A psalm that is more than just another song . . .

The psalmist begins where all of us should begin and close each day—that is, meditating on the Word of God. This is a foundational principle for sound spirituality.  It is not, however, a task that should stand over us like a heavy taskmaster.  Absolutely not! We, like the psalmist should delight in His Law—His word to us, which He intends as with Jeremiah: 

 

‘He has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, and plans to give us a hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)

 

These principles become very clear as we walk through this first psalm, which says: 

 

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

 

2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 

 

3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

 

4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 

 

5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 

 

6 For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (King James Version (KJV) by Public Domain) 

 

Right away we are made aware of the fact that it really does matter what kind of company we keep, and whose advice we take. You run with a pack of thieves, or fraternize with a bunch of boozers, eventually you will become one yourself. This goes for the company you keep on television, too. Watch enough filth, and you will become dirty, too. It is just as simple as that. 

 

My wife and I are no prudes, but we learned a long time ago to pick and choose our company. That doesn’t mean that we avoid ‘sinners’ as it were—we’re all sinners we know that; but we don’t revel with the rowdies. Don’t expect me to laugh at a nasty joke. I won’t, so I wouldn’t encourage anyone to tell me one, or for a filthy mouth comedian to keep me from turning the knob on the television when he comes on. 

 

Have I done or said things that I am ashamed of now? Certainly, but that doesn’t mean that I haven’t learned my lesson. And, what is that lesson? It is simply this: If I want to be blessed by God, then I must avoid these things. For I know that in the long run the ungodly will perish (v.6); and that I have a prosperous future ahead of me (v. 3.). 

 

In a word, I want to be a winner, and I can’t if I am not obedient to His Word. 

 

I remain yours for the journey,

Jim_/

50 million Frenchmen can't be wrong ... or can they?

Personally, I find it entertainingly interesting that every Tom, Dick and Harry, along with all the Janes and Susie Quies get to vote on matters of faith and practice. The idea being, of course, that somehow a consensus brings about truth. In that regards, I am reminded of the old song “Fifty Million Frenchmen Can't Be Wrong” popularized by Sophie Tucker. Of course, we all know that is not true. Yes, it is possible that not only can the French be wrong, but so can we Americans as a whole.

What I have in mind is some of the more recent decision made by our Supreme Court on issues such as gay marriage and abortion. Now, this is not to say that the Court did not make the correct legal decision, but legality, whether by a Constitution or Federal or State law, does not necessarily mean that the decision or law is morally right.

So, it is easy to see that a country can be dead-right and yet dead-wrong at the same time. Law, as such, you see, is amoral. It has no morals. Law is either arbitrary or egalitarian by nature—sometimes a combination of both. Hitler had law on his side, as well as the vote of the people. Hitler, including the majority of Germans at that time were, however, dead wrong.

This, of course, presents an ever occurring dilemma for us as Christians who wish to remain loyal citizens.

In other words, just how pushy should we get? That decision, I must leave with you; however, whatever, we, too, must make sure that our zeal for Divine justice does not make us a victim of our own code of justice. Along with Paul we must ask ourselves,

“Shall we do evil that good may result?” (Romans 3:8)

Of course, the answer is absolutely ‘No!’ We must continue paying out taxes to a corrupt and in many ways an unjust government, and unfortunately watch them squander our money on useless and often time inhumane projects. Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s is a principle, not a choice, however. Furthermore, two wrongs, as is often said, do not make one right.

Thank God, however, we do have a voice. Although I must admit that I find that some of my most vociferous friends are the least likely to vote. ‘Why bother?’ seems to be their motto. Now, I must admit, I have a hard time listening to folks like that. Those that are not willing to put their money where their mouth is or their vote where their mouth is really don’t deserve the courtesy of taking them serious.

2016 is going to be a watershed year. But, if recent history has taught us anything, it will be the voice of the minority that is heard rather than that of the so-called moral majority. Come what may, however, we must not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9) That’s God’s promise, not just one that I came up with; and it is a principle that we must live by.

That goes for all of us. Often it is so easy to just sit back (as we grow older) and say, “I’ve done my part. It’s now time for a new generation to take over.” That, however, is a false security. We can never depend on the next generation to straighten out what our generation has made crooked. That’s our primary responsibility.

Prepare the next generation? Sure. But, as long as we live, it is our responsibility to not just do what is morally right, but to make the crooked path straight for the next generation; or at the very least, show them how.

This is precisely why I take on new responsibilities almost daily. Only yesterday, I accepted a new invitation to help train a new generation of pastors in the Caribbean, which in addition to my commitments to Southern Asia and elsewhere is always a leap of faith.

Why do I say this? Well, for one thing, I am not getting any younger, and furthermore it is next to impossible to even consider financially living on Social Security and what little we have tucked away for taxes and maintaining a home to live in. This never hit me any heavier that this morning when the alarm went off and up jumped my wife to put on her scrubs and race over to one of the local schools to substitute as a nurse for the day. This, I must hasten to added, so that you won’t see me as some kind of old ogre, is her way of saying, “I’m with you in this crusade. Together we’ll fight the battle. We will do our best to get the message out and, yes, train that new generation to take up the banner after us.”

This brings me to my final point—that is, if you are still reading this—we need your help. Financially, right now, our account desperately needs at least $2,500 dollars to meet our current obligations. Now, I know that is sometimes easier to pray than to give, so I ask that each of us soberly ask ourselves if we are just coping-out when we choose to sympathize rather than empathize by making a financial commitment.

(Now, believe me, I don’t feel bad about putting it this way, because we’re talking about a God given responsibility here, not just that of a fellow who doesn't know when to stop.)

In any and every event, however, we are not on this journey alone; and as always, I, too, am most appreciative of all that you do, including your prayers, as well.

I remain yours for the journey,

Jim_/

Eating your own words Churchillian style . . .

Winston Churchill once remarked that eating his own words never gave him indigestion. Smart fellow, I must say. Some things are best left unsaid. Truth is, however, that far too often things left unsaid should have been said. As the Prophet Ezekiel reminds us.

"When I [God] say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. "Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. "Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand." (Ezekiel 3:18-20 NIV)

So, saying the right thing at the right time is pretty important as far as God is concerned.

There is, however, a world of difference between forcing the issue, and a warning. Let me explain. E.S. Williams, one of longest serving General Superintendents of the Assemblies of God denomination once wrote—or words to this effect, that God has not called us to go out at night and take down the license plate number of every one attending an illegal cock fight. That," he said, "is a policemen's job, not yours as a pastor." Kind of an archaic way of putting it, but you must remember that I grew up in pretty archaic times when dog fights and cock fights were pretty exciting events for the manly sorts. (No, I've never been to a dog fight, although as a farm boy I've certainly seen my share of dog and cat fights! (Incidentally, the cat usually wins.)

In any event, I am sure you get the point—that is, God has not called us to be policemen, but rather like a town crier. We warn the public hazards that are out there, put up signs that indicate the danger that lurks in the dark, remind them of the laws and the penalty for breaking them—something like, the old town crier or bellmen of Medieval Europe. Of course this is only one of many analogies that can be used. We can be watchmen, or witnesses. But, nowhere do I find that God has called any of us to be policemen.

Now, I know that that attitude does not set well with the self-righteous, or religious bigot, but unless we are living in a covenanted and mutual relationship with God and one another, then the best we can do is warn, or witness, or rescue.

Now, lest there be any misunderstanding, I do feel that we have a covenanted relationship that must be kept to protect the innocent and helpless. God certainly makes that clear. Pure religion is in part to do just that—that is to defend, and protect the helpless. Other than that, however, I find no room for the religious zealot in the Kingdom of God.

So, the next time you, me or anyone else feels like cramming Jesus down anyone's throat we must keep in mind that we are doing that on our own, God is not with us in that. Unfortunately, however, jihadism (or at least the nature thereof) is prevalent in every religion, and takes many forms. Sometimes it is through coercion, other times through the ballot box or an executive decision by the President; in each and every case, however, it is wrong. Thus, I find it extremely disturbing that some feel they have a God given right to force their political and moral agenda on me or anyone else. Nor do I feel that I should subsidize such immoral foolishness, either, with my hard earned tax dollars. More specifically, if someone wants to indiscriminately get an abortion which I feel is murder in the first place, I may not be able to stop that, but let them do it on their dime, not mine.

In a word, someday there will be Hell to pay for their actions, but I simply do not feel that any individual, public or private — corporation should be forced to be made a party to their crimes.

I am yours for the journey,

JimR_/

Police or pastor . . . what shall it be?

Winston Churchill once remarked that eating his own words never gave him indigestion. Smart fellow, I must say. Some things are best left unsaid. Truth is, however, that far too often things left unsaid should have been said. As the Prophet Ezekiel reminds us.

"When I [God] say to the wicked, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way that he may live, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. "Yet if you have warned the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered yourself. "Again, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I place an obstacle before him, he will die; since you have not warned him, he shall die in his sin, and his righteous deeds which he has done shall not be remembered; but his blood I will require at your hand." (Ezekiel 3:18-20 NIV)

So, saying the right thing at the right time is pretty important as far as God is concerned.

There is, however, a world of difference between forcing the issue, and a warning. Let me explain. E.S. Williams, one of longest serving General Superintendents once wrote—or words to this effect, that God has not called us to go out at night and take down the license plate number of every one attending an illegal cock fight. That," he said, "is a policemen's job, not yours as a pastor." Kind of an archaic way of putting it, but you must remember that I grew up in pretty archaic times when dog fights and cock fights were pretty exciting events for the manly sorts. (No, I've never been to a dog fight, although as a farm boy I've certainly seen my share of dog and cat fights! Incidentally, the cat usually wins.)

In any event, I am sure you get the point—that is, God has not called us to be policemen, but rather lifeguards. We warn of the hazards that are out there, put up signs that indicate the danger of the surf or sharks, and, yes, recue, if we can, the unfortunate ones who need it; but, even then, the swimmers can fight us off, if they wish. Of course this is only one of many analogies that can be used. We can be watchmen, or witnesses. But, nowhere do I find that God has called any of us to be policemen.

Now, I know that that attitude does not set well with the self-righteous, or religious bigot, but unless we are living in a covenanted and mutual relationship with God and one another, then the best we can do is warn, or witness, or rescue.

Now, lest there be any misunderstanding, I do feel that we have a covenanted relationship that must be kept to protect the innocent and helpless. God certainly makes that clear. Pure religion is in part to do just that—that is to defend, and protect the helpless.

I am yours for the journey, 

JimR_/

Politics and rotten eggs . . .

Compromise seems to be the name of the game these days, however. Everyone has their rights, you know. Tolerance and compromise, however, are opposites, as I see it. I can tolerate same-sex unions, for instance, but that does not mean that I will compromise my principles and perform one. Marijuana may be legal in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean that I am ready to buy a joint for my grandchild. No, I can tolerate a pothead, but that does not mean that I can just sit back and say, “Go ahead, smoke the stuff; but will you please drive safely?” Smoking the stuff may help retard the effects of glaucoma, but we mustn’t neglect to inform the users that rats that were forced to smoke the stuff had little ones that had brains growing outside their skull, and a whole lot of other side effects that were not too pleasant, either.

Recently, I’ve been doing a lot of reading in early church history. One thing that I quickly discovered was that the early Christians definitely did not plant a lot of “user friendly churches.” Quite the opposite, most of the leaders were either run out of town or martyred. Not much of a choice there—not a user friendly one, at least.

So, I for one, feel that the church must hold strong on moral convictions, regardless of the consequences. 

Should we invite trouble? Absolutely not. On the other hand, however, neither should we run from it.

Case in point. Recently, the lesbian mayor of Houston, Annise Parker spearheaded the passage of an “Equal Rights Ordinance” (ERO) that added “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the city’s non-discrimination provision, which includes, among other things, “public accommodations” — for example, restrooms. Citizens, among them church leaders, balked. They launched a referendum petition that, with the requisite 17,269 signatures, would require the city council to repeal the ERO, or to put the measure up for a vote. They obtained 55,000 signatures. The city secretary, who has sole responsibility for certifying such petitions, signed off.

Enter Houston city attorney David Feldman, who, with no legal authority, disqualified 38,000 signatures. Names that were printed, rather than written in cursive, were discarded; names that were written in cursive were considered illegible — just enough names to get the petition below the 17,000-signature requirement, at which point the city council and Mayor Parker rejected it. And several citizens sued.

But the city’s shenanigans had only just begun. Unsatisfied with violating the rights of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, the City of Houston has subpoenaed privileged communications of five pastors (none of them party to the lawsuit) who helped to organize the petition drive. Among other information, the city is requesting communications between the pastors and their attorneys pertaining to the ERO lawsuit, communications between the pastors and their congregants, and even the pastors’ sermons.

Consequently, for example, a subpoena on Pastor Steve Riggle, senior pastor of Grace Community Church, asks for “all speeches, presentations, or sermons related to [the equal rights ordinance], the Petition, Mayor Annise Parker, homosexuality, or gender identity prepared by, delivered by, revised by, or approved by you or in your possession.”

Chance are, however, that these liberals are only testing the legal waters since they have recently backtracked on their subpoenas, but vowed to continue the fight—at, I should say, taxpayer’s expense; although, they have been less than transparent on that issue.

My God continue to give us wisdom as we face the future. Last night, the Republican’s gave the Democrats a real shellacking, but don’t get your hopes up. There are enough rotten eggs in both party baskets to stink up the entire country.

Tweaking love . . . or can you?

Love is not a commodity that can be bartered or sold to the highest bidder. Love comes free, or love does not come at all. Love is not coy, nor flirty. Love is never earned. In a word, you simply cannot quantify love. You cannot package it up, tie a bow around it and give it away, either. To think that way simply means one does not understand the true nature of love. Love is never something, but rather someone. Thus, the highest form of love is God. To know God is to know love.

Love is without fault; therefore, you can never judge love. True love is flawless. Love knows no language; yet, it is known by all. A Frenchman does not have a corner on the language of love, any more than an African Hottentot. There’s nothing erotic about love, either. Love has no gender, age or level of intelligence. Some of the most loving people on earth have Downs’s syndrome; yet they are full of love.

True love doesn’t come naturally, either; unless you are in love with God. Then, and only then does it become selfless and purposeful. Thus, love never ask, ‘What can I get?’ but rather, ‘What can I give?’

Jesus gave his all. Yet, few of us have that courage. Why is that? Now, do you want the truth? If so, here it is— it is because few of us are that committed.

I find it curiously interesting that the disciple who met Christ on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) did not recognize him until he broke bread with them. Scripture does not tell us why that was so, but the scene suggest that they must have put it all together once they had taken a good look at his hands and his nail scared wrist. Something must have clicked at that moment. It was their ‘aha’ moment. Words were not necessary. He didn’t have to say, ‘Hey, look at how much I loved you!’ In that instance, however, something spoke louder than words.

Once when visiting Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying, I noticed a little orphan following one of the nuns around. The little fellow didn’t say a word. When she stopped, he stopped. When she sat, he sat beside her, just looking at her. She never seemed annoyed at her little tag along, either. He was just there, a part of her, really. Such is the power of love. It draws like an invisible magnet, and will never let go. Love is reciprocal in that sense. The little fellow was starving for love, and when he got it, love seemed to generate new love that he could give back in return by simply looking at her, knowing she loved him.

This should be a principle that we all maintain. That is, love is a presence. A person. A response, not measured in dollars and cents, or hours donated to charity, or stuffed in an enveloped as a missionary offering. True love is the silent language of the heart which says 'I love you unconditionally just as you are.'

May God renew within each of us the gift that cannot be bought or sold— the gift of love.

I am yours for the journey, 

JimR_/

Fighting terrorism in a tux . . .

I don't know, but I do get the feeling that fighting terrorism for some of our politicians is like a plumber coming to work in a tux. There's dirty work out there, and yet they’re dressed for the next banquet with their politically correct speech well prepared. Where did we ever get the idea that we can fight an international war on terrorism without dirtying ourselves?

Clearly we have lost our focus. Coddling the terrorist among us by covering them with a Constitution that was never written to protect thugs with foreign ideologies that intend to destroy us was not the purpose that our founding fathers had in mind. As a matter of fact, our Second Amendment was added to clarify that point.

 I indeed find it very interesting when the attack on the Canadian Parliament by an obvious jihadhist, or the New York subway axe hacking Muslim is explained away by our national media as just another lone wolf, not really tied to any organized international organization. Really. Is organized religion, especially one that promotes violence, not international, and organizationally linked by ideology? Do we really think that a Klu Klux Klaner would be treated so kindly? If not, then why these murderers? Bowing to Mecca 5 times daily does not lessen the hurt any less.

I know it is a tricky line to walk but as far as I am concerned our First Amendment Right to “free speech” and the right to practice the religion of our choice is not an open door with a sign posted on it reading, “Come on in. Say and do what you want. Winner take all.” No, absolutely not. These Constitutional amendments are there to protect the weak, the innocent; not internal thuggery, religious or otherwise.

Now, allow me, if you will, to carry the argument one step farther. When does “aiding and abetting” a criminal suddenly take on an entirely different meaning when it is practices under the guise of freedom? The type of freedom that I have in mind is kind that turns a blind eye in a mosque, or allow our Internet resources to be used to infest our youth with medieval barbarity. This is not freedom, this is an idiocity.

Granted not all Muslims are terriorists; however, I certaintly think it would help their cause if we heard a little bit more from this silent majority.

I am yours for the journey,

JimR_/

Is the sky really falling in?

"What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a butterfly." Richard Bach

Media hype is nothing new. Randolph Hurst did not invent yellow journalism, either. The phenomenon has been around, I suspect, since men first began to talk, and that takes us all the way back to the Garden of Eden.

Who started the first rumor mill I have no way of knowing. I do know, however, that a good story has always drawn a crowd, even if it is just a cock and bull story at that, especially if it has the scare factor in it. After all, nothing like a good adrenalin rush to spark a reaction to watch more television or buy more newspapers.

Now, I am sure by now that you are saying to yourself, “Okay, Roane, where are you headed with this?”

Hold on, give me time and I will tell you.

What I have in mind is the recent (an ongoing) Ebola scare. Here in Texas, my goodness, news has been 24/7 on the nightmare of what can-a, or could-a, or might-a, have happened given the right scenario. You know the stories. One poor fellow, who unfortunately (at least in this case) happened to be black, sneezed on a plane, after which he jokingly said, “Oh, I must have Ebola.” You can guess the rest of the story. Yep, that’s right, the pilot turned the plane around mid-air and headed for the closes airport. Nothing a six dollar bottle of Theraflu couldn't handle, the doctor said.

I find it truly amazing that in the most serious times some in the news media get a kick out of whipping up the gullible public into a frenzy. I say, get a kick, because I am sure none of them really believe that a new black plauge is just about to sweep across America. The naïve buy into the hype, however, and hype sells. News ratings go up, and, of course, along with that advertising revenue.

Well, enough of that.

What really annoys me is that politician see an opportunity to criticize the opposition so they can garner more votes. Preachers pontificate from the pulpits painting the most sordid stories of a gloomy disaster lurking just beyond the next daybreak, and if not then, then surely soon. Just wait until the next red moon, that’s the sign, so get ready. It's Halloween all over again.

My question is simply this: Whatever happened to old fashioned faith and trust in a loving God? Sure bad times are likely to come, but there’s always tomorrow. And, friend, there will always be tomorrow until the God Lord says it’s enough and raptures His Bride. Now, guess what, neither you nor I, or even Jesus himself knows when. That has been reserved for the Father’s own choosing. Oh, I know, some argue that Jesus knows now since He has ascended to Heaven—although, I don’t necessarily go along with that line of thinking, I can tell you that one way or the other, He is not telling. The same goes for these doom-sayers also—they simply do not really know.

Yes, I have written a book on modern jihadism which I think fit well into the whole scenario Biblical prophecy, but one thing you won’t catch me saying is that I know precisely when Christ will return to snatch away His Bride, the Church. That I don’t know or pretend to know. That’s a secret He hasn't let me in on, nor anyone else I might add.

It may be today, tomorrow, or a thousand years from now (although, I seriously doubt it will be that distant in the future).

So, let's get busy. We are told to occupy until he comes (Luke 19:13), and as far as I can determine there's not a hint in those instructions to flurry about like Chicken Little chirping that the sky is falling down on us.

Just keep in mind that we are not on this journey alone. He is with us each step of the way.

Take care,

Jim