Intense Reflection

I watched as my only remaining Grandfather took his last, gasping, mortal breath. I stared at the weakening pulse in his neck until I saw the last time his heart pumped blood through his frail framework. His mouth, ever-slowly, began to open wider and wider, and his color turned to death-pale within a few minutes. I watched as invisibly (yet by faith seen), his eternal spirit separated from his earthly body…and he crossed over into worlds unseen.

In my 13 years of ministry, I have visited several death-beds. Early on, it didn’t take me long to realize that I needed to ask an all-important question: “Are you ready to go?” Widows and widowers, shut-ins and those in rest homes that I had barely known for a few years of my life…I would ask, “Are you ready?” I grew in courage and boldness to ask the condition of person’s soul I didn’t even know.

Yet, when it came to my Grandfather, I cowered in fear. Two weeks before his death…he was alert, attentive, and able to have a coherent conversation as he lay in the Critical Care Unit of the hospital. On that Sunday afternoon, I told my wife I was going to go see Pa to ask him if he was ready to go. Yet, as I came into his presence, I felt an apprehension I hadn’t experienced since my high school years of Christianity. I was afraid. I could’ve walked into the unit next door and asked that person, “Are you ready to go?” But when it came to my own Grandfather…I stood as a sheep before the shearers, silent.

I don’t know why it’s so hard to talk to family about Christ, and the condition of their soul, but I do know I’ll have a lifetime to regret (and learn from) my hesitation. Don’t make the mistake I did. “Judge yourselves truly, so that you may not be judged.” (I Corinthians 11:31)

Things I Learned from Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Part Three

Things look good on paper...but, then, there's reality. Looking at a map of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park (sitting in the comfort of a cabin), 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail doesn't seem that long. Then, there's the reality: a 20 mile hike takes a lot of effort. Writing a note on my refrigerator saying that I'm going to wake up every morning at 5:30, and go to LBL to ride the mountain bike trails for 2 hours...seems like a pretty simple goal to write down. Then, there's reality: waking up at 5:30 to exercise is hard! Things look pretty good on paper...but, then, there's reality.

"The unfolding of Your word gives light..." (Psalm 119:130). The Word of God looks good in written form. Every word sitting on a table at home...inked onto thinly sliced wax-paper, bound in leather. It's perfect! It's flawless! It's absolute! Then, there's the reality of my sin-filled life...the reality of my imperfections, my flaws, my transgressions. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness..." (Matthew 5:6) Seems like a pretty easy-to-read task on paper, right? Except, there's the reality: "All of those who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (II Timothy 3:12). The word of God is easy enough to comprehend on paper...the hard part is making it a reality in my life (it's the translation from paper to practice that will always be the challenge).

Things I Learned from Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Part Two

Living with clubbed feet is a little...different. Not only have the muscles and tendons in my legs developed differently (causing what some call "chicken legs"), but also the motion in my ankles is severely limited causing a kind of jackhammer effect on my feet. Over the course of playing basketball, racquetball, or hiking long distances...my feet will throb with pain, and the next day I will walk with a noticeable (and pain-filled) limp. It's been like that as long as I can remember.

This is what makes my decision to hike 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail with one of my best friends since birth (Seth Grogan) seem so absolutely ridiculous. I knew before I ever set foot on that trail what I was in for...yet I chose to take a walk up to the top of a 5,000 foot mountain ridge with a 30 pound pack on my back, knowing the shape my feet would be in after the first day!

The morning after our first ten miles, my feet were feeling like someone had jabbed knives into the tops of my ankles. Growing up, I had spent numerous summers working in row after row of tobacco, for weeks at a time...but this pain was like nothing I had ever felt. There was no amount of labor on the farm or endless summer basketball games that had ever given me the feeling I had last Friday morning. Grogan, on the other hand, is half Shirpa and could've climbed Mount Everest at that point.

About five miles into our ten mile exit hike...I laid down next to a log with my head on my pack. I was exhausted and hurting. After a few minutes rest, I stood up. Grogan grabbed my pack and said, "Ready to go?". I tried to get him to put it down, but he's part mule, which manifested itself in his ability to carry both my pack (and his) the last five miles of our hike...like it was nothing.

Solomon said, "...there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24). Some have used this verse to describe the relationship of Christ to God's children, and such is an accurate description. However, there are people who walk with us through life's trials and pain...friends who help us up when we fall, friends who will help us carry our weights and burdens through every rocky path...friends that truly become closer than our own flesh and blood. Thank God for those friends.

Things I Learned from Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Part One

After 10 miles of hiking from Fontana Dam to the Mollie's Ridge Shelter, up 5,000 feet of elevation, my body felt like it was shutting down. There were times that I thought my feet could take no more punishment from the rocky terrain of the Great Smokey Mountains...times I thought I was going to lay down between a log and a boulder and not get back up until the next day. My body was at its breaking point, but I wasn't going to quit. I was going to make it to the ridge shelter for the night...there was no other choice. There was no exit strategy that day, there was no cop out, no trail back to civilization...it was a feeling I have rarely felt in my life: desperation. No matter how much it hurt, I had to keep going. There was no getting back, but by going forward... there was no other choice. NO OTHER CHOICE.

There are too many "exit strategy" Christians...too many followers of God looking for a way around (or out of) difficult choices and paths placed before them, and God is waiting for us to realize that in carrying the cross of Christianity, we must always press on. No high roads to take when we're in the valleys...no off ramps when walking through the shadows. We must press on, no matter what life takes or gives!

Yet, in our instantly gratified existences, there's no longer that desperation to make us appreciate all the good gifts we are given by the "Father of lights" (James 1:17). Such simplicities of life are daily taken for granted: water, food, family...housing, travel, communication. Things don't seem as sweet until they're taken away, or we can't access them with ease. Relationships are more appreciated when there's no longer a cell phone tower to bounce a loved one's voice into our ear, or Internet chatter to discover the latest adventures of life. When there's no 300 horsepower SUV to take us over long distances, we thank the good Lord for the two feet He gave us (no matter how slowly they may walk).

Through desperation comes an awesome sense of humility and gratitude. We begin to truly bear our cross...we walk - not with the expectation of the material - not with an attitude of deservance, but we walk with a faith (in God) that the uncertainties of life are most certainly in His hands. We walk with a trust that, though the way is rough and steep, we will someday find rest. We walk in desperation, knowing that this world is simply a pathway that leads to a destination far greater than any discomfort this life can ever hold...and we must press on.

Lone Grave Cemetery

Paul made his way through the streets of ancient Athens, setting his eyes on every idol trinket and statue being sold in the marketplace. Approaching a particular altar of sacrifice, the etchings caught his attention: "to an unknown god." (Acts 17:23). Paul would use this engraving to preach to the Athenians about the one, true God who does not "dwell in temples made with hands." (17:24)

Coming across the bridge in front of the Kentucky Dam, water was pouring out of the flood gates...churning the river below like a giant pot of chocolate milk. Giant electrical lines stretched as far as the eye could see...their lines all gathering power from this behemoth hydroelectric facility.

Passing the dam, and exiting to the right, I soon came to the border of Land Between the Lakes for my morning hike. A few miles into LBL is the North Welcome Station, a small building (with a rather large parking area in front of it) containing any map one would need to traverse the park. One mile past this Welcome Station, down a side road, is a large, metal gate protecting a campground (for the winter months when it's not in use).

Parking my truck, I walk around the gate toward the place where the North/South trail crosses the road...and I begin my morning hike. This was new territory for me (seeing the trail is 60 miles long, there are a lot of parts I haven't seen). About a mile in, I come to a high place overlooking Kentucky Lake, and once again, an object catches my attention. It's about 40 yards off the trail...and it appears to be...a road sign.

Trudging off the path to investigate, the sign says: "Lone Grave Cemetery". A single, small stone (weathered by many-a-year) marked the grave of an early settler. It was a rather surreal moment, as I looked across the glimmering lake.

The ironic part: passing the hydroelectric dam, the Welcome Station, the enormous campground, the metal gate (all built on land seized through 'eminent domain', in which NUMEROUS graves were destroyed by TVA), I see a warning sign mounted on the cemetery pole: "disturbing/vandalizing a grave is a federal offense, punishable by law". I had to laugh a little. I felt kind of like Paul walking through Athens, knowing the truth of the situation...and seeing the ignorance some people have toward it.

P.S. I'm not bashing LBL by any means, but history left unlearned is bound to repeat itself.

Destroyed Graveyards: Ashes on the Trail

A light, almost eerie mist was falling as I hiked through Land Between the Lakes this morning. Treading through the wet leaves on the packed trail-ground, a figure caught my eye that didn’t belong among the natural landscape of trees and undergrowth: a chimney. Coming off the beaten path about 20 yards, I stepped across a long, thin line of block foundation where a house used to be. Among the leaves and brush, almost puzzle-like, was the outline of room after room on the forest floor. I was standing in the remains of the living room of someone’s house. My feet were settled where a family used to cook and warm themselves by the fire that came from this old chimney. My heart sank.

Why? In 1963, by order of President Kennedy, the federal government used ‘eminent domain’ to force 700+ families out of the land between the rivers (my grandfather and grandmother among them). Many of those families were the descendents of Revolutionary War veterans who were given that land as payment, by the same government that then stole it back. If a family didn’t leave by their specified date “federal marshals arrived to escort you from your home…while a bulldozer pushed down the house, which was then burned…” (betweentherivers.org)

Ultimately, 170,000 acres of land meant far more to the TVA (and the government) than moral decency, as they destroyed multiple family graveyards, Indian burial sites, and even Chinese immigrant graves. “The Promise” (as it has come to be called) was given to the people whose lives were uprooted so long ago: there will be no commercial development within the borders of LBL. They lied.

The over 200 miles of hiking trails in LBL are beautiful, the mountain bike trails are fast and pristine, the lake landscape is gorgeous, recreation is almost endless, and the sensation of being immersed in nature is awe-inspiring…but “cursed is he who removes his neighbors landmark.” (Deuteronomy 27:17) “No man may go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because the Lord is the avenger of them all, as we also have forewarned you…” (I Thessalonians 4:6)

Gut-Punched

My first instinct was to walk faster. After arguing with the cashier at Dollar General about being able to buy cell phone minutes with a money order, this rough-looking-young man stood outside the Dollar Store. Eyeing me as I came to the door, I knew the conversation that awaited me when I finished shopping. Sure enough, as I started walking toward my truck, I heard, “Hey man…” I felt my eyes roll back, as he circled around to the driver’s side door and said, “I just sold some speakers, and I guess they won’t cash a money order, so I’m (expletive) on gas for the day. Can you help?”

In my mind I was having this dialogue: “Are you kidding me? I just heard you trying to buy cell phone minutes, and now you say you need gas money? Seriously, you‘re asking me to help you?” I said to the guy, “Nope.” I mean, COME ON…right?

Then, I got this feeling. The nearest way I can describe it…is that it’s like the few seconds of confusion that come during a mountain bike crash. My mind’s thinking, “Am I getting up from this one?” Then, as I lay there on the trail, there’s this eerie calm where everything has come to rest, and my stupidity is clear.

I shut the door on my truck and sat there thinking: “You’re an idiot!” This is the guy that was going from Jerusalem to Jericho in Luke 10:30. He’s fell on some hard times, maybe he’s strung out on meth or some other drug…but he just asked me for help! I pulled out of my parking space and passed by on the other side of his car and thought to myself, “You’re just like the priest who passed by on the other side!” I’m the preacher at a church a mile down the road, and I just left the guy in the Dollar Store parking lot. “Go and do likewise,” just gut-punched me harder than an MMA fighter (Luke 10:37).

Opportunities to help others see Christ show up every day. Sometimes we get it right…sometimes we don’t. Lord, forgive me for the times I just don’t get it.

A Like-Precious Four Thousand

Never have I been in the presence of so many Christians in one place. Entering this massive building there are folding chairs as far as the eye can see...it seems like a quarter mile from one end to the other. By the time the early session of the Challenge Youth Conference started last Friday night almost 4,000 people of like precious faith had trickled into the Gatlinburg Convention Center. 4,000 people seeking God! The words of “Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place” kept resonating in my mind.

This was as close to the numbers of Pentecost that I had ever experienced, as we all “praised God” with glad and generous hearts (Acts 2:47). Thousands of voices singing like that “great multitude in heaven, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.’” (Revelation 19:1). 4,000 heads bowed in prayer like the multitude outside the Temple in Luke 1:10, waiting for Zechariah to emerge. 4,000 hearts seeking God like those who had long been estranged from the Passover purification, and now (with zeal) crave the worship of God (II Chronicles 30:18-19).

Gatherings like this help me realize how many God has reserved that have not bowed the knee to Baal. The assembly at CYC helped me to know that I am never alone in this fight of faith…there are thousands walking with me. And as we sang praises to God last weekend, my focus looked toward a future meeting-place on heavenly Mount Zion, where the true number of the faithful will be revealed as countless.

Ms. Wilma’s Crocheted Cell Phone Holder

Japanese fruit pie (or whatever that dark-red filling really was). A 3-foot tall cactus plant (try getting that into your truck). A hand-made, crocheted cell phone holder to be carried around the neck (not really the most stylish of accessory). These are just a few of the numerous things that left Ms. Wilma Byers’ house in my hands as her gift to me. I never knew what she was going to go to the closet, refrigerator, freezer, pantry to get whenever I would visit…but she would always want to give something. And she loved to visit: we talked about tomato plants, flowers, family (whose pictures were like wallpaper in her home), church, life, death…everything imaginable that could be crammed into a 30-minute period, me and Ms. Wilma would talk about.

One thing was a topic above all else: the church. Ms. Wilma, at 95 years of age, was the oldest member of the Union Hill Church of Christ at the time of her passing, and she was loved by all (young and old alike). When she was able to come to church, she was surrounded by a sea of young people (as she sat on the right side of the auditorium). She loved to hear them sing. Matter of fact, when she was admitted to Spring Creek nursing home and Union Hill conducted a Sunday afternoon service there…she specifically requested that the young people come, “especially the singers.”

She loved to be with the people of God. She loved to be with others who were worshipping God. She loved to give whatever she had to whoever wanted it (even if you didn’t want it, she would still try to convince you to take it). I never left that house without a feeling of being overwhelmed with generosity. She epitomized meekness because (in her 95-year old frame) she had a way to overpower you with good. Solomon was writing about her when he said, “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:29-30).

"Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in the joy of your Lord!" (Matthew 25:23)

Friends Don't Let Friends Do "The Dougie"

Once again, the world has rewarded the stupid with fame. A man walks out into the street, dancing to a song, and then gets creamed by an ice cream truck (not joking...Google it). One would think the fault would lie with the brainless guy who walked into the road to impress his video-camera wielding friends…but no. This not-so-clever artiste of “the Dougie” dance has sued the ice cream truck driver for damages (broken leg, arm, ribs, etc).

When a person can walk out in front of a truck (voluntarily, mind you…TO DANCE IN THE ROAD), and then sue the driver for injuries sustained…somebody needs to re-study the definition of true 'justice'. Solomon said it best: “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and an ice cream truck for the back of a fool trying to dance in the middle of the road...” (Revised Herndon Version-Proverbs 26:3)

Moral: Friends don't let friends do "the Dougie".

Letters to My Children: Cell Phones and Cars

A lot of kids have an almost arrogant sense of entitlement about them these days. I believe parents are at fault for most of this. Let me explain: If a teenager never works for anything, is never demanded to wait or save for anything…then they will never learn to be content with what they can afford. They will always ask for more because they’re not the ones that have to pay for it. With this in mind, here are a few ground rules that I will not change when it comes to being a father…because they worked on me:

My child will not get a cell phone until they can afford to pay the bill themselves. I will not co-sign a contract to help my son or daughter buy a cell phone because that would mean they couldn‘t afford it (see first sentence). I will not buy my son or daughter a car when they turn 16...or 18. I will not co-sign on a loan for my son or daughter’s car when they want to buy one. I will not pay their car insurance when they buy a car. This, in turn, means that they will have to get a job doing some kind of minimum-wage labor (Heavens, no!), earn money for themselves (Stop! Please! Not that!), and save their money to buy the car, clothes, or phone they desire (That‘s torture!). They will learn the true value of a day‘s wage, and they will learn what they can and cannot afford.

They will clean up their rooms. They will help take out the trash. They will help wash the dishes. They will help do laundry. They’ll help in the yard and garden. They will learn the value of work (not entitlement)…a notion which escapes multitudes of young people today. They will not be “too good” to do any job or task for someone else. They will learn to volunteer their time and talents for others, and not just use their abilities to advance their own lives.

How will they learn these things? I will have to be the example I need to be for them (and Lord help me to do it).

Letters to My Children: A Heritage

In every culture known to man, families desire a legacy, a heritage, a chronicle attached to their name. This legacy comes through children. The desire to have a family is like an instinct the Lord planted in the ground of our souls. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord…” (Psalm 127:3)

This verse presents us with a definition of children. They are something very valuable…something to be preserved and passed from generation to generation. Some people waste their heritage and inheritance. They could care less about their children. Some parents don‘t see them as an investment, but it's just the opposite: kids are something precious that deserves great care and attention.

Children are an inheritance from the Lord. This means that children aren’t just a physical amalgamation of their father and mother’s physical make-up…they are a gift from God. With this gift comes responsibility. We provide our children with food, shelter, education, and (greatest of all)…we have to provide them with an understanding of who God is, and what He expects.

God does not simply give us children. He entrusts them to us. Their lives belong to the Lord. Like any inheritance, kids aren’t just for us. They are meant for a Greater Purpose. Our job is to ensure that our children grow up to be strong believers, dedicated to the kingdom of God's dear Son. Children are an inheritance, not just a possession. May we give them to the Lord, who gave them to us in the first place.

Letters to My Children: Training

My daughter won’t grow up to be an example of righteousness by herself. My son won’t learn godliness or uprightness simply by existing in this world. God has stressed, time and again, the necessity of training children in His ways…and consistent training will help them become one of God’s children later on in life.

Solomon (the wisest man to walk on the earth in Old Testament time) gives us God’s wisdom on the matter of training children: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The importance of training a child in the ways of the Lord can never be overstated. However, this MUST involve the presence of the parents of a child. Presence = time.

See, teaching has to become training. Training involves a supervisor (one who knows the right way to do things by experience). Parents are to be trainers, not just teachers. Kathi Hudson, in her book Raising Kids God’s Way, says that “training always involves teaching, but teaching seldom includes training.”

We, as parents, have to train our kids in the things of God…not just teach them the things of God! We need to be an example of what it means to live as a Christian. We’re the way they see the light of God. How has your light been shining?

Letters to My Children: The Neutrality Myth

Every day brings with it the opportunity to see God. Whether it be in the birds that fight over the feeder seed in the front yard, or the smiles on the faces of the elderly during a visit…God’s hand can be seen everywhere. Creation demands a Creator. That certain and infallible conclusion of Intelligent Design (fashioning a creation which is far above what is accidental or mortal) leaves us, as Paul says, “without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) There is no neutral ground when it comes to the truth that “God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

In the same way, there is no neutral ground when it comes to helping my daughter (and soon-to-be-born son) see God’s life-lessons in everyday objects and tasks. Each new day will bring an opportunity for me to teach them to see God.

For example, in the garden, they will see how a handful of seeds can cover a whole hillside with food. The lesson: those seeds aren’t brought to life by water and fertilizer…God gives the increase. They will realize that it is truly “better to give than to receive” when some of the fruits of that garden are given to the people at church, or an elderly person who is unable to put out a garden for themselves (Acts 20:35). They will be taught to work…to earn what they have…to appreciate putting in their due labor because “if a man doesn’t work, neither should he eat.” (II Thessalonians 3:10) They will be taught patience by having to wait on the Lord for the changing of the seasons…for the rain and sunshine necessary for vegetation to grow.

Either I give God the credit and glory (teaching them to see Him and rely on Him), or I give credit to something else. There is no neutral ground. I either teach them to see God…or I don’t. What opportunity have you been missing to teach your kids about God?

Letters to My Children: Preventable Injury

As parents, we take every precaution imaginable to “child-proof” the dangers in our homes. We place cleaning supplies and sharp objects well outside the reach of our children because we want to protect them. Physically, we don’t want any injury to befall our children which we could have prevented. What about spiritually?

Kacie and I have pretty much come to the point where we won’t watch some of our favorite T.V. shows on NBC until Kenlea is asleep (as a side-note: I have to admit that Kacie was the better Christian parent on this one, and I thank the good Lord for her every day). Programs that we used to have no problem watching…have now become a problem. It’s interesting how we don’t notice how many cuss words and profanities are used in a movie (or sitcom) until we watch them in the presence of a pure and innocent child. Physically, we don’t want any injury to befall our children which we could’ve prevented…what about spiritually?

“Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6) “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-8) What spiritual injury are you allowing into your child’s life…which you could be preventing?

Letters to My Children: Introduction

As a Christian parent, I have a huge responsibility to raise my children in the discipline and instruction of Lord (Ephesians 6:4). At times, it seems like such an overwhelming task. Looking at my own life-long struggles and spiritual weaknesses…all the times I’ve failed the Lord, I often feel like Moses standing in front of that burning bush (after the Lord revealed that he was the man to face Pharaoh) crying out, “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11). Who am I to be entrusted with such a task? It’s a very humbling feeling to know that I will be responsible (before God and man) for how I have chosen to parent my kids.

Honestly, I don’t know how my parents did it: raising three children who became devout Christians, who then married devout Christians, and all of us are now trying to raise our kids by the same biblical pattern they did...that’s a pretty amazing record. I’m beginning to realize (more and more every day) the awesome inspiration my parents were to me while I was growing up…and the impact they have on me even now. My daughter is learning new words every day, and I have the opportunity (just like my parents did) to make sure some of the words coming from her 19-month old, jabber mouth have their origin in the absolute truth of Scripture.

These next few posts will serve as a reference point for my children when they grow older, as well as being a reminder to myself of how my decisions and actions will affect them. May God grant me the strength to be a good, Christian father.

Books to Red Flag in Elementary Curriculum

extension of previous post:

Stumbling into a Parent/Teacher Conference

My daughter will turn 2 on June 22. It will be another two years before we even think about pre-school…but we’re planning on enrolling her in public school. That scares me. Up till that point, my wife and I will be able to nurture her mind in the things of God, and shield her from things that are wrong. However, once she starts pre-school, our job will become more diligent as parents.

The majority of this nation’s school-aged children (about 90%) attend public, government-funded schools (wikipedia.com). Think about that fact for a minute…that’s about 50 million kids! These kids have very moldable minds. They’re heavily influenced by the curriculum they’re being taught during the years from pre-school through high school. So…do you know what the schools are teaching your children? If you don’t, then (as a parent) you better find out.

Consider this from a biblical perspective…Christ said: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6) I’m only 19 months into parenting, but you better believe that I’m already planning to go to every Parent/Teacher conference, I’m going to look over every curriculum that my little girl (and future little boy) is demanded to accomplish. Why? Because it will be a shame on me (as a parent) if I don’t do everything in my power to make sure my kids are learning the truth about life from a Christ-like viewpoint. She won’t learn God’s Word in the public school system, and she won‘t learn about God‘s way of doing things…that she’ll have to get from home.

Too many parents could care less about what their kids are learning in school…because they’re only satisfied with seeing their children’s rear ends in the desks. Don’t get me wrong, the public school system is a valuable asset that we have in this country, and these schools WILL teach our children…but that NEVER negates our responsibility to instruct them in the way of the Lord. Know what your kids are learning.

That Great, Festal Gathering

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the first-born who are enrolled in heaven…” (Hebrews 12:22)

The word pictures we have of that blessed assembly praising “He who sits on the throne” are described with such vivid imagery that when I sit among a crowd of believers, singing with all their might, I can close my eyes almost hear the “roar of many waters, like the sound of thunder.” (Revelation 14:2) I can practically feel that deafening “new song” resounding through the eternal corridors of heaven itself…as the innumerable hosts of Mount Zion’s eternal Paradise unite to glorify the Lamb who was slain, so that we may live.

Heaven is never about us. The only reason we will ever be able to stand on that heavenly mountain of Zion is because of the blood poured out in sacrifice by the Lamb of God…for our sins. We don’t deserve the Paradise that awaits the faithful after this fleeting life is over…and that’s the whole point. Why will we worship God for eternity? Why are we going sing His name’s praise forever and ever? Because “salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” (Revelation 19:1). Salvation is GIVEN to us, but it has always BELONGED to God.

That great “festal gathering” on Mount Zion is by invitation only…consider this your invitation. “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9).

Ms. Wilma

If you’ve ever watched a 95-year old woman cry, and your heart has not melted, then your heart must be made of stone (or close to it). Yesterday afternoon we had the privilege of conducting a worship service at the Spring Creek nursing home in Murray, KY. However, this service was special because it was brought about due to an insistent and zealous request of one of the oldest, living members of Union Hill: Ms. Wilma Byers.

Ms. Wilma is a tell-it-like-it is person. She’s lived 95 years on this earth, and she doesn’t have time to beat around the bush. Some people would say she’s a bit abrasive in her less-than-tactful approach to telling the truth, but it’s refreshing to me. At least you always know where you stand with Ms. Wilma (especially if you’ve missed a week or two when coming to visit her :)).

All joking aside, every member of Union Hill that participated in that service, every staff member watching over the 30 or so elderly in the room, every family member sitting next to their loved ones…had to walk away a better Christian than they were when they arrived. As soon as the singing started, eyes lit up across that cafeteria. Mouths strained to get out the words of those well-known hymns like “This World is Not My Home” and “Farther Along”. You could see that, in their minds, they were transported back to their younger years…when they would sing praises to pass the time. Having those songs on their lips, they went into the pastures and fields of olden days…giving God the fruit of their praise as they worked a work that we know little of today.

Yesterday, every song brought tears to the eyes of someone (young and old alike), but those droplets of joy in the eyes of Ms. Wilma were too much for even the most Herculean of emotional walls. Seeing her…sitting with her daughter and grand-daughter (all of them trying to hold back the tears and sing at the same time) was a beautiful picture of a faithful family that will forever be etched into my mind.

After a brief devotional (based on the departing words of Paul in II Timothy 4:6-8) we closed the service with a fitting song: “To God be the Glory.” Under Ms. Wilma’s eyes were the remnants of long, glistening lines running down to her neck. She said, “I’ll never forget this day. I love you all so much.”

The doctors had given Ms. Wilma five to six weeks to live after finding an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer was spreading throughout her body…and that was seven weeks ago. She’s still just as spry as the day I met a young, 89-year old Ms. Wilma 6 years ago. Maybe the Lord will allow her to live until next month, when we can come together and worship with her again. But even if she passes to her reward before then…I know I’ll get to hear Ms. Wilma sing again in the sweet by and by, where all her tears will be wiped away.

Yesterday was a day I’ll never forget. Thanks, Ms. Wilma.

Disagreements: Part II

Disagreement is to be expected when imperfect people get together (and the church is full of imperfect people). None of us is perfect in how we put what we believe into what we do. We’re all influenced by pride…and none of us like to be told that we are wrong, mistaken in our beliefs, let alone…sinful in our actions. It's a natural tendency to want to defend ourselves against attack.

However, disagreement is actually an opportunity for maturity and growth. It may become an opportunity for us to discover God's truth on a particular issue…to learn that we may be wrong and others right (or vice versa).

And the Bible gives us some key principles for handling disagreement. 1). Seek truth. We can know the truth by carefully studying God's word (John 8:32). Everything has to be tested against the Old and New Testament Scriptures.

Now, there are primary issues that are non-negotiable for Christians. The foundational truths that our faith is built on like the deity of Christ, His death and resurrection, Gospel salvation through the cross, worship...anyone denying any of these plain truths is simply “plain wrong.”

But there are many other issues on which Christians, who believe in the authority of Scripture, disagree. This doesn’t mean that they are unimportant…or even that God's word is unclear about them. All truth is important, but some truths ARE more important than others.

2). We also need to realize that some issues are never to be lines of fellowship (or the breaking thereof). It’s wrong to accuse others of “preaching another gospel” (Gal. 1:6-9) when they simply differ from us on having the Lord’s Supper before or after preaching on Sunday, or they have 26’s on their truck and you don’t like it.

We should always approach debates of this kind with a humble attitude…willing to be shown that we may be in the wrong. It’s not unchristian to debate and argue (Jesus and the apostles got into it quite a few times), but it is wrong to “quarrel”, and there is a difference between the two.

“Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” (II Timothy 2:23-24) As my father always said, “You can never debate an idiot.”

It was a characteristic of the Pharisees to spend a crazy amount of time "tithing herbs" while ignoring “justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23) Some people just love to argue for the sake of arguing, and in doing so…lose their compassion for those around them.

3). Lastly, Paul identified two different groups of Christians in Romans 14, calling them the strong and the weak. In general, the weaker Christian is the one who has the more “sensitive” conscience, while the stronger Christian has the greater freedom. The natural tendency is for “weaker” Christians to be judgmental of those who exercise greater freedom, and for “stronger” Christian to patronize or look down on those who are pickier. Paul gave some underlying principles and practical guidelines.

He started by affirming that Christ is our real Master (14:7) and that ultimately we answer to God, not to anyone else (14:4). It is He and He alone who will judge us (14:10-12). Therefore, we should live to please God (14:6). If we believe something is wrong, then it is wrong for us to do it. Others may believe that some secondary isse is not wrong, and it would be perfectly all right for them to do it…but it would still be wrong for us because it is not of faith (14:14,23).

We should, however, be determined not to put obstacles in another Christian's way (14:13), or to cause them distress (14:15) by what we do. So at times the stronger Christian may voluntarily give up some of his or her freedom in order that the weaker Christian will not stumble (15-23).

Every Christian is different…we have different personalities, temperaments, gifts, passions, strengths and weaknesses. And each of us brings the baggage of past experience to every argument (as a result of our family backgrounds and the life-situations we have faced). We all have our own unique ways of responding to disappointment, criticism, threats, opportunities and conflict.

Disagreement between Christians is normal. The New Testament is full of examples of it, and as Christ's followers we should actually expect it. Dealing with our disagreements requires maturity and skill. We will all make many mistakes because none of us is perfect. But when Christians work out their disagreements in a godly way, it is a wonderful demonstration to the truth of the gospel, and as a result, many more people will be drawn to Christ.

Disagreements

Christians disagree a lot, sometimes about the craziest things, and Christians have been disagreeing with each other since the very beginning. It goes all the way back to the days of the New Testament. When you read Romans and I Corinthians, you discover that Christians were disagreeing on things like eating meat offered to idols, on whether or not to observe the Sabbath Day, on whether to eat meat or be a vegetarian. Paul and Barnabas had some words about John Mark going on the second missionary journey. Paul said, “No way!” While Barnabas said, “Give him another chance.” (Acts 15:36-41)

And in the centuries since then…you can summarize the situation by saying that Christians have disagreed on every possible point on which you can disagree…and still be a Christian. No matter what issue comes to mind…if you look around the world you’ll probably find some Christian, somewhere, who disagrees (or at least has a better idea).

If you’ve been around the church very long, you know that people disagree about some things. Here’s just a few:

The movies: Should we go or not?
Watching TV…at all
Eating at a restaurant on Sunday
Eating at a restaurant that serves alcohol
King James Version only
Women wearing pants to service instead of dresses
Biblically divorced men serving as deacons/elders
Tobacco
Cooking with wine (means it has to be in your house)
Long hair on men
Short hair on women
Women working outside the home
Birth control
Should we let our kids go to the Grand March at prom?
Christian schools versus public schools
Sex education
Rush Limbaugh
Halloween
Christians in politics, how far should we go?

Two observations: 1). All of those are genuine issues about which there is genuine heart-felt disagreement in the body of Christ…somewhere. 2). As you read the different items, you probably said to yourself, “Well, that’s silly…I can’t believe anyone worries about that…there’s nothing wrong with (fill-in-the-blank)” And this type of mindset can quickly lead to some heated emotions.

In Acts 15:39 we see that Paul and Barnabas had a “sharp” disagreement. The original word means “violent, hostile, angry, or harsh.” Barnabas knew he was right. Paul knew he was right. So, who was right? The Bible doesn’t say. It was unresolved because Paul took Silas on his journey…and Barnabas took John Mark and sailed west. They “parted asunder” (Acts 15:39)

It’s not a sin to disagree on whether or not to eat at a restaurant on Sunday, or if we should go to the movies, or if you let your kids go to the Grand March. So, who’s right? The Bible never tells us if Paul or Barnabas was right in their conclusion, but they were still fellow workers in the faith (II Timothy 4:11). That’s the point. “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) Only one thing is not okay: Allowing the bitterness of disagreement to be seen over love. No matter how much or how deeply or how passionately we may disagree on things of opinion, we must still show love for one another.

Tobacco Vows

My wife and I went through a very beneficial marriage class a few months ago. It was based on the book His Needs, Her Needs by Dr. Willard Harley. While doing our homework one night, things became pretty heated. My wife is very offended when it comes to cigars, and I'm not against the occasional puff on a stogey with a great friend or family member (and you can imagine how that conversation went). However, I made a promise to my wife after we had spoken our peace: I would never smoke another cigar.

Why? My decision was based on offense, not on health. It wasn't that cigars were intrinsically sinful, or that I saw them as such, or to smoke a cigar would put my soul at risk of eternal damnation. It WAS about a perceived offense that was causing a strain on our marital relationship...a strain that resulted in the expulsion of this perceived "offense" from my life. I chose not to do it because I love my wife.

In my previous post, I said that I would never "condemn a new father lighting up a celebratory stogey at the birth of his firstborn." I wouldn't. It doesn't bother me. It's not an offense to me. Now, could I light up a stogey when my son is born this June, and it be alright? No. Why? Because it IS an offense to my wife, and a violation of my promise to her.

Smoking the occasional cigar is a liberty, a choice. It has to be. In Romans 14, we have what has been defined as the "stumbling-block principle." Some were eating meat that was sacrificed on altars to other gods. Was that a sin in, and of, itself? No. Nothing in the Lord Jesus was unclean (Romans 14:14). It was a liberty...a choice. Thus, if the stumbling-block principle is applied to this discussion, then smoking that stogey MUST be defined as a liberty...not a sin.

Now,"it is good not to eat meat or drink wine that causes your brother to stumble," (Romans 14:21) but "blessed are those who don't feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right." (Romans 14:22). If you perceive this liberty as a sin, then don't do it. If this liberty is perceived as a sin to others, then don't flaunt it in front of them. Keep that liberty between yourself and God (Romans 14:22). Remember, liberties cannot be sinful within themselves...they are defined as such based upon environment and circumstance.

Deep Fried Tobacco

Outback Cheese Fries contain 2,900 calories (menshealth.com). This heart-attack on a plate has been labeled as the number one “worst food in America” by Men’s Health magazine. Add a steak dinner and sweet tea and you’re looking at upwards of 4,000 calories in ONE sitting (daily consumption for the average male is 2,550 calories). Yet, not too many people would turn down a free invitation to such a dinner (I mean…come on! It‘s cheese and bacon!).

Hardees Monster Thick Cheeseburger (with bacon) contains 1,420 calories (according to caloriecount.com). Add fries and a drink and you’re looking at a total of 2,000+ calories in one meal! Yet, would most people deny themselves the luxury of that free meal if it was offered? I doubt it (especially if you’re hungry AND IT‘S FREE!).

I could go on with example after example of foods that we love to eat (don‘t get me started on pizza)…and we KNOW these things are detrimental to the health of our bodies (if consumed on a regular basis). And that’s the point: consumed on a regular basis (repeat this phrase in your mind).

There’s study after study about the cancerous effects of tobacco on the human body (and I agree with the conclusion that regular smoking, chewing, or dipping can lead to serious and deadly consequences). However, I see NO difference between a person who eats three Double Cheeseburgers a day and someone who smokes a pack of Winstons a day…or chews a pack of Redman a day. Apparently, our American Medical Society sees a vast difference, and they have trickled-down that hypocrisy through the ranks of the media machine in our culture…but use some common sense here, people!

Ask the question: Why are two things that have been “proven” to take years off life…put into two different categories? Why is one readily accepted in every town across America, while the other is being excommunicated from the landscape of even small-town society? Are both not based on a choice of the consumer whether to consume it on a regular basis…or in moderation?

Is anyone hogtied to a booth in McDonald’s with a gun to their head, and someone saying, “EAT THAT BIG MAC OR DIE!” Have you ever seen a gas station attendant pull out a shotgun from behind the counter and threaten the person at the register, “YOU BUY A CIGAR…OR ELSE!”? Don’t think so.

In no way am I condoning the regular (addictive) use of tobacco…but in no way am I ever going to condemn a new father who lights up a celebratory stogey at the birth of his first-born son, or the occasional chew among friends who get together (and if I could participate in that celebration without my wife turning me into a eunuch…I would). I’m not going to condemn anyone who orders Cheese Fries at Outback Steakhouse once a month, or even once a week, so how could I condemn an occasional smoke or chew?

Though my wife and I don’t see eye-to-eye on this topic (and you may be with her)…try to find any RELIABLE source of information on the moderate use of tobacco, and the majority of studies and articles you find will report things like, “There’s no such thing as moderately using tobacco.” Then, I guess there must not be a way to be a moderate eater of Cheese Fries either…because those things ARE addictive.

A Time Not-So-Long Ago

There was a time (not so long ago) when homosexuality was called a sin. Now it’s called an alternative lifestyle, or a genetic pre-disposition. There was a time (not so long ago) where living together before you were married was called a defilement of the marriage bed, but now it’s just proper pre-marriage etiquette. There was a time (not so long ago) when getting drunk was sinful (detrimental to your example), but now its grounds for having your own reality TV show.

How far we have fallen because we have failed to address these sins as what they are: sin. There are so many preachers delivering nothing but watered-down gospel theology without any Scriptural backbone...TELL THE PLAIN TRUTH about what‘s right and what‘s wrong. What God calls sin will ALWAYS be sin, so don't be ashamed to take a stand!

Starting Sunday, February 6 - Sunday April 3 at Union Hill...every Sunday morning we'll be discussing sins that we must stand against…because what this generation tolerates, the next will accept with open arms. God’s truth will never change, so we must stand as firm as He does when it comes to calling sin...sin! For more information go to unionhillchurchofchrist.com, and may the truth set you free.

The Last Kiss

Tears ran between the wrinkles on her face like water through a stream as she slowly lumbered toward the casket where the body of her husband, of 56 years, now laid. A half-century of memories pressed through her eyes…and grief flooded her soul. Her small, bent over frame (heaving with sobs) fell, with a sigh, onto the chest of her departed spouse…and with the softest kiss she said, “Goodbye.”

Seeing a scene like that unfold before your eyes is surreal. Just observing it makes you want to be a better husband and father. Bearing witness to how the bond of love remains unbroken (even in death), makes you realize what Paul was talking about in I Corinthians 13:13 - “Now abide these three: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” It took a lot of faith for that 15 year-old girl to put her life into the hands of her 22-year old sweetheart…but their hopes were realized, and their love never failed. Page from their book…taken.

Reasoning Trisomy 21

"Some choose to terminate their pregnancy based on the results..." These words still make me cringe. Kacie and I were sitting in the doctor's office getting a regularly scheduled check-up during her pregnancy with Kenlea (our firstborn). The topic of prenatal screening came up...specifically a screening for Down syndrome, after which these cold words were spoken: "some choose to terminate their pregnancy based on the results..."

According to a New York Times article in May of 2007 about "90 percent of pregnant women who are given a Down sydrome diagnosis have chosen to have an abortion." (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/us/09down.html) However, once all the variables are calculated, the probability of the Down syndrome screen resulting in a false positive could be as high as 80 percent! (econ2.econ.iastate.edu/classes/econ472/tobias/documents/Downs.ppt)

How can a mother or father (who truly know the God-given definition of that position) even let the thought enter their mind of terminating a pregnancy, much less, come to that decision based on questionable information. I'm not the judge, but I do know what the Lawgiver has said, "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (Psalm 139:16) I thank God every day for bringing us the life in this picture, and that prayer will not change with the arrival of our son in June (come what may).

Remembrance

Dorwan Stoddard died on Saturday morning, January 8. He wasn’t a celebrity. He didn’t have millions of dollars. He was a 76 year-old man who ran the benevolence program at the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ in Tucson, AZ…who happened to be in attendance at the event where Representative Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head.

This 76 year-old member of the church was shielding his wife from the bullets that were being fired, when he was shot in the head. That, within itself, is an example of sacrificial love and adoration that should be shown by a husband for his wife. However, there’s something else that I’ll remember about this fellow brother in Christ: the way the other members of the church at Mountain Avenue reacted to his death.

He was described as the “life-blood” of that 120 member congregation. He was constantly doing something at the building, or going to do something for someone in need. One member said, “They put their hearts into helping others that went far beyond buying groceries. They changed lives.” Another member said, “There is going to be a huge hole in our congregation.”

That last description of Dorwan Stoddard resonated in my soul like those gunshots last Saturday. Would people in the church…people in the community react that way if I died? Would I be missed because of all the time I sacrificed for others. Would I be known as someone who was the “life-blood” of the church here? Am I the kind of Christian example that other people will miss…or am I simply existing?

“Brethren, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” (Philippians 3:17). If people watched your life…what would they see?

Hog-Killin' 101

Last week I experienced one of the most inspiring days I’ve had in a long time, and it happened in a very unlikely place: a ol’ fashund hog-killin’ (proper West Kentucky grammar). Now, you may be wondering…what could possibly provoke me to be a better person by attending such an event? I’ll just start from the top.

Last year, my father and I purchased a mix breed pig to raise and slaughter (Yorkshire and Hampshire mix, black with a white stripe down the middle…pertiest pig you ever seen). Seth Grogan (my best friend since birth) also purchased a pig from the same litter, and they both lived it up within the confines of a 15 acre pasture on the Grogan farm. However, no dream lasts forever…as their days were numbered for slaughter. Their happy existence of eating rotten corn and rummaging through the ground for buried acorns were to come to an end on Friday, January 7, 2011.

I arrived at the Sykes’ property early that morning, and 20+ trucks belonging to various members of the community of Hazel, KY were already lining the driveway (stretching around to the back of a large red shop). Driving to the back, I parked my truck just a few feet from two cattle trailers. In a red trailer were six white hogs of which I had no connection, but inside a blue trailer were two of the pertiest pigs you ever saw…ready to be meat in my freezer. (PETA, if you’re reading this, you might want to stop here)

I hadn’t been to a hog-killin’ since I was 10 years old, and (at first) I didn’t know what I was gonna do. Then, the inspiring part came: all the people that were there fell into a task just like a puzzle piece fits into a puzzle. People (I didn’t even know) were helping me learn various things I never knew I could do. They were encouraging me, helping me, getting to know me…everybody began to feel like family (and that was just after the first hour!).

After the pigs were shot (very humanely by a man named “Starky”…who knew “where to shoot‘em”, they were “stuck”, or bled, by a man named “Fuzzard”, who knew where to “stick’em”. They were then hoisted into the air by a front-end loader and moved onto a platform. On the edge of this platform was a huge vat of water (under which was a fire pit). Waiting for the temperature of the water to get to, precisely, between 148-152 degrees…the pig was gently placed into this tub until the hair, that covered the pig, began to release from the skin (side note: this heated water releases an odor that was not pleasant). Once the pig was “done” in the water, it was raised out of the vat onto the platform where “scrapers” began to do what their name describes: scrape the rest of the hair off the hog (this was actually fun after a while).

Enter Ms. E. McDaniel. This 70 year old woman had been killin’ hogs since she was 5 years old. She knew them inside and out….literally. Stepping next to me by the platform, she took her knife and cut open both back legs to expose these massive, pink tendons. Taking the single-tree hooks, she fastened them around those tendons, and the hog was hoisted up in the air (by its back legs) on a tractor.

After my Dad, Uncle, and Mr. Alexander put the finishing scrapes on the pig, it was time for a lesson in humility. Ms. McDaniel began her mesmerizing work. Taking a hacksaw, this 70 year-old woman made short work of the hog’s head. Slicing down the belly of that pig, taking out the guts and organs, she then picks up an axe. With the precision of a knife, she effortlessly divides the carcass into two halves. I was blown away by her skills!
The hanging, halved pig was taken to a wagon where an army of knives went to work (portioning out bacon, backbone, chops, shoulders, hams, and ribs). The pieces of meat were then brought to another wagon (covered with tobacco-boxing paper), where the owner’s name was written beside it.

You may be asking: where’s the inspiration? Not one person asked to be paid. Not the owner of the shops, tractors, wielder of knives, scrapers, sausage grinders…it was a community hog-killin! It wasn’t to make money. It was for the camaraderie. It was an atmosphere of total generosity! There was this sense of community that is rarely seen anymore. It was an example of the respect we ought to ALWAYS show to the old-timers, who have more wisdom than I can ever know at 31. That day I was able to see what Acts 2:45-46 really meant: “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” It didn’t matter if you had hundred thousand dollars, or a hundred dollars in your bank account…everybody was equal that day. Never knew that lard could be such a tie that binds a community together. Can’t wait for next year. Special thanks to the Sykes’ and their generosity, and to Ms. McDaniel (hog-killin’ super-hero).

Claymores of Confrontation

What is it about being confronted that causes the worst to come out in people? Confrontation (especially when it involves a rebuke of sin) can set off a chain reaction that transforms the best of people into the worst offenders. A reproof, a rebuke, a word of warning…can be like the trigger on a claymore that detonates an explosion that rips through the strongest of relationships, and attempts to tear through the soundest of commands.

Azariah found this out in a rather intense way. He was the chief priest serving in the house of the Lord when King Uzziah (unlawfully) tried to burn incense on the altar of the temple (II Chronicles 26:16-22). Azariah confronted the king (with 80 other priests), and rebuked him saying, “It is not for you to burn incense to the Lord, Uzziah, but for the priests…” (26:18)

See, when King Uzziah grew in fame and power…he grew proud. Pride in self...and rebuke from others don’t mix very well. Actually, if you want an angry outburst they mix about like nitroglycerine. While Azariah was reprimanding him, Uzziah’s annoyance with the chief priest grew more severe. The king was going to put that sacrificial fire on the altar of incense, and no command from God was going to stop him! However, the leprosy that the Lord struck Uzziah with…did.

What a confrontation…and all because of a well-needed rebuke. Would you react the same way if someone exposed your wrongdoings?

Narcissistic Leprosy

While delving into a study on pride, a dagger seemed to slowly slice its way into my soul…exposing with each cut that I was an arrogant man. Not being able to take compliments very well, not willing to sacrifice time for others, planning without God…every convicting phrase seemed to be a shard of shrapnel tearing at my spirit. It was a realization that hurt. It made me question the rationale and reasoning of everything I’ve done. Was it for God? Was it for self?

Then came Uzziah in II Chronicles 26. You remember him, right? King of Judah for 52 years. Started when he was 16! He conquered the Philistines, Ammonites, Arabians…all because he chose to seek the Lord and put him first. That was the promise that hovered over him like a halo: “as long as the king sought the Lord, God prospered him.” (II Chronicles 26:5). And his life was going great…until he lost his focus and started thinking about his fame more than God.

He became filled with so much arrogance that he went into the temple to sacrifice incense on an altar (that he had no authority to offer - II Chronicles 26:18). He was so full of himself that he thought he could do what only the priests of old were supposed to do. Over the decades of his life he went from being the humble and meek servant of God…to being self-absorbed, self-centered, and narcissistic. He grew proud to his destruction (II Chronicles 26:16). Ultimately, he died a leper…struck with that disease from God Himself.

Will it take some leprosy from the Lord to help me figure this out? Nope, just a dagger to the heart from the sharpest two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). Thank you, Lord, again for helping me see what needs to be done.