COVERED BY THE CROSS

I see the cross

that endears me to thee.

The same cross

where I condemned thee

With the sin that I carry

and where thee pardoned me

At the cross.

STOP THE WORLD; I WANT TO GET OFF

OR GOD SENT ME TO THE DESERT SO I COULD HEAR HIM

Quiet time. There are even seminars on quiet time or spending time with God. I've been to one at BSF. But sometimes I still leave Jesus at the breakfast table.

A prayer warrior, I'm not. Oh, I pray a lot. Comparatively speaking, but I don't want to blend in. We're supposed to stand out. And I don't in my prayer life. In fact, there are a lot of days that my first prayer of the day is uttered at lunch. That's a waste of the whole morning. A waste of communing with Our Lord. Communing with us is exactly what He wants. And I waste an opportunity to have audience with the omnipotent, omniscient Creator of the universe. Can you imagine? I mean think of the most famous person in the world. What if you had 24/7 access to him/her? And didn't use it?

Well, God is far greater than any person you can name. And He's available to us.

How do we pray? Jesus gave us the example when He cited The Lord's Prayer. When that prayer becomes rote when we're offering up to God the words without the heart, then it becomes an exercise, a duty, rather than communicating in a personal way. But we can still follow the principles of The Lord's Prayer. Begin with praise to the Father, specifically give Him the props He so richly deserves, then petition Him asking Him for specific acts that He can address, then confess to Him your shortcomings and your plan of repentance, close with humble thanksgiving for answered prayers and more praise to the Father.

Breath prayers are little prayers (some say there are no little prayers) that are said almost under our breath. In literature it was called an aside. "Thank you Lord for the beauty I see in the clouds this afternoon." Or "I'm so thankful for the family you've given me." Offer these up often and keep the lines open. I've even heard some who don't say Amen at the end of a prayer because they know they'll be praying again shortly. They desire to keep the lines of communication open.

Whatever your method, whatever your preference, whatever your need, turn it over to the Lord in the manner of prayer. You'll feel better, and you'll please God.

YOU'VE BEEN GRAFTED

A footnote at the bottom of my NIV states "the Bible says the real nation of Israel is not a specific people or geographic place, but the community of all who believe and obey God (Gal 3:28-29)." I think that is awesome.

In Romans 11:11, the Apostle Paul writes of ingrafted branches when he speaks to the Gentiles. Some of the Gentiles were feeling superior to some of the Jews who had denied Jesus as Messiah. As God's chosen people, the Jews had broken the branches because of their unbelief. This lack of faith opened the door for the Gentiles to be grafted in (Rom 11:19) to the family of God--the family of all Israel which will be saved. It makes clear that faith, not heritage leads to salvation.

Last year when we were in Israel, my wife purchased a necklace similar to the artwork pictured. It's been a great opportunity for her to witness when women admire it.

On top is the menorah from Jewish tradition. A candelabrum used during Hanukkah, in this context it represents "I am the light of the world," (John 8:12) or God's Word written on the hearts of believers in Jesus.

Next is the Star of David. Micah and Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would come from the House of David and be born in Bethlehem.

Finally, the fish, a symbol for Christians. The Greek word for fish is Ichthys or Yeshua, meaning Son of God or savior. Also it represents Jesus' saying, "I will make you fishers of men." (Matt 4:19)

I love that necklace my wife wears. It's a great reminder of how we came to be accepted by our Lord. Even if her wearing it leads only one person to Jesus, it will be worth whatever the cost.

OR ROCK/PAPER/SCISSORS--LOVE COVERS SIN



"Want to play Rock/ Paper/Scissors?" Even in her twenties, our daughter likes to play the game. Whether to draw attention away from standing in a long line, or to break the mood of ennui, I don't know, but she offers her friends and us a chance to be diverted. And I had this thought, that sin is covered by love.



I don't think Jesus would care for this sign. Especially the no exceptions part. But even without that, He wasn't much in to labels. Jews/ Gentiles or Pharisees/ prostitutes--He saw sinners whom He loved. And He wanted them into the Kingdom.



From "cast the first stone" to "she did for me what you as a host failed to do," Jesus showed us
the way. In fact He showed us He is The Way. The only way to salvation and our eternal home in Heaven. He is the paper that covered the rock and broke the scissors.



And what did He command us to do? "Love the Father" and "Love one another." It's all part of the freedom we enjoy as Christians. To be able to love one another and serve our neighbors. We show our love to the Father by giving Him the glory and being obedient. That's the way the game works. Only it's not a game: it's life that follows God's plan. And no one has to enter through the back door.

MORE PK

If you haven't read my latest blog entry on On the QT, my other blog (with link by clicking on address listed) then maybe a brief explanation is needed. Last weekend, I attended my first Promise Keepers fellowship with my son Scott. We traveled to Nashville, Tenn for the two day sessions.

And after Friday night, wild horses couldn't have kept me from the Saturday morning session. This was after a late night supper at midnight at a Waffle House near our HOJO. Up and at 'em for a 7 Am departure, we wanted floor seats for Saturday. They didn't disappoint.

Besides outstanding music for two days, the speakers talked to us about proven biblical events, how to treat our wives, and the highlight of the PK 2007--the 4 chairs. It was a tremendous speech leading to an altar call where hundreds accepted Jesus as Lord. Brad Stein entertained both days as a comedian who stressed our need to be manly (or menly) for Christ. A humorous video of a man starting a small group was played over two days. In addition, there were others great speakers as well.

Promise Keepers may not receive quite the notoriety it did a decade ago, but it's still a great venue. To be around 9,000 other Christian men, or soon to be Christian men, was outstanding. Being energized, feeling the presence of God there at the Gaylord Center, growing together as the six of us in Scott's van did, well it was just a wonderful blessing. I'm ready for another PK.

THE KEY TO HEAVEN

Good friend Mike McClure carries in his bible a laminated card with The Plan Of Salvation with biblical references on it. I'm not sure how many he's handed out, but I wanted to reproduce it here.

John 3:16 God loves you

Romans 3:23 All have sinned

Romans 6:23 Sin has a penalty

Romans 5:8 Christ paid the penalty for sin

Ephesians 2:8-9 Salvation is by grace through faith

Revelation 3:20 Christ wants to save you

John 1:12 You can receive Him

It's vital. It's the most important decision you'll ever make. In effect, if you don't make a decision, you have. And it's not one with a good result.

Please read the verses above. I would add one more--John 14:6. Accept Jesus. Not Except Jesus.

THE RED CARPET TREATMENT AWAITS

One thing I love about altar calls at the end of worship services is the opportunity. The opportunity for one to change his life. Forever. Taking that walk. Shedding that old sinful nature. Proclaiming that Jesus is Lord. I never tire of seeing that.

Being raised in a Southern Baptist Church, I witnessed the invitation every service. That was as certain as passing the offering plate. "Just as I Am," was sung including all the verses. And if one went to the altar and talked to the preacher, the worshippers continued, starting over with the first verse. It wasn't the only hymn sung at the invitation, but is still perhaps the best.

One of our pastors would say, "You just started a party in heaven, because we're told when a new soul accepts Jesus, the angels celebrate." I never got tired of hearing that, too.

To think of the red carpet treatment that we receive when we accept God's grace and profess our belief in His Son. Well, it's just the best. Maybe they should change the spelling though. Altar to alter. Because after you have Jesus in your heart, your life will be altered.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE WORD?

When Goldie Hawn, she's the mother of Kate Hudson for younger readers, used to dance on Laugh-In in the late 60's, early 70's. She wore a bikini and body paint with words or expressions on her arms, and legs, and stomach. Most were like "sock it to me," or the peace sign.

In the recent movie "Stranger than Fiction," main character Will Ferell is asked what his favorite word is. As an IRS agent assigned to find fradulent tax returns, he plays his role perfectly and responds,"Integer."

Former MTV pastor Mike Steed had Glory for his license plate. He used Glory often in his speech and sermons, so I'm certain that was his favorite word.

Maybe our favorite word is one we use the most. Maybe it reflects where our focus is. Jesus would be a great favorite word, even though it is used disparagingly by some. I had a student who would respond verbally at times, silently other times to complete the sentence when people misused His name. She'd simply say "is my savior." I've tried it, too. It helps. Friend Deb Karch responded differently when she heard His name used disrespectfully: "Don't blame Him."

There was an onamastic study I read about years ago that listed the top twenty words in English that simply sounded the best. Many, in fact most, were good things. Harmony, heaven, peace, serenity were on the list, but those are the only ones I recall.

So if you're giving any thought to what your favorite word is, you might want to include something spiritual. Even if you don't, at least come up with something better than Will did.

INTO EACH LIFE

This picture was obviously taken prior to The Flood. So how do I know? Until that time water came from streams under the ground. It took a patient God's wrath to cause it to rain. Maybe that's why I never liked rain, although right now in AZ, we wait for the monsoons to begin. People are watching the dew point as closely as the Dow Jones. When the magical number hits 55, then we have a shot at precipitaion.

But God knew in His infinite and eternal wisdom that watering from the ground up was better. End of year school picnics wouldn't be ruined. Hair and clothes, too. Unless you wallered, as they used to say in Southern Illinois.

Umbrella salesmen might suffer, but I'm certain they could make a living bringing back galoshes. I can see them now in a variety of colors. Trendy, make a statement, support a cause kind of galoshes made to be fashionable. Or get into the car wash business. With no rain, there'd be a lot more dirty cars on our streets.

But there's no more speculating. If God wants us to have rain, He has a reason. And we are to accept and be thankful for all things. Remember when Job's wife couldn't understand his faithfulness to God after all his hardships? She told him to curse God and die. Job's reply, "Should I accept only the good things I receive from the Lord?" Yes, as hard as it is at the time, we are never to stop praising God for all the things, including tribulations that He sends into our lives. He may be trying to discipline us; He maybe trying to get our attention.

However much we suffer, no one suffered more, and no one suffered more unjustly than Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

ALFALFA'S LADDER

If you're not old enough to remember the Little Rascals or Our Gang comedies, you've missed out. I don't know if it was great entertainment, but it was good clean fun. Unlike modern day shows for kids or even cartoons, you didn't have to worry about content or innuendo.

I'm not sure what this placard is from--movie or episode, but if you started to tell me what it was about, I could probably finish it. I know it wasn't biblical, though I do remember one where baptisms were taking place when the gang was camping out and a storm came up. It was a funny one. A little frightening, too.

But the title and the picture made this blogger think about a ladder and a Pay as You Exit. In Genesis 28:12 Jacob envisioned a stairway, a ladder to heaven with angels ascending and descending on it. The Lord spoke to him establishing a covenant promise.

A closer look reveals it was God coming to him during a very lonely, guilt-ridden time in Jacob's life. The stairway or ladder was the way of communication with a sinner and his God. In John 1:51, Jesus referred to this scene as He was the stairway. Furthermore He is the only way to God (John 14:6).

And as far as Pay as You Exit, well, we know who paid the steep, steep price for our sins. The ladder's still available to all. Don't be afraid to grab that first rung. And climb.

IN THE BEGINNING, GOD CREATED

So many times the fifth word is left out. Many biblical scholars and writers refer to the first three. Many also add the fourth word. There's nothing wrong with stopping at either the third or fourth word. Scriptually, "I am the Alpha and Omega," (Rev 22:13) is said by Jesus.

But I think the fifth word is vital to understanding our Creator, our Maker.

While playing golf with Pastor friend Tom Harris, one day I commented on a beautiful sight, a great example of God's handiwork and said, "Isn't it amazing how the Big Bang was able to create such beauty?"

He replied,"Oh, I believe in the Big Bang Theory. God said there will be a Big Bang, and He made it happen."

Whatever the case, we would be foolish to take God out of the equation. It absolutely floors to me to think that many supposedly intelligent people do just that in the name of science. If one looks at a sunset, the ocean, the perfect formation of the human body, and millions of other things and still believes that it was scientific happenstance that created, that caused them all to appear without any hand directing, well then I'm sorry, but you've missed the whole picture.

And that is not even examining the spiritual nature of man. I'll discuss that in a future blog entry. For now, just stop, observe, and praise God for His creation.

PRESSING ON

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:14)

In a recent article in Shape magazine 24 year old Leann Rimes says she was one of the lucky child stars. She went from a 13 year old singer of "Blue" to a young adult without having to go to rehab.

"Heeere's Johnny!" might be an appropriate epitaph on the tombstone for the Late Night Show host Johnny Carson. A self-professed atheist, Carson was one of the most recognizable stars in the world.

Sinatra's daughter left a bottle of Jack Daniels in his casket along with a roll of dimes, according to Pastor Leo of the Mission Valley Church in San Diego that I attended last Sunday. He explained that Sinatra's mob dealings often required he make a phone call to get him out of trouble. In those days the cost for a phone call was ten cents.

Lindsey Lohan, Brittney Spears, Paris Hilton--the list goes on and on. People recognized by the world. People who have made fortunes or had them handed to them. People who didn't press on, apparently. And I pray they did or have come to know Jesus. Or will soon come to know Him. My purpose is not to de-value them or judge them. But sometimes we're given bad examples to awaken us. Especially when we've ignored all the good examples that God has placed in our paths.

Shakespeare said, "the world is too much with us," but scripture said it first. Secular or spiritual. That's our choice. But I don't want "Here lies Ted" on my monument. My faith leads me to believe I won't be there.

AND CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS



From the Hallelujah Chorus came, "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" from Rev 19:16. The hymn "Crown Him with Many Crowns" is a great one written by Matthew Bridges in 1851, but one which mixes tenses to some extent. The rest of the first line reads, "The lamb upon the throne".



When Jesus returns, He won't be the Lamb. He's been there, thankfully for us, and done that. Nothing I've read or seen so literally depicted that as Gibson's movie and Caviezel's acting in The Passion of the Christ. Moved to tears, I wept unashamedly in the movie, thinking that my Lord died for me. But when He returns, and He will for God never breaks a promise, He will come as a victorious warrior on a white horse (Rev 19: 11-14). And that's where the hymn, as beautiful as it is, falls short for me.



The vision that John had of Jesus' return as commander of heaven's armies is a beautiful one. The final victory over sin and evil. It's a comeuppance that is perfect in God's timing, long overdue in man's.



Perhaps I was too much a sticker to details for Mr. Bridges, because in verse 9 of the same chapter, Jesus is referred to as Lamb. But as a former English teacher, I have an awareness of tense. And after Christ's return, there will only be one tense--Present Perfect.

YOU JUST CAN'T BEAT IT. IT'S THE LOOK OF LOVE.

When I was a youngster ( I don't think I've ever called myself that before) I noticed the look of peace on the faces of some Christians. Roy Rogers had it. Dale Evans, too. Pat Boone, even as a teen in Bernadine had it. So did lots of people at church.

In Exodus 34: 29, Moses' face was radiant after talking face to face with the Lord. Actually a cloud came down and separated them, for no one can see the face of God and still live.(Ex 33:20) But his radiance was visible to the people. Now perhaps that's a stretch to say Moses' face and the Evans' and Pat and Christians at church had the radiance, but if it was visible to me, even though I defined it as peace, then there's something to be said about being with the Lord in prayer or the Word or both. There's a distinct difference as there should be. It's not the same as salt and light as examples. It may just be a reflection of God in us apparent to others. But there's a decided difference.



If not a radiance, maybe a glow. If not a glow, a look of contentment. A look of ease. A look of cool, not in the worldly sense, but in the more important Godly sense. It's been a long time since I first spotted it and wanted it. I still do.

ERADICATION ALL THROUGH THE NATION

It first hit me when I saw kindergarten graduation ceremonies. Complete with cap, gown, and diploma. While this old advertisement from United Airlines makes a good picture, it also makes a statement.

Why do we think we know anything about time? And timing? Why do we want to hurry our kids and grandkids into being little adults? Especially since when they get to be that age, they don't desire to hang around us old folks anymore?

As usual, scripture has the answer. In The Messianic Age as described in Isaiah 11:6-9 little children will lead the way in God's Kingdom where "wolf will live with the lamb/where the cow will feed with the bear/" and where in Isaiah 11:8, "the infant will play near the hole of the cobra." In that day, there will be a peace such as no one can ever imagine. Such are the works of the Lord.

David in Psalm 8:2 uses little children in his praise to God "From the lips of children and infants" . Or "from the mouths of babes," in current vernacular. And it's God's plan to utilize the little ones to stand against the enemies. Through God's empowerment, the least can overcome the beasts.

If God can have patience, if God can give value and such tasks to children, then let's let them be what they are. Childhood never lasts long enough anyway(s).

IT'S A GRAND OLD FLAG

As much as I love my country, and I do, I love my Lord more. So to me, the Christian flag is of much more importance on this Fourth of July 2007. So when the festivities and fireworks begin, let's remember there's another flag worth celebrating. Everyday. Like the song says. With Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Happy 4th.

ONE TO GO

It's taken me awhile to get through the Left Behind series of Christian fiction about the Second Coming of Jesus. It's a great read, easy read, biblically accurate account of what will happen when Our Lord returns.

Co-authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins wrote 16 books of 300 pages plus detailing what will happen in a catclysmic moment when the end of times occurs. In the 15th book, The Rapture, the authors add a very interesting view of what Heaven will be like. I guess it will entice me to read the final book, Kingdom Come. No, I know it will.

So why the picture of the CSI Crime tape? Let's suppose, and it's a huge supposition, that we knew the time that Jesus would return. Even He doesn't know. Only the Father has that information. But we were just supposing anyway(s). What would we do for the unsaved? How could we possibly keep them from being Left Behind?

And now, we're not supposing anymore. We don't know, we won't know. So what do we do? How can we reach the lost? We simply have to be more evangelical. Don't leave it up to the ministers, tent preachers, or televangelists. We have to be more outgoing, outreaching. Our Christian lifestyle is not enough. Our example may not lead anyone to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

It is a crime to let a person die without being saved. There's not enough tape in that dispenser for every sinner who leaves God behind. We're commissioned (Matt 28: 18-20), so let's make a difference. One at a time.