Straight Line

I managed to do it again, and I did it very well.

I'm mowed a straight line across my wide yard.

Not amazed? You should be. My yard is 75 yards wide.

How do I do it? I stare at an object 100 yards beyond where I need to go. I fix my eyes on the object.

As long as I keep my eyes on the object, I can drive a straight line. But the moment I look away, I get out of line.

As long as Peter stared at Jesus, he walked on water. When he looked away and saw the waves, he sank.

Luke 9:51 indicates that when Jesus realized his ascension was approaching, he became determined to go to Jerusalem. Going to Jerusalem would cost him his life. So he 'fixed' his eyes on heaven and he endured the cross.

Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us about 'fixing' our eyes on Jesus. The passage has 2 challenges:

• to put aside the sins that weigh us down,
• to live with patience the life before us, keeping our eyes 'fixed' on Jesus.

If I fix my eyes on Jesus, I will see him:

• overcoming temptation with Bible verses.
• preaching repentance.
• serving the ill.
• telling people how to be happy.
• warning people about following him, and the trouble that will come.
• teaching the extent of our influence.
• indicating the importance of conflict resolution.
• teaching the extreme need to not stumble with sins like adultery.
• urging careful mate selection.
• promoting promise keeping.
• retarding retaliation.
• loving his enemies.
• practicing a non-showy piety.
• praying.
• mastering money.
• wiping out worry.
• showing the self-condemning nature of judging others.
• handcuffing hypocrisy.

This is the author and perfecter of our faith. When I fix my eyes on him, I will walk his straight line.

No! I Won't Wash My Hands!

In the 21^st century, it is common knowledge that hand washing helps prevent colds and influenza. But what will ceremonial hand washing do for you?

Jesus was approached because His disciples did not ceremonially clean their hands before eating. To the Pharisees and teachers, this was inconceivable. To them, the food was made unclean (religiously unfit to eat) because of contact with unclean hands. So where is the problem?

Mark notes these people expended so much energy upholding the traditions of the elders. They not only washed their hands, but ceremonially washed cups, pitchers, and kettles to keep traditions. They served men’s traditions, and not necessarily God’s commands.

Jesus struggled to make them re-think their actions. He called them hypocrites, and cited Isaiah as proof (Mark 7:6-7). Their actions were deafening compared to their words addressed to God. They honored men’s tradition more than God’s commands.

Jesus desires to free us from men’s philosophies and church creeds. He urges us to be people with hearts in tune with God.

How do I win this freedom struggle? First, stop immersing ourselves in men’s religious teachings (traditions). We clear out people’s clatter. Second, we refill ourselves with God’s talk. We listen to Him by reading His words (commands). This frees our heart to follow God instead of men.

Are you following men’s traditions or God’s commands? Let’s check. In your religion:

• Who is your authority?
• Is belief an agreement or an action?
• How often are course corrections (repentance) needed?
• At what point are you saved?
• Can salvation be wrecked?

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What could you add to these considerations? Are there situations where we should do what I think instead of following God’s directions? Would you share your thoughts in the comment section?

Not Even McDonalds??

I have heard how companies launch with very limited financial resources, but note what these traveling salesmen were asked to do.

They were forbidden to carry any kind of food with them. They could not carry a picnic. They could not use a lunch bag, lunch box or thermos. They were forbidden to carry food.

These salesmen could not carry a suitcase, no backpack, no duffel bag. Purses were prohibited. Even Wal Mart bags were banned.

As for money, think miserly. They could carry no cash. Debit cards were declined. Credit card were cut off. Checks were curbed. They could not have any nickels, dimes, or pennies.

There was no method of taking any extra clothes, if allowed. They were not.

The ONLY thing they could take with them was a large stick. That is all! And it was for defense against some demented dog or a maniac mugger.

Under these conditions, what chance of success does the company have? I ask an  acquaintance.“Somewhere between slim and none,” he replied. I agree. Don’t you?

Jesus sent the apostles on a "mini" mission to convert people, cure diseases, and cast out evil spirits. They did. And yet, the conditions above is how they traveled.

What is more, Jesus had them stay in the home of whoever would take them in.

What made this venture viable?

Parts or Production

For the past month I have been a fire-watching night guard at a sawmill. I walk four to eight miles each shift. I patrol the grounds and buildings looking for fires and security breaches.

In the process I see, besides sawdust everywhere, machinery, pneumatic/hydraulic equipment, chains designed to move logs, chains designed to remove waste products, control booths, and industry-specific hand tools. Ready for use are front-end loaders, large unloaders designed to handle tons of logs at a single bite, and forklifts. There are some items I am around that I am not permitted to write about. And it is almost inconceivable the number of piles of hardwood logs mounded 15-20 feet high all under spraying water. 

Up till recently this was what I thought a sawmill was. I could see all the parts, and stacks of product. It felt cold, static, and lifeless. But not now.

What is the difference? The sawmill came to life. I saw what happens when trained people use all that stuff. I saw rough, butt-cut logs go in. I saw useful crossties, planks, 'fuel', and woodchips come out. I saw how each part of the big place works together to make desirable products.

So where is "The Struggle" in all this? 

Each of us should read the Bible daily. We read about all the 'parts' in the church. We note elders, preachers, and members with many different skills. We see how financial contributions should be used. We memorize the 'great commission', 'Be-attitudes', Jesus' example of prayer, the steps of salvation, and various love passages. We might use our imaginations and pretend to be in the crowd on that sadistic Friday, the wondrous day of Pentecost, or agonizingly watch Stephen being stoned. Yes, we know all the parts.

But is that how it is meant to be? Is there something is missing? Could it be Spirit-led disciples? Could it be passionate, prayer-filled preachers proclaiming Jesus, hope, grace, love and duties? Is it elders leading by example instead of 'administrating'? Is life breathed into a dead congregation when ALL members use their skills, whatever they are? What happens when deacons report the results of joyous and generous contributions? What life-producing changes occur when we halt memorizing, and initiate the practice of soul winning, attitude changes, praying, and loving the people Jesus loved?  Is it advisable to quit limiting the gospel to our imaginations and pretentions? 

It just might be that we have a 'log yard' of egocentric people, grasping after the wind, that can be changed into productive, useful individuals if we, the trained disciples, use our Spirit-endowed skills.

Now do you see your personal struggle? I do.

Once in a Thousand Years

TENTH day of the TENTH month of the TENTH year occurs one time every thousand years. The first time it occurred was two years before Jesus made his first trip to Jerusalem.  In 732 a.d. at Tours, France the Muslims invasion of Europe was halted, but I found nothing on the internet concerning the events of October, 10, 1010.

Consider this question: Is it the historical events of the day that make it important, or the potential of what could happen that makes it special? History is important, but it is the potential that excites us. 

What will make 10-10-10 special this year in particular? It is the only time this day will occur for another 1000 years.

Here are a few things that the Bible says can happen.

• 1 Sam. 10:19. I can reject God 
• Exod. 32:29 I could dedicate, or re-dedicate, myself to God 
• Deut. 6:6  I can put His commands in to my heart. Would memorization be a way? 
• Deut. 29:12 This day, 10-10-10, I can make a make a pack (promise) with God to do what he says. 
• 1 Sam. 11:13  I can watch the Lord accomplishing salvation in the lives of my friends and others. Could it be my day? 
• Heb. 3:7.  This could be the day I start listening to God instead of the devil. 
• Luke 19:9.  Is this the day salvation comes to my house? Your house? A neighbor's? A relative? 
• Luke 23:43. This might be the day I leave this earth and go to Paradise.

Yes, 10-10-10 could be a VERY INCREDIBLE DAY! It will be the only one like it for the next 1000 years. It is the POTENTIAL that makes this date SPECIAL.

Now, consider this question. What is the difference between 10-10-10 and 10-11-10? Or which is the better date, 10-11-10 or 10-13-10?

Isn't it true any of the things the Bible said can happen on 10-10-10 can happen on ANY DATE? It is not the DATE that makes it special, it is what we DO WITH IT that makes ANY DATE special.

Besides, isn't right now the only day like this in recorded history?  Make today, whatever the date, special. It is unique.