INTRICACY

Does God make junk? No, but the world takes His creation and junks it up all too often. And one way is through our minds.

How could some people doubt God as the Creator? His evidence is all around. Yes, even in the creation of an intricate spider's web. The silk gland that the Lord gave this spider results in his beautiful web creation. I know, it's for a purpose besides our viewing pleasure, but that doesn't stop me from marveling about the perfect end product.

The symmetry, the perfect architect, combined with dew and sunlight create what just one of God's creature's can produce. Yet people continue to doubt.

"How could the Pyramids have been built by man?" "I mean they're perfectly aligned with equinoxes." "Some other life force or aliens must have created them." "The technology wasn't around then."

What about Noah's ark, Solomon's Temple, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? They were are constructed by man. With a lot of assistance from God. But, again, why are we so suspicious? Why do we let our minds get in the way of our hearts? Why are we unable to look at the world though the eyes of belief?

Finally, as Ben Stein says, why do we believe what we read in the newspaper but not what's in the Bible? Remember faith and the mustard seed? See and believe as they did in olden times. Or believe and see as Christians do today.

NO SPARE TANK WITH GOD

Being one of the youngest members of my high school class has its advantages now. Not so back then. The biggest problem was not getting my driver's license until I was a junior.

One of my buddies was C.B. His folks had a Nash Rambler. Are you that old, inquiring minds queried? Guess so, though it had to be one of the last to roll off the assembly line. But when you're 15, when you have your first date in that car, it's pretty cool.

It had an aooga horn. Now, when you're 15 and in a Rambler with an aooga horn, well it's not quite as good as having your own license but it's close. It also had two gas tanks. One regular and one propane. Sometimes we would put over 100 miles on the odometer just driving around MTV. Imagine getting in your car today and driving for 4-5 hours. You could be in San Diego from Phoenix. So it shouldn't be too surprising that we ran out of the regular gas and had to burn the stinky propane.

But God doesn't work that way. Not with his grace. There's no reserve tank for each individual. Oh, we can depend on God; I'm not saying that, but God doles it out to us only when we need it. We don't come equipped with any spare grace. But we know when we need it, God will (I want to write graciously, but I won't) provide just the amount we need.

God's grace cost. Yessir. But we didn't have to pay it--Jesus did. All we have to do is accept it. And it will be offered to us time and time again. Not sparingly, and I didn't mean to disparage God about doling it out like an allowance. But yet that's kinda what it is: an allowance for our failures.

Thank you, Lord, for Your love, for Your goodness, and for not making grace smell like propane in an old Nash.

WHERE WAS SPIDEY WHEN I NEEDED HIM? AND I NEEDED HIM BADLY TO GIVE ME MORE THAN A KICK IN THE SPIRITUAL SEAT OF MY PANTS

I knew this friend one time. He went to church. Even when he was a baby. He stayed in church on a regular basis. He always knew he was different. He knew he felt bad when he did bad things. It didn't seem to bother some, if not all, of his friends when they did bad things.

At age 9 he asked God into his life. He knew he was a sinner and prayed for salvation. What should have been a celebration for his decision was kept quiet. In fact it lay dormant for almost 10 years.

Oh, he continued in his Sunday School and church attendance during that time of dormancy. He still knew he was different. When Sunday School teachers would ask him if he was saved he would say no. Because he had watched altar calls for years. And that's not the way he was saved. Plus, he had never joined the church. He had never been baptized. Even though some of his friends had. Even the same friends that didn't act like they loved Jesus very much. So he was a little unsure, a little confused.

So he plodded along as a follower of Jesus, but he felt more like an underground follower, if he would have known that terminology. He knew he would have to take a stand, but he kept putting it off. Even at revival meetings he attended in high school, he would come close to taking that step into the aisle, but he didn't. But nearly every Sunday you could find him in church and Sunday School.

The preacher he had known for a long time came to see him and he accepted the Lord and followed with baptism. It was so easy. It felt so right. When he was sitting in the first row of the pews he felt a cold rush of air that chilled him. A Christian friend later told him it was the Holy Spirit entering his body. He doesn't know if that was the case. He always felt his "first salvation" was valid.

Years passed. He would still be found in church. But for too long he left Sunday School thinking he had graduated or something. He knew he never needed a mid-week service or small group or home bible study, because he'd be there Sunday, taking copious notes and following along in his Bible, for the most part. He was an usher in church. He served on Building Committees, Deacon Nominating Committees. He was active in the church.

He re-found Sunday School. What a blessing he had denied himself! He moved across the country. He found Bible Study Fellowship thanks to two Sunday School friends and his wife. He went to Israel. He rededicated his life to the Lord and was re-baptized in the Jordan River. He grew spiritually.

I'd like to say I never looked back. I did look back. With regrets. I never felt out of touch with God. I never felt I was rebelling. Sometimes I never even felt I was procrastinating because I had my 9 year old salvation to fall back on. But I missed out on so much. I should be farther along the road to being a more mature Christian.

I'm in church a lot now. And I love it, as I always did. I always felt at home in church. But it's so much better when you're not a stepchild in God's family. And you don't have to be. Accept Lord Jesus today and begin your new life with Him.

IT'S STILL THE CROSS

Special music is just that to me. Special. I love to hear church friends sing solos or duets or even mom, dad, and kid(s) provide hymns or praise songs during worship services. The last time I was at my home church in MTV, the song "It's still the Cross" was sung by a soloist. It was touching. Touching because it struck my heart. It didn't tug at me like the Holy Spirit does, it simply touched me in the heart and stayed there for awhile.

A week ago during our Monday night BSF, a friend of mine from two years ago at BSF sat with me and shared his appreciation for something I had given him after my trip to Israel. A wooden cross made from olive wood from the Holy Land. It cost me 33 cents.

They had more expensive ones. Some even cost $2. But I had a lot to buy for a lot of people--family and Sunday School class members, and my BSF discussion group and leader, so I only shelled out 33 cents per cross. What a tightwad!

My friend Dan said he had put it on a leather string type necklace, but it had worn out. The string--not the cross, and he was going to have to replace it. At least two other guys from that group have shared with me how they've appreciated that cross. One kept it by his computer where he could see it every day. Another proudly wore it nearly ever time I saw him.

My first BSF discussion leader gave us each a cross he had made from rocks, more specifically gem stones. He had smoothed and polished them. They were beautiful. I still have mine and shared that with him last year. He seemed pleased, as was I, that something we loved, that we shared with someone else was much appreciated and valued. Even though mine only cost 33 cents. But, you know what? Mine is still the cross. No matter what anyone pays for one, it will never match Jesus' sacrifice. But it will match the significance.

I HOPE THE WICKED WITCH IS IN HEAVEN

I've seen at least parts of it probably 50 times. But I can't remember which Wicked Witch's death Dorothy caused when her tornadically blown house dropped from the Ozian skies. North, I think.

But I hope she was ready to die. I hope she knew the Lord. Now, you're just being silly. Perhaps. But people change. There are death bed salvations. And I just hate to think of anyone in hell.

When we're told that this life is only a vapor, a mist, that really affects me. We know from experience how quickly our lives pass. How many cannot remember several childhood incidents that seem only yesterday? All of us can, no matter how old we are. And when scripture reinforces that notion, then we know it's true. We know that eternity is just that--forever.

Faith is the cornerstone. It's what separates the Godly from the Godless. It can be illustrated by the wonderful people from scripture. Faith comes from the reading of God's Word and is strengthened by our obedience to Him. Even people who don't feel they are spiritual can receive the Holy Spirit by asking God humbly for it. (Luke 13:11)

It's necessary. It's vital. It's the most important decision you'll ever make. And if you never make a decision for God, then you have made a decision. And it's one you will regret for eternity.

To be separated from the Creator, the Maker, the Savior, Mighty Counselor, well, it's just unfathomable to me. Why wouldn't you want to do everything in your power to insure that you would see God's glory?

I'VE NEVER BEEN TO VERMONT BUT THAT STATE NEEDS CHANGE

While we were vacationing in the Northeast this Summer, I saw a newscast that had a story about a run in with the Vermont Department of Vehicles Registration. They had denied a personalized license plate.

And this was it-- JN36TN

When the application asked why this particular tag was requested, the respondent wrote "it reflects the most popular verse in scripture--John 3:16." Because it was religious, the Department of Motor Vehicles refused his request. The same department had allowed various other plates with highly objective content. One I remember was STONER.

Separation of church and state is being so abused in this country. Christians are being persecuted and eradicated. I'm angry, yet I feel so sorry for our country. And where we are headed.

I recently heard of a California school that prohibited students from carrying a Bible to school. Some of the students had jewelry made in the shape of a small Bible with the words Holy Bible printed on them. They wore them as necklaces, and that was acceptable. Bless their hearts. And shame on us for allowing the Vermont and California issues happen in the first place.

SAVOR

Go ahead. Take a bite of God.

Go on. He won't mind.

You won't need much

Because God lasts.

He satisfies our every need.

Go ahead now.

He's already offered His body for us.

He wants to.

He wants us to do in remembrance of Him.

He wants to commune with us.

Let's go ahead,

And savor our wonderful Savior.

IT DOESN'T REALLY HAVE TO BE A CLASH






Friday at sundown began the Day of Atonement or start of Yom Kippur for the Jews. It's a great opportunity to clear the conscience. To begin restoration of strained relationships. To clear the air, and to make way for reconciliation.



That's what I meant by the title--From Here to Eternity does not have to be a clash. With anyone. Also note the small sign below that simply states LIVE.



Now how are we to live in a world (here) and not have disorder? Not have issues? Not have personality conflicts? Well, as you know, I don't have many answers on my own. But scripture does. From here to eternity.



Some things that conveniently are in our study of Seeking Him with the Band of Brothers are about clearing our conscience. Simply put, we're not right with God if we're not right with man. Or as scripture says it best, "as you did it to one of the least of these brothers, you did it to me." (Matt 25:40) Now that's pretty powerful. Who would want to hurt God? Who would want to be out of sorts with Him? To be separated from God because of something we did?

But what about conflict when it's not a one-way street? What if you're not the only one at fault? If we just take care of ourselves, if we just humble ourselves to gain that clear conscience, then we have to trust the Holy Spirit will act in their life as well.

Oh this should be a piece of cake, right? Anything that causes us to swallow our pride is difficult. Even when the rewards are great. But wouldn't it be great to live from here to eternity with a conscience devoid of guilt? And to know that you're pleasing to God for you are in fellowship with Him.

I WONDER WHO DID IT FIRST?

I mean, expressed his thanks to God on the field? I know Cardinal star Albert Pujols has always done it with uplifted gaze and hands. Even after a single. Not just a World Series home run.

He often talks about his faith in his interviews. Lots of athletes do. But notice how quickly the interviewers change the subject. I have never heard one of them reply,"You know, you're right, God is good. His grace and mercy endure forever. I'd like to take this time with you to praise His name. Would you lead us in a little prayer?"

Well, maybe that's expecting a little too much. But would that be wonderful? Would that be refreshing? Wouldn't that be a great example?

Instead we get Sports Illustrated in this week's edition quoting a star outfielder using what he calls "f bombs" in three separate occasions. And that's acceptable? If I hadn't already quit subscribing to SI, I would after those direct quotes. So what does the athlete say? Was he misquoted? Well, certainly not on one when another player questioned his hustle as authentic. But he tells younger fans to "do as I say, not as I do."

Ok. Now I understand. That clears it all up. "Daddy, when I grow up I want to be hypocrite, just like Byrnsey."

There are so many bad influences on us today. I'm not about disparaging anyone. It's not for me to judge. But some things are morally reprehensible. And some things are morally right. Let's hope those two serve as examples. Remember we can learn a lot from a bad example. And we can stand and applaud when an athlete gives God the glory. Even if he's on the other team.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

Most have seen Footprints and the beautiful poem that addresses two sets of footprints, then only one. The person cries out to God about abandoning him in his time of need. God pointed out that those footprints were His, that the person had given up on himself.

I don't see this picture as the person who had started to give up on himself. It definitely wasn't God. Psalm 16:11 asks God "to show me the path of life: in your presence is fullness of joy." So what I envsion is a follower of Jesus taking one step at a time.

It could even be one step taken back. But I don't see that as a problem. Well, yes and no. Anytime we take those steps backwards, we displease God. But our God is one of grace. We are forgiven. Comforting, isn't it?

Following the Lord is somewhat like Ray Bradbury's short story "A Sound of Thunder." In the story a group of tourists in the future are able to be transformed into the past via a time machine. They are warned, "Stay on the Path." Of course, one strays and finds out when he gets back to the future time that things are drastically different. From the air he breathes, to the language they speak, even to the newly elected president. All because he, the tourist, veered off the path, and sadly as he finds out , he stepped on a butterfly on his journey back in time. The niche was ruined and history was altered.

When we veer off God's path we find in Psalm 30:5 "His anger endures but a moment; in His favor is life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." What a blessing! Yes, we may pay for our disobedience, but it won't be forever. If we repent, we'll find joy in the morning.

As an additional plus, we don't have to make that walk by ourselves. And we don't have to watch out for butterflies.

"THE WORLD IS TOO MUCH WITH US"

a Wordsworth poem tells us. But we don't need him to tell us that. A naturalist, his answer was to go to nature for our haven, our sanctuary, our refuge.

There are those who go to the mountains or the beaches or the forests to seek quiet time. Alone time. Re-creation time. Re-treat time. Re-fresh time. Re-energize time.

And then there are the smart ones. They go to God. Don't get me wrong. I love the forests, beaches, and mountains. But who made them? Who made everything? God, Our Maker. Our Creator. Our Savior. So why not go to the source? Amazingly we have accessibility to Him anytime we want. Plus, no one knows us better. No one loves us more. No one else has a perfect plan for our lives.

His Word will re-vive us. He will re-deem us. He even has a re-medy for our sins: the Cross. He is the Great Re-pairman!

Finally, He is a God of re-storation who wants a close personal re-lationship with us. Re-up with God. Re-turn to Him and re-dedicate your life to the Father. Don't stop going to the beaches, mountains, and forests. Enjoy them and everything else He created for us to enjoy. But never overlook your re-ligion.

WHAT WILL THE NAMETAGS LOOK LIKE IN HEAVEN, AND WILL THERE BE A DIRECTORY?

My first inclination is to say, "of course not; that's silly". God won't need a name tag to identify us. He knows every detail of our lives, every hair on our head.

But then there is also scriptural evidence. Don't you like that term scriptural evidence? When the Bible has been proven authentic archeologically, historically, and spiritually, and I come up with scriptural evidence. Anyway(s) what I mean is the Bible states that God looks at the heart. (1 Sam 16:7) The verse says that "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance."

So am I saying the name tags in Heaven would be necessary? Naugh, I 'm just joshing. What I think 1 Samuel means is that the important thing about us is our hearts. God can recognize us by our appearance; He just doesn't dwell on it.

Now what about that Directory? We know that Jesus knows us by our voices. And we will follow no other voices except that of the Good Shepherd. (John 10:3) But what about identification by face? Once again, am I being silly? Probably, but bear with.

Whether school pictures or church directories, people get dressed up, cleaned up, gussied up. You choose. And the Lord is pleased when we are washed. Blessed are those that wash their robes (Rev 22:14) Without saying, "washed in the Blood of the Lamb" is not only pleasing to God but required. Sanctification or made holy is imperative, too as (1Cor 6:11) tells us "you were washed, you were sanctified".

Ok, maybe the directory and maybe the name tags are big stretches. But what's important is that we have a heart for God and that we are washed. Ready, you might say, for the Heavenly Directory.

LIFT UP HOLY HANDS AND SING

In Sunday's worship service, our Pastor of Worship Arts had us put actions with our words. When we were told to "Lift up holy hands," we did. I know, so what? Many people in many churches do that regularly. But at our church, they are in the minority.

Then when the lyrics said peace, strength, and move, we made the peace sign, made a muscle, and did a little dance. It added to the music, got people out of the seats (and shells) and was a welcomed change.

In the Dali art work on the right, I'm not sure of the three dancers. Well, at least two are dancing, one praying, and one lifting up hands to the Father if she's not also dancing. If she is, then that's cool, too. Anything to focus on God and give Him the glory and praise.

Earlier this year, we focused on art and displayed paintings by church members in our foyer. In the Sunday service we also sang a song written by a 15 or 16 year old member of our Praise Team. We just try to make it about God.

We're getting ready to begin 50 days of Jubilee, which celebrate our 50th anniversary as a church. Special speakers, special service or community projects are being planned.

Forty of our women were in the mountains this weekend for a spiritual retreat. As I've written about before 35 men are being led by our pastor in a bible study about personal revival. A women's bible study will begin soon, if they haven't initiated it yet. Another bible study focuses on Thessalonians. We have ABF before our worship service. Awana for youth. A Prayer Works ministry thirty minutes prior to Adult Bible Fellowship. We have OWLS for Older Wiser Loving Servants of the Lord. We have a choir. We have children's church. We have Small Groups that meet in members' homes.

And I'm still missing several ministries that I haven't touched on. Well, anyway(s) I think I'm overlooking some of them. But if you're looking for a church in the area, if you're looking to be busy, to be around some great people, then please look us up. Or stop by for a visit when you're in the area. To find out more about us go to ScottsdaleBaptist.org. Yep, we even have a website.

THE BIBLICAL BEATLES

Our BSF assignment was to read the entire book of Matthew before we answered any questions for Week One. At least that's the way I interpreted the directions. So I did.

I joked that the book should be entitled Jesus rather than Matthew since so much of it is directly quoted from what Jesus said. I never realized that until I read it all at once, even though just two years ago I read the entire Bible in the course of a year. But it's different, and valuable to read an entire book at one sitting. Well, I did take a break or two.

But I also never realized Jesus' first words, "Let it be so." (Matt 3:15). He was talking about righteousness. I don't recall any Beatles' songs addressing that topic, but that's what happens when we try to apply something biblical to something secular. Well, sometimes anyway(s) when they just don't fit.

Oh, I know the song and lyrics, "Mother Mary come to me, singing words of wisdom, Let it be." And then there's "Hey, Jude." Maybe I better quit, since I obviously don't know how to end this entry, but I still think it's cool that Jesus first said, "Let it be."

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

A 1966 movie with Michael Caine and a subsequent remake about 5 years or so ago asked the fundamental question in song. I think Dionne Warwick sang it for the movie, "What's it All About, Alfie?"

The next line is the key: "is it just for the moment we live?" We know from scripture that our time on earth has been described as a mist or vapor. But what if we knew that today would be our last day before being called home? By the way, that was what was written by poet Emily Dickinson just before she died,"Called home."

Wouldn't we want to hold that good-bye kiss just a little longer? Wouldn't we want to look deeply into the eyes of our loved ones? Wouldn't we want to exaggerate all our senses? Wouldn't we feel that we needed to breathe in more of God's creation? Wouldn't we feel like soon we would be in the presence of our heavenly Father? And soon we would be faced with the decision, "will I dance for you, Jesus, or in awe of you be still?"

Would we be like Rick Warren's father when he was dying," I want to win one more for Jesus?" How could we put a final punctuation point on our Christian legacy? Whom would we need to phone, to get in touch with one final time? What would our last words be? In our last moments would we be in the Word? Which scripture would we be reading?

Too many questions. Not any answers. Maybe not even a good topic today. But the 70's poster spouting, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life," may be inspirational, even in 2007. But I'm not convinced that Alfie, more specifically "Is it just for the moment we live?" if we consider it to be our last day here might not be all that bad to live by.

TAKE A STAND

I've loved this verse since I first heard or read it. I love it when God's people take a stand for Him.

The days of the passive Christian are over. We simply can no longer fear confrontation or rejection. We can no longer feel that we might intrude or offend people who are not of the faith.

Actually,we were never told to be passive in our beliefs, but as a little bit of the secular world seeped into us, some of us (read ME) did exactly that. And what we're doing when we do that is to place a higher value on the person and his feelings, than on God. Talk about having our priorites out of order. I used to be afraid of pushing too hard. Of turning the unsaved away from God. And I felt responsible. Honestly, I felt that I may be the only chance this person ever has, and if I blow it, well... I hadn't factored in the Holy Spirit providing guidance and words for me.

Talk about pride. Like God couldn't find someone else to witness to the person. Nope, only me. One time after a golf game, I found myself with no small bills to tip the young man who cleaned my clubs for me. I knew him pretty well and said,"Do you have some change for me," when I handed him a hundred (just kidding) a twenty dollar bill. "Mr. Quinn, do you think you're the only one who ever tips me? Sure I have change."

But that example is the old ego in me. And I hope old is the operative word.

ART IS DIFFERENT FROM ART

One time at SIU, I argued with a fellow student about music. Not that I'm very musical. He was. In fact later he served as our church's Music Minister as it was called back in the day. He thought singer Jose Feliciano had been unfaithful to the intent of the Star Spangled Banner rendition he did at a 1968 World Series baseball game in St. Louis.

My point was that music, like literature and art, was open to interpretation to some extent. His argument was, the music is to be followed note by note as it was written. I didn't think Mr. Feliciano had disrespected the anthem at all. And I'm not sure Mary J. Bilge disrespected it either in her singing in Indianapolis at the start of the NFL season last Thursday night. But it was almost unrecognizable. At least in parts.

So maybe that's a little like sin creeping into our lives. It's just a little bit different. It doesn't seem that big a deal. Oh, it's an obvious deviation. And maybe I just hit on something. Deviation--devious--deviated. Just not right.

So maybe Mr. Robinson, who defended to the letter the music written by F. S. Key, was right after all. It wouldn't be the first time I used a faulty argument.

So what's the title, what's the picture got to do with this entry? Interpretation. I have no idea what the artist intended. What I saw was a couple getting married. But there was no religion, no spirtuality in the picture. Just hollow colors. It made me think about a comment my teaching leader in BSF made last year.

He said for the Christian, our existence on earth represented the only hell we'll ever know. For the non-Christian, his/her existence on earth repesented the only Heaven he/she will ever know.

Maybe I should have entitled the picture (if I take the liberty) "Earth: That's All There Is--For The Unfortunate".

A STAIRCASE IS NOT A MOUNTAIN

Tuesday morning's Band of Brothers led by our lead pastor inspired me this morning. Now, understand I'm not a tough cookie. I get inspiration from lots of things, unfortunately not all of them are spiritual. But this morning's was.

Our lesson was about holiness. And mountain climbing. Well, I know that to take one point out of some great discussion is not fair, but that's what this entry is about.

A mountain climbing professor of Pastor Rob taught him never to climb down when you're climbing a mountain. As one who has only climbed a few mountains on golf courses at Phantom Horse and Eagle's Mountain, I understand the principle to some limited extent. Traversing is the key when a straight ascension is undesirable. At least that's the way I see it.

Spiritual mountains I seem to understand better. And if I haven't fallen or climbed down in my spiritual walk, I've certainly traversed from time to time. When it happens, I feel as if I have failed. While I'm disappointed in myself, I'm also disappointed for God. I've let Him down. Time and time again. Yet He keeps me covered. He keeps me cupped in His hand. Equally important, He forgives my past, present, and future sins. I marvel at that, along with about a billion other things that characterize God.

So I must press on. I must attack that mountain. I may never reach the top like the mythical Sisyphus, but if I do, the rock won't fall back down. I won't have to descend and begin the process of pushing it up the mountain again. When I get close to the top, I'll be pleasing God in my sanctification. In addition, in my striving there won't be strife. At least none that I can count on having to do it all by myself.

BIBLE STUDY FELLOWSHIP




I'm pumped. BSF begins this week. In fact, for me tonight. This year's study is on Matthew.




Bible Study Fellowship is an international, non-denominational, intense study of the Word. We meet at 6:55 for greetings, announcements, and two hymns. Then we go to our small group discussions with 15-20 Christian men and a discussion leader. Then back to the auditorium for another hymn of worship and lecture from our teaching leader. It lasts 45 minutes, and I'm out of there at 8:45. We begin in September and wind down in Mid-May, with vacations at Christmas and around Easter.

It's really a blessing to get to meet weekly with 200 Christian men and to get their insights into scripture. Also, the homework keeps me in the Word on a daily basis. It sharpens my focus upward where it should be. (Now do you see the BSF connection with the picture?)

If you are fortunate to live in a large community that offers mens, womens, and mixed classes for young adults, then I'd urge you to enroll. You won't be sorry you did.

IF PLUTO AIN'T A PLANET, CAN THEY CHANGE MY 8TH GRADE SCIENCE GRADE?

Call me old fashioned, call me bullheaded, but I still think Pluto deserves its status as a planet. I mean, that's what they taught us. They also taught us that Christopher Columbus was a great man. An explorer who founded one great country. They also taught us to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

But before I go on about all the virtues and values that we were taught and reveal how really old I am, that's not the point of this entry. So what is? Well, as usual, it's about God.

God knows whether it's a planet or not. I mean He made it. That's another thing they taught us--use captial letters when referring to God. Not just the G; little g was reserved for the fake ones like Zeus, although they did allow a capital Z. But also when using the pronoun (He/Him). When and where we lost that, I don't know, but if you ever catch me not using the capital letter in any reference to God or He or Him, it's a mistake. I know some of the things we learned in school we're right, no matter who says they aren't now.

So what else does God know? How about the stars. Not only did He place them in the skies, He named each one. If that's not paying attention to the minutest of details, I don't know what is. How about the sparrows? the hairs on our heads? our hearts?

What a mighty God is He!! And I figure He doesn't even care what my 8th grade Science grade was.

THE GRUMBLER (OR HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TUGGED AT MY SHIRT TAIL)

Buddy Jim Crawford, one of my Band of SBS Brothers on Tuesday morning men's bible study at 6:30 AM, told me last night that he appreciated my input on an early morning experience that I had shared with the group. So, here it is.

At 6:05 AM I pulled out onto Cactus, a busy street that takes me to the 101 interstate. This morning there was one car I had to wait on. My natural inclination is to grumble: "Why did this car have to be there and force me to wait," would be my usual response or thought process. Before I could finish, I was interrupted. It was like I said in the title. It was the Holy Spirit trying to bring me back to reality.

"Are you kidding me?" was my next thought. Here I am, complaining about one car and missing the beautiful sunrise over the mountains. I'm missing the calm of a peaceful morning. I'm missing a chance to have audience with the Maker, the Creator.

I immediately went to prayer asking God to forgive me for my grumbling. Not just this morning, but for a lifetime of grumbling about drivers and weather and all kinds of negativity that I had expressed. And you know what? I felt so relieved. I felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I actually felt as if I had physically grown in my car as my head was touching the roof lining. Fellow brother Bob Peach jokingly told me I was only wishing that growth spurt happened. But he could identify. He knew, too.

And that's my story. I've thought of that experience more than once since Tuesday morning. And I thank God for placing that car on Cactus. And I thank the Holy Spirit for opening my eyes.

THERE HE GOES; HERE HE COMES-- IT'S ALL ABOUT LOCATION AND PERSPECTIVE

On two early evenings on the cruise ship, we watched the sun set over the ocean. I've enjoyed sunsets for ages.

It also saddens me somewhat. I guess I'm thinking that yet another day has come to end. A day that a gracious God has given me. Upon further examination I should ask myself, "What have I done for His glory, for His kingdom this day?" I'm afraid that would sadden me even more on most days.

But on the cruise (and at other times) I'm reminded that while we're seeing the end of a day, others in other parts of the world are seeing the sun rise as we see it set. Now, that's nothing that you didn't know, but it does emphasize location and perspective.

At a funeral once, I heard a pastor say that as we see our loved one passing to another shore and we're saddened at the loss, those on the other side are waiting to greet our loved one and are happy at his/her arrival. Of course that's only true if the deceased is a Christian.

For only separation and loneliness await the one who has rejected the gift of grace. For the one who never experienced salvation. For the one who did not believe, confess, repent and embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior.

It's not too late. As long as there is breath in the body. Seek Him today. You'll improve your eternal location, and you'll reap the benefits of a proper perspective in this life, too.

UP TO OUR NECK IN TROUBLE

Isn't that the way it is with all of us? Oh, not all the time. But we've been there. In hot water. We need someone to throw us that lifeline.

If you haven't read Don Piper's book Ninety Minutes in Heaven, you must. It's the true story of what happened to him when he was pronounced dead, confirmed dead by 3 ET's and one former Viet Nam medic. That same medic prayed him back to life. In those 90 minutes when he was dead, he went to Heaven.

And that's all I'm going to tell you. Ok , one more thing. It took him fifteen years to write or co-write the book. It took him two years to tell his wife about it.

Now, that is it. No more. But if you want to read about the power of prayer, specific prayer; if you want to read about God's grace and God's sovereignty, and many other things, then you must read it. It's simply one of those rare books that can alter your life.

Speaking of alter. A couple was getting married. The bride was ridiculously nervous. The preacher told her that she only had to keep three things straight. Number one, she would march down the aisle on the arm of her Father. Two, when she got to the altar, she would meet her husband to be. Her last act would be to give her husband the ring after she had received a ring from him.

She wanted to simplify, to put it to memory. She reduced it to three words; three words that had significance--Aisle, altar, him. And she kept repeating, "aisle, alter, him." And she probably did.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE VERSE?

And you better have one, just in case Larry King comes calling.

Maybe you missed it with Summer going on. Maybe I'm just tardy in my blogging, but here's what happened while you were basking in Old Sol.

Paris Hilton--she's the one on the right-- got arrested. I think it was for a DUI, but I can't seem to keep all the stars and starlets straight. It's getting to be like sport figures. Who get arrested almost as much as Hollywood types. Who get arrested almost as much as politicians. Well, I'm digressing, but if you really didn't pay much attention this Summer, then you missed a lot.

As I was saying, Paris Hilton--the one on the right--I think the one on the left is some guy called Kid Rock, but I could be wrong. I made a mistake in a recent blog entry saying that the ball used in soccer was called a soccer ball, even in the rest of the world. German-born friend Horst Bitzer and friend Pastor Rob Wagner informed me of my gaff this morning. It is called a football or futbol. But I'm digressing yet again.

So, Paris Hilton--the one on the right--got arrested. She got sent to jail. For something like 82 minutes, but I think that was Nicole Richie. Anyway(s), she got released, at least to house arrest where she was forced to stay in a 24-room mansion. Some legal or enforcement person objected, so she had to go back to jail for 24 hours or so. Cameras filmed her getting out of jail almost free as she cried to her awaiting mother. She went on the Larry King Show. Larry, who has been married 9 times. I know that 's yet another digression, but come on--9 times! I don't care how old you are, that's too many.

So Paris Hilton (I know you thought I was going to say, the one... well anyway(s)) tells Larry she found religion while she was incarcerated. Now, if that's the case, and honestly, I hope that it is, then bless her heart. While I'm not trying to judge, I suppose I doubted her when Larry asked her favorite bible verse. Her response,"Oh, I like them all." Again, if she does, if she's genuine, then I'm all for her. I think I heard that shortly after her release, she was at a party where drugs were in heavy use, and when she got out of a car at 4:00 AM, there was a cloud of thick marijuana smoke. But I may have combined two or more starlets. Kinda like football, futbol, and soccer.

So ok, what's my favorite verse? John 14:6 It's also the basis for this blog. And if you don't know about the most radical verse in all of scripture, then please look it up. You never know where Larry King might be lurking.

RISE AND BEND

"All rise!" should not just be for local, circuit, appelate, or Supreme Court judges.

"All rise!" should be for the truly maginficient--the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

"Every knee shall bend," should not be done in the form of curtsey to awaiting beaus.

"Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."

So we rise and we bow to show respect. Even when we sit, we drop our head in prayer.

Stationary doesn't get it. Because we're not on equal ground.

Well, there is justification. I love that word: just-as-if-I-never- sinned-cation.

So maybe we are equal. But we're separate. And that's the only way it is. So arise and bow. For He is worthy.