That I May Know Him

Leviticus 10:1-2, I Samuel 2:12 - 3:18, 8:1-5 I don't think most guys (not boys) truly appreciate their fathers until they are older.  Unfortunately, some guys never appreciate their fathers.  And some fathers live in such a way they should not be appreciated.  We live in a culture brimming with men who have major Daddy issues.  Part of that problem can be from the immaturity of the guy.  Much of it can be from fathers who choose emotional (and even physical) distance as opposed to loving warmth and guidance.  Perhaps they choose harsh criticism instead of kind support.  Or maybe they live by the closed fist instead of an open embrace.  Men may not fully comprehend the effect or power that they hold on their children (or those who are under their care).  Aaron, Eli, Samuel all had despicable sons.  Let's look briefly at them. Aaron's Sons : Nadab and Abihu On the first day of the priesthood.  ...

Talley's normal position!!! Exodus 1 I love our dog.  Her name is Talley.  She is a beautiful beagle/German shepherd mix.  Her fur is soft and she is very well tempered.  After twelve years of having her in our life I have noticed that she has the gift of napping.   In fact I am pretty confident that 20 hour a day are filled with naps and sleep.  Our children will play with her ears and paws and she won't even budge.  Don't get me wrong she loves walks and to play but that usually brings even longer naps.  Yeah, I totally envy her.  She is a very comfortable and comforting dog. I have been reading through Exodus.  Over the last several years I have spent a lot of time in the New Testament.  So, now I turn to early Israelite history to see myself and my God.  I recently taught through Abraham to Joseph (I am also reading that with my son).   So, now I turn to Moses. When I ready that first chapter I ...

Romans 1:8-17 I will never forget Ruth. I did not know her that well as a child; even though she was a Sunday School teacher. But as I became a young adult we began building a relationship. I am not sure of how we began our relationship. I just remember its effect and impact on my life. You see, everyone needs a Ruth in their life. And everyone needs to be a Ruth in someone elses life. Ruth was quite simply a prayer warrior. She was advanced in years when I began building a relationship with her. She was no longer able to teach the little girls Sunday school class that she taught for decades and that she so deeply loved. She could not get around like she once was able to. Her health problems meant that she was quickly declining. She is the only person that I have ever met that wore out her knees in prayer. She would constantly remind me that she consistantly prayed for me. I felt honored and unworthy at the same time. Paul spoke often on prayer. He told the chu...

Ephesians 2:1-10 Today there is an increasing popularity with anything zombie oriented.  There are a lot of books, movies, and even music.  In fact in most cities there are Zombie Walks held annually.  More and more people put on the gory makeup, the tattered clothing, and shamble down the streets.  Several universities have zombie infection events where students shamble across campus spreading the infection over a multi day period.  The goal is to be one of the last of the living.  I personally get a kick of of the whole zombie subculture.  I take that back.  I look forward to zombie conversations because it is a great vehicle that allows me to share the gospel.  A great description of our state before Christ is the zombie.  The zombie is completely oblivious that it is dead.  It shambles anywhere seeking to fulfill it's insatiable hunger.  Before Christ I was one of the walking dead. ...

I Peter 5:8-9 I have a real weakness for Jif peanut butter.  We I can't even say weakness.  It is more like an addiction.  Someone from my church, who knows my love for Jif, convinced me to put it on a hamburger.  That is the only time I did not like Jif.  But my addiction has lead to a rise in my cholesterol and my waistline!!!  Three months ago I broke the spell that Jif has on me.  Since then my cholesterol has dropped significantly and I have lost about 30lbs.  I am amazed at the dramatic loss.  But I know that I am one spoonful away from my addiction again.  I do not mean to mock addictions.  Mine was not alcohol, meth, or weed.   Mine is food and it is just as destructive to my body. I say all that because I have a real weakness for food.  Drugs do not get my attention at all.  I can even enjoy the occasional glass of Merlot without any reaction.  When stress arises my desire for late night snack...

I was talking to a good friend over coffee this morning. We were talking about guys and relationships. We discussed how difficult it is for guys to take the time to invest in real, healthy, growing, Christ-centered relationships. Sure guys hang out for the game or do the occasional stop and chat. But the depth beyond, Hey man, how it going?" is completely absent. Men have become islands. With that I think that it is a pervasive problem effecting all Christians. With all the sin, temptation and struggle that we go through we choose to go it alone without the help of brothers and sisters for support and encouragement. That is a painful and depressing way to live. Even spouses become to busy with life to sit and have an intimate conversation filled with Christ's truth and encouragement. Satan has deceived us into thinking that our relationship with Christ and with others bring in neutral or low maintenance is alright. The reality is that we toil away at everything (...

I Peter 3:8-12 For nearly a decade a picture has been on the wall next to my desk. What it communicates I still strive to comprehend. It is called, "Forgiven." It shows a man with hammer and nail in his hands held up by a risen Christ. I am that man. My sin nailed Christ upon the cross. His love for me kept him there. When I stop and think of the shear magnitude of my own sins that his blood atones for I am amazed. It is difficult to grasp the forgiveness of my own sins let alone the sins of the elect. One word comes to my mind. Unworthy. I am UNWORTHY. I do not understand why. And yet, as amazed as I am, I am still harboring anger and a strong lack of forgiveness in my own heart. At one time I was very laid back. But today and for months I have struggled with fierce anger. By fierce I mean tearing, bludgeoning, and raging anger. Regularly verses like Romans 12:17-21 and I Peter 3:8-12 course though my mind. God's Word restrains me. His Grace constrai...