A New Beginning

                                  ALL THIS IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19, WHAT A TRIP!

   The view from our house as we begin life in Arizona.
Beautiful sunsets enhancing the high desert which has now become our residence.


Life in California had become very expensive with the home we had purchased under different expectations. It was hard to decide the direction to take but after much prayer and cautious considerations we listed our house for sale and a few days after it hit the MLS we received an offer that seemed reasonable and so we moved forward and had already checked out Arizona as a place to relocate since family already resided there. Our home in California closed on December 7, 2019 and we were moving our final load to storage that late morning, making it just in time. It took real effort and energy to accomplish the formidable task of moving our "stuff". Thanks to all the family and close friends who helped. I must also give a shout out to the help we received from a local church members in Arizona who unloaded the last load quickly for us.

We found our present home the day after we arrived in Arizona and made an offer which was accepted. We closed escrow on January 15, 2020 and began the task of making it ours. Thanks to my niece and her husband we repainted all the interior and layed new flooring. By the end of February we moved in. It is still a process of unpacking and sorting all our stuff. The final storage was vacated on July 22, 2020 so there is no more storage fees!

I will post more on this blog (Lord willing) with pictures in the near future.

THE DAYS WE LIVE IN

 

            It is a different day. It is a day that has many uncertainties. The hope of a bright and continuing prosperous future seems to become incomprehensible. The day is turning into darkness and hopelessness. What is the future? There is so much division of thoughts, political, secular and religious. Opinions are deliberately expressed without regard to consequence. Social media has contributed to the proliferation of expressions that often remain faceless. The rule of the day knows no barriers. It is evident that humanity has slipped into a great abyss of dismal content. Violence in every form has come upon humanity. [2 Timothy 3:1-5]

            It is a different day. The earth is groaning with storms, fires, earthquakes violence of war and terrorism. Crime is rampant. The malcontent can find no solace in the hand they have been dealt. Take someone else’s property as though it belongs to you. Righteousness for many is not even a consideration in living life.

            It is a different day. Modern inventions have evolved into tools of evil. A computer becomes an ax that chops at the very core of human thinking. News, true or false, is at our fingertips. The world wide web has woven a snare. It has captured families, friends and enemies through social media platforms, and illicit web sites. These have become tools to tear at the very core of our purpose for existence. Conversations around the kitchen or dinner table for families has practically disappeared. Electronics compete for the time of children; and eventually their future is compromised. The effect is no relationships and fellowship.

            It is a different day. Keeping schedules is more important than personal time. Relationships are torn apart because of conflicting agendas. We are in a mess! Everything is expected to be instant and we have trouble waiting for the stoplight to change to green. We can speed down the freeways and catch a plane across the country or around the world. We are so close but yet so far from each other. Spending quality time with people we say we love must happen outside holidays or special occasions.

            It is a different day. People have become preoccupied with themselves. The “ego” has landed. Self-centeredness is an all too often recurring trend of thought. There is little caring for your “neighbor” and even family members. You are treated as a “number” when you seek assistance or you have to fit into the schedule. Human value has been reduced significantly. So many have turned to drugs, legal and prescriptive, to alleviate their pain of reality that overwhelms them. Escaping the disastrous events of the real world is only possible with faith in the living Lord. The day has become encumbered with so many different emotionally triggered events. Excuses and reasonings are long and unending to justify the results. We employ multitudes of social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors to try to deal with mankind’s malady to find no permanent solutions.

            It is a different day. The new generations bring changes in morals and mores. What remains unshakable any longer? The new generation comes with deviant behavior that is termed acceptable even though it is contrary to the foundation establish by the Creator and conveyed to us through Holy Scripture. Their message is seemingly biblical on Sunday but turns worldly on Monday. They condone participation in matters that destroy true witness of Jesus Christ.  [I wonder if there are bars and taverns in heaven... houses of ill-repute, etc.]

            I appreciate the modern conveniences as much as the next person. However, not everything that is convenient is appropriate. Inventions of this modern day when misused are detrimental to the life we have been created to live. Society crumbles. Conveniences can bring failure or expediency. They can save time or destroy quality of time allotted. Often because of the time-savers we find something else to fill the gap we have created. Busyness is destructive to living a life that is full of God’s purpose.

            It is a different day. The basic principles of salvation are not soundly expounded. Our ears are tickled [2 Timothy 4:3]. These principles are necessary to reveal real truths of the Gospel. Too much watered-downed preaching and teaching from the Holy Scriptures is spoken from the pulpit. We must preach the WHOLE counsel of God; that means even if it brings offense and causes some negative feed-back. What sacrifice is leadership willing to pay? Are the prices paid simple to espouse their ideals rather than the truth that sets men free? Is the Gospel compromised to please the offering plate? Who do we fear? [Acts 5:29]

            We are all different. However, there is a need for unity in every human. The need is for redemption from the “wrong different”. Our individuality is God ordained; but this must be used to bring glory to Him. The uniqueness in all of us still results in revealing God in us when we are following His directions. 

            It can be a different day. The positive view of this is transformation to a new creation. The hopelessness can be turned to hope. The price has already been paid. Redemption out of the darkness into light is possible because of Jesus’ love for us. Now be careful what you focus on [Hebrews 3:1]. There will be warfare of good and evil. Look to the source of your strength and not yourself.

            After all this has been written or said, is it really a different day? Has history from the beginning of time taught us anything? We struggle to grasp the meaning of life as did many of our ancestors; our tools are just different. The information highway just moves us along faster. The universe continues, our earth turns on it’s axis as designed long ago. What, if anything, has changed to make this a different day?

MOVE ON

The passing of time has continues to take its toll. Undesirable events have overwhelmed me beyond imagination. Consequences follows inappropriate deeds; this I clearly understand. But now it is time to face the future and move on  from the past knowing forgiveness is essential. Sometime there are preventive matters that come from interferences of persons and their misspoken words (i.e., gossip) that has placed me in precarious positions. I must pace my progress and button my mouth and power of the "pen" to avoid further arguments that will not enable me to move forward. Hopefully this brief statement is not looked at in that light.

Judgment without hard evidence is critical in all circumstances. The steps of correction for the degree of missteps must be considered. I use this platform to express my disappointment in people in general when I view them outside the light of Christ.

It seems as though humans (including myself) love to have inside information and thrill at sharing the demise and defeat of our enemies. What a sad scenario! It is time we assess our salvation and align ourselves to what Scripture instructs us to do. I will not cite the verse or teaching of the Bible here but I would ask each reader of this writing to examine their lives in light of what God's Word declares rather than justifying themselves. I am doing my best to do this very thing. I want truth, not gossip.

The Trademark of God

One warm autumn day a man sat under a walnut tree observing his pumpkin vines.  "How foolish God is!" he mused.  "He puts a heavy pumpkin on a tiny vine that has no strength, and hangs tiny walnuts on a tree whose branches can hold the weight of a man.  If I were God, I could do better than that!"  Just then a breeze dislodged a walnut and it fell on the man's head.  Gently rubbing the point of impact, a sadder and wiser gentleman remarked, "Suppose there had been a pumpkin up there instead of a walnut!  Never again will I try to plan a world for God, but I shall thank Him that He has done so well."

  Products achieve their status based on quality and popularity. Everyone wants the “brand name.”  A trademark is a name or symbol that is distinctive of a marketed product. The owner may register the mark to prevent its unauthorized use. The mark is no longer a small seal on the bottom of the product or a simple little tag sewed on the inside of the garment. The registered trademark is emblazoned all over the article. We have become walking billboards for the particular brand name item we wear.

TEXT:

Gen 1:1-2

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

I. God placed his trademark on all creation.

A. The universe (Gen. 1:1)

B. His Spirit moved upon . . . (v. 2) When he speaks:

3.  And God said, Let there be light: and there was

6. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters

9. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.

11. And God said, Let the earth bring forth (plants),

14. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night . . .

20. And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life,

24. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creatures.

26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:  and let them have dominion . . .

II. Temptation tarnished the trademark (Did Satan offer a better deal?)

A. God’s trademark on the garden, and the “tree of  knowledge of good and evil” (Gen 2:9).

B. Genesis 3

The subtle serpent

Gen 3:4   “And the serpent said unto the woman, You shall not surely die:”

C. Loss of status, removed from Eden

III. The Undeniable Trademark of God Demonstrated:   LOVE

A. God makes a way:

1. Covering for Adam and Eve from animal skin

2. Protection of the Ark of Noah

3. Providing a sacrifice for Abraham

4. Delivering His people through Moses

5. Slaying giants for David

   6. Shutting lions’ mouths for Daniel

B. His Name:     

1. Jehovah Yahweh. 

One of the most important names for God in the Old Testament is Yahweh, or Jehovah, from the verb "to be," meaning simply but profoundly, "I am who I am," and "I will be who I will be." 

2. The following are other names in honor of the Lord in the Old Testament that stem from the basic name of Yahweh:

Jehovah-jireh -- This name is translated as "The-LORD-Will-Provide," commemorating the provision of the ram in place of Isaac for Abraham's sacrifice .

Jehovah-nissi --  "The-LORD-Is-My-Banner," in honor of God's defeat of the Amalekites .

Jehovah-shalom --  "The-LORD-Is-Peace," the name Gideon gave the altar which he built in Ophrah .

Jehovah-shammah --  "The-LORD-Is-There," referring to the city which the prophet Ezekiel saw in his vision .

Jehovah-tsebaoth --  "The-LORD-of-hosts," was used in the days of David and the prophets, witnessing to God the Savior who is surrounded by His hosts of heavenly power <1 1:3="" sam.="">.

Jehovah Elohe Israel --  "LORD-God-of-Israel," and it appears in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the Psalms. Other names similar to this are Netsah Israel, "The Strength of Israel" <1 15:29="" sam.="">; and Abir Yisrael "The Mighty One of Israel" .

IV. When God Registered his Trademark:

A. John 3:16

B. The mark is LOVE.

C. Our participation in his trademark:

John 1:12-13

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:  Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

D. Authenticity: John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Matt 5:43 . . . You shall love your neighbor . . .

Matt 5:44 . . . Love your enemies . . .

Matt 22:37 . . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

Gal 5:13 . . .  by love serve one another.  

Eph 3:17. . .  being rooted and grounded in love,   Eph 5:2 . . .  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor.

Eph 5:25 . . . Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

2 Tim 4:8 . . .  a crown of righteousness, . . . 

unto all them also that love his appearing.   

Titus 2:4 . . .  teach . . .  to love their husbands,      to love their children . . .   

I Jn 4:8 He that loves not knows not God; for God is love.

Eph 3:17-19

17    That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18    May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19    And to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God.

Conclusion:

Has God put his Trademark on your life?

Are you authentic or imitation? Jesus referred to the religious leaders of his day in terms of hypocrites (actors).

Are you religious or are you saved?

1. Why do we do it? Our Motivation:

Matt 6:2

2    Therefore when you do your giving, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily, I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matt 15:7-8

7    You hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

8    This people draws near unto me with their mouth, and honors me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Lets approach God with a repentant heart receiving his grace and allow our name to be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life with the Blood of the Lamb. Receiving His Trademark in our life exhibiting LOVE. Its the real thing! 

We are a product of GOD stamped with His image, marked with His Love.

Time Passes

It has been almost 10 years since the fateful event that began to change my perception of loyalty, support, friendship and many other views about what constitutes church.

The injurious event has passed and I am recovered and much better off than previously. Fighting to remain in my position would have resulted in a set-back that I couldn't clearly see at the time. I had desired to fight for my rights. This was clearly not in God's designed plan for our lives. My wisdom on matters have become clearer and aligned to biblical principles far beyond the constitution and by-laws of an organization that clearly practiced politics and nepotism to the nth degree.

I am more open-minded to different approaches to Scripture but hold to the truths that have sustained me prior to the fateful event that brought separation from "churchiness" to what God and Jesus really wants for the Church triumphant. I do not condemn those who hold to the old paths of belief, I just wish they could experience freedom from the bondage of traditions and rules of do's and don't's. And I will concede there are those in the organization who deviate mildly from the traditional path.

Yes, in a sense there is established biblical ways to follow and walk in. But those ways need not hinder experiencing  the new ways God want to direct us. "His compassions are new every morning" (Lam. 3:22-23). We must have spiritual eyes that open to His refreshing revelations. These things will sustain us in the greatest of adversities.

Perhaps there are those who thought we would run from the community God had called us to. But God's ways are far beyond the thought of man, (Isa. 55:8). As we encounter those who came against us there is peace or cordiality in our approach. Actually I admit they did us a favor.  I indeed have shaken the dust from my feet and moved on (Matt. 10:14).

I pray for those who support the back-ward approach to the Gospel. Freedom is an awesome feeling and experience that stretches beyond a whoop and holler. God wants you to experience the living Christ and resurrect you stale religiosity and bring you to a well-spring of pure joy. Don't allow the traditions of man destroy your living in Christ. I will continue to believe in His omnipotence and ability to humble us through whatever method He chooses, including slaying and dancing in the Spirit. However, it really need to be Him!

I leave a warning to the tradition bound: Do not be so fierce in your tenants of faith that you don't allow the Spirit of the living God to move in His own fashion irregardless of your past experiences. Do not force your concepts of Christianity on the new convert. Allow room for growth; move from traditions to truth.

Visting With the Suffering

I was recently asked to visit a man in a local convalescent hospital as a staff pastor. The request came from a younger man who had and continues to have weekly visits to this confined man.

I discovered the man has been in the facility for six years or longer due to a stroke that has him limited in speech and movement. He is without speech and ability to move. My first visit I introduced myself and spent a few moments in solo conversation with some eye movement acknowledgements. I prayed with him and did my best to bring encouragement to him and left feeling heavy hearted for this incapacitated man. The stroke had damaged his physical body heavily.

By my next visit I learned to arrive after a certain time when his wife would be at his side to be an intermediary. She had a very bubbly personality in spite of the situation. She was using a walker herself but no mention was made of her personal health. She spoke well of the facility staff and gave me more detailed information about her husband who had suffered this stroke incapacitating him.

He was a retired Navy chief, served our nation with an impeccable record. It was obvious she was very proud of his military service. He had followed his service with being a civilian employee for the Navy still served in the Fleet Reserve. The Mrs. shared many things about family and faith. Theirs was a long term marriage, I believe she told me near 60 years. She always had a positive outlook in our conversation. I also note that she had gone through medical issues herself, among them was a diagnosis of Lupus. But her focus always returned to God and the life they had lived together.

They don’t let the disability stop the family from assisting other veterans. They provide several items each year to these service members who need a loving touch at a veterans housing facility nearby. On my last visit I saluted this faithful serving warrior and thanked him for his service after praying. He appeared to be touched by this simple gesture. Acknowledgment is in the form of a slight head nod or eye movement. She affirmed his pleasure of such action. His spirit still lives in spite of what a stroke has taken.

I do not pretend to understand why good people suffer, but I can pray that God will speak to their souls and assure them of His love and peace. The only thing I can conclude is that God is sovereign and knows what He is doing. We must surrender to His will and way.

Each time I leave his bedside, I depart with encouragement and words of gratitude for taking time to come by for a visit and prayer from his faithful wife.