Polyurethane and Sin

This morning I needed to put a coat of polyurethane on a custom cabinet and a new door. Easy job, right?

Grabbed an old rag and wiped everything. Done. No problems. Pick up a stir stick. Open can. Stir gently. Done. No problem. Pour polyurethane into used margarine bowl. Take brush and apply a coat to everything. Clean the brush and bowl. Done. No problems.

Later, I was puzzling over why it was difficult to read. What is this? Teeny-winnie specs of polyurethane on my glasses? Dried, hardened, and tough to remove.

Is this how sin works?

We live near sin and sinful people. We can not evade. We get a little splatter here and a small dribble there. We do not bothered because it is so itsy-bitsy. We are ok, we think. But after duplicate experiences, we find a multilayer coating that is dried, hardened, and tough to remove.

The Point of this struggle?

1 Cor 15:33 says, "Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals." If we are frequently around people who curse, we pick up the bad habit. If we sit with those telling crude jokes, we start telling them too. Do not talk with gossips.

Dabble with sin, and you will get it on you.

Jesus Goes Back To School

Growing up, Jesus received the basics: Reading, 'Riting and 'Rithmatic. And we know He developed into the greatest teacher ever. So how did he get from a 12-year-old boy leaning to read and write to THE authoritative teacher?

Old Testament teachers used object lessons. Did Jesus learned object lessons from Jeremiah, and create his own pattern?

Jeremiah used object lessons common to living. Did Jesus read Jeremiah's preaching God's message of Judeans building "broken cisterns" (2:13). Did His teachers use Jeremiah's speech of God's people being as faithful as a "treacherous wife", (3:20) or the "lion coming from the thicket" illustration? (4:7) I am certain He heard of Jeremiah's yoke. (ch 27-28).

While young, He recognized the value of object lessons.

See the sixth-grade Jesus, fresh from his scholar-astounding trip to Jerusalem with His parents? He has:

• all his school supplies
• a determination to teach like Jeremiah.

He removes a single page from his 150-count, 75-cent, lose leaf pack Joseph had bought Him. He selects and sharpens a pencil and writes the teacher a note thanking Him for his work. He drew a cross, gave it to a good friend and said "Someday I will die for you." 

Jesus retrieved His big trapizoid-shaped erasers, showed it to His neighbor, and said, "My real father uses something like his on sins (Heb 9:22). But sometimes He uses this stuff too, showing off His bottle of White Out. "David and Isaiah talked it, but didn't know what it was called (Ps 51:7; Isa 1:18)

In art class, He drew some bees on His paper and cut them out. Next, He wrote "BEE a brother's keeper" on posterboard. He got out his brand new 2-pack of Elmer's Glue Sticks. He glued the bees on the poster. A classmate heard "You use glue to hold two papers together, just like "Bee"-ing a brother's keeper bonds Jews together." (Rom 12:18; Col 3:14)

Jesus used his new pens and pencils to write messages to everyone. He told a boy "Things like these helped Moses write the Law. Today,you can write a note to your mom saying, "Thank you for being good to me."

Jesus took out his new 24-count box of Crayons. He drew a pretty rainbow, wrote "God Keeps His Promises" underneath, and put it on the teacher's desk. "I can use crayons to tell of God's faithfulness," He told His teacher. (Gen 9:16)

The final bell rang. Kids ran out the door. But not Jesus. He was not finished using his school supplies. He opened His hot-pink colored Post-it Pad, wrote "God loves you so much!!" on 12 notes. He stuck one on each classmates desk as a reminder.

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Jesus used common, everyday things to teach His message. ANYTHING could be used. He used various soils to teach about people's determination. He used mustard seeds, coins, feeding pigs, leaven, hidden treasure and a pearl of great price, a lost sheep, 10 girls, large sums of money, blind people , a lamp, and many more.

THE POINT: ANYTHING can be used to start a conversation about God, Christ, or spiritual matters.

If you have started a religious discussion using a thing, would you share it in the comment section?

Rich Men Can't Go To Heaven

"That's NOT what I said!!"

"But dad, that's what I thought you said."

"Son, I was describing the chances of rich people if they want to go to heaven. Do you remember Uncle Jimmy describing how difficult it is for them to make it?"

"I'm not sure. Was there something about a needle and a camel?"

"You almost remember. Uncle Jimmy told us what Jesus said. 'It is easier for a camel to get through the opening in a sewing needle than for a rich man to get to heaven.' Do you remember how Uncle Jimmy and the other apostles were surprised? They thought if a man was rich meant he was extra-special to God, and certainly was heaven-bound. Jesus told Uncle Jimmy that men can't get it done, but with God's help everything is possible."

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Exchanges like this remind this struggling soul of how strenuous staying right is.

A verse not seen in the conversation was Jesus saying, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:24)

I've always envisioned myself as poor, but counting of my blessings indicates I am very rich. My abundance is magnified as I balance my home with those in third-world countries.

It is easy to let things  control us. Your riding mower has a flat, so you spend two hours going to Walmart or Sears for a repair, but buy a tire instead. There is a lengthy traffic delay on your way home. Once back home you discover you left your Android Smartphone back at the store. Another trip to the town, find your phone, check the time, rush to the cleaners, and back home. Once inside, you must recharge the phone. Soon you open the freezer, dig for the tv dinner, and toss it in the microwave. POP! SNAP! Smoke is boiling from the microwave. Put the TV dinner back in the freezer, back to Walmart, buy another microwave, and return home again. Oh, no. This one has the wrong kind of electrical plug. "Wally World", here we come.....

Is the owner in control? No. His things dictate his deeds.

What godly objective was achieved? Does it count that you tamed your temper and resisted uttering ugliness? 

When things control

• Jesus is not in control. 
• He is no longer Lord. 
• My chances of heaven dwindle.
• I do not be complete His work. Sound like a "good and faithful servant"? (Luke 19:17)

Be A Kid

Adults are inclined to think like adults. The adult thought pattern, with its complexities and biases, tends to produce practices not productive to God's plans.

Adults:

• are skeptical.
• shake their heads, watching 'heroes' fall into disgraceful living.
• see gray instead of black and white.
• sit and watch others.
• ignore differences for tolerance and political correctness.
• are cruel to people (of road rage?) and animals (ASPCA?).
• refuse to improve through learning new ideas, or declining to adopt good learning practices .
• want to be pleased.
• allow friendships to fade into oblivion.
• are ambivalent or apathetic.
• are greedy and selfish.
• tell personal tales and become isolated from current opportunities.
• want others to take over their jobs.
• are prideful of who their person and accomplishments. 
• lack affection 
• are rude and hateful.

Does Jesus desire these traits in his family? I think not.

Once the adult disciples were thing like adults, They tried to control the crowd like an adult. Parents and grandparents wanted their children to see Jesus, maybe to touch Him or shake His hand. They were being rebuked by adult-thinking disciples.

Jesus rarely got upset, but the adult behavior of His disciples, preventing children from approaching Him, was not good. He became indignant. Jesus was very displeased with His adult acting students.

He claimed a moment for teaching them the characteristics He wants in His church. It was not what they expected. He said God's kingdom is made up "of such AS these." He added, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God LIKE A CHILD will not enter it at all."

To be a part of Is kingdom, I must struggle to exhibit child-like qualities. I must:

• believe what I read about Jesus.
• appreciate love, kindness, and affection.
• return love, kindness, and affection.
• try to please Jesus through obedience.
• be humble like a child.
• be efficient learners of Jesus, God, the Bible, etc.
• accept responsibilities as they are offered.
• be understanding and responsive to the hurts and needs of others.
• talk about what I am doing (such as TheStruggle and preaching), and share my experiences.
• be aware of the differences in people.
• willing to give more to others.
• be active in His Kingdom.
• be enthusiastic about my relationship with Jesus, and sharing the hope.
• discern between good and bad, eliminating gray areas.
• strenthen the ties with my friends.
• emulate my hero, Jesus.

Will you be my friend and join me in reverting back to a better life?
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Celebrating 1 Year

On July 14, 2010, late in the evening or early morning, I set up TheStruggle and wrote a description of what was being attempted. On July 15, 2010, the first two posts were made (More Than Learners and Grandpa Joe), thus beginning the effort.

This year-long trek through various emotional highs and lows has been a struggle all its own. Much of my personal heartaches from a year and a half ago have not been addressed, nor will they be in this forum. But I have addressed many of the spiritual issues which I encountered as a result of the heartaches. I know some readers are facing (or have faced) similar issues.

By sending out emails to many of my contacts, responding to questions, posting opposing views to other blogs with sinful perspectives, getting websites to host a link to TheStruggle (Prescott Church of Christ and Radically Christian), and YOUR FORWARDING EMAILS and “LIKING” TheStruggle ON FACEBOOK success has been better than I could ever have imagined.

This post celebrates OUR efforts

In one year, you and your friends have read TheStruggle 3506 times. That is an average of 9.6 times per day. Some days had no readers, but others had crazy spikes. Each of these lead to months of "mountains".

The Top Ten countries where the blog was read include:

1. 

   USA 3208
2. Canada 38
3. Russia 36
4. Czech 28
5. Iran 24
6. Germany 23
7. Denmark 17
8. China 15
9. France 13
10. Poland 12

All these are just the top 10, there were many more with fewer than 12. See how well you spread the word.

It takes much writing and many “hits” before you start being high enough on Goggle to bring readers. We have been able to reach some readers simply because they goggled a phrase. Unknown readers have goggled "compare israel's struggle with sin with ours today " and “miracle jesus demons pigs” or “the last member of.”. They found a post and read. For fun put in a Google search box TheStruggle (One Word) and some Biblical subject, and see what happens. I just did TheStruggle and Marriage. Google returned two posts, #2 and #3 in the world. But, if you don't find TheStruggle in the top listing, it may be a subject needing attention. So, Email Me your idea.

And speaking of resources, there is now a total of 106 posts to read. Here is a screen-shot with the Top Ten Posts.

1. Wrestling Passively                                                       106
2. How did he get away with it?                                          57
3. Eavesdropping at the Church Building                              55
4. Mark's Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage                       53
5. Abortion                                                                        37
6. Unexpected Issues                                                          34
7. Fingernails on the Wood.                                                 25
8. Standing for ...                                                               24
9. Mom And Dad Are Going To Kill Me…                           23
10. Matt's Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: Matt 5 & 19     23 
    (by the time I posted this, Matt's Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage had moved up to 7th place with 27 reads. 

The Top Ten posts indicate to me:

• Most people will readily read those "difficult" or "controversial" posts. Note from the list below how two posts on abortion (Abortion , and Mom And Dad Are Going To Kill Me… ) were read 60 times, while the two on Marriage, divorce, and remarriage have been read 80 times (Mark's Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage and Matt's Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: Matt 5 & 19 )
• Catchy titles are not necessarily greatly read at the first but are read consistently. Wrestling Passively is such a post. (Ok. I will grudgingly agree that the late Leslie Miller, my high school English teacher, was right.)

Thank you for reading!

Thank you for commenting!

Thank you for promoting!

And Thank You God for helping me and TheStruggle so many times.

Now, help me as we grow this effort for God over year two. Please.

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What are your thoughts?

What would you like to read?

Have you been to TheStruggle on FaceBook page and "liked" us?

One More Thing

Getting a license for my first car was an experience.

I knew to go to the Revenue Office for the license. I got my checkbook, got in my new-to-me car, and went to the Revenue office. I expected to walk in, pay a fee of some kind, and get the license plate.

The 30-minute wait was long. The polite woman behind the counter asked for my Collector's Office. "What papers," I asked. She explained I needed a paper from the County Tax Collector's Office as proof my taxes were paid. "That is the only thing we need from there," she added as I headed out the door on the new phase of the adventure.

"It is not too bad to lack only one thing," I thought.

At the Collectors Office, I was told I lacked one thing. I needed a document from the County Assessors Office declaring my property was assessed.

At the Assessors office I lacked only one thing, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) found on either the title or pink-colored registration papers. I had neither with me. I go back to the house for the car title.

"I lacked only one thing, but at three places. This is not so good," I thought. I had spent an hour longer than planned.

It was back to the Assessors office with Title in hand. I got the elusive piece of paper, and relayed it to the Tax Collector's office. After a hurried peek at their books, they stamped it, sending me back to the Revenue Office.

After an hour and a half, I had learned the need for proper government paperwork to obtain tags. And yes, it took me 30 more minutes before I saw "The Lady" again. Almost done, right?

"Where is your proof of insurance card," she asked gently. "My what," I replied. "What are you talking about," I asked. Was this another thing I lacked?

Out the door I went, headed to the only insurance company I knew: dad's. After buying my first policy an hour later, with a proof of insurance card, I started back to the not-as-nice-as-she-once-was lady at the Revenue office.

Frustration began as I was delayed another 37 minutes and 42 seconds to view her now-dreaded face. With a scowl, I shoved the insurance card toward her AND the tax receipt. Snatching my checkbook, I started writing the check just as her hand flew up. "Wait! I have everything except your car inspection receipt," she said apologetically. "You've got to be kidding," I said, struggling to retain my composure.

Out the door, AGAIN! I drove through town till I saw a state inspection sign dangling on the side of a DX gas station (whoops, dated the story). He said he would do the inspection just as soon as he finished mounting, spin balancing, and putting on all four new tires on the Chevy in the repair bay. "Just great," I thought. "I have plenty of time on my only day off," I growled sarcastically to myself.

"You say my turn signal is burned out," I replied to the station owner/mechanic/inspector.

"You will be back WHEN with the part?"

"You want me to watch your station while you are gone?"

It was 12:45 before I got the little slip of paper indicating my car had passed inspection.

The Revenue office was closed for lunch.

"Lady, I am tired and irritated. This better be everything," I told the now-embarrassed woman.

"There is one thing you lack," She facetiously said. "Your check."

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Years ago a successful man approached Jesus asking what he lacked to gain eternal life. Jesus, living under the Law of Moses (Old Testament), reminded him of the 'Dos and Don'ts'. His response: "I have always done these."

Jesus knew his wealth was blocking him from being a successful spiritually. He was told, "One thing you lack."

I identify with him. Do you?

I lacked more than one thing to get my license plate, but I completed them one at a time. Spiritually, I lack more than one quality, so I aim at one area of improvement at a time. With God's help, have been reasonably successful.

The struggle to improve is hard, but I keep hearing Jesus. "ONE thing you lack."

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Matt's Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage: Matt 5 & 19

Marriage was God's plan from the beginning. He designed us to marry one person for life. Mark presents God's model. His point: What God has put together man should not separate. Matt 19:3-12 is the parallel account of Mark 10.

Matthew, like Mark, begins with the Old Testament picture of divorce (Matthew 5.31). He continues with Jesus' statement, "But I say to you...", which became mandatory on mankind the historical Friday He died. You and I need to pay attention to verse 32.

Matthew, in both references, sets forth God's condemnation of man disjoining what He has joined. Divorce will lead someone into the sin of adultery. The man who sends the woman away sets her up to commit adultery (5:32).

Both Matthew accounts have the exception clause. The exception rests on one companion being sexually disloyal. The pivotal word in the exception clause is unchastity, according to the New American Standard Bible (NASB). The King James Version (KJV) uses fornication, and the New King James Verson (NKJV) uses sexual immorality. The original Greek Word means "1. illicit sexual intercourse a. adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc. b. sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18 c. sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; Mk. 10:11,..." (StudyLight.org)

What is the point of this textual word study?

If one party of the marriage, "A", has any sexual intercourse outside of the marriage, then "B", the innocent party, struggles to make painful choices. "B" may choose:

• to forgive "A", getting a promise from "A" to join "B" in beginning the task of bolstering the battered relationship, or EDITED TO HERE
• to separate from "A" (or allow "A" to leave), never to consider another mate, or
• to divorce "A" (or allow "A" to initiate the proceedings), never to consider another mate, or
• to divorce "A" (or allow "A" to initiate the proceedings), leaving the option of another mate open for consideration at a latter time.

Because God, in the New Testament age, has chosen to include an exception clause for the sake of innocent parties, some innocent individuals may now remarry without any fear of God's wrath.

Yet even with the exception clause, there is no possible way to describe the continual sharp pain caused by a separation or divorce. Both parties will never be quite the same ever again.

And none of this discussion has looked at the monumental harm done to the children of a shattered family.

GOD KNOWS WHAT IS BEST and divorce is not an option.

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