Have an anger problem?

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.  Romans 12:21

A friend of mine had been wronged by another person.  When I asked my friend how he was going to handle the situation he replied, "I don't get mad; I get even."

That is often the first response when someone has slandered us or taken advantage of us or has hurt us in some way.  We'd like to pay them back and make them feel the pain we've suffered.  We'd like for them to know a sleepless night, an upset stomach or a throbbing headache.  We even begin to think that we won't really be happy until we've gotten some kind of revenge.

The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to have his service to the Lord be criticized and condemned.  He knew what it was like to suffer punishment for no good reason.  He knew what it was like to be on the run from enemies and their evil plans.  If anyone had reason to want to "get even" it was Paul.

That's what makes chapter 12 of Romans so amazing.  Paul encourages his readers (including you and me) to "bless those who persecute you," and "do not repay evil for evil."  These words make sense but how do we make them work in our lives?

Only through the power of the Lord who enables us to sit aside worldly practices and "be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  Ask the Holy Spirit to continue His transforming power in your life so that you might become a "living sacrifice" who continually seeks God's will for daily living.

Embarking on our Lenten Journey

The turning point of St. Luke's gospel is 9:51 - As the time approached for Him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set our for Jerusalem.

Jerusalem...the holy city...location of the Temple...gathering place for sacred feasts and festivals...home for the Chief Priest, the Scribes and the Pharisees...Jesus' final destination for bringing about our redemption.

What was it like for the disciples as they traveled with their Master? How did they feel as they walked along those dusty paths? Although Jesus had shared with them what would ultimately happen to Him, they just didn't get it.  The Lord will suffer and die and rise again on the third day.  They didn't catch the significance of the journey upon which they had set out.

We have the benefit of knowing what lay in store for Jesus when He arrived on His journey to Jerusalem.  Betrayal...a kangaroo court...a spineless governor...a bloodthirsty crowd.  This is what Jesus encountered on His journey to the cross.

Yesterday - Ash Wednesday - we began that journey once again.  We began by remembering how Jesus sent two of His disciples to go and prepare the Passover.  When they arrived at the place, they found it just as Jesus said it would be. 

That was the first sign of something very important for us to remember.  God is in control.  All that happened to Jesus in Jerusalem was not by the design of the religious leaders or Roman governor.  God used them all so that His plan might be carried out just as He said - that Jesus would suffer and die and rise again on the third day.

In the Passion of the Christ nothing happens by accident.  It all happens with you in mind - your forgiveness, your salvation, your place in heaven.  You know the story.  Don't shrug it off.  This Lenten season remember it all - money changers driven out, disciples' feet washed, a new meal and covenant being established.  There is a betrayal and a beating, a conviction and a crucifixion.  And then the third day...

All of that happens during our Lenten journey.  And it happens all for you!

Savior, when in dust to Thee

Savior, when in dust to Thee

 Low we bow the adoring knee

When, repentant, to the skies

 Scarce we lift our weeping eyes

O, by all Thy pains and woe

 Suffered once for us below

Bending from Thy throne on high

 Hear our penitential cry!

"Savior, When in Dust to Thee," verse one, public domain

A Sure Fire Guide on Becoming a Sports Talk Show Host

I've had the opportunity to listen to the big sports talk station in town this week and I've discovered a few simple steps for hosting a sports talk program.  It's really pretty simple so if you've ever listened to such programs and thought to yourself, "Hey! I could do this!" I urge you to put these three steps into practice and soon you'll be rubbing elbows with Dan Patrick and Bob Costas and, well, probably not.

First, learn to repeat every sentence you say at least three times.

Say something like, "The Suns did not show up to play tonight." Then say it again.  Say it one more time.  Apparently, those who listen to sports talk program aren't very swift so you've got to repeat your points over and over again until the listener gets what you're saying.

(Or maybe the host is not very swift and simply repeats stuff over and over again because they've got no real insight or anaylsis to offer.  Nah - that's couldn't be true, right?) 

Ah, but repetition in and of itself is not enough!

Second, as you repeat every sentence three times, crank up the volume!!

Let me try and demonstrate (you can't hear me so use your imagination, OK?)

"The Suns did not show up to play tonight.  The Suns Did Not Show Up To Play Tonight!  THE SUNS DID NOT SHOW UP TO PLAY TONIGHT!!!!!"

Cranking up the volume proves that you are a passionate sports talk show host and we sports fans are nothing if not passionate about our teams and their performance.

Third, remind your audience over and over again that you were at the game.

I guess this lets your listeners know that you weren't watching the game from the comfort of your living room where with all the good camera angles and instant replay, you can see the game much better than at a seat in the stadium.  You were there at the game! That must lend more creditability to what you say.

So, say something like, "You're right, I was at that game and the Suns did not show up to play.  No way did they play hard.  I was there and the Suns didn't show up.  I was there at that game and the Suns did not show up, no way! I WAS THERE AT THE GAME AND THE SUNS DID NOT SHOW UP!" (a good use of rules 2 and 3).

Now I know that there are only a few sports talk show hosting opportunities out there so maybe you can use these rules where you work.  If you're a pastor, use them in the pulpit: (The devil fooled Adam and Eve.  The Devil Fooled Adam And Eve! THE DEVIL FOOLED ADAM AND EVE!!!)

Or maybe you can apply the rules with your fellow employees: (I was there at the meeting and our benefits have been frozen.  They're frozen! I was there.  I heard it with my own two ears.  I WAS THERE AT THE MEETING!!!)

Of course, should you apply these three rules to your place of work, you might run the risk of having happen to you what I did to the sports talk station.

Tune it out.

The Basic Bible Atlas

In April, 2017, l led a group of over 30 on a trip to the Holy Land.  We traveled all the places you would want to visit - the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, Capernaum, Bethlehem and Jerusalem to name just a few.  I just wish I had had "The Basic Bible Atlas" with me.

John Beck is an expert on the Holy Land.  His latest tool, "The Basic Bible Atlas" would have helped me put into context the places we were visiting with the larger part of Israel.  To read about the Mount of Olives and then consult the Atlas to see where it was in relation to the Garden of Gethsemane lets you use your imagination to picture what the journey from the Upper Room to the Garden might have been like.

Wonder where Canaan is? Where did David and Goliath's battle take place? Where was Jesus seen during those 40 days before His resurrection.  The answer to those questions and more are easily answered when you refer to "The Basic Bible Atlas!"

Book provided for review from Baker Books.

Sage Advice for a Friday!

Got this sage advice from Prof. Reed Lessing:

1) There is a God.

2) You are not it!

OK, folks, go out and make it a great day!

Focus on the "how" and not the "what"

A life of significance is measured by the quality of how we live in the present.  "How well have I served my spouse today? How well have I focused on caring for my neighbor? How well have I used my God-given talents at work today?" When we focus on the what, we turn inward, making it more difficult to hear God's voice.  When we focus on the how, we look outward, diminishing our own selves so that the lives of others may be enhanced.

Kurt Senske, "The Calling - Living a Life of Significance," page 21

A friend and not an enemy

What made the Jason Bourne movie series so compelling? It's when Bourne finds that his superiors have turned on him and now, suddenly, he is the enemy.  The films in the series show Bourne at work, trying to clear his name and keep himself alive.

That was the apostle Paul's problem.  Because of his ministry to the Galatians, many Jewish people began to wonder if Paul was forsaking his Jewish heritage.  So, the people began to spread rumors that Paul had turned his back on Jewish customs and, worse, had become an enemy to Jewish people.

If you have time this week, read Romans 9 through 11.  In these three chapters we see Paul answer his accusers.  Paul offers many illustrations and quotes the Scriptures often as he defends his ministry.  He proves that he is not the enemy - far from it! Paul provides many convincing proofs of his love for his people and his heritage and his deep desire that Jewish people enjoy the same confidence and hope that the Gentiles have through faith in Jesus Christ.

As you read those three chapters you'll discover that Paul has much to say to encourage us in our daily walk of faith with our Lord.  As always, Christ Jesus is at the center of his teaching.  By the time you're finished reading, you'll join Paul in saying, "To God be the glory forever! Amen."

Can God Make a Rock So Big He Can't Lift It?

Can God make a rock so big He can't lift it? If He can't lift it then He is not all powerful.  Then the rock has more power than God and whatever is more powerful than God is God.

If God can make it, He can lift it.  If He can create it, He can destroy it.  What He creates is under His jurisdiction, under His control.  It can never have equality.

From "LetUsReason.org"

Love Notes

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Remain in My love.  John 15:9

Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.  John 15:13

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.  1 John 3:16

Let these verses remind you of one important fact - God's love is constant.  It is not limited to one special day.  Everyday is Valentine's Day when you are with Jesus.

Go be with Jesus today!  Rest in His love!

Memorize This!

My pastor, David Schultz, one time said to me, "George, there are certain verses of the Bible that you must commit to memory.  This is one of them."

It's Ephesians 2:8-9: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

Paul's message is crystal clear - you and I contribute absolutely nothing to our salvation.  From beginning to ending, it is God's work.  With the empty but trusting hands of faith (also God's gift) we receive the undeserved gift of salvation and eternal life for our very own.

That's what makes the grace of God, as the old song says, so amazing.

Happy memorization!

Jesus calls us His friends

I have been watching the sitcom, "Friends," lately.  There is much I don't like about the program (and I don't have time to go into that now).  But I do appreciate that the six of them stuck together and supported one another through tough times.

I still remember a sermon from seminary professor, Glenn Nielsen.  He referenced John 15:15 and pointed out something so profound that I had missed it every time I read that chapter.  Jesus calls us friends!  We think of Jesus is a variety of different ways - Savior, Redeemer, Teacher, Bread of Life, Prince of Peace, Immanuel.  But have you ever thought of Jesus as a friend?

We sing it, don't we? "What a Friend We Have In Jesus,"all our sins and grief to bear..."  What do we often do when we're troubled or need advice? We turn to a good friend.  We have no better friend than Jesus.  "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for a friend."  This is agape love, unconditional love.  You can't be loved any more by Jesus than the love He has for you right now.

Today, be a friend to someone.  The person who is grieving a loved one, who is troubled over a broken relationship, who is suffering because of a health diagnosis.  Jesus says, "Love each other as I have loved you."  Let that be your mission today!  

When were you saved?

When a Lutheran is asked, "When were you saved?" the answer is often on the order of "about 2000 years ago when Jesus died on the cross and then rose from the dead."

Gene Edward Veith from "The Spiritually of the Cross."

Jesus is your hope!

Have you ever been to a Suns, Diamondbacks or Cardinals game and your team was being slaughtered by the visitors? What’s the temptation? Leave the game early!  Why stay and continue to watch the massacre?

It reminded me of a time when I tried to leave a game early.

Years ago, my dear, sweet wife and the kids and I were vacationing in San Diego.  I suggested to Sherri that Eric and I could drive out to Jack Murphy stadium to see the Padres play.  Sherri was all for it.  She thought it would be a great Father-Son outing.  It also meant that she would not have to go with me - Sherri finds baseball kind of boring.

Eric and I got to the stadium and were able to purchase really good seats, not too far behind the Padres dugout.  We settled in and looked forward to a great game.

Unfortunately, the Padres got pummeled.  They fell behind quickly and one relief pitcher after another could not stem the onslaught.

About the 7th inning, I said to Eric, "You ready to go?"  Eric asked, "WHY?"

"Well, the Padres are behind by 10 runs.  This game is over."

"NO IT'S NOT! THEY COULD COME BACK AND WIN THE GAME!"

"Eric, I'm telling you, this game is over.  Why don't we just leave now?"

"BUT IT'S NOT OVER, DAD! THERE'S THREE MORE INNINGS! THE PADRES COULD STILL WIN!"

Let me tell you, the Padres did not win.  There was no exciting comeback.  I know because we stayed until the very end of the game.

But I was reminded of something that I had lost sight of.

The faith of a child.

Eric believed that the Padres could still win the game.  As long as there were innings to be played, Eric had hope.

It's that very faith and hope that is needed when we become ill or when we lose our job or when our marriage seems to be falling apart or when any number of difficulties or troubles come our way.

How tempting it is to give up. 

But to quit before the game ends? We just might miss what Jesus can do for us.

Child-like faith in Jesus helps us to stay in the game so that the Lord has the time to help us with our health or open a door of opportunity or show us how to patch up our marriage.

The Padres couldn't have won that game if they'd played 18 innings.  But where Jesus is, the game is never over. 

Easter Sunday proves it.  In His resurrection Jesus fashioned the greatest victory from seeming defeat the world has ever seen. 

In the Gospels Jesus talks about the importance of child-like faith.

I saw it on display one evening in San Diego.

Eric's example reminds me to this day to not check out early....at the baseball game or in the daily circumstances of life.

Who knows what miracle finish Jesus has planned for you?  Trust Him! He is your hope!

A True Believer

In my first career I spent 17 years in the radio broadcasting business.  I began as a part-time weekend announcer and ultimately became an owner in a partnership that acquired a group of stations. 

My radio career did not go as I had envisioned.  I thought for sure I was headed for stardom as a rock n roll disc jockey.  Instead, I spent the entire time in religious broadcasting.  Some of our speakers were folks like James Dobson and Jerry Falwell and a whole bunch of people that I'd just rather forget.  When I started out our stations played Southern Gospel music and featured the Blackwood Brothers, The Cathedrals and The Hinsons, just to name a few.

We received from time to time promotional copies of albums from the newer contemporary artists and that's how I was introduced to Phil Keaggy.  His first solo album, "What a Day," was like a breath of fresh air.  He had a slightly McCartneyesque sound and his guitar playing was simply amazing.  I became a huge fan and have followed Keaggy ever since.

1995's "True Believer" was his first release for Sparrow Records.  At that time Sparrow was probably the dominate label in Contemporary Christian Music so I was hopeful that the new partnership would give Keaggy's career a real boost. 

I don't think that "True Believer" achieved the level of success that Sparrow was looking for and Keaggy did not remain with the label for very long.  But I remember liking the CD a lot and while driving around yesterday, I pulled "True Believer" off the rack for another listen.  I'm glad I did.

"The True Believers" opened the CD, a song Keaggy still performs regularly in his concerts.  Keaggy sings the song like a true believer and his guitar playing sets the tone for the entire CD.  "Salvation Army Band" features one of the best vocals that Keaggy has ever turned in.  Also featured is a rocking version of "Be Thou My Vision" and a blues infused rocker called, "Have Mercy Lord." 

I was two years into Seminary when "True Believer" was released.  Listening to the CD yesterday reminded me of how hard those years were.  I worked pretty much six and a half days a week.  My only time off was Friday afternoon & evening.  During that little block of time, I dug out the music and let it blast away.  "True Believer" kept finding its way onto my CD player every week.  It encouraged me and made me feel good.  It's cool when your favorite musical artist is a true believer.

Knowing God's great "Prove It!"

"Prove it!" They're words heard on the playground, in the courtroom or in the laboratory.  It's the demand we make of anyone who states a fact of which we are more than a little skeptical.

In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul is writing to people who are new to the Christian faith.  They are exploring the truths of God's Word.  Through the power of the Holy Spirit they are growing in faith and love - for God and for one another.  But becoming followers of Jesus Christ has not made their lives easier.  Faith in Christ has not insulated them from suffering for persecution.

In chapter five, Paul make it clear that God uses life's trials and troubles for our benefit: "...suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  Then Paul goes on to explain why we can trust God to do this work in us.

"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."  You see, God has already been at work for us, securing our salvation in Christ's sacrificial suffering, death and resurrection.  He has proven His love by offering His only begotten Son to pay the penalty we've earned for our disobedience.  Knowing God's great "Prove It!" helps us to trust Him every day of our lives.

Family Friendly Entertainment?

Last night after the Super Bowl game I shared on Facebook a post from a group that wondered if the pole dancing portion of the halftime show was appropriate for young girls.  One person responded that the entire show was appropriate and pointed out that the whole thing was a matter of "female empowerment."  Their show - their bodies - to do whatever they want.

I spent some time this morning thinking about some of the comments I received and decided to respond:

George Spicer Are any of us - female or male - empowered to do anything we choose with our bodies? The church at Corinth struggled over sexuality and their bodies. Paul the apostle reminded them that "You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Cor. 6:19b-20. What is this price? Martin Luther said it best: "(Jesus) purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and His innocent suffering and death." Jesus purchased us. He did this so that we might be His, that we might have a place in eternity. That loving act, it seems to me, should cause us all to think twice when considering the things we do with our bodies. We belong to God. We were made HIs own in baptism. The Holy Spirit is at work in us, making us the people God desires for us to be. We show our love for God and honor him by using these bodies in God pleasing ways. I don't think that happened last night

The halftime show is usually a specticle of some kind.  I know it's designed to attract a huge audience.  I'm not a big fan of either Shakira or Jennifer Lopez.  Being a Beatles fan (which tells you how old I am), their music doesn't do much for me.  Of course, I know that the show wasn't intended for me.  That's fine.  But the overt sexuality was shocking.  One person called it "soft porn."  I'm not sure that is the proper description but it might be close.

God has empowered us to use our bodies - to bring Him glory!  One way to do this is to keep our minds and souls clear from such behavior that could cause us to sin.

Ephesians 5:3-4: "Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.  Nor should there be obsecenity, foolish talk or course joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praise-worthy - think about such things."

The morning shows on television all had nothing be glowing praise for the performance.  I guess I shouldn't have expected anything but whole-hearted approval.  Still, I wonder if enough people expressed their concern regarding this unwholesome performance that the NFL might offer next year something that has has the glitz and glamour but still be family friendly and God pleasing - in short something that we all could enjoy?