Do you believe in truth or truthiness?
“Truthiness” is a word that television comedian Stephen Colbert popularized in 2005. He came up with the word “truthiness” minutes before taping the first episode of “The Colbert Report.” He decided the word “truth” in his script wasn’t ridiculous enough.
“We're not talking about truth, we're talking about something that seems like truth—the truth we want to exist,” he explained. “Facts matter not at all. Perception is everything.”
Colbert added, “Truthiness is ‘What I say is right.’ It's not only that I FEEL it to be true, but that ‘I’ feel it to be true. There's not only an emotional quality, but there’s a selfish quality.”
Many people call themselves “Christians” and believe truthiness instead of truth. In fact it’s common for them to describe their faith as “choosing what I want to believe.” --As if the Bible was a cafeteria line, picking what you like and leaving what you don’t!
Well hold on just a minute. Isn’t that how most Americans view their faith?
Probably. But while some religions may include that approach, the Bible does not.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Notice that Jesus said he is “THE way” and not “A way.”
Another time he added, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”
Think about that. For the truth to set you free you must believe it’s true and act on it. It’s not an option for you to adjust the truth to your preferences or make it fit your view of reality.
We can’t adjust truth in a math class. What makes us think we can do it with faith?
Many people say they believe the Bible and believe in God. They’ve heard the gospel story and agree that Jesus lived, died on a cross for the sins of mankind and rose again on the third day. But hearing it and agreeing with it is not the same as believing in it.
If you truly believe something it changes your behavior. In this case you decide to put your trust in Jesus Christ to forgive you and save you from sin’s penalty—eternal separation from God. And then you choose to obey him.
The Bible says that Christians are people who “no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” If you’re a Christian you live for Jesus.
Some don’t see the need to obey Jesus. They don’t believe his teaching is the only truth.
Instead they believe the truthiness about Jesus. They think what THEY want to believe is true.
They might say, “I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I pray and attend church. I do the best I can.” And if asked what they’ll find on the other side they might say, “Heaven--I hope.”
Contrary to popular opinion, God doesn’t grade us on our efforts. The Bible says salvation is a gift of God received through faith and not by works.
According to the Bible, when you decide to follow Jesus Christ and “believe” in him, you receive eternal life. It says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
God sent Jesus so we could KNOW our sins and mistakes are forgiven and so we could KNOW we have eternal life. And when you know that, you can finally forgive yourself.
Jesus Christ lived, died and rose from the dead to give sinners a full and blessed life now and eternal life in Heaven later. That’s the truth. And that truth is worth celebrating this Easter!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Driving Miss Crazy
Do you drive and talk on the cell phone at the same time?
Some states have now banned this common practice. It’s not only distracting, but certain people just can’t do it safely. People like “Miss Crazy.”
A while back I was driving behind her car. First it drifted left toward the centerline. Then, just before crossing into oncoming traffic, it jerked right. Drifting right again it suddenly jerked left. Then it repeated the zigzagging all over again.
Concerned for the driver’s safety, I looked closer.
What I saw was a woman holding a cell phone to her ear with one hand. Her other hand gestured wildly as she talked. Occasionally she grabbed the wheel to adjust the car left or right. It was scary--the car was driving “Miss Crazy” and not the other way around!
We used to talk about drivers who drove their radio and adjusted the car. Now I see people everywhere driving their cell phones and talking to their cars. It’s just plain crazy!
But is it any crazier than going through life without direction? Many people do.
They live only for their next paycheck, next vacation or next night on the town. It’s as though their life is on perpetual cruise control with no destination.
Well hold on just a minute. Where’s YOUR life headed?
Many people are like John Lennon’s song Beautiful Boy when it says, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Some don’t even have a plan.
However, as Billy Graham often said, “God loves you. He has a plan for your life.”
Do you know where he gets that? The first part is from John 3:16. There we learn, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The second part is in Jeremiah 29:11. God said, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
It’s amazing to think that the God who made the universe, who knows all about you, and loves you, has a special plan for your life. But the Bible says he does.
First you must turn from trusting in yourself to trusting in God. Trouble is, most of us think we can do better than God. Plus we don’t want to admit we’ve wrecked our lives.
Besides, who needs a road map when there’s such a nice wide highway to follow? It’s the one everyone else is on. You know, “Doin’ what comes naturally” and “Live and let live.”
Listen to Jesus. He says, “Broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But narrow is…the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Sounds to me like one of those GPS gadgets would come in handy! Or at least a map.
The good news is that Jesus gave us the map to follow. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The choice is yours. You can pick any road you want to follow. But only one will lead you to the life full of love, joy, peace and purpose that Jesus promised--and Heaven, too!
So my advice to you is “Don’t be driving crazy. Follow Jesus.” You can trust him to lead the way. He’ll never fail you or give up on you. And he’ll keep you from wrecking your life. If your life is already a mess, he’ll forgive you and give you a fresh start.
Oh--and if you can’t keep one hand on the wheel and an eye on the road--hang up!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Some states have now banned this common practice. It’s not only distracting, but certain people just can’t do it safely. People like “Miss Crazy.”
A while back I was driving behind her car. First it drifted left toward the centerline. Then, just before crossing into oncoming traffic, it jerked right. Drifting right again it suddenly jerked left. Then it repeated the zigzagging all over again.
Concerned for the driver’s safety, I looked closer.
What I saw was a woman holding a cell phone to her ear with one hand. Her other hand gestured wildly as she talked. Occasionally she grabbed the wheel to adjust the car left or right. It was scary--the car was driving “Miss Crazy” and not the other way around!
We used to talk about drivers who drove their radio and adjusted the car. Now I see people everywhere driving their cell phones and talking to their cars. It’s just plain crazy!
But is it any crazier than going through life without direction? Many people do.
They live only for their next paycheck, next vacation or next night on the town. It’s as though their life is on perpetual cruise control with no destination.
Well hold on just a minute. Where’s YOUR life headed?
Many people are like John Lennon’s song Beautiful Boy when it says, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Some don’t even have a plan.
However, as Billy Graham often said, “God loves you. He has a plan for your life.”
Do you know where he gets that? The first part is from John 3:16. There we learn, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
The second part is in Jeremiah 29:11. God said, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
It’s amazing to think that the God who made the universe, who knows all about you, and loves you, has a special plan for your life. But the Bible says he does.
First you must turn from trusting in yourself to trusting in God. Trouble is, most of us think we can do better than God. Plus we don’t want to admit we’ve wrecked our lives.
Besides, who needs a road map when there’s such a nice wide highway to follow? It’s the one everyone else is on. You know, “Doin’ what comes naturally” and “Live and let live.”
Listen to Jesus. He says, “Broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But narrow is…the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Sounds to me like one of those GPS gadgets would come in handy! Or at least a map.
The good news is that Jesus gave us the map to follow. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
The choice is yours. You can pick any road you want to follow. But only one will lead you to the life full of love, joy, peace and purpose that Jesus promised--and Heaven, too!
So my advice to you is “Don’t be driving crazy. Follow Jesus.” You can trust him to lead the way. He’ll never fail you or give up on you. And he’ll keep you from wrecking your life. If your life is already a mess, he’ll forgive you and give you a fresh start.
Oh--and if you can’t keep one hand on the wheel and an eye on the road--hang up!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Prayer Secrets
How does prayer work? What’s the secret?
Perhaps the secret of prayer is in the words you say. Or maybe it’s praying in the right position--you know, with your eyes closed or open, kneeling or standing—is that it?
Others think it’s repeating the prayer enough times to show you mean it. Some suppose they have to shout to get God’s attention or light a candle in a church.
A majority of Americans believe in God and believe in prayer. Some say, “I pray all the time.” That’s good, but how do they know God is listening?
And what about answers? Some give up praying because God didn’t answer them.
Maybe it’s because they didn’t know the “secret” of prayer--the key to how it works.
Now hold on just a minute! This is getting complicated. Does prayer work or doesn’t it?
Prayer’s power is not in the methods or words we use. Nor is it in our physical posture, the size of our faith or the sincerity of our heart.
The power of prayer is the God of the Bible. He alone is the prayer answering God.
One benefit of the Bible is that it shows us how God answers prayer for ordinary people like you and me. And they were ordinary. It says that even the prophet Elijah “was a man just like us.” His prayers were not answered because of who he was but because of who God is.
OK, then how do you know he hears you and answers you? That’s the question!
Many people pray and see no results. The reason is because they have no relationship with God. For prayer to work there must be a relationship with him. That’s the key. Really.
Let me explain. Some children receive allowances. What if one child went to another’s father and asked for an allowance? What would happen? He would say, “Go see your own dad!”
And that’s why prayer works for some and not others. The Bible says that when you have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, God is your Heavenly Father. You become his child. And God invites his children to come and ask for whatever they need.
Jesus said, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” God wants to answer the prayers of his children.
That brings us back to faith. The Bible says, “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
A relationship with God begins with faith. Faith that God loves you, that he is good and has your best interests at heart. Faith that when God says he will forgive your sin and make you his child—he will do it.
Where does faith come from? The Bible explains that faith is a gift from God. It comes from listening to God speak to you through the Bible and understanding that he’s talking to you.
Perhaps you would like to know how to have a personal relationship with God. If so, I recommend that you pick up a Bible and read the Gospel of John in the New Testament.
Just remember that the secret of prayer is not a secret. Power in prayer begins with a personal relationship with God. It’s that simple.
And what about answers to prayer? God always answers, but it may not be the answer we expect. Like any good parent, God doesn’t give us everything we want. Sometimes he says, “Yes.” But other times he may say “No,” “Wait a while” or even “You’ve got to be kidding!”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Perhaps the secret of prayer is in the words you say. Or maybe it’s praying in the right position--you know, with your eyes closed or open, kneeling or standing—is that it?
Others think it’s repeating the prayer enough times to show you mean it. Some suppose they have to shout to get God’s attention or light a candle in a church.
A majority of Americans believe in God and believe in prayer. Some say, “I pray all the time.” That’s good, but how do they know God is listening?
And what about answers? Some give up praying because God didn’t answer them.
Maybe it’s because they didn’t know the “secret” of prayer--the key to how it works.
Now hold on just a minute! This is getting complicated. Does prayer work or doesn’t it?
Prayer’s power is not in the methods or words we use. Nor is it in our physical posture, the size of our faith or the sincerity of our heart.
The power of prayer is the God of the Bible. He alone is the prayer answering God.
One benefit of the Bible is that it shows us how God answers prayer for ordinary people like you and me. And they were ordinary. It says that even the prophet Elijah “was a man just like us.” His prayers were not answered because of who he was but because of who God is.
OK, then how do you know he hears you and answers you? That’s the question!
Many people pray and see no results. The reason is because they have no relationship with God. For prayer to work there must be a relationship with him. That’s the key. Really.
Let me explain. Some children receive allowances. What if one child went to another’s father and asked for an allowance? What would happen? He would say, “Go see your own dad!”
And that’s why prayer works for some and not others. The Bible says that when you have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, God is your Heavenly Father. You become his child. And God invites his children to come and ask for whatever they need.
Jesus said, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” God wants to answer the prayers of his children.
That brings us back to faith. The Bible says, “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
A relationship with God begins with faith. Faith that God loves you, that he is good and has your best interests at heart. Faith that when God says he will forgive your sin and make you his child—he will do it.
Where does faith come from? The Bible explains that faith is a gift from God. It comes from listening to God speak to you through the Bible and understanding that he’s talking to you.
Perhaps you would like to know how to have a personal relationship with God. If so, I recommend that you pick up a Bible and read the Gospel of John in the New Testament.
Just remember that the secret of prayer is not a secret. Power in prayer begins with a personal relationship with God. It’s that simple.
And what about answers to prayer? God always answers, but it may not be the answer we expect. Like any good parent, God doesn’t give us everything we want. Sometimes he says, “Yes.” But other times he may say “No,” “Wait a while” or even “You’ve got to be kidding!”
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Hocus Pocus Faith
Is faith like magic? Some people must think so.
Such people think that positive thoughts or certain words will bring about what they desire. But that’s more magic than faith--sort of a Hocus Pocus Faith.
Magic attempts to control people, things, events and nature through rituals, potions or spells. In the world of magic, you’re a god and believe your words have power.
Christian faith trusts the God of the Bible to do what he has promised. It’s not your sincerity or what you say that matters. It’s what God says that controls the outcome.
What a good reason to read the Bible! If God hasn’t promised to do something, it’s foolish to ask him for it or believe he will do it. God cannot be manipulated.
For instance, God promises to provide for the needs of those who trust in him. Helping you win the Lottery isn’t covered. That’s greed, not a need. Don’t bother asking or begging.
Well hold on just a minute! Then what good is faith?
Faith is only as good as its object. The object of faith is the person or thing you trust in. If your faith is in people, sooner or later you’ll be disappointed. People are often unreliable.
Faith works best when you trust in the God of the Bible. The Bible is the only proven record of how God relates to mankind. It shows how he answers prayer and keeps his promises.
So when God says something is true or will happen, it makes sense to take him at his word. That’s not blind faith, it’s faith based on reliable evidence.
My father used to tell me, “Son, God is faithful. And he’s not about to lose his reputation on you or me.” As the Bible says, “God is not a man, that he should lie.”
Manley Beasley, a Southern Baptist Evangelist, once said, “Faith is believing something is so, even when it’s not so, so that it becomes so, because God said so!”
Rather than hopeless optimism, such an expression is sensible faith. Instead of “Make Believe” it’s trusting in a God who does what he says. Every time.
Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, wrote one of my favorite descriptions of faith in her book, “Tramp for the Lord.” She said, “Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.”
In the fog, radar sees things that are real but cannot be seen by the human eye. Faith is like radar because it sees the reality of what God has promised. And once you learn how God keeps his word, it’s not a stretch of faith to take him at his word and trust him completely.
That’s how a child trusts his parents. When Dad or Mom says, “Dinner will be at 5 o’clock,” the child doesn’t worry or fret. He plays until 5 p.m. and then comes in expecting dinner. Why? Because the parents have proven faithful. They do what they say. Just like God.
So when a Christian expresses confidence in God it’s because God has proven faithful. Christians aren’t being arrogant when they say they’re going to heaven when they die. Jesus promised his followers that he would come back from heaven to take them to be with him.
Since Jesus arose from the dead, he proved his power over death. How much proof do you need? The resurrection is one of the best-documented facts of history. Check it out.
I like to say, “If God said it, I believe it and that settles it!” Such faith allows you to live life to the full. Released from worry and the fear of dying, a Christian can focus on truly living.
And here’s the best part. You don’t need a lot of faith. Jesus said that if your faith is in God, all you need is a tiny amount and you can still see amazing results. The key is to trust God.
So forget the hocus pocus stuff and listen to the Bible. It’s great for your soul!
Such people think that positive thoughts or certain words will bring about what they desire. But that’s more magic than faith--sort of a Hocus Pocus Faith.
Magic attempts to control people, things, events and nature through rituals, potions or spells. In the world of magic, you’re a god and believe your words have power.
Christian faith trusts the God of the Bible to do what he has promised. It’s not your sincerity or what you say that matters. It’s what God says that controls the outcome.
What a good reason to read the Bible! If God hasn’t promised to do something, it’s foolish to ask him for it or believe he will do it. God cannot be manipulated.
For instance, God promises to provide for the needs of those who trust in him. Helping you win the Lottery isn’t covered. That’s greed, not a need. Don’t bother asking or begging.
Well hold on just a minute! Then what good is faith?
Faith is only as good as its object. The object of faith is the person or thing you trust in. If your faith is in people, sooner or later you’ll be disappointed. People are often unreliable.
Faith works best when you trust in the God of the Bible. The Bible is the only proven record of how God relates to mankind. It shows how he answers prayer and keeps his promises.
So when God says something is true or will happen, it makes sense to take him at his word. That’s not blind faith, it’s faith based on reliable evidence.
My father used to tell me, “Son, God is faithful. And he’s not about to lose his reputation on you or me.” As the Bible says, “God is not a man, that he should lie.”
Manley Beasley, a Southern Baptist Evangelist, once said, “Faith is believing something is so, even when it’s not so, so that it becomes so, because God said so!”
Rather than hopeless optimism, such an expression is sensible faith. Instead of “Make Believe” it’s trusting in a God who does what he says. Every time.
Corrie Ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, wrote one of my favorite descriptions of faith in her book, “Tramp for the Lord.” She said, “Faith is like radar that sees through the fog.”
In the fog, radar sees things that are real but cannot be seen by the human eye. Faith is like radar because it sees the reality of what God has promised. And once you learn how God keeps his word, it’s not a stretch of faith to take him at his word and trust him completely.
That’s how a child trusts his parents. When Dad or Mom says, “Dinner will be at 5 o’clock,” the child doesn’t worry or fret. He plays until 5 p.m. and then comes in expecting dinner. Why? Because the parents have proven faithful. They do what they say. Just like God.
So when a Christian expresses confidence in God it’s because God has proven faithful. Christians aren’t being arrogant when they say they’re going to heaven when they die. Jesus promised his followers that he would come back from heaven to take them to be with him.
Since Jesus arose from the dead, he proved his power over death. How much proof do you need? The resurrection is one of the best-documented facts of history. Check it out.
I like to say, “If God said it, I believe it and that settles it!” Such faith allows you to live life to the full. Released from worry and the fear of dying, a Christian can focus on truly living.
And here’s the best part. You don’t need a lot of faith. Jesus said that if your faith is in God, all you need is a tiny amount and you can still see amazing results. The key is to trust God.
So forget the hocus pocus stuff and listen to the Bible. It’s great for your soul!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Stuck In The Middle
Why do people act like they do?
I wish I had ten dollars every time I thought that, said it or heard someone else say it. If I did, I could probably retire somewhere warm, wet and beachy.
It amazes me when I see people who know better acting stupid. They make choices and do things to hurt themselves and the ones they love. And they’re the only ones who don’t see it!
How pathetic. And yet I just described every one of us.
You know and I know it’s true. Vainly we hope that no one else suspects. Yet deep down in our hearts we know. We are all hypocrites.
There. I said it. Hypocrites. Judging others with rules we don’t intend to keep.
Our predicament reminds me of the old Gerry Rafferty song, “Stuck in the Middle With You.” Do you remember it? “Stealers Wheel” recorded it back in the 1970s. The lyrics went, “Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, Here I am, Stuck in the middle with you.”
That’s us! We’re surrounded by people just like us. And we don’t like it.
Author C. S. Lewis is reported to have said, "People are good at expecting others to live in a manner that they are not willing to live themselves." Ouch. That hurts.
Well, hold it right there for just a minute. If everyone does it, what’s the problem?
The problem is we’re blind to our own hypocrisy and complain about everyone else’s!
We need someone to slap us up side our head and say, “Doctor, heal yourself! If you’re so good at diagnosing other people’s problems, why can’t you see your own?” Indeed.
What’s the answer?
Listen to Jesus. He said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye. How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.’”
He nailed us, didn’t he? We’re super speck inspectors. Nit picking other’s failures and ignoring our own.
The problem is our unforgiving hearts. We’re all good at giving ourselves excuses but not allowing them for anyone else. We expect God to forgive us but we don’t offer others the forgiveness we think we deserve—even though they are just as deserving.
Face it. We’re all a mess of mistakes. Without God’s mercy we’re sunk. You can’t be good enough for even your own standards and you know it. It’s just a show. Inside you know.
So what should we do? Jesus said that we should first pay attention to our own shortcomings. That means humble ourselves and admit we make mistakes.
Turning away from the sin you love and asking God to forgive you is the way to remove the plank. Then when you experience his wonderful forgiveness through Jesus Christ, you can offer that same forgiveness to others who so desperately need it.
This simple prescription from Jesus will go a long way toward healing what’s wrong in our relationships. But as long as we think we know better, we’ll still be stuck in the middle of the clowns, the jokers and the hypocrites.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
I wish I had ten dollars every time I thought that, said it or heard someone else say it. If I did, I could probably retire somewhere warm, wet and beachy.
It amazes me when I see people who know better acting stupid. They make choices and do things to hurt themselves and the ones they love. And they’re the only ones who don’t see it!
How pathetic. And yet I just described every one of us.
You know and I know it’s true. Vainly we hope that no one else suspects. Yet deep down in our hearts we know. We are all hypocrites.
There. I said it. Hypocrites. Judging others with rules we don’t intend to keep.
Our predicament reminds me of the old Gerry Rafferty song, “Stuck in the Middle With You.” Do you remember it? “Stealers Wheel” recorded it back in the 1970s. The lyrics went, “Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right, Here I am, Stuck in the middle with you.”
That’s us! We’re surrounded by people just like us. And we don’t like it.
Author C. S. Lewis is reported to have said, "People are good at expecting others to live in a manner that they are not willing to live themselves." Ouch. That hurts.
Well, hold it right there for just a minute. If everyone does it, what’s the problem?
The problem is we’re blind to our own hypocrisy and complain about everyone else’s!
We need someone to slap us up side our head and say, “Doctor, heal yourself! If you’re so good at diagnosing other people’s problems, why can’t you see your own?” Indeed.
What’s the answer?
Listen to Jesus. He said, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye. How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.’”
He nailed us, didn’t he? We’re super speck inspectors. Nit picking other’s failures and ignoring our own.
The problem is our unforgiving hearts. We’re all good at giving ourselves excuses but not allowing them for anyone else. We expect God to forgive us but we don’t offer others the forgiveness we think we deserve—even though they are just as deserving.
Face it. We’re all a mess of mistakes. Without God’s mercy we’re sunk. You can’t be good enough for even your own standards and you know it. It’s just a show. Inside you know.
So what should we do? Jesus said that we should first pay attention to our own shortcomings. That means humble ourselves and admit we make mistakes.
Turning away from the sin you love and asking God to forgive you is the way to remove the plank. Then when you experience his wonderful forgiveness through Jesus Christ, you can offer that same forgiveness to others who so desperately need it.
This simple prescription from Jesus will go a long way toward healing what’s wrong in our relationships. But as long as we think we know better, we’ll still be stuck in the middle of the clowns, the jokers and the hypocrites.
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Monday, February 11, 2008
The Love of Your Life
You’d have to be from another planet to not know Thursday is Valentine’s Day!
Here in America, the man is expected to pony up big bucks so his sweetheart knows he loves her. That can involve a nice card, flowers, chocolates and maybe even jewelry. And don’t forget a special dinner for two!
We’re talking some serious cash.
OK, men, are you ready for this? In Japan it’s the ladies who are expected to buy the Valentine’s Day chocolate for their men!
There are two categories. The first is "Obligation Chocolate" for dads, brothers and bosses. Then there is “Special Chocolate” for boyfriends or husbands.
Now here’s where it gets interesting.
One month later, on March 14th, it's the men's turn to respond. Called “White Day,” men buy gifts for the women in their lives. Usually they purchase white chocolates, cakes or cookies. Sometimes they buy other things, but the prevailing theme is the color white.
For men, however, the only obligation is to buy gifts for the women who gave them a Valentine's Day gift! Maybe we could try that on this side of the Pacific Ocean for a year. It probably wouldn’t last, but it’d be fun to try it!
Ah, the price of love, true love.
Last year I read about a father, who loved his wife and family so much, he risked his life trying to save them from a burning house. Do you have someone who loves you that much?
As much as Valentine’s Day reminds some folks of love, there are others for whom it is a sad reminder of a love that’s lost or missing from their lives.
Some people would give a lot of money for true love--to have someone who loves them no matter what. But like that old Waylon Jennings’ song, many are “looking for love in all the wrong places.”
Well, hold on just a minute. I just might have the answer for you.
Let me play matchmaker, OK? Forget about the Internet romance web sites. Forget about calling your Aunt Bertha who’s been dying to get you a date.
If you want true love from someone who will never leave you, ever—there’s only one person for you in the whole world. Are you ready?
Allow me to introduce you to Jesus Christ. Hold on! —Let me explain.
He said he loves you so much he gave his life so you could live. And not just live an ordinary life. No, he wants you to live a life full of love, joy, peace and purpose.
On top of that, he will forgive you for all that stupid stuff you’ve done--things for which you can’t even forgive yourself. Plus, he will never leave you or abandon you.
Jesus promised and he will keep that promise. The Bible says he will walk with you even through “the valley of the shadow of death.” Who else can do that? His love is an eternal love.
All you have to do is invite him into your life and put your faith and your trust in him.
But don’t just take my word for it. Check it out for yourself in the New Testament of the Bible. A good place to start reading is the Gospel of John.
Then, once you have Jesus, he can help you find human love here on earth. Maybe not in time for Valentine’s Day--but it’s worth praying about! He could even use Aunt Bertha.
Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!
Here in America, the man is expected to pony up big bucks so his sweetheart knows he loves her. That can involve a nice card, flowers, chocolates and maybe even jewelry. And don’t forget a special dinner for two!
We’re talking some serious cash.
OK, men, are you ready for this? In Japan it’s the ladies who are expected to buy the Valentine’s Day chocolate for their men!
There are two categories. The first is "Obligation Chocolate" for dads, brothers and bosses. Then there is “Special Chocolate” for boyfriends or husbands.
Now here’s where it gets interesting.
One month later, on March 14th, it's the men's turn to respond. Called “White Day,” men buy gifts for the women in their lives. Usually they purchase white chocolates, cakes or cookies. Sometimes they buy other things, but the prevailing theme is the color white.
For men, however, the only obligation is to buy gifts for the women who gave them a Valentine's Day gift! Maybe we could try that on this side of the Pacific Ocean for a year. It probably wouldn’t last, but it’d be fun to try it!
Ah, the price of love, true love.
Last year I read about a father, who loved his wife and family so much, he risked his life trying to save them from a burning house. Do you have someone who loves you that much?
As much as Valentine’s Day reminds some folks of love, there are others for whom it is a sad reminder of a love that’s lost or missing from their lives.
Some people would give a lot of money for true love--to have someone who loves them no matter what. But like that old Waylon Jennings’ song, many are “looking for love in all the wrong places.”
Well, hold on just a minute. I just might have the answer for you.
Let me play matchmaker, OK? Forget about the Internet romance web sites. Forget about calling your Aunt Bertha who’s been dying to get you a date.
If you want true love from someone who will never leave you, ever—there’s only one person for you in the whole world. Are you ready?
Allow me to introduce you to Jesus Christ. Hold on! —Let me explain.
He said he loves you so much he gave his life so you could live. And not just live an ordinary life. No, he wants you to live a life full of love, joy, peace and purpose.
On top of that, he will forgive you for all that stupid stuff you’ve done--things for which you can’t even forgive yourself. Plus, he will never leave you or abandon you.
Jesus promised and he will keep that promise. The Bible says he will walk with you even through “the valley of the shadow of death.” Who else can do that? His love is an eternal love.
All you have to do is invite him into your life and put your faith and your trust in him.
But don’t just take my word for it. Check it out for yourself in the New Testament of the Bible. A good place to start reading is the Gospel of John.
Then, once you have Jesus, he can help you find human love here on earth. Maybe not in time for Valentine’s Day--but it’s worth praying about! He could even use Aunt Bertha.
Listen to the Bible; it’s good for your soul!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Groundhogs & The Future
Why were so many people concerned about a groundhog last Saturday?
Oh, I know all about Groundhog Day. I even saw the movie. But why does it make the national news? Why does a whole town in Pennsylvania obsess over a groundhog’s shadow?
Can a large rodent-like creature actually make a dependable prediction about winter?
Americans are fascinated with the future (in this case, the weather for the next six weeks.) It’s still amazes me that with all our satellites, radar and ability to forecast weather, the groundhog tradition still hangs on.
Of course the media likes a good story. And the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has made a media-friendly circus out of the event. But back to the weather.
We’re not the only ones to be fascinated with weather prediction. Back in ancient times people wanted to forecast the weather also. But without our technology, they had to rely on observations about nature.
We still quote the ancient proverb today when we say, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” Jesus even referred to this common observation!
Then he said, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Jesus noted that by observing “signs of the times,” we should know when his return is near.
Have you been paying attention? Events in the Middle East and around the world seem to indicate that we may be living in the last generation before Christ’s return.
A recent survey revealed that 42% of Americans believe we are living in the “Last Days.”
Hold it right there for just a minute! Is that even a possibility?
Non-Christians tend to view talk of Jesus’ return as religious hype. But modern Evangelical Christians are not the only ones to talk about Jesus’ return and the end of time.
Sir Isaac Newton, born in 1642, found the Old Testament book of Daniel’s view of the future intriguing. After a thorough study, he predicted the world’s end would come 1,260 years after the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire. The Empire began December 25, 800 A.D.
For those committed to human reason, that’s a tad unnerving. This was not the raving of some wild-eyed apocalyptic preacher. Newton was the father of modern science. His predictions about the laws of gravity and the motion of the planets eventually proved correct.
Consider this: at least 80 specific Bible prophecies were fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming. And their accuracy was amazing. But, even with all that, his arrival still caught most by surprise.
Many will be surprised when Jesus returns. Christians, however, should not be. The Bible says, “But you brothers are not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief.”
Since Christ’s return is near, the Apostle Peter asks, “What kind of people ought you to be?” His answer is “You ought to live holy and godly lives.” But how do you do that?
First you need to have faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” That means to believe that Jesus died for your sin, was buried and rose to give you a new life. Next you must personally trust in Christ as your Lord and Savior. Finally, the Bible says that we must be “alert and self-controlled…putting on faith and love.”
Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” I hope he finds it in your heart and sees it in your life!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
Oh, I know all about Groundhog Day. I even saw the movie. But why does it make the national news? Why does a whole town in Pennsylvania obsess over a groundhog’s shadow?
Can a large rodent-like creature actually make a dependable prediction about winter?
Americans are fascinated with the future (in this case, the weather for the next six weeks.) It’s still amazes me that with all our satellites, radar and ability to forecast weather, the groundhog tradition still hangs on.
Of course the media likes a good story. And the town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania has made a media-friendly circus out of the event. But back to the weather.
We’re not the only ones to be fascinated with weather prediction. Back in ancient times people wanted to forecast the weather also. But without our technology, they had to rely on observations about nature.
We still quote the ancient proverb today when we say, “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky at morning, sailors take warning.” Jesus even referred to this common observation!
Then he said, “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Jesus noted that by observing “signs of the times,” we should know when his return is near.
Have you been paying attention? Events in the Middle East and around the world seem to indicate that we may be living in the last generation before Christ’s return.
A recent survey revealed that 42% of Americans believe we are living in the “Last Days.”
Hold it right there for just a minute! Is that even a possibility?
Non-Christians tend to view talk of Jesus’ return as religious hype. But modern Evangelical Christians are not the only ones to talk about Jesus’ return and the end of time.
Sir Isaac Newton, born in 1642, found the Old Testament book of Daniel’s view of the future intriguing. After a thorough study, he predicted the world’s end would come 1,260 years after the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire. The Empire began December 25, 800 A.D.
For those committed to human reason, that’s a tad unnerving. This was not the raving of some wild-eyed apocalyptic preacher. Newton was the father of modern science. His predictions about the laws of gravity and the motion of the planets eventually proved correct.
Consider this: at least 80 specific Bible prophecies were fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming. And their accuracy was amazing. But, even with all that, his arrival still caught most by surprise.
Many will be surprised when Jesus returns. Christians, however, should not be. The Bible says, “But you brothers are not in darkness that this day should surprise you like a thief.”
Since Christ’s return is near, the Apostle Peter asks, “What kind of people ought you to be?” His answer is “You ought to live holy and godly lives.” But how do you do that?
First you need to have faith. The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” That means to believe that Jesus died for your sin, was buried and rose to give you a new life. Next you must personally trust in Christ as your Lord and Savior. Finally, the Bible says that we must be “alert and self-controlled…putting on faith and love.”
Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” I hope he finds it in your heart and sees it in your life!
Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!
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