I do love my dog...really...I do. For the most part, she has been a blessing to our family. There are days when you might hear us say things that don't sound like she is a blessing; but overall, it is true. There are things about her that amuse me, and I was reminded of one, in particular the other day. When we take her out to go do her "business" (that's going to the "potty" for those of you not familiar with this terminology), she has a habit which just cracks me up.
When she goes #2 (please ask your mother if further explanation is needed), she will do "her thing" and begin to walk away from it. Then, she will dig in her heels and try to kick up dirt (or whatever is on top of the ground at the time) back onto her "stuff" (doggie "doodoo" for those of you still struggling). She very rarely kicks much up at all; and when she does, she is usually too far away to actually cover any of her "stuff". I sometimes ask her out loud, as I chuckle: "what are you doing dog? do you really think you're covering up your mess"?
I have often thought of the spiritual lesson this brings to mind; and then the other day, as I was thinking it, my wife actually said it. What Nikki tried to do is what we, what I have tried to do. We make a mess (sin), and we make attempts to cover it up. We pretend its not there, or we deceive, or justify it; or do any variety of "stupid" things to cover up what cannot be humanly covered. When we try to cover it, like a dog, I can imagine God shaking his head, saying: "Greg, what are you trying to do? Do you really think you can hide it"? And eventually, for all of us, our stinking sin is revealed. If not now, it will be some day. We cannot hide from God.
There is a good turn to this story. Although there is no hope for Nikki, there is hope for me. Once we bring our sin into the light (or more accurately, God brings it into the light), we have the opportunity to have it covered. But, the only way it is covered and buried, never to be seen again, is to be covered by the blood and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. When Jesus covers our sin, it is covered. And when we act like Jesus, toward other's sins, we are able to participate in an amazing thing: "love covers a multitude of sins". So, let's not play the dog's game and pretend we can hide it. Let's be honest, open, transparent, telling the truth, confessing, repenting; and then living in the grace and mercy of God, which covers and casts out ALL of our sin!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
LONE SURVIVOR: A book review
I overheard my eldest son and my brother-in-law talking about this book; and it sounded good. So, I asked Teresa to reserve it at the library; and then read through the almost 400 pages fairly quickly. That means: I liked the book. I suppose my review could stop there, but that wouldn't be a very good review, would it? The title of this blog entry is the title of the book, with this subtitle: "The eyewitness account of operation Redwing and the lost heroes of Seal Team 10." I enjoy reading, but mostly books about the church and ministry; or personal, spiritual growth. This book is the exception, along with others that are true accounts. I love true stories of history, especially as it relates to defending and protecting our blessed Country.
I'll get the negative on the table right away and out of the way: the language. I would not recommend this book for children, or for those who struggle with foul language if they hear it or read it. The really disappointing part of this is that the author claimed to be a follower of Jesus. The fruit of true repentance, however, was not seen in his writing. Only God knows. Most will forgive the language because of the dangerous life and death circumstances in which he lived, as well as his military background. It could have been left out; but then again, this man's story and life is one that includes this kind of language. It reveals some things about him. So, you are now warned.
Outside of that singular warning, I would highly recommend this book, especially for adult men. It is a patriotic, courageous, and exciting story of a man who went through quite a bit to become a Navy Seal; and then lost his closest teammates while defending our country - almost his own life. For those who like true, military stories of bravery, you can't go wrong with this one. Even though you know how the story basically ends (not a fairy tale or normal Hollywood ending), you will probably do what I did...keep reading to find out what happens next; and keep hoping they all make it out alive. Even the buildup to the main story plot was interesting, to learn how one joins the Seals and the kind of training they go through.
Here is a taste of what you will read, from the first paragraph inside the book cover: "On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission was to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader known to be ensconced in a Taliban stronghold surrounded by a small but heavily armed force. Less than twenty-four house later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive."
But, as with every book, even the true life stories of military battle, there are things to learn that are in the context of God's truth. Here are the key ones I picked up on:
1) I am forever grateful to those men and women who have served, and serve our country in all kinds of ways and all kinds of places. This gratitude includes their families who may not see their loved ones very often, and in some cases, never see them again. May God bless you all for your sacrifice.
2) It seems, according to the author, that he believes he made a tragic error, when first found by innocent civilians (or atleast they seemed), in not killing them. In letting them go, they were soon surrounded and outnumbered by the enemy; which led to the death of his 3 comrades and then others who joined the fight to rescue them. The spiritual analogy that came to my mind is the fact that we must kill the sin that so easily entangles us; especially when it seems somewhat harmless. If we do not deal harshly with sin and its temptations, it will most likely be back, with more of the enemy, and certainly be after our death. We must take a non-merciful approach to the world's system that is out to destroy us.
3) We have a sovereign God. With all the details of this story, as I thought about all the ways it could have turned out differently, I kept thinking about the sovereignty of God. All the details of this story, full of human elements, were not outside God's sovereignty - even as it relates to non-believers. The same is true about my story...and yours. Whether you see your story as a blessed or cursed one, a safe or dangerous one...whether you are happy with the way your life is going, or not...God is still in control. And He is not that concerned about your happiness, as He is about your spiritual growth. This is about the glory of God. If we could see our stories that way, it would save us a lot of time, as we can concentrate, not on making our lives better, but on glorifying God in all things.
I'll get the negative on the table right away and out of the way: the language. I would not recommend this book for children, or for those who struggle with foul language if they hear it or read it. The really disappointing part of this is that the author claimed to be a follower of Jesus. The fruit of true repentance, however, was not seen in his writing. Only God knows. Most will forgive the language because of the dangerous life and death circumstances in which he lived, as well as his military background. It could have been left out; but then again, this man's story and life is one that includes this kind of language. It reveals some things about him. So, you are now warned.
Outside of that singular warning, I would highly recommend this book, especially for adult men. It is a patriotic, courageous, and exciting story of a man who went through quite a bit to become a Navy Seal; and then lost his closest teammates while defending our country - almost his own life. For those who like true, military stories of bravery, you can't go wrong with this one. Even though you know how the story basically ends (not a fairy tale or normal Hollywood ending), you will probably do what I did...keep reading to find out what happens next; and keep hoping they all make it out alive. Even the buildup to the main story plot was interesting, to learn how one joins the Seals and the kind of training they go through.
Here is a taste of what you will read, from the first paragraph inside the book cover: "On a clear night in late June 2005, four U.S. Navy SEALs left their base in northern Afghanistan for the mountainous Pakistani border. Their mission was to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader known to be ensconced in a Taliban stronghold surrounded by a small but heavily armed force. Less than twenty-four house later, only one of those Navy SEALs remained alive."
But, as with every book, even the true life stories of military battle, there are things to learn that are in the context of God's truth. Here are the key ones I picked up on:
1) I am forever grateful to those men and women who have served, and serve our country in all kinds of ways and all kinds of places. This gratitude includes their families who may not see their loved ones very often, and in some cases, never see them again. May God bless you all for your sacrifice.
2) It seems, according to the author, that he believes he made a tragic error, when first found by innocent civilians (or atleast they seemed), in not killing them. In letting them go, they were soon surrounded and outnumbered by the enemy; which led to the death of his 3 comrades and then others who joined the fight to rescue them. The spiritual analogy that came to my mind is the fact that we must kill the sin that so easily entangles us; especially when it seems somewhat harmless. If we do not deal harshly with sin and its temptations, it will most likely be back, with more of the enemy, and certainly be after our death. We must take a non-merciful approach to the world's system that is out to destroy us.
3) We have a sovereign God. With all the details of this story, as I thought about all the ways it could have turned out differently, I kept thinking about the sovereignty of God. All the details of this story, full of human elements, were not outside God's sovereignty - even as it relates to non-believers. The same is true about my story...and yours. Whether you see your story as a blessed or cursed one, a safe or dangerous one...whether you are happy with the way your life is going, or not...God is still in control. And He is not that concerned about your happiness, as He is about your spiritual growth. This is about the glory of God. If we could see our stories that way, it would save us a lot of time, as we can concentrate, not on making our lives better, but on glorifying God in all things.
Monday, October 15, 2012
I knew it
I was listening to Christian radio the other day and they gave a brief report that caused me to respond: "I knew it!" The report was that the genius nobel prize winning person eats more chocolate than the average person. The statistics prove it, "they" say. Don't ask who "they" is, just accept it. And if you start to doubt, then keep in mind that this came from Christian radio, so it can't be wrong!
Have a great day...and enjoy your chocolate!
Have a great day...and enjoy your chocolate!
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Lessons in Losing
I hate losing...always have. Since I was a wee little one, I have been involved in athletic competition, and I have always hated losing. But, I can't get over the fact that I have learned much more in my losing than in winning. No doubt, I have learned in winning, and it is much more enjoyable...much more! But, as I watched my son lose another soccer game today, it reminded me of the good lessons in losing I have learned. Here are the top 5, not necessarily in any particular order:
5) If you are thankful in losing, you are doing God's will. God asks us to be thankful in all circumstances, including losing; and there is so much to be thankful for in losing. Be thankful for the health to play, any skill you might have, the beautiful day on which to play, etc. There is much to be thankful for.
4) Character is developed in losing. I suppose some character can be learned through winning, but more more is tested, and developed in losing. How will I respond to the refs terrible calls (and they always seem to make worse calls when I lose!)? Who will I blame for the loss (since that seems to be the natural response)? Am I willing to be humble and have upright character at all times?
3) There is always something to improve...always. In winning, it is much harder to recognize or even believe that we have things to improve on. But, in losing, it ought to be evident, if we are willing to pay attention and admit we have a ways to go. Am I willing to work harder, longer, and be more consistent? Will I practice harder, and better, so that I will play better? Identify what needs to be improved and grow in whatever area is identified.
2) Winning will be more appreciated. Those who lose often are so much more grateful, and excited, and thankful and blessed in winning. We all tend to cheer for those who have tasted losing for so long, that they will experience what winning feels like. It is a principle in life. Those who don't have very much tend to be more grateful for what they have and the extra blessings that others take for granted.
1) It can make me more like Jesus. From an athletic perspective, and certainly a worldly one, Jesus was a loser. He was not accepted by the religious rulers. He was hunted by the authorities. He was ridiculed by the masses. And although many followed him for a time, all eventually left Him, especially as He was taken, judged and crucified. All who were crucified were seen as losers. And yet, we know that Jesus was the ultimate winner, and the fact that He had victory over sin and death allows us to as well. When we lose in life, we can remember that if we will handle it like Jesus, remembering what is truly important, we will, in fact, be winners - on the only scoreboard that matters.
5) If you are thankful in losing, you are doing God's will. God asks us to be thankful in all circumstances, including losing; and there is so much to be thankful for in losing. Be thankful for the health to play, any skill you might have, the beautiful day on which to play, etc. There is much to be thankful for.
4) Character is developed in losing. I suppose some character can be learned through winning, but more more is tested, and developed in losing. How will I respond to the refs terrible calls (and they always seem to make worse calls when I lose!)? Who will I blame for the loss (since that seems to be the natural response)? Am I willing to be humble and have upright character at all times?
3) There is always something to improve...always. In winning, it is much harder to recognize or even believe that we have things to improve on. But, in losing, it ought to be evident, if we are willing to pay attention and admit we have a ways to go. Am I willing to work harder, longer, and be more consistent? Will I practice harder, and better, so that I will play better? Identify what needs to be improved and grow in whatever area is identified.
2) Winning will be more appreciated. Those who lose often are so much more grateful, and excited, and thankful and blessed in winning. We all tend to cheer for those who have tasted losing for so long, that they will experience what winning feels like. It is a principle in life. Those who don't have very much tend to be more grateful for what they have and the extra blessings that others take for granted.
1) It can make me more like Jesus. From an athletic perspective, and certainly a worldly one, Jesus was a loser. He was not accepted by the religious rulers. He was hunted by the authorities. He was ridiculed by the masses. And although many followed him for a time, all eventually left Him, especially as He was taken, judged and crucified. All who were crucified were seen as losers. And yet, we know that Jesus was the ultimate winner, and the fact that He had victory over sin and death allows us to as well. When we lose in life, we can remember that if we will handle it like Jesus, remembering what is truly important, we will, in fact, be winners - on the only scoreboard that matters.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
