tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-318548812024-03-14T06:23:04.470-07:00Man of Your Wordreflecting. faith. in the race.Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-41947118173695579062016-04-18T12:22:00.004-07:002016-04-18T12:22:28.895-07:00Secret Agenda?<br />All this animosity and fear needs to stop. At some point I think the only reason the Koch's et al are legislating to close or regulate abortion clinics is just so there are more potential consumers.<br /><br />We can't keep throwing up roadblocks, primarily about income, that make it harder for people to access care. Since I can't assume that intelligent people are knowingly making other people suffer, I've been thinking about some potential motives for this situation. The most obvious answer is that if you are in the business of building pyramids of low-income consumers feeding each other fast food and running their little hamster wheels, you need to the bottom of the pyramid to keep growing. For our economy, that means more low-income people breeding as quick as possible. Having access to an ever expanding lower class is crucial to the continued growth of the sugar water industries that makes these people rich.<br /><br /> For the life of me, I can't be okay with anything that makes it harder for people to access medical care. No matter the purpose, if it's health and wellness it should be accessible and safe. So in the absence of any acceptable reason I can see to deny someone care, I land squarely on the assumption that some motivation is pushing them towards more low-income babies, not just away from care.<br /><br />You can argue about vices and morality, but not when it can bring others to harm.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since we'll never know exactly what is going on in the mind of those trying to take away access to health care, I say just try and be safe out there. And you chuckle heads in the back should stop throwing things.<i> I'm looking at you, conservative right.</i></div>
Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-15579447480042779742013-03-17T14:48:00.001-07:002013-03-18T07:34:17.355-07:00Peace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
No matter how far I might stray in this life, nothing has the power to set me on the right path faster than the gentle questioning of my mother.<br />
<br />
No matter what tribulations I face nothing brings the deep abiding peace as the words of my father when he intones sincerely, "I will pray for you."<br />
<br />
There are many truths I have questioned in my life but from earliest knowledge I have held that the prayer of righteous man avails much. Even should that not be true, with the faith and honest conviction shown from the staggering intellectual and studied theology of my dad, I concede...if anything in this world can truly impact anything else, his words and belief must surely cause the universe to resonate on my behalf.<br />
<br />
Knowing that his time with us is quickly nearing the sum its allotment sobers me even as it causes him to speak more finitely. When he says he will pray he doesn't mean someday in some quiet way on his time. He means now. This moment. With the air of one with little time to spare who is intent upon his purpose, he quiets his voice and lifts me up. He speaks deliberately and slowly and before his second breath I am undone and overflowed and the wetness in my eyes belies the depth to which I'm touched.<br />
<br />
I am not moved so much by thoughts in the prayers but by the peace that quiets me knowing such a force and will is expended solely for my benefit. That peace so sweet that so often eludes. That rich assuring quiet reaches me with such a simple phrase, "I will pray for you."</div>
Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-77829775820019538432012-11-01T10:49:00.000-07:002012-11-01T10:49:21.022-07:00Religion Of Peace?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I sat quietly in an airport lounge, I noticed CNN running on the monitors as is typical. What was also typical is that the news feed was about yet another minor skirmish in some far-flung region of the world most of the people around me have never heard about.<br />
<br />
Two ladies starting talking about how sad it was and one of them went so far as to say she felt sorry for such 'religious persecution'. She didn't understand why such a peaceful religion was always having these issues. Such ignorance voiced with such apparent empathy naturally made my eyebrows wrinkle. It is always fascinating to me how little knowledge the majority has of the world they are so quick to form opinions about.<br />
<br />
It takes very little research (CIA World Book, State Department, Google) to determine that on average in the last 6 years there are 23 major skirmishes at any given time going on around the world. Of those, 21 have a Muslim root. The others are primarily drug-related.<br />
<br />
We all know how much everyone, pretty much everywhere likes to tout and condemn all the atrocities of the Catholic church, myself included. But there is something different about good old fashioned greed and evil then a religion that presumes any who don't subscribe should be actively persecuted unto death.<br />
<br />
China has long been known as one of the most religiously closed societies in the world. They have persecuted and driven out religions of all types. However, in the last several years they have reached out to many religious leaders with a plea to please send missionaries into their country. The reason for this change of heart is that they started to see Muslim influence and while they can tolerate and coexist with virtually every other religion, there is simply no coexistence with the Muslim faith.<br />
<br />
As says the Quran<br />
<blockquote>
If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who spread false news among the people in Al¬Madinah, stop not, We shall certainly let you overpower them; then they will not be able to stay in it as your neighbours but a little while. Accursed, they shall be seized wherever found and killed with a (terrible) slaughter.<br />
- Surah Al-Ahzab verse 60 and 61</blockquote>
<br />
There are of course, several other examples of the complete intolerance espoused in any study of the Quran, this one was just blindingly appropriate to this discussion.<br />
<br />
I will defend vehemently the desire for all to choose their own faith, and live their own culture. But if part of your foundational belief is that the rest of us don't have rights because we don't believe as you do, and in fact should be actively persecuted simply for disagreement, then you are like a viper in the nest and no one else is safe. If one of the most anti-religious countries in the world can figure this out, why are so many Americans so blatantly ignorant?<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-67701353848621178732011-09-28T15:54:00.001-07:002011-09-28T15:58:35.709-07:00Thoughts on Evangelism<img alt="On Evangelism" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657547579426737730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_wIjg2GuroUw80xiKrp7H3sgS8yrJ4A6mtIDhZFf7LyRbFJBv6u36oaYRA8VwZCNY2dpabH0a1K3kASVS2GnVZxbmlI9upZUl-wKxwSqeGxp5ooQNs0Stl6nux7huqFvYo_X/s320/onevangelism-743618.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 360px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 240px;" /><br />
<br />
Recently I had the chance to talk with a friend about evangelism. He'd been struggling with feeling like he was called to evangelize but didn't know how to go about. We talked about where the pressure was coming from, probed the opportunities around him, and generally had a good chat. As is sometimes the case, I found myself organizing my own thoughts about evangelism more clearly because someone put me on the spot for my opinion. Later that night I took the time to write down some of the points we discussed. Perhaps you'll find it helpful.<br />
<blockquote>
Knowledge Is Key</blockquote>
If you want to be successful in a journey, it helps to know the landscape. You should have a really clear picture of what you believe first and foremost. Be rock solid about your beliefs and be able to explain succinctly and with conviction just why you believe those things. You should know your scripture and hopefully the theology behind your particular religion. Whatever specific ideology you subscribe to, learn the unique aspects and how to explain them. The more you know, the easier the conversation can flow. There's nothing work than confusing someone or losing a window for open exchange because you weren't prepared.<br />
<blockquote>
Keep It Simple and Real</blockquote>
My belief system comes down to two things: sin and grace. Being able to clearly discuss this is way more important than being able to wax philosophic on the doctrine of predestination or the timelessness of salvation. A conversation about your beliefs is no place for technical terms and hair-splitting. After all, if it doesn't apply to the the real world, it's waste of time. To make sure it is really applicable, use real words, real examples, and your real life.<br />
<blockquote>
Express Empathy</blockquote>
Everyone has a past, a current situation, and stress points. These factors are often the reasons there is a door open for the conversation in the first place. Before you jump right in, make sure you understand what is coloring their current thinking. When speaking about sin and grace I find it helpful to remember that I am only saved by grace without which I have and am nothing. I'm not any better because of the knowledge I am sharing, I am just vessel to be used so that someone else can share the grace I do not deserve. Be sensitive to the person, their situation, and the motivations for the conversation.<br />
<blockquote>
Stay The Course</blockquote>
In conversations of such deeply personal nature as our beliefs it is easy to get side-tracked and off topic. It is easy to make things subjective and about opinion instead of absolutes and principles. Keep to the central concern and don't wander into specifics of doctrine or denominational differences. Failing to acknowledge the absolutes in your belief system as absolutes is disrespectful to both parties and can eat away at our ability to enforce them in our own lives as well as the conversation. Sticking to clear references and scriptures, and being able to quote concrete writings was covered in the first point but is critical to this point as well. Don't shy away from acknowledging your own short-comings but keep the conversation on track.<br />
<blockquote>
Put The Person First</blockquote>
When it comes down to it, whether you can plant a seed or not, there is a real person in the conversation who can probably use your support, encouragement and maybe more. If it isn't going anywhere or is met with hostility, just back off. Never be afraid to leave it for another time, and try not to let your zeal to communicate get in the way of opportunities to serve. The prize is for serving others, not wearing them down.<br />
<br />
Hopefully as you read this, something stuck out that will challenge your own walk. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter.Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-14988153771079264212011-07-28T14:22:00.000-07:002011-07-28T14:23:58.160-07:00Freewill and NotJust recently I was discussing the notion of fate and destiny with someone in the context of careers and learning. During the conversation, <b>The Purpose Driven Life</b> by Rick Warren was brought up as an example of motivation and self-help that we both had read.<br>
<br>
While I believe whole-heartedly in the concept of being deliberate or driven by purpose, and have written extensively myself on the subject, the context under which this particular book was framed caused me some concern. For example, the dedication states:<br>
<blockquote>
"This book is dedicated to you. Before you were born, God planned this moment in your life. It is no accident that you are holding this book. God longs for you to discover the life he created you to live - here on earth, and forever in eternity."<br>
</blockquote>
Not to single anyone out, consider that <b>Heaven Is Real</b> by Don Piper has the same type of sentiments within; effectively suggesting that every aspect of your life, down to the moment at which you hold a book, has been predestined by God.<br>
<br>
Now as an intellectual exercise I believe in predestination. Well, I believe in dual responsibility, which has the timelessness of God at the core and is often interpreted as predestination. But what I struggle with is the idea that these authors are somehow able to interpret the path and course of a life. And more specifically they are slanting this forecast in such a way as to lead precisely to their own benefit!<br>
<br>
As a sweeping generalization, I have no problem with the idea that God ordained those who read the books to be those who read the books. Because this doesn't try and limit His Will into the confines of how we view time. But applying this specifically to a reader or individual is a misuse of the concept of predestination and just plain wrong.<br>
<br>
When it comes down to it, I'm fine with the idea of God knowing the plan for my life. I'm vehemently opposed to the idea that anyone else does. After all, I rarely keep a handle on it myself.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-64859444434493938852010-03-27T21:07:00.000-07:002010-03-27T21:08:34.747-07:00Balancing Acts<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 236px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/rockandworship.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
This past week I was given the opportunity to attend the Rock & Worship Roadshow at the Tacoma Dome. Here are some <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/tempusfugate/RockWorshipRoadshow">pics</a>.<br>
<br>
The most interesting part about the show was how much it clearly tried to emulate what a secular rock concert is like. As someone who seems quite a few shows of all sorts, I am comfortable admitting that they did a good job of it. Which may or may not have been a good thing; that's the rub.<br>
<br>
My writing clearly places me in that liberal section of the theological idealists. I cling white-knuckled and often too tightly the mandate that we are to live in this world and still not be of it. So when it comes to finding a balance I appreciate the difficulty and the challenge.<br>
<blockquote>
"Sometimes I think the environment in which we operate is entirely too secular. The fact that we have freedom of religion does not mean we need to try to have freedom from religion, doesn't mean that those of us who have faith shouldn't frankly admit that we are animated by faith, that we try to live by it, and that it does affect what we feel, what we think, and what we do."<br>
-- <b>former President Bill Clinton, 24 September 1994, Morning Edition</b>
</blockquote>
We should be striving to keep ourselves separate, but does that mean we can't dance? Can't sing? Not by my estimation. And frankly, the mixture and the environment at the show was really conducive to me for both and more. So I applaud the willingness to spice it up and bring a little rock to the worship.<br>
<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-47444157408164963312010-03-24T19:49:00.000-07:002010-03-24T19:56:45.694-07:00The Magic Ten Percent<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 175px;height:175px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/giving_tithe.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
Yesterday I had a conversation with a friend about tithing. He was ruminating on the origins of the magic ten percent number.<br>
<br>
As if often the case, I leveraged this into a larger discussion about how we shouldn't be tithing to a number from our cash, but simply living unconstrained by a desire for wealth.<br>
<br>
This is one of those easy ideas to get backwards. For much of my life, I had it wrong too. In some ways, I'm sure I still do. But I'm working on it.<br>
<br>
I used to be a person who had a lot. Money, homes, cars, family. You know. . .stuff. And I thought I'd earned all that stuff. That I'd worked and saved and accumulated these things and now I was the one to decide how and when to give it to God. Uh huh.<br>
<br>
When I consider how utterly and completely backwards I had it, it both amazes and disgusts me. But even now I hear this often in discussion when it comes to meeting the magic ten percent. We forget so quickly that it is more than the money that God allows us to acquire. It is the skills and talents and time that he graciously extends to <i>us</i> from <i>His</i> bounty. We have nothing except by His grace.<br>
<br>
My life these days is focused on service. Or at least as much as this old fool can manage. A servant heart was the blessing I received in being humbled. So now when some new resources comes into my life I seek out how I can use it for His service. I sponsor missions, donate my time where there are needs, and give to those doing His work when opportunity arises. I say this only to illustrate that even in a humbled place, we all can find something to give. By worldly measures I am a shadow of my former self, but even so I find a way to give.<br>
<br>
The best part of this giving? No matter how much I give for Him, there is always enough to meet my needs as well. Sure life is different when you are constrained in what you spend or constrained in how you spend your time. But somehow He always makes it work out. There is always enough to help those around me, always enough to meet my needs. It's that funny math that only He can do.<br>
<blockquote>
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.<br>
-- <b>Philippians 4:19</b>
</blockquote>
More than just having my needs met, my heart is lifted as well. I don't walk in fear of not having enough because I know He will provide. My walk is without temptation because I'm not driven to accumulate. All my skills are still in use as a wise investor and I do my best to be a good manager of the resources and time He allows me. Knowing that everything I have, my every breath, my every cent, my every thought comes from Him and means nothing if not for His service, only brings me clarity of purpose.<br>
<br>
And often I get to watch that funny math He does when it turns my meager means into amazing things. And that is a reward I claim in the here and now and not just in the sweet tomorrow.<br>
<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-11462735500920454232010-03-10T11:42:00.000-08:002010-03-10T11:53:45.394-08:00Theological Liberalism<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:276px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/pendulum.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
Someone was giving me a run for my money lately on a particular aspect of religious dogma. It was an exceedingly rousing conversation that was suddenly drawn to a ponderous silence when I happened to mention in seriousness my distaste for religion.<br>
<br>
Surely the love of a thing and the study of it must not go hand in hand?<br>
<br>
The quizzical looks I received when contemplating that I was clearly studied and indeed arguing from a position of distinct and deliberate faith, were both amusing and predictable. This just goes to show how closed-minded even the more liberal and logical of us can trend. I enjoy the use of profiling myself quite frequently so I count myself in this number as well.<br>
<blockquote>
Wherefore religion generally can be nothing but an empty pretence which, like a murky and oppressive atmosphere, has enshrouded part of the truth.<br>
<br>
. . .<br>
<br>
But the immortality that most men imagine and their longing for it, seem to me irreligious, nay quite opposed to the spirit of piety. Dislike to the very aim of religion is the ground of their wish to be immortal.<br>
<br>
-- <b>On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers</b> (circa 1799) by <b>Friedrich Schleiermacher</b><br>
</blockquote>
<br>
These old dudes always had such deep and insightful things to say on weighty subjects like this one.<br>
<br>
As the silence faded, the question arose: "Is this form of Theological Liberalism healthy?"<br>
<br>
You might imagine that my gentle friend argued for a more structured conservative theology. Whilst my heretical self argued the more liberal of positions. (Me arguing a liberal viewpoint? Shock and awe!) The reasoning for my position is interwoven with the sentiments from Schleiermacher throughout his writings. Not to be dissuaded, he asked very insightful questions: If we are believers, shouldn't we be transformed? Aren't we to be "different"?<br>
<blockquote>
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.<br>
-- Romans 12:2
</blockquote>
<br>
While indeed a point of merit, it fails to incur a demand for religion, while making the case for community.<br>
<blockquote>
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.<br>
-- 1 Corinthians 12:27<br>
<br>
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.<br>
-- Hebrews 10:25
</blockquote>
Again we see the call to serve, to participate in the body (that which I call community). This still does not to my mind settle the case for religion, but rather only for community.<br>
<blockquote>
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.<br>
-- Hebrews 13:17
</blockquote>
Now this seemed to make a compelling case at the start because of the introduction of accountability. It clearly calls for a submission to leadership. However, the concept in question was not about submission to leadership or accountability, but rather the nature of religion and it's intrinsic place. Submission to leadership does not equate to religion. Neither does religion imply leadership in and of itself, only in how man thus far considers it.<br>
<br>
In practical terms it is totally possible to contrive a religion without God, or even immortality. One can consider the universe (the Infinite of Schleiermachers writing) without defining or recognizing that which you term God. Of course, this would be quite the bleak and ultimately chaotic world-life view. In fact, running from this mayhem is what buttresses the need for leadership when applying morality and legalism to derive dogma. In short, it is a primary reason we have and support religions today.<br>
<br>
Simply because one <i>can</i> conceive of a thing does not make it proper or right. My world-life view most certainly encompasses God but places the burden of necessity to my personal accountability above conformance to interpretations and doctrine espoused by others. This setting aside the dogmatic aspects that are derived from religion is what sets my world-view apart from the typical. However I am in good company.<br>
<blockquote>
Every man, a few choice souls excepted, does, to be sure, require a guide to lead and stimulate, to wake his religious sense from its first slumber, and to give it its first direction. But this you accord to all powers and functions of the human soul, and why not to this one ? For your satisfaction, be it said, that here, if anywhere, this tutelage is only a passing state. Hereafter, shall each man see with his own eyes, and shall produce some contribution to the treasures of religion ; otherwise, he deserves no place in its kingdom, and receives none. You are right in despising the wretched echoes who derive their religion entirely from another, or depend on a dead writing, swearing by it and proving out of it.
<br>
-- <b>On Religion: Speeches to Its Cultured Despisers</b> (circa 1799) by <b>Friedrich Schleiermacher</b><br>
</blockquote>
<br>
In the end, we agreed there is benefit to him in his religion and benefit to me in the lack.<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.<br>
-- Romans 10:9-10<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
So it's settled then.<br>
<Br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-38090741145788494552010-02-19T10:59:00.000-08:002010-02-19T11:00:59.118-08:00For Shame<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/headinhands.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
You know that disconcerting feeling you get in your stomach when you realize you've ended up some place that you didn't really want to be? Perhaps you've become someone you don't want to be? You've done something you desperately want to forget about?<br>
<br>
Yep, that's shame.<br>
<br>
There are lots of aspects of aspects to shame. Not all shame is accompanied by guilt. Not all shame is bad. If you are acting in ignorance it is possible to blunder about and warrant shame. If you consciously engage in activities that go against your belief system, you can certainly warrant shame and accumulate guilt.<br>
<br>
Lately, I've had the blessing of some quiet time to reflect on a few facets of my life. With fresh eyes I've been able to realize how inappropriately I've behaved. My actions weren't lining up with my acknowledged belief system. Knowing this consciously now, leads me to that feeling like I need to vomit. I've felt shame. With that realization I've had to ask myself: <i>What next? Where do I go from here?</i>. <br>
<br>
<blockquote>
Come to your right mind, and sin no more. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.<br>
-- <b>1 Corinthians 15:34</b><br>
</blockquote>
<br>
When you look for answers, you find them. Get your mind right, leave that place where you aren't who you want to be? Step away from the path that leads you away from your salvation. Like a surgeon, cut away the dead flesh in your life that you can save the rest. <b>Come to your right mind!!!</b><br>
<br>
The last part is the real kicker. If you're struggling with that decision, remember that even people who don't know God can do the right thing. If the unbeliever can walk right with their fellow man, how much easier should it be for a God-follower? Which tells me this shame is well-placed and appropriate.<br>
<br>
But because I am a Believer, I don't need to wallow in my shame. I don't need to be dragged down with guilt. I just need to "sin no more". Which is way harder than it sounds.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-82688066424449782712010-02-11T13:45:00.000-08:002010-02-11T13:47:54.757-08:00Things Unseen<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 227px;height:269px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/walkingaway.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
I was talking with someone I consider a friend. He happens to hold himself as an atheist.<br>
<br>
In light of my white-knuckled grip on faith as the foundation of my world life view, it may seem strange that we are able to have intelligent discourse, let alone be friends. In reality, it works well because we follow one simple implicit guideline. I ignore his hypocrisies and he ignores mine. A discipleship group it ain't, but we go way back.<br>
<br>
A recent conversation however put quite a strain when we left our comfort zone of theology and ventured into the realm of human nature. Specifically, faith as a part of our world view.<br>
<br>
During the conversation he referenced a quote by Christopher Hitchens, a well known atheist. His point was that "faith is the surrender of the mind". I looked up and included the full quote:<br>
<blockquote>
"Faith is the surrender of the mind. It's the surrender of reason. It's the surrender of the only thing that makes us different from other mammals. It's our need to believe and to surrender our skepticism and our reason. Our yearning to discard that and put all our trust or faith in someone or something: that is the sinister thing to me. Of all the supposed virtues, faith must be the most overrated."<br>
-- <b>Christopher Hitchens</b> (from a television interview by Penn & Tell)<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
This is pure quackery. Faith as a part an integral part of any healthy relationship development. The roads to schizophrenia, psychopathy, and many other attention and compulsion disorders have roots in an inability to incorporate faith appropriately. Healthy child development, including virtually all socialization skills, are deeply rooted in the ability to exercise and base our behaviors on faith.<br>
<blockquote>
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.<br>
-- <b>Hebrews 11: 1</b><br>
</blockquote>
<br>
Of course, I do like his use of the sweeping generalization. In this case, his obvious yearning desire to believe in the absence of God has allowed him to reach such a ridiculous, anti-social, untenable, and ultimately hilarious extreme.<br>
<br>
Yes, my friend adjusted his statement. He's still an atheist, but grudgingly admits there are potential benefits as well potential negatives to a life lived by faith. Proving once again, that he is not a <i>complete</i> idiot.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-83341902825530859672010-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:002010-02-03T20:59:41.282-08:00You Have To Work At It<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/candles.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
How do you live your faith when you are in the workplace? What about every other community or situation when you aren't at church?<br>
<br>
I know this isn't the popular question. For me, it's probably one of the most incriminating areas of my faith that can be examined. After all, I've studied religion and I do profess my faith clearly when those infrequent opportunities arise where I feel I can express my beliefs without pressuring others or crossing lines of courtesy. But am I shirking my duty?<br>
<br>
The clear call would be to proclaim your faith at all times. But sometimes to show love you have to listen instead of talking. Sometimes you need to simply show mercy, or humility, or compassion. How do you balance the need to be in the world, with my mission to not be OF the world? This from the guy who routinely separates his world life view into black and white/wrong and right.<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.<br>
-- 2 Timothy 4:5<Br>
</blockquote>
Intellectually, I understand the idea that you have to speak the gospel and carry out His will. Even to your hurt. I'm willing to sacrifice (or so I say from the comparative comfort in which I live). But when the rubber meets the road, am I passing up opportunities to shine His light merely because I don't want to rock the boat? Am I hiding behind courtesy and conformity when I should be striding boldly in service?<br>
<br>
Perhaps I need to change my prayer a little. It's not so much that I need to stand up when called. Maybe I need to look around a little more and stick my neck out a little more often. I need to be more willing to face an uncomfortable silence, a confrontation of emotion, the judgment by the unbelieving. They will not all be called. Not all who are called will care to listen to me.<br>
<br>
I don't just want my light to shine in the dark. It <b>extra specially NEEDS to</b> shine in the dark.<br>
<Br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-66408687898941763492010-01-27T14:33:00.000-08:002010-01-27T14:36:16.590-08:00On Prayer<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:232px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/isolation.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
Praying without ceasing.<br>
<br>
In my own mind I often think of this as a mantra. Simply put, my thoughts lack sufficient creativity or individualism to be more than a little litany recanted. Requests are obvious. They guide and shape my thoughts which mold my deeds.<br>
<br>
These actions when deliberate and repeated become my habits.<br>
<br>
My habits are the strategy in this my daily war. It's not so hard to see the continuous assault on the senses that is my life as battle. From these I can only call my thoughts as pawns and bishops. They race quickly to the fray and often times slide in new directions, moving so fast they are almost of their own motivation.<br>
<br>
My gift, discernment, the speed of thoughts intensified beyond normalcy until I find it painful to crawl within the crudely fashioned language of the normal folk.<br>
<br>
So here is why the mantra is so vital. Praying stills my thoughts. It helps my mind to juggle and play the left-handed swordsman. It's a poor substitute for true combat but keeps my troops training sharply. And it is His will. Therefore it is my hearts desire.<br>
<blockquote>
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.<br>
-- <b>1 Corinthians 14:15</b><br>
</blockquote>
In each day I face struggles of intellect and emotion. Prayer is the means provided me by my Father to turn this into something more than a struggle. It becomes an exercise in service, and a treasured way to open my heart and conform my will to His.<br>
<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-73869057974027530752010-01-14T08:36:00.000-08:002010-01-14T08:52:41.789-08:00Systematic Theology<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 313px;height:283px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/oldbooks1.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
Sometimes I feel like faith is work.<br>
<br>
Trying to walk by faith, to keep thoughts aligned to faith, to make faith the motivation for works; these things are more than hard. They are treadmill of my days, the siege I find myself dragged awake to in the morning, and collapsing exhausted with at night. Except when I'm not.<br>
<br>
For me, faith is both the weight and the wings. It emboldens me and grieves me by turns. And it has only been with study that an inkling of why this paradox exists has become apparent to me. It is when I am reminded of love that my feet are lifted with the power of faith. When my mind forgets to season faith with love; that is when I fall to my knees under the press of guilt and strictures.<br>
<br>
My searching in this area, led me back to an old staple: Charles Finney's <a href="">Systematic Theology</a>.<br>
<blockquote>
"It should never be forgotten that the faith that is the condition of justification, is the faith that works by love. It is the faith through and by which Christ sanctifies the soul. A sanctifying faith unites the believer to Christ as his justification; but be it always remembered, that no faith receives Christ as a justification, that does not receive him as a sanctification, to reign within the heart. We have seen that repentance, as well as faith, is a condition of justification. We shall see that perseverance in obedience to the end of life is also a condition of justification."
</blockquote>
<br>
Powerful words make a powerful reminder.<br>
<br>
It is when I leave the leaven of love aside that my walk becomes of works and not of faith. When walking in works and not faith, it becomes a plight, a trudge through the barren landscape of life without a Savior.<br>
<br>
Interestingly enough, this is more than just with my Christ. In all my relationships, when I fail to keep love at the forefront of each exchange is when those exchange become unhealthy and a hindrance. It is easy to serve when you start with love and a burden when you're loveless.<br>
<br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-77765226538466188792009-06-09T17:04:00.000-07:002009-06-09T17:08:34.181-07:00Remind, Refresh, Remember<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/stringonfinger2.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
This week the study was on 2 Peter. It's truly a remarkable book for study, and we're just getting started. As I have found to often be the case, you start somewhere moving in a direction and end up taking these little side journeys ending up in completely unexpected places.<br>
<br>
The first few verses were no exception for me. It wasn't a big portion of the study, but it has certainly stuck with me more than any other.<br>
<blockquote>
<br>
So I will always <b>remind</b> you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to <b>refresh</b> your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to <b>remember</b> these things.<br>
<br>
--2 Peter 1:12-15<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
In the first few verses (it only takes 11 actually), the foundations of salvation are outlined. And before we go any further, one point gets emphasized three times in three more versus. The point is that everything that's been laid out, the entire gospel of salvation, the charge of the Christian walk, everything we need for life and godliness are <b><i>things we already know</i></b>.<br>
<br>
Isn't that just the way it is with most of life? We know what we need to know. We know what's needed to be done. We know how to move forward. <b>We just don't really want to</b>.<br>
<br>
We procrastinate and rationalize and whine. But rarely do we just roll up our sleeves and <b>do the work</b>. I see this all the time in my work, and even more often in my personal life. And yes, I mean in myself as well as others. Which is probably why this stood out so clearly to me right now. I've been struggling with motivation a lot lately and watching those I love also struggle with their determination.<br>
<br>
Sometimes I think it is not enough to just know what is needed. We have to believe, we have to have faith too. Which is why I think this pit can be a hard one from which to climb out. Intellectually, we can understand the steps. Emotionally, I want to believe myself to be strong of faith. And realizing that what I need most to move forward is an exercise of faith, brings in sharp relief how miniscule and ineffective is my faith. Before I can even get that far, my mental gymnastics steer me off to other more obvious answers to protect myself from facing this harsh reality. Since I don't want to believe my faith is too paltry, I concoct other reasons for my inability to do the needful.<br>
<br>
The self-conviction in this post is just rank and overpowering. To have such a clear example of how easily my inner selfishness defeats my reason, my conscious desire, and my supposed wisdom is humbling in the extreme. Good thing Peter faced this first so I'd have his letters to instruct me how to un-stick things. <br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-47901802236207266322009-05-13T10:11:00.000-07:002009-05-13T10:17:34.358-07:00Show Me The Money<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 165px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/ferriswheel.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
If you could understand the What or the Why, which would you choose?<br>
<br>
In this small town parking lot carnival we call life, we are faced with the choice to be ignorant, absurd, or happy everyday. Do we down two chili dogs and hop on the spinning octopus or head straight for the zipper? If that ridiculous relationship that is so clearly a Very Bad Idea is the carnival equivalent to riding the Gravitron after cotton-candy, why do we always ignore our better senses and jump right on?<Br>
<br>
Recently, I've had an opportunity to reflect on this conundrum and completed a small study in the Word which gave me new mental fodder on which to chew. My current position then, is this:<Br>
<blockquote>
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<br>
<b> - Matthew 6:21</b><br>
</blockquote>
<br>
That was the support for my conclusion, let me elucidate a little.<br>
<br>
My thinking is that we focus to much on the What and not enough on the Why? We know what we want, we don't consider nearly enough why we might want it. Whether we are considering our own stumbling, or the ramblings of others, we too infrequently seek after the deeper motivation.<br>
<br>
Back to the carnival and the bumper cars: we tell ourselves we enjoy the rush, the excitement, the feeling of freedom as we climb onto a rusty death-trap that has been assembled during the night by a chain-smoking, minimum wage worker who lives in the back of a truck. We do this again and again, only stopping to stuff ourselves with sugar, lard, and reconstituted meat-products. We pay for the privilege to risk our safety, to teeter on the brink of unleashing a technicolor yawn all over the shoes of strangers, and we do it with a smile and laugh.<br>
<br>
Is it that we'd rather <i>pursue</i> happiness than just <b>be</b> happy? Or perhaps we don't really know why we do it, we just know we like it. We don't probe into the why, we just fixate on the what.<br>
<br>
So what about when we are making rational choices? Weighing the pros and cons, making lists, and all that boring passionless stuff we usually deride each other for doing? In my experience we can be just as logical and reasoned about a what as we can be passionate. Just because we're thinking clearly doesn't mean we're asking the right questions or basing our decisions on sound foundations. Let's be honest, we can justify almost anything if we want it bad enough.<br>
<br>
If you can ignore the sweeping generalization, we like the idea that <b>ignorance is bliss</b>. The world is frightening, and the secret plots and schemes of our inner minds even more so. I know as much as most about how disturbing it can be when I finally realize the real reason why I've done a thing.<br>
<br>
So to bring this particular Ferris Wheel full circle, I'll just say that if you want to throw up less, don't eat quite so many elephant ears. And if you must indulge, stay off the rides. The fleeting happiness you find won't ease the smell of puke from your pants on the car ride home.<br>
<br>
If you need a lift, first consider what's keeping you down. Knowing <i>why</i> you are doing something is the first step towards influencing <b>what</b> you are doing.<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-10873661597873940152009-03-21T18:39:00.000-07:002009-03-21T18:42:05.176-07:00It Made Me PonderMy fiends were getting married tonight. I've known them for years and <br>it was good to see them so happy.<p>The pastor who performed the ceremony was also a friend who'd seen <br>them grow even longer. His message was insightful.<p>"The thief comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy. But I have come <br>that you might have life. And might have it more abundantly." John 10:10<p>In our lives and especially in our marriages there are lots of <br>situations and people who will try and steal our happiness, our faith, <br>our integrity. Personally I strive to find the kind of partner who <br>understands this and works with me to make sure we are united against <br>these things.<p>Congrats to the happy couple.Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-19515344645649523542009-02-24T15:52:00.000-08:002009-02-24T15:54:29.363-08:00The Aftermath of a Deceit<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 188px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/tworoads.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
How often do you find yourself at a crossroads? At a place where you must choose between two seemingly inviting paths just veering away into the distance. I for one find myself there quite frequently. But never so frequently as when I find myself deceived.<br>
<br>
Along the walk that is my life, I find, like so many do, that walking with partners and friends makes the journey. . . well, more . . . livable. And as is the nature of people, from time to time, it is those partners that lead me astray. In reality, it is more often that I am the one leading myself right over a cliff all of my own accord, but from time to time it is another who holds my hand.<br>
<br>
It is at those times of companionship that I've felt the more betrayed, even though the more serious and intentional missteps were surely of my own doing. Why the intensity I feel? Perhaps because of the deception involved. Now self-deception I'm no stranger to and forgiveness for it gets easier every day. After all forgiving myself seems to be an activity I practice daily. ;-)<br>
<br>
But still it is when I've been led that troubles me most. When someone has held my hand and whispered words to soothe my soul and keep me walking, traipsing along the path they've laid out with their lie. As down the road we go, I lose my way. I lean more and more on the deception and wonder more and more where my way went.<br>
<br>
Only the soft stillness of self-reflection orients me again. Finding time to delve the Word and find the Way again in what is Written. Because of one thing I am certain. Whenever I am lost, He is looking for me. Crook in hand, calling my name, tirelessly searching and longing for my return. If I simply stop and listen, allow the Father to find me, my path will be straightened. As it is written:<br>
<blockquote>
<br>
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.<br>
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire.<br>
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.<br>
He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God.<br>
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.<br>
-- <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2040;&version=51;">Psalm 40: 1-3</a><br>
<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
This is the only way I know to handle the destruction from a deception. Or most anything really.<br>
<br>
Just goes to show you that I'm a pretty simple guy really.<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-68357721111087175882009-02-19T18:47:00.000-08:002009-02-19T18:52:00.505-08:00When Is A Priority Not A Priority?<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:170px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/heartinhand.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
Have you ever felt you weren't a priority in the life of a friend? Have they ever told you they feel that way about you?<br>
<br>
Figuring out where your real priorities lie is something you can only do indirectly. Like many things we might want to know about ourselves or others, we need to sort of sneak up on it. You can't very well just <b>ask</b> someone what is important to them. They might very well tell you what they believe, but that doesn't make them right. You can ask yourself these same types of questions and be assured you'll find a way to fool yourself often enough.<br>
<br>
When it comes to understanding what is really driving us, motivating us, important to us, we can only look at our behaviors and actions to learn the truth. When we look at the choices we make, how we spend our energy, time, and resources, we are able to take the true measure of what we value.<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
<br>
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<br>
-- <b>Matthew 6:21</b><br>
<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
When it comes to understanding if your choices are upholding your core values, it is worth it to first understand the impact of those choices. Are you impacting those around you in the way you want? Do you find yourself apologizing a lot? Do you find yourself on questionable moral ground? <br>
<br>
When it comes down to it, we care about things we put ourselves into. Anything that isn't important enough to warrant changes in our behavior, isn't important. Those things that are not a priority enough to alter the choices we make with our time or attention, are simply not priorities.<br>
<br>
Are you worried about making your faith a priority? Look for how much of your time is concerned with matters of faith? How many of your conversations come back to your faith? When you are making decisions, how often are the reasons for your choices based on faith?<br>
<br>
The important things in your life, are the things that are so prevalent you don't have to think about them. When there is enough time and attention that they are constantly in your thoughts. The first way you think to spend free time is among the things that are most important to you. The first person you want to call with good news is among the people most important to you. The same with the person you would call in an emergency. When you find a twenty in a jacket pocket you'd forgotten about, the first thing you think to do with the money is among the things most important to you.<br>
<br>
For me this is a struggle because I want my priority on my Savior and my Faith. Which is where "Pray Without Ceasing" becomes a reality. If I spend all my thoughts on someone (or something) else, I can't very well say my faith is the most important thing to me. By disciplining myself to pray, I make a lame attempt to ensure my heart follows my treasure.<br>
<br>
Or at least a close enough approximation that I can say I did my best.<br>
<br>
When I want someone to feel they are priority, I <b>make</b> them the priority. I call them first. I pass up other people and activities to spend time with them. I work my schedule around being able to talk and be with them. If I can do this for others, how much more should I do for my Lord?<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-87047694475519540772009-02-04T11:21:00.000-08:002009-02-04T11:23:27.678-08:00The Fatalism of Cheating<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 187px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/strings.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
One of the best parts of knowing so many people smarter than myself is that I get the chance to try out my thinking and have it corrected or validated quickly. This post has nothing to do with that. But I did learn something interesting by reading someone who is "book smart" and I wanted to share it.<br>
<br>
I was reading a back issue of <a href="http://www.csom.umn.edu/assets/91974.pdf">Psychological Science</a> (from last January), specifically an article by Drs. Kathleen Vohs and Jonathan Schooler. In the article they discussed two experiments in which they observed the impact of determinism on morality. That sounds pretty heady but it's just big words.<br>
<br>
In the first experiment, they had two groups read a two separate texts. One text encouraged people to believe they were the result of environment and genetics. The other was neutral. Both groups then took a math test that was rigged to allow passive cheating. The group that was told they were the product of their environment and genes cheated more.<br>
<br>
In the second experiment, the texts had one deterministic and one endorsing free will. The group that read the deterministic statements actively cheated, the group reading about free will did not.<br>
<br>
Now when I consider these results as applied to my personal world view it comes clear why I choose a doctrine of dual-responsibility instead of a the more Calvinistic extreme. Don't get me wrong, for practical purposes I usually align with the Calvinists. But like most aspects of my world view, I don't agree with the extremes they tend towards. Here's why:<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. <b>You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.</b> Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. <b>Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.</b><br>
<br>
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. <i>If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.</i> This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.<br>
<br>
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. <b>If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love</b>, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this <b>so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete</b>. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.
-- John 15:1-17<br>
</blockquote>
<br>
There are lots of other passages that speak to either grace or free-will. This for me is the clearest example of how they are to be reconciled in my world view. We are chosen, and we choose to accept and live with what is offered to us.<br>
<br>
The notion of dual-responsibility is outside any of our social norms and you see how far outside we've fallen when you read about experiments like these. Just the suggestion that our free-will is gone, removes the guilt block and allows our true depravity to surface easily. Contrarily, suggesting we are responsible for our own choices increases the block and allows our better nature to come clean.<br>
<br>
What was my take-away? Regardless of how I got here, spending time in the Word helps me stay clean and bearing fruit. <br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-13191110435168788332009-01-29T19:26:00.000-08:002009-01-29T19:31:30.000-08:00I Forgive You. Now What?<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 180px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/lettinggo.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
I have a friend who is one of those critical thinkers you wish you could emulate. Especially when it comes to matters of faith, he routinely challenges my thinking.<br>
<br>
He had a recent post about <a href="http://viewfromtheheitz.com/blog/2008/12/28/thoughts-on-forgiveness/">Forgiveness</a> which caused a stir in my thinking. Perhaps it was because my approach to the holidays was so different from his. Who knows what kind of craziness goes through my head. In any case, the thing that struck me so heavily was the last line:<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
I do understand that you don’t put an alcoholic in a bar during the first week of AA but is that what God does with us?<br>
-- <a href="http://viewfromtheheitz.com/blog/2008/12/28/thoughts-on-forgiveness/">Thoughts on Forgiveness</a><br>
<br>
</blockquote>
Now I don't think I have any more to forgive than anyone else, if anything it’s the other way around, but this is something I struggle with like anyone. And usually I think I tend to be okay in how I handle these things in my life. And then the holidays hit. That whole "I'm okay"-thing goes right out the window.<br>
<br>
I was struggling with bitterness, self-doubt, and resentment. These things were eating me away and worming their disgusting way into my thoughts almost daily. For someone who works hard at being deliberate and in control of my thoughts, that's a hard thing to realize.<br>
<br>
So as I do in times like that when it dawns on me how far in over my head I am, I went back to The Word. (If you can't tell that happens a lot.) In this case I was really only looking for <i>how I was supposed to be handling things</i>?. If I'm failing at handling these issues myself, surely there could be found some better instruction in His Word. And without fail I stumbled into more than I thought I needed. The first was in Hebrews:<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more.<br>
-- Hebrews 8:12<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
Here it was, the first step towards letting go my bitterness. It wasn't just another example of how I don't measure up to the grace of my Savior. This illustrated the direct tie between mercy and forgiveness. The forgiveness was one thing, but then to show them mercy by remembering the sins <b>no more</b>. This I could latch on to. It seemed so unnatural, so <i>impossible</i> to just forgive and move on. But when I realized that the moving on is an act of mercy it began to be palatable. After all, I'm no stranger to mercy (everything I need a lot of I tend to learn a lot about!).<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful.<br>
-- Luke 6:36<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
So that clearly spoke to the issue Heitz raised. Our transgressions are in fact gone and that is forgiveness. But we don't just get forgiveness, we get <b>mercy</b> too. It's a package deal. The gift that keeps on giving.<br>
<br>
The next couple verses in Romans are all about other aspects of forgiveness and how to forgive, but that was all I needed and more. I needed to recognize, acknowledge and be deliberate in my actions after offering forgiveness. Recognizing its relationship to mercy gave me keys to keep my Walk straight.<br>
<br>
<blockquote>
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.<br>
-- Romans 12:18<br>
<br>
</blockquote>
Even with what I was struggling through, I still was seeking ways to make this true in my life. Inside I think I knew that most of my hang up was this feeling that I wasn't living at peace. It's like I knew I had forgiven but I didn't know what was next. And I just knew it wasn't right. It wasn't enough. It was never enough. Until I realized I also had to offer mercy. When you add mercy, it's enough. He is merciful, and He is always enough.<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-33215278974383705392009-01-13T16:07:00.000-08:002009-01-13T16:51:22.120-08:00Please Make The Bad Man Stop!Okay, this is getting ridiculous. <br />
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I understand about niche music and sub-genre's and so forth, but do we really need a specific set of CD's of Christian music designed for RUNNING? and WALKING?<br />
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<img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51KXB2wu2pL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"> <img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51D9BJ7-3ZL._SL500_AA240_.jpg"><br />
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Frankly this is why I distance myself from the mainstream community. It's enough to make me want to run through the temple overturning tables and scattering livestock...<br />
<br />Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-68218045824065909312009-01-11T22:44:00.000-08:002009-01-11T22:46:55.159-08:00Pray to Live, Live to Pray<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:160px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/outstretchedhands.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
Prayer is a large and important part of my life. Much of what I know about prayer is from my father who has always modeled for me how pervasive and impactful prayer should and can be in life.<br>
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These past few weeks I've been thinking about how I communicate about prayer. Specifically with those in my life who aren't particularly prayerful. Someone close to me was asking about this and I realized mid spew how incomprehensible and disorganized my thinking on the subject had become. So I went back to The Word to see if how it was written would help my thoughts untangle. As usual, I was refreshed and found a clear set of messages that stood out. This is hardly comprehensive, but sufficient for the salient point I was seeking.<br>
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One passage I came across was clearly about the benefits of prayer in your life. Not just as an element of our salvation, an obligation we incur for our salvation, or even what is necessary to keep us in the way we should go. <br>
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For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.<br>
-- <b>Colossians 1:9-12</b><br>
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It doesn't really need to be stated more plainly than that. If you want to bear fruit in every good work, you need to pray. If you want to grow, you need to pray. If you want strength, endurance, and patience: <b>pray</b>.<br>
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It's all well and good to see this from a personal aspect, but it doesn't stop there. Relationships also require prayer as we see in 1 Peter chapter 3.<br>
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Firstly, Peter calls out a particular point for husbands and wives.<br>
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You husbands likewise, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.<br>
-- <b>1 Peter 3:7</b><br>
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Pretty self-explanatory, but of drastic import. If you don't want your prayer life to be negatively impacted, then show honor and love to your spouse. Not as someone lesser but as a peer in salvation. This is definitely showing a correlation between how you are living, effecting how you pray.<br>
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Moving forward, he opens his directives beyond just the married folks to all believers. He calls us to live a life of love and compassion. To justify his statements, he quotes Psalms 34.<br>
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For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."<br>
-- <b>1 Peter 3:10-12</b><br>
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Once again, a clear connection between how you live and the efficacy of our prayers. This can be hard for some, because it can be slippery slope on the way to a doctrine of works but the point and applicability to prayer is clear.<br>
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Later in the next chapter, Peter continues his admonitions for how to live in the context of the our salvation. He lays out the path and imperative of our salvation and then draws out the relevance to our specific lives.
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The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
-- <b>1 Peter 4:7</b><br>
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The thread here from the first to last is the tight correlation between your life in this world, and your life in your prayers. Living better will help you to pray; praying well will help you to live better. It works both ways and they are inseparable.<br>
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If you are having trouble walking, try getting on your knees.<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-19647460028530002292008-11-06T14:11:00.000-08:002008-11-06T17:10:38.265-08:00Religious Ubiquity<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:238px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/worldreligions.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
A few evenings back someone asked me about my feelings towards religion. Being very well-studied on the religions of the world, and a spiritual person to boot, I naturally have some opinions. I took the opportunity then to organize my thoughts and wrote down some notes on the subject.<br>
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Religions generally follow the same structure. My belief is that these commonalities exist because religion serves a common need within the human psyche and our minds have only limited ability to put context around certain concepts. These are sweeping generalizations that will be offensive to many because of their distillatory effect. If you care to continue, an open mind is best. I am in no way meaning to disparage or be offensive in any of the examples I will use. I merely picked religions that emphasized the specific points I wished to make. Quite frankly, I think all the religions have something to offer and strive not to be judgmental but rather analytical. Comments are of course, always welcome.<br>
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The core of any religion is the External Reality. This can be an entity or a force, it can be classified as spiritual, or physical, or natural, or combinatory. The only consistency is that it encompasses all of that which we perceive as outside our personal reality. It is something bigger than ourselves, and may include ourselves. It may be passive, or active, anthropomorphic or completely unknowable. In every case, the central element is that reality which is external to us as individuals.<br>
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There must then be a Personal Context relative to that External Reality. This again might be an orientation (I'm part of the universe!) or a positional (I serve my God!) or simply subjective (You are all living in my dream!). Explain it anyway you like, each religion has a way of making sense of the difference between you and me and other. The simplest might be that we're all the same, it is only time that allows our matter or energy to be different. More complicated might be that we are ants under the foot of cosmic deity. You get the idea.<br>
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When you know the players, then you need the Relationship. These are the rules or guidelines for how the players are connected or interact. Some structures are highly organized with commandments, edicts, punishments, etc. (Perform these rituals! Follow these commandments!) Others are simple and focus on personal attainment or just the essence of being (You need to be open to the universe!). This is usually what most people think about as the difference between religion and spirituality.<br>
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When we examine where your world-view becomes your religion, we start with the Responsibility to Share. The simplest of these are just a desire to educate those around us with the amazing enlightenment that we've achieved through blah, blah. The more complicated are the crusaders with mandates to convert the masses. When you stop constraining your beliefs to your own behaviors or morality it ceases to be a world-view and becomes religion. Again, this is my over-simplification and probably misappropriation of labels for the purposes of this discussion.<br>
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Lastly, a religious structure always has some form of Exclusivity. Obviously, if it were just a world view we wouldn't need to share it with others, it would just be the principles of how we exist in the world. When it becomes something we believe should influence others, it becomes a religion. This brings with it the notion that it isn't for everybody, or that somehow an adherence to the Relationship is a prerequisite to alignment within the structure. There are simple forms of this (You just aren't enlightened!) and complicated forms of this (Don't eat with the infidels! Unbelievers go to hell!).<br>
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When you distill the concepts of the world religions down to these subject areas, it becomes easy to view the overlaps and commonalities. Once you have a dictionary (or lexicon for the technically minded) we have a means to compare and contrast. More importantly we can make the case that the specifics of the religion become irrelevant for the formation and appreciation of spirituality. Much like cultures that share common roots but hold to their vehement differences we can say the same thing using different words and argue ad nauseum about why we disagree.<br>
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When it comes to education, these commonalities work to our advantage. Essentially, an immature mind while unable to appreciate many of the nuances that the observant use to separate religions can certain grasp the basics of almost any religion. As they develop within a particular religion they are learning the nature of spirituality, and how to identify and exercise their faith and morality. As they mature, they can hopefully learn to minimize the exclusionist principles of their specific religion and embrace a more universal aspect of their own spirituality and moral context. Naturally, the more exclusionist the religion, the harder this is for the individual. For example, look how hard it can be to leave a cult, or the penalties for ceasing to be Muslim.<br>
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The limiting factors for personal spiritual development are typically the strength of their own sense of self and the extent their self-image is supported by the religion or exclusionist principles. Consider a woman raised in a traditionally male-centric religion such as Mormonism. It can be hard to establish their own spiritual identity in a more universal way because of the mindset in which their self-image is more reliant on a male influence.<br>
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No discussion would be complete without addressing the concept of atheism. Essentially, this world-view is a lack of awareness or acceptance of the first principle (that being there exists a reality external to oneself). Intellectually this shows a fundamental immaturity in personal development and a basic self-centeredness that leads to unpredictable and therefore flawed reasoning. The ability to acknowledge a reality outside of oneself is foundational to any discussion of morality or relationships.<br>
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In the end, you wind up in a religion because of how you were raised, or what reinforces your personal world-view. Once you learn to embrace the commonalities with other religions it opens to the door to much better understanding of their world-views. Often this is the key to getting in touch with your own sense of self.<br>
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Good luck with that.<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-14330864704869864032008-06-06T09:16:00.000-07:002008-06-06T09:19:11.999-07:00Life By The Book<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 218px;height:240px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/bookdetails.jpg" alt="" border="0" />The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of chaos and mayhem in my life. As it begins slowly to subside back into the dull roar that is my everyday existence I find myself called to remember my fundamentals.<br>
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Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.<br>
-- <b>2 Timothy 3:10-17</b><br>
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When it comes right down to it, being a good Servant requires daily exercise in the fundamentals, just like being a good athlete or stock broker. If you forget the fundamentals, if you don't master the fundamentals, if you don't exercise them consistently, you won't be able to perform when it matters. You'll fail under pressure, you'll choke when complexity increases.<br>
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The truth is aspiring to Servanthood is asking for persecution. Just like being the best on the basketball court means you have to expect the strongest defense and the most aggressive players to take you head on. When you are striving for excellence, always be prepared for the attack. It may be a subtle wedge in your life, or a full-on havoc-wreaking hailstorm but it will come. We aren't just promised it will happen, persecution is almost a mark of the true believer. Just like with the Great Temptation, if you want the hunger to stop, if you want freedom from the thirst, you only have to turn away.<br>
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A study of this passage in the original language brought about an interesting perspective for me. Paul tells Timothy to "continue in the things you have learned". Which in English would imply a movement or direction. To proceed in the direction you have started. But in reality it means to "stay", to "remain". This really spun my head because of how frequently we talk about the Walk. About how we are growing in Christ or living out our beliefs. But here we are called to "abide", to "rest", to simply "stay".<br>
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The world is revolving and in constant movement and change. Only in Him is there permanence, stability, an unchanging absolute. If you are clinging to the Rock, holding fast to the One immovable and everlasting, then you really will stay. Cling tight, and don't be moved. Once you have your grip, continue to hold on. This is very different from the world which always says go forward, keep moving, you need to advance.<br>
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How do we continue? What are we called to continue in? In the things we have learned. Our knowledge of Him, our faith. That which we have known from His Word. Which brings us once again, to living by the Word. To being steeped in it daily. To guiding our thoughts by it and leading our hearts from it. These are things that won't happen if it isn't in our minds. If we haven't made it a part of our day, embedded in our life.<br>
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Along with the promise of persecution, and the call to continue in what we have learned, is another promise. A realistic, and impactful promise. It is that knowledge of the Word will be profitable. That it will equip the man of God for every good work.<br>
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For me that is a promise most practical. If there is one thing I strive for it is to be equipped for doing the good works. I'm a servant; good works is what I do. If I'm going to be successful, I certainly need to keep myself ready and able. I need to ensure I have the resources (mental, emotional, intellectual and otherwise) to serve when the opportunity arises. Being saturated with His Word I am given a promise that I will be given what I need when I need it. And not just enough to meet the need, but to be profitable. To benefit and profit from its use.<br>
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Sure, it isn't always easy to find time for the deep dives in the Word that so refresh me, but the rewards are clearly outlined for when I do. And when I am continuing in Him and the storms pick up, it drives me ever closer in spite of my shortcomings.<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31854881.post-33558347441282939872008-05-02T15:04:00.000-07:002008-05-02T15:06:59.354-07:00Come On Up To The Rising<img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px;height:228px;" src="http://neodiem.com/img/shoesonbeach.jpg" alt="" border="0" />
In the last couple weeks I've had a conversation keep coming up in different venues with different people. Based on it's frequency I felt I should perhaps write about it to get my thoughts put down.<br>
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One of the first such conversations happened in pub. Yes, it is an established designed exclusively for the consumption of alcohol and simple food. However the music is great and I enjoy chatting with my friends on Trivia night.<br>
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This particular trivia night (some weeks past) I had been chatting up a friend I've never spent any significant time with. Out of the blue, the conversation turned to the topic of religious preferences. So right off you know it was an innocuous affair because bringing up religion with someone you fancy would otherwise be just foolish. Indeed we plunged headlong into church attendance (or lack thereof) and then to belief systems, and with no fanfare crashed headlong into. . . faith. Such a comfortably ambiguous place to be.<br>
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Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.<br>
-- <b>Hebrews 10:23,24</b>
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It seems that every time someone wants to avoid the questions of religious preferences, myself included, we hide behind this notion of being Faithful Not Religious. Has organized religion so let me down that it is now unacceptable to be associated with any particular variety? For myself, the answer is yes. Which will probably be a disappointment to many of you, and no surprise to others, but my writing demands unabashed honesty and full disclosure.<br>
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Days later, I was meeting with a friend with whom I routinely share accountability. As we discussed church attendance and I mumbled my way through excuses he simply asked what my father thought. Ouch. Bringing my dad into discussions about my religious discipline is like choosing the nuclear option. From him you can truly learn the meaning of commitment, devotion, apologetics, and servanthood. His questioning of my heart is always intense, direct, and non-judgmental while still leaving me exposed and transparently self-aware.<br>
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My friend easily let me off the hook, but for my own heart I couldn't stop thinking of how easily in more than one conversation I'd so neatly dispatched any question of my place in organized religion. Not only have a distanced myself from any formal commitments I've fabricated a ration and reason for the disconnect. In the span of weeks I'd polished my avoidance to where I could deliver my excuses without any remorse. Except I did have remorse. In my heart I knew what my excuses would sound like under the scrutiny of my father. And once I know that I'm deluding myself, I can't do it anymore. Just a curse of the search for transparency and self-awareness, I guess.<br>
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Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.<br>
-- <b>Hebrews 10:25</b>
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So I know I need to reconcile with organized religion. I'm just not sure how. Maybe I've not felt all the pain completely yet. Maybe I've not embraced the forgiveness yet. Maybe I still have trust issues? Maybe. For sure.<br>
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If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.<br>
-- <b>Hebrews 10:26,27</b>
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Now having written all this I want to encourage those who think I don't attend church. I do. I visit several churches regularly. I just don't <i>belong</i> to any of them. I don't may commitments with any of them. In many ways I deliberately remain an outsider, a visitor, a guest. I need to worship, and covet the companionship of believers, but am still cautious. So don't get the wrong idea. Worship is important as well as being disciplined about your faith. For me, this is about reconciling with organized religions, denominations if you will.<br>
<br>Tempus Fugatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11837079658924039253noreply@blogger.com0