Wisdom From John

I�m responsible????

2010-05-24T12:05:37-04:00

Have I told you all lately how much I enjoy God's lessons on life, especially when they jump up out of nowhere and catch me by surprise? Such was the case last night as I was going through some old emails.

I was surprised by a speech given by Dr. Justin Jackson at the Hillsdale College Spring Convocation. In his speech he read some passages from the book, "The Little Prince" and, while this is supposed to be a children's book, it contained some profound thoughts on life.

The title of his speech was, "You Become Responsible, Forever, For What You Have Tamed: Some Thoughts on Roses, Foxes, and Friendship." Initially, I thought this speech had to be something weird and not worth my time to watch � that is why it has taken me a month to check it out. Last night God said, "Watch it stupid" so I did.

"You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed�" is a profound thought that is seldom expressed within our culture. I'm responsible??? Forever??? And, what do you mean by tamed??? Put this thought into the concept of pets and animals and it begins to make sense. Put this thought into the concept of friendship and discipleship and it becomes enlightening and a bit scary.

If I tame an animal, that animal is now "dependent" upon me to provide for its well being. I'm responsible for sheltering it from the storms of life; I'm responsible for meeting its basic survival needs like food and water; I'm responsible for caring for it when it is sick and needs medical attention. And, these responsibilities of mine are "forever" or as long as we're both alive.

Now put this thought into the concept of friendship, marriage, and discipleship and you begin to see where God took me last night. First Timothy 5:22 tells us, "Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands�" and I have always tried to understand why we are to be cautious about the laying on of hands. Now, if I insert this scripture into the professor's thoughts �"You are responsible, FOREVER�" I begin to understand Paul's warning.

And, this is where God reminded me of his love. The challenge: when I take the marriage vow, when I lead another to Christ, when I take part in training up a disciple of Christ, my responsibility to that other individual is FOREVER.

Ever given up on a fallen saint? Ever walked away from a friendship because the other person was weird, stubborn, or too much of a burden? Last night God reminded me that my responsibility to that other person was FOREVER. And, for the record, I know who I'm supposed to go back and get. It's time to go back and pick up the wounded.

John Keilholz ICWAO@hotmail.com May 22, 2010

(See Below)

If you have never heard of Hillsdale College, I highly recommend you check them out. Their main product for the general public is their publication called, "IMPRIMIS." It comes once a month and is a powerful, thought provoking, paper dealing with the issues of the day. IMPRIMIS contributors look at issues from a conservative point of view and they will greatly improve your understanding of current events. Did I mention it was free � it is. They will not accept payment for this wonderful monthly paper�it is their gift to the world.

They also refuse to take "any" government funds: no GI Bill, no Pell Grants � no government funds of any kind. If a student needs assistance, they connect that student to other sources, individual contributors, who will help the student with student loans and financial assistance. They are a conservative liberal arts college that wants to be independent of government control.

Hillsdale is now building a feature on their website called, "Hillsdale Happening" which will contain video of seminars, speeches, and events given at Hillsdale. Today's thoughts come from one of the speeches presented on the first "Hillsdale Happening."

Have a great day�see you all in church.

John

A slave to the one we obey

2010-05-24T12:03:44-04:00

"Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey � Whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?" Romans 6:16 (NIV) Thus, with this scripture, God started my morning. Then for the next 400 miles, he beat me up with it.

Over the years, I have come to understand that it is because of our pride and selfishness that we foolishly attempt to hide our sins from God. If we don't call a certain behavior a sin, then it isn't really a sin to us. After all we humans can rationalize any behavior as normal and acceptable and, generally speaking, we are hesitant to label anything that we personally do as a sin. Call some of our habits a sin and then tell us that we are a slave to sin and we'll probably disagree with you; after all, we go to church every Sunday.

I have learned that God will not or cannot work through a prideful heart. If I am to grow in understanding and wisdom, then humility is a character trait that I should desire and develop. As revealed by Psalm 25:9 "He guides the humble in what is right, and teaches them his way." And, what about the prideful � "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)

Now in this current "Me first" world we live in, humility is something that is not generally taught in either our schools or our homes. Sadly, this lack of humility has found its way into the church. Pride and ego have destroyed many a church: pride and ego have also destroyed countless marriages, homes and individuals.

So, what do pride, ego, and humility have to do with obedience? Just about everything. Let me ask a question. How often should we evaluate our Christian walk and our relationship with God: Only on communion Sunday; maybe every Sunday morning; how about only when we're caught doing something wrong or we feel guilty? Just how often must we confess our sins and feel like we've failed God?

Well, as one might guess, I spent much of my day evaluating my walk with God. As the miles rolled by, I found myself making a list of all the "things" that I am "obedient to" and how those "things" measured up to God's standard. Generally, when I make such a list as this I find myself offering excuses as to why something is in my life. It's the old, "God I had to break the speed limit because ___________." "God, if he hadn't said what he did, I wouldn't have _________." And then there is, "God, it was just a television program. I'd never do something like that." And of course, my favorite, "God, I'm just human. What do you expect? No one is perfect."

I have come to know that if I am sincere about my relationship with God or my relationship with another person as in the case of my spouse, I must be honest about how I measure up to God's standards. I must be willing to humble myself and admit my sins if I want to grow closer to God. I must also do the same if I want to heal a wound between another and myself. Growing in maturity requires a humble heart and honesty; honesty with God, honesty with others, and most importantly honesty with myself.

In order to mature in faith, I must be able to call sin, sin and then work to eliminate sin from my life. And, this is where the list of "things I'm obedient to" comes in. Just what is it that controls me; what emotions, thoughts, or feelings do I obey? We are slaves to the one whom we obey � either a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. Note that this is an "either - or" situation. We cannot serve two masters or sit on the fence.

Jesus came that we might have liberty and freedom; that we might be set free from sin. The time as long since past when we should have cleaned out our closets and shaken off the chains of sin, but understanding the human mind, we all have miles to go before we are truly free.

"Then I acknowledged my sin to you (Lord) and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" � and you (Lord) forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5 (NIV)

"He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment." Mark 12:30 (KJ)

So, tonight as you lay your head upon the pillow and review your day, take a look into your closets and see what is hidden there; the time has come for all of us to clean house.

John Keilholz ICWAO@hotmail.com May 21, 2010

The Sacrificial Squirrel

2010-05-19T12:05:11-04:00

The Sacrificial Squirrel
Or
Why the church is failing

Ever wonder if God is working in your life or that he even cares about you? Well, if your answer to this question is a very timid "Yes" or an "I'm not sure," I have one thing to say to you�."Wake up and look around you, God is alive and well. You're just not paying attention."

This morning as I was enjoying my first cup of coffee, a squirrel sacrificed its life so that I could listen to a message from God. But wait, before I explain this comment, let's go back to what happened a week or so ago. For you see, if you've not noticed God working in your life, maybe you are not aware of how he works in the lives of his children. So, let me explain how he often works in mine.

God sort of works like an artist...he paints a picture over time or he writes a book one chapter at a time. Chapter one for today's events happened several days ago and came in the form of a friend telling me about her pastor's Sunday morning sermon. The title of the sermon was, "The Practical Atheist."

According to her pastor, a practical atheist is someone who attends church but then does NOT live like a Christian. They know religion but they don't know Christ; they attend church but never seem to make Jesus Lord over their lives. The practical atheist plays at church but never becomes a disciple of Christ. From this sermon arose a question, "Is the church failing to make disciples?" Better yet, "Does the church even understand what makes a person a disciple?"

While you're thinking on this, let's return to this morning's sacrificial squirrel�chapter two. This morning a cute, little squirrel touched a wire that was carrying 12,000 volts. In a flash this squirrel entered into eternity and the lights went out in Taylorsville. Now when the lights go out, we power company folks kick everything into high gear and I was soon on my way North. As I was leaving, my friend stopped me to ask if I would return her sermon notes from the "Practical Atheist" sermon; odd that she'd ask but part of God's building story. In a way, he was giving me a small reminder of something he had already shown me.

Now, as I was heading North, I "just happened" to hear a retired baseball player share his testimony on American Family Radio. You guessed it; he touched on the idea that many individuals who attend church never achieve maturity as a Christian. In truth, too many churchgoers cannot even lead a fish to water let alone lead a sinner to a saving knowledge of Christ (my words, not his). If you doubt this, ask the person sitting next to you this Sunday morning how many people they have led to the Lord.

This ballplayer told of how he had been raised in an atheistic home and attended a very liberal Catholic high school. He grew up thinking the Bible was filled with fairytales and that Christians were blindly following something that wasn't real. And, then God changed his world with a serious injury and during his recovery he met a real disciple of Christ Jesus. And, as they say, "The rest is history."

Why had he been turned off to Christianity by the church folks he associated with on the team? Why had he refused to make a serious attempt to find a relationship with God? Why was going to church such a turn off to him? His answer; the Christians he knew could NOT answer his questions nor could they adequately explain the scriptures. As I understand his answer, his Christian friends knew the Bible, but they didn't know the word of God.

Some of his questions were on the order of; "Where's the proof that God exist?" "Where is the historical proof that the cities of the Bible were actually cities?" Why would God allow evil to exist in the world?" And, "Why can't we find proof that the characters of the Bible actually lived?" While there may not be cut and dry answers to these questions, a mature Christian should be able to give an acceptable answer to them.

Well, one day our ballplayer met a real disciple of Christ, and through their friendship he found God and a personal relationship with Christ. Now he is a motivational speaker and is spreading the Gospel across America. His challenge this morning; stop playing church and truly make Jesus Lord.

A Christ like disciple is someone who wants to be like Christ. A true disciple does not just follow Jesus; they want to be "like" Jesus. This is why Peter got out of the boat. If Jesus, his Rabbi, could walk on the water, then Peter wanted to also walk on the water. He wanted to be like his Rabbi. He wanted to do the things that Jesus did. When was the last time we churchgoers had the desire to be like Jesus and do the things that Jesus did?

Look at the American church community. We have whole Christian communities supporting politicians who support abortion and homosexual marriages. We have whole Christian communities who sit in silence as federal judges kick God out of the public arena. We have whole Christian communities turning their backs on the homeless, those in prison, and the widows and orphans. How can we call ourselves Christians if we sit by and watch the evils of pornography, child abuse, and drug addiction destroy our Nation's children and then take no action?

This morning God sacrificed a squirrel so that I would hear a baseball player give his testimony and hear his challenge to our Nation. This morning a squirrel gave up its life so that God could once again tell a sinner like me that my sacrifices pale in comparison to the sacrifices of a true disciple. This morning Taylorsville went into the dark so that God could tell us, the Church, that it is time we obey one of the last commandments Jesus gave his followers�Go and make disciples.

Today, God once again challenged me to stop being a churchgoer and to become a true disciple of Christ.

God, forgive me for failing you. I have not been the obedient child I should have been and I have brought shame to your name. Please Lord; give me ears to hear your voice, eyes to see your path, and the heart of a child that I might become a true disciple. I want to be like Jesus. Help me to overcome my unbelief and to walk in faith. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you for being a forgiving God who loves us unconditionally. You are the almighty God, the God most high and I love you Lord.

Just a thought

John Keilholz ICWAO@hotmail.com May 13, 2010

What makes a hero?

2010-05-19T12:00:23-04:00

Since rejoining God's team back in 1978, I have looked for individuals that I considered "Christian heroes" and have tried to pattern my life after them. Now, understand that most of these individuals would never be listed along side of those who are named in Hebrews chapter 11 because they have never shut the mouths of lions, nor built an ark. However, they all have impacted my life in a significant way and thus they have become one of my heroes.

This morning I awoke with them on my heart and I'd like to mention a few of them and, in a small way, say "Thanks for all you've done for me." But wait, perhaps I shouldn't name them. What if I forget someone? I'd feel terrible if someone important to me felt that I didn't appreciate their spiritual gift. And then, there is the possibility that someone would reveal a hidden truth about one of my heroes causing them to fall from grace and that would be a tragedy to me. So, playing it safe, let me just talk about what makes a person one of my heroes.

All my heroes are servants of the King. In Mathew 25, God explains what he looks for in a servant and I agree.

"Then the righteous will answer him, �Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty
and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing
clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, �I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
of mine, you did for me.'" (Mathew 25:37-40) (NIV)

I have found it rather odd that most of the true servants are never noticed by the crowds for they are almost always quietly working outside of the limelight. They receive their rewards from serving God and seldom are recognized by man, but then this is the way they want it. To see them, we have to search for them behind the scenes and in the shadows of life.

Most of my heroes love the Lord and name faith in God as one of their highest priorities in life. For those heroes of mine whose love for the Lord is in question, it is totally possible they spoke of faith, but at the time I wasn't listening. All my heroes planted seeds of faith in me that others water and, eventually, I was harvested for the kingdom of God because of their labor of love.

To finish this off � most of my heroes are normal human beings possessing a normal amount of humanly faults and shortcomings. But, what makes them all a hero to me is their willingness to give without conditions. As Jesus taught, "�If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." (Mark 9:35)

And, for the record, a few of my heroes have been family pets. During my life, God has used some of the animal kingdom in order to teach me about unconditional love, trust, and faith. In the words of a good friend, "Have you ever noticed, man's best friend spelled backwards is still man's best friend."

To all my heroes, thank you for sharing your life with me and teaching me how to love the Lord. I am forever in your debt.

Have a great weekend and a super Sunday.

John Keilholz ICWAO@hotmail.com May 15, 2010

Can�t Make You Love Me

2010-05-12T15:57:41-04:00

One of the last times Jesus met with His disciples, Jesus asked Simon son of John three times, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" (John 21:15-17) I have heard many sermons on these verses but none approached it from the direction God hit me with just before I went to sleep last night.

As I sank down into my warm bed last night, I turned the radio on to check and see if they were playing one of my favorite songs. It is sort of a bedtime habit�sweet dreams and all that sort of stuff. I cannot remember the title of the song that I heard last night, but it's a popular song and the chorus has the line, "I can't make you love me, if you don't love me."

Talk about hearing the wrong thing just before trying to go to sleep. This line haunted me all night. Part of the reason for its impact comes from discussions I have had this week. In those discussions the central topic discussed was, "How do you put passion into the Church congregation? How do you get people fired up about serving God when they seem content to just warm the pews?"

Last night God showed me it was simply a love issue and one that He could not fix. The Creator of the Universe will not "force" us to love Him; it is our choice alone to love or not love God. It is as simple as that. Those that truly love God have a desire to be near Him, serve Him, and worship Him. Those who only have a casual relationship with Him are content to just know Him. I know that sound hard and cold, but think about it from an emotional point of view.

When we fell in love for the first time, how did we feel about the one who we loved? Did you smile when they came into the room? Did you talk for hours about nothing in particular? Did you want to stay close to them, hold their hand? And, when you were apart, did you feel an emptiness and could not wait to see them again?

Now ask yourself, when was the last time I felt that way about God? How do you feel when you miss a church service or a worship service? How do you feel when you miss your prayer time? It is not the same thing you say, right? Think about it, it is the same thing. It is all about being with the one you love.

In 1 John 4:10 we read, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins�" So, we know for sure that God loves us but do we love Him in return? Last night God showed me that He will not force us to love Him; He desires our love freely given or not at all. That is why He asked Simon about the three different types of love relationship that exist between individuals.

It is the deepest kind of love that God seeks from us and nothing less can be called true love. In Luke 7:47 Jesus makes a point about love. "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
As one who has been forgiven "much" I find it easier than most to be passionate about my relationship with God. But, I have a long ways to go before I love Him completely with soul, spirit and mind.

The question before us this morning is, "Do we truly love God or are we just looking for a friendly relationship with Him?" If we truly love Him, then we ought to be involved with His work, serving in our churches, witnessing in our communities, and seeking to know Him on a deeper level. Anything less, is just a friendly relationship.

Just a thought from a restless night spend pondering my relationship with the living God who loves us dearly.

John Keilholz Sr. ICWAO@hotmail.com

Do we really want to be Slaves?

2010-05-12T15:54:14-04:00

"Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey�" (Rom 6:16)

In Exodus, we read that God set His people free from their Egyptian slave masters and put them on a path toward the promise land. It was by a demonstration of His mighty power that God broke the yoke of slavery and set the captives free. An interesting aspect of their release from slavery is that it seems like God also got the Egyptians to pay for the bus ticket out of town �"The Israelites �asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing � and the Egyptians gave them what they asked for�" (Ex.12:35-36).

I have always found it interesting that before the Israelites could make it out of the country of Egypt they wanted to return to slavery. "They said to Moses � What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Ex.14:12-13).

What I have recently learned is, the trip to the Promise Land could have been made in less than two weeks if God had taken the shortcut. "God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, "If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt." (Ex.13:17).

So what did God do�He made them wander in the wilderness for forty years. A forty year trip oppose to a two week hike seems like a mean trick to me but God had His reasons. Biblical scholars give several reasons why God took the long way around and, like them, I have a few thoughts about God's reasons, but let's save them for another day.

What interest me is the Israelites desire to return to slavery. Even more intriguing to me is the fact that many people today have the same mindset; they would rather be enslaved to another, than free. In America today the burning desire is not for freedom, but for entitlements. In America today it is not liberty that is sought, but people are looking for "cradle to grave" governmental assistance.

Sadly, today this mentality runs rampant through the American church. The American church wants multi-media sermons, dynamic bible studies, and no obligations to serve. Most are happy to sit in the pews while others do the heavy lifting. Feed me the word, make me feel good, but don't ask me to sweat.

How's this slavery you ask? When we become dependent upon others we are obligating ourselves to them and we wrap ourselves in the chains of dependency. If I do not study the scriptures myself and only listen to my teachers, then I am enslaved to their theology, their way of thinking. If I do not seek understanding and wisdom I contribute nothing to my spiritual life; I can only repeat what I have been told by the one who I am enslaved to and I do not think my own thoughts.

Throughout the Word of God we read that God wants us free; free from sin, free from bondage, free from fear, and free from many other things. In Galatians, Paul tells us "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery." (Gal. 5:1)

Jesus set us free so that we could to be mature, spiritual adults able to battle the attacks of Satan. God has given us the armor with which to fight the enemy and He has filled us with His Spirit so that we can defeat the enemy. So why are so many Christians walking around in defeat? Simple answer�.because they are more comfortable being slaves; old habits are hard to kill and living in Egypt is better than walking the in desert or the Unknown.

So, I challenge all of us to be bold, evaluate our spiritual walk and ask ourselves, "What am I enslaved by?" We all have areas that need improvement. We all know what controls us whether it is food, lust, welfare, ignorance, laziness or sports; we all know the chains that hold and enslave us. It is time to break those chains and become free to serve the one who gave us freedom. It is time to grow up and step into the unknown, trusting God to lead us. Be brave for God is with us; how can we fail.

Just a thought from my week.

Johnboy ICWAO@hotmail.com

I don�t want to be a grasshopper

2010-05-04T10:12:14-04:00

In this age of almost instant communications, with 24-hour news programs, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to separate reporter bias from actual facts. When factoring in the internet, one is faced with the additional problem of discerning truth from propaganda; everyone has an opinion and many have an agenda that they are supporting. In the midst of all this information it would be nice to have a truth detector � Oh, wait a minute. We do have a truth detector, it's called the Bible.

But now the question is, "How many folks actually use the Bible as a truth detector?" When a public official or another individual expresses an opinion or attempts to sway public sentiment, can we use the Bible as the truth detector and determine if he or she is actually telling us the truth? The simple answer is, "Yes we can. We just have to know what's in the Bible. For you see if we are ignorant of God's Word then our voice becomes just another opinion in the storm of public outcry and we are just as likely to express an untruth as the next person.

No matter what topic or subject we discuss, no matter what human emotion we want to focus on, God's word addresses that topic and provides direction on how we should handle any given decision. Generally speaking, most of us know enough of God's word to stay out of trouble, but it is the consistent application of God's word to our lives that is the problem.

How I wish that before I did anything, before I spoke, before I looked upon another object, and before I gave approval to another's actions, � Oh how I wish that I would check the truth detector to see how my actions measured up to God's word. For you see, I have learned that if my actions pass the truth detector, then I am walking on the right path, but if they don't, then it is I who needs to make a course correction.

When a person professes to be a Christian (Christ like) and then acts in a way contrary to God's word, I know � we know � and, more importantly, they know that their behavior is sinful and they are living a lie. God has placed his word within the hearts of man and, with the exception of the reprobate heart, we all know when we sin.

"Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." (Rom.1:32)

We have watched our country turn away from God and we have done nothing. By our inaction, we have given our approval to those who are dismantling our Nation. It is time for the body of Christ to humbly return to God and repent.

Where will you be on May 6, 2010? Will you be in prayer for your Nation or will you once again give approval to those who are turning away from God?

Just a thought.

John Keilholz ICWAO@hotmail.com

Can you hear the music?

2010-05-04T10:10:47-04:00

Music surrounds us. We have music in our cars. We have music playing in our shopping malls. We even have music in many of our public bathrooms. So, why ask the question, "Can you hear the music?" The obvious answer would be a resounding yes.

Let me ask the question in a different way, "Can you hear the music that comes from the soul? No, I don't mean Soul music�I mean music that comes from our souls. I have come to learn that God places music within each soul and part of our task as His children is to learn to listen to the music of our souls. The degree with which we hear this music, determines the depth of our spiritual joy.

Scriptural references you ask. There is probably not a direct reference within Scriptures but throughout Psalms there are many references to "making a joyful noise." One reference that I like was written by David and is in Psalm 108:1, "�My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul."

Last night I watched the movie "August Rush." It is a movie which portrays a young boy who was put up for adoption at birth and now, at the age of eleven, is searching for his parents, both of whom are accomplished musicians. He is considered odd by his peers because he says he hears the music that exists within the world and it is drawing him to his parents. What makes him odd is the fact that no one can hear this music except him.

God used the movie to pose a question in my heart, "Can I hear the music, the music of my soul?" I have pondered this question most of today and have come to a conclusion. Have you ever noticed that some people seem to always be wrapped up in song: some sing, some whistle tunes, other mum? And, have you noticed that those who are obsessed with these tunes are generally the happiest people in the crowd? What do they know that others don't?

Personal opinion: I truly believe that at birth God places a joyful song within each heart with the intent that it will be the music of our life. For some that music grows still because of tragedies; for others the music is stolen by violence; still others lose the ability to hear the music because they have turned toward the world and away from God. If the music has grown still for you, know that God is more than willing to put another coin into the jukebox; after all, He is the healer who means the broken heart.

King David knew the source of the music�"I will sing and make music with all my soul." How do you make music with your soul if you do not know the one who gave you that soul? Listen for the music that comes from the throne of God�music that exists within all creation. What a joy it is to sing the song that angels cannot sing�we have been redeemed by the blood of the lamb�Rejoice O' my soul, Rejoice.

If you cannot hear the music, nuzzle up next to God and let Him fill your heart with joy. As a loving father, He will teach you how to listen with your soul and your heart will be filled with joy. Can't hear the music of your soul? Get closer to God and you will.

Just something to think about during this Thanksgiving week.

John ICWAO@hotmail.com

What will I do for Love?

2010-04-21T10:48:45-04:00

Have you ever wondered what you would do for love: swim the deepest ocean; climb the tallest mountain and all that sort of stuff? Song writers within our culture have made fortunes writing love songs and most of us old romantic slobs fell in love for the first time listening to some of those songs.

So, it is safe to say that most of us have given this concept of love some serious thought. But, have we really considered what we would for love�just how far down the pathway of unbridled abandonment would we travel to find love. Or better yet, what would we do to keep love. Oh, right. We'd swim the deepest ocean and climb the tallest mountain.

Today I experienced two different emotions that involved the principle of love. The first was an article written by an atheist expressing the belief that rationally sound scientific minds do not believe in "imaginary fables" that are unsupported by scientific facts. For two and a half pages the author refuted many long held Christian beliefs and glorified the evolution of the human mind.

Bottom line to his article was his belief that eventually mankind would no longer need religion to give meaning to life�.reason would overrule the concept of God. As I read this I first felt anger, then sadness, and finally concern. The anger was toward his attacks on our faith and the sadness was for those lost in unbelief. The concern was for the church. The world is slowly amassing an army that will rise up against the church and those who are not strong in faith will be lost. Those who do not truly love God with their whole being will fall away when the attacks come.

My second experience concerning love came when my loving wife called to say our daughter's dog was lost. Long story short, Alice (the dog) and I have a love relationship that is unique. Alice is a very small dog who would have a very difficult time surviving the wild. What surprised me was the concern I felt for this little dog. I'd tell myself that it is just a dog, but my heart ached with concern. Strange I know but true.

Because of these two events in my day my mind pondered the concept of love. Sure�just a little strange I know. But then God does this to me in order to teach me something and today's lesson was love.

All believers express, to some degree, the idea that they love God. The question God asked me today was, "Are your expressions of love just lip service or do you truly love me?"

God tells us in his word that we are to be holy because he is holy and that we are to hate and/or resist evil. He has also commanded us to make disciples and love one another. Let's reflect on this a minute�when was the last time I stood against evil? Or, how about the last time I extended a hand of greeting to a visitor? What about yielding to the move of the Holy Spirit and getting out of my comfort zone�when did I last witness to a co-worker or invite someone to church?

Another question I have pondered the last couple of days is, where are the Christian soldiers, God's warriors? I always find it uncomfortable when he points his spirit at me and says, "Hey, I'm talking to you and no one else. If you love me, keep my commandments, and be busy about doing my work; go into the harvest fields and reap a harvest of souls."

Father, I am glad that you are mindful of who we are: that we are as the grass of the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Teach me Lord to be more like you. Lead me and guide me, that I might have the courage to go into my world and push back the darkness with the light of the gospel. I really do want to love you with my whole heart.

Just some thoughts from my day.

John K ICWAO@Hotmail.com

PS: Just so you don't worry, the next day Alice found her way home.

O Wretched Man That I am

2010-04-21T10:44:33-04:00

We all have our favorite scripture verses and Romans 7:24 in one of mine. For those who have trouble recalling what Romans 7:24 says this is the part of Romans where the Apostle Paul proclaims to the world that he is a "wretched Man" and ask "Who can rescue me from this body of death?" (NIV)

Now, think about this for a minute, Paul, highly educated, "thoroughly trained in the law" by Gamaliel, someone who spoke directly with our risen Savior Jesus on the road to Damascus, world class missionary, major writer of the New Testament, that Paul calls himself, "Wretched." And, I think I'm really somebody spiritual by going to church on Sunday mornings. Boggles the mind, doesn't it?

Most of us who are followers of Jesus have cleaned up the outside and, when seen on the street, we look and act the part of a Christian. What I have learned is that those who are sincere about their faith constantly battle the human fresh and its desires�spiritual battles, battles of Powers and Principalities, battles that no one knows about but the person who is fighting them.

Recently, I had an interesting discussion that involved the principle of fasting. The question under discussion was, "Is it necessary for a Christian to fast?" To me the answer was simple; God set up rules for fasting, Jesus fasted, and the Disciples fasted so, it makes sense to me that Christians today should also fast. One person in our group disagreed and that gave cause to more discussion.

Why fast? We live in a rich nation. Most of us enjoy the good life so, why force myself to suffer. I read my Bible, I listen to the preacher, and I even pray daily so, what benefit would I get from fasting? "O wretched man, arrogance and pride have blinded your eyes. Humble yourself and let God touch your heart."

Our spiritual battles are a matter of will; whose will is more important to my spiritual growth, God's or mine? Our flesh cries out for satisfaction and demands our attention. Often, we yield to the demands of our flesh with destructive behavior; one more piece of cake, one more look at that magazine, one more cigarette or one more drink and then I'll quit. Face it, when it comes to our flesh we are all wimps and we cannot be trusted when we are left alone by ourselves. We will cave in almost every time and justify almost any behavior.

The purpose of fasting is to beat our flesh into submission. Fasting suppresses our will, our desires, and allows God to remake us into His image. No matter how many sermons we listen to or how many Bible chapters we read, if we have not engaged in the habit of fasting our desires will almost always overrule God's. It is the nature of the flesh.

If our heart's desire is a closer walk with Jesus and, if we truly want a more powerful, overcoming life, we must explore the act of fasting. And, for the lazy among us, giving up a candy bar for a month or not watching our favorite TV show for a week is not really fasting.

So I challenge us all. Search the Scriptures and become more sensitive to God's desire to remake us into His image. Become educated on fasting and be wise about how to fast. No one on earth is at the point in their Christian walk where they can go into the desert and fast for forty days as Jesus did. But, all of us can start someplace.

Let us commit to each other a promise that we will find that favorite weakness that keeps calling our name and beat it into submission. HOLD ON a minute�I just read what I wrote�If it is your spouse or child calling your name, please disregard my challenge. I'm not supporting the abuse of others, just trying to beat our personal fleshly desires into submission.

We all have a long ways to go before we sleep. Let us challenge each others to a closer walk with Jesus. We really can do this thing called fasting and it will give us a stronger walk with God.

Have a great week�see you in church.

John Keilholz Sr. ICWAO@hotmail.com