THE THREE KEYS

It all comes down to this.

Learn their story. Take time to listen to the story of where the individual stacks up on the spiritual line. Listen. Don't judge: don't be shocked. Respect their story. Remember listening can demonstrate love. Ask them questions. Repeat some of the exact things they tell you. Be genuine. After you've established a level of comfort and expanded the conversation, then try to peal back some layers. Pastor Wagner, whom I must give credit for much of this entry, suggests questions such as "Did you grow up in the church?"

This can lead to sharing of our faith. Be ready. Organize your story, be deliberate, be intentional and be concise. Some questions to help you formulate your story, again courtesy of Pastor Rob Wagner, what was your early spiritual background? When did you consider following Jesus? How did you take that step? How has your life changed after you trusted Jesus to be your Lord and Savior?

But you're not done. Next is to share His story. A plan of salvation card may be helpful. I have some laminated that I keep in my Bible. The operative word there is keep--they're not doing anyone much good unless I help spread the gospel. There are also tracts that explain how to become a Christian. What I like about the cards and tracts is that they give bible chapter and verse, so one can get into The Word.

If you possess neither, after you've established a comfort level through conversation and shared your story, I'd suggest a synopsis as brief as possible without leaving out any of the vitals. If one believes by faith that Jesus was God's own son who came to live on earth, died on a cross as a sacrifice for our sins, and rose from the dead, then all we have to do is pray that we believe and are willing to turn from our sinful ways and trust Jesus. We are saved by God's magnificent grace.

The benefits of following Jesus on earth are tremendous, but pale in comparison to spending eternal life in heaven with Him and the Father.

GOD PROMISES

EVERY BIRD HIS WORM, BUT HE DOES NOT TOSS IT INTO THE NEST.

That's what the caption says above the cardinal. Another expression urging the Go- Mission as our pastor has been preaching about for the last few weeks is "Prayer has feet."

I like all the expressions that encourage. Another one from The Truth Project is in the form of a question: "Do you really believe what you really believe is true?" And if so, how would that change your life?

If we really believe there is a heaven and hell, if we really believe Jesus is the only way to secure an eternity in heaven with Him and the Father, then why don't we take a more active role in evangelism? Why don't we try to warm or help win the lost? Especially our family, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbors, our acquaintances?

It perplexes me why we don't. And a heavy emphasis on we, or more pointedly--me.

In my next entry, I'll try to get out of my nest. I'll attempt to show you how you can get out of yours. There's a lot of kingdom work to be done. We've put it off long enough.

SEEK HIS LOVE, FEEL HIS PRESENCE, TRUST HIS WORD

SFT--That's what Golf's Sacred Journey by David L. Cook is all about. That explains the picture to the right.

Well, sort of. The tombstone is for burying the lies of our lives and relishing in His love, His presence, and His Word.

And what exactly are the lies of our lives that need buried? "The lies you have learned along your journey in life, those lies that you have established in your heart even though the weight of them has been crushing your soul." Those things that have made you rebellious. Those holds on your life. Those things that made you run to Tarsus rather than Ninevah. Those doubts caused by living in the flesh, living in the comforts of a secular world.

Once those are buried and the new you emerges, you'll find a life of meaning, an intimate relationship with God, a view of His handprint on everything you see.

You'll find Utopia. And it's not in Texas, though that is the setting for the novel, and you won't find it on the bookshelf, though Thomas More wrote it many years ago. You'll find it in your heart. SFT.

TO THE EVOLUTIONISTS COURTESY OF DEL TACKETT

I've written about The Truth Project before. I've enjoyed it in our Small Group. But this past lesson, Lesson 5 Part I on science should be required viewing.

It all comes down to design versus randomness. The evolutionists believe the latter. That somehow there was total nothingness, if you can imagine, and then poof! or Big Bang! and there was everything. Or, of course, the beginning of everything, because everything evolved. Into the intricacy, the perfectness that we have in the design of a peacock's feather, Dr. Tackett suggests.

And our solar system, and the stars, and the human body. Randomly created? or as Psalm 19:1-4 states "by the glory of God and the work of His hands."

To my picture of the scrabble letters. He poses the following: how long would it take to drop scrabble letters on a table to get just two lines of Shakespeare, and two short lines at that: "to be or not to be/ that is the question." Once you have that figured out, then where did the paint on the letters come from?

It's really not all that Zen-like, that "what is the sound of one hand clapping." It's just pointing out random is just that. Yet, that is what our leading scientists and universities would have us believe. That the cosmos always existed or it had a beginning. If it always existed then why did the energy behind it not run out as energy does? If it had a beginning, then why does it take less faith to believe it was by design and the Word of God, than by randomness?

Heady stuff. The Crawfords, our hosts for Small Group, offered the final two insights that I'll leave you with. Jim pointed out the law of irreducible complexity which states something can't evolve: it must be complete all along. Lori took the more spiritual path suggesting that God uses technology to reveal more of Himself.

I can't wait for Part II.

SO IS THIS WHAT OTHERS SEE

when they look at me?

I promised a little salt and light discussion. In scripture we're told to be salt and light. We're told that others should see God's glory in us. That others should want what we have; that is, the love of Jesus in our hearts and in our lives.

Then there is I. Two cases in point.

A neighbor of mine drops f-bombs and GD's on me as we talk. Oh, he's pleasant all the while, but his language is punctuated with expletives. I don't know whether to hope it's only with me that he feels that comfortable or if that's his normal conversation with everyone else. Neither thought is comforting. But if it is the former, then why does he unload on me? What does he see in me that makes him think it's acceptable to do that?

My other example comes from the golf course. Once in awhile when my wife and I play golf, we get paired with another twosome. Almost always, they are respectful to her. Most are somewhat surprised at how far she hits her drives, but they are cordial to us both and we generally have a good time.

Once last Summer while playing the course we live on, she bailed after 7 holes to cook supper because I had BSF and had to eat early. I drove her home and returned to play the last two holes. As soon as we got to the tee box, the expletives started. So while they were perfect gentlemen for 16 holes, once my wife was removed from the scene, they relaxed their language--or reverted to their vulgarities.

Again, what made them think I'd approve or tolerate? What did I look like to them? Well, my fear is that I looked no different than a non-Christian. And that's the problem.

I suppose I'm side stepping the issue. If I ignore the f-bomb, which isn't as offensive as the GD or JC to me, I could still address the problem by saying something like,"Man, don't say that around me; I love Jesus." Now I just have to put it into practice.

But will I?

AT THE CROSS

"I wonder if I turn people off when they see my cross?" my wife asked the other day.

"What makes you think that?" was my response. And there's not a day that goes by that she and I don't wear our cross necklaces. I, with one I've had for twenty-five years; she with several. Her favorite is the one we purchased in Israel that shows the grafting in of the Gentiles described in the book of Romans (11:19)

On many occasions I've heard her explain the meaning. What a great chance for her to witness to what the Lord has done. So it really surprised me when she asked if people were turned off by the cross.

She went on,"You know how you are when you see someone wearing a Chicago Cub tee shirt." Just in case that needs explanation, my St. Louis Cardinal allegiance allows no room for anything but dislike for the Cubs. "It might just be the same way for a non-believer who sees my cross."

"I don't think so at all. After all, we're told to be salt and light to the world." But she did get me thinking. "Do people who aren't Christians look at any kind of Christian display and have the attitude, 'just consider the source' and reject on sight?" Not that either of us are worried about rejection of us personally, but we don't want anyone to reject our Lord and Savior.

Rather interesting, this jewelry food for thought. I'll address salt and light more in my next entry. By the way, we're still wearing our crosses.

"YES, I AM COMING SOON"

Jesus' last words. Well sort of. At least that's the last words in red that the Bible attributes to Him.

He had another set of last words from the gospels, "It is finished." (John 19:30).

And He had another set of last words after He was resurrected. "Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt 28:20)

Of course, no others would measure up. But I find it interesting to read about others' last words. Many of these come from a tract entitled, "Famous Last Words".

"to die will be an awfully big adventure." Sir James Barrie in Peter Pan.

"called home," penned by Emily Dickinson as she sat at her desk.

"what is the answer?" After not hearing an audible response, she continued, "then what is the question?" Gertrude Stein

"Don' let it end like this. Tell them I said something." Pancho Villa

"I die hard, but I am not afraid to go." George Washington

"And Jefferson still lives." John Adams (they both died on July 4; Jefferson died first)

"I am still in the land of the dying; I shall be in the land of the living soon." John Newton

"I've never felt better." Douglas Fairbanks

"I am about to--or I am going to--die; either expression is correct." Dominique Bouhours, French grammarian

As Jesus hung on the cross, He exclaimed, "Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit. (Luke 23:46) Several others have used this verse as their dying words. While interesting, what's vitally important is not what one says before dying, but what decision one makes while living.

There's no reason to fear or wonder where you will spend eternity. It's all rather clear. You'll spend it with God or you'll be separated from Him. Take time right now to invite Jesus Christ into your life. Don't delay. We aren't guaranteed time to make peace with God, to plan our last words. It's simply the most important decision you'll ever make.

THEY EVEN HAND RANG THE CHURCH BELL TO SIGNAL THE START OF WORSHIP

This isn't quite the church we attended this Summer while stationed in Coronado. Well, we're not military, though a lot of the town of 23,000 are. And a whole lot more edging up to 1 million population for the Summer months.

There were two churches of our denomination on the island. One had an 11:00 Sunday morning start, much too late for morning folks like us. The other, a church we had tried earlier in the Spring, was not our choice for more than one visit.

So besides the ringing of the bell, what made us choose our Summer church? Nostalgia probably. Certainly along with the study of The Word. Without close attention to scripture, no church would have a chance.

What was nostalgic then? First, it was a beautiful old church built in 1890 by the same designer of the famous Del, the beautiful hotel of Coronado. Steepled, it was just a few blocks off Orange, the main drive of the island. Wood. Pews, sanctuary, stained to perfection, yet with an aged look.

Stain glass behind the alter, a beautiful Bible scene catching early morning sun. Plus, they even had the old wooden attendance plaque on full display announcing attendance numbers, Sunday School numbers that week, visitors from the previous week, and contacts made. It made me think of former Sunday School Director Russell Laur who would announce the figures in worship service and add, "You be in your place next Sunday, and I'll be in mine."

It still worked in Coronado. Along with some good old hymns mixed in with some new ones and special music. Great sermons by different pastors because the lead pastor was on sabbatical.

I'm glad we were led to that church. Sometimes it's good to get some of that old time religion once again.

MY BUDS

at least a lot of them are worried. About the election. About the economy. About their savings.

I would love to say, not me. But even though I know the Matthew verse, "Today has enough worries of its own," I can't completely trust God to provide. Mark that down as a confession. Why can't I? Has He provided for me? Time and time and time again. Have I provided for me? Only through His help.

So if I have His..tory on my side, if I have a biblical world view, if I have trust, then why do I think God needs me to worry?

Or another way to look at it. If God allowed me to have money and it was His plan all along, then if He decides I don't need it anymore, then I should thank Him for blessing me. In both cases. I mean Job taught us that.

Provision, trust, watchful care, the love of the Father. They all come into play. As for me, I'll follow Him. He's a great leader.

WHAT TO DO WHEN WE ARE IN NEED

Oh, to have a genie. Or a Jeannie like the old tv series. But we have so much better, so much more permanent, so much more lasting. We have the Word of God.

Several places in the New Testament answer the question of what we are to do when we are in need. I list just a few with partial reference. Some may well be familiar; some may be new. But I still have a little left-over teacher in me that I don't want to do the telling; I want you to do the searching. So as a former Superintendent of mine used to say, "Have at it."

Heb 4:16 ...approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Luke 11:1-6 ...the Lord's Prayer

Matt 7:7 Ask, seek, knock...

1Thess 5:17...pray without ceasing

Rom 13:14...make not provision for the flesh...

Matt 6:33 seek ye first the kingdom..

James 5:13 is any among you afflicted? Let him pray...

Matt 11:28 come to me...I will give you rest.

Eph 6:10-11...be strong in the Lord...put on the full armor of God...

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ...

This is only a partial list as well. Lean on the Lord. He's there. 24/7.

FORGIVENESS AND THE SHACK

Christian fiction. An oxymoron? To some extent. The Left Behind series, an exception, at least for me. Add to that William P. Young's The Shack.

I know there are many that may disagree. Much comes from the non-biblical portrayal of the trinity in Young's book. The Holy Spirit is given a human form and called Sarayu. Jesus lies on His back with the main character and looks in wonder and awe at the stars. And The Father God is a Black woman who spends much of Her (?) time cooking. I can't reveal anymore. To many, that's probably too much. In fact I considered deleting the trinity part because I'm afraid I may have portrayed Young in a negative, even blasphemous light.

If I did so, it's my fault, not the author's. It's just so difficult to explain how lovingly and trinity-like that they are illustrated in such as unusual, untraditional way. They walk Mack, the main character, through the grieving process. He struggles. They're there.

It's a book about forgiveness. It's a book about acceptance. It's a book I recommend highly.

I wonder if it was coincidence or Providence that the bookmark I picked up and used through my reading was from my daily devotionals that stated Psalm 30:2. "O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me." Read the book and see how Mack needed the triune God for that purpose.

REV. BILLY GRAHAM'S PRAYER FOR THE NATION

On the cusp of our nation electing a new President, I thought it only fitting to publish the prayer offered up by Rev. Graham.

Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good", but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it lottery. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Search us Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Amen

MORE THAN AFRICA IN HIS HAND

The Truth Project is a DVD-based Small Group study by Del Tackett that examines the major questions in life. The major questions?

Some samples. Who is God? Who is man? Where did evil come from? What is truth? Does Heaven exist? Does Hell exist? Why am I here? Is there something more?

And more. In a twelve week study. With stimulating discussions after viewing a 60-minute video. Plus, what would be a good Small Group or Christian fellowship for that matter without food. Our group munches on popcorn while watching, and after discussion and prayer, we eat dessert or veggies. Sometimes we combine the popcorn with veggies and dessert.

Since we claim to have or possess a biblical rather than a secular worldview, last night's session focused on the pernicious lie than man is inherently good. If that's the case, then where did evil come from? Those are the kinds of questions we discuss.

But to me, the best question, a self-assessment question is the teaser at the start of the study: "Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" Now, that's a good one.

One illustration. If we do believe, as most Christians do, that God is omnipresent, then He is with us in some places that we shouldn't be. No need to explain. And how do we feel about taking Him there?

For more info, please go to mytruthproject.org. It's a great study.

LAST IN A SERIES

So now you've had plenty of time to implement 6 suggestions for making a sweet aroma for the Lord. I know if you've even tried one that you've been blessed.

But we have to keep doing them. Yesterday in the grocery store, I started to comment about the great blueberry muffins we ate yesterday. At a church conference in Tucson. I amended before I spoke within earshot of others. "Weren't those muffins great that we had yesterday at church?" Just a little thing, But they add up. On with the list.

#7. Be pleasant. People are watching us. Especially those who know that we are Christians. If they don't know, then our behavior should indicate such. Let someone go ahead of you. Allow a driver to cut in. Bless someone when they sneeze. Don't scowl. Make others wonder why. What does this person have that I don't? Make them desire that something, that Jesus in your heart.

#8. Be salt and light. Never let them see you sweat. Contain your anger. A regular golf buddy of mine was playing with another golfer recently who couldn't contain his frustration. Yelling, throwing clubs, using bad language. When they finished, he said to my friend, "You're a Christian aren't you?" "Yes, I am," my buddy replied. "I am, too, but I'm afraid I didn't act like one today." Maybe next time he will.

#9. Be positive. Don't dwell on the negative. No one likes to be around a complainer. Because nothing could be so bad as what they have to suffer.

#10. Sing in church. We're to edify the body of believers as well as giving glory to God. Sing praise songs? Yep. Psalm 96 tells us to sing to the Lord a new song. In the Bible there are 400 references to singing. Fifty commands to sing. Jesus sang. In Hebrews 2:12 He sang with the disciples. So when we sing, we're being Christ-like. It's one of the easier ways to be like Him.

And I only gave you 10. Multiply this list and work on your aroma. Try to get just one person to say, "What's that smell?" when you're around.

PART II

Ok, I tried to give you time to perform. By now you should have prayed in public, spoken about church with fervor, or peppered your speech with Godly references. If you did all 3, great! Two, good! One, also good.

Number four is a combo #1 and #3. Tell people you will pray for them. Or ask them how you can pray for them. And, then of course, do it. A quasi-administrator that I used to work with got ill and missed a few weeks of school. When he returned, I saw him in the Mail Room and told him I was glad he was back and that I had prayed for him. Never one that found much favor with me, he seemed absolutely stunned that I would have prayed for him. Also, that I had bothered to tell him. Did it make our relationship stronger? Nope. In fact, I retired that year and don't recall speaking to him again. But I'm sure not sorry that I prayed and shared with him.

Number 5. Use the expression, "Lord willing." Now, don't overdo this one or you will lose the effectiveness. But don't just assume: just be reverential. At least once in awhile. Give credit where it is due. If you want God's protective hand, then share the fact that you're asking for it.

Number 6. Serve, serve, serve. Why? Because the Lord expects it. Even Dear Abby used to advise people to do one good thing for at least one person every day. If they found out you did it for them, that didn't count. She may have just been a good citizen, but serving is so very much like Jesus that we need to follow His lead.

There you have it. Three more. Again, I'll give you time to perform at least one before my final entry on being a sweet aroma to God. Try to smell better to someone else in the next few days. If you smell better to them, then it's likely you're also giving off that aroma to God.

WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

First in a three-part entry. And it's all about smell. How we must emanate. How we, as Christians need to give off that aroma that is pleasing to the Lord. It can and will make a difference in our world. There are 10 steps, as I see it.

1. Pepper our language. "What a beautiful sunset! God's creation is magnificent!" And it is. So let's celebrate it, and, of course, give Him the credit as Creator.

Also, don't gloss over. Don't omit. "I was out of town last weekend." Why not take the opportunity to give God the glory? "I wasn't here because I was attending a Desiring God Conference in Minneapolis, and it was great."

2. Speak about church with fervor. When you're asked, "What are you doing this weekend?" Don't answer, "Nuthin'." Answer, "Well, Sunday at church our pastor is doing a series of sermons on what he wants to ask the new President. The church is decorated with bunting, like we're hosting one of the debates. Want to come with me?" Even if you get a negative response about attending, you've had a chance to witness and invite someone to church. Sometimes that's all that's needed.

3. Bless your food when eating in public. Well, not just then. Always. But when people notice you blessing your food, you're giving off a good aroma. Many times I'll notice others blessing their food, and many times I'll stop by their table on our way out and tell them I noticed they blessed their food, and thank them for honoring God. And yes, sometimes, I've gotten some funny looks, but it makes me feel better. Not to get the funny looks, but to share in my beliefs.

Try just one before my next entry. I may just be on to something here.

THE FRAGRANCE FOR CHRIST

We pretty much know what death smells like. There's no need to paint that with description. But what about life? What does life with Jesus smell like? And what do we smell like to Christ?

2 Corinthians 2:16 tells us we are the fragrance of life. But what aroma do we give off?

In this passage, Paul used the Roman ceremony called The Triumph to explain it to the Corinthians. The ceremony was held to honor the victorious Roman General. On the parade route, the Roman official would show off his spoils, his conquests, his treasures he brought home from war. Including prisoners they had captured. Incense was burned as part of the ceremony. Along with the fragrance of crushed flowers spread out under the horses' hooves. Those aromas were powerful. Sweet. As they filled the city air.

Not to the captives being literally paraded through the streets. To them it was the smell of defeat, slavery, and death.

To one, the fragrance of life. Life eternal, Paul continues in application, the ultimate glorification in Christ. To the other, the smell of death. Eternal separation caused by a lack of faith.

Whether we know it or not, we give off a fragrance. Is ours similar to a burning candle? Or is it more like burning microwave popcorn? Life or death? Glory or damnation?

THE SOMBRARO GALAXY TAKEN FROM THE HUBBLE TELESCOPE

So what else do I know about this? That God created it. Not the picture, one of His creations did. The whole galaxy!

That's all I really know. But we are to live by faith. My faith leads me to believe that God created it all.

In fact we are to point out the beauty in nature when we observe God's creation. It just may point an unbeliever to God. I mean who can look at a sunrise, the stars, the intricately designed butterfly, a newborn and not think of God? Well, apparently some. So it's up to us to give God the glory, and make sure others see it. Even if we don't say God created it.

That is, we do part of the work and allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest. That's the only way one comes to God anyway. But I don't see any harm in pointing out "just another beautiful work of God in that sunset tonight. Look at those colors!"

Last night our Small Group began The Truth Project. Because of some technical problems we had to skip to Lesson Two where Dale Tackett points out a Carl Sagan quote, "The cosmos--that's all there is, that's all there ever was or will be." Well, no Carl. Not if you have a religious bone in your body. I heard a pastor recently say that it takes more faith in something not to believe in God. Faith that it (the cosmos, I guess) just happened, and everything turned out so perfectly formed.

Our Small Group leader pointed out that science has become our god in the post modern world today. And that's sad. To worship the creation and not the Creator.

DESIRING GOD

If you've never been to a religious conference or Promise Keepers, I urge you to do so.

My wife and I and two friends made the journey from AZ to Minneapolis this past weekend for John Piper's Desiring God Conference. We were blessed along with 3,200 others to worship and hear Dr. Piper, along with Sinclair Ferguson, Paul Tripp, Bob Kauflin, Daniel Taylor, and my favorite Mark Driscoll.

Mark Driscoll pastors Mars Hill Church in Seattle where as he said, "we had a good week--we added 2,000 new members." In one week! Mark must be one of the Lord's favorites, too, though I didn't hear anything this past weekend that makes me think God has favorites.

Besides uplifting singing and fellowshipping and preaching and bookstoring (ok, I tried to use parallelism--there was an excellent Bookstore that featured many great Christian authors at reduced prices), there was a video played Friday and Saturday night that was a highlight. It can be downloaded for free at desiringGod. org. It's based on James 3, and it will hit home so closely and tug at your heart: I guarantee it.

If you read my entry today, Pastor Rob, don't bother downloading; I bought you a copy. I couldn't wait. It's that good.

So we returned last night after "a weekend with God" as one of our friends called it. I'm sure I'll be sharing more in future entries. Praise Him! And don't forget to download.

CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN

And it's not the former world champion Cassius Clay (nee), Mohammad Ali. The change you can believe in is Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

One of the biggest if not the biggest change in history came over Saul (nee), Paul. Paul persecuted the church of God through zealous behavior. (Acts 8:3) He literally went from house-to-house dragging men and women off to prison for following Jesus. Furthermore, he voted to put them to death.

Yet on the Road to Damascus, he had a change of heart. That's what Jesus does. If he can change a persecutor of Christians into an apostle who wrote 13 books of the Holy Bible, He can probably change anyone.

There's nothing we can learn that can change our heart. Intellectual knowledge alone cannot bring about spiritual transformation. We become followers of Jesus just the way Paul did. Because of the person Jesus we've encountered.

In perhaps Paul's first letter written in 50 AD to the Galatians, he emphasized the freedom that believing in Jesus brings. "Do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery." (Gal. 5:1)

He knew, and I pray that Mohammad Ali comes to know who really is The Greatest.

HE LOVED THE SUNDAY MORNING CHURCH BELLS

An agnostic lived near a church in a small town. He never darkened the doorway of any church in the twenty years that I knew him. The Left Behind series infuriated him as did morality and Christian values.

In fact, I may have been kind calling him an agnostic. He was probably more of an atheist. A Marxist. And he might have had a cataclysmic change in his young adult life because of a divorce.

His wife left him for another woman. Yet instead of turning to his conservative roots--he was once a John Birch Society member after college, he became a flaming liberal and espoused his views to whomever was within ear shot. Part of his anger was directed at religion for whatever reason.

I think he was raised in the church, but I'm hazarding a guess based on distant memory. But I'm hoping so. I'm hoping he will return to the church as others have that used to go to church with me when we were young.

He loved to hear the church bells. When he moved, he told me he missed hearing them. Maybe there's still hope, and just maybe that's a sign.

HIRELINGS ARE NOT TRUE SHEPHERDS

Every Sunday morning at our Prayer Works, Lori our leader asks what God has done in our lives over the past week. There are most always a number of people who share. The following is what God has taught me this week.

I began my BSF class on The Life of Moses. I continue our Band of Brothers Men's Bible Study on spiritual gifts. I continue our Small Group study beginning with 2 Corinthians. I have a Mid-month Elder Board meeting on Saturday when we continue to study the 8 systems of a church.

If I'm not careful, I can become a hireling. John 10:22-28 differentiates between a hireling and a true shepherd. The hireling leaves when danger approaches. The true shepherd, of course, tends or watches out over the flock.

Now, the application. I don't want to be a mere hireling, going through the process of studying scripture. How ever intellectually I can answer biblical questions from my studies, it still comes down to making a decision to trust and have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of my life. The people who belong to Jesus' flock listen to His voice. He knows them, they follow Him. There are a myriad of voices in our lives, but we must hear Jesus' voice if we are His sheep.

Not all voices in our lives are bad. Not my teaching leader, discussion leader(s),nor pastor. I love to hear their voices as they teach me and take me further down my Christian walk. But the voice I have to be able to discern is that of the Savior. Intellectually won't get it. Spirituality will.

M-O-U-S-E

Maybe because this is 1-Way's 199th entry, maybe because our pastor wore a Mickey or maybe Minnie Mouse shirt at our Elder Board meeting last night, or maybe because we're finishing our study of The Lord's Prayer in Sunday School, but my wierded out thought today connects The Lord's Prayer to the Mickey Mouse Theme Song. And certainly nothing sacrilegious or disrespectful is intended.

Much of the way we pray in our intercession before church services is based on the ACTS principal from the Lord's Prayer. First we give adoration to the Lord. Then we confess our failures. Then we give thanks. And finish with petition or supplication to the Father.

The Lord's Prayer begins the same way "hallowing God's name". In Rev 4:4 we are shown the throne room of Heaven with the 24 elders praying continuously, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God..."

The next part of the prayer, "thy kingdom come/thy will be done" illustrates God's sovereignty and power.

In Mickey's song, recognition is given by spelling his name. Followed by "forever let us hold his banner high". Allegiance is important in the Mickey Mouse club house. But mostly, it's more refrains about spelling his name, and even repeating his name. Of course, he's not holy nor in control of anything. I mean, c'mon, he's a mouse, thus not even a man.

Yet, his followers are asked to "join the jamboree". Now, that's getting too close, because we know from scripture that jubilee( I know the difference) was OT based on a time to allow the fields to lie fallow and forgive debts. But I really think the term was used to rhyme with M-O-U-S-E. Which could have been jubilee. So, good diction there, lyricist.

Yet while most all analogies run out eventually, maybe this one should never have even started.

WHAT TO FEAR

The Presidential election of 2008, notwithstanding, there are things to fear. We can't help it. We trust in God that He is sovereign. And we are to fear Him. To have a reverential awe of Him. And we do. Yet we still have something to fear if we aren't careful.

Followers of Jesus will have to answer. For our lives. What we did with the talents, with the spiritual gifts that we were given. We shouldn't have to fear hearing from Jesus, "I never knew him." If we've given our life to Him, if we have believed, if we have repented, if we have turned from our wicked ways, if we have been saved by grace through faith, then that fear of rejection by the Savior is alleviated.

But what about that question? Why were you afraid to live out the Father's calling? To live out your passions that God gave you?

Do we have something to fear on that Last Day? Let's pray not.

EVERY HOUSE HAS ONE

Yet, it's been called the least read book of all time. On display in a bookcase, as an historical record of family events in an honored place, a coffee table item, the Holy Bible is a book that is bought by many but unread by most. Not only in its entirety, in books of the Bible, in chapters, in verses. Anyway you can cut it, it's a book that mostly goes unread.

Even Christians may go from Sunday to Sunday without reading their Bible. The same Christians may follow Jesus all through the week in prayer and in how they live their lives. Yet they won't open the book that guides them in their walk.

It has been said that the Bible is the book that will keep you from sin. Or it is sin that will keep you from the book.

Yes, there's power in the blood of the lamb. And there's power in the book. You have it at your fingertips. Use it.

I'M ALL EARS

One of the cool things about God is how He works. He's full of surprises.

When we went to Israel and Mount Carmel where Elijah called down fire from Heaven, it was one of the most fantastic stops of all. Just to picture that event, just to know that we were there, actually at or certainly near the exact spot, was just awesome.

If he wasn't before, he is now one of my favorites. In 1 Kings 19:9, God speaks to him when Elijah was hiding in a cave, "Why are you here?" (instead of doing the Lord's work).

And the Lord appeared to him. Not in the wind that shook the mountain and shattered rocks, not in the earthquake that followed; not even in the fire. (1 Kings 11-13)

But the Lord appeared to him in a gentle breeze, in the still small voice.

He wasn't in the huge events, the whirlwinds of his life, but in a gentle breeze. How cool.

He's still like that. Waiting for us to do meaningful work for Him. That's why He asks us, too,"Why are you here?"

A TUBA THIS BIG

Last week we took our grandsons swimming at the Holiday Inn. My wife and I also took our granddaughter swimming, too, but since she's nearly 11, she had gone to change early. My wife took our older grandson and left me with the little guy, age 5.

Nathan knows only one speed--fast. He took off running in the hotel hall with me trailing. I could see it all play out but couldn't stop it.

"Nathan, Nathan, Nathan," I yelled, but too late. He ran full speed into a window that he thought was an opening next to a door. Fortunately, he wasn't hurt, the window didn't shatter, Nathan didn't cry. In fact he popped up, even thought it knocked him on his backside.

It's the first time I've ever thought I was like the Holy Spirit. I could see the danger ahead, I could warn, but it was up to him to listen. How many times has the Holy Spirit seen me making wrong decisions, not being aware of my surroundings, going recklessly full speed ahead, and yelling at me, "Ted Ted, Ted: watch out! slow down! don't, please don't go there"?

And how many times like Nathan have I not paid attention, have thought I knew better, not recognized the danger even when I though none there?

Maybe the tuba in the picture would help. But somehow I can't picture me or the Holy Spirit with one of those.

FOCUSED





I'm as guilty as the next at losing focus. I had to stop myself from typing MY focus. And that's telling in itself.





In our Sunday School class, OK Adult Bible Fellowship class--I'm trying to "get with it", a question asked "Jesus makes it clear that we need God's power to face temptations and to stand against satan's attacks. What are some practical ways God might answer these requests in your life?"



My answer was it all being about focus. I made reference to a photo that has helped me, and it's pictured on this blog entry today. The picture of the eye reflecting the cross. When I think of that, it puts the emphasis in the proper perspective. That's right, Pastor Rick, it's not about me at all.



Another item I learned in Sunday School is that satan is not a proper name, thus no capitalization. Satan simply means adversary. Scripture often denotes him as evil or the evil one. In fact the NIV in Luke 11:4b states, "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one". That's why I go to Sunday School. Well, one reason. Also, I just feel good there. It just helps me keep the focus, too.

BE TOPS

What is God asking us to do? He's cleansed us with His amazing grace. In itself, this act should produce in us a heart of obedience(Isaiah 6:8). But to simplify, and don't think that I think anything is very simple, He's asking us to B-TOPS.

First, He wants us to Be in The Word. If you love God you want to know more about Him. There's one way:Be.

Secondly, Trust in Him. He's in control anyway. From His vantage point, He knows all past, present, and future. Give it up. He desires it:He deserves it.

Three, Obey. If you love Him, you will obey Him. If for no other reason than to please Him.

Fourth, Pray. Often. Don't deny yourself access to the Father. And don't forget that Jesus is also praying to the Father for us.(John 17:15) If He can pray for us, can't we also pray for ourselves?

Finally, Serve. To be tops with God, He wants us to serve Him. Start by loving others. You'll find it easier to be less self-centered. And you will be obeying, trusting; you'll be following The Word and the second most important commandment, and I'm certain you'll be in prayer as well.

Maybe that's why the S is last. It sums up. I can't say it's the most important. I'd say they are all vital to a healthy spiritual life.

THE VERY VOICE

I love depictions of children flocking (pun, if you like) to Jesus. Because Jesus loves His flock. Because Jesus loves the little children of the world. Because I notice how young children love to be around their pastors. They want love and they know love and they see it in their pastors.

The phrase "Ipissima Vox" is Latin for the very voice. Now we may not have the very voice that Jesus said, probably more of a paraphrase because of translations and records and the Holy Spirit who revealed through the writers that which was God breathed. But we can still hear His voice, His very voice. And when I go to purchase a new Bible, as I did this week, I insist on red lettering for Jesus' very words, His very voice.

So why was I buying another Bible? We have several in our house Some from many years ago. I recently weakened the spine of my favorite Bible--I'd love to say from overuse, but I think it more a case of misuse:I often times do my BSF homework outside in the warm sun. And my second favorite Word is getting better taken care of. Others were gifts from my grandmother, or from the church when I entered first grade. Some are very big, and I needed a travel Bible.

Not the little pocket ones, but one with a soft cover. After searching for forty-five minutes or so, I found just the one I wanted. It looked masculine, it was not too compact, it wasn't too expensive, and it had Jesus' words in red. Plus, I bought it at a Christian bookstore. What's more, it left me on my own with the Holy Spirit to guide me. That is, there are no notations, no commentaries, no explanations Just me and the Spirit and Ipissima vox.

YES, YOU

It's funny about scripture. And how it talks to you.

What verse do you claim? What verses have you in your memory bank? What verse(s) has gotten you through a difficult situation? What are your favorite bible verses?

We had a guest speaker Sunday because our pastor and his wife were returning from a much needed vacation. Rev. Engram was a former pastor of our pastor, so he really had some stories to tell on Rob. There was this time in Ohio when...just kidding, Pastor.

He was speaking about the four dominant factors to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:42) and the message hit me hard. At least the part about the apostles' doctrine of God. Pastor Engram said it was necessary to love the Word of God. Now, that's nothing earth shattering. Of course as followers of Jesus we love the Word. But I got to thinking, "Do I really?"

I mean I'm in several different Bible studies, but two have taken the Summer off. The third only meets when a majority are there. Which hasn't been the case too often lately. So outside of Sunday services, where has been my bible study? Answer: my religious calendar and for the most part The Daily Bread and a sporadic Christian blog entry. Is that love?

What if I gave my wife and family no more attention than that? What about the sports page and ESPN? I seem to have found time for them during my Off Season.

Thanks for the wake up call, Pastor Don. I needed that. And I'm going to the Word now. I'll open up The Bible to Mark, that seems like a good place to start today. God will give me a verse. Just for me. If only I ask Him. I will. You, too.

TRY A LITTLE PRAYER

The policemen pictured are from India. They are trying to relieve stress by laughing. Organized laughter.

Now I like to laugh as much as the next guy. Does it relieve stress? I think so. That's what I always thought a Teachers' Lounge was for.

But it's only temporary. Not prayer.

Praying is a great reliever of stress. Remember the old hymn "I Must Tell Jesus"? One phrase in that song says,"Jesus alone." It's not the focus of the song, but it might as well be. We need to tell Jesus. We need to be alone with Him. And we need to unload our burdens on Him. He, alone.

Prayer time is important to me. Not just before bed, not just as I rise in the morning, not just at meal times. Not even our Prayer Works ministry Sunday morning before church services. But prayer during the day.

I find myself enjoying my morning walks without my wife. Not that I don't love being with her and sharing our exercise. But it takes me away from some serious prayer time. I walk rather slowly, unfortunately, so I have plenty of time in a 2-3 mile walk to have a devotion. A mediatation. A prayer.

There's lots to pray for. There's lots to praise for. Try it. But don't forget to laugh, too.

DRAW ME NEARER

Why did they draw near Him? Because He receives. He receives sinners. Praise the Lord!

While the scribes of Jesus' day. (Isn't that a silly expression--Jesus' day? Everyday is Jesus' day.) While the scribes who were living at the time of Jesus' earthly existence. (Yet Jesus lives today. In the hearts in the souls of His followers.) This is getting difficult. While the scribes of 30 AD or so kept the tradition of the Jews, and the Pharisees, the separate ones, grumbled about Jesus, the tax collectors and sinners drew near Him.

"He had no beauty or form." (Isa 53:2) There was nothing majestic to attract

them to Him. Yet because "this man receives sinners" (Luke 15:2) they were drawn.

There's so much beauty about Him though. He doesn't send sinners away. He doesn't tell them to leave, get righteous, and then return to church. Instead He embraces us where we are. He accepts. He receives.

And He gives. As the hymn goes, "He gave His all/What more can He give?" His passion for the lost, for sinners, for us cost Him everything. And we are still drawn. Praise Him!