REMOVING TATTOOS: What in the world does tattoo removal have to do with the stimulus package? How can this create jobs and get people back to work? Congressional leaders and their followers all need to have their heads examined, especially the one who added this to the list of perks in the stimulus package. You have to know our government passes bills without reading them, something they all admitted to when things like this show up. God have mercy on us. Just think, our children and grandchildren are going to have to pay the taxes on this stimulus bill that this generation has foisted on them.
NO BEAUTY OR MANLINESS HERE: It goes beyond my comprehension why anyone would so mark the bodies with tattoos. I have seen women parading themselves with their bodies being covered with tattoos exposed in their skimpy summer apparel. God created women beautiful and only pagans could think that tattoos add to their appearance as an improvement. Nor do tattoos add to the manliness of men. Many a man, once he matured and particularly having become Christians, have bemoaned the tattoos of their youth.
THE AMAZING GRACE OF GOD: The various books of the Bible repeats the historical events of Israel. Psalm 100 is an example of this. In verses 6 & 7 we are reminded of their repeating the sins of their fathers. Then we read verse 8, “Nevertheless He saved them, for His name’s sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” Israel was unworthy of God’s grace and we are unworthy of God grace, yet for the sake of his covenant with Israel and his promise of eternal life to believers, He still bestows His grace upon us. Praise His holy name, we don’t thank Him enough for His grace.
LOOKING BACK TO WARMER DAYS: Cold wintery days with the snow, wind and cold rains turns the heart back to warmer spring and summer days. I did many different things to meet the needs of the family and to make it possible to minister to a little church that couldn’t afford to adequately provide for the pastor. One of the ladies who attended our church had a husband who worked for the city to maintain its parks. Through that connection I was able to get the job of mowing the several city parks. I spent many a day mowing around trees, shrubs and picnic tables and sharpening the mowers blades. Actually, it was a good job because I could enjoy the outdoors and it gave me plenty of time to think about the lessons and sermons I had to prepare. Mowing didn’t require a lot of thinking, so often thoughts relating to the sermon were dwelt upon. Being out in Gods creation and enjoying the warmth of His sun was time well spent and though I wasn’t at my desk studying the task was eventually accomplished. Looking back on that special time warms my heart. I often wonder if the people ever appreciated the many things I had to do in order to minister to their spiritual needs. God knows, it was to His glory. Pastors who are able to give their full time to minister are fortunate and no doubt able to put more into their pastorates than I was able to do. Still, the small churches and the development of new churches is an important work too. He knew I was not equipped to minister to larger churches and He had me where He knew I fit best.
THE ODD JOBS; In that same local I did a lot of odd jobs besides mowing. Here is the list: (1) I hauled manure from the fee lots to the fields to fertilize them; (2) I used a shovel digging ditches; (3) I worked in a drug store setting up new counters and shelving; (4) mowing; (5) we had the distribution of a couple different newspapers; (6) I was a substitute mail carrier; and (7) I worked in a variety store. I think I am missing something but it gives you an idea of the things I did for the privilege of pastoring one small church. This of course was before I was with a mission agency and had raised support to do the church-planting ministry. I hope this wasn’t repetitive, I don’t recall whether I shared this before or not.
ILLUSTRATIONS: As difficult as the variety of jobs was while ministering, there was an advantage. I know of some pastors who struggled with finding illustrations for their sermons and lessons. The variety of jobs did provide ample materials for illustrations. When I was less experienced I remember buying a book of illustrations and it was always difficult trying to find an illustration that would fit. It didn’t take me long to learn that the best illustrations come from personal experiences and dealing with people and the circumstances of life. You really don’t need to look any further than that. The sooner a young pastor, evangelist or missionary learns that lesson the easier his task will become. There is no better way to relate to the congregation than out of the pool of life experiences.
NEXT MUSINGS: Parents teaching children to steal.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February 2009 #2
WORTH CONSIDERING: In recent days I have been considering how fortunate I am to have experienced God’s forgiveness through faith in Christ in the light of the Ten Commandments. God has been merciful to me, deserving eternal condemnation. So it is with all the redeemed. The Ten Commandments condemns us all. When I evaluate each of the commandments I am guilty of breaking them all in the light of Christ’s definition of the their meaning. Though I have never murdered anyone, through anger or hatred I am guilty of murder in my heart. So, it goes down through the list.
When I consider my unworthiness in the light of God’s justice I am indeed fortunate and blessed to have God’s forgiveness, wiping the slate clean through Christ’s cleansing blood. Thus giving me the blessing of a cleansed life along with the promise of one day entering His Heavenly Kingdom. There was a time when I considered myself a pretty nice person, not understanding God’s holiness. Now I understand that I really wasn’t a nice person. I have met and talked with so many people about their need of God’s forgiveness only to have them tell me how they think they are okay and expecting to make it into Heaven when they die. They have never grasped God’s evaluation of sin as defined in the Ten Commandments and by Christ’s definition. They have never viewed them, based upon their heart condition. As a true believer, rejoice in what you have been forgiven of and enjoy the peace that God alone can give. God’s grace, unmerited favor, is ours through faith in Christ. Rejoice!
THE MILO EVENT: when we lived in Ogallala, Nebraska Christmas was approaching and we were very short on funds for Christmas gifts. Kathy was making centerpieces to give to people. We drove outside town to try and find some vegetation that she could use in making the centerpieces. Of course the harvest of Milo was long over but they often miss a few straggling stocks along the edge of the field. I pulled off the edge of the road and proceeded to get a few stalks of Milo for her to put in her centerpieces. When I turned around there was a car stopped behind ours writing down our license plate. I went to the car behind us to see what was going on. The lady was very harsh and informed me that this was her farm field and told me I had no business being on it. It was an unpleasant experience as I tried to explain what I was doing. I also took down her license number and then looked up her address. We decided to have Kathy make up a centerpiece for the lady, made of Styrofoam, little figures and including a sprig of the Milo I had gotten from the field. I then delivered it to her home and handed it to her when she answered the door and quickly left. The next day one of our church men worked at the same place this lady worked and he had told us how embarrassed she was and telling how badly she had felt in being so harsh with me. It was an interesting experience in giving to someone who had been so harsh with me over nothing, collecting a few stalks of Milo after harvest time. Much like the Bible told farmers to leave a little grain to be gleaned by the poor and needy.
THE STIMULUS DEAL: The stimulus for nearly $800 trillion dollars is just about a done deal for President Obama to sign. This is the largest ever governmental give away in the history of our nation and all at the tax payers expense that our grandchildren will be paying off years down the road. From what I have heard and understood there is very little in the package that will do much to create jobs. It is full of goodies that politicians are giving away to benefit their own districts. Will it work, help or hurt, that is the big question. All Republicans, with the exception of three, have refused to sign the bill since they don’t feel of good conscience to put their name on it. Will they be hurt or eventually justified in their rejection? Time will tell. Hopefully it won’t turn out to be a goof up like the first half of the TARP give away that had no accountability attached to it.
CRIME & THE ECONOMY: The bad economy is causing changes in our law enforcement and fire departments. Police and fireman are being laid off, causing a real threat to community safety. Recently Columbus laid off twenty-six police recruits two days before graduation because the city couldn’t afford their salaries. National news is now reporting the increase of assorted crimes in a number of states and large cities. The questions that come to my mind relates to people who are now out of work. Are some of them resorting to crime to try and care for the needs of their families? Or, are criminals now becoming more active because they know the police are short handed and therefore they are less likely to get caught. I was too young during the Great Depression to think about these matters but I wonder if criminal activities increased then as they are starting to do now.
SUPPORT CONCERNS: I have been informed this week of a church dropping my support after many years standing with us. Hopefully the economy isn’t going to create financial problems now for missionaries. Please pray for us, and others that may have similar concerns relating to their support.
When I consider my unworthiness in the light of God’s justice I am indeed fortunate and blessed to have God’s forgiveness, wiping the slate clean through Christ’s cleansing blood. Thus giving me the blessing of a cleansed life along with the promise of one day entering His Heavenly Kingdom. There was a time when I considered myself a pretty nice person, not understanding God’s holiness. Now I understand that I really wasn’t a nice person. I have met and talked with so many people about their need of God’s forgiveness only to have them tell me how they think they are okay and expecting to make it into Heaven when they die. They have never grasped God’s evaluation of sin as defined in the Ten Commandments and by Christ’s definition. They have never viewed them, based upon their heart condition. As a true believer, rejoice in what you have been forgiven of and enjoy the peace that God alone can give. God’s grace, unmerited favor, is ours through faith in Christ. Rejoice!
THE MILO EVENT: when we lived in Ogallala, Nebraska Christmas was approaching and we were very short on funds for Christmas gifts. Kathy was making centerpieces to give to people. We drove outside town to try and find some vegetation that she could use in making the centerpieces. Of course the harvest of Milo was long over but they often miss a few straggling stocks along the edge of the field. I pulled off the edge of the road and proceeded to get a few stalks of Milo for her to put in her centerpieces. When I turned around there was a car stopped behind ours writing down our license plate. I went to the car behind us to see what was going on. The lady was very harsh and informed me that this was her farm field and told me I had no business being on it. It was an unpleasant experience as I tried to explain what I was doing. I also took down her license number and then looked up her address. We decided to have Kathy make up a centerpiece for the lady, made of Styrofoam, little figures and including a sprig of the Milo I had gotten from the field. I then delivered it to her home and handed it to her when she answered the door and quickly left. The next day one of our church men worked at the same place this lady worked and he had told us how embarrassed she was and telling how badly she had felt in being so harsh with me. It was an interesting experience in giving to someone who had been so harsh with me over nothing, collecting a few stalks of Milo after harvest time. Much like the Bible told farmers to leave a little grain to be gleaned by the poor and needy.
THE STIMULUS DEAL: The stimulus for nearly $800 trillion dollars is just about a done deal for President Obama to sign. This is the largest ever governmental give away in the history of our nation and all at the tax payers expense that our grandchildren will be paying off years down the road. From what I have heard and understood there is very little in the package that will do much to create jobs. It is full of goodies that politicians are giving away to benefit their own districts. Will it work, help or hurt, that is the big question. All Republicans, with the exception of three, have refused to sign the bill since they don’t feel of good conscience to put their name on it. Will they be hurt or eventually justified in their rejection? Time will tell. Hopefully it won’t turn out to be a goof up like the first half of the TARP give away that had no accountability attached to it.
CRIME & THE ECONOMY: The bad economy is causing changes in our law enforcement and fire departments. Police and fireman are being laid off, causing a real threat to community safety. Recently Columbus laid off twenty-six police recruits two days before graduation because the city couldn’t afford their salaries. National news is now reporting the increase of assorted crimes in a number of states and large cities. The questions that come to my mind relates to people who are now out of work. Are some of them resorting to crime to try and care for the needs of their families? Or, are criminals now becoming more active because they know the police are short handed and therefore they are less likely to get caught. I was too young during the Great Depression to think about these matters but I wonder if criminal activities increased then as they are starting to do now.
SUPPORT CONCERNS: I have been informed this week of a church dropping my support after many years standing with us. Hopefully the economy isn’t going to create financial problems now for missionaries. Please pray for us, and others that may have similar concerns relating to their support.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
February 2009 #1
PERSONAL ITEMS: I am getting slower getting these out but I want to try and get a new one off to you. I have been going to a rehab place to get some exercise that hopefully is helping a little with getting about. Further, though I am hesitant to bemoan my circumstances, my vision and this foggy headedness and other things are creating so much anxiety I can’t accomplish much. Hopefully, getting my mind on writing will ease that a bit. I know it all heightens my longings for the Savior’s return to set things right.
STIMULUS PACKAGE: I am getting rather tired of hearing all the banter about the stimulus package, but the longer time passes without it’s passage the more aware we are becoming of the reality that it is a pork package rather than something that will stimulate the economy. The list grows by the day of the stupid things the Democrats are endeavoring to indebt our nations future with. I won’t try to give a lengthy list, just a few items: (1) honeybee insurance; (2) the arts; (3) expanding high speed internet; (4) forty billion for healthcare, though needful it should be dealt with as a separate issue; and the list get wilder and more people are getting upset over it all, wondering what is going to be done to actually create jobs. The TARP (of which only half, some $350 billion) was given away in the fall has only made the bankers richer by paying more ridiculous multi-million dollar bonuses, rather than opening up loans that could stimulate business and employment. But, get use to it, the Pandora’s Box has been opened and everyone is trying to get a piece of the gravy train that does nothing to help the jobless. Congress, under the control of the Dems is proficient at spending and growing government
OBAMA’S ETHICS PROBLEMS: President Barack Obama promise to take the ethical high road has turned out otherwise with his selection of leaders in his government. His choice of Timothy Geithner as the 75th U.S. Secretary of Treasury proved problematic. Though he had problems in overlooking owed taxes he was still confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury. I wonder if the Treasury will be as lenient with others with tax problems. Then there was the appointment of Tom Daschle to the Department of Health and Human Services He too had tax problems and eventually removed himself from running. The same day anther lady stepped from her running for an appointment. I guess the President decided one such embattled appointment might make it difficult getting through the confirmation process. Still there were defenders of these people, seeing nothing wrong with such circumstances. I wonder how many more appointments will be problematic. I am sure there are some men and women in politics (government) who are good, moral people but politics is a dirty business and there are many with whose ethics that only marks them as sinners in the sight of a holy God. So it goes for all of humanity and but for the grace of God none of us would make it to glory.
A MORE PLEASANT TOPIC: I was recently reading the 104th Psalm. It starts our, “ Bless the Lord, O my soul, O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed in honor and majesty.” Then all the way through the chapter God is extolled for His creative handiwork. What a shame that it was stained by the fall, making us all to come up short of His glory. Yet we need to recall that His creation was for our benefit. Verse fourteen says, “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth:.” We are so undeserving, yet God provides for us. You can’t help but feel good, thankful and grateful as you read through this wonderful chapter. Read it again for yourself and have an uplifting day.
IMPORTANT FAMILY TIMES: Little moments with your kids are important and often more likely remembered by them than by us as parents. I say this because they remind me from time to time about things from the past. When I pastored the little work in Ogallala, Nebraska the boys were in the late junior age and early teens. Being the pastor we were always the last to leave the church. The church was just two blocks from the parsonage and the boys would decide they’d like to give old dad a run for his money. So, they would race me home to see if they could out do dad. They were always a bit disappointed because I could still out race them. Still, the challenge was fun and they have reminded me of those days. Children need those times with their parents. - A MAY DAY EVENT; It is a little early to think about it here in the middle of bitter winter weather but the previous item reminds me of this, talking about racing. We were living in Federal Way, Washington in the parsonage on the opposite end of the five acres the church was on. The kids always enjoy making paper May Day Baskets and then go pick wild flowers to put in them. On the occasion I am remembering they hung their baskets on the front door, rang the doorbell and when their mother came to the door they would run and she would go after them to give them a kiss. Knowing their mother was about to catch them they climbed up a tree to escape. Much to their surprise mom climbed up the tree after them. Fun times.
STIMULUS PACKAGE: I am getting rather tired of hearing all the banter about the stimulus package, but the longer time passes without it’s passage the more aware we are becoming of the reality that it is a pork package rather than something that will stimulate the economy. The list grows by the day of the stupid things the Democrats are endeavoring to indebt our nations future with. I won’t try to give a lengthy list, just a few items: (1) honeybee insurance; (2) the arts; (3) expanding high speed internet; (4) forty billion for healthcare, though needful it should be dealt with as a separate issue; and the list get wilder and more people are getting upset over it all, wondering what is going to be done to actually create jobs. The TARP (of which only half, some $350 billion) was given away in the fall has only made the bankers richer by paying more ridiculous multi-million dollar bonuses, rather than opening up loans that could stimulate business and employment. But, get use to it, the Pandora’s Box has been opened and everyone is trying to get a piece of the gravy train that does nothing to help the jobless. Congress, under the control of the Dems is proficient at spending and growing government
OBAMA’S ETHICS PROBLEMS: President Barack Obama promise to take the ethical high road has turned out otherwise with his selection of leaders in his government. His choice of Timothy Geithner as the 75th U.S. Secretary of Treasury proved problematic. Though he had problems in overlooking owed taxes he was still confirmed as Secretary of the Treasury. I wonder if the Treasury will be as lenient with others with tax problems. Then there was the appointment of Tom Daschle to the Department of Health and Human Services He too had tax problems and eventually removed himself from running. The same day anther lady stepped from her running for an appointment. I guess the President decided one such embattled appointment might make it difficult getting through the confirmation process. Still there were defenders of these people, seeing nothing wrong with such circumstances. I wonder how many more appointments will be problematic. I am sure there are some men and women in politics (government) who are good, moral people but politics is a dirty business and there are many with whose ethics that only marks them as sinners in the sight of a holy God. So it goes for all of humanity and but for the grace of God none of us would make it to glory.
A MORE PLEASANT TOPIC: I was recently reading the 104th Psalm. It starts our, “ Bless the Lord, O my soul, O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed in honor and majesty.” Then all the way through the chapter God is extolled for His creative handiwork. What a shame that it was stained by the fall, making us all to come up short of His glory. Yet we need to recall that His creation was for our benefit. Verse fourteen says, “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth:.” We are so undeserving, yet God provides for us. You can’t help but feel good, thankful and grateful as you read through this wonderful chapter. Read it again for yourself and have an uplifting day.
IMPORTANT FAMILY TIMES: Little moments with your kids are important and often more likely remembered by them than by us as parents. I say this because they remind me from time to time about things from the past. When I pastored the little work in Ogallala, Nebraska the boys were in the late junior age and early teens. Being the pastor we were always the last to leave the church. The church was just two blocks from the parsonage and the boys would decide they’d like to give old dad a run for his money. So, they would race me home to see if they could out do dad. They were always a bit disappointed because I could still out race them. Still, the challenge was fun and they have reminded me of those days. Children need those times with their parents. - A MAY DAY EVENT; It is a little early to think about it here in the middle of bitter winter weather but the previous item reminds me of this, talking about racing. We were living in Federal Way, Washington in the parsonage on the opposite end of the five acres the church was on. The kids always enjoy making paper May Day Baskets and then go pick wild flowers to put in them. On the occasion I am remembering they hung their baskets on the front door, rang the doorbell and when their mother came to the door they would run and she would go after them to give them a kiss. Knowing their mother was about to catch them they climbed up a tree to escape. Much to their surprise mom climbed up the tree after them. Fun times.
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