I have two "did you know" statements to make today.
Did you know that Paul may not have stopped traveling after he arrived in Rome for the two years of his house arrest? The possibility of this is new to me. I have always thought that once Paul arrived in Rome he never left the place, that his days of traveling were over. But, in reading Chronological Study Bible I learned that there are ancient sources that report that Paul was released from the Roman imprisonment after his two years.
There is a church historian, named Eusebius, that dates Paul's death in A.D. 67. That places his passing four years after he was released from house arrest. This information explains how he traveled to Macedonia as mentioned in 1 Timothy 1:3 and Spain as mentioned in Romans 15:28. Interesting, don't you think?
The second "did you know" has to do with slavery in Biblical days, at least in the times of Rome. While the book Philemon has a lesson is forgiving those who deserve full punishment, it brought the subject of slaves to my attention. When I think of slavery I think of the cruel manner in which many of the slaves were treated in our country. They worked the land but owned nothing, and ate only what was portioned out to them. They could be beaten at will, whether deserved or not.
Looking further into ancient slavery I discovered a few things. If a Roman slave misbehaved, or escaped and then was returned, the slave could be beaten and tortured. Similar to what I mentioned above. But on the upside, they could own property, including their own slaves. They could even buy their freedom from their master. If positioned in a house of wealth they could save money, buy their freedom and then with the help of their former master find a place in society. (This is according to Chronological Study Bible)
God did not condemn slave owners. He, however, addresses slaves as to their behaviors, see Paul's writing in Colossians 3:22-25. You see, slaves were a part of how life functioned in those days. Matthew 18:23-35 and 25:14-28 give us a glimpse into some of the freedoms and responsibilities that slaves, servants in the KJV versions, had in the days of the Bible.
Those are my little tidbits for the day.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Monday, August 15, 2016
Olympic Conflicts
There are so many things I love about the Olympics. It probably starts with the number of competitions I would otherwise not view on the TV. And, every four years I'm introduced to a new sporting event. Then there's the tear-jerking back stories on athletes from around the world that help us to cheer on many competitors in their final drive for the finish line.
With a few exceptions the athletes appear to have respect for the skill of those they compete against. What does break the "spirit of the games" is when an athlete or coach must file a complaint with the judges or referees. Unfortunately, over the years a sense of bias has played into some of the decisions made. But, this isn't the conflict I want to mention.
The conflict rolling around in my mind started at the end of the Opening Ceremony. I didn't get to see it from the beginning but I did get to see the lighting of the torch. The magnificent sculpture has to be the most beautiful display of the Olympic fire that I have ever seen. And as the fire works went off around and above the top of the stadium the screen shot switched to the birds' eye view of the statue of Jesus in the foreground with the stadium down below.
The commentators on many occasions have mentioned that the people can look up from any location and see the statue of Jesus with His arms spread out ready to receive the people. The camera often ends a segment by showing the Olympic stadium from the birds' eye view with the statue in the foreground. It's a great picture.
As I looked at the screen shot I got to thinking. Isn't that how our lives should be? Shouldn't we be able to look up and see Jesus ready to spend time with us. And, also serving as a reminder to us to mind our manners.
Ironically, the people of Rio De Janeiro are known for their partying lifestyle. Did you see some of the outfits the women were wearing as they danced in front of the opening ceremony crowd? I'd say they have little inhibitions when it comes to their celebrations. Sadly, there's also the city's high crime rate to be considered.
How interesting. Here they have the ever visible statue of Jesus that they are so proud of, and yet down below in the city, the party lifestyle allows for actions that might not equal the call Jesus places on any of his believers. So I ask myself, do I do this?
Do I allow myself to be a part of actions or activities that celebrate or embrace something Jesus doesn't call me to do? Do you? How easy is it to have Jesus in our sights and still do the wrong thing? We know He's there calling to us, beckoning us to Him. And yet we continue in our desires, not acknowledging that what we are doing brings Him sadness rather than joy. It's definitely a conflict I think we can all relate to in some aspect because none of us is perfect. But He is. And He continues, just like the statue, to hold His hands out ready to receive and forgive each of us.
With a few exceptions the athletes appear to have respect for the skill of those they compete against. What does break the "spirit of the games" is when an athlete or coach must file a complaint with the judges or referees. Unfortunately, over the years a sense of bias has played into some of the decisions made. But, this isn't the conflict I want to mention.
The conflict rolling around in my mind started at the end of the Opening Ceremony. I didn't get to see it from the beginning but I did get to see the lighting of the torch. The magnificent sculpture has to be the most beautiful display of the Olympic fire that I have ever seen. And as the fire works went off around and above the top of the stadium the screen shot switched to the birds' eye view of the statue of Jesus in the foreground with the stadium down below.
The commentators on many occasions have mentioned that the people can look up from any location and see the statue of Jesus with His arms spread out ready to receive the people. The camera often ends a segment by showing the Olympic stadium from the birds' eye view with the statue in the foreground. It's a great picture.
As I looked at the screen shot I got to thinking. Isn't that how our lives should be? Shouldn't we be able to look up and see Jesus ready to spend time with us. And, also serving as a reminder to us to mind our manners.
Ironically, the people of Rio De Janeiro are known for their partying lifestyle. Did you see some of the outfits the women were wearing as they danced in front of the opening ceremony crowd? I'd say they have little inhibitions when it comes to their celebrations. Sadly, there's also the city's high crime rate to be considered.
How interesting. Here they have the ever visible statue of Jesus that they are so proud of, and yet down below in the city, the party lifestyle allows for actions that might not equal the call Jesus places on any of his believers. So I ask myself, do I do this?
Do I allow myself to be a part of actions or activities that celebrate or embrace something Jesus doesn't call me to do? Do you? How easy is it to have Jesus in our sights and still do the wrong thing? We know He's there calling to us, beckoning us to Him. And yet we continue in our desires, not acknowledging that what we are doing brings Him sadness rather than joy. It's definitely a conflict I think we can all relate to in some aspect because none of us is perfect. But He is. And He continues, just like the statue, to hold His hands out ready to receive and forgive each of us.
Friday, August 5, 2016
Strength in a Time of Trouble
It's amazing how things have changed over the past year, not just in my life but in the lives of most people on the planet. I can't get over the number of reports of mass killings. It's as though one gunman incident is setting off another and another. Unfortunately, it's becoming a weekly event. While some are
terrorist related, others may only be a madman wanting his time of
fame. And to make matters worse, these horrific incidents are instantly recorded
on a phone and sent out on the worldwide web. It's craziness. Who would
have ever thought it possible? Not me.
What do we do with this knowledge of attacks? Do we run and hide, or stay put at home? Do we pretend it didn't happen because it wasn't in our neck of the woods? Do we allow ourselves to become hardened so that the pain of others doesn't tear us apart inwardly?
If I were to sit and try to contemplate all of the craziness in the world I think I would be quickly overwhelmed. If I focus on the happenings instead of asking how is God going to use this, I would be rendered useless. The Bible tells us we will have troubles, that's a given. Some troubles we can see coming and some we cannot.
I certainly didn't see the troubles coming that I have endured over the last year. Where did my help come from in this time of upheaval? I tried to keep my focus on God. He cared for my physical needs through the kindness and companionship of friends and family. I received encouragement, prayers, direction and re-direction from them. But, enough about me.
One thing I've learned is that what I practiced and experienced on a small scale in my life can be an example for all of us in the grander scale of these attacks. I feel I witnessed an example of this in the aftermath of the senseless killing of the police officers in Dallas last month. While the incident made the national news, I'm not sure the "rest of the story" was covered in other locations. In the days that followed, police officers were stopped by the public and given words of appreciation; hundreds of various church people met down the street from the site of the shootings to pray; people representing the two sides of the protest demonstration returned to the site and ended up hugging one another.
God used this tragic event to show His grace in motion. The love of God's people bridged a gap and brought encouragement and re-direction. Nothing can take away the sorrow the family and friends of the victims are now dealing with. But from what I see, there is no mounting tension or threat of repeated occurrences in the days to come.
If we bring God into our mayhem, he will be there. He is our strength in times of trouble, especially when man's will tries to override God's plan. Remember, when circumstances look like evil will result God can turn it for His good. (Romans 8:26-30; 12:14-21)
We can't always see trouble coming, nor be able to stop what we do see headed our way. But we can look heavenward and call out for help and direction. God can send comfort to those who suffer harm as a result of a tragedy. And, He can show us how to make a victory out of a loss.
What do we do with this knowledge of attacks? Do we run and hide, or stay put at home? Do we pretend it didn't happen because it wasn't in our neck of the woods? Do we allow ourselves to become hardened so that the pain of others doesn't tear us apart inwardly?
If I were to sit and try to contemplate all of the craziness in the world I think I would be quickly overwhelmed. If I focus on the happenings instead of asking how is God going to use this, I would be rendered useless. The Bible tells us we will have troubles, that's a given. Some troubles we can see coming and some we cannot.
I certainly didn't see the troubles coming that I have endured over the last year. Where did my help come from in this time of upheaval? I tried to keep my focus on God. He cared for my physical needs through the kindness and companionship of friends and family. I received encouragement, prayers, direction and re-direction from them. But, enough about me.
One thing I've learned is that what I practiced and experienced on a small scale in my life can be an example for all of us in the grander scale of these attacks. I feel I witnessed an example of this in the aftermath of the senseless killing of the police officers in Dallas last month. While the incident made the national news, I'm not sure the "rest of the story" was covered in other locations. In the days that followed, police officers were stopped by the public and given words of appreciation; hundreds of various church people met down the street from the site of the shootings to pray; people representing the two sides of the protest demonstration returned to the site and ended up hugging one another.
God used this tragic event to show His grace in motion. The love of God's people bridged a gap and brought encouragement and re-direction. Nothing can take away the sorrow the family and friends of the victims are now dealing with. But from what I see, there is no mounting tension or threat of repeated occurrences in the days to come.
If we bring God into our mayhem, he will be there. He is our strength in times of trouble, especially when man's will tries to override God's plan. Remember, when circumstances look like evil will result God can turn it for His good. (Romans 8:26-30; 12:14-21)
We can't always see trouble coming, nor be able to stop what we do see headed our way. But we can look heavenward and call out for help and direction. God can send comfort to those who suffer harm as a result of a tragedy. And, He can show us how to make a victory out of a loss.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
What Did I Do Wrong?
Confirmation. We all want confirmation. I certainly hate asking the question, "What did I do wrong?" Hearing that I said the right word, did the right thing, made the right move confirms that I'm on the right track. Hopefully, we all seek confirmation from someone who speaks the truth and calls it like it is. In the long run, it doesn't help us if we ask only those who tell us what we want to hear.
There's a basic understanding I think we all have. If we sense from God that we need to speak a word to someone, or move to a new location (with or without a job), or change churches, we would expect to get confirmation. I know I would. My expectations would be that the changes fall into place and life will run smoothly once the new becomes routine.
I mean I hear it so often, "God must be in this, look how smoothly things are going. Look how fast the church, or business, is expanding. Look how happy I am." The possibilities of what's said goes on, but you get the idea. And, it truly does seem to be the case. Which is why, in the past, when I felt like I fell on my face after doing what I sensed God wanted me to do I began to question myself, doubting that I had heard correctly, doubting my ability to hear God speak to me.
But, after reading the daily devotional from Our Daily Bread on Tuesday April 5th I was put in my place. I have heard that Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. I mean so many bad things happened when he was supposed to be leading his nation as their spiritual leader. Of course, he would be weeping and sorrowful. How sad, right? Today one might say that he was on the wrong platform, or misused social media, or that he missed the mark somehow.
Looking at it from today's perspective you might ask, "Was Jeremiah suppose to be a prophet at all if the people never paid attention to him?" Look at the first chapter of Jeremiah. (1:5) God called him to be a prophet to the nations. See that ending? Jeremiah didn't affect his own nation in the way he wanted, but he affected many people in other nations in ways he never saw coming.
So, did he fail? Did he miss the mark? No. But, he probably felt like he did. How do I know he didn't fail? Daniel and his friends are my primary witnesses. They would have heard the warnings of Jeremiah, seen the leaders not listen to him, then sadly experienced first hand the repercussions of not heeding the prophet's words. But, they stuck to their guns and won over some of the leadership they served. And, they became examples to the remainder of the people who were captured with them. Adding to the list, let's not forget about Ezekiel and then through time there was Mordecai and Esther, Nehemiah and Ezra.
People have free will to listen, or not, to any teaching or instruction. Even though the people heard what Jeremiah said, the majority didn't listen and the country was attacked more than once. And, leaders were carted off to lands elsewhere. The people chose to not heed the warnings. So, they suffered the consequences of it.
Jeremiah is the prime example that even though we may not see the results we thought God would bring through us, it doesn't mean God isn't working through our efforts. Look at all the writings that came from the few who did listen. We've all profited from their testimonies. I found this so encouraging especially when I hear of writers who barely get something going and they have thousands of followers overnight. It can be depressing. But, I know God has called me to the feat of writing, and I know He will use my work to help those He intends to reach whether it's tens, hundreds, thousands, or millions. Onward I go.
There's a basic understanding I think we all have. If we sense from God that we need to speak a word to someone, or move to a new location (with or without a job), or change churches, we would expect to get confirmation. I know I would. My expectations would be that the changes fall into place and life will run smoothly once the new becomes routine.
I mean I hear it so often, "God must be in this, look how smoothly things are going. Look how fast the church, or business, is expanding. Look how happy I am." The possibilities of what's said goes on, but you get the idea. And, it truly does seem to be the case. Which is why, in the past, when I felt like I fell on my face after doing what I sensed God wanted me to do I began to question myself, doubting that I had heard correctly, doubting my ability to hear God speak to me.
But, after reading the daily devotional from Our Daily Bread on Tuesday April 5th I was put in my place. I have heard that Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet. I mean so many bad things happened when he was supposed to be leading his nation as their spiritual leader. Of course, he would be weeping and sorrowful. How sad, right? Today one might say that he was on the wrong platform, or misused social media, or that he missed the mark somehow.
Looking at it from today's perspective you might ask, "Was Jeremiah suppose to be a prophet at all if the people never paid attention to him?" Look at the first chapter of Jeremiah. (1:5) God called him to be a prophet to the nations. See that ending? Jeremiah didn't affect his own nation in the way he wanted, but he affected many people in other nations in ways he never saw coming.
So, did he fail? Did he miss the mark? No. But, he probably felt like he did. How do I know he didn't fail? Daniel and his friends are my primary witnesses. They would have heard the warnings of Jeremiah, seen the leaders not listen to him, then sadly experienced first hand the repercussions of not heeding the prophet's words. But, they stuck to their guns and won over some of the leadership they served. And, they became examples to the remainder of the people who were captured with them. Adding to the list, let's not forget about Ezekiel and then through time there was Mordecai and Esther, Nehemiah and Ezra.
People have free will to listen, or not, to any teaching or instruction. Even though the people heard what Jeremiah said, the majority didn't listen and the country was attacked more than once. And, leaders were carted off to lands elsewhere. The people chose to not heed the warnings. So, they suffered the consequences of it.
Jeremiah is the prime example that even though we may not see the results we thought God would bring through us, it doesn't mean God isn't working through our efforts. Look at all the writings that came from the few who did listen. We've all profited from their testimonies. I found this so encouraging especially when I hear of writers who barely get something going and they have thousands of followers overnight. It can be depressing. But, I know God has called me to the feat of writing, and I know He will use my work to help those He intends to reach whether it's tens, hundreds, thousands, or millions. Onward I go.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Sudden Changes
Last week I experienced something no one should ever have to experience. A loved one suddenly choose to slip out without notice or warning; taking all belongings and leaving emptiness in the wake. It's a devastating feeling. It rocked my world. Surreality surrounded me. I walked in a haze filled with tears for hours. My thoughts filled with questions like, "Are you kidding me?" "What now?"
Like the single flower pictured below I felt somewhat alone.
But I reached out to family and friends within those hours and found that God has many ways to encourage us when we are down. Before I knew it people from all sides were surrounding me with their presence, their text messages and their phone calls. What I thought was a lonely existence became a mass of support like the bluebonnets in these other pictures.
I was not alone and am not alone. Even better than that, my God is faithful and He is my ultimate defender. As I sat in a variety of church services last week, I felt God's presence and His direction. It was the weekend we get to celebrate the path Jesus opened up for us to enter heaven. We get to die on earth one second and immediately enter into a new life in paradise and heaven if we accept His sacrifice on the cross. And that's exactly what I felt God telling me.
This weekend I celebrated the beginning of a new life, a new goal. God has something else for me to do. Human "will" caused the change, but God's "will" is ready to work everything for His good for His kingdom. (See Roman 8:28) It's not what I would have chosen or ever desired. But I look forward to the new things and goals that God has for me that may rock my world in a glorious way.
I still have those moments when the raw emotions come to a head and tears flow out unannounced. It takes me a few minutes to rein them in and bring them to a halt. Then I remember the lesson I've received and joy fills my heart once again. Starting something new is a little scary, but God is in this with me, so I shouldn't be fearful in any way. And, the fact is that any rocking motion eventually does settle down and becomes a smoother ride once again.
Like the single flower pictured below I felt somewhat alone.
But I reached out to family and friends within those hours and found that God has many ways to encourage us when we are down. Before I knew it people from all sides were surrounding me with their presence, their text messages and their phone calls. What I thought was a lonely existence became a mass of support like the bluebonnets in these other pictures.
I was not alone and am not alone. Even better than that, my God is faithful and He is my ultimate defender. As I sat in a variety of church services last week, I felt God's presence and His direction. It was the weekend we get to celebrate the path Jesus opened up for us to enter heaven. We get to die on earth one second and immediately enter into a new life in paradise and heaven if we accept His sacrifice on the cross. And that's exactly what I felt God telling me.
I still have those moments when the raw emotions come to a head and tears flow out unannounced. It takes me a few minutes to rein them in and bring them to a halt. Then I remember the lesson I've received and joy fills my heart once again. Starting something new is a little scary, but God is in this with me, so I shouldn't be fearful in any way. And, the fact is that any rocking motion eventually does settle down and becomes a smoother ride once again.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Defying Impossibilites
I have often heard that nothing is impossible for God. In fact, I have quoted that phrase. And while I know this to be true in my head I must confess that unfortunately I have occasionally not given God the credit that He can actually pull off the impossible. I'll blame it on doubt rearing its ugly head causing me to dare to question the abilities of my awesome God.
Then it occurred to me, if man could see the impossible before his eyes would it make it easier to believe beyond any doubt that God can do anything, even the impossible? And what would this example be? What could possibly be an example of what looks to be the impossible actually being reality?
Then I remembered a feat my brother is known for.
He loves to stack rocks. Now that doesn't sound like anything worthy of demonstrating impossibility. I mean, how hard can it be to stack rocks? One on top of the other, with the smallest one on top, right? That's how I would do it. Not exactly how he did it in the photo to the right
.
But what if the rocks are odd shaped? And what if they stand in a river? Not a peaceful river whose current is hard to detect but a river with enough force to create lovely little waterfalls as it moves around the rocks in its path.
Seeing is believing.
My brother is a mere man, yet look at these photos that show off what he can do with patience and effort.
If man can create such beautiful creations then our Almighty God can do anything He wants; even taking what we see or think as being impossible and making it a reality as strong as the ground under our feet.
Then it occurred to me, if man could see the impossible before his eyes would it make it easier to believe beyond any doubt that God can do anything, even the impossible? And what would this example be? What could possibly be an example of what looks to be the impossible actually being reality?
Then I remembered a feat my brother is known for.
He loves to stack rocks. Now that doesn't sound like anything worthy of demonstrating impossibility. I mean, how hard can it be to stack rocks? One on top of the other, with the smallest one on top, right? That's how I would do it. Not exactly how he did it in the photo to the right
.
But what if the rocks are odd shaped? And what if they stand in a river? Not a peaceful river whose current is hard to detect but a river with enough force to create lovely little waterfalls as it moves around the rocks in its path.
Seeing is believing.
My brother is a mere man, yet look at these photos that show off what he can do with patience and effort.
If man can create such beautiful creations then our Almighty God can do anything He wants; even taking what we see or think as being impossible and making it a reality as strong as the ground under our feet.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Nothing is Impossible
I have often hash-tagged the phrase "there is always hope". It was my way to bring light to the fact that God works is ways we don't think of. This week I read Joel Rosenberg's blog and found a true example of these words. In a land where Christians are being killed and radicals of the Muslim religion rule with a heavy hand there are untold numbers of people looking into the Christian Savior, Jesus.
This is incredible.
I don't know about you, but I figured Iran had fewer Christians now than they did this time last year. And those that remained were still being hunted down to be killed. Little did I think that there would be much spreading of the gospel. But, God uses all things to advance His kingdom, even the actions of the enemy.
We often hear in the news that Isis continues to recruit new members. But the actions of these people cannot overcome the way God moves. Yes, the terrorists are planning to change the world to be under their control. But, in reality their actions are doing nothing more than causing their own countrymen to wake up, turn away from the country's religion and walk into the loving arms of Jesus.
Even in the heart of evil activity God can be triumphant. And Joel Rosenberg's article talks all about it. Take the time and read it here.
This is incredible.
I don't know about you, but I figured Iran had fewer Christians now than they did this time last year. And those that remained were still being hunted down to be killed. Little did I think that there would be much spreading of the gospel. But, God uses all things to advance His kingdom, even the actions of the enemy.
We often hear in the news that Isis continues to recruit new members. But the actions of these people cannot overcome the way God moves. Yes, the terrorists are planning to change the world to be under their control. But, in reality their actions are doing nothing more than causing their own countrymen to wake up, turn away from the country's religion and walk into the loving arms of Jesus.
Even in the heart of evil activity God can be triumphant. And Joel Rosenberg's article talks all about it. Take the time and read it here.
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