The apostle Paul defines a Christian and brings the whole bible together in a few letters to new christians in new churches. They are believing in God and Jesus Christ but are still trying to build a church and learn how to live a Christian life.
Paul used to believe that the Christians were leading people away from God. They were wrong and he was killing Christians. Paul was a man on a mission before God changed him and used him to be one of the most devoted apostles.
Now Paul is being thrown in jail for being a christian. Sitting in a dungeon, chained, not only does he rejoice in Christ but he also converts the guards and other prisoners. His letters are extremely encouraging to the new christians.
My favorite is Philippians and Hebrews (especially Hebrews). If you feel that life is sometimes extremely tough, it is nice to have his example and re-focus on the goals that he set.
Paul like most apostles were beheaded for being christians.
The following excerpt is taken from The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, First Edition, article "Paul the Apostle." :
"When Paul writes again to Timothy he has had a winter in prison, and has suffered greatly from the cold and does not wish to spend another winter in the Mamertine (probably) prison (2Timothy 4:13, 21). We do not know what the charges now are. They may have been connected with the burning of Rome. There were plenty of informers eager to win favor with Nero. Proof was not now necessary. Christianity is no longer a religion under the shelter of Judaism. It is now a crime to be a Christian. It is dangerous to be seen with Paul now, and he feels the desertion keenly (2Timothy 1:15ff; 4:10). Only Luke, the beloved physician, is with Paul (2Timothy 4:11), and such faithful ones as live in Rome still in hiding (2Timothy 4:21). "Paul hopes that Timothy may come and bring Mark also ( 2Timothy 4:11). Apparently Timothy did come and was put into prison (Hebrews 13:23). Paul is not afraid. He knows that he will die. He has escaped the mouth of the lion (2Timothy 4:17), but he will die (2Timothy 4:18). The Lord Jesus stood by him, perhaps in visible presence (2Timothy 4:17). The tradition is, for now Paul fails us, that Paul, as a Roman citizen, was beheaded on the Ostian Road just outside of Rome. Nero died June, 68 AD, so that Paul was executed before that date, perhaps in the late spring of that year (or 67). Perhaps Luke and Timothy were with him. It is fitting, as Findlay suggests, to let Paul's words in 2Timothy 4:6-8 serve for his own epitaph. He was ready to go to be with Jesus, as he had long wished to be (Philippians 1:23)"
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
A Teenager's view of Heaven
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. 'I wowed 'em,' he later told his father, Bruce. 'It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote..'It also was the last. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed, but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted.The Moores framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. 'I think God used him to make a point. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it,' Mrs. Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. 'I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.'
Brian's Essay: The Room.... In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.'The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird, 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers..' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceasedto be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewerthan I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I hadlived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each ofthese thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows, but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out.. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him..No, please, not Him. Not here.. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me.I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end ofthe room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But, there it was, written in red, so rich, so dark, so alive. The nameof Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'-John 3:16. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13
Brian's Essay: The Room.... In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.'The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird, 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at .' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers..' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceasedto be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewerthan I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I hadlived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each ofthese thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature. When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows, but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out.. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him..No, please, not Him. Not here.. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally, He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me.I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end ofthe room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted, rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But, there it was, written in red, so rich, so dark, so alive. The nameof Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.'-John 3:16. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Life
Random thoughts. What are some successes in life that you want to experience before you die? Or what are some things that you want your loved ones to look back at you and say?
I will start the list.....add your thoughts:
* treated people with respect
* loved God and wanted others to have the same relationship or better
* loved his family
* loyal Browns Fan
I will start the list.....add your thoughts:
* treated people with respect
* loved God and wanted others to have the same relationship or better
* loved his family
* loyal Browns Fan
Faith
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible."
Stuart Chase.
Stuart Chase.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Maybe God Can't Help Me
I like to tease Shari when I look at pictures of her in the 70's with big hair that it was good that I met her when I did or we may not have dated. In truth, I was the one headed for the mini van life and she probably wouldn't of wanted to date me. There may be a little truth in this teasing.
I believe that God did bring us together at a time in our life that we were perfect for each other. I know that I was looking for something different in my mid 30's than I was in my early 20's. I also had a life experience that changed me dramatically.
I was ready for a change in my life. I was ready to make my next wife the most important person in my life along with my kids. I was ready to make that life have God be the focal point of our relationship. I was ready for God to mold me. While I prayed to God several times when my marriage was struggling, it took a divorce to really be open for change.
What does God need to change in you so that He can help you? Can you look at yourself and see what it is that you want so bad from God and decide how you have to be different so that God can answer your prayers?
If you are lonely, maybe God needs you to learn to love yourself and be happy before someone else can be made happy by you. You have to be happy with yourself before you can be an attractive person to someone else. You have to be happy enough to be happy for other people's success. Does other peoples happiness make you happy or sad? Do you enjoy seeing others fail? Your spouse wants and needs that. Men need to feel respected. Women need to feel appreciated and loved.
If you are looking for more friends, maybe God needs you to step out and get involved with people that are healthy for you. Mom is a good example of this. Look at the quality of her friends from her work at the library and book club. Ask God for direction, then do something. Join a sunday school class. Volunteer to serve at the church in some capacity. Think about those women at the churches who served dinner for us after funerals. Their bond is with each other and is Christ centered. If we feel that we are good and liked when we are working, then maybe we need to extend that to our person life.
How do I know what God wants me to do differently? Listen to Him! He is talking to us all the time. He talks to us through sermons, through His word (Bible), through others (surround yourself with others who are listening to God), through your thoughts (Holy Spirit - you probably know what needs to change, you just aren't pushing yourself) and my favorite through music.
I listen to Christian music a lot. Some of my blog ideas come from a certain song or message that I hear while listening to music. I have other types of music that I may feel is more entertaining, but the Christian music is probably the easiest way for God to talk to me and for me to get my daily devotion. Let me give you some examples:
"Somebody is praying me through" by Allen Asbury. This song reminds me to pray for my family.
"I need you now" by Billy Ray Cyrus. This song reminds me that Jesus was there suffering also. He knows our pain. He lived as a man.
"Walk on Water" by Evan Almighty sound track. This reminds me of Dad and to live life like he would want me to live.
"Slow Fade" by Casting Crowns. We don't choose to live a life that would disappoint God. We just slowing fade away from Him very gradually.
"Let your mercy rain", "Amazing Grace", "Glory in the Highest" all by Chris Tomlin.
"Feels like Redemption" by Michael English. This is one of my favorites!
"Mighty to Save" by Hillsong.
"Still Calls me Son" by John Waller
"Bring the Rain" by Mercy Me. If the rain that He brings us will make us better, then bring the rain. Scary but it definitely fits my life and going through divorce.
"Open the eyes of my Heart" by Michael W. Smith
"Empty Me" on a Praise Hymn
"Aware" by Salvador.
I love Third Day's songs: "Can't take the Pain", "Worthy is the Lamb", "I see love", "I will hold my head high", "Mountain of God", "You are Mine".
I pray that all of you will listen to these songs for what God has to say to you, not just for the entertainment value. When I listen, I am thinking of all of you and praying for you and feeling a lot of love.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Where is God?
Have you thought about how lucky we are as a family? I don't know how God could of blessed me more. I have blogged before about people in my life that helped to shape me but also shaped so many others. I have always felt very fortunate that I had high quality individuals but also high quantity of time. Many of those people spent a lot of time with me.
The other side is the unfortunate people who have lived miserable lives. They have been abused, deserted, starved, etc. Why does one person have such great fortune and the next person have a life that many of us could not even bear?
Even at a more personal level, why didn't God answer some of my prayers when I needed Him the most?
The quickest and easiest answer is the fact that we don't live in heaven. We live on earth. Good things that we don't deserve and bad things that we don't deserve happen to us. In fact, I could make the argument that I'm not sure that we have earned any blessings. This is an obvious but extremely important point for me. So many people look at what God hasn't done in their life. The 'Why Me" approach. I will even be direct enough to say it is tempting to say "God how could you let my dad die from cancer when I prayed so hard?" Instead I choose to say "God thank you for giving me such a great gift of quality time with a great dad." This is where I prefer to think God cried with us at the death of dad and rejoiced at the sight of him in heaven.
God also has a big picture view of what is best. How many times have we prayed for something that we are so thankful that God did not grant us that prayer? There are jobs that I wanted really bad that I am so thankful that I did not get. God knows best. More importantly, sometimes our wishes aren't best for those around us. Some of the biggest decisions impact family and friends. What would have been best for me may not have been best for Emily and Blake. I am so blessed that God helped me to find a good spouse that is also a Christian mother. While I went through a divorce that hurt and a lonely time where I was asking God for a good companion, He knew that it was going to take some time to align Shari's world and my world together. He also knew that I wasn't ready for another relationship yet. I needed to do some healing. His timing is better than mine.
You do have to have faith that God does know best. He knows that trials build character. He also has a much bigger plan. He wants for us but He wants to accomplish so much more. He wants us to understand his plan and be apart of it. Do you think that some of your prayers are more for earthly good than for Gods plan?
I do believe that God has created a wonderful world. It has magnificent mountains, rivers, oceans, skies, etc. It also has some amazing facts: gravity, sunlight, atoms, cells, etc. It is a master piece. It is not heaven. God wants man to live life to its fullest. When we do badly, our kids pay the price. Abuse your kids and their kids will likely turn in to abusers. Our mistakes can live in our kids for generations. It's not a lottery in which family you will end up in. We are offspring of our parents and grandparents. God didn't choose to put us into the different families. We were born in to them.
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