Messie No More

Are you a ‘Messie’? A Messie is someone that suffers from chronic disorganization.

If you are a Messie, you could join “Messies Anonymous,” an online group to help those with a “messie mindset.” Or you could pick up “The Messies Manual” to learn how to bring order and beauty to your home.

Right now several readers are saying, “Sign me up and buy me the book!”

For some, being a Messie is a personality trait. For others, it’s a by-product of modern life.

If you could see my office you might think I’m a Messie. But I refuse to believe it.

Neatness and organization have always been important to me. But lately I’ve had so much going on in my life that I just can’t keep up with all the mail, papers and magazines. Do you know what I mean?

Plus, there are some things I keep because I might need them some day. The result? A mess.

Hold on just a minute while I move a few papers and get rid of some trash.

There. That’s better. Two stacks of mail were three years old! How does that happen?

Often I plan to clean up but then get distracted by a task, a phone call or an idea that I have to write down before I forget it. I tell myself, “I’ll clean up when I finish this.”

Before I know it, stacks of stuff are all over my office. When I need something in one of the stacks, I have to dig for it. Where did all this stuff come from? Help--I’m buried in it!

Sin is a lot like that, too. It creeps up on you. Gradually it takes over your life.

Of course our lives weren’t always such a mess. As children our lives were fairly simple. But as we grew we perfected the art of deception. (Adults call it “finesse.”) To begin we deceive ourselves and then others. We stack deceit upon deceit. Soon it’s more than we can control.

First we buy the lie that life is all about us. From there it’s easy to justify almost anything!

More than our actions, sin is really an attitude that says, “I don’t need God. I decide what’s right and wrong, good and bad.” And that’s the original sin. We’re just like Adam and Eve!

Of course we don’t advertise our self-centeredness. We whitewash it with the excuse that what we’re doing is “best for all involved.” But it’s really best for us.

So, just like closing the door when my office is messy, we conceal our cluttered hearts.

What’s the solution? To admit we’re Messies and need help. We must come to our senses, swallow our pride and admit our problem. We’ve embraced clutter over clean. And in our hearts something else is more important to us than loving, pleasing and obeying God.

Once you realize what has happened, you must act quickly and decisively. If you don’t you could end up being a Messie your entire life. Admitting you’re the problem is the first step.

For the committed Messie it means asking someone to clean up for you. Why? Because we become so attached to our stuff that we won’t let it go—even though it’s ruining our lives!

When we finally admit the mess we’ve made of our lives, the only effective solution is to accept God’s plan for a clean heart. The Bible says that faith in Jesus Christ and his death on the cross removes the mess of sin from our lives and gives us a clean conscience.

So instead of just rearranging our messy lives, God takes out our trash when we trust in him. He gives us a new heart, not just a fresh start. Love for God expels the love of self.

Today I encourage you to choose clean instead of clutter. Not just in your house but also in your heart. When you do you’ll know the joy of being a Messie no more.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Truth or Consequences

Does truth matter any more?

“Now hold on just a minute! Of course truth matters. Why wouldn’t it?”

To a large number of people that forward “Urban Legend” emails without checking their authenticity, truth doesn’t seem to matter at all. The only standard seems to be that the sender believes the message, no matter how far-fetched or crazy it sounds.

To tell you the truth, it’s about to drive me crazy! Relatives and friends continue to forward such emails daily with no thought to the damage being done.

“Urban Legends” are a form of modern folklore consisting of dubious stories believed by their tellers to be true. A recent example is the email circulated in 2009 and again in 2010 proclaiming President Obama had cancelled the National Day of Prayer while participating in a Muslim prayer session in a mosque at the White House. Thousands believed and forwarded it.

In fact, Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation for a Day of Prayer both years. He did cancel the ecumenical service at the White House, choosing instead to observe the day in private.

The email however got all the facts wrong and even showed a picture of the President entering a mosque (taken in Turkey) as proof of the claims. What’s astounding is that Americans were duped into thinking there’s a mosque at the White House or on the Capitol grounds!

Here we are, the most techno-savvy generation in history. It takes less than 30 seconds to do an Internet search to check the truthfulness of such claims. Yet no one seems to care that much about the truth. Sad, indeed.

Such people remind me of contestants on the old TV show, “Truth or Consequences.” On the show, people had about two seconds to answer an off-the-wall trivia question correctly before a buzzer sounded.

If the contestant couldn’t complete the "Truth" portion (which happened in most cases), there would be "Consequences," usually a zany and embarrassing stunt. Then Bob Barker ended the show with his signature signoff saying, "Hoping all your consequences are happy ones."

The similarity is that, by not getting to the truth, we embarrass ourselves and look like fools. Plus, by spreading what are essentially lies, we are participating in gossip, slander or worse.

Truth should matter to us because it matters to God.

Jesus Christ claimed to be “the way, the truth and the life.” He said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” He said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” He added, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

That’s a part of what Christians call the Gospel or the Good News about Jesus Christ. But if we’re known for spreading mean-spirited lies, who will believe us when we share the Gospel?

This is critical because the consequences of having faith in the wrong religion are eternal. So if you call yourself a Christian, always be known for telling the truth!

So before you click the “Send” button on that Urban Legend, check the truthfulness of the claims in the story. Just put a few key words in an Internet search box and check it out. If it’s true, send it on. If it’s not, hit delete because your reputation and integrity are on the line.

And before you live another day, check out the claims of Jesus Christ. Because if it’s true that he is the Son of God and died for your sin, then he is the only way to eternal rest, reward and a reunion with loved ones who have gone on before us.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Safe Again

Will we ever feel safe again?

Last weekend a car rigged with explosives nearly exploded in New York City’s Times Square. Police also reported a possible explosive device at the Pittsburgh Marathon finish line.

Is nowhere safe? What’s going on? Why can’t we live our lives in peace? With reports of violence, terrorism and natural disasters multiplying, is this the “New Normal?” If so, how can that be? What happened to the “Old Normal” and how can we ever feel safe again?

One thing most Americans agree on is that the world changed forever on September 11, 2001. Our old sense of security seems to be gone forever.

Maybe it’s because we are living in what the Bible calls the “End Times.”

“Whoa! --Hold on just a minute! What do violence and terrorism have to do with THAT?”

A few years ago Dr. Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins and Joel Rosenberg appeared together on a TV opinion show. The host asked, “Is this it? Are we in the “End Times?” These men, all authors of best selling books about the End Times, agreed, “This could be the End Times.”

The Bible refers to the End Times as “The Day of the Lord.” Speaking about that time, God’s Word warns us that this time will come unexpectedly. It adds, “While people are saying ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly…and they will not escape.”

Two main concerns of the day we live in seem to be “Peace” and “Safety.” So perhaps those times are upon us. There are those who want peace at any price, including surrender, appeasement or defeat. And many go to great expense to ensure their family’s safety.

But even with all of that effort, peace and safety still escape us.

Once again the Bible has good news that we need. It tells us that the child of God can have peace in the midst of chaos. In fact, many survivors of tragedies and disasters say that their faith in God is what got them through it.

“OK, so how does faith bring us to a place where we feel safe again?”

First we must make peace with God. We secure that peace through a personal faith in Jesus Christ and his death for our sin on the cross. Then the Bible says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jesus told his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.”

In spite of all the peace treaties made and signed, we still do not have world peace. Do you have the peace that Jesus gives? He can bring peace to your soul. That’s the place to start.

Once you know you’re a child of God, the Bible tells us God has said, “‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”

The child of God has peace because he or she knows that God is in charge and can be trusted completely. They feel safe because the safest place in the world is in the center of God’s will. They feel secure because they know what they will find on the other side of death.

How do they know? Because God tells us in the Bible. God’s Word is the source of peace.

To find the safety and the peace that is not of this world, you must come to Jesus. When you trust him to forgive you and give you new life, you will have peace again in the midst of chaos.

Just when you thought it wasn’t safe any more, it is! We can be safe again in God’s care.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Connected World

Are you connected?

Being connected is important in today’s world. Without a doubt, this is the most connected generation in history.

First there were telephones. Then came facsimile and email. Now we have the Internet, cell phones, smart phones, instant messaging, text messaging, web cams and—coming soon—two way video calling on your smart phone.

Once it was a luxury to have a cell phone for business. Today it seems that every school child has one. Twenty-five years ago a Sony Walkman was a status symbol. The first ones played cassette tapes. Then came CDs. Now it’s digital MP3 players. What’s next?

With an MP3 player you can carry music, movies, TV shows and even university classes--all in your pocket! But to get them, you’ve got to be connected.

One Laptop Per Child is a company bringing low cost computers to third world countries. OLPC has one goal: to maximize the number of children who have a connected laptop.

Have you noticed how much information is available to those who are connected? With the click of a mouse button you can learn about any subject. Students rarely read books anymore. Research is done “online.”

Oh—and don’t forget about social networking sites that help families and friends stay connected.

To be truly connected requires access the Internet. Dial-up connections are slow and old-fashioned. Broadband is faster and better. Wi-Fi connects you wirelessly. Smart phones let you connect to the Internet on the go.

Being connected is fast becoming one of the new rights of the 21^ST Century. An Internet connection is the new must-have utility.

Well, hold on just a minute! Are we any safer, smarter or wiser because we’re more connected? Has the amount of available information increased our wisdom? Does information provide meaning or purpose in life? Sadly, no.

Information is just facts. Facts are useless unless you know what to do with them. Just being smarter doesn’t automatically make you wiser. Some of the smartest people in the world can do some of the dumbest things. Remember the love-sick astronaut a few years ago that tried to get revenge?

Facts and IQ only take you so far. To understand life you need wisdom.

Solomon, whose wisdom is legendary, wrote in the Bible, “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” He advised, “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”

The Psalmist added, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

Jesus said a wise person is “everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice.” James the Apostle wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

You can read more in the New Testament book of James. It’s even available online.

Do you want to really get connected? Then get connected to the source of wisdom that’s out of this world. The God of the Bible is the author, supplier and giver of wisdom.

Don’t take my word for it--read it yourself. Then listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Family Portrait

Have you ever had a family portrait taken? It can be a wonderful experience!

Last month we took some vacation time and visited one of our daughters and her family. Of course we took lots of pictures and videos of our grandchildren. But, while there, our daughter surprised us with an appointment at a professional photography studio.

The studio was an amazing place with a variety of costumes to wear if you wanted to change your look. The photographers were very good and took some great pictures of our family.

I had only one regret: All our family members weren’t there to be photographed together.

Now I know that’s not a big thing, but it’s been many years since we had the whole family together. And as a parent, it would be a great joy to see everyone at a reunion. Oh, to have a picture of that!

What if God took a family portrait? Would you be in it?

“Now hold on just a minute! Isn’t everyone a child of God? Why wouldn’t everyone be in it?”

Good question. People have wondered about that for a long time.

In Jesus’ day, many religious people mistakenly thought they were part of God’s family. Why? Because of their family ties back to Abraham, a man of great faith.

Jesus, however, pointed out that just being a descendant of a godly person did not automatically make them part of God’s family. He said that, even though they were religious, their lack of faith and their evil hearts showed they were actually children of the devil.

The only way to become a child of God, according to the Bible, is to believe and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. “Yet to all who received him,” it says, “to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Jesus said that he was the sinless Son of God who came to lay down his life to redeem us from sin. He paid the price for all of our failures and rebellion against God. That’s why he died on the cross of Calvary.

So if you will come to God and say, “Father, please accept me as your child. Not on the basis of what I have done but on the basis of what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross” -- if you will do that, you will become part of God’s forever family.

Maybe you’ve wondered where you stand with God. When you’re honest with yourself, you know that you’re not always a nice person. Perhaps you think that by trying to be a better person or by following Jesus’ example God will accept you and overlook your faults.

But the Bible tells us that God’s forgiveness and love do not come to us by trying harder. It’s not trying but trusting that brings us into God’s family.

If you would like to explore what Jesus taught a little more, pick up a Bible and begin reading the New Testament book, the Gospel of John. Ask God to show you his truth and he will.

Find a church that teaches the Bible alone as God’s truth for life. Look for one where you are accepted and can struggle honestly with life.

There’s a special joy that comes in seeking God and finding the truth about him. Jesus said, “Blessed [or ‘happy’] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

The day is coming, the Bible says, when God will gather his entire family together in Heaven. That’s a family reunion you don’t want to miss!

Will God have a family portrait taken? I don’t know. But if he does, I hope you’re in it!

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Blessed Confusion – The Sequel

For the last week our life has been a blessed confusion again. And it’s been wonderful!

“Now hold on just a minute! How is ‘blessed confusion’ wonderful?”

Well, let me tell you. Take two working adults. Add a visiting daughter on vacation with her three girls. Then put us all under the same roof and you have a recipe for blessed confusion!

Trying to coordinate work schedules, play time, day trips and family dinners disrupts our daily routine. And when three or four people talk to me at the same time, it’s confusing!

It happens every time our grandchildren visit--but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

According to the Bible, living to see your grandchildren is a blessing from the Lord. It says they are “a crown to the aged.”

Now I don’t like to think of myself as “aged,” but I guess I am to my grandchildren! And I thank God that I’m healthy enough to play with them and enjoy them. What a blessing!

Last night the girls were getting ready for bed. I sat down next to the youngest in her nightgown and she said very seriously, “Grandpa, I wished we lived here.” That melts my heart.

On Sunday we took them to Sunday School and church. They looked so pretty in their dresses. But, more than that, they learned about God and his love for them through Jesus Christ.

It amazes me sometimes how people skip church because family is visiting from out of town. Not only do our grandchildren enjoy going to church with us, they love God wholeheartedly.

I guess that’s why Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” The faith of children is so pure and strong.

If you think about it, the only thing of lasting value you can leave to your children and grandchildren is your faith. Everything else gets spent, broken or wears out. But faith is forever.

Plus, in the light of eternity, passing your faith on to your children and grandchildren is the best investment you can make. When you die you will leave everything else in life behind. But if your family trusts in Christ, you will all be reunited in Heaven again.

Now some folks may think that’s too morbid to think about. Think again! Life goes by so fast. And then you will be somewhere forever a lot longer than you lived on earth.

But faith is good for more than just eternity. David, the shepherd king in the Bible once said, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread.” God knows how to take care of his children in this life as well.

The time to think about God is now. One of the wisest men to ever live, King Solomon, wrote, “Remember your creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come.”

How fast “the days of your youth” fly by! It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since I attended my fortieth High School reunion. Fortieth. Wow. Where did all those years go?

In the Bible, a man named Job said, “My days are swifter than a runner; they fly away.”

Before we know it, children turn into adults. Our time with them is so brief.

If you are blessed to have your children and grandchildren nearby, stop and thank God. If they live far away and you only see them once or twice a year, be sure to enjoy the “blessed confusion” when they visit! Spend as much time with them as you can.

But most importantly, remember to point them to God and be the best example to them that you can be! The Bible’s King David said, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation.”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Amused to Death

Is entertainment terminal? It can be.

According to recent reports in the media, every hour watching television or surfing on the Internet shortens your life due to inactivity. It’s also bad for your mental health.

“Now hold on just a minute! What’s wrong with watching television?”

Americans are obsessed with entertainment. No longer confined to TV or computer screens, we can be entertained on our smart phones and iPods, as well.

Now don’t get me wrong. Entertainment is not a moral issue in itself. But if aliens observed the average person, they might conclude that we worship our TVs, computers and smart phones.

Most of us cannot imagine living without them.

For many, watching television is like a spiritual experience. With eyes fixed on glowing screens, we’re mesmerized into a trance-like state. Entertainment helps us forget work, the world and our woes. It anesthetizes us against our pain.

According to Nielson Media Research, Inc. the average American watches 36 hours of video per week on a TV, computer or mobile device. In addition, time spent on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter has doubled in two years to nearly six hours per month.

In his classic book, “Amusing Ourselves to Death,” Neil Postman observes that electronic media shapes our view of politics, news, religion and education--every aspect of our world. In fact it would be accurate to say that video IS reality for this generation.

That makes it possible for electronic media to manipulate our opinions as never before. Television creates and destroys heroes and gods right before our eyes. Want proof? How about “American Idol” and recent coverage of Tiger Woods and fallen politicians like John Edwards?

To be amused means, “to not think.” And as Postman’s title suggests, we are “amusing ourselves to death.” We’re so distracted that we no longer take time to think. And if we’re not thinking, are we really alive? (Remember Rene Descartes? He said, “I think therefore I exist.”)

We no longer think about our lives or about things that matter in the long run. Oh we SAY that faith is important to us, but we gradually move God down our priority lists until he slips off the bottom, unnoticed and unmissed.

In his recent book, “Holier Than Thou,” Ergun Caner, President of Liberty Seminary writes that “an unexamined life is not worth living and unexamined faith is not worth believing.”

People who don’t think about life and faith aren’t concerned about their biggest problems. But God says, “Come now, let us reason together. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.”

Karl Marx once said, “Religion is the opium of the people” –sort of a spiritual sedative. But God says that faith is for thinking men and women.

The Bible reveals how God loves us and made a way to care for our biggest problems through faith in Jesus Christ. He offers forgiveness of sin, answered prayer, guidance and provision for our needs.

Of course if you don’t think you have a problem, you can’t fix it. That’s why entertainment can be terminal. It distracts us from seeking solutions to our most serious problems.

So turn off your TV and computer. Put down the cell phone. Pick up a Bible and start reading. You’ll discover God has answers to the problems you were too amused to think about.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!