In Ecclesiastes, The Preacher writes: "To Everything there is a season, and a time for every matter and purpose under heaven." After the latest revelation of wrongdoing and cover up, this time at Penn State University, I'm left to wonder what season are we in?
Is this a time to speak or a time to keep silent? Apparently officials at PSU felt it appropriate to keep silent and not to speak. How many of us when confronted with evil will simply look away? I'm asking myself the same question. When we encounter wickedness how do we respond? Do we take a stand and say enough or do we shrug our shoulders and say something like "you know the culture we live in."
Perhaps this tragedy will result in people making a decision to get involved, to not turn and look the other way. If any good can come from this, perhaps it is that some other vulnerable children somewhere will not have to endure years of torment, guilt and shame because someone close to their situation decided that enough was enough.
As a people, we must come to grips with the garbage that we allow to pass for acceptable behavior. We've been far to tolerant of people's aberrant lifestyles that result in death and destruction for them and those close to them. When will we stop kidding ourselves and embrace the absurdity that a perverted sexual lifestyle is not only wrong, it violates God's laws and the just penalty for that wrong will be enforced.
I hope and pray that this will be a turning point for our country. That we will turn from our wicked ways and seek out the one true God and ask His forgiveness.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Praise for the Proverbs 31 Woman
The 31st! Our founding Fathers practiced the spiritual discipline of reading the Bible every day. Many of them ,Pastors, would read the Proverb corresponding to the day. Today is a great day to praise the Wife that God so graciously provided to you.
Proverbs 31: 10-12; A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman- who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of honest gain or need of dishonest spoil. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
Let her know today how much she means to you and the blessing that her life is to you and your children! I know my wife is the Proverbs 31 Woman, she resides within all of our wives waiting to be called forth by her husband.
Proverbs 31: 10-12; A capable, intelligent and virtuous woman- who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of honest gain or need of dishonest spoil. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
Let her know today how much she means to you and the blessing that her life is to you and your children! I know my wife is the Proverbs 31 Woman, she resides within all of our wives waiting to be called forth by her husband.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
God's Glory
We just got back from doing a marriage conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Our drive was gloriously “breath-taking.” And when I say this, I mean it not simply as an expression, but as a true physical manifestation from “taking in” an extra-ordinary view of color, like that from a jewel box. I’ve often heard people being interviewed in life-after-death experiences, express that color in heaven is not the same as the color we know here on earth. As an artist, I look forward to experiencing it, because I can’t imagine it any more beautiful than what I experienced this past mid-October weekend.
Something about the leaves’ fall color being back-lit by the sun makes me think of stained-glass windows. I had to lean my head back on the headrest just to take it all in. God’s presence is affecting me this way too. Unlike any other time, God “awe-inspiring” experiences are the norm. I am beginning to see Him more and more in the little things, as well as big ones. God is in everything. His fingerprint is everywhere around me. Even when bad things happen, instead of focussing on the bad, now I see or anticipate the good that is coming. Because without the bad, God could not “show off” what He can does best.
I love the scripture, “What the enemy means for evil, God means for good.” And also, when Jesus’ disciples asked, why the man was blind? Was it because of his sin or that of his parents? The answer. “Neither,” Jesus answered. “It is so that God can show His glory through miracle-working power.” What better reason? Then Jesus spat on the ground, made clay, spread it on the blind mans’ eyes and sent him to wash in the Pool of Siloam- which means Sent. When the man came back, he could see.
(Jamie) My eyes have been opened to see the miracle-working power of Daddy God in my own life. In our marriage; my health; and our children! I know He is always up to something good. That is what the Bible says, “For You (God) are great and work wonders (miracles)! You alone are God!” -Isaiah 86:10. I guess you could say, God has made a Believer out of me. Once you have experienced His miracle, you see things in a very different light (so to speak). My perspective on life is now back-lit by the glory of the Lord. It is awe-inspiring, breath-taking and down-right amazing!
Something about the leaves’ fall color being back-lit by the sun makes me think of stained-glass windows. I had to lean my head back on the headrest just to take it all in. God’s presence is affecting me this way too. Unlike any other time, God “awe-inspiring” experiences are the norm. I am beginning to see Him more and more in the little things, as well as big ones. God is in everything. His fingerprint is everywhere around me. Even when bad things happen, instead of focussing on the bad, now I see or anticipate the good that is coming. Because without the bad, God could not “show off” what He can does best.
I love the scripture, “What the enemy means for evil, God means for good.” And also, when Jesus’ disciples asked, why the man was blind? Was it because of his sin or that of his parents? The answer. “Neither,” Jesus answered. “It is so that God can show His glory through miracle-working power.” What better reason? Then Jesus spat on the ground, made clay, spread it on the blind mans’ eyes and sent him to wash in the Pool of Siloam- which means Sent. When the man came back, he could see.
(Jamie) My eyes have been opened to see the miracle-working power of Daddy God in my own life. In our marriage; my health; and our children! I know He is always up to something good. That is what the Bible says, “For You (God) are great and work wonders (miracles)! You alone are God!” -Isaiah 86:10. I guess you could say, God has made a Believer out of me. Once you have experienced His miracle, you see things in a very different light (so to speak). My perspective on life is now back-lit by the glory of the Lord. It is awe-inspiring, breath-taking and down-right amazing!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Invest!
Lately the Lord has been speaking to me this word- Invest! At first I was thinking in terms of our finances as I manage our investments in stocks, ETF's, options and such. But the Lord directed me to meditate on my relationship with Jamie.
Since it was Valentine's week and we had just been through a very busy three months with a foster baby in the house. A hectic work schedule in addition to writing our second book and speaking engagements. We decided to take a few days off and go to a B&B secluded in North Georgia mountains.
There while hiking, the Lord was speaking to me about investment in my relationship with Jamie. Relationships take time to develop. The best ones are based upon a mutual investment of time. As we spent hours together hiking and talking, having quiet dinners together and intimate time we were able to reconnect and share our thoughts with each other.
We had both quality time and quantity of time together. Relationships need both of those things to thrive. At home, we may be together in the same house but involved in different projects and responsibilities. We've found over 26 years of marriage that we each have a unique perspective on things that is God given. As we come together and share that perspective, there is wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus had both quality time and quantity of time with His disciples. Pouring into them day by day the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Father. His loving care for them is evident throughout the scriptures. With teachable moments he used situations to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is like. Instilling Kingdom principles and preparing them for what was to come.
It's the same with our relationship with our spouses. We spend time together developing intimacy. Knowing each others heart and strengthening the bonds of relationship for the challenging times that come to all relationships.
We've discovered three ways to invest in our relationship:
1. We pray together daily. We attack the issues confronting us in prayer together. It is a daily exercise in faith for us. Several years ago our son was diagnosed with a learning disability. His teachers wanted to label him as "LD". We would not allow it nor did we receive it. We dedicated that issue to prayer believing that God was healing him. Each year as he was tested in school, his scores improved. By the time he graduated from high school, he was on the honor role and taking college level courses. Now in college, he is in the honor society and a nursing scholar. Praise God for His faithfulness!
2. We spend time together away from the everyday responsibilities of life. We do this three times each year. On our anniversary, we take a trip together then two other times we set up at least a long weekend to spend away together. If you have young children, it is essential that you have time away from them to focus on your relationship with each other. Leave the cell phone off and the laptop restricted for use only once a day. Turn off from work!
3. We spend time studying the Word together. We each have a God given perspective on the Word so it is very valuable to read and study together. Use what works for you, we use the daily bible as a starting place then we read other passages as the Lord directs. We read proverbs daily choosing the proverb corresponding to the date.
All great relationships are tested and they stand the test of time! Investing in your marriage relationship has great rewards in the here and now and for eternity. Our prayer for you is that you spend the time to truly make your relationship great. Invest!!!
Since it was Valentine's week and we had just been through a very busy three months with a foster baby in the house. A hectic work schedule in addition to writing our second book and speaking engagements. We decided to take a few days off and go to a B&B secluded in North Georgia mountains.
There while hiking, the Lord was speaking to me about investment in my relationship with Jamie. Relationships take time to develop. The best ones are based upon a mutual investment of time. As we spent hours together hiking and talking, having quiet dinners together and intimate time we were able to reconnect and share our thoughts with each other.
We had both quality time and quantity of time together. Relationships need both of those things to thrive. At home, we may be together in the same house but involved in different projects and responsibilities. We've found over 26 years of marriage that we each have a unique perspective on things that is God given. As we come together and share that perspective, there is wisdom and understanding through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus had both quality time and quantity of time with His disciples. Pouring into them day by day the wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Father. His loving care for them is evident throughout the scriptures. With teachable moments he used situations to illustrate what the Kingdom of God is like. Instilling Kingdom principles and preparing them for what was to come.
It's the same with our relationship with our spouses. We spend time together developing intimacy. Knowing each others heart and strengthening the bonds of relationship for the challenging times that come to all relationships.
We've discovered three ways to invest in our relationship:
1. We pray together daily. We attack the issues confronting us in prayer together. It is a daily exercise in faith for us. Several years ago our son was diagnosed with a learning disability. His teachers wanted to label him as "LD". We would not allow it nor did we receive it. We dedicated that issue to prayer believing that God was healing him. Each year as he was tested in school, his scores improved. By the time he graduated from high school, he was on the honor role and taking college level courses. Now in college, he is in the honor society and a nursing scholar. Praise God for His faithfulness!
2. We spend time together away from the everyday responsibilities of life. We do this three times each year. On our anniversary, we take a trip together then two other times we set up at least a long weekend to spend away together. If you have young children, it is essential that you have time away from them to focus on your relationship with each other. Leave the cell phone off and the laptop restricted for use only once a day. Turn off from work!
3. We spend time studying the Word together. We each have a God given perspective on the Word so it is very valuable to read and study together. Use what works for you, we use the daily bible as a starting place then we read other passages as the Lord directs. We read proverbs daily choosing the proverb corresponding to the date.
All great relationships are tested and they stand the test of time! Investing in your marriage relationship has great rewards in the here and now and for eternity. Our prayer for you is that you spend the time to truly make your relationship great. Invest!!!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
A Godly marriage- pass it on!
May the blessing of the Lord be your strength in 2011.
Jamie and I celebrated my parents 56th wedding anniversary last Friday night. Along with Tommy (my middle brother) and a note from Dixon (my older half brother), who could not attend. We each took time to celebrate what my Mom and Dad meant to us as kids and now as adults. Each of us talked about the Godly heritage we'd received from them. They are both strong Christians putting their faith into action. As children, Mom and Dad took us to church each Sunday and instilled in us the Christian values that we embrace today.
They passed on to us the Godly heritage of a great marriage. Founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Because of their faithfulness, we enjoy the blessings of a great marriage. Not that it was all due to them but the heritage they passed on to us has been critically important in shaping our relationship. We are in turn passing on that heritage to our children. Where they will have the benefit of two generations of marital success. They'll pass it on to their children and their children's children. Each generation benefiting from the one before.
Psalms 61:5 AMP- For You, O God, have heard my vows: You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere, and honor Your name.
Psalms 119:111 AMP- Your testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
These two scriptures speak eloquently of the importance of heritage. As David cried out to the Lord "You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere and honor Your name". He understood the significance of that heritage being passed on to his children and the impact that Godly heritage would have upon future rulers of Israel. David had some issues as we all know however his great redeeming quality was his ability to connect with God and worship Him as Lord. What a wonderful heritage to pass along to future generations, the ability to hear from and connect with God.
As Christians our heritage is one of great promise and blessing as we become partakers in the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham. We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ in the inheritance that is eternal life. Perhaps you have read the passage below regarding the Godly heritage of Jonathan Edwards contrasted with that of another man:
Jonathan and Sarah Edwards had ten dedicated, godly children. A study of their 729 descendents over five generations showed that 300 were preachers, 65 were college professors, 13 were university presidents (this was in the days when colleges and universities were godly institutions), 60 were authors, 3 were congressmen, and one was a vice president. By contrast, the ungodly Mack Duke and his brother married sisters, and the study of their 1026 descendants over five generations showed that 300 died an early death from wicked living, 140 spent an average of 13 years in the penitentiary, 190 were prostitutes, and 100 were alcoholics.
Our prayer for you is that the seed of Godly heritage planted within you would be passed down from generation to generation. May it produce Godly men and women who would serve the Lord all the days of their lives. May it bear fruit in the form of Godly marriages which pass the test of time. Make a decision to pass on the heritage of a Godly marriage. It will have eternal significance to the husbands, wives and children that come after you. After salvation, it's the greatest gift that you can give to those you love. Pass It On!!!
Jamie and I celebrated my parents 56th wedding anniversary last Friday night. Along with Tommy (my middle brother) and a note from Dixon (my older half brother), who could not attend. We each took time to celebrate what my Mom and Dad meant to us as kids and now as adults. Each of us talked about the Godly heritage we'd received from them. They are both strong Christians putting their faith into action. As children, Mom and Dad took us to church each Sunday and instilled in us the Christian values that we embrace today.
They passed on to us the Godly heritage of a great marriage. Founded upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Because of their faithfulness, we enjoy the blessings of a great marriage. Not that it was all due to them but the heritage they passed on to us has been critically important in shaping our relationship. We are in turn passing on that heritage to our children. Where they will have the benefit of two generations of marital success. They'll pass it on to their children and their children's children. Each generation benefiting from the one before.
Psalms 61:5 AMP- For You, O God, have heard my vows: You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere, and honor Your name.
Psalms 119:111 AMP- Your testimonies have I taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.
These two scriptures speak eloquently of the importance of heritage. As David cried out to the Lord "You have given me the heritage of those who fear, revere and honor Your name". He understood the significance of that heritage being passed on to his children and the impact that Godly heritage would have upon future rulers of Israel. David had some issues as we all know however his great redeeming quality was his ability to connect with God and worship Him as Lord. What a wonderful heritage to pass along to future generations, the ability to hear from and connect with God.
As Christians our heritage is one of great promise and blessing as we become partakers in the covenant which the Lord made with Abraham. We are heirs and joint heirs with Christ in the inheritance that is eternal life. Perhaps you have read the passage below regarding the Godly heritage of Jonathan Edwards contrasted with that of another man:
Jonathan and Sarah Edwards had ten dedicated, godly children. A study of their 729 descendents over five generations showed that 300 were preachers, 65 were college professors, 13 were university presidents (this was in the days when colleges and universities were godly institutions), 60 were authors, 3 were congressmen, and one was a vice president. By contrast, the ungodly Mack Duke and his brother married sisters, and the study of their 1026 descendants over five generations showed that 300 died an early death from wicked living, 140 spent an average of 13 years in the penitentiary, 190 were prostitutes, and 100 were alcoholics.
Our prayer for you is that the seed of Godly heritage planted within you would be passed down from generation to generation. May it produce Godly men and women who would serve the Lord all the days of their lives. May it bear fruit in the form of Godly marriages which pass the test of time. Make a decision to pass on the heritage of a Godly marriage. It will have eternal significance to the husbands, wives and children that come after you. After salvation, it's the greatest gift that you can give to those you love. Pass It On!!!
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