There are people in the world and in the Church that have this picture in their minds of "nice Jesus". I have had unbelievers tell me that I did not live up to the standard Jesus set for me because I was not "nice" about something. I have heard Christians come up with the same thing. "Would Jesus say that?"
All I can say is that I do not believe these people have read their New Testaments and especially the gospels.
Jesus would excoriate people regularly; particularly the religious class of His time. He would have no truck with people that would put their religious traditions before God and His law. He also had issues with religious people that would try to insert themselves between God and His people to control them.
Jesus regularly gave the Pharisees and Sadducees a beat down for their hypocrisy. Read Matthew 23. You will see what I mean. There is also Jesus' encounter with the same types in Matthew 15. Jesus is accused of violating the traditions of the elders by not washing His hands before eating. Our Lord pummels them with God's truth. Then the disciples ask Jesus in 15:12, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?”
Well duh! Do you not think that was the idea? Of course they were offended. Jesus' entire life was an offense to them
Then there were His true followers. They were not so much hypocritical as they were ignorant. Countless times in the gospels Jesus says to His own disciples, "Oh ye of little faith...". He takes them to task constantly for failing to put the pieces of reality together that He has given them so they can get the big picture of what He was (and is) trying to do. The light does not really go on for them until the Holy Spirit comes in power in Acts 2. By the time they really "get it", He is gone, but He has left them the tools to get this new kingdom, the Church, underway.
And that brings me to the apostles as they were in the early Church. Were they "nice"? Well sometimes, but I think about how Peter called down judgement on Ananias and Sapphira and how Paul would take his own Jewish brethren to task as well as the Gentile Christians and I think that Paul was not always nice.
Why do you think it is that people find the Bible so offensive? It's because it points to us and says we do not measure up and we need to repent. To be completely frank, in our age, it pisses people off. When we put our own selves before the will of God as expressed in scripture, we can either be offended by being called out or we can submit to God in faith and seek forgiveness.
The gospel is offensive. It is not nice. It demands obedience and threatens eternal damnation to those that refuse God's will and Word.
But it also offers eternal life...
My thought is this. Surrender to Him. He loves you. Make His will your will. If you do that, all those offensive things that you might sense coming from scripture, will no longer seem so offensive.
So am I not being nice or am I just telling you the truth? Sometimes they go together don't they?
Of course, there are times when I'm really not nice. You can call me on it if you like. I will try not to accuse you of not being nice :^)
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
The Duck Walk
I do not think I'm doing it yet, but you would say something if I was walking like a duck right?
Is it arthritis that brings this on? I used to think it was about weight. You see fat people that have to move one leg out and around the other to walk properly, but I also see senior citizens doing the duck walk that are not X-sized and I cannot figure out why they do that.
My 79 year old father seems exempt from this. He walks more like the Tim Conway 'old guy' character from the Carol Burnett show. He also looks like a question mark if you get a side profile of him on the move, and I use the term "move" very loosely. When he climbs into my Toyota, it's like watching a three toed sloth climb a tree.
I understand the slow part. It comes with age. But the duck walk puzzles me. Next time you are in a public place, watch the senior citizens and that you tell me what it's about. Maybe it's meds. It baffles me.
Did God Set Us Up To Fail?
The short answer to that question is....maybe.
Now you who grew up in the church as I did are probably saying, "wait a minute; are you saying God is unjust or unfair?" My answer is no, I'm saying God is God. He knows way more than we do about what we think and how we are made and who we are. It was Him that gave us choice as part of our spiritual and mental abilities. He even gave us the choice of rejecting Him or accepting Him. Initially, our ancestors chose to reject His will.
I do not think that Adam and Eve wanted a life without Him on their own, but that is the path they chose when they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good an evil and their choice is forever burned into our spiritual and physical gene pool. We are the children of fallen parents.
The odd thing is that our creator still loves us even though we continue to make bad choices.
I would argue that we are the most unique creatures in all of His creation. We enjoy physicality and spirituality at the same time. We are the envy of angels and demons and a testament to God's creativity and willingness to give up divine power to those He loves. What do I mean by that?
God is sovereign over His creation. He has ultimate control. When He gave us the ability to choose and to think for ourselves, He temporarily gave up some of that sovereignty to us. God did not grant this to any other creature; not the angels and not the demons, not any animal on the face of the earth.
We should be awed by this, but instead we have used this great gift to do as we please. Even so, God still pursues us in love.
Did God know we would make bad choices? Of course He did. He is God. Was that the plan all along? Well, maybe. Probably. I think so.
Here is why I say this. While God designed us to be able to make choices, He also made us to be His children...forever. I submit that we were made in His image and likeness, but we were never intended for us to "grow up" and become Him or replace Him as we might an earthly parent. We were to be His children forever, never quite reaching adulthood, never quite maturing completely. He designed us to always and forever need Him in our lives. We were never intended to separate from Him.
So, in this sense, God did set us up to fail. It's not a bad thing or unjust or unfair. He wants us to choose submission to Him. If you can get to that point, then you can begin to see it. The most beautiful thing in the universe. Love of the eternal Parent. He has no grandchildren. We are it. And we will always need Him.
Now you who grew up in the church as I did are probably saying, "wait a minute; are you saying God is unjust or unfair?" My answer is no, I'm saying God is God. He knows way more than we do about what we think and how we are made and who we are. It was Him that gave us choice as part of our spiritual and mental abilities. He even gave us the choice of rejecting Him or accepting Him. Initially, our ancestors chose to reject His will.
I do not think that Adam and Eve wanted a life without Him on their own, but that is the path they chose when they ate from the tree of the knowledge of good an evil and their choice is forever burned into our spiritual and physical gene pool. We are the children of fallen parents.
The odd thing is that our creator still loves us even though we continue to make bad choices.
I would argue that we are the most unique creatures in all of His creation. We enjoy physicality and spirituality at the same time. We are the envy of angels and demons and a testament to God's creativity and willingness to give up divine power to those He loves. What do I mean by that?
God is sovereign over His creation. He has ultimate control. When He gave us the ability to choose and to think for ourselves, He temporarily gave up some of that sovereignty to us. God did not grant this to any other creature; not the angels and not the demons, not any animal on the face of the earth.
We should be awed by this, but instead we have used this great gift to do as we please. Even so, God still pursues us in love.
Did God know we would make bad choices? Of course He did. He is God. Was that the plan all along? Well, maybe. Probably. I think so.
Here is why I say this. While God designed us to be able to make choices, He also made us to be His children...forever. I submit that we were made in His image and likeness, but we were never intended for us to "grow up" and become Him or replace Him as we might an earthly parent. We were to be His children forever, never quite reaching adulthood, never quite maturing completely. He designed us to always and forever need Him in our lives. We were never intended to separate from Him.
So, in this sense, God did set us up to fail. It's not a bad thing or unjust or unfair. He wants us to choose submission to Him. If you can get to that point, then you can begin to see it. The most beautiful thing in the universe. Love of the eternal Parent. He has no grandchildren. We are it. And we will always need Him.
Monday, December 14, 2015
Cranio-Rectal Inversion
This is where I am at today. I am going to say this once. I hope you get my point. I hate repeating myself.
If your child, whether young or full grown adult, comes out to you as gay, you need to listen to them. You need to love them and you need to love them regardless of how they are dealing with it. You may not know it now, but the day will come when you need them. This is no time for conditional love. This is the time for love, understanding and emotional support. You do not have to approve of their behavior (if there is any) to do any of this.
They will always need their family and they will need you! So pull your head outta yer ass and just do it. It will not be as painful as you might think and you both might learn something.
Church, we need to get out in front of this and be Jesus to those we love in our families and among our friends. This might seem awkward, but if your kids bring their gay friends, partners and spouses home to meet you, you need to love them the way Jesus loves you. Get with the program.
End of diatribe. Ghog Out!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
The Spirit of the Season
Though I am loath to admit it, I was actually lifted into the Christmas Spirit today during praise time at church. We were singing Christmas songs and the attitude was infectious. I left feeling a bit hypocritical, but definitely more Christmassy...is that a word? Who knows.
I also got out a small, artificial Christmas tree that my Mom had wrapped in a garbage bag in the basement. It was already decorated. I only had to debag and place on a table in the living room. I told Dad that is was his Christmas decoration.
Ya, I know. It must be a wonder to live with. It's just as well that I'm not married. I would be divorced in a year. I am just too highly strung.
It has been raining here for two days and it's going to rain all night. There are standing puddles in the lawn. The dog does not even want to go outside to pee. Dad keeps watching the same infomercial over and over again. He has not ordered the product yet, but if he figures out how to do it, we will have a new Shark vacuum cleaner. You think I'm kidding? Last month he almost had a new and inferior medicare part b insurance policy based on junk mail and telephone canvassing. They had Dad convinced that he would be left without insurance if he did not respond to their pleas. People that do this should be locked up. They were taking advantage of him. He has an excellent policy with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield that pays quite well when needed.
The sermon was good today. It was all about balance in the Christian life as portrayed in Romans 14. Dave said it was a bit like walking a tightrope. I'm not sure it's that precarious. Probably more like a very narrow walkway with thin walls on both sides. If you're reading this Dave, that's not a criticism. It's my perception of the passage in Romans.
My thing is moderation. We have to be moderate in everything except moderation. We have to be extreme in our moderation when we are talking about things left to the judgement of the individual Christian's liberty.
Speaking of that, our financial adviser dropped off a bottle of Chardonnay for Christmas. I put it in the fridge. I have not enjoyed an adult beverage in 5 years. I may crack that open on Christmas Eve and break my fast. I like a good white. Maybe we will have chicken Alfredo with steamed asparagus to go with it.
I'm having coffee with a neighbor tomorrow to discuss my recent SSA announcement. I'm not sure what she wants to discuss, but I am looking forward to our time together. I was supposed to give a book to my new friend Rita today, but I did not see her at church. Rita, if you are out there, I am reserving a copy of Messy Grace for you. Maybe next Sunday eh?
I think I'm done. Talk to you tomorrow.
I also got out a small, artificial Christmas tree that my Mom had wrapped in a garbage bag in the basement. It was already decorated. I only had to debag and place on a table in the living room. I told Dad that is was his Christmas decoration.
Ya, I know. It must be a wonder to live with. It's just as well that I'm not married. I would be divorced in a year. I am just too highly strung.
It has been raining here for two days and it's going to rain all night. There are standing puddles in the lawn. The dog does not even want to go outside to pee. Dad keeps watching the same infomercial over and over again. He has not ordered the product yet, but if he figures out how to do it, we will have a new Shark vacuum cleaner. You think I'm kidding? Last month he almost had a new and inferior medicare part b insurance policy based on junk mail and telephone canvassing. They had Dad convinced that he would be left without insurance if he did not respond to their pleas. People that do this should be locked up. They were taking advantage of him. He has an excellent policy with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield that pays quite well when needed.
The sermon was good today. It was all about balance in the Christian life as portrayed in Romans 14. Dave said it was a bit like walking a tightrope. I'm not sure it's that precarious. Probably more like a very narrow walkway with thin walls on both sides. If you're reading this Dave, that's not a criticism. It's my perception of the passage in Romans.
My thing is moderation. We have to be moderate in everything except moderation. We have to be extreme in our moderation when we are talking about things left to the judgement of the individual Christian's liberty.
Speaking of that, our financial adviser dropped off a bottle of Chardonnay for Christmas. I put it in the fridge. I have not enjoyed an adult beverage in 5 years. I may crack that open on Christmas Eve and break my fast. I like a good white. Maybe we will have chicken Alfredo with steamed asparagus to go with it.
I'm having coffee with a neighbor tomorrow to discuss my recent SSA announcement. I'm not sure what she wants to discuss, but I am looking forward to our time together. I was supposed to give a book to my new friend Rita today, but I did not see her at church. Rita, if you are out there, I am reserving a copy of Messy Grace for you. Maybe next Sunday eh?
I think I'm done. Talk to you tomorrow.
Friday, December 11, 2015
Shame of The Season To You Too
You know, all you have to do is express a not so positive opinion about something that everyone else likes and immediately you are deluged with shamers that want to manipulate you in to joining the group think of whatever it is.
Such was the case with my admission about my hatred of Christmas. Seasonal Effective Disorder not withstanding, am I not entitled to my opinion? I received an email from an elder of my church that was seeking to manipulate my seasonal attitude with every Christian's favorite weapon - guilt.
I refuse to participate. In this age of global climate change where it is 55 degrees on December 11, I think I should be free not to join the festivities. While you are all being manipulated by consumerism and the hypocrisy of being nicer than normal, i.e. not yourself, I will be keeping on keeping on, a tower of consistency and moderation.
There are those that will resort to Christmas warfare, buying unsought gifts for their favorite Christmas curmudgeon in the hope of inducing some gift giving frenzy and change of attitude. This does not work with me. Do not go there. You will walk away feeling empty and ungreeted in the proper seasonal fashion and, of course, you will blame me because you feel bad.
NMP
For the uninitiated, that's "not my problem". It is yours.
So, in the spirit of the season, let just say, "Be warmed and filled. Go thy way and sin no more". Now don't you feel better?
Seriously. Stop the Christmas shaming. It's what liberals do when they want your money for some government program that helps no one.
Where is January when I need it?
Such was the case with my admission about my hatred of Christmas. Seasonal Effective Disorder not withstanding, am I not entitled to my opinion? I received an email from an elder of my church that was seeking to manipulate my seasonal attitude with every Christian's favorite weapon - guilt.
I refuse to participate. In this age of global climate change where it is 55 degrees on December 11, I think I should be free not to join the festivities. While you are all being manipulated by consumerism and the hypocrisy of being nicer than normal, i.e. not yourself, I will be keeping on keeping on, a tower of consistency and moderation.
There are those that will resort to Christmas warfare, buying unsought gifts for their favorite Christmas curmudgeon in the hope of inducing some gift giving frenzy and change of attitude. This does not work with me. Do not go there. You will walk away feeling empty and ungreeted in the proper seasonal fashion and, of course, you will blame me because you feel bad.
NMP
For the uninitiated, that's "not my problem". It is yours.
So, in the spirit of the season, let just say, "Be warmed and filled. Go thy way and sin no more". Now don't you feel better?
Seriously. Stop the Christmas shaming. It's what liberals do when they want your money for some government program that helps no one.
Where is January when I need it?
Thursday, December 10, 2015
I Do Not Have Good News
Do you remember Jeremiah the prophet in the Old Testament? He spent his entire life in service to God as His warning buoy among the people of Judah. His entire ministry was spent informing the people of God's impending justice if they failed to repent of their ways. And let me tell you, these were an evil people. They would sell their brethren into slavery for a pair of sandals. They worshiped other gods in Yahweh's temple. They had both male and female temple prostitutes. They charged the poor among them extreme amounts of usury for small loans. They also regularly ignored the laws of their God, obeying only the rituals.
It was in their minds that as long as they sacrificed regularly to Yahweh, they could get away with anything since they were His people. It was the Old Testament version of cheap grace. And it's true. The Lord was very patient with them. He warned them through Jeremiah and other prophets time and time again not to engage lawless behavior and to repent. His pleas were ignored. Jeremiah was ignored. Jeremiah had no good news for his people and they hated him. Hence judgement was inevitable.
Jeremiah spent his entire life preaching these warnings. He had no results really to show for his efforts and yet God used him for decades. I kind of understand Jeremiah. I have no good news for anyone that is facing a lifetime of same sex attraction. All I can offer is an appeal to trust God and an encouragement to change behavior. It is a tough path to navigate for those so challenged. I cannot offer a cure nor permission for behavior by those so challenged. What I can offer is a life with the Lord that might be different from what average believers experience. Exploration of the spiritual can be a fulfilling adventure. Finding Him in daily events is even more interesting. I have, in the last two years become more attuned to Him in some ways. I can't really find words to explain it. It's like I am more aware of His presence. It's like having an invisible friend that is real. What else can I say?
If you know Him, love Him, and He will love you back. His mercy and grace are limitless and when you experience it, you will want to give back to Him in love and obedience. Relationship with your Creator is a precious thing. It's what He wanted from the beginning. It's the best thing I have found to this point in my life.
So maybe I do have some good news. What do you think?
It was in their minds that as long as they sacrificed regularly to Yahweh, they could get away with anything since they were His people. It was the Old Testament version of cheap grace. And it's true. The Lord was very patient with them. He warned them through Jeremiah and other prophets time and time again not to engage lawless behavior and to repent. His pleas were ignored. Jeremiah was ignored. Jeremiah had no good news for his people and they hated him. Hence judgement was inevitable.
Jeremiah spent his entire life preaching these warnings. He had no results really to show for his efforts and yet God used him for decades. I kind of understand Jeremiah. I have no good news for anyone that is facing a lifetime of same sex attraction. All I can offer is an appeal to trust God and an encouragement to change behavior. It is a tough path to navigate for those so challenged. I cannot offer a cure nor permission for behavior by those so challenged. What I can offer is a life with the Lord that might be different from what average believers experience. Exploration of the spiritual can be a fulfilling adventure. Finding Him in daily events is even more interesting. I have, in the last two years become more attuned to Him in some ways. I can't really find words to explain it. It's like I am more aware of His presence. It's like having an invisible friend that is real. What else can I say?
If you know Him, love Him, and He will love you back. His mercy and grace are limitless and when you experience it, you will want to give back to Him in love and obedience. Relationship with your Creator is a precious thing. It's what He wanted from the beginning. It's the best thing I have found to this point in my life.
So maybe I do have some good news. What do you think?
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Odds and Ends
Someone said that people will not take me seriously if I talk about gay Christians and space aliens, but there are groups around the world that sit up and take notice when these issues come up in the public domain of the internet. Since Sunday, I have had 37 hits from Russia, 14 from Portugal and 1 each from Ukraine and the Philippines. I wonder where they come from and how they find the Ground Hog, but they do. I am glad you stopped by. You should drop me an email. I would like to hear from you.
groundhog001@gmail.com
The trivia question at Caribou Coffee in Altoona today was, "In the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, what is the gift on the ninth day?"
I was guessing, but my answer was correct - it's nine ladies dancing. I got 10 cents off the usual large cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso. And yes, that is quite a bit of caffeine. In the early days, I would get a warning from the attendant; "You know that's 5 shots of espresso right?". People worry too much. It was like I was going to sue them if I got heart palpitations. I live for heart palpitations. I feel alive. It's my nature to be a bit melancholy and sluggish, particularly in the morning. This beverage brings me right out of it. As a co-worker said, "Jeff, you'll get used to it".
Now I have a confession to make. I know that by now you thought you had heard everything about me, but alas, this is not so. I know some of you will recoil in horror when you hear this, but it's true and I think you need to know.
I hate Christmas.
There I said it. It's good to get it out there so people can deal with it. I suppose that the first question that comes to mind is, "why?"
It always fills me with guilt and and self loathing and I am not sure why that happens, but I'm sure there is some long, involved psychological explanation for it. There are also the environmental factors. It is dark for extended periods of time during this season. From about 4:30 PM to 7:00 AM there is darkness. This is very depressing. I hate it.
There is also the FACT that December 25th is NOT Jesus' birthday. If you are a Christian you should know this and know better than to get caught up in all the paganism. The holiday that you are celebrating that is falsely attributed to Christ is actually the festival of Saturn. It was a holiday celebrated by the Romans and other ancient cultures to commemorate the winter solstice which I believe occurs on December 21st. The festival or "Saturnalia" lasts from about 12/21 to 12/26. In ancient times, the festival involved all kinds of debauchery.
The birth of Jesus came to be associated with the Saturnalia when the Roman government became infested with Christians. The emperor of the time, Constantine, wanted everybody off work at the same time, so he found someone that would tell him that Jesus was born during this time period. That way, Christians could celebrate the birth of Christ while the pagans were celebrating the return of the Sun and longer daylight hours. I'm with the pagans on that one. Anyway, there you have it. Christmas on a cracker.
I am also fond of quoting Jeremiah 10:3-5 to my Christian brethren when I point out the pagan nature of their holiday.
For the practices of the peoples are worthless;
they cut a tree out of the forest,
and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
4 They adorn it with silver and gold;
they fasten it with hammer and nails
so it will not totter.
5 Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
their idols cannot speak;
they must be carried
because they cannot walk.
It's funny every time I read it. Have you put up your scarecrow yet? Have you chosen your Christmas tree? Or do you keep yours in a box in the basement with your other Xmas decorations?
It's about consumerism people. It's about conditional love, naughty and nice, making a list and checking it twice, and a "jolly old elf" that's more like a burglar or a voyeur or a drunk than a benefactor.
What do you mean it's about giving? Seriously? Isn't it about getting? Come on.
How about this? How about we give to each other all year round with out any expectation of receiving anything? Can we do that? Have you ever gotten an unexpected non holiday, non birthday gift. It is so refreshing, so smile making, so joyful.
"So when was Jesus born?", you ask.
There are many that say it was in the spring lambing season in Palestine. This would make more symbolic sense as Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. I do have a favored time though. I believe He was born in mid to late September, just prior to Yom Kippur.
All of this is my opinion based on much circumstantial evidence and now you know why I hate Christmas. It's all a lie, like Santa Claus and paganism, designed to make you buy stuff you don't need for people you may or may not like.
Call me curmudgeon. Call me Scrooge. Whatever I am, I'm freer than you. Think about that one as you get manipulated into buying just one more gift that you cannot afford.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
groundhog001@gmail.com
The trivia question at Caribou Coffee in Altoona today was, "In the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, what is the gift on the ninth day?"
I was guessing, but my answer was correct - it's nine ladies dancing. I got 10 cents off the usual large cappuccino with an extra shot of espresso. And yes, that is quite a bit of caffeine. In the early days, I would get a warning from the attendant; "You know that's 5 shots of espresso right?". People worry too much. It was like I was going to sue them if I got heart palpitations. I live for heart palpitations. I feel alive. It's my nature to be a bit melancholy and sluggish, particularly in the morning. This beverage brings me right out of it. As a co-worker said, "Jeff, you'll get used to it".
Now I have a confession to make. I know that by now you thought you had heard everything about me, but alas, this is not so. I know some of you will recoil in horror when you hear this, but it's true and I think you need to know.
I hate Christmas.
There I said it. It's good to get it out there so people can deal with it. I suppose that the first question that comes to mind is, "why?"
It always fills me with guilt and and self loathing and I am not sure why that happens, but I'm sure there is some long, involved psychological explanation for it. There are also the environmental factors. It is dark for extended periods of time during this season. From about 4:30 PM to 7:00 AM there is darkness. This is very depressing. I hate it.
There is also the FACT that December 25th is NOT Jesus' birthday. If you are a Christian you should know this and know better than to get caught up in all the paganism. The holiday that you are celebrating that is falsely attributed to Christ is actually the festival of Saturn. It was a holiday celebrated by the Romans and other ancient cultures to commemorate the winter solstice which I believe occurs on December 21st. The festival or "Saturnalia" lasts from about 12/21 to 12/26. In ancient times, the festival involved all kinds of debauchery.
The birth of Jesus came to be associated with the Saturnalia when the Roman government became infested with Christians. The emperor of the time, Constantine, wanted everybody off work at the same time, so he found someone that would tell him that Jesus was born during this time period. That way, Christians could celebrate the birth of Christ while the pagans were celebrating the return of the Sun and longer daylight hours. I'm with the pagans on that one. Anyway, there you have it. Christmas on a cracker.
I am also fond of quoting Jeremiah 10:3-5 to my Christian brethren when I point out the pagan nature of their holiday.
For the practices of the peoples are worthless;
they cut a tree out of the forest,
and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
4 They adorn it with silver and gold;
they fasten it with hammer and nails
so it will not totter.
5 Like a scarecrow in a cucumber field,
their idols cannot speak;
they must be carried
because they cannot walk.
It's funny every time I read it. Have you put up your scarecrow yet? Have you chosen your Christmas tree? Or do you keep yours in a box in the basement with your other Xmas decorations?
It's about consumerism people. It's about conditional love, naughty and nice, making a list and checking it twice, and a "jolly old elf" that's more like a burglar or a voyeur or a drunk than a benefactor.
What do you mean it's about giving? Seriously? Isn't it about getting? Come on.
How about this? How about we give to each other all year round with out any expectation of receiving anything? Can we do that? Have you ever gotten an unexpected non holiday, non birthday gift. It is so refreshing, so smile making, so joyful.
"So when was Jesus born?", you ask.
There are many that say it was in the spring lambing season in Palestine. This would make more symbolic sense as Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. I do have a favored time though. I believe He was born in mid to late September, just prior to Yom Kippur.
All of this is my opinion based on much circumstantial evidence and now you know why I hate Christmas. It's all a lie, like Santa Claus and paganism, designed to make you buy stuff you don't need for people you may or may not like.
Call me curmudgeon. Call me Scrooge. Whatever I am, I'm freer than you. Think about that one as you get manipulated into buying just one more gift that you cannot afford.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Would Discovering Aliens Change Our Theology?
Well, would it? Would the existence of sentient life elsewhere in our universe change what we believe as Christians? I would hope not. It's true that the Bible is very earth-centric, but it is written for us earth folks to show us the way to our Creator. Just because the Bible does not talk about life elsewhere in the universe, it does not mean it is not there.
The reason I bring this up is due to another article in Relevant Magazine about the issue by the same title. They interview a science guy, Mike McHargue, who is also a believer and the interview is informative and interesting.
I have been a bit of a UFO buff for awhile and I have considered what that might mean for my faith and I have come to the conclusion that if I believe that God created everything, it should not surprise me that He created life elsewhere and maybe even soul bearing life. Who is to say? The immensity of our universe should indicate that it cannot be just for us. We are so insignificant relative to the size of creation, that I find it hard to believe that we are the only ones.
From there I would have to say that God probably wanted relationship with these creations too. Whether they sinned and needed redemption as our race did would be another subject, but ours is a God of great creativity and love of variety. All you have to do is check out life on this planet to know that.
Have they ever visited our earth? Do they possess higher technology or intelligence? I do not know. It has always been my contention that the great UFO flap since Roswell has been the result of an arms race with enemies real and imagined and that flying saucers are in fact our own technology. As to the actual aliens that many claim to have been in contact with; this is another question.
Jacques Vallee, who is a French physicist, has come to other conclusions. He believes that these aliens and even their "craft" are are from another dimension or perhaps even spiritual entities that do not necessarily have good intentions toward us. Vallee is not what you would call a believer, but he does seem to hold to the notion that we are both spiritual and material beings.
This is an interesting point of view. Our adversary masquerades in many forms. Could he use alleged space aliens as part of an elaborate trick to lure us away from our Creator and destroy faith? Well, maybe. This remains to be seen. If the day comes that governments begin to officially recognize existence of sentient life elsewhere and invite them among us, I suppose we will find out. Those of us that are believers will know if this is a deception of some sort I think. Others will be tricked into thinking they will some how gain from our 'space brothers' in some way.
Have you ever seen a UFO? I have and I have no clue what it was or where it originated, but it did some weird stuff in the sky. Be careful people. There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in your philosophy.
I did not say any of this. I was never here (:^))))
The reason I bring this up is due to another article in Relevant Magazine about the issue by the same title. They interview a science guy, Mike McHargue, who is also a believer and the interview is informative and interesting.
I have been a bit of a UFO buff for awhile and I have considered what that might mean for my faith and I have come to the conclusion that if I believe that God created everything, it should not surprise me that He created life elsewhere and maybe even soul bearing life. Who is to say? The immensity of our universe should indicate that it cannot be just for us. We are so insignificant relative to the size of creation, that I find it hard to believe that we are the only ones.
From there I would have to say that God probably wanted relationship with these creations too. Whether they sinned and needed redemption as our race did would be another subject, but ours is a God of great creativity and love of variety. All you have to do is check out life on this planet to know that.
Have they ever visited our earth? Do they possess higher technology or intelligence? I do not know. It has always been my contention that the great UFO flap since Roswell has been the result of an arms race with enemies real and imagined and that flying saucers are in fact our own technology. As to the actual aliens that many claim to have been in contact with; this is another question.
Jacques Vallee, who is a French physicist, has come to other conclusions. He believes that these aliens and even their "craft" are are from another dimension or perhaps even spiritual entities that do not necessarily have good intentions toward us. Vallee is not what you would call a believer, but he does seem to hold to the notion that we are both spiritual and material beings.
This is an interesting point of view. Our adversary masquerades in many forms. Could he use alleged space aliens as part of an elaborate trick to lure us away from our Creator and destroy faith? Well, maybe. This remains to be seen. If the day comes that governments begin to officially recognize existence of sentient life elsewhere and invite them among us, I suppose we will find out. Those of us that are believers will know if this is a deception of some sort I think. Others will be tricked into thinking they will some how gain from our 'space brothers' in some way.
Have you ever seen a UFO? I have and I have no clue what it was or where it originated, but it did some weird stuff in the sky. Be careful people. There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in your philosophy.
I did not say any of this. I was never here (:^))))
Monday, December 7, 2015
Bored With Your Faith???
I have to confess that I do not understand this. I was reading a couple of articles on the Relavant website which is an online Christian magazine that seems to have an unusual fascination with things of the world. If you have an interest, please click on this.
There were two articles that immediately caught my eye. The first was "Confessions of a Drunk Worship Leader" and the other was, "What Do You Do When You Are Bored With Your Faith".
Really? A drunk worship leader? How does this happen in a large church without everyone knowing? I'm not sure. I suppose it does though. We all have our obsessions and struggles and leadership is not immune to the allure of sin or addictions that can destroy. This is unfortunate, but we are a broken people in search of a solution. Sometimes those solutions involve self medication. I understand that part. I am addicted to nicotine. I do not smoke, but I do chew. I apologize if you did not know that. I have to say it sharpens my mind when used in conjunction with caffeine. If I'm in church, I chew nicotine gum. In the 19th century there were spittoons in the church building. That is no longer the case.
I hope that this new information has not destroyed my witness with you. If it has not, just add it to the list of things you know about me and deal with it accordingly. If it gets me any points, I quit drinking five years ago. By this time, I think I will probably give up nicotine when they lower me into the cold, dark ground of the cemetery. We will see.
Being bored with my faith though is not something that has ever happened to me. God and I have spent much time together and while much of it has been instructive to me and the result of misplaced anger, I have never been bored with Him. I know He loves me and I rejoice in that everyday. We have been close because of some not so positive things, but we have been close nevertheless, even when we were arguing. He is (has been) so patient and loving with me. He is, to me, a new adventure everyday. Whatever else you might call our relationship, it is not boring.
If you find your faith walk needs constant stimulation to stay lively, maybe you need to look closer at where you are with Him to begin with. He is constantly putting things in my way to see what I will do with them. I'm kind of like Jonah. I have to get swallowed by life before I get motivated and God is always supplying the whales. I complain. He laughs and says to do whatever it is anyway.
I love Him. He is so much fun.
There were two articles that immediately caught my eye. The first was "Confessions of a Drunk Worship Leader" and the other was, "What Do You Do When You Are Bored With Your Faith".
Really? A drunk worship leader? How does this happen in a large church without everyone knowing? I'm not sure. I suppose it does though. We all have our obsessions and struggles and leadership is not immune to the allure of sin or addictions that can destroy. This is unfortunate, but we are a broken people in search of a solution. Sometimes those solutions involve self medication. I understand that part. I am addicted to nicotine. I do not smoke, but I do chew. I apologize if you did not know that. I have to say it sharpens my mind when used in conjunction with caffeine. If I'm in church, I chew nicotine gum. In the 19th century there were spittoons in the church building. That is no longer the case.
I hope that this new information has not destroyed my witness with you. If it has not, just add it to the list of things you know about me and deal with it accordingly. If it gets me any points, I quit drinking five years ago. By this time, I think I will probably give up nicotine when they lower me into the cold, dark ground of the cemetery. We will see.
Being bored with my faith though is not something that has ever happened to me. God and I have spent much time together and while much of it has been instructive to me and the result of misplaced anger, I have never been bored with Him. I know He loves me and I rejoice in that everyday. We have been close because of some not so positive things, but we have been close nevertheless, even when we were arguing. He is (has been) so patient and loving with me. He is, to me, a new adventure everyday. Whatever else you might call our relationship, it is not boring.
If you find your faith walk needs constant stimulation to stay lively, maybe you need to look closer at where you are with Him to begin with. He is constantly putting things in my way to see what I will do with them. I'm kind of like Jonah. I have to get swallowed by life before I get motivated and God is always supplying the whales. I complain. He laughs and says to do whatever it is anyway.
I love Him. He is so much fun.
Ministry To Same Sex Attracted People
One of the things, maybe the thing, that everyone had hoped would come out of my coming out was ministry to same sex attracted people. I know that it's only been a short time since these events, but what I am finding is that any ministry, at least early on, is going to be all the straight folks that have gay or same sex attracted people in their lives, be they sons or daughters, husbands or wives or what ever other combination you care to mention.
I have already been approached by two concerned people that want to talk. I do not yet know what their situation is or who it is that they would like to talk about. I know that both of these people are women that have families and husbands and children. If they are reading today, we need to set up a time to talk. Maybe I will call you here this week sometime.
I will say this to you now. There are no magic bullets that will "cure" the situation. Whatever is happening will take time to play out and you may not like the immediate result, but you need to take the long view in all this. It's hard to do that, but it is what God does with all of us. When He wants to save someone, He will use time, life events and even a person's psychological framework to pull them back into His family. Even if there is no behavior, the person dealing with it may not have a submissive attitude that God can work with. Time is the biggest factor here. When God is breaking someone, it takes time. I will tell you from personal experience as one of His most stubborn cases, that His methods are effective.
I know I have said this before, but my immediate advice to you is to pray and to love whoever it is. If it's you, it's imperative that you learn to love and respect yourself. Whether you know it or not, you belong to God and He loves you despite whatever you may think about His "oppressive restrictions". If it is another in your life, then offer them the same advice. Become Jesus to them.
So hang in there. God is for us. Who can possibly be against us? Psalm 27
I have already been approached by two concerned people that want to talk. I do not yet know what their situation is or who it is that they would like to talk about. I know that both of these people are women that have families and husbands and children. If they are reading today, we need to set up a time to talk. Maybe I will call you here this week sometime.
I will say this to you now. There are no magic bullets that will "cure" the situation. Whatever is happening will take time to play out and you may not like the immediate result, but you need to take the long view in all this. It's hard to do that, but it is what God does with all of us. When He wants to save someone, He will use time, life events and even a person's psychological framework to pull them back into His family. Even if there is no behavior, the person dealing with it may not have a submissive attitude that God can work with. Time is the biggest factor here. When God is breaking someone, it takes time. I will tell you from personal experience as one of His most stubborn cases, that His methods are effective.
I know I have said this before, but my immediate advice to you is to pray and to love whoever it is. If it's you, it's imperative that you learn to love and respect yourself. Whether you know it or not, you belong to God and He loves you despite whatever you may think about His "oppressive restrictions". If it is another in your life, then offer them the same advice. Become Jesus to them.
So hang in there. God is for us. Who can possibly be against us? Psalm 27
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Advice to Parents of Same Sex Attracted Children
When I was 12, I would not have discussed what I was feeling sexually with my parents, but that was in 1969. Life was different then. The church was a different place. I would not even have discussed SSA with my parents at the age of 20. Mine was a Christian home and while I knew that they loved me, my perception was that even feeling such things would get me thrown out of the house and the church. That may not have been the case, but there was certainly a air of conditional love when it came to such things. But I digress.
The things that parents and children discuss today are all over the board and nothing is off the board. If your child or young adult confesses to you that they think they are gay or lesbian or same sex attracted, then you have certain responsibilities that you must observe. Love them. Accept them. Do not approve of the sexual behavior. Indeed, there may be no actual behavior to disapprove of. This is why you love them and endeavor to stay in their lives. Never let them forget where they came from and that, whatever else happens, you and Jesus still love them. Lives and life circumstances change. People change their minds. People change. Some things like love of Jesus, family and church can override a desire for sinful things. It happens. Pray, love and accept. Let Jesus do whatever else may be needed.
What you want to avoid are angry, divisive conversations that will separate you from the one you love. This is no time for conditional love on either side of the discussion. Do not burn bridges. Always leave the door open.
Many times we look for someone to blame. Parents will doubt their parenting skills. The SSA young person might blame them or even God for what they perceive they are becoming. This needs to be minimized or put off the table completely. No one knows why any one is gay. At the point where it is being talked about, it's really not relevant anymore. Everyone just needs to start the conversation where they are at. It is no time for recriminations.
You say, "but what if they choose to live gay?" I would say first, this may not be a forever type decision. It is possible to turn back. It is possible to decide to live celibate. It is even possible to explore heterosexual marriage. NEVER close the door to any possibilities.
Second, if they do not do those things, love them anyway. Do what Jesus would do. Pray, love and accept them as your children and as people that Christ loves. Let Jesus handle it once your possibilities are exhausted.
People make choices. Some of those choices are bad and some are downright self destructive. That can be minimized with love.
The things that parents and children discuss today are all over the board and nothing is off the board. If your child or young adult confesses to you that they think they are gay or lesbian or same sex attracted, then you have certain responsibilities that you must observe. Love them. Accept them. Do not approve of the sexual behavior. Indeed, there may be no actual behavior to disapprove of. This is why you love them and endeavor to stay in their lives. Never let them forget where they came from and that, whatever else happens, you and Jesus still love them. Lives and life circumstances change. People change their minds. People change. Some things like love of Jesus, family and church can override a desire for sinful things. It happens. Pray, love and accept. Let Jesus do whatever else may be needed.
What you want to avoid are angry, divisive conversations that will separate you from the one you love. This is no time for conditional love on either side of the discussion. Do not burn bridges. Always leave the door open.
Many times we look for someone to blame. Parents will doubt their parenting skills. The SSA young person might blame them or even God for what they perceive they are becoming. This needs to be minimized or put off the table completely. No one knows why any one is gay. At the point where it is being talked about, it's really not relevant anymore. Everyone just needs to start the conversation where they are at. It is no time for recriminations.
You say, "but what if they choose to live gay?" I would say first, this may not be a forever type decision. It is possible to turn back. It is possible to decide to live celibate. It is even possible to explore heterosexual marriage. NEVER close the door to any possibilities.
Second, if they do not do those things, love them anyway. Do what Jesus would do. Pray, love and accept them as your children and as people that Christ loves. Let Jesus handle it once your possibilities are exhausted.
People make choices. Some of those choices are bad and some are downright self destructive. That can be minimized with love.
Gaydar Is Often Wrong....
Seriously. No matter how sensitive you think you are to such things, you will be wrong at least 70% of the time. This is of course my opinion. I will tell you why in just a minute, suffice it to say any number of witch hunts and false outings have been caused by straight people that think they have gaydar.
Y'all need to knock it off. Do not be speculating about people's sexuality based on mannerisms or the sound of their voices or even how they choose to dress.
I would go so far as to say that, even if you are getting a very strong vibe, do not believe it. There are those that try it early on, but they do not follow through with the rest of their lives. They learn this is not what they want and pursue the opposite sex for love and marriage.
I have known many effeminate men that I was certain were gay and they turned out to be lifelong heterosexuals that that never had a gay urge in their lives. Loving wife; lots of children. I would say the same about women that might seem more masculine than might be considered normal. Most of these women are crazy about men and that's why they join in the sports play and so on.
You think you know? I would bet we could spend a week together and you would not figure out I was a same sex attracted person. You might think I was a nerd or some kind of weird academic, but I do not think you would figure out I was SSA without help from me.
And this brings me to my last subject. Do not out people. Whether you are gay or straight, do not do it. If someone wants to talk about their sexuality in a public way, please leave it to them. It is a personal matter. If they need to speak out, they will. They need no help from the cheap seats.
From my point of view, I have come to believe it needs to be known for accountability and to build transparent relationships. Others may not be there yet and if they are young, they might like to be left alone to decide what to do.
When I was 21 I would not have even engaged in this present discussion and I was a liberal back in those days. It was 1978. I guess that might have had something to do with it, but talking about it at any age is an extremely personal decision. So I would say, if it is not a major part of your life anyway, some might want to just leave it alone. And that is as it should be.
Some might ask if this is a Christian position. I have to say yes. If someone is comfortable with their secret and it does not inhibit them in their relationship building or their relationship with the Lord, then they should stay where they are the most comfortable.
Someone might say, "I'm certain that John Doe is gay. The church needs to know."
Silly rabbit. Why does anyone need to know? The only ONLY justification I can think of for outing someone is if they are some kind of sexual predator. Otherwise leave it alone.
Joe Christian might say, "I know John Doe is gay and sexually active and he's still in the church". Well, OK. If you know there is sin in John Doe's life, do you not have a responsibility to approach him about it and talk to him? Is it your job to talk to everyone except him about it? And what if these things you are so certain of are wrong? Is it right to destroy a reputation based on what you perceive as good intentions?
Get a life people. It seems simple to say but, WWJD! Really. How would Jesus handle this situation? Would He start a whispering campaign? I'm thinking not.
Grace and Truth people! Be gentle and firm. Be sure of your "facts". Do all this out of love and not hate or fear.
In the meantime. Give up on the gaydar. You ain't got it.
The Ground Hog has spoken!
Y'all need to knock it off. Do not be speculating about people's sexuality based on mannerisms or the sound of their voices or even how they choose to dress.
I would go so far as to say that, even if you are getting a very strong vibe, do not believe it. There are those that try it early on, but they do not follow through with the rest of their lives. They learn this is not what they want and pursue the opposite sex for love and marriage.
I have known many effeminate men that I was certain were gay and they turned out to be lifelong heterosexuals that that never had a gay urge in their lives. Loving wife; lots of children. I would say the same about women that might seem more masculine than might be considered normal. Most of these women are crazy about men and that's why they join in the sports play and so on.
You think you know? I would bet we could spend a week together and you would not figure out I was a same sex attracted person. You might think I was a nerd or some kind of weird academic, but I do not think you would figure out I was SSA without help from me.
And this brings me to my last subject. Do not out people. Whether you are gay or straight, do not do it. If someone wants to talk about their sexuality in a public way, please leave it to them. It is a personal matter. If they need to speak out, they will. They need no help from the cheap seats.
From my point of view, I have come to believe it needs to be known for accountability and to build transparent relationships. Others may not be there yet and if they are young, they might like to be left alone to decide what to do.
When I was 21 I would not have even engaged in this present discussion and I was a liberal back in those days. It was 1978. I guess that might have had something to do with it, but talking about it at any age is an extremely personal decision. So I would say, if it is not a major part of your life anyway, some might want to just leave it alone. And that is as it should be.
Some might ask if this is a Christian position. I have to say yes. If someone is comfortable with their secret and it does not inhibit them in their relationship building or their relationship with the Lord, then they should stay where they are the most comfortable.
Someone might say, "I'm certain that John Doe is gay. The church needs to know."
Silly rabbit. Why does anyone need to know? The only ONLY justification I can think of for outing someone is if they are some kind of sexual predator. Otherwise leave it alone.
Joe Christian might say, "I know John Doe is gay and sexually active and he's still in the church". Well, OK. If you know there is sin in John Doe's life, do you not have a responsibility to approach him about it and talk to him? Is it your job to talk to everyone except him about it? And what if these things you are so certain of are wrong? Is it right to destroy a reputation based on what you perceive as good intentions?
Get a life people. It seems simple to say but, WWJD! Really. How would Jesus handle this situation? Would He start a whispering campaign? I'm thinking not.
Grace and Truth people! Be gentle and firm. Be sure of your "facts". Do all this out of love and not hate or fear.
In the meantime. Give up on the gaydar. You ain't got it.
The Ground Hog has spoken!
Friday, December 4, 2015
Encouragement
I have had nothing but encouragement from my brothers and sisters in Christ since my Sunday debut. I thank you all for that. My doubts about all of this have all but disappeared. I did have a serious mood swing on Sunday afternoon after I watched the video of the event. Aside from having a face for radio which I was already aware of, I had no idea I sounded like that. I need to work on that. I also want to thank all of you that have to listen to me regularly for being so patient with this noise that I make. As for the mood swings, this has been a part of who I am for a very long time. It is not like it once was. I would say it is better, but it will probably happen from time to time. I suppose I could get a prescription for it, but I would like to retain what is left of my personality, so I doubt I will be seeking a cure for my mood swings anytime soon.
I also received a nice email yesterday from someone that used to attend at my church. I am not sure how she heard, but she does still have family in attendance. That would probably explain it.
She seemed to think that I was starting some kind of ministry. I am not sure that's what I am doing. The Lord has not given me any instruction about that...yet. I am already a teacher though, and in the spring quarter of Sunday school I would like to teach "Messy Grace" to educate people that there is nothing to fear and much work to do. This is not necessarily about SSA in particular. It's about learning to love and welcome people that are different from the average church member. This is where I "think" the Lord would like to go with this.
If there is ministry with others of my own kind, I do not know what it would be. My experience is probably unique to theirs and vice versa. We all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and that process is unique from person to person in my view. I will say that there are many good people at church that you can talk to; not just me. And yes, for some reason some people see me as intimidating and threatening. I am not any of these things. I do enjoy a spirited discussion from time to time, but I do not use such things to condemn or injure others. I am not a predator in any sense of that word. I am actually kind of meek and self effacing. I know I'm bent and I will even joke about it. I know that makes some people uncomfortable. Too bad. This is me. I also have kind of a weird sense of humor in general. I will say things that I think are funny and people will not figure out they are funny sometimes until the next day. I do not know why that is, but that's the way it works. Once you figure that out, you will laugh right away.
If you want to talk, we can. I probably do not have answers to your big questions. I don't think anyone does, but we can still talk about it.
I also know about depression, loneliness and a lack of self worth. All of these things can be valuable if used correctly. They are not necessarily negatives. They are things we can learn from for our own good and the benefit of others.
Enough. See you Church!. If you see me, do not be afraid to approach. I'm not good at meeting people either, but we have Christ in common. We will have something to talk about. Love ya!
I also received a nice email yesterday from someone that used to attend at my church. I am not sure how she heard, but she does still have family in attendance. That would probably explain it.
She seemed to think that I was starting some kind of ministry. I am not sure that's what I am doing. The Lord has not given me any instruction about that...yet. I am already a teacher though, and in the spring quarter of Sunday school I would like to teach "Messy Grace" to educate people that there is nothing to fear and much work to do. This is not necessarily about SSA in particular. It's about learning to love and welcome people that are different from the average church member. This is where I "think" the Lord would like to go with this.
If there is ministry with others of my own kind, I do not know what it would be. My experience is probably unique to theirs and vice versa. We all have to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling and that process is unique from person to person in my view. I will say that there are many good people at church that you can talk to; not just me. And yes, for some reason some people see me as intimidating and threatening. I am not any of these things. I do enjoy a spirited discussion from time to time, but I do not use such things to condemn or injure others. I am not a predator in any sense of that word. I am actually kind of meek and self effacing. I know I'm bent and I will even joke about it. I know that makes some people uncomfortable. Too bad. This is me. I also have kind of a weird sense of humor in general. I will say things that I think are funny and people will not figure out they are funny sometimes until the next day. I do not know why that is, but that's the way it works. Once you figure that out, you will laugh right away.
If you want to talk, we can. I probably do not have answers to your big questions. I don't think anyone does, but we can still talk about it.
I also know about depression, loneliness and a lack of self worth. All of these things can be valuable if used correctly. They are not necessarily negatives. They are things we can learn from for our own good and the benefit of others.
Enough. See you Church!. If you see me, do not be afraid to approach. I'm not good at meeting people either, but we have Christ in common. We will have something to talk about. Love ya!
Thursday, December 3, 2015
I Don't Know What To Say....
Here's something I failed to mention concerning the events this past Sunday that probably deserves mention. I did have one semi-negative reaction to what I did Sunday and it was not so much what I said, but the context in which it was presented. The person in question attended my church many years ago and she is part of an extended family that is still in attendance at my church. I assume she was home for the Thanksgiving holiday. I did not recognize her at first, but when she said her name, it all came flooding back.
She thanked me for what I did, but she was incensed at what followed in the sermon. I believe she is someone that has made her own peace with same sex attraction and believes that pursuit of such a life is OK with God and OK with Jesus. I'm not sure what Bible she reads, but it must not have been translated like mine.
This is not an unusual place for same sex attracted people that grew up in the church to be at in the midpoint of their lives. Because of what we are and what we desire and how it seems natural to us, we assume there is something wrong with the Bible and that God can't possibly be saying what is clearly written in scripture.
This, I believe, is a contextual issue. The Bible is not a book where you go looking for loopholes to justify behavior. The overriding theme of scripture is the brokenness and sinfulness of humanity and our need for God. Our flesh and our spirits are bent; we have a tendency toward rebellion because of it. We do not have to choose that path, but most of us eventually do so for one reason or another.
The only way to come even close to fixing that in this life is submission to God's will. That inevitably means that you will have to give up something. For me it was sex. It's the great turning away...repentance. We humans are loathe to admit that we might be wrong or that we need help or that we might need a good spiritual wash up. We justify behavior as it suits us and move forward approving of others that do the same.
The bottom line is, do you love Jesus, and if you do, then follow His commandments. It is not always easy, but it was not easy for Him to take up a cross either.
What do you believe...really?
She thanked me for what I did, but she was incensed at what followed in the sermon. I believe she is someone that has made her own peace with same sex attraction and believes that pursuit of such a life is OK with God and OK with Jesus. I'm not sure what Bible she reads, but it must not have been translated like mine.
This is not an unusual place for same sex attracted people that grew up in the church to be at in the midpoint of their lives. Because of what we are and what we desire and how it seems natural to us, we assume there is something wrong with the Bible and that God can't possibly be saying what is clearly written in scripture.
This, I believe, is a contextual issue. The Bible is not a book where you go looking for loopholes to justify behavior. The overriding theme of scripture is the brokenness and sinfulness of humanity and our need for God. Our flesh and our spirits are bent; we have a tendency toward rebellion because of it. We do not have to choose that path, but most of us eventually do so for one reason or another.
The only way to come even close to fixing that in this life is submission to God's will. That inevitably means that you will have to give up something. For me it was sex. It's the great turning away...repentance. We humans are loathe to admit that we might be wrong or that we need help or that we might need a good spiritual wash up. We justify behavior as it suits us and move forward approving of others that do the same.
The bottom line is, do you love Jesus, and if you do, then follow His commandments. It is not always easy, but it was not easy for Him to take up a cross either.
What do you believe...really?
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
My Mind Is Right
I think the healing has begun. My mind is right. I feel at peace this morning with my Lord and with my friends. I have received the encouragement of the flock and even the shepherds. I feel clean. I feel known. I feel loved. What more can a man want in this life?
At some point, I have to begin returning the favor out of love for everyone that has been involved. I am not sure where I go from here. I do love teaching my Sunday school class on Sunday mornings at 8 o'clock. I think however, there is now more that must be done. I am not sure what it is. I do not know where to start, but I think I am ready to serve more fully in the Kingdom of the Living God.
As a side note....
God's kingdom is an interesting place. It has no borders, but refugees cross into it daily. We welcome you. You will not be an alien here if you accept the rule of our King. He is gentle and meek and His burden is light. Citizenship here can be expensive, but it has eternal benefits. Come on in and join us, serve with us and learn your place in His Land.
12 For now we see in a mirror [e]dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the [f]greatest of these is love.
At some point, I have to begin returning the favor out of love for everyone that has been involved. I am not sure where I go from here. I do love teaching my Sunday school class on Sunday mornings at 8 o'clock. I think however, there is now more that must be done. I am not sure what it is. I do not know where to start, but I think I am ready to serve more fully in the Kingdom of the Living God.
As a side note....
God's kingdom is an interesting place. It has no borders, but refugees cross into it daily. We welcome you. You will not be an alien here if you accept the rule of our King. He is gentle and meek and His burden is light. Citizenship here can be expensive, but it has eternal benefits. Come on in and join us, serve with us and learn your place in His Land.
12 For now we see in a mirror [e]dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the [f]greatest of these is love.
"A New Command I Give You..."
As the disciples celebrated their last Passover, with Jesus, there seemed to be some confusion about what exactly it was that Jesus was about to do. They knew He planned to establish a kingdom, but they did not fully recognize what the nature of that kingdom would be. He had in mind a kingdom where all the citizens served each other and loved each other. A kingdom like that was hard to imagine then and it is equally difficult to grok today, but that is what Jesus had in mind.
In Luke 22:24-30 at this last Passover with Jesus, we read that there was some infighting among His disciples as to which of them would be the greatest in the new kingdom. Luke tells it this way.
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus explains to them that to be great in His new Kingdom, you must be willing to serve.
At the same meal, John tells us what Jesus did to demonstrate this kind of service. It breaks my heart every time I read it, but it is instructive as to how we in this new kingdom - the church - are to treat each other and to be with each other. John 13 tells us:
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
The Lord and Savior of all humanity bent the knee to His people and washed their feet. It was the job of the lowest servant in a household to wash the feet of visitors and strangers as they arrived. The middle east of Christ's time was a very dirty place and footwear did not do an adequate job in keeping the dirt off the feet. Here in John 13, we see Jesus taking the role of the lowest servant, washing the feet of his followers and then commanding them to serve each other in like manner. It was shortly after this, that Jesus served the entire world, offering Himself as the perfect human sacrifice before His Father in heaven to cleanse the many unwashed that did not yet know Him. It is the very foundation of His kingdom, The Church. Service and Love.
Brethren, we are to serve and love one another. It is even more important now, since the time is approaching. Let's love one another as He loves us. We are family. Let's do it.
John 13:34-35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In Luke 22:24-30 at this last Passover with Jesus, we read that there was some infighting among His disciples as to which of them would be the greatest in the new kingdom. Luke tells it this way.
24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jesus explains to them that to be great in His new Kingdom, you must be willing to serve.
At the same meal, John tells us what Jesus did to demonstrate this kind of service. It breaks my heart every time I read it, but it is instructive as to how we in this new kingdom - the church - are to treat each other and to be with each other. John 13 tells us:
It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
The Lord and Savior of all humanity bent the knee to His people and washed their feet. It was the job of the lowest servant in a household to wash the feet of visitors and strangers as they arrived. The middle east of Christ's time was a very dirty place and footwear did not do an adequate job in keeping the dirt off the feet. Here in John 13, we see Jesus taking the role of the lowest servant, washing the feet of his followers and then commanding them to serve each other in like manner. It was shortly after this, that Jesus served the entire world, offering Himself as the perfect human sacrifice before His Father in heaven to cleanse the many unwashed that did not yet know Him. It is the very foundation of His kingdom, The Church. Service and Love.
Brethren, we are to serve and love one another. It is even more important now, since the time is approaching. Let's love one another as He loves us. We are family. Let's do it.
John 13:34-35
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Clark Kent Is Dead
I think I have figured it out. I should be on top of the world right now, but I have not been so. Instead of being joyful I have been full of fear and dread and sadness.
The truth is that I think I have been in mourning. Something died Sunday. It was my secret identity. I can not hide behind those Clark Kent glasses anymore. He is gone. I think I have been missing him. He was so meek and mild mannered. No one would ever have suspected he was Superman. Now everyone knows.
Someone asks, "does this mean you will be wearing Spandex to Sunday school. Well, probably not, but I have always wanted an excuse to wear a cape.
And so it begins. RIP Clark. I will miss you no more.
Another Dream
I slept the sleep of the dead last night. It was incredible. At one point, I had a dream that woke me up, which is I suppose, the reason that I remember it. It was just bazaar in a way that only dreams can be. I also seemed to know that it was a dream while I was dreaming it. I am not sure how that works, but anyway, here it is.
I came home from work early. It was still daylight. There were no leaves on the trees, so I would assume it was winter or early spring. There was heavy equipment in the yard. Wood chippers, trucks with cherry pickers on the back as well as other heavy equipment that I could not identify. There were people operating all this stuff. Trees were being destroyed with no regard to where they were. It was what the warmers call deforestation. There were large holes all over where stumps had been pulled. It was a busy place. There was also machinery to fill and smooth the holes.
I asked Dad why they were there and he said that the trees were in his way. He could not see what was going on around him so he decided to have all the trees removed. Now if you've ever seen the place where Dad lives, you know there are a lot of trees. It adds a great deal of natural beauty to the place. I also know he loves those trees, so in the dream I began trying to stop the workers from the wanton destruction.
I could not get them to stop. I was running around from machine to machine yelling at them, trying to make them understand that Dad had Alzheimer's and he had made a bad decision in calling them, but they would not stop. At one point, one of the workers told me that they would stop when they were finished.
So I went back in the house. Dad was sitting in his usual spot in the sun room and for some reason, and this is really weird, there were like 15 people in the house, all under age 35 and they were smoking and drinking. It was like a party. Dad did not seem to notice them. I was telling them to get out, to hit the road, to take their party somewhere else and they were like, "Dude, who are you? We are not going anywhere."
So I called the police. I needed to get the tree people out of there and evacuate the party people.
This is when I woke up.
So...does this mean anything or is it just random subconscious garbage surfacing? I do not know the answer.
It's true that Dad is getting stranger every day. Last night when I came home, the door from the garage into the house was locked. He never locks that door. When I asked him about it, he said he didn't know why it was locked. I have a key to it somewhere, but I could not find it so I had to go through the front door.
Then this morning I took him his medication container for the day. It was about 4 AM. It has three slots in it for three doses. Sometime he is awake at that time. Sometimes he is not. This morning he was asleep when I set them on his end table. Anyway, after I did that, I took a leak and went back to bed. When I got up at about 0700, he had taken all the medication in the container. Then he asked me where his pills for today were. When I told him he had already taken them, he insisted they were yesterdays. It is very hard to argue with a crippled mind. I did tell him before I left that there would be no more pills today. He was not happy about that, but I can't let him overdose, especially on the blood thinners. I do not know why he will not believe the things I tell him. Perhaps in his mind, I am still twelve years old. I do not know.
My life is so weird.
I came home from work early. It was still daylight. There were no leaves on the trees, so I would assume it was winter or early spring. There was heavy equipment in the yard. Wood chippers, trucks with cherry pickers on the back as well as other heavy equipment that I could not identify. There were people operating all this stuff. Trees were being destroyed with no regard to where they were. It was what the warmers call deforestation. There were large holes all over where stumps had been pulled. It was a busy place. There was also machinery to fill and smooth the holes.
I asked Dad why they were there and he said that the trees were in his way. He could not see what was going on around him so he decided to have all the trees removed. Now if you've ever seen the place where Dad lives, you know there are a lot of trees. It adds a great deal of natural beauty to the place. I also know he loves those trees, so in the dream I began trying to stop the workers from the wanton destruction.
I could not get them to stop. I was running around from machine to machine yelling at them, trying to make them understand that Dad had Alzheimer's and he had made a bad decision in calling them, but they would not stop. At one point, one of the workers told me that they would stop when they were finished.
So I went back in the house. Dad was sitting in his usual spot in the sun room and for some reason, and this is really weird, there were like 15 people in the house, all under age 35 and they were smoking and drinking. It was like a party. Dad did not seem to notice them. I was telling them to get out, to hit the road, to take their party somewhere else and they were like, "Dude, who are you? We are not going anywhere."
So I called the police. I needed to get the tree people out of there and evacuate the party people.
This is when I woke up.
So...does this mean anything or is it just random subconscious garbage surfacing? I do not know the answer.
It's true that Dad is getting stranger every day. Last night when I came home, the door from the garage into the house was locked. He never locks that door. When I asked him about it, he said he didn't know why it was locked. I have a key to it somewhere, but I could not find it so I had to go through the front door.
Then this morning I took him his medication container for the day. It was about 4 AM. It has three slots in it for three doses. Sometime he is awake at that time. Sometimes he is not. This morning he was asleep when I set them on his end table. Anyway, after I did that, I took a leak and went back to bed. When I got up at about 0700, he had taken all the medication in the container. Then he asked me where his pills for today were. When I told him he had already taken them, he insisted they were yesterdays. It is very hard to argue with a crippled mind. I did tell him before I left that there would be no more pills today. He was not happy about that, but I can't let him overdose, especially on the blood thinners. I do not know why he will not believe the things I tell him. Perhaps in his mind, I am still twelve years old. I do not know.
My life is so weird.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Empathy
I'm not sure who said this, but it's good.
"The torturer you should fear most is the one who sheds tears as he works."
I picked up that quote from another blogger and it was credited to R Scott Bakker, but I could not find proof of that. Nonetheless it is interesting.
If it's true, would this mean that someone who can empathize with you is in a unique position to make you miserable? Weaponized empathy. Now there's a concept.
I do not have much natural empathy. What I have, I have learned. Does this make me a sociopath? Well maybe, but it's not nearly as sociopathic as using empathy as a weapon. Still, the idea intrigues me. It's the cleverness of it I think. Using a virtue to harm someone is the ultimate in evil behavior is it not? I bet Satan has been doing this for millennia.
The things you can learn on the internet are awesome.
Lisa Simpson: He's gone. Forever.
Homer Simpson: [still uncaring] And?
Lisa: I didn't think you'd understand.
Homer: [even more uncaring than before] Hey! Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
"The torturer you should fear most is the one who sheds tears as he works."
I picked up that quote from another blogger and it was credited to R Scott Bakker, but I could not find proof of that. Nonetheless it is interesting.
If it's true, would this mean that someone who can empathize with you is in a unique position to make you miserable? Weaponized empathy. Now there's a concept.
I do not have much natural empathy. What I have, I have learned. Does this make me a sociopath? Well maybe, but it's not nearly as sociopathic as using empathy as a weapon. Still, the idea intrigues me. It's the cleverness of it I think. Using a virtue to harm someone is the ultimate in evil behavior is it not? I bet Satan has been doing this for millennia.
The things you can learn on the internet are awesome.
Lisa Simpson: He's gone. Forever.
Homer Simpson: [still uncaring] And?
Lisa: I didn't think you'd understand.
Homer: [even more uncaring than before] Hey! Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
It Is What It Is...
That continues to be a popular expression in our culture because it captures so much about the way we process events. We see events that take place or that are in the process of unfolding and we do not question them. We just say 'it is what it is' and we move on and let others deal with whatever it is that is.
That's kind of what I'm feeling about yesterday. It was what it was. It was boring for my part. I sound like I am almost medicated in the video edition and I want to say that I was not...maybe too much caffeine, but that would be it. The sermon was good, but I was boring. I did not say what I would like to have said. Maybe it's good that I did not. I felt kind of like a cog in machinery that I had no control over. That's Ok. It's over, very over.
There were many kind words and hugs afterward as there often is in the church setting, but I do not think this has really had time to settle in on the minds of the membership and what exactly it means for the future. I don't even know what it means and I was part of the machinery. There did seem to be much discussion in the church foyer around the coffee shop yesterday and the crowd seemed to have lingered much longer than normal, but that might be due to the fact that the service was long and 1030 Sunday school went past the normal release time. What they were talking about in the foyer may have had nothing to do with what we talked about in church. It was probably just the usual shallow conversation about new snow blowers and how bad Aunt Hattie looked at Thanksgiving.
I think when it all shakes out, there is going to be some resentment and anger to deal with. The people like me that were present are not going to be happy that I went public. If you think about it, I may have wrecked their peaceful lives. Anonymity has its advantages. I destroyed mine yesterday. I am sorry if I endangered yours. I hope you will not fold up your tent. We need you, whoever you are. There were others there whose experience with gay people is not good. This mindset tends toward eradication. We are fine with having cockroaches as long as we do not know they are there. Once they make themselves known though, it is incumbent on us to call the exterminator. Let me say that I understand that. I do not particularly like gay people either. They can be offensive in very creepy ways. They do, however, need salvation like the rest of us. It's amazing what God can do with us when given the opportunity.
I am dreading church next week for all these reasons.
If you are out there reading and you are Steve, I am sorry I could not do the coffee thing this morning. I needed to write this out to know what I thought. I was still asleep when you called, mostly because I could not get to sleep last night. My mind was in a fog this morning. I am finally waking up now. I try to be a morning person, but I am just not. Sorry Dude.
I'm sure that as the week goes on, more things will come to mind. My immediate assessment is that we did not do a good thing. We may have wakened a sleeping giant and filled him with great resolve...OR... the rocks in the yard have been turned over. Nothing relevant to see there. Put them back. It does not look good having them turned over like that. More likely though, people will just move on and pretend like nothing has happened. That's what we tend to do in situations like this. I'm thinking that the entire effort was a waste of time and may have cost me something that I did not want to lose. I hope I am wrong. Maybe it's just the sleep deprivation. I need to go to work and not think about this anymore.
That's kind of what I'm feeling about yesterday. It was what it was. It was boring for my part. I sound like I am almost medicated in the video edition and I want to say that I was not...maybe too much caffeine, but that would be it. The sermon was good, but I was boring. I did not say what I would like to have said. Maybe it's good that I did not. I felt kind of like a cog in machinery that I had no control over. That's Ok. It's over, very over.
There were many kind words and hugs afterward as there often is in the church setting, but I do not think this has really had time to settle in on the minds of the membership and what exactly it means for the future. I don't even know what it means and I was part of the machinery. There did seem to be much discussion in the church foyer around the coffee shop yesterday and the crowd seemed to have lingered much longer than normal, but that might be due to the fact that the service was long and 1030 Sunday school went past the normal release time. What they were talking about in the foyer may have had nothing to do with what we talked about in church. It was probably just the usual shallow conversation about new snow blowers and how bad Aunt Hattie looked at Thanksgiving.
I think when it all shakes out, there is going to be some resentment and anger to deal with. The people like me that were present are not going to be happy that I went public. If you think about it, I may have wrecked their peaceful lives. Anonymity has its advantages. I destroyed mine yesterday. I am sorry if I endangered yours. I hope you will not fold up your tent. We need you, whoever you are. There were others there whose experience with gay people is not good. This mindset tends toward eradication. We are fine with having cockroaches as long as we do not know they are there. Once they make themselves known though, it is incumbent on us to call the exterminator. Let me say that I understand that. I do not particularly like gay people either. They can be offensive in very creepy ways. They do, however, need salvation like the rest of us. It's amazing what God can do with us when given the opportunity.
I am dreading church next week for all these reasons.
If you are out there reading and you are Steve, I am sorry I could not do the coffee thing this morning. I needed to write this out to know what I thought. I was still asleep when you called, mostly because I could not get to sleep last night. My mind was in a fog this morning. I am finally waking up now. I try to be a morning person, but I am just not. Sorry Dude.
I'm sure that as the week goes on, more things will come to mind. My immediate assessment is that we did not do a good thing. We may have wakened a sleeping giant and filled him with great resolve...OR... the rocks in the yard have been turned over. Nothing relevant to see there. Put them back. It does not look good having them turned over like that. More likely though, people will just move on and pretend like nothing has happened. That's what we tend to do in situations like this. I'm thinking that the entire effort was a waste of time and may have cost me something that I did not want to lose. I hope I am wrong. Maybe it's just the sleep deprivation. I need to go to work and not think about this anymore.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
Finished
I have a sense that I am just about finished here. I do not say that to sound morbid and I know it's not normal to think in these terms, but I think I'm about done. I look to the future and I cannot see past my 60th birthday. I know that people plan all their lives for that time of life, but I see nothing. More to the point, there is nothing that I really want to do badly enough to stay here. I have this glimpse of the heavenly going on in my head and it seems so much more attractive than anything that is going on here.
I guess what I'm saying is that I will not fight when death comes. I will just go. We try so hard to stay here and I do not understand why. We are obsessed with it. As Christians, if we really believe what we teach about eternal life, why do we cling to this one so tightly? I don't know.
Please don't let what I am saying cause you concern. I have no issues with staying past 60, I just do not see a future. I think I'm going to be bored. I will confess that I have always been blind to these things, the possibilities that others grasp as they contemplate retirement. It's just that I am not as firmly rooted here (or anywhere else) as you are. Sometimes I wonder if I was ever really supposed to be here at all and maybe my presence here was some kind of bonus I was granted.
I don't know. I have always sort of lived day by day. I do not plan anything. Life happens to me. I let it. Unlike Peter in the previous post, I am not one to get out of the boat first. Sometimes I'm not even sure I was ever in the boat. If you don't understand that, it's OK. I'm not sure I do either.
I'm thinking retirement is not going to be that big a deal for me. My opinion. We will see.
I guess what I'm saying is that I will not fight when death comes. I will just go. We try so hard to stay here and I do not understand why. We are obsessed with it. As Christians, if we really believe what we teach about eternal life, why do we cling to this one so tightly? I don't know.
Please don't let what I am saying cause you concern. I have no issues with staying past 60, I just do not see a future. I think I'm going to be bored. I will confess that I have always been blind to these things, the possibilities that others grasp as they contemplate retirement. It's just that I am not as firmly rooted here (or anywhere else) as you are. Sometimes I wonder if I was ever really supposed to be here at all and maybe my presence here was some kind of bonus I was granted.
I don't know. I have always sort of lived day by day. I do not plan anything. Life happens to me. I let it. Unlike Peter in the previous post, I am not one to get out of the boat first. Sometimes I'm not even sure I was ever in the boat. If you don't understand that, it's OK. I'm not sure I do either.
I'm thinking retirement is not going to be that big a deal for me. My opinion. We will see.
He Got Out of the Boat
Today in Sunday school class, we were studying Matthew 14:22-32. It is an account of the night that Jesus walked on the waters of the Sea of Galilee and out to the boat where His disciples were rowing against a high wind. Matthew is the only gospel that records Peter getting out of the boat. It went something like this:
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
First, Mathew makes it sound like an everyday occurrence - that Jesus would go walking on the lake. It's almost what you might call understatement. This is recorded in similar fashion in Mark 6 and John 6. I suppose it could be the result of the translation process, but there is little emotion. They just say flatly that He went out to them walking on the lake. There's no 'Wow, he went out to them walking on the lake' or 'Amazingly, he went out to them walking on the lake'. It's like it's no big deal at all.
What follow though is instructive. I'm talking about Peter. Once he is sure that it's Jesus on the water, he is more than willing to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus...on the water. It's true that he gets distracted by the weather, the wind and the waves. He does take his eyes off Jesus. He does start to sink. His faith is shallow even though the lake is not. But really, what's so bad about his intentions? He starts out well and aside from Jesus Himself, I think Peter still holds the all time record for water walking.
Jesus does pull him out of the water and they both get into the boat. Worship ensues.
You have to wonder what Peter thinks after the event; what he is feeling, sitting there in the boat soaking wet and shivering. His best impulses failed him. He wanted to be like his Lord, but his senses betrayed him. Do you think he was embarrassed or ashamed of his brash forwardness and impulsiveness? Well, maybe, but would that be just one evaluation of the event?
This is my opinion, but I think Peter did well. Peter was more trusting in Jesus than he was afraid for himself. While the others cowered in the boat, Peter got out and walked toward Jesus. It was only his loss of faith in himself I think that caused him to start sinking. Had he surrendered control of the events to Jesus completely, I think he would have been able to finish what he started.
My thought is that you live and learn. Faith and trust do not come naturally and neither does self confidence or a willingness to give up control.
Peter learned much that night and so did the disciples. This was no ordinary Rabbi they were following. This was the Son of God.
Peter did well in my view. I would like to have known him. Someday I will.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
First, Mathew makes it sound like an everyday occurrence - that Jesus would go walking on the lake. It's almost what you might call understatement. This is recorded in similar fashion in Mark 6 and John 6. I suppose it could be the result of the translation process, but there is little emotion. They just say flatly that He went out to them walking on the lake. There's no 'Wow, he went out to them walking on the lake' or 'Amazingly, he went out to them walking on the lake'. It's like it's no big deal at all.
What follow though is instructive. I'm talking about Peter. Once he is sure that it's Jesus on the water, he is more than willing to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus...on the water. It's true that he gets distracted by the weather, the wind and the waves. He does take his eyes off Jesus. He does start to sink. His faith is shallow even though the lake is not. But really, what's so bad about his intentions? He starts out well and aside from Jesus Himself, I think Peter still holds the all time record for water walking.
Jesus does pull him out of the water and they both get into the boat. Worship ensues.
You have to wonder what Peter thinks after the event; what he is feeling, sitting there in the boat soaking wet and shivering. His best impulses failed him. He wanted to be like his Lord, but his senses betrayed him. Do you think he was embarrassed or ashamed of his brash forwardness and impulsiveness? Well, maybe, but would that be just one evaluation of the event?
This is my opinion, but I think Peter did well. Peter was more trusting in Jesus than he was afraid for himself. While the others cowered in the boat, Peter got out and walked toward Jesus. It was only his loss of faith in himself I think that caused him to start sinking. Had he surrendered control of the events to Jesus completely, I think he would have been able to finish what he started.
My thought is that you live and learn. Faith and trust do not come naturally and neither does self confidence or a willingness to give up control.
Peter learned much that night and so did the disciples. This was no ordinary Rabbi they were following. This was the Son of God.
Peter did well in my view. I would like to have known him. Someday I will.
11/29/2015 At Church
Well, it's over. No negatives were expressed, at least to my face. I am sure that there are many, however, that had problems with it. It does strain credulity that a healthy man could remain celibate for 36 years. When you consider that for most of that time I hated myself and did not think anyone would want me anyway, then it becomes easier to see how I made it through those times. If I were on the other side of this, I would be suspicious too I suppose. That's OK. I can deal with the doubt, but I can tell you, that with the Lord's help, I did this.
There were heads shaking in the 'no' direction out in the cheap seats. It's unfortunate that some have closed their minds and hearts to this. Again, I understand. My mind was closed to the idea once. I wanted to tell no one. I hated this part of myself. It made me angry at myself, at God and at Christians in general.
My thought now though is that God does not make junk. I was worth His Son's life. He loves me and if God can love me, then who am I to hate myself? I am a child of the Living God. No one or no thing can stand in the way of that except me. I will no longer let that happen and I will see you in heaven, so don't be saying, 'what are you doing here?'.
I think maybe the hardest concept for people to wrap their minds around is that just because you have the desire to do a thing, it does not mean you have to. I think this is because most people customarily indulge their desire and think about forgiveness later.
Do I sound like I am judging or is this an accurate picture of humanity, even those of us that are called saved?
If you were there today and this thing that I did is bothering you, have a little courage. Talk to me. Neither one of us is perfect. If you want to cast the first stone, bring it on. If you want to have some peaceful dialogue, I am really up for that. Lose the fear brother and lets talk.
I love ya'll.
The link to the video of the church service is below. The sermon starts at about 27:10. You really need the context of the sermon to appreciate the interview. Steve Rowland is a good preacher. Even if you disagree with him, I think you will like his style. If you don't want to sit through the sermon (not recommended), the introduction to the interview starts at around 49:35. After watching it, I think I looked and sounded kind of boring. I'm really at my best in Sunday school at 0800. There is also the fact that I was as nervous as a homo in church. Did I say that? Sorry. It's worth your time though. I'm just glad this part is over.
See ya in church!
http://risingsunchurchlive.com/replays/
There were heads shaking in the 'no' direction out in the cheap seats. It's unfortunate that some have closed their minds and hearts to this. Again, I understand. My mind was closed to the idea once. I wanted to tell no one. I hated this part of myself. It made me angry at myself, at God and at Christians in general.
My thought now though is that God does not make junk. I was worth His Son's life. He loves me and if God can love me, then who am I to hate myself? I am a child of the Living God. No one or no thing can stand in the way of that except me. I will no longer let that happen and I will see you in heaven, so don't be saying, 'what are you doing here?'.
I think maybe the hardest concept for people to wrap their minds around is that just because you have the desire to do a thing, it does not mean you have to. I think this is because most people customarily indulge their desire and think about forgiveness later.
Do I sound like I am judging or is this an accurate picture of humanity, even those of us that are called saved?
If you were there today and this thing that I did is bothering you, have a little courage. Talk to me. Neither one of us is perfect. If you want to cast the first stone, bring it on. If you want to have some peaceful dialogue, I am really up for that. Lose the fear brother and lets talk.
I love ya'll.
The link to the video of the church service is below. The sermon starts at about 27:10. You really need the context of the sermon to appreciate the interview. Steve Rowland is a good preacher. Even if you disagree with him, I think you will like his style. If you don't want to sit through the sermon (not recommended), the introduction to the interview starts at around 49:35. After watching it, I think I looked and sounded kind of boring. I'm really at my best in Sunday school at 0800. There is also the fact that I was as nervous as a homo in church. Did I say that? Sorry. It's worth your time though. I'm just glad this part is over.
See ya in church!
http://risingsunchurchlive.com/replays/
This Is The Day...Again
Today I will be bringing my "news" to the entire congregation during the church service. After a introduction that I hope will be uneventful, I will be interviewed by the pastor. It may go something like what is below. The interview questions are in red.
So, Jeff… Why Now…. I mean, you’ve been dealing with this part of your life for such a long time…. It had to have crossed your mind to just continue keeping it to yourself…. I mean after all, this part of your life isn’t a recent part of your story…
From a personal standpoint, I am tired of the secrets and evasive conversations over my marital status. I would like to be able to explain to people my situation. I would like to show them where I have been and how I have dealt with this life I have been given.
I want people in our church to be able to discuss this or any other life struggle, temptation or sin that they are dealing with without fear of rejection and knowing that they have the support of their brothers and sister in Christ.
We need a church where no one feels alone in their spiritual battles. As brethren in the Body, we need to come alongside each other and support each other in love and grace and with prayer and the Word. There are many among us that need healing of some sort. Once that happens, the Body becomes more effective.
I am setting the tone here for a higher level of conversation, to encourage all of you to talk about whatever it is you struggle with to each other or maybe even a setting like this. If I can talk to you about this subject, then surely you will be encouraged to open up yourself about whatever it is. Let us get to know you as Jesus knows you. Do not fear. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed. Most importantly, do not say, "well that makes me uncomfortable." Jesus did not call us to be comfortable. He called us to love one another. John 13:35
Your story has to be kind of a surprise to people here…. I’ve been thinking a lot about what today would look like the past couple of weeks…. who would be here.. how everyone would take this news…. and the way I see it… there are four audiences in the crowd today…. and I’m curious what you would say to each one of these groups….
OK
Those who would say, “I don’t know anyone personally with this struggle” and why in heck are we talking about it in church????
First, you do know someone. Me.
Second, we talk about this today in the hope of bringing transparency to this and other issues within the church. We are all sinners saved by grace, and we all still face daily trials, tempatations and difficult life situations. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could help each other bear life's burdens, pray about them together and bring resolution and healing as needed? The Body of Christ needs to be healthy to be effective. We will be at our most effective when we know each other the way that Jesus knows us individually. That can be a bit scary, but it can also ultimately bring peace and contentment and joy.
Also...
I would say that you most likely do know someone with same sex attractions; it's just that they have never shared that fact with you for any number of reasons. The biggest reason is a fear of rejection and loss of love and relationship. The truth is that we are your sons and daughters and sisters and brothers and nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles and even in some cases, your mothers and fathers.
We are in your Church. We love Jesus. We need your acceptance and love like everyone else.
The group that has family members who are either active… or have been active with this lifestyle…. Should they go to family gatherings, weddings….
For myself, I would say that I would not go to a gay wedding. I would not want to endorse this activity. You could argue that this would be a way to stay in the lives of these people so you could subtly remind them, especially if they claim to be Christian, that they have an obligation to Jesus first, that their chief identity is and should be in Him. However, I think the chances of changing anyone's mind at that point will be difficult. Just keep in mind that life has a way of changing people's outlook about things. Prayer for those people that need to wake up and smell the coffee can be effective over time. At some point in their lives it might be possible to bring them back to where they once were. Never underestimate God's desire or power to reclaim His own. It's why I am sitting here today.
As to family gatherings, bring it on. Invite them to Christmas and Thanksgiving and whatever else you are doing. Invite them to church. They need to see why we love Jesus and we need to be Jesus to them, bringing both His grace and His truth to the table. Disagreements do not have to be acrimonious. And who knows...you might make someone think twice. As I said, we must never underestimate God's desire and power to reclaim what is His.
Introducing the Book Messy Grace - Page 148,149
John 1 – Grace and Truth
John 1:14, 17
The group…. Who this is their testimony…. They struggle with SSA themselves….
If you are a Christian that is struggling with same sex attraction, it is necessary for you to remain as pure as possible. You have two options that will keep you in good spiritual health if done correctly and with the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Two options…
First, there is Celibacy. Some would say this is a difficult path, and it can be that, at least early on in your fight. You will know if you can do it and whether it is a simpler path to your goal of remaining pure. It has been said by some that celibacy is a gift. It is strongly implied by both Jesus and the apostle, Paul. (Matthew 19:11ff and I Corinthians 7)
My initial reaction to this gift was that it's like getting socks and a toothbrush for Christmas, but you know what? We all need socks and toothbrushes. Secondly, I would suggest to you that it is a gift given by God like any other gift, whether that be teaching, preaching, leadership, administration, musical ability or whatever else you could name. If this is the case, then you want to make the most of your gift and use it to glorify Him. You want it to be the best. You want to present it to Him for His glorification as your sacrifice....that living sacrifice that Paul talks about in Romans 12. And it is not presented to God to gain favor or to earn salvation. It is presented out of love and respect for the things He has done for us in our lives.
It also needs to be noted here that, it is expected, it is required for those of us not married to remain in this pure state, whether you are a same sex attracted person or something else.
Sexual behavior of any sort is ONLY for a man and an woman in the confines of a marriage relationship. It's the way God designed it. Anything else is sin.
Marriage the way God intended it…
Caleb Kaltenbach, in his book, "Messy Grace" calls this "redemption of marriage"; redeeming same sex attraction through heterosexual marriage. He talks about a married couple he knows in the book. The husband was someone that experienced same sex attraction, but he went ahead and married his best female friend anyway. Even though the husband continued to experience same sex attractions, he loved the woman and was eventually able to create a family. It worked well for both of them. Even though he still continues to have these feelings, it is a happy marriage with children.
Obviously, this never happened to me. I am not averse to the idea and if God wants it to happen I will not stand in the way of it. I am 58 years old though and at this point, I do not see the point. I have become accustomed to being alone, doing what I want, when I want to. Marriage might put the dent into that. Then again, maybe that's what needs to happen.
RSCC
What does this mean for our church?
It means that we open up our hearts and minds and souls to each other. It means that we learn to love each other as Jesus intended. It means that when one part of the Body is struggling or even sick, the other parts help. We do not let body parts die because they make us uncomfortable or embarrassed or angry.
It means that we accept people for who they are, even if they are different from us. It does not mean that we accept of affirm their behavior whatever it might be. We share truth as gracefully as possible while working in the tension between the two which is love. We must become Jesus to the world and to each other.
When do you feel you were no longer defined by your past mistakes… desires.. actions… but you were defined by HIS work and not your own?
Defined? Everyday when I wake up, I wake up knowing I am a bit different from most men. But my sexual desires do not define me. It is one small aspect of the whole Jeff Brady. I am actually a pretty complex individual adopted and sanctified by Jesus. Saved by his grace through faith.
Jesus Christ is my identity. He set me free. He makes me what I am; a good worker, a good Sunday school teacher. a good writer and a good friend to those that have the patience. I am nothing without Him, but with Him, I am so many useful things. When put in those terms, sex takes a backseat. It's just not as important to me at this point in my life.
So… speak to the Nature verses Nurture conversations…… and for those not familiar with those terms… the question has been debated with whether people are made this way from birth or developed this way by life circumstances.
So are we born this way or does same sex attraction happen as the result of environment? For me, it does not matter. Let me tell you why.
For years I thought this was my thorn in the flesh, given to me by God to keep me from becoming conceited. Paul had his own thorn which God steadfastly refused to remove (see II Corinthians 12:7-10) for similar reasons. I say this, because my biggest sin in this life has been pride, self righteousness, judgmentalism. I still do battle with it. You would think a thorn like mine would shut me up, but it has not. And let me say here and now that if I have angered or hurt anyone here, I repent of it. I am truly sorry.
I have also considered that my issue among many others is the result of the initial fall of humanity from God's grace. We are after all a broken race in need of salvation regardless of what our sin predilections might be.
Some have suggested it's a genetic issue or even an in vitro issue, something that happens in the womb to the brain of an unborn child.
There is also the notion of a spiritual genetics. That we are all broken in spiritual ways and some even more so than other.
But none of this really matters because it's the wrong question. The cause is really irrelevant. Behavior, at least in the short term, is irrelevant. The focus needs to be on spirituality. When someone falls in love with Jesus, suddenly things become possible that were not possible before. When Jesus becomes the reason for life rather than whatever else it may be, changes happen. When your identity is in Him, everything else takes a backseat.
Getting there can take time, especially with someone steeped in unbelief or a life of behavior contrary to God's will, but it can happen. Preach the gospel. Show the world Christ and let Him take the harvest.
For years I blamed God for my situation. I held inside me a bitterness toward Him that only began to pass when I realized that no one is perfect. We all sin. We all need a savior. God has mercy and grace for all that believe. I could not forgive myself, I could not forgive God for something He had nothing to do with and therefore I could not love others. What's more, because of the nature of the desires I had, there were only a very few people I could talk to and some of them were not Christian.
I do not want to see anyone get into that kind of a trap. It is about as far from a joyful, victorious life as one can get.
Brethren, we have to bring down the walls. We have to help each other and we have to reach out to the world, to people different from ourselves. And Yes, that could get messy, but Jesus is calling us to that, to let the sinners into His church. It's a matter of obedience. We have to do it.
this question demands we focus on the problem and in so doing we tend to stay there… why not focus on the solution… the answer…. The Savior… Christ…. He is where all things should point… not the issue, this issue or any issue for that matter
So what’s next - Opening of our hearts and minds. Learning to love in ways we have not loved and living in ways we have not lived. Fearing only God and nothing else. Brushing discomfort aside.
Hopefully Ministry and Relationship and a harvest for Christ
Living Colossians 3 - Dressing Like Jesus
So, Jeff… Why Now…. I mean, you’ve been dealing with this part of your life for such a long time…. It had to have crossed your mind to just continue keeping it to yourself…. I mean after all, this part of your life isn’t a recent part of your story…
From a personal standpoint, I am tired of the secrets and evasive conversations over my marital status. I would like to be able to explain to people my situation. I would like to show them where I have been and how I have dealt with this life I have been given.
I want people in our church to be able to discuss this or any other life struggle, temptation or sin that they are dealing with without fear of rejection and knowing that they have the support of their brothers and sister in Christ.
We need a church where no one feels alone in their spiritual battles. As brethren in the Body, we need to come alongside each other and support each other in love and grace and with prayer and the Word. There are many among us that need healing of some sort. Once that happens, the Body becomes more effective.
I am setting the tone here for a higher level of conversation, to encourage all of you to talk about whatever it is you struggle with to each other or maybe even a setting like this. If I can talk to you about this subject, then surely you will be encouraged to open up yourself about whatever it is. Let us get to know you as Jesus knows you. Do not fear. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed. Most importantly, do not say, "well that makes me uncomfortable." Jesus did not call us to be comfortable. He called us to love one another. John 13:35
Your story has to be kind of a surprise to people here…. I’ve been thinking a lot about what today would look like the past couple of weeks…. who would be here.. how everyone would take this news…. and the way I see it… there are four audiences in the crowd today…. and I’m curious what you would say to each one of these groups….
OK
Those who would say, “I don’t know anyone personally with this struggle” and why in heck are we talking about it in church????
First, you do know someone. Me.
Second, we talk about this today in the hope of bringing transparency to this and other issues within the church. We are all sinners saved by grace, and we all still face daily trials, tempatations and difficult life situations. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could help each other bear life's burdens, pray about them together and bring resolution and healing as needed? The Body of Christ needs to be healthy to be effective. We will be at our most effective when we know each other the way that Jesus knows us individually. That can be a bit scary, but it can also ultimately bring peace and contentment and joy.
Also...
I would say that you most likely do know someone with same sex attractions; it's just that they have never shared that fact with you for any number of reasons. The biggest reason is a fear of rejection and loss of love and relationship. The truth is that we are your sons and daughters and sisters and brothers and nieces and nephews and aunts and uncles and even in some cases, your mothers and fathers.
We are in your Church. We love Jesus. We need your acceptance and love like everyone else.
The group that has family members who are either active… or have been active with this lifestyle…. Should they go to family gatherings, weddings….
For myself, I would say that I would not go to a gay wedding. I would not want to endorse this activity. You could argue that this would be a way to stay in the lives of these people so you could subtly remind them, especially if they claim to be Christian, that they have an obligation to Jesus first, that their chief identity is and should be in Him. However, I think the chances of changing anyone's mind at that point will be difficult. Just keep in mind that life has a way of changing people's outlook about things. Prayer for those people that need to wake up and smell the coffee can be effective over time. At some point in their lives it might be possible to bring them back to where they once were. Never underestimate God's desire or power to reclaim His own. It's why I am sitting here today.
As to family gatherings, bring it on. Invite them to Christmas and Thanksgiving and whatever else you are doing. Invite them to church. They need to see why we love Jesus and we need to be Jesus to them, bringing both His grace and His truth to the table. Disagreements do not have to be acrimonious. And who knows...you might make someone think twice. As I said, we must never underestimate God's desire and power to reclaim what is His.
Introducing the Book Messy Grace - Page 148,149
John 1 – Grace and Truth
John 1:14, 17
The group…. Who this is their testimony…. They struggle with SSA themselves….
If you are a Christian that is struggling with same sex attraction, it is necessary for you to remain as pure as possible. You have two options that will keep you in good spiritual health if done correctly and with the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Two options…
First, there is Celibacy. Some would say this is a difficult path, and it can be that, at least early on in your fight. You will know if you can do it and whether it is a simpler path to your goal of remaining pure. It has been said by some that celibacy is a gift. It is strongly implied by both Jesus and the apostle, Paul. (Matthew 19:11ff and I Corinthians 7)
My initial reaction to this gift was that it's like getting socks and a toothbrush for Christmas, but you know what? We all need socks and toothbrushes. Secondly, I would suggest to you that it is a gift given by God like any other gift, whether that be teaching, preaching, leadership, administration, musical ability or whatever else you could name. If this is the case, then you want to make the most of your gift and use it to glorify Him. You want it to be the best. You want to present it to Him for His glorification as your sacrifice....that living sacrifice that Paul talks about in Romans 12. And it is not presented to God to gain favor or to earn salvation. It is presented out of love and respect for the things He has done for us in our lives.
It also needs to be noted here that, it is expected, it is required for those of us not married to remain in this pure state, whether you are a same sex attracted person or something else.
Sexual behavior of any sort is ONLY for a man and an woman in the confines of a marriage relationship. It's the way God designed it. Anything else is sin.
Marriage the way God intended it…
Caleb Kaltenbach, in his book, "Messy Grace" calls this "redemption of marriage"; redeeming same sex attraction through heterosexual marriage. He talks about a married couple he knows in the book. The husband was someone that experienced same sex attraction, but he went ahead and married his best female friend anyway. Even though the husband continued to experience same sex attractions, he loved the woman and was eventually able to create a family. It worked well for both of them. Even though he still continues to have these feelings, it is a happy marriage with children.
Obviously, this never happened to me. I am not averse to the idea and if God wants it to happen I will not stand in the way of it. I am 58 years old though and at this point, I do not see the point. I have become accustomed to being alone, doing what I want, when I want to. Marriage might put the dent into that. Then again, maybe that's what needs to happen.
RSCC
What does this mean for our church?
It means that we open up our hearts and minds and souls to each other. It means that we learn to love each other as Jesus intended. It means that when one part of the Body is struggling or even sick, the other parts help. We do not let body parts die because they make us uncomfortable or embarrassed or angry.
It means that we accept people for who they are, even if they are different from us. It does not mean that we accept of affirm their behavior whatever it might be. We share truth as gracefully as possible while working in the tension between the two which is love. We must become Jesus to the world and to each other.
When do you feel you were no longer defined by your past mistakes… desires.. actions… but you were defined by HIS work and not your own?
Defined? Everyday when I wake up, I wake up knowing I am a bit different from most men. But my sexual desires do not define me. It is one small aspect of the whole Jeff Brady. I am actually a pretty complex individual adopted and sanctified by Jesus. Saved by his grace through faith.
Jesus Christ is my identity. He set me free. He makes me what I am; a good worker, a good Sunday school teacher. a good writer and a good friend to those that have the patience. I am nothing without Him, but with Him, I am so many useful things. When put in those terms, sex takes a backseat. It's just not as important to me at this point in my life.
So… speak to the Nature verses Nurture conversations…… and for those not familiar with those terms… the question has been debated with whether people are made this way from birth or developed this way by life circumstances.
So are we born this way or does same sex attraction happen as the result of environment? For me, it does not matter. Let me tell you why.
For years I thought this was my thorn in the flesh, given to me by God to keep me from becoming conceited. Paul had his own thorn which God steadfastly refused to remove (see II Corinthians 12:7-10) for similar reasons. I say this, because my biggest sin in this life has been pride, self righteousness, judgmentalism. I still do battle with it. You would think a thorn like mine would shut me up, but it has not. And let me say here and now that if I have angered or hurt anyone here, I repent of it. I am truly sorry.
I have also considered that my issue among many others is the result of the initial fall of humanity from God's grace. We are after all a broken race in need of salvation regardless of what our sin predilections might be.
Some have suggested it's a genetic issue or even an in vitro issue, something that happens in the womb to the brain of an unborn child.
There is also the notion of a spiritual genetics. That we are all broken in spiritual ways and some even more so than other.
But none of this really matters because it's the wrong question. The cause is really irrelevant. Behavior, at least in the short term, is irrelevant. The focus needs to be on spirituality. When someone falls in love with Jesus, suddenly things become possible that were not possible before. When Jesus becomes the reason for life rather than whatever else it may be, changes happen. When your identity is in Him, everything else takes a backseat.
Getting there can take time, especially with someone steeped in unbelief or a life of behavior contrary to God's will, but it can happen. Preach the gospel. Show the world Christ and let Him take the harvest.
For years I blamed God for my situation. I held inside me a bitterness toward Him that only began to pass when I realized that no one is perfect. We all sin. We all need a savior. God has mercy and grace for all that believe. I could not forgive myself, I could not forgive God for something He had nothing to do with and therefore I could not love others. What's more, because of the nature of the desires I had, there were only a very few people I could talk to and some of them were not Christian.
I do not want to see anyone get into that kind of a trap. It is about as far from a joyful, victorious life as one can get.
Brethren, we have to bring down the walls. We have to help each other and we have to reach out to the world, to people different from ourselves. And Yes, that could get messy, but Jesus is calling us to that, to let the sinners into His church. It's a matter of obedience. We have to do it.
this question demands we focus on the problem and in so doing we tend to stay there… why not focus on the solution… the answer…. The Savior… Christ…. He is where all things should point… not the issue, this issue or any issue for that matter
So what’s next - Opening of our hearts and minds. Learning to love in ways we have not loved and living in ways we have not lived. Fearing only God and nothing else. Brushing discomfort aside.
Hopefully Ministry and Relationship and a harvest for Christ
Living Colossians 3 - Dressing Like Jesus
Friday, November 27, 2015
Obnoxious People Having Thanksgiving
I am told that there are really people like this. Here's to hoping not.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Thankgiving
Lord, you have been the God of my fathers; the God of Will and Charles, the God of Lloyd and Charlie and the God of Dennis, and you are my Lord and my God.
I thank you and praise your name for the wonder that has been my life. You have been with me from the beginning, saving me from myself, from the evil one and others with evil intent. You have fed an clothed me. You have put a roof over my head. You have made sure I could find employment to support myself.
Most importantly, you have saved me from damnation and from the corruption of my own flesh. What more could anyone want in a God? Your power in my life inspires holy fear and a love for You that will never die. You are mine and I am yours.
In this hour, I would ask for your continued attention to the details. Lord, please finish the work that you have begun in me and in so doing, please give me a good finish. I do not know what is left for me. I am not a young man (and thanks for getting me this far). Please show me the path. Let me see your footprints. Help me to find the last door, the one that leads to You. I long to see you face to face, knowing as I am known. That will be a grand and glorious day.
Lord Jesus, thanks for all these things.
Your Servant
Jeff
I thank you and praise your name for the wonder that has been my life. You have been with me from the beginning, saving me from myself, from the evil one and others with evil intent. You have fed an clothed me. You have put a roof over my head. You have made sure I could find employment to support myself.
Most importantly, you have saved me from damnation and from the corruption of my own flesh. What more could anyone want in a God? Your power in my life inspires holy fear and a love for You that will never die. You are mine and I am yours.
In this hour, I would ask for your continued attention to the details. Lord, please finish the work that you have begun in me and in so doing, please give me a good finish. I do not know what is left for me. I am not a young man (and thanks for getting me this far). Please show me the path. Let me see your footprints. Help me to find the last door, the one that leads to You. I long to see you face to face, knowing as I am known. That will be a grand and glorious day.
Lord Jesus, thanks for all these things.
Your Servant
Jeff
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
The Door is Coming Off
On Sunday, the 22nd, in my Sunday School Class, I opened a door to a place that has been shut to most of the world and the church for a very long time. I let in the holy light of agape love and the Holy Spirit brought healing and understanding and a peace that can only come from the Holy One of God. I told my class that I am a same sex attracted person. "Gay" as they say today. I became as transparent as a man can get without cutting a hole in his abdomen. It was kind of like stitching a wound without anesthetic, but afterward the pain was gone. There is release in confession. There is accountability. And there is comfort that can only come from the One that knows us so well.
On Sunday, the 29th during the church service at Rising Sun Church of Christ, I will do it all over again before the entire congregation. I have mixed feelings about how this will go, but I am letting go of that and I am counting on the Lord God to open and change hearts and minds of His people; to promote love rather than legalism, compassion rather than hate and anger and grace rather than accusation.
Someone asked why I am doing this at this point in my life. The answer is complex, but first and foremost, I would have to say that I am tired of carrying this burden alone. I am exhausted from avoiding conversations with people I love and want friendship with. It is very hard to have a relationship with people if you feel you cannot talk about where you have been and why certain things in your life are what they are. It is a life of pain and loneliness that cannot adequately be described with words. It does however, draw you closer to God. There are some advantages.
Beyond that, I do not want anyone to have to live a life like mine has been, always keeping your most personal cards close to your vest. I have, for some time, had this dream for the Church where we are all transparent to each other; where the church becomes a place of spiritual healing and light in our world of darkness. It should be a place where there are no secrets, where we can talk about our trials and temptations and even our sin and seek out the support and prayers of our brethren.
It is time for the doors to come off of all of our closets.
You also need to know, even though you may believe otherwise, that there are others like me that are close to you that love the Lord Christ just as I do. We are your children, we are your nieces and nephews, we are your cousins, your aunts and uncles, and in some cases, we are even your fathers and mothers. We are you brothers and sisters in the Lord and He loves us. He gave His life and blood for us and we are loved and cherished just as the rest of you are. His grace and His peace will be upon us too on judgement day because we are saved.
So I give you this challenge. It is 2000 years old. I pass it along from the Source. Jesus said,
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
We must all give up our alternate identities, love each other and cling to our Lord. We are called to this as His followers.
Brethren, if you are reading this, I beg you please, on Sunday please join me and come out of whatever closet you are in. It may not be one like mine. It might be something worse or not so awful, but we cannot help each other or love each other properly if we live our lives behind closed closet doors. Come out now. Come out as a Christian. Do the will of your Father in heaven.
Lord Jesus please overhaul our souls. Make us complete. Help us to love as you have loved us. In your name I pray this. Amen!
On Sunday, the 29th during the church service at Rising Sun Church of Christ, I will do it all over again before the entire congregation. I have mixed feelings about how this will go, but I am letting go of that and I am counting on the Lord God to open and change hearts and minds of His people; to promote love rather than legalism, compassion rather than hate and anger and grace rather than accusation.
Someone asked why I am doing this at this point in my life. The answer is complex, but first and foremost, I would have to say that I am tired of carrying this burden alone. I am exhausted from avoiding conversations with people I love and want friendship with. It is very hard to have a relationship with people if you feel you cannot talk about where you have been and why certain things in your life are what they are. It is a life of pain and loneliness that cannot adequately be described with words. It does however, draw you closer to God. There are some advantages.
Beyond that, I do not want anyone to have to live a life like mine has been, always keeping your most personal cards close to your vest. I have, for some time, had this dream for the Church where we are all transparent to each other; where the church becomes a place of spiritual healing and light in our world of darkness. It should be a place where there are no secrets, where we can talk about our trials and temptations and even our sin and seek out the support and prayers of our brethren.
It is time for the doors to come off of all of our closets.
You also need to know, even though you may believe otherwise, that there are others like me that are close to you that love the Lord Christ just as I do. We are your children, we are your nieces and nephews, we are your cousins, your aunts and uncles, and in some cases, we are even your fathers and mothers. We are you brothers and sisters in the Lord and He loves us. He gave His life and blood for us and we are loved and cherished just as the rest of you are. His grace and His peace will be upon us too on judgement day because we are saved.
So I give you this challenge. It is 2000 years old. I pass it along from the Source. Jesus said,
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
We must all give up our alternate identities, love each other and cling to our Lord. We are called to this as His followers.
Brethren, if you are reading this, I beg you please, on Sunday please join me and come out of whatever closet you are in. It may not be one like mine. It might be something worse or not so awful, but we cannot help each other or love each other properly if we live our lives behind closed closet doors. Come out now. Come out as a Christian. Do the will of your Father in heaven.
Lord Jesus please overhaul our souls. Make us complete. Help us to love as you have loved us. In your name I pray this. Amen!
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