Most of our ideology of and even our mental imagery of Jesus, the Messiah, comes from renderings of artist. They usually paint or draw or place into stained glass Christ as some soft, halo wearing, long-haired softy that looks anything but a person who could relate to me or you. Add to that the written attacks on Jesus by infidels who have portrayed Him as a homosexual and other devious and damnable things.
Having traveled many places in the world, I have seen the portrayal of Jesus around the world. Even in the places they attempt to show Jesus with reverence, to me, they miss it badly. Now I have not seen Jesus and I am sure my opinion of HIm is shaped by the various inputs I have had into my imagery.
However, consider that Jesus grew up in the home of boys. His dad was a carpenter. Carpenters work hard. Their hands are often rough from handling the wood and working with tools necessary for plying their trade. Jesus was comfortable among some of the toughest guys in the land. He called fishermen to accompany Him in reaching the world. Jesus was a real man...sun tanned, calloused hands, able to look the meanest soldiers in the face with blood dripping from His own.
Let me tell you about some of the folks I relate to as well. I have some friends that are cattlemen, ranchers, and generally rough people. One old fellow in particular comes to mind. He drives an old truck, raises goats, cattle and even a donkey or two. He is uneducated and can be spotted wearing an dilapidated old cowboy hat. His hands are gnarled from years of hard work and...He is a Christian. This man loves the Lord deeply. But guess what? He does not relate to the paintings in Cistine Chapel. He has no comprehension of a soft Saviour. In the words of this friend when talking about the Lord he says, painfully, "They whooped Him!" Not whipped...whooped. Recently he was speaking of Jesus and the kind of man He was. I think he captured it better than the elite artists of the world when he said of the Christ, "He's a Hoss!"
I love it! It is the kind of Christ I relate to. When we see Jesus again, rest assured He will not be a soft pushover, but He will return as King of Kings and men...all men will fear and tremble at His appearance.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Junk in My Trunk
Lifting the hatch on my Jeep is an experience in itself. Oh, not the lifting....as much as what you find when you lift it. In my trunk is a veritable smorgasbord of all the things I have been involved with in the last month or two. You'll find a planter or two, softball gloves, clothes a kid left from the fishing trip, some tools, a bag of feed and the list goes on and on.
It seems that the junk in my trunk is really a mirror of me. As much as it looks jumbled and unorganized, I know where things are and what they are for. Now, I thought long and hard about that trunk. It would only take a little time to totally empty it out, vacuum it and get it spic and span. I don't blame folks that keep theirs in that manner, but I'll go out on a limb here and say that those who have those perfect trunks, or pickup beds are usually really boring people.
If you are busy, interesting, involved, getting something done....you get the picture...well, there is a really good chance your trunk is going to show remnants of all you've been doing of late. To balance these statements, I am not suggesting that you let your trunk get so piled up that you have to sit on it to close it. Nor do I want your life endangered by man-made avalanche. But, take an inventory of your trunk and see what's inside. It will say much about the person you are.
Tell me what's in 'your' trunk!!
Tim
It seems that the junk in my trunk is really a mirror of me. As much as it looks jumbled and unorganized, I know where things are and what they are for. Now, I thought long and hard about that trunk. It would only take a little time to totally empty it out, vacuum it and get it spic and span. I don't blame folks that keep theirs in that manner, but I'll go out on a limb here and say that those who have those perfect trunks, or pickup beds are usually really boring people.
If you are busy, interesting, involved, getting something done....you get the picture...well, there is a really good chance your trunk is going to show remnants of all you've been doing of late. To balance these statements, I am not suggesting that you let your trunk get so piled up that you have to sit on it to close it. Nor do I want your life endangered by man-made avalanche. But, take an inventory of your trunk and see what's inside. It will say much about the person you are.
Tell me what's in 'your' trunk!!
Tim
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Real Hero's
Most of the things that attract the attention of the general population aren't worth much. Human beings are easily tricked and deceived. They respond to brighter lights, the music, the excitement, the call of the 'midway' so to speak. It seems that little attention these days is given to the most valuable aspects of our society...and mostly because the most valuable things are not standard equipped with bells and whistles.
Let me be more specific. In America, the heart and backbone of this nation are the men and women who get up early and stay up late working hard, paying taxes and being honest about living. But nobody gives a rip about them. The folks who get the attention, thus becoming iconic, are often the band leaders, the sports hero's and perhaps some charismatic politician. Don't get me wrong, there are good folks in all of these fields, but the really good folks still are unheralded.
In the realm of Country Music these days, there are a lot of modern singers with really good bands and good voices. But they attempt to sing about and be an icon for something they know little about. I would be willing to bet many of these 'country' singers know little about the country. Many wouldn't know the first thing about a horse, about growing row crops, or about the days when living on the farm demanded excellent work ethics. While these guys get a lot of press, they cannot hold a candle to the men and women who are riding in the cab of a hot tractor raking hay, or milking cows, or branding calves.
I hope you will join me in looking for ways to promote the 'Real' hero's in this land. Those who live within their means, treat their neighbors right, go to church, work hard, and laugh long. It is the common folks that I am applauding today. Although their names are not in lights, their efforts definitely keep the lights burning. God bless the faithfulness of the blue collar workers in America. They are the real hero's.
Let me be more specific. In America, the heart and backbone of this nation are the men and women who get up early and stay up late working hard, paying taxes and being honest about living. But nobody gives a rip about them. The folks who get the attention, thus becoming iconic, are often the band leaders, the sports hero's and perhaps some charismatic politician. Don't get me wrong, there are good folks in all of these fields, but the really good folks still are unheralded.
In the realm of Country Music these days, there are a lot of modern singers with really good bands and good voices. But they attempt to sing about and be an icon for something they know little about. I would be willing to bet many of these 'country' singers know little about the country. Many wouldn't know the first thing about a horse, about growing row crops, or about the days when living on the farm demanded excellent work ethics. While these guys get a lot of press, they cannot hold a candle to the men and women who are riding in the cab of a hot tractor raking hay, or milking cows, or branding calves.
I hope you will join me in looking for ways to promote the 'Real' hero's in this land. Those who live within their means, treat their neighbors right, go to church, work hard, and laugh long. It is the common folks that I am applauding today. Although their names are not in lights, their efforts definitely keep the lights burning. God bless the faithfulness of the blue collar workers in America. They are the real hero's.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
When the Baby Cries....
Today at a high school graduation I heard an unhappy baby cry out. Even though there was a large crowd present, the baby's voice could be plainly heard due to the acoustics of the building. As I sat there I thought of all the various responses to that cry. Read on and see what your response may have been.
All the young, single folks were like..."I wish somebody would get that cranky, squalling brat out of here and stop it from ruining our party. The parents in the room, especially the mothers were feeling the 'poor baby' syndrom. The moms in the crowd were attempting to get a remedy in their minds...."wonder if the baby is wet?"...."must have cholic and needs some gas-x"....or "if they would get those uncomfortable clothes off that baby she would be quiet." The third group in the crowd was the grandparents and people who have been in such a predicament. They were thinking, 'poor mom'....'I hope someone will help that lady with the baby'......'Where is the dad in this scenario?'
Perhaps you can add your own thoughts to the above situation. If you live long enough, you may feel all the emotions above. One thing is sure...when something happens everybody sees it through the lens of their own experiences. I remembered that when the baby cried.
Tim
All the young, single folks were like..."I wish somebody would get that cranky, squalling brat out of here and stop it from ruining our party. The parents in the room, especially the mothers were feeling the 'poor baby' syndrom. The moms in the crowd were attempting to get a remedy in their minds...."wonder if the baby is wet?"...."must have cholic and needs some gas-x"....or "if they would get those uncomfortable clothes off that baby she would be quiet." The third group in the crowd was the grandparents and people who have been in such a predicament. They were thinking, 'poor mom'....'I hope someone will help that lady with the baby'......'Where is the dad in this scenario?'
Perhaps you can add your own thoughts to the above situation. If you live long enough, you may feel all the emotions above. One thing is sure...when something happens everybody sees it through the lens of their own experiences. I remembered that when the baby cried.
Tim
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Happiness in a Jon Boat
My wife and I had a rare but very enjoyable get a way recently. Each May we take a couple of days to unwind a little. We always escape to a place where there is a very simple cabin...I take a simple jon boat...we eat simple meals....I think you are getting the picture. It is about simple.
One day we were fishing on Lake Leatherwood, a small impoundment in the mountains. We were catching fish with night crawlers. The sun was out and the lake was beautiful. There were geese swimming at the water's edge and I realized there was something in that simple, aluminum boat that was missing in many of the ritziest places in the world....that being happiness.
Happiness is not wrapped up in the things a man may possess. We all know there are plenty of rich folk who are extremely miserable....some miserable to the point of suicide. Some have fame...looks...and the apparent trappings of all that is supposed to make one happy.
I have discovered happiness in the simple things of life. You don't have to go on a luxury cruise to find happiness. You may never receive an inheritance check, but you can still be happy. Happiness is a discovery of the little moments of life that are special. When we come to the end of our lives, we will one day realize that every moment in some way is ....special.
I hope you will quit waiting for your ship to come in...thinking it will hold all the joy you need. I have found that happiness can be in the simplicity of a jon boat and a few perch.
Have a Happy Day.
One day we were fishing on Lake Leatherwood, a small impoundment in the mountains. We were catching fish with night crawlers. The sun was out and the lake was beautiful. There were geese swimming at the water's edge and I realized there was something in that simple, aluminum boat that was missing in many of the ritziest places in the world....that being happiness.
Happiness is not wrapped up in the things a man may possess. We all know there are plenty of rich folk who are extremely miserable....some miserable to the point of suicide. Some have fame...looks...and the apparent trappings of all that is supposed to make one happy.
I have discovered happiness in the simple things of life. You don't have to go on a luxury cruise to find happiness. You may never receive an inheritance check, but you can still be happy. Happiness is a discovery of the little moments of life that are special. When we come to the end of our lives, we will one day realize that every moment in some way is ....special.
I hope you will quit waiting for your ship to come in...thinking it will hold all the joy you need. I have found that happiness can be in the simplicity of a jon boat and a few perch.
Have a Happy Day.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
The Most Humbling Experience
Perhaps the most humbling experience I have had in life is to teach those who taught me. Let me explain. Recently I had a Bible Study in my home concerning Biblical Salvation. There were approximately 30 people who showed up to study. In that group were my parents, my aunt and uncle and my grandmother who is 88 years old.
The aforementioned people, like myself, were part of a faith family who held to one particular verse of scripture (Acts 2:38) to the complete omission of many other salvational scriptures. I had the same feeling about their plan of salvation as I had about their 'standards', better understood as rules, or legalistic works. None of their practices withstood the rigorous scrutiny of objective scriptural criticism.
I had to study it out for myself. So over the past 4 years, amidst much difficulty, I continued to pray, study, consult with other men of God and come to a better, more complete understanding of the Word. The pattern of scripture is very clear...we are saved by grace through faith. (Eph2:8). John preached it, Jesus taught it and practiced it, the disciples believed it, Peter preached it (by the way he preached at least 4 sermons in Acts...all of them carrying as much weight as Acts 2), Paul preached it, and we are handed the job and opportunity of preaching the same thing. The just shall live by faith! You do not have to ignore Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16 and a host of other 'necessary' scriptural texts my former faith family ignored.
With this information and a certainty in my heart and spirit, I taught this bible study. I handed out study notes...about 15 pages worth, so they could take it home, review it and hold my feet to the fire as it were. What a relief to know in my spirit we do not have to have people 'tarry' for the Holy Spirit...nor do we have to do the Norweigan Shake at the altar to know a powerful salvational experience. We sing, Jesus paid it all..but often we didn't believe it. The work necessary for salvation occurred at the cross!
That evening, as folks were leaving, my grandmother came by and thanked me for the Bible Study. She understood it. My parents understand it. My mother commented about how she had wondered why we left out so much of God's Word. My friends, these are some of the most humbling moments I will ever live.
The aforementioned people, like myself, were part of a faith family who held to one particular verse of scripture (Acts 2:38) to the complete omission of many other salvational scriptures. I had the same feeling about their plan of salvation as I had about their 'standards', better understood as rules, or legalistic works. None of their practices withstood the rigorous scrutiny of objective scriptural criticism.
I had to study it out for myself. So over the past 4 years, amidst much difficulty, I continued to pray, study, consult with other men of God and come to a better, more complete understanding of the Word. The pattern of scripture is very clear...we are saved by grace through faith. (Eph2:8). John preached it, Jesus taught it and practiced it, the disciples believed it, Peter preached it (by the way he preached at least 4 sermons in Acts...all of them carrying as much weight as Acts 2), Paul preached it, and we are handed the job and opportunity of preaching the same thing. The just shall live by faith! You do not have to ignore Romans 10:9-10, John 3:16 and a host of other 'necessary' scriptural texts my former faith family ignored.
With this information and a certainty in my heart and spirit, I taught this bible study. I handed out study notes...about 15 pages worth, so they could take it home, review it and hold my feet to the fire as it were. What a relief to know in my spirit we do not have to have people 'tarry' for the Holy Spirit...nor do we have to do the Norweigan Shake at the altar to know a powerful salvational experience. We sing, Jesus paid it all..but often we didn't believe it. The work necessary for salvation occurred at the cross!
That evening, as folks were leaving, my grandmother came by and thanked me for the Bible Study. She understood it. My parents understand it. My mother commented about how she had wondered why we left out so much of God's Word. My friends, these are some of the most humbling moments I will ever live.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Facebook and Life
I am trying to figure out how to get around on Facebook. I am in elementary mode right now. How amazing that the world has shrunk to the point we can all connect via internet. It has been enjoyable to meet old friends again. Some of the people I have not heard from in years. One can see how life has transformed them and I am sure they see it in me. Funny how you don't see it so much in yourself as you do in other people...or a least we don't want to admit it. That's life!
See ya in the funny papers.
TE
See ya in the funny papers.
TE
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