“Tricky Alliance”

 Happy New Year 

Is being a sports fan good or bad? Yes and No is my answer. It all depends on whether your little ‘god’ of sports, are summed up in Christ or abstracted from him? Ok, Tornado Fans, What’s your New Year’s resolution? Is it, “There’s always next year”?

He is not afraid of Bad News; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord” Psalm 12:7 

I am an unabashed ISU Cyclone and Denver Broncos football fan, but I do not write as a fan today—rather, as a Christian. Loyalty forever True, has always been my new year’s resolution as a child of God. We are blessed to have joined in and participated. Upright people don’t fear setbacks and do not constantly worry about what could be lost. They know God will never lose them. All the Glory to God!

The Christian life is a life of day-by-day, hour-by-hour trust in the promises of God. Which helps us, guides us, takes care of me/us, forgiving and leads into a future of holiness and joy. But I often find my life, at the end of each year influenced by “New Year resolutions” (I will identify as sports sometimes) similar to the way my computer becomes infected with a virus. Garbage In, Garbage Out. How about you? Or is this a Perception vs Reality moment about sin?

There is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Does something mystical occurs at midnight on December 31? The Bible does not speak for or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, if a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what kind of resolution should he or she make?

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000 years to the ancient Babylonians. The Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the god Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the medieval era, the knights took a vow to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry. WoW

Common New Year’s resolutions today are commitments to quit smoking, to stop drinking, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family or a new one sports fans, spending time trolling tweet about your favorite college sports team. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, in conjunction with exercising more and eating more healthily. These are all good goals to set other than the trolling tweets. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” The vast majority of New Year’s resolutions, even among Christians, are in relation to physical things. This should not be.

Our rootedness in this fallen world should serve our longing for rootedness in the world to come Hebrews 11:16. We have already had the opportunity to experience family, fellowship, camaraderie, love, and place, however imperfectly. To act as though we come from nowhere except prideful longing resolutions are a commentary on our understanding of the past as well as the future.

These longings are only ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ and his steadfast kingdom community, the church. Nevertheless, it is most natural that these longings be reflected in limited but genuine ways in our lives. I consider each resolution fashioned as a sport in a sense to be a competitive display of the performing arts. Is this capable of displaying truth, beauty and goodness? Herein lies a general problem. It is not only those who consider(resolutions) sports a waste of time who sever it from Christian living, far too often, those Christians who enjoy athletics do the same. Our responsibility is to take every thought captive to obey Jesus (2 Cor 10:5).

As we overload our Christian computers, with apps that need to be, “rebooted” with a resolution challenge so that they work again each year.  The kind of rebooted New Year’s resolutions delight, that will satisfy our hearts infinitely more in Christ, than if we forsake him and put our trust in ourselves or in the promises of this world. God’s promises are not automatic. It is the result of daily diligence and it’s the result of proper fear and how we participate into God’s “rest”?

We as Christian’s with a rightly ordered, Christ-centered worldview are uniquely in a position to enjoy athletic competition as a good gift from God, and his or her sports(resolutions) loyalties as a demonstration of our God-given rootedness in time, place, family and community. Of course, we can make an idol out of different resolutions, losing weight, exercising, diet, drinking, smoking, family or allegiance to our favorite sports team. But the gospel does not obliterate these cultural connections. It reinterprets them in light of the gospel story and our responsibility to seek first the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33, 1 Cor2:2).

I'm thankful that we are taught as children of God to say, “God Bless You,” but believe it or not, I'm equally thankful that others say, “Go Cyclones! But I am most thankful that — whether we are Buckeyes or Longhorns, Hawk-Eyes or Sooners, Broncos or Navy— in Christ we all say, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rev 22:20).

So, what sort of New Year’s alliance resolution should a Christian make?

(1) pray to the Lord for wisdom James 1:5 regarding what resolutions, if any, He would have you make; (2) pray for wisdom as to how to fulfill the goals God gives you; (3) rely on God’s strength to help you; (4) find an responsible partner who will help you and encourage you; (5) don’t become discouraged with occasional failures; instead, allow them to motivate you further; (6) don’t become proud or vain, but give God the glory in everything we do! 

Dear Lord and Father of mankind Forgive our foolish ways.

Re-clothe us in our rightful minds, in purer lives Thy service finds,

In deeper reverence, praise, guide and reboot us Lord. Re-clothe us in our rightful minds. At this moment we let go of all those things that cause any destructive input in our lives. Nudge us back to a healthy place with the allure of your love. Today, reboot our resolutions(sports), so that we may reappear fresh and clean and ready to rumble., in the name of Jesus, Amen

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“Pardon, anything to Offer?”

On this Christmas Eve as I sit looking out the window in Ames, Iowa, in the background the song, “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas” is playing. From time to time this song makes me think of loneliness for the past tradition, rituals, along with a feeling of spiritual emptiness. Fortunately, God knew it would happen and has given me/us a lot of helpful advice in His Word. I begin to ruminate and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with so much zeal, believing that, in Christ, God entered the human race and so deserves the title Immanuel or “God With Us” (Matthew 1:23). But before the worship of self-subsides, I say, You think our world is messed up now, I wondered what the Roman world was like that first Christmas Eve for Christians?

Rome was not a good place to be a Christian prior to Constantine the Great’s conversion. Christians were routinely rounded up, arrested, tortured and then murdered in a variety of creatively grisly fashions. Rome knew how to turn pain, fear and death into a spectacle that simultaneously entertained a bloodthirsty populace and cowed them into submission. As such, Christians had to be careful how and when they worshiped. For much of its early life, the Christian religion essentially existed underground. 

But the Romans celebrated “Saturnalia” a week-long Roman festival honoring the god Saturn; since it started on December 17 apart from some magical powers there was little to distinguish them from their human worshipers, it fell within what we now call the Christmas season. Interestingly, historical accounts differ about whether Saturnalia celebrations were examples of debauchery or charity. Yet, for most of history, debauchery seems to dominate celebrations of the holiday. As they ate drank, loved, envied, cheated, lied and otherwise set morally unedifying example you see they didn’t care about those who worshiped them. All they wanted was to be appeased as they shouted, “Io Saturnalia” the way we might greet people with ‘Merry Christmas or Happy New Year!’ 

As Christ entered into a culture in which the gods of that age were not worthy of worship, our little gods are as much like Rome’s. Sounds like idol worship much the same as self-worship which can be a lonely activity. 

“The Gods we worship write their names on our faces; be sure of that. And a man will worship something ... That which dominates will determine his life and character. Therefore, it behooves us to be careful what we worship, for what we are worshipping we are becoming.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today’s gods are far from anonymous, and the question comes to those without a friend. This fact I know, Jesus is a friend of sinners. This means that He is our friend and is waiting for us to acknowledge His presence and availability. God’s love for us is almost beyond imagining. When we consider Jesus’ Incarnation J—His leaving heaven to be born as a helpless human infant in order to grow and experience life among us—we begin to get a glimmer of the depth of that love. 

Self-worship can be lonely, so take your hands off me misery. What warms a heart outside in? God says “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it”? Jeremiah 17:9 Rather than trust our hearts. We are to commit or hearts to God: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6

As we prepare to gather with our friends and family to exchange the gift of Love and celebrate the light of Christ coming into this world Jesus also taught instead of having this feeling on Christmas Eve of being surrounded by the stranger of “lonely”, we as Christians are to be surrounded by “brothers and sisters in Christ.” This is a heartbeat within a place that when the hard times come as inevitably, they will during those lonely times, remember you are surrounded by those who care; that’s our distinct responsibility a better way of being human than anything currently in our world’s society.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) Jesus is truly the Friend who sticks closer than a brother and blessed are those who have Him as their Friend. 

God Bless You and This Ministry! 

Merry Christmas Happy New Year

“Dear Daddy”

The moments are just flying by with the help of the Holy Spirit, as the impersonal power that you make available to us as your followers. Yet, as you reveal and move me, to understand that “teammates, colleagues and the community culture, always trumps strategy; which are the ultimate motivator” and bear in mind the process and the legacy, for an identity in a Christ Life.

I miss the Comradery of 1 Peter 4:8-10

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”.

This verse focuses on the need for Christian teammates to use their talents to serve others, and to adapt their skills to fit the gaps that all God’s creatures needs filled.  Being kind and serving gladly, instead of complaining, are tremendously important skills for those in Christ as teammates.

When I sit back and remember all the countless times that you gave me some of your thoughts as you drove me around in your taxi cab of newness, I am convinced that you God, knows why you to be my counselor. The one that always encouraged me to reach for the stars was you. I am thankful for all the things you prepared me for. In you, I see the effortless dedication to care and love.

In our new identity in Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin (Romans 6:6), but we are reconciled to God (Romans 5:10). This new identity completely changes our relationship with God and our families, just as it changes the way we see the world. Your quiet yet strong presence is always there. Our new identity in Christ means we have the same relationship with God that Christ has—we are His children. God has adopted us as sons. I have now truly realized the true depth and breadth of your presence throughout my life. In you, I see the effortless dedication to care and love. You are always loved!

We are able to call Him “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15-16). We are both joint heirs (Galatians 3:29) and friends (John 15:15) of Christ. And this relationship is even stronger than those we have with our earthly families (Matthew 10:35-37). Instead of fearing God as judge, we have the great privilege of coming to Him as our Father. We can approach Him with confidence and ask of Him what we need (Hebrews 4:16). (We can ask for His guidance and wisdom (James 1:5) and know that nothing will take us from Him (Romans 8:38-39).). We also rest in His authority and respond to Him with trusting obedience, knowing that obedience is a key part of remaining close to Him (John 14:23). 

We are no longer citizens of the world but apart from it (2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). We understand that we are a part of a heavenly, God-ruled kingdom. Things of the earth no longer draw us (Colossians 3:2). We don’t fear or over-emphasize suffering on earth or the trials we face (Colossians 1:24; 1 Peter 3:14; 4:12-14), nor do we place importance on things the world values (1 Timothy 6:9-11). Even our bodies and our actions reflect that our minds are no longer conformed to the world (Romans 12:1-2) but are now instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6:13). And our new kingdom perspective means we understand that our enemy is not the people around us but the spiritual forces that endeavor to keep the people from knowing God (Ephesians 6:12). 

All of this is the ideal—the character of a mature follower of Christ. One of the greatest blessings about our identity in Christ is the grace we’re given in order to grow into the spiritual maturity that truly reflects our new identity (Philippians 1:6). Our lives in light of our identity in Christ are filled with a heavenly Father, a large, loving family, and the understanding that we are citizens of another kingdom and not of this earth. You are always loved!

God Bless You and This Ministry!

“Free in Christ”

“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be indeed” John 8:36

As I watch all of the championship games today. I love the competitiveness of Football, it is without doubt, one of the most popular sports in America. I use to theorized that it was one of "many paths up the same mountain, my little selfie god". But what about the sport or love of selfies? Does it tend to foster an ardor of a self-little god? Maybe? The Bible is clear that we not only have the ability to choose, we also have the responsibility to choose wisely, maintain godliness, modesty, and propriety; that’s free will. 

But Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30).

Dear Lord, I know I’m not owning all the freedom you’ve purchased for us. Though you’ve already freed me from the egotism of trying to do something to deserve a relationship with God, and the anxiety of wondering what God thinks about me in any given moment; Help me though the chains of condemnation, even though they have already been broken and my fear of death and Judgment Day have been eliminated—I’m still not as free as you intend. In Jesus name, Amen

Do I, as a Christian live as though I am still in bondage? On the surface things look and sound great. But on the inside, it is a mess So I, “Throw another log on the fire “log in to social media and take a selfie. Is that You? Today we put the highlighted pictures of ourselves and echoes of words,” that are related to what, on social media? At times showing that Mr. or Ms. Good Bar image with the appearance of everything being great. The notion that sin has warped, twisted, maimed, and ruined human goodness is as pervasive in theology as social media is in modern life. This does not mean that the use of social media is sinful, as such.  It’s just that it was designed to be in harmony with human nature, which, being fallen, will give rise to a fixation on the self, the stimulation of its desires, the embellishment of its pride, and the encouragement of self-righteousness.

As the fires burn within, what do the ricochets in a social media chamber have to do with our Christian Life? A lot! It is “curved in upon ourselves”. It exploits the fallen weaknesses and the sinful appetites of the self.

“if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:23

This is precisely why the original sense of the term, We are required to “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast” (Colossians 1:23). “to echo the teaching above,” to share continuously the Good News of the Living God, who loves us with infinite and merciful love. What say You? 

Does this “if” in Colossians 1:23 indicate that our salvation depends upon us? What if our faith fails? If faith fails then it is an indication that it was not a valid saving faith (1 John 2:19). The genuine believer will persevere by the reality of God in his life with the perseverance of the Savior!

Suddenly you say out loud, “Jesus Christ is risen!” If anyone hears that divine “post”, it is likely they will hear parts of the original message, depending on where they are within their Faith Journey. The truth is that all who have not heard or understood this gospel message will have a chance to believe it. God will resurrect them to physical life and give them the opportunity to believe and inherit eternal life! Will they hear its message as if it were a lecture on morality or preachy? Rather than living a life that is aligned toward God and others, human sinfulness directs our life inward, toward self-justification, self-gratification, and self-promotion. Yet the gospel is not difficult to understand with the help of the Holy Spirit. The problem lies within us—in our spiritual blindness or our sin nature. If there is a resistance in the heart to loving God, there will be resistance in the mind to knowing God—and therefore to listening to and seeking God. I say, “Can the truth set us free”? The key to our mental garden. If so turn it over to Christ. A fabulous super computer,” our mind the battle ground of the soul”.

According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

Everyone seeks some kind of freedom. Especially in today’s world, freedom is the highest virtue, and it is sought after by all who are, or consider themselves to be, oppressed. But freedom in Christ is not the same as political or economic freedom. In fact, some of the most harshly oppressed people in history have had complete freedom in Christ. The Bible tells us that, spiritually speaking, no one is free. In Romans 6, Paul explains that we are all slaves. We are either slaves to sin or slaves to righteousness. Those who are slaves to sin cannot free themselves from it, but once we are freed from the penalty and power of sin through the cross, we become a different kind of slave, and in that slavery, we find complete peace and true freedom. 

Far from being oppressed, the slave of Christ is truly free. We have been set free from sin by the Son of God who said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Now the Christian can truly say, along with Paul, “Through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:2). We now know the truth and that truth has set us free (John 8:32). 

Can we use social media to love and serve our neighbor?  I think so.  I have seen it contribute to actual, not just virtual, friendships.  It enables members of a family to keep track of their far-flung relatives.  It can be a platform for expressing sympathy and soliciting prayers.  The challenge is to use this medium in that way, while resisting the badness within us that the medium can also bring out.  This is what Christians have to do with life in general.

When we are in Christ, “we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37) and can rejoice in our Savior, who makes all things possible (Philippians 4:13). In Christ we are loved, forgiven, and secure. In Christ we are adopted, justified, redeemed, reconciled, and chosen. So “Why” did God choose me? He chose you to demonstrate His character. He chose you that you may know Him and love Him. He chose you because He is love (1John 4:8). He is gracious, He is merciful, and He has a glorious plan for you.

In Christ we are victorious, filled with joy and peace, and granted true meaning in life. What a wonderful Savior is Christ!

God Bless You and This Ministry!