On Appointed Tasks and Talking Donkeys

It's interesting in the story of Christ riding on a donkey as He enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1ff), how the donkey just moments prior to the disciples coming to get him for His God-given appointed task, my friends, he was really just wallowing and whining and lamenting the fact that he'd never been ridden before. Right? If only donkeys could talk. (I think there was one in the Bible some where.) And can you just hear this donkey if he could talk? "Oh, woe is me. I'll never amount to anything. What's the use?" Right? And then one second later he's got the very Messiah riding on his back. I mean - do you know what I mean? And what's just around your corner that you know nothing about and God is going to use you in incredible ways that you've been created for beforehand (Eph. 2:10)? I get so excited just thinking about it. ******* And just remember when God starts using you that the applause goes toward Him and not you. (And what if that little donkey thought as they entered Jerusalem, "They're cheering for me," and not Jesus? Lord, help us to not be that kind of a donkey.)

What is Truth? - Part 2

With Jesus standing before him, Pilate asked the question, "What is truth?" And it was because Pilate lived in a day much like our own, I'm convinced, where we just don't know what to believe anymore since it isn't always the case that we can trust what we're being told. Right? We literally live in a land of liars ("the heart is deceitful above all things" - Jer. 17:9) under the management of the father of lies (John 8:44). And so how can we discern the truth in such a place? Is it really possible to separate fiction from fact? Well, in this second and final post on the subject (click here to read "What is Truth? - Part 1") I'm gonna do my best to give you an answer. You want to know the truth? Do you really? Then here's how: First, get Jesus in your life. After all, He is "the Truth" (John 14:6). Separating fiction from fact starts with Christ. It is through living in a close relationship with Him that we gain the sensitivity to tell when it's a lie we're being fed. And then the second thing you can do to know the truth: Hunger for the truth. When I want pizza and somebody gives me broccoli instead, it just doesn't cut it. Amen? I won't be satisfied until I sink my teeth into a thick, fluffy pan crust with pepperoni and sausage and five different cheeses on top. And it needs to be the case with truth. What are you hungering for today? "Those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be satisfied." And I believe it's the same when it comes to the truth, too. Don't be satisfied with anything less. And then the third thing you can do to know the truth: Immerse yourself in the truth/Scriptures. When was the last time you read your Bible? Mmm? And that's just the least you can do, beloved. There's so much more. The writer of the book of Hebrews was surprised over the condition of certain Jewish followers of Jesus. They were still "babes" when they should have been "teachers" (Heb. 5:12-13). And some Christians are still sucking on a pacifier in their understanding and application of God's Word. Is it any wonder that these same people could think that abortion was a viable choice for women? Are you kidding me? And then the last thing you can do now to know the truth: Find someone who's trustworthy that can teach you. Apollos was a great instructor in the early church. But he still needed Aquila and Priscilla to take him aside and explain the "Way" more "perfectly" (Acts 18:24-26). Let us not fool ourselves that somehow we know it all (or can). And so to summarize the four points: (1) Get Jesus in your life; (2) Hunger for the truth; (3) Immerse yourself in the Scriptures; and (4) Find someone that can teach you. As you do these things you will become good at separating fiction from fact. And you'll be able also to help others answer the question, "What is truth?" for themselves.

What is Truth? - Part 1

Many years ago Pilate asked Jesus the question, "What is truth?" And Pilate asked that question, I'm convinced, because he lived in a day much like our own - where we just don't know what to believe anymore. Do you ever find yourself feeling like that? And as everything that happens and everything that's talked about and said, it seems like it's up for grabs whether it's fiction or fact. For instance, the Holocaust - it didn't really happen - right? - according to one world leader. He's probably the best example of how many are giving their own "spin" on things these days. Do you know what I mean by "spin" and "spinning"? And if you really want the truth about something, well, you just better make sure to read the New York Times. And then - whatever happened to Dan Rather? And then there's another reliable source to go to if you can't get the New York Times or have HDTV (Dan Rather's show is on it) where you can be convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt about things, my brothers and sisters. I'm talking about none other than Wikipedia - wikipedia.org - the encyclopedic website where they offer a rather unique approach. You see, it's collaborative. (Web 2.0 I think they call it.) You can add your own "take" to entries on Wikipedia. It's not revolutionary. It's evolutionary (literally). It's just another example of what I'm talking about - we just don't know what to believe anymore and the potential for "spin" and "spinning" is everywhere and anywhere. What we really could use is a "No Spin Zone." They ought to have a show like that. Do you think? (Of course, I know about Bill O'Reilly's show on Fox. I also know there's even "spinning" that takes place in the "No Spin Zone.") Which brings us back to the quesion: "What is truth?" which was relevant to Pilate's time and is to ours as well. So how do we answer the question? How do we discern the truth? How do we separate fiction from fact? Watch for my next blog post on this subject where I'll do my best to give you an answer.

Moving Forward by Looking Back

And so here we are with another year gone by the wayside. And, if anything, we have another chance for evaluation. And so to begin with, where does 2007 rank in your life experience? I mean, on a scale of one to ten (ten being the best and one being the worst) how do you see 2007 in areas like career, relationships, personal development, etc.? And maybe it was a five in career for you and six in relationships and a six and a half in personal development. And maybe the five in the career area - it wasn’t so much your fault as it was a lot of things took place that were beyond your control. And maybe the six in relationships – well, you see, in 2006 you had a one in that area so you’ve been improving big time. Do you see any areas of improvement in your life where you know you were going in the wrong direction, but now, at least you’re going in the right direction? And then what about the area of attitude? How’s your attitude on a scale of one to ten? And I think I heard somebody say somewhere, “Attitude is everything.” And no matter what the New Year may bring, if we can have a positive attitude, I think it’s half the battle. With this in mind I’ve included some quotes on attitude that I thought you might appreciate. May they help point you in the positive direction in 2008.

Life is a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats. ~Voltaire

I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet. ~Ancient Persian Saying

Every thought is a seed. If you plant crab apples, don't count on harvesting Golden Delicious. ~Bill Meyer

Defeat is not bitter unless you swallow it. ~Joe Clark

Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun. ~Colleen C. Barrett

Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost. ~Robert H. Schuller

An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere; while a pessimist sees only the red stop light. The truly wise person is color blind. ~Dr. Albert Schweitzer

Finally . . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~Philippians 4:8

(Quotes gleaned from the following websites: Quote Garden, Wisdom Quotes, Inspirational Quotes and BibleGateway.)

No Idea What's Ahead

My grandfather died 12 years ago this coming Tuesday. Yes, that's right. It was on a Christmas day in 1995 that "Gramps" died. And it was 2 years ago on December 25th, 2005, that I first preached the message: "Lessons from the Holy Family," that this 4-part blog post series is based upon. (Read Part 1: A "God Thing or Part 2: Marriage Made in Heaven or Part 3: The Least Likely Place.) And since it was just such a significant anniversary then, having been 10 years ago to the very day that the phone rang with my dad on the other end saying his dad was gone, I reflected on the moment. And what I said in that message (and what I say again today) is I had no idea the twists and turns my life and my wife, Kim's life would take since then. ******* And just like the holy family of old, Joseph and Mary (by the way, "Gramps" real name was Joe and his wife, my grandmother "Dodd's" name was really Mary, too - no lie!) - and just like the holy family of old, Joseph and Mary and Jesus, from that first day around the manger, they had no idea what was ahead. Right? And they would have all these visit them - the shepherds and then the wisemen two or so years later. Certainly there were joyous moments. But then there was also how they'd have to escape to Egypt in the dead of night. Can you see Mary trying to gather up enough diapers with Joseph saying, "We gotta go. We gotta go now," since a king was after their son's throat? "Whatta ya mean? Why would Herod care about our little boy?" Because the devil knew who Jesus was. That's why he did. ******* And then all the other times throughout those years. ******* And Joseph would die. And then Mary was a single parent. Did you ever think about that? Jesus was raised in a single parent home for a time. ******* But then all the way up and until - there Jesus is hanging on a cross. Who would have thought all these things would happen? I thought a Christian would never have bad things happen to them. ******* But just like Joseph and Mary and Jesus, here Kim and I, with our kids are - now it's 12 years later (versus 10). And the holy family went through all that. And we've gone through what we've gone through. And you're sitting whereever you are reading this post right now having gone through many ups and downs, too, in this same time period as us. And can you agree with me? God's been faithful through it all and sustained us (and you!) just like He did the holy family long ago. And though we've had to deal with both good times and bad, God's still been faithful. And I'm convinced we're the better for what we've experienced and will be from this day forward whatever lies ahead. It's the final lesson from the holy family: We have no idea what will come our way, but as long as we have the Lord, we're gonna make it. And Joseph and Mary and Jesus have made it already. And Kim and I and you, the last 12 years have passed and here we are still by God's grace. And He'll see us through to the other side. Believe it. And have a merry Christmas, everybody.

Marriage Made in Heaven

This is now the second post in a series entitled: "Lessons from the Holy Family." (Read the first post by clicking here: A "God" Thing.) And the second lesson we learn from the holy family (Mary, Joseph and Jesus) is this: Marriage is between a man and a man or a woman and a woman like we found out a couple of years ago in England was okay. No! Marriage isn't between a man and a man or a woman and a woman. And I don't care if Elton John disagrees! (His celebrity status was used to promote the England thing.) Instead, marriage is to be between a man and a woman. The Scripture (and Christmas story, too!) can't be clearer on this. Matthew 1:24 reads: "After Joseph woke up, he and Mary (not Larry!) were soon married, just as the Lord's angel had told him to do." This is God's prescription for a man and a woman to be joined together in holy matrimony: "For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). Marriage truly was made in heaven (not England!). Watch for Part 3 in the "Lessons from the Holy Family" series to come soon.

A "God" Thing

This is the first post in a series over the next four weeks leading up to Christmas entitled: "Lessons from the Holy Family." The holy family I'm talking about is none other than the holy family of old: the Virgin named Mary, Joseph her husband and the Christ child. And the first lesson from the holy family is this. Be careful. That thing you're being critical of just might be a "God" thing. And when you really think about it, the Christmas story really is a "family affair." No pun intended. I'll talk about the "affair" part in just a moment. But the Incarnation and the advent of Christ is all about a "family," first of all. Is it not? A "family" is at the middle of it. A "family" is at the middle of the Christmas story. Families play an important part in the Lord's scheme of things. It's the primary unit to communicate the gospel and the things of God. The church and pastor is a complement to the family, not the other way around. Did I say that too fast so you missed it? The church and pastor should not be the sole means that children learn about God and the things of God. God never meant it to be that way. But on now to the "affair" part of the Christmas story. Right? The "affair" part of the Christmas story: Mary gets pregnant out-of-wedlock prior to her marrying Joseph. ******* And can you just imagine the looks she got and what the ladies said amongst themselves - the conversations that took place as Mary's belly grew and continued to expand over the course of a period of time? And then when Mary was there standing with Joseph to be married? Can you just imagine the thoughts and thinking on the part of some? ******* Again, be careful. That thing you're being critical of just might be a "God" thing. We can be so critical even as Christians. I mean, if it isn't "the way we used to do it." Have you ever heard anyone say that? Or if it's not according to our opinions or our tastes. Or if it's a chorus instead of a hymn - fill in the blank! - then, well . . . . And I'm even convinced of this, my friends - for those who really aren't so open to God like they portray themselves to be believers, but are they really? - God just might choose to do something in the very way that would be offensive to them. I mean, the Messiah who is to save Israel is born in a manger in a cave? That can't possibly be a "God" thing. Oh, yes it is! ******* What is it in your life that's a "God" thing that you need to be more open to? ******* Watch for Part 2 in the "Lessons from the Holy Family" series to come soon.

If Only Adam Wasn't So Cheap

I came across the following funny on the web. Just think how well off we'd be, men, if only Adam wasn't so cheap!

From the lost chapter of Genesis: Adam was walking around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely, so God asked him, "What is wrong with you?" Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to. God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman. He said, "This person will gather food for you, cook for you, and when you discover clothing, she'll wash it for you. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag you and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will never have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it." Adam asked God, "What will a woman like this cost?" God replied, "An arm and a leg." Then Adam asked, "What can I get for a rib?" (from Clean Christian Jokes)

MLCS Enters The Blogosphere

Welcome to the Mother Lode Christian School blog. Primarily, it's set up to offer information about the school (of course!). But beyond that it's meant to be a portal for students, faculty, parents, relatives and friends of the school. Just look at all the places that are linked on the MLCS blog! Get your morning, noon or evening news fix. Visit Christian music sites and listen online. (Have you heard of allworship.com? It's great.) Do Bible searches and study through BibleGateway.com (see the right sidebar). Or just read the blog posts (updated regularly) or check for the Cougar Scripture verse to remember or quote (also updated regularly). But most of all, visit the MLCS blog often. And as you do you’re helping to increase Mother Lode Christian School’s visibility and online presence. People who are searching the web for a school that puts God first in the greater Sonora/Twain Harte area will find MLCS! Thanks for coming and we look forward to your next visit.

Mother Lode Christian School Blog Blasts Off

This blog exists for the sole purpose of promoting Mother Lode Christian School. Located in the southern Sierra foothill community of Tuolumne, CA, west of Yosemite National Park, Mother Lode Christian School uniquely serves the greater Sonora/Twain Harte area offering a quality education in a spiritual atmosphere. For those looking for a private school which emphasizes academics without leaving God out, look no further. This is where your child belongs. Come join the family at Mother Lode Christian School. Go Cougars!