MERRY CHRISTMAS

Happy Birthday C.S.Lewis

"Every Christian would agree that a man’s spiritual health is exactly proportional to his love for God" ~ C. S. Lewis

"We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship" ~ C. S. Lewis

"Those that hate goodness are sometimes nearer than those that know nothing at all about it and think they have it already" ~ C. S. Lewis

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable." C. S. Lewis

Making it count...

Several centuries ago, the apostle Paul made this powerful remark: "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15-16). And when you add Peter's rejoinder, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." (1 Pet. 3:15)--one can clearly get a sense of what is required of us.

But what is the meaning of these statements? Clearly, the intent and content of these powerful assertions cannot be overlooked. These verses represent a unifying call, by those who walked with Jesus, of the usefulness of His message. The message of the Cross! In a time when the Cross continues to come under massive assault, what is even more startling and scarier is the silence emanating from Christians, followers of Jesus, who are themselves struggling with their identity in Christ. This silence of course is a failure to provide a counter response to the secularization that has now come to define society. The Bible, over and over again, reminds us, and demands us, to stand up for Christ. To defend Him! After all, didn't Paul remark that we take advantage of every opportunity? So then, what are doing about it?

Dan Plyler, articulated a reason for our hesitancy and pointed to our "being unlearned and uninformed." One way to defend the faith, hope that we have in Christ, is by indulging in His Word in order for us to understand His provisions for us. And given the fact that we are living in an era where people want for their to be meaning without subscribing to God, the call to take advantage has never been greater and louder.

However, there is caution, in that we can do all of these and more--but the one thing that we have to remember is: "[r]egardless of how well we present and defend the truth of God (as Scripture clearly calls us to do) none of our efforts are what ultimately changes the heart. That task is for God's Spirit alone as he is the only one capable" (Plyler). Meanwhile, let us to what we've commissioned to do--the rest is up to God.

Talofa

Life

"My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust? If the whole show was bad and senseless from A to Z, so to speak, why did I, who was supposed to be a part of the show, find myself in such a violent reaction against it? A man feels wet when he falls in the water, because man is not a water animal: a fish would not feel wet. Of course I could have given up my idea of justice by saying it was nothing but a private idea of my own. But if I did that, then my argument against God collapsed too-for the argument depended on saying that the world was really unjust, not simply that it did not happen to please my fancies. Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist-in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless-I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality-namely my idea of justice-was full of sense. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just has, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be a word without meaning." (C S Lewis, Mere Christianity, 45-46)

Meaning?

The famed Danish philosopher and author Soren Kierkegaard uttered these famous thoughts in his work Fear and Trembling: "If there were no eternal consciousness in a man, if at the bottom of everything there were only a wild ferment, a power that twisting in dark passions produced everything great or inconsequential; if an unfathomable, insatiable emptiness lay hid beneath everything, what would life be but despair?

Consider the ramifications of these words, in a culture that is becoming increasingly void of meaning and purpose, in favor of relativism. Kierkegaard, I think, posits a very radical view or purpose and meaning, and in his book, these components are the result of one thing, faith. To arrive at an understanding of meaning and purpose, one would have, according to Kierkegaard, resign from reason, in order to capture the essence of faith. Now, Kierkegaard's view of course, is in stark contrast to that of another equally famous physicist, Stephen Hawkings, who boldly stated in an interview that, "[he] regards[s] the [human] brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark" (theguardian.co.uk, 2011).

These two competing views however, resurrect an interesting question: Is life meaningful? One would be hard pressed to find meaning in Hawking's assessment that life is basically all there is, and the idea of an afterlife is simply a 'fairy tale' and we are but mere computers doomed for destruction at some point. Kierkegaard would agree that if we are but mere computers passing through the world as a ' thoughtless and fruitless whim'--then life would be 'empty and devoid' of meaning and purpose. Incidentally, these two compelling views are some of the most discussed views among Christians and non-Christians. For non-Christians, life ends here on earth. For Christians, life here on earth is but a stepping stone; a journey designed to provide a glimpse of what the afterlife has to offer. Indeed, we long or heaven, our home, that our Christ has prepared for us royals (1 Pet. 2.9), mansions (John 14.2) galore. God provides hope...

Freedom?

One of the most profound statements by Paul is the one he shares with the folks in Galatians: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with teh yoke of bondage"--Gal 5:1. The liberty entailed in this verse is one amazing word, because it postulates this notion of freedom that can only be found in and through God, validated by His Son, Jesus Christ. There are several factors that pertain to freedom, indeed, there is the sense of freedom that is realized by considering the Cross more potent and amazing and revelatory in nature, over the law. Paul stressed this aspect emphatically in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Cor 3.1ff). He even went so far to emphazise that his main concern for the most part is being right with the Cross (1 Cor 2.2). Paul, in order to dispense the potency of the Cross over the law, shared that freedom is realized through the Cross. Second, Paul again shared that the cost of serving Christ is freedom, but now, in a different sense. It was articulated in the Roman epistle that "When [people] were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness" (Rom 6.20) essentially highlighting the cost of serving Christ is freedom--only in this sense, it is freedom from self and its pleasures. Finally, Paul espouses yet another aspect of freedom for Christians: freedom to serve Christ without fear of anything--: which the apostle reveals profoundly in several of his epistles (see. esp. Romans 14; 1 Cor 8). Consider this from Paul, "Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak" (1 Cor 8.9)--reveals how Christians have been affecting and imposing their will and philosophies on others (see. Col 2.6-10). I love the fact that despite all of our differences, economically, interllectually, etc., we coalesce as one people freed by Christ--so we can be free of desires, and in turn, serve Him freely. How amazing indeed.

How 'bout 'em relationships

The Barna Research Group revealed in a recent research titled, "Teen Roles Model: Who They Are, Why The Matter, (January 2011), unearthed a reality that shouldn't surprise us. The initial question probed the teens to identify the person with whom they admire the most, other than their parents. The first question postulated was 'who' which was followed by another equally probing question, 'why.' Regarding the 'who'--the majority cited relations such as grandparents, sister, brother, cousins, aunts, and uncles (37%), followed by teachers and coaches (11%), friends (9%), and pastors/religious leaders (6%). The 'why' indicated the reasons for the answers, or why they named a particular role-model. According to the study, 26% stated that the most common rationale highlighted by the teens included traits such as caring about others, loving, polite, and being fun. Additionally, the 'why' also found that 11% cited encouragement as a vital contributing factor, along with helping them to accomplish their goals (13%), overcome adversity (9%), hard worker (7%), maintain strong faith (6%). (http://www.barna.org/) The interesting revelation from this study is simply a recognition of a known fact: Despite our varied backgrounds, or differences in how we interpret, translate, approach different things in life, the one thing that we can agree on is that at the heart of man, is a yearning for relationships. The study did show that the majority of teens pointed to people they most admire and were likely to emulate, are those whom they were able to maintain contact with, or personal connection. This revelation emphatically sustains the point that are relational beings despite what we may think. And if we cannot perpetuate a desire for relationships, we simply cannot expect to be in the midst of relationship minded folks. And when that materializes, how do we expect to connect with anyone? List to Paul, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, we are have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:7-10) So then, if we sow a sincere and deep desire for relationships, despite everything to the contrary, we reap closer connections, as the study revealed. So, let's perpetuate relationship building, because it may the last thread holding man together from disintegrating in this chaotic world of 'me, me, me' pursuits. Let's sow that which pleases the Lord, it makes for a super fun harvest.

Gas Effect

I'm sure you've noticed the steady rise in gas prices of late. And you are probably aware of the many reasons 'why' prices fall and rise, although the latter seems to be the standard of late. At any rate, I came across an article this week that seems to explain some of the intricate details of what determines the prices of gasoline/oil and I thought I'd share with you.

"Gas prices rise when oil prices rise, and fall when oil prices fall--except when they don't. What you pay at your gas station depends on an array of factors, from what happens on an exchange in New York to what the competition is charging...Unlike an iPhone or a pair of jeans or a Big Mac, oil and gas are commodities, and their prices can change every second at the New York Mercantile Exchange and other trading hubs, Those far-off changes affect the cost of the next day's commute...Sellers of commodities, like gas station owners and refineries, price their product based not on what it costs to produce it, but on what it costs to replace it...Oil prices can be moved by geopolitics, the value of the dollar, extreme weather or Chinese [and Indian] demands[s]. Gas prices can be moved by oil prices, refinery problems or even weather that might keep drivers at home." (By Jonathan Fahey, AP Energy Writer)

Additionally, federal and state taxes also contribute to the cost of the gasoline that is purchase at pump. However, there is another factor to add to long list itemised by Fahey in his account (he may have implied it somewhere, but nevertheless, it was not revealed explicitly) and that is fear. The reason prices rise and fall is because of fear powered by uncertainty. And whenever you exchange/sell/trade a commodity like oil, there is much uncertainty involved. The bottom line is this; fear of the unknown invariably drives the prices up or down. May I propose to you something that you and I can be certain of in a world driven almost exclusively by fear, and that is LOVE.

According to John, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 John 4:18). How profound. How marvelous. How amazing. We unfortunately have little to no control over the uncertainties with oil/gas prices and the fluctuations therein. We can't control the fear that cripples traders' trading at New York's Mercantile Exchange. But we do control one thing, and this one thing is so much more than oil or any other commodity or product. This one, when it is not handled shared and exchanged with care, it could spell the end of mankind. What is it? It is love. Praise God. Love is the real 'effect.'

Funny Times

Earlier this week, I noticed that gasoline prices in our area were stable at 2.94 a gal. A day later, it had gone up to 3.09 a gal. And then today, Thurs. Feb. 24th, it had spiked to 3.22 a gal. Yikes! The forecasters are saying that it could go as high as 4.00 a gal. What's the point? Well, let's just say that the recent explanation given for the current surge is: 'Uncertainty' in Lybia. My only question is, wasn't the spike already in place before the Moammar Gadhafi fiasco escalated out of whack? Funny!

I saw on TV where a soccer player, desperate to give his team a free kick close to their goal line, deliberately used an opponent's arm to hit him in the face. I guess, desperate times = desperate measures. It was really hilarious, especially in slow motion. The only problem was, despite his efforts, the trickster's team lost anyway. Funny!

And what about the prank call that WI governor Scott Walker got from pretender Ian Murphy? Here, the governor thought he was talking to billionaire David Koch, a conservative, but instead, he was talking to a liberal organizer from Buffalo. I find it hard to believe that with all the power at the governor's disposal, along with the people who work for the governor to ensure that he gets the right information and the right people to talk to, something embarrassing like this could happen. Funny!

Funny times indeed!

"The Good OId Days"

I came across this article while visiting some friends at a nursing home, and I thought, wow--this is a pretty cool article.

"The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farm house in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question: "Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?" I replied: "But I did have a drug problem when I was a kid growing up on the farm."

I had a drug problem when I was a young: I was drug to church Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill to the teacher or the preacher. Or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline or chop some fire wood. And if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me out to the wood shed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin, and if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America might be a better place today." (Author Unknown)

I like the part about 'speaking ill to the preacher' personally :). But in all seriousness, this kind of mindset was fashioned in an environment where respect, honesty and integrity were impressed amongst people. I would add though, that if God were at the forefront of what we do through the church, America will be an even better place today.

"Why So Serious?"

Does the name Steve Johnson ring a bell? Chances are, you've never heard of the guy. well, Steve happens to be the leading receiver for the resurgent Buffalo Bills football team. I say resurgent because Sunday, November 28th, the Bills played the Steelers and had they won that game, it would have been their 3rd win in a row, which is something they have not been able to accomplish in years. Prior to Sunday's game, Johnson not only recorded 137 receiving yards, but he celebrated one of his three TD's by lifting his jersey to show a famous quote by the late Heath Ledger: "Why So Serious?" So, back to the game against the Steelers, Johnson during overtime had the coverage beaten, and all he had to do was catch a perfectly thrown pass from his quarterback, a Harvard guy! Perfect pass, perfect route by the receiver, in the NFL usually translate into points. But that wasn't the case that Sunday. Johnson infamously 'dropped' the pass in the end zone. Following the game, the same Johnson who was a proponent of not taking oneself seriously, tweeted: I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!AND THIS IS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!!YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FRO THIS???HOW???ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!!EVER!!THX THO...,"

The drop dominated headlines throughout the NFL, because even a high school player could have held on to the pass. But his post-game tweet captured my attention. I believe it was an honest remark by a disheartened person, someone who had just witnessed his world caving in from all directions. I admire his bluntness, however ill-directed. Admittedly, I wonder how many of us blame the misfortunes of life on God--while also failing to credit him for our success. Listen to the words of Paul:

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through him who gives my strength" (Philippians 4:12-13).

Paul knew what it felt like to have things, and what if felt like not having anything. He was aware that in his ministry, hardships and challenges were as much a part of like as blessings. It is hard to be joyful when things aren't going well. Johnson was pretty loose (why so serious) until he dropped what should have been the game winning TD. And we too, are pretty tolerant and understanding until challenges and difficulties materialize. But like Paul, let us strive to be 'content in any and every situation', however dire it may be. Have a Jesus Day

Vick & Williams

Talofa
Ted Williams, a name I'm confident you are aware of by now, along with Michael Vick, the disgraced NFL player involved in a brutal dog fighting ring several years back, breathed new life in a week littered with chaos. These brutal events include the shooting in Tucson, Arizona, a more recent shooting at a California school, the mindless pain inflicted on innocent lives by people bent on advancing evil. However, the hopeful story of Williams and Vick is a testament that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Ted went from being homeless to receiving countless offers from radio stations, NBA teams etc, coveting his 'golden' voice. And Michael Vick, who was recently released from prison, has become a role model for many with his play for Eagles this year--which by the way, has garnered MVP talk amongst sportswriters across the country. So what's the big deal? Well, both these guys did something that I thought was pretty awesome: they both recognized that when they were at fault, they admitted wrong instead of playing the blame game. When Ted was asked, he admitted that he had the 'golden voice' all along, but drugs and alcohol ruined a great deal of his life. Michael, recently criticized by some of his own peers for the ill-directed pass that was intercepted by a Green Bay player knocking the Eagles out of the playoffs, declared following the game that he 'got greedy' and forced the throw. The words of recorded by Luke come to mind: "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Luke 10:21). The little 'fella' knew that he was at fault; in fact, he was adamant in his admission: "I have sinned"--never alluding to circumstances, or any other factors that might have contributed to his downfall. He simply carried the burden and said: I messed up, but I am willing to make it right again. And part of reviving involves admission of fault an then forging ahead. Ted did it as well as Vick. They probably could have pointed the finger and blamed some other elements, but instead they looked inward and realized that they were at fault. What a testament. In a world increasingly defined by finger pointing and selfishness, it is refreshing to know that there are still Ted's and Vick's, who are fearlessly leading in the right direction.

Love

Talofa

Love, what an amazing word. I am absolutely convinced that Jesus was on target when he made a decisive declaration for us to follow in John 14:34-35: 1) love one another 2) and based on that love, all men will know that we belong to him. There is no other testament that God lives and his truths are transforming and life changing, if our love for one another is not evident. After all, we have to stand out for God. I love C. S. Lewis' description of love, "to love is to be vulnerable" and yet, Christ calls us to do just that. So go ahead and risk it all for God, the rewards are far too great than the risks. My prayer for 2011 is simple this: to love. Have a Jesus Day!