The Why behind the Why?

Why is Christianity really all about Jesus? Sound simple? That's because it is or Why am I a Christian?

Do you really know what God wants from you? Do you know the why behind your Christianity?

Those questions stumbled across my mind as I laid awake in the night once, it was a sudden and upsetting realization that at that time, I really have no idea, what God truly wanted from me. What is His purpose? What’s the overall plan? What could the omnipotent creator of an entire universe—a creator that can, literally, have anything He wants—possibly desire? I thought to myself, Ron, “You’re not alone in asking those question? Am I”?

You go to church every Sunday. You read your Bible in the morning as you sip coffee. You pray every night before you sleep, tithe each week, and even talk to a stranger about your faith every now and then; having discussions/questions about the important of theology and doctrine. Wondering is it aboutkeeping rules and regulations, performing rituals, or even going to church. Appropriately, I relied on scripture “Jesus said that knowing him is the doorway to a special relationship with God”. “Jesus said that knowing him is the doorway to a special relationship with God”. John 14:6

But even as you do these things, do you really know what God wants from you? Do you know the why behind the thought process of why of your Christianity? Do you feel like all your striving to please God goes for nothing, and you, ask, “What does God want from me?”

King David wondered the same thing in Psalm 8: 3-4, where he puzzles, “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” If he can ask this eternal and important question, so can we. I often wonder why pastors or some of our Christian leaders why they only hint on these questions of what God wants. 

David also understood what God wanted when he prayed, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” Psalm 51:16-17.

Relationship is the one word that comes to mind for me. In Mark 12:30-32, Jesus explains God’s two greatest commandments:” And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. ‘The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Simple God just wants to have a loving relationship with his children, and he wants us to take that love and make it one big happy family with our neighbors. What won me over (as a Christian that’s Lutheran) besides my faith in the scripture was the way people at church loved me. Often because of our sinful nature often tells us we have nothing in common because of a difference in culture or skin color; we are different and they loved people who were hurting and messy. It was the way they shared openly about their hurts and repeated failures. It was the way they loved Jesus and spoke so intimately, highly about it. It was the joy they had even in the midst of tears and deep suffering. It was the fact they didn’t pretend to have it all together or all the answers. Sometimes they would just say “I don’t know.” 

Sometimes I am like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, trying to put the external action before the inner heart change Luke 11:42. I place all my focus on what I do rather than who I am. But, unless love for God is my motivation, outward displays of goodness only result in pride and law. Neither pleases God. When we/I surrender ourselves totally to Him, His Holy Spirit empowers us/me to love God fully and serve Him from the right motive. True service and holiness are simply the outworking of the Spirit, the overflowing of a life dedicated to the glory of God. When our focus is on loving God rather than simply serving Him, we end up doing both. If we skip the relationship, our service is of no use and benefits nothing 1 Corinthians 13:1-2.

I am convinced that engaging in careful theological thought is an essential task of the Christian life. Recently, a fellow member and I were discussing worship styles at our church and why we attend different worship styles. My only statement or questions were, “What is the Theological message at the service you attend”? and remember it’s less about the what, likes and much more about the how. For me the theology is the act of prayer, insofar as we offer up our words and thoughts in service to God in the expectant hope—by the grace of the Holy Spirit—that they will build up the body of Christ. And this prayerful task of theology is never finished. Like God’s mercies, it is new every morning/day.

 We can no more abandon theology than we can abandon God since theology is involved in some fashion whenever we think or speak about God. Consequently, every person is a theologian. The only question is whether we will be thoughtful, responsible theologians or irresponsible ones. The journey of Christian discipleship and purpose is a matter of learning why we believe, and thinking hard and carefully about this belief, not so that we can bludgeon others with our knowledge but so that we can bear faithful witness to God in the totality of our life.

It is important to take on this purpose, to place it at the center of our Christian life so that it affects everything we do, with an intimate relationship with Christ. Jesus is our way of understanding an infinite and unknowable God, and so we must carefully consider not only what He did do in His life, but also what He didn’t do. He never mocked, scorned, or turned his back on sinners. He just wants to love us, for us to love him, and for us to love one another. Will you set aside time to join Him?“Just Love Jesus”

God Bless You and This Ministry?

My Story about coach "Earle Bruce"

God’s Blessings to the Family of coach Earle Bruce.

From Ron “Sugar Bear” McFarland- My Story

My condolences and prayers and heart felt loss, I and other players share for the man who dotted so many lives’. 

No one game plans for death, especially a death of a coach that was well liked, respected and just a tough guy like Earle Bruce. There's no playbook, no film-room study that can make it easier to share stories about a man who helped built young boys into men and I must say, really affected me mentally at a time in my life,” I truly needed his tough saintly ways”.

Coach Bruce in his day was a keep it simple guy. Old School fundamentals, toughness and small details played much more of a role for coach Bruce than Xs and Os, whether in crisis or not crisis. With me he was a psychologist (so much I almost left Iowa State because I miss understood the teacher, his Handcrafted Big Grin and father figure he was showing me) At the time I just thought all I wanted was a coach not someone in my life. It would be a great story to say he showed patience with me all the time. But he knew me as a former west end native (Taft High School) from Cincinnati, Ohio, patience would not work often with me. At the time it was viewed by me, as weakness. Oh, how age changes a person, I guess you call that wisdom. It really is Strength. Which coach Bruce had a lot of.

Most people understand hope as wishful thinking, as in "I hope something will happen Like," Going to Iowa State and being coached by this small in size man, be a starter and be successful “Earle Bruce”. 

Coach did not promise anything he just looked at me with so much confident and said, “put your Hope in the system and watch with hard work what will happen”. 

I immediately went to scripture and discovered, "confident expectation." Hope is a firm assurance regarding things that are unclear and unknown Romans 8:24-25; Hebrews 11:1,7.Hope is a fundamentalcomponent of the life of the righteous Without hope, life loses its meaning. 

I decided to attend Iowa State University and trust that this hard nose man with my athletic and student life. Many years in and out of his office getting on me with Tough love; Along with getting me to go to class paid off. By the time I was a senior he would remark isn’t it great to be older and have so much wisdom. I was not confounded, put to shame or disappointed that I trusted him with so much Hope for me.

 Many years of refection about my years at Iowa State about the man wearing that stupid derby (loving joke) at Ohio State; was his faithfulness and for me and all of his former players. All we had to do was call him. “Surprise “a side we never saw while as a player.

It is funny how perception verses reality about someone changes your whole attitude in life as a young man when you find out a shared faith.

Hope was an enduring virtue of Earle Bruce I would soon learn. Especially when my girlfriend now my wife was attending church at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames, she told me he was in attendance and a member. Once I found out this tough football coach was living the Christian life, my attitude really changed about him. 

1 Corinthians 13:13 and love springs from hope to respect Colossians 1:4-5 Hope produces joy and peace in believers through the power of the Spirit Romans 12:12; 15:13 Paul attributes his apostolic calling to the hope of eternal glory Titus 1:1-2(.Hope in the return of Christ is the basis for believers to purify themselves in this life Titus 2:11-14, 1 John 3:3. 

While attending church in Fort Collins I felt someone’s presents it was a big Sugar Cookie smile staring at me, looking at me from across the aisle it was Earle Bruce and his wife Jean.

Many years later when coach was at Colorado State as head coach he called me and we met for dinner in Denver, with Jean and my wife Mary. The whole night he had that Big Smile on his face shaking his head, saying,” How he could not believe”, I guess he was talking about me my life as a coach, teacher and Christian. He was so Proud and I will never forget that. 

A modest Tough Buckeye/Cyclone and winner that put his Hope and firm insurance in me, “a hard-headed kid “with many problems from Cincinnati.

God Bless You Earle Bruce! Now you are “before the throne of God serving him day and night” (Revelation 7:15).

Sugar Bear “a Love I can never repay!”

 

My Mating Song

Christian Men-Women

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me” 

Galatians 2:20.

Our Friends are out there,” Somewhere”, Be Bold as a Lion.

Waiting under the Skies wanting smiles to replace sorrows.

For us anxiously, until we Boasts our Trumpets.

Rejoicing, “God is Love” Holy, Holy, Holy a new Song Reborn.

Which brings us-them the hope of Blessedness.

Let it not stay Dormant.

Because in our “Natural State” we do not Seek.

Somewhere an undegenerated Storm.

Dreams sometimes, “as none righteous”.

As imagined what “fools” were like together un profitable.

How could we properly guide being part of none who does good.

Being loss for the Truth “wealthy or needy”, A creature thinking no way to be loved.

We welcome this gift of Love.

Revealed by his “Son”.

Given God is God, the Faithful, Steadfast, and Comfort.

To those who love him, Poured into us, “Holy Spirit”.

Mighty from the beginning with no End.

Distinguished from All other’s.

God’s Promise through Faith in him.

Christ’s Righteousness, “A Substitute”.

Mystery my Humanness cries “Why, Why”.

He loves us because, “God is Love”.

What kind of Tater are You?

My Goal: “To view one another critically with” Laughter, fellowship and fun."

Jesus was the very embodiment of love. He was filled with God’s Spirit, who produces the fruit of joy Galatians 5:22. I imagine that he and his disciples roared in some good times of belly-aching, room rocking laughter in their collective joy.

Much could be made of the fact that Jesus is said to have never smiled or laughed. Linked to the description of the Servant as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief’ it has furnished a basis for the idea that Jesus “life was unremittingly joyless and stressful. But could this be a serious over-simplification. Apart from all else, a joyless life would have been a sinful life. Would Jesus have been guilty of the anxiety he forbade in others Mt.6:25? Would he have fallen short of Paul’s attainment as one who had learned to be content whatever the circumstances Phil. 4:11? Or of the precept to rejoice always Phil.4:4. Could he have been filled with the Spirit and yet not have known the Spirit’s joy Gal. 5:22? Could he have given rest and relief to others Mt. 11:28 while remaining depressed and disconsolate himself without Laughter ever?...

The very fact that we humans have a sense of humor indicates that God does, too, for we are made in His image. The existence of penguins, platypuses, and puppies also builds a strong case for God’s having a sense of humor! Jesus, as the Son of God, shares the Father’s attributes, including a sense of humor. 

There can be little doubt that, apart from the brief (although indescribably intense) moment of disregard on Calvary, Jesus was serene, contented, and happy. He rejoiced, maybe even laughed a little, doubtless, in the being of his Father, meditating on him as an object of wonder and admiration; in his Father’s love, praise and constant help and presence; Jesus encouraged joyful laughter, most famously in the Beatitudes, recorded in Matthew 5 and Luke 6.Jesus said, “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Jesus spoke of rejoicing in His parables in Luke 15-the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son were all found. The result in each case was great rejoicing. Even more telling is that Jesus told these stories as illustrations of the “joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents” Luke 15:10.

Lately it has been an amazing thing for me to do, just watch people and listen, especially when they laugh, the way it sort of takes them over. Sometimes they really do struggle with it. Because at church we tend to focus on trials and suffering. I see all kinds of behaviors at the church often enough that makes me lead out with silence. But today, I want to laugh. It kind of takes me over and I want too, out of love label this type of playful joyfulness a complain term, and name it. But it is better to use humorous wisdom and just laugh . So, I suppose I could name it “Tater“ ,as a Christian that might be much more easily applied by crying first in a psalmist chant as a prayer. I suppose, except that laughter is much more easily done and it may put a jewel of a smile on a few Pastors faces.

Laughter is one way to see happiness and hear it; it’s happiness made visible and audible. It’s the sound of Joy. It’s not joy’s only sound; there is joy in sorrow, in tears, underneath sobs, and in silence. There is laughter-this happy treasure- to cherish as a gift from God.Jesus evinced a sense of humor in His teaching. Jesus’ discussion of the “log” in one’s eye is a purposeful exaggeration—and a lighthearted one at that Matthew 7:3-5 Also, the enormous image of a camel going through the eye of a needle contains humor Matthew 19:24.

Here, then is a poem called “Taters” ,by the faithful laughter of a well-rounded and charming church member:

I am a Tater

Son/Daughter/Husband/Wife of the Church

Who needs, never to participate but content to watch. They call me “Sped Taters”

Who loves, never to help but are gifted at finding fault. They call me “Comment Taters”

Who knows everything, a chief traditionist and tell others what to do. They call me ‘Dick Taters’

Who detests in a delightful way, are always looking to cause problems to agree with them. They call me “Agie Taters”

Who is utterly engaging, say they will help, but somehow just never gets around to actually doing anything. They are “Hesi Taters’ 

Who has a many delicious dream and plans up front and imitate someone that's unknown. They are called “Emma Taters”

Who with courage/integrity who love others no matter what and do what they say with a high-pitched voice, are always prepared like a Scout, which brings sunshine into the lives of others. They are called “Sweet Taters”

Who you “The Self” the final Tater, who with love for all, like to brings joy, humor and laughter into the genuine” funny tummy” of the church, through our humanity, on a regular basis, which is something that we should rejoice about. They call me the “Peanut Tater”.

Jesus had a serious mission to accomplish in this world, but He was not one to be somber all the time. There is no verse in the Bible that says, “Jesus laughed,” but we know that He empathized with us completely and felt all of our emotions. Laughter is part of life, and Jesus truly lived.

God Bless You and This Ministry!

Can we drink the Coffee, “The Fear of Death”?

“Death “No subject is more difficult for us to face than that of death. I say, “Death is a very dull, miserable thing, and I use to put my head in the sand and think to myself,” I do not whatsoever want to deal with it. But, of course, we can’t evade it. We all have loved ones and friends who have died or will die. And we must die. But it’s still difficult to think about it. I repeat,” No subject is more difficult for us to face than that of death. People even often say, see you tomorrow unless I’m dead. With That question/word in mind, it has caused me so much confusion as a child of God’s. Especially, when as a very young man, I experienced the death of my mother. Within the distinct pain of grief, I could hear her voice reminding me that the bible says,” that since Christ defeated death, we’re supposed to be joyful and victorious through it all”.  Losing her was so overwhelming for me at that age that I denial her words of wisdom as well the process of grieving even today as an adult; not knowing at the time she was preparing me for the things that would come, often I could hear the echoes of her voice, reminding me how God will work it all together for good, believe it to be true. You will still grieve, be scared and feel the pain and God has a purpose for all of his Children of Faith.

It would be a great ending for me to say all is well, Not! Throughout my life it has been hard to even attend a funeral (I may add hospital as well) of a friend, student or family member without feeling some kind of mental or emotional pain. All this time my ears were locked out of the messages given at each funeral, until recently.  I decided to take the plunge and really listen and unlock my ears to Pastor Langewish as he preached, while attending a series of funerals at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Wow, I must admit, it took several funerals to really understand the happiness, joy and imagery he presented each time. He reminded us all that, a funeral is not primarily about the deceased. A funeral is for the you, the “Living”. The deceased are in good shape with the Lord as he individualized their eulogy and thank God for them. But the message he presented to us was for all the people who were in attendance, those who were remembering, those like me who were grieving silently. This was one of celebration. He talked about Jesus. He did it carefully, tastefully, joyfully with a gladness and energy on his face that I had never seen before it was so natural and done in an un-sanctimonious way; in terms that the man on the street appreciated (in my case my mind as if I was a child). He once said, our role is to show the relevance of Jesus in this death.

Oh! How precious is the dust of a believer!” This means death can neither hurt their body nor yet their souls, and then it is well with then. Death will not have the last word for Jesus has conquered the grave. Because he rose, we too shall rise. In that faith we take courage to live for Christ with reckless abandon because death is not the end of our story. After each funeral all I could see on each person’s face was a smile as big as a “Sugar Cookie”.

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.  According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever.¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words”. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 

This lesson says to me, “No matter how high you rise, how long you are in the flight, you will still need to fall down. That is given. And to cope with the fear of this fall is very easy – stop thinking about yourself as the master of your body. Face the thought that you are just a tenant. And because you don’t know the length of your rent, remember that it can end at any second. We are all debtors, and our debts will certainly be recovered, no matter if we are afraid of it or not. So, is there a point of being afraid?”

 Genesis 23 provides some answers to the question of how believers should deal with death. Abraham, the man of faith, loses his wife, Sarah. His response reflects both realism and faith. It is interesting that only two verses deal with Sarah’s death and Abraham’s grief, whereas 18 verses deal with his negotiations to secure a burial plot. You have to ask, why is so much space devoted to that which, at first glance, seems insignificant? The answer is given in Hebrews 11:13-16, which talks about Abraham and Sarah’s faith.

The most important thing to remember regarding death is the truth about life. You love your family and care for them, but God loves them more. You may worry about your earthly legacy, but God’s more concerned with a kingdom perspective. All the paperwork in the world won’t bring the peace of mind of one simple action: “Abide In me” John 15:4. When we are able to keep that kingdom perspective, we’ll be able to fulfill

1 John 3:1-2 “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

It will be so evident that we do not belong in this world that others will see it, too. We will so take ownership of our position as children of God that we will actively seek the day we can be like Christ and see Him as He is.

 Although we may have hurt in the memory of that loved one while we are in this life and go through the grief process, there will come a time when each born-again believer will be with the Lord. In that day “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" Revelation 21:4. We cannot comprehend how that will be because we live in time and are constrained by our finite minds. However, just the thought of that is enough to bring comfort and encouragement. When we see the Lord, all of the sorrow we have now will disappear. "You now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you" John 16:22.

In the meantime, we can lean on the everlasting arms of God, who feels our pain and comforts us with His great love and mercy.

God Bless You and This Ministry!