around that first bend in the road? My, how quickly and how much life can change in a short period of time. Some of the changes are welcomed and others are avoided, but change is inevitable. When change comes, it is comforting to remember that we serve a God who doesn't change; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When we are confronted with the unexpected and possibly frightening, our omniscient God knows exactly what we are facing and He continues to provide and protect.

As we enter 2020, there will be numerous allusions to (clear) vision and seeing things clearly. We live in a world that desires clarity and yet chooses to ignore/reject Biblical insight. So many see the Bible as just another book or maybe a book of fables and tales; some even see it as a book of lies and falsehoods. All because they willfully reject fact that God gave us His word that we might now Him and what He expects of us.

Moving into the new year, may we each commit to be students of the Word, students who read, student, and put into practice the principles of the Scriptures. It is not simply to be an academic pursuit, but to be our passion because we have a love for God and the things of God. It is imperative that we accept the gift of eternal life as described and prescribed in the Bible if the book is to become real and alive to us. The Bible is more than another textbook, but is indeed God's personal message to us. As we live each day of the new year, God's Word has the principles that we need to guide us day by day. If we are going to see clearly and live biblically in 2020, we need to know what God has to say and be willing to do what He says. The only way that we can accomplish that is if we make the Bible significant and treat it so. And so, a commitment is needed, a commitment is needed to God and His word and a commitment to humble obedience. He loves us and deserves our faithful service. 

Walking (running) through the Calendar

Well, it is once again Christmas day and I have again been slack in writing on this wonderful page. But, today is a new day and I shall type.

Think of all of the reasons that people celebrate Christmas and all of the "reasons" for Christmas that are given:.

• It is a time for family.
• It is a time of giving.
• It is a time of new movies (if Hallmark or Lifetime are to be believed).
• It is a time to "believe" -- though I seldom, if ever see an object of belief with that statement.

So, Christmas is once again upon us and it is indeed a great time of year, The decorations, the chill in the air, the sales, the special Christmas Eve and Christmas church services...it is indeed a wonderful time. But what exactly is it that makes Christmas special? 

John 3:16 tells us clearly that God gave and that He gave a gift so far beyond what we could have ever dreamed of. He gave us the means to have our sins forgiven and the means for us to have eternal life with him. We were condemned by our sins and sentenced to hell and He saw our need and provided the way for our salvation.

Now we celebrate Christmas and set aside this time to remember the birth of the Savior and also to recall that the reason He came was not to make life better, but to die that the price of our sins might be paid. He paid an incredibly high price, a price that His love made acceptable.

We also have many other gifts from the Father: health, family, church, and so much more. If we took the time to enumerate and to give full description, we could have a post that would take quite some time to read and even more to actually digest. He has blessed us so greatlly and yet often we do not take time to give Him the thanks that He so greatly deserves.

And so again, why do we celebrate? Because God sent His son to be born and later to die for us. Thanks be to our Father for His blessings to us.

Walking in the Dark

For so many people, the day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, a day devoted to crowds, sales, and associated mayhem. Then there is my version of Black Friday:

After working the overnight, it is dark room, eyes closed, time for sleep. I am a bit partial to my black Friday these days.

Walking with Gratitude

O give thanks unto the Lord ; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

As I reflect on Thanksgiving Day, there are so many directions that I could go. First and most obviously, thanks are due to the Father for all that He has done for us, especially for the gift of salvation. There are so many elements: my sin, God's standard, the Savior's blood, and more. 

Then there are all of the blessings He has given.

     1. Family

          • My wonderful wife

          • My three great kids

          • My fantastic parents

          • My siblings

          • My super in-laws

     2. Home and stuff

     3. Health and safety

     4. Provision: job and the means to work

     5. Church fellowship and worship

If I were to take the time to elaborateon each if these, I could write paragraphs. And so, I end this too short post by saying that I indeed have much to be thankful for. God has richly blessed me and my family and He continues to do so.

Walking with Dad

Father's Day 2019. I have been richly blessed of God and given an incredible father, though not just one. First, I have my Heavenly Father who so richly loves me. John 3:16 says that God greatly loved the world,so much so that he gave His son to die in our place.

Next, I have my own dad. When I look back over the years of my life, I see so vividly the many blessings that I was the beneficiary of. Whether opportunities in the woods of Upper Michigan, family trips, or church/school events and trips, I had so many privileges growing up. We never realized what we didn't have because we had so much.

Finally, in 1989 I gained another father when I married Bec. My father-in-law has been a great blessing over these thirty years.  He has offered support and advice, as well as oil changes, tire rotations, engine rebuilds, etc.

Here are a few thoughts on fathers, focused on some characteristics of the Heavenly Father. (key thought courtesy of Focus on the Family)

• He is the source of life. No father = no life. That is especially true of spiritual life. But even physically, life would no't exist without our Creator Father.

• He lovingly corrects us. God's discipline and correction are always done out of love (Hebrews 12:3-11). God's Spirit corrects us in our everyday decisions and interactions with others. Sometimes that correction is subtle, sometimes harsh. We need to sense Him prodding us toward decisions that reflect His love and truth, and we should be convicted when we choose to disobey.

• He provides for our needs. We have so much for which to be thankful. The poorest among us are incredibly wealthy when we pause to meditate on all that we have. How much joy the true Father must receive when we enjoy all the good gifts that He has provided through creation (Matthew 7:11). All that we have comes from the Father above. He provides for a daily necessities, plus so much more.

• He gives us His wisdom. Dads are to help teach their children and if they do not, who will? We help our kids learn life skills and encourage them in their gifts and talents. One thing that we much teach children is that true wisdom comes from our heavenly Father. His inspired Word is the ultimate source of wisdom and truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17d).

• He always welcomes us back. We forgive our children when they mess up, and we try to help them make better choices in the future. Help your kids recognize that this is just a glimpse of God's role in our lives. He is the ultimate model of forgiveness. We all mess up, but our true Father is constantly on watch for our return, running to us with joy when we turn back to His family (Luke 15:11-32). God doesn't expect perfection. as seen in the fact that he taught about confession and forgiveness. So fathers should teach about forgiving and forgetting. So many of the tragedies that dominate the news these days stem from simmering bitterness over relational issues. If we would practice Biblical forgiveness, so much could be avoided.

There is obviously more that could be written, but here I cease. Thanks Dad(s) for everything.

Walking for 21 Years

My daughter turns 21 today. As most parents can say, "where have the years gone?" Things have not always been easy and we have seen many significant changes to life and life's plans, but through these years we have seen God bless day after day. We made the move from Texas as Brianna was preparing to enter sixth grade. Josie joined us while Brie was in high school. Now Brianna has completed three years at Bob Jones University. Through these and so many other instances of plans changing have we seen God bless, and not in minor ways. It is my hope that my children see for themselves that God can be trusted every day in every circumstance. He desires to be their God, to have a personal, intimate relationship with them. I hope that they can see in me what that is, but that they realize that it is something that they need to cultivate on their own. I want them to understand that we do not need to take a vow of poverty, but also that "stuff" is not the measure of a man (or woman). In fact, most people have far too much stuff. And yet, our God who loves us so dearly and gives so much is treated so lightly by so many. Over 21 years Brianna has been able to be involved is church and school activities, she has attended summer camp, she has worked at camp. She has been involved in sports, as a player, as a team manager, as a statistician, and as a fan. She has been the recipient of ministry and been one who ministers. For 21 years she has been developing into the young lady she is today. It is my prayer that she continues to use the opportunities of life to become a wonderful example of a Christian lady. I trust that she knows how much her parents love her and how much her God loves her. Have a great birthday, Brianna.

Walking in a Strange Land

I receive emails daily from a Christian blogger, Tim Challies. While he differs somewhat from my viewpoint in theology (he is of Reformed theology) and practice, what he writes is really good and with much of it I can agree.  {www.challies.com}

Here are some of his recent thoughts:

When it comes to the Bible, we’ve all got a choice to make. We can take the Bible on our terms, or on its terms. We can choose to follow it some of the way, or we can choose to follow it all the way. We can dabble in it, or we can dive deep into it. At some point we have to choose.

Many people choose to relate to the Bible like a map that offers a route, but not the route to their destination. They’ll follow it some of the way, but for at least part of the journey take what looks like an easier path. Many people choose to relate to the Bible like one item at a buffet. They’ll put a bit of Bible on their plate, then also a bit of this and a bit of that. But as time goes by and I continue to live out my little life in this world, I become more and more convinced that there’s nothing better than to go all-in with the Bible. I’ve come to realize I’m so all-in that if the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong. In fact, if the Bible is wrong, I’m so wrong, completely wrong, shamefully wrong, devastatingly wrong, and wrong about all that really matters in life and death.

If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about the origins of this world. The Bible tells me that it was created by God over the course of six days and not nearly as long ago as the millions of billions of years other people claim. This world, this universe, was made by God and for God, an incredible ex nihilo act of creative superiority.

If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about the origins of humanity. The Bible tells me that the first two human beings were created by God and placed on this earth as complete, grown human beings, not that they evolved slowly from lesser organisms. They were created in the image of God as the crown of God’s creation.

If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about the purpose of humanity. The Bible tells me that mankind was put on this earth to bring glory to God. We exist to do good for others which in turn shines a spotlight on our ultimately good God. This stands in the face of a mission of personal empowerment or human achievement.

If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about the purpose of family. The Bible tells me that marriage exists to serve as a miniature of the relationship of God to his people through the complementarity of husband and wife. It tells me that marriage exists as the context in which we have the responsibility to create more people who bear the image of God. Marriage is the founding of a new family and family is the building block of society.
If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about the great problem and the great need of human beings. The Bible tells me our great problem is that we’ve sinned against a holy God, become rebels against him, and desperately need reconciliation. We are not good people who make the occasional poor choice, not innocent people who sometimes act ignorantly, but evil people who hate God and our fellow man. Our great need is not self-esteem or tolerance or new forms of politics or economics, but the forgiveness that comes by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.

If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about the future. The Bible tells me that history will culminate in the return of Jesus Christ who will come to judge the living and the dead. The world will not end with ecological catastrophe or nuclear holocaust, but with the re-appearance of the glorious Christ. He will come as victorious King, as righteous Judge, to bring some to eternal glory and condemn others to eternal condemnation.

If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about today’s most pressing cultural issues: homosexuality, gay marriage, transgenderism, abortion, climate change. If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong about today’s most pressing theological issues: the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the nature of same-sex attraction, the authority and sufficiency of scripture. If the Bible is wrong, I’m wrong in how I relate to money, how I honor my body, how I use my time. I’m wrong over and over, again and again, through and through. I’m poor, pathetic, pitiable, and blind.

But I’ve made my choice. I’ve examined the evidence and have chosen to believe it’s not wrong, but right. I’ve chosen to believe it’s good and pure and true, infallible and inerrant and sufficient. I’ve chosen to take it on its own terms, to believe it all the way, to live by its every word. I’ve chosen to be in—all-in.

Walking to the Farm

I have been able to take some time off to spend with Josie recently to watch (guard) her on days that she was off school. Twice in a two week period she had a day off and the weather has been decent, so we needed to find something to do besides sit around the house.

On Tuesday, we went toward Lancaster to visit Roots Market and to Kitchen Kettle Village. (see pics here)

On the following Monday we visited Paulus' Farm and Market. They have the normal market, but also petting areas and play places. (see pics here)

We had a great time both days spending time together, getting outside, seeing the wonderful produce, seeing the animals, and tasting the treats at Kitchen Kettle.

Working as a manager now, I have the opportunity to take some days off (with pay) to spend with the family. It feels odd, but I get over that feeling soon enough. Josie and I have been to Hershey Chocolate World probably three times in the last month. We really like free or cheap activities.

God has blessed by allowing us the time to do things together and to have a lot of things to do within a fairly close distance. For this and so many other things we are thankful.

Walking Again

It has been a long while since I was here, but I do want to make mention of today. It is Easter, or Resurrection Sunday 2019. We have so much to be thankful for as we contemplate the meaning of this wonderful day and the events that took place 2000+/- years ago. (Take a moment or two to read and reflect on I Corinthians 15.)

The resurrection was unexpected by the disciples and rejected by the scorners and unbelievers of the day. That sounds a lot like today. Believers make mental ascent to the resurrection and unbelievers reject it as impossible. Truth be told, it was and is impossible, save for one significant detail: the power of an almighty God who was working His plan for the redemption of mankind. That empty tomb carried then and still carries today such great value and tremendous meaning. Christian apologists have for centuries explained the resurrection and provided logical, rational proof and evidence, but one will only believe in the Christ who raised from the dead if he is willing to accept it as impossibly possible. From eyewitness accounts to the writings of 21st century apologists, it becomes apparent that one rejects the resurrection because he chooses to do so. So, what does the resurrection mean to the Christian?

First, the resurrection differentiates Christianity from all other religions. Christians often comment on the empty tomb, but do we (they) really grasp and fully comprehend it? The founders and leaders of ALL other religions died and remain dead (physically), but Jesus Christ rose from the dead and in so doing, conquered sin. What He offers is not a good way to live, but the only way to eternal life. We serve a risen Lord.

Not only do we serve a risen savior, but a savior that has defeated sin. In rising from the tomb, Jesus Christ, the son of God, conquered sin and defeated the enemy (Satan). To this day and beyond, Satan yet tries to win in his battle against God. To use a phrase that is not new, he  has already lost and doesn't know it. Our great, almighty, omnipotent God defeated sin and death and offers to mankind the victory if we will but accept it. To those who have, we can live in victory if we live in His grace and allocate His power to fight the battle. The resurrection is the evidence that we already have the victory.

In conclusion, in the resurrection we have the offer of life eternal in the next life and the promise of victory over sin in this life. We have a God that reigns on high and is concerned with us as individuals. He makes His grace and power available to us that we might live in Him, not merely survive the difficulties and challenges of life. It is His resurrection that empowers the believer and offers us a hope for the future, a future for Him and with Him. He are a couple of resources on the resurrection for your reading/watching pleasure.

John Ankerberg

John MacArthur

Charles Stanley

Alistair Begg

Enjoy!

Walking Out, Walking In

Well, we are leaving 2018 and entering 2019 and it again gives one time to pause and reflect. Often we do that via the annual Christmas letter, but I want to take another moment as we enter the new year.

• God has richly blessed my family. We have had all of our needs met and have experienced health and safety, for the most part. There have been the occasional sniffles and colds, but no serious issues.

• We have jobs that have met each need. Even my "part-time" package handler job at FedEx Ground had PLENTY of hours through the summer, so needs were covered. In November, I finally accepted a managerial position at FedEx. Even more hours now. 

• The kids had a good year. Josie began kindergarten and is doing well and enjoying school. Brianna began her junior year of college as she continues her pursuit of her degree. Justin continued in his IT job and continued his hobby of climbing. He mostly goes to an indoor climbing facility. 

• Bec continues in her job for Penn State University. She drives to Hershey and back each day, but enjoys her job. She also gets to see her mom each day, for at least a couple of minutes and sometimes more.

There is so much more that I could recount. God has blessed in so many ways. I often pray for His blessing on the family mentally, physically, spiritually, socially, and financially. God has indeed richly blessed and provided. He continues to show Himself to be faithful. 2018 was a good year; may 2019 be equally blessed.