Shame the Wise

A morning prayer...

2009-04-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

...inspired by this morning's worship service.

My God, I contemplate Your works and I am left bewildered.

I think of Your glory and am left dumbfounded.

How am I to describe the God of mercy who turned His face from His own perfect sacrifice, only to make that same face shine on me, both a stranger and an enemy?

You are a God that shows both justice and compassion. Not in a single moment in the history of man, but throughout eternity. I am left small, resting on the grace of a great God.

Amen

Why Dead Theologians Are Cool

2009-02-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

Just heard this on WHI podcast (@9:30).

Epistle to Diognetus
Chapter V.-The Manners of the Christians.

For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined, and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life. They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers. When punished, they rejoice as if quickened into life; they are assailed by the Jews as foreigners, and are persecuted by the Greeks; yet those who hate them are unable to assign any reason for their hatred.

Cadenne's First Year: Retrospective

2008-12-31T16:32:00.000-08:00

A look at Cadenne's first year in pictures and video. Thanks to Hanssie Trainor of Hanssie Trainor Photography for the birthday cake w/pink frosting and pink, white and gray sweater photos! Hire her! Thanks to the staff at CHLA and our family and friends. Praise God, this season of our life is for His glory alone, with out whom it would have been a terror instead of a blessing.

What I did Last Summer....

2008-09-27T11:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! Okay, so that is more for me than you. "Just where have I been?" you may ask. Let me 'splain. No, there is to much. Let me sum up. The past year has been extremely challenging. Most of you know about Cadenne and her issues, and the joys of seeing God work in her young life. What most of you may not know is that in January I shut down my struggling business, leaving us in a huge financial mess. I have returned to the automotive repair industry, and business is down. Way down. In all of this, I trust that God is working, whether I see it or not. He has a way of taking me to the end of my own resources and then pushing me a little beyond. The battle between my temporal anxiety and my trust in the eternal God has been huge. It should not be so. I know He is faithful and that His promises are reality waiting to be fullfilled. More than ever before, I think I understand the struggle of the Isrealites as they wondered through the wilderness. I pray that Jesus will continue to build my character (Rom 5:1-5), to deepen my understanding of His pleasure, and to make steadfast my heart. Soli Deo Gloria.

Finishing Strong

2008-06-15T08:14:00.001-07:00

Legit link

Other link

This is the putt that put Tiger in the lead. From one behind to one ahead. This is an example of finishing strong.

Practical CCM

2008-05-17T13:02:00.001-07:00

Thats Dedication; The Interview

2008-04-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

The night of Zachary and Cadenne's dedication was our communion service. The service usually closes with a time of sharing. Tricia and I shared about our experience with Cadenne. Hope you enjoy the the audio that Tricia refuses to listen to. And yes, that is how the service ended.

Now Thats Dedication...

2008-04-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we dedicated our two youngest kids, Zachary and Cadenne. Here is the audio.

My Thought Today

2008-03-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am my weakness.

The Return of Cigars and Theology

2008-03-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Yes my friends, it is true. i will be scheduling a C&T night for early next month. If you would like to be on the invite list, just email me. You can find my email in my profile. Our topic for discussion will be, "What is the extent of our cooperation in sanctification". For those who can not make it in person we can webcast. So get in your thinking chair, and think, think, think.

The Weakness of Faith

2008-02-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there, and it will move,' and nothing will be impossible for you."

Early on in our journey with Cadenne, I had a fellow believer tell me, "Don't let the doctors tell you what to do. Have faith and pray, and God will heal her."

I have only the faith I was given. Apparently, I was not given enough faith to move much of anything. My faith was not capable of healing Cadenne's CDH. It was not sufficient to move the organs that had pushed their way through the hole in her diaphragm and crush one of her lungs. My faith was not strong enough to supply the oxygen levels needed to keep her off ECMO.

Weak and flailing is my faith. It was only able to provide me with peace of mind, knowing that the fate of my baby was in the hands of God. My faith, feeble as it is, was able to magnify and glorify a God who is more likely to use vocation though providence to work all things to the good of those who love Him, than an instantaneous miraculous healing. It was my small faith that led me broken and poor to His body, the church. Through them, I felt the hands of God minister to my family. It was in this lacking faith that I found great joy in my suffering, wishing that I had been found more faithful so that I could suffer more for His glory.

My faith was unable to move mountains of sickness, poverty, or the broken heart of a desperate man unable to fix his baby and shield his wife from sorrow. My faith was only strong enough to throw myself upon His promises of His faithfulness.

Soli Deo Gloria! It was not my faith that is at work healing baby Cadenne, but the God that gave me my faith!

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Note: There is a "virtual cast" for you to sign if you are among those praying for Cadenne. Please leave a comment including your name and local here.

Cadenne Updates

2008-01-01T22:55:00.000-08:00

To day there were four updates. Lots of good news.

Update Number One. Update Number Two. Update Number Three. Update Number Four

What I learned this week...

2007-12-27T17:41:00.000-08:00

All the calamities of the world can't scale the walls of my indifference.
But the tears of my wife, wash the walls away like waves on a sandcastle.
The generosity of the body of Christ breaks the gates like a strong army.
I am left humbled, knowing I am not as strong nor hard as I thought.

I reserve the right to delete this at any time...read fast.

Cadenne Update Cross Posting

2007-12-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

For more info and back story see the McDaris Family Blog.

It is with much thanksgiving and praise to the Lord that we write this update for you today. As you have seen, Cadenne is now ECMO-free! The doctors are all thrilled with her quick progress. As sick as she was when she arrived here at Children's, none of them thought she would be off this soon. We know that God is the Great Physician, and has had his healing hand on her from the beginning. It was so wonderful to see that massive cart being rolled away... AWAY from our baby! What a blessing!

Cadenne did extremely well with her first day off of ECMO. Her blood gases have been great, and her oxygen levels have also been good. She spent some of the day "riding the machine," which is basically her body letting the ventilator take over for her while she is asleep. Other parts of the day she was taking breaths in addition to what the machine was doing for her. Surgeons were watching her closely all day and have made the decision to go ahead with her repair surgery tomorrow. She is an add-on case, and has 4 other surgeries on the schedule before her, so she likely won't go in until late morning or early afternoon.

Initially, the surgeon we spoke to said they would try doing the surgery orthoscopically, where they make tiny incisions in discrete places and do the repair in a way that is minimally invasive, with the understanding that they may have to go in and do a larger incision if that didn't work. Later in the day, after the surgeons had a pow-wow, they decided that it was best for Cadenne just to do the bigger incision. It is a MUCH shorter surgery, and with the level of pulmonary hypertension that she had, they think it is likely that they'll end up with the bigger incision anyway. They believe the hole is quite large and that a patch will be needed. (rather than just stitching the diaphragm up.)

Please pray that the Lord would guide the surgeons' hands, that the hole is easier to repair than they think it will be, and that Cadenne will recover quickly. Since they're going with the larger incision, she is likely to be in a lot more pain. Please pray that her pain would be managed well. Lastly, pray for the function of her lungs... that the surgery will help them to inflate even more. She is still experiencing some pulmonary hypertension, so hopefully after the surgery, that will ease up a bit. And most importantly, pray that our God would be made famous through all of this, that it will be clear that He deserves our worship.

We know that Cadenne is in good hands. The surgeons are top notch. We are confident that this surgery--the third in nine days--will be good for her. We are by no means out of the woods yet, but this is the next big hurdle that needs to be jumped!

Earlier today the respiratory therapist was changing the tape around Cadenne's ventilator and told me to get the camera out so that I could get a picture of (almost) her whole face. I jumped at that chance! Isn't she pretty?

Pics of the New Baby

2007-12-08T00:18:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures of my brand new baby.

This is her room. Yes, all the equipment is for her.

She has CDH and she is on an ECMO (heart/lung bypass).
There are only four hospitals in California that offer ECMO.

Pray. For more information click here. Soli Deo Gloria.

A Recent Prayer

2007-11-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

My God and my Lord,
To You alone I pray
Because you alone created every thing

It was You that came down to save me
It was You that created a heart of life in this once dead man
It was You that gave me eyes that see and ears that hear

You saved me not from the consequences of my sins
You saved me from the consequence of my sin nature
You saved me from the consequence of Your righteous judgment

Lord please forgive me for seeking pleasures other than You
Lord please forgive me for my pride that boasts in things other than You
Lord please forgive me for the passions that fail to glorify You

You gave me all that I have
You gave me my wife and my children
You gave me the ring in my ear, Master

By Your grace alone I stand before You
By Your grace alone I stand as head of my house
By Your grace alone I stand in the gap

With Your outstretched arm You have crushed Your enemies
With Your outstretched arm You have terrified whole nations
With Your outstretched arm You have lead me with steadfast love

Into Your arms I place all I have
Into Your arms I place all I fear
Into Your arms I place all my trust

Amen

Arms of God

2007-11-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

I listen to quite a bit of secular music. One of my current favorite bands is Corrosion of Conformity. Their latest release is titled In The Arms of God. It amazes me that men of the world can get so close to Truth. Here are the lyrics to the title song, last on the album. The song is extraordinarily powerful. The words alone are not enough. If you want to hear it we can work that out.

Arms Of God

Words make fuel the power of fools to be used
Shadow you cast the longer it gets the shorter you last
Back to the wall now the one that you serve has abandoned your call
Desire backfires you become the opposed where you once had aspired
And you fall from the arms of God!
Sins are ignored the price you paid has been paid once before
Storm has revealed clarity brewing now it's you that is ruined
Rise! Rise! Rise! Rise!
Cast the veil the splinter has turned to a nail
Light has revealed your soul is beginning to seal
Visions have appeared delusions of death drawing near
Truth sets you free all along you were blind... now you see
As you fall from the arms of God!
Frozen still your freedom is testing your will
Pain has receded now you've lost your own will to believe! Believe!
Rise! Rise! Rise! Rise!
You're at war with your God...
These are the things that condition the man
Seldom shown the ways to understand
Heart was still beating but you know it was true
Locked in the cage and shown the wrong view
Standing alone like a lightning rod...
Sleep tight my friend you're in the arms of God!

You have not...

2007-10-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

From the beginning of our difficulties with this pregnancy we have wanted the help and prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. I want the people I worship with involved in my life. I am blessed with a healthy church family. We have often been asked by our church family to give updates on Cadenne Hope. That is a relatively easy request to fulfill. But at this past concert of prayer I came across a request that was not so easy, One of the elders simply asked, "How are you doing?" I answered, "Tired." I went on to mention a couple of reasons why, none of which seemed adequate. Now that I have been able to reflect upon it a little longer, I think I have a better answer. I have been anxious. And sinfully so.

I continue to be anxious even though I know Matt. 6:25-34 tells me I shouldn't be anxious. I know that my God is the God of Israel, the God that provided even after their sinful unbelief in the wilderness. He was still faithful to His people. How often will I fret about material provisions instead of seeking His righteousness? (Philippians 4:6) He has always proven Himself faithful to His own. In this, my "wilderness experience", I find myself tempted to side with the ten spies, those that thought the taking of the promised land was beyond their abilities. They were right. Joshua and Caleb say as much in Num 14:5-10: "the Lord is with us".

In every sense is not that enough? If God is for me, who can be against me? I can see how He has cared for both the birds and George Muller, surely I fall some where between those two. I wish to live out the trust I profess in God, that His love would cast out this fear in particular.

Just Following Instructions

2007-09-30T00:30:00.001-07:00

From the Pyros. Thanks Guys.

Sometimes Blessings Stink

2007-09-15T22:16:00.000-07:00

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

If you read the Cadenne Hope Updates, you will know where this post comes from.

As for how this post relates to the post below, this would be a post on subject B) Stop pretending that you're OK. We know differently.

It seems that God has chosen to have me move beyond theological theories, and into the realm of living out the hope He has given to me. While we all understand that God is knitting our little girl together in Tricia's womb, we don't necessarily understand why He decided to skip a knit one, pearl two. I would like to think it is for the same reason the man in John 9:1-3 was born blind: to reveal God's glory.

The theory I had been formulating was a simple one. Given that we are sinners in a fallen world, pain is good. To quote Westley "Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something." But why would I argue that pain is good? Two reasons; 1) Pain as a diagnostic tool indicates that something is wrong and needs to change. Thomas Covenant longs for pain. This leads to reason 2) Pain also indicates life (that is you're not dead yet), which means there is time to correct the condition that is causing the pain.

I realize I have not suffered to the same extent as the great saints of the faith. As a result I do not have the endurance nor the character of a great man of God. For now I will rejoice in the suffering that my Lord has allotted me, content with the hope He is pouring out for His glory.

Post Script
I have come to understand a third reason that pain is good. It gives an opportunity for the body of Christ to be the arms of God that hold and comfort those that suffer.

Some Times Life is Like...

2007-09-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

I can think of three different post to go with this picture. A) Covering up the old man doesn't work. It still stinks. You really need the deep cleaning. B) Stop pretending that your OK, we know differently. C) Air fresheners can't do what fresh air will. More on that later.

Not so Good News

2007-08-31T21:45:00.000-07:00

My wife and I had some bad news this week. Tricia is 25 weeks pregnant and some complications were found. Read the updates here. If you would like to be on the e-mail prayer list, email me here.

I will post as I often as I am able. I know you understand.

Jockey For Position [Pinky and The Brain]

2007-08-23T08:47:00.001-07:00

For the education of Ania. For the rest of you guys, remember the glory days.

Remember: Fear God.

2007-08-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of my Elders preached straight to my heart last Sunday.You can listen here (warning: direct link to a 20mb file).

This sermon inspired this prayer.

My Lord God, You scare me.
I have been overwhelmed by Your power.
As you have humbled kings You have humbled me.
Fearing You is the beginning of wisdom.
Please forgive me for being a fool.
Your might has crushed cities and nations.
Yet I have been a coward in front of mockers
rather than being awestruck before you, my God.
You have broken me. I am Yours.
I thought too little of You, Lord. I thought You smaller than You are.
I have read the Prophets say, "From You there is no hiding place,"
But acted as though I could hide evil in the darkness of my heart.
To lay prostrate before You would be to esteem myself too highly.
If it was not for your mercy I would be unable to stand.
I am terrified by your wrath. Only Your arm can save me.
Yours is the glory so great that to see it would be death to the sinner.
Forgive me.

Recommended listening; Stavesacre, Zzyzx Scarecrow(iTunes link)

Update or What I Did While You Were Away.

2007-08-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

First off the family update. Read it here and here. Second up, I am working on a writing project for church. It is very exciting, although I often feel like a grasshopper in a land of giants. It is a great challenge.

Oh, and my golf clubs where stolen last week. Bummer. I should have known better.

Opposing Sin and Evil

2007-07-28T09:51:00.000-07:00

One of the guys at Scriptorium Daily has issued a call to arms, so to speak. In an effort to help extend this call to the outside of the Ivory Towers of Academia, I am posting the link for all seven of my visitors.

Unscheduled Break

2007-07-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

For my friends in the blog world, July has been horrible. My struggling business is down (worst month of the year). My work truck has broken down twice each time losing a day of work. My wife was in the hospital for four days (she is OK now, but it was quite a scare).

On the bright side, I am working on a writing project for church. That means all my time for writing in the near future will go to that project.

I should be back in a couple of weeks.

Figure Skating

2007-07-01T16:34:00.001-07:00

This is the male equivalent of figure skating.

A Simple Question

2007-06-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

Let me get right to the point. Is the concept of respect having to be earned a biblical concept?
Everyone seems to agree that love should be unconditional. Why not respect also? Most of the ladies will say, "But they are two totally different things!" I understand and acknowledge that as a viable perspective, but since when has the Christian life been about you? Aren't you supposed to be "others" focused? As I have mentioned before, a large percentage of men perceive love and respect to be exactly the same thing. Many men will tell you that absent respect there can't be love. Therefore if the "other" you are focused on sees respect as love, and we know that you want to love them in their native tongue (so to speak), shouldn't you respect unconditionally?

Giving the Gift of Wicked!

2007-06-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

I gave my wife Tricia and my oldest daughter Karissa (7) a little gift of "Girl Time". Check out the details here please.

Never Turns to More

2007-06-03T21:36:00.000-07:00

It seems like eons ago when Dan Phillips posted this question about continuing sin at Pyros.

Towards the end of the post he says,

One last twist: could you throw yourself in there? I could. The problem isn't really just Them, is it? Would that it were. Why does not my holiness grow and deepen more apace? Whatever "those people" pray, I know that I pray (and you pray) for growth in holiness. Why is it so slow? Why are sins so stubborn, and graces so seemingly ephemeral? Sins die so hard, graces grow so agonizingly slowly.

I think I will put myself in there. As Dave Grohl has said, "I've gotta confession to make."
So here I go. Hello, my name is Brian, and I'm a habitual speeder. And not your run of the mill five over the speed limit type either. More like twenty. One more thing...I don't feel bad about it.

That's just wrong. I occasionally feel a pang of guilt, but it passes quickly. But why do I persist? Is it the fleeting pleasure of of the sin? I'll be the first to admit that going fast sure is fun. So why has this "work of the devil" not been "destroyed" by Christ? He annihilated my desire to use methamphetamine more than a decade ago. So why not my desire to play "Double the Speed Limit?" Why has He left that desire standing?

To presume the motives of God is a scary thing. Thus, I will try to restrict myself to what He has revealed in His word. So why am I not granted instant holiness?

It may seem odd, but consider Balaam from Numbers 22:22. Everybody knows the story. Balaam's donkey sees the angel of the Lord set a pick, and does what any good donkey would do. It wanders off in to a nearby field. Twice more the angel sets the pick, with the last one the donkey just gives up and lies down. Then, of course, God gives voice to the donkey.

Moral of the story so far: When you see your friend is headed toward the judgment of God, be an ass. Eventually, God may speak though you and save your friend's life.

So how does this apply to the question at hand? We see Balaam repent. What did it take? Crisis. We all have times when we need a good smack upside the head. Sometimes it has to sting more than others, because at different times our skulls tend to change in density. Ultimately I believe it has to do with the fact that some sins bring us greater pleasure over a longer season than other sins.

It also tells me that I lack the proper perspective. I am not seeing my sin in relation to a real and coming judgment. This tells me my faith is small. In some measure I do not have the assurance of things hoped for (judgment by a righteous God in this case) but not seen. I believe that the reason God allowed me to go on in this sin was the minor crisis of writing this post. As I wrote, it became clear what my insubordination to civil authority really is: Thumbing my nose at my God. I thank God that this time the crisis was minor, merely reflecting on my sin in contrast with the righteousness of God. For the most part I have slowed down, and when I don't at least I feel bad about it.

Sometimes it is better to be Nineveh than Israel. Pray that God would break you...softly.

Recommended Reading: Ps. 139

Recommended Listening: Stavesacre's Acquiesce iTunes Link Lyrics found here

My Wife and my iPod.

2007-05-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while. I have been working on a reply to the Dan's post and I've got nothin', well nearly nothin'.

Yesterday, my wife touched my heart in a special way. After church we went out to lunch. As we were exiting the car, Tricia hands me forty-five bucks. Of course I give her the "Where did this come from?" look. So she tells me, "I've been saving the cash you leave me, so I could buy you a new iPod." I was floored. That she would take what I had given to bless her, she was going to use to bless me. It made my eyes misty. Tricia is the best wife ever.

iPod™ Update

2007-05-18T08:22:00.000-07:00

I finally replaced my stolen iPod™. Yea for me. I bought an "open box" 30gig in black. I saved about $55. That means I am happy on many levels. I thought I would use this opportunity to share my most played list as shown in iTunes™.

Be Back Soon!

2007-05-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy and super lazy, hence no posting. I should have something up this weekend!

Thanks for stopping by, see you soon.

Christian Sees Those Ahead...

2007-04-29T20:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday nights are generally when my wife and I meet with our small group. We normally talk about that day's sermon. We are presently in the middle of a series on gender, sort of along the lines of Restoring Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Near the end of last Sunday night's meeting, I brought up a survey that I read that says a lot of men see love and respect as synonymous terms. Most women, on the other hand, see these terms as very distinct from each other.

The discussion that followed seemed to reinforce that very idea. Early on, our group leader, Mr. Jones, said something to the effect of, "I don't think you can have love without respect." Later on he asked the question, "So is it possible to love someone you don't respect?" He did so in his usual manner, which is to say in an open and honest manner, lacking any tone of condescension or disapproval of the notion.

Immediately the lovely Mrs. Jones answered something to the effect of, "Yes, you can love someone without respecting them. You won't follow someone you don't respect, but you can still love them." Her response had no hint of trepidation or sarcasm. It was truly uninhibited, (yet) loving and respectful. Mr. Jones nodded an understanding nod.

This exchange was a beautiful example of a Husband moving beyond his own perspective and including the perspective of his Bride. This exchange gave me the impression that Mr. Jones has been loving his wife as Christ loves the Church. It was natural and flowing, giving the impression that this is the normal course of their conversations.

Mr. Jones' willingness to question his own paradigm in an effort to understand how others think and feel was inspirational to me. I hope to one day to be more like him.

This post was posted with the permission of Mr. Jones. Yes, that is his real name.

Big News!!!

2007-04-26T18:11:00.001-07:00

Yes, really big, read all about it on the McDaris Family Blog. Go read it now, I'll wait here.

Announcement: Cigar and Theology

2007-04-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

Just a heads-up for those of you in the L.A./Orange county area: I will be hosting a Cigar and Theology Night in the near future.

In addition to the fine cigar and theology you bring, there will be good beer and tasty ice cream. Partaking of cigars and beer is not required, but extreme peer pressure will be applied to those who plan not to eat ice cream.

I'm still working on a place and time. If you are interested, send an email to: ibeabrian@gmail.com.

I think the topic up for discussion will most likely be, "The persistence of sin in the life of the believer." I think one of the Pyro bloggers mentioned it a month or so ago (maybe on one of the solo blogs) but I can't find it now. If you remember reading the post and know where it is, let me know, please.

UPDATE: Link to the proposed discussion topic found here.
h/t to Even so... at VoV.

Texas

2007-04-15T17:06:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I went to the great state of Texas for a business meeting. We arrived a day early so we could have more time to sightsee and hang out. We stayed at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. Nice place, really. The business part of the trip was as expected with the usual meetings on how to sell more effectively, and get some deals on what I sell.

Tricia was able to meet some of her friends from Texas. The food was good, the people were nice and now I know that "all y'all" is the plural of "y'all".

My wife made a funny.

2007-04-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Here it is. And while you're there check out what my one year boy old can do.

Kevin Rocks! (or Rhymes)

2007-04-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Kevin over at Encyclopedia Kevinannica wrote a little diddy worthy of link. Thanks for the shout out.

This comes with a big H/T to Ann at Everyday in Grace. Really, check her blog, good stuff!

And since Kevin mentioned it is National Poetry Month, I thought I would repost my last (read "most recent", and yes that is a threat that I may do it again) cheesy poem.

Seaside Single Wide
(A Trailer Trash epic)

Found my spot on the shoreline
Ten paces to the dry side of high tide
Is where I'll park my trailer in no time
My own little seaside single wide

Toes in sand, I lean back in a resin chair
With an Avo burning and a cold Guinness
Watch the sun setting, smell the sea in the air
What tomorrow brings, I couldn't care less

I woke before dawn to a new sensation
A storm blew in, and the waves washed me out
So now my single wide is floating in the ocean
Along with a sinking feeling and rising doubt

Quickly find my single wide is not seaworthy
As it has already become an aquatic habitat
I was swimming in a riptide by six thirty
Using a resin chair as a make shift raft

Homeless but alive on a rocky shore
With nothing ahead of me but sheer cliffs
I begin to climb soon my body is sore
Takes forever and a day to reach the precipice

Exhausted on the plateau I can only lay
On this hard flat and steady stone
Both of us warmed by the sun's ray
Thinking this is where I'll build my home

Integrity:Despised

2007-03-31T10:46:00.000-07:00

in·teg·ri·ty

1. Steadfast adherence to a strict moral or ethical code.
2. The state of being unimpaired; soundness.
3. The quality or condition of being whole or undivided; completeness.

In Genesis 25:34 we can read the culmination of a transaction that had more ramifications then either the seller or buyer may have realized. In this story there are no good guys. Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of stew. We know why he did this: He had a felt need. It also seems that he would not have been surprised if he did not live long enough to enjoy the benefits of his birthright. On the other side, we have the supplanter. He low-balls the value of the birthright, taking advantage of his brother's desperation. Can you say "brotherly love"?

de·spise

1. To regard with contempt or scorn.
2. To dislike intensely; loathe.
3. To regard as unworthy of one's interest or concern.

All that to get to this: We can despise our integrity in much the same way as Esau did his birthright. How often do we feel that a "need" of the present is worth more than our integrity? How often have I traded my own wholeness (and holiness) for a bowl of stew? That stew could be a little extra (ill-gotten) cash to help ends meet, the lie told to avoid a confrontation (including the words left unsaid), or the spouse that cheats (as well as the spouse that neglects) because it is easier than being naked with each other.

Every transaction has a supplier and a consumer. Had Jacob not enabled the transaction, had he provided for his kin without guile, would the deceit of Genesis 27 been necessary? How often have I enabled or encouraged the fall of my brother for my own gain? Truly, more than I care to remember.

In each of these, we have less concern for being undivided, whole and sound than we do for satisfying a felt need. I find examples all over Scripture. I also find examples strewn throughout my life. It pains me because I know it reflects a lack of faith. It says, "God, I don't think You are going to take care of this need, and even though I know this option I came across doesn't square with Your Word I am going to go my way." Could there be another reason I would fail to stand in the wisdom and promises of God? I don't think so. Am I my brother's keeper? Yes I am. Likewise, you are my keeper.

A Quality How-To

2007-03-31T00:40:00.000-07:00

If more of us that name the name of Christ acted like they believed He commanded us to care for the widows and the poor, maybe we wouldn't need a welfare system.

Until then, here are the least of these. Matt. 25:31-46

Quick Notes From Out of Town

2007-03-23T19:37:00.001-07:00

Hi Y'all,
I've been in the great state of Texas since Wednesday. I've noticed something here: There is a lot more state pride in Texas than in California, if state flags are any indicator.

I have some ideas for future posts, so please stay tuned.

Scars: Reminders of Lessons Learned

2007-03-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

Let us start with a couple of traffic facts. Fact one: Everybody that drives a car is an idiot. Fact two: Everybody that rides a motorcycle is crazy. Not all to the same degree, mind you, but crazies and idiots nonetheless.

I'm a bit of both, as you might have guessed. I ride a motorcycle every day but Sunday, which happens to be the only day I wear long pants.

One work day, I dropped off my work truck and rode the motorcycle home where my wonderful bride was waiting for me with bated breath. (See facts one and two again.) As is my custom, I was "sharing" lanes on a surface street. The rest of traffic stopped for a red light. I was making my way to the limit line when a young lady decided she needed to force her way from the right lane to the left lane. I admit I was in no immediate danger, but I was looking in her mirror. She wasn't looking. That, um, "upset" me. Therefore, I pulled along side her, gave her the meanest you're-an-inconsiderate-idiot-are-you-trying-to-kill-me look I could muster from within a full face helmet and proceeded to go around her protruding bumper. Ah, but it was a tight fit. Not wanting to touch the Suburban she was trying to wedge behind, I "walked" my bike though the gap. I must have started with the wrong foot, because at about the third step I felt my right leg caught between the piping hot exhaust pipe and the girl's bumper. I hit the throttle and quickly powered out of the bind. It smarted. It left a mark that eight months later still reminds me of Romans 12:17-21. When I seek vengeance for myself, I'm the one that gets burned.

Respectful

2007-03-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

OK guys and gals, let's have a quick run-down of why we should be respectful. Reason number one: Scripture says so. Do we need another reason? No, we don't. But here is number two:
Just as a husband giving lingerie to his wife is gift to himself, a wife giving respect is giving herself a gift.

As we prepare to give respect, we should know something of what we are giving. In the context of Eph 5:33, the word translated respect in the ESV is more often translated as some form of the word fear in the rest of the New Testament. This word is also very similar to the word translated as reverence (fear in the NASB) in Eph 5:21.

We can see that what we are giving is closely tied to fear. That your husband uses his strength to give you bear hugs in love rather than a full nelson in anger should be proof that he is at least somewhat respectable. Wives may want to remember this as they show respect. Your respect should be unconditional in Christ, just as you expect his love for you to be unconditional.

"But what are some ways I might show my husband respect?" you might be asking. Just as different guys feel disrespected by different things, so also they see respect in different ways.

Let me start with rule number one: Don't fake it. Empty flattery doesn't do anybody any good. I mean really, have you seen American Idol Laugh Out Loud night?

Second, watch how he shows respect. Remember, respect is love. Therefore, like a "love language" the way he likes to give is most likely the way he likes to get. Does he use titles such as "my Pastor" or "my wife" instead of names? Then try "My husband is wonderful." Remember rule one, of course.

Third, and maybe the hardest one, do Eph 5:22-24.

Happy 7th Birthday, Karissa.

2007-02-23T00:04:00.000-08:00

Karissa is the oldest of my three kids. In honor of her B-day today my lovely bride Tricia put together this little video history. We have two more B-days over the next few weeks. So figure this is one of three.

Respect is Love

2007-02-19T20:31:00.000-08:00

Great nations built from the bones of the dead
With mud and straw, blood and sweat,
You know your worth when your enemies
Praise your architecture of aggression

~Megadeth~

I sell tools to mechanics for a living. The tattoo above belongs to Tony, one of my preferred customers. As you might expect, he is respectful, respectable and respected. Like most men I know, you know what to expect with Tony. Respect. Men respect men because they are men.

But the ladies may not have this intuitive understanding. Some of the fairer sex may not realize that when men are asked to choose between, "Would you rather feel alone and unloved OR would you rather feel inadequate and disrespected by everyone?" 75% choose alone and unloved.

Now I should mention that in this survey by Shaunti Feldhann (in For Women Only) many men felt there was no real choice, because respect is love. Is everyone beginning to understand why we have gender specific commands in Eph 5:22 and Eph 5:33?

So, ladies, you probably want to know how to avoid disrespecting the men in your life. That is kind of tricky, because different guys are offended by different things. Therefore you will probably treat him with a lack of respect at some point. How will you know? Here is your clue: Watch his countenance. Disrespect is often met with anger. Sometimes that anger manifests as a change of tone, sometimes as silence, and sometimes as walking away. If you see these responses, you may be able to figure out which things push his button.

Think about what Tony said about this topic, "Without respect, there is nothing to build on."
Can I get an Amen?

In my next installment, I'll try to deal with giving respect.

One of those weeks...

2007-02-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks for dropping by y'all. This week has been hectic, hence no posting. But I do have one in the wings I'll touch it up today and should have it up tonight. Thanks for understanding. Y'all come back now ya hear.

Lingerie as a Motivator

2007-02-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

A while back, I mentioned Eph 5:25-28 and focused on being washed in the Word. But I can't stop thinking about that passage.

It seems to me that there is more than one source of motivation for actually loving my wife as Christ loves the church.

The first reason is because Scripture says so... That is a sufficient reason in and of itself. The second reason is a bonus... It's the same reason husbands buy their wives lingerie.

So why would a healthy, well-adjusted husband go out of his way to shop in the most feminine store (or part there of)? Why would he take the time to find that perfect outfit that conceals what she doesn't like but still makes the most her beauty?

I'll tell you why this husband does it. It is a present to myself. Yes, she gets the outfit. She gets the adoring attention. But I get her, presented to me in splendor.

My Jung Test

2007-02-04T00:16:00.001-08:00

Just for giggles, I took a Jung test online. They never seem quite right to me.

So here are the results. I'm a pretty odd duck, so I believe the 4.3% part.

ESTP - "Promotor". Action! When present, things begin to happen. Fiercely competitive. Entrepreneur. Often uses shock effect to get attention. Negotiator par excellence. 4.3% of total population.

Free Jung Word Choice Test (similar to MBTI)
personality tests by similarminds.com

Captured Thoughts

2007-01-24T23:03:00.000-08:00

Mr. Hatfield of Voice of Vision, reminded me of a kind of epiphany I had awhile back. Of course it was recent enough that it's kind of embarrassing to admit that it took so long to get "It".

I have seen many areas of growth in my life as a Christian. But there are other areas that are a constant fight. One of these areas is my thought life. Knowing I was supposed to hold every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), I would try to put the full nelson on every evil thought that came to mind and put it out of commission before it could grow into action. It was a rough life, full of failure.

Then one afternoon I was meditating upon Philippians 4:8. That is when it struck me. I was trying to hold the wrong thoughts captive! My wrestling with the wrong thoughts left little room to wrestle with the thoughts of God.

It has been amazing. The more I fill my mind with thoughts of God, really soaking in His Word, the less room there is for evil. As I think of my family, I see God at work more often. As I look at the world, I see more opportunity and less temptation. I see my works less and less and Christ in me more and more.

Scars of the Past

2007-01-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

As you might imagine, the first time I read Romans 13 as a new believer my old identity was smashed to bits. If you haven't guessed it yet, that's my arm in the picture. A lasting reminder of the old man.

During the last eight years of my old life, I picked up my Bible less then a dozen times because I knew it was the word of God. I knew it would show me where I was in error, and I would be compelled to change. At the time, I wanted to pursue the pleasures of the world. I know what it means to be a stiff-necked (2 Chronicles 30:8) person.

In a sense, reading the Bible still scares me, because there I encounter God, the ultimate authority... one to whom all glory is due and to whom every knee shall bow. It is the faithfulness and mercy of God that gives me courage. This is the kind of courage needed to read Colossians 3 and be encouraged to leave the old man behind.

There's is an older Stavesacre song lyric that nails it for me.

Holding Nothing

2007-01-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

I figure every one knows the story of the wealthy young man of Matthew 19:6-22. I realize that the common view is that he went away sad and was never redeemed. While I admit that is very likely, the text leaves me a little short of that conclusion.

Let me reveal a little about myself, and how these verses have ministered to me.

About twelve years ago, I was alone in my room. Under the influence of some pretty harsh drugs, God smacked me upside the head. (No, I don't think it was the drugs talking.) I had made a profession of faith some thirteen years prior in a Jr. High youth group. But this night, I had the distinct impression that I was "self-medicating" to cover the pain caused by my own disobedience. Namely, I had tried to take back the life I had already given up to God.

God condescended to rescue me that night. It was a night of immense joy. It was also a night of immense sorrow. After the "Yes, LORD, I am Your possession." I asked, "What more must I do to be complete?" I understood I had to leave everything behind and follow Him. This included all my friends...the type of friends that would not only die for me, but kill also. We were closer than kin. The cost to me, at that time, seemed high. It was all I had, and it broke my heart to obey. But as you know it was but a momentary and light affliction when compared to the glory set before me (2 Cor 4:17).

My brothers and sisters, this is not the only time I have found it necessary to give up that which I loved for the cause of drawing close to my Savior.

More recently, I left a church that is, in my opinion, dying on the vine. But it was a church that allowed me to work on my gift (as modest as it might be) of preaching and teaching. Yet, the majority of the preaching left my family unfed. I could not continue to neglect the spiritual health of my family. I believe my family is my primary ministry, and preaching is secondary. Therefore, even though it saddened me (in some respects) to do so, I moved my family to a wonderful and vibrant church... one where my chances of preaching or teaching (given the depth of talent available) is slim to none. But the resulting spiritual growth in my family (self included), has meant that my "sacrifice" was no sacrifice at all.

By now, I suppose, you can understand why I don't necessarily see "he went away sorrowful" as "he went away to never obey and be condemned to hell." May we all, if called to, give up whatever holds us back from being complete.

Links; Gratuitous and Otherwise

2007-01-05T22:30:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping my favorite international commenter Ann, can shed some light on this one(third snippet down), what do some Swedish girls have against guys? (Actually, I just wanted an excuse to throw a link her way.) Talk about the feminization of men, who will be left to take out the trash or work on the car? All I have to say is Jack won't sit and neither will I.

I'm really glad that Dan Phillips, a blogger who's readership greatly exceeds my own has taken up the cause, the eradication of the most annoying catch phrase of the decade.

I'm also quite pleased that Frank Turk has taken up the other cause of the decade. Go ahead, sign it. All the cool people are doing it.

Bathwater

2006-12-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

edited for typos and other things that annoy my wife. 12/31

Gwen says, "But I still love to wash in your old bathwater." I know it's the girl version of Offspring's Self Esteem, but I don't care. I'm just going to rip it out of context and make it fit what I want to say. I don't even feel bad about it, really. It isn't Scripture; it's not even Zeppelin.

"But I still love to wash in your old bathwater." Some would probably say something to the effect of, "Eeww, that's gross".

But not me. I think, "Would my wife be happy in my bathwater?" Understand that I don't mean bathwater as in "the liquid just below the ring in the tub." I mean it more like, "Have I been so washed in the word of God that my wife is becoming more holy and blameless by steeping in my presence?"

Doesn't Eph 5:25-28 say to love my wife as Christ loved the church? Is she not my primary ministry? Am I a help to her sanctification? Ultimately, does being closer to me draw her closer to Christ? I surely hope so. I surely believe that as I grow, as Christ washes me, she may one day ask to wash in my old bathwater.

iPod Update

2006-12-20T20:53:00.000-08:00

It has been two weeks since I was podjacked, I have given up hope and have moved on with my life. Only occasionally hoping to find the man only to drag him behind my truck over broken glass mixed with salt (kosher of course). But I'm not bitter, really, I've moved on.

Prayer Request

2006-12-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

To the 8 or so people who visit here I have a prayer request. Not an ordinary prayer request, but rather a imprecatory prayer request, for the man that stole my iPod. It was stolen from my work truck, by a customer (I sell tools for a living). Hopefully the guy will hear "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" and be distraught enough to return my iPod. But just in case can we all call fire down upon his head? Thanks.

Vicarious Suffering

2006-12-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

A while back, I blogged on the joys I have discovered in the blessing of others. This weekend, the flipside of Rom 12:15 was brought to life, weeping with those that weep. Immense is the difference between driving by a serious car wreck and driving by and recognizing your close friends' car in a serious wreck. In the first incident, you may see people already helping and decide to keep moving, nothing to see here. But the second, you most assuredly stop, if you actually call them friend behind their back.

I pulled over for my friends this weekend and wept with them. Got angry at the other driver with them and covered them with prayer. There wasn't any room to ride in the ambulance, but I will be there to minister to wounds as best I can. I will also be keeping my hands at ten o'clock and two o'clock when I drive, with my eyes on the road. This wreck wasn't an accident, it may have been avoided, if everyone had been paying attention.

Help for the Putter

2006-11-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you looking to improve your skill in reading those undulating greens quickly.

Mortify

2006-11-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live. (Nu 33:55)

Sometimes when I read scripture, I see things in a new way. I'm sure I'm not the first guy in 2000 years to see this passage in this light, but this time reading though Numbers I received the proverbial smack up side the head.

For the first time, I saw my own walk. Where, after crossing the Jordan, I have failed to drive out the inhabitants. I can see many areas of my life where I have tried to peacefully co-exist with the old man. Oh, the strife that has ensued.

I can't count how many times I have launched into battle on my own, and gone down in humiliating defeat. Nor can I count how many times I have had to deal with the consequences of those failures. I have a feeling I will need constant reminders, just as Israel did, that my God needs to go before me, that in Him alone is victory.

The First McDaris House Rule

2006-11-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

My wife and I are about to celebrate our eighth anniversary later this month. As I often do I reflect back on the first anniversary present I gave her, I printed it out on special paper and framed it. Thought I'd share it with the rest of the world.

This household is and shall be continually set apart and holy unto the only true living God, by whom and through whom is our salvation and righteousness. Blessed is the Lord forever.
Amen.

There is only one God, The true God is triune in nature; consisting of three personages; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each are completely and perfectly God, lacking nothing. Each equally God in essence and eternal in nature. In this we see the perfect relationship.

Therefore, God is a relational being, and seeks relationships with His people. Outside of the Godhead, the relationship between God and man is the preeminent relationship among all of creation. Made possible through Christ alone, by faith alone.

Second in the order of relationships is the marriage relationship. Ordained by God, given as a gift to man, holy and pure, to be cherished for a lifetime.

Marriage was not only given as a gift, but also as a picture of God in His relationships. It is a picture of God the Father in relation to God the Son , Christ Jesus. It is a picture of God and His relation with the nation of Israel. It is also a picture of Christ in relation to the Church. Furthermore, it is a picture of Christ in relation to regenerate man.

These are the principles on which this house rule is based.

The First McDaris House Rule is; that my wife will be honored in all ways at all times by everyone residing in or visiting this household.

This will be done because; a) She was created in the image of God. b) Her name is written in the Book of Life, redeemed by the blood of Christ. c) As my wife she is my glory, just as Christ is the glory of God. d) As my wife she is a picture of the Church, the bride of Christ.
In the matter regarding to what extent she shall be honored, all circumstances shall fall into one of two categories.

Category one, all circumstances involving correction and/or discipline.
In all these circumstances my wife will be treated with be treated with honor due a child of the one true living God.

Category two, all other circumstances. In all other circumstances she shall be treated as though we might see her through God's eyes, as though she were already perfected through the process of sanctification. If there is any doubt,then the guideline shall be, my wife shall receive as much honor as humanly possible with out worshiping her.

I shall jealously defend my wife's honor within the boundaries of righteousness, always seeking the glory of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, I hereby acknowledge that when I fail to honor my wife, I am accountable to God and the body of Christ, especially those that were witness to our marriage covenant with God.

I, Brian C. McDaris, by the authority granted to me by the eternal, holy and sovereign God of the universe, as head of this household, declare that this is a binding document.

May the Lord be blessed and glorified in this house.

Longing for Heaven

2006-09-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

For most of my teen years I had a death wish. Having heard the promises of heaven, and thinking myself saved, death seemed to be better than the normal teen angst. I confess that knowing I am saved has not eradicated this longing for death. It has, however, dramatically changed my motivation. Let me illustrate with a parable. Heaven is like an In-N-Out Burger and life is like everything else leading up to an In-N-Out Burger. The In-N-Out experience, like the Christian life, starts in the parking lot, with the fragrance that permeates the air, drawing me closer, creating a desire for what is good and right. Then I cross the lot to the doors of the kingdom of fresh ground beef, grilled to perfection. Entering I realize the fragrance outside was merely a shadow of what was to come. The smell of Double Doubles grilling, permeate the air. This, yes, this is my life in the Kingdom. My life in Christ as currently realized. Many are the joys here, the wife and kids, a job and friends. And most of all, thick with the presence of Christ. The friendly face in the red apron has taken my order, the bill paid, is certain that this joy is mine. As soon as my number is up.

Creating Followers

2006-08-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about for quite sometime. Why does it seem that the Christian community is on the trailing edge of creativity? Or, to put it another way, why is the church taking its cues from popular culture?

It seems that in the desire to be all things to all people, we have stepped back to see what the world will do, then try to emulate the mainstream pop culture in an effort to be relevant. The flaw, in my opinion, is that it belies who we are as christians, who we are in Christ and most importantly, that Christ is in us. Is it not the God of and the Creator of the universe that has taken up residence within us? The Spirit of God who is able to create something from nothing is supposed to be our driving force, is it not? Then, if we agree this is true, why would we wait and see what trends the world will follow, and then follow the world? Shouldn’t following Christ, or if you prefer, being led by the Spirit, lead us to the cutting edge of creativity?

I, for one, thank it should. Especially in the engagement of the culture, whether through the arts, or evangelism or what ever we do, we should be the most creative subculture within our society. I pray you are challenged, as I have been, to lean wholly on the Lord and not on our own understanding when seeking to reach into the mission field that surrounds us.

Long Over-due Post

2006-06-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know its been a while. But, I have a life away from the computer. So there.

I am surprised that none of my four readers noted the strawman in Dan's argument. That is to say, substituting what he percieves to be "pure and without error" for what God precieves as "pure and without error". Then again, Nadab and Abihu of Num 3:4 had a simalar error.

High Tension Wires and Common Grace

2006-05-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago, Dan Edelen of Cerulean Sanctum got me thinking with this post. In it he deals with the doctrine of Imago Dei in relation to the doctrine of total depravity, and his inability to reconcile the two satisfactorily.

In his post he list four possible solutions along with reasons why they can't be right. I believe his number three comes closest to how I see things.

#3 Total Depravity is total; however, the Imago Dei remains but is tainted in such a way that nothing pure comes from any of it.

His critique of this position is as follows,

#3 is problematic because one could argue that there are things that Man creates that are perfect or at least profoundly good that would argue against taint. For instance, in what way is Handel's Messiah "imperfect" as a piece of music? Or Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata? One could say that in order to be perfect, those works would have to appeal to all men at all times in all places. But is that the true test of perfection? Yes, the instruments used to play those works may not be in perfect tune, but the idea of those works as they existed in the minds of those composers would mitigate that issue.

The other problem about #3 is asking the other side of the perfection issue: In what way are those works tainted by sin? Yes, their creators are tainted by sin. There's no reason to believe that Beethoven was ever a born-again Christian, so this muddies the water further, since the Moonlight Sonata is sublimely beautiful. There is evidence that Beethoven wrote that piece in mourning for an unrequited love affair with a married woman, so his motives for writing it are questionable. But the greater question of the purity of the work as a work unto itself remains.

The gist of the argument is (and correct me if I'm wrong)thus we as fallen man are totally depraved, dead in sin. Not mostly dead, but all dead. Specifically spiritually dead. Furthermore,
since Imago Dei is contained within the immaterial part of man rather than the material part. Hence, death to spirit means death to the image of God.

I don't agree with the premise, let me try to illustrate while maintaining the metaphor. Here in the suburbs, we have quite the population of opossums. They don't know when to cross the street. I usually see a couple a month that have lost arguments with passing cars. It is not a pretty sight, but it still looks like an opossum. Sure the little guy's not as tall, and seems to have spread himself a little thin, but he's still recognizable.

So, I would say, yes, we are totally depraved. That is nothing in us is untouched by the fall, all aspects of creation have been perverted as a consequence of that event. Even twisted in death the indelible marks of our Creator show through. I suggest that this is part of the common grace given all mankind. To the glory of God.

tags Journal Devotional Bible Theology Doctrine Christian

Stating the Obvious

2006-04-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have lost count of how many times the people grumbled, contended or otherwise whined about the conditions in the wilderness, while reminiscing about the good ol' days in Egypt. Not that I'm going to start the stone throwing. Are we not all men off like flesh? I know that I have, on occasion, looked back fondly on my good ol' days, forgetting what a wicked task-master sin was. Forgetting for a moment how gracious and kind my new task-master is to me.

I notice that their complaint comes from being in the wilderness. A situation brought on by their own unbelief, namely the fear of men and their own perceptions of their chances of success. How many times have I found myself in the midst of the consequence of my own actions?

This time after their offering of whine, God sends "fiery serpents" among the people, and some died. It seems that tragedy sometimes helps us see the sin in our lives and motivates us to repentance. As always, God is faithful and provides a way of salvation.

tags Journal Devotional Bible Theology Doctrine Christian

Second Question, Second Answer?

2006-04-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Continuing with the second question of my Hero To Zero post. I wondered, Why does Moses state "shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?" Does the "we" include God? Or just Aaron and himself? The short answer is, the "we" does not include God. I say this because of God's response to the situation. God states to Moses and Aaron, "Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel" As we see in Numbers 20:24, that Aaron was being gathered to his people" because he "rebelled" against the command of God. In, Numbers 27:14, we read of Moses being Gathered to his people for the same reason. I think this makes a strong case that when we deviate from the revealed will of God, we are acting in "unbelief" and there by not treating God as holy in the sight of His people. So, how did these two great leaders stray from the course, disqualifying themselves from entering the promised land? It seems to me that they neglected to credit the power of God to this miracle. How often are we, leaders included, tempted to recognize our part in the working out of God's plan as the indispensable part? Thereby creating dependence on ourselves and our God given talents, rather then God and His sovereign hand. Think about your preaching, your evangelism, your apologetics, are you also tempted, I surely am.

tags Journal Devotional Bible Theology Doctrine Christian

First Question, First Answer?

2006-04-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

Why did Moses disobey? It seems to me, that every time the Israelites set up camp, they figure they should be in the promised land. This has been going on for a number of years, and quite frankly, I think Moses is fed up with it. I find it notable that God wasn't burning with wrath, ready to smite the people before Moses intercedes. God is silent until Moses and Aaron fall before Him. Then, before these men of God can speak, God gives them instructions on how He will use them to bless the people. I can't count the times I've wanted to have explicit instructions from God. I realize, even with clear guidance, how easy it is to trip over my own sin nature. I believe the words spoken by Moses, "Listen now, you rebels" shows his heart, that he thought the sons of Israel needed a verbal b-slap. I think this shows how easily we can insert our own will in to God's plan, which in turn leads us into further sin. Thankfully, even as we might fail, God is good, and He continues to provide.

tags Journal Devotional Bible Theology Doctrine Christian

Hero to Zero in Eight Chapters

2006-04-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I was reading in Numbers. Chapter 20 to be specific, the Water of Meribah. This is the episode in which the people are once again whining about not having anything to drink, and reminiscing about how good they had it in Egypt. As you may recall, Moses was told to speak to the rock. Instead, he struck it twice. I find it interesting that Moses’ disobedience did not thwart the will of God, the water flowed and the people drank from the abundant blessing of God. Things went differently for Moses the humble and his bro Aaron. "Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." Why did Moses disobey? Why does he state “shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?" Does the “we” include God? Or just Aaron and himself? I’m still thinking on these, so I will take this up again soon.

tags Journal Devotional Bible Theology Doctrine Christian

At the end...

2006-03-17T21:01:00.000-08:00

Time for a mild rant, I'm tired of hearing the phrase "at the end of the day". Every one and their brother is using it, someone put a fork in it because it's done. I figure when the dust settles we will realize that al the pundits where just trying to sound like visionaries, with a overly market tested catch phrase. To me, it just sounds like a bunch of "talking point" writers have become lazy, and once the cards have been dealt and the hand played they will be shown for the frauds that they are. So hopefully soon, we will hear the final buzzer and some more creative ways of expressing themselves. Cue the fat lady please....

I'm NAKED!!!

2006-03-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

"I'm NAKED!!!!" My girls, cry out as they get ready for their shower. The joy of being naked and unashamed. That joy was lost to me some time ago. I don't remember when exactly when it happened, but I know I'm as prone as anybody to try to cover myself. Cover myself with all kinds of things. To shift the blame, to spin the perception of others towards me. The hope that others would only see what I show them.
I have seen Christ working in my life, the changing of my heart, the renewing of my mind. I asked God to show me where I needed to be humbled, my pride broken. Even though I was warned that it might lead to humiliation. As the t-shirt reads, "pain is just weakness leaving your body" I think it might also be true that humiliation is just pride leaving your spirit. As I have been humbled I find that it was pride that reveled my shame. When I thought I deserved to be seen as greater than I am, and was seen as I truly am, I was humiliated. In my pride I esteemed myself to highly. There for I strive to be naked to myself and others, I am uneducated, I am unpopular, I am naked. And my yes will be yes, and my no, no. Even to myself.

tags Journal Devotional Christian

Vicarious Blessings

2006-02-23T22:38:00.000-08:00

This post has been a long time in coming. Maybe I'm a little behind the curve, but for the, oh, lets say ,last six months I get real joy out of my friends blessings. Now mind you, I don't mean blessings between me and my friends. But rather the blessings I have nothing o do with, the promotion at work, tickets to the big game or show, the new love. Now of course, the closer I am to the person receiving the blessing the the more I rejoice. It is amazing how little I think about myself regarding these things, I think I will be just as happy with vicarious blessings as I am with my own.

tags Journal Devotional

Anointed ones

2006-02-13T22:27:00.000-08:00

So, like I said before, I'm reading though Numbers. There is so much in this book it's going to take a while to read it all. I feel compelled to stop reading and just stew in what I've read. Case in point, Numbers 16 A bunch of people decide that they should be peers to Moses and Aaron, they were wrong and God caused the earth to swallow them, like aSandworm from Dune. After spending a couple of days in awe. I begin to think of Daniel, I know it sounds odd, but this is my blog. I wonder if that episode (Moses not Dune) popped into Daniel's head in 1 Sam 26:8-11. It seems like a good reason to respect authority.

The most humble man I know

2006-01-19T18:05:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time I know. I have been reading as opposed to studying. I'm reading Numbers, Mere Christianity, and Biblical Eldership. The last two have been rather sporadic as of late. But I came across something in Numbers that I just can't shake, in 12:3 it reads, (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.) It just amazes me, that at a time in my life when I seem to be hyper-sensitive to pride in my own life, I am presented with Moses as an example of humility. I've been reflecting a lot on the life of Moses, and even though it wasn't my first thought, I have a strong feeling it was the time spent with God, face to face. I'm sure that would do it. It seems the more time I spend with God, the more humble I become. Maybe soon I'll get a "Most Humble Man I Know" t-shirt.

The fight is on....

2005-12-11T18:53:00.000-08:00

It has been a rough couple of weeks. It seems the fight against my more base desires is never won. I wish I could blame all my weaknesses on the devil but I know it is me that is my enemy. I often grow weary of beating my own thoughts into submission, but music seems to help. Namely, early Stavesacre, helps me to focus my thoughts and engage in the battle. Reminding me where my "shelter from the ever present enemy" is. And that the " hardest part of letting go, is trusting You with everything, and laying bare my soul". Of course the higher the decibel level the better.

2wk :.:.:.:

So-so

2005-11-30T21:54:00.000-08:00

Finally, I'm back from vacation. It was some good times. And some mediocre times. Case in point, I won't be recommending any of the Las Vegas Cigar Factory cigars. I tried one of the blends in a maduro wrapper. It didn't quite suck, the draw was fine, which means it was quite easy to experience mediocrity. Seems to me as though it might be easiest to be mediocre. Oh, its so tempting to be mediocre, just cruise thoughnot putting in much if any effort. Just think about it. For myself it takes at least some effort to be bad, or maybe better yet, it takes effort to fail. You have to expose yourself to risk before you can fail. Easier to not risk anything than to fail... easier to fail than be great.

t-w:.:
:.:.:.

Seaside Singlewide

2005-11-18T22:33:00.000-08:00

Seaside Singlewide
(A Trailer Trash epic)

Found my spot on the shoreline
Ten paces to the dry side of high tide
Is where I'll park my trailer in no time
My own little seaside singlewide

Toes in sand, I lean back in a resin chair
With an Avo burning and a cold Guinness
Watch the sun setting, smell the sea in the air
What tomorrow brings, I couldn't care less

I woke before dawn to a new sensation
A storm blew in, and the waves washed me out
So now my singlewide is floating in the ocean
Along with a sinking feeling and rising doubt

Quickly find my singlewide is not seaworthy
As it has aready become an aquatic habitat
I was swiming in a riptide by six thirty
Using a resin chair as a make shift raft

Homeless but alive on a rocky shore
With nothing ahead of me but sheer cliffs
I begin to climb soon my body is sore
Takes forever and a day to reach the precipice

Exhausted on the plateau I can only lay
On this hard flat and steady stone
Both of us warmed by the sun's ray
Thinking this is where I'll build my home

poetry

Effect of Music

2005-11-16T21:54:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks, I have found great comfort in music. Not just any music, but music that reminds me of my standing with my Maker. Most of the music I prefer is quite heavy. I like good storytelling at really high volume levels. Good hard rock / alt. music tends to have deeper lyrical and music content then most of what is heard today.
To remind me of the fight I listen to Stavesacre "Between the Two Heavens". When I hear COC's "Rise River Rise" I am reminded of the grace I enjoy. Audioslave's "Like a Stone" reminds me of the house I long to be in myself. But one of my favorite and most compeling is "Epignosis" by Chaterbox.
I'll try to get an iMix playlist up on iTunes music store so you can drop the $3.96 to hear and maybe be a little richer for it.

music

Check yo'self

2005-11-14T22:59:00.000-08:00

So I have a theory, that anyone that belongs to the visable church can be found in the letters to the churches in Revelation. Just another thought to bounce in my head.
On a different track, It is amazing how one part of life can get easier but others can become harder. More on this later.

:.:

Esteem

2005-11-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test! 2 Cor 15:5
This passage has been bouncing around in my head for years. May be it would help to let you in on my number one life goal: to be a great man of God. Not to be a world famous man of God, not to be a well published man of God, not even to be a oft quoted man of God. To be a man of God who hears on the day I see my Lord's face, "well done good and faithfull servant."
Therefore, I am always seeking to achive (as much as is up to me) this goal. Knowing where I want to be is the easy part. Knowing where I currently am is a little more difficult. Of course I use scripture to try to test my self, but there in lies the difficult part. It would be folly to rely solely on my own estimation of myself. Fortunately, I have a couple of friends that aren't afraid of hurting my feelings.

f .:.:
s.:.:.:
.:.

Musings in Matthew

2005-11-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

As part of our nightly rituals, I have been reading though the Gospel of Mathew with my girls. I have noticed that trying to breakdown scripture for a five year old causes me to think about it differently. Thinking in more basic terms, without using big words helps me figure out how well I understand the point of the passage. Anywho, I had some fresh eyes and was thinking, so I figured I'd keep on thinking. Easier to keep the fire going than to start a new one later. I was wondering why I hadn't had a clear direction as I look for a new home church for my family. I begain to realize that God doesn't always guide me like I expect Him to, fancy that. To me it is like picking up a friend at the airport. You know which exit he is going to be coming out from, untll your third time past the terminal, (unless your my wife, your getting picked up at the curb) the cell phone rings. Its your buddy just letting you know he has seen you drive by, twice. He showed up where he wasn't expected. Such is my current situation with God. I was waiting for Him to lead me in the same manner He lead me last time I was looking for a church. Wich was basically by the hand, This time though, it seems He is using the old "block all but one way" style of directing my path. Time will tell if have assessed the situation rightly.
:.:.:

So here it starts...

2005-11-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

I have a friend who suggested I should "journal", I personally don't like "journaling" but blogging is totally different, you see. No,..no you don't do you? I don't buy it either, but it still seems better than journaling. Anywho.. this is how it starts, I woulndn't hold out any hope that its going to get any better.