Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Learning Curve
Today I begin a new experiment in blogging. I am going to be on the road again so I am experimenting with scheduling my posts ahead of time. This will hopefully make the appearance regular. I am also going to set them to appear at 5:00 AM Pacific Time. If for some reason it would help you to have it posted earlier, let me know. If I get in the habit of posting early I can put it up at almost any time.
Frank Sinatra He Ain't
(Pro 24:1 KJV) Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
We seem to have a “desire” (183) to be with evil people. Think back to when you were in school, or just look around at the mall. You often see a couple that demonstrates this. One is neat, clean, attractive and moves well. The other looks like they are on leave from a detox center. It always amazes me how young girls and men in general are attracted to people of questionable character.
Previous generations had heros like George Washington or Frank Sinatra. This generation has heros that use only four letter words and measure their worth in the complexity of their tattoos.
We are called to be different. Yes, we must minister to a hurting world. Yes, drug addicts need help. Yes, we need to reform the cities. But don’t make them your role models. Jesus is to be our role model. The Bible is to be our text book. If your goal is to be cool, maybe you should become a Buddhist and come back as a refrigerator.
We seem to have a “desire” (183) to be with evil people. Think back to when you were in school, or just look around at the mall. You often see a couple that demonstrates this. One is neat, clean, attractive and moves well. The other looks like they are on leave from a detox center. It always amazes me how young girls and men in general are attracted to people of questionable character.
Previous generations had heros like George Washington or Frank Sinatra. This generation has heros that use only four letter words and measure their worth in the complexity of their tattoos.
We are called to be different. Yes, we must minister to a hurting world. Yes, drug addicts need help. Yes, we need to reform the cities. But don’t make them your role models. Jesus is to be our role model. The Bible is to be our text book. If your goal is to be cool, maybe you should become a Buddhist and come back as a refrigerator.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Children and the Kingdom of Heaven
(Mark 10:15 KJV) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
I am reading G.K. Chesterton’s book Heretics. He was discussing the idea of simplicity and wrote this paragraph:
I am reading G.K. Chesterton’s book Heretics. He was discussing the idea of simplicity and wrote this paragraph:
The child is, indeed, in these, and many other matters, the best guide. And in nothing is the child so righteously childlike, in nothing does he exhibit more accurately the sounder order of simplicity, than in the fact that he sees everything with a simple pleasure, even the complex things. The false type of naturalness harps always on the distinction between the natural and the artificial. The higher kind of naturalness ignores that distinction. To the child the tree and the lamp-post are as natural and as artificial as each other; or rather, neither of them are natural but both supernatural. For both are splendid and unexplained. The flower with which God crowns the one, and the flame with which Sam the lamplighter crowns the other, are equally of the gold of fairy-tales. In the middle of the wildest fields the most rustic child is, ten to one, playing at steam-engines. And the only spiritual or philosophical objection to steam-engines is not that men pay for them or work at them, or make them very ugly, or even that men are killed by them; but merely that men do not play at them. The evil is that the childish poetry of clockwork does not remain. The wrong is not that engines are too much admired, but that they are not admired enough. The sin is not that engines are mechanical, but that men are mechanical.The idea of being like a child has been a subject I have heard mentioned often. This paragraph helps me to understand the concept a little better.
Lexus Appetites, Kia Budgets
(Pro 23:1 KJV) When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
These first three verses have a common idea behind them but like much scripture they can be taken literally and figuratively. The straight literal meaning of this will never apply to most people: We will never “eat" (dine NASB) (3898b) with a “ruler” (4910). In spite of that you could look at this as an Emily Post moment. Consider the people who could fill the position of being important to your future. Instead of ruler you could imagine your employer at the head of the table. Or consider someone who might be you future mother-in-law watching which fork you select for the salad. Your table manners count.
We generally are not willing to “carefully consider” (995) our choices and options. At a table this has real concerns. In life, it is good advice. This is a word that means “discern” or “understand.” We need to look to the long term consequences of choices we make. Too often we only look at the moment and forget that there will be a tomorrow.
(Pro 23:2 KJV) And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
There is a danger in being a man of “appetite” (5315) {end} as Paul tells us:
The figurative application takes us beyond table manners. There are many things in life that appeal to us. They are not always good for us. Although Proverbs is not addressing the causes of poverty here, the principle would still apply. Many people have a Lexus appetite with a Kia budget. Wisdom does not even pause by the Lexus showroom. It knows better. One reason people live in want is because they have misused the resources they have. Regardless of how you feel about the immigration issues, illegals come to this country, work for lower wages and still sent billions of dollars home. A citizen making much more is on the brink of bankruptcy.
God has promised to supply our needs, not our wants.
These first three verses have a common idea behind them but like much scripture they can be taken literally and figuratively. The straight literal meaning of this will never apply to most people: We will never “eat" (dine NASB) (3898b) with a “ruler” (4910). In spite of that you could look at this as an Emily Post moment. Consider the people who could fill the position of being important to your future. Instead of ruler you could imagine your employer at the head of the table. Or consider someone who might be you future mother-in-law watching which fork you select for the salad. Your table manners count.
We generally are not willing to “carefully consider” (995) our choices and options. At a table this has real concerns. In life, it is good advice. This is a word that means “discern” or “understand.” We need to look to the long term consequences of choices we make. Too often we only look at the moment and forget that there will be a tomorrow.
(Pro 23:2 KJV) And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
There is a danger in being a man of “appetite” (5315) {end} as Paul tells us:
Philippians 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is {their} appetite, and {whose} glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.At dinner, if you are trying to make a good impression, it is good not to be the last one scarfing food or to ask someone to pass the potatoes when everyone else has finished. It is better to go away hungry than rejected.
The figurative application takes us beyond table manners. There are many things in life that appeal to us. They are not always good for us. Although Proverbs is not addressing the causes of poverty here, the principle would still apply. Many people have a Lexus appetite with a Kia budget. Wisdom does not even pause by the Lexus showroom. It knows better. One reason people live in want is because they have misused the resources they have. Regardless of how you feel about the immigration issues, illegals come to this country, work for lower wages and still sent billions of dollars home. A citizen making much more is on the brink of bankruptcy.
God has promised to supply our needs, not our wants.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Child Training
(Pro 22:6 KJV) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
We are to “train” (2596) our children. This is a deeper concept than it appears. This is not the common word for teaching or learning. This is closer in meaning to the idea of setting aside that we find in sanctification. This could be referring to the way we dedicate children instead of baptizing them. Dedication is a statement about our commitment, infant baptism is forcing our decision on someone else.
Some would question this and give examples of apostate children. I would have to say that those children were not trained properly. It may have seemed effective, but was primarily surface level. I have always wondered what the magic ingredient was in raising children. I don’t think it is a public statement about following the ways of God. It is much more subtle than that; subtle, yet obvious to the children being raised. One of the most important forces in training is example. It is easy to tell children how to live, it is hard to demonstrate it. People live in denial of what is really going on in the home.
What are some examples of this? Take as an example how much people watch TV. I don’t watch TV as an act of choice. I may watch for awhile if someone else has it on, but usually I try to leave the room if I can do so politely. I doubt if I have turned on the TV more than five times in the last year. I don’t even know what programs are on any more. I have heard people say they do not watch TV yet when they are not thinking they can tell you all about the commercials and know the plots of most of the shows. They are lying or in a state of denial. Take other areas such has how much time people spend with their children, or the statement, “I never let my children _______.” It is a cliche, but actions speak louder than words.
I think this verse implies that the parents were successful in the training. Along with the right standards they demonstrated the right stand.
We are to “train” (2596) our children. This is a deeper concept than it appears. This is not the common word for teaching or learning. This is closer in meaning to the idea of setting aside that we find in sanctification. This could be referring to the way we dedicate children instead of baptizing them. Dedication is a statement about our commitment, infant baptism is forcing our decision on someone else.
Some would question this and give examples of apostate children. I would have to say that those children were not trained properly. It may have seemed effective, but was primarily surface level. I have always wondered what the magic ingredient was in raising children. I don’t think it is a public statement about following the ways of God. It is much more subtle than that; subtle, yet obvious to the children being raised. One of the most important forces in training is example. It is easy to tell children how to live, it is hard to demonstrate it. People live in denial of what is really going on in the home.
What are some examples of this? Take as an example how much people watch TV. I don’t watch TV as an act of choice. I may watch for awhile if someone else has it on, but usually I try to leave the room if I can do so politely. I doubt if I have turned on the TV more than five times in the last year. I don’t even know what programs are on any more. I have heard people say they do not watch TV yet when they are not thinking they can tell you all about the commercials and know the plots of most of the shows. They are lying or in a state of denial. Take other areas such has how much time people spend with their children, or the statement, “I never let my children _______.” It is a cliche, but actions speak louder than words.
I think this verse implies that the parents were successful in the training. Along with the right standards they demonstrated the right stand.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Presidents Are Like Kings
(Pro 21:1 KJV) The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.
I may have written this somewhere else, but I wonder if God exerts more control on leaders. Do they have less free will? Think of Pharaoh. Think of Nebuchanezer. For that matter, think of Hitler. We know more about him than Pharaoh. If you know much about the history of World War II you know that much of the reason for the loss by Germany can be laid at Hitler’s feet. This supposedly brilliant leader made mistake after mistake that even a private in the ranks could see. Consider ordering his army to hold back instead of destroying the English at Dunkirk. Consider ordering the invasion of Russia. Consider the use of the newly developed jet fighter. The list could go on and on. One of the best explanations is the hand of God.
One reason our prayer is so important is because God can manipulate the “heart” (3820). This is one of the reasons we should be praying for our leaders with great fervor. He “turns” (5186) hearts. How does he do that? Is it thought control? Is it robotic orders? Look at the example. If you have ever watched the farmers irrigate you can understand the illustration. Water follows certain physical laws. Farmers use those laws to cause the water to go where they want it to go. I am sure the water feels quite free in its choices.
As an believer in free will I have to admit this is a verse for the Calvinists. God’s “wishes” (2654a) are horses. (So beggars can ride.) I concede that God is God. I concede that there are times when He controls and commands. I see verses like this. I also see verses like John 3:16 (remember that one?) where Jesus says “whosoever” and believe He means what He says there also. It is another one of the paradoxes of scripture. God grants free will. God is omnipotent. They both have their verses. Deal with it, don’t ignore it. Glory in it, don’t fear it.
I may have written this somewhere else, but I wonder if God exerts more control on leaders. Do they have less free will? Think of Pharaoh. Think of Nebuchanezer. For that matter, think of Hitler. We know more about him than Pharaoh. If you know much about the history of World War II you know that much of the reason for the loss by Germany can be laid at Hitler’s feet. This supposedly brilliant leader made mistake after mistake that even a private in the ranks could see. Consider ordering his army to hold back instead of destroying the English at Dunkirk. Consider ordering the invasion of Russia. Consider the use of the newly developed jet fighter. The list could go on and on. One of the best explanations is the hand of God.
One reason our prayer is so important is because God can manipulate the “heart” (3820). This is one of the reasons we should be praying for our leaders with great fervor. He “turns” (5186) hearts. How does he do that? Is it thought control? Is it robotic orders? Look at the example. If you have ever watched the farmers irrigate you can understand the illustration. Water follows certain physical laws. Farmers use those laws to cause the water to go where they want it to go. I am sure the water feels quite free in its choices.
As an believer in free will I have to admit this is a verse for the Calvinists. God’s “wishes” (2654a) are horses. (So beggars can ride.) I concede that God is God. I concede that there are times when He controls and commands. I see verses like this. I also see verses like John 3:16 (remember that one?) where Jesus says “whosoever” and believe He means what He says there also. It is another one of the paradoxes of scripture. God grants free will. God is omnipotent. They both have their verses. Deal with it, don’t ignore it. Glory in it, don’t fear it.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sluggard at Harvest
(Pro 20:4 KJV) The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Again we see poverty addressed. Again we see the focus is on being lazy. A “sluggard” (6102) is always looking for tasks to not accomplish.
There are actually two issues here. This has to do with planning ahead and not just being lazy. If I understand it correctly, a farmer will “plow” (2790a) the fields in the fall to aerate the soil. This produces a better crop. A non-farmer might not know this but in an agricultural culture people know these things. How often do we run into those little extra tasks that make the difference between success and failure? Why do some people get laid off and others are never lacking for a job? Think of the store clerk that went the extra mile compared to the one who stood talking on their cell phone as the line grew. I once visited a convenience store with a couple of guys who would never be the last fired. They observed a man frantically stocking the shelves and running from task to task. Later they could not figure out why he was working so hard, after all, he was the manager. They totally missed the point that he was manager because he worked so hard. In a time of high unemployment this is an important lesson.
How would this apply to my daily life? How many simple tasks are there that we are not even aware of, that seem to be a waste of energy? What about my spiritual life?
Begging during “harvest” (7105) seems a mark of sloth. Harvest is the time of year when the most help is needed and it is needed now. Yet this fool is standing around begging. How often do we see someone who “begs” (7592) in front of a business advertising “help wanted”.
I am guessing that this beggar “has nothing” (369) because there is so much work available that even the tender hearted can see he is just lazy. People who would normally share just want to say, “Get a job.”
Remember the words of Paul:
Again we see poverty addressed. Again we see the focus is on being lazy. A “sluggard” (6102) is always looking for tasks to not accomplish.
There are actually two issues here. This has to do with planning ahead and not just being lazy. If I understand it correctly, a farmer will “plow” (2790a) the fields in the fall to aerate the soil. This produces a better crop. A non-farmer might not know this but in an agricultural culture people know these things. How often do we run into those little extra tasks that make the difference between success and failure? Why do some people get laid off and others are never lacking for a job? Think of the store clerk that went the extra mile compared to the one who stood talking on their cell phone as the line grew. I once visited a convenience store with a couple of guys who would never be the last fired. They observed a man frantically stocking the shelves and running from task to task. Later they could not figure out why he was working so hard, after all, he was the manager. They totally missed the point that he was manager because he worked so hard. In a time of high unemployment this is an important lesson.
How would this apply to my daily life? How many simple tasks are there that we are not even aware of, that seem to be a waste of energy? What about my spiritual life?
Begging during “harvest” (7105) seems a mark of sloth. Harvest is the time of year when the most help is needed and it is needed now. Yet this fool is standing around begging. How often do we see someone who “begs” (7592) in front of a business advertising “help wanted”.
I am guessing that this beggar “has nothing” (369) because there is so much work available that even the tender hearted can see he is just lazy. People who would normally share just want to say, “Get a job.”
Remember the words of Paul:
2TH 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.It is strange how we overlook verses like this in our welfare culture.
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