Recently a man sat in my office, a minister, and one of several whom I have been honored to counsel with, who had been wounded in his past. He explained to me how he had felt the judgmental glances of others, heard their whispers and would have surrendered his call to ministry, except the call of God kept calling. I listened intently and felt his pain. I felt it because I had been there and done that. Lest you think this an expose to defend sin, you are wrong by a thousand miles. What it is, is an attempt to help others see the need for helping and restoring those ensnared, rather than to default immediately to religious, lynch-mob mentality. Our conversation led to several things that should be revisited within the body of Christ.
Remember this. Whatever happens to the worst of us can easily happen to the best of us. That includes you Saint of God, Sunday School Teacher, Minister, Lay-person, Care-giver, Lawn-clipper, Nursery Worker. While there is no premium on sin and pain, neither is there any shortage of it. We are to avoid sin and overcome it. We should not participate in it to validate grace. Greater grace is to keep us 'from' sin. However, if I read the Word of God carefully....it reads "All have sinned..." Where did we get the notion we would hold men and women to a standard which is completely unattainable by humanity? Think within your own life...honestly, you struggle with sin. Let me say it a little more plainly...YOU SIN! YES, YOU! You with your nice necktie....you with your seminary experience, you with your religious titles and positions. All means all. You should admit there are times when you think of people in ways you shouldn't, you lust, you gossip, you backbite, you are jealous, you are full of pride, you lie, you......(fill in the blank.) It is all sin. And if you are man or woman enough to admit you sin, then you should also admit you are not in a position to judge others who have also fallen prey to the same.
Since we sin, who gave us the right to categorize sin? Who said we could place certain values on it? Well, religious groups certainly do. Fellowships of the Pharisee will allow it. Don't think for a minute I am glossing over sin. Brother, it will all send you to hell if it remains unrepented of! When I read verses from the Bible like 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and Revelation 21:8 one can easily understand that those who choose not to repent of their sin, including adultery, effeminence, idolatry, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, thieves, fearful, unbelieving, murderers, witches, and liars, will all be forever lost without God in hell. This is a fact. There is much more to learn. God hates pride, He hates backbiters. Consider Romans 1:28-31 where another comprehensive list is located. It adds to the list of the lost, including wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, envy, debaters, whisperers, backbiters, proud, boasters, disobedient to parents, those who will not understand, without natural affection and....get this...the UNMERCIFUL! These are all on a train that is not headed for the gates of pearl.
Since the guy who looks at a woman to lust after her body is just as guilty as the guy who crawls in the sack with her, then we can understand that almost every male with testosterone has had to repent of this sin. It was Jesus who said that lust is the same as adultery. It is just so much easier to poke the eyes out of the one with the visible sin than it is to hammer the guy with lust or the woman who wears out her cell phone gossiping. Is it less sin because it is done in secret? It is all sin!
Here is the good news. God's grace is the anti-venom to the snakebite of sin. It was provided by the Son of God upon the cross. The blood of Jesus cleanseth us from all sin! Faith in Christ removes guilt and even the reminder of past sins. My sin is gone, as is yours!! Let's rejoice! Let's spread the good news! Or, would you rather fish in the Sea of Forgetfulness? Some would. Some like to forget their own iniquity and are more than glad to pick out the faults of others. To forget our own mess is a sin the size of a fence post compared to the committed sin you are trying to point out in others. For this reason Jesus stressed dealing with your own before you pick on the 'mote' in your brother's eye. When I think of the grace I have needed, I have no reason to point out your sin as being greater or smaller. Again, sin is sin!
The body of Christ is an army. Together we fight a common enemy. That enemy is not our brother or sister. Once in a while a brother or sister takes a hit, they succumb to sin, they fall short, they mess up, they get shot, they take a drink or a snort. Sometimes full blown Christians say a bad word or think a bad thought or give in to a sin they truly hate. But that does not mean they are worthless, nor does it give us the right to issue a death sentence. They should not have to fear taking a bullet in the temple from the very people they were trying to protect for years. Talk about sinful! I have watched Christians, in an attempt to settle a score, actually lie to make a bad story worse! They felt justified since their fellow soldier had sinned. I also witnessed Christians, in the name of 'righteousness', become so angry and bitter that they self-destructed...all in the name of vindication. I have watched so called Christians stoop to the point of using their own children as pawns to try to get 'even' with someone who had hurt them. The hurts that really need attention are the ones that hurt God's heart and the ones that wound our fellow soldiers.
Wounded soldiers are to be helped from the battle front. Restoration and the idea of making something that is broken, brand new again, is a Bible doctrine. It is God who makes all things new, but He uses the tools of human compassion to get it done. Wounded soldiers need a time away, a time to rest, a time to heal, a time to be bound up with love and prayer and wise counsel. The discipline will be part of the picture. God's law demands it. There are wages and consequences to sin and lawlessness. One day, when the broken has been healed, they can go back to the front lines and help others who are hurting. They will be able to tell by the look in your eye that they do not have to fear you because you have scars of your own. Heal the wounded soldier. If your religion is more about judging than healing, you probably aren't on the side of Jesus. I recall my Captain saying to one who was seriously wounded... "Go and sin no more!"
If you are a wounded soldier, I promise to help you in any way that I can. I will pray with you, listen to you, forgive you and help you get back to the front lines. Reconciliation and redemption are key words from the book we call the Bible. One of my life goals is to practice this kind of grace.
Thank you for reading. If you have been helped when you were wounded, share your story.
Pastor Tim Estes
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Pansy Parents
I am writing this with a blend of sadness and anger in my spirit. Sad, because of the end result of children who are left to their own way, as the scripture says. And, angry at the parents who have abandoned the old fashioned ways of disciplining children. I call them 'Pansy Parents' because they have become whimpy and spineless in one of the most difficult endeavors on earth...parenting.
When God calls us to be parents we are called to teach the original boundaries of right and wrong. If we do a good job as a teacher in the home, it is likely that our children will not have to be taught boundaries by juvenile officers or worse, a warden of the penitentiary. Pansy Parents are creating an epidemic that is being reaped in this generation, and will be exponentially worse in the next.
God's Word speaks clearly about the need for corporal punishment in bringing up children. The pain placed with love, on the backside, will prevent pains of imprisonment and trouble with employers, etc. Let me spell that out further for the 'Pansies' who have given in to the idea of telling their children to do something and then 'counting to three' or, more likely, a hundred and three before getting angry and shouting at the top of their lungs, before their kids even think about paying attention. When we raise our children according to God's plan, we will eliminate the delinquency we are producing in our society.
Good parents have to do things they don't enjoy doing. (Stop and re-read that first line.) Seriously, if you are going to do half a job at being a good parent you are headed for a showdown. Let me review along with you a few principles that will help you in raising kids. 1. Discipline with love - The reason you spank and discipline children is because you love them. It is not love to allow your kids to run unchecked. It is not love to say, "I love them too much to hurt them." In truth, to fail to discipline is the surest way to bring hurt to your children. Never let anger be the thing that pushes you to discipline. You may feel anger, but the administration of punishment should only be done when you are calm, cool and have collected yourself to the point you can explain calmly why you are punishing. 2. Punishment should be hard enough to hurt, but not so hard that you bring long term physical harm. The goal is just to bring the child to remorse. He learns that the pain of doing something against his will is much less than the pain he will endure when you punish him...so he makes a decision to do the right thing and obey. 3. Your rules must be clearly spelled out, along with why they are good for them - You owe it to your children to tell them why the rule is made. They may not agree with you nor want to follow it, but at least they will know you have reasons for enforcing the boundaries. 4. Punish Consistently - This is perhaps the most important rule. It does little good to enforce the rules one day...or just when you are mad....or only when you yell....or on Saturdays...or only when company comes...etc. When a child has been given boundaries and you are certain they understand what you are expecting of them, then as a parent you must be faithful to make the rule stick everytime, all the time. Consistent discipline says to the child, 'Right and Wrong have consequences all the time.' To discipline otherwise teaches situational ethics. 5. Discipline must be done in a firm but settled tone - Be very aware of the tone you use when disciplining. You should not be screaming and yelling. This is more of a 'matter of fact' situation. "You broke the rules, knowing the punishment for your violation, so you are going to pay the price for it." This is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. They will thank you one day for it.
Sometimes parents mean well and start down the road of discipline, then they fail to stay with it. You must maintain the momentum of doing right. Children are smart...they will figure you out! Then, when they figure you out, they will control you instead of you controlling them! Sometimes, especially in strong willed children, parents give up too quickly. For instance, you tell little Johnny to sit down in the chair for ten minutes for disobeying you. In three minutes he gets up. At that point you have a choice to make. If you ignore him and let him go play, you tell him that your word is meaningless and that there are no consequences for his actions. On the other hand, if you reinforce the command to stay put for ten minutes, now you remind him to get back into the chair or else he will be punished. Two more minutes go by and Johnny gets up again. He is testing you to see if you mean what you say. Now you must punish him. Simply remind him of the rule. "Johnny I told you to sit in the chair for ten minutes. You did not do it and now I have to keep my word and spank you. You disobeyed me and now you get a spanking. Do you understand?" Then you spank him matter of factly. Then you set him back on the chair and tell him he will sit there for ten minutes and if he gets up without permission, he will be punished again. If he gets up again, at any time, you spank him immediately.....and do this as many times as it takes. Be sure you don't get mad in the process. You are God's gift to this child. Continue to inflict pain on the buttocks. Either spank with your hand or with a light switch or strap. Be sure you are not bruising the child. There may be light bruising after several repeated spankings, but there should NEVER be deep bruising and the child should NEVER be struck in the face or other parts of the body. These spankings have to be kept up until you win. It may take two times or twenty-two times. This is where parents turn to pansies. They spank three times and then give in to little Johnny on the sixth time. Guess what? You just wasted your time and you have made real discipline ten times more difficult the next time. You must win the battle with your child. When you win the battle of the wills at an early age (don't spank until a child is old enough to understand right and wrong...approx 3 yrs. Spankings should be age appropriate, as far as severity.) you will not have to discipline nearly as much overall as the person who is inconsistent, or waits until they 'boil' before they act. When you win his will, the child knows that you mean business when you say no. Boundaries are then respected and that will pay dividends in his adult life as well.
Dads and moms need to be on the same page with this. This is something I try to bring up in pre-marriage counseling because it can be a problem if parents have different ideas. Dr. Spock has done our generation a severe dis-service. You cannot always 'just talk' to your kids. If we spare the rod, the child will be spoiled or ruined. This is a fact. Just look at all the jails we have built in the US during the last fifteen years. We can't build prisons fast enough to keep up with the spawn of evil going on in the homes of 'Pansy Parents'. This is just the tip of the iceberg. To fail to tell a child no, concerning obedience, curfews, porn, drugs, alcohol, and evil influences is setting them and yourself up for trouble and pain. Bottom line is, our nation's greatest generation was raised by parents who busted the tailends of their kids. Great homes and great nations require the necessary factor of respect, through discipline.
A bus driver, who had driven a school bus for 30 plus years, told me that when he started driving the bus he kept a paddle above the dash. If a child acted out, he would pull the bus over and paddle the child instantly. He said he almost never had any trouble on that bus. More than that, the children knew when they got home the parents would back up the bus driver by generally giving the child 'another' whipping. But before he retired he said, "Now days, if you paddle a child the parent will meet you at the school wanting to fight with you for paddling little Johnny."
In summation, either you cause the child to cry when they are young, or I promise you, you will cry as you watch the destruction of your kids. It is that simple! You either get involved, and enforce discipline or you will get to go visit them in jail one day or help them through detox centers or worse...bury them! I am speaking out at the epidemic in hopes that some parent will read this and avoid the tears of tomorrow. If that happens, my time has been well spent. It is time to be strong, put on your game face, break out grandma's razor strop or cut a peach tree limb and get back to the business of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. When they are strong, profitable, balanced, loving citizens, you will have years to enjoy the return of excellent years. I wish you well.
Pastor Tim
When God calls us to be parents we are called to teach the original boundaries of right and wrong. If we do a good job as a teacher in the home, it is likely that our children will not have to be taught boundaries by juvenile officers or worse, a warden of the penitentiary. Pansy Parents are creating an epidemic that is being reaped in this generation, and will be exponentially worse in the next.
God's Word speaks clearly about the need for corporal punishment in bringing up children. The pain placed with love, on the backside, will prevent pains of imprisonment and trouble with employers, etc. Let me spell that out further for the 'Pansies' who have given in to the idea of telling their children to do something and then 'counting to three' or, more likely, a hundred and three before getting angry and shouting at the top of their lungs, before their kids even think about paying attention. When we raise our children according to God's plan, we will eliminate the delinquency we are producing in our society.
Good parents have to do things they don't enjoy doing. (Stop and re-read that first line.) Seriously, if you are going to do half a job at being a good parent you are headed for a showdown. Let me review along with you a few principles that will help you in raising kids. 1. Discipline with love - The reason you spank and discipline children is because you love them. It is not love to allow your kids to run unchecked. It is not love to say, "I love them too much to hurt them." In truth, to fail to discipline is the surest way to bring hurt to your children. Never let anger be the thing that pushes you to discipline. You may feel anger, but the administration of punishment should only be done when you are calm, cool and have collected yourself to the point you can explain calmly why you are punishing. 2. Punishment should be hard enough to hurt, but not so hard that you bring long term physical harm. The goal is just to bring the child to remorse. He learns that the pain of doing something against his will is much less than the pain he will endure when you punish him...so he makes a decision to do the right thing and obey. 3. Your rules must be clearly spelled out, along with why they are good for them - You owe it to your children to tell them why the rule is made. They may not agree with you nor want to follow it, but at least they will know you have reasons for enforcing the boundaries. 4. Punish Consistently - This is perhaps the most important rule. It does little good to enforce the rules one day...or just when you are mad....or only when you yell....or on Saturdays...or only when company comes...etc. When a child has been given boundaries and you are certain they understand what you are expecting of them, then as a parent you must be faithful to make the rule stick everytime, all the time. Consistent discipline says to the child, 'Right and Wrong have consequences all the time.' To discipline otherwise teaches situational ethics. 5. Discipline must be done in a firm but settled tone - Be very aware of the tone you use when disciplining. You should not be screaming and yelling. This is more of a 'matter of fact' situation. "You broke the rules, knowing the punishment for your violation, so you are going to pay the price for it." This is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. They will thank you one day for it.
Sometimes parents mean well and start down the road of discipline, then they fail to stay with it. You must maintain the momentum of doing right. Children are smart...they will figure you out! Then, when they figure you out, they will control you instead of you controlling them! Sometimes, especially in strong willed children, parents give up too quickly. For instance, you tell little Johnny to sit down in the chair for ten minutes for disobeying you. In three minutes he gets up. At that point you have a choice to make. If you ignore him and let him go play, you tell him that your word is meaningless and that there are no consequences for his actions. On the other hand, if you reinforce the command to stay put for ten minutes, now you remind him to get back into the chair or else he will be punished. Two more minutes go by and Johnny gets up again. He is testing you to see if you mean what you say. Now you must punish him. Simply remind him of the rule. "Johnny I told you to sit in the chair for ten minutes. You did not do it and now I have to keep my word and spank you. You disobeyed me and now you get a spanking. Do you understand?" Then you spank him matter of factly. Then you set him back on the chair and tell him he will sit there for ten minutes and if he gets up without permission, he will be punished again. If he gets up again, at any time, you spank him immediately.....and do this as many times as it takes. Be sure you don't get mad in the process. You are God's gift to this child. Continue to inflict pain on the buttocks. Either spank with your hand or with a light switch or strap. Be sure you are not bruising the child. There may be light bruising after several repeated spankings, but there should NEVER be deep bruising and the child should NEVER be struck in the face or other parts of the body. These spankings have to be kept up until you win. It may take two times or twenty-two times. This is where parents turn to pansies. They spank three times and then give in to little Johnny on the sixth time. Guess what? You just wasted your time and you have made real discipline ten times more difficult the next time. You must win the battle with your child. When you win the battle of the wills at an early age (don't spank until a child is old enough to understand right and wrong...approx 3 yrs. Spankings should be age appropriate, as far as severity.) you will not have to discipline nearly as much overall as the person who is inconsistent, or waits until they 'boil' before they act. When you win his will, the child knows that you mean business when you say no. Boundaries are then respected and that will pay dividends in his adult life as well.
Dads and moms need to be on the same page with this. This is something I try to bring up in pre-marriage counseling because it can be a problem if parents have different ideas. Dr. Spock has done our generation a severe dis-service. You cannot always 'just talk' to your kids. If we spare the rod, the child will be spoiled or ruined. This is a fact. Just look at all the jails we have built in the US during the last fifteen years. We can't build prisons fast enough to keep up with the spawn of evil going on in the homes of 'Pansy Parents'. This is just the tip of the iceberg. To fail to tell a child no, concerning obedience, curfews, porn, drugs, alcohol, and evil influences is setting them and yourself up for trouble and pain. Bottom line is, our nation's greatest generation was raised by parents who busted the tailends of their kids. Great homes and great nations require the necessary factor of respect, through discipline.
A bus driver, who had driven a school bus for 30 plus years, told me that when he started driving the bus he kept a paddle above the dash. If a child acted out, he would pull the bus over and paddle the child instantly. He said he almost never had any trouble on that bus. More than that, the children knew when they got home the parents would back up the bus driver by generally giving the child 'another' whipping. But before he retired he said, "Now days, if you paddle a child the parent will meet you at the school wanting to fight with you for paddling little Johnny."
In summation, either you cause the child to cry when they are young, or I promise you, you will cry as you watch the destruction of your kids. It is that simple! You either get involved, and enforce discipline or you will get to go visit them in jail one day or help them through detox centers or worse...bury them! I am speaking out at the epidemic in hopes that some parent will read this and avoid the tears of tomorrow. If that happens, my time has been well spent. It is time to be strong, put on your game face, break out grandma's razor strop or cut a peach tree limb and get back to the business of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. When they are strong, profitable, balanced, loving citizens, you will have years to enjoy the return of excellent years. I wish you well.
Pastor Tim
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Christmas...Where Shepherds and Wisemen meet.
I enjoy Christmas. The older I get the more I enjoy watching others, especially the youngsters, enjoy it. For me, Christmas pleasure comes from being with my family and friends. Oh, and...I really love to eat the sweets too! Togetherness is the essence of Christmas.
The story of Christmas, it occurred to me, has much to do with bringing people together. No where is that more evident than the two groups who attended the nativity...wisemen and shepherds. Just their differences of culture could have been a major distraction. Think of it!
Historians say the wisemen traveled as much as two years to find the babe. They were obviously studied men. They knew the signs in the heavens...astronomers we call them today. Wisemen were called such because they were indeed wise. Without a doubt they knew the prophecies of the Old Bible. Dare I say any who will become a student of the Word can be classified as wise.
These were also men of means. It must have taken much money and provision to sustain them on their journey. Their gifts bore witness to their financial standing. To have gold, frankensince and myrr for gifts is more impressive than a tennis bracelet and a rolex watch!
Juxtaposed against the contrast of wealth is the humble shepherd. Shepherds were outdoorsmen, men who drifted from pasture to pasture, slept in tents and cooked over a campfire. Their skin was weathered, their whiskers were no doubt long and wooly. They smelled of smoke and had rough hands and breath. Their call to find baby Jesus was an instantaneous thing, much different than the pre-arranged trip of wisemen.
This brings me to a couple of points for your consideration. It doesn't matter how you get to Christ, just so you get there. Some have come from afar. They heard the Word, felt the pull, studied, took time, planned, calculated and finally arrived. Others had a sudden flash from the heavens and suddenly they were on their way...no planning, no nothing except desire to find the King.
Once these two sharply different cast of characters made it to Bethlehem and to the manger out behind the Inn with a "No Vacancy" sign, there was something else important. Both groups refused to be distracted by the differences of those who knelt beside them. Let me ask you a question here. Wouldn't it be great if we could get our churches to do the same? I mean, once your church becomes known by a particular classification, you suddenly eliminate others from your midst. If you are an 'uppity' church, the country folk will likely look elsewhere for worship. Or, if you are the 'Cowboy Church' the business men in your area will not have the truck and boots to fit your mold. It is my belief that the church should be the one place where business man and cowboy, high society and poor, beautiful and not so beautiful, wise and unwise, cultured and uncultured can assemble together and kneel for worship. This can be done if our focus is on the babe in the manger and not on those who may dress differently than we do.
That is what Christmas is all about! Merry Christmas.
The story of Christmas, it occurred to me, has much to do with bringing people together. No where is that more evident than the two groups who attended the nativity...wisemen and shepherds. Just their differences of culture could have been a major distraction. Think of it!
Historians say the wisemen traveled as much as two years to find the babe. They were obviously studied men. They knew the signs in the heavens...astronomers we call them today. Wisemen were called such because they were indeed wise. Without a doubt they knew the prophecies of the Old Bible. Dare I say any who will become a student of the Word can be classified as wise.
These were also men of means. It must have taken much money and provision to sustain them on their journey. Their gifts bore witness to their financial standing. To have gold, frankensince and myrr for gifts is more impressive than a tennis bracelet and a rolex watch!
Juxtaposed against the contrast of wealth is the humble shepherd. Shepherds were outdoorsmen, men who drifted from pasture to pasture, slept in tents and cooked over a campfire. Their skin was weathered, their whiskers were no doubt long and wooly. They smelled of smoke and had rough hands and breath. Their call to find baby Jesus was an instantaneous thing, much different than the pre-arranged trip of wisemen.
This brings me to a couple of points for your consideration. It doesn't matter how you get to Christ, just so you get there. Some have come from afar. They heard the Word, felt the pull, studied, took time, planned, calculated and finally arrived. Others had a sudden flash from the heavens and suddenly they were on their way...no planning, no nothing except desire to find the King.
Once these two sharply different cast of characters made it to Bethlehem and to the manger out behind the Inn with a "No Vacancy" sign, there was something else important. Both groups refused to be distracted by the differences of those who knelt beside them. Let me ask you a question here. Wouldn't it be great if we could get our churches to do the same? I mean, once your church becomes known by a particular classification, you suddenly eliminate others from your midst. If you are an 'uppity' church, the country folk will likely look elsewhere for worship. Or, if you are the 'Cowboy Church' the business men in your area will not have the truck and boots to fit your mold. It is my belief that the church should be the one place where business man and cowboy, high society and poor, beautiful and not so beautiful, wise and unwise, cultured and uncultured can assemble together and kneel for worship. This can be done if our focus is on the babe in the manger and not on those who may dress differently than we do.
That is what Christmas is all about! Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Hunting...More Than Shooting Animals
As a young boy I developed a love for hunting. My childhood friend and I were stalking birds with BB Guns when we were but 8 years old. Into my teen years I looked for opportunities to hunt. Often I found myself riding in vehicles full of grown men who were willing to take me, either because they recognized my love of the sport, or because I simply drove them crazy wanting to go along. Either way, I savored the moments then as I do now.
I think that is one of the best parts of hunting. The memories remain long after the shots are fired and the warm camp fires die away. Hunting entails so much more than the taking of game. While this is the ultimate goal, the other parts are equally gratifying. As the spouse of any hunter can tell you, hunting requires a lot of equipment. The various seasons and their accompanying opportunities means the avid hunter must be outfitted with gun, bow, muzzle-loader, and...sling-shot, and whatever else they sell. Clothing, binocs, camping gear, etc are the tools that go along with the menagerie of hunting.
When I look at the trophies on my wall, I recall the way the hunt went and how the shots were made. More than that I remember the times spent eating camp food, which incidentally is the best, and the times laughing and even weeping as hearts are shared. Im must tell you that my trophies are not trophies when compared with many of the true "Boone and Crockett" type trophies that exist. Nonetheless, they are trophies to me.
Recently I went back to the Hill Country of Texas with a new friend God blessed me with. His name is Shawn, a pastor from Oklahoma. We had such a great time! We met other pastors and hunted with them, then spent the evening hours around the fire, talking, 'preaching', and singing along with a flat-top guitar played by Joel Hemphill. It was a memorable time to say the least. It was great to be hunting again after taking a couple of years away. It is so inspiring to watch the sun rise and set from a deer blind. This is an experience all people should know at least once in their lives. It is amazing to watch the world awaken, the birds begin to sing and search for their 'breakfast', and to watch the most graceful animal on the planet, the whitetail deer, move like a shadow among the brush. God speaks clearly at daybreak.
Our hunt concluded with both my friend and I taking a buck and a doe apiece. Neither bucks were 'wall-hangers', mine especially had serious ground shrinkage. But, we had a great time, I have a new lifelong friend, and I also have a cupboard full of excellent deer jerky. I was blessed to also take a nice, young hog on the trip. It will spend some time on the grill!
I thank God for the opportunity to enjoy the wild once again with my hunting friends. Memories were made that will be with me the rest of my life. That is really what hunting is all about. Good luck, Happy Hunting, and God bless.
Tim
I think that is one of the best parts of hunting. The memories remain long after the shots are fired and the warm camp fires die away. Hunting entails so much more than the taking of game. While this is the ultimate goal, the other parts are equally gratifying. As the spouse of any hunter can tell you, hunting requires a lot of equipment. The various seasons and their accompanying opportunities means the avid hunter must be outfitted with gun, bow, muzzle-loader, and...sling-shot, and whatever else they sell. Clothing, binocs, camping gear, etc are the tools that go along with the menagerie of hunting.
When I look at the trophies on my wall, I recall the way the hunt went and how the shots were made. More than that I remember the times spent eating camp food, which incidentally is the best, and the times laughing and even weeping as hearts are shared. Im must tell you that my trophies are not trophies when compared with many of the true "Boone and Crockett" type trophies that exist. Nonetheless, they are trophies to me.
Recently I went back to the Hill Country of Texas with a new friend God blessed me with. His name is Shawn, a pastor from Oklahoma. We had such a great time! We met other pastors and hunted with them, then spent the evening hours around the fire, talking, 'preaching', and singing along with a flat-top guitar played by Joel Hemphill. It was a memorable time to say the least. It was great to be hunting again after taking a couple of years away. It is so inspiring to watch the sun rise and set from a deer blind. This is an experience all people should know at least once in their lives. It is amazing to watch the world awaken, the birds begin to sing and search for their 'breakfast', and to watch the most graceful animal on the planet, the whitetail deer, move like a shadow among the brush. God speaks clearly at daybreak.
Our hunt concluded with both my friend and I taking a buck and a doe apiece. Neither bucks were 'wall-hangers', mine especially had serious ground shrinkage. But, we had a great time, I have a new lifelong friend, and I also have a cupboard full of excellent deer jerky. I was blessed to also take a nice, young hog on the trip. It will spend some time on the grill!
I thank God for the opportunity to enjoy the wild once again with my hunting friends. Memories were made that will be with me the rest of my life. That is really what hunting is all about. Good luck, Happy Hunting, and God bless.
Tim
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
The Tight-line of Grace
I've never walked on a tight rope, but I have marveled at the pictures and images of those who have. There are several things I know about it, although I have never done it. A person has to have much fortitude to get up there and walk on such minimal footing. The next thing is there has to be a huge degree of balance for a person to make it across a tightrope. Finally, the rope has to be held taught between two fixed positions that will not give when pulled upon. These points of tension allow the walker to have a better chance at a successful trek.
You know many of the doctrines of the Bible are the same. Folks get off balance and have little or no footing when they attach themselves to one polarized position. There is no place where this is more pronounced and obvious than when it comes to the area of grace.
On one hand, the church has to hold a firm line against sin. This means when we deal with sin we do so in love, but with the firmest resolve possible. We handle sin like a physician handles a systemic infection in a body. Or, as a demolition expert handles 100 pounds of dynamite. Sin is the culprit which will keep men from eternal life with God. Sin is the great divide, separating man from his Creator. The church must speak against sin...calling it by name. We need ministers with conviction who lovingly steer their congregations away from the wolves.
On the other hand, balance of grace and mercy is needed...yea necessary if we are to be effective. This sin issue, if you have forgotten, affects everyone. "If anyone says they haven't sinned, the truth is not in them." We have all sinned. Therefore, the first person you will need to deal with is the one you see in the mirror each day. Be sure you stop the sin without killing the person. This is that all too oft overlooked balance.
Notice in Ephesians 4. Paul instructs the hearer to be humble and gentle, longsuffering, forbearing one another, etc. (v.2) Then he spends a good deal of time not mincing words about those who walk in unrighteousness, lasciviousness, and immoral behavior. The line is pulled tight! In v.25-30 he says, in essence, whatever you are doing in sin...stop doing it! But before the chapter has ended he reverts back to reminding the reader of mercy and forgiveness. (v.32)
I have found that 'religious' folks have a real appetite for the "preaching against" stuff. "Hold the line" I have heard them say. Well, unless you have some mercy to hold the line on the other end, you have no clue about walking the line. The Tightline of Grace requires a pull from each side.
All that to say, we never endorse sin! But when a sinner turns for home, we immediately embrace them, love them and nurse them back to health. It is not Gods will to shoot wounded Christians. Galatians 6:1 must ring in our hearts.
I hope you are equipped to walk the line. You will need strong positions on either side and a good deal of balance. I wish you well.
Tim
You know many of the doctrines of the Bible are the same. Folks get off balance and have little or no footing when they attach themselves to one polarized position. There is no place where this is more pronounced and obvious than when it comes to the area of grace.
On one hand, the church has to hold a firm line against sin. This means when we deal with sin we do so in love, but with the firmest resolve possible. We handle sin like a physician handles a systemic infection in a body. Or, as a demolition expert handles 100 pounds of dynamite. Sin is the culprit which will keep men from eternal life with God. Sin is the great divide, separating man from his Creator. The church must speak against sin...calling it by name. We need ministers with conviction who lovingly steer their congregations away from the wolves.
On the other hand, balance of grace and mercy is needed...yea necessary if we are to be effective. This sin issue, if you have forgotten, affects everyone. "If anyone says they haven't sinned, the truth is not in them." We have all sinned. Therefore, the first person you will need to deal with is the one you see in the mirror each day. Be sure you stop the sin without killing the person. This is that all too oft overlooked balance.
Notice in Ephesians 4. Paul instructs the hearer to be humble and gentle, longsuffering, forbearing one another, etc. (v.2) Then he spends a good deal of time not mincing words about those who walk in unrighteousness, lasciviousness, and immoral behavior. The line is pulled tight! In v.25-30 he says, in essence, whatever you are doing in sin...stop doing it! But before the chapter has ended he reverts back to reminding the reader of mercy and forgiveness. (v.32)
I have found that 'religious' folks have a real appetite for the "preaching against" stuff. "Hold the line" I have heard them say. Well, unless you have some mercy to hold the line on the other end, you have no clue about walking the line. The Tightline of Grace requires a pull from each side.
All that to say, we never endorse sin! But when a sinner turns for home, we immediately embrace them, love them and nurse them back to health. It is not Gods will to shoot wounded Christians. Galatians 6:1 must ring in our hearts.
I hope you are equipped to walk the line. You will need strong positions on either side and a good deal of balance. I wish you well.
Tim
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Update on Vestal Estes (Part 8)
Today is November 11th, 2008. So much has happened since we entered the hospital with dad on September 30th that it is hard to grasp the monumental trip we have made. We have watched dad go from death's door to being on track to make a very good recovery.
One week ago today I brought dad home from Oklahoma City. He had spent 36 days in the hospital, which seems like an eternity. I want to mention the hospital staff who cared for dad. From the custodian to the surgeon, and from the dining room cooks to the physical therapists...everyone was just great. It seemed that they all took a liking to dad as he would be kind to them and cut up with them, even though he was in much pain.
Being at home has been good medicine for dad. He has enjoyed the familiar surroundings and the environment where his friends can come see him. A couple of nights ago, dad slept in his own bed for the first time in more than five months. He has been in such terrible pain (prior to the surgery). Although dad still is on a lot of pain meds, we see him getting stronger. He is now able to get up by himself and walks short distances with a walker.
You should see dad when he stands up! He is now taller than I am once again! He looks so good! I didn't know if I'd ever see him standing that straight again. The doctor tells us it will take a full year for him to recover. We are on our way and we are more than willing to work with him for that year until he is back to health. He has much life to enjoy. God has heard our prayer, and by His grace we will watch dad make a full recovery.
Thanks to all of you who have called, prayed and cared for us during this time. You will never know how much it has helped us. Feel free to give dad a call some time. He would enjoy a short visit from his friends. (479-524-4265)
May God bless you,
Tim
One week ago today I brought dad home from Oklahoma City. He had spent 36 days in the hospital, which seems like an eternity. I want to mention the hospital staff who cared for dad. From the custodian to the surgeon, and from the dining room cooks to the physical therapists...everyone was just great. It seemed that they all took a liking to dad as he would be kind to them and cut up with them, even though he was in much pain.
Being at home has been good medicine for dad. He has enjoyed the familiar surroundings and the environment where his friends can come see him. A couple of nights ago, dad slept in his own bed for the first time in more than five months. He has been in such terrible pain (prior to the surgery). Although dad still is on a lot of pain meds, we see him getting stronger. He is now able to get up by himself and walks short distances with a walker.
You should see dad when he stands up! He is now taller than I am once again! He looks so good! I didn't know if I'd ever see him standing that straight again. The doctor tells us it will take a full year for him to recover. We are on our way and we are more than willing to work with him for that year until he is back to health. He has much life to enjoy. God has heard our prayer, and by His grace we will watch dad make a full recovery.
Thanks to all of you who have called, prayed and cared for us during this time. You will never know how much it has helped us. Feel free to give dad a call some time. He would enjoy a short visit from his friends. (479-524-4265)
May God bless you,
Tim
Thursday, October 16, 2008
dad's Progress (Part 7)
Hope you are not weary with the 'update' blogs. It is an effective way to communicate dad's status to many who are inquiring. Thank you so much for praying for dad. God has been so good to us by providing this ongoing miracle.
Today dad was moved from the 'step-down' unit to the rehab section of Mercy Hospital in OKC. He was not able to be moved to Northwest Arkansas yet due to a blood clot in his leg. They want to treat the clot medicinally before trying to transport dad. I was really hoping to get him back to Arkansas tomorrow but I trust the doctor's decisions.
Dad is really weak. They say it will take 3-5 days of therapy for every day dad was in the bed. Well, that means he is in for a rather lengthy rehabilitation. We cannot complain however as we recall how that dad wasn't supposed to be here. It is a blessing just to hear his voice on the telephone, and to sense that he is getting better mentally and emotionally by the day. I know God hasn't brought him this far to let him down.
As Doctor Nasr put it, "We are looking at a year down the road." If we could see that far in faith, I believe we would see dad walking, standing tall and enjoying life without the pain that he has been under for so many years. Truly dad has suffered more intense agony than any person I have ever known. I might add he has done so without complaint. He is a champion in every sense of the word.
I realize more everyday what a 'tree of righteousness' he is to so many people. His circle of influence is not diminished with age. He is an important role model and giant of the faith to many people, including yours truly.
May God bless you and yours. Please remember to call dad's name in prayer as he attempts to move muscles that have mostly lain still for a couple of weeks. Thanks again and God bless you.
Tim
Today dad was moved from the 'step-down' unit to the rehab section of Mercy Hospital in OKC. He was not able to be moved to Northwest Arkansas yet due to a blood clot in his leg. They want to treat the clot medicinally before trying to transport dad. I was really hoping to get him back to Arkansas tomorrow but I trust the doctor's decisions.
Dad is really weak. They say it will take 3-5 days of therapy for every day dad was in the bed. Well, that means he is in for a rather lengthy rehabilitation. We cannot complain however as we recall how that dad wasn't supposed to be here. It is a blessing just to hear his voice on the telephone, and to sense that he is getting better mentally and emotionally by the day. I know God hasn't brought him this far to let him down.
As Doctor Nasr put it, "We are looking at a year down the road." If we could see that far in faith, I believe we would see dad walking, standing tall and enjoying life without the pain that he has been under for so many years. Truly dad has suffered more intense agony than any person I have ever known. I might add he has done so without complaint. He is a champion in every sense of the word.
I realize more everyday what a 'tree of righteousness' he is to so many people. His circle of influence is not diminished with age. He is an important role model and giant of the faith to many people, including yours truly.
May God bless you and yours. Please remember to call dad's name in prayer as he attempts to move muscles that have mostly lain still for a couple of weeks. Thanks again and God bless you.
Tim
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