Metamorphosis!

I was thinking back over this last weekend of how my life took a totally different path than that of my brother and sister… when… to the initial concern of my family… I began to attend a Protestant church (and, come to think of it, concern from Piper’s parents as well… because of my Catholic up brining!). 

I had always had a heart, or I guess you might say an interest in the activities of the church and in God Himself.  With that in mind… being raised in a devout Catholic family and attending the majority of my elementary years in Catholic schools… I naturally considered entering the priesthood at one point in my young life.

My parents were very involved in the churches we attended and had become good friends with one of the parish priests.  He was a frequent guest at gatherings my folks would hold at our house and I had the pleasure of getting to know him on a personal level… therefore, I got to see the priesthood not only from the school and church point of view, but also in the community and as a friend.

I even got to visit a Catholic Seminary, but somewhere along the line I had a difficult time understanding the theology that as a priest… I could never get married, have children and enjoy the full and rich family life that I had been raised with.

Well, that initial personal experience in my quest for seeking meaning for the things of God in my life stuck with me for years.  Then if you were to fast forward almost ten years, you’d find me in a wonderful relationship with a lovely young Christian gal who introduced me to God through a very personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  It was through her that I finally felt the hunger for the things of God in my life coming into a sense of deep satisfaction.

The writer of the Biblical book of Hebrews wrote to the early church, as recorded in Hebrews 3:14 saying,

“We have become partakers of Christ’s character if we hold firmly till the end to the confidence we initially had in the truth about God, revealed by Christ.” (The Remedy)

In this portion of scripture, the author explains to his readers, that in order to be a regular partaker of Christ’s character, they need to stay excited about and growing in their individual knowledge of the truth of God in, for and through their daily lives.  He encourages them to remember the initial, life changing experiences they had with God, to hold firmly to the truths that spoke to their hearts and to keep growing in their personal faith from there!

Like I said above, I often time recall my early times in seeking meaning for God in my life as a young elementary student in Catholic school, but the two initial experiences that became a firm foundation for my Christian walk, happened years later as I dove head first into the Christian faith with my girlfriend and then fiancée.  The first remembrance occurred one night in our Junior College days, after being at a church event with Piper, when I returned home to my parent’s house, excitedly closed my bedroom door, got on my knees and… as I explained to the Lord that night… just to be sure… asked Jesus into my life as my personal Savior and Lord.*  It was a wonderful night… one that I’ll never forget.

The second came a year or two later following our time at Chico State, a few months before our wedding date, when I had, once again, just returned home to my parent’s house from another church event with Piper.  I had no sooner closed the door to my room and plopped down on the bed, when I felt the incredible presence of the Lord fill my room.  And while I didn’t see any tangible evidence of what was going on… the feeling of His sweet presence seemed to engulf the room and I could hardly move!

I don’t remember how long it lasted, but I do recall that it was overwhelming to me.  I felt like I could physically reach out and touch Him!  But all I could do was smile and praise the Lord!  I don’t think that I slept much that night, but after work the next day… I couldn’t hardly wait to go pick up Piper and tell her all about it!

So yeah, I often think back on those two initial experiences that made a permanent mark on my young heart… but I have also learned of the need to continually build upon those initial experiences and stay a student of the life-changing and ever fresh, new and dynamic truths I regularly find in the Word of God. 

Hebrews 3:14 encourages us to hold firmly to the confidence we have in the truth that we know about God as we’ve learned through His Word.  And how does one do that?  Well, Paul tells us in Romans 12:2 to,

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (KJV)

When we confess Jesus as Lord and personal Savior of our lives, our dead spirits are born again… but not our minds.  Therefore, we have to teach our minds how to think and act as our newly found faith in God and the truth of His Word commands us to… and that doesn’t happen overnight, but takes a continual, firm and dedicate effort that will span the rest of our lives on this earth!  But don’t take me wrong here… if your anything like me… it is actually a very rewarding, fun and exciting experience that Piper and I always like to refer to as our Adventures in Faith!

This verse tells us to not be CONFORMED to this world, with CONFORMED translated in the Greek as “to fashion one’s self in accordance to something or someone.”  And in this case, it refers to someone fashioning themselves to be like and/or acceptable in the world’s eyes.  In today’s terminology, one might say to be considered as to be WOKE.

Whereas on the other hand, Christians are directed to be “TRANSFORMED” by the renewing of your mind.   The actual Greek word being “metamorphoō” which is where we get our English word “Metamorphose” which describes the physical process of metamorphosis.  In the original Greek, the word is defined as “to change into another form” and/or “to undergo a spiritual transformation.” (Thayer’s and Mounce)

I guess you could say that while to CONFORM is of the head… to TRANSFORM is a permanent change of the heart.  2 Corinthians 5:17 informs us that,

“Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.” (God’s Word ©)**

According to the Word of God, when we become Christians, the process of metamorphosis begins and we become a new creature but, like any other newborn, we have to nourish ourselves in order to grow up in the faith and “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect (or mature) will of God.”***

So… What are some of the initial experiences in your life that are foundational to your Christian walk today?  It’s always important to remember those special times that marked our lives… but even more important to keep building on the foundation that you have established in the past.

Have a great week ahead… and as you do… Keep EXPECTING God’s BEST… and then pass it on to others!

 

*See: Romans 10:9

**See: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – KJV

**Romans 12:2

What Are You Wearing?

I’ve often told the story of my late wife Piper’s and my first official date, when she and I had prearranged to meet at the first school dance during our senior year in high school.  We had only been hanging out together for a short period of time when the dance occurred and most everything about our potential relationship was still pretty new and untested… But then… she walked across the dance floor and came over to me.  To say that she looked stunning in her short skirt, white long sleeve sweater and that all engaging smile of hers… would do a great injustice to the moment!  From that point on… there was never a question about my affection, devotion and love toward her… or her toward me.

What I quickly ascertained about Piper was that she was a very joyful, giving and confident young lady… who never tried to be anyone else… but herself!  One could say that she always “put on” or “clothed” herself as Piper… who was a happy, strong Christian woman. 

Whether it was the unusual way in which she felt the beat and danced at that first dance that night, or how she was comfortable wearing her athletic shoes with a long dress* as we walked around the campus at Chico State University a few years later, during the school’s Pioneer Days Celebration… she was never one to fall for the many passing clothing fads throughout the years, nor for some of the unbiblical trends that popped up during the Charismatic Movement that we were actively involved with in the 70’s and 80’s. Piper always tended to present all that she did by what she believed was morally, ethically and biblically right for her.  And while she also had a very adventurous side to her… there were definite lines that she would NEVER cross.

The Apostle Paul in our foundational scripture from our last blog post, declared in Galatians 3:17 that,

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (KJV) 

I like the way, the somewhat recently published Remedy New Testament states this particular verse by saying,

“for all of you who have immersed your minds and hearts into the truth of God as revealed by Christ, have had your characters changed, and—like a new set of clothing—replaced with the character of Christ.” 

And in Hebrews 3:14, the author goes into a little more detail explaining,

“We have become partakers of Christ’s character if we hold firmly till the end to the confidence we initially had in the truth about God, revealed by Christ. (The Remedy)

As Piper was comfortable and confident to put on clothes that best suited her personal character, tended to best present her petite size and stature, as well as her fit figure... we Christians are encouraged by the Word of God, to “put on” or “clothe ourselves” with the “character of Christ.”

In regards to this thought, Albert Barnes in his 1832 commentary entitled “Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible” wrote,

“We are spiritually united to the Saviour. We become one with Him. We partake of His spirit and His allotments.”

What these portions of scripture (in agreement with many others throughout the New Testament) are telling us… is… that as we clothe ourselves with the character of Christ, we have all of the “allotments” or resources and duties** of Christ at our disposal!  And as was Paul’s overriding message to the church in Galatia, we access and/or activate those resources into our daily lives just as we did our salvation and baptism… “by GRACE through FAITH alone”***

You see… these are spiritual giftings that can only be received through God’s spiritual portal of GRACE and our active, expectant and now FAITH**** that we stand on throughout the course of our lives.  And while there will be times when everything in the natural looks, sounds and feels exactly opposite to what you are believing for (that is in agreement with God’s Word) we can stand confidently in the truth of God and His Word, and eventually see the working of His resources manifested into our lives!

Isn’t God Good!  (psst… the answer to that statement is a resounding YES!)

So… What are you going to wear today? 

One of my ALL–TIME favorite scriptures (probably the very first one I ever memorized) is found in Paul’s letter to a young struggling Pastor in 2 Timothy 1:7 where Paul boldly encouraged his son-in-the-Lord declaring,

“For God did not give you a character of insecurity, doubt and fear, but a mind and character of confidence, power in the truth, love, and self-control.”           (The Remedy) 

I can’t tell you how many times in which I have stood on the truth of that scripture from the Word of God, since I first discovered it when participating in a men’s Bible Study at Piper’s American Baptist Church in the mid-1970’s!  And you know what?  It has NEVER failed me yet! 

And God will do the same for you!

Have a wonderful weekend wherever you are today!  We are in the midst of a beautiful, sunny and deep blue skied day out here in northeastern Oklahoma!  Except for the blustery wind… it kind of reminds me of our weather where Piper and I grew up and raised our family in northern California! 

So… as you enjoy your weekend, remember to clothe yourselves with the character of Christ… and thereby walk victoriously through every situation that presents itself to you!

 

*Although this is a common practice today, it was quite unusual back in 1974.

**Oxford Online Dictionaries

*** Introduction to the book of Galatians in the NIV Study Bible, © 2002, Zondervan

****See: Hebrews 11:1 - KJV

It's All Part of the Family (Name - pt4)

I don’t think that I had ever been more excited than the night I was to ask Piper to marry me, back in the summer of 1973.  I had it all planned out.  I would take her to our favorite restaurant, get seated in one of their private booths and when the time was right, take out the tiny jewelry box that I would cleverly hide in my boot and ask her to marry me… to which she would instantly reply with tears in her eyes… a resounding “YES!  I will marry you, Jim.”

Well… as with the best of plans… it didn’t quite happen the way in which I had repeatedly dreamed it.  The restaurant did not take reservations and being as it was a packed weekend evening, they could not hold a booth for us and seated us at a tiny table… practically on top of the table next to us in the midst of the dining area.

So, as you can imagine… that wasn’t going to work and I quickly devised another plan where I could propose to her in the privacy of my MGB in the parking lot… not quite as romantic… but then again… we did spend a lot of time in the car after dates for the last 3 years!  Anyway… I clumsily pulled the little box out of the top of my boot (there’s not a lot of room in an MGB), slowly opened it up, looked deeply into her mesmerizing brown eyes and asked her to marry me… to which she replied… no wait… she didn’t reply with any words but instead… burst out laughing!

I have to admit that her reaction did perplex me a tad, but she quickly gained back her composure and with tears in her eyes… gave me a resounding “YES!” and the rest is history!

I was reminded of the events of that wonderful night as I continued my study on the NAME of Jesus.  In Galatians 3:17 the Apostle Paul tells us,

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (KJV)

Some literal translations of the Bible, as well as other verses that relate the same message, state Paul’s meaning as being baptized into the NAME of the Lord Jesus.*  E.W. Kenyon** explains how these verses relate to my experience with Piper in 1973.  He wrote,

“Baptism in this sense (in Galatians 3:27), is equivalent to marriage.  When the wife puts on marriage, she takes her husband’s name and enters into her husband’s possessions and has legal rights in his home.  So, when the believer is baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus, he puts on the name of the Lord Jesus… and takes on his legal rights and privileges in Christ.”

As I prayed over these truths, I also began to realize that in marriage, the wife is also baptized or immersed into the husband’s family traditions, lifestyle and culture… just as the believer is with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

When Piper married me, she became a vital part of a 100% Italian family where the men adored their wives, honored and respected them and encouraged and supported them in the pursuit of their dreams and the development of their gifts and talents.  It was an example that I had witnessed throughout my childhood with my grandfather, my dad and my uncle. 

In my family upbringing, the wives were the crown jewel of the marriage and within the family unit.  And that is exactly what I purposed to do with Piper throughout the 48 years of our dating days and marriage… and everything I had and gained through the years was equally available to her.

As a Christian baptized into the NAME of Jesus, you and I have that same kind of involvement and rights in the NAME of Jesus!  Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary tells us that the NAME of Jesus Christ includes,

“the word and/or doctrine of Christ and the distinctive privileges of the gospel of Christ.” (Strong’s word number G5547)

I John 4:17 declares that,

“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.” (KJV)

So… if you didn’t know this before… you know it now!  And this new understanding should greatly enhance your prayers, your self-worth and the way you look at and live your daily lives!

What do you think about that?

Have a wonderful weekend, enjoy the seasonal change from winter to spring and give glory and honor to God for His rights and benefits that are yours in the NAME of the Lord Jesus Christ!   And YES… there is more to come on this subject…

 

*See: Matthew 28:19, Acts 8:16, Acts 19:5, I Corinthians 1:13

** The Wonderful Name of Jesus by E.W. Kenyon, thirty-first printing © 1998, Kenyon Gospel Publishing Society.

What's In a NAME - pt 3

When Fiver and I were returning from the neighborhood park on our morning walk yesterday, I spotted what looked to be a young father bringing up his garbage cans from the curb with an adorable little blond-haired girl walking behind him and following his every footstep.  When the little girl caught a glimpse of Fiver, she smiled brightly and pointed to him and said something, to which the father turned and responded with a grin and some nice words about the big white doggie.  When I saw them looking our way, I called out and declared to the dad “You’ve got quite a good helper there!”

Well… I think that I made that father’s day as he immediately broke into a big smile and pointed to the other side of his house (which was blocked from my view) and stated, “And I’ve got another good helper over there as well!”  Fiver and I returned his happy comments with a thumbs up from me and an exaggerated full body wag from Fiver and we proceeded along our way home.

That quick interaction got me to thinking about what the scriptures say when we speak out the familiar NAME of Jesus.  In the second chapter of the Biblical book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul talks about the results of that first Easter a few thousand years ago.  In speaking of what we today call Holy Week, Paul explains,

“And being found in fashion as a man, He (Jesus) humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a NAME which is above every NAME:  That at the NAME of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11 – KJV) 

Paul, along with the Apostle John and other writers of the New Testament, make it pretty clear that God the Father is pleased when we speak out and act in the NAME of His Son Jesus.*  The love of the Father God toward His Son Jesus, is described and explained in great detail throughout the entire New Testament and in prophecies scattered throughout the Old Testament.

Therefore, I can’t help but to see the similarities between the Father God, when we speak the Name of His Son, and the young father’s joyful reaction when I acknowledged His cute kids yesterday morning!  I also have a very deep and personal experience in this regard.

During the last few years of Piper’s life, when she was in the clutches of Alzheimer’s, my kids and I began to notice, much to my confusion and frustration, that some of Piper’s extended family had stopped asking about her or even mentioning her name in our limited phone conversations.  And to be honest, I don’t know if they even realized their omission of her existence or not. 

What I did notice at the time, was that it really bothered me… to the point that it physically and emotionally hurt me… and I realized that it was because of the wonderful and deep personal relationship that Piper and I enjoyed together.  We were one and excluding her was like someone was attempting to cut me in half. 

But I did have to laugh recently when I read Jesus’ reply to the Pharisees when they implored Jesus to tell His followers to STOP acknowledging Him and His place in the kingdom of God, when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem on His way to the cross… that would result in the event that we will celebrate tomorrow on EASTER SUNDAY.

The story is told in Luke 19:28-40.  When the Pharisees indignantly commanded Jesus to silence His followers or as The Message Bible puts it, "Teacher, get your disciples under control!" Jesus succinctly replied,

"I tell you that if they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting." (Luke 19:39-40 – GNB)

I found myself laughing aloud as I remembered that even when some close to us stopped talking about Piper or even mentioning her name… that random strangers would come up to us in parking lots, on our daily walks, at doctor visits or in Walmart and other stores in California, Oklahoma and North Carolina… and want to talk to and know all about her! 

When you and I speak out and use the NAME of Jesus in the course of our daily lives, it connects us with the divine favor, influence and power of the throne of God.  According to Philippians 2:11… Speaking the NAME of Jesus brings glory and honor to God the Father… just like anyone mentioning Piper’s name or just wanting to know something about her… still makes my heart swell with love, joy and thanksgiving today!

But Wait… There’s a lot more to the use of the NAME of Jesus… So much so that it was the last thing that Jesus talked to us about before He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God in the throne room of heaven!  At the end of the books of Matthew and Mark, we find it referred to as “The Great Commission” and it is to be the focus and calling of our lives on this earth.  So… stay in tune as there is more to come!

I pray that each of you have a happy, blessed and giving celebration of Easter this year!

And remember that the NAME of Jesus is a multi-faceted, power-packed and love-filled power source that originates in the very throne room of God.  Therefore, I encourage each of you to speak out that NAME… not only this EASTER… but throughout the year ahead!

 

*See: Ephesians 1:19-22, Ephesians 3:17-23, John 5:23, John 13:31-32, John 14:13, John 14:23, John 16:14-15, John 17:1, 1Pe 1:21 etc;

What's In a NAME - pt 2

As a kid growing up, I was never overly into sports like my brother.  Oh, don’t get me wrong… I loved to play baseball and street football… but when it came to professional sports on TV and reading the daily sports page in our local paper, I could take it or leave it.  Although I did enjoy listening to the Giants games with my Dad while we worked around the yard in the summer months. 

I have many vivid memories of my Dad’s old transistor radio sitting on the fence with the Giants announcers calling the plays across the yard while we mowed the lawn, worked in the garden or barbequed chicken on the patio outside the living room sliding doors.

When a pregnant Piper and I moved into my Grandmother’s house in 1980, I found myself falling into similar routines as my Dad did and began listening to the Giants games on my transistor radio, as I busied myself in preparing the soil for our a large vegetable garden and tending to the spacious yard.  I also found myself listening to college football on the radio and following the 49ers.

With the addition of Joe Montana and the 49er’s growing success being the talk of everyone at work, I became a super fan and learned the details and stats on all the players.  But I began to lose interest in the team after moving out of state in 2014 when I felt that the team’s values and pregame antics was turning a little too political and WOKE for my conservative beliefs. 

But my interests were peaked again when the 49ers acquired Christian McCaffrey in 2022.  I had tried to follow the Carolina Panthers when we lived in North Carolina but was uninspired with the team.  The only bright spot was the Stanford University alumni Christian McCaffery… and when the 49ers traded for him in 2022… well… that along with the team’s less visible political bias… I slipped back into step with the 49ers! 

The only problem was that I had stopped following team and was totally unfamiliar with most of the players.  So, I had to begin to learn a whole new set of details and stats concerning those on the roster… in order to enjoy the full ambiance of the team!

I thought of all this earlier today, as I was studying on the NAME of Jesus.  I realized that similar to the level of the enjoyment of the 49ers play and the game of football as a whole, the more I know and use the NAME of Jesus in my daily walk, the more I not only enjoy my life but also, the more successful I am in helping others and in living according to my Christian worldview.

Philippians 2:9-11 declares,

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a NAME which is above every NAME:  That at the NAME of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (KJV) 

Did you know that the Greek definition of the word translated “NAME” in these verses, comes from “a derivative of the base word ‘ginosko’”* which describes a very personal and intimate relationship. 

When I realized this the other day, I had another “WOW!” moment and declared aloud, “So, that’s why the Lord sent the angel Gabriel to specifically tell both Mary and Joseph to name the coming child Jesus!”  For you see… the Father God has a very personal and intimate relationship and connection with not only that NAME but also with Jesus, the One who is the NAME!

That is why the writer of the book of Acts recorded so many examples of the miraculous events that occurred when the NAME of Jesus was spoken over a need.  When a believer evokes and speaks out the NAME of Jesus, it not only brings one into the favor of God… but also connects the outcome of the situation at hand, to the unlimited and miraculous power of the throne of God!

I’ll share a little more on how the NAME of Jesus puts the user in line for the favor of God and thereby release His power into the requested action in my next post… but until then… think about how the early church used the NAME of Jesus (throughout the book of Acts) in the daily walk and ministry of their Christian beliefs… and consider putting that same favor and power to work in your own life, in order to be a greater blessing to those around you!

I was wearing shorts yesterday and today we are back to jeans and a heavy coat!  This has really been an up and down winter and early spring… but as long as the sun is shining… I don’t mind!  I hope the weather is cooperating with you wherever you live!  Have a great weekend, keep EXPECTING God’s Best and put the NAME of Jesus to work in your life today!

 

*Strong’s

What's In a Name?

I got interested in NASCAR about three years ago and have been enjoying the race day theatrics, burning rubber, loud exhausts and spectacular pileups ever since.  It seems to be one of the last national sports that still incorporates old time American patriotic values and honors our country’s Christian heritage. 

I think my two most favorite times in each race are the pre-race ceremonies when the announcer asks everyone at the track to stand and remove their hats for the presenting of the American flag, the prayer of invocation over the race and for the safety of the drivers, the singing of our national anthem, the military flyover and the excitement that is generated throughout the stands when a special guest takes to the microphone and emotionally proclaims the words that starts everyone’s heart to pumping “Driver’s start your engines!” 

The other time is the last 10 or so laps when the remaining cars are vying to be the first to cross under the black and white checkered flag at the finish line.  I can’t help but to find myself standing up in front of my couch with both arms raised as the winning car zooms under the waving flag… It is also the time when I inevitably have to remind myself to start breathing again… after holding my breath throughout the final lap!

What really startles me and warms my heart at the same time is when the appointed chaplain, minister or priest finishes the race day prayer spoken over the microphone and heard throughout the track and on national television, with the affirmative and powerful words, “In Jesus Name, Amen!”

I know that it shouldn’t… but I guess that we’ve been so programed over the last few decades, for the fear of offending someone, to NOT speak the NAME of Jesus in public gatherings… that it still catches me a little off guard.  But like I said, it also warms my heart like when someone mentions the name of a very special friend and/or a popular dignitary in a public setting!

I’ve been re-reading (for the umpteenth time) a book entitled “The Wonderful Name of Jesus” written in the 1940’s by the renown Bible teacher and pastor E.W. Kenyon.  In his writings, the author discusses how the modern church in his day, at the brink of WW2 (and still seems prevalent in the 2020’s), has seemingly forgotten, down played or simply by-passed the knowledge of the importance that the NAME of Jesus has in the application and power that is inherent in our Christian faith.

A look into the New Testament writings of the early church leaders will demonstrate the central and pivotal role that the NAME of Jesus occupied as the gospel message was introduced to the world.  In the book of Acts, Luke repeatedly talks about the content of the message that was being taught… a good example being the ministry of the evangelist Philip where it is summed up by saying,

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12 – KJV) 

I’ve been doing a study of the NAME of Jesus in the New Testament over the last few days and I’ve been discovering that Philip’s preaching was right in line with all the writers of the New Testament… including Jesus Himself!

Jesus taught throughout the book of John in chapters 14, 15 and 16 of the importance of praying to the Father in His NAME.*  The book of Acts records many stories of incidents when the NAME of Jesus, when spoken with faith through the lips of the Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists and the everyday church members, brought physical, emotional and spiritual healing and restoration to people, cast out devils, brought unity and order between individuals and in the churches, changed the weather and literally raised the dead!

But it is not just knowing the NAME, it is knowing the One who IS the NAME.  I’ve told many times of the long nightly phone conversations that my girlfriend and eventual wife Piper and I had when we were dating in high school.  In my strong Catholic background, I knew the NAME and was taught to be very respectful of it… BUT… Piper not only knew the NAME, but more importantly, the power that the NAME carried as she enjoyed a very personal, intimate and ever-increasing covenant relationship with the One who was the NAME!

Do you know the POWER that is inherent in the mighty NAME of Jesus?  Have you ever spoken out the NAME and seen the negative circumstances that might be approaching you change?  I have!  Just recently in fact, with the bout of Severe Weather threats that we faced throughout our part of the state a couple of days ago.

The two-fold message of the Kingdom of God and the NAME of Jesus is just as prevalent today as it was to the early church when it was first presented to the world over 2000 years ago.  And with everything that is happening in our country as well as in the rest of the world today… It’s probably even more needed NOW!

I’ll share some more truths about this life-changing, powerful and somewhat untaught truth in blogs to come.  But in the meantime, I might suggest that you pick up your Bibles and spend some time reading the New Testament… and in particular in the four gospels and in the book of Acts.  Underline and/or highlight the times that the NAME of Jesus is spoken of… and I think that you might just be excited to discover, along with me, the power… THAT IS AVAILABLE TO YOU AND ME as faith-filled BELIVERS… in the mighty NAME of Jesus!

You never know… this revelation truth just might change the way you walk in your daily life!

Have a wonderful St Patrick’s Day tomorrow.  I was listening to someone explain the big influence that the Christian conversion of Ireland (by the ministry of St Patrick) had to the entire continent of Europe.  One can never fully appreciate the power and depth of influence that the NAME of Jesus can have… so therefore… keep EXPECTING God’s best as you celebrate St Patrick’s Day and share your faith with your world tomorrow!

 

*See: John 14:13,14,26 / John 15:16 / John 16:23-26

I've Got History

I was contemplating the other day about the rich and wonderful HISTORY that I shared with my beloved wife Piper… and while other couples also share a HISTORY with each other, our particular story is totally unique and special to us.  It is a story written in the annals of HISTORY that I can hold on to and know that is all mine.  There are experiences and special moments in time that we enjoyed together that most people will never know of.  There were special looks, touches and unspoken words shared between the two of us that meant the world to us, but yet to others, would have absolutely no significance.

I came across an old notebook of hers from 2007 with one page that was basically empty except for a few words and was entitled,

“Jim’s Birthday Day”

Underneath the title she penned in her familiar handwriting, “Chocolate Cake w/Chocolate frosting.” And while the rest of the page was blank, save for three other words, my mind’s eye saw a whole story filling that page and many more throughout the notebook. 

I immediately drifted back in my memory to the 36 other birthdays that we had celebrated up to that time, both alone and then with our children around the kitchen table, complete with homemade cards from the kids, balloons, streamers and candles.  I thought of how she always delighted in baking me my favorite cake or pie, many times from scratch, in order to honor me on my special day.  I especially remember her Chocolate-on-Chocolate cakes and Lemon Meringue pies. YUM!

Over the years, I have tasted other chocolate cakes and lemon meringue pies, but none of them tasted as delicious and mouthwatering as hers… for hers contained something that no other’s desert could ever have… and that was her love for me that was the major ingredient for every slice and every bite!

Now this may sound funny, but the memories of her special birthday deserts came wafting through the air the other day as I read something familiar that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Phillipi… and I don’t think that it actually had any reference to a Birthday party!  In Philippians 4:19 he wrote,

“I am convinced that MY God will fully satisfy every need you have, for I have seen the abundant riches of glory revealed to me through the Anointed One, Jesus Christ!”  (TPT)

You’re probably thinking that I wrote about this verse in my last blog post… and you would be right!  But the thing that is very exciting about the Word of God, is that it is a living and active* gospel that has countless layers to every verse and every chapter!  As I read this verse the other morning, I no sooner got four words in when the fifth word jumped off the page and thumped me right in my heart!

I stopped breathing there for a second or two as I caught hold of the word “MY”… and the personal ownership that Paul associated with it… and found myself repeating aloud… “My, My, My!”  And when I finally caught my breath, I turned around to look at the dog laying on the couch behind me and exclaimed …with an “Ah-Ha!” smirk on my face.., “He had some HISTORY with God!”

I instantly realized that Paul was so convinced and assured that HIS God would “fully satisfy every need” that the giving members of the Philippian church had… because he had personally experienced the faithfulness of God over and over again in his own life and ministry!

Paul knew God in a similar fashion to the way in which Piper and I knew each other.  He didn’t need to go into a lot of explanation with the Philippians, but simply shared from the wealth of personal interactions, words, both spoken and unspoken, touches, special looks, and the thoughts and feelings that are intimately shared between individuals who enjoy a close relationship with each other.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges states that Paul’s use of the term “My God” are “words that are deeply characteristic of St Paul” and emphasize the depth and wonderful relationship that he enjoyed with his God!  Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments explains Paul’s deeper meaning adding that “my God — Whose ambassador I am; shall supply all your need — As he has mine.”

And Dictionary.com describes the word “MY” as an adjective which describes a particular quality of the word that they are modifying,” in this case, Paul’s personal description of his close relationship with God.

When Piper got sick, I had different people tell me to watch out because Piper was going to displays certain negative behaviors as the symptoms of Alzheimer’s increased… to which I simply laughed and said “NO WAY” because I KNEW my wife and the precious HISTORY that she had with her God that would prevent certain actions from having their way with her… and you know?  She NEVER displayed any of those fearful behaviors. 

So… How personally do you KNOW God?  Would you stand in front of anyone and refer to Him as “MY God?”  If someone told you that He was going to do something that was contrary to the Word of God and your knowledge of it… would you stand firm and tell them “NO WAY” ?

I would encourage each of you to take a few moments this weekend and ask yourself:

“Do I have a HISTORY with God?” and how would I explain it to someone else…”

Have a great weekend.  We had lots of rain over the last couple of days but are enjoying a sunny (but cool) day today with a warming trend into next week!  So, our prospects are looking good and I hope that yours are as well!

And as I am enjoying the sweet memories of the special HISTORY that I shared with my wife, I pray that each of you are enjoying sweet times in the midst of your current HISTORY with YOUR God!

 

*See Hebrews 4:12

I Am Convinced!

Some of my favorite memories as an adult were made when Piper and I would take the kids up to the Redwoods or the Sierras for a summer camping adventure and when Piper and I would take one of our two-night holidays at a lodge along the Sonoma County coast in northern California.  And I think what made them even more extra special was all the anticipation and expectations that would always build up in me in the days or even weeks before we actually got in the car and pulled out of the driveway!  Do any of you know what I’m talking about?

By the time we actually arrived at our destination, all that anticipation and expectation working in me, CONVINCED me that we were going to have a GREAT time… and you know?  I don’t think that I was ever disappointed!  We learned from any potentially negative parts of the vacation every time we would go, so that we eventually packed and/or were prepared for any type of unexpected event… rain for instance… that would arise.  I also think that our background in Youth and Children’s ministry prepared us to be flexible and easily adaptive to any hiccup that might arise!

Like I said earlier, whenever we would sit down to plan one of these special times… I was fully CONVINCED that we would thoroughly enjoy ourselves!  But it didn’t just happen… for we would plan activities and special times to enhance our experience wherever we where going.  When Piper and I would book a two-night holiday, I would always surprise her with a new nightgown and we would purchase special food treats, bring some good books and rent a movie or two that we both enjoyed... and then plan on taking many romantic walks, hand in hand along the bluffs overlooking the breath taking views of the Pacific ocean.

Similarly, like my parents always did on our family camping trips, Piper would plan for special meals and treats that we could cook over the open fire, bring some fun books to read with the children and surprise the kids with some new toys to enjoy at camp.  In the meantime, I planned for family hikes in the mountains and other excursions to places that were unique to the area we were going to.  In later years, I also wrote some Bible related, all family, VBS type activities that we could all participate in during our week at camp.

The way that we planned for and enjoyed Piper’s and my personal holidays alone and the family camping trips with the kids, were very similar to the way in which we planned and enjoyed the personal experiences of our faith life as well.  The Apostle Paul wrote that,

“I am CONVINCED that my God will fully satisfy every need you have, for I have seen the abundant riches of glory revealed to me through the Anointed One, Jesus Christ!”  (Philippians 4:19 – The Passion Translation)

I don’t know if you see what I do in that particular verse of scripture, but when I read this translation, I can’t help but get very excited because I see a man that fully EXPECTED God’s Word to work in his behalf when he went to the Lord with a need!  And when you study the rest of Paul’s letters to the early church, you quickly understand that Paul was a man that put the work in that would assure Him of the truth of God’s Word being a solid reality in his life.

When Paul stepped out the door first thing in the morning on the way to a ministry event, to go visit a friend or to travel to a new region of the country… he was CONVINCED that God would fully satisfy ANY need that arose… and you know why?  Because he had seen it all before and carried the evidence of the faithfulness of God in his heart wherever he went.

Like Piper and I on our vacation events, we were CONVINCED ahead of time that we were going to have an enjoyable time and be blessed along the way as well!  We always put in the time to prepare for whatever we were doing both physically and spiritually and were never disappointed.

Earlier in that same letter to the Philippian church, Paul declared that,

“I have mastered the secret of living… I am equal to every lot, through the help of Him who gives me inward strength.” (Philippians 4:12 – S. Way)

Paul always gave all the glory and/or credit to Christ for the success of all that he endeavored to accomplish in his life.  But in order to do that and be fully CONVINCED that God would meet his every need, he made the consistent effort to spend time with the Lord in prayer, recalling and meditating on the revelations that the Lord had directly given to him, and in reading the Old Testament promises (since he and the other apostles were then writing what would become known to us as the New Testament).

One of Piper’s favorite Old Testament promises that I’m pretty certain that the Apostle Paul also favored and took to heart, is found in Jeremiah 29:11 where the prophet wrote of the Lord saying,

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an EXPECTED end.” (KJV) 

The Message Bible makes it a little easier to understand and put into practice in our lives by declaring,

“I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you that you hope for (or that you are EXPECTING*).” 

So, let me ask you today… on this absolutely warm and beautiful - albeit windy – day in northeastern Oklahoma, are you CONVINCED that God will fully satisfy and/or meet all your needs today?  Why or Why not?

Think about it and ask yourself… “What am I really EXPECTING today?”  How satisfied will you be when your head hits the pillow tonight?

Have a great day enjoying the promises of God actively participating in your life today! 

Put in the time and your life will be sublime!

 

*Both Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Definitions and Brown-Drivers – Briggs Hebrew Definitions define the word “hope” as “EXPECTATION”

The 1970's

I found the old 1977-1983 C.H.i.P.’s TV series on one of my streaming channels the other day and have been reacquainting myself with the series that Piper and I used to watch in the early years of our marriage.  After a few shows I realized two things. 

First… that Fiver does NOT like the theme song and will break out into a loud and soulful howl every time the theme plays at the beginning and end of each episode… and Secondly that this show… more than any other from the many old TV series that we used to enjoy… REALLY pulls at my HEARTSTRINGS, overflowing my memory banks with endless recollections of all the fun, adventures, loving and poignant times that Piper and I shared in the first ten years of our relationship.

I watched another episode at lunch yesterday and when it was over and Fiver and I stepped out the front door to take a leisurely walk in the beautifully warm weather, I asked the Lord why this show affected me with such strong, specific and vivid memories of Piper.  Then as we strolled and Fiver stopped every few feet to take a deeper sniff of a scent that caught his nose, I began to envision a timeline in my mind’s eye that started at one end with the date of 1970 and ended on the far side with the date of 1980.

With each step that we took, familiar activities, events and milestones began to fill the length of the timeline.  I was a little amazed at how many things were recorded in that relatively short, ten-year period of our lives… and by the time we climbed up the berm and looked across the glassy looking, calm waters of our large neighborhood pond... it hit me!

And I realized all the foundational events that occurred to Piper and I in the 1970’s that became the groundwork on which the rest of the next four decades of our marriage and family were built.  From the initiation of our dating in 1970 to our marriage in 1975, the call to ministry I felt in 1976 and our first ministry position, the fire that was ignited in our hearts for the message of faith that directed our Christian walk for the rest of our lives, and the beginning of our family in 1979, along with all the other kinds of visions, plans and, purposes that we began to pursue… all happened in the decade of the seventies!

As the C.H.i.P.s stars ride their motorcycles along the highways and byways of Los Angeles County in Southern California and pass a 1973 Pinto wagon, I’ll yell out to Fiver “Hey that looks like Piper’s Pinto” and I’ll be blasted with memories of her in that car, of all those early camping trips we took and the countless times we pulled into the parking lot of the First Baptist Church where we were employed as Youth Ministers.

Then there’s the plethora of British sportscars like my ’66 MGB that were so popular in the sixties and seventies, the young gals in their short skirts and boots or shapely jeans just like Piper wore in high school and college and all the memories of my eyes popping out of my head when I saw her in them, the lingo spoken at the time, and the way that the cameras captured the California lifestyle that Piper and I enjoyed back then. 

Yes… I finally figured it all out!  The seeing and re-living of all those sweet memories is what caused my heart strings to be plucked into the melody of a moving song of remembrances of the woman I loved and partnered with for 48 years… and of all the adventures we experienced in our teens and twenties.  

And you know what else I realized, as Fiver and I reversed our direction and headed home from our afternoon walk?  I understood that God also had a HEAVY hand in the midst of all of those events that shaped and established our future. I can look back at almost each and every one of those experiences listed on that timeline that unfolded in my mind’s eye and observe His nudge in a certain direction, Him sending special individuals into our lives at just the right time, scriptures that spoke to our hearts and led us to make certain decisions and the countless answers to prayer all along the way.

I realized with an emotional jolt that caused me to suddenly stop on our walk and pull on Fiver’s harness when he kept walking on, that God set Piper and I up for success back then… and is still doing the same for me… as well as for you dear reader, TODAY!

Was it always easy to follow His directions… NO!  Did everything always work out as planned… NO!  Did we ever make mistakes along the way… YES… many times!

Paul told his readers in Philippians 4:12-13 that,

“I have learned the secret—the secret to real peace and contentment in every situation, regardless of circumstance, regardless of whether I’m hungry or well fed, regardless of whether I am rich or poor.  The secret to real peace and contentment is an abiding trust in Christ—realizing that my strength comes from him; and through the peace, strength, wisdom and perspective that Christ gives me, I can handle whatever happens”.  (The Remedy New Testament)

The SECRET of Paul’s success in life was his abiding trust in Christ… and in looking back through our memories of the 1970’s, I realized that the good Lord was giving Piper and I the same message that we sought, to the best of our abilities and ever-increasing scriptural knowledge, to do the same.

Then I picked up a hint from Jesus Himself on how to best accomplish this task in the middle of this mixed up and crazy world that we seem to be living in today.  Jesus tells us that,

“If you continue in My Word, then are you are my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth (in My Word) shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32 – KJV)

So YES!  I believe that God has set us ALL up for success.  He has given us ALL the tools we need to succeed in everything we set out to accomplish in this world… ALL we have to do is to discover His will for us in His Word and then DO it… according to the way that He leads us to in His Word!  EASY RIGHT?  Well… not really… but ALL the dedicated effort on our part SURE DOES payoff!

Have a great weekend… and as you do… spread some JOY and Godly success along the way!

We are in the midst of a picture-perfect weekend here in northeastern Oklahoma… if someone were to ask me… I’d have to say that Oklahoma copied a page from the 1970’s California lifestyle that Piper and I used to enjoy when C.H.i.P.s was one of the top shows on NBC!

Fiver's 411

“All of you came to me and said, "Let's send men ahead of us to gather INFORMATION about the land for us.  Have them report to us about the route we should take and the cities we'll come to." (Deuteronomy 1:22 - God’s Word ©)

I was thinking the other day that not much has changed in my morning schedule since Piper’s homegoing a few years ago.  I still get up around seven every morning, get the coffee going and head into my study to spend an hour or so with the Lord, reading and interacting with Him through my investigations of His Word. 

Being as my study faces our front yard with views of the cul-de-sac and the adjoining city golf course, Fiver enjoys standing at the window and watching the outside activities as the neighborhood wakes up and depending on the weather, the golfers who populate the greens.  I’ve gotten into the habit of cracking one of the windows open about an inch (or more depending on the temperature…) so that he can not only catch the sights outside but also the sounds and smells of the new day.

I usually make a big deal over the opening the window so that he gets a little excited, perks up his ears and hastens to the window sill.  Once there and he presses his nose against the screen, I’ll plop back down onto my desk chair and tell him to go ahead and give me the INFORMATION or “411” for the day!  It is amazing to see how much sharper his senses are when the window is open.  He’ll start softly whimpering a few seconds before a walker comes into view and even louder if they have a dog with them! 

He'll take note of the golfers and especially so if they are talking to each other, keeps track of the two neighbors across the street who leave for work the same time each day and turns a very watchful eye on any unfamiliar vehicles that turn around in the cul-de-sac… and don’t even get me started with the noisy lawn mowers performing their daily trims of the golf course lawns… Whew!  He does NOT like loud engines or noises of any kind!

When he is satisfied with his first observations of the day, he’ll usually back up a step or two and lay down on the rug right in front of the window… while looking up expectantly at me.  And I’ll play along, turn in my squeaky but comfortable desk chair and ask him for his morning INFORMATIONAL report of our neighborhood.   I’ll say “Fiver, what’s the 411?” and he’ll look at me like I’m crazy, put his head down between his legs and close his eyes!  And so, the morning ritual goes and I’ll laugh as I turn in my chair and get lost in conversation with Lord!

I’ve been involved in a situation lately where I have had the opportunity to share a lot of counsel with some individuals in need.  As I have prepared for our times together, I have found myself praying and then searching through my Bible for just the right and succinct INFORMATION or “411” that would best satisfy the particular needs of this situation.  And as has been my practice over the years of my ever-growing personal Christian experience, I find that God continues to have the uncanny ability to bring me to the exact portions of His Word that are helpful to those reaching out for assistance.

The section scripture that has provided a solid foundation for the thoughts that I have been sharing recently, is one that I wrote about in a blog post a few weeks ago.  It is found within the third chapter of the book of James.  Here the Pastor is discussing God – like WISDOM and looks at its results in contrast to the effects of natural thoughts and ideas that come from a heart of anger, selfishness and/or fear. 

He stated that,

“Real wisdom originates in heaven and is always pure, healing, restorative, kind, compassionate, selfless, merciful, peaceful, transformational, unbiased, and sincere.”*

While,

“selfishness, envy, and all violations of God’s law of love break his design for life and cause chaos, disease, suffering, and everything evil.”* 

Informational scriptures such as these give me the 411 that I need in order to best prepare me for the events of life and to address and successfully work through the situations that I am involved with.  When asked for advice or assistance from those in need, I have discovered that God’s 411 always presents the most logical, compassionate and healing solutions to whatever or whomever this situation has entangled.

I guess you could say that my Bible… otherwise known as God’s 411 manual… has become my GO-TO source whenever proven, reliable and long-lasting tools for the successful navigation through the journey of life are sought… and I am NOT alone in this practice!  “According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Bible has now been printed over a billion times in more than 2,400 languages, making it the most-printed book in history.”**

SO… Just like I open the window for my four-footed furry friend each morning and charge him to sniff out the neighborhood and give me the 411 before we step out on our morning walk… I also take the time to study and sniff out God’s 411 for whatever or whomever comes across the pathways of my life each and every day.

I like to be in the KNOW… and I like to Be Prepared… DON’T YOU?

Have a great President’s Day today… and speaking of President’s Day… I got to thinking this morning that a President’s merits are judged by what they do with the INFORMATION or 411 that they receive while in office.  I guess that the same could be said about you and me too!  I wonder what the history books will record from my life… or yours?

__________________

*James 3:17,16 – The Remedy New Testament

**The Holy Script –

https://www.theholyscript.com/how-many-copies-of-the-bible-have-been-sold/#:~:text=The%20first%20printing%20of%20the%20Bible%20was%20in,languages%2C%20making%20it%20the%20most-printed%20book%20in%20history.