Lesser of Two Evils

If you are like me, you are longing for November and the end of all the political circus perpetuated by the media. One of my primary frustrations is the lack of candidates that best represent my core values. Those voting in the Democratic primary face choosing between the lesser of two evils, and regardless of who wins the Democratic nomination American voters are left again with getting to select between the lesser of two evils. In short, no matter where you stand in the political arena, the horizon doesn't look so bright.

This morning I read a passage that mirrors what I see in the political races, but more importantly gives a bold statement about who God is. In 1 Kings 20, just after the story of Elijah's victory on Mt. Carmel, there is a lesser known story that is an Old Testament example of 2 Peter 3:9. King Ahab, of the northern Kingdom of Israel, is no King David by any means. Truth be known, he is described in early chapters as one who "did evil in the sight of the LORD more than all who were before him." (1 Kings 16:30) The subsequent chapters detail how deep this guy goes into the mire of immorality. Yet, here in chapter 20, we see, not a silver lining in Ahab's character, but rather another shot in the ever-constant character of God. Ahab is about to be attacked by a mighty army conglomerate assembled by Ben Hadad of Aram. In my eyes, Ahab is about to get what he deserves... obliteration. And yet, I am not God. Instead, God extends grace to this evil, evil king of Israel.

In verse 13, after a long game of testosterone-laden verbal tennis between Ahab and Ben Hadad, God's prophet steps onto the field and tells Ahab, "Thus says the LORD, 'Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver them into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD.'" The following verses describe a massive demonstration of God's might that could be likened to my daughter's preschool class of 13 whooping up on the Super Bowl champion NY Giants.

This story is not about Ahab's turning to God in repentance (which doesn't happen), but rather God showing us once again that He loves His people and gives us every opportunity to turn to Him. When I was young, I once thought the main difference between the Old Testament and the New was that the Old was about God's wrath and the New about His grace. But as I have matured and actually read the Old Testament in the past years I learned nothing could be further from the truth. You see, God is the same yesteday, today and forever. He was full of grace and righteousness then, and He still is and always will be. So if you are like me and get frustrated with the world and ready for God just to step in and finish it all off, keep this Psalm in mind,

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness." -- Psalm 103:8

Ahab's heart didn't change, but thanks to the grace of God, some of us have experienced heart change that enable us to call Him Abba Father.

What's Your Legacy?

This weekend, as we returned from our retreat, Jill & I passed this sign on the road home, and I couldn't help but stop and snap a picture. It had "blog about me written all over it." This was a first for me. I have seen signs, plaques and banners all commemorating the legacy of someone who gave money, fought for a cause, led as an example of different things. This person, while I am sure was a pioneer in the field of environmental excellence, is being honored by having a landfill, of all things, named after them... hmmm...

Given the marriage retreat we just completed, it immediately caused me to remember one of the main things discussed in our sessions-- the legacy that we will leave. You see, everyone of us come from different family backgrounds, many unhealthy ones. Our culture screams at us that we use excuses to justify our being undisciplined and lazy in how we function as a family. Many folks at our retreat however, rejected this mindset, as Jill & I have already done, drove a stake in the ground and decided that they would break the cycle of an ungodly heritage.

Joshua, as he led the people into conquering the Promised Land, challenged the people with this, "'Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:14-15)

Joshua drew a line in the sand. Perhaps you had a childhood that was filled with abuse, neglect or just worldly, and God has given you a family of your own. You get to choose, are you going to follow in your parents footsteps, or will you choose to serve the Lord. I can say with confidence, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. The line is drawn for you, what is your legacy going to be?

A Tale of Two Dorothy’s

Yesterday, I found myself talking with Dorothy. Dorothy is my brother's-in-law grandmother. A sweet woman of 80+ who lost her husband of 60+ years several months ago. I pray that the Lord would grant me life that long with Jill. We are almost at 20 years together and I cannot imagine life without her. And yet, as I listened to Dorothy share her pain of missing her beloved, she said something that struck a cord with me. She told me that she longer wanted to live since her partner was gone and yet the Lord wouldn't take her home yet. I think anything I would say to her would trivialize her pain, and yet there is something in her statement that I think most people struggle with. Why are we here?

I have lived long enough to witness hundreds, if not thousands, of people chase the answer to this question. In the old Billy Crystal movie, City Slickers, Billy’s character does this. He encounters an old cowboy who challenges him at the fiber of his being because he seems to have what he lacks- reason for living. Curly, the cowboy, tells him that he has to find his “ONE THING.” Some people try to find the one thing in people. They tie up their identity in their spouse, their kids or friends. For some, it’s stuff, they drive a new one, redecorate the old one and although it never satisfies, they continue to chase the lie. For others, it is their job or a cause. There is only one problem, what happens when, like Dorothy, it goes away? Well, for many they pine away the days wishing for what once was. Some, sadly enough, lose their will for living and go to unspeakable extremes to end the pain.

There is another woman I know named Dorothy. She too, only a year ago, lost her husband of almost 60 years. She misses him dearly. He was a pastor, and she was his partner in ministry. And yet, while she still feels the sting of his absence, she has made the decision to continue on in her life. She has a ministry to those who are shut in and cannot get out. She faithfully visits them and brings God’s love every week. She has figured out the ONE THING. She knows that one day she will stand again with her beloved never to be parted as they share eternity together.

So, what are we here for? Well, I believe the Apostle Paul speaks of this early in his letter to the Colossians. It is at the heart of his prayer for them. He prays that they, “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.” (Col. 1:9-12)

If we cling to that which is temporary, we lose our purpose for living when it goes away. Notice I didn't say "if" it goes away, but "when" it goes away. I have experienced loss, both great and small. I have known betrayal and deep pain. I have known want, and while none of it is enjoyable, God is teaching me the lesson of contentment. For me, reason for living is simple and it cannot be taken away by anyone or anything. It is first, to know Christ, and then to make Him known. 2 Corinthians 5 explains this. God has reconciled us to Himself, and thereby given us the ministry of reconciling others to Him.

I love both Dorothy's dearly. They have lived long and loved well. Pray that Dorothy #1 remembers her reason for living. Pray that we all do.

Slowing Down, Catching Up

Wow, it has been weeks since I have blogged. I feel like I haven't talked with an old friend. For some of you that read my blog, you are old friends. Blogging for me, in many ways, is spiritually therapeutic. I sit in a chair nursing a cup of java and pour out my thoughts on a keyboard to an unknown number of people in often times undisclosed places. However, it feels like I am sitting and talking with a long time friend (a friend with spell check mind you). So, in a wierd cyberway, I have missed you.

We are on vacation. A long awaited time of respite, and yet it hasn't been especially restful. We are visiting family. Enough said. This afternoon, however, Jill & I are going on a marriage retreat in Corpus Christi, and my sisters are going to watch the girls for a couple days. It will be the first chance we've had alone together for more than a few hours in years. I am looking forward to the uninterrupted time together.

The past few weeks, especially has been draining physically and emotionally. Nerves are frazzled and it is just time to break off and renew. You wouldn't think it was that big of a deal, I mean I spend most of my time talking to people or preparing worship services, but it really does empty me. If I did not have my morning times alone with the Lord, I would not be able to keep it up. I don't know how people do it without Him! This is getting long, so I need to shut up. I will start a new post that isn't so much rambling.