for those who prayed for my high school principal:
his surgery went well, and he now has four weeks of radiation treatments. His prognosis is good.
my thanks to you!
2/22/2003
home for sale
this is our home:
its for sale.
Please purchase it, or show this entry to someone who will.
We have to stay here until our home sells, and your purchase of our home -- either as a fine residence, or a worthwhile investment property -- will greatly expedite that process.
thank you, and we now return to the show.
its for sale.
Please purchase it, or show this entry to someone who will.
We have to stay here until our home sells, and your purchase of our home -- either as a fine residence, or a worthwhile investment property -- will greatly expedite that process.
thank you, and we now return to the show.
2/21/2003
I'm a vegetable
actually, I'm a fruit.
a grape
pa grape.
for some reason, this depresses me.
a grape
pa grape.
Take the test, by Emily.
for some reason, this depresses me.
proverbs #48
if we are not responsible for the thoughts that pass our door, we are responsible for those we admit and entertain.
proverbs #47
the man who keeps putting his head into the lion's mouth is certain to have his breathing interfered with eventually.
orienteering
Irene has posted a couple of blogs on the issue of homosexuality, and garnered much response in her comments. I've opted to give my perspective here.
Much is being made about terms like 'homosexual,' and 'sexual orientation.' Perhaps a clarification of terms will assist in making a point.
first of all -- the word "homosexual" when used as a noun is such a politically charged word that using it will almost always defeat accomplishing the intended purpose, which is to come to a point of understanding. Perhaps because this word focuses on the sexual aspect of the same-sex lifestyle, rather than involving all the social implications, the way 'gay' and 'lesbian' tend to. The word 'homosexual' tends to be much less objectionable when used as an adjective, because it is then descriptive of a lifestyle. Webster's agrees with me. Maybe the first thing that can be agreed upon is to use the same terms, so everyone is operating from the same starting point. Either restrict the usage of the word to its adjective form, or separate it altogether from the personhood of an individual (the sin is homosexuality, not 'homosexual," simply because the latter is wrapped up in identity [which I'll adress later].)
the second term 'sexual orientation,' is also a confusing one. some people want to use this term to declare an intransitive position of sexual identity. That's an incorrect usage of this word. The correct term for that belief is 'sexual identity.' Orientation simply means 'the direction that one is located.' When you are in Texas, driving to Canada, you are oriented north. It is willful, subject to change according to the dictates of the road. When freshmen enroll in college, they typically go through orientation, which is designed to align them in a theoretical direction toward the goalline of graduation. When a person goes orienteering in the wilderness, they change their direction numerous times according to a map, to accomplish the purpose of picking up objects and winning the event.
Soooo -- sexual orientation is the sexual direction that each individual is located. The two main directions of sexual orientation are heterosexuality and homosexuality, with a myriad of minor directions between and beyond each of them -- like homosexual pedophilia is the south-southwest). Orientation is subject to change. When an individual commits to a path dedicated to a particular orientation, they tend to replace 'orientation' with 'identity.' For most, this happens early in life and never becomes an issue -- for others, it comes later in life, when they become disenchanted with one orientation and willfully determine to pursue another. For me, I've always been oriented toward heterosexuality, and through my years, I re-oriented myself occasionally around that major direction from blondes, to dark haired girls, from athletic, to non-athletic, etc. -- these orientations were my preferential inclinations -- subject to change according to external influences such as peer pressure, my brief infatuation with Pinky Tuscadero from Happy Days, seeing princess Leia in Return of the Jedi, and many many others.
I find it interesting, this common obection that 'noone in their right mind would choose homosexuality.' This is really a strawman argument -- first of all it acknowledges the inherent objectionable qualities of that lifestyle. But this statement is made to legitimize the choice, rather than to affirm its inappropriateness. the line of thought is
Now, the discussion needs to really be oriented (didja see how I did that, bringing this all together?)...to what is really the heart of the matter matter. We can reduce any person down to the simplest issue and inaccurately place their whole identity in the context of their most objectionable sin. this is how, from a 'Christian' perspective people choosing homosexuality become homos. How would any of us like to have to walk through life with the big banner across our forehead declaring our worst sin and that become the title by which we are known.
no - that's not Frank-- ever since we found out about him -- now he's Wife Beater
no - that's not Wilma -- ever since we found out about her -- now she's Booze Hound
no - that's not Morty -- ever since we found out about him -- now he's Horny Morty the Porny Shorty
You see, we get so good at splitting hairs that we fail to realize why we do it. We condemn others so that we ourselves might be justified. There is no grace in any of that. No mercy. No dignity. And certainly no Jesus.
God took care of this practice by giving a word that lumps everyone together, rather than trying to classify us according to transgressing genus, family and species. That word is sin. To sin comes from the word hamar, which means "to miss the mark." It doesn't matter if you miss it by a micrometer or a kilometer. It doesn't matter if you miss it willfully or accidentally. It simply means to miss the mark.
What's the mark? God's holy perfection. and to sin means to miss that mark. What else is relevant?
1. all miss the mark -- everyone. Gays and Lesbians. Wife Beater. Booze Hound. Horny Morty the Porny Shorty. Everyone. you. me. and everyone in between. And because of that we have earned the title sinner. even though you cannot see it, every person born in this world is born with that label stitched on their hearts.
2. while you were a sinner, Christ still died for you -- it doesn't matter who you are or what you did -- Christ's death is sufficient to atone for your actions that fell short. And he didn't wait for you to quit doing what you were doing. He did it when you were at your worst.
3. When you receive the redemption atonement of Christ, you are re-oriented (See 2 Corinthians 5:17). It doesn't matter if you don't think you chose it. It doesn't matter. Even if you thought you were born with a genetic predisposition to a lifestyle that falls short and shouldn't be blamed, the prescription is the same -- you must be born again! Only by the redeeming blood of Christ can that banner of sinner be painted over. And it can only be received by faith (Rom. 10-9-13). there is hope for all of -- no matter the offense!
One of the last discussions I had as a pastor was with a lady who learned her new neighbors were lesbians. She had been talking with them, and they expressed a desire to worship God somewhere. She wanted to know my position on the matter. I told her that they were welcome to come to our church, and the lady looked surprised. I told her the only different between that lesbian couple and everyone else in the church guilty of unrepentant sin is that they were just bold enough to admit their sin in front of everyone else. Churches are filled with people who are wearing their sin banners proudly, just under their clothes, thinking nobody else knows what a liar/cheat/hater/etc they really are. And if they really want to come worship God, then I better invite them here, because its only by the word of God they can receive the conviction of the Holy Spirit that they are falling short. I did inform her, though, that known sin must be confronted by a pastor in love. Just like I confronted the man taking his children to the bar with him, and the man and woman in adultery, and the youth in premarital sex, and so on. If they were willing to discuss the matter in the light of God's Word and in the context of what grace offers and expects, then they absolutely would be welcomed here.
They never came. I don't think she ever went back to them, to be honest. But despite what I said, and truly believe, I don't know of many churches who would openly receive a gay couple, trusting God to redeem them. We have so confused the difference between accepting the person without accepting their homosexuality, despite our mantra professing otherwise. And not many other sins exclude the sinner the way homosexuality does. Molestation, murder -- probably. But how many overt, unrepentant gossips, lust-ers, liars, cheaters, adulterers, and bigots did you hug on last Sunday during the welcome time? If you really knew, would it change you?
I've said it many times before -- but once more -- its by our love for one another that people will know we belong to Christ. It's by who we are for, and not what we are against. Can you love a person choosing (cognitively or otherwise) homosexuality? Can you do your job, and just trust that the Holy Spirit will do His job? Can you demonstrate grace and mercy without prejudice? Just remember that's how it was demonstrated to you.
when you were at your worst.
Much is being made about terms like 'homosexual,' and 'sexual orientation.' Perhaps a clarification of terms will assist in making a point.
first of all -- the word "homosexual" when used as a noun is such a politically charged word that using it will almost always defeat accomplishing the intended purpose, which is to come to a point of understanding. Perhaps because this word focuses on the sexual aspect of the same-sex lifestyle, rather than involving all the social implications, the way 'gay' and 'lesbian' tend to. The word 'homosexual' tends to be much less objectionable when used as an adjective, because it is then descriptive of a lifestyle. Webster's agrees with me. Maybe the first thing that can be agreed upon is to use the same terms, so everyone is operating from the same starting point. Either restrict the usage of the word to its adjective form, or separate it altogether from the personhood of an individual (the sin is homosexuality, not 'homosexual," simply because the latter is wrapped up in identity [which I'll adress later].)
the second term 'sexual orientation,' is also a confusing one. some people want to use this term to declare an intransitive position of sexual identity. That's an incorrect usage of this word. The correct term for that belief is 'sexual identity.' Orientation simply means 'the direction that one is located.' When you are in Texas, driving to Canada, you are oriented north. It is willful, subject to change according to the dictates of the road. When freshmen enroll in college, they typically go through orientation, which is designed to align them in a theoretical direction toward the goalline of graduation. When a person goes orienteering in the wilderness, they change their direction numerous times according to a map, to accomplish the purpose of picking up objects and winning the event.
Soooo -- sexual orientation is the sexual direction that each individual is located. The two main directions of sexual orientation are heterosexuality and homosexuality, with a myriad of minor directions between and beyond each of them -- like homosexual pedophilia is the south-southwest). Orientation is subject to change. When an individual commits to a path dedicated to a particular orientation, they tend to replace 'orientation' with 'identity.' For most, this happens early in life and never becomes an issue -- for others, it comes later in life, when they become disenchanted with one orientation and willfully determine to pursue another. For me, I've always been oriented toward heterosexuality, and through my years, I re-oriented myself occasionally around that major direction from blondes, to dark haired girls, from athletic, to non-athletic, etc. -- these orientations were my preferential inclinations -- subject to change according to external influences such as peer pressure, my brief infatuation with Pinky Tuscadero from Happy Days, seeing princess Leia in Return of the Jedi, and many many others.
I find it interesting, this common obection that 'noone in their right mind would choose homosexuality.' This is really a strawman argument -- first of all it acknowledges the inherent objectionable qualities of that lifestyle. But this statement is made to legitimize the choice, rather than to affirm its inappropriateness. the line of thought is
no one in their right mind would choose it
but I choose it
so, either I'm not in my right mind or I didn't choose it
and certainly I'm in my right mind...
so I must not have chosen it.
let's just carry this over to any other situation.
nobody in their rightmind would choose to be a murderer (for all the same reasons nobody in their right mind would choose homosexuality -- socially objectionable, spiritually prohibited, relationally damaging, etc.)
but I choose to murder someone (or several someones)
either I'm not in my right mind, or I didn't choose it
...and so on...you get the picture.
Now, the discussion needs to really be oriented (didja see how I did that, bringing this all together?)...to what is really the heart of the matter matter. We can reduce any person down to the simplest issue and inaccurately place their whole identity in the context of their most objectionable sin. this is how, from a 'Christian' perspective people choosing homosexuality become homos. How would any of us like to have to walk through life with the big banner across our forehead declaring our worst sin and that become the title by which we are known.
no - that's not Frank-- ever since we found out about him -- now he's Wife Beater
no - that's not Wilma -- ever since we found out about her -- now she's Booze Hound
no - that's not Morty -- ever since we found out about him -- now he's Horny Morty the Porny Shorty
You see, we get so good at splitting hairs that we fail to realize why we do it. We condemn others so that we ourselves might be justified. There is no grace in any of that. No mercy. No dignity. And certainly no Jesus.
God took care of this practice by giving a word that lumps everyone together, rather than trying to classify us according to transgressing genus, family and species. That word is sin. To sin comes from the word hamar, which means "to miss the mark." It doesn't matter if you miss it by a micrometer or a kilometer. It doesn't matter if you miss it willfully or accidentally. It simply means to miss the mark.
What's the mark? God's holy perfection. and to sin means to miss that mark. What else is relevant?
1. all miss the mark -- everyone. Gays and Lesbians. Wife Beater. Booze Hound. Horny Morty the Porny Shorty. Everyone. you. me. and everyone in between. And because of that we have earned the title sinner. even though you cannot see it, every person born in this world is born with that label stitched on their hearts.
2. while you were a sinner, Christ still died for you -- it doesn't matter who you are or what you did -- Christ's death is sufficient to atone for your actions that fell short. And he didn't wait for you to quit doing what you were doing. He did it when you were at your worst.
3. When you receive the redemption atonement of Christ, you are re-oriented (See 2 Corinthians 5:17). It doesn't matter if you don't think you chose it. It doesn't matter. Even if you thought you were born with a genetic predisposition to a lifestyle that falls short and shouldn't be blamed, the prescription is the same -- you must be born again! Only by the redeeming blood of Christ can that banner of sinner be painted over. And it can only be received by faith (Rom. 10-9-13). there is hope for all of -- no matter the offense!
One of the last discussions I had as a pastor was with a lady who learned her new neighbors were lesbians. She had been talking with them, and they expressed a desire to worship God somewhere. She wanted to know my position on the matter. I told her that they were welcome to come to our church, and the lady looked surprised. I told her the only different between that lesbian couple and everyone else in the church guilty of unrepentant sin is that they were just bold enough to admit their sin in front of everyone else. Churches are filled with people who are wearing their sin banners proudly, just under their clothes, thinking nobody else knows what a liar/cheat/hater/etc they really are. And if they really want to come worship God, then I better invite them here, because its only by the word of God they can receive the conviction of the Holy Spirit that they are falling short. I did inform her, though, that known sin must be confronted by a pastor in love. Just like I confronted the man taking his children to the bar with him, and the man and woman in adultery, and the youth in premarital sex, and so on. If they were willing to discuss the matter in the light of God's Word and in the context of what grace offers and expects, then they absolutely would be welcomed here.
They never came. I don't think she ever went back to them, to be honest. But despite what I said, and truly believe, I don't know of many churches who would openly receive a gay couple, trusting God to redeem them. We have so confused the difference between accepting the person without accepting their homosexuality, despite our mantra professing otherwise. And not many other sins exclude the sinner the way homosexuality does. Molestation, murder -- probably. But how many overt, unrepentant gossips, lust-ers, liars, cheaters, adulterers, and bigots did you hug on last Sunday during the welcome time? If you really knew, would it change you?
I've said it many times before -- but once more -- its by our love for one another that people will know we belong to Christ. It's by who we are for, and not what we are against. Can you love a person choosing (cognitively or otherwise) homosexuality? Can you do your job, and just trust that the Holy Spirit will do His job? Can you demonstrate grace and mercy without prejudice? Just remember that's how it was demonstrated to you.
when you were at your worst.
2/20/2003
we've got 414 on Kabul Hiway 67...
give me your best caption to this lovely photo (courtesy of MSNBC, via Cellar Pic of the Day):
celebrating the culture of death
I'm surprised MSNBC didn't pipe in a midi file of Amazing Grace for this feature to elicit even more pseudo-pathos out of this emotionally contrived subject, where Reuters went to extraordinary lengths to make the terminally seriously-ill choosing suicide to appear heroic. (note: 'terminally' was struck because it eliminates the reality of the miracles of God)
to quote the famous saying: I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not crying and screaming like all the passengers in his car.
and to quote another famous saying or two:
There is nothing noble about suicide. There is nothing heroic about assisting in suicide. Killing somebody who wants to die is still murder. Our unalienable rights are...hmm, let me see...oh yeah, here they are:
life
liberty
the pursuit of happiness
***
no right to death here. no right to pursue death. Some may argue that their right to liberty includes the right to kill themselves, and to that I say, "OK" I'm not stopping you. But do you need a law to do it? Are you afraid of going to jail? Hellooooo....you'll be dead. And why do you need somebody to assist you?
simple equation: tall building +gravity = success
what about those who survive a suicide?
well, they probably need to be incarcerated. How hard can it be? Thousands of people succeed in this endeavor every year. If you succeed, you will probably avoid prosecution. If you fail, people will likely go to determinate lengths to protect you from a very dangerous person -- yourself! be thankful that somebody cares!
Please know this, too. I'm not just being glib about this very serious matter. When I was a sophmore in high school, I lost a very dear relation to suicide, which was likely induced by medications that were massive depressants, prescribed for a very serious physical ailment. That death left me and many in my family with many questions, much sorrow, and many difficult times. I was angry for several years, and while anger gave way to acceptance, understanding that decision will never come. Instead, we are all forced to make excuses and apologies for that decision, to rationalize and justify our acceptance. This is so because suicide is inherently wrong. Now, fifteen years later, even having accepted the terms of a suicidal death, I still certainly would have enjoyed additional years of a relationship, even if it were marked with pain and suffering, for I believe God has much to teach us and others through the challenges of life.
For Christ's sake (literally), choose life!
- ‘I don’t want to die in the hospital. I would rather be sitting in my backyard.’
— JEANNE GUNNING
Terminally ill teacher from Salem, Ore.
to quote the famous saying: I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather, not crying and screaming like all the passengers in his car.
and to quote another famous saying or two:
that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live (deut. 30:19)
I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:9b-10a)
There is nothing noble about suicide. There is nothing heroic about assisting in suicide. Killing somebody who wants to die is still murder. Our unalienable rights are...hmm, let me see...oh yeah, here they are:
life
liberty
the pursuit of happiness
***
no right to death here. no right to pursue death. Some may argue that their right to liberty includes the right to kill themselves, and to that I say, "OK" I'm not stopping you. But do you need a law to do it? Are you afraid of going to jail? Hellooooo....you'll be dead. And why do you need somebody to assist you?
simple equation: tall building +gravity = success
what about those who survive a suicide?
well, they probably need to be incarcerated. How hard can it be? Thousands of people succeed in this endeavor every year. If you succeed, you will probably avoid prosecution. If you fail, people will likely go to determinate lengths to protect you from a very dangerous person -- yourself! be thankful that somebody cares!
Please know this, too. I'm not just being glib about this very serious matter. When I was a sophmore in high school, I lost a very dear relation to suicide, which was likely induced by medications that were massive depressants, prescribed for a very serious physical ailment. That death left me and many in my family with many questions, much sorrow, and many difficult times. I was angry for several years, and while anger gave way to acceptance, understanding that decision will never come. Instead, we are all forced to make excuses and apologies for that decision, to rationalize and justify our acceptance. This is so because suicide is inherently wrong. Now, fifteen years later, even having accepted the terms of a suicidal death, I still certainly would have enjoyed additional years of a relationship, even if it were marked with pain and suffering, for I believe God has much to teach us and others through the challenges of life.
For Christ's sake (literally), choose life!
call me trigger
I'm a horse, who'da thunk?
Horse
What Is Your Animal Personality?
brought to you by Quizilla
now I understand my enjoyment of rolled oats and drinking out of a trough.
Horse
What Is Your Animal Personality?
brought to you by Quizilla
now I understand my enjoyment of rolled oats and drinking out of a trough.
I'm a has been or never will be, thanks for giving me attention
we then watched approximately 7 collective minutes of their followup 'reality' fare, I'm a celebrity, get me out of here.
I only want to know a couple of things:
who are these people?
can we vote to throw them all into the crocodile pit?
did ABC realize how much 'face time' the host would have on the air before selecting the doofus that continually reminds us that they're "Live in the Australian rain forest?"
Unless they've got a promo of a Lord of the Flies-like scenario with Tyson Beckford and Chris Judd chasing Robin Leach with a spear and calling him Piggy, I'm done with this mess.
I only want to know a couple of things:
who are these people?
can we vote to throw them all into the crocodile pit?
did ABC realize how much 'face time' the host would have on the air before selecting the doofus that continually reminds us that they're "Live in the Australian rain forest?"
Unless they've got a promo of a Lord of the Flies-like scenario with Tyson Beckford and Chris Judd chasing Robin Leach with a spear and calling him Piggy, I'm done with this mess.
Colorado proud
Ryan won!
OK, the fact that I'm even blogging about the bachelorette causes me extreme self-loathing. But I determined that I've committed to a theme today of love -- marital love. Last night, Kelli and I observed as Trista pined over the gut-wrenching decision of who to manipulate, agonize, and make miserable for the foreseeable future. And we were shocked that she chose Ryan, the firefighter from Vail who, in Trista, found his muse to write rhyming poetry and draw carnival-booth-quality drawings of tigers that are most familiar on a velvet canvas.
We were surprised because the whole episode, Trista was shown as having a much more 'real' relationship with Charlie, the stockbroker who obviously had major holdings in a hair gel manufacturer. I was actually dealing with the children in their bedroom the moment the 'big decision' was revealed (Kaylyn was having visions of 'scary feet' when she closed her eyes -- that's the last time we show that Bigfood documentary right before bedtime). From the living room, Kelli hollered "Oh my goodness!" loud enough for the ABC executives in New York to hear and smile. Upon later review, Kaylyn thought she had seen a spider, Cotter thought she had seen a grasshopper. Which makes perfect sense, given our 12 inches of snow outside, and our natural benevolence to the insect that plays its fiddle all summer instead of preparing for winter like the industrious ant. I came to make sure somebody hadn't accidently driven through our front door.
"Charlie's going first," she said. I nodded like I knew what that meant, completely revealing that I was clueless. "That means she's picking Ryan." Well, I automatically felt like a moron, since i had spent the previous two hours making statemtents like:
by this time, my wife was convinced that she was married to Rain Man. And even more important, I once again revealed my amazing acumen on observing and perceiving human nature.
They then kissed and recited poorly-rehearsed speeches and kissed for the next 10 minutes. There was a proposal by Ryan. Trista's response was a shrill sound that resembled something like:
EEEYYYYYIIIIIEEEEESSSSSSsssss
I could see Ryan's puzzled look as he slid the ring on her finger, which showed me he didn't understand what she said any better than did I. I saw later that ABC issued a statement that they would neither confirm nor deny that Trista actually uttered a discernable word in that moment.
My summary:
1. If I were Ryan, I'd be unhappy. ABC made you look sappy, unable to be joyful, and definitely not the 'tiger' Trista wanted to tame while she played the game. unless that's how you are - in which case, Trista should be unhappy.
2. I have milk in the fridge with a longer shelf life than this relationship.
3. The most captivating portion of the show was the teaser for tonight's expose: The Bachelor -- Aaron & Helene: What Went Wrong. This is must see TV.
OK, the fact that I'm even blogging about the bachelorette causes me extreme self-loathing. But I determined that I've committed to a theme today of love -- marital love. Last night, Kelli and I observed as Trista pined over the gut-wrenching decision of who to manipulate, agonize, and make miserable for the foreseeable future. And we were shocked that she chose Ryan, the firefighter from Vail who, in Trista, found his muse to write rhyming poetry and draw carnival-booth-quality drawings of tigers that are most familiar on a velvet canvas.
We were surprised because the whole episode, Trista was shown as having a much more 'real' relationship with Charlie, the stockbroker who obviously had major holdings in a hair gel manufacturer. I was actually dealing with the children in their bedroom the moment the 'big decision' was revealed (Kaylyn was having visions of 'scary feet' when she closed her eyes -- that's the last time we show that Bigfood documentary right before bedtime). From the living room, Kelli hollered "Oh my goodness!" loud enough for the ABC executives in New York to hear and smile. Upon later review, Kaylyn thought she had seen a spider, Cotter thought she had seen a grasshopper. Which makes perfect sense, given our 12 inches of snow outside, and our natural benevolence to the insect that plays its fiddle all summer instead of preparing for winter like the industrious ant. I came to make sure somebody hadn't accidently driven through our front door.
"Charlie's going first," she said. I nodded like I knew what that meant, completely revealing that I was clueless. "That means she's picking Ryan." Well, I automatically felt like a moron, since i had spent the previous two hours making statemtents like:
she's picking Charlie
look at their faces -- Charlie's happy, Ryan's sad. She's picking Charlie.
Does anyone in America actually think she's going to pick Ryan?
She's totally shacking up with Charlie. She's definitely picking Charlie.
by this time, my wife was convinced that she was married to Rain Man. And even more important, I once again revealed my amazing acumen on observing and perceiving human nature.
They then kissed and recited poorly-rehearsed speeches and kissed for the next 10 minutes. There was a proposal by Ryan. Trista's response was a shrill sound that resembled something like:
EEEYYYYYIIIIIEEEEESSSSSSsssss
I could see Ryan's puzzled look as he slid the ring on her finger, which showed me he didn't understand what she said any better than did I. I saw later that ABC issued a statement that they would neither confirm nor deny that Trista actually uttered a discernable word in that moment.
My summary:
1. If I were Ryan, I'd be unhappy. ABC made you look sappy, unable to be joyful, and definitely not the 'tiger' Trista wanted to tame while she played the game. unless that's how you are - in which case, Trista should be unhappy.
2. I have milk in the fridge with a longer shelf life than this relationship.
3. The most captivating portion of the show was the teaser for tonight's expose: The Bachelor -- Aaron & Helene: What Went Wrong. This is must see TV.
2/19/2003
mini me, you complete me
kein rückgrat
this is how you say "spineless" in German.
I opened MSNBC today to see the headline of the first conviction in connection to Sept 11.
Guilty of 3,045 counts of accessory to murder.
I was really surprised to see Germany taking a hard stand and enforcing accountability.
Then I read this:
Fifteen years?!? This means that each for death of which he was convicted earned him a grueling 1.798 days in prison.
This guy is a student -- 28 years old. This also means that this terrorist will be 43-44 years old by the time he is released from his prison, thus ensuring his 'hero' status to his brothers-in-subversion, as well as guaranteeing a perpetuation of terrorism. Certainly, the German penal system doesn't pretend to think they will rehabilitate this fellow into becoming a freedom-loving, democracy-embracing individual. He will -- over his decade and a half of incarceration -- fester, ferment, plot, and scheme to accomplish even better what was accomplished with the World Trade Center. He should have to do his time here in Florence at our Supermax. I'll let your thoughts go where they may if that were to happen, because your wildest imaginations would likely be accurate. Let's just say he probably wouldn't serve the length of his term.
To paraphrase an old sitcom: He can do fifteen years standing on his head -- though I wouldn't recommend it; that's just inviting trouble.
Here is the poster boy for America's call to advance without the assistance of certtain watch-making, Volkswagen-driving weasels.
Remember, Germany is our ally.
Thanks, freund, for nothing.
I opened MSNBC today to see the headline of the first conviction in connection to Sept 11.
Guilty of 3,045 counts of accessory to murder.
I was really surprised to see Germany taking a hard stand and enforcing accountability.
Then I read this:
15 year sentence
Fifteen years?!? This means that each for death of which he was convicted earned him a grueling 1.798 days in prison.
This guy is a student -- 28 years old. This also means that this terrorist will be 43-44 years old by the time he is released from his prison, thus ensuring his 'hero' status to his brothers-in-subversion, as well as guaranteeing a perpetuation of terrorism. Certainly, the German penal system doesn't pretend to think they will rehabilitate this fellow into becoming a freedom-loving, democracy-embracing individual. He will -- over his decade and a half of incarceration -- fester, ferment, plot, and scheme to accomplish even better what was accomplished with the World Trade Center. He should have to do his time here in Florence at our Supermax. I'll let your thoughts go where they may if that were to happen, because your wildest imaginations would likely be accurate. Let's just say he probably wouldn't serve the length of his term.
To paraphrase an old sitcom: He can do fifteen years standing on his head -- though I wouldn't recommend it; that's just inviting trouble.
Here is the poster boy for America's call to advance without the assistance of certtain watch-making, Volkswagen-driving weasels.
Remember, Germany is our ally.
Thanks, freund, for nothing.
waking up to a surprise
Our power went out this morning. So I woke up to my clock flashing "12:08." Which means I just missed the big event of the outage. I wondered if we were having a stormy morning, and opened the window. We have a foot of snow outside. My shovel is still at the church, too! I hadn't seen this in the forecast. Its all good though, because our part of the state desperately needs precipitation.
kaylynism
after having shared numerous cotterisms, I last night heard my oldest daughter make a statement that was not only blogworthy, but completely representative of the personality God has given her:
"No, no Kelsi girl. You're not allowed to play in that lotion with your face."
"No, no Kelsi girl. You're not allowed to play in that lotion with your face."
question of the day
I know some of you who read Clarity regularly are educators. I want to ask you -- has relativity become an unofficial official doctrine taught in public schools? I want to be clear not to make this a religious or spiritual question, but whether or not it can be taught that truth is truth.
This may seem like a pollyannish question, but are our individual educators able to loudly say, 'wrong is wrong?' or does it have to be conveyed covertly?
This may seem like a pollyannish question, but are our individual educators able to loudly say, 'wrong is wrong?' or does it have to be conveyed covertly?
2/18/2003
prayer request
my former high school principal is undergoing surgery tomorrow to remove a brain tumor, and also a scan to see if there is any cancer elsewhere in his body.
He is a married man with four adult children.
He also cut me slack ona few many occasions during a short time in my life I call 1986-1990.
thanks!
He is a married man with four adult children.
He also cut me slack on
thanks!
its official
more people have now come across my site looking for Terry Tate, office linebacker than those looking for Daniel Isioma, the journalist being hunted by muslims for writing that Mohammed would've dug beauty contestants.
there's deep meaning in this, but it eludes me.
there's deep meaning in this, but it eludes me.
irony defined
Girl Scout Cookies Thin Mints
fearless prediction: a lawsuit against Girl Scouts of America by the person who will be traumatized that thin mints did not make him/her so.
fearless prediction: a lawsuit against Girl Scouts of America by the person who will be traumatized that thin mints did not make him/her so.
angry at France, reason 613
cut-and-pasted verbatim from Mikey's Funnies:
Here's Jewish comedian Jackie Mason's take on Starbuck's:
You want coffee in a coffee shop, that's 60 cents. But at Starbucks, if it's Cafe Latte: $3.50. Cafe Creamier: $4.50. Caffe Suisse: $9.50. For each French word, another four dollars. Why does a little cream in coffee make it worth $3.50?
Go into any coffee shop; they'll give you all the cream you want until you're blue in the face. Forty million people are walking around in coffee shops with jars of cream: "Here's all the cream you want!" And it's still 60 cents. You know why? Because it's called "coffee."
You want cinnamon in your coffee? Ask for cinnamon in a coffee shop; they'll give you all the cinnamon you want. Do they ask you for more money because it's cinnamon? It's the same price for cinnamon in your coffee as for coffee without cinnamon - 60 cents, that's it.
But not in Starbucks. Over there, it's Cinnamonnier - $9.50. You want a refill in a regular coffee shop, they'll give you all the refills you want until you drop dead. You can come in when you're 27 and keep drinking coffee until you're 98. And they'll start begging you: "Here, you want more coffee, you want more, you want more?"
Do you know that you can't get a refill at Starbucks? A refill is a dollar fifty. two refills, $4.50. Three refills, $19.50 So, for four cups of coffee - $35.00. And it's burnt coffee. It's burnt coffee at Starbucks, let's be honest about it. If you get burnt coffee in a coffee shop, you call a cop. You say, "It's the bottom of the pot. I don't drink from the bottom of the pot. But when it's burnt at Starbucks, they say, "Oh, it's a blend. It's a special bean from Argentina..." The bean is in your head.
And there're no chairs in those Starbucks. Instead, they have these high stools. You ever see these stools? You haven't been on a chair that high since you were two. Seventy-three-year-old Jews are climbing and climbing to get to the top of the chair. And when they get to the top, they can't even drink the coffee because there's 12 people around one little table, and everybody's saying, "Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me, excuse me....." Then they can't get off the chair. Old Jews are begging Gentiles, "Mister, could you get me off this?"
Do you remember what a cafeteria was? In poor neighborhoods all over this country, they went to a cafeteria because there were no waiters and no service. And so poor people could save money on a tip. Cafeterias didn't have regular tables or chairs either. They gave coffee to you in a cardboard cup. So because of that you paid less for the coffee. You got less, so you paid less.
It's all the same at Starbucks - no chairs, no service, a cardboard cup for your coffee - except in Starbucks, the less you get, the more it costs. By the time they give you nothing, it's worth four times as much !
Am I exaggerating? Did you ever try to buy a cookie in Starbucks?
Buy a cookie in a regular coffee shop. You can tear down a building with that cookie. And the whole cookie is 60 cents. At Starbucks, you're going to have to hire a detective to find that cookie, and it's $9.50. And you can't put butter on it because they want extra. Do you know that if you buy a bagel, you pay extra for cream cheese in Starbucks?
Cream cheese, another 60 Cents. A knife to put it on, 32 cents. If it reaches the bagel, 48 cents. That bagel costs you $312.
And they don't give you the butter or the cream cheese. They don't give it to you. They tell you where it is. "Oh, you want butter? It's over there. Cream cheese? Over here. Sugar? Sugar is here." Now you become your own waiter. You walk around with a tray. "I'll take the cookie. Where's the butter? The butter's here. Where's the cream cheese? The cream cheese is there." You walked around for an hour and a half selecting items, and then the guy at the cash register has a glass in front of him that says "Tips."
You're waiting on tables for an hour, and you owe him money? Then there's a sign that says please clean it up when you're finished.
They don't give you a waiter or a busboy. Now you've become the janitor. Now you have to start cleaning up the place. Old Jews are walking around cleaning up Starbucks. "Oh, he's got dirt too? Wait, I'll clean this up." They clean up the place for an hour and a half.
If I said to you, "I have a great idea for a business. I'll open a whole new type of a coffee shop. A whole new type. Instead of 60 cents for coffee I'll charge $2.50, $3.50, $4.50, and $5.50. Not only that, I'll have no tables, no chairs, no water, no busboy, and you'll clean it up for 20 minutes after you're finished." Would you say to me, "That's the greatest idea for a business I ever heard! We can open a chain of these all over the world!" No, you would put me right into a sanitarium.
Starbucks can only get away with it because they have French titles for everything, the schmucks. And I say this with the highest respect, because I don't like to talk about people.
Here's Jewish comedian Jackie Mason's take on Starbuck's:
You want coffee in a coffee shop, that's 60 cents. But at Starbucks, if it's Cafe Latte: $3.50. Cafe Creamier: $4.50. Caffe Suisse: $9.50. For each French word, another four dollars. Why does a little cream in coffee make it worth $3.50?
Go into any coffee shop; they'll give you all the cream you want until you're blue in the face. Forty million people are walking around in coffee shops with jars of cream: "Here's all the cream you want!" And it's still 60 cents. You know why? Because it's called "coffee."
You want cinnamon in your coffee? Ask for cinnamon in a coffee shop; they'll give you all the cinnamon you want. Do they ask you for more money because it's cinnamon? It's the same price for cinnamon in your coffee as for coffee without cinnamon - 60 cents, that's it.
But not in Starbucks. Over there, it's Cinnamonnier - $9.50. You want a refill in a regular coffee shop, they'll give you all the refills you want until you drop dead. You can come in when you're 27 and keep drinking coffee until you're 98. And they'll start begging you: "Here, you want more coffee, you want more, you want more?"
Do you know that you can't get a refill at Starbucks? A refill is a dollar fifty. two refills, $4.50. Three refills, $19.50 So, for four cups of coffee - $35.00. And it's burnt coffee. It's burnt coffee at Starbucks, let's be honest about it. If you get burnt coffee in a coffee shop, you call a cop. You say, "It's the bottom of the pot. I don't drink from the bottom of the pot. But when it's burnt at Starbucks, they say, "Oh, it's a blend. It's a special bean from Argentina..." The bean is in your head.
And there're no chairs in those Starbucks. Instead, they have these high stools. You ever see these stools? You haven't been on a chair that high since you were two. Seventy-three-year-old Jews are climbing and climbing to get to the top of the chair. And when they get to the top, they can't even drink the coffee because there's 12 people around one little table, and everybody's saying, "Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me, excuse me....." Then they can't get off the chair. Old Jews are begging Gentiles, "Mister, could you get me off this?"
Do you remember what a cafeteria was? In poor neighborhoods all over this country, they went to a cafeteria because there were no waiters and no service. And so poor people could save money on a tip. Cafeterias didn't have regular tables or chairs either. They gave coffee to you in a cardboard cup. So because of that you paid less for the coffee. You got less, so you paid less.
It's all the same at Starbucks - no chairs, no service, a cardboard cup for your coffee - except in Starbucks, the less you get, the more it costs. By the time they give you nothing, it's worth four times as much !
Am I exaggerating? Did you ever try to buy a cookie in Starbucks?
Buy a cookie in a regular coffee shop. You can tear down a building with that cookie. And the whole cookie is 60 cents. At Starbucks, you're going to have to hire a detective to find that cookie, and it's $9.50. And you can't put butter on it because they want extra. Do you know that if you buy a bagel, you pay extra for cream cheese in Starbucks?
Cream cheese, another 60 Cents. A knife to put it on, 32 cents. If it reaches the bagel, 48 cents. That bagel costs you $312.
And they don't give you the butter or the cream cheese. They don't give it to you. They tell you where it is. "Oh, you want butter? It's over there. Cream cheese? Over here. Sugar? Sugar is here." Now you become your own waiter. You walk around with a tray. "I'll take the cookie. Where's the butter? The butter's here. Where's the cream cheese? The cream cheese is there." You walked around for an hour and a half selecting items, and then the guy at the cash register has a glass in front of him that says "Tips."
You're waiting on tables for an hour, and you owe him money? Then there's a sign that says please clean it up when you're finished.
They don't give you a waiter or a busboy. Now you've become the janitor. Now you have to start cleaning up the place. Old Jews are walking around cleaning up Starbucks. "Oh, he's got dirt too? Wait, I'll clean this up." They clean up the place for an hour and a half.
If I said to you, "I have a great idea for a business. I'll open a whole new type of a coffee shop. A whole new type. Instead of 60 cents for coffee I'll charge $2.50, $3.50, $4.50, and $5.50. Not only that, I'll have no tables, no chairs, no water, no busboy, and you'll clean it up for 20 minutes after you're finished." Would you say to me, "That's the greatest idea for a business I ever heard! We can open a chain of these all over the world!" No, you would put me right into a sanitarium.
Starbucks can only get away with it because they have French titles for everything, the schmucks. And I say this with the highest respect, because I don't like to talk about people.
2/17/2003
my personal boycott
I will no longer purchase, use, enjoy, or consume the following:
Parfum
baguettes
french bread
french salad dressing
French Stewart
Victor French
Pepe' LePew
champagne
Frenchy, from Grease
The French Open
Guy LeFleur
Guy Carbonneau
Any guys named "Guy" and pronounced "ghee"
French cajun cuisine
The French Quarter
The French Nickel
Any French currency whatsoever
The French Connection, Forget Paris, Last Tango in Paris, etc.
The Eiffel Tower -- both in Paris, and Las Vegas.
One word: fromage
Napoleon
French kissing
French kissing Napoleon
Jacques Chirac
Jack Kerouac
Inspector Clousseau
The Pink Panther
Maurice Chevalier
chivalry
Jean Paul Gaultier
Bustiers
Bureaus
French Guyana
French Polynesia
French Canadians
French Lick, Indiana
The French Revolution
French Toast
Bleu Cheese Dressing
Roquefort Dressing
Rogue Villians
Cadillac Seville
Cadillad Deville
Cruella Deville
Croissants
Crescent Rolls (you can't trick me you weasely Franco-bakers!)
French tongue twisters
French Luggage
just trying to do my part to show my support!
Parfum
baguettes
french bread
french salad dressing
French Stewart
Victor French
Pepe' LePew
champagne
Frenchy, from Grease
The French Open
Guy LeFleur
Guy Carbonneau
Any guys named "Guy" and pronounced "ghee"
French cajun cuisine
The French Quarter
The French Nickel
Any French currency whatsoever
The French Connection, Forget Paris, Last Tango in Paris, etc.
The Eiffel Tower -- both in Paris, and Las Vegas.
One word: fromage
Napoleon
French kissing
French kissing Napoleon
Jacques Chirac
Jack Kerouac
Inspector Clousseau
The Pink Panther
Maurice Chevalier
chivalry
Jean Paul Gaultier
Bustiers
Bureaus
French Guyana
French Polynesia
French Canadians
French Lick, Indiana
The French Revolution
French Toast
Bleu Cheese Dressing
Roquefort Dressing
Rogue Villians
Cadillac Seville
Cadillad Deville
Cruella Deville
Croissants
Crescent Rolls (you can't trick me you weasely Franco-bakers!)
French tongue twisters
French Luggage
just trying to do my part to show my support!
my new office has a lovely view
of the kids' swing set.
I'm officially 'on the job.' So far, I've checked my email and am waiting for the call that will tell me what to do.
Time for a coffee break.
I'm officially 'on the job.' So far, I've checked my email and am waiting for the call that will tell me what to do.
Time for a coffee break.
I agree
heard from Fox News:
it appears that France would prefer to be an important country in a disorganized world, rather than an unimportant country in an organized one.
it appears that France would prefer to be an important country in a disorganized world, rather than an unimportant country in an organized one.
2/16/2003
final sermon at fsbc, florence
Edward Steichen is a name you may not recognize, but he is a man considered by many to be a master of photography. When he was 16 years old, he began his new hobby by purchasing a camera and taking fifty photographs. Only one of the fifty turned out – a portrait of his sister at the piano. His father thought that this was a pretty poor showing, but his mother gave him lavish praise – saying the one success was so good it compensated for the other 49. It was because of that encouragement that he stuck with his hobby and gained renown for his skill and artful eye.
It is my observation that the line between failure and success is a fine one indeed. In fact, it was once stated that success is just failure with a fresh coat of paint. It seems to me that too few experience success too little of the time, not because they do not possess the potential, but because failure can be incredibly intimidating, and encouragement seems to be in scarce supply.
In praying about the final message the Lord would give to me, and in searching the Scriptures for the Word that would speak to your collective heart, I believe God led me to the book of 2nd Corinthians for a specific word of encouragement. And its probably fitting that we come to this book to the second letter to this church, and that we’d receive today that which the Lord has prepared for us for the purposes He set forth before time began.
As many of you know quite well, the church in Corinth was not necessarily an exemplary model of a healthy church. It had many problems in its short history, by the time the two letters penned by Paul reached the congregation. It had problems with doctrine, it had problems with orderly worship, it had problems with sin in the congregation, it had problems with legalism, it had problems with loving fellowship. As far as all things were considered, the church in Corinth was a failure on many fronts. Probably, many had the perspective similar to Edward Steichen’s father, and thought the church had a poor showing, and may be better well served to just shut its doors and quit embarrassing the name of Christ. And to be honest, from an outsider’s perspective, it’s hard not to at least say, “sure, I can understand where those guys are coming from.”
Paul, however, was not of that opinion. He was like Edward Steichen’s mother. He saw the same failures that everyone else saw. He recognized all the shortcomings. But He saw potential. He saw promise. He had hope. And accordingly, he was compelled to do that which the Lord called him to do for their benefit – he encouraged them.
These are the words he wrote to them, found in 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
It’s important to note that these final words of encouragement do in fact come at the heels of strong words of criticism from Paul over the things that the Lord revealed were done incorrectly or dishonorably. But Paul could not and would not leave his address to the church in Corinth in a negative tone, thus leaving them without any real sense of hope. So he concludes with an encouragement.
The last two messages the Lord led me to preach were, I believe essential to the future success of the ministry and calling of this church to the cause of the King. I remind you that those two messages were, first – a call to repentance, and second – a call for the men to rise up and be accountable. And I am pleased to see that the Holy Spirit has been working in the hearts of men and women throughout the body, and you are responding to His leading. So today, I conclude my ministry with you using the same words that Paul used to conclude his second letter to the church in Corinth.
Paul says “farewell.” Some translations read simply “goodbye.” The literal translation, though, expresses the true heart of the sentiment, and that is, “be of good cheer.” When we shared with you four weeks ago that the Lord had called us to a new ministry, it was certainly with mixed emotions that we shared that news. We have grown in our love for our church family, and you will be missed very much. I will forever hold dear the countless conversations we’ve shared in my office, between the pews, and in your homes. I will cherish the notes and words of encouragement, and even more so the untold number of prayers that you offered to the Lord on my behalf. We are forever indebted to you for the generosity you showed to us time and again with gifts and benevolence that were both selfless and sacrificial. Being allowed to be a recipient of this multitude of blessings for sixteen months made it difficult to take that step of faith that said, “yes, God is calling us elsewhere.”
It was also difficult because, in my flesh, I can be a pretty stubborn fighter. When we came to Florence, we came prepared to establish our lives here. And as we became integrated in the life of the church, I quickly developed passion for our mission and ministry and the vision of the church. To leave after such a brief time is difficult because I am the type of person that wants to see all those dreams become reality, to see the vision manifested. Again, without seeing the fullness of the promised fruit, it was a difficult step of faith to say, “yes, God is calling me elsewhere.”
Despite those difficulties, and perhaps ironically, it is with good cheer that we accept His good will for us and take those steps. We know the Lord is sovereign. We know He’s got a plan for me. And I know that His purpose for me here is complete. And so, the difficult becomes easy. And with smiles on our faces, we prepare for the next chapter of life’s grand adventure that God has ordained for us.
And to our church family, I exhort you to be of good cheer, too. I’ve heard some talk of disappointment that your pastors have seemed to have short tenures. I’ve heard others a bit down that some families felt called to move their memberships. Please don’t let that tone season your perspective. Yes, my time here was short. And yes, God did move a few families. But His will is good. He moved those families so that they could prosper, and so that you could prosper, too. The void they have left is your opportunity to stand up and take responsibility. And God is preparing your next pastor even now, even this day, to take this church to a new level of commitment, of vision, of hope, of ministry, and of blessing. And you are wise to praise God today for the provision of tomorrow’s blessing.
Paul also says, “be complete.” Again, the literal translation perhaps expresses it better, which declares, “perfect yourself.” This term carries with it the connotation of making the necessary repairs or adjustments to accomplish the perfection toward which God exhorts you.
You see, for this church to truly be “of good cheer,” it must be willing to perfect itself, through the conviction, help, and encouragement of the Holy Spirit. Every part of the body of Christ must take the time to stand before the holy judging discernment of God and say, “show me where I fall short.” If you are a gossip, God wants you to shut your mouth. If you are a hypocrite, God wants your words to be consistent. If you are divisive, God wants you to stop the division, and begin working to bring healing. If you are lazy, God wants you to stand up and get busy. And whether you are up to your ankles or up to your next in sin, God wants you to get out of the pigpen, be cleansed by the forgiveness of the Father, and return to fellowship. God’s word has declared that He has made you complete:
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:9-10)
It’s now time that you live as you have been created in your new life in Christ.
Paul continues by saying “be of good comfort.” Once more, the literal translation expands the thought, by exhorting us to “be encouraged by being of the same mind.” I know I’ve said it numerous times over my time with you, and I’ll say it one last time because Paul found it important enough to say here – there must be unity within the family of God if it is ever to accomplish the purposes that God has designed. I implore you to make the commitment to come to unity on the issues that have divided this congregation for years, so that they may divide the congregation no longer. My prayer has been and will continue to be that you will fervently seek the Lord and be willing to do anything and everything you must do to close the divide, to heal the wounds, and to move forward.
Next, he writes, “live in peace.” To this I’ll make this point clear – people are more important than a ministry. Ministry exists for the benefit and blessing of people, not to the frustration and broken fellowship of people. If a ministry is at the root of a broken relationship, whether it be private, corporate, professional, or otherwise, then man’s priorities have been turned upside down and glory has gone to the flesh. If ministry is contentious, my encouragement to you is to suspend the work of the ministry, so that you can place your energy in re-developing peaceable relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Living in peace is not just a suggestion, it is a command from God.
If you seek to do these things, look at what God promises: the God of love and peace will be with you. Oh what a promise that is! We must pay attention that is a conditional statement. Too often, Christians think that God is obligated to accompany them and bless them simply because they wear a Christian tee shirt and have a fish on their bumper. God refuses to have fellowship with the ungodly, even (and perhaps especially) if the one being ungodly claims to be a child of God Himself.
But the real good news is that the converse of this is presented as truth here – you have the promise of God’s presence if you will live in peace, if you will not just accept unity, but actually pursue it; if you will seek to perfect yourself and have the discipline to conform your life to the mandates of Christ and if you will be of good cheer. God will be with you. You will be aware of His presence. He will be as real to you as when He led Israel by a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. He is eager to heal the hurts and rain a flood of blessing upon this congregation. If you are willing to do what God wants you to do, He will do what He has promised to do.
And I close today with Paul’s final words. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
I pray these simple desires for you – the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to come from you just as it came to you – liberally, abundantly, and without prejudice; the love of God to overwhelm you and flow freely from you so this community will know that God loves them and calls them to repentance and salvation; and the communion of the Holy Spirit on an ongoing basis, so your walk with God will grow deeper and more intimate until all your faith is realized in glory.
It is my observation that the line between failure and success is a fine one indeed. In fact, it was once stated that success is just failure with a fresh coat of paint. It seems to me that too few experience success too little of the time, not because they do not possess the potential, but because failure can be incredibly intimidating, and encouragement seems to be in scarce supply.
In praying about the final message the Lord would give to me, and in searching the Scriptures for the Word that would speak to your collective heart, I believe God led me to the book of 2nd Corinthians for a specific word of encouragement. And its probably fitting that we come to this book to the second letter to this church, and that we’d receive today that which the Lord has prepared for us for the purposes He set forth before time began.
As many of you know quite well, the church in Corinth was not necessarily an exemplary model of a healthy church. It had many problems in its short history, by the time the two letters penned by Paul reached the congregation. It had problems with doctrine, it had problems with orderly worship, it had problems with sin in the congregation, it had problems with legalism, it had problems with loving fellowship. As far as all things were considered, the church in Corinth was a failure on many fronts. Probably, many had the perspective similar to Edward Steichen’s father, and thought the church had a poor showing, and may be better well served to just shut its doors and quit embarrassing the name of Christ. And to be honest, from an outsider’s perspective, it’s hard not to at least say, “sure, I can understand where those guys are coming from.”
Paul, however, was not of that opinion. He was like Edward Steichen’s mother. He saw the same failures that everyone else saw. He recognized all the shortcomings. But He saw potential. He saw promise. He had hope. And accordingly, he was compelled to do that which the Lord called him to do for their benefit – he encouraged them.
These are the words he wrote to them, found in 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
- Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
It’s important to note that these final words of encouragement do in fact come at the heels of strong words of criticism from Paul over the things that the Lord revealed were done incorrectly or dishonorably. But Paul could not and would not leave his address to the church in Corinth in a negative tone, thus leaving them without any real sense of hope. So he concludes with an encouragement.
The last two messages the Lord led me to preach were, I believe essential to the future success of the ministry and calling of this church to the cause of the King. I remind you that those two messages were, first – a call to repentance, and second – a call for the men to rise up and be accountable. And I am pleased to see that the Holy Spirit has been working in the hearts of men and women throughout the body, and you are responding to His leading. So today, I conclude my ministry with you using the same words that Paul used to conclude his second letter to the church in Corinth.
Paul says “farewell.” Some translations read simply “goodbye.” The literal translation, though, expresses the true heart of the sentiment, and that is, “be of good cheer.” When we shared with you four weeks ago that the Lord had called us to a new ministry, it was certainly with mixed emotions that we shared that news. We have grown in our love for our church family, and you will be missed very much. I will forever hold dear the countless conversations we’ve shared in my office, between the pews, and in your homes. I will cherish the notes and words of encouragement, and even more so the untold number of prayers that you offered to the Lord on my behalf. We are forever indebted to you for the generosity you showed to us time and again with gifts and benevolence that were both selfless and sacrificial. Being allowed to be a recipient of this multitude of blessings for sixteen months made it difficult to take that step of faith that said, “yes, God is calling us elsewhere.”
It was also difficult because, in my flesh, I can be a pretty stubborn fighter. When we came to Florence, we came prepared to establish our lives here. And as we became integrated in the life of the church, I quickly developed passion for our mission and ministry and the vision of the church. To leave after such a brief time is difficult because I am the type of person that wants to see all those dreams become reality, to see the vision manifested. Again, without seeing the fullness of the promised fruit, it was a difficult step of faith to say, “yes, God is calling me elsewhere.”
Despite those difficulties, and perhaps ironically, it is with good cheer that we accept His good will for us and take those steps. We know the Lord is sovereign. We know He’s got a plan for me. And I know that His purpose for me here is complete. And so, the difficult becomes easy. And with smiles on our faces, we prepare for the next chapter of life’s grand adventure that God has ordained for us.
And to our church family, I exhort you to be of good cheer, too. I’ve heard some talk of disappointment that your pastors have seemed to have short tenures. I’ve heard others a bit down that some families felt called to move their memberships. Please don’t let that tone season your perspective. Yes, my time here was short. And yes, God did move a few families. But His will is good. He moved those families so that they could prosper, and so that you could prosper, too. The void they have left is your opportunity to stand up and take responsibility. And God is preparing your next pastor even now, even this day, to take this church to a new level of commitment, of vision, of hope, of ministry, and of blessing. And you are wise to praise God today for the provision of tomorrow’s blessing.
Paul also says, “be complete.” Again, the literal translation perhaps expresses it better, which declares, “perfect yourself.” This term carries with it the connotation of making the necessary repairs or adjustments to accomplish the perfection toward which God exhorts you.
You see, for this church to truly be “of good cheer,” it must be willing to perfect itself, through the conviction, help, and encouragement of the Holy Spirit. Every part of the body of Christ must take the time to stand before the holy judging discernment of God and say, “show me where I fall short.” If you are a gossip, God wants you to shut your mouth. If you are a hypocrite, God wants your words to be consistent. If you are divisive, God wants you to stop the division, and begin working to bring healing. If you are lazy, God wants you to stand up and get busy. And whether you are up to your ankles or up to your next in sin, God wants you to get out of the pigpen, be cleansed by the forgiveness of the Father, and return to fellowship. God’s word has declared that He has made you complete:
For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:9-10)
It’s now time that you live as you have been created in your new life in Christ.
Paul continues by saying “be of good comfort.” Once more, the literal translation expands the thought, by exhorting us to “be encouraged by being of the same mind.” I know I’ve said it numerous times over my time with you, and I’ll say it one last time because Paul found it important enough to say here – there must be unity within the family of God if it is ever to accomplish the purposes that God has designed. I implore you to make the commitment to come to unity on the issues that have divided this congregation for years, so that they may divide the congregation no longer. My prayer has been and will continue to be that you will fervently seek the Lord and be willing to do anything and everything you must do to close the divide, to heal the wounds, and to move forward.
Next, he writes, “live in peace.” To this I’ll make this point clear – people are more important than a ministry. Ministry exists for the benefit and blessing of people, not to the frustration and broken fellowship of people. If a ministry is at the root of a broken relationship, whether it be private, corporate, professional, or otherwise, then man’s priorities have been turned upside down and glory has gone to the flesh. If ministry is contentious, my encouragement to you is to suspend the work of the ministry, so that you can place your energy in re-developing peaceable relationships with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Living in peace is not just a suggestion, it is a command from God.
If you seek to do these things, look at what God promises: the God of love and peace will be with you. Oh what a promise that is! We must pay attention that is a conditional statement. Too often, Christians think that God is obligated to accompany them and bless them simply because they wear a Christian tee shirt and have a fish on their bumper. God refuses to have fellowship with the ungodly, even (and perhaps especially) if the one being ungodly claims to be a child of God Himself.
But the real good news is that the converse of this is presented as truth here – you have the promise of God’s presence if you will live in peace, if you will not just accept unity, but actually pursue it; if you will seek to perfect yourself and have the discipline to conform your life to the mandates of Christ and if you will be of good cheer. God will be with you. You will be aware of His presence. He will be as real to you as when He led Israel by a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire. He is eager to heal the hurts and rain a flood of blessing upon this congregation. If you are willing to do what God wants you to do, He will do what He has promised to do.
And I close today with Paul’s final words. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
I pray these simple desires for you – the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to come from you just as it came to you – liberally, abundantly, and without prejudice; the love of God to overwhelm you and flow freely from you so this community will know that God loves them and calls them to repentance and salvation; and the communion of the Holy Spirit on an ongoing basis, so your walk with God will grow deeper and more intimate until all your faith is realized in glory.
I know that's what I said, but...
here's an excellent post from Pressed on hypocrisy.
two quick notes:
1. I almost wrote, an excellent post from Craig (his name), but I thought that'd confuse those readers who know my city of origin is Craig, Colorado. If you want news from that Craig, go here. It appears the Moffat County Commissioners are amidst quite a fiasco regard fiscal responsibility. But, I digress; so on to #2.
2. and actually germaine to the issue -- YES, Christians ARE a bunch of hypocrites! We are sinners! We are liars, cheats, and thieves (which causes me to flash back to my childhood and my dad saying numerous times, "I can tolerate a lot, but I can't tolerate a liar, a cheat, or a thief."). And, according to Christ's standard, we are also murderers and adulterers. We earn that 'hypocrite' label when we try to pretend that we are none of these things. And to exacerbate the problem, we present ourselves as HOLY before others.
butwaitaminute
Doesn't God's word say we ARE holy?
(it does)
Doesn't It also say His righteousness has been imputed unto us?
(it does)
Doesn't it also say all the old things have passed away, that we are new creations, that we have been raised to walk in the newness of life, and that we are now children of the Spirit instead of children of flesh?
(it does, does,does, and does)
So what I basically see here are two problems (ALERT: IDEALISTIC STATEMENTS AHEAD! PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK).
1. We don't know who we are! Perhaps the worst form of hypocrisy of all is that we are children of the King and we are living like paupers. We are reborn and we're living in dead men's clothes. We have been forgiven and we live like we are under perpetual condemnation. We are hypocrites because we are refusing to live in the eternal reality! We claim Christ, but we live in bondage to our flesh! Shame on us for this self-deception. Ironically, we then pridefully boast in self-righteousness because we take credit for being Christian, like it was a merit badge earned for Scripture memorization, but refuse to live by anything imputed upon us by the atoning death of Christ. And we wonder why the unbelieving world is so disgusted with us!
Simple Equation: Christ's Indwelling + Unregenerate Man = Changed Life
If there be no change, it is fair to assume there be no Christ in the life of that individual (note to the outraged reader: I am not anyone's judge -- this determination of a lack of change is the responsibility of each believer upon him/herself -- See Galatians 6:4 -- I don't judge you, only myself. And my kids. And televangelists. And liberals. I'm kidding, of course. I don't judge my kids. Oh, yes I really do. Anyway, again, I digress). Christianity will only mean something to someone else if they see the manifestation of a changed life IN YOU. There is no room for any attitude other than humility when we talk about the nature of our identity in Christ (take heed to Paul's accurate words, I am chief among sinners, and strive to emulate the attitude). If you boast, boast in Christ. Otherwise, keep your piehole shut.
2. The other side of this two-faced hypocritical coin is that the world is guilty of imposing an unfair (hypocritical) standard upon the church (and this is the issue that Pressed addresses, so I hope not to tread on ground he covered so well). If the church had a nickel for every strawman 'church-is-full-of-hypocrites' argument used to justify not coming to Christ, the church universal would be able to have a fully-funded, fully staffed Hypocrite Recovery Center replete with jogging path, full size gym, olympic swimming pool, and luxury accomodations for the population of conventions the size of Tanzania. To imply that the church is the home of hypocrites is to imply the world is free from hypocrites, which aside from being hypocritical, is really just a big, fat, lazy lie. The problem is, hypocrisy is expected in the world. In the ideal sanctuary (word used as a function, not a locale) of the church, hypocrisy is supposed to not exist. So, when it does not, the ideal is not met in the mind of the unbeliever, and the ideal looks no different from the rest of the world, so the ideal holds nothing compelling to draw the unbeliever. And because of this -- I say shame. Shame on the....church. Shame on the bride of Christ. Shame on the body for allowing the filth of hypocrisy to become so indentified with our nature and character that the unbelieving world (justified or not) can see no difference in us. The first church stood for purity, for holiness, for conformity to the image of Christ. But in approximately 20 centuries, we have accepted all forms of ungodliness and made excuses for it, we have compromised our doctrines, and we have failed to exercise godly discipline in the ungodly name of fleshly 'love.' We should exist in such a manner that when someone throws out an accusation of 'hypocrite' to the church, they should look silly. Instead, the response is 'yeah, I can see that.' We must cease excusing the church's hypocrisy, and instead overcome it by conforming to the image of Christ.
And, as is right and just, God gets the final word:
two quick notes:
1. I almost wrote, an excellent post from Craig (his name), but I thought that'd confuse those readers who know my city of origin is Craig, Colorado. If you want news from that Craig, go here. It appears the Moffat County Commissioners are amidst quite a fiasco regard fiscal responsibility. But, I digress; so on to #2.
2. and actually germaine to the issue -- YES, Christians ARE a bunch of hypocrites! We are sinners! We are liars, cheats, and thieves (which causes me to flash back to my childhood and my dad saying numerous times, "I can tolerate a lot, but I can't tolerate a liar, a cheat, or a thief."). And, according to Christ's standard, we are also murderers and adulterers. We earn that 'hypocrite' label when we try to pretend that we are none of these things. And to exacerbate the problem, we present ourselves as HOLY before others.
butwaitaminute
Doesn't God's word say we ARE holy?
(it does)
Doesn't It also say His righteousness has been imputed unto us?
(it does)
Doesn't it also say all the old things have passed away, that we are new creations, that we have been raised to walk in the newness of life, and that we are now children of the Spirit instead of children of flesh?
(it does, does,does, and does)
So what I basically see here are two problems (ALERT: IDEALISTIC STATEMENTS AHEAD! PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK).
1. We don't know who we are! Perhaps the worst form of hypocrisy of all is that we are children of the King and we are living like paupers. We are reborn and we're living in dead men's clothes. We have been forgiven and we live like we are under perpetual condemnation. We are hypocrites because we are refusing to live in the eternal reality! We claim Christ, but we live in bondage to our flesh! Shame on us for this self-deception. Ironically, we then pridefully boast in self-righteousness because we take credit for being Christian, like it was a merit badge earned for Scripture memorization, but refuse to live by anything imputed upon us by the atoning death of Christ. And we wonder why the unbelieving world is so disgusted with us!
Simple Equation: Christ's Indwelling + Unregenerate Man = Changed Life
If there be no change, it is fair to assume there be no Christ in the life of that individual (note to the outraged reader: I am not anyone's judge -- this determination of a lack of change is the responsibility of each believer upon him/herself -- See Galatians 6:4 -- I don't judge you, only myself. And my kids. And televangelists. And liberals. I'm kidding, of course. I don't judge my kids. Oh, yes I really do. Anyway, again, I digress). Christianity will only mean something to someone else if they see the manifestation of a changed life IN YOU. There is no room for any attitude other than humility when we talk about the nature of our identity in Christ (take heed to Paul's accurate words, I am chief among sinners, and strive to emulate the attitude). If you boast, boast in Christ. Otherwise, keep your piehole shut.
2. The other side of this two-faced hypocritical coin is that the world is guilty of imposing an unfair (hypocritical) standard upon the church (and this is the issue that Pressed addresses, so I hope not to tread on ground he covered so well). If the church had a nickel for every strawman 'church-is-full-of-hypocrites' argument used to justify not coming to Christ, the church universal would be able to have a fully-funded, fully staffed Hypocrite Recovery Center replete with jogging path, full size gym, olympic swimming pool, and luxury accomodations for the population of conventions the size of Tanzania. To imply that the church is the home of hypocrites is to imply the world is free from hypocrites, which aside from being hypocritical, is really just a big, fat, lazy lie. The problem is, hypocrisy is expected in the world. In the ideal sanctuary (word used as a function, not a locale) of the church, hypocrisy is supposed to not exist. So, when it does not, the ideal is not met in the mind of the unbeliever, and the ideal looks no different from the rest of the world, so the ideal holds nothing compelling to draw the unbeliever. And because of this -- I say shame. Shame on the....church. Shame on the bride of Christ. Shame on the body for allowing the filth of hypocrisy to become so indentified with our nature and character that the unbelieving world (justified or not) can see no difference in us. The first church stood for purity, for holiness, for conformity to the image of Christ. But in approximately 20 centuries, we have accepted all forms of ungodliness and made excuses for it, we have compromised our doctrines, and we have failed to exercise godly discipline in the ungodly name of fleshly 'love.' We should exist in such a manner that when someone throws out an accusation of 'hypocrite' to the church, they should look silly. Instead, the response is 'yeah, I can see that.' We must cease excusing the church's hypocrisy, and instead overcome it by conforming to the image of Christ.
And, as is right and just, God gets the final word:
- Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. Therefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. James 1:16-27, empshases mine
a recent discussion
yesterday, Cotter and I had another important father-son conversation.
Cotter: Daddy, who's playing basketball on TV?
Me: The Bulls and the Nuggets.
Cotter: Who are you roopin' for?
Me: Well, the Nuggets, I guess. They're the Denver team.
Cotter: Oh.
(short pause)
Cotter: Daddy which is the white team?
Me: That's the Bulls. The Nuggets are the blue team.
Cotter: Oh.
(longer pause)
Cotter: Daddy?
Me: Yes?
Cotter: Like the soup bowls?
Me: Huh?
Cotter: the soup bowls.
Me: Boy -- I have no idea what you are talking about.
Cotter: the team. The Bowls. Like soup bowls.
Me: Ohhhh! No, son. Bulls. Not Bowls. Bulls. Like cows with horns on their heads.
Cotter: Oh. Now I get it.
(another short pause)
Cotter: Daddy?
Me: Yes?
Cotter: and like chicken nuggets?
Me: the Chicken nuggets....hmmm...
(pondering...pondering...pondering)
Me: Yes, son. Just like chicken nuggets.
Cotter: Daddy, who's playing basketball on TV?
Me: The Bulls and the Nuggets.
Cotter: Who are you roopin' for?
Me: Well, the Nuggets, I guess. They're the Denver team.
Cotter: Oh.
(short pause)
Cotter: Daddy which is the white team?
Me: That's the Bulls. The Nuggets are the blue team.
Cotter: Oh.
(longer pause)
Cotter: Daddy?
Me: Yes?
Cotter: Like the soup bowls?
Me: Huh?
Cotter: the soup bowls.
Me: Boy -- I have no idea what you are talking about.
Cotter: the team. The Bowls. Like soup bowls.
Me: Ohhhh! No, son. Bulls. Not Bowls. Bulls. Like cows with horns on their heads.
Cotter: Oh. Now I get it.
(another short pause)
Cotter: Daddy?
Me: Yes?
Cotter: and like chicken nuggets?
Me: the Chicken nuggets....hmmm...
(pondering...pondering...pondering)
Me: Yes, son. Just like chicken nuggets.
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