My Story

I feared God and I was plagued by guilt.  It seemed that I could never do enough, or the right things, to please God.  I was driven to achieve perfection in everything.  There were so many rules, conditions, and other unattainable criteria I thought that God demanded before He would love me. 


When I met the real Christ Jesus, I discovered the truth about God's loving forgiveness through the scriptures and through my new relationship with His Son.


Now I live free of guilt and confident of who I am.  But of greatest importance, I know who God is and I know that He loves me even though I am still a sinner.

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  (John 8:32)

.

Follow The Leader

Driving to work one day I found myself behind a plain old white truck.  Nothing significant about this truck, no signs or markings to indicate that this truck was employed by any business or public enterprise.  I mention this because on this truck's rear tailgate was a bumper sticker which read "You Are Following The Leader".  I was immediately put-off by the implication of the bumper sticker's message which seemed to imply that just because this vehicle was in front of me that it, therefore, appointed itself as my leader, ergo, I was its follower.  The audacity of this to think that just because of some ironic happenstance, perhaps by the "Traffic Gods", that because of a purely random physical alignment of vehicular movement, I was now designated as a follower to some self-designated leader.

For the record, I thought, just because someone is in front of me does not make that one a leader no more than does my location behind make me a follower.  Physical positioning does not automatically equate to a position of leadership or of subservience.  As it happens through normal flow of traffic I soon found myself abeam to this plain old white truck in the other lane.  I asked myself, are we now in a peer-to-peer relationship?  And as I pulled ahead of this truck did I suddenly become the new leader of a pack of two?

Just because people (vehicles in this instance) are moving in the same direction at any point in time does not mean that they are headed to the same objective or motivated through a bonding sense of unity.  Physical hierarchy, whether appointed or arbitrarily arranged, does not necessarily correlate to a leader/follower relationship.  True leaders do not get the luxury to appoint their followers, however, it is the followers that determine whom their leaders will be!

In  retrospect, do not these same leader/follower principles apply on the roads through life in our personal and professional relationships?  Let's examine various "assigned" positions of authority / leadership, such as the President of our country, or as the Pope of the Catholic Church, or as a school principal, or even as a parent.   Even though all of these positions are deemed ones of leadership by society, the place-holders throughout time do not always gain the respect as leaders from their respective followers - to say the least.  Think about this: Does any President of the United States garner the respect from all of the citizens - not!  Do all Catholics follow the dictum extolled by the Pope - not!  If all school principals were true leaders would we expect to experience the ever-increasing amount of strife, resistance and behavior problems from the student body - not!  And do all offspring actually follow in the footsteps of their parents - not!  My point, again, is that one in a leadership position does not necessarily make that one a leader no more than does a plain old white truck in front of you make you a follower of it.

Leadership is earned, not decreed, not appointed, not elected, not inherited, and certainly not self-imposed.  There are huge philosophical differences between being a "boss" versus being a "leader". 

How about yourself?  Where do you or I fit in?  Are we leading anyone, intentionally or otherwise?  As Christians we are challenged first to lead by example, to live our lives that reflects the love, mercy and grace exhibited by Jesus Christ.  How do we measure-up to Jesus' standards of leadership?  

Also as Christians we must first learn to follow before we can expect to become effective leaders.  At least we have a leader to which we can try to emulate; One that has has shown us the way, the truth, and the life!  And totally contrary to the world's standards whereby one measurement of success is determined by how many followers one has amassed, under God's Kingdom our success is measured by how we lead others to become followers of Christ Jesus.

So, when you find yourself on your daily commute along life's many roads, look in front of you to see who really it is you are following.  Next look in the rear-view mirror to see if anyone is actually following you.  And if you are following or if you have followers, do you know where you are headed?

Remember, if you are not leading or if you are not following then perhaps you are just driving a plain old white truck lost on the road to salvation. 



.          
         

Sew Their!

How often are we confronted with the improper application of the words there, their or they’re? In my opinion, more often than what should be accepted as an occasional typing error. Too me it has become quite obvious that to many people do not know there theirs from they’re there’s. Perhaps one can point the blame on our educational system, their certainly is enough they’re too blame, but when the “typo” is from an adults to, perhaps the problem is beyond intelligence and harbors on lackadaisical indifference!

Another thought looks at the current phenomena of “texting” whereby the spelling of words are shortened on purpose "two xpidite the typin of wrds 2 save thumb-time." The real challenge to texting is knowing when too use text-talk and when knot to. Imagine when a young school graduate applies four a job interview and throughout the resume is text-talk. Yes, I’ll hire you rite now!

Technology applications in the world of digital error correction software impose additional challenges when one relys upon “spell-check” or even the more dangerous “auto-correction” in place of manuel proof-reading. Both of these applications are great tools but to totally relay upon there finished product without one’s personal editorial review before publishing is really putting your intellectual credibility open four scrutiny. Most grammer-checking applications are also unreliable and should therefore be used only as a secondary means too edit one’s righting!

Now please do not interpret my observations hear and label me as a “no-it-all” because I to have printed my share of English foupahs! Know one is perfect butt should we knot strive towards perfection by carefully examining our publications before hitting the “send button” in hour e-mails and other on-line or written correspondences? Its just really an eye-opener when I read papers from pubic schools that have been graded with an “A” yet have obvious errors as were discussing hear and it appears that neither the teacher nor the student our concerned.

Well, you may shruff this off and pretend that all of this is know big deal, but four me I will continue with my endeavor to not only be correct in what I due but also to correct others as I deem necessary - so they‘re, oops, their, I mean, there!




.

New Year Happiness

Once again we are confronted with a new year!  We ceremoniously say goodbye to one year and anticipate what this new year will bring.  It is hoped by most that our opportunities for a happy coexistence in this life improve with the passing of the old year when in reality only one day has passed, not a year of days.  Our desires for a happier year is verbally reflected in our ritual of wishing everyone a "Happy New Year"!

But what is it exactly that we are wishing for?

Many years ago I challenged a few colleagues to complete the following statement: "I Will Be Happy When....".  The responses were as varied as were the individuals and as you may have expected, each person identified an event or situation of future occurrence at which its fruition would make them happy.  As I recall, five of the responses were: "To set goals and to reach them"; "When my teenage son leaves home"; "When the world becomes a safe place"; "When I find a job that makes me happy"; and "When life comes with a handbook"

If the same topic were posed to you, how would you have responded?  For a moment, reflect upon your first thought when pondering "I will be happy when...?

Perhaps you would have responded with "I will be happy when I get that raise" or maybe "a new job" or "when you retire".  For others happiness may be "when one gets engaged or married".  How about "When one has children or when the children have grown and moved out"- you know, the Empty Nest Syndrome!  Maybe inheriting a huge sum of money or even when your car or house is finally paid off, or when you become debt free.  Then again, perhaps you'll be happy when you finally lose that extra weight that you have been carrying around for a few decades or maybe when you gain some weight, get a new wardrobe, and on and on, the beat goes on!

Did you arrive with any of those scenarios or did you have something more original.  What was your answer?  When will you finally be happy? 

Did you notice the one common theme to all of the first five responses?  Given every circumstance, the criteria for being happy was fully dependent upon a future occurrence.  Not one person operated under the premise of one already being happy!  Could it have been that none of them were happy then?  I think not.  When you were posed with the same question, did you consider the prospect that you are already at that "happy state" and not anticipating some future expectation to be happy?  Was this question a trap or perhaps were the answers (yours included) a reflection of one's individual mindset?

Friends, we must learn to enjoy the journey because we may never reach that destination!  Happiness should be in the "now" and not in some obscure futuristic promise.  Remember that our next breath is not promised us but each is a gift from God.  The truth is that there is no better time to be happy than right now!

How many times in the past did we indicate that we would be happy if or when a certain condition was met.  How many New Year's resolutions have we forsaken?  Is not our current station in life the result of meeting or exceeding obstacles that were placed before us in the past?  Perhaps for many of those earlier conditions we may have stated that we would be happy when....!  Are you not happy now?  Is this discussion making you sad (ha)!

Maybe we are confused with the premise of what constitutes happiness.  Are we risking our happiness based upon a temporary circumstance?  Are you as happy now as you want to be, or can be?  I surmise that we should all be happy now else we would not be where we are with our lives.  Are we living the dream or dreaming to live?

So, where am I going with this?  Try this: If your life were to end right now, this very moment, would you leave us with a smile or with a frown on your face?  If you answered that you would be wearing an eternal smile then I contend that you understand what true happiness is and that you have arrived!  Otherwise, if not a smile you wore then you left us before you discovered how to achieve eternal happiness.

Eternal happiness - WOW - there is a concept to grasp.  Actually, eternal happiness is not a concept but a reality and many people achieve it right here on earth rather than waiting until they depart this world.  You see, waiting to achieve happiness until you leave this world is once again, as before, waiting for some future event or occurrence to happen.

What is as interesting to me is that one can tell who lives now with this eternal happiness simply by observing those around them.  Their secret to this happiness is that they have based their worldly happiness on non-worldly goals.  In other words, their happiness is measured by what they already have which, in turn, guarantees them happiness in the future.  In possession of this guaranteed happiness, who wouldn't walk around with a perpetual smile on a person that emanates peace, confidence and satisfaction.  Life, for them, is great as always!

Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest. - Sri Chinmoy

Maybe what is being suggested here is a change in attitude.  We should recognize and cherish the blessings that we have today because tomorrow may never be.

With this in mind, let's go back to those original five responses and review them in the present context.  The "Goal Maker" has already accomplished many goals in the past so what will more goals get that he/she doesn't already have;  The parent of the teenager will not rejoice but rather will lament the loss of her child;  If one fears the outside world then start by looking to your inner-world for love and security; While a job can provide financial security remember the age-old adage - one cannot buy happiness; and finally, for the one waiting for the handbook on life to he written - go write it yourself because you are living it!

If we want to know what happiness is we must seek it, not as if it were a part of gold at the end of the rainbow, but among human beings who are living richly and fully the good life. If you observe a really happy man you will find him building a boat, writing a symphony, educating his son, growing double Dahlias in his garden. He will not be searching for happiness as if it were a collar gold button that has rolled under the cupboard in his bed room. He will have become aware that he is happy in the course of living 24 crowded hours of the day.  W. Beran Wolfe

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

.

The December 25th Federal Holiday

Following the annual Thanksgiving holiday, nothing is more certain than the annual atheistic verbal onslaught along with the filing of lawsuits ritual against Christmas Nativity scenes and against the seasonal greetings of "Merry Christmas".  These people have replaced "freedom of religion" with "freedom from religion" and they misguidedly refer to the Separation Clause as authority for their cause.  Obviously Christmas is only one of many Christian symbols and traditions the atheists aim to have permanently removed from the American vernacular and landscape, but Christmas certainly is the most visible and highly contested target on their agenda.  In defense of this war on Christ, we Christians jump through hoops and spew the usual gamut of expected responses in an attempt to minimize losses and hold onto whatever vestiges of sacred grounds we perceive are left to protect.

Central to the atheists' argument is their assertion that Christmas is a Christian expression of faith, therefore they deduct that the observance or celebration of Christmas by governmental entities is in direct violation of the US Constitution's "Separation of Church and State" clause (oh yeah, it's not in the US Constitution but let's not confuse the facts with the issues).  Anything that is related to or implicates God is on their anti-religion hit list which is quite ironic because... 

God is not a religion; God is a reality!

What is as interesting to me is that I have not heard (but it may be out there in cyber-space) the counter-proposition that Christmas is not a Christian holiday!  Yes, no typo here - Christmas is not a Christian holiday - or perhaps maybe it should not be considered as a holiday just for Christians. 
                        
OK, you ask, if Christmas is not a Christian holiday then what are the alternatives?


Perhaps the answer to that question lies within the Bible.  Let's consider the following circumstances!

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). (Matthew 1:23)

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18)

The birth of Jesus marks the first Christmas, and God's "gift" to Humanity, His One Begotten Son, was the first ever Christmas present.  Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born to Joseph & Mary - both of which were Jewish descendants with a lineage tracing back back to Abraham.  Now, if we just stop here this would then make Christmas a Jewish celebration and not a Christian religious observance.


Next, remember that the first usage of the term "Christian" came after Jesus' death, burial, resurrection and ascension into Heaven.  The first followers of Christ were initially referenced under the name "The Way" and were often referred to as "Christians".  Again, if we just stop here then this would still make Christmas a Jewish celebration and not a Christian religious observance.


However, even though Jesus was born a Jew, He was born a Saviour to all of mankind to deliver us to God's salvation.  God's second gift to world was subtly presented to us through Jesus' life as He demonstrated how to live a life in complete response to God's Will.  Thirty-three years after Jesus' birth, God's next gift to mankind was when He, who was without sin became sin, died on the cross on behalf of all of mankind.  This gift from God we did not ask for and one we certainly do not deserve but...

He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. (Eph 1:7)

It's very important to note that Jesus did not die just for the Jews, that He also died for the Gentiles.  In today's world, Gentiles would translate to include Christians, Muslims, atheists, Buddhists, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, etcetera, and you get the point.

Easter Sunday marks God's next gift to mankind when Jesus rose from the dead three days after His Crucifixion. The Risen Christ was witnessed and His appearance was recorded by many as proof...

After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.... (1 Peter 1:3)

The culmination of all of these gifts from God can be wrapped up (yes, that's a pun) with God's promise of salvation to all those who believe...

For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.(John 3:16-17)

Once again it's very important to note that God did not promise salvation only for the Jews - but for THE WORLD!  

And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.(Luke 2:10-11)

It's important to remember this because God's promise of salvation to the World is precisely what Christmas is all about, therefore...

Christmas is a holiday celebration for the entire World...  

Not just for Christians!

Jesus is God's Christmas gift to all that keeps on giving!

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

.



Turn Signals

Yes, turn signals, precisely those devices installed in automobiles with the specific purpose to be utilized by drivers to inform other drivers of your intention to change lanes or direction.  However, based upon my personal observation accumulated after decades of driving along the highways and byways, I've noticed that for some reason a high number of drivers opt not to use their turn signals.  Perhaps they do not know what that appendage protruding from the left side on the steering wheel column is there for, or maybe there is a deeper interpretation yet to be revealed.  Of course, you, my friendly reader, always signal your intention to turn, but it's the other readers that I'm not too sure about!

(Have you also questioned whether or not those new expensive luxury cars come equipped with turn signals?)

You see, signalling your intention to turn is not only a matter of obeying the law, it's also a matter of vehicle safety and common courtesy to the other drivers.  For example, California State Vehicle \ Code states that for safe driving practices ...

Always signal to other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians when you plan to turn left, right, slow down, or stop. Signals may be given by hand-and-arm positions or by using the vehicle’s signal lights. If bright sunlight makes the signal lights hard to see, also use hand-and-arm signals.

Always signal—this lets other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians know your plans.

Signal:

• When making a left or right turn, during the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point. Caution!—Even though you signal, do not automatically assume that the space you want to occupy is clear.
• Before every lane change check your mirrors, look over your shoulder, and check your blind spot before changing lanes.
• At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.
• Before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb.
• When you change directions.
• Even when you do not see other vehicles. A vehicle you do not see may suddenly appear and hit you.

If you plan to turn beyond an intersection, start signaling when you are in the intersection. If you signal too early, the other driver may think you plan to turn into the intersection and he or she may pull out in front of you.  Remember to cancel your signal after turning. 

Be honest now, does the above describe what you typically observe during your daily commutes? 

I thought not!

(Other drivers can be very rude!  All I am trying to do is to drink my Starbuck's latte, eat a bagel, fix my hair, text my buddies, light a smoke, pluck my eyebrows, read the newspaper, shave my beard, surf on my blackberry, put on lipstick, pick my nose, put in my contacts, talk on my iPhone, or tie a Windsor knot..., and all they want to do is honk their horn at me!)

Visualize yourself stopped at a busy intersection waiting (patiently, of course) for the cross-traffic to pass so you can turn left and continue on your travels.  Suddenly Lady Luck appears to smile on you because there is shaping up an opportunity for you to make your move as soon as the vehicle coming from your left side passes by - just a moment more and you're ready to go - waiting for that one second chance to move out - but hey, what's happening?  That "one car" that is critical to your freedom appears to be slowing down, practically stopping right before you, and now it's turning right instead of driving by you!  %#@*!  Now you've lost that one-chance-in-a-million to get across the traffic - IF ONLY that driver signalled his intention to turn you could have been outta here!  Now you are stuck again and the traffic situation definitely is not improving nor is your attitude.  The birthing of road rage in real time!

(Have you noticed how often you are the first vehicle at a red light?  What are the odds?)

So what is my beef?  You see, even though state laws mandate turn signals be used for safety reasons, the issue to me is not whether one observes the laws but rather what is the attitude behind that decision.  You see, complimentary to vehicle safety are matters of courtesy, respect and consideration for the other drivers that are sharing the universe with you.  It's been said that a vehicle is just an extension of the personality behind the wheel and not much more can be truer than that observation. 
 

(Have you also noticed that drivers of large SUV's are the most inconsiderate of all drivers?  Of course not you in your SUV but certainly those others!  Well, that is another story for another time.)

So if a vehicle is an extension of a driver's personality, what does that say about drivers that exhibit road rage, excessive speeding, tail-gating, weaving in & out of traffic, running stop signs, failing to yield, or not using turn signals?  On a single instance, no big deal, but on a continuing basis any casual observer may deduct that these driving habits reflect a person that is self-centered, inconsiderate, and oblivious to others safety and well-being.  Does this describe you - of course not.

(Did you ever notice how many of the vehicles driven by the above personalities have a fish logo attached on the rear of their car?)

Now, you and I observe a strict adherence to the rules of the road, at least most of the time, which is why we enjoy clean driving records and low auto-insurance rates.  But what about our strict adherence to God’s Rules as we travel down the road of life?  How do we react when we hit bumps in the road or when we are forced to detour off of our path to success?  When we come to that proverbial cross road, do we follow the crowd or do we follow our conscious?  Are we the same person behind the wheel during a major traffic jam as we are when sitting in a church pew?  Are we speeding through life so fast that we fail to slow down to give a lift to those in need?  Do we consider others on the road as children of God or as obstacles to be maneuvered out of our way?  Do we realize what signals we send to those casual observers when we exit the road in an attempt to short-cut the journey that Jesus left for us to follow? 

 
(Do you know any current day Jeckle & Hydes - you know, the ones whose personality totally changes when they get behind the wheel of a car - what's that all about?)

Jesus commands us to love others as He has loved us (John 15:12).  I'm sure that message includes our actions behind the wheel of a car so let's share His love by sharing the road.  That slow car in front of you may be sent there by God to protect you from an accident or perhaps a speeding ticket.  And those red traffic lights that seem to know when you are coming to an intersection, well they provide us a great opportunity to pause and give thanks to God for His grace and mercy.  Let our journey be about others as much as it is about ourselves.  And pray for those that define road rage for their lives may need to find the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. 

(Do you agree that there ought to be a law forbidding seniors that have all day to get nowhere from driving during rush hours!)

Finally, pray for me because at times I too have my weak moments - just like you!



.

WPW

Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome (WPW) is a heart disorder in which the heart ventricles contract prematurely due to an abnormal electrical communication from the atria to the ventricles.  In simpler terms, WPW syndrome is the presence of an extra, abnormal electrical pathway in the heart that leads to periods of a very fast heartbeat, also called tachycardia.  According to the Mayo Clinic's website, this extra electrical pathway of WPW syndrome is present at birth and individuals of all ages, including infants, can experience the symptoms related to this malady.

In most cases, the recurring episodes of fast heartbeats aren't life-threatening, but eventually serious heart problems can occur if left untreated. A surgical procedure for Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can permanently correct the heart rhythm problems through a catheter-based operation, known as ablation.  Typically the ablation procedure is performed on an in-patient basis with only an over-night observation recovery period afterwards.  Successful post recoveries impose no permanent restrictions to the patient.

OK, so you may be wondering why the sudden interest on Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome?  Certainly medicine and medical procedures are not my forte and normally do not garner my sustained attention but in this particular instance there is both a personal and immediate interest on my part.

Joshua, my six-year old grandson, was diagnosed with WPW shortly after his birth.  Over the years Joshua experienced several episodes with tachycardia which included numerous trips to the ER.  Joshua became so accustomed to these "attacks" that he was able to recognize the onset of the symptoms in time to tell his parents before the situation worsened.  Surgery was always an option but the decision was always to hold-off surgery until Joshua grew older. 

Recently Joshua suffered through another episode, resulting in another trip to the ER.  Both the doctors and Joshua's parents agreed that the time was now for Joshua to be scheduled for the ablation.  Now is Friday, October 21, at 9:00 AM.

As Grandparents, my wife and I want to be there with Joshua to provide that reassurance that only a Grandparent can give.  Of course, we also want to be there for our daughter and Son-in-Law and to lend what ever emotional or physical support we can give.  You see, my wife and I know all too well what they are experiencing with their doubts, questions, and concerns for Joshua health and well being.  For us, it was thirty-one years ago when we were thrust into the same situation.  Our youngest son, then only two and a half years of age, underwent open-heart surgery to repair a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), that being a "hole" in the wall between the two lower chambers of the heart - the ventricles, also compounded by arterial blockage.

Yes, the risks associated with open-heart surgery on a two-year old are in a different league than that associated with an ablation procedure on a six-year old.  No comparison for sure, but the level of risk is not the primary concern when parents have to hand over their baby, albeit two or seven years of age, to someone one else whom then is totally responsible for the life of that child.  The feeling, as a parent, of being totally useless and also totally dependent upon another for the life of your child is a feeling that no parent should ever have to experience.  That is why, as parents and as Grandparents, we too share that experience once again of feeling useless yet dependent upon someone else for the welfare of Joshua.

However, although we cannot be there in person, we do find strength and comfort in knowing that there will be someone there to be with Joshua and with his parents during their time of need; Someone that has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us, for the LORD is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7).  My heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song (Psalm 28:7).

I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

(Psalm 91:2)

(PS x 2) (Post Surgery Post Script): 

Joshua's ablation surgery could not have gone better.  The surgeon found the suspect abnormal electrical pathway and cauterized it immediately.  Several tests were conducted afterwards in an attempt to stimulate the heart into another tachycardia condition but all attempts failed, which is good.  This was one of those times where failing is succeeding!  Joshua spent the night under observation and was released the next day with one precaution - avoid excessive physical activities to assure that the stitches heal!  Good luck with telling a six-year old to cool his jets for any length of time but especially after more being cooped-up in a hospital for more than a day.

So where do we all go from here?  Well, before we go forward we must look back and recognize in thanksgiving all the family members, friends, church members, and even those total strangers that offered their prayers, supplications and good wishes in support of Joshua's welfare.  Special blessings to Pastor Jim Callaway for his personal attention to the spiritual and emotional needs of Joshua's parents during their time of need and concern and for demonstrating once again what Christ's "Church" is all about. 

But of course, our celebration and thanksgiving for Joshua's recovery would be empty and hollow without looking upward to give praise and glory to God for His love and grace. For as many that helped Joshua and his family through their prayers, then many more will give thanks on our behalf for His gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. (2 Cor 1:11)  Trust in God and..."my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phl 4:19) 

Amen to that!




.



God's Creation

Jemma Grace Tracey

Presented to this World on 10/05/2011

The Great Escape

Whenever someone mentions the country of France, my thoughts immediately jump to the two times I traveled there a few years ago.  Paris, the City of Lights, was certainly the highlight of both trips with such amazing sights and attractions as the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe, along with strolls along the River Seine, just to name a few.  Of course the French food and their traditional five-course dinners along with sampling some of the world's greatest wines were all parts of these treasured experiences.  Personally, I believe that one cannot avoid developing a taste for both the Bordeaux and the Beaujolais wines, both of which I still prefer to this day. 



Then there was the road trip to the rugged coastline on Northern France to the town of Etretat, best known for its awe inspiring cliffs, including its three natural arches.  And, like many coastal towns along the Northern Coast, Etretat still holds onto many WWII military remnants & memories. 

There are so many more hidden charms about France that go unnoticed, and therefore, remain unappreciated by tourists if their travel agendas only include the well publicized "tourist-traps".  Fortunately for me my travel companions were the adventurous type so we sought out less known sites such as the Chateau de Chantilly, former residence to the princes of Conde (cousins of the French kings).  The Chateau de Chantilly is now home to the Musee (Museum) Conde which claims the finest collections of paintings in France, second only to the Louvre.

Many others believe as I that France is a beautiful country replete with history, charm and mystique all it's own and well worth any one's time and effort to visit.  I would enjoy spending more of our time together here sharing with you other details and photographs of my adventures in France, but right now you are probably wondering what it was that recently triggered my memories of France and thus provided the motivation for this posting.  Well, I'm glad that you asked!


For a select group of people, what I recently discovered is old news, but for me and perhaps for you, this is new news.  You see, there is small town in Southern France, named Bugarach, population 200, that had previously captured the attention of UFO and alien encounter enthusiasts and now has now garnered the attention of end-of-the-world survivalists.  Prior to this, Bugarach was noted for an unusual rocky outcrop, locally known as the "upside-down mountain" and for a measurable deviation in the Earth's gravitational magnetic field.  Because of these nuances, a strange sect of believers is convinced that aliens live inside the mountain and it's their UFO crafts that are generating the Earth's magnetic field to deviate. 

Now we find ourselves in the year 2011, following Harold Camping's recent (failed) prediction of the Church's Rapture, coupled with the fears that the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21, 2012, foretells the end of the world, interest in the small city of Bugarach has been resurrected again as the only place on Earth where one can escape Armageddon.   


For your edification, below is a link to an article published by the Christian Post that should help you explore this story in greater detail.  Please take a moment to read the article, and as I have offered in previous posts, I will patiently wait right here until you return! 


http://www.christianpost.com/news/french-officials-concerned-about-towns-doomsday-safe-haven-reputation-52085/

Obviously you can perform Internet searches on "Bugarach" for more in depth articles, photos, and videos to really quench your curiosity.  However, my interest here, and the impetus for this writing, is not specifically to focus on doomsday theories nor on the end of the world predictions, but rather to address what I consider an interesting paradox, that is, an apparent collapse of logic and reasoning shared by two completely diverse groups of thought and conviction.

In the first group, we have those that believe in man-made hysteria such as UFO's, Extraterrestrial life, evolution, man-made global warming, and world-ending predictions (i.e., Mayan calendar), to name a few. This group does not believe in God, nor any references from the Holy Bible, even though nothing above that they believe in has been substantiated scientifically, historically, or otherwise.  Nonetheless, regardless of fact or fiction, they firmly believe in the inherent supremacy and intellect of man.  

The second group, represented by the Harold Camping followers, are the total opposites from the first.  This group professes belief in God, in creation through intelligent design, and in the absolute truth of God's Word.  They are encouraged by knowing that the Holy Bible, although under continual scrutiny and challenge, has never been proven to be in error, historically, scientifically, or otherwise.  They give God credit for everything in the universe, past, present, and future.      

Now, one would never expect to find members of these groups in the same room at the same time, nor sharing the same philosophical mindset, and yet they share one common frailty - both groups placed their faith in the wrong place, that is, both trusted in man's word and not in God's Word! 

 

It's still both tragic yet somewhat comical to know that some people believe they can avoid end-of-the-world tribulations by escaping to places such as Bugarach, France.  Although I commend their choice of destinations, their great escapes will be short lived because when God's plan prevails and this world ceases to exist, there will be no place to hide or to run, that is except to Christ Jesus.  This world, as we know it, will go away as we learn in Revelation 21:

 

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. " 

Correct me if I am wrong, but no where did I see where Bugarach, France, gets a pass here.  So, if you are still planning on escaping to Bugarach, or if you know of anyone contemplating that trip, I personally guarantee that you will eventually experience a conversion of the mind, body and spirit.  Trust me when I tell you that you too will develop an eternal taste for both the Bordeaux and the Beaujolais wines!  



.

Cult Mentality

Much attention has been generated around the world recently regarding Harold Camping's (Family Radio International) dire prediction that the rapture of Christians was to occur on May 21, 2011, thus leading to the end of the world six months later.  Of course, here we are looking back after Harold Camping's second prophesy failed to come true (in 1994 he predicted his first doomsday scenario).  In retrospect I guess we can now label Mr. Camping as a "false prophet" considering he is "O" for two!  Even though scripture clearly states that only God knows when the world, as we know it, will end (Matt 24:36), Harold Camping appeared convinced that he "broke the code" and it was just due to some minor miscalculations that his prophesy missed its mark.  Obviously, he was not being lead by the Holy Spirit else we would "all" now be in Heaven giving praise and glory to God our Father. You see, anyone can read what the Holy Bible says, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal to us what it means.  Needless to say, Harold Camping's interpretation of Holy Scripture was not led by the Holy Spirit.


However, some good may have resulted during the days leading up to May 21, 2011.  Both Christian and conventional secular media outlets of every technology type began discussing end-time theories, referencing the Holy Bible and openly debating Christian doctrine.  Some news commentators even dared orating God's name and - yes - the name of Jesus Christ too.  That alone is a miracle unto itself.  At work places, in malls and in other public places, God's Word was being bantered about, although mostly butchered and battered, but none the less, the world was paying attention to God for a brief moment.  Just imagine how many people who never gave God a second thought were now wondering if this end time prophesy "could be real"!  Hopefully Harold's prophesy, albeit unfulfilled, led many to seek Christ for the first time although I feel the verdict is still undecided if this event gave a boost or booted the lay perspective towards Christianity.


It's understandable, at least to me, how individuals can become obsessed with a theory, a philosophy, a belief, or a passion that blindly leads them down a path that conflicts with truths, realities, and known conventional wisdom.  Just focusing on Christianity alone, history is replete with movers and movements that defied rational thought yet marched headstrong along convinced within themselves that they were right and the "world" was wrong.  Some for the betterment of mankind while others not so beneficial.  For example, the Great Reformation, also known as the Protestant Reformation, was the European Christian reform movement led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other early Protestants, whom protested against the doctrines, rituals and ecclesiastical structure of the dominant Catholic Church, which led over time to the creation of the current day Protestant churches.  Many Christians today believe that the Reformation was worthy and righteous even though it appeared, at that time, to conflict with the present day religious tenets.  Worthy and righteous, that is, unless of course one was aligned with the Catholic Church. 


My focus here is not to discuss major theological movements hence I should start with a man named Jesus or perhaps even further back in history to Abraham with whom God established His Covenant and bloodline leading to man's redemption through the blood of the Son of God.  Rather, I'm curious about individual mindsets that proclaim to know God's truth, and who certainly have the truth of God's Word available to them via the Holy Bible, yet still manage to convince themselves to follow man's words instead of God's Word.  This phenomena I label "Cult Mentality" and the followers of  Harold Camping and his May 21, 2011 prophesy are the most current expose of this cult mentality.  However, we do not have to go back too far in American history to find other examples of famous cult mentalities - do you remember David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, Jim Jones and the People's Temple, or Marshall Applewhite and Heaven's Gate?  Now,  Harold Camping's movement was tame compared to the consequences met by the followers of the above movements, but none the less, each shared the common denominator that every cult member made a decision to follow man's words instead of God's Word. 


Perhaps here we should define the word "cult" as presented within, and to preserve space and typing tedium, I've selected a web site that, to me, sufficiently defines "cult" for our purposes.  I'll give you all the time you need to jump there, to peruse, and to return....

http://www.bibletruths.net/cults.htm

For clarification,  I am not broad-brushing Harold Camping's movement as a cult, far from it, nor is my purpose to debate the definition of a cult but perhaps rather to lightly examine / discuss how this cult mentality can dominate rational biblical thought and carry it to an extreme, or just to very subtle deviations from God's Word.


Whereas wise parents, teachers, and other counselors usually encourage young adults to challenge the status quo, to develop individual mindsets, to objectively compare other teachings, and to build independent thought upon an open exposure to all fields of learning, cult organizations tend to restrict, discourage, and prohibit its members from material not published or controlled by them.  Infiltrating and conquering cult mentality is certainly easier said than done.  To me, followers of the Mormon Church or Jehovah Witnesses are classic examples of cult mentalities that are extremely difficult to witness or evangelize to.  For this reason it's obvious why their church elders require them to travel in pairs when they come "knocking at your door".     

But when it comes to cult mentalities, we Christians are not fully insulated from the temptation of following man's words instead of God's Word.  To illustrate: If every Christian followed and obeyed God's Word, there would be but one body of believers following Christ instead of the hundreds of different denominations that exist today.  Organized religion has disorganized the Christian community and it's simply (actually quite complicated) because many Christians are also following man's words instead of God's Word.  Examples of a church's departure from God's Word is not always extreme as represented by the Mormon Church or by the Jehovah Witnesses, nor is always as subtle as Harold Camping's prophesies, but none the less, cult mentalities prevail throughout Christendom.

The subject is salvation:

We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 15:11); 

...that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) (NLT Eph 2:5);

God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. (NLT Eph 2:8).


There is no better illustration of God's love for us than believing that it is only through His Grace that we saved from from the penalty of sin and and that we are all promised eternal life through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son, Christ Jesus. It is through Faith in Christ Jesus that we are set free and not through any of our works or deeds of our own. That calls for an AMEN!

And yet, just look how many denominational, and some non-denominational churches, feel the need to add man into the equation of God's salvation.  Basically, for every different named denominational church, there is proposed something else that man must do (works) before one is even a candidate for salvation!  It's as if "we" feel a need to participate, to earn salvation, else we are surely lost for eternity.  It is precisely here where "cult mentality" permeates into the tenets of organized christian religion, where we follow mans words instead of God's Word!  Let's look at how this works:

While Christians avow that through faith in Jesus' death, burial and resurrection we are promised our own eternal resurrection - and there should be a period (.) here - many denominations add at least one other criteria to God's Word, such as:

Baptism by water;
Asking for forgiveness of sins;
Speaking in tongues;
Tithing;
Attending church on on a certain day of the week;
Church attendance;
Receiving Sacraments;
Membership in the "true" church;
Living a holy life;
Absolution of sins before (or after) death.

There are other criteria imposed, I'm sure, but you get the idea.  Maybe it's "human nature" that we feel the need to be in control to some level, or maybe it's the cult mentality wherein "we" don't even question church leaders as to why their tenets do not fully align with God's Word.  More important, why do followers continue to follow man's words over God's Word?  Satan certainly is playing a role here too!

So, before we Christians criticize or condemn Harold Camping or his devoted followers, perhaps some deep spiritual reflection is called for on our part; to pray that the Holy Spirit intervenes into our hearts to guide us through His discernment and perspective on where we are in relationship to God.  Remember God loves us all and that... God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

However, if you still believe that you must do something, somehow, in some manner, perhaps through works, to receive salvation other than through God's Grace, then you should think twice the next time you are offered a drink of Kool-Aid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_the_Kool-Aid

.