I just finished helping Nelma hang curtains in the formal dining room. I don't know why it would be called formal. It has never been used in that way and probably never will be use formally. We are just not formal people. I am at least, just as common as dirt. Nelma is not common, she is a "Pearl of Great Price," at least to me she is. But, I think maybe I am rambling.
We have been in our new house for almost two years and we still don't have all the curtains up. I suppose one could assume the reason it is taking so long is that we are just slow. On the other hand we have never owned our own home before and being in our late fifties it is kind of nice to just take your time. So I think it is alright to be slow this way we can enjoy the process together.
I guess that since this is our first home then new home may not describe it properly. Yet, it is new and it is new to us so, yea new home is correct. During twenty six years of our married life we lived in homes furnished by the church. Some of the houses were nice and some were not. We were always thankful for what we had. Our children never lived in a house that belonged to us growing up. I am fairly certain that that was not something that traumatized them. They turned out quite well adjusted in spite of what some might consider a disadvantage.
It is a new experience for me being a home owner. All the new experiences like hanging curtains, landscaping and repairs are something I am not sure I enjoy. I am happy that Nelma has her own home that she can decorate. It is something that has brought her joy and because it brings her joy I am happy for her. Even mowing the grass takes on a new meaning when you own your own home. It is not something I really like to do, but it's my grass and that's a good thing. At least that's what I keep telling myself.
Nelma willingly gave up many of the things that her sisters and friends took for granted through the years and one of them was a home of her own. She never complained and she ask for very little in the way of worldly comforts. We worked together in ministry for more than twenty five years. She clipped coupons, only bought clothes from the clearance rack(both of which she still does) and made due with what we had. She lost both of her parents while our children were still young. It was difficult for her, following me around from one small church to another in one dusty west Texas town after another. Never during that time did a grumble or a negative word came from her mouth.
Looking back I wish I had been able to give her more. She deserved it. I wish I could do more today, she still deserves it. She has truly been the best part of my poor miserable life. Her love is truly the nectar of life for me.
As I think more about it I know I am happy to help her hang curtains. I am glad she has a place to hang her curtains. Most of all I thank God for Nelma Rose Phillips the most fragrant flower that forever blooms in the garden of my life.
Bob
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
Psalms 15 The Uncorrupted Life
This psalm considers the relationship between God and man in worship. The Psalmist asks the central question about the possibility of this reality coming to pass. One might simply ask how is it possible for a Holy God to enter into an intimate, daily relationship with sinful human beings. We recognize the absurdity of this actually happening and the audasity of proposing such a union. Yet, the scriptures are a record of this very real relationship taking place.
The Psalmist connects religion and morality in this matter as a necessary partnership. In ancient religions the connection between religion and morality was not made. They were in fact mutually exclusive ideas for most pagan religions. This is not to say that morality was not a part of their culture but to say that it was not based upon religious beliefs. The Romans and Greeks philosophers for exsample address the issue of morality but only from the stand point of being a good citizen and not a matter of religious belief. It is not until Judism that the connection is made between these two. With the giving of the Law it was God himself who connected these two concepts. It is something that is continued in Christianity.
The reference is to the tabernacle in Jerusalem. While it was Solomon who built the temple on the “holy hill” in Jerusalem, David brought the Ark of the Covenant from Obed-edom to Mount Zion. Until the temple was dedicated, the ark resided in a temporary home, a tabernacle much like it did while Israel wondered in the wilderness. God would not allow David to build his house because of the blood on his hands. It was his son, Solomon who constructed the first temple in Jerusalem. This story is recorded for us in 1 Chronicles 22:6-10.
The Psalmist connects religion and morality in this matter as a necessary partnership. In ancient religions the connection between religion and morality was not made. They were in fact mutually exclusive ideas for most pagan religions. This is not to say that morality was not a part of their culture but to say that it was not based upon religious beliefs. The Romans and Greeks philosophers for exsample address the issue of morality but only from the stand point of being a good citizen and not a matter of religious belief. It is not until Judism that the connection is made between these two. With the giving of the Law it was God himself who connected these two concepts. It is something that is continued in Christianity.
This psalm begins a question about who is worthy to dwell in the “tent” or “tabernacle” of God. It is similar to both psalm 24 and 100 in that they address the subject of worship. It is also didactic in nature, that is it a “torah” or teaching psalm on the definition of religious duty. It is interesting to note the words used in this Psalm that indicate temporariness or that reminds us life is a journey (sojourn, dwell, tent or tabernacle and walk). This world is not our home nor is it a permanent residence for our God. We are transients, nomads, vagabonds, hitchhikers, wanderers who are like our father Abraham (a wandering Aramean) who had no permanent residence.
The first verse is synonymous parallelism, that is to say the second stanza is a repetition of the first only in different words.
Lord, who may dwell (sojourn) in your
sanctuary (tent or
tabernacle)?
Who may live (dwell) on your holy hill?
The reference is to the tabernacle in Jerusalem. While it was Solomon who built the temple on the “holy hill” in Jerusalem, David brought the Ark of the Covenant from Obed-edom to Mount Zion. Until the temple was dedicated, the ark resided in a temporary home, a tabernacle much like it did while Israel wondered in the wilderness. God would not allow David to build his house because of the blood on his hands. It was his son, Solomon who constructed the first temple in Jerusalem. This story is recorded for us in 1 Chronicles 22:6-10.
It is ironic that David would conquer Jerusalem which will be called the “city of David,” bring to the ark to Jerusalem and want to build a permanent dwelling for the Ark of the Covenant in the holy city. David would be called a friend of God and a man after God’s own heart, and yet, he would not be allowed to build the temple in which the ark would dwell. The Ark of the Covenant is the physical embodiment, the living presence of Yahweh the God of Israel in the midst of his people.
There is real irony when one considers the situation as presented in Palm 15. That is to say, that this “bloody man,” who is also a “man after God’s own heart,” would be the one to pose the question found in verse one of Psalm 15.
Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
I suggest that we consider the following questions and listen to David’s instruction “torah.” Who better to recognize the difficulty entering into the presence of a holy God? Who else but such a man as David could see the improbability of a sinful human being standing in the holy place where God dwells? Who better than David is capable of presenting us a possible answer to this question? He will offer his insight and “torah” instruction in the verses that follow.
Israel may have followed the Near Eastern custom of informing worshipers of the cultic requirements to be met for admission to the temple. However, this passage is not talking about cultic requirements but social responsibilities. These are ethical requirements made upon those who wish to enter the presence of God in worship and praise. They must consider the reality; there are conditions that must be met before one may even enter the holy presence of God in worship and that these are relational in nature.
Jesus echo’s this idea as he teaches that one must be reconciled to his brother before offering his gift at the altar (Matthew 5:23-24). Worship is a corporate act not simply an individual act and as such is affected by our social and communal interactions. God would seem to be more concerned with their fellowship and relationships than with the ritual forms that worship takes. Could it be that attitude should come before action? To put it another way, God is more concerned with the character of the worshiper than the characteristics worship might take.
Consider this statement, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice…” (Hosea 6:6) Jesus quotes this scripture and asks his listeners if they know the meaning of this statement. I would suggest that this is a very important question for each of us. Micah poses the idea that God is concerned about how one approaches Him and what one is to bring to Him as a form of worship in chapter 6:6-8. Notice also his conclusion on the subject in verse 8.
“With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the
Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I
offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my
soul? He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Jesus speaks to this issue on several occasions (see Luke 11:42; Mt. 9:13; 23:23 and Mark 12:33). Human interaction is connected to the quality and acceptability of our divine intersection in His “sanctuary” and on His “holy hill.”
The psalmist presents ten characteristics that will prepare the worshiper for entrance into the presence of God. In verse 2a, we find a general statement, “whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous…” this is followed by more specific applications of the principle found in verses 2b through 5b, and finally a conclusion found in 5c which goes beyond worship and extends the principle to the entirety of life. “He who does these things will never be shaken.”
The general principle and specific applications:
· “He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous.”
o Who speaks the truth(faithfulness, reliability) from his heart
o Has no slander(gathering & repeating tales, gossip) on his tongue
o Who does his neighbor no wrong
o Cast no slur(utter reproach) on his fellow man
o Who despises(opposed to) a vile man(reprobate one who is rejected)
o But honors those who fear the Lord
o Who keeps his oath even when it hurts
o Who lends his money without usury
o Who does not accept a bribe against the innocent
The conclusion: One who lives a life of integrity is eternally justified.
· “He who does these things will never be shaken (anchored).”
Just a few things to think about along the way.
Bob
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
I am drinking from my saucer, because my cup overflowed
My Cup Overflows
The first thought that comes to mind upon reading the title is a quote from the 23rd Psalm, which goes:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head
with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days
of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
For Jews and Christians alike this is a favorite psalm. It is also one of the most well known among the general population.
- It speaks to the human need and desire for daily sustenance.
- It reveals the God who goes beyond daily need to lavish on His people abundant blessings.
- It addresses our deepest longing is for the place of peace and rest.
- It speaks to our greatest desire for protection and belonging.
- It is a reminder in the day-to-day grind of simple existence, we more accustom to the “valley of the shadow” than the “house of the Lord.
- In our relationship with Yahweh, we have our answer to these needs.
While ones first thought may be of this well-known psalm, I have a different experience. I would like to share some of my thoughts with you. I heard a poem this past weekend at the funeral of 99-year-old Jess Wilson. It was an appropriate an accurate image of him. However, for me it conjured up memories from what I thought was a long forgotten past. The line from the unknown author goes, “I am drinking from my saucer, because my cup overflowed.” I can relate in a very personal way to this image. I recall examples from my youth where my grandparents, aunts and uncles would pour their coffee mixed with cream and sugar into a saucer. This is often how ordinary country people of Jess’s generation drank their coffee.
The proper etiquette in these matters is to hold the saucer in both hands with the edge of the saucer held firmly between thumb and first finger. One would caress it as the steam slowly rises from the beige concoction. They would blow short gentle breaths upon the mixture. This would serve two purposes; first was to cool this sorcerer’s brew. The second was to draw out the experience to prolong the anticipation of the sweet reward of drinking the nectar of the gods. After what seemed to be an eternity they and sip audibly from the saucer’s contents. This ritual may seem like a quant custom to some. However, I am told that in many cultures this is more than acceptable behavior it is normal. Emigrants brought this custom to the new world and passed it down to each new generation. I fear we will lose this wonderful and poetic practice with the passing of the “greatest generation.”
One can only wonder what the reaction might be at the local Starbucks. A slightly more than middle-aged man enters and proceeded to pour his Quad Venta Latte into a saucer (that is if they have saucers), and he began blow, and slurp until his hearts content. One can only imagine the stares, the frowns and looks of indignation that such a sophisticated coffeehouse crowd would cast his way. With such barbaric behavior, one would soon become persona non-gratta at every vender of fine coffees in the world.
I cannot say that I care you see, “I am drinking from my saucer, because my cup overflowed.”
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green
pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in
path if righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod
and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence
of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness
and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.”
- It is a glorious blessing to be a sheep in the pasture of the Great and Good Shepherd.
- The Lord God of Israel blesses his children with an abundance of his mercy and grace.
- Such grace is beyond human comprehension and far surpasses what we deserve.
- God pours our cup to overflowing.
- In the kingdom of God, we are all, “drinking from our saucers, because our cups overflowed.”
Thank you Lord.
Just a few things to think about on the way.
Bob
Friday, September 15, 2006
Psalm 8 "The Majesty of God and Smallness of Man
Psalm eight begins with what C.S. Lewis called, “This short, exquisite lyric.”
We can understand what he is saying as we consider the wonderful refrain with which the psalm begins. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.” Verses 1 and 9 bracket the more individual reflections found in verses 2-8. He uses the covenant name for God, Yahweh (Lord). Then he reinforces it with the more general second “Lord.” Repetition is a common technique used in scripture to intensify a statement. The repetition of words or phrases is used for emphisize. Yahweh is glorified, praised, and magnified as the covenant God of Israel. In this the people are reminded that they are His elect community, chosen by Yahweh not because of their greatness, but because of His grace. He is their God and they are His people. What does it mean to be a community of covenant people? As a chosen people how should we live?
In this psalm the majesty of God is compared with the littleness and finiteness of human beings. Modern man in all his arrogance has become confident in his superior technology and intellect. We strut about as if we were the masters of our own destiny and captains of our fate. When in fact we have in our arrogance transformed the planet from a paradise into a rotting, decaying wasteland, a shadow of its former beauty. Yet, even in the midst of this mess the majesty of God’s name and nature is still being revealed in both heaven and earth. It is God who “makes beauty of my mess.” The creation is a compelling witness to the glory of God. The havens are universal and so should be the praise for the God who created the “spangled heavens.” The cry of our lips should not be to proclaim the greatness of man but to sing the praise of God. We sing, “How majestic is your name in all the earth.”
John R. W. Stott says,
The comparative smallness of man is the counterpoint to the greatness of God. God is portrayed as the artisan who draws upon the canvas of the heavens with his fingers to color the moon and stars. These are “his handiwork.” He is also an artisan in his creation of man who is “a little lower than the heavenly beings” and yet “you have crowned him with glory and honor.” Not only has he crowned him with glory and honor, he has also given him a place of honor over creation. Man is far from being God but he is also far from being a “beast of the field.” The psalmist marvels that God would consider man and continuously care for him. This seems to be beyond his comprehension, as it is mine. The psalmist asserts the truth of this statement and reminds us the reason man was created is to praise and worship God.
The symphony of grace intensifies as the psalmist reflects on the blessings God has lavished upon man. He has made man to rule over the beast of the field (flocks and herds), birds of the air and creatures who swim in the sea. God has entrusted man with all that he created. Will man prove to be trustworthy? Man’s position in and over creation is wholly a matter of grace. It is simply because God has chosen to give him this great honor. Do we consider this blessing an honor? Will we be responsible as stewards of this trust? The great artist has created a masterpiece of wonder and majesty for us to enjoy and cherish. He has drawn us into the masterpiece. It is the work of his hand but how will we respond to this wonderful gift?
The psalmist will boldly proclaim in worship and praise his affirmation of the majesty and mystery of God. It is in a beautiful affirmation of praise that he ends this psalm as it began.
Just a few things to think about along the way.
Bob
We can understand what he is saying as we consider the wonderful refrain with which the psalm begins. “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.” Verses 1 and 9 bracket the more individual reflections found in verses 2-8. He uses the covenant name for God, Yahweh (Lord). Then he reinforces it with the more general second “Lord.” Repetition is a common technique used in scripture to intensify a statement. The repetition of words or phrases is used for emphisize. Yahweh is glorified, praised, and magnified as the covenant God of Israel. In this the people are reminded that they are His elect community, chosen by Yahweh not because of their greatness, but because of His grace. He is their God and they are His people. What does it mean to be a community of covenant people? As a chosen people how should we live?
In this psalm the majesty of God is compared with the littleness and finiteness of human beings. Modern man in all his arrogance has become confident in his superior technology and intellect. We strut about as if we were the masters of our own destiny and captains of our fate. When in fact we have in our arrogance transformed the planet from a paradise into a rotting, decaying wasteland, a shadow of its former beauty. Yet, even in the midst of this mess the majesty of God’s name and nature is still being revealed in both heaven and earth. It is God who “makes beauty of my mess.” The creation is a compelling witness to the glory of God. The havens are universal and so should be the praise for the God who created the “spangled heavens.” The cry of our lips should not be to proclaim the greatness of man but to sing the praise of God. We sing, “How majestic is your name in all the earth.”
John R. W. Stott says,
"The enemies of God, blinded by their proud rebellion, do not see His glory; but they are confounded by children and infants. Jesus quoted these words when the children acclaimed Him in the Temple with their hosannas, while the chief priest and scribes indignantly objected (Matthew 21:15, 16). God is still glorified in the simple faith of children and in the childlike humility of Christians believers (see Matthew 11:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).”The trust that children have for their parents is far from a simple matter. Their complete confidence in these "mere mortals" is magnificent thing to behold. Yet, it is also an awesome responsibility and privilege to live up to that trust. We should never betray the trust children place in us. It is the children and infants in this psalm who chant the praise of God. Have we become so sophisticated and self-absorbed that we fail to recognize and acknowledge the glory of God, which is the natural response of the children and infants? Jesus says this is God’s “good pleasure” to do this (Matthew 11:26). It is completely and totally a God thing. How have you experienced the “good pleasure” of a merciful and loving God? O, to be a child once more and to be able to live with such faith and trust.
The comparative smallness of man is the counterpoint to the greatness of God. God is portrayed as the artisan who draws upon the canvas of the heavens with his fingers to color the moon and stars. These are “his handiwork.” He is also an artisan in his creation of man who is “a little lower than the heavenly beings” and yet “you have crowned him with glory and honor.” Not only has he crowned him with glory and honor, he has also given him a place of honor over creation. Man is far from being God but he is also far from being a “beast of the field.” The psalmist marvels that God would consider man and continuously care for him. This seems to be beyond his comprehension, as it is mine. The psalmist asserts the truth of this statement and reminds us the reason man was created is to praise and worship God.
The symphony of grace intensifies as the psalmist reflects on the blessings God has lavished upon man. He has made man to rule over the beast of the field (flocks and herds), birds of the air and creatures who swim in the sea. God has entrusted man with all that he created. Will man prove to be trustworthy? Man’s position in and over creation is wholly a matter of grace. It is simply because God has chosen to give him this great honor. Do we consider this blessing an honor? Will we be responsible as stewards of this trust? The great artist has created a masterpiece of wonder and majesty for us to enjoy and cherish. He has drawn us into the masterpiece. It is the work of his hand but how will we respond to this wonderful gift?
The psalmist will boldly proclaim in worship and praise his affirmation of the majesty and mystery of God. It is in a beautiful affirmation of praise that he ends this psalm as it began.
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.”
Just a few things to think about along the way.
Bob
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
A YEAR OF WONDER
Walter Scott migrated to the US in 1818 from Scotland. He was a member of the Church of Scotland. He received his education from the University of Edinburgh. After coming to America, he taught and worshipped with a Scottish Baptist church in Pittsburgh. Scott met and struck up a friendship with Alexander Campbell in 1821. They found that they had common ground and that they were in many ways kindred spirits. Scott contributed articles on evangelism for the initial issue of The Christian Baptist, Campbell’s first Journal. Walter Scott suggested the name Christian Baptist. In 1827, the Mahoning Baptist association was looking for and evangelist for the Western Reserve. The previous year the 17 churches of the association baptized 34 people. Campbell recommended Scott for the position of Evangelist for the association.
In his first year as Evangelist, he baptized nearly a thousand people and averaged a thousand per year for the next 30 years. While 1827 was a banner year for Scott the evangelist of the association had an even better year in 1828, which was often called “year of wonders.”
In the revivals of that time, there were a large number of responses. Scott, however, was dissatisfied with the situation he found. He was dissatisfied with the number respondents but his dissatisfaction was with the common practice of the respondents. While the churches of the association all practiced immersion, they had not come to a decision on what to do about the question, “what must I do to be saved?”
The problem was the religious tradition of Calvinism, which left the people feeling helpless about their salvation and election by God. Those who responded to the invitation came to the mourner’s bench or anxious bench. This practice was one where the respondent kneeled and prayed for a breakthrough. Waiting, crying and shaking seeking a sign from God that they had been accepted. One can imagine the overwhelming majority of respondents never received a word from God, which left them feeling helpless and hopeless. Scott came up with an idea to circumvent this practice of “praying through” at the mourner’s bench or anxious bench and waiting for a sign from God of their election.
In his studies, Scott found what he believed to be the answer, which he called “the ancient gospel” and latter wrote a book on this subject called “The gospel restored.” He summarized the gospel in six points; this gave those independent minded frontier people who responded something that they could do in the salvation process. The three things that humans could do were to believe, repent and be baptized. God made three promises forgiveness of sins, gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.
He later shortened the six things to five, which led to a five-finger evangelistic method. Here are the five things, believe, repent, be baptized, forgiveness of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. The problem with this method was that the formula could become legalistic. Scott did not use it in a legalistic way because he kept focus on the central teaching of Christianity, Jesus is the Christ. Even though his formula was being successfully used before the joining of Stone and Campbell in 1832, the evangelist of the movement adopted the formula and used it effectively.
Those who came later changed the formula somewhat and in their hands, it did become legalistic. In fact, those who came along later made it all about what the individual did and not about what God did. I would suggest that when you remove “forgiveness of sins” and replace it with “confession” then take away “the gift of the Holy Spirit” and substitute “walk in newness of life” or “live the Christian life” you have if not removed God from the process then diminished his role in the event. This may appeal to our independent frontier spirit but can potentially lead to a human centered religion rather than one that is Christ centered.
Why do you think that Scott was so successful?
Have you ever heard anything like his five-finger formula before?
Why do you think Scott proposed these changes?
Was Scott someone who was thinking outside the box?
What can we learn from the story that will enable us to be better evangelist?
Just a few things to think about on the way
Bob
In his first year as Evangelist, he baptized nearly a thousand people and averaged a thousand per year for the next 30 years. While 1827 was a banner year for Scott the evangelist of the association had an even better year in 1828, which was often called “year of wonders.”
In the revivals of that time, there were a large number of responses. Scott, however, was dissatisfied with the situation he found. He was dissatisfied with the number respondents but his dissatisfaction was with the common practice of the respondents. While the churches of the association all practiced immersion, they had not come to a decision on what to do about the question, “what must I do to be saved?”
The problem was the religious tradition of Calvinism, which left the people feeling helpless about their salvation and election by God. Those who responded to the invitation came to the mourner’s bench or anxious bench. This practice was one where the respondent kneeled and prayed for a breakthrough. Waiting, crying and shaking seeking a sign from God that they had been accepted. One can imagine the overwhelming majority of respondents never received a word from God, which left them feeling helpless and hopeless. Scott came up with an idea to circumvent this practice of “praying through” at the mourner’s bench or anxious bench and waiting for a sign from God of their election.
In his studies, Scott found what he believed to be the answer, which he called “the ancient gospel” and latter wrote a book on this subject called “The gospel restored.” He summarized the gospel in six points; this gave those independent minded frontier people who responded something that they could do in the salvation process. The three things that humans could do were to believe, repent and be baptized. God made three promises forgiveness of sins, gift of the Holy Spirit and eternal life.
He later shortened the six things to five, which led to a five-finger evangelistic method. Here are the five things, believe, repent, be baptized, forgiveness of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. The problem with this method was that the formula could become legalistic. Scott did not use it in a legalistic way because he kept focus on the central teaching of Christianity, Jesus is the Christ. Even though his formula was being successfully used before the joining of Stone and Campbell in 1832, the evangelist of the movement adopted the formula and used it effectively.
Those who came later changed the formula somewhat and in their hands, it did become legalistic. In fact, those who came along later made it all about what the individual did and not about what God did. I would suggest that when you remove “forgiveness of sins” and replace it with “confession” then take away “the gift of the Holy Spirit” and substitute “walk in newness of life” or “live the Christian life” you have if not removed God from the process then diminished his role in the event. This may appeal to our independent frontier spirit but can potentially lead to a human centered religion rather than one that is Christ centered.
Why do you think that Scott was so successful?
Have you ever heard anything like his five-finger formula before?
Why do you think Scott proposed these changes?
Was Scott someone who was thinking outside the box?
What can we learn from the story that will enable us to be better evangelist?
Just a few things to think about on the way
Bob
MAKING MY WAY THE ONLY WAY I KNOW HOW
The title line is from the theme song for the Duke’s of Hazard. I am talking about the original television program with Waylon Jennings singing the theme song. You know the one with the original Bo, Luke, Daisy, Cooter and Uncle Jesse and not the current movie version remake. The line actually goes, “making their way the only way they know how, that’s just a little bit more than the law will allow.” It is, I think, a truism that most if not all of us can relate too about our real world existence. The real world is unfair, untidy, unruly and the outcome unknown. I recognize in my own dirt farm existence that I am simply “making my way the only way I know how” and all too frequently, that seems to be coloring outside the lines of my own religious heritage.
This is the sad reality of my everyday existence, it is uncertain at best. Like the Duke boys, my life seems to go from one crisis to another. I am constantly trying to stay one-step ahead of those who would try to steal the farm and enslave my family and me. The boss Hogg types of this world in their white suits, drop top Cadillac’s and smoking Cuban cigars make life a constant struggle for survival. These fat cat control freaks who live high on the hog and off the backs of the poor force all of us to make our way the best way we know how. Yet, there always seemed to be an Uncle Jesse type waiting loyally at home. The one who is ready when necessary to bail me out and remind me that someone loves me and believes in me. We all need family and friends who will stand by us. Those rare and wonderful fellow travelers on road of life, also making their way the only way they know how.
What of the others, the selfish, greedy, shameless, immoral and deceptive forces of darkness. The “they” we all know or believe to be out there somewhere who are constantly attempting to gain power over others and their environment by whatever means imaginable or possible. They seek power as an addict seeks another fix because the ultimate use of power to control others is the greatest of all trips. Once one becomes accustom to people bowing to their every whim, they seem forever bound to crave that power. In this way they remind me of Al Gore who cannot seem to resist the urge to appear on one more television program, propose one more goofy idea or write one more pointless book just to stay in the public eye. Just making their way the only way they know how, I suppose.
The forces of evil propose to dismantle our lives piece by piece and make us toys for their own amusement. Then only to cast us a side like broken toys left to rust on the waste site of history. Like pawns on a chessboard, they move and manipulate us about the board for there own perverse pleasure. All of this in an attempt to achieve some kind of strategic advantage over our individual lives. The more we attempt to shake off the shackles and chains of spiritual bondage the more force the enemy exerts to enslave and subjugate us. Those who are free are always a threat to those who have allowed themselves to become slaves to the enemy of all humankind. In a world dominated by the selfish, greedy, shameless and immoral, the children of light are making their way the best way they know how. Evil and darkness cannot tolerate exposure to light. When we shine even the smallest ray of sunshine into this dark corner of the world, we are making our way the best way we know how.
Those who walk in the dark places are creatures of the shadows who cannot tolerate exposure to the light. In the world, that these loathsome creatures inhabit any flicker of light is to be feared, hated and crushed. Hidden in the shadows they manipulate people and circumstances in the attempt to destroy the greatest threat to their existence, the children of light. It is in this seedy underbelly of human existence that the followers of the dark one exist. I say exist because they do not live but merely exist. They do not know the meaning of true life. They hide behind mask of light; they wear white suits and pretend to be followers of the true God. They tell lies that they represent as truth. Dark shadowy lies, the kind that has just enough truth to make them seem believable to the gullible and spiritually weak. By feeding upon the weak, they retain their source of power. They prey upon the weak like parasites sucking their life from them. Like ticks sucking the lifeblood from them, these loathsome creatures bury themselves into their host and they grow larger and darker with every drop of blood they drain. In this shadowy, parasitic world of lies, deceit and half-truth, we the free children of light are making our way the best way we know how. We fight, wage war with the shadow using weapons of light to bring hope to the hopeless.
In a hostile world where the forces of darkness lurk in the shadows, disguise themselves in white suits, in the world of greedy, shameless, immoral, self-centered and in a world of fakes and frauds “I am making my way the only way I know how.” I will attempt to live as a ray of light in the darkness. I will assert that true strength is revealed in weakness. I will live as a free man no matter what the cost. Making my way the only way I know how by walking in the light with the God of mercy, love and grace.
Just a few things to think about along the way.
Bob
This is the sad reality of my everyday existence, it is uncertain at best. Like the Duke boys, my life seems to go from one crisis to another. I am constantly trying to stay one-step ahead of those who would try to steal the farm and enslave my family and me. The boss Hogg types of this world in their white suits, drop top Cadillac’s and smoking Cuban cigars make life a constant struggle for survival. These fat cat control freaks who live high on the hog and off the backs of the poor force all of us to make our way the best way we know how. Yet, there always seemed to be an Uncle Jesse type waiting loyally at home. The one who is ready when necessary to bail me out and remind me that someone loves me and believes in me. We all need family and friends who will stand by us. Those rare and wonderful fellow travelers on road of life, also making their way the only way they know how.
What of the others, the selfish, greedy, shameless, immoral and deceptive forces of darkness. The “they” we all know or believe to be out there somewhere who are constantly attempting to gain power over others and their environment by whatever means imaginable or possible. They seek power as an addict seeks another fix because the ultimate use of power to control others is the greatest of all trips. Once one becomes accustom to people bowing to their every whim, they seem forever bound to crave that power. In this way they remind me of Al Gore who cannot seem to resist the urge to appear on one more television program, propose one more goofy idea or write one more pointless book just to stay in the public eye. Just making their way the only way they know how, I suppose.
The forces of evil propose to dismantle our lives piece by piece and make us toys for their own amusement. Then only to cast us a side like broken toys left to rust on the waste site of history. Like pawns on a chessboard, they move and manipulate us about the board for there own perverse pleasure. All of this in an attempt to achieve some kind of strategic advantage over our individual lives. The more we attempt to shake off the shackles and chains of spiritual bondage the more force the enemy exerts to enslave and subjugate us. Those who are free are always a threat to those who have allowed themselves to become slaves to the enemy of all humankind. In a world dominated by the selfish, greedy, shameless and immoral, the children of light are making their way the best way they know how. Evil and darkness cannot tolerate exposure to light. When we shine even the smallest ray of sunshine into this dark corner of the world, we are making our way the best way we know how.
Those who walk in the dark places are creatures of the shadows who cannot tolerate exposure to the light. In the world, that these loathsome creatures inhabit any flicker of light is to be feared, hated and crushed. Hidden in the shadows they manipulate people and circumstances in the attempt to destroy the greatest threat to their existence, the children of light. It is in this seedy underbelly of human existence that the followers of the dark one exist. I say exist because they do not live but merely exist. They do not know the meaning of true life. They hide behind mask of light; they wear white suits and pretend to be followers of the true God. They tell lies that they represent as truth. Dark shadowy lies, the kind that has just enough truth to make them seem believable to the gullible and spiritually weak. By feeding upon the weak, they retain their source of power. They prey upon the weak like parasites sucking their life from them. Like ticks sucking the lifeblood from them, these loathsome creatures bury themselves into their host and they grow larger and darker with every drop of blood they drain. In this shadowy, parasitic world of lies, deceit and half-truth, we the free children of light are making our way the best way we know how. We fight, wage war with the shadow using weapons of light to bring hope to the hopeless.
In a hostile world where the forces of darkness lurk in the shadows, disguise themselves in white suits, in the world of greedy, shameless, immoral, self-centered and in a world of fakes and frauds “I am making my way the only way I know how.” I will attempt to live as a ray of light in the darkness. I will assert that true strength is revealed in weakness. I will live as a free man no matter what the cost. Making my way the only way I know how by walking in the light with the God of mercy, love and grace.
Just a few things to think about along the way.
Bob
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