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“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 1 Corinthians 6:12 I have had a nagging knee problem for several weeks now and I haven’t been as quick as I normally am. (I had trouble saying that with a straight face.)  I don’t, for example, “run into” the grocery store. Instead I plan my shopping to minimize walking. The knee gets better each day, but still I find that resting it is a good thing. We are running a spiritual race and it’s a good thing not to be hampered by nagging injuries or by carrying excess weights. You know what I mean, those things that are “lawful” but really don’t help us move any faster. We are all attracted to things which, although in themselves are fine, tend to take away our time and focus from the things we need to be concentrating on. Perhaps a tv show for which we never miss an episode or a “good book” which soaks up our time and attention, these things hinder us in the race. What about petty jealousies […]

I first learned of the death of Osama bin Laden from Saints running back, Reggie Bush. That’s the nature of modern communication. I was reviewing twitter and saw a posting from Bush, “Osama dead?” I saw a confirming tweet from Fox News and turned on the television. Once the news was confirmed, I felt a need to high five someone.  Euphoria quickly spread through the country. I guess this is appropriate. An enemy combatant of our country was dead, the head of a movement who had launched the war on terror. I guess if we were to see the dead body of this terrorist, an old man before his time, we would have to ask what all the furor was about. Even the jubilant crowds gathering outside the White House and in Times Square had a kind of a “it’s about time” ring to them. Is justice delayed, justice denied?  Some question the joy at a death, any death. But I have to say that seeking and achieving the death of an enemy combatant is appropriate in time of war. No matter that he has probably already been replaced by someone stronger, younger and more evil. I was a bit […]

Sunday Pastor T discussed the Light of the World. The topic deserves further comment. Jesus used this phrase to describe himself and his disciples. In John 8:12 Jesus applies the title to himself.  12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Again in John 9:5, He says: When I am in the world, I am the Light of the World. He says this in connection with the healing of a man born blind. This episode leads into John 9:39 where explains that he came to this world, so that the blind may see. Jesus also used that term to refer to his disciples in Matthew 5:14-16:  14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Viewed together these verses establish some important facts: 1. The natural world is in darkness. 2. The natural man […]

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8. Rose and I love chicken. When we were first married, she ate dark meat and I loved white. Now I like dark and she likes white.  Before you hit the “delete” key, this fun fact has a purpose. We are taught to “hunger” after God, but hunger for the Lord is an acquired taste.  I love sushi. I didn’t always and Rosemary still doesn’t. I started with just one favorite roll and every time I get one I also get a different one I haven’t tried before. I don’t always fall in love with each new variety, but more often than not I find something else I like. God is like that. Satan has convinced us that the world has so much more to offer than God does. The earth is God’s wonderful creation but it provides just a “taste” of the goodness of the maker. It is designed to direct us to Him and not be an end in itself. The more we pursue Him, the greater our hunger will be. However, if we ignore Him, what little appetite we […]

For the last few days it seems the world has dropped what it should be doing to watch a wedding. Now, I’m not much of a wedding person so I may be more mystified than most people. Even I have to admit this story has it all. Handsome price, beautiful princess, seemingly in love, really nice people, a million show up outside the castle. Lots of interesting elements. Why are we so interested? Do we all love a good story or fairy tale? Does the darkness inside of us not really believe it is all as sweet as it seems? The public seems to grab at any tiny piece of dirt. Are our own lives not the fairy tale we once dreamed they would be? Is it because it’s English. Some of us love anything English, whether it’s the accents or the sitcoms. I don’t have enough training in psychology or sociology to answer these questions. But I do have to write something on today’s blog so I have some thoughts. There is something attractive about a story that takes us up and away from our daily lives. It seems to me that is what Christ intended for each […]

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on thegrace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior ; 16 because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” This is one of those verses that pushes me to think, “He’s got to be kidding.” Does God really mean for us to be Holy like He is holy? What an overwhelming command! It seems impossible. But there are two aspects of this command we must not forget. First, He doesn’t command for us to be holy on our efforts. The Lord is committed to do this in our lives—make us holy. We know the process as sanctification. And that’s the second important aspect, sanctification is a process, a three-stage process by which He sets us apart for His purposes. Stage one occurs at the moment of our salvation. When God declares us righteous, we are positionally holy. The second stage is a progression of growth as we become more and more in practice what we already are in position. This process will continue for as long as we are alive on this earth. The Father has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son, and He is continually working to shape our […]

   “Never will I leave you;     never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 In those days after Jesus’ Resurrection and then Ascension into heaven, the disciples must have struggled with a sense of abandonment. Fear of abandonment seems one of the basic fears of mankind. Perhaps it arises from mom dropping us off at daycare or school or leaving us with a strange teenage babysitter. No matter what the source, all of us, if we will admit it, fear abandonment. Part of that fear is based on our certainty, buried deep inside, that no one would want to be with us if they really knew us. We have an implanted idea that we don’t deserve the company of others, that we deserve to be alone. For those who haven’t trusted in Christ, there is an inner feeling that we can’t really count on the things we have trusted. It is interesting the promise to never leave us is connected with keeping our lives free from the love of money and being content with what we have. Those who attach their worth to earthly things are never content. There is never enough. When we tie ourselves to God, there […]

Today was a comfortable day spent with family. Had breakfast at Waffle House with Nicky. Helped Jessie with her resume’ which she used in a successful job interview. Went to Henry and spent time with Rose’s aunt. I guess you can say a “nothing special” day. Yet it was a special day. Family is so important, not just in the big events of daily life but the day-to-day stuff. Rose and I ended with supper at one of our old favorite restaurants that we hadn’t visited in a long time. That was comfortable. It’s interesting how we move on to the new and convenient. It’s easy to forget the things that we have been comfortable with most of our lives. Now comfortable doesn’t mean satisfied. We still want the best for those we love. Not just, or even mainly, the best here, but the best for eternity. Life everlasting spent together with Jesus and life here being what we were all called to be. The kids are on vacation this week. There are still some days left to spend time with those you love. Love and encourage in the comfort of your family. Be blessed. Nick