Launch Out Into The Deep…

“And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land.  And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.  Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” Luke 5:3-4

I wonder what people think when they hear the phrase “launch out into the deep.”  I’ve been (not sure about others) taught that Jesus expects me to step out and get in over my head.  To go beyond my level of security and the firm foundation of that with which I am familiar.  This will put me in a position where I will have to rely on him completely.  This is what I believed and it left me not wanting to hear from Jesus.

However, this is a story about the goodness of God.  He used Peter’s boat to assist Him in the preaching of the Gospel and rewarded Peter handsomely in return.  I’ve always liked the thought of the net breaking harvest, but had trouble wanting to launch out into the deep.  Stepping into the unknown brings with it apprehension, anxiousness and fear.  This is where I was having trouble.  I understand the goodness of God and trusting in Jesus, but why would either cause me to be surrounded by feelings that are from neither.

If launching out makes me feel uncomfortable and I’m getting it second-hand, I wondered how Peter must have felt when he was told to do so by Jesus, Himself.  Back to the story…

“And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” Luke 5:5

Just like I thought, Peter’s response is filled with fear and trepidation.

Wait…

Peter did not experience any of the feelings I feel when told to launch out into the deep.  Why?  All Jesus told Peter to do was “go back to work.”  This may be the key to us receiving our harvest.  If you own a business, work a little extra when it seems like there will be no result.  If you work for someone, work a little overtime at no charge to your employer.

So, don’t be afraid when you hear Jesus say, “Launch out into the deep.”

When Accusations Turn Into Accolades…

The title refers to the attitudes of two groups of people (separated by many years) in regards to what Jesus did 2000 years ago.  It was not so much what Jesus did that was and is the reason for the accusations and accolades.  It was who he did it with.

What he did was have dinner.

He had dinner with publicans and sinners.

The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day murmured and asked His disciples “Why do you and your Master eat with publicans and sinners?”  (Matt 9:10-11, Mark 2:15-16, Luke 5:29-30)  The accusation presented by the scribes and Pharisees of the day is straight forward and simple.  If you are a man of God, why do you fellowship with these types of people?  They believed that a Rabbi, teacher or man of God should not lower themselves to associate with people who are ungodly.

There are some today which proclaim that Jesus’ eating with publicans and sinners shows His tolerance for those that lived alternate lifestyles.  They applaud His efforts and state His action shows God’s approval of everybody regardless of how they choose to live their lives.

I believe that both parties are way off the mark and the response that Jesus made those many years ago still applies today.

Jesus said, “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.  I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  (Matt 9:12-13, Mark 2:17, Luke 5:31-32)

Many people ask “What would Jesus do?”  These people would be better served if they found out “what Jesus did” and believed “what Jesus said.”

Is There & Should There Be A Sad Christian?

I think not.  I tend to believe that all of God’s children should be delighted, pleased, or glad which is characterized by an outward expression of contentment or joy.

Here’s why…

Psalms 144:15 “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”

and

Psalms 146:5 “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God.”

The Scripture gives us the reason we should indeed be happy.  As believers, it is up to us to recognize these truths, trust in them and obey.  It is then we are walking in faith and the power of God can work in our lives to bring His Word to pass.  So…

I extend my apologies in advance…

Don’t Worry, Be Happy!!!

Jesus is Universal Health Care…

Universal Health Care (UHC) has become a big topic of conversation among the peoples of the United States.  Some individuals are for and some are against legislation that would possibly make the government the largest health care provider in U.S.  I’ve heard arguments for and against, but the thing I wish to address here is the statement that all Christians should be in favor of UHC.  I’ve heard this a couple of times during the debating of UHC.

The question is should all Christians support Universal Health Care?

I will not response for all Christians, but I, as a Christian will answer for myself.  I believe Christians should not be in favor of a government-run health care system.

Why?  Because, they should support the Universal Health Care system that is currently in place and is operated by Jesus the Christ and overseen by Jehovah Rapha.  In the following Scriptures we can see the beginning stages of my prefered UHC system.

Matthew 4:24 “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.“

Matthew 12:15 “But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all“

Matthew 19:2 “And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.”

Luke 4:40 “Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”

Luke 9:11 “And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.”

There is no evidence in the Scripture that Jesus refused to provide healing (healthcare) to anyone that came to Him seeking such.  Has the time of healing and miracles has passed away?  Not at all.  Jesus knew He would be leaving the earth and after His resurrection He told us in…

Mark 16:15-18 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

He left His UHC system in the hands of His followers and we can see by the following Scriptures that it continued to work.  People getting healed through the teaching and preaching of Apostles (Peter and Paul) and table waiters (Philip).

Acts 5:12-16 “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.”

Acts 14:8-10 “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:  The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.”

Acts 8:5-7 “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.”

These Scriptures have a couple of things in common.  One is that preaching took place.  Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and repentance.  The Apostles and Philip preached Christ and what Christ preached.  The other is that the people followed or came to the individuals involved and heard their preaching and believed.  The healings we see in the Gospels and the Book of Acts should be happening today.  Why?  We should be preaching what Jesus has done for the world by becoming the sacrifice for all sin.

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Psalm 107:20 “He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”

1 Peter 2:24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

When Christ is preached and people hear and believe, healing is a natural occurence.

What Jesus did for us should not be taken for granted.

It should be preached.

It should be heard.

It should be believed.

To Prove or Not to Prove…

I have read a number of blogs that demand the Christian believer must prove that God exists to those who do not share their belief.  Some of these writers put up convincing arguments why we must submit proof.  However, I like to reference the Word to find the direction I should take in such matters.  In the Scripture, I find a fellow believer who was ordered by unbelievers to quit teaching and preaching Jesus.  Peter’s response is found in…

Acts 5:29 “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”

This seems like very good advice, so I went to the Word to see what it says about providing proof that God exists.  Not surprisingly, I found not one single instance where God directed the believer to prove His existence.  If we are not supposed to prove God is, then what?  How about this…

Mark 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Proclaiming the good news is a far different thing than proving that God does, indeed, exist.  It doesn’t provide evidence for a God, but it does provide a foundation upon which one can build a relationship with our Creator.  It is in the establishing of this relationship that one will receive all the proof they need to believe that there is a God.  We are told in…

John 14:21 “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” and again in John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

It’s clear to me that God is the one who will provide proof of His existence.  It’s as simple as believing He is, hearing His Word and doing it.  So, if there are any requests for me to provide proof that my Heavenly Father is real, my response is and will always be…

No thanks and have a nice day!!!

Remember Me?

The mind is an amazing piece of work or maybe it’s just mine and I am overwhelmed by the things that happen in it.  For instance, the other morning I was lying next to the Mrs. and I started thinking about a couple of Dutch girls I came in contact with over 20 years ago.  They were of approximately the same age, late teens or early 20s.

Allow me to explain…

Dutch girl #1 – I was serving in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the Netherlands when I first met DG1.  I was at an Al Stewart concert and was reading a book while waiting for the concert to begin.  DG1 sat next to me and started up a conversation.  She asked some questions about me and was pleasant until she found out that I was in the military.  She then went on a tirade about the evils of nuclear war and how she was opposed to having nuclear missiles located in her country.  I waited for her rant to end and then politely told her that I had no authority in the decision making process on where the nukes would be placed. I did offer some wisdom and told her it was far better to have nukes launched from your country than having them launched into your country in the time of war.  She did not even have the courtesy to say goodbye when she left.

Dutch girl #2– I was serving in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the Netherlands when I met DG2.  Every year the anti-American Dutch would surround the base in protest of America having troops in their country.  These, for the most part, were peaceful protests.  However, there was always a group of people that would gather at the front gate waving American flags showing their support for the Americans.  They would stop cars, thank the service members and give them flowers.  In the years there my working different shifts kept me from meeting the protesters or supporters.  However, one year, I was walking to the front gate and almost made it when I heard a shout.  I stopped and was approached by DG2.  She handed me a flower and said “Thank you.”

All these years later, the only thing I remember about these two young ladies are their words and actions.

Back to me next to the Mrs…

I was thinking about these two young ladies and remembered a goal that I once had when I was young…ger.

It was to be remembered…

I didn’t care how or why, I just wanted to be remembered.

Yes, I was once a pathetic individual.  In my early years I was shy to the extreme.  I would not speak to anyone I didn’t know and certainly would not approach a stranger.  The pendulum swung and I would talk to anyone and would barge into any situation and take control.  I am now a stable individual with no desire to just be remembered.

I’ve come to believe that how one is remembered is the important thing and even this is not in my control.

So, if how I’m remembered is not in my control, what is in my control?

To be the best person I can possibly be…

The High Ground of Moral Authority…

I’ve heard a number of times over the last few days about the high ground of moral authority that the United States needs to be on as an example for the rest of the world. This phrase, moral authority, has most often been in the discussion about whether the United States has committed torture during interrogations. The President of the United States saw fit to release documents that describe the interrogation process and there are a number of people who believe that these tactics are, in fact, torture…

If one agrees that the processes described in these memos is actually torture they would also agree that we have been torturing some of our own men and women in the military. Just for fun, I am including the following definitions of torture… This is just so we have a basic understanding of what torture is (please don’t ask what the definition of is, is).

Torture – the act of inflicting excruciating pain, as punishment or revenge, as a means of getting a confession or information, or for sheer cruelty. Infliction of severe physical pain as a means of punishment or coercion. Extreme mental distress.

In looking up the definitions of torture one notices the adjectives extreme, severe and excruciating. These do not mean run of the mill, but denote something that is extended far beyond the normal standards. So the question is did the United States of America order and approve the torturing of the terrorists in custody? Some say yes… It’s these people that are concerned with how the rest of the world views the United States. They argue that water boarding is indeed torture as defined by the international community, or at least the United Nations. Funny thing is, the United Nations has yet to define terrorism and/or terrorist.

When I think of torture I am reminded of the cruel things the Japanese did to our servicemen in WWII. I think of what the Vietnamese did to our servicemen during the Vietnam war. I think of the beheadings and disembowelment that Islamic Fundamentalist committed against our servicemen in the Middle East. I believe even the most irrational thinker would agree that these are not the same things. However, lets just say they are… Should the United States be involved in torturing individuals that have been capture in the (don’t hate me) “The War on Terror”?

Back to moral authority… This is the mantra those opposing the Bush doctrine of interrogation have been chanting the last few days. They state that the U.S. has the moral obligation not to torture. They believe that maintaining a moral authority is the best way to fight and win this war. Okay… Lets find out what we are talking about. What is the definition of moral?

Moral – of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical. Of or concerned with the judgment of the goodness or badness of human action and character.

I would say, the act of doing right over doing wrong. That’s simple, but the easier it is for me the better I like it.

If doing right over wrong is the way to go, we have to establish what is right. This begs the question, how do we know what is right? What do we base right on? Some base it on this…

Bill of Rights – Amendment VIII – “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.”

In my opinion, this is a stretch. As far as I can tell, the above refers to those who have broken the laws of the United States. Not those who are trying with all their might to destroy the United States and its people. It would seem to me that there is a big difference between the two.

I think those claiming the United States must maintain a moral authority are not interested in doing right. They are interested in making others look wrong. I believe this because these same people and their voices are silent when it comes to taking the high ground of moral authority and defending the rights of an innocent and unborn child. That’s a different rant…

Here’s what I believe… In a time of war, you do what is necessary to win the war. I would site the following examples… The firebombing of Dresden and Tokyo… The use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki… It is after the fighting is done and the enemy has been defeated when the high ground of moral authority becomes applicable. It is when our enemy has admitted defeat and surrendered that we should do what we have done in the past, extend a hand and help rebuild…

Our current enemy has yet to be defeated and surely has not surrendered. Therefore, the right thing to do for our country and its citizens is to kick him in the mouth as many times as it takes to make him quit the fight. Even better, we could force them to listen non-stop to those who proclaim the United States needs to take the high ground of moral authority in the “War on Terror.”

That would be worthy of pay-per-view…

Just Words?

Hope and Change…

These are the words that have been hammered into our heads for the last two years. Over and over all those who chose not to support our previous President have spoken these words. Hope and Change. These are powerful words and they were used effectively. Numerous individuals were indoctrinated with these words and came to believe that Hope and Change was the only alternative.

We were never given details of what Hope and Change would bring or how it would come to pass in our lives. It was as if, said enough, this would bring about the Hope and Change of which was spoken. However, Hope and Change are merely words and they by themselves fall short of bringing about the hope and change that was encouraged by so many.

Hope – To wish for something with expectation. A desire accompanied by some confident expectation. Something that is desired.

Change – To be or cause to be different, alter.

Sadly, the something or the desire in Hope and the different in Change were never defined or explained by those that were championing these words. Hope and Change were simply stated as not being President Bush or his policies. In order to accept the Hope and Change as presented by the harbingers of Hope and Change one must believe that President Bush and all he accomplished as President are wrong. This is a belief that I will never have or present when discussing our previous President. This does not mean that I concur with each and every decision he made in regards to all the situations presented before him. I do not, but I do believe he thought his actions were in the best interest of the United States of America.

It might be just me, but Hope and Change are not the words that I heard for the past two years. Each time the words Hope and Change were spoken, I heard…

Hate and Fear…

Hate all things Bush and Fear that all things he did will remain. The words Hate and Fear are just as powerful as Hope and Change, but with one difference. Hate and Fear can be void of rationality and this makes them both dangerous. I believe Hate and Fear require an action without an intelligent thought process. One example is the executive decision to close Guantanamo Bay, or Gitmo as it is readily known. President Bush created it; hence it is wrong and must not be allowed to continue.. Our President has signed an order and Gitmo will be closed in one year. This decision has been made without knowing how it is to be closed. Without knowing where those that are held in this secure location are to be sent. Without knowing how to determine the guilt, innocence, punishment or release of those held.

This kinda reminds me of the joke where a stranger asks an old farmer for directions and the farmer says, “You can’t get there from here.”

The thing I find odd about Hate and Fear is that it makes so many people happy. I’m not sure why, but I think it has something to do with making them feel better about themselves. Again, an irrational thought process. I may not have all the answers, but there is one thing I can do…

I can Hope those that Hate and Fear will Change their ways…

Merry Christmas and all that Jazz…

I wish to start out by wishing all that read this a Merry Christmas…

I choose to say Merry Christmas during this time of year, because it has always been Merry Christmas to me. All my life it’s been Merry Christmas. I knew nothing but Merry Christmas until I got older and then I noticed that others were saying other things such as Happy Holidays. During my pre-Christian days I was fine with either. Now, as a Christian, I still am.

I believe this season is about me celebrating my Lord and Saviour.

However, I also believe that I should be celebrating Him and what he did for me everyday of the year. Christmas and Easter should not be the only days Christians acknowledge the One that gave His life for them. That being said, who am I to be telling others what they should be doing or what they should believe during this time?

No need to answer. It’s not my job, my mission or my destiny to tell others what to believe.

I believe the Bible is my handbook and it tells me how I should live. It does not tell me that I should tell others how to live their lives. I should be a witness for my Lord. My life should be an example of what Jesus has done for me. There should be no need to preach to others about what I believe, they should be able to see it in how I live my life.

So Merry Christmas to all…

and if you prefer…

Happy Holidays…

Off The Menu

I present a word of warning for those of you that plan on inviting the Mrs. and me out to dinner and have a tendency to get embarrassed by the action of others.

The Mrs. orders off the menu…

Having been with my lovely bride for over fifteen years I have yet to see a menu that she doesn’t deem worth of tweaking. The type of restaurant does not matter. Italian, Chinese, Indian, fast food, slow food, vegetarian and even vegan. No cuisine is safe from her adjustments. Some major (cream sauce for red), some minor (pine nuts for mushrooms), but these changes are necessary. Chefs have taken years to perfect these dishes. However, my wife has the uncanny ability to make them even better.

I believe this is genetic, yet I lack the funds to have any scientific study take place.

Anyone know where I can get a grant?

That being said… I am her equal opposite…

I do the same thing at home.

No “all in one” meal is safe. I will add anything and everything to Hamburger Helper, Chunky Soup or any other heat and eat dinner. The reason of this post (other than getting an invitation to dinner) is to let you in on one of my favorite adjustments.
It is my favorite food of all time…

Macaroni and Cheese…

Start with 2 boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese… Yes, it has to be Kraft and it must be the original… Not spirals, Sponge Bob, white cheddar or any other kind of Kraft… Has to be the “Cheesiest.” I have tried using generic and the final product is just not the same.

Cook macaroni to desired taste and drain.
Add 1 stick of butter and delicious cheese packets and milk.
I do not measure the milk. I just add until it seems right. However, I am cautious about adding too much. After all, it is easier to add than remove…
Mix together over low heat…
Now for the kicker…
Add 1 bag of 8oz shredded cheese. Not just any cheese… It must be of the Mexican variety… The one with 4 different cheeses… There is no restriction on this cheese, it can be any brand (although, the Kraft brand makes the mac & cheese extra smooth).

No need to thank me as I have already received your thanks in advance…

While typing this post I remembered an unusual thing about the Mrs.’s off the menu affliction and must amend the above. It seems the more expensive the restaurant, the less likely she is to make adjustments. So any invitations should be to really expensive places…

To save you the embarrassment, that is…