My son, J-bird, was born December 27, 2007.It was the scariest most joyful experience of my life.When I reminisce about that day, my thoughts inevitable turn to Brother Delbert.He passed away from this life shortly before J-bird was born, and his funeral service was on the Sunday we came home from the hospital.
I only knew Delbert for a few years.He was a warm and charming man, and he always had a certain wit about him.Every Sunday he would greet me at the door of the church with a kind smile and a firm handshake.He would often ask me to help him collect the offering.During the time that I was the assistant teacher of the high school Sunday school class, we had an assignment to interview one of the elder members of the church.I was (providentially) assigned Delbert.I truly enjoyed learning about him and his fascinating life.He was born in 1919 grew up in Palacios, Texas.He was from a large family and his nickname was “bunny”. During WWII he served in the US Air Force.He had the arduous task of searching for and removing, by hand, German land mines.(Read more about his wartime experiences here.)
What I remember most about Bro. Delbert is the time I visited him in the hospital.He and his wife were there, and they were both in good spirits.We made small talk, and he asked about the goings on at church (he had missed several Sundays).I listened as he recalled memories and anecdotes from his past.When it was time for me to leave, I asked if I could pray for him.He refused.Instead, he prayed for me.So there in the hospital bed, Bro. Delbert passionately prayed for me and my wife.His Christ-like love and sincerity moved me to tears, as it still does now.I will always remember day.
On December 29, 1845 (164 years ago), Texas officially became the 28th state of the United States of America. In celebration of this remarkable event in history, we will examine the testimony of a true Texas patriot, Sam Houston.
In his youth Houston moved with his family to a farm in rural Tennessee after the death of his father in 1807. A rebel in spirit, he ran away in his mid-teens and lived for nearly three years with the Cherokee Indians in eastern Tennessee, where he took the name Black Raven and learned the native language, skills, and customs. Houston thus developed a rapport with the Indians that was unique for his day.
In 1812 Houston reported to a training camp in Knoxville, Tennessee, and enlisted in the 7th Regiment of Infantry to fight the British in the War of 1812. By December of that year, he had risen from private to third lieutenant. At the Battle of Horseshoe Bend in March 1814, he was wounded in the thigh by a Creek arrow. His wound was bandaged, and he rejoined the fight. When Andrew Jackson called on volunteers to dislodge a group of Red Sticks from their breastworks (fortifications), Houston volunteered, but during the assault, he was struck by bullets in the shoulder and arm. He returned to Knoxville as a disabled veteran, but later took the army's offer of free surgery and convalesced in a New Orleans, Louisiana, hospital.[4] Houston became close to Jackson. In 1817 he was appointed sub-agent in managing the business relating to the removal of the Cherokees from East Tennessee to a reservation in what is now Arkansas, but he was offended at a rebuke from John C. Calhoun, then secretary of war, for appearing before him in Native American garments, as well as at an inquiry into charges affecting his official integrity, and he resigned in 1818.
He then returned to Nashville to practice law and from 1823 to 1827 served as a U.S. congressman. He was elected governor of Tennessee in 1827. After a brief unsuccessful marriage to Eliza Allen in 1829, he resigned his office; he again sought refuge among the Cherokee and was formally adopted into the tribe. His alleged drunkenness and abandonment of his office, and wife, caused a rift with his mentor Andrew Jackson, which would not be healed for several years.
In 1830 and again in 1832 he visited Washington to expose the frauds practiced upon the Cherokees by government agents.[5] While Houston was in Washington in April 1832, Anti-Jacksonian Congressman William Stanbery made accusations about Houston in a speech on the floor of Congress. Infuriated, Houston later confronted Stanbery on Pennsylvania Avenue and beat him with a hickory cane. Stanbery did manage to draw one of his pistols, place it at Houston's chest, and pull the trigger—the gun misfired.
On April 17 Congress ordered the arrest of Houston, who pleaded self-defense, and hired Francis Scott Key as his lawyer. Houston was found guilty, but thanks to high-placed friends he was only lightly reprimanded. Houston was found liable in civil court and was fined $500, but Houston did not pay it and left the country. This incident promoted his reputation as an unruly drunkard, womanizer, and brawler.
The publicity surrounding the trial resurrected Houston's unfavorable political reputation, and Houston made plans to go to Texas. His time in Texas was characterized by heavy drinking and boisterous behavior. Houston's arrival in Texas coincided with the heated contest between U.S. settlers and Mexicans for control of the area. He established a home there by 1833, and he quickly emerged as one of the settlers' main leaders. Houston attended the Convention of 1833 as representative for Nacogdoches, and also attended the Consultation of 1835. He was then made a Major General of the Texas Army in November 1835, then Commander-in-Chief in March 1836, at the convention which met at Washington-on-the-Brazos to declare Texan Independence.
On March 2, 1836, his 43rd birthday, Houston signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. He soon joined his volunteer army at Gonzales, but was shortly forced to retreat in the face of the superior forces of Mexican General (and dictator) Antonio López de Santa Anna, whose soldiers killed all those at The Alamo Mission at the conclusion of the Battle of the Alamo on March 6.
At the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, however, Houston surprised Santa Anna and the Mexican forces during their afternoon siesta. In less than 18 minutes, the battle was over. Badly beaten, Santa Anna was forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco, granting Texas independence.
Houston served two terms as President of the Republic of Texas, and he was influential in gaining the admission of Texas to the United States in 1845. Houston was elected one of the new state's first two senators, serving as a Union Democrat from 1846 to 1859. His views on the preservation of the union were unpopular with the Texas legislature, however, and on the eve of the Civil War he was not reelected—although he was chosen governor once more in 1859. In this position he tried unsuccessfully to prevent the secession of his state in 1861, and upon his refusal to swear allegiance to the Confederacy, he was declared deposed from office in March. On May 9, 1840 , Houston married Margaret Moffette Lea, with whom he had eight children. This marriage was more successful and she had a very positive effect on Houston. Under her influence he gradually began to take interest in religion, and was able to quit drinking. In 1854, Houston, having earlier made a profession of Christian faith, was baptized by the Baptist minister, Rufus C. Burleson. At the time Burleson was the pastor of the Independence, Texas, Baptist Church which Houston and his wife attended. He lived at home in Huntsville, Texas until he died of tuberculosis on July 26, 1863. The inscription on his tomb reads: A Brave Soldier. A Fearless Statesman. A Great Orator– A Pure Patriot. A Faithful Friend, A Loyal Citizen. A Devoted Husband and Father. A Consistent Christian– An Honest Man.
Sam Houston was a remarkable man. A rebel and fighter in his early days, he also had the courage and leadership ability to begin his rise to power. But on his own, he was unable to hold his life together, and suffered a midlife crisis that would push him to Texas. There he was a decisive and intelligent leader and general, securing Texas’ independence and helping to stabilize the new country afterward. There, also, he’d find salvation and freedom from alcohol in Christianity. Houston has become a hero that looms large over the history of Texas. Sources: Wikipedia, Hyperhistory.net, Biography.com
Every family has its own traditions and customs for celebrating Christmas.I can vividly recall the institutions of my childhood.I remember adorning our house with numerous lights and decorations.It was always a joyful and extremely frustrating task (those of you who have experience with this understand).Our artificial tree was always erected in the living room window, decorated with red lights and a diverse assortment of mismatched ornaments.Our childhood excitement grew exponentially as the mountain of colorfully wrapped gifts gradually inundated the room.Christmas Eve was always spent at my maternal grandparents’ house where we enjoyed cheese dip, pigs-in-a-blanket with burnt bottoms, and sherbert punch.
The climax of my childhood celebration was Christmas Day.My sister and I would awake to find that Santa had visited the night before.My parents and my granddad would merrily watch as we ravaged the packaging of our presents.Later that day we had a family dinner which always included chicken and dumplins, a vat of dressing and, of coarse, buttermilk pies.After the inevitable impromptu nap for the patriarchs, the present opening maylay began.In the end, hundreds of dollars of toys, electronics, and socks lay scattered amongst the heaps of wrapping paper and boxes.It was a joyful time.Our celebration wasn’t entirely secular.We always attended church and we read the Christmas story in the Bible.Our faith was inseparably intermingled into our decorations and traditions.
As I now embark upon Christmas with my own young family, I am presented with the arduous task of beginning our own family traditions.My goal is to have a joyful celebration that we can happily anticipate.I want our traditions to be fun and meaningful.At the same time, I want to honor and glorify the Lord.After all, He is the entire basis for the holiday.
So how can we celebrate Christmas to God’s glory?Are the traditions of my youth contrary to this notion?I have heard many a sermon blasting those traditions as worldly and unchristian.And they are correct, for the most part.Christ is being systematically removed from Christmas. Commercialism and materialism have hijacked Christmas.The secular world’s treatment of this holiday is sinister and unrighteous, but not unexpected.
The problem comes when we (the Church) allow these distractions to distort our traditions of Christmas.As Christians, we are called to live righteous lives within our culture.Unlike the Jews of the OT, we are not called to be a distinct ethnic group.We are free to celebrate with American (or Mexican or German or Icelandic…) customs and traditions as long as those practices are done in faith and in accordance with Scripture.
The difficulty in this is that there are no clear cut, black and white Biblical commands concerning Christmas celebration.Christmas is not a sacrament or a precedent, it is a human ordained holiday.This does not insinuate that it is innately unrighteous or ungodly.It simply means that it is not spelled out in Scripture and must therefore be inferred from Biblical principals rather than simple proof texts.In other words, it requires moral reasoning based on scriptural criteria.
For example, decorations such as Christmas trees, lights, wreathes, bows, nativities, tinsel, and candles are neutral (nonmoral) in and of themselves.They are simply external expressions which have the potential for either praise or diversion.Similarly, gift giving can be a means to love others and esteem them as more important, or it can be conforming to the materialistic gluttony that is so ever present in our society.It comes down to a heart issue.Even the strictest legalist would not object to spending time with family and loved ones.Yet even this has no direct Biblical warrant (in regard to Christmas celebrations.In the end, the question of Christimas celebrations and traditions boils down to faith and personal conviction.It might be different for different families, and it may change over time.
With this in mind, there are two foundational Biblical principals in which I will use as a guide as I shape the traditions of my family.
1. Love the Lord God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and love my neighbor as myself.
2. Whether I eat chicken & dumplins or drink sherbert punch or decorate with lights or give gifts to my family or abstain from it all, I will do everything in faith and to the glory of God.
WARNING: This post contains high levels of political incorrectness and may not be suitable for post-modernists, liberals, feminists, and egalitarians. Please direct all hate mail and terroristic threats to the comments meta.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. – 1 Peter 3:7
This verse can be very controversial in our modern times.The post-modern mantra of tolerance and across-the-board equality is contradictory to the teaching of this scripture.If I were to proclaim that women are the weaker vessel in a crowded shopping mall or coffee house I would probably be pummeled with high heels and leather handbags.(This is why I have chosen the safety of anonymous internet blogging instead.)
Ladies, I know what you are thinking, but before you brand me as a male chauvinistic heretic, hear me out.
I don’t believe this verse is a testament to male superiority.I once thought that this scripture meant that women had less strength than men, but this does not seem the case.The last century has certainly given plenty of evidence that women can be as strong as men.There are physically strong women athletes, mentally strong female rocket scientists, and emotionally strong businesswomen.So strength is not the issue here, toughness is.In general, men are much tougher than women.
This is not an insult or criticism.God made men and women different.We have different roles, different characteristics, and different strengths.This is especially true in respect to the dynamics of the family.
Men are thick-skinned, cold as stone and as tough as iron.We are abrasive, callous, and hardened. We have a tendency to be harsh, curt and rational.We are the work horses, the providers and the protectors.Our role is to advance forward, taking the lead and shielding our wives from the blunt force trauma of our fallen world.
Women, on the other hand, are tender and delicate.They are expressive of their affections and aversions. They are the child bearers, the nurturers, and the cultivators of the home.They are charged with the duty of raising the next generation of men and women. They are our companion and our help-meet.They are fueled by their emotions, and driven by their sentiments.While the husband may lead, it is the wife who supports and enables.She is the media naranja.Women are precious and deserving of special honor.
In First Peter 3:7, Paul is not commending man’s superior strength.He is basically saying, “Hey you big oaf, love and honor your wife with tenderness and gentleness because she is delicate and precious.”
Habakkuk 35th Book of the Bible Author: Habakkuk Meaning: “to embrace” Date: about 600 B.C.
The book of Habakkuk is an interesting an enlightening study on God’s sovereignty. The book begins with the prophet questioning God as to why evil, violence, and wickedness are so prevalent.
O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you "Violence!" and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted. (1:2-4)
God answers the prophet by saying that He is performing a “work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (1:5). God says that He will raise up the Chaldeans (a.k.a. the Babylonians) to judge the wickedness and injustice in Israel. The Chaldeans were a “fierce and impetuous people” whose “justice and authority originate with themselves” (1:6-7). They are dreaded and feared because they come for violence, and will “heap up rubble” and “capture cities.” They will conquer the kingdoms, and unknowingly facilitate God’s judgment on the lands.
In response the prophet asks how a Holy God can establish such an evil, idolatrous people for His divine purposes.
You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? (1:13)
The Lord answers and tells Habakkuk to write down the vision, for the appointed time had not yet come. God assures the prophet, however, that the vision “hastens toward its goal, and will not fail” (2:3).
Behold, as for the proud one, His soul is not right within him; But the righteous will live by his faith. (2:4)
The proud Chaldeans put their trust in their own strength, but their soul is not right. This is the mark that distinguishes the wicked from the righteous. The righteous will be preserved through their faith in God. Though the wicked Chaldeans might seem strong and persevering in this life, they will soon be overcome with woes. They will be overwhelmed with violence and will be filled with disgrace rather than honor. God assured Habakkuk that He will also judge the Chaldeans for their transgressions as well. This presents a theological dilemma. Can God ordain these idolatrous, wicked men to enact His judgment and them hold them responsible for their actions? This is a glimpse into the inner workings of God’s govern will. Through His providence, the Almighty directs the ways of men.
The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Prov. 16:9)
This does not, however, absolve the personal responsibility for their sin. Ultimately, the Chaldeans were held responsible for their transgressions. Just as God hardened Pharaoh’s hard heart, He used the Chaldeans thirst for blood, violence, and power for His purposes, including their ultimate demise.
The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished. (Prov. 16:4-5)
God’s reply struck fear into the heart of Habakkuk (3:1). The prophet then pleads with God to remember mercy in the midst of His chastening. The prophet then begins a discourse outlining the awesome might and wonder of the Lord.
In indignation You marched through the earth; In anger You trampled the nations. You went forth for the salvation of Your people, For the salvation of Your anointed You struck the head of the house of the evil To lay him open from thigh to neck. Selah. (3:12-13)
This reverent description of God painted Him as a mighty warrior whose hand is for justice and righteousness and opposing the wicked. Though the Chaldeans were fierce and dreadful, they were puny and insignificant compared to the Almighty God. His dominion is boundless and eternal. The prophet realized this and trusted in God and His sovereign will.
I heard and my inward parts trembled, At the sound my lips quivered Decay enters my bones, And in my place I tremble Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, For the people to arise who will invade us. (3:16)
Like Job, Habakkuk questioned God’s will. Job questioned God in the midst of sever suffering, and Habakkuk questioned Him in the shadow of impending disaster. Neither of them got a straightforward answer to their questions. Instead, they received something far more valuable. They received a revelation of God, His character, His eternal goodness, and His sovereignty. Habakkuk put his trust fully in God, and exults His great name. Though the fruit of the land and the temporal blessings of this life would soon be taken away and replaced with chastening, trials, and suffering, Habakkuk rejoiced in the God of salvation.
Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. (3:17-19)
1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established. 4 The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. 5 Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. 6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. 7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. 9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:1-9, New King James Version)
Seventh Day Slumber’s newest album “Take Everything” is a hard-hitting yet heart felt worship album.“Take Everything” includes their interpretations of some well-known classic worship songs as well as some original material.SDS has created a musically mature and worshipful album while maintaining their dynamic rock sound.The album is characterized by rhythmic melodies, passionate vocals, and rock-your-face-off riffs.They have managed to find the elusive balance between worship and rock.I give it three thumbs up.
God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next.
I recently read the Serenity Prayer in its entirety for the first time. The line that caught my attention stated “Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.” Peace is of a high priority in my life. I have a deep desire for spiritual, emotional, and domestic peace. In Matthew chapter five, Jesus describes peacemakers as being identified as children of God. The corollary attributes of peacemakers include poorness of spirit, mourning, meekness, hunger for righteousness, mercy, and persecution. These attributes seem to be opposite of making peace. For me to live out these commandments will bring hardship and difficulties into my life, yet Christ promises blessings. Indeed the pathway to peace is marred with suffering and conflict.
Si vis pacem, para bellum
This Latin adage is loosely translated “If you wish for peace, then prepare for war.” While this may or may not hold true politically, it is my opinion that it is true spiritually. If I want spiritual peace, then I must be prepared to wage spiritual war. If I want domestic peace, or emotional peace, or nuptial peace, then I must be willing to fight for it.
This war does not consist of battles with mortal enemies. It does not employ WMDs or conventional armaments. This is a war of faith. The enemy: My flesh and the sin that dwells therein (Rom. 7:20). My weapons: The full armor of God (Eph. 6:11).
My sinful and selfish desires wage war on my soul (1Peter 2:11) and therefore deprives me of peace and serenity. I must fight my sinful flesh, beating my body into submission (1Cor. 9:27). Like an Olympic athlete, I must exhibit the mental, physical, and emotional self-control in all things, so that I may run the race as to win (1Cor. 9:24-26).
On my own and in my own strength this war is futile. Apart from God I am dead, a slave to iniquity. But thanks be to God that though I was a slave to sin, my old self was crucified with Christ so that my body of sin may be done away with, and I would no longer be a slave to sin (Rom. 6:17,6). Therefore I am dead to sin and alive to God (Rom. 6:11) and must not let sin continue to reign in my body. Through the power of the resurrected Christ I can live free from sin and the ensuing war of the flesh. Through Christ I can have peace. For I know that even when I am lured and enticed by my own desire (James 1:14), God has provided a way of escape (1Cor. 10:13). I desire righteous peace.
After much prayer and thought, I have decided to continue blogging.Rebounding from a bleak and spiritually dark time, I now feel refreshed and renewed by God’s grace and loving kindness. I am truly grateful for the encouragement and exhortation from my brothers in Christ.My prayer is that the God of peace Himself sanctifies me entirely, so that my spirit, soul, and body may be complete and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Faithful is He who called me, and He will bring it to pass.
Now to him who is ableto keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, tothe only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
