Sin

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Sin

Wednesday, July 6th, 2016

A bad word these days. I know. No one wants to hear sin called sin, especially if what they believe or how they act is diametrically opposed to the Bible. I am also aware there are some who have written off the Bible as a standard to live by. I’m not going to argue that point. Sunday in my sermon I brought out three words used for sin and then ultimately three things God has done for sin. They are found in Psalm 32.

First word used is in verse 1- “transgression.” That word literally means “a going away” or “departure.” In this case “a rebellion” against God and His authority.

Second word used is also in verse 1- “sin.” The Hebrew word is the equivalent to the Greek word which means “missing the mark. ” It was an archery term for “falling short of the target.’

Third word us is in verse 2- “iniquity.” It literally means “corrupt,” “twisted,” or “crooked.”

But here is the good part! Along with those words David also includes what God has done for each of them.

For “transgression” he says “forgiven.” Psalm 103:12 says “he removes our sin as far as the east is from the west.”

For “sin” he says it is “covered.” This hearkens back to the OT sacrifice  at the Mercy Seat (the covering of the Ark).

For “iniquity” he uses a negative. It describes what God not do. “He will not count your iniquity against you.” The word count is a bookkeeping term for keeping a ledger. God does not stand there with this huge ledger marking off the good and bad we do.

The best news of all? The slate is wiped clean. We are forgiven completely and immediately and it is never brought up again. I like that type of news. Do you?

 

Divided

Monday, May 9th, 2016

Have you ever been divided? I mean, have you ever wanted to not do something but felt compelled to do it? That feeling of not wanting to was largely based on the subject matter.

I’m feeling that way right now. I strive to make this blog an uplifting, fun, light-hearted, diverse take on life. But there are times when I find myself writing something which is none of the above. Like now…

In one of my past posts, I talked about the healing and transformation which needs to take place in many lives due to predators. It garnered-not a lot of comments-but it did garner some very thoughtful and thought-filled ones. I’ve been reading more of Healing The Wounded Heart and ran across some important thoughts I’d like to pass along. I am no professional counselor so please keep that in mind.

Under a section entitled Evil’s Plan for Sexual Abuse it says

  1. Evil is a Thief
  2. Evil is a Murderer
  3. Evil is a Destroyer

It is #2 which captured my thoughts. Evil is a killer that delights in taking life and destroying hope. Evil knows that to the degree we are discouraged and defeated, we will not fight for survival. To not fight is to capitulate, to surrender. It wants to plunge us into despair.  And the following is what really hit me:

“There are two primary consequences of despair: dissociation and indulgence. Dissociation is a deep inner disconnection from reality…Dissociation in inevitable for a child or adolescence caught in the web of abuse…Dissociation is not a choice; it is a survival mechanism.” (p.40)

Like I said, I am not a counselor, but my experience with people says those who dissociate often add other struggles which magnify the problem…not solve it. Food, drink, sex, work, TV, pornography to name a few. In an effort to be free, they become slaves to something sometimes even more insidious.

The goal of evil (the enemy) is to steal, kill and destroy. Resisting the enemy is no small fete but if we want to win this battle it starts with “both fists up and wailing away.” All in the power of the Holy Spirit. “Greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world.”

To love life involves change-at some of the most painful places of all. I know this is not a “fun and games” post, but it can be an encouragement post. Don’t shy away from people who are struggling. Be there for them. Tell them you are fighting alongside them, that they are not alone.

Stone16

Wednesday, September 9th, 2015

If you are like me you are tired of hearing about some girl named Ashley Madison. I just read today about a professor/pastor who committed suicide because his name was on the list.

I’m sorry for bringing that “lady” up in this post but it does give me a way to introduce my thoughts on this stone. It is easy to set people up as idols, as people who are bigger than life, only to watch them fall from the pedestal we have put them on. I’m not denying the whole idea of higher moral expectations we do and should place upon leaders in the Christian community, but for someone to take their own life because of shame is beyond comprehension. I can’t understand the devastation the exposure caused to him and what his family must be feeling right now.

The real tragedy is we set people up for a fall when we idolize. Sin doesn’t happen overnight. Giving into temptation doesn’t happen overnight. No one wakes up and says to themselves, “Well, self, let’s destroy my life and those around me today.” For something to happen like this it had to have been festering for awhile in the heart. An affair festers in the heart. It may have started with pornography, with an “innocent” chat at the water cooler or office, a passing comment, or some other form of interaction. Soon the seed planted in the heart becomes an overgrown weed.

I’m drawn to Jesus’ interaction with the woman caught in adultery in John 8. But more with the hypocritical Pharisees who dragged her to Jesus with accusations flying. His response to her ought to be ours. GRACE. No stones. Perhaps if we started looking at the blackness of our own heart we might not be so judgmental when it comes to others.

Any thoughts? This is part of my random posts based on this book.

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Stone14

Thursday, August 13th, 2015

Have you ever wished you were further along in your Christian walk than you are (assuming you are a follower of Jesus)? I have met a number of people who bemoan the fact they still struggle with temptation and sin.

I say, “Hello! Welcome to the world of following Jesus!”

For some lame reason there are people who have this mistaken idea 1) they shouldn’t be sinning like they do; and 2) they should at least be further along than they are.  The first…well…it is true sin should become distasteful for us but to stop sinning? Yeah, it ain’t going to happen in this lifetime. The second… well…there is some truth to that at times. Just like we expect a baby to grow up from infancy to toddlerhood to elementary school to high school and beyond, we should also have some expectation for growth in our faith walk. We would be concerned if our child never got beyond breast milk or a bottle and soft baby food. In the same vein we should “expect” to see a person moving from milk to meat.

But one thing has to be kept in mind: spiritual growth happens one step at a time. Trying to leap frog people simply does not work.

Randy’s contention (and I agree) is often our expectations out reach where a person is. In other words, we need to see people where they are now not where we think they ought to be. No one grows at the same pace and we do a great disservice to everyone expecting equal “standing.” Furthermore, we need to do away with name calling like “lazy,” or “apathetic,” or “carnal,” or “not dedicated.” 

Let’s follow Jesus’ example.  During the breakfast on the shore, Jesus didn’t castigate Peter. He didn’t say, “Peter, you should have known better.” He restored him and said, “Feed my sheep.” Maybe we ought to start taking the same approach toward people.  What say you?

This is my ongoing random posts about this book. I’m also foregoing my normal sermon “hint” because I am not preaching this week. I’m sure Ryan will appreciate your prayers.

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Thoughts

Monday, June 29th, 2015

After being out of the office since last Wednesday I found today hard-going. So much so that I delayed writing a post because I had a sermon to work on (this Sunday’s which I thought was already done). Plus…I didn’t want to just throw something together for the sake of getting it posted.

So…I decided to give my thoughts. About what?

This past weekend’s SCOTUS decision? Well…yes…AND…no.

I was working on that sermon I already mentioned when this Scripture came up: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” [Gal.5:13]

We live in a day of liberation. Men, women, even children, are demanding more freedom to do as they please. Is there any who doubt that statement? (Pause: remove head from sand. Unpause). In the name of personal rights, authority is flaunted and restrictions are resisted. Again…no need to elaborate.

Tragically, while we live in a day crying for liberation, we are also living in a day prevalent with addiction- alcohol, drugs (prescription and others), pornography, sexual passions, violence, and many other forms of bondage which many are powerless to escape. When people choose their own recourse and their own standard, the resulting consequences eventually consume them. [Read here for proof] Fallen man is a slave to his sinful nature, an addict who cannot successfully control his sinful thoughts and actions on his own.

However, there is a way out. It is a Man…a Man called Jesus. In John 8:34 Jesus said, “Everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.” But in verse 36 He said, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Since we are all sinners we are all in need of being set free.

That won’t stop the “judgment-meter-outers” (yeah I know not a word). As I have often mentioned to the church, the standard is the Bible so there is to be no compromise. However, any judgment given must be given in love. Not hate. Not with a caustic edge. Love wins…not in the way they say…but love wins.

There is no deeper love than the love of the Father for His wayward, fallen children. Aaaaah that would be me. That would be you. Can we do any less than show love to others?

Stone6

Wednesday, June 10th, 2015

I’m back from a few days away and thought I would ease back into blogging with another Stone from this book. I was going to “tease” things with the title of Bedroom but after doing something like that once several years ago I decided I didn’t want any unwanted spam. Yeah, you know what I mean. 🙂

What does Randy mean by bedroom?

I have, along the way, met some people who have regretted their lives. They will make statements like “If I had to do it all over again…” Or “I feel like I missed out on some things by being (you fill in the blank). I know there are those who think they have missed out on a lot of “satisfying things” by being a Christian. By using the phrase “bedroom life” Randy is speaking of those who are looking for things which happen in a bedroom: pleasure, ease, freedom, unaccountability, and selfishness.

Let’s be honest please: the temptation to think things are greener on the other side is prevalent. I’m not just talking about the bedroom. How often have you/I said, “If I only had a few thousand…” What we think would answer our emptiness might “satisfy” for a short period, but long term it would only bring unwanted heartache. A man/woman thinks that fling will take care of the “longing” he/she isn’t getting at home, but it will eventually give way to hurt, betrayal, fatigue, more discontent, and perhaps worst of all…guilt.

As Randy says, “The bedroom life is only an illusion.” (p.41) Stories abound about the loneliness and disillusionment which comes from a life outside reality. It is only a mirage. One which tricks us into craving and accepting only to leave us grasping at empty promises.

There is only one life which satisfies: the life found in Jesus. It may be filled with potholes and all kinds of junk right now, but the final end is worth it.

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 By the way: I did not take my computer with me the past few days and only used my phone to listen to music on YouTube (you probably wouldn’t like my style), check for some important emails I was expecting, and some minor texting. I came back to over 50 unread blogs. Needless to say, I won’t be able to catch up, so please forgive me for not responding to any over the past few days. Thanks.

Caught

Monday, May 11th, 2015

“Caught in a rundown” (Baseball term)

“Caught with your hand in the cookie jar”  (Whew! Not me! I never eat chocolate chip cookies or oatmeal scotchies)

“Caught in a lie” (Fits in with what I previously said about cookies)

I got caught today. No not in sin. In this.

Yep, you got it. I decided to go for a ride today. The weatherman predicted it would rain about 1:00. The radar said 2:00. With the film clip in my head I decided to trust the radar.

I was about 9 miles out when little drops began to fall. I decided it was time to head home quicker than I planned. The weather helped make the decision for me, and mine fortuitous. No sooner had I decided to head home than the sky unloaded. My goal was the church building which was about 3 miles. Figured if I made it there Jo could come get me. I made it there as Ryan, our youth pastor, was pulling away. So he turned around and took me home. I still got pretty wet. I have always said, “To start out in the rain is foolish; to get caught is a hazard of the sport.”

Should have heeded my own words.

Sort of like sin. We can be be-bopping along and not have “bad weather” in sight. Then it hits. Sometimes there are darkening skies. Sometimes the wind blows. Then comes the curiosity. The utter disregard for the “signs” of trouble ahead. Then comes the downpour. Fortunately, I had an escape plan. I got a bit wet (okay a lot) but I knew I had a place to get to for safety. I hope you can make the parallel without much help from me.

It has been awhile since I have been caught in the rain. Just when you least expect it…. What kind of escape plan do you have?

Oh…I should have listened to the weatherman. It started raining at 1:00 right on the tick. 🙁

 

Labels

Tuesday, April 28th, 2015

thefi5thgospel

I’m bad.

I’m good.

I’m sorta bad.

I’m sorta good.

I’m sometimes really bad.

I’m sometimes really good.

So what’s wrong with me?  Be careful now what you say! I’ll have to send Captain America (my alter ego) to straighten you up. 🙂

Seriously. I’m all the above. When it comes to labeling people, I’m all the above. There are times I’m really bad. There are times I am sorta bad (which is a nice way of saying I am tame). There are also times I am really good.

I labeled someone the other day. Jo called me on it. No need to say what it was about…just that it was not good. Seems like no matter how hard I try I give in. Then there are those times when I “slyly describe” someone. I don’t come right out and say it, but the inference is there.

And there are those times I win, keep my mouth shut, and thank God for that person being made in God’s image. I smile when that happens.

Bobby put it well: “We need to accept people whether they agree with us or not,  but not leave them there….We must stop labeling people and start loving them.” (p.178)

I’m thinking this is fantastic advice to practice! Whether it be because they are a “jerk;” a “Loser” (made with thumb and forefinger to forehead); a “f*g” (a despicable term); or some other label/despicable term, we need to stop!! I need to make the “sometimes” and “sorta” disappear from my vocabulary.

Let’s start a revolution by stopping labeling people. People are in different places spiritually. They are in different places socially. They are in different places mentally. Why not accept them-without all the labels-as who they are: unique creations of God? Here is a novel idea: let’s start extending grace…the very thing we are need of on a daily basis. 

CRY

Saturday, March 21st, 2015

If you read my last post, I wrote about the agony of alone-ness Jesus experienced on the cross. From the concern for His mother-whose life she placed with John-to His own guttural scream at His Father’s “absence,” Matthew includes the incident and phrase which none of the others include.

I realize there are those who say Jesus never experienced separation on the cross. He would never be abandoned. But the way I read John’s account leaves little doubt in my mind.

We expect Him to cry out of pain. And He did. What He did not do was get even with His crucifiers and abusers. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.” I Peter 3:21

“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter…so He opened not His mouth.” Isaiah 53:7

The one time He did was a guttural scream directed at His Father. Interesting fact (which you may already know): three times He spoke to His Father. “Father, forgive them.” “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” Sandwiched in between is the one: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” Notice the word change from Father to God? For the first time He experienced the lack of intimacy He never had before.

What a difference a word makes! “Father.” “God.” I’ve known a lack of intimacy with God. There have been times “Father”-Abba- was on my lips. But so has “God”- a cry of desperation and loneliness.

I’m glad my relationship is not based on my feelings, but on the truth of Scripture. Two cries. Two different meanings. For Jesus. For me. For you.

How was that alone-ness resolved for you? What steps did you take to alleviate that pain?

Cynical

Wednesday, February 4th, 2015

Perhaps a better word: disillusioned.

It is easy to get cynical or disillusioned living in today’s world.

It tears at our heart strings when we read of children suffering from the effects of cancer. I’ve been in enough hospitals and seen enough of that to last the rest of my life. Trust me. Trips to Riley Children’s Hospital were not and are not on my “highlight” reel.

I feel for parents whose children are the ones suffering. Honestly? I don’t know what to say so I often say nothing except “I love you” and stand with them (most-often silently).

Recent events which I wrote about tear at anyone. My brother in PA read on the internet about their death.

One of our worship leaders has just spent most of his time with his family in Nashville, TN the past 3-4 months. His mother-in-law battled liver cancer and Monday went home.

Living in a fallen world brings the expectation of death. None miss out. The “odds” are 1 out of 1. But what makes it easy to be cynical or disillusioned is people have been praying for her from all across the country. We have been I know. It isn’t Peter and Stephanie though who are questioning. It will be those who are looking for a reason to doubt. A reason to blame God or to say He isn’t powerful enough to heal. Or “See, He doesn’t answer prayer!”

Well, not always does He answer according to our desires or whim. At times I wish He did. But then sometimes I am soooooo glad He did not. It isn’t easy being joyful in times of hurt. But joy is not determined by our circumstances. Happiness is; joy is not. I’d like to direct you to my friend, Eileen’s blog here for a great perspective.

Any thoughts?